The heart of the Loops mission is to spread joy and inspiration.

We know that sharing smiles and fiber love can be a ray of hope shining though the clouds – and so we’re bringing it back…

We are so proud of Knit Stars and what it has done to inspire and nurture knitters around the world, so we are giving you an opportunity to view two amazing workshops *for free* from July 10-17.

Just go to knitstars.com and sign up to watch our Knit Stars 4.0 workshops from Caitlin Hunter and Diane Ivey.

In Caitlin’s workshop – Traditional Colorwork Reinvented – learn her tips and pro tricks for a colorwork yoke and how to get the perfect fit and ease every time. You’ll also have access to the exclusive Knit Stars sweater pattern, “Herkkä,” that incorporates her iconic colorwork.

Diane Ivey of Lady Dye Knits hosts a segment that has an important takeaway: In embracing diversity and inclusivity in our community, she opens the door to discussion and shows us we all have much to learn from one another. She shares ways to improve dialogue and make knitting communities a safe, inspirational place for everyone.

P.S. If you’re a member of our fun-and-fabulous LoopsClub Together, get your needles ready – Caitlin and Diane are teaming up for an exclusive yarn and pattern in our 3rd quarter luxury yarn kit this September! Squeeeeee! 😉

Speaking of Caitlin…have you seen our warm-weather cotton version of her smash-hit sweater, “Soldotna?”

Since we’re located in searing-hot Oklahoma, we whipped up our Soldotna in a *brand new* cotton/merino base straight from the dye studio of Emma’s Yarn!

Emma’s Comfy Cotton DK is a tonal and gentle speckle-y sensation. Cotton keeps your finished piece cooler with fabulous drape and merino gives that block-able structure that makes your colorwork pop!

Think you can’t wear a crop? Think again! Soldotna is super cute layered over linen dresses, high-waisted skirts and pants. The design can easily be lengthened if crops aren’t your style, and the instructions are included in the pattern!

This design is simple enough for an adventurous beginner, yet still engaging for advanced knitters. Best of all, the cropped length and cap sleeved style make this a super quick and gratifying project. Try it in our Loops exclusive colorway-Cloud 9 😀
You’ll find Caitlin Hunter’s Soldotna Crop on Ravelry.

Find size specifications and pick up the perfect palette of Emma’s Comfy Cotton DK here.

Have you heard of the emPower People 2020 movement? Diane Ivey is a founding member, along with Casapinka, and they’ve got a brand-new FREE pattern for you!

Empower People is a craftivism project aimed at uniting crafters to spark conversation, engagement, and action. Make a purple bandana and a commitment to vote!

There’s also a crochet version available from Laverne Benton. Find both patterns free on Ravelry. All you need to join the movement is 225 yards of DK weight yarn in any purple hue, and size 7 needles.

Loops has curated an exclusive emPower collection of juicy DK purples  for you to choose from! This is a great way to try out a fiber you’ve been curious about…

Shelley’s personal faves:
• Manos Milo – 65% merino, 35% linen, soft and textural (1 skein)
• Nature’s Luxury On Stage – Rare, small-batch hand-dyed blend of Merino, Silk and Baby Camel (1 skein)
• Manos Serena – 60% Baby Alpaca, 40% Pima Cotton, baby-soft and smooth (2 skeins
• Berroco Summer Silk – Silk/Cotton/Nylon, light and lofty (1 skein)
• AMANO Puna – 100% Baby Alpaca, soft and plush (1 skein)
• Classic Elite Mika – 100% Organic Cotton (2 skeins)

Shop them all here.

ALL the Loops Troops went ga-ga when Mitzi sent us this pic of her Field Trip Tote in Berroco Suede!

This oversized tote by Alexandra Tavel is roomy enough to fit all your essentials and more. The reinforced surface crochet details help it retain its shape after you fill it will your goodies.

And our Berroco Suede works up sooooo soft- you won’t be able to keep your hands off it! This worsted weight nylon tape yarn is like magic- you won’t believe it’s not actual suede.

Mitzi said, “Such a fun bag! It worked up really fast and I’ll love using it. I also added a tassel ‘cause tassels are awesome!”

She crocheted her Field Trip Tote with a J hook and 8 cakes of Berroco Suede in “Hopalong Cassidy”

Find the Field Trip Tote on Ravelry.
Pick your favorite shade of Suede here.

This week we have another simple recipe that will add some fun to your plate…and then you can get back to knitting! 😀

Hummus Crusted Chicken from thekitchn-dot-com might be your new favorite. You’ll be sending this to the oven in just five minutes!

The hummus protects the lean chicken breasts from the oven’s intense heat, resulting in baked chicken that’s incredibly juicy beneath a tender crust.

Ingredients:
Cooking spray
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup hummus
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions:
1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 450°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Dry the chicken on all sides with paper towels, then season with the salt and pepper.

3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the hummus over each chicken breast (about 1 tablespoon over each), spreading it into a thin layer until each breast is evenly and completely coated. Sprinkle the paprika over the hummus.

4. Bake until the chicken is cooked through, completely opaque, and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 20 minutes.

5. Turn the oven to broil and broil the chicken until the hummus is dry to the touch and browned, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.