On the needles {July 2025}

Even if the temperatures are very high at the moment - knitting love is knitting love. This is also shown by the Maschenfein team's enthusiasm for a particular vest model. Jule can make the start here:

I have once again taken Teddy Dear from Gepard onto my needles and am knitting the Fluffy Fleece Vest from Knitmitjo. The vest just blew me away - I couldn't resist. I decided on a lighter green for the edge; I think it will be quite a contrast.

To be honest, I didn't get a single stitch done during my vacation week because I absolutely had to finish reading a book. 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros captivated me so much that my projects came to a standstill - that's never happened before! I'd never read a fantasy book before and didn't think I'd like it. After some persuasion from my friends, I think I'm now a fantasy reader too. The second part is available as an audiobook, so I'm getting a bit further on the needles again. 🙂

Did I mention that several team members are knitting this vest model? Let's continue with Judith:

Well, this Fluffy Fleece Vest has really kept us busy in the team. I've just started the first I-Cord edge. It's definitely a fun pattern! It's well explained, the yarn is forgiving of the occasional slip-up and thanks to the 5 mm needles you can see progress quickly - so everything is just the way I like it. I can already see myself using it on the terrace of an alpine hut in the evening. Pure anticipation and motivation at the same time!

Lisa is still allowed to complete this round (and I know that the yarn is waiting for another colleague ...):

I'm still knitting my Fluffy Fleece Vest from Teddy Dear, along with a few secret projects. I'm pleased that it won't be too long now before it will be keeping me company on windy evenings on the terrace ... I'm not listening to an audio book, but to my favorite songs from my playlist 🙂

If you're wondering whether we might be skipping summer knitting after all - no, no! Louisa, for example, is knitting a suitable project:

I could currently only wear embroidery tops. But because I don't yet own enough to be able to do this with a realistic washing cycle, I have to knit myself some more. I'm currently working the Cleo top from Rust Knitwear out of Line by Sandnes. I have chosen the V-neck version and am working a striped version.

You might think that every knitter is a passionate audiobook listener so that they can combine both hobbies in the best possible way. It's different for me: when I'm knitting, I either listen to my thoughts, talk or watch TV. Of course, as a trained bookseller, I can't miss out on reading. Preferably as a physical book and, for some time now, please from the fantasy genre. Something that wasn't really my thing in the past is now what I enjoy the most, thanks to a dear friend. And so I'll be spending my July with dragons at Basgiath College.

Our support pearl Chris is also very summery:

It was love at first sight when I discovered the Linette's Skirt by CaMaRose on Instagram. I was all the more delighted when we added the matching knitting set with the yarn Løvetand to the store shortly afterwards. The project and yarn are - for me - the perfect summer knit. Knitting and audio books also go hand in hand for me, preferably thrillers and crime novels. So when Sophia asked for a tip for 'On the needles', I opted for something less exciting and picked out the book 'The Story of the Baltimores' by Joël Dicker. It's a family story that reminds me a little of John Irving's books. Listening to it was entertaining and - which is particularly important with audiobooks - I like the narrator's voice. The author has published other books that I also like very much and the latest one will certainly be 'on my ears' soon.

Hannah has opted for a long-sleeved model that still has plenty of summer vibes.

I've started working on my Talia Cardigan from Sandnes again so that I can finish it this summer. I'm knitting the sleeves first to make sure I have enough yarn, as the body will be quite short anyway. The color is quite bold by my standards, but I thought I'd just knit the cardigan to match my West Wrap, which you might remember.

My book recommendation: 'Blaues Wunder' by Anne Freytag. It's well written and really exciting. The chapters are also quite short, so it's perfect for a short break from knitting ;-). The setting is summery and therefore great for anyone looking for something suitable to read while on vacation!

I always admire Sandra for her discipline. She's been carrying an idea around with her since h+h in March - which is now slowly taking shape:

It's been on my mind since the trade fair in spring: the Cumulus Blouse from Petite Knit made from double Prime by Cardiff. I knit it from the two colors Indaco and Black and get a wonderfully delicate melange effect. There's nothing to say about the feel of the yarn - the butter-soft yarn is simply a dream on the needles. I can knit this combination of cashmere and silk wonderfully even in the current midsummer temperatures.

When I'm alone knitting, I listen to audiobooks - actually always crime thrillers. I'm currently listening to Davis Baldacci's 'Last Mile'. This is volume two of a series that I'm very pleased to have a few more parts to go.

When the weather is miserable on the sofa in the evening, Netflix comes into play for knitting. We're currently watching the 'Dexter' series. Not for the faint-hearted either, but we both really like the series. And when things get exciting, I automatically knit faster until I fall into a stupor at the peak of the suspense until the resolution and then realize that my hands are no longer moving. Who knows?

Mirjam ticks a little differently and has several projects in the pipeline. And unexpected events have also thrown a few things into disarray:

I had a lot of projects planned for my vacation - but everything turned out differently than expected - our motorhome broke down on the way to France, after a bit of back and forth we flew away for a few more days - so I didn't get much knitting done. I only managed to make the "Elsa" dress for my daughter (long overdue). Based on the idea of the Clementine Dress by Sandnes - with lots of adjustments (double Tynn Line, narrower at the back, I-Cord etc.).

Barbara brings you another beautiful shirt. The round fits from Lene Holme Samsøe are always an eye-catcher!

I alternate between knitting and reading while keeping my sick daughter company. The intoxicating novel 'The Emperor of Joy' (Ocean Vuong) about the emergency community of a pill-addicted teenager and a Lithuanian old woman is perfect for the summer heat. They have so many problems that you are immediately distracted. The tulipan tee by Lene Holme Samsøe also makes me puzzle - and the pink pinta by Pascuali lifts my spirits.