Mindset ·
The Key to Freedom for a Fearless Knitter
Knitting from principles instead of written patterns gives you real choices, so you can change the yarn, fit or shape without getting stuck.
Mindset
Knitting through the fear.
May 2026
October 2024
Mindset ·
I SHOULD be able to knit this!
Why the word should can make knitting harder, and three better ways to talk to yourself when a project like a second sock feels tough.
June 2024
Mindset ·
When Should You Restart a Knitting Project?
Three good reasons to restart a knitting project are a yarn you can't stand, a pattern you dislike, or a big mistake, though you can often fix it instead.
February 2024
Mindset ·
More hand care tips from our knitting community
More hand care for knitters, from Udderly Smooth and Bag Balm to liquid bandage, as recommended by members of our knitting community.
Mindset ·
What makes you a Fearless Knitter?
Becoming a fearless knitter means practicing until mistakes stop scaring you, and a simple swatch exercise with the needles removed is a good start.
January 2024
Mindset ·
There's no right way to knit
It is fine to change a knitting pattern, from the cast on to the sleeve length, and I share why the only test is whether you like the result.
Mindset ·
Should you have a knitting goal in 2024?
Five steps for setting a knitting goal you will finish, seen through Adrienne Martini's year-long quest to knit the Mary Tudor jacket.
August 2023
Mindset ·
5 Ways to Contribute to the Knitting Community
Five ways to give back to the knitting community, from sharing what you know and teaching someone to knit to donating projects and supporting designers.
Mindset ·
Fostering Your Creative Spirit
Creative knitting is more than designing patterns, from holding mohair with your yarn to swapping a bind off, plus how we foster it here.
Mindset ·
Crafting A Curious Mind
How I try to foster curiosity in knitters through this newsletter, from a childhood question book series to the knitting topics we cover.
July 2023
Mindset ·
Why The Yarnist Exists
A fearless knitter is defined by approach, not skill, and I explain the three traits of curiosity, creativity and contribution behind The Yarnist.
Mindset ·
Why every knitter should learn to crochet
Knitters who learn to crochet get easier borders, stronger seams, a neat crochet cast on, granny squares and a simpler way to fix a dropped stitch.
June 2023
Mindset ·
Why more men should learn to knit
I give three reasons more men should learn to knit, from the need to build to managing stress, and why it is a skill worth admiring.
April 2023
Mindset ·
What is a Yarnist?
A Yarnist is anyone who loves to play with yarn, and this manifesto, drawn from talking with thousands of knitters, says what we believe about knitting.
Mindset ·
These 7 yarns will spice up your springtime
Seven warm-weather yarns for spring knitting, mostly cotton, from upcycled denim to printed fabric strips, each with a note on why it is interesting.
Mindset ·
Avoid these 5 mistakes for sock knitting success
Five common sock knitting mistakes and how to avoid them, from the wrong yarn, a loose gauge and the wrong size to second sock syndrome.