Since many of us are all hanging out in a turkey tryptophan haze…

I decided to start out this week’s newsletter with an ode to the premiere of our 7th Masterclass Season, which just finished premiering last week.

And what better ode than a blooper reel? 🤪

Enjoy watching the 3-minute clip above, where I learned 2 new words – “craptacular” and “uvulva” 😳…

…and hear Patty Lyons ask, “Am I allowed to say the word that rhymes with duck?”

If you joined us for Season 7, thank you! And if not…here’s your best chance to make sure you don’t miss out on Season 8.

Each year, we offer a special “Super Earlybird Sale” on the next year’s Masterclass Season. To be honest this requires a leap of faith on your part, because we haven’t announced our Season 8 teachers or even the theme…

But I can tell you Season 8 includes a bunch of the world’s most beloved Stars, many of whom (no joke) I’ve been asking for years…and the timing was finally right.

Plus you do get rewarded for your faith in us with an extra-low price.

To secure your virtual spot in Masterclass Season 8 at the Super Earlybird price, click here. (Signups close at midnight November 30).

xoxo,

+ your Knit Stars Team

“Genius. Absolute GENIUS!”

It’s been a long time since I said that about a needle set…

But read on…and I know you’ll agree.

The new “Day and Night” interchangeable needle set combines contrasting black and natural tones in one needle. So you always, instantly have the right high-contrast background for your yarn, no matter what color you’re working with! 🤯

See? GENIUS!

Not only that…but the case is supercute and has stars on it. Clearly, it was meant to be that we offer these to you!

This special holiday kit contains:

• 8 pairs of size-marked needle tips: US 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11 (3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 & 8.0mm)

• 8 pairs of size-marked needle tips: US 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5 & 11 (3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 & 8.0mm)
• 4 stainless steel cables: 360° swivels in 24″ (60cm), 32″ (80cm- 2 nos.) & 40″ (100cm)
• 1 set of cable connectors
• 4 end-caps
• 2 locking keys
• Extra bonus: 4 wooden Day & Nite themed buttons
• A classic Day & Nite soft case stores it all – providing instant organization and portability.

Knit Stars is offering these sets on pre-order for just a few days, to ensure they arrive to you well before Christmas.
Treat yourself to a set here.

Now listen up, all you “I don’t look good in hats” people…Mary just made a hat that everyone looks good in.EV-ER-Y-ONE. Including you. Seriously, none of us can resist trying this “Pressed Flowers” hat on. It’s got the exact perfect thickness and drape.

And in case you’re thinking “that looks super hard,” I’ll let you in on a secret…

It’s not.

Mary used our exclusive “Starstruck” colorway of color-changing Spincycle yarn, together with Spincycle “Wilder” Rambouillet yarn in the perfect grey, to work up Amy Christoffers’ wildly popular pattern. It’s done in mosaic knitting, which is just a fancy way to say “lazy colorwork.”

Okay, only mildly kidding here…mosaic is the easiest kind of colorwork because you only use one color per row. It’s fast and super fun to make.

We love this hat so much, we’ve kitted up a bunch more color combos using Spincycle + LolaBean yarns.

Choose yours here.

Photo courtesy of Amy Christophers via Ravelry

Love the Pressed Flowers look, but looking for a spicier project?

Go all in with Amy Christoffers’ latest release, “Pressed Flowers Cardigan.”

We loved the relaxed v-neck shape of this cardigan that’s worked in one piece to the underarm, then divided and worked separately to the shoulder.

Make it in Spincycle Wilder 100% American Rambouillet plus our own special Spincycle “Starstruck” colorway, only available at Knit Stars.

You’ll need (5, 5, 6, 6) (7, 7, 8, 8) skeins of Wilder and (3, 4, 4, 5) (5, 6, 6, 7) skeins of Spincycle color-changing Dyed in the Wool.

Shop the project here.

 Photo courtesy of Amy Christophers via Ravelry

Photo courtesy of Andrea Mowry via Ravelry 

Photo courtesy of Andrea Mowry via Ravelry 

“I often begin the design process by turning to my closet and looking for gaps in my wardrobe,” writes Season 2 Knit Star Andrea Mowry in the intro to her latest pattern release.

“For years I have been wanting a pull-on-over-anything jacket style cardigan with wide sleeves and easy worn-open style.

”Me too, Andrea! 🙋‍♀️

So I couldn’t resist casting on “Trinigan.” I paired our exclusive “Starstruck” colorway of color-changing Spincycle Dream State with LolaBean Cool Beans Worsted in “Birthday Suit” – also a Knit Stars exclusive.

I’d love some accountability buddies for this project…care to cast on along with me?

Choose colors for your own Trinigan here.

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana.

After surviving my first time hosting Thanksgiving – with 22 of my new love’s family! – this week it’s time for the easiest, most comforting meal possible. This super simple Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana from Half Baked Harvest is a close cousin to the Olive Garden version and soooo good. Don’t have an instant pot? Teghan gives versions for Slow Cooker and Stovetop too – find it on HalfBakedHarvest.com.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
• 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 4 small yukon gold or russet potatoes peeled and chopped
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 bunch Tuscan or curly kale, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
• fresh thyme, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon. If there’s excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon. Add the chicken sausage and onions, and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, celery, and potatoes, and cook 2 minutes. Turn the Instant Pot off.
2. To the instant pot, add the broth, pesto, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Stir in the kale, cream, and parmesan. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 10 minutes. Turn the Instant Pot off. Stir in the reserved bacon.
4. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan and fresh thyme, if desired.

If you make this or any of the projects in this newsletter, be sure to post and tag us @knitstars.com ❤️