Sometimes in life, you just want to keep things simple.

In fact, I believe that the appeal of simplicity is the very thing that brings most of us to knitting to begin with.

Taking sticks and string and a simple repetitive motion and creating something beautiful.

That’s why we’re all here together, isn’t it?

Over the past year, as my life first became exponentially more complex – and then just as fast, dramatically more simple – I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the simplest parts of my life.

Home cooking.

Good sleep.

Long walks.

The sound of waves, in and out, in and out.

Garter stitch.

Love.

So in the spirit of simplicity, this week I present you with five simple pleasures. Notice I didn’t say “guilty” pleasures. Because there is absolutely nothing wrong – and something absolutely necessary – about treating yourself to the simple pleasures of your craft.

As an extra little motivation to treat yourself, this week when you place an order of $50 or more from our online store,  we’ll include a Cocoknits tape measure as our gift to you (pictured above and a $16.50 value – we’ll choose a color for you, while supplies last). These plastic-free measures feel smooth and comforting in your hand, and add a measure of beauty to your practice. (Offer valid for in-stock merchandise only.)

Favorite Thing #1: Prym Crochet Hook Sets

Even just sitting in my project bag, these bright, cheery new sets from Prym make me smile. Plus they’re ergonomic, with an optimized hook that catches yarn easily, and a rubberized grip and comfortable shape that reduces hand fatigue. Available in 2 sets, small or large, with a comfortable handle shape to help you work with ease.

Need some project inspo for your new hooks? Check out the Wildflower Bouquet Bucket Hat by Christine M. Young, a free pattern on Ravelry.com. Made with 2 skeins of Knit Collage “Wildflower” and a size M/N hook, it’s the look that all the college girls are sporting on the beach (I know because my college girl has been asking me to make her one, LOL)! And it’s suitable for beginner crocheters, too.

 Photo courtesy of Christine M Young via Ravelry

Favorite Thing #2: Cocoknits Maker’s Board

Knit Star Julie Weisenberger designed the Maker’s Board to keep everything at hand while you’re making – your pattern, your chart, little tools, recipes, or a tablet. This is one accessory that can do a lot! Made with washable kraft fabric, there are internal metal sheets that make every surface magnetic. It comes with magnets and is packaged in a linen drawstring bag for storage or use as a project bag. Optional ruler and colorful magnets can be purchased separately.

Favorite Thing #3: Birdie Parker Valet Tray
These pretty little leather catchalls just elevate the whole making experience. Use it to keep your tiny notions and scissors always nearby. Bonus: No more digging in the couch cushions for your stitch markers.

Favorite Thing #4: Loops Luxe Chunky in Natural

Sure we may be biased, but I truly believe our bespoke Royal Alpaca + Silk blend, spun just for us in Arequipa, Peru, may be the perfect yarn. Because we bypass the middleman, we make the experience of working with the finest fibers more accessible – and that matters.

My latest, favorite projects for Loops Luxe Chunky?

• Purl Soho’s Big Herringbone Cowl, free on Ravelry and such a fun pattern stitch to work! (you need 5 skeins Loops Luxe Chunky plus #17 32” circulars), and…
• Sophie Shawl by Petite Knit, a shawl version of the wildly popular Sophie Scarf! Worked back and forth in simple garter stitch with built-in i-cord edging, a beginner can handle this with ease. (you need 3 skeins Loops Luxe Chunky and #8 needles for the smaller version shown below in dark grey).

Photos courtesy of Purl Soho via Ravelry

 Photo courtesy of Petite Knit via Ravelry

Favorite thing #5: Mindful “Warmth” Needle Set

Is there anything that simplifies and beautifies your knitting life more than a new needle set? This gorgeous “Warmth” Needle Set from the Mindful Collection contains 13 sizes, and the 4-inch needle tips in the Warmth set are lightweight & smooth. Then there’s the thoughtful inclusion of a needle gauge, darning needles, and 50 assorted, useful stitch markers.

Oh and did I mention, they’re 30% off while they last (we have 11 sets here as of this writing).

Favorite Idea: Family Yarn Bowl

Inside our new Knit Start beginner workshop (and included in Masterclass Season 7), actor Jeanne Tripplehorn shared this beautiful story of a simple, yet powerful practice that led to an amazing, cherished family heirloom. Watch this short clip and consider putting the “community yarn bowl” into practice in your own family. ❤️

And one bonus Favorite Thing!

Over the holiday break, I spent a week on a working farm in rural Nebraska, visiting “Luke’s” family. His hometown, population around 3,000, doesn’t have many restaurants, and his family has a long tradition of excellent cooks. Luke and I were fascinated as we watched his uncle make hash browns from scratch, using this grater with extra-large holes. Honestly friends…I thought hash browns only came from a bag! So we promptly ordered our own coarse grater from Amazon, and have made these browns several times already. They are a game changer!

To make scratch hash browns, peel and coarsely grate 1 large baking potato. Squeeze out as much water as possible with paper towels.

Add some olive oil and butter to a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat, then add the grated potato, smoothing out and smashing it down slightly to form a pancake. Add salt and pepper. Cook until browned on the bottom, then add a couple pats of butter to the top, and flip it over, sprinkling on more salt and pepper. Continue cooking until browned on side 2. Serve with ketchup and topped with eggs!

xoxo,

+ Your Knit Stars Team

Hashbrowns and eggs as made by Shelley and “Luke.”