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Have You Put Your Sweaters Away for the Season?

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My guess would be that for most people in the Northern Hemisphere, we are coming out of sweater season. Through the cold weather I don’t wash my sweaters every time I wear them (because they don’t need it) but it’s always a good idea to make sure everything is clean before you store them away for months. Sweat and skin particles on your sweaters can attract bugs, and it’s just nice to know when sweater season comes around again that everything is fresh and clean.

If you happen to have a top-loading washing machine, it’s actually really easy to bulk wash your handknit (or storebought but in need of hand washing) sweaters. Hunter Hammersen has a very detailed description of how she does this on her Patreon (you can view it even if you are not a supporter). I think this is brilliant, and if I still had a machine like this I would definitely do it this way.

I don’t though, so I use buckets. I have a bunch of five gallon buckets, though I still tend to only wash one sweater at a time. I fill them with lukewarm water and a couple of pumps of baby shampoo (if it’s good enough for human hair it’s good enough for sheep hair). Then I add the sweater and let it sit 20 minutes or so.

I drain the water and rinse in the sink, then press out as much water as I can by hand and then by rolling the sweater in a towel.

I have enough drying racks that I can wash four or five sweaters in a day, so working around drying times and when I need my dining room table, it takes a few weeks to clean everything at the end of the season. But it’s really satisfying when you know everything is clean.

Do you have a system for washing sweaters and other cold-weather stuff at the end of the season? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Hunter Hammersen.]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?

Knitting Pattern – Eyelet Leggings

This adorable pattern for Eyelet Stitch Leggings and Shorts is perfect for keeping your little ones comfortable and stylish during the spring and summer months. Made from Snuggly 100% Cotton, these leggings and shorts are lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for warmer weather.

The eyelet stitch used in the pattern creates a delicate and feminine look, while the tie waist adds a touch of coziness. This means your little ones can be comfortable and stylish at the same time. The design is versatile as the leggings can be worn separately or paired with the shorts for a complete look.

The Snuggly 100% Cotton yarn used in this pattern is also easy to care for, making it a practical choice for busy parents. It is machine-washable and can be tumble dried, so it’s easy to keep your little one’s clothes looking fresh and new.

In summary, this Eyelet Stitch Leggings and Shorts pattern is a perfect choice for keeping your little ones comfortable and stylish during the warmer months, while the Snuggly 100% Cotton yarn is easy to care for, making it a practical choice for busy parents.

Free Pattern  Costa Eyelet Shawl

Knit a Cozy Poncho with a Fun Eyelet Stitch

Ridged Ribbon Eyelet Dishcloth {Knitted Kitchen Blog Hop}

As a knitter, I have a few tips to share with you when it comes to working with the Eyelet Stitch.

First and foremost, it is important to have a clear understanding of the stitch pattern you will be using. Make sure to read the pattern and familiarize yourself with the instructions before starting.

When working with yarn overs, it’s important to make sure that you are not twisting the yarn when you make the yarn over. This will ensure that the hole created is clean and even.

Pay attention to your tension when working the yarn overs. If your tension is too loose, the holes will be too big, and if it’s too tight, the holes will be too small.

Use a stitch marker to help you keep track of where the eyelets are in your pattern. This will make it easier to identify and make any corrections if needed.

Use a contrasting-colored yarn or thread to weave through the holes of the eyelet stitches after the work is finished. This will help to define the eyelets and make them more visible.

Practice makes perfect! As with any new technique, the more you work with the eyelet stitch, the more comfortable and confident you will become with it.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful and neat Eyelet Stitch designs in your knitting projects. Happy Knitting!

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