110 Responses

  1. Help! I am making the Sprindrift Shawl but using DK weight and 2 colors. The body is a variegated yarn and the lace(ish) trim will be in a solid color. I intend to use the variegated yard until it runs out and then the balance in the solid color. I can’t find anywhere in the pattern that gives the formula for the transition from the body of the shawl to the lacey edging. Will any odd number do? Eg. multiples of 3 plus 2, etc.) I am close to the transition.

  2. Hi CHL I ordered in the end of the Knitvent Flash sale today to get 40% off individual patterns and somehow missed where to add the BESTKNITTERS code, so now I have been charged full price, anyway to resolve this? Thanks for your help.

  3. Hello, I signed up for the Spindrift Workshop but have not received the pattern. Thanks and I am looking forward to making this shawl, I already have my yarn picked out.

  4. I am going to knit the Land of Sweets Cowl. How do I make the diameter smaller. Do you know a formula for this? Example: Multiple of so many stitches. Thank you. Carolyn

  5. Hi I recently purchased your sock patterns. And and as I’m quite new to knitting Im struggling a bit with the sizes, small, medium and large.
    I have got the 2.25mm needles and I started to knit the small thinking it would be okay for a size 6 feet but it ended up being tiny. I’m wondering if it’s my wool as I have linen wool 4ply. If you could offer any advice I would be grateful or if I haven’t explained myself clearly I’m happy to explain. Thank you

  6. I participated in the shawl society and would like to make the Villa Wrap but only in the size of a scarf. Could you tell me how many to cast on to do that pattern in a scarf? BTW the shawl came out beautiful! Thank you! Geri Heppe

  7. I am knitting the Talisman shawl from The Shawl Society Season I. I so appreciate the “graph” style of the pattern. I rewrite most of the patterns I create in Excel. The graph style is so much easier to read. Stitch numbers listed on each line are so helpful. Thank you for confirming that I wasn’t going to too much trouble rewriting patterns. Beautiful book, beautiful patterns. Thank you.!
    Cherie

  8. I purchased your Sea side book #2 for the Shell Cottage Sock pattern on Ravelry. How do I get the other pattern that is showing up.

  9. I purchased the mount Juliet shawl thru your link to Ravelry. The pattern never showed in my ravelry account. How do I get it to appear?

  10. Hi, I do love your patterns! I want to do Hundred Acre Wood with a gradient yarn. The yarn I wanted to use has 560 yards and is produced by the fiber studio at yarns to dye for. Your three versions use 435 or 875 yards. Any suggestions of how to knit your pattern using my yarn???

  11. I signed up for the workshop and have not been able to figure out how to access my free digital pattern “Spindrift”. What do I need to do to get it?
    Thank you.

  12. Me again. The pattern is fine. I miscounted at the very beginning of the row. I was knitting in a fog; a very close friend passed away yesterday and I wasn’t thinking straight, thought knitting would make me feel better.

  13. I am knitting the Surprise Party Shawl purchased through Ravelry. I am at rows # 107 and 108. Is there an error her in the published pattern? According to the photo, this section should be a 5 x 1 ribbing section. If I follow the pattern I will not get a rib, but an offset rib pattern (broken rib?)
    I don’t want to go any further on 263 stitches until this is clarified.
    With thanks for your help,
    Pat

  14. I signed up for the Spindrift free pattern – received an email with a link to sign up for the Spindrift free pattern – looks like a loop issue of some kind. Please send the pattern.

  15. Helen… the Tulle Shawl… am presently knitting. Row 73, the first right side row of the lace pattern, it says to work to the last four stitches….. well, there were five stitches. I counted and recounted and went over all my stitches more than once.
    There is something wrong in this area. I made sure I had the correct number of stitches in the next row.
    Is it just me, or is there a problem here,
    Thanks,
    Caraleen. caraleenbaker@rogers.com

  16. I am working on The Impressionist Shawl and am having a problem with row 138. It says do a WS row but it does not come out correct if I use the last WS row. I am at a loss. Could someone help me please?

  17. Hi Helen
    I am making the Fragment socks and am having a hard time with the pattern instructions, specifically the rounds being: Needle 1, Needle 2 and Needle 1. Then the next round starts with Needle 1 again . This has me very confused. How do you start and end on the same needle?

  18. Helen,
    Do you ever participate in Vogue Knitting Live in New York? I would love to meet you, take a class, share a drink . . . whatever !
    Monica

  19. Hi Helen, I’m in the Handmade Sock Society and I’ve lost the e-mail with the link to the Astrantia socks. I have the first two sock patterns and I remember this coming through my e-mail, but I must have deleted it. Can you resend. Thanks so much. Mary Ellen

  20. A few days ago I purchased the Impressionists Shawl pattern. I did not realize that it was not the complete pattern, but only part of the clues of the KAL.
    Is there a way I can get a copy of the complete pattern?

  21. Hi Helen
    I just found you and my first pattern Cloud Wrap, I am ecstatic about how you wrote this pattern. I cannot THANK YOU enough I searched for a very long time for a shawl pattern that I can understand, and trust me there’s tons out there that can confuse and frustrate. You wrote this in a way that I can relax and actually enjoy knitting again. It must be time consuming to write this way but for all the knitters and beginners with and without disabilities we thank you so very much. Can’t wait for my yarn to be delivered, for now I practice.

  22. Hi :
    I just signed for the e-mail workshop, the spindrift shawl. I would like to know on which row the lace part begins, so I can a beaded yarn?
    Thanks

  23. Hello Helen! I would love to come to your retreat before EYF if you’re doing it again next year. It looked so fun! Can you tell me if you’re planning to repeat that and if so, what month you might open up sign ups? I have subscribed to your newsletter. Is that the best way to find out? Don’t want to miss out on the opportunity! I loved your mkal and finished my shawl!

  24. Hi Helen! I might not have contacted you correctly on Rav; my name there is Wanderlustknits. I am so grateful for the Interpretations copy. 🙂 Thank you so much!

  25. Hi Helen, I love listening to your podcasts- usually as I am walking our dog, Dobby, along the beach here in nZ! I just wanted to point out that in your blog the link to the ‘a yarn story’ sponsor is wrong. It should be ayarnstory.co.uk not.com. It would be nice to have the right link for your sponsor’s sake! Cheers, Susan

  26. Helen, I’m trying to buy the Pebble Beach and Sprite Fen shawl patterns on Ravelry, but it won’t allow me to purchase them other than with PayPal, and I don’t use that. Is there a way I can pay with my credit card please?
    I bought Spindrift a while ago and that worked, but now there is no way to get past the PayPal link.

  27. Hi,
    Just to let you know, when I signed up for your lovely newsletter, the very generous free download code for the Squishy Cowl did not work.
    Thanks so much, love your podcast!

  28. Hi Helen, I am now knitting the Spindrift shawl. I am on row 72 and have just discovered that I have 216 stitches instead of 215. What is the best way to eliminate the extra stitch at this stage?
    Thanks!
    Claudia

  29. Hi Helen, i’m Thinking about the Impressionist MKA and was wondering if I could get a hint of the shawl size and shape. I’m a plus size woman and want to make sure I would have enough yarn so it would wrap around with ease. I usually make it at heart 80” wide and a little longer.
    Most of my shawls are rectangular.
    Thanks so much.

  30. I think the Fragment pattern is beautiful. Just wondering whether this will be later released as a single pattern or will it be only available in the Laine collection.
    Thank you

  31. I’m hoping you can help. I purchased your large Hundred Acre Wood shawl kit at Stitches West in 2017 ($78)– I’m just getting it out to knit and the kit says the pattern is included. but there isn’t a pattern in the kit. Where do I find the pattern? I purchased at a vendor in the market place there. Was I supposed to do something else to get the pattern? Too long ago to remember. On my way to Madrona and was hoping to knit it while I was there. very disappointed : -(

  32. Hi I am going to make your shawl Spindrift …..I have never done the KYOK before ..
    But what is the difference between kyok and kfb…is it 3 sts instead of 2?.
    Thanks
    Judy

  33. I am looking forward to the socks coming up. I admire your sock hangers. Where do you get them from? I live in the UK and realise it would be good to have this utensil for the finished socks. I look forward to hearing from you.

  34. Hello,
    I am an avid crafter and I have started my own Internet TV show titled Hand Sewn Sunday. I host my weekly show on my Facebook Business page for crocheted dog capes. I would like for you to consider me as a future guest. I have been crocheting and sewing for over 40 years.

  35. Hello from Canberra! I purchased The Handmade Sock Society starting in February but forgot to get the pattern for Vintage Fairy Light Socks. When I applied the code to get the pattern, it told me that the code had expired. Is it possible to get the pattern with another code? Looking forward to knitting all the lovely socks. I’d also like to take the chance to say how much I enjoy your podcast as well. Very inspiring! 🙂 Kind Regards,
    Gaynor Hodder

  36. I have just started knitting Glitz at the Ritz. The Beaded Eyelet Lace section consists of 7 rows – row 7 ends on the RS then starts again row 1 which is the RS. are there missing rows to the section?

  37. Hello
    I did sign up for spindrift shawl and workshop awhile ago but have not resived the pattern or any post. Im so exited to get it:) can you send it to me?
    Regards Jensey

  38. I am having trouble with Row #35 of the Odessa Shawl pattern. If I would repeat between the *’s (stars) there would be 2 YOs. Help, please.
    Thanks. Linda

  39. Hi Helen,
    I am listening to your podcast and you have just mentioned that there are spaces on your September retreat. I am very interested so could you please send me some more information.
    Many thanks.
    Bea
    X

  40. Hi Helen,
    I am really interested in coming along to one of your retreats. I noticed you had a retreat in Cumbria in October 2016. Do you have a similar one planned for October 2017?
    Love your work

  41. Hello Helen, I recently discovered your pod cast and your gorgeous patterns! Have made the Hilltop shawl, and signed up for Shawl Society 2. Do you address choosing bead colors anywhere in your podcasts? i am not near a bead store currently…
    Thanks,
    Sian

  42. Hi. I recently signed up for your newsletter – which is arriving regularly. However, I have yet to receive the promised free spindrift shawl pattern. Can you let me know how and when I can expect this please. Thank you. Gill

  43. I bought the shawl society II patterns on May 24, 2017..
    Would you please send me the information sheet for the second shawl?
    Thanks.

  44. I joined your website and got the free Spindrift Shawl pattern and just cast it on about 15 minutes ago. I wanted to see how it would be for me to use your pattern system before I joined the Shawl Society. I can’t believe how wonderful it is to follow your patterns. I really love it and will be joining SS next year, if you do year 3. Thanks so much and I’m also planning on doing Whispering Island Shawl when I find the right yarn.

  45. Hi
    Bought the pattern for Snowmelt Shawl at Unwind Yarns & Gifts in Savannah, GA on May 8th. Sales receipt #27646
    They printed it for me but rows 197 to 204 are missing. Seems as though all pages are present but those rows are not.
    Can you please send the row details as an attachment to this email.
    Thanks

  46. Hi Helen.
    I just love your shawl patterns, they all look so elegant! Today I cast on for the Snowmelt Shawl, however I have noticed something. On your pictures it seems like there are three rows of *k2tog, yo* in clue 1, however, in the pattern (and in the pictures posted by other knitters) I only see two rows of *k2tog, yo* (row 71 and 95). Could it be, that there should have been a *k2tog, yo* row at row 83?
    Hoping to hear from you!
    All the best,
    Hanna

    1. Stop looking Stop looking…..I found it….well the notification email (in my trash!! heaven forbid) and found the add to my library button which has now been pressed and I am again a happy little chicken
      Thanks for your help hahaha
      Jules xx

  47. Hello,
    I recently found out about the amazing snowmelt KAL via Grocery Girls! I have never done a KAL before, and notice that it ends in two weeks…. If I purchase the pattern now, will I get it in its entirety?? I am not sure I will be able to finish, but would still like to knit it up.
    Looking forward to casting on!

  48. Helen thank you for creating such a beautiful pattern as the pebble beach shawl! thank you for the wonderful way you write out everything for the newbie lace knitter! I can’t thank you enough! to be able to put it down and walk away and not have to hunt for my place again when I come back to it is just amazing and stress free! I can’t wait to knit another of your patterns, don’t change your style of writing patterns, this is WONDERFUL!!! thank you my dear and I wish you great success and prosperity! your truly, JoAnn Clement, North Carolina, USA

  49. Help, I completed the pebble beach shawl a while ago and would like to make another. The pattern is beautiful, the only problem being that the top of the shaw pulls dreadfully straining on the crescent shape. Any tips for solving this please.

  50. Hello Helen!
    I have been a long-time listener to the podcast – in fact yours was the first one I found about 2 years ago, and you so enticed this crocheter to want to give knitting a try. So far I have knitted one sock and am halfway through the other one, and I am LOVING it! I finally subscribed to your newsletter, and got the confirmation that I was signed up, and have been receiving the helpful emails with tips and tricks regarding the Spindrift Shawl. However, I have not seen a link anywhere to be able to download the pattern. Not exactly sure where to find it, and I really want to give this gorgeous shawl a try! Perhaps I am supposed to go to a certain site to find it? Any help would be so appreciated. Thank you for producing such a top notch podcast! How I would love to be in the UK so that I could attend one of the knitting retreats – that would be heavenly.

  51. Hi there,
    I am in love with your Hundred Acre Wood shawl. I have a giant amount of lovely sock yarns dozens and dozens.for the price of 25 cents…thrift store miracle!!
    My husbands brother is very will and is not expected to recover so we are all on edge. I can either eat or knit. I think that Alicia needs a shawl to wear over her shoulders for comfort and warmth. I will keep praying, because you never know. Miracles happen every day I do like a few of your other patterns especially the fingerless gloves.
    I just need to know if the entire pattern is written out. I have an eye disorder that does not allow my eyes work properly. I see wiggly lines and dots and dashes 🙁
    I am hoping that a pattern exists that is completely written/
    Oh, can you tell me what The pattern is written in Helen Stewart’s percentage checklist™ style. means…I misses the boat on that one.
    Thanks for taking time to read my questions
    Mimsthings

  52. Hi Helen, I just joined your snowmelt all. I can’t find La Bien Amiee yarn online. I know I can use another type but wanted to check that yarn out possibly to purchase. Can you help? Thanks

  53. I about 6 weeks ago I purchased the Pebble Beach Shawlette pattern following the recommendation of several knitters at my LYS. I bought sufficient yarn to knit the shawl in the medium or large size, but find my directions are only for the smallest of the three.
    How can I adjust the Shawlette pattern to allow for a larger size?
    Thank you~
    Robin

  54. I am working on making the spindrift shawl. When I check the rows count I niticed the pattern has errors in the total stistches beginning with row 35. Row 34 total was 101 and 35 was 105. the row increased by 2. there are more errors as you work forward. Wpild you please correct your pattern and email me a corrected version.

  55. Hi! I don’t know if this is the right spot to send a comment but I just finished your Pebble Beach Shawl and I loved everything about the pattern. Having the stitch count was invaluable (since I insisted on dropping a YO once in a while). Do all of your shawl patterns (and other patterns) include this stitch count? I’m ready to step up to a more advanced pattern, whoo hoo! Thank you for the fun and very pretty design!

  56. Helen,
    I am attempting to knit the Pebble Beach Shawl, but am unable to find the right yarn weight to do it properly. Where can I find the correct yarn? Can it be ordered through you or is there a local shop where I can purchase it. I am in the United States of America.
    Thanks for your help.

  57. Hi. I am making the pebble beach shawl and have a question. The instructions state “Rows highlighted in yellow indicate a change in stitch pattern”. Does this mean the highlighted row has now become the repeat for, in this case, the right side rows?

  58. Can you tell me if you got the pattern for the Westwater Tunic (really like it)
    in UK or download or ordered paper pattern from USA. I would love to make it. Thank you

  59. To Helen Stewart:
    I have been trying to make the Pebble Beach Shawlette, but am having trouble with the directions.
    All goes well through Row 8, but Row 9 doesn’t come out right. If it is correct – K3, KYOK, k2, *ssk, yo,
    k2*to 5 sts before end, k1, KYOK, k3 – you would’ve increased 6 stitches, so the total would be 29.
    I that correct? I assume each KYOK increases 2 stitches & each yo increases one. I am trying to figure out
    what to do with the 2 extra stitches I end up with. SOS? Help?
    Thanx!
    Joan

  60. Hi Helen, thank you so much for writing such wonderful patterns!! Love the fact one can see the percentage!
    Recently I started the Summertide Shawl. In clue number 2, row 65 it says:
    *k1 M1R, k2, etc
    Is there a comma missing after “k1” ??
    Noticed the same at row 75, 77, 85 and 87.
    Or did I miss or misread something? Can you please help me out here?
    Thanks in advance!
    Danielle Hanekamp
    The Netherlands

  61. Hi there! I would like to continue receiving your newsletter, but I have to change my email address. Do I have to unsubscribe with my old one, then re-subscribe with my new email address? Thanks. ~Dotti

  62. Hi Helen
    I recently bought your pebble beach shawl pattern at yak yarn shop as a hard copy and I am loving it ( am 30% through already) but I could not find a download code on it. I would love to be able to print it off so I can take it to work with me,the large copy is great at home but a bit big for work
    Look forward to hearing from you
    Regards Tig

  63. Hi Helen
    Have just started listening to the podcast and am working my way backwards. Love it. Heard you say that you are coming to Australia on the podcast. Oral B Superfloss are readily available here in chemists and stores like Priceline. $AUD 4.00 for a box of 50 a lot less the 30 UK pounds. (Brought a box on special the other day for $AUD2.76) Never would have thought to use mine for beading. Will add them to the box of tricks.
    Regards
    Noelle

  64. I was thrilled to hear you read my comment about Anzula Cloud on your podcast and I’m super excited to have the opportunity to work with Clara’s Cormo. Thank you for making this possible. As I’ve never won a skein of yarn before – I was wondering how this works.
    Barbara

  65. Hello Helen,
    I have just recently discovered your podcasts and I am just writing to say how much I enjoy them. I have an eight month old and it is a bit of an art persuading her to have an afternoon nap so I end up circling the streets of my home town with the pram and your podcasts, it is 100% more enjoyable now.
    I have mentioned this is in my blog, and provided a link. I am just starting out so I can’t imagine it will swamp you with hits but I thought I’d mention it anyway.
    If you get a chance please take a look. I am at theidleknitter.wordpress.com
    Thank you for your time
    Eilish Smith

  66. Hi Helen,
    I have almost completed the Curious Collective Shawl. I changed the bottom 2 inches to stockinette. Now I want to do an eyelet I cord bind off. My problem is this…the bottom is self rolling horribly. If I were to do a couple of rows of garter stitch, would that stop the rolling.
    Thank you.
    Carol

  67. Hi Helen,
    I am enjoying your pod cast a lot , particularly on the train (London to Cornwall ) .
    I have been part of a research project about craft and wellbeing, a collaboration between the researcher Fiona Hackney (Falmouth University and Sarah Corbett (craftivist collective). I am in my 2. MA Art and Environment, part of it is a workplacement with the Natural Fibre Company in Launceton, Cornwall . The company did a “de-stash”sale and there was yarn which they wished to donate.
    The project received a generous donation of British Yarn, which we could give to the groups how we’re taking part, making flowers and talking about wellbeing. The project is carried on by. Sommerset Arts. Projects like this are a great way to put yarn to a good use! Christiane

  68. Hi I’m quite new to knitting and am very glad to have found your blog and podcast. I have purchased two of your patterns, one being the Pebble Shawlette. Please could your let me know if the ‘fingering’ wool /4ply means that I can knit it in English 4ply yarn? I’m a little confused on the types of yarn available and what patterns to knit what with 🙂
    kind regards
    Lin (lin2804 on Ravelry)

  69. hi, this might be a strange question, on the twinkle blanket, can it be started with dpns, versus the magic loop. not wanting to buy more needles.
    thanks

  70. Hi Helen love the podcast -as a kiwi living in America I feel a small connection with you
    If you purchased all the patterns for the year does the latest pattern came with that or is it a separate pattern. Looking forward to the new knitalong.

  71. Hello Helen,
    I have recently changed my e-mail address from comcast.net to me.net and when I use a coupon to get your pattern Radiance Shawl it says that it will send the pattern to my comcast address which I dont have any more. How do we fix this?????

  72. I am attempting the Glitz at the Ritz. As a fairly new knitter I was a little confused about
    Beaded Eyelet Lace Section:
    Work Beaded Eyelet Lace pattern 7 full times, then work Rows 1-7 once more. 217 sts.
    “then work Rows 1-7 once more.”
    Was this the Beaded Lace Rows 1-7 or the Garter section 1-7.
    Thanks for the help.
    Deborah

  73. I recently purchased the Elemental Things Shawl as part of the CC Shawl project (thank you for the great discount). Just wanted to say I am thoroughly enjoying this project. I love the fact that you wrote out every row (amazing!) but also included a chart pattern as well. While I am only at Row 136 – it’s been very easy to follow. I also just purchased the baby blanket pattern from you so another future project in the queue.
    I look forward to your completion of the shawl project. Thank you for creating such lovely patterns.

  74. Hello,
    I voted this week, but I am concerned about the options. One option was the narrow stripes. The second option was large areas of color. You stated that it could be 1 color for the shawl itself with the other color outlining it. You also gave the “other” option.
    You gave a very nice picture of a sweater with narrow stripes. That gave a good idea of what that first option would be like. With the second option you showed two pictures that represented areas of color throughout the garment, which I thought awful for a shawl. You never showed a shawl or other garment with the solid within and the other color outlining. I believe this second option contains two SEPARATE options. And with people voting for it, how do you know if it is bunches of color all over or the outlining with color with solid within? I really believe this needs a redo poll.
    Thank you,
    Joanne Thomas

  75. I have made the Radiance shawl using KPPPM, Madelinetosh Sock, TSCArtyarns and Misti Alpaca Silk and Cotton…..I want to knit this for a friend who is very heavy and would like the shawl to be wider. How do I change the pattern for an oversized person?

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