Introducing the Knitting and Crochet Companion APP

Click on the picture below to open the app. Type any knitting or crochet question you have, then read the step‑by‑step instructions. 

Over the past few days, I’ve been building an APP, I’m calling it the Knitting and Crochet Companion. It grew from watching both new and returning knitters and crocheters hesitate, second‑guess themselves, or get lost in explanations that make things far more complicated than they need to be.
This little tool offers the kind of guidance I give in person: simple steps, plain language, and reassurance when things don’t look quite right. It answers the basic questions, explains the “why” behind techniques, and helps knitters and crocheters fix small mistakes without feeling discouraged. My hope is that it gives beginners a sense of calm and confidence as they learn, one stitch at a time.

Happy New Year to all my readers.

In addition to finishing the Pure Silk scarf yesterday, I also completed another project that had been waiting around for quite some time. This second scarf is made of 100% Merino wool and worked throughout in a cable pattern. The “key‑hole” section is knitted in a seed stitch pattern, which gives it a nice structure and contrast. The yarn I purchased at Temu. 

I finished the year by knitting this little “KeyHole” scarf, wrapping up 2025 with a project that always makes me smile. I first discovered it years ago when it appeared in Knit Simple Magazine, in Fall 2009. It’s one of those wonderfully simple patterns you can work on while watching TV without worrying about losing stitches or keeping track of counts. I again saw the design shared by a Ravelry knitter, and deceited to knit it once more.
The yarn I used, "Pure Silk" was a gift from a dear friend many years ago, and I’m glad I saved it this pattern suits it perfectly. And for a change, this little scarf will be mine to wear. 

Ella's Girlie Jacket

In 2014, I made a little jacket for Ella, a friend's daughter. The shell of the jacket is made of yarn that consists of 70% merino wool and 30% silk sourced from Ella Rae. 

Although the fiber is a bit slippery, it knits up nicely. I used six 50-gram hanks to complete the jacket, each measuring 90 meters, using size 6 needles with a tension gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows per 10 cm (4 inches). The pattern turned out lovely, but I sometimes had to knit backward to rectify issues. After I finished the jacket, I left it on the sofa. Unfortunately, my cat took the yarn ball and played with it all night. In the process, she created a hole in the center of the shell. This was the first time I found myself in such a predicament, but I was able to resolve the problem and add some detail. The jacket looks even better than the original featured in the magazine. The daisy buttons give the jacket a unique look.

My Dream...

 

Bow -Tie Keyhole Scarf

The bow-tie keyhole scarf is one of those clever little knits that looks neat, stays put, and doesn’t add bulk under a coat. Worked mostly in garter stitch with a simple opening halfway along, it lets one end slip through the other so the scarf sits snug without tying. A single skein of worsted yarn is enough, it knits up quickly, and the pattern is free on Ravelry on Ravelry, and The Make Your Own Zone. The perfect for gift and a practical piece for everyday wear. 

Top‑Down Child’s Jacket with Front Buttons & Ribbing

I love patterns that are seamless, practical, and adaptable. This little jacket is worked top‑down, which means no fiddly seams and plenty of room to adjust the length or style as you go. The front buttons and ribbing give it a neat, structured finish, while the raglan shaping makes it comfortable for children to wear and easy for knitters to master. Whether you’re making a cozy everyday jacket or experimenting with longer coat‑style versions, this pattern is a reliable favorite that blends clarity with creativity.

Materials

• DK yarn (approx. 150–200g depending on size)
• 4.5 mm circular or straight needles
• 4–6 buttons (depending on size and preference)
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Cast On & Yoke

• Cast on stitches for neckline (pattern suggests 54 for baby size; adjust for larger sizes).
• Work in garter stitch for 6 rows to form the neckline bibbing.
• Place markers to divide for raglan increases (fronts, sleeves, back).
• Increase every other row until the yoke depth is reached.

2. Separate Sleeves

• Place sleeve stitches on holders.
• Continue knitting body in garter or stockinette (your choice).
• Work button band (bibbing) along front edges as you go:
  • Knit 3 stitches at each edge in garter for a neat bibbing/button band.
  • Make buttonholes evenly spaced on the right front edge.

3. Knit Body

• Continue straight until the desired length is reached.
• Optional: Add pockets or textured panels.
• Bind off loosely in pattern.

4. Sleeves

• Return sleeve stitches to needles.
• Knit in the round (or flat and seam).
• Decrease slightly for taper if desired.
• Bind off.

5. Finishing

• Sew on buttons.
• Weave in ends.
• Lightly block for shape.

• Ribbing/Button Band: The garter stitch edge acts as a sturdy ribbing, preventing curl and giving structure.
• Adaptability: You can lengthen the body for a coat‑style jacket or shorten, for a bolero.
• Project Spirit: This pattern is perfect for experimenting and sharing as part of your knitting journey.

References & Further Reading

• Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days – Perfect Baby Boy or Girl Top Down DK Jacket
• ABC Knitting Patterns – Children’s Toggle Topcoat
• In the Loop Knitting – Coats & Jackets for Little Ones Collection

Neck Scarf

I was looking for some inspiration the other day and started an online search about a neck scarf. I came across a neck scarf that caught my eye, simple, elegant, and just begging to be re-imagined. After studying the photo closely, I wrote the stitch pattern down and decided to recreate it… my way.
It’s not an exact copy; I made the bands on both ends a 1x1, whereas the original had a seed stitch band. I also added a fourth row of cables to make it a little wider.
I used to tell my knitting friends that knitting isn’t just about following patterns, it’s about playing, learning, and letting your creativity lead the way. 

Please see the pattern below. 

Cowl Knitting Pattern (with Ribbing and Cable Detail)

Ribbing: Work k1, p1 ribbing for 10 rows.
R1: k1, p1
R2: p1, k1

Main Pattern: Always begin and end each row with k1 (edge stitch).
The stitch count assumes a multiple of 10 + 2 edge stitches.
Row Breakdown:Row 1 (RS): k1, k1, p1, k6, p1 (repeat 3 times), k1
Row 2 (WS): k1, p1, k1, p6, k1 (repeat 3 times), k1
Rows 3 & 5: same as Row 1
Rows 4 & 6: same as Row 2
Row 7 (RS – Cable Row): k1, k1, p1, 6CB, p1 (repeat 3 times), k1
6CB = slip 3 stitches to the cable needle and hold in back, k3, then k3 from the cable needle
Row 8 (WS): same as Row 2
Repeat Rows 1–8 until the cowl reaches your desired length.

Ribbing: Closing your work with a k1, p1 ribbing for 10 rows.
R1: k1, p1
R2: p1, k1

Finishing Instructions
Lay the cowl flat and overlap the ends, and sew them together neatly. Add buttons of your choice for a decorative touch.

Reversible Pastel Colored Beanie

I just finished knitting a reversible pastel-colored beanie, and it turned out really cute.  Soft pinks, gentle blues, a hint of lavender… like a spring morning wrapped around your head. I didn’t follow a fancy pattern, just let the yarn guide me. It’s simple, easy, and knitted in the round. I used a soft baby yarn blend that’s easy to wash, because life happens. 

And One for the Season...

 Just in time for Thanksgiving. 

At first, I had an idea, then I found the right yarn and colors in my stash, and I opened the box of a new little hand-knitting machine I had purchased at Michaels with a 60% discount. I couldn't go wrong by using the discount and buying the machine. Instructions are straightforward. I knitted this little beanie. After I took it off the machine, I pulled the top of the beanie together and used the Norwegian bind-off with needles twice the usual size to create a soft and stretchy edge. The little green leaf and stem are just basic crochet stitches.