At my store, I am constantly teaching, picking colors, suggesting patterns and helping all the crafters that come through my door. Well, now that we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, my store is closed and I cannot help people on a daily basis face-to-face. BUT, I can provide some instructive videos that people may benefit from.
I asked my followers on IG and FB to tell me what they would like to see and overwhelmingly they chose steeking. I have posted a video before of me steeking my Dissent sweater, but most folks want to start out a little smaller. SOOOOO, how about a coffee cozy? It’s about 75 yards of yarn, so the fear that most people have by ruining a sweater’s quantity worth of yarn or countless hours is minimized. The entire project start to finish takes about 2-3 hours.
The pattern that I choose is excellently written and it is free! Quite generous from the designer because it is very detailed with quality graphics and clear instruction. We taught this as a class last year and it was fun and everyone did excellent as you can see from the 6 cozies in the picture. A few didn’t finish in time for the photo, but they did eventually 🙂
Here are the details:
- Pattern – “Steek this coffee cozy” by Rachel Henry – free on Ravelry
- Yarn – Plymouth Homestead – aran weight non-superwash. We have kits made up for you HERE.
- You’ll want to chose a non-superwash wool or other natural fiber yarn. While it is possible to steek superwash and synthetic fibers, it requires extra steps that I do not include in this series and I don’t recommend for a first project.
- DPNs, magic loop or 12″ circulars – size #5 (I used 7s because I knit really tight)
- Size F crochet hook ( or E or G)
- Darning needle
- 3 – 1/2 inch buttons
Video 1 – Colorwork Demo and Identifying the steek
Video 2 – Crochet Reinforcement
Video 3 and 4 will follow next week. 🙂
This is the first time I have done this type of demo, I hope it is clear, both on camera and in technique. If you have any feedback that would make it better in the future, please fell free to tell me! If you have any question, feel free to reach out.
The Yarn Shop at Alma Park 