{Saturday Coffee & Net Talk}

Well, the title is a little misleading - after all, Advent doesn't officially start until tomorrow. But I suspect that some of your Christmas decorations are already up and running and maybe even the production of presents is more or less in full swing.

So a very good morning to this Saturday coffee between the months - it's going to be Advent and cozy here today. We want you to start the pre-Christmas season relaxed and full of knitting ideas! So grab yourself a coffee or tee and have fun reading!

Leo patternrrrrr

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!

Leo Cardigan Maschenfein
No one can avoid a leo pattern. And neither can we! That's why we now have a maschenfein leo cardigan.
Photo: ©️ Ines Grabner / Maschenfein

It will be steekt

Leo Cardigan Maschenfein
A project for advanced knitters: the maschenfein Leo Cardigan.
Photo: ©️ Ines Grabner / Maschenfein

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.

No pattern, but still two-tone

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!

Pied Cardigan
I think it's really cool: Pied Cardigan from Caidree.
Photo: ©️ Caidree

Two colors rethought

Pied Cardigan
The back view! Pied Cardigan from Caidree.
Photo: ©️ Caidree

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!

You've been waiting for it

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
If you like it maritime, you'll love Heimathafen: new sweater design by Isabell Kraemer.
Photo: ©️ Isabell Kraemer

Small ships, big love

Heimathafen
Choose two colors and let the knitting fun begin: Heimathafen by Isabell Kraemer.
Photo: ©️ Isabell Kraemer

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!

A few more Christmas tips

At home, all signs are otherwise pointing to Christmas. I've also started knitting a mini piglet, but at the moment it fulfills the criterion "adorable" more than "super pretty" - but I've decided that I'd rather take it easy. 😉

Nevertheless, I would still like to recommend a few Christmas little things to you. The designs shown above are all suitable as gifts or gift wrapping or simply as a little treat in between.

Even more sock yarns

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.

Yes
You can now also find it here: Jawoll from Lang Yarns.
Photo via Instagram: ©️ instagram.com/langyarns_nordic

Psst ... a little secret XMAS knit-along

Holiday KAL pascuali
A beautiful knit-along with a good cause: six skeins of Sayama from Pascuali are needed.
Photo: ©️ Pascuali

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.

Door by door

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! 😉

We're knitting something for you ...
Photo: ©️ Ines Grabner / Maschenfein

Maschenfein knitting round and a job advertisement

Finally, there is of course a quick look at our Maschenfein knitting round. And a note that we are currently looking for a working student to support Jule in the backend. You can find all the information in the job advertisement. Being able to knit is not a must, by the way. But an enthusiasm for the subject itself is of course not unimportant 😉.

Photos via Instagram: ©️ instagram.com/bolerohund / instagram.com/nina.knits.things

So if you're new to the subject, you should take a closer look at our knitting round. If the spark doesn't ignite, I don't know what will!

At Heidi' s you can see the left side of the leo cardigan. There you can see what's behind this great design! In the other pictures, our test and pattern knitter also shows the steek process. Many techniques come together here, which makes the Leo Cardigan a challenging but very rewarding project.

Marina shows you more Storm Sweaters from PetiteKnit that she has knitted for her boys. The gray version is made from Peer Gynt, the green one from Double Sunday by Sandnes. So if the former is too robust for you, you can confidently reach for the pure merino yarn and fulfill the wishes of the wearer. Making your own clothes is simply wonderful!

I hope that the knitting spark continues to burn in your home and that it will jump to the first candle tomorrow. Then Advent will really begin and, despite the hustle and bustle, will hopefully bring us some lovely knitting hours. Make yourselves comfortable and have a lovely weekend!

Sophia

About Sophia

I'm Sophia, live in Hannover and since October 2020 I've been taking care of the blog posts, the newsletter, planning the podcast and coming up with actions for social media. By the way, I also happen to be a knitting addict, which benefits me at work.

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5 comments

Petra

Wonderful advent calendar!
The color bath is a joy!

Ulrike

Today is Sunday and the first Advent 🕯😀. Regarding the competition, I have to say that I really like knitting ITO. Sensai, for example, is my substitute for mohair because I am so sensitive to scratches.
I wish you knitters and your loved ones a wonderful 🎄🎅🌟 pre-Christmas season! Knitting greetings, Ulrike

Ute

I look forward to your newsletter every Saturday. It is so lovingly written and full of inspiration. You want to get started right away....

Sarah-Christin

Thank you so much for the always great blog posts. I really look forward to my Saturday coffee every Saturday... Your newsletter is really the only one I long for (& didn't subscribe because of any discount codes) 🙂
Best wishes and have a wonderful pre-Christmas season

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