Can not remember the last time I guest blogged. However I do remember feeling a bit under appreciated, thinking to myself that I would never blog again. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into these blogs; I have no idea how Anne manages to write them so frequently. Of course I can have a look at google analytics to see exactly how many of you have viewed the page, but it’s not really the same as seeing actual comments. I love reading your comments, the more, the better, and makes writing a post worthwhile in knowing that it’s been read. That said, if I receive 75 comments, there will a free Craftsy class (Anne’s new Sweater class) offered to one of you that have left a comment on this post and in addition, I promise to blog about our major renovation last year (finally—I know).
Our dear Anne was summoned to Craftsy’s Colorado studio once again to shoot a video for her new class: Essential Skills for Sweater Knitting, see trailer for class here. This class is a survey of key factors for successful sweater knitting. Perfect timing as Anne has been busy designing 6 new sweaters; more about these later. The Craftsy class consists of 7 lessons.
In lesson 1, Anne explores how to choose a style—which sweater to make. I have a sweater in mind that I would like to design and knit myself. Growing more and more confident with my knitting prowess these days, as I knit along in the Blanket Statement club, quite the experience, learned so much with this endeavor. In fact if you know a burgeoning knitter, I highly recommend the Blanket Statement Club, up to 16 different patterns to knit/read, such a great way to obtain knitting experience and have a lovely blanket as a result. Sorry for the aside, back to Craftsy class.
Lesson 2, learn how to read patterns, lesson 3 – selecting the right yarn and tools. Lesson 4, swatching for consistent results, I’ve learned the importance of swatching, perhaps underrated, but so very valuable.
Adjusting fit, lesson 5 and one of the things I love most about knitting and creating custom garments. Can hardly wait to begin my sweater. Lesson 6, knitting individual sweater pieces and lastly lesson 7, finishing, seaming and blocking.
May I present to you some of Anne’s latest creations—most will be available in May.
Gearhead – Unisex Pullover, shown here in BNW’s Stone Soup DK.
Triticum – Open Cardigan, Knitted in Spirit Trail’s Tayet (blue), debuting at Maryland Sheep and Wools.
Mayan Puzzle Jacket, shown here in Briar Rose’s Wistful (brown), debuting at Maryland Sheep and Wools.
The Misters’, unisex combination pullover/cardigan, knitted with Briar Rose Joyful (orange). Wouldn’t it be great as a vest too? In the process of convincing Anne to pattern one more version . . .
Cam Cable, pullover, shown in BNW’s Kent DK
Pedal Pusher, cardigan and knitted with BNW’s Confection Worsted
It is truly amazing the amount of detail and effort required to create a sweater. Anne recently offered to make me another sweater, but I had to decline, for I’m not worthy of such a indescribably wonderful gift. I tend to be very hard on my clothing; for example, I like to rest my folded hands in the neck line of my sweaters, causing unnecessary damage, stretching of fibers to the breaking point, and consequently ruining such a cherished gift.
When new to knitwear some years ago, I would mistakenly machine wash sweaters in hot water and dry in the dryer, making fibers shrink and become brittle and/or felt. No doubt it is like having someone place a condensating glass upon a piece furniture you created and massaged 10 coats of Danish oil into, the resulting water ring – fortunately this is repairable, whereas a sweater sustaining the damage mentioned would not be.
Even if you have taken Anne’s Sweater Fitness Class, the Craftsy Essential Skills for Sweater Knitting class provides information of a different sort. Don’t get me wrong, if you ever have an opportunity to take a class with Anne in person, you should immediately seize upon it; her teaching skills are remarkable, not only will learn all you need to know, but a lot more.Leave a comment, and you are automatically entered to win this Crafty Class featuring Anne.
Comments conclude for Craftsy free class offering April 27 11:59p (eastern time).
Feeling the love and appreciation, thank you all for the kind and generous comments. See you soon.
Mister Knitspot
Congratulations Bertha on receiving Anne’s Craftsy Sweater Essentials Class, enjoy.
194 thoughts on “I’m Back (With News of Sweaters)”
WOWEEE! Such lovely sweaters coming at us all at once… and a class. I guess we start knitting now so that we can have them all in the Fall. Thanks for your great post, Mr. Knitspot! I enjoy your humor especially!
Loved your post! Let us know about your sweater knitting adventures…….
So many beautiful sweaters, so little time… I once had the pleasure of attending one of Anne’s workshops (Sweater Fitness) and the knowledge I gained that day has proved invaluable; it really took my knitting and fitting skills to the next level. Great post, Mister Knitspot!
Such beautiful sweaters! I have been waiting for several of these to be released. I was also very excited to see that Anne has a new Craftsy class – it is on my need-to-have list!
Beautiful sweaters! I’ve been watching the sneak peaks on several of these. Love the gold one.
These are beautiful, especially Triticum. No doubt you will get many responses to your guest blogging, even if you did offer a super incentive.
GREAT post, David! Please guest blog more often. My daughter and I love Anne and her designs. We just usually lurk and don’t comment. But you are very much appreciated, too!!!
Good luck with sweater knitting. What beautiful sweaters! I love the blue one.
I haven’t yet been able to take a class with Anne, so a craftsy class would be the next best thing.
These sweaters are lovely. I’m seriously envying pedal pusher right now. To knit that in BNW – that would be lovely. I was able to participate in ine if the BNW clubs and seriously loved all of the yarn.
David, You know for sure that Anne really, really loves you. Offering to make yet another sweater for a man that put one in a hot water wash and the dryer–wow–you must rock.
Love these sweaters, beautiful. The major issue is where to start too many choices!
wow! I LOVE the Gearhead sweater
David, thanks so much for gathering these delightful sweaters into a single post. I think more than one will end up in my favorites. Don’t be a stranger to the blog!
I appreciate you, Mr. Knitspot. And I really appreciate Triticum. I can’t wait to buy the pattern. Meanwhile, I look forward to see what sweater you design. With Anne by your side to help, you’re a lucky guy.
David, we love it when you guest post! We’ve missed you and hope you will post more often. All of the sweaters are gorgeous! I am loving the Briar Rose Joyful (orange) and it’s not even my color!! I would say you are more than worthy of a sweater – if they’re worn out, then they’re loved.
The sweaters are beautiful and the post was great. The Craftsy class sounds timely for me, too. This summer I am determined to knit a sweater. I’ve been both wanting to and avoiding this for about the last year.
the hardest part about reading this blog is I always end up wanting to knit all the things I see and your post is no exception. wow! this new class sounds right up my alley too. I really do need to live to be at least 150 or knit faster.
I alway enjoy your guest posts Mr. Knitspot. Please allow me to apologize for not telling you sooner.
So I actually comment about as often as you guest blog, but if you do it, I suppose I can comment as well. I am thinking about taking the Crafty class anyway, although I never have before. I am an avid knitter, churning out lots of socks, hats, mittens, shawls etc. But I have only knitted 2 adult sweaters (lots of baby ones though) and neither were for me. I am so envious when I see all of Anne’s beautiful sweaters on the blog, and I am toying with becoming brave and making some for my own wardrobe. Thanks for all the inspiration Knitspot!
So many beautiful sweaters. Love the Cam Cable sweater, and also Gearhead and Tricitum. I just need to find more knitting time!
No need to enter me into the draw for the class as I have already purchased it!
Thank you for your blog and sorry you didn’t feel appreciated last time.
Wow, so many sweaters! I’ve been eagerly awaiting the pattern for the orange one. I love it!
More wonderful designs from Anne! I need to win the lottery so I have time to knit all of her fantastic creations. I love hearing your point of view as well, Mr. Knitspot.
Wow! Mr. Knitspot when you decide to guest blog you do an eye catching job! Each sweater is more beautiful than the last. Thanks.
Welcome back to the blog, Mr. Knitspot! Thanks for the update on the wonderful sweater designs that Anne has been working on. I’m hoping to knit myself The Misters’ one of these days.
Love your guest posts, David! These sweaters are beautiful – like everything Anne designs! Can’t wait to get my hands on the pattern for that Triticum cardigan!
Wow, that is a load of sweaters.
But I am mostly posting because I would love to hear more about your renovations.
David maybe you and I can knit our first sweaters together. I have knit everything except for sweaters. I would be over the moon to be the winner of Anne’s crafty class.
Just what I’ve been waiting for-would love to perfect my sweater knitting. Thanks to all at Knitspot for all of the wonderful creative ideas-my go to place for projects!
What does love have to do with it? Everything!!! Seeing the items we knit for the ones we love worn, stretched and mended, is the ultimate thank you for this knitter. So no worries if Anne wants to knit one of these beauties for you, this Ann says accept the gift of love and wear it to pieces!
So excited about all these new patterns! Don’t worry about your blog writing skills, this was a great post and the pictures rock as always. Now I want to go to MDSW (pout)
Love these sweaters. Cant wait until I can knit them up!
i don’t know how Anne does it. She must be the most prolific knitter I’ve ever come across. I took a class from her at the first a Sock Summit and was very impressed.
Thank you, David for giving us the opportunity to win one of Anne’s Craftsy classes. Even if I don’t win, I can’t wait to try the Pedal Pusher cardigan pattern. It’s gorgeous.
Sounds like a great class! keep on posting…we promise the comments will follow 🙂
New sweaters! New class! Such wonderful goodies to look forward to! I have my eye on the Gearhead sweater and Pedal Pusher…can’t wait for the patterns release!
Gorgeous sweaters!! Prolific is an understatement!
Really enjoyed you blog, Mr. Knitspot. I also appreciate Anne’s work and effort! Now to decide on which new sweater will be first.
I am happy to read your blog entry. I look forward to reading about your next remodel. I share all the gardening and home projects with my husband. The new sweater designs are superb, stylish and no doubt well written. We have come to realize the valuable lessons Anne teaches us in person, through blogging and now in our own homes via Craftsy classes.
Very much looking forward to the new pa
Whoops – please ignore the previous comment – I pressed the wrong button. Very much looking forward to the new patterns being released, and to hearing about the renovations.
I’ve been a long time lurker of this blog, though have not posted much. I’m so thrilled that Anne has reworked the aztec mazes pattern into a cardigan!
Like Viki, I would also love to hear about the renovations
Those are beautiful! i’m not sure which I should start with first!
Ann must be a fast knitter to get so many new sweaters done. My favorite one is the one Mr. Knitspot is wearing with the cables. Enjoyed reading your blog.
Love your post Mr. Knitspot! So many beautiful sweaters to drool over. You really must post more often!!
I have long been a favorite of your amazing writing voice. Gosh, I have missed it terribly. But it would have never occurred to me that a comment would be appreciated by you. I think this is perhaps because some early bloggers (years ago!) would sometimes comment that they couldn’t respond to all comments, etc. I just thought that it was perhaps creating more work? Or that my comment was not intriguing enough to be of interest? When you write, you make it seem quite easy. I imagine you are just speaking with me. Of course, Anne has this wonderful talent too. So my comment today is mainly that I loved this post. And that I would have loved it no matter the topic. BUT — news of Anne’s sweaters????!!!! Oh. My. They are each so different and beautiful and challenging. Move aside sprossling pattern. You now have competition!
As others have commented, this is a great post. And we really do appreciate your (and Anne’s) efforts in this regard. Fewer people are blogging, at least about knitting, anymore and I miss it. This blog is a wonderful mix of knitting, food, gardens, running, scenery, and of course, humor! Anne has really gone over the top with these sweaters. Triticum and Mayan Puzzle are going to the top of my queue. Have been enjoying your blanket progress too – will comment more, I’ve mostly been hitting the love or agree button.
lookiing forward to the Triticum pattern, and enjoy reading your guest blogs!
Just lovely 🙂
I’m commenting mostly to see the promised renovation blog. 😄
Hi David-
I do remember you blogging when Anne was in London once- and it was very endearing as you talked about missing her. I am so appreciating your burgeoning knitting talents! Sweater design is a true art and your Anne is a master – love the new patterns and cannot wait to have them in progress! Getting yarn ready as we speak. As others have said, all that is needed is more time in each day. As I get older, I realize time is the most precious commodity there is.
Welcome back David! Thank yo for taking the time to review Anne’s newest Crafsty class & the upcoming pattern realeases. I just enrolled in Anne’s Fihsing Handknits Craftsy class & I use her Blocking Knits DVD very regularly – both are great resources.
Bets wishes with your future knitting aspirations – I will look forward to future blog and/or forum posts about your sweater design process.
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