Hi there! If you are new here, my name is Amy Small and I am the owner and founder of Knit Collage. Welcome! On January 1, we kick off our first ever 10 day knitting challenge, where as a community we will knit the Solstice Hug Cowl pattern by Knit Collage team member Cheryl Kubat. Hear all the details in the video below!
Cheryl and I will be here to support you and answer any questions that you may have along the way so that you happily finish with something you adore. Together, we’ll jumpstart your knitting practice, so that you get to experience the amazing benefits that come from knitting things – increased creativity and a healthy tool you can lean anytime into to bring about calm and peace, just to name a few! We kick the adventure off on Jan 1, 2024.
Inside the 10 day knitting challenge you’ll get:
* An easy-to follow video course on how to knit the Solstice Hug pattern from start to finish. You just need to know the very basic knit and purl stitches to join in! The course is yours forever.
* Techniques you’ll learn: swatching in the round, knitting in the round with magic loop, German short rows, rib knitting, needle felting ends + more.
* A downloadable workbook with the pattern and our best tips and resources for knitting success.
* Daily live zoom and facebook sessions with me, your teacher, and the Knit Collage coaches to help answer in-the-moment questions.
* Technical support in our facebook group to answer all of your questions.
* A welcoming, energetic, and kind community of members to hold you accountable and keep you motivated to actually complete your project.
* Prizes valued at over $1000 for most creative cowl, most improved beginner and best cheerleading community member.
* You have the option to order a yarn kit from us or use your own yarn. I’ve put together 15 different kits that combine our Spun Cloud yarns with our Mini Skein Sampler Kits. We are down to the very last mini kits so if you have your heart set on a color, grab it quickly! T
* Finish with a closing celebration party and community fashion show!
We open up registration on Dec 20th at 10am ET for both the virtual option, priced at $22 and the yarn kit option is $108 to $138, depending on your size and would so love to have you join us!
Here are the yarn, gauge and sizing details if you know you'd like to go with the virtual option and want to source (or maybe spin?!) yarn on your own. If you purchased a Winter Solstice Kit from us, that's a great option to use as well.
For Size 1 only: Size US 15 (10 mm) 16”/ 100 cm circular needles or the most comfortable needle size, gauge is unimportant. If choosing a different needle size, or gauge is different, yarn requirements may differ.
For Sizes 2-5 only:Size US 13 (9 mm) 16” / 40 cm circular needles for Neck Ribbing (or your preferred needles of same size forsmall circumference knitting)
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)
Finished Measurements:
To fit chest sizes 28-34 (34-42, 42-50, 50-60, 60-68)” / 71-86 (86-106.5, 106.5-127, 127-152, 152-173) cm.
Fit Note:Choose a size that will fit comfortably around your upper body at chest level. The ribbed fabric will conform nicely to a range of sizes, but you don’t want it to be so snug that it limits arm movement. Samples are size 2 shown on a 34”/86 cm chest and on a 42”/106.5 cm chest.
Gauge:
7.5 sts and 10 rnds = 4” / 10 cm in 3/1 Rib Stitch worked in the rnd using larger needle, steam blocked
Note: Adjust needle sizes as needed to achieve gauge. Then use a needle approx. 2.5-3 (3.5-4, 3.5-4, 3.5-4, 3.5-4) mm smaller than larger needle for neck ribbing)
Materials:
1 (1, 1, 2, 2) skein(s)Spun Cloud(100% wool; approx. 100yds (92 m) / 200 g) shown in Honeysuckle
1Mini Skein Sampler Kit(approximately 75 yds / 164-170g - 5 mini skeins of yarn included per kit, 15 yds /skein) shown in Geode
The kits we will have will be this option, listed above!)
OR
1 Winter Solstice Kit (approximately 205 yds / 565 g - 12mini skeins of yarn included per kit, 17 yds / skein) shown in Jewel Tones. The Winter Solstice Kit is a special, limited edition kit that was released for preorder in June and is no longer available for purchase.
I so hope you'll consider joining in. On Monday I'll share a blog post with more pattern pics, yarn color combo details and a video lesson on how to choose the best size for your body. I am so excited for it! AND If you are a beginner knitter, this is for you. Our team plus the video tutorials are there to guide and support you. When you're starting out, you need the most help and support - that's what this challenge is all about! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!
I loved hearing about which styles you're interested in making and thank you for all the fantastic questions! In this final video, I go into more detail about why I care so much about knitting and crochet, especially in community, and how it has the potential to change us all for the better. I also share the incredible work of past make-along participants and highlight some of their thoughts on how these MAL experiences have impacted their lives.
A few exciting other things too - you get access to all e patterns/video tutorials + the bonuses patterns (!!!) + help sessions + community + our creativity book workshops. The kits will go live on our site at 10 AM ET on Wednesday, October 11th and be available for one week only. These 4 patterns will be available to make-along participants only for about 6-12 months.
I encourage you to order early to make sure you get the color you want. We are very low on the a few Spun Cloud colors like the new Cafe Au Lait and Graphite as well as many mini skein kits. Last make-along we sold out of many colors within an hour. Order early just to be safe!
I’m excited to share all of the styles, color, fit and pricing details for our upcoming make-along (MAL) with you today. In the video below, I walk you through the yarn, how it is made and by whom, how and where I teach and design info for all of the main and bonus styles. There's a lot! After the video, I dive into fit, pricing and color details in the blog post below. If you like, you can peruse all the color options early too! Remember I teach you everything you need to know to knit or crochet your piece from start to finish in the video tutorials. If these styles feel complicated, not to worry, we got you! If you stick to my rough schedule, which is totally achievable, you will complete your design in 6 weeks time or less. Many past participants knit their very first sweater with us. If these prices seem high to you, please remember that there is so much more that comes along with this MAL than just your yarn and a pattern. The tutorials are a labor of love that I work so hard on - we have over 60 videos in total across all the designs! They are yours forever to come back to anytime. Designing, tech editing and testing each pattern takes a small village - especially the sweaters which all include 9+ sizes. We also offer lots of opportunities for you to get help on zoom, within our facebook and discord communities when you need it. When you buy just one kit, you will have access to all 4 of the patterns and their relevant course videos, plus all of the bonus patterns (see below!).
You can view all the color options and detailed design photos here. Fit, size and pricing details listed out below! If you would like to see exact yarn usage per size for each design, we have that listed on each design's ravelry page, linked below.
Please keep in mind we have two different ways to pay on the site, called Shop Pay and Afterpay. These options allow you to pay in 3 -4 interest free increments rather than 100% all at once. There is no extra interest or cost, just an alternative way to pay. I discovered this to be very helpful as a payment method on some of my favorite sites.
Willow Cardi by Laurel Gervitz
The Willow Cardi is a beautiful, textured cardigan that is worked flat in one piece, horizontally across the body, beginning with the right cuff and ending with the left cuff. It is worked entirely in a feather and fan lace pattern, changing colors/yarns, to create wavy stripes. This is a wonderful design for all levels of knitters, and a perfect piece for beginner lace knitters to shine. In this pattern, you'll use a mix of our Spun Cloud Light and Serenity yarns.
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style and see the Willow Cardi on a wide range of bodies.
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Recommended to be worn with 3-8” / 7.5-20 cm of positive ease at the chest, depending on your preferred fit. Sample is shown in a Size 2 on a 32” / 80 cm chest with 6.25” / 15.5 cm of positive ease.
Pricing:
Sizes 1-4: $268
Sizes 5 & 6: $368
Size 7: $408
Sizes 8 & 9: $448
Willow Wrap by Laurel Gervitz
The Willow Wrap is a colorful, textured piece to keep you warm and in style all winter long. It is worked entirely in a feather and fan lace pattern, changing colors/yarns, and creating wavy stripes. For the wrap, the cuffs are added on after the length is worked in order to achieve the best fit. There are various options for this design, as well as different ways it can be worn, making it customisable. This is a wonderful pattern for all levels of knitters, and a perfect piece for beginner lace knitters to shine. In this pattern, you'll use a mix of our Spun Cloud Light and Serenity yarns.
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style and see the Willow Wrap on a wide range of bodies.
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)[6, 7, 8, 9]
The wrap is designed to be worn wrapped around the upper body (including arms) one and a half times with sleeves ending near the wrist (see photos). This design has a unique fit. To choose a size, choose the size that most closely matches your bust size. This design is meant to fit closely to the body with little ease however it's easy to try this on as you knit to get your perfect fit!
This is the suggested total length (including cuffs) for a chest circumference of 32 (36, 40, 44, 48)[52, 56, 60, 64]” / 80 (90, 100, 110, 120)[130, 140, 150, 160] cm when worn as a wrap.
Pricing:
Size L1: $198
Size L2: $228
Size L3 and L4: $268
Sizes L5 - L8: $358
Size L9: $418
Dumpling Bag by Vanessa Reyes
The Dumpling Bucket Bag is a design born from an utmost love of bags, crochet, and the unique Knit Collage Wildflower yarn. With a classic, yet fun boho vibe, this bag is an excellent project for both a seasoned crocheter or an avid beginner. Make one for yourself or gift one to a crochet-worthy friend. This bag is sure to be your new favorite accessory and in your wardrobe rotation all season long! If you've never crocheted this would be the perfect project to learn! We have a Crochet 101 class that we'll include so you that can learn and master crochet.
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style and see the Dumpling Crochet Bag!
Yarn option - solid: Wildflower
Yarn option - Mixed Yarns: Wildflower Mini Skein Kit
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Pricing:
Solid Wildflower Option: $148
Mixed Yarn Wildflower Mini Skein Option: $208
The straps, bag bottom, rivets and cord are not included in the yarn kit. In your make-along kit, you'll receive just the yarn and the notions bag. Here is a link to our recommendations on where to get those extras, click here for a simple excel sheet with ideas!
Rhinebeck Cardi by Cheryl Kubat
Meet the Rhinebeck Sweater with Detachable Collar, a cropped boxy V-neck cardigan with a unique twist-a detachable fringed collar. This stylish and versatile garment combines classic design elements with a modern touch, making it a must-have addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe. This cardigan is crafted using garter stitch, which is known for its rows of knit stitches and creates a beautifully textured fabric, giving this cardigan a cozy, yet sophisticated look. This design knits up in our Spun Cloud or Sister yarn. The color can either match the body of the sweater or you could go for the contrast option and make it in a Mini Skein Sampler Kit.
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style and see the Rhinebeck Sweater on a wide range of bodies.
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Recommended to be worn with 4-6” / 10-15 cm of positive ease at the chest, depending on your preferred fit. Sample is shown in a size 2 on a 34” / 85 cm chest with 8” / 20.5 cm of positive ease.
Pricing:
Solid body and collar option (Sister or Spun Cloud yarns):
Sizes 1-3: $188
Sizes 4-6: $258
Sizes 7-9: $328
Multi color option with solid Spun Cloud body and mixed Mini Skein Kit yarn collar:
Sizes 1-3: $248
Sizes 4-6: $288
Sizes 7-9: $358
Bonus #1 ~ Happy Dance Cardi by Amy Small
The Happy Dance Cardi is all about the Happy Dance Yarn! Embrace this fun, unique yarn in a simple, wear-everywhere design. This design has an oversized cocoon-like fit that is cozy to throw over anything. If short rows scare you or if you've never knit a sweater before, then the Happy Dance Cardi is for you. We'll tackle short rows together, in the best way, a super simple pattern in a large gauge.
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style and see the Happy Dance Cardi on a wide range of bodies.
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Recommended to be worn with 6-15” / 15-37.5 cm of positive ease at the chest, depending on your preferred fit. Sample is shown in Size 2 on a 34" bust.
Pricing:
Sizes 1-2: $208
Sizes 3-4: $248
Size 5: $288
Sizes 6-7: $328
Size 8: $368
Size 9: $398
Bonus #2 ~ Desert Highway Cardi by Julia Norris
The Desert Highway Cardi is perfect blend of knit and crochet, this cardigan mixes the best of both disciplines to create a one-of-a-kind, statement piece to add to your wardrobe. A pieced mosaic of crocheted hexagons comprises the back of the cardigan, adding structure and giving our creative art yarns their chance to shine. The remainder of the cardigan is worked using Spun Cloud yarn, giving it a super cozy feeling. Don’t let the unique construction intimidate you! Beginner crocheters and knitters alike can absolutely tackle this design.
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style and see the Desert Highway Cardi on a wide range of bodies.
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Recommended to be worn with 4-8’’ / 10-20 cm of positive ease at the chest, depending on your preferred fit. Sample is shown in a Size 1 on a 34’’ / 85 cm chest with 4’’ / 10 cm of positive ease.
Pricing:
Sizes 1-3: $248
Size 4: $298
Sizes 5-7: $338
Sizes 8-9: $368
Bonus #3 ~ Desert Highway Scarf by Julia Norris
The Desert Highway Scarf is a simple, beginner-friendly pattern but the finished result screams statement! The classic crochet granny square technique gets a major glow-up in the form of a funky, geometric hexagon motif. These individual hexagons are joined together with an unusual, tapered seaming technique, giving a lace-like, airy drape to this chunky, crocheted number. The unique textures and trims of art yarn really get a chance to shine in this design and it is an opportunity to let your creativity run wild when it comes to mixing yarns!
Tap the link here to check out our Ravelry page for this style.
Tap the link here to check out the available color combos!
Size: One Size
Finished Measurements:
Width - 7’’ / 17.5 cm
Length - 78’’ / 195 cm
Price: $158
Also like we offered in the fall, we'll be giving a way a few make-along scholarships to those that are just unable to join in. You can email us at anytime (hello@knitcollage.com) to put your name on that list, no questions asked. If you wish to donate a kit to someone who wants to join in but can't, we'll have a way to do that too. We'll match any gift that is given so that your donation goes twice as far. Recipients are chosen completely at random - in previous MALs we've donated around 14 kits!
Lastly, the virtual option will be $88. With this option you get all seven of these patterns, 4 teachable classes yours forever (Dumpling Bag, Willow Wrap, Willow Cardi and Rhinebeck Sweater) bonus patterns, community via zoom, IG and FB and the few fun special events!
That is all she wrote friends! Please reach out with any questions at all and let me know in the comments below what you're thinking of making! We are able to do custom color kits for you if you like - although they will have to be placed on the phone to ensure we have the colors and inventory you would like as we are low on some of our yarns. Join me onInstagram Sunday, October 8th at 4pm ET to go deep into each design.
The kits go live on Wednesday, October 11th at 10am ET and will be available for one week only. Last time we sold out of many colors within hours, so I encourage you to use this post to help decide early. We have very little in our new Wildflower yarn colors. Then we get knitting and crocheting :)
