As beginners, we’re often drawn to bulky yarn.

We love the look. Even more, we love the idea of speed. “I’ve got a shot at actually finishing this project!” we think.

But I’ve noticed, as we progress in our journeys, we can tend to leave bulkies behind. Thinking they look too beginner or even too “homemade.”

Here’s the thing: With the right stitch and pattern, bulkies can be hot! And I don’t mean warm-hot. I mean va-va-va-voom! 🔥

This week’s Knit Stars video tip is from Season 4. The ladies of Manos del Uruguay show how to create a simple woven stitch, here. It’s especially pretty with a variegated yarn, as shown in the clip above.

Or you can go one step further and make my Clean Water Cowl.

We’ve curated some pretty pairings so you can make your own version of this cowl. Some of our faves are shown below.

When you purchase any 2 skeins this week, the pattern pdf will be sent to you for free. Why not give yourself a Valentine’s treat?

Shop the Clean Water Cowl collection here.

Looking for some even simpler inspiration for bulky yarns?

The “Shoji Cowl” by our own Sherri Torrez is an ultra-simple, beginner crochet piece with showstopping results. All you need is 3 skeins of our own “Superloops” ultra-soft, ultra-lofty super bulky, and a size N hook.

“Shoji” is free with your purchase of the yarn – just ask for the pdf (in the notes section provided) when you checkout.

For a truly meditative knit, Beth made this “One Row Handspun Scarf” by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee using 5 skeins of Superloops and a US #17 needles. You could easily modify it into a 2-3 skein cowl. Pattern is free on Ravelry.

You asked. So we made it!

Knit Stars Live with Louis Boria – the Afterparty Replay (+ optional kit)

A few weeks ago, we held our first-ever 🎉  Knit Stars Live 🎉 with Season 6 Star Louis Boria @brooklynboyknits – it was a “hybrid” event, in-person + Zoom.

Everyone agreed, Louis hit it out of the park! We laughed…we cried…we learned…we Latvian braided…

Everyone raved so much, we decided more people needed to experience it. So we created a Replay you can purchase and watch anytime, as many times as you like!

The replay is modeled after our Masterclass experience: Revealing talk with Star, hands-on learning, Q+A. The difference is, the production is much simpler and more intimate. You’ll feel like you’re right here in our Flagship Store.

Here’s what you’ll get with the 3-hour Afterparty Event Replay + printables:
🌟  Hear Louis’ never-before-seen, highly inspirational talk about his decision to quit his day job, move to Madrid and design full-time
🌟  Get inspired to use your yarn skills as a springboard to make a bigger impact
🌟  Learn the skills to make Louis’ new “Calm After the Storm” cowl – designed to pair with his Season 6 “Eye of the Storm” hat, and not available anywhere else!
✔️  Louis’ favorite stretchy cast-on for ribbing
✔️  I-cord cast-on and bind-off
✔️  Fixing the jog in your i-cord after the fact
✔️  Add an inner layer to your colorwork to make it reversible!
✔️  Slip stitch best practices – taming your floats
✔️  Embellishing your work with a Latvian Braid
✔️  Converting stitch patterns from flat to in the round
✔️  How to add a draw string to your cowl
✔️  Cowl blocking tips to avoid those pesky ridges
🌟  Includes a pdf printable of the “Calm After the Storm” cowl pattern
🌟  Includes a 34 page handout with stitch inspiration to make the cowl your own!
🌟  The replay concludes with a Q+A session where Louis holds nothing back – he even shared his fave places to eat in NYC!
🌟  Surprise appearance by GG the iconic orange lady 🧡
🌟  A heartwarming moment with an anonymous donor who provided a bunch of Season 6 passes for Louis to give away
…all for just $59.

OPTIONAL KIT:
You have the option to add the optional kit. It includes:
🌟  Two skeins of Loops Luxe Chunky Royal Alpaca + Silk (charcoal and light grey)
🌟  Moondrake stitch marker set
🌟  Knit Stars Sticker Sheet (great for laptops, water bottles or journaling)
🌟  Knit the World Together Pin
…all for just $30 more ($89 total). (The kit value is $40, so you’re saving $10!)

GIVING BACK: Louis will earn $20 for each $59 replay sold, which helps support him as he embarks on his big move into full-time designing ✨

Get your Knit Stars Live with Louis Boria – the Afterparty Replay (+ optional kit) here.

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Tomato-less Guacamole

Ever since I magically outgrew my avocado allergy a few years back, I can’t get enough guacamole. I learned a trick for extra-rich, extra-yummy guac a few years back, and wanted to share it with you. The secret? NO TOMATOES. And add a bit of cheese. You can’t really taste the cheese but it adds a richness. And the lack of tomatoes keeps it from getting watery.

Ingredients

• 4-6 ripe avocados (depending on size)
• Bunch of cilantro, washed, squeezed dry and lightly chopped
• ½ to 1 whole red onion (depending on how much you like it), diced
• Juice of one lime
• ½ to 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack or similar)
• Garlic salt, to taste (maybe 1 tsp or so)

Combine everything in a bowl and fold it together very gently, leaving plenty of avocado chunks. If your avos are a little underripe, you can mash them a bit with a fork, but I try to get perfectly ripe ones so I can skip this step. Taste and adjust seasonings and ingredients. Serve with big, salty tortilla chips!

There probably won’t be leftovers…but if there are, store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed carefully against the surface of the guac. Great on avo toast the next day!

xoxo
Shelley