Knitters Pay It Forward #1: N is for Needles

Desktop wallpaper: 2880x1880px (sized for Macbook /Pro 15″) Click to download full size file.

Many knitters have been offering patterns and yarn giveaways on Instagram this week as a way to cheer everyone up after a long, difficult week full of political dissonance. As I neither design patterns nor dye my own yarn, I wanted to try to figure out a way that I could contribute. So, I turned some of my Inktober drawings into downloadable digital wallpaper for your devices. I have wallpapers for your computer or your phone listed below from my “N is for Needles” artwork. I hope you like it. #knitterspayitforward

For iPhone 6/7. Click to download full size file.

For iPhone 6plus/7plus. Click to download full size file.

Desktop wallpaper: 2560x1440px (sized for Macbook /Pro 13″) Click to download full size file.

This Way to NaKniSweMo

This year I waited too long to order my yarn for NaKniSweMo. I placed an order last week for some light fingering in bottle green to make the New Design in Cable Knit pattern that was released for free by the V&A from a 1940 issue of Woman’s Weekly. Its two days until the start of November and WEBS hasn’t even shipped my yarn yet so I’ve had to resort to Plan B. I also read the pattern in more detail and discovered that is an 8 sts to the inch gauge. Eeegads. Did I really think I could finish that in 30 days?

I have a sweater’s worth of Rowan Calmer in a Sky Blue so I went in search of vintage or vintage-y looking patterns in worsted weight yarn. To be honest, there aren’t a ton. Most vintage sweaters were knit in DK or fingering weight. But I found a few options so now I just need to make a decision.

I was really attached to the idea of doing something textured and a cardigan so the designs that made my short list are all fairly similar — some are new designs that are already sized for lots of figures, top-down or other pleasing modern conveniences which might make them my choice since I’ve had to change course so last-minute.

From top to bottom, right to left: ‘Quick-to-Knit’ Cardigan, Cahoots, and Clara. Constant Carving,  Helga, and Lady Marple.

I’m sort of tickled at the idea of the bobbles on the the “Quick to Knit” cardigan and the Lady Marple and Clara are both very similar with textured panels front and back with simpler sleeves.

The Quick-To-Knit pattern is free on Subversive Femme and includes the fabulous original illustration