“Jingle Jangle Socks” by Twin Stitches Designs

“All of our bodies are beautiful,” says upcoming Knit Stars Season 10 Star Julie Ann Lebouthillier. “They’re also very different in terms of feet, body, chest – everywhere.”

“And a lot of times, we are taught how to knit a sock, but not how to properly fit a sock. So that was my goal for my Knit Stars Masterclass, teaching you to customize a sock to your foot, or whoever’s foot you’re knitting it for. So that going forward, your socks will actually fit!”

We wrapped up filming of the upcoming Knit Stars Season 10 with our 15th masterclass, on-site with Julie Ann in New Brunswick, Canada. Brad drove 6 hours from Clara Parkes’ house in Maine to Julie Ann’s house, where he was greeted by the fun-loving Julie Ann in the Halloween costume she’s planned for this year.

And of course, in what has become a recurring Season 10 theme, there had to be pastries. But they had to be uniquely Acadian pastries. So that meant Poutine Rappe and Pete de sœur.

Holidays are fully celebrated in the Lebouthillier household. Not only have Julie’s twin daughters been the recipients of many hand-made sweaters over the years, but they also have drawers full of holiday-themed handknit socks.

(You think second sock syndrome is a thing? Try fourth sock syndrome! 🤣)

And their cat is even named Jingle Bells, a.k.a. Mr. Jingles. He was quite intrigued with Brad’s camera set-up.

Julie’s first book, Knit a Box of Socks, was such a worldwide hit, that she’s already been contracted to write a follow-up book.

If you’re someone who’s always wanted to make socks…or someone who’s always wished their socks would fit better…or someone who would love to become more empowered to alter the pattern to your own style and body measurements, Julie Ann’s Knit Stars masterclass is sure to resonate with you.

“I know a lot of people are scared of going down a needle size, or changing the stitch count. But a pattern is a recommendation, not a requirement. There’s no knitting police. No one’s coming after you,” she says.

Amen, Julie! 🙌

xoxo,

P.S. Now that all 15 masterclasses have been filmed for Season 10, we’re heavy into editing mode. And oh my gosh, are you in for some surprises! Recognize these two?

Sock lovers, rejoice!

Practical pattern lovers, rejoice!

Julie Ann Lebouthillier has more than 200 designs on Ravelry, all under Twin Stitches Designs. And they’re all buy 3, get the 4th free! Just put four of her self-published patterns in your cart, and the least expensive will be free. No coupon needed.

Here are a few of my favorites…

Now that my 2025 filming is done, I’m in a nesting stage of sorts…and that means plants. I discovered Easyplant (so they’re hard for me to kill, lol). And Julie Ann’s “Plant Lady Socks” are speaking to me.

Like many of her patterns, they are written BOTH toe-up and cuff-down. Your choice!

I love these “Santa’s Crew” socks as a gift knit. Ribbing along the foot helps ensure a great fit.

And these “April Showers” socks are such a clever use of a color-changing sock yarn.

And lest you think Julie Ann only designs socks…behold “The Everyday Tee.” It’s a top-down yoke sweater with a simple lace pattern that’s perfect for – you guessed it – sock yarn! It’s knit at a very loose gauge to give it some drape.

“I just love how simple it is to wear over any jeans, dresses, or shorts,” Julie writes. “As a busy twin mom, I love any knitted item that I can just throw on with any outfit. I hope you love it too!!”

Photo credit: Nirukonstitches on Ravelry ​​​​​​​

P.S. Julie Ann has a membership called The Twin Stitchers that includes make-alongs, Zooms, and free patterns, too. Members will be getting a revamped version of her Olive Branch Tee later this month. Learn more about Twin Stitchers here.

photo credit: Food Network

Julie Ann’s Family Favorite Taco Soup

“I do this every few weeks,” Julie Ann shared. “It’s my go to. It’s great because the girls also love it and you make it your own. I can put it in the crockpot and bam! Have a full meal done at night. 🥰”

Ingredients:

• 1–2 packages of ground turkey or beef
• 2 cans crushed tomatoes (add 1 can of diced tomatoes if you like a chunkier texture)
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• Sugar, to taste
• A pinch of baking soda or a squeeze of lemon juice (to reduce acidity)

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped bell peppers
• Jalapeños (for extra heat)
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. If adding onions, cook it with the onions and garlic. Drain if needed.
2. Add the cooked meat to your crockpot.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, corn, rinsed black beans, and optional diced tomatoes if using.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, sugar (I put 2-3TBSP), and baking soda or lemon juice to balance acidity (around 1/2tsp)
5. Add any optional veggies you’d like (peppers etc.).
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4 hours, until everything is heated through and flavors have melded.

To Serve:
Top with sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, green onions (optional), and a handful of crunchy taco chips.