So many ENDS!

Do you think through a project before you get started? Do you think about each step and the amount of time and effort those steps will take and whether or not you have that time or are even willing to put in that effort?

Clearly, I am not one of those people who do those things, or I would not have picked not one, but TWO projects that had 5879 ends to weave in. But more on the second one in a minute.

First up, the Frankenscarf that I designed and knit for the month of July. Before I complain too much about end-weaving, let me just say that I love this project and had a blast designing and knitting it. 5 out of 5 stars. However, it should come with a warning that the number of ends will grow rapidly. As it is designed for you to change yarn often, you will have two ends to weave it at each yarn change. For a scarf that ended up being 6 feet long, that equated to 2.5 hours of end-weaving. (Yes, I actually did time it.)

If you are not familiar with how to change yarn in a project, I have your back as always. Here is a tutorial on how to switch yarn in a project that is short and sweet.

@girlfriendsknitting How to change yarn tutorial. #knittingtiktok #girlfriendsknitting #knittok #knittersoftiktok #foryoupage #fyp #learntoknit #knittingtutorial #changeyarn ♬ Glowing Sea - Muspace Lofi

A friend introduced me to another useful tool that I consider essential for managing numerous yarn ends: a yarn needle designed to easily catch those short strands. One such needle is the finishing needles, created by Susan Bates. What I particularly appreciate about this needle is its ability to grasp even the tiniest bit of remaining yarn for weaving in, allowing you to effortlessly pull it through. #amazonaffiliate Click the picture or this link to purchase.

But do you know what my absolute favorite yarn needles are? The ones that are made of metal and have a little bend at the tip. I'm totally hooked on these needles, they're the ones I go to every single time. #amazonaffiliate Click here to get your own!

Here is another great kit, an 150 pieces of knitting accessory goodness! Get this kit here!

But what is the SECOND project that had an insane number of ends? The cute log-cabin baby blanket you have seen me working on, of course! I finally got it finished and began weaving last night. I am so excited to share it with the new parents this weekend. Here is a picture of the back of the blanket. It is not a reversible pattern. I have even seen it created with a sewn on backing to hide the ridges that get formed on the back when you pick up each new row. However, I think I will leave it as is, ends tidied up, of course.

How are all of your loose ends going? Knitting or otherwise? Comment below.

Your end-weaving knitting girlfriend,

Carolyn

I get a commission through purchases made from links to this site not no additional cost to you.

Blocking hand-knitted items

*This article has affiliate links to the items I used on Amazon. Clicking on links is at no cost to you, but I may earn a small commission.

After you are gifted a hand-knitted item, you should learn how to properly care for it. I had a wonderful time teaching Evie how to wash and care for her new socks. Of course, Mama will still do that for her for a while, but she can now help me. It was also a fun way to spend time together and bond over my love of knitting and her love of socks!

If you haven't seen the video, here it is.

@girlfriendsknitting Today I am teaching my daughter how to care for her new handknit socks. #knittersoftiktok #knittok #girlfriendsknitting ♬ original sound - Girlfriends Knitting

In the video, I used my very own homemade hanger. However, there is a better way. Check out this sock blocker set with hangers that are even adjustable! Here is also a link to the assorted set of Soak wash that we used. This product is great because it does NOT require that you rinse the items. I also have a link to a larger size if you prefer. #amazonaffiliate

Sock Blockers

Click here to get these great sock blockers!

SOAK

Click here for the larger sizes, and click here for the smaller sizes Evie and I use in the video.

 

I truly hope you enjoy watching Evie and I wash and block socks together.

Your hand-knit washing knitting girlfriend,

Carolyn

I get a commission through purchases made from links to this site at no additional cost to you.

Exciting News from Girlfriends Knitting Etsy Shop!

 🧶💕 Exciting News from Girlfriends Knitting Shop! 💕🧶

Hey Knitting Enthusiasts!

We've got a special treat for you! 🎉 For a limited time, when you spend $50 or more at Girlfriends Knitting on Etsy, you can use the promo code "SAVE5" during checkout to get an incredible $5 off your order! 🛍️

Explore our handpicked collection of high-quality yarns, knitting patterns, and knitting accessories—perfect for your next knitting project or to add to your knitting stash. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting your knitting journey, our shop has something to inspire every creative soul.

NEW!! We now have knitting stickers! I have also added a print of the Frankenscraf image.

💡 How to Get Your $5 Discount:

1. Add $50 or more worth of knitting goodness to your cart.
2. Use the promo code "SAVE5" during checkout.
3. Watch $5 magically disappear from your total! 🪄✨

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to stock up on your favorite knitting supplies and treat yourself or your knitting buddies to something special. But hurry, this offer won't last forever!

Shop now at Girlfriends Knitting Etsy and embrace the joy of knitting with a fabulous discount! 🧶💗

Your (excited for savings) knitting girlfriend,

Carolyn

P.S. Spread the knitting love and share this offer with your fellow knitting enthusiasts. Tag them below so they don't miss out! 🧡 #KnittingCommunity #YarnLovers #KnittingPromo

Does knitting really help with stress and anxiety?

Does knitting really help with stress and anxiety? 🤔💭💆‍♀️ #mentalhealth #selfcare #mindfulness #knittingtherapy #anxietyrelief #stressmanagement

I sure hope so!!

Today, as I dropped off my baby girl at school, I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotions. It's one of those moments when stress and anxiety overwhelm this mama's heart, and I get sucked under the flood.

But guess what? We have a secret weapon in our hands that can help us find serenity amidst life's challenges—knitting.

While it is certainly not a replacement for our faith or professional mental health care, it can help with stress and anxiety.

It's incredible how those yarns and needles can create a cocoon of comfort, guiding us into a world of calmness and peace. Whether we're knitting intricate patterns or simple stitches, the rhythm of the needles has a unique way of soothing our souls and quieting our minds.

Still skeptical?

Actually, there is evidence to support the claim that knitting can reduce stress. Numerous studies have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of knitting for mental well-being. Some of the key ways knitting may help in stress reduction include:

❤️Mindfulness and Relaxation: Knitting involves repetitive movements and rhythmic patterns, which can induce a state of relaxation and mindfulness. Engaging in these repetitive motions can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.

❤️Stress Reduction Hormones: Knitting and other forms of crafting have been found to increase the production of dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters associated with happiness and relaxation. These "feel-good" chemicals contribute to stress reduction and improved mood.

❤️Distraction from Stressful Thoughts: Knitting provides a focused and absorbing activity, diverting attention away from anxious or negative thoughts. This distraction can be an effective way to cope with stress and manage anxiety.

❤️Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a knitting project, no matter how simple or complex, can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. This positive feeling can counteract stress and promote a sense of fulfillment.

❤️Social Connection: Knitting circles and communities offer opportunities for social connection and support. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share a passion for knitting can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation or stress.

Researchers continue to explore the potential psychological benefits of knitting and other creative activities. As more studies emerge, we gain a deeper understanding of how knitting and similar crafts can positively impact mental health and stress reduction.

When life gets overwhelming, knitting offers us a refuge—a mindful practice that allows us to stay present in the moment, focusing on each stitch and letting go of worries. It's not just a hobby; it's a powerful tool for self-care and healing.

I learned to knit when I was in a marriage that was controlling and dysfunctional. It was my go-to activity when I was overwhelmed. In the years since, if I find myself getting too stressed, I turn to my faith first and my knitting second.

So, take some time for yourself today. Pick up your needles and yarn, and let's knit together. Join me in finding tranquility and joy in the simple act of creation. Share your knitting projects, your challenges, and your moments of triumph in our Girlfriends Knitting community.

And if you enjoy my knitting content, please share it with others so that we have a thriving community that encourages and supports each other.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to knit—just your unique way of expressing yourself. The beauty of it all is that it's not about the end result but the journey—the joy we find in the process.

Your knitting (and slightly anxious) girlfriend,
Carolyn

P.S. Did you know that there was a ​Girlfriends Knitting podcast on YouTube​ and iTunes? Check out older episodes there now. Subscribe and stay tuned for more knitting inspiration! 🎧🧶

Frankenscarf KAL

Did you see the stabby viral knitting video on TikTok? "Stab it, strangle it, scoop out its guts, throw it off a cliff."

Did it make you want to try your hand at knitting? Of course, it did! (Or maybe you are already a knitter and just found it hilarious, and you know you want to join in.)

To bring us all together and to help those new to knitting get started, I am hosting a Frankenscraf Knit-a-long (KAL for those of you new to knitter-speak.) We will be creating a choose-your-own adventure-type scarf using whatever supplies you want. Need some advice on supplies? You can see my Amazon suggestions here: Frankenscarf KAL Suggestions.

You can join the fun here, TikTok, or Ravelry.

Sign up for the free pattern and to get exclusive updates using the form on the right side of the webpage.

 

I will have a pattern for the scarf, but no need to use it! Throw it off a cliff for all I care, I just want everyone knitting!! And, of course, sharing their beautiful creations.

Look for me to be going LIVE on July 1st on TikTok at 8 pm CST. TikTok handle @girlfriendsknitting.

Grab some needles and some yarn, and come hang out!

Knit-a-long anyone?

What do you do when you post a simple video on TikTok and it blows up overnight? Why, you have a knit-a-long of course. (That would be a KAL for those of you not yet knowledgeable with knitter-speak.) Thus....drum roll please... on July 1 we will start a Knit-a-long!! It will be across multiple channels, with this being its main hub. It will be simple, accessible for all skill levels, and not require anything more than what you may already have. However, if you are looking for some more tools, check out these links below for some suggestions.

The comments for the viral video included questions about how to get started (casting on), how to purl, and what supplies I might recommend. I did create those two videos, and they are on my TikTok page. I will update them on my podcast soon. 

As for the supplies, well, I have yet to meet a knitting tool or yarn I did not like, but here are some of my favorites: #promotion

In the video itself, I am stabbing away with these knitting needles and strangling with this yarn:

If you would like more suggestions, check out my full list of suggestions on Amazon here: GFK KAL Suggestions.

I get a commission through purchases made from links to this site.

Beginner Bliss Socks

🔥Beginner Bliss Sock Pattern 🔥

When a knitting bestie texts you and wants a simple beginner sock pattern, you get to writing! Thus, here it is - Beginner Bliss Socks!

It is a simple pattern that is knit from the toe-up with a short row heel so that you can learn the basic construction of socks. There are simple instructions and pictures.

If you would like it, you can click the link below. Even better - use the email sign-up on the right side of the blog, and you will be sent the pattern for FREE! (I might even include another little gift just for signing up!)

I get a commission through purchases made from links to this site.

The meaning behind the blog's name and other reasons I am obsessed with Julia Roberts

I think I have an obsession with Julia Roberts. I based the name of my blog off of a statement she made about knitting. and of course, there is the fact that she KNITS! Third, I adore the movie Steel Magnolias for many reasons, Julia being one of them. But more on that in a minute...

So why did I decide to name my blog "Girlfriends Knitting?" During the filming of the movie Larry Crown (she played a community college teacher! We have so many connections, I think we should be BFFs), Tom Hanks played a prank on Julia Roberts, who is known for knitting on the set. He had an assistant and the costume director prepare 50 skeins of yarn with a few rows of knitting, then passed out these knitting projects to 65 men in the crew. When Julia walked in, she began cracking up laughing, and immediately got into the spirit of the prank, talking about knitting with the guys.

Here is a small excerpt of that from Access Hollywood, but the line I remember most came from another video, that no longer exists on YouTube. (This one is still cute and worth the watch.)

In the longer clip, Julia says something to the effect of "All you need to get started is a girlfriend who knits!" That is how I got started, with my knitting girlfriend Virge showing me how to hold my yarn and follow patterns and fix mistakes, while visiting and laughing. It was fabulous. Thus, I wanted to create a similar knitting circle, although a virtual one, for all of my knitting girlfriends.

Furthermore, I am a Steel Magnolia. Born and raised in Louisana, just like Julia's character in the movie, and then moving to Mississippi and becoming a true magonlia at 18. Additionally, as her character states in the movie, "Pink is my signature color!" Thus, when I got married in 2016, and my mom asked me what colors I wanted for my wedding, the conversation ended up just being us repeating the following lines from the movie to each other:

Shelby: My colors are blush and bashful, Mama.

M’Lynn: How precious is this wedding gonna get, I ask you?

Shelby: My colors are blush and bashful. I have chosen two shades of pink, one is much deeper than the other.

M’Lynn: But the bridesmaids dresses, they are really beautiful.

Shelby: Ceremony will be too. The walls are banked with sprays of flowers, in my two shades of blush and bashful. Pink carpets especially laid out for my service, and pink silk bunting, draped over anything that would stand still.

M’Lynn: That sanctuary looks like it’s been hosed down with Pepto Bismol!

Shelby: I like pink! Pink is my signature color.

Though we got married outside on a gazebo overlooking a lake and not in a sanctuary, I still had sprays of flowers, in my two shades of blush and bashful, everywhere. And it was indeed precious!

Wishes do come true

As I was reading the old posts, I came across the following Christmas wish list. (See Dear Santa. It is still a great list for the knitters in your life if you ever need one.) #promotion

• Signature needles (any size circular, with a long cable) - or the whole collection! (Haha, as if!)
• Wollmeise yarn (I just bought my first skein....ooooh)
• Really, any wool blend yarn would make me happy, so check out all the gorgeous yarn on Etsy and pick me up a skein, or three. Doing that also supports local small businesses, which is nice.
• Those yarn blends make for some gorgeous socks, which I am in love with knitting right now. So any set of Wendy Johnson patterns, particularly her Socks in a Box, would be awesome.
• With all that yarn, I will need to be making and blocking final projects, so there are also, blocking wires and Sock Blockers (women's large).
• Blocking those new hand-knits requires wool wash, such as Soak.
• For the big spenders out there - how about a Schacht Spinning Wheel, as I would love to start spinning.
• Or, if you want to enable me in my spinning experiment but can't fork over the hundreds of dollars for a spinning wheel, how about a gorgeous hard-carved drop spindle or notions from Deerfield Creations?

As I was reading, it dawned on me how blessed I have been in the intervening years since I wrote that list. Let me show you.

• I laughed at the ridiculous wish of getting the whole collection, yet my brother did indeed buy that for me for Christmas. WHAT?! And later, my precious husband bought me another whole set. Thus, I now own both circular needles and double-pointed ones. 😲
• I received several more skeins, which were then chewed on by my dogs when left out in the open. Grrr...They are lucky I didn't rehome them! 😡
• Lots and lots of yarn from many Etsy stores! I have totes full. Totes, I tell you. (As does every other knitter you know, probably. It is our little dark secret.) 🙈
• Not only do I have multiple of these patterns, I also fell in love with Cookie A patterns and wrote a few of my own. (Want one of those that I wrote? Sign up for Exclusive Content, and you might find one in your inbox before you know it!)
• Blockers of all shapes and sizes, including some for large male feet now that I have a husband and grown bonus son (and a brother and nephews and ... you get it).
• My ladybug!! That I love so so much! AND... as if that wasn't enough, my generous parents also bought me an electric wheel.
• And lastly, several gorgeous drop spindles in expensive, beautiful woods now serve more as decoration than as spinning tools. Thank you, Daddy. 💓

Sometimes, it really is all about counting our blessings to realize how truly rich we are - not with the stuff that comes and goes - but with people who love us so much.

Praying for blessings and gratitude for you today,

Your (much blessed) Knitting Girlfriend!

I get a commission through purchases made from links to this site.

Hello? Anybody home?

Have you ever time-traveled? I have this week - back in time over ten years to when life for me was much different. Some of you have traveled with me, having seen my current TikTok videos under the same name and googling Girlfriends Knitting to find an old blog with over 80 posts about knitting, spinning, and life with a disabled spouse. 

I perused the pages, watched some of the videos, cried a little, laughed a lot, and just reminisced.

It is very odd seeing your life documented in front of the camera that way. 

Your brain has what my dad liked to call revisionist memory. It will edit out the bad parts, blur some of the parts that sting a little too much in full color, and add embellishments to make stories better, funnier, sweeter. But not the camera. It shows everything. You can't say something didn't happen when it is right there in recorded history. Roll the tape!

I have decided to revisit that time in my life, review the footage, learn and grow from my new vantage point of increased age and restored faith. I am rebuilding my community, many of whom have remained my close friends throughout these many intervening years. And hopefully, growing my community to include new friends. Friends who might not have joined me before. And for those of you who meet my new self and decide you liked the old me better? No hard feelings and I wish you joy and love.

Won't you join me on the adventure?

(Still) Your knitting girlfriend,

Carolyn