Help Recruit 10,000 New Knitters This Weekend

Have you heard about the project 10,000 New Knitters? Sponsored by skacel, the project provides free learn to knit kits to new knitters who visit participating yarn shops. They are encouraging experienced knitters to lend a hand by using the kit to help teach someone how to knit and to share it on social media.

There will also be video support on Nov. 11 to help people learn who might be away from the shop that day, or who need guidance after the stores close.

Even without the kit, fall is a fine time to teach someone to knit or to learn yourself. It’s a skill that can help keep you and your loved ones warm through the winter, keeps you entertained on long winter nights and relieves some of the stress of the holiday season. What could be better than that?

Are you planning to teach someone to knit or to learn this weekend? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: 10,000 New Knitters.]

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If you’re a fan of the artist Vincent Van Gogh and of knitting patterns inspired by art, Knitting Van Gogh by Krista Ann is the book for you. The book includes 20 patterns inspired by artwork, as well as the pictures that inspired them and a little information about them.

Patterns are divided into two sections, apparel and decor, and include wraps, scarves, gloves, nesting baskets, a journal cover, a sunflower pillow cover and more.

For some the influence is obvious, such as the red hat inspired by the painting Head of a Woman, or the sunflower cushion inspired by Sunflowers. Sometimes it’s not as obvious, such as the Peach Tree Wrap inspired by the colors of the painting The Peach Tree, or the journal cover that pulls colors from Self-Portrait with Straw Hat.

Some of my favorites include the Wheatfield Brioche Cowl, with colors from the painting Wheatfield and brioche designs that look a bit like grass; Vincent’s Blanket, made from log cabin squares in shades of red based on the blanket in The Bedroom; and of course the Vincent doll.

Four patterns are rated the easiest skill level, with eight each at levels 2 and 3. You can see a few of the patterns on the publisher’s website (as of this writing they are not on Ravelry with photos).

The book includes a glossary and some tips for finishing at the back, as well as a key for abbreviations and a guide to the artworks featured. The book was produced in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and purchasing the book also supports the work of the museum, which is pretty cool.

This would be a fun book to knit from for an art lover, or if you just want to enjoy the hidden meaning in your projects if you knit some where the influence isn’t as obvious.

About the book: 144 pages, hardcover, 20 patterns. Published 2024 by Weldon Owen, suggested retail price $29.99.

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Have you read?

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