Welcome to Advent

You know what you can't avoid at the moment? Leo patterns! You see them on so many designs - whether in the stores or on Ravelry. Marisa has also had the idea of a maschenfein cardigan with a corresponding pattern in her head for some time. But in this case, the realization was particularly tricky.

Our luck was that Lisa - to stay in the picture - really got stuck in. Although the first prototype was ready relatively soon, the fit was not ideal. So: keep trying! And so in this case it really did take quite a while before we could say: Welcome to the world of Maschenfein, Leo Cardigan!

The oversized raglan cardigan is knitted in stockinette in rounds using the fair isle technique. The cuffs and facing, on the other hand, are worked in double face. The question that naturally arises: How do you turn a circular knitted piece into a cardigan? It is stitched! This means that you have to cut your cardigan open. You'll notice from everything I've written here that the Leo Cardigan combines many sophisticated techniques, which is why the design is more suitable for very experienced knitters. But don't worry: we'll guide you through every single step on 55 pages of pattern with detailed sketches, tutorials and charts.

You knit the Leo Cardigan in three strands of Premia and double Cusi (both from Lamana). The yarn combination is really unique. The knitted fabric is nice and dense, but doesn't lose any of its lightness. Whether colorful or natural, bright or subtle - just choose the two colors that best define your personal leo look.

I also had my eye on the Pied Cardigan from Caidree during the test knit. I was immediately taken with the two-tone design. It somehow reminded me of the Artisane Cardigan, which is completely different but also plays with a mix. I really like that!

In this case, it is also knitted with a Lamana combination: Como Grande and Premia make this model both beautifully cozy and warm, as well as light and fluffy. It doesn't get any better than this in winter!

With the pied cardigan, it's also important that you know the back view: here, the upper back and one sleeve are made entirely in the contrasting color. The idea is as simple as it is sophisticated - simply great!

The V-neck cardigan is knitted from the top down. The shoulders are shaped with short rows. Double knit is used for the button plackets, which makes them particularly neat. You knit the sleeves directly in the round. Phew! This could go right to the top of my Christmas wish list!

Our new search has also been active for a few weeks now - and we're still big fans! Recently we stumbled across a search term of yours: All of a sudden, the term "home port" kept popping up in our search. Of course, that makes my heart beat faster - fans of a maritime lifestyle are always a pleasure, but what exactly are you looking for?

After a little research, Jule came up with it: You are waiting for the new design by Isabell Kraemer! As of this week, the pattern is now available and you can buy the knitting kit for the Heimathafen sweater from us.

Heimathafen is knitted from the top down with organic Shetland from BC Garn - and is therefore even a bit of a bargain. I know that both the Leo and the Pied Cardigan are pricey and not within everyone's budget. Of course we can advise you on possible alternatives. Always feel free to write to us! There is not always a one hundred percent suitable, inexpensive version, but we have a few ideas and I can tell you that one or two of them will not let go of us privately.

The organic Shetland is more affordable, but still GOTS-certified and something for everyone who likes it robust and original. You have a great choice of colors, so everyone should find a combination they like. We have included the dark gray version from Isabell - and I personally like it the best!

We have created the Julgubbe socks for you in a knitting set with Jawoll from Lang Yarns. Now you might be wondering. Have we always had this yarn? No! We've just expanded our range of sock yarns for you because we've repeatedly been asked for long-lasting qualities in the right weight. Of course, with the appropriate color selection.

It's hard to avoid Jawoll. You will find the complete range of colors and can knit multicolored or classic monochrome designs to your heart's content. As usual, each ball of yarn comes with a bobbin of yarn to reinforce the heel and toe. Take a look at our sock yarns in general - there are also two new alpaca qualities. And: Great fair isle socks like those from Stine & Stitch are no longer a problem if you want to stick to the original colors.

I have a few tips for you at the end of our little coffee: If you're looking for a secret project that goes beyond the usual pre-Christmas mystery, you should take a look at this knitting kit. The mix-it-up scarf by Pascuali is a scarf design that will be revealed bit by bit. The Knit-Along has already started, but you can join in at any time. You are also welcome to network via Ravelry and share your project progress. Especially great: All proceeds from the sale of the pattern will be donated to Welthungerhilfe. You will need six skeins of Sayama.

And then I recommend that you keep an eye on our blog and Instagram account on Advent Sundays. Because even big people enjoy opening doors, right?

And that's why we're running a little promotion again this year. If you sign up for our newsletter, you'll also receive a reminder in your mailbox (if you're already a subscriber, you don't need to do anything - you'll receive the reminder automatically). Louisa and I are definitely struggling with the preparation - we would love to take part ourselves! 😉