The annual Indie Design Giftalong has begun! It starts with a BIG pattern sale on Ravelry—this year, more than 200 designers are participating (including me). You can save 25% on patterns in each designer's Giftalong 2024 bundle with the code giftalong2024.
To see my Giftalong patterns, head to my Ravelry designer page, then click on the Giftalong 2024 pattern bundle.
The Indie Design Giftalong is a great way to jumpstart your holiday gift knitting while saving big on many, many beautiful patterns. The sale continues through Wednesday, 11/27. After that, crafting fun, with games and prizes, keeps going through December 31. Find out more in the Indie Design Giftalong group on Ravelry.
Year-end Pattern Sale
Greetings from a dark, blustery day here in western Massachusetts. If all this rain were snow, we’d really be buried in it!
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for supporting my work as a designer. It’s always a joy to see new projects posted on Ravelry or on Instagram and witness your creativity. As a gesture of my appreciation, I’m having a big year-end sale—25% off all individual Blue Peninsula patterns on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop. Just use the code THANKS2023 to get the discount (ebook sets are not included). The sale ends at midnight EST on December 31.
A few of my favorite scarves and shawls, clockwise from bottom left: Streusel, Ischnura, Mayblossom, Wonderberry, Hop Brook
Mitts, hats, cowls, sweaters, socks, shawls, and scarves are all included in the sale. You can use the coupon code as many times as you like, so it’s a great time to stock up on patterns you’ve had your eye on!
Bottom row, left to right: Couplet, Shallows, Exit 4
Middle row, left to right: Notch, Golden Valley, On the Other Hand
Top row, left to right: Purlish, Singing Beach, Journeyer
Winter’s End Scarf
Downy Hat
Next in Line Wrap
The year-end pattern sale ends on December 31, and so will our 2023 Next in Line Blanket Instagram knitalong. I’m still working on mine (but getting very near the end). Quicker, more focused knitters have finished theirs, and it’s been great fun watching their blankets grow (use the Instagram hashtag #nextinlinekal or look at projects on Ravelry if you want to see them). We had three giveaways of yarn, project bags, and stitch markers, too—all in all, it was a fun and inspiring KAL. Thanks to everyone who participated!
My Next in Line Blanket in progress
I hope this month brings you joy and many happy moments spent with friends and family. Best wishes for a beautiful New Year!
Bonnie
Update: Next in Line Blanket KAL
As summer draws to an end, I thought I’d pop in to give you an update on the yearlong Next in Line blanket knitalong. The KAL blankets are steadily growing in size! Knitters have kept knitting through the summer, though there have been days when heat and humidity have made knitting with a blanket on your lap unthinkable. I’m sure I’m not the only one who looks forward to the more knitter-friendly, cooler temperatures of autumn.
A second giveaway was held this week, and a lucky Next in Line knitter won the skein of Neighborhood Fiber Co. yarn and the hand-sewn journal pictured here. I had a lot of fun sewing the reusable notebook cover, which fits over a Moleskin journal (I sent the winner two, one with graph pages and one with blank pages). This one-of-a-kind upcycling project used scraps of Lotta Jansdotter fabrics, linen cut from an old pair of shorts, and a circle of red cotton from a jar of homemade jam that I got at a local market earlier this summer.
The Next in Line KAL continues throughout 2023. If you’d like to join, cast on anytime and post your progress photos on Instagram with the hashtag #nextinlinekal (or, post in the Ravelry thread). If you’ve posted at least one photo, you’ll be included when the final giveaway happens later this year.
There’s also an ongoing sale! Save 25% on the Next in Line Blanket pattern through December 31, 2023 at Ravelry, Etsy, and Payhip. The discount is automatic - no coupon code needed.
I hope your summer has been a good one. With wildfires, intense heat (the hottest July on record!), torrential rains, and flooding, it has been a difficult summer. If you are struggling in the aftermath of any of these terrible events, my heart goes out to you. Here in western Massachusetts, we had some flooding earlier in the summer that wiped out crops at some farms, but lately the weather has been milder and more pleasant (though it’s raining again as I type this).
In addition to Next in Line, I’ve been knitting steadily this summer on a new pair of Mill River Socks. I’m using yarn from New Hampshire dyer OlannGra, which I picked up last fall at a fiber popup at Green Mountain Spinnery, in Putney, Vermont. This is actually the third time I’ve knit the Mill River socks with Laura’s yarns—that’s how much I love them.
Summer wouldn’t be summer without the annual Tour de Fleece. This year I joined the Three Waters Farm team, with a spindle project (Soft and Sweet BFL/silk) and a wheel project (Hushed Stillness BFL/silk). The Hushed Stillness was the first full skein I’ve ever spun on a wheel (my new Electric Eel Wheel) and I’m pretty happy with how it came out. I’m planning to use it in a sweater, probably as contrast stripes paired with the brown Purl Soho Good Wool pictured here.
From June to August I was also knitting every day on the sample for a new design. Yesterday I mailed it off to the yarn company—watch for the pattern release in October! I can’t share photos or details yet, but expect a cozy textured accessory perfect for holiday knitting.
Now that I’ve finished the secret project, I’m itching to cast on that striped sweater and see how my handspun yarn knits up. I’m not totally ready for “sweater weather” just yet, though. I want to savor the summer’s warmth and enjoy for a little bit longer the cheerful sight of sunflowers that dot farm fields around here each August. There’s a big field of them down the road and they are a great excuse to go for a walk, just to see all the bright yellow flowers lifting their faces to the sun.
I hope your final days of summer bring you moments of joy. Thanks for reading, and—as always—happy knitting!
Blankets Are Happening! Next in Line KAL
Happy spring, dear knitters! I hope you’re seeing some crocuses and daffodils coming up and are enjoying warmer days. After a long winter, I’m ready for the change (even though the long winter meant lots of knitting time).
The 2023 Next in Line Blanket KAL is in full swing, with at least one baby blanket already finished! So it’s time for our first giveaway. If you are knitting a Next in Line blanket but haven’t posted a photo on Instagram yet, now’s the time. Be sure to use the hashtag #nextinlinekal. On Thursday, I’ll draw one name from the usernames of all KAL-ers. That knitter will receive all of these handmade (by me) items: an embroidered linen project bag, a lavender sachet made with vintage buttons, and a skein of 150 yards of handspun Cormo yarn (approximately sportweight). Plus, they can choose a free pattern - their choice of either my About Town Mitts or my Fee-bee Mitts (both use 150 yards or less of sportweight yarn).
If you want to join the KAL but aren’t on Instagram, no worries! You can post progress photos of your Next in Line blankets in the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group thread. I’m not on Ravelry as much as I used to be, but I do check that thread and comment on posts regularly.
The Next in Line KAL continues throughout 2023. I hope you’ll join us to create a beautiful throw or blanket for your home—or as a gift. After you cast on, post at least one photo on Instagram with the hashtag #nextinlinekal or in the Ravelry thread to be included when the next giveaway happens later this year.
The Next in Line Blanket pattern sale continues all year as well. Save 25% through December 31, 2023 at Ravelry, Etsy, and Payhip. The discount is automatic - no coupon code needed.
My Next in Line Blanket in progress - Log 10
2023: Year of the Next in Line Blanket
The Next in Line Blanket KAL has launched on Instagram! For this yearlong KAL, we’re knitting up Next in Line throws or blankets at a leisurely pace. Worked entirely in garter stitch, Next in Line is a fun and easy project, perfect for cozy evenings catching up on your favorite movies or shows.
Along with the KAL, there’s a yearlong sale! Save 25% on Next in Line through December 31, 2023 at Ravelry, Etsy, and Payhip. The discount is automatic - no coupon code needed.
Next in Line uses four colors of worsted weight yarn. The pattern offers instructions for two sizes—a throw and a blanket. But you can choose to stop whenever your blanket is a size you like. (Of course, if you add logs, you’ll need more yarn.) It’s knit from the center outward, by picking up stitches for each new log along an edge of the previous log. This means there’s no seaming or joining at the end!
For my Next in Line, I’m using DK weight yarn and a US5 needle. The yarn is Purl Soho Good Wool in Winter Grass, Wild Mustard, Blue Moon, and Wild Heath. So far, so good—I’m on Log 5 and very happy with the color combinations. I’m using an interchangeable needle, so I can switch the tips to longer cords as the blanket grows.
I’ve been weaving in ends as I finish each log. Of course, you can leave them all to the end if you like! But I know I’d simply procrastinate about weaving in a gazillion ends, so for me it’s best to bite the bullet and weave in as I go.
If you’ve cast on—or plan to—be sure to share your yarn and/or progress pics over on Instagram. I plan to have some giveaways during the year, and will pick winners at random from photos posted with the hashtag #nextinlinekal.
I can’t believe January is nearly over, can you? I hope your 2023 knitting projects are off to a great start, and would love to see you in the KAL—join anytime!
Bonnie
LINKS
Next in Line - Ravelry
Next in Line - Payhip
Next in Line - Etsy
@bluepeninsula (Instagram)
Next in Line Sale and Knitalong
The start of a new year is a great time to think big—and cast on something big. Like a blanket! Join me in knitting a Next in Line blanket or throw during 2023. We’re having a yearlong KAL on Instagram.
Next in Line Blanket by Bonnie Sennott
We’re having a yearlong KAL on Instagram. Along with the KAL, there’s a yearlong sale! Save 25% on Next in Line through December 31, 2023 at Ravelry, Etsy, and Payhip. The discount is automatic - no coupon code needed.
A Next in Line KAL starts January 1. Cast on anytime during 2023 and post your photos on Instagram with the hashtags #nextinlineblanket and #nextinlinekal.
Next in Line WIPs are welcome, too! We’ll motivate each other to keep knitting - and celebrate as we finish. Every now and then there’ll be a giveaway, too.
The first Next in Line I knit (the pattern sample in the photos) was a wedding gift. So I’m excited to knit another, in different colors, just for me. I plan to cast on my Next in Line on New Year’s Day. I’m just waiting for one more color of yarn to arrive. Fingers crossed it’s here in time!
Since the KAL lasts all year, there’s no rush to start or pressure to finish quickly. We can take our time and enjoy ourselves, knitting lots of soothing garter stitch through the seasons. Whether it’s a special gift (makes a great baby blanket!) or a colorful new addition for your home, Next in Line is a relaxing and easy knit. I hope you’ll join me in making a special blanket or throw during 2023.
Happy New Year—and happy knitting in 2023!
LINKS
Next in Line - Ravelry
Next in Line - Payhip
Next in Line - Etsy
@bluepeninsula (Instagram)
Indie Design Gift-A-Long Sale
Tis the season - the Indie Design Gift-A-Long (GAL) has begun! This annual event is a way for knitters and crocheters to come together and support each other as they tackle their holiday gift-making lists.
The GAL starts with a big pattern sale—you can save 25% on patterns by many indie designers (including me) with the code giftalong2021 on Ravelry. Hop to my Ravelry bundle to see my sale patterns. See all the participating designers here.
If you are not on Ravelry, I've got you covered: you can save 25% on patterns in my Etsy shop (no code needed there) and in my Payhip store (use the code GIFTS25).
This holiday sale ends on November 29 on all platforms. After the sale, the GAL fun continues with games and prizes over at the Ravelry GAL group, to keep you motivated as you do your gift knitting.
Happy pattern shopping and gift knitting! If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have a relaxed and beautiful day with your friends and family.
Pattern Sale, and a Spinalong/Knitalong
Where did October go? I can hardly believe it's already November!
I’m excited to announce a big sale, and something fun for spinners — a spinalong/knitalong (SAL/KAL) in the Three Waters Farm Ravelry group. You can cast on one of my patterns using TWF handspun in your stash, or you can start spinning some TWF fiber to use for a Blue Peninsula design. (Or both, I guess, if you’re ambitious or fast!)
I’m honored they’ve organized this event around my patterns, and to celebrate I’m holding a pattern sale. All Blue Peninsula patterns and ebooks are 20% off on Ravelry through Sunday, November 8, with the coupon code TWF20. If you don't use Ravelry, you can also get the discount with the same code in my Payhip store.
I'll be working on the Bluetta Scarf (upcoming pattern, below) that I'm knitting with fingering weight singles I spun using Three Waters Farm Rambouillet in the Blue Flourish colorway. Hope to see some of you over in the Three Waters Farm SAL/KAL!
November’s going to be a busy month — while I work on finishing Bluetta, I’ve got two additional new patterns almost ready to release. Watch for the Next in Line Wrap in the next week or so, and later in November, a new sock pattern. More soon!
Coming soon: Next in Line Wrap
Anything Goes KAL and Pattern Sale
Summer is always a great time for a relaxed, low-pressure knitalong — the kind where you can pick up your project when you’ve got a free moment, let it be when you don’t. Last summer in the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group, we knit socks.
This summer — Anything Goes! Hats, shawls, mitts, sweaters, scarves, cowls, socks: you can knit what you like in this leisurely two-month KAL starting Sunday, June 14.
Now through the start of the KAL, I’m having a sale on all patterns and ebooks in my Ravelry store. Everything is discounted 20%. You don’t need a coupon code — you’ll get the discount automatically at checkout. With this sale, I am raising funds for the Loveland Foundation, which provides therapy support for black women and girls. Ten percent of every pattern purchase through June 14 will be donated to the foundation. I hope you'll join me in supporting their important work.
The Anything Goes KAL starts Sunday, June 14 and ends Sunday, August 16. For extra incentive to finish your projects, there will be prizes (of course!) — I’ve ordered lovely yarn from indie dyers Kim Dyes Yarn and Seven Sisters Arts.
Based in Maine, Karen of Seven Sisters Arts creates gorgeous colorways inspired by nature. A weaver, spinner, knitter, and dyer, she’s been dyeing yarn since the 80s and knows color inside and out. Learn more here.
I discovered Kim Dyes Yarn while browsing the new BIPOC in Fiber website and was immediately smitten with her stunning variegated colorways. Based in Virginia, she has created a Kim Dyes Yarn Community Matters program to assist local yarn shops impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more here.
For the Anything Goes KAL, you can knit whatever you’re in the mood for. Indulge yourself with a lacy summer shawl, make a cozy new pair of socks for fall, or even get started on your Rhinebeck sweater. We'll have fun chatting and sharing our progress all summer long. Hope you can join in!
Designs in Progress (and a Wee Sale)
Looking for a relaxed-pace knitalong to join as you shelter in place during the coronavirus pandemic? Mason-Dixon Knitting has announced they’re having an MDK March Mayhem KAL — and you can knit any pattern that’s been in any bracket — from 2017 to this year. That means you could join the KAL to knit Downy, which was in last year’s bracket.
To celebrate, the pattern is on sale in my Ravelry pattern store for the next two weeks. Save 25% on Downy with the coupon code MAYHEM. The sale ends midnight EST on April 1.
And don’t forget to vote in the MDK March Mayhem bracket! See this year’s 64 patterns here.
Downy Hat, by Bonnie Sennott
I am home for the time being — Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker has ordered nonessential businesses to close and has issued a stay-at-home advisory. I’m using this time to take a lot of online yoga classes, go outdoors for walks as much as possible, and work on upcoming patterns (of course!)
I’m rewriting and reformatting my Falling Water scarf pattern — the first I ever published, back in 2006 — and knitting up a new sample, using O-Wool’s O-Wash Fingering. The chart and pattern layout will be upgraded to my current pattern format, and the instructions will be expanded to include the original narrow scarf and a wider version, too.
There’s also a Falling Water Shawl coming — an asymmetrical triangular shawl similar in size and shape to my Notch Shawl. I’m knitting up the sample in O-Wool’s O-Wash Fingering in a very pretty color called Pasture Rose. I plan to release both Falling Water patterns at the same time — look for them later this spring.
I’ve also taken the opportunity of unexpected free time to start a log cabin wrap inspired by my Next in Line afghan, using fingering weight yarns in my stash. Clockwise from lower left, the yarns are Into the Whirled Pakokku Sock in Stark, String Theory Caper Sock in Canyon, Anzula Squishy in Hippo, Luna Grey Ariel in Goldenrod, and The Fawn and the Fox Otter in Let’s Stay Home (such an appropriate name!).
I’m using the Next in Line pattern as a jumping off point, but modifying it quite a bit. What I envision is two log cabin ends with a striped section between them, joined by grafting (or three-needle bind-off, if you really hate grafting). I will likely put out a call for testers, once I’ve finished knitting (and writing) one half of the wrap. If you’d be interested, please watch the Ravelry Blue Peninsula group for an announcement.
Every day brings new changes and challenges, and I’m so thankful to have knitting to focus on and keep my mind from going into full-on worrying mode. I’m not sure which of these new patterns will be ready first, but I’m definitely working on them every day.
How about you — are you doing more knitting? Have you joined a knitalong? Wherever you are, I hope you and your loved ones are well and safe. Keep calm — and knit on!