Knitting

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Giveaway: Knitting Never Felt Better

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knitting never felt better giveaway

This one goes to Chrystie!

In more cleaning out my office giveaways, I present this classic from Nicky Epstein: Knitting Never Felt Better.

This book from 2007 is a lot of fun and covers a lot of knit and felt projects, including shibori (using objects to keep parts of the knit article from felting), felting flowers, making slippers, bags, home decor items and more (you can see some of the projects on Ravelry at the link above, or check out a preview at the publisher’s website).

And like many of Nicky’s books, it includes many example swatches showing how different patterns and techniques look before and after swatching, which is invaluable if you want to design your own felted knitting projects.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, Jan. 15.

I’d love to know what experience you have with felting your knitting and what sorts of projects you have made. I love making felted bags, and I have a giant felted blanket from my felting book that is one of my favorite felted projects, too.

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

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Comments

  2. It has been some time since I felted a project. I have made two or three bags one of them was a back pack.

  4. Honestly I have never felted anything from my knitting yet. I would love to learn how to do it though.

  5. Nicky Epstein is a great designer. Love her original and creative projects. Have her book on scarf and would like to add this
    to my collection. Always looking for unique pieces to try.

  7. I’ve never felted anything on purpose.
    I have, however, felted a sweater by mistake, before becoming fiber smart..lol
    Love Nicky Epstein…great designer!

  12. I’ve felted two purses- one a darling red, but the other I overfelted. I’m still trying to figure out what to do to amend it. But it was fun!

  14. I have save several patterns for felted bags, but have yet to jump in and try the felting technique.

  17. I’ve felted 2 bags. One adorable little purple bag made from Lopi wool and a big messenger bag with Brown Sheep wool. You mentioned a blanket. Felting one has been on my list of projects for years

  19. I make a lot of felted slippers. I’ve also made several bags and hats. I love to see that end result when I pull items out of my washer. Pretty neat.

  20. I have done needle felting with wool fibers before but have never tried felting with a knitted project. I have seen many beautiful designs so it is something I have wanted to try

  22. I haven’t felted anything yet, but have a cute purse to try. Looks like some great projects

  23. The only felting I have experienced was done accidentally by my son-in-law. He washed socks I knitted for my daughter in hot water and dried them. However, I am interested to try felting on purpose.

  26. I have felted sweaters before for projects but never knitted my own felting project. I’m ready for the challenge!

Have you read?

Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF – A Romantic 1950s Bridal Shawl

There are some vintage knitting patterns that feel like they belong in a hat box with tissue paper, silk gloves, and a very dramatic lipstick. This Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has exactly that sort of old-school glamour.

It is a restored vintage knitting pattern for a delicate triangular lace stole with long fringe, designed to drape softly over the shoulders. The look is very 1950s evening wrap, but it also works beautifully for modern bridal styling, boho wedding outfits, vintage-inspired photo shoots, costume wardrobes, or anyone who likes a little romantic drama in their handmade accessories.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

What I like about this pattern is that it has that lovely “special occasion” feeling without being locked into one use. Yes, it would make a beautiful handmade bridal shawl, especially in cream, ivory, soft white, champagne, or pale blush. But it could also be stunning worn over a simple black dress, used as a vintage-style evening wrap, or made as an heirloom gift for someone who loves classic lace knitting.

The finished stole measures approximately 60 inches across the top and 43 inches along each side, so it has enough width to sit nicely around the shoulders while still keeping that airy lace look. The triangular shape gives it a graceful drape, and the fringe adds movement without making the design feel too heavy.

This is a digital PDF pattern, so no finished stole will be posted out. After purchase, the file is available as an instant download through Etsy, which is always handy if you are in that dangerous “I need a new project immediately” mood. We have all been there. Usually surrounded by yarn we already own, naturally.

The pattern is best suited to confident beginners through intermediate knitters who are comfortable following row-by-row instructions and working basic lace techniques such as increasing, decreasing, slipping stitches, and keeping track of rows. Like many vintage knitting patterns, the instructions may be more concise than modern patterns, so a little patience and a good row counter will be your friend here.

The original pattern calls for fine crochet cotton or thread and No. 11 knitting needles, but as with any vintage pattern, modern substitutions may require some swatching. I know swatching is not the most thrilling part of knitting, but with lace it really does help. A small test piece will show you the fabric, drape, and openness of the stitch pattern before you commit to the full stole.

If you are knitting this for a wedding, photo shoot, formal event, or gift, I would choose the yarn carefully. A smooth cotton thread will give it that crisp vintage lace look, while a softer fine yarn could make it feel more modern and romantic. A light wool blend, silk blend, bamboo blend, or fine cotton could all give different results, so think about whether you want structure, softness, sheen, or drape.

For supplies, you’ll want suitable fine yarn or thread, knitting needles, a tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, and something to help track your rows. Mary Maxim is a good place to browse classic yarns and knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for stitch counters, blocking mats, lace blocking wires, and pattern folders if you like to keep your printable PDFs organised.

One thing I would not skip with this project is blocking. Lace rarely looks its best straight off the needles. Blocking opens up the stitch pattern, evens out the fabric, and helps the stole sit beautifully across the shoulders. If you are making this as a bridal wrap, blocking is what takes it from “I knitted a lace triangle” to “oh, this looks properly elegant.”

This pattern would be a lovely choice for knitters who enjoy vintage accessories, wedding knitting, heirloom-style projects, and lightweight wraps. It has enough detail to feel special, but the finished piece is still wearable and versatile. That is the sweet spot with vintage patterns — beautiful, but not so precious that it never leaves the wardrobe.

If you have a soft spot for romantic lace, fringe, vintage fashion, or handmade bridal accessories, this is a gorgeous little pattern to tuck into your knitting queue.