Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Drop-Dead Easy Knits

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drop-dead easy knitsThe first commenter wins it!

Easy knitting doesn’t have to mean plain knitting, as Drop-Dead Easy Knits illustrates, and easy but pretty knitting is the perfect thing for this time of year, whether you’re planning holiday gift knitting or just want to whip up something fast to keep yourself warm as the temperature cools.

This book has fun themes for the projects such as things to keep you warm, things to work on in waiting rooms or while traveling and the like. I like this book because while the level of attention needed to work these projects is usually not very high, they’re still pretty and things you will enjoy knitting, gifting or using yourself.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, October 16. I’d love to know if you’re knitting something to keep warm (if you’re in the northern part of the world) or what you are working on. I’m knitting a sweater that was supposed to be my summer sweater (lightweight bamboo yarn knit at a loose gauge) and a giant scarf our of Icelandic wool. I really want to be knitting some socks. Soon.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

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Comments

  1. Wonderful giveaway. Right now I am knitting a cowl in a lovely lavender-colored wool blend.

  2. I am knitting a sweater and a scarf and a shawl. I tend to work on a few projects at a time. It does get cold here in the winter.

  4. I’m currently knitting fingerless gloves for a sale I’m in for the holidays. This book looks great!

  5. Your knitting sounds delightful and that book sounds perfect for the Christmas season. I’m knitting myself a new winter hat. It’s the Headgear 1 pattern by Catherine Lowe in a natural colour wool. I’m so excited to wear it. I’m just closing up the top and then on to finishing. It’s so nice to knit warm things in the brisk fall breeze.

  16. I’m working on a Sorting Hat that is taking a lot of yarn and will be fulled. My grown sons and knitting friends are all interested in how it turns out! Harry Potter fans are a varied and friendly lot!!

  17. I’m knitting a vest for my husband, but I think it’s destined for some creative stripes or something as I’m running out of yarn. I don;t know what made me think 6 balls would cut it.

  18. Thank you for the chance to win. I am knitting three ponchos for Christmas. Two for my neices and one for my sister in law!!! I better get busy!

Have you read?

Totoro Knitting Patterns

We’re a big Studio Ghibli household, and while they are sometimes very protective of their copyrights (as evidenced by the number of patterns on Ravelry that were removed from the service when it received a takedown notice back in 2021), there are still a fair number of Totoro knitting patterns (as well as other designs I’m sure we’ll get to someday). Let’s check them out!

Yaya Labs has a cute plush Totoro that looks like it might stand up on its own. The pattern is available on LoveCrafts, and it calls for DK or light worsted weight yarn in four colors. The pattern is considered advanced but it does include a photo tutorial. It stands 10.6 inches or 27 cm tall.

A similar pattern can be found a Shino Craft, which doesn’t have the leaf hat but does include little hands, and the legs aren’t as separate from the body. This one calls for sport weight yarn and is knit flat on two needles. 

All Made Here has a Totoro pouch that is super cute and looks pretty easy to knit. It measures 14 by 18 cm and is rated for advanced beginners. You can get the pattern when you subscribe to updates or follow the designer on Instagram. 

Stitch Totoro on a sweater with the Totorogenseren sweater from Anna-Sofia Vintersol. This free download on Ravelry uses worsted/aran weight yarn in two or three colors. The pattern comes in nine sizes, with a chest measurement ranging from 77 to 149 cm. 

The Forest Spirit Fair Isle Jumper from Kraft with Kindrex features a row of Totoros on the circular yoke, along with other little colorwork designs. The design includes three sizes, with chest measurements ranging from 91 to 101 cm. It calls for 4 ply (that’s fingering/sock weight in other parts of the world). 

Or you can stitch Totoro as part of a project with more Ghibli characters, as on the Magical Anime Knit Sweater (a longtime bucket list item for me) from The Bearded Sewist. This on has a circular yoke and rows of different characters including Totoro, Ponyo, soot sprites, Calcifer and more. The pattern comes in four sizes and is rated intermediate/advanced. It calls for DK weight yarn and you can grab a copy on Ravelry. 

Or try Katharina Kuntz’s Anime Scarf, also on Ravelry. This one is a double knit scarf worked in fingering weight yarn in two colors, with allover designs from Studio Ghibli movies. She started by knitting the movies in chronological order but gave that up after she realized all her favorites would be in the middle and therefore not visible when worn. You can probably rearrange the motifs further somewhat if you want to showcase your favorites.