Why Not Knit a Quill Pen?

It is well known that I’m a fan of zany and off the wall knitting projects, but when they can be a little weird and also useful at the same time? Sign me up.

That’s the ground we’re covering today with the Quill Feather design from Jessica Goddard. This pattern for a knit feather quill is designed to have a hollow for a pen or pencil, so you can write fancy without having to harvest a feather of your own and turn it into a pen.

The pattern has two versions: one is a tail feather, which is symmetrical, and a wing feather, which is not. Either way, the pattern calls for DK weight yarn, and it’s worked in a single piece on double pointed knitting needles, though there’s only a little bit that is actually worked in the round.

The designer says your yarn should match the pen or pencil that you’re planning to cover, but it might also be fun to make them more accurate to bird colors. Or just make a fuchsia one, just for fun. No judgement here.

Whatever you choose, the pattern is pretty quick and easy once you get the hang of the increase that’s being used.

Some things about this pattern than might be appealing to you: it only has two ends to weave in and you don’t have to block it unless you want to. The ribbing stitches will stand out a bit more if you do, but it’s really fine either way. There is a little grafting involved, but that’s the hardest thing you’re doing here.

This is such a fun little project and a great way to use up little bits of yarn left from other projects.

If there’s a little kid in your life, they’re sure to love having a “feather pen” to write with. Heck, many adults in you life would also be pretty thrilled by it.

You can grab the free pattern from ODDknit.

[Photo: Jessica Goddard]

This free knitting pattern falls in the category of cute but maybe not essential, as well as a nice way to use some yarn left over from another project.

The Briggs St. Fruit Hammock from Mycah Knits is beginner friendly because it’s a big rectangle worked in stockinette stitch on larger needles than the yarn would usually call for (size 11 US/8 mm for DK weight/weight 3 yarn) to provide more air flow around the fruit.

The idea behind a fruit hammock like this is both that it saves you counter space since it’s meant to be mounted under a cabinet and that air flow around the fruit helps prevent moisture from getting trapped below the fruit, which should keep it fresh longer. They’re also just cute and keep your fruits or veg accessible so hopefully you will eat more of them.

This pattern also includes I-cord handles, which is how you hang the hammock, and you’ll need to be able to pick up stitches for them, but that’s the only beyond beginner skill required in this project.

It only uses about 25 grams of yarn, so this is a perfect project for using a little something left over from another project. It would also be cute with stripes, so you can use odd balls from several projects. Or make the I-cord with a contrasting color to add a bit more fun if you like.

The designer does recommend using acrylic yarn for this project because it shouldn’t stretch out of shape with use and is easy to wash should your aspirations for eating fruit outstrip your reality. But they also provide tips for testing the stretch in a yarn you want to use and adjusting the pattern to account for that.

I don’t have a space in my place for this but it is super cute and a fun way to add knitting to the home, which I’m always a fan of.

You can grab the free pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Mycah Knits]

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