BLOCKED_12

ISSUE 12

Unless otherwise indicated the information, 

articles, artwork, patterns and photography 

published in BLOCKED Magazine are subject 

to copyright ©2023 BLOCKED Magazine. 

All rights reserved. 

BLOCKED Magazine permits the online 

distribution of the magazine in its entirety. 

Distribution of any of the contents of this 

magazine for purposes of sale or resale 

is strictly prohibited. 

Editor 

Neil of Uknitted Kingdom 

For all inquiries: 

blockedmagazine@gmx.com 

Cover Photography 

MillieKM Knits 

Contributors: 

Katie Gerwien, aka khgknits 

MMK 

M Holladay 

M Dreary 

Cézanne Pellett 

Deplorable Knitter 

Two Sisters & Some Yarn 

Uknitted Kingdom 

Karen Z 

Patterns: 

Karen Whooley 

Uknitted Kingdom 

MillieKM Knits 

Proofers: 

Karen Juliano 

Laura Neubauer 

Cézanne Pellett 

Denise Pettus 

Design and layouts: 

BS Studio

Dear Readers, 

And so, another year draws to a close. 

Who would have forecast that Blocked Magazine would still be here two years later? 

Not Bitchy Knitter that’s for sure! Whenever I think of her foolishly confident “I give it twomonths” 

prediction, I can’t help but smile. 

Whatever happened to Bitchy? Is she still ‘a thing’ in the knitting world? 

Whilst I attempt to quell my smugness, I am ever aware of the precarious position of 

knitting magazines. 

In 2023 we witnessed the collapse of the Vogue Knitting Magazine, Pom Pom Magazine, 

and the death of Candid & Colorful before it had really begun. The racist, anti-white 

publication Radicle Threads is barely hanging on by a thread! Shobha Nadarajah, the main 

contact for the magazine, organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover the cost of producing 

issue four. She raised $17,625USD. The cover price is still extortionately high. A digital 

copy is $25USD, although there is currently a sale on back issues. 

I can’t say for certain why these publications have failed or are failing. However, I suspect 

nailing their BLM, pro-abortion, pro-trans in schools, and anti-Israel manifestos to the 

masthead hasn’t helped. I daresay contributors demanded far too much money for designs, 

articles, and test knitting. The cover price alone is prohibitive. When an entire race of 

knitters and crocheters are excluded from a magazine, why would they rush to buy it at an 

over-inflated price? 

Although some small changes are inevitable, Blocked Magazine will continue to be 

free to all readers. Blocked is an inclusive magazine; no-one is barred from reading it. 

Blocked is always looking for contributions, whether they be patterns, articles, or other 

features of interest. If you’ve been considering submitting a piece, or have an idea for a future 

issue please contact us at blockedmagazine@gmx.com 

I hope all our readers had a Happy Hannukah, a Merry Christmas, or a joyous “Festivus 

for the rest of us!” 2024 is going to be an eventful year. May it be a happy one for us all. 

Yours faithfully, 

Neil 

3

Confessions of a 

by MMK 

Monogamous Knitter 

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away… 

Well, if I must be honest, it was 2008 in North Carolina. 

This state wasn’t home, I knew no one, was recently divorced, 

and traveled 48 weeks out of the year for work. 

While that may sound glamorous (in some cases, it still is), 

I was overworked and lived, breathed, and thought about 

my clients 24/7. This included booting up my laptop or 

(gasp) looking at my Blackberry before the boarding door 

closed. 

This may seem an odd beginning to becoming a knitter, 

but I quickly realized that I needed to find something else 

to do in the evenings while in a hotel room far from home 

that didn’t include drinking in the hotel bar. I also had no 

social life when I was home for a mere 36 to 48 hours 

every week. 

I had been taught how to crochet as a young girl and 

was obsessed with cross stitching in the past, but neither 

suited me any longer. Through YouTube, I taught myself 

the basics of knitting but sought out fellow knitters to 

grow my skills and interact with others who were not in my 

industry. 

This was the heyday of meetup groups, so I found a 

local group that met on weekends and dove in headfirst. 

This group was eye opening for a newbie like me. The 

group was, and I’m sure continues to be, a varied group 

of women and the occasional man who are supportive, 

knowledgeable, and of varying skill levels. 

Just like a child learning to ice skate who has no fear, I 

felt the same in learning to knit and try different techniques 

and construction methods. In the first few months, 

my knitting group decided to learn 2AATTU (2 at a time 

toe up) socks. I bought the book, yarn, and 40” circular 

needle and was excited to learn this special magic. My 

first project was a cable scarf, and this would be maybe 

my third project. My second project was a long-forgotten 

cotton potholder that was uneven and made with double 

pointed needles, which I didn’t grow to accept into my 

repertoire for many years, but I digress. 

I still remember learning Judy’s Magic Cast-On with the 

help of a sweet and patient park ranger who had actually 

made toe up socks before. When the technique clicked in 

my brain while sitting with her, I felt like a special secret 

had been imparted to me that I would treasure. Every 

time a new pair of toe-up socks are started, I still think 

about this moment and her (thank you Deb). 

Needless to say, I was off and running with this special 

knowledge and have never looked back. Be it Judy’s 

Magic Cast-On or Turkish cast-on, toe up, cuff down, German 

short row heel, eye of partridge, Dutch heel, vanilla, 

patterned, twisted rib, brioche (the list goes on)… it is always 

an adventure! 

In the years that followed, I found a love of different 

construction methods for garments, accessories, and even 

a love for different types of pattern writing. I definitely 

have my favorites, but I won’t divulge those here. My journey 

has been tip to toe; hats, scarves, cowls, gloves, 

sweaters (including colorwork), socks, and blankets. 

Some things have stayed consistent, such as my love of 

color and fiber contents. Something else that stayed consistent 

until recently is my love of being a monogamous 

knitter. You read that right, I was the unicorn that is a monogamous 

knitter. 

When I first started knitting, like with the sock project 

above, I had a project in mind, purchased the necessary 

yarn, needles (because I had very few), and book with patterns. 

I had NO STASH! 

This no stash thing went on for many years. Always the 

same story, pick a project, purchase the yarn, knit the project, 

weave in the ends, block and either use or gift. Leftover 

yarn was given away or donated; very small scraps of 

less than a few yards were thrown away. 

For the most part, this is how my knitting journey continued…then 

came the ability to find yarn stores anywhere 

I traveled for work. One of my biggest regrets is 

that I was not a knitter with a capital K when I lived in the 

UK…though my wallet was probably much better off. 

I can happily say I have been to some of the most 

unique, quaint, unexpected, and friendly yarn stores out 

there. Some of my best experiences have been some of 

my most unexpected. I am still in contact with a hand dyer 

I met at the Alaska State Fair. I fondly remember buying 

yarn at a grocery store in Norway when on vacation. I even 

bought yarn at a Christkindlmarkt in Bavaria while visiting 

family. My love of yarn and knitting cross language and 

age barriers. If I was in charge, I would have kids learn 

fiber arts in school so they could better understand what 

goes in to making a garment, where the fiber comes from, 

how to care for it, and how it affects the environment. I’m 

into slow fashion and sometimes very slow fashion. 

I can hear you now, “Where’s the confession?” 

Somewhere along the way, I realized that more than one 

project in progress is a good thing for a few reasons: 

STASH – Yeah, I have a stash and I’m not sad a about it. 

I’m not going to call out anyone for having a small or a 

4 

Continued on next page...

Monogamous... Continued... 

large stash. When I see yarn I like, I get it if I can afford it. 

Do I have a project in mind? Maybe, maybe not. In the 

words of my now husband (my biggest enabler), “When 

will you ever see this lovely yarn again? You know you’ll be 

sad about it later if you don’t get it. Let me buy it for you 

because it makes your face light up.” He’s a great guy but 

he is at least 50 percent of the reason why I have a stash. 

Because of this, I almost have to have more than one project 

in progress or I will never get through my stash. 

MONOTONY – Sometimes called knitting mojo or the 

death of knitting mojo. Sometimes in the past, I would 

slog through a project I didn’t really like because I was a 

monogamous knitter and there was nothing else on 

needles. 

MENTAL ACUITY – Mixing things up is good for your 

brain and your joint flexibility. I have extended this to also 

teach myself continental knitting. My colorwork is done 

with one color in each hand. If I am working on a sweater 

and on body/sleeve island, I usually have something else 

small going like a hat or socks that have a pattern; usually 

these will be different weights of yarn/different needle 

sizes. 

SAMPLE/TEST KNITTING – My local yarn store had me 

sample knit quite a bit, so I got to knit with luxury yarns 

and patterns gifted for the sample and I wouldn’t have to 

find a person to gift it to or use it myself. In addition, with 

my posts on IG, I have been contacted by designers and 

even dyers to sample or test knit. As these are usually 

smaller projects or not my normal favorite colors, having 

something else gives me a distraction and sample/test 

knitting gives me a hard stop on those. 

Do I still go back to my monogamous ways? These days 

I tend to have a crochet or knit blanket that is scrappy, so 

every little bit is a memory. I loosely plan a queue of what 

is to come, but new MALs and even the time of year inspire 

me to switch that up and I’m good with that. I don’t 

throw shade on those who have more WIPs than they can 

count. Life is too short though to keep holding on to 

something just because you started it (unless we’re talking 

about my mom’s French toast casserole, I’m never giving 

that up). 

All jokes aside, I tell myself that if I have no joy in what I 

am working on, no matter how much effort and time I 

have put into it, it needs to be frogged. Life is too short 

for no joy in my craft. But that’s me, you do you! 

So that’s my confession, here for everyone: I’m now an 

MMK (Mostly Monogamous Knitter) 

5

Naughty 

Nice 

OR 

X 

P 

NAUGHTY: 

1. Emma Ujifusa 

https://www.youtube.com/live/J676iPx2zAo?si=Tt2DO_gTBGojkz52 

2. Felicia Eve, see BLOCKED Issue 11, Page 22 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68554883/blocked-11 

3. Stephen West, see BLOCKED Issue 11, Pages 12 and 28 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68554883/blocked-11 

4. Craftsnarkers, see BLOCKED Issue 8, Page 15 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/67872729/blocked-8-final 

NICE: 

1. Knitty McPurly, see page 6, BLOCKED Issue 8, Page 6 


2. Anne Pinkava, see page 7, BLOCKED Issue 9, Page 7 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/68316736/blocked-issue-9 

3. Patricia Taylor, see page 27, BLOCKED Issue 10, Page 27 


4. Loose Ends Project, https://www.looseendsproject.org/ 

5. Hats for sailors, http://www.hatsforsailors.com/ 

6

y M. Dreary 

A KNITTERS PLAYLIST 

Here is a list of 10 knitting-related songs to get your 

toes tapping and needles clacking. 

1. “Knit One, Purl Two” by The Glenn Miller Orchestra 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuFtpQqxI2c 

This is a slow one for those sleepy, lazy knitting days. 

2. “The Knitting Song” by Bill Oddie 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ulz5RUyw7w 

Here is an upbeat ditty that will make you want to knit fast or dance. 

Also, there are some helpful knitting instructions included free of charge! 

3. “Chocolate Santa” by Miu 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaHeDgRpmU8 

“I’ve been day drinking and knitting and cuddling with my cat” Miu, have you been spying on me? 

Just kidding I don’t have a cat. This is a great New Year’s cast-on number. 

4. “My Shawl” by Xavier Cugat 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS26IdNswe4 

If instrumentals are more your jam, try out this sassy number. 

5. “Knitting” by Arthur Askey 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIWIXjpf7YE 

How about a silly knitting song the kids might enjoy. 

6. “The Galway Shawl” by Dan McCabe 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFrHZ7zlnCw 

This beautiful Irish folk song will make you want to twirl around in your favorite shawl. 

7. “Your Socks Don’t Match” by Louis Jordan (w/Bing Crosby) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuUDHUhlCcY 

Here’s one for those of us who can never get that second sock just right. 

8. “The Hat” by Ingrid Michaelson 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoQ4LcI939g 

A knitting break up song, just in case you need it. 

9. “Sweater of Love” by Sarah Grace 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaHEHOd3vqw 

This song is a sweet reminder that your knitting is precious. 

10. “Christmas Sweater” by Gary Barlow 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig9T3BfdCRA 

Go on and put your Christmas sweater on, you worked hard on that baby! 

*BONUS TRACKS* 

This list wouldn’t be complete without a song dedicated to the WIPs. Yes, I see you. 

“Always on My Mind” by (to name a few) 

Elvis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZotVMxuXBo0 

Willie Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7f189Z0v0Y 

Pet Shop Boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDe60CbIagg 

Brenda Lee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhnWnie8WN8 

7

DISHIDENT #15 

by UKnitted Kingdom 

PATTERN DESCRIPTION 

Each issue of Blocked will contain a “secret” 

pattern. The design will only be revealed as you 

knit. The instructions might uncover an image, design, 

word, or message. 

When using cotton, these secret squares make 

excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each 

square in wool or acrylic, they can be seamed 

together at the end of the year to make a small 

Afghan or lap blanket. 

GAUGE & MATERIALS 

Each dishident uses approximately 

41 to 43g of worsted weight 100% cotton. 

Follow the yarn manufacturer’s 

recommended needle size. 

DIRECTIONS 

CO 45 

← Row 1 [RS]: K45 

→ Row 2: K45 

← Row 3: K45 

→ Row 4: K45 

← Row 5: K45 

→ Row 6: K45 

← Row 7: K45 

→ Row 8: K3, p39, k3 

← Row 9: K45 

→ Row 10: K3, p2, k8, p1, (p2, k5) 2X, k3, p5, k4, p2, k3 

← Row 11: K45 

→ Row 12: K3, p2, k8, (k1, p1, k2) 3X, k7, p5, k3, p2, k3 

← Row 13: K45 

→ Row 14: (K3, p2) 2X, p2, (p1, k1) 2X, k1, p2, (p1, k2) 2X, 

(k1, p5) 2X, k3, p2, k3 

← Row 15: K45 

→ Row 16: (K3, p3) 2X, (p3, k2) 2X, p2, k3, p5, k13 

← Row 17: K45 

→ Row 18: (K3, p4) 2X, (p1, k2, p2) 2X, p1, k3, p4, k13 

← Row 19: K45 

Dishident Continued on next page... 

8

Dishident Continued... 

→ Row 20: K3, p6, k1, (k2, p3) 3X, p2, k3, p1, (p2, k2) 2X, k1, p2, k3 

← Row 21: K45 

→ Row 22: K3, p7, k1, (k2, p2) 2X, p1, k2, p6, k3, p2, (p1, k2) 2X, 

k1, p2, k3 

← Row 23: K45 

→ Row 24: K2, (k1, p2) 2X, p3, k1, (k2, p1) 2X, p2, k1, (k1, p1) 2X, 

p4, k3, p3, k5, p2, k3 

← Row 25: K45 

→ Row 26: K3, p2, k8, (k1, p1, k2) 3X, k7, p4, k4, p2, k3 

← Row 27: K45 

→ Row 28: (K3, p3, k4) 2X, k1, p3, k7, p6, k3, p2, k3 

← Row 29: K45 

→ Row 30: K3, p39, k3 

← Row 31: K45 

→ Row 32: K45 

← Row 33: K45 

→ Row 34: K3, p39, k3 

← Row 35: K45 

→ Row 36: (K3, p2, k8, p3, k2) 2X, k3, p3, k3 

← Row 37: K45 

→ Row 38: K3, p2, k8, (k1, p1, k2) 3X, k6, (k1, p1, k1) 2X, k3, p2, k3 

← Row 39: K45 

→ Row 40: (K3, p2) 2X, p2, (p1, k1) 2X, k1, p2, (p1, k2) 2X, k1, p4, 

(p1, k1) 2X, p1, (p2, k3) 2X 

← Row 41: K45 

→ Row 42: (K3, p3) 2X, (p3, k2) 2X, p2, k3, p10, k3, p2, k3 

← Row 43: K45 

→ Row 44: (K3, p4) 2X, (p1, k2, p2) 2X, p1, k3, p9, k3, p2, k3 

← Row 45: K45 

→ Row 46: K3, p6, k1, (k2, p3) 3X, p2, (k3, p3, k3) 2X 

← Row 47: K45 

→ Row 48: K3, p7, k1, (k2, p2) 2X, p1, k2, p6, (k3, p3) 2X, p2, k3 

← Row 49: K45 

→ Row 50: K2, (k1, p2) 2X, p3, k1, (k2, p1) 2X, p2, k1, (k1, p1) 2X, 

(p4, k3) 2X, p3, k3 

← Row 51: K45 

→ Row 52: K3, p2, k8, (k1, p1, k2) 3X, k7, p1, k7, p2, k3 

← Row 53: K45 

→ Row 54: (K3, p3, k4) 2X, k1, p1, (p2, k7) 2X, k1, p1, k3 

← Row 55: K45 

→ Row 56: K3, p39, k3 

← Row 57: K45 

→ Row 58: K45 

← Row 59: K45 

→ Row 60: K45 

← Row 61: K45 

→ Row 62: K45 

TIPS 

If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to create a 

neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately after knitting a 

stitch, pull the excess yarn out of the purl stitch before knitting or 

purling on. This helps to reduce loose or baggy knit stitches. 

NOTES 

Occasionally, a dishident or secret square might not be 

suitable for children and “polite company”. This will be made 

clear when this is the case. 

If you would like to receive notifications of our next issue! 

Check out our Patreon! 

www.patreon.com/join/BlockedMagazine 

9

10

Join Two Sisters and Some Yarn in our 

Think you have what it takes to solve a mystery? 

“WhoDoneKnit” 

MAL 2024 

https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoSistersAndSomeYarn 

How Can You Participate? 

Read and create! 

In early January 2024, watch our Instagram 

and YouTube for the sign-up form to join the 

fun! Each week(ish), we will release part of a 

murder mystery WhoDoneKnit to be sent to 

you via email. All you have to do is read along 

with the story and enter your guess each week 

along with any details of what you are making 

via the form that will be sent with the story. 

The story will be released in 4(ish) parts. You 

do NOT have to guess each week, but 

you must fill out the form each week to declare 

your official participation in the make-along. 

Some of your favorite podcasters will also be 

sharing clues, as well as Blocked Magazine! So 

be sure to pay attention to emails and our social 

media so you don't miss any clues! 

What do you have to make? 

Whatever your murderous heart desires! Any 

craft, any pattern, anything! Sure, there are 

extra points for using the patterns and 

supplies of our sponsors, but we aren't picky! 

This should be no stress murdering! 

You will be warned prior to the final part of the 

story being released to give one last guess on 

who you think the murderer(s) is! Please keep 

your guesses off social media so you don't 

spoil the fun for others! Beta readers have 

been sworn to secrecy! The story will be 

published in full at a later date! 

So, read, create, share the fun on social media 

(minus your suspicions!), put on your best 

detective hat and join us for the 

WhoDoneKnitMal! 

~Two Sisters and Some Yarn 

Extra “points” will be tallied for using the 

hashtag #whodoneknitmal on Instagram, as 

well as using the patterns and yarn featured, 

or any other murder mystery-y themed items. 

Details on those vendors coming soon! 

11

M. Holladay 

As we approach the end of 2023, just like all the 

years before, I am reminiscing about the items I’ve 

knit and crocheted throughout the year. 

I am also thinking a lot about the ones that I 

started and that are still sitting on the needles or 

spare yarn throughout my house, discarded for 

newer and more interesting things. I’m terrible about 

catching FOMO: the fear of missing out. I see a new 

knit-along happening and of course I want to join in. 

So, I buy the pattern and the yarn and quickly cast 

on. Then, before that “along” is finished I see another 

one and the first one gets put aside. I have the best 

of intentions of going back to the first project, but 

before I can, something else catches my eye. This 

process goes on and on. Of course, I do finish some 

things, but not all. Moving into a new year, I’m filled 

with motivation to start fresh, set new goals, and just 

maybe, finally get my ever-growing pile of WIPs 

under control. 

But this isn’t the first time I’ve set out with the best 

of intentions. I’m sure I’ve said, “Going forward, I’ll 

finish one thing before I start another. I won’t buy 

yarn until I’ve made all the sweaters I already have 

yarn for.” And so on. I’m sure I even meant those 

things when I said them… then a pretty colorway or 

unbeatable deal showed up in my inbox, and the rest 

is history. 

I have learned that I am a process knitter. Sure, I 

love the pattern or I wouldn’t pick it to make, but I 

love to learn a new construction, new technique, or 

try a new yarn. Once I’ve mastered the technique or 

see how the yarn is going to knit up, the mystery is 

gone and I’m looking for the next new thing to learn. 

How do we set new goals and be more successful 

than in the past? I think having a group of people 

who have similar goals and who will help keep you 

accountable is a good start in creating a better outcome. 

When you are only accountable to yourself it 

is easy to make excuses on why this project or that 

yarn is the exception to the rule. If instead of talking 

yourself into the purchase or cast-on, we talk it out 

with our similarly goal-oriented friends, I think it is 

easier to keep on track. At one point or another we 

are all going to struggle to achieve the goals we’ve 

set, but keeping our goals in mind is much easier 

when we have help. 

I’m incredibly grateful for finding a group of crafters 

who have piles of WIPs, just like me. We have 

agreed to support each other and to encourage one 

another in reaching our goals. In 2024, we’re tackling 

WIPs. Who knows what we might accomplish in the 

years to come? 

I encourage you to find a group that can support 

you in achieving your goals. Together you will succeed. 

If you should falter, however, you’ll have someone 

to help pick you back up and motivate you to 

continue toward your goals. 

12

y Deplorable Knitter 

YEA OR NAY... KNITTING RESOLUTIONS? 

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is talking 

about all the things they are going to do in the New 

Year. Do you make resolutions? 

Personally, I hate them. The minute I make a resolution 

I want to do the opposite. It’s like when I say 

I’m going to go on a diet, and then immediately all I 

can think about is chocolate cake. 

I know that some people do well with very strict 

parameters, but I find them oppressive. At the beginning 

of each year, I like to set goals. Usually, the are 

things like, “be more active,” “eat a salad for lunch 5 

times a week,” goals that will help me in my life. But if 

I miss a day of salad, or can’t fit in a walk, I won’t beat 

myself up. 

So, it goes without saying that I approach my knitting 

in much the same way. I like to have some goals 

for my knitting in the new year, but they are not hard 

and fast rules. If they were, I would miss the mark and 

feel like a failure. 

Here are some of my goals, in no particular order: 

1. Knit more for charity. I love knitting, especially 

hats. We have more than we can wear in our house, 

so, I’m lucky that there are several charities that love 

to receive hats. 

a. Hats for sailors - http://www.hatsforsailors.com 

They send hand knit and crocheted hats to Sailors 

in the US Navy. My stepdad was in the Navy, and I 

love being able to support them. 

b. Let them Live - https://letthemlive.org 

This organization supports mothers who are considering 

abortion. They help them through all phases 

of pregnancy and then support them after. They are 

always in need of baby items and items for older kids 

as well. Our pal Amy, from Two Sisters and Some 

Yarn, heads up this part of the mission. She’s always 

happy to help if you have questions. 

c. St. Jude - https://www.stjude.org 

In March, they have a knitting fundraiser. You knit 

and get people to donate. I participated last year, 

and plan to continue. Every one of my donors was 

entered to win a project I finished in the month of 

March. It was fun and helped keep me motivated. 

2. Learn a new skill. 

There are a lot of things that I haven’t even 

thought about trying yet. I haven’t decided what my 

new skill will be for this year, but I am going to try to 

step outside of my comfort zone. Since I’m teaching 

a class on sock knitting it may have something to do 

with that… still to be determined. 

3. Be more intentional with my stash. 

One thing I hate more than anything is the whole 

movement to not buy new yarn and patterns. Obviously, 

if you don’t have the money, please don’t go 

into debt buying things. But your support means a 

lot to small businesses. By no means do I think we 

should just run around buying all the yarn every time 

a dyer drops a new colorway. Be intentional. If there 

is a color that speaks to you and you are able, support 

the business. 

I’m also planning to be more intentional with the 

yarns I already have. I am a classic ADHD personality. 

I’m enamored with something until I get distracted 

by a newer, shinier thing. So, this year I’m planning to 

shop my stash and make some patterns I’ve been 

meaning to design (tin foil hat pattern, anyone?) 

I’m sure I won’t follow through with all these 

things, but if I don’t, there is always next year. 

Happy New Year, 

and Happy Knitting!! 

13

Selbu Mitten Competition 

By Uknitted Kingdom 

The Blocked Magazine Patreons voted for their favorite mitten design. #1 and #5 received the same number 

of votes. Therefore BOTH will receive $25. I will contact both winners via the email they used to submit their 

designs. Well done to all the contestants! All the designs are fabulous and very knitworthy! 

Submission #1 

By: Michele F. 

Joint winner! 

14

Selbu Contest Continued... 

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23

Book Reviews 

by Katie Gerwien, aka khgknits 

Sweater Design in Plain English, 

Knitting Workshop 

& The Sweater Workshop 

Are you in relentless pursuit of the 

perfect sweater pattern: a template 

adaptable to fit your body, or a knitworthy 

recipient’s body, using the 

yarn you want to use and the gauge 

you get with the yarn? Maybe you 

want to be able to adapt the sleeve 

style, the neck style, add shaping, 

color work, or stitch pattern to the 

sweater? I have been in pursuit of this 

pattern for several years. I don’t think 

this elusive pattern exists on the 

open market. 

With that in mind, I set on a search 

for books to help me reach this goal. 

I reviewed four new-to-me books on 

the topic of how to design your own 

sweater. 

The four books I read recently are: 

- The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters 

(Budd, 2012) 

- Sweater Design in Plain English (Righetti & Shaw, 2011) 

- 6000+ Pullover Possibilities, Interchangeable Options 

for Custom Knitted Sweaters (Leapman, 2017) 

- The Sweater Workshop (Fee, 2002) 

In addition, I read the entire Elizabeth Zimmermann 

books series last summer while enjoying sitting on the 

beach of Chesapeake Bay. Zimmermann was a well-respected 

knitting author and teacher who was quite popular 

for wanting knitters to own their knitting and not let 

their knitting own them. Don’t ask me why I read all of 

them; I am not sure why I did not stop after a few of the 

books because there is a lot of overlap of concepts and 

design in the books. 

Elizabeth Zimmermann submitted a pattern for an Aran 

Sweater knit in the round to a magazine. She was surprised 

to find the magazine converted the pattern to knit 

in pieces for publication. That 

began Zimmermann’s self-publishing 

career for knitting books, encouraging 

knitters to knit 

continental, in the round, and to 

use the EPS method (Elizabeth’s 

Percentage System) to design 

sweaters. From Knitting Without 

Tears (Zimmermann, 1970) to The 

Opinionated Knitter (Zimmermann, 

2005) and more, Zimmermann’s 

witty writing style has 

helped knitters enjoy their knitting 

time and projects. 

To design a sweater using EPS, 

Zimmermann has you knit a gauge 

swatch in the round (usually recommending 

a hat). Also, she suggests 

measuring your favorite 

fitting sweater to determine the final size of the sweater 

you will knit. From there, you obtain the key number by 

multiplying the stitch count per inch by the chest measurement. 

All stitch counts you need, cast-on stitches, underarm 

stitches, sleeve stitches, etc., are a percentage of 

the key number. 

I recently read Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop 

Expanded and Updated (Zimmermann & Swanson, 

2014) again. This edition contains additional content from 

Zimmermann’s daughter, Meg Swanson, as well as notes 

from Zimmermann herself. If you want to purchase a Zimmermann 

book for your knitting reference bookshelf, this 

edition of this book is the one I recommend. You can purchase 

this book from Schoolhouse Press, for $24.95 at this 

link: 

https://www.schoolhousepress.com/knitting-workshop-expanded.html 

Also, my local library (and I suspect most libraries) 

carries many, if not all, of Zimmermann’s books. 

Continued on next page 

24

Book Reviews... Continued... 

Knitting Workshop (Zimmermann, 1981) is a paperback 

book, with color photos, and detailed illustrations that 

contains four sections. The first section introduces casting 

on, knitting, gauge, increasing, colorwork, decreasing, 

and blocking. The second section uses EPS to design a 

seamless yoke and a drop-shoulder sweater. The third 

section reviews seven seamless shoulder shaping, Zimmerman’s 

love of garter stitch, lace 

shawls, and Aran, Guernsey, and 

Fair Isle sweaters. The fourth section 

contains seven sweater patterns, 

a hat pattern, and a V-neck 

Fair Isle vest. Zimmermann’s famous 

Baby Surprise Jacket pattern is also 

included. 

The Sweater Workshop (Fee, 

2002), fits into this review as it is inspired 

by Elizabeth Zimmermann’s 

processes and is written to allow 

you to design your sweater, using 

your own yarn (including handspun), 

and gauge. The book is paperback 

with clear illustrations and color 

photography. The sweaters shown 

are from the 1980s, in terms of the 

color and yarn selections. 

Jacqueline Fee uses Elizabeth 

Zimmermann’s seamless raglan 

sweater as the base pattern with a 

few changes: a lowered neckline 

to create a true crew neck and 

slowing the raglan decreasing 

frequency which lengthens the 

yoke. 

The Sweater Workshop has five 

chapters, all leading to designing 

sweaters by the fourth chapter. 

The first chapter, “The Sweater 

Sampler,” provides a knitting exercise to help the knitter 

understand why, where, and when to use stitches, increases, 

decreases, and knit in the round, with lessons on 

the various stitches and techniques used as you complete 

the project. In addition, it has a three-page review of six 

raglan seamline decreases. To be honest, I know I will not 

complete the knitting exercise. New knitters may appreciate 

the knitting exercise and benefit from completing it. 

The second chapter, “Equip Yourself,” provides a basic 

review of fiber content, using handspun yarn, ply structure, 

and recommended notions. The chapter includes instructions 

on how to sew a circular needle case. 

The third chapter, “Unravel your Thinking,” provides an 

interesting review of the history of designing sweaters, including 

illustrations of the tools used to 

measure adults for sweater design and a review 

of gauge. If you are interested in the 

history of knitting, this chapter is for you! 

The fourth chapter, “Basic Sweater,” explains 

the basics of designing your sweater. 

It starts with how to measure your favorite 

fitting sweater, then provides in-depth instructions 

for knitting a basic crew neck, raglan 

sleeve, bottom-up sweater, with sleeves 

that join at the underarm. She includes a few 

extras, such opportunities to use short rows, 

adding a sweatshirt pocket, using crew neck 

shaping, a choice of six sleeve styles (ranging 

from fitted to even fuller fullest), and a 

gauge page. The gauge page is a 

worksheet to use your gauge and desired 

sweater measurements to determine 

the key number of stitches, from 

which you determine the stitch counts 

for the body and sleeves (built from 

Zimmermann’s EPS). 

The fifth chapter, “The Sweater Variations,” 

provides resources for sweater 

design inspiration, pattern selection, 

and knitting hints. The chapter includes 

adding in cables, lace, moss stitch, 

overall Aran cables, and color work designs. 

It also provides instructions for 

placket and crew neck options, and 

how to alter your pattern to a V-neck 

cardigan. 

While this book is fairly accessible to knitters who are 

new to knitting patterns, I think it is a good idea to have 

some understanding and exposure to knitting sweaters 

before trying Fee’s methods for designing a sweater. You 

can purchase this on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0UWneEC 

Continued on next page 

25


Of the four books I reviewed, and the entire Elizabeth 

Zimmermann series, hands down, no questions asked, the 

most informative and detailed book is Sweater Design in 

Plain English (ed. 1 Righetti, 1992; ed 2. Righetti & Shaw, 

2011). This book is out of print, and I am so glad I pursued 

a copy of the second edition via Interlibrary Loan. As of 27 

December 2023, there are six used copies of the first 

edition for sale on Amazon at ranging from $24.49 to 

$71.05, that can be found at: 

https://a.co/d/0UWneEC 

There were no copies of the second edition available 

that I could locate. I have asked Santa already to please 

bring me a copy of this book as I want to add this to my 

knitting reference bookshelf. 

Maggie Righetti is the author of 

Knitting in Plain English, a well-respected 

book on knitting techniques. 

Sweater Design in Plain English brings 

together all aspects of sweater design 

to help you make the best decisions 

along the way in designing and knitting 

a sweater. Maggie Righetti is an 

experienced knitter and custom knitwear 

designer. She has been active in 

knitting guilds and gained an immense 

body of knowledge about 

what can go right and wrong when 

knitting. In addition, Righetti learned 

quite a bit about the human body 

from life drawing and color from art 

classes. The book contains three useful sections: “Before 

You Begin, “Doing It: The Actual Designs,” and “Appendices.” 

The first section, “Before You Begin,” is extremely informative 

as she uses her knitting, design, human body, 

and color theory knowledge to explain to you each aspect 

of sweater design. The 18 chapters in the first section deal 

with one topic at a time and make for quick reference if 

you want to reread a section. All chapters are informative, 

yet not too long or detailed, compelling, and the information 

learned builds upon the information in the previous 

chapter. “Before You Begin” contains 18 chapters, 

including chapters on: 

• Overcoming Your Fears 

• Avoiding Costly Mistakes 

• Yarn and how it behaves 

• Body shapes 

• How to measure 

26 

• Flattering designs for body shapes 

• Achieving the right marriage of fiber, fabric, 

and fashion 

• How pattern stitches behave 

• Color selection, including color theory 

supporting color selection 

• Yarn quantities 

• Gauge 

• Steps to design a sweater 

• Arithmetic of knitting 

The second section, “Doing It: The Actual Designs,” 

provides 13 separate sweater designs, with each sweater 

design building your design skills as you progress through 

each sweater design. All but one 

sweater are knit flat and sewn together 

and knit from the bottom up. One 

sweater is knit in the round, top down. 

Righetti provides thorough explanations 

of the positive and negative features 

of each design and how to work 

within those features. Righetti goes 

step by step for each of the 13 sweater 

designs. She selects a size and gauge, 

then walks you through how to make all 

the design decisions with each sweater 

design. This section is much more of a 

workbook, or template, for how to custom 

design each of these sweaters for 

yourself or your intended recipient. She 

provides the measurements needed for 

each sweater design and how to calculate the size of each 

piece. With those numbers, she provides a detailed explanation 

of how to calculate each number you need (stitch 

counts) along with detailed knitting instructions throughout 

the calculations. The “Personal Measurements Chart” 

and “Project Record Form,” both found in Part 3, will help 

you capture all these measurements and calculations. 

Continued on next page


At the end of each sweater design, Righetti provides alternative 

design options. She includes a detailed chapter 

on sleeve design and another on neckline design, both 

giving you directions and many different options for how 

to incorporate these options into the existing 13 sweater 

designs. There is a chapter on additional options, such as 

color work, embroidery, striping (with advice on how to 

maintain the striping from the body to the sleeves), and 

more. 

The third section, Appendices, is just that, containing: 

• Metric to English Conversion Chart 

• Abbreviations 

• Finished sizes for pullovers and cardigans for 

toddlers, children, men, and women (32 to 40 inch 

chest or 81 to 102 cm) 

• Personal measurements chart 

• Project record form 

• Glossary 

In my opinion, the first part of the book is well suited 

for all knitters who want to knit sweaters. Even if you do 

not design your sweater, you will learn so much about 

yarn selection, stitch pattern selection, color selection, 

and how sweater designing needs to consider the shape 

of the human body. For example, you learn why the back 

neck needs to be higher than the front neck, why raglan 

decreases can lead to extra fabric at the top of the chest 

if not planned carefully, and other topics well worth the 

read. The second section of the book, where you design 

sweaters, gives great direction; however, I am not sure 

the novice sweater knitter will be comfortable knitting 

their first sweater from this method. I recommend being 

comfortable with the basic concepts of knitting sweaters 

before you use the second section of this book to design 

a sweater. 

This is a paperback book with black and white photos 

and illustrations. The illustrations are quite helpful and 

add to the understanding of the concepts. If you can find 

a copy of this book, I recommend it to anyone who wants 

to learn about sweater design and finally make that 

sweater that fits well and looks great on you or the knitworthy 

recipient. 

The 13-sweater design concept provided in Sweater 

Design in Plain English is similar to Elizabeth Zimmermann’s 

sweater designs. Zimmermann does not provide a 

pattern, she provides the measurements you need and 

from your stitch gauge, you calculate the number the 

stitches you need to cast on. She then provides written 

instruction in paragraph form for knitting the sweater. 

Zimmermann gives you design options, but not anywhere 

near the options and the detailed guidance in completing 

the calculations and knitting the sweater provided by 

Righetti in Sweater Design in Plain English. Zimmermann 

does not address body shapes and how to select patterns 

to flatter a specific body shape and does not address 

color theory in designing. Zimmermann promotes 

knitting with wool, while Righetti offers you information 

on using other fibers and how the type of fiber affects the 

fabric and what other considerations are needed when 

selecting fiber for a sweater. Zimmermann offers a lot to 

knitters, particularly to those new to knitting, as does Righetti. 

I believe there is a place for Zimmermann’s and Righetti’s 

work in a knitter’s life and library. 

All these many words later I recommend the books reviewed 

in the following order: 

1. Sweater Design in Plain English 

(Righetti & Shaw, 2011) 

2. Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop 

(Expanded and Updated) (Zimmermann & Swanson, 

2014) 

3. The Sweater Workshop (Fee, 2002) 

Currently, I am knitting a sweater using Anne Budd’s 

The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters (Budd, 

2012). I will submit an article reviewing Budd’s book, as 

well as Melissa Leapman’s 6000+ Pullover Possibilities, Interchangeable 

Options for Custom Knitted Sweaters 

(Leapman, 2017) in a later issue. 

I wish you Happy Knitting (completely without tears!) 

27

Knitting Patterns, Hand-Dyed Yarns, 

Tools, Notions & More! 

www.knittymcpurly.com 

Hand-dyed yarns, Opal yarns, patterns, tools, and notions. 

https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/AnnaKnitterYarns 

New Zealand yarn store. 

Ships worldwide. 

www.skeinz.com 

Knitting Patterns 

https://www.ravelry.com/designers/liz-clothier 

Anne Pinkava 


www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/fdba7e1e-93b6-4b6f-9f82-06ef18d0ec8c 


https://galilee-life.com/vendor/deplorable-knitter/ 

28

Amigurumi/Crochet Patterns 

http://www.yankeerose.etsy.com/ 

Wise Owl Knits 

Knitting Patterns and Tutorials 

www.wiseowlknits.com 

Karen Juliano 

Blogger 

& Knitter 

Fabrics, Sewing Patterns, 

and Tutorials 

https://littleragamuffin.com/ 

Knitting Patterns: 

https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/647c869e-a568-4b05-8fb4-b8f868600ec4 

Knitting Patterns and Tutorials 

https://www.ravelry.com/stores/birdie-beanie 

Love Stitched 

https://galilee-life.com/vendor/love-stitched/ 

29

ENCHANTED 

VINE 

Karen Whooley Designs 

Imagine wrapping yourself in the Enchanted Vine shawl on a cool 

evening. This shawl is like a love story in stitches, worked from side to 

side. As you crochet each stitch, you’ll feel like you are weaving a tale 

of romance. 

The main body and edging of this shawl come together 

seamlessly, just like two hearts entwined. The pattern dances like vines, 

creating a delicate lace section that's reminiscent of climbing ivy. 

And oh, the leafy edging! It's like the promise of a new beginning, 

just like the first leaves of spring. 

When you wear the Enchanted Vine shawl, you'll feel like you're 

in a fairy tale. It's a cozy embrace with a touch of magic, perfect for 

adding a little romance to any outfit. 

ABBREVIATIONS 

Ch(s) – Chain(s) 

Dc – Double Crochet 

Rep – Repeat 

Sc – Single Crochet 

Sk – Skip 

Sp(s) – Space(s) 

St(s) – Stitch(s) 

YO – Yarn over 

SIZES 

58 inches (147.5 cm) wingspan by 18.5 inches (47 cm) deep at longest point, blocked. 

YARN: 

860 yards (786 m) fingering weight yarn 

Sample uses: Chicken Lady Fiber Arts Serama Superwash (100% Superwash Wool; 4.05 oz / 115 g = 430 yds / 

393 m) in the color The Secret Garden 

CROCHET HOOK: 

US Size E/4 (3.5 mm) or size needed for gauge. 

GAUGE: 

In dc, 20 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm 

SPECIAL STITCHES: 

Dc2tog: double crochet 2 together – worked over 2 stitches, [YO, insert hook in next dc, YO and pull up a loop, 

YO and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, YO and draw through remaining 3 loops on hook. 

Leaf Tips: leaf tip – worked over 4 stitches, [YO, insert hook in next dc, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull 

through 2 loops on hook] 4 times, YO and draw through remaining 5 loops on hook. 

NOTES: 

Chain-2 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch. 

Chain-7 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch. 

30

DIRECTIONS: 

Ch 30. 

INCREASING SECTION: 

Row 1: Dc in 7th ch from hook, ch 3, sk next 3 chs, dc in 

next 3 chs; [ch 2, sk 2 chs, dc in next ch] 5 times; ch 1, sk 

1 ch, dc in last ch. (10 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 

sp, 1 ch-6 sp) 

Row 2: Ch 2, turn; dc in first dc, dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in 

next dc, [ch 2, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 

times, dc in next 2 dc; ch 3, dc in next dc, 4 dc in last sp. 

(15 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp) 

Row 3: Ch 7, turn; 2 dc in first dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 

next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 

dc; [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times; ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in 

each remaining dc to end. (17 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 2 ch-1 sps, 

1 ch-3 sp, 1 ch-7 sp) 

Row 4: Ch 2, turn; dc in each dc to next ch-1 sp, dc in 

ch-1 sp, ch 1, dc in next dc, [ch 2, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 

2, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 2 dc; ch 3, 2 dc in 

next dc, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in last 

dc. (20 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp) 

Row 5: Ch 7, turn; dc in first 4 dc, sk ch-1 sp, dc in next 4 

dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc; [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times; ch 

1, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in each remaining dc to end. (21 dc, 

5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp, 1 ch-7 sp) 



2, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next dc, [dc, ch 3] twice in 

next dc, work 4 dc2tog (see Special Stitches) over next 

8 sts. (19 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 2 ch-3 sps) 

Row 7: Ch 7, turn; leaf tip (see Special Stitches) over 

next 4 sts, ch 3, [dc, ch 3] twice in next dc, dc in next 3 

dc, [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times; ch 1, dc in ch-1 sp, dc in 

each remaining dc to end. (18 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 

3 ch-3 sps, 1 ch-7 sp) 



2, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in next 

dc, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, leave remaining 

sts unworked. (21 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 

sp) 

Rows 63-67: Rep rows 3-7. (78 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 

3 ch-3 sps, 1 ch-7 sp) 

EVEN SECTION: 

Row 68: Ch 2, turn; dc in each dc to next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 

sk ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; [ch 2, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 

dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 2 dc, ch 3, dc in next 

dc, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, leave remaining 

sts unworked. (80 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 

sp) 

Row 69: Ch 7, turn; 2 dc in first dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 

next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 

dc; [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc in 

each remaining dc to end. (81 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 2 ch-1 sps, 

1 ch-3 sp, 1 ch-7 sp) 


sk ch-1 sp, dc in next dc; [ch 2, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 

dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 2 dc; ch 3, 2 dc in next 

dc, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in last dc. 

(83 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp) 

Row 71: Ch 7, turn; dc in first 4 dc, sk next ch-1 sp, dc in 

next 4 dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc; [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 

times; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc in each remaining dc to end. 

(83 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp, 1 ch-7 sp) 


sk ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 2, sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, 

dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next dc, [dc, ch 3] twice in 

next dc, work 4 dc2tog over next 8 sts. (80 dc, 5 sc, 10 

ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 2 ch-3 sps) 

Row 73: Ch 7, turn; leaf tip (over next 4 sts), ch 3, [dc, ch 

3] twice in next dc, dc in next 3 dc, [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 

times; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc in each remaining dc to end. 

(78 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 3 ch-3 sps, 1 ch-7 sp) 

Rows 74-79: Rep rows 68-73. (78 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 

sp, 3 ch-3 sps, 1 ch-7 sp) 

DECREASING SECTION: 

Row 80: Ch 2, turn; dc in each dc to 2 dc before next 

ch-1 sp, dc2tog, ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc in next dc, [ch 2, sc 

in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 2 

dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, 3 dc in next ch-3 sp, dc in next 

dc, leave remaining sts unworked. (79 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 

sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp) 

Rows 9-62: Rep rows 3-8 nine times. (75 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch- 

2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp) 

31

Row 81: Ch 7, turn; 2 dc in first dc, dc in next dc, ch 1, 

sk next dc, dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 3, dc in next 

3 dc; [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, 

dc2tog, dc in each remaining dc to end. (79 dc, 5 ch-2 

sps, 2 ch-1 sps, 1 ch-3 sp, 1 ch-7 sp) 



in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 2 

dc; ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, dc in next 2 dc, ch 1, dc in next 

2 dc, 2 dc in last dc. (80 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 

1 ch-3 sp) 

Row 83: Ch 7, turn; dc in first 4 dc, sk ch-1 sp, dc in next 

4 dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc; [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times; 

ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc2tog, dc in each remaining dc to 

end. (79 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 1 ch-3 sp, 1 ch-7 sp) 

Row 145: Ch 7, turn; leaf tip (over next 4 sts), ch 3, dc in 

next dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, [ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 

times; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc2tog. Fasten off. (11 dc, 5 ch-2 

sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 2 ch-3 sps, 1 ch-7 sp) 

FINISHING: 

Weave in all ends. Block to schematic. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 

Tech Editor: Amy Curtin 

Photography: Gale Zucker 

Find more lace crochet patterns in my latest book: 

Modern Italian Lace Crochet 

https://karenwhooley.com/products/modern-italian-lace-crochet 



in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, dc in next dc] 5 times, dc in next 

dc, [dc, ch 3] twice in next dc, work 4 dc2tog over next 

8 sts. (75 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 2 ch-3 sps) 

Row 85: Ch 7, turn; leaf tip (over next 4 sts), ch 3, [dc, 

ch 3] twice in next dc, dc in next 3 dc, [ch 2, dc in next 

dc] 5 times; ch 1, sk ch-1 sp, dc2tog, dc in each remaining 

dc to end. (72 dc, 5 ch-2 sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 3 ch-3 sps, 1 

ch-7 sp) 

Rows 86-139: Rep rows 80-85 nine times. (18 dc, 5 ch-2 

sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 3 ch-3 sps, 1 ch-7 sp) 

Rows 140-144: Rep rows 80-84. (15 dc, 5 sc, 10 ch-2 

sps, 1 ch-1 sp, 2 ch-3 sps) 

32

33

Out with the Old Crossword 

DOWN: 

1. Item produced via the process of creation. 

2. Method used to knit small diameter items in 

the round using a long circular needle. 

3. Preferred drink to toast the new year. 

4. The moment the old year becomes the new year. 

5. Winter holiday in the UK that is just another day 

in the US. 

8. Singer of the song Under the Ivy. 

11. Something everyone sets every New Year 

and forgets by Valentine’s Day. 

14. Work in progress. 

17. Company that produces greeting cards and 

predictable romance movies. 

18. Out with the old, in with the ___. 

ACROSS: 

6. Useful crochet technique to start working in the round. 

7. A climbing vine with evergreen leaves popular for decorating in winter along with holly. 

9. 5…4…3…2…1…! 

10. Popular knitting or crochet project started at the beginning of January and worked on until the end of December. 

12. The times gone past or “the good old days.” 

13. Everyone should have someone to give this to at the stroke of midnight. 

15. Where the most famous ball drops. 

16. Marvel superhero created during World War II who carries a mighty shield. 

17. It's not Christmas until __________ drops. 

19. The method one uses to create an object. 

34

Bloggers 

& Vloggers 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

Adventures With Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFHj9k5Uxc44g1pnlgiQjg 

For all the latest drama in the fibre world – Fun, quirky, and full of energy. 

Anna Knitter - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkE2h6s400fRkasl6zyX_jg 

A podcast about knitting and crocheting with glimpses of a roman-catholic life. 

Blocked Magazine - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAY880IYHF8gJ8b-UdEWAxQ 

For all the latest drama in the fibre world – including what didn’t make it into the magazine! 

Deprogrammed - https://www.youtube.com/c/KeriSmithDeprogrammed/featured 

Interviews intended to better understand and make sense of her old belief system, Social Justice ideology. Including those in the crafting community. 

Herd knitunity - https://herdknitunity.locals.com/ 

Shepherd and ‘woolfluencer’, a sheep to sweater kinda gal. 

Knitty McPurly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyIInmPUQGqoohNgUj0Zmow 

A virtual saint! 

Little Ragamuffin - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaogzXKmOJ9FO8fsjurrEcw/videos 

Sewing tutorials of both slow paced and quick speed styles, fun random sewing oddities, Ragamuffin news, and problematic interviews & conversations. 

Murder Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbrSeXmJuT0_BglI_pzi1jg 

If your children watch, they'll become serial killers! 

Politically Incorrect Knitters - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8CME6h72cFfQ7ZBNGCj5w 

Topical, informative, and fun! 

Skeinz Diaries - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCswGNOSxnHlPZsQMCC2YHxQ 

Take off your ‘gummies’, put your feet up and prepare for a ‘tiki tour’ of yarny goodness! 

High Fiber Diet - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4cCawQzD6RDfwLhlZ0hQ/featured 

Thick skinned with no “F’s Given!” 

Two Sisters & Some Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoSistersAndSomeYarn 

Two sisters and some yarn – is exactly what it says on the tin! 

Wise Owl Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8N6NhDdKf44_HigLiP4Ug 

Knitting Tutorials 

ShaunaStitches - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOfV6wkBgB6288iVQ1V9Ww/videos 

Knitting, spinning, crochet, quilting, and many other crafts are shown and discussed. 

AStitchInTheSky - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCxq6HphzSbjU2lb7t8c6Ww/videos 

Knitting, sewing and all the things in between! 

Texas Peach Knits - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC1zKQy-8XU8stQfmIzqe92w 

Knitting, crochet, sewing and all the things in between! 

Short Story Long - https://karensshortstorylong.blogspot.com/search/label/Knitting 

Knitting, photography, gardening, quilting, life. 

Yarn Chicken & Sh1t - https://youtube.com/@Yarn_Chicken_and_Sh1t?si=mWWmLHOJ8vNllAAh 

Shootin’ the Sh1t on yarn, chicken, orthodoxy and life 

35


Captain America, Obelix, & 

the Helmholtz Illusion 

During a slump in my knitting mojo (I was knitting a 

Ranunculus as a gift and all I wanted to do was ANYthing 

except knit it) I decided to crochet a sweater for 

myself. 

Using some left over blue and white Drops Karisma 

DK yarns and a 6mm hook, I quickly made the top of a 

granny stitch Raglan sweater, including the arms, 

down to the lower chest. I then realized that this resembled 

a sweater I had been “mind-knitting” and 

imagining for a number of years. I decided to test out 

the pattern in crochet first just to see if the idea 

worked. 

The sweater is based upon the Marvel character, 

Captain America. A blue textured top-down raglan to 

start with white sleeves from just above the elbow to 

the wrist, an applique white star sewn on at the end, 

and thick red and white vertical stripes around the 

midriff and waist. I had planned to add a red cuff to 

the sleeves to hint at the red Captain America gloves. 

I chose to crochet the red and white striped midriff 

section horizontally, seam together, and then join 

to the top section. The crochet join wasn’t particularly 

neat, so the plan is/was to rejoin it using a sewn 

method for neatness. 

As long-term readers and watchers of Blocked 

Magazine will know, I’m a rather rotund gentleman 

(don’t you just love polite ways of saying “fat?”) and always 

believed the old adage that horizontal stripes 

made the wearer appear wider and shorter, and vertical 

stripes made the wearer appear 

slimmer and taller. I was 

confident Captain America’s 

vertical stripes would make me 

look like Chris Evans’ stunt double! 

You’ll be as surprised as I 

to learn this was not the case. 

It turns out the vertical 

stripes made me look more 

reminiscent of Obelix from the 

Asterix comic series. 

https://asterix.com/en/portfolio/obelix/ 

So, what went wrong? 

The origin behind this long-standing misconception 

is not known. I couldn’t find any sources stating 

why horizontal stripes shouldn’t be worn by fat 

people. Only that they shouldn’t. 

When I learned of “The Helmholtz Illusion,” I 

thought I had uncovered the origin of this fashion 

advice. 

However, The Helmholtz Illusion has always suggested 

the opposite. The Helmholtz Illusion is usually 

portrayed by two squares, one with horizontal stripes 

and the other vertical 

stripes. Despite both 

squares being the same 

size, the eye is tricked into 

perceiving the horizontally 

striped square as being 

taller. 

36 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Captain-America-Comics-1941-1950-1-ebook/dp/B00ZQ6MU4C 

https://www.dmarge.com/chris-evans-phone

Captain America Continued... 

This illusion is attributed to the 

19th Century German physicist and 

physician, Herman von Helmholtz 

(1821 – 1894). Helmholtz gave out 

fashion tips to 19th Century women 

affirming that horizontal stripes 

made women look taller. How this 

fashion tip became reversed in the 20th Century is a 

mystery. 

In 2008, Dr. Peter Thompson, a psychologist and 

expert in visual perception at the University of York, 

tested the optical illusion. He concluded, “Horizontal 

stripes don’t make you look fatter.” 

Although he only tested a sample of 20 people, he 

discovered that his subjects, when looking at photographs 

of two women of equal size, tended to say the 

one wearing horizontal stripes, rather than vertical, 

were slimmer. 

Pause for a moment before you rush out to buy 

horizontal striped t-shirts or begin knitting those horizontal 

striped mini-skein stash-busting patterns. In 

2012, to confuse matters more, information contradicting 

the earlier findings was published. 

Val Waltham, an amateur scientist, conducted her 

own research and concluded that horizontal stripes 

do make a person appear fatter. 

Her research won her the BBC’s Amateur Scientist 

of the Year Award. The judges commented, “A lovely 

idea which was well executed, had clear results, and 

leads on to further research. You can’t ask more from a 

science experiment.” 

The crux of Waltham’s theory is that Helmholtz and 

Thompson used 2D images in their research rather 

than 3D images. When 3D images (or real-life models) 

were used, the viewers in Waltham’s research tended 

to think horizontal stripes made the model look fatter. 

Sadly, we’re no nearer to a definitive answer as to 

which stripes make a person look fatter or slimmer. 

There are too many variables which seemingly 

have not been considered, amongst them: 

• The placement of the black vs white stripes. 

• Could the width of the stripes skew the results? 

Pinstripes vs thick stripes? 

• What happens if the stripes aren’t all uniform in 

width? 

• Does having the white vertical stripes on the outside 

of the silhouette look different to having the 

black stripes on the outside? 

• What if the colors are changed? 

• What if the garment has positive 

ease and drapes rather than negative 

ease and fitted? 

To my eye, horizontal stripes seem to 

appear straighter as they go around a 

body than vertical stripes which seem to 

accentuate the body’s shape and curve in and around 

it. If you look at the image of Obelix, although a drawing, 

you can see those stripes are not straight lines. 

But is research into this even needed? And which 

research should you believe? The small sample of 20, 

or the slightly condescending “lovely idea?” Well, 

frankly, none of them. Wear the designs you want to 

wear. If you follow Waltham’s research, you will look 

slimmer in real life but fatter in photos, and Thompson’s 

research suggests the opposite. I’m afraid, one 

way or another, your fat is going to make you look fat. 

If in doubt, wear black. 

As for my Captain America sweater. I have decided 

to split the red and white vertical striped midriff section 

from the original top. I’m going to turn the two 

elements into two different sweaters. I’ll continue to 

crochet the bottom of the blue and white sweater in 

the same blue and white pattern throughout. 

Meanwhile, I’ll wear the red and white striped midriff 

as a cowl, for now. Eventually, I’ll attach a new Captain 

America bottom-up upper chest to it, using just 

blue and incorporating the 5-pointed white star. 

Captain America might not be a fat character, but 

he isn’t a British character either, so I shall wear it anyway, 

because who is going to stop me? The Red Skull? 

Hydra? The “Knutters?” Do your worst vile villains! 

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/sep/12/slimming.stripes#:~:text=Scientists%20have%20discovered%20that%20the,a%20less%20than%20perfect%20physique. 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/9336938/Horizontal-stripes-really-do-make-you-look-fat.html 

37

IRIS 

by MillieKM Knits 

YARN: 

• Bulky weight yarn 

Color A: Approximately 300 yards/275 meters (203 grams) 

Color B: Approximately 300 yards/275 meters (203 grams) 

Suggested Yarn: Chicken Lady Fiber Arts Leghorn (100% Superwash Merino, 

170 yards/156 meters/115 grams) in colors Purple Rain (Color A) and I Smell Snow (Color B) 

NEEDLES: 

• US 11 (8mm) 16 in. circulars 

GAUGE: 

• 12 sts and 20 rows over 4 inches/10cm in stockinette using US 11 (8 mm) needles, blocked. 

MEASUREMENTS: 

• Approximately 26.5 in/67 cm in length, 36 in/91 cm circumference, blocked. 

NOTIONS: 

• Stitch Marker 

• Tapestry Needle 

• Scissors 

• Blocking Materials 

NOTES: 

Cable Cast On – CO 2 sts using long-tail cast on. Insert right needle between the 2 sts on left needle and k1 as 

usual, but do not slip st from needle. Draw yarn out, making a long loop, place st onto left needle, and pull snug. 

Repeat until desired number of sts are cast on, including the slip knot. 

The completed cowl is drapey and incredibly cozy! 

It is wide enough to also be worn over the shoulders, creating a cowl/capelet style garment. 

38

DIRECTIONS: 

In Color A, CO 115 sts using the cable cast on. 

Place stitch marker and join in the round. 

SECTION ONE – Seed Stitch: 

Round 1 *K1, p1; repeat from * ending with k1. 

Round 2 *P1, k1; repeat from * ending with p1. 

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 for 5 inches. 

SECTION TWO – Stockinette: 

Knit for 7 rounds. 

SECTION THREE – Swag Pattern: 

Rounds 1-3 Knit 

Round 4 *P2 wyif sl 3 sts 

Round 5 Knit 

Round 6 *P2 wyif, sl 3 sts 

Repeat rounds 1-6 twice more, for a total of 3 pattern 

repeats. 

SECTION FOUR - Stockinette: 

Knit for 10 rounds. 

SECTION FIVE - Garter: 

Attach Color B and knit 1 round. 

Switch to Color A and purl 1 round. 

Repeat 4 more times (for a total of 10 rounds). 

Break Color A and continue with Color B. 

Work the remainder of the pattern as follows: 

REPEAT SECTIONS 2-4. 

REPEAT SECTION 1. 

FINISHING: 

Bind off loosely, in pattern. 

Weave in ends and block. 

Enjoy! 

39

y Karen Z 

Goodbye 

2023 

The holidays quickly speed by, and I did or didn’t finish 

mittens before the first snow and gifts before Christmas 

gatherings and find myself madly blocking just in 

the nick of time. Then suddenly the holidays are over, my 

project bag is empty, but new skeins have arrived. The 

year turns and I take a deep breath with the opening of a 

fresh calendar. Do many people still make New Year resolutions? 

I like to take this time to make some goals, including 

knitting goals. 

When I was a newer knitter and had begun to acquire 

some truly lovely yarns, I found that I just did not 

have time to knit them all! But I did have time to knit 

something, and I wanted that to be something fantastic. 

So, I made a list of designers whose work I kept finding 

myself admiring, and a list of my most fabulous yarns, 

and matched up a couple of projects. I had a lot of fun 

that year referring to my list and finally tackling some of 

those projects that challenged me. The next year, I refined 

my list and added some techniques I’d been wanting 

to try. I also submitted a pattern to a magazine. My 

first submission was rejected, but I learned a lot about 

organizing my notes, and I had done all the work 

needed to self-publish! 

Over the years, I have refined my list each January 

and found fresh inspiration. Some of those original ideas 

are still patiently sitting on the page, waiting to be accomplished. 

Others have been finished and become 

well-worn favorites. 

What should I add for 2024? 

• I know, I know, it’s long overdue: I’m thinking about 

finally trying that brioche thing. 

• That one skein of luscious, red, squishy cashmere 

and wool. It was my first “luxury yarn” purchase and was 

discontinued before I realized exactly how wonderful it 

was. It’s time to cast on. 

• My ever-knit-worthy son asked for a new sweater 

last year. The first one I made for him lasted from age 10 

to waaayy too small, and I finally told him I would put it 

in his memory box instead of handing it down to his little 

cousins. I should definitely put him on my list. If I start 

planning in January, I could have one for him before 

next Christmas. 

• A beaded bag. I’ve sampled a very small beading 

project, but a beaded bag is what I really want to make. I 

have yarn for that, time to find the right beads. 

There’s a quick view of my knitting goals for 2024. If I 

showed you all of it, you might expect me to get to it; I 

have to leave room for some new discoveries! I’ll double 

down though, and use a hashtag #bmagknitgoals2024, 

so that if (I mean when!) I post something, you can find 

it. And if you use it, I’ll find yours, too and then we can all 

encourage each other! 

Hello 

2024 

40


Willful Ignorance 

and Degeneracy. 

In part 2 of Emma Usifusa’s, “A Deep Dive into the Internet's most controversial knitting site: Ravelry”, at the 47:45 

point; Emma introduces the subject of “a good old-fashioned case of homophobia”. 

https://youtu.be/BuIbiMS31zk?si=2QvxV8nZKdxCpTaS&t=2865 

In this section of the video, Emma shows an image by Archie Bongiovanni (@grease_bat on X and @babywrist on 

Instagram). Ravelry commissioned the image “Pride” to use on the landing page of their knitting and crochet site 

during Pride month. 

As Emma states, some Ravelry users did not think anything of it; others loved it; and some hated it. Emma made 

it quite clear that those who did not approve of the image were homophobic. 

Emma is being naïve, unintelligent, willfully ignorant, or deliberately deceptive. I would argue it is the latter. 

To find out why Emma is being deceptive, why she, and Ravelry, are actually being homophobic, and why the 

Pride illustration by Archie Bongiovanni is far, far, worse than you initially thought; click on the link to read the article 

in full. 

Warning: contains drawings and concepts involving extreme sexual acts. The following article is not safe 

for work, children, or anyone who doesn't want a crash course in deviant sexual behavior and symbols! 

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68583327/willful-ignorance 

Crossword Answers: 

41

NEEDS YOU! 

© 2022 Conley Olson, @NantucketStudios 

WE’RE LOOKING FOR: 

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If you are interested in 

being a contributor 

email: blockedmagazine@gmx.com 

Themes for issue submissions: 

Issue 13: Feb (Murder/Mystery) 

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Issue 15: June (Heroes) 

These themes can be interpreted literally, figuratively, or in any way the titles make you feel. 

For example, a designer could take ‘Bear Arms’ literally and have intarsia arms of a bear on a 

shawl or think more laterally to see what the phrase ‘Bear Arms’ evokes from them. 

Patron Checkout | Patreon 

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Although Blocked is free to read, it isn’t free to produce. Without the generosity of patrons, 

Blocked would not be possible. There are overheads that need to be met including subscriptions for software, 

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If you have enjoyed this issue, please consider becoming a patron. 

Patrons receive the magazine a week before general release, see exclusive content, 

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More details available on the Patreon site linked above.

Acknowledgments 

BLOCKED has been made 

possible by the generosity and 

goodwill of far too many people to 

name individually. 

Thank you to all the designers, 

writers, photographers, artists, 

patrons, advertisers and, of 

course you the reader.

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