Why I would like to learn how to knit

I’ve recently written an article about yarn shops in Norway and I couldn’t help thinking to myself, if only I could learn how to knit. One of the owners I spoke to claimed that everyone can. But seriously, I’ve tried. I’ve done courses, been in and out of yarn shops, pestered both my mum and my mother in law with loose hoops and unreadable patterns – to no avail. Not even one single finished project.

But as time passes and now being tasked with writing about silk mohair, soft alpaca and light Icelandic wool. I’m discovering some truly fabulous patterns, with a design and quality which is certainly not to be found on the high street. Is it time to make another attempt?

Knitting for Olive

Merino Bjork jumper, yarn and pattern by Knitting for Olive
Knitting for Olive children’s knitwear
Soft silk mohair yarn by Knitting for Olive

All yarns consist of 100 % natural fibers, produced with respect for animals and the environment. The merino wool comes from an organic farm in Patagonia where mulesing is not allowed, before being made into yarn in Italy following ethical and environmental guidelines to create a yarn. The Mohair comes from goats who are treated well and raised in South Africa.

The Knitting for Olive is a family-run business based in Copenhagen, dedicated to produce high-quality yarn, made of pure natural fibres in a beautiful, carefully selected, range of colours. We especially like the pattern for beautiful handmade children’s knitwear.

knittingforolive.com

PetiteKnit

Sunday sweater by PetiteKnit
Saturday sweater by PetiteKnit

Known from Instagram, PetiteKnit was born out of a passion of knitting, to inspire and share patterns for all abilities. Mette Wendelboe Okkels designs and the patterns, all in a different degree of difficulty, right from the perfect beginner pattern (Novice Sweater or Beginner’s Jacket) to patterns for the more experienced knitter (Stockholm Sweater).

The Sunday Sweater Mohair Edition is worked from the top down. The neck edge is worked in rib, which is then folded double. The yoke is worked in rib and shaped with increases. The body and sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch and finished with rib edges. And it requires no finishing work at the end. As a complete novice I don’t understand much of the above instructions – but I would be tempted to give it a go!

petiteknit.com

Léttlopi by Istex

Icelandic sweaters knitted by Britt Arnhild

Istex is an Icelandic yarn producer behind famous Alafosslopi and other Lopi yarns for hand knitting such as Plötulopi, Bulkylopi and Léttlopi.

The yarns are light weight, warm and durable. It’s probably the best yarn quality to knit Icelandic sweaters and I’d prefer it in natural colours.

Do you have a favourite yarn, pattern or just in general any advice on how I can learn how to knit? Please drop me a line in the comments below. x

One thought on “Why I would like to learn how to knit

  1. Just looking at those knits and now I want to learn how to knit. My mum showed me how when I was a kid, but I don’t remember anything anymore… Shame! I think I need to take a course.

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