Of Gift Cards and a January Makealong!

…to inspire

For our January makealong, I wanted choices that would be straightforward enough for first-time sweater makers, with enough options to keep more experienced stitchers engaged, from designers with a large enough portfolio that if the primary option did not appeal to you, another of their patterns might.

For the main knitting option, we're suggesting Beth MacDonald Stone's Bermy Basics. Here's how Beth describes the concept: 

The Bermy Basic concept is to give you a basic sweater pattern for any yarn (within reason). The gauges start at 12st for 4”/10cm and ends at 28st for 4”/10 cm all in increments of 2 sts. So go ahead and fall in love with a yarn knowing you always have a pattern.

This pattern is also designed for you to modify in any way you’d like or dream. Here are a few ideas but let your creativity run wild. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!!

Easy areas to modify:
The Collar – extend the length and make it a folded collar or add even more length for a mock neck or even turtle neck.

Change the ribbing on the collar/cuffs and hem - 1x1, 3x1, 1x3, lace rib, colorwork rib (corrugated rib) etc. Go nuts!

Adjust the Yoke – you’ll notice there is no particular increase suggested in the pattern so use what you prefer or make the increases a design element with eyelets or other lace and textures. You can also add or omit the short rows. Whatever to get your best fit. The yoke is also a great canvas for colorwork or textured stitches so pull out your stitch dictionaries and see what appeals!

Make the Sleeves work for you – go ahead and adjust the length; bracelet, folded cuff, ¾, elbow or short. Puff sleeves, bell sleeves, or even a Leg of Mutton – get creative! Also do be sure to customize for your best fit re width; look at the schematic and if you need add or subtract sts or needle sizes to get your perfect fit.

Customize the sweater Body – add or subtract length, make it a tunic or even a dress! Add increases to make it A-line, or add bust darts for a better fitting chest area.

I love a good Hem – so much can be said for adjusting the hem length, changing the ribbing (as mentioned above), add a side split, or more rows for high/low effect.

The main thing is to have fun, make it your and let your creativity run wild, the possibilities are endless!!!

Happy knitting, xxx Beth

In Beth's Ravelry store, the Bermy Basic sweaters all end with a number. That number? Is the gauge over 4".  So the Bermy Basic 20 is your pattern for yarn you are knitting to 5 stitches per inch (5 x 4" = 20). Bermy Basic 22 is your pattern for 5.5 stitches per inch (5.5 x 4" = 22). Is this all a gambit to coax you to figure out your gauge prior to starting your project? Yes, 100% absolutely, I cannot tell a lie.

As previously mentioned, if you'd like to make another of Beth's patterns instead of the Bermy, that is perfectly fine. Find all the options here.

For our crochet option, we're suggesting Iron Lamb's Granny Go Round Jumper. Here's what designer Claudine has to say about this pattern:

The Granny Go Round Jumper is top down, seamless and fun! Worked in the classic granny stitch and available in 8 sizes -with easily customisable sleeve and body length. It is available to download in both UK and US crochet terms.

The sample uses mainly Paintbox simply dk, but any double knit yarn can be used as long as gauge is met. It features a four colour stripe pattern - but any number of colours are possible - or feel free to stash bust!

Need inspiration? Check out the #GrannyGoRoundJumper hashtag on Instagram to see the amazing tester’s versions.

There are many video tutorials for this pattern on my YouTube channel at youtube.com/@Iron_lamb

And if another of her patterns catches your eye, again, that is perfectly fine. You can find them all here.

We're suggesting a cast on date of 1/11, and there is no firm ending date. Just support for starting your new year off with a substantial project. We hope you find inspiration and camaraderie here!