Generally when I name a knitting pattern, I try not to base it on the yarn color. That principle held true when I was settling on a name for my Birch Grove Socks. Instead of color, I used the leaf-like cabled panels at the front and back of the socks and the slender trunk-like ribs up the sides as my naming inspiration. However, as I was freshening up the pattern layout and graphics for this month's feature, I was struck by the colorway (Spritzer Limette) of the Schoppel Boots yarn I used to knit the sample. Last summer, as we drove through the Finnish Lakeland, I remarked to my travel companions that the birch trees almost seemed to have a soft, pinkish hue. Now I can't help but be reminded of Finland when I see the watery blue, leafy green, and birch bark-y pink and white of my sample socks. ## Featured Pattern of the Month #### Birch Grove Socks ****Bundle and Save!**** We've combined the Birch Grove Socks Pattern with our ad-free video series to help you knit with confidence and keep a little extra jingle in your pocket. Get the Pattern + Video Series Bundle

Small, abstract representation of walking along the beach at waters edge. Handwoven with upcycled home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

Noticing gentle curves and symmetry while walking along the beach at waters edge. Handwoven with upcycled home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

Walking along the beach at waters edge. Handwoven with upcycled home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

As the seasons shift and fall fades into winter, I naturally find myself slowing down to reflect on the past year and make plans for the next. For whatever reason, this year feels a little different in the studio and I find myself longing for an extra bit of cozy. Whether you feel the same and need a little extra comfort for yourself or are looking for a quick project to share comfort and love with another, I think you'll enjoy knitting up a pair of Best Worsted Socks. The pattern includes instructions for both top-down and toe-up knitting. * * * ## Featured Pattern of the Month #### Best Worsted Socks ****Bundle and Save!**** We've combined the Best Worsted Socks Pattern with our ad-free video series to help you knit with confidence and keep a little extra jingle in your pocket. Get the Pattern + Video Bundle

Weaving connections and the art of making something from nothing.

Eagerly anticipating the transition between worldly life and the sanctity of home. Handwoven with salvaged home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

Four abstract views of Saturday — morning coffee on the back porch, paddling in the river, a hike in the woods, returning to the back porch for star gazing. Contemporary raanu handwoven with salvaged home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

A winding path disappears into the forest along the Steep Creek Trail. Handwoven with salvaged home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

The leaves are falling and it's officially hygge season! Cooler temperatures mean it's time to wrap yourself up in coziness and the 4th Ridge Pocket Scarf has you covered. Tuck your hands (or a small wallet or phone) into the scarf's concealed side pockets when you head out on your next adventure. This pattern has both charted and written instructions for the easily memorizable cables that cross at the 4th purl ridge of the garter stitch columns. ## Featured Pattern of the Month ****Bundle and Save!**** We've combined the 4th Ridge Pocket Scarf Pattern with our ad-free video series to help you knit with confidence and keep a little extra jingle in your pocket. Get the Pattern + Video Bundle * * * ## Decreases + Increases Video and Photo Tutorial Course #### Decreases + Increases It's time to shape up your knitting with over an hour of video instruction demonstrating a variety of left and right slanting decreases. Also included is our Knit Inc Sampler Squares photo tutorial series with block patterns so you can compare the look of 16 different increases side by side. Get lifetime access to 20+ lessons

The leaves are falling as the days get shorter. This is my favorite season at the loom, especially when the afternoon light streams across the studio and I can finally store my noisy but necessary portable A/C. My studio is typically my private refuge, but today I'd like to share a behind-the-scenes peek at what I've been working on and what's inspiring me as I embrace the abundance of autumn. August 09, 2025 __Welcoming my knitting friends to our monthly gathering with a freshly baked loaf of pulla, a traditional Finnish sweet bread, a small bouquet of hand-picked flowers from my yard, and the last of my Marimekko napkins.__ August 17, 2025 __The afternoon light in my studio makes weaving even more enjoyable as I practice a traditional 3-shuttle pattern known as "Over the Waves" on a small floor rug.__ August 19, 2025 __Using fringed edges to finish my handwoven artwork isn't conveying the skillfully-crafted, modern aesthetic that I am trying to convey, so I am experimenting with an off-loom, handwoven edge.__ August 25, 2025 __Taking a close look at a tapestry as I consider how to improve my artwork. Could cutting the fabric strips I use for weft on the bias make the woven surface less shaggy?__ September 02, 2025 __After washing a big batch of well-worn bedsheets, I refold and reorganize my stash to fit my little storage space, a hand-built dollhouse that has been passed down through the generations.__ September 11, 2025 __I recently decided to change the sett (spacing of the warp threads) on my loom. I tried to spare the existing warp, but it appears to be causing tension issues so one side of my weaving is longer than the other. Sadly this means I need to remove the existing warp and redress the loom. I will salvage as much of the warp as possible for use in smaller projects.__ September 22, 2025 __Working on a little detail, my maker's mark. Of course the "E" is for Ellen, but I have also embedded a nod to the Nordic cross that is prominent on the Finnish flag.__ September 27, 2025 __Getting out into nature for what will likely be our last paddle of the season. I'm hoping to capture enough inspiration photos to keep my loom busy through the winter.__ October 03, 2025 __I've been nursing a foot (or maybe neck) injury the last couple weeks so it feels good to be standing at the loom again.__ October 09, 2025 __Taking time to notice the sparkling dew drops on some tiny flowers that others may consider weeds. Beauty is everywhere if you choose to see it.__ October 19, 2025 __Prepping the first batch of fabric strips for a beach inspired work that will also be a chance for me to practice a tapestry color-blending technique known as hatching.__ October 23, 2025 __Getting ready to cut "Sand and Sea" off Grandpa's Loom so I can begin the finishing process and prepare the piece for display in your home.__

Cruising along and making waves on a clear, summer day. Handwoven with salvaged home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

Ripples and reflections waver across the surface of the water. Handwoven with salvaged home textile fabrics on undyed cotton rug warp.

When I was planning the design for my Cubicle Socks Trio pattern, I envisioned a project where you could experiment with color interaction. Rather than knitting a pair of identical, 3-color socks, the pattern allows you to try three different arrangements to explore how placement impacts your perception of the colors. I turned to my friend Heather from Ewe Ewe Yarns for potential color suggestions. With a background in graphic design, Heather has a deep understanding of the principles of color theory and it shows in her curated palette of yarn colors. They all just work together. Heather recommended the Iris Blossom, Brushed Silver and Saffron combination that I used to knit the pattern. After stitching up my samples, I could easily see the difference in color interaction for each arrangement, but I never had the words to explain it. Then I saw Heather's short video about color interaction. For more about color theory, check out the Ewe Ewe Yarns YouTube Channel. * * * Which colors will you choose? If you're having trouble deciding on a color combo, Ewe Ewe Yarns created six Cubicle Socks Trio Yarn Kits to make choosing the perfect color combination a snap!

Even though it doesn't quite feel like fall, I'm anticipating the vibrant change in colors. Perhaps that's what got me thinking of my Cubicle Socks Trio pattern. This design is a great opportunity for you to experiment with choosing contrasting yarn colors and seeing how they interact when knit in different arrangements. ## $5 Pattern of the Month Pay what you want (minimum $5.00) through October, 2025. This pattern is a playful experiment in color theory. The trio of coordinating "mismatched" socks is created by rearranging the order of three contrasting colors when you knit each sock. Get your $5 pattern If you're having trouble deciding on a color combo, Ewe Ewe Yarns created six Cubicle Socks Trio Yarn Kits especially for this pattern to make choosing the perfect color combination a snap! * * * ## Bind Off Video Course #### Bind Off Get ready to finish your next knitting project with over 2 hours of video instruction demonstrating over 20 bind off techniques. Get lifetime access to 20+ lessons

When I inherited my Grandpa's loom, I knew he built it to perform a singular task. The big loom is simple, sturdy, and it does one thing very well, weave rag rugs. Unlike the other looms in my studio, Grandpa's loom has some notable limitations. There's no way to add or remove heddles (the devices that hold each thread as the shafts lift and lower) and the reed that spaces the threads at 12 ends per inch can not be changed. That means I will never be able to use more than 400 warp threads when I weave and increasing the thread spacing could be difficult. I studied Grandpa's final warp, the remaining yarn and fabric strips on his shuttles and three of his rugs for clues about his materials how he wove. Since I was already familiar with the basic principles of floor loom weaving, I dressed the loom and began making practical, usable rag rugs like those Grandpa (and many Finnish people before him) wove. In addition to the loom, I also inherited the Finnish rule-following gene, but there are times when I like to test the limits, especially artistically. I deviated from plain floor rug weaving and began experimenting with different techniques. First, clasped weft weaving. Then, tapestry weaving with rag strips rather than wool yarn, a technique I like to call "scrap-estry". R-L: An experiment with clasped weft, the transition from clasped weft to scrap-estry, a scenic scrap-estry. Like Grandpa, I use upcycled materials to create rag rugs except some of my designs go beyond traditional stripes and have a less utilitarian purpose. However, as I mention in my article about Learning and Letting Go, I have not been completely satisfied with every project. I've learned that despite being unable to change the physical parts of the loom, by creatively adjusting the warp thread spacing, altering how I cut my fabric strips and incorporating unconventional rag rug weaving techniques I can use Grandpa's loom to weave rag rugs in a way he likely never imagined possible. Even though we have very different styles, I'd like to think he would approve of how I use his loom to create something pleasant and new from worn and tattered textiles. L-R: Grandpa's wool rag rug, a scrap-estry experiment, Steep Creek Trail scrap-estry. * * * THere's More to see We've added new, nature-inspired textile art to our handwoven shop. Browse the gallery

Even experienced knitters can have projects go horribly wrong and end up frogging (rip-it, rip-it, rip-it out) a substantial amount of yarn. I'm not talking about a scarf or a sock. I'm talking about frogging an entire sweater. Yep, I frogged an entire sweater. #### When I was designing my Slipstream Cardigan, the shoulder did not turn out anything like I envisioned. It was horrible and here's the proof. I knew I had to start over, but I couldn't just throw away eight beautiful skeins of yarn. That would be an epic waste. Instead, after a few tears were shed, I ripped out the entire thing. I hope you never have to do this because it's heartbreaking, but if you do, here's how I rescued my frogged yarn. This method could also work well if you are recycling yarn from a 2nd hand sweater for a knit or crochet project. #### Start with the item you are frogging. In my case, here's the body of my sweater. #### Find the end of the yarn and carefully un-knot it. Then start winding your yarn onto a niddy noddy. (If you don't already have one, it's easy and inexpensive to make a niddy noddy out of PVC. #### When you reach the end of your yarn, secure both ends with pieces of string or scrap yarn. #### When you pull the yarn off the niddy noddy you will see it is very kinky. Knitting or crocheting with yarn like this will produce an unexpected results, so you need to make the yarn straight and smooth again. #### Simply soak the yarn in some tepid water. There's no need to agitate it, especially if it is wool and could felt. Just let the yarn absorb the water. Then, dump out or drain the water and gently press the yarn with your hands to get rid of some of the excess water. #### Lay the yarn on a thick towel and press out more of the moisture with your hands. #### Then, lay your yarn flat on a drying rack and let it dry completely. #### After the yarn has dried, you can see that it has regained it's original shape and is almost ready for knitting or crocheting. #### Rewind your yarn back into a ball or cake and you can start stitching a project that you can be proud of.

Knitters often ask me, "What's the best pattern for learning how to knit socks?". Originally, I didn't have a good answer. However, when I started teaching sock knitting, an opportunity presented itself to design a sock pattern that would be appropriate for both new sock knitters and knitters who want to add to their sock heel shaping repertoire. Whether you're ready to start your top-down sock knitting journey or want to experiment with different heel constructions, this pattern is for you. ## $5 Pattern of the Month Pay what you want (minimum $5.00) through September, 2025. Knit a simply-patterned, gender-neutral, pair of top down socks with three different heel shaping options. The flap and gusset heel is a good fit for adults with an average instep. The gusset heel is a good fit for adults with a higher instep. The short row heel is a good fit for adults with a lower instep. Get the pattern! * * * ## Cast On Video Course #### Cast On Get ready for your next knitting project with over 4 hours of video instruction demonstrating dozens of cast on techniques. Get lifetime access to 30+ lessons! * * *

If there's one thing I could tell every new knitter, weaver and crafter, it would be that some projects end up being done for the sake of learning and will never become a beautiful or even usable finished project. > Whether you are a new or experienced craftsperson, some projects never need to be completed and can simply be learning experiences. Three of the "scrap-estry" rag rugs I've pulled off the loom this year are exactly that, learning experiences. Before I reclaimed as much material as possible for re-use, I took a few remembrance photos to document what each project taught me. ## Project #1 - The Thistle Rug Some version of this piece has been on and off my loom a handful of times and I'm just not satisfied. ### Lessons Learned * The sett, or spacing, of the warp threads is too close. Not only does this make the rug feel rather limp, it also mutes the colors. * Using a washable marker do draw on the warp makes it easier to weave shapes like circles. * I'm getting better at clasping the weft at the color changes, but there are still gaps in a couple places and the clasps look a little rough. * Stitching over the top of a finished piece can create interesting dimensionality. * Pairing a woven edge with twisted fringe is not an efficient use of time or materials. * Using rug warp to weave the top hem will not yield a sturdy hanging pocket. ## Project #2 - The Forest Trail Rug I love the overall concept of this piece, but something is not quite right. ### Lessons Learned * Spacing out the sett from 12 ends per inch to 6 double ends per inch improves the rigidity of the fabric and makes the colors stand out better. * Using thin fabric strips for the top hem improves the hanging pocket strength of the hanging pocket, but also adds unflattering bulk. * Weaving from the top of the image to the bottom straightens up the hem so the piece will hang level. * The clasped wefts on the side of the working side of the weaving look bumpy and uneven. As you're tapestry weaving you should be looking at the wrong side of the project, not the right side. * Using 1-2 rows of twining holds the weft in place when the rug is removed from the loom and pairs nicely with a twisted fringe. ## Project #3 - The Glacier Bay Rug Too abstract to be realistic, yet too realistic to be abstract. ### Lessons Learned * Setting the warp at 6 ends per inch and using thinner, 3/8-inch fabric strips creates a very dense, weft-faced fabric so the colors are highly visible. * Moving all colors in the same direction in each shed and clasping every other shed makes more sense in complex designs than the meet and separate method. * With the denser fabric, there's no need for a pocket on the bottom for a weighted rod. * When cutting the thinner strips of fabric on either the lengthwise or crosswise grain makes the fabric edges become very shaggy while weaving. So, lessons have been learned and materials reclaimed as I head back to the loom with new insights and ideas about how to do what I do.

## A Note from Ellen Even though it's still a scorcher outside (at least where we are), seeing the kids head back to school makes me long for autumn. With mindfulness of the prevailing heat and humidity and anticipation of the changing fall colors I've put together a trio of knit + learn bundles so you can grab your knitting needles, make a little something and learn a new skill or two as you savor this in-between season. * * * ## 3 Knit + Learn Bundles Each bundle includes the knitting pattern PDF and lifetime access to the related video support series (without any distracting ads). #### Entwinement Socks Bundle For knitters interested in the Scandinavian colorwork technique known as twining. Get the bundle #### Founders Day Socks Bundle For knitters who want to use up bits from their yarn stash. Get the bundle #### Crab Walk Socks Bundle For knitters who dislike weaving in yarn tails and are interested unusual, decorative stitches. Get the bundle

Our home may not have quite as many handwoven rugs as the average Finnish home, but it's getting close. There are rag rugs by the front and back doors, in the bathroom, in my studio and in the hallway. Because the rugs are reversible and don't have any sort of grippy backing, when I place a rag rug on a hard surface, I like to put some sort of grippy pad beneath it to help keep the rug in position. When I first started rug weaving the only sort of low profile rug gripper I could find was the square mesh kind that's available at many big box and home improvement stores. They work ok, but whenever someone came in the front door and wiped their feet the rug and gripper would wad up. Not the aesthetic I'm going for. I've been on the lookout for an alternative and think I finally found a product that works well, is made in the US and doesn't contain any toxic chemicals. It's the Super Green Natural Rubber Rug Pad from Georgia Rug Pads. (Just FYI, I'm not getting paid to review this product and I do not use affiliate links.) Here's how the mesh compares to the Super Green. Both styles have a smoother rug-facing side (top) and a bumpy, grippier, floor-facing side (bottom)Both styles are low profile, with the mesh being almost no-profile and the green rubber having a slight bit of squish. We've been using the Green Natural Rubber Rug Pads for a few months now and I've been pleased with how they help keep my handwoven rugs in place and how they feel on my bare feet. There hasn't been any sort of bunching up when someone comes in the front door and wipes their feet. In the bathroom, the pad adds a little extra cushioning under the already resilient rag rug as I stand at the sink to brush my teeth. I would like to mention that the rug pads are not 100% "no slip". Our human testers didn't have any issues. However our feline testers made it clear that even the best of handwoven rug and rug pad is no match for a kitten with the zoomies. * * * ## Handwoven for your home Smooth sailing Our Smooth Sailing series of rugs was handwoven with bold stripes of color in a traditional pattern, known as Hollywood, which utilizes wide, point twill bands along each side of the rug and narrow, zig-zags across the center. Choose a rug for your home

The school bell is about to ring in a new year of learning and the kids shouldn't be the only ones having fun. If you've ever wanted to learn how to knit top-down socks or an afterthought heel, here's your primer. Originally designed as a 4-week KAL pattern, there are four YouTube videos available to guide you through each section of the sock in our Line Drawing Socks KAL playlist. ## $5 Pattern of the Month Pay what you want (minimum $5.00) through August, 2025. Graded wit 5 sizing options to fit most adults, these socks are knit from the top down, have an afterthought heel and use four point, or four corner, shaping for both the toe and the heel. Use self-patterning yarn to make your socks identical or fraternal twins. Get the pattern!

Have you ever started a knitting project and then somewhere along the way realized that it was never going to develop into the breathtaking finished object you imagined? Maybe the stitch pattern and yarn just didn't bring out the best in each other. Maybe the size you had chosen was no longer going to be a good fit. Or maybe you realized the style was simply outdated. > **What happens next?** Does your project linger for decades as an unfinished object or do you frog it and use the most loved components in an inventive new way. ### When in doubt, rip it out! If you've ever sat around the knitting table with me, you know that my mantra is, "when in doubt, rip it out!" I'll say it when a fellow knitter shares their disappointment in a project on their needles and I've applied it to dozens (maybe hundreds) of times to my own fiber arts projects. There's a sort of relief that comes from unraveling an unsatisfying project, especially when you've already envisioned a new purpose for your beautiful yarn. You have an opportunity to enjoy your favorite project elements again while creating something fresh that will delight its recipient. * * * ### Applying the philosophy to other aspects of life Why is it that I have no problem exercising my "when in doubt, rip it out" philosophy to reinvent a knitting project, but I feel like an absolute failure if I consider applying it to any other situation in life or business? > Using what you've learned from an experience to restructure a situation is not failure, it's an ingenious use of your time and resources. That being said, over the next 12 months I'll be "frogging" The Chilly Dog's membership site. I'm re-imagining the website as a journal with articles that represent both the knitting and weaving sides of my studio. In addition to being published on the site, these articles will also be sent to newsletter subscribers based on their email preferences. Additionally, all of the site's current knitting content will be broken down into smaller courses and relocated to my pattern shop. * * * ### What does the change means for current Patrons (paid members)? All paid memberships will permanently expire on August 1, 2026. Until then, all Patrons will still be able to: * Unlock over 300 ad-free knitting lessons in our library * Receive a complimentary pattern every 5-6 weeks * Participate in our monthly knitting round table meet-up via Zoom for encouragement, insights and guest speakers from within the fiber arts industry * Ask questions and get priority support by leaving a note in the comments on any post. Your annual membership is currently set to auto-renew at a pro-rated price for the final period. However, you can _sign-in to your account_ to cancel your membership before it auto renews. (If you cancel, you'll still have access to all of your privileges until the end of your current membership period.)

Finishing up the hood and adding closures