Knit a Summer Sweater with Very Shannon

It started a few days ago, but the Summer Sweater Knitalong at Very Shannon still has a long way to go if you want to jump in and stitch a sweater this season.

The knitalong kicked off July 31 and runs through Step. 10. Its aim is to get knitters to make sweaters, whether that be a sweater you can wear while it’s still warm or something to help you transition into cooler weather.

You can even work on a sweater you’ve already started, and you don’t technically have to finish your sweater by the deadline to be eligible for prizes.

Wait, prizes? Yup. She’s got some great sponsors, including Brooklyn Tweed, Fringe Supply, Pompom magazine and We Are Knitters, among others, who will be doling out goodies to participants.

This is a super fun way to get a jump on fall knitting or to make that sweater you’ve always been too intimidated to take on.

Are you taking part in the knitalong? I’d love to know what you’re making!

[Photo: Very Shannon.]

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The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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