Holla Knits Accessories is Here

You probably know by now that I’m a pretty big fan of Holla Knits, a web-based collection of cool knits that are shown worked in an indie yarn as well as a yarn by Knit Picks. You can buy the patterns individually or purchase the whole collection.

The newest installment, Holla Knits Accessories 2012, recently hit the web and, as usual, there’s some really cute stuff here. There are two shrugs, a double-knit purse, a scallop-covered clutch big enough to fit your iPad, a cowl inspired by wallpaper and a loopy hat with long, not quite scarf-like ties that end in pom-poms (it really is kind of freakishly cute).

The patterns run $4 individually or $12 for the bunch. I think my favorite this time around is Black Swan by Tara Shade, a chunky shrug-like pullover with a little split collar and cap sleeves. It’s the perfect thing to knit right now and make all your summer dresses last a little longer.

[Photo via Holla Knits.]

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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There’s always room for more stitch dictionaries on your shelf, but Andrea Rangel’s Knitovation Stitch Dictionary is unlike those stitch pattern books you might already own. That’s because this one is full of colorwork stitch patterns rather than textured stitches, lace or cables, so the designs are ripe for adding to hats, sweaters and other projects with a stockinette stitch background.

The book starts with a quick introduction to knitting colorwork that’s also unlike what you’ve probably seen before, because it’s less about the colors themselves and more about the kinds of fibers you choose, how the yarn is prepared and the gauge you’re working at and how those things all change the look of a design.

Most of the book is filled with motif designs and swatches. The motifs were designed and named by Andrea’s husband Sean, who is an artist and brings a bit of whimsy to the designs.

You’ll find some classic looking leaves and flowers, mosaics and waves, but also rubber ducks, penguins, puzzle pieces, cherries and cows, snails and teapots, eyeballs and chess pieces, to name a few. Many of the designs also have funny names, like a fish named toilet bound, or cats in suits called corporate fat cat.

Of course you can use the designs in any way you want on any project you like, but there are also three patterns in the book — for a hat, a sweater and a pair of fingerless gloves — plus discussion of how the motifs were added, adjusting patterns for a different size or gauge, and adding your own motifs.

If you like adding a bit of colorwork to otherwise plain projects that other people have designed, or you’re ready to start making your own designs with fun motifs, this book is a great place to start. The fun and funny motifs are sure to inspire you to want to pick up your needles and add a little more color to your projects.

About the book: 160 pages, hardcover, 150+ motifs and three knitting patterns. Published 2023 by Interweave, suggested retail $28.

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