Keyword: Spring

Knitted piece, stitch marker

Hello and welcome to the first weekend of April! Today we have a guest author on board who will take you into the world of knitting ideas and net talk. We hope you enjoy reading!

A wonderful good morning to the Saturday coffee! Here writes Christine, 33 years old (what does that actually say?) Mom of two children who are actually more perfect than I could ever be, married to my best friend for ten years and full of Mittelrhein and Hunsrück love.

Confessedly addicted to needlework

When I'm not knitting, crocheting or sewing, I put my heart and soul into my business and vocation of being a teacher. My goal is to improve areas like teaching and learning and to enable people to realize their life's dream. I just want to make the world a little bit better and always have my hands free for knitting, of course.

To be able to write Saturday Coffee here today is a special honor and privilege for me as a long-time loyal reader, and I very much hope to inspire you with my ideas.

Who can resist a well-filled knitting basket? Exactly.
Photo: © Ines Grabner /

Maschenfein

Spring Fever

But away from me and to these wonderful spring days of the last week (which we have despite current winter onset still well in memory). While I wrote the first lines for you, I already had the scent of mirabelle and cherry blossoms in the nose, which sail here currently not only in our garden through the balmy spring air.

But as much as I wish such days in continuous loop, the April makes as you know what he wants, and therefore I have brought you a wide range of new knitting ideas. So pencils sharpened, notepad ready and ... off to the needles!

Cozy for cooler days

The start is made by the beautiful Posy Sweater from Darling Jadore. There are several yarn variations for this gem that will keep you warm on still fresh spring days. For example you can choose Como Grande from LAMANA. Or you can choose the wonderful alpaca blend from Kos from SANDNES for an equally cozy sweater. I rave here for the pastel colored Pistasj Is. Color number 8512 by the way, just in case anyone else loses their temper.

Blonde woman with back to camera, wearing PosySweater
With chic ribbon at the neck: Posy Sweater by Darling JadorePhoto
: © Darling Jadore

The sweater is knit from the top down with raglan slants and closed at the neck with a ribbon, which gives you great options for color combinations. You could also choose a lace band for a playful touch, for example. This would also match the summer version from ICA from Lamana. Quickly knitted with needle size 5 to 5.5 mm, you have with this cotton yarn the perfect companion for barbecues around the campfire.

I think I'm really weak at the color number 10. Royal blue! Plus a light blue ribbon, long evenings, good conversations and music ... Oh, I'm already far away.

New sweetie!

À propos: Ica would also be a good choice for the Simple Lines Sweater from TheKnitStitch. The pattern will be posted tomorrow, but since I got to test knit it, I can already tell you that it was incredibly fun to knit. You might have to adjust the needle size a bit to the different gauge of the Ica but it's worth it.

Here, too, you knit Raglan top down. But with a slightly different division. First you increase here for the yoke and thus also the body and then, slightly offset, for the arms. With quite heavy needles, you'll make quick progress, but have a nice amount of variety due to the beautiful rib detail on the arm on Sleeveisland.

For those who like it a little warmer, I recommend the Big Merino Hug from Rosy Green Wool. Maybe even in Edelweiss (65), if I look at the example picture of Melanie.

Coming tomorrow: the Simple Lines Sweater.
Photo: ©The KnitStitch

White Sunday and spring walks

Ah, April. This is also a month of festivities and beautiful family outings in bright sunshine, just gentle enough not to really make you sweat, but just enjoy the sun. Then every now and then a little stronger wind blows and we can take out our favorite cardigans.

In April is also the White Sunday and such a beautiful, knitted cardigan rounds off the communion outfit perfectly. It is perhaps even more beautiful in a partner look with mom-daughter partner look, so I have picked out a selection of favorites that come up with pattern in both adult and children's sizes.

Olive Cardigan in large ...
Photos: © Pernille Larsen
... and small.

We start with the Olive Cardigan from Knitting for Olive. You'll find both the knitting kit for the kids, and for the young at heart in the store. It's an enchanting pattern that brings variety to your needles. Knitted with a cozy soft combination of Merino and Soft Silk Mohairboth from Knitting for Olive. You have a wide range of colors available and if it should not be white, a wonderful tone-on-tone look is also available.

Anyway, my daughter is just starting at the table next to me to draw exactly how she imagines her Olive Cardigan imagines. At the moment all signs point to Dusty Rose in combination with Cherry Blossom for the little one, and Wild Berries with Poppy Rose for me. The new color matching tool on the Maschenfeinwebsite has it just quite taken to us and at the latest since the coloring template for the Mother's Day shawl Salma, coloring every knitting wish here is the order of the day. My list is getting longer and longer ...

Mini Me Looks

The Pink Cardigan from Along avec Anna also comes in children's and adult sizes.
Photos: © Along avec Anna

...because only possibly, I would like also absolutely the Pink Cardigan and Pink Little the designer Along avec Anna knit.

Here the pattern doesn't run all over the cardigan, but only as a pretty lacework decoration on the arm slopes. It has a short length and thus fits perfectly on skirts and dresses. The pink cardigan is knitted in both variants conveniently in one piece. You only need to pick up stitches for the neckline and work the button placket. Again, we have the matching knitting kits(here for big and here for small) in the store. You can use colors of the yarn qualities Alpaca Silke from Sandes in combination with Premia from Lamana. I mean silk, alpaca, mohair... need I say more? Here everyone becomes weak.

But rather merino?

If you prefer to knit virgin wool in the form of fine merino yarn, I recommend the knitting kits for Anker's Cardigans by PetiteKnit. These are also available for both Mama and MiniMe. If the decision (who said something about decision - all go of course) falls on these designs, you knit the version for large with the Merino Twist Solids from Cowgirl Blues, the one for the little ones with Sunday from SANDNES. After a slightly accentuated yoke, the motto here is also rather simple and provides a good stage for an elegant button selection.

Another cardigan pleasing?

A cardigan, which is not available in the partner look, but which I just have to show you, is the model Little Love from Ankestrick. The wide shawl brim and the textured pattern are just an unbeatable combo. How good that Pascuali gave us new colors for the yarn quality. Balayage for the yarn quality. Click through right now.

Marisa is wearing the Little Love Cardigan from Ankestrick.
Little Love Cardigan by Ankestrick.
photo: © Ines Grabner / Maschenfein

Easter joy and knitting love

Easter is also approaching in leaps and bounds, and if you get down to it now, you can still conjure up one or two gifts for the Easter basket.

My ideas would be among other things a Scrunchie after the pattern Augustins No. 2, the super sweet Teddy washcloths Teddy Clut or also the Honey Purse from PetiteKnit. Also great for scraps of yarn is the bookmark The Vintage Bookmark from Darling Jadore.

If you still want to unpack the crochet hook, I recommend the Deluxe Tote Bag from Pia Johannesen or also Sandra's cute easter bunny Mümmel.

Little pleasures for lovers of stitches

Of course, you will also find in the store when it comes to small gifts for knitting enthusiasts in the Easter basket. I, for example, find the leather bag from Himeji just too beautiful. A plain Maschenfein keychain would also make my heart beat faster. Just saying. (In case my husband is reading this) April also happens to be my birthday month. So just for the heck of it.

Net whisper and maschenfein knitting round

Before I wish you a nice weekend, I would like to draw your attention to Johanna aka kolibri.by.johanna. She is celebrating 55,000 followers on her Instagram account until tomorrow. For this reason, all her own tutorials are just reduced by 25% on Ravelry as well as in her own store. Of course you can find matching knitting kits here 😉.

If you still don't have enough of beautiful sweaters, I also recommend our maschenfein knitting round:

Photo via Instagram: © instagram.com/claudia_knits/
Photo via Instagram: © instagram.com/Esdee/

While Claudia presents us the Magnolia Bloom Sweater in an enchanting shade of green, Sibel has needled the CarlieTee from Knitting for Olive. With such beautiful examples, my ToKnitToLove list is about to get longer again. This combo of blue tones ... enchanting. I must remember that.

Let's hope that you are as in love as I am. Enjoy your time and have a great weekend!

A knitted sweater in white lies on a bright dresser. Next to it are several balls of Merino Baby and Manada from Pascuali.
Merino Baby and Manada from Pascuali

As the saying goes. Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. John Lennon once said that. Corona didn't exist then, but the sentence is still true. And so this spring week was completely different than planned.

I still wish you a wonderful good morning to my last Saturday coffee before the baby break! I had so much planned for this - at least for me - very special blog post and then had to throw the plans again. But that's just the way it is. So grab a cup of coffee or tee and get cozy again. Have fun reading!

My plans for the near future

For this Saturday coffee I have thought that I tell you what I want to knit the next time so. I am fully aware that at a certain point the knitting time will be scarce, but I do not want to think about it yet and on the other hand it is just great fun to make these lists, which I then as well as three times changed.

Friday tee
Stripes simply have to be. Like here at Friday Tee.
Photos: © PetiteKnit / Pam Allen / Anne Ventzel
Bobbie by Pam Allen
Susanne Müller wears her Jules Sweater in white with dark stripes.
Jules Sweater from Paula_m

I will, that much is certain, definitely knit something with stripes (written with a striped shirt, no kidding). Three designs are buzzing around in my head again and again. And I find, then one may also give in to the impulse.

I think for example terribly gladly about the Friday tee from PetiteKnit. So many things come together here for me that make a knit a real favorite: stripes (admit it, you wouldn't have expected that right now!), wide raglan bias, and a broken rib pattern. It's not hard to work, but it makes the shirt so nice and grippy. And with the yarn Sunday from SANDNES no wishes remain open in terms of color.

No, I'm not knitting this one ... or am I?

The model wears Pam Allen's Bobbie striped sweater in a dark rust red with white stripes.
Perfect for spring: Bobbie by Pam Allen.
Photo: © Pam Allen

Already almost on the needles (the gauge must still be washed) is with me Bobbie from Pam Allen. The will be for me so a real piece Maschenfein. Why? Because almost the entire team is knitting it (Marisa is also falling over, she just doesn't know it yet). At our knitting weekend last week Sandra, Jule and Louisa have already struck and I would not be me if I would not snail behind.

But now the swatch is knitted (my colors at Willet from Quince & Co. are Bowsprit and Windless) and I'm looking forward to needling. That this is knit from the bottom up doesn't bother me. You can choose a generous convenience positive ease, which makes not being able to try it out bearable, and also ensures that the one or other chocolate chip is absolutely in there.

If you are now frightened, because exactly your color combination is not in stock: Do not worry! After a short excitement at customs, the package with the missing colors is on its way to our warehouse. And I'm sure we'll see one or the other of you on #bobbieisland 😉

For SO long, almost two years now, this one from Jules Sweater by Paula_m has been on my list. I've already knitted it in the cozy version, but the summer version definitely needs to join it.

This design is just perfect: it is suitable for beginners and complements any wardrobe. Especially for coastal holidaymakers like me, where the one or other breeze blows, light sweaters are ideal, because you just put them on quickly (and then look outrageously good with it).

This version is knitted with Ica from LAMANA, a pure cotton yarn. You work from the top down and can easily check the fit in between. By the way: With the striped shirts presented here you can try out a new function in the store. From now on you can compare colors! Just click below the color selection on the corresponding field and combine as you like. I for example would combine the Jules Sweater now in rose quartz with navy stripes.

Simple, beautiful, soon to be mine? Jules Sweater by Paula_m.
Photo: © Susanne Müller

And a cloth must be of course!

Of course I also want, oh what, have to knit at least one shawl! Otherwise I could not even work at Maschenfein, as strong as the shawl love is here. These are my three favorites:

Frieda stole with braid pattern lies on a table
Scarves over scarves: stole Frieda, scarf Salma and Spinel Love.
Photos: © Ines Grabner / Maschenfein / ChrisBerlin
Marisa wears the scarf Salma. The scarf consists of a total of 16 triangles that form a large cloth, here in a light and a dark shade of pink.
The cloth Spinel Love by ChrisBerlin is placed around the shoulders of a dressmaker's dummy,

These three designs are certainly already with some of you on the needles or maybe even in the closet. The exception is of course the Mother's Day shawl Salma, for which the complete pattern will be available at the start of the Knit Alongs on April 1.

But the stole Friedawhich is still quite fresh in the Maschenfein family, has also done it to me. And while I'm already clicking together the colors here (How beautiful is Flamingo in the Knitting for Olive version? Or - no surprise - rose quartz in the Pascuali yarns?), I could really see this design working well for parenting. The pattern is catchy and so makes it possible to put the project aside every now and then (Supposed to happen. And better to put the knitting aside than the baby, right?).

Have you ever entangled rakuda and sensai?

And finally, while browsing, I just came across again Spinel Love by ChrisBerlin. Then I immediately remembered that I found the model already at the release almost a year ago really great. Here you can find the knitting kit for the single color version. And because so many yarns are suitable, we offer you five variants to choose from. Five! That's almost as many as you have to wait in days for the result of a PCR test these days (no pun intended).

My favorites for the shawl, which consists of only 13 rows that are always repeated, are Piper by Quince & Co. or Rakuda and Sensai by Ito. The latter version, in particular, is really to die for. Really. I once knitted the Easy Triangle Shawl knitted from it, which my little sister then stole from me. But that only speaks for her taste!

Something from Anne Ventzel would of course be fine in spring too

You can also extend it: the Tanne Top.
Photo: © Anne Ventzel

It is actually hard to believe, because I'm really big fan, but I have so far nothing knitted by Anne Ventzel. But there is so much I would like to knit. In the Maschenfein store you can now find 14 knitting kits - and there is everything: from wintery cozy cardigans to a light summer top.

Quasi in the middle is the Fir Top with half-length sleeves. I told you about it in the last newsletter, because it is not only beautiful, but also an ideal project to practice multicolored knitting. The unicolored part is worked in three strands of Premia from LAMANA, the contrasting colors with one thread each Comoalso LAMANA.

I know that there are often concerns about mohair yarns, but Premia belongs for me beside Sensai by ITO to the silk mohair yarns that are just wonderful to wear directly on the skin. I myself have for example a Cumulus Blouse from PetiteKnit from Premia and nothing itches.

And to add to the previous paragraph, Lotilda posted another design yesterday. It is knitted Ulla shirt from the same Sensai from ITO and what can I say except: This fits perfectly into spring!

Very typical for Lotilda you knit top down in full pattern, sewing is not necessary, because the sleeves are knitted together and the torso is worked in rounds. In general, you can work the shirt to match your shawl Salma. Well, how about that? The knitting kit for the shirt we put on you in any case directly next week.

The Ulla shirt is a boxy cut model in full brioche.
Oh. Spontaneous love Ulla shirt from Lotilda!
Photo: © Tanja Koenigs

Maybe I crochet something too

Small, cute, quickly crocheted: Easter bunnies from krea Deluxe.
Photo: © Krea Deluxe

Also in the newsletter I showed you this cute crochet kit: Easter Bunny from Krea Deluxe. Personally, just the last, rather chaotic days have shown me once again that it's the little things that matter (a self-made bracelet of the child was among them, which he then after half a day but would like to have back).

So my tip is to crochet these Easter bunnies. From one ball Organic Cotton of Krea Deluxe you get five long ears. You can give away two and keep three 😉 You crochet top down. If you leave them open at the bottom, you'll have cute eggwarmers, otherwise fill them with batting or fabric and yarn scraps before closing. By the way, the pattern are free within the kit. It's in English, but it mainly uses solid stitches, half stitches and chop stitches. I trust myself to do that and I am truly not a master at the crochet hook. To be on the safe side, I also found this translation table for you.

In general: crochet. Somehow it grabs me then again and again. Especially with a view to the summer, where you can crochet cool bags and tops. In this SANDNES magazine, for example, you'll find two shoppers crocheted from individual squares. And in the inspiration of bag love are also such beautiful designs that just make you want to summer. A knitted model that I plan so firmly for the summer, is the French Market Bag from PetiteKnit. It's knitted and I got to admire it at our knitting weekend at Jule's. And no, I didn't sneak it in. But that's only because Jule was faster at packing than I was. Knitting is done with Gima from ITO. The yarn is 100% cotton, but looks more like raffia and is therefore quite wonderful for the bag.

Again to the Mother's Day shawl

Salma Mother's Day Shawl
We now offer meditative coloring at Maschenfein.
Graphic: © Stine Wiemann

Before I show you what's going on in our knitting circle, I have to come back to the Mother's Day shawl Salma. You can download a free coloring sketch to go along with the model, so you can sort out your colors beforehand. On the one hand we want to give you a meditative moment and on the other hand it is - especially with many different colors - enormously helpful to try out the arrangement beforehand. Sandra and I, for example, immediately noticed a "thinking error", which is why we are sorting our colors again. Whether the thinking error (in Sandra's case) is due to a glass of wine or (as in my case) to a wrong synapse circuit, remains to be seen. In any case, we had a lot of fun coloring!

And speaking of fun: We really laughed in tears while shooting our Instagram reel for the Mother's Day shawl. But we're mighty proud of the result. And when I've had a bug up my ass these days, I've just watched the video. That always helped. Just like browsing in our store. You should definitely do that - the great knitting accessories by Franziska Klee are only available until Sunday! After that we end the current round of sales.

Maschenfein knitting round

If you're thinking: What do you mean , she only wants to knit for herself? Of course not. Of course I am - after gentle pressure from Sandra - already knitting a baby blanket. And the wool for the Teddy Pants from PetiteKnit is also ready. But I'm still making knitting plans for myself. And large scarves and cardigans can also be perfect over children wide, I've already tested 😉

Maschenfein knitting round from 26 March 2022
Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/petra_knits / instagram.com/lavandula_1
Maschenfein knitting round from 26 March 2022

When choosing my projects, besides Ravelry, my colleagues and the Maschenfein knitting round are actually my biggest source of danger. Petra for example has the Girlfriends Cardigan (Sandra and Louisa actually want to knit it again soon, too) and Lavandula shows the Franky Genser. In this rich green. That just makes a good mood.

Maschenfein knitting round from 26 March 2022
Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/flusen_im_kopf / instagram.com/lillepige14
Maschenfein knitting round from 26 March 2022

Color-wise it is rather soft with (another) Petra and Mareike. One has the Fleur Genser (Marisa, look, this is how it looks with sleeves! ;-)) and the other one knits the stole Frieda. Both so beautiful designs. Hach. Knitting, you are simply the best hobby in the world!

Thank you for all the comments!

... and of course also the best job. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't wistful about my little time off. Fortunately, I'm still around for a bit. But I'm already handing over the Saturday coffee and the newsletter to my substitutes and will continue to work in the background.

In any case, I say thank you very much! For your inspiration and especially the many lovely feedbacks to my blog posts. We will read each other again in autumn. Have it well until then and stay healthy!

I'm sick of it. Honestly. I don't like to start here with "The news is lousy, luckily we can knit" anymore. I'd love to just show you beautiful designs at Saturday Coffee, share news from the knitwear world and the knitting world in general, and have a good time together.

We want to help

And we will have that too, that good time. But before that I want to tell you a story: Actually, we had planned to show you the handmade needle cases of the Canadian label Thread & Maple soon and order them for you. The cases can be designed differently and are handmade from leather - in Ukraine. Olga, who we are in contact with about the orders, is Ukrainian herself and we can only guess how she is doing right now.

Production has now been stopped for the time being, for understandable reasons, and so we directly feel the impact that this war has on us as well. And yet it is not we who fear for our own lives or those of our families. That is why we want to help.

We have decided to donate 1 euro per sold ball to Unicef Children's Aid in Ukraine this weekend. Because the biggest victims of a war are always the smallest of a society. We thank you already now for every order!

Beautifully, lovingly handcrafted: a multifunctional needle case from Thread & Maple.
Photo: © threadandmaple.com

In this sense, I wish you even more than usual a wonderful good morning for Saturday coffee, in which you discover beautiful designs and the first messengers of spring and learn new things from the knitting world - and at the same time can do good. This much is certain: We will not let ourselves be defeated!

New at Maschenfein: Pure Silk from Knitting for Olive

It makes my fingers itch, don't you?
Photo: © Sandra Groll

A nice package arrived at Sandra's the other day. With finest yarn for spring and summer: Pure Silk from Knitting for Olive. It's especially funny that Sandra will now knit samples directly from it, just before another package arrived with Snefnugour fall-winter all-rounder. Because Sandra - infected by a customer - has to let winter knitting on the needles again. It almost tears her, I can tell you 😉 But some inspiration you just can not escape.

The Pure Silk is a yarn treasure that I hope will soon find its way onto my needles. After this slushy winter, I'm really in the mood for spring. And even though delicate tops don't really go with my baby bump right now, I can a) dream and b) still knit whatever I feel like. My favorite at the moment is the Cumulus Tee from PetiteKnit. We have already created two different variations for you (one with Lunaronce with Kinu), but since Pure Silk is even the original yarn, this version must of course also purely.

Rather something with long sleeves?

Of course, I understand all those who do not yet feel like spring or who just generally freeze faster. No worries - I have also found beautiful things for you this week.

Henri Cardigan
Photos: © Johanna Gehrisch / Isabell Kraemer / Inês Oliveira
Fjolla
Cardi Jumper

First of all there is the Henri Cardigan by Johanna Gehrisch, which you can knit from a newly discovered favorite combination of ours: Merino Baby and Manada from Pascuali. The model has wide sleeves and a shortened cut. But since you knit top down, you can easily extend the cardigan. Just add the number of balls in the shopping cart.

In the newsletter I also "revealed" to you that the color palette of the Merino baby has been extended and can now be perfectly combined with Manada can be combined. You want to know about all the innovations? Then you can read the newsletter here and sign up for it under this link.

You already know the sweater, but ...

... I would like to offer you Fjolla from Isabell Kraemer also the above mentioned combination of Merino baby and Manada recommend. Simply because I find them already beautiful! By the way, many PetiteKnit designs (namely those with a gauge of 21 sts stockinette stitch on 10 cm) can be knitted from it. Isabell's top-down model is ideal when the sun is already shining, but it's still too fresh for short sleeves. Our "old" recommendation, Fjolla from Kosho and Sensai remains the same, of course. You can find the kit here.

Also brand new among the knitwear designers this month is Inês Oliveira. From Cardi Jumper I was immediately enthusiastic. You can wear the button front as well as the back and since it is knitted seamlessly top down, lengthening the torso is no problem. Inês has worked with Merino and Soft Silk Mohair from Knitting for Olive, you can find both yarns in our shop.

Soft Silk Mohair is also used in this cute scarf: Erna Scarf From Rust Knitwear. It is knit from the center out and has I-cord edges all around. Made from the double mohair thread, it's nice and airy and perfect for spring.

From the "Erna-series" you can also find hat and gloves. If you want to knit the whole set, we recommend the same as for the other two designs Lovely Merino Treat for the scarf (single yarn).

Erna Scarf
Delicate, fluffy, Erna Scarf.
Photo: © Simone Ryan

Bright color or very discreet - you have the choice!

That I show you this cardigan, of course, has nothing to do with the color. Of course not! Cardigan Always There.
Photo: © Joji Locatelli

When Joji Locatelli releases a new design, a lot of people start hoofing it - and rightly so, of course! I also like her designs very much. For example, the cardigan is brand new Always therewhich immediately caught my eye because of the color alone.

You would have several options when it comes to yarn: Lovely Merino Treat from Rosy Green Wool, Merino DK from Cowgirl Blues, Cotton Wool from Rowan, Double Sunday from SANDNES or also Morning Salutation from Kremke.

My favorites would be Merino DK and Double Sunday. Such a strong pink as Joji is unfortunately currently not in stock, but many other beautiful colors.

Rather wintry is the sweater Gossamer Twist Lite from Caidree. But that's not a bad thing - on the contrary. Designs like this definitely don't let the, I'll call it "fire", for warm, cozy yarns burn out in me. Especially not when two of my favorite yarns are used here: Bergamo and Premia from LAMANA.

Designed the model from the top down with a nice high collar. Since no cool morning wind can harm us. The sleeves are long, but of course you are free to shorten them. You can shape the neck with short rows, but you don't have to. The hem is worked with slits.

Gossamer Twist Lite Sweater, knit from Bergamo and Premia.
Photo: © Caidree

Psst ... Webtalk

Before I take you on a walk through our knitting circle, here's a reminder of our job posting: Maschenfein is looking for editorial support 🙂 If you love to write and knit, feel free to apply! You can find the full job description here.

For all crocheters among you - and those who want to be - I also have a tip: Laine did a live interview with Molla Mills on Instagram. She is the author of the book Crochet Crush and simply a great source of inspiration. Feel free to check out the video (it's in English and you can find it here). And for those who prefer reading: On the Laine blog there is a written interview. Phew, I immediately notice how I become unreasonable and think something like "So crochet you should also again!"

Maschenfein knitting round

So who knows what will be going on in the next few weeks on my needles? In any case, I do not lack inspiration - also thanks to you.

New addition to our knitting circle: Sandra's oldest knits a new loop.
foto: © Sandra Groll

By the way, there was also a new member in our knitting group - in the form of Sandra's eldest son. He had knitted himself a loop some time ago, which unfortunately broke. But now he's hooked again and is knitting another version. Snefnug. In blue. Quite the mom!

Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/marie.ffalz / instagram.com/petra_knits

Since I finally managed to knit my son a sweater (he's still too little to do it himself), I'm a big fan of knitted children's clothing. A great addition to any (children's) wardrobe is the Festival Sweater from Petite Knit, here at Marie to see. She knitted with Suave of Pascuali knitted and I am quite enchanted by stitch definition and color choice.

Once again Petra offers PetiteKnit - here in the form of the Cumulus Blouse. Also here the Suave is used in combination with a silk-mohair thread. This design, I tell you, is a must have for your wardrobe.

Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/aniknits / instagram.com/affentheaterlove

You can get warm feet from Ani: She knitted her sock design for her mother. Walk in your favorite boots for her mother. A nice gift, knitted with the crown yarn Premium Silk from Regia.

Denise knits with Merino 120 from Lang Yarns - namely The Dahlia Barn Jacket by Lene Holme Samsøe. Here, too, it will certainly be a favorite part very soon.

And now? Now I wish you a quiet, peaceful weekend. Maybe you want to knit some little hearts out of leftover yarn - like this one from Paula_m, for example. And in general, I would like to warmly recommend some statesmen to take up their knitting needles. With the needles in your hand, you simply make less mischief.

In our last blog post about On the needles we confessed it to you: We currently have needle overload - so possibly one or the other knitting project in addition. The comments under the corresponding Instagram post showed: You have the same problem. So we are all in the same knitting boat.

But to pause the Saturday coffee now because of that? Never! After our Easter break, a reader wrote us "Never again without!" - and who would I be to ignore that? So welcome to a freshly brewed Saturday coffee. To top it off, we've got webtalk - from the fine knitting world and the wide, wide knitting atmosphere. So grab a hot beverage of your choice and get cozy!

April or May? It doesn't matter.

Not ten degrees? Then we just put on a cardigan. For example, the Mave's Jacket from Sharins.
Photo: © sharins.dk

If 2020 and 2021 have taught us one thing, it's flexibility. And that's something we can also benefit from in May. Known as Wonnemonat, this year (Franconian for "this year") but more like April to confuse. Tomorrow it should be very warm, but next week the next low is already in the starting blocks.

Our solution suggestion: a (knitted) jacket. We'd like to use a completely different model like the Mave's Jacket by Sharins from Denmark. Knit top down in stockinette stitch. All cuffs are worked double. The model is inspired by the famous pilot jackets. But I don't think we need to go up in the air with the Mave's Jacket. Then we wouldn't be able to show it to everyone. As yarn you can find one of the original combinations in our store: Merinoull and Tynn Silk Mohair
from SANDNES.

Distinctly more delicate: the Rosa Sweater by Miriam Walchshäusl.
Photo: © Miriam Walchshäusl

Things get much more delicate and delicate with the latest design from Miriam Walchshäusl, who you also know as mrsfunnyvalentine from Instagram. The Pink sweater is knitted in three strands top down in Premia by LAMANA. Short rows form the neckline. I especially like the long, tight cuffs. They are a nice contrast to the lace pattern.

The design is inspired by and named after the US American Rosa Parks. In 1955, the black civil rights activist refused to give up her seat on the bus for a white passenger. With her design, Miriam wants to sensitize people to the issue of racism and ensure the attention that is still needed. We all know that this is needed.

Always in high demand: designs by Anne Ventzel

Sandra and Jule, who diligently advise you on questions about designs and yarn possibilities, very often get questions about the designs of Anne Ventzel from Denmark. For this reason we have also created the Spot Sweater as a knitting kit. The sweater with its slightly raised collar is not necessarily a model for spring, but we in the team also like to knit anticyclically. Since the Fair Isle pattern of course takes its time, but you would have a nice project that can accompany you through spring and summer.

Anne Ventzel designed the sweater top-down. The neckline is formed by short rows, the shoulders by raglan stitches. The beautiful details in the interlocked rib pattern look very noble. In the original, the sweater is knitted in several yarns (and also in two colors). So that you don't get confused, we recommend that you only knit in two colors with Como from LAMANA. A wonderful all-round yarn that offers great color combinations. The matching knitting kit for the Spot Sweater is available here. You can also knit the sweater for men without any problems. The pattern explain how to adjust the lengths. By the way, Anne Ventzel is going to knit her design again soon and is organizing a knitalong. Maybe someone of you would like to participate?

Spot Sweater
Spot Sweater
Perfect for warm weather: the Leigh shirt.
Photo: © Julie Hoover

And before you think you now only have to knit designs with long sleeves - of course not! How about for example the shirt Leigh by Julie Hoover instead? As yarn combination we suggest Kinu and Washi from ITO. We already like it for the shirt Big in Japan very much. And when a silk yarn meets a paper yarn, something good can only come out of it, right?

The pattern are in English. Knit in single pieces from the bottom up. You knit the neckline as soon as the front and back pieces are joined. With a finished chest circumference of 99 to 170 cm (including 20 cm positive ease) you also have a very good size selection.

ITO meets Laine

The shirt Keseran Pasaran from the eleventh Laine magazine.
Photo: © Laine Publishing

The following tutorial is also in English, but I have to introduce it to you simply because of the yarn combination used. The sweater Keseran Pasaran from the eleventh Laine magazine is knitted with Sensai and Kinu from ITO, which is one of the combinations of our Mother's Day shawl this year. Whoever knitted it knows why I want to show you this model.

Knitted here top down in a variation of the rib pattern - namely the so-called twisted rib. The trick here: You work the stitches interlaced. On the one hand, this ensures that the knitted fabric contracts less and, on the other hand, you can also wear the design inside out - just like a "normal" rib pattern, of course. By the way, you can buy the magazine with the pattern in our store since Friday.

Pssst... net whisper!

Do you have more projects in mind than you can knit at once? Then make a few notes on our new notepad, which we now have for you in the store. It consists entirely of recycled paper, makes with the knitting icons directly good mood, has the size DinA6 and includes 50 sheets.

Also new in the store is the knitting kit for the current free pattern from SANDNES - the Sonjas Genser, knitted from Kos. And also our Muud assortment has expanded. In the needle bags you will now find the model Trondheim.

New category

And have you already seen the section "What's new in the store" on our homepage? You should click on it every now and then. Maybe we have taken a new summer yarn (for which we are of course already looking for suitable designs) under our wing. Maybe the project bags and glitter buttons from PetiteKnit will move into our warehouse soon (we just have a big heart!).

And because I know you're going to ask for the color numbers given the pictures: Here you go 🙂 And here you come to the yarn.

Pink-Pink: 2016 (Hindbær), 2056 (Syren), 2010 (Rosa), 2012 (Pudder), 2038 (Støvet Sand), 2001 (Råhvid).

Blue-green: 2030 (Mørk Petrol), 2050 (Mørkegrøn) 2048 (Havgrøn), 2029 (Mint), 2018 (Lyseblå), 2009 (Lysgrå).

Colored: 2016 (Hindbær), 2042 (Hasselnød), 2032 (Citron Gul), 2030 (Mørk Petrol), 2050 (Mørkegrøn)

Our new summer yarn: Økologisk Sommeruld from CamaRose.
Photo: © Sandra Groll
What color should it be?
Photos: © Sandra Groll

Small but nice

How about a little neck scarf?
Photo via Instagram: ©instagram.com/micelfagain

I also discovered a small but lovely design for spring at Louise's My Favorite Things Knitwear: the Scarf No. 1 is a scarf with a lace pattern. Louise knitted hers with Cashmere Premium from Lang Yarns. At the moment, the pattern are only available in Danish, but more languages should follow soon. I will keep you posted!

Maschenfein shop window

This week you can check out the Willet from Quince & Co. in our fine stitch showcase. It's currently in Bettina 's project basket. And I can already tell you what she's knitting: the Basic Shirt by Paula_m. With the combination of pure cotton yarn and simple design you get a perfect companion for the summer. And if you can only buy wool secretly, because otherwise you will get uncomprehending looks at home, I recommend this trick from Josefine and Angelica from Sweden. It is important that you have the melody of Mission Impossible in your head.

Basic shirt in the making. Photo via Instagram: © instagram.com/bettina.dkntr

Maschenfein knitting round

Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/claudia_knits / © instagram.com/inga.petersone

That our Mother's Day shawl was not an impossibility, you have proven several times by now. Claudia has reached the third part, Inga is already finished. I am on the second part. And you? Between you and me: If I didn't already have it on my needles, I would get the Carla sh awl on my needles now at the latest, considering all your beautiful pictures.

Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/nadel_und_garn / © instagram.com/wollkenfrollein

I had to laugh at Mary's posting. She is knitting the Christmas sweater for her boyfriend. If I understood correctly, it is about Christmas 2020, but my husband is also still waiting for a loop. That's just how it is when other projects get in the way. And at Silvie 's you can see the almost finished Kolding from Modena and Premia from LAMANA. By the way, there's also a Knitalong going on right now. In which I will probably also participate, but I think I'll take it with me into the fall... 😉

Fortunately, we read each other here again much sooner. Namely next weekend! Until then: Have fun knitting and sorting projects!

The other day, in group chat:
"I'm so torn about what to knit!"
"I don't know what yarn to use!"
"That sweater triggers me sooo much!"

No, it's not easy to decide sometimes. Then there are conversations to be had, yarns to be compared, designs to be studied. Then comes a decision. So maybe. Maybe you wait for the next Saturday coffee - who knows what will come? As is well known, there is always a lot to come. And so it is today: Welcome to the Saturday Coffee in the in-between season! With lots of inspiration and net talk. Because don't worry: There's a suitable project for every pot!

Julie & Me, Me & Julie, ....

I am a big fan of Julie Hoover. We don't need to talk about it for long. After Marisa and Sandra discovered the Loop Encadré last year, I was hooked. Julie and me, it just fits! Her whole style is just "thumbs up" for me.

Timeless sweater LohmannPhoto
:© Brooklyn Tweed

Timeless designs

I can therefore simply not help it and rummage around again and again (just for you of course!) On her Ravelry page. Because what makes Julie Hoover's designs above all, is the timelessness.

One of these timeless designs is Lohman (Does anyone here remember a time before Corona? I don't.) The short sweater has so-called Dolman sleeves, meaning: wide at the top and narrow(er) at the bottom. But the slight batwing cut is so subtle that the sweater doesn't lose its shape. Another eye-catcher is the garter stitch knitted shawl collar.

Lohman & Me, Me & LOhman

I had actually already selected the sweater for last week. But then other designs came in between and somehow I was distracted for the time being. But whenever I let my thoughts circle, they returned to Lohmann. And to our great yarn suggestion: Shio and Urugami from ITO. I'd be lying if I said the wool wasn't already in the shopping cart for a test run. Wool is not the best choice here, since Urugami is made of almost 30% paper. Isn't that madness?! That we can knit a sweater with our hands and a raw material like paper? For all of you who don't have too much experience with ITO yarns yet, I once again recommend our podcast episode with Tanja, the founder of ITO. You'll end up wanting to knit paper and steel, then embroider with Iki, and finally dye something in the shibori technique. No kidding!

Let's talk about re-jeans

In general, the entire needlework industry is a real haven of creativity. This applies to end consumers, of course, but also to manufacturers. Pascuali, for example, has a yarn in its range that is made from recycled denim cotton. The fibers come from jeans manufacturing, where fabric scraps are re-dissolved step by step down to the individual fiber and cleaned. The fibers are then remixed and spun into yarn.

Knitting kits with Re-Janes at Maschenfein

In the store you can already find some knitting kits with the special yarn. Among them these three designs, which are perfect for the current in-between season (Shall we call it "Frinter"? "Spring" I find so cumbersome...).

Sweater NavinPhoto
:© Pascuali

Pearl pattern jacketPhoto
:© Rosa P.

Cardigan TarunPhoto
:© PASCUALI

Because men's designs are also always requested, I have chosen the sweater Navin and the cardigan Tarun. Both come from the house of Pascuali and are knitted top down. The sizes range from S to XXL or XXXL; thus makes six to eight or nine balls of Re-Jeans.

The neckline of the sweater is formed with short rows and the increases for the shoulders are made on the four raglan lines. Knit all cuffs in garter stitch, otherwise work stockinette stitch.

The cardigan is constructed in a similar way; here, too, the increases are made at raglan slants. Knit the body in rows, the sleeves in rounds.

Of course, you can also knit super designs for ladies from re-jeans: For example the Jacket in pearl pattern by Rosa P. The cardigan with pockets and long sleeves can be perfectly combined. Knit from the top down.

Or would you prefer another bit of cozy knit?

If you don't want to let go of winter knits yet or if you want to take precautions for the next fall/winter, you might want to take a look at the following designs. Marisa for example is very fond of the Sweater No. 14 from My Favourite Things Knitwear.

Sweater No. 14Photo
: © My Favourite Things

Like you and me, she immediately tapped into Sandra's vast wool knowledge and asked about a possible yarn combo. The result: Duo and Tynn Silk Mohair from SANDNES.

The Sweater No. 14 is an oversize model with wide sleeves and an extended back. Knitted seamlessly top down.

The other sweater has discovered Trüffelschweinchen Sibel and it was immediately clear that he fits quite wonderfully in this Saturday coffee. And when I write "fit", at least one of us said "It fits perfectly into my pattern" 😉 Another advantage: Depending on the yarn combination, you can also make it spring-like light.

Calliope is knitted seamlessly top down. I especially like the long sleeve cuffs. It's those little details that make a design seem even more interesting all at once.

For the yarn, we have several combinations in mind: very classy would be the Shibui combinations Koan and Lunar or Koan and Silk Cloud - whereby the latter has a more airy stitch definition. But especially now for spring, and maybe with a white blouse underneath, we imagine it really chic. Possible, and again with more compact stitch definition, but would also be Sunday from SANDNES double held. By the way, here are also the new colors arrived in stock and available. My colleague Jule called it "the selection of the century" and I fully agree with her. Here is something for every taste.

Sweater Calliope with long cuffsPhoto
: © Espace Tricot

A little something for Easter

If you're still looking for a little something for Easter, you might be happy with our latest addition to the tutorial. Bunny Mümmel is a cute cozy toy that looks wonderful in Easter nests. It is knitted with the new wool-silk yarn Saffira by Pascuali. The amount in the knitting kit is enough for two bunnies.

Maschenfein knitting round

Photos via Instagram: © Instagram.com/frau_elisaw / © instagram.com/nannipuzzeltsovorsichhin

You can also discover the bunnies at Sandra's test knitters. Among them is Elisa, who not only has a little bunny in her garden, but also a veritable sea of flowers. Nanni 's colors are also very spring-like: she knits sweater #02 from the current LAMANA magazine. The color really makes you want to be in the sun!

PHOTOS VIA INSTAGRAM: © instagram.com/knitting_pharmacist / instagram.com/betticreates

You can find softer tones again at Simone and Bettina. Simone knits the September jacket from PetiteKnit. Also a project that is on my list. And at Bettina 's you can see the Powder Vest by Clarissa Schellong. I really like this one, too! Knitted is like the September jacket with Sunday and Tynn Silk Mohair from SANDNES.

And? Are you project-technically supplied for the next few weeks or do you need more inspiration? Of course it will keep coming... you know that! But now we wish you first of all a nice weekend with lots of knitting time!

I feel like a little crocus at the moment. I'm very, very carefully sticking my little head out of the ground. A bit disheveled. Not quite awake yet. "Spring, is that you?", I ask. I am not sure. One should not praise the mild temperatures before the last late frost (farmer's wisdom I know...). But so be it. I'm craving color, light yarns, short sleeves, and sunshine! So welcome to a spring-like Saturday coffee with high vitamin D content, with easy knitting ideas and good-humored net talk.

Delicate pattern

Ever since the magazine came out, I've been sneaking around the shirt by Flower Buds by Astrid Troland. It was published in May 2019 in the eighth Laine Magazine. In the meantime, however, the pattern are also available individually on Ravelry.

Shirt with delicate pattern: Flower BudsPhoto
: © Laine Magazine

No downfall: knitting in pieces

The shirt is knitted in two parts, so at the end there is a bit of sewing work waiting for you. For knitted designs without sleeves, however, I think this can be tolerated. Suitable would be for example the mattress stitch, which we explain in our basics book Stitch by stitch explain. With this type of sewing, the edge stitches disappear on the back of the knitted piece. The result is an almost invisible seam.

But now to the most important thing - the yarn! We would advise you to use the LAMANA combination Piura and Milano. The color palette ensures that you can go for both soft and bold colors, depending on your taste. Or how about combining two colors for a delicate melange effect?

Spring love

Regular shock I had fallen in love while looking for designs for this Saturday coffee in Chabot by Alma Bali. The French architect designed a beautiful sweater with batwing sleeves. The tight sleeves are an interesting contrast to the loosely cut sweater. The V-neckline and the delicate pattern in the middle provide the necessary lightness. So? Did you fall in love too?

Yarn-wise, we landed on the Merino Twist Solids from Cowgirl Blues. The pure virgin wool yarn has a silky shimmer thanks to the superwash treatment and so many great colors to offer that it's almost hard to decide. Almost. I spontaneously settle on Ruby Grapefruit. I told you at the beginning that I was craving color! Take that, winter and coronablues!

  • Chabot...
  • ...from Alma Bali
Color explosion in the head!
Photos: © Brooklyn Tweed/Jared Flood

Well equipped for warmer temperatures

  • Sweater ...a hint of summer
  • Shirt Edie

Who would like to orient itself knitting-technically still more correctly early summer (besides, one must plan also time for knitting), becomes in any case with Isabell Kraemer fündig.

A bit older, but timelessly beautiful, is the sweater ...a hint of summer. Stripes, loose cut, 3/4 sleeves, top-down, deep shoulders... I like such cuts very, very much! For the yarn, we suggest either Kinu by ITO or - if you prefer a vegan version - Nepal by Pascuali. Both yarns are wonderful for summer. Silk, for example, develops a cooling property when it gets really warm. The same goes for Nepal, which is made of cotton, linen and nettle. Hach, you know that feeling of wanting to stroke yarn? I have it really bad right now when I write about Kinu and Nepal.

The shirt Edie is knitted from Sparrow by Quince & Co. and also top down. The pattern is simple, but pretty - and also has a very practical function: Sparrow is a pure linen yarn. The stripes prevent too much tension. In general, you should not be irritated when knitting pure linen yarns. Sparrow grips tightly, but becomes wonderfully soft, light and airy after washing and tensioning, and also through wearing. And as mentioned above: linen unfolds its cooling effect in warm temperatures, making it the perfect companion for summer.

Maschenfein you spell T-Ü-C-H-E-R-L-I-E-B-E

  • Variablending
  • Noora
We always find scarves great!
Photos: © Kerstin Bovensiepen / © Rosa P.

...and vice versa! Cloths just always go. Very fresh on the market in the homeschooling influenced Variablending from Kerstin. Her son went through equations with several variables in math. So math also has positive sides. I always have to convince a bit ... 😉 But the cloth with lifting stitch definition is definitely a good argument. The pattern are designed to change the pattern after every 20 cm. As yarn we recommend you the combination of Premia and Piura from LAMANA. Do you already see the combination pink and curry, like me? Or maybe jeans and silk gray? You will find it - guaranteed!

Already as a knitting kit we have for you Noora from Rosa P. Equipped with our hand cream yarn Cashmere 6/28 from Pascuali. The shawl is knitted from the left tip to the right edge with increases on the right and decreases on the left. It is knit in the main garter stitch and has a ruffle facing that is worked with turn-ups. So if you like it playful, you will be happy with Noora!

You will also be happy with our fine collection of accessory bags, which we have designed in collaboration with Franziska Klee. Until the end of February you can order the bags, which will be handmade for you.

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If you want to learn more about Franzi, her story and our collaboration, I highly recommend our latest podcast episode. I just love listening to other creative people talk about their passion and career - and I'm sure you'll find it exciting too!

You can also get another look behind the scenes of the label Franziska Klee in our video, which Marisa recently recorded with Franzi. On Instagram, the Leipzig native took us live into her studio and told us more about her work. I warn you though: In the end, you might end up buying a bag from her. At least that's what happened to three of the four Maschenfein employees. The fourth will probably fall over soon, too. So if you want to take the risk: You can find the video here.

We are looking for you!

Well, and then... Then we are looking for reinforcement for our team! To develop our website further, we need support. Maybe it's one of you? Or someone you know? Feel free to tell others about our search! You can find the complete job ad here.

Photo: © Maschenfein

Maschenfein knitting round

Photos via Instagram: © instagram.com/woman.landglueck / © instagram.com/lillepige14

It's getting cozy again in our maschenfein knitting round on Instagram. At Melanie 's you can see the Erikka Slipover by Rosa P. from the Snefnug by CaMaRose. By the way, supplies are on the way! You have us there pretty emptied. 😉 And with Mareike you can admire the finished Coat for Roxane from Kathrin Schneider. Knitted from Bergamo by LAMANA and just beautiful. And a dog is on the photo. A dog!!11!1

PHOTOS VIA INSTAGRAM: © instagram.com/fhoch2 / © instagram.com/hokulani0206

You won't find a dog, but you will find two Osakas at Franziska 's and at Silke's. You know the old knitting law, passed down from generation to generation, that every knitter needs an Osaka? Don't you? Then hop, hop, choose your colors! I'm knitting myself another one this year, too. Is namely the perfect project for the year 😉.

But now we wish you a nice, quiet, sunny weekend. With lots of knitting time of course!