Has this ever happened to you?

Has the universe ever seemed to just plop a person directly into your path…and you knew, instantly, that person would become a friend?

A couple of weeks ago, a familiar face popped up in our free Knit the World Together Facebook group.

She introduced herself to the group, and her words humbly downplayed her familiarity:

“My name is Jen and I was famous for a hot second about a month ago because I made Bernie Sanders’ mittens (you know, the ones from the memes…)”

Yeah Jen, we know! And so does the whole world! 😂🤩

Jen’s been working on a book about her experiences, and she stumbled across my new book, which led her to the free group.

I reached out to her privately and spent an hour with her on Zoom, talking books and connection and how a moment of selfless generosity can lead to big things – like when the whole world comes together in joy and laughter, at a moment when we all REALLY need joy and laughter.

Did you know that Jen is an elementary school teacher who likes to sew? She randomly sent a pair of her hand-sewn mittens to Bernie as a gift. So when he popped up wearing the mittens on the public stage…and then the media found Jen…

Her life was literally turned upside-down overnight! And not in the greatest of ways.

But Jen didn’t let the crushing media onslaught change who she was. She turned down tons of opportunities (“Because I love being a teacher and don’t want to stop!”), deciding instead to keep her day job and write a book – one that could help inspire others and maybe even change the world.

We’ll be sure to tell you about Jen’s new book, as soon as it’s available. I’ll personally be first in line to pre-order it!

Meanwhile, we’d love for YOU to join our Knit the World Together group. You never know what new friends you will make!

Here’s the link to join the FREE Knit the World Together group.

And here’s the link to join our new, FREE Move the Needle Book Club group – a place to connect with other creative readers from around the world. 🌍 💙 🌎

xoxo
– Shelley

We’re so excited to introduce you to our March pop-up indie dyer…all the way from Australia…meet Dyed By Hand, created by Julie Boydell. 

As a former medical scientist, Julie played with dyes daily and has honed her skills of observation, theory and practice in dyeing processes. Since moving to a rural property in East Gippsland, Julie has been influenced by nature and the unique effect of the Australian sun on colors. 

“Most of my color inspiration comes from the world around us…I am constantly fascinated by the way that the Australian sunlight influences how we see color here – clear, bright, bold and mysterious.”

Fun Fact: We discovered Julie when she became a Knit Stars owner!

For this month’s pop-up, Julie dyed up an extra-special treat for us using her Silk Stocking base, a 50/50 Merino and Silk blend that carries the light and has a gentle twist for great stitch definition.

Rachel used two skeins of Silk Stocking to knit Ambah O’Brien’s “Oyster Shawl” – a lacy *stunner* of a project.

She said, “the eyelet section was a breeze to work through and I loved the simplicity of it. Then the lace! The pattern repeats made it really accessible and the finished piece is just breathtaking after the yarn blocked and blossomed perfectly.”

Ambah has generously set up a 30% discount for the Oyster Shawl on both her Ravelry and Etsy stores – no code needed, through March 31. 🤩

Rachel’s “Oyster Shawl” is knit on Size 6 needles with one skein each in “Round Midnight” and “Apricot Nectar.” Or try these hand dyed palettes:

Blackened Rose + Silver Screen
Freckled Sun Orchid + The Other Woman

Click here to shop the yarns and project!

39!!!

We just got 39 colorways of Hedgehog Sock Yarn!!!

There are 10,000 projects on Ravelry to knit with Hedgehog sock, so we’ll narrow it down for you: How about making “Marettimo” by Caitlin Hunter? It’s a relaxed, lightweight summer sweater knit in the round from the bottom up, featuring a simple feather and fan lace detail at the hem and sleeves.

You’ll need 2-3 skeins for the main color and one skein each for the contrasting colors. Here are some color combos to inspire:

Caitlin inspired = MC: Pine, CCs: Boa and Graphite
Raven in the Sky = MC: Ozone, CCs: Damsel and Raven
Bubble gum pop! = MC: Echo, CCs: Bubble and Sorry Not Sorry

Shop Hedgehog Sock here.

3-Ingredient Chili from iHeartNaptime is a great make-ahead meal – an ideal “More Knitting, Less Cooking” recipe!

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef , cooked and drained
15 ounce can chili beans, undrained
10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel or Hunt’s Seasoned Diced Tomatoes in Sauce for Chili)

Directions:
1. Mix the meat, beans and tomatoes together in large pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and then bring heat to medium low and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes. Or stick it in the crock pot for 3-4 hours!

2. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with your favorite toppings like cheese and sour cream. 😋

Did you know you can find back issues of the Scoop on our blog? If you just can’t remember what project went with that special yarn you ordered, or if you need some quick inspiration, you can always find the blog at the top of the homepage at loopslove.com.

Check it out here!