Porch Swing Cardi by Kirsten Kapur

To be perfectly honest, I’m not much of a sweater maker. I dream big and love many a pullover and cardigan (and love stashing sweater quantities like a fiend), but I remain the queen of accessory knitting and gift knitting. I come from a very crafty family and many of my friends craft too, so something handmade is almost always truly appreciated. I realize I’m very lucky this way. However, there is a special something-something about the Porch Swing Cardi that gives me pause every.single.time! And, if the current weather situation (it was below freezing already in October!) is any indication I will be needing many sweaters this coming winter so it is with great excitement (and a bit of trepidation) that I have decided, and put down in black and white here, my winter 2012/2013 goal: I will make myself a Porch Swing Cardi. I’m definitely thinking Billiard (#7527), as there is something about that blue-y-green that just works for me.

So…who’s with me? Do you have big winter knitting or crocheting goals? I’m planning on starting a thread in our Ravelry group, for camaraderie and goal-meeting support. A place where we can ask for technical advice and cheer each other on while working through challenging projects, both big and small. I hope you will join me (and cheer a bit, too)!

The Details

Pattern: Porch Swing Cardi
Designer: Kirsten Kapur
Size: 31 (35, 39, 43, 47, 51)”
Needles: Size 6 (4mm) 32” circular needle, or 2 sizes smaller than larger needle
Size 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 8 (5mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater, shown in Firefly #7505
Link: Spud & Chloë Pattern Store

The Paw Hat by Sarah Smuland

Everyday I practice my knitting skills, much like a dedicated athlete. Perhaps there is a sports star in your life who would use a Paw Hat for after practice or on the way to a big game. Friends and family cheering in the stands would look great sporting one as well. And even if you are just “Team Knitty,” this hat with its playful paw worked in intarsia will be an excellent way to stretch your knitting muscle and hone your craft.

The Details

Pattern: Paw Hat
Designer: Sarah Smuland
Size: 18¾ circumference
Needles: Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater, shown in Lake #7504 and Ice Cream #7500
Link: Spud & Chloë Pattern Store

One pattern envelope…Spud & Chloë included.

For awhile, as I grew up, I tried to ignore my love of all toys. Particularly, toys of the stuffed variety. Then I became a knitter…it doesn’t take long to realize that making knit toys is awesome! I feel no guilt, because handmade is the best!

The Details

Pattern: Spud & Chloë (Dudes! That is both Spud *and* Chloë in one envelope!)
Designer: Susan B. Anderson
Size: Spud = 8″ tall; Chloë = 10″ tall
Needles: Size 4 (3.5 mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge (Spud)
Size 5 (3.75mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge (Chloë)
Size 7 (4.25mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge (Chloë)
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater, shown in Toast #7506, Firecracker #7509, Splash #7510, and Ice Cream #7500
Link: Spud & Chloë Pattern Store

Cozy in the Charlie Sweater by Ann Weaver

The chill is in the air. Weekend plans have switched from festivals and barbeques to snuggling on the couch with a movie and knitting. Making soup and planning a trip to the apple orchard. The Charlie Sweater is a great sweatshirt-like sweater your significant other will love to wear as you crunch through leaves and pick the perfect pumpkin. They should be given a warning though…this sweater is totally cozy and totally steal-worthy.

The Details

Pattern: Charlie Sweater
Designer: Ann Weaver
Size: 37¾ (41¼, 44¾, 48¼, 51¾)”
Needles: Size 8 (5 mm) 32″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater, shown in Manatee #7525 and Pollen #7508
Link: Spud & Chloë Pattern Store