First Person
Dana’s Edit: All In on Love
When I love something, I am all in—and I am all in on knitting. It’s full of joy.
I used to worry that people will judge me if I keep knitting the same patterns repeatedly. This year I stopped caring whether people judged me.
My name is Dana and I’m a repeat knitter.
There’s something about the comfort of knowing a pattern, making it repeatedly, and getting a different outcome every time.
My first real pattern obsession was the Love Note sweater by Tin Can Knits. I’ve knit nine of them from baby-sized to adult, and I’ve loved every one.
I’ve made them in cotton, with mohair, with DK-weight yarns held single, even without the lace pattern! I love the construction—and the fit on every body is always great.
I’ve given them to my mom, my sisters, and friends. When I’m itching to knit a lace pattern, I’m sure I’ll make it again.
In the spring, I became obsessed with the very trendy Sophie scarf (and its larger companion Sophie shawl) by PetiteKnit. I knit two of the full-sized shawls for myself: one with a now-discontinued yarn I was holding onto hoping to find the perfect thing to make and one from the lovely stash of neon suri yarn for myself for the fall.
I then went on to knit eight of the tiny scarves for myself and friends.
It’s the kind of mindless knit I can crank out over a weekend and feel good about what I’ve made. It’s so simple that I’ve happily given them away when someone says “oh, I like that scarf.”
My friend Renee even threw a random color selection at me—chartreuse—and said that if I had in my stash I could make her one. Of course, my stash is huge and I immediately knew what skein I would use.
I’ve made them with silk blends and cotton blends, bamboo, and wool. I’ve marled yarns and used speckles and sparkly yarns, too. Each one is more joyful than the last.
I will not stop making them. You can’t make me.
As I type this, I’m working on my eighth Lento sweater by Jonna Helin with another two more already planned.
I’ve realized that this is my favorite sweater to make and wear. The instructions are fairly simple—and it can be knit with one strand of yarn or two on larger needles, so they always seem to go quickly.
I’ve modified the neckline so it isn’t a folded-over collar. I have made the body longer; the sleeves shorter and longer. I’ve used so many fun combinations of yarn to make them.
From a cotton and feathery yarn combo for Jessica to a lovely bright blue mohair version for my mom.
I’m sure I could write an entire love letter about that one sweater alone. I’m knitting my current version with a 50/50 cotton and merino blend and I’ve got a lovely stash of slub yarn in purple that I’ve been saving to make another Lento with.
I’m even helping my godmother along as she makes her own Lento.
If it brings you joy, make it—and make it repeatedly.
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thank you for the inspiration and sharing all your beautiful variations! You are so right, there is nothing like a sweater that looks and feels great, and nothing so soothing as knitting a pattern that is familiar, so why not try a favorite in other yarns?
Thank-you for sharing about all your knits! I admire all of your knitting! I am way slower than I use to be with my knitting. But that is okay. Thank-you for the encouragement you have given. Keep up the great knitting! Barbara King
HERE HERE!!!!
Signed,
A Sincere and Adamant Serial Repeat Knitter!
Love this. I too have TNTs, which is a sewist expression for tried and true. I have a few sewing patterns I make on repeat with variations, but haven’t yet found my sweater TNTs. Thank you for the inspiration. I made the Sophie, but even though I have knitted quite complex stuff, that icord edging gave me problems, o kept dropping a stitch and having to unpick rows to figure out where I was. Pity because i too love my scarf.
Loved “TNT”. Going to borrow that expression.
I agree!!!! I’ve made the ink cardigan 8 Times and I wear one almost every day
You’ll love the Ranunculus by Midori Hirose Dana. I’m making it next in 4ply and also have laceweight yarn lined up for the next one. Can’t stop making it.
I’m with you Dana. My favorite do-over is the Soldotna sweater by Caitlin Hunter. I’ve made several and I’ll make more. I love the simplicity of the pattern and the chance to combine a lot of color.
Thank you!
You will save me endless hours looking for my next project.
Love the basic beige cardi you’re wearing with Sophie scarf. What is the pattern please?
I also love the cream cardi and where did you get the buttons???
Just went to your blog to see your post on the Basil Cardigan.
Beautiful collection! Thank you for inspiring creativity.
Oh my! What is the name of that amazing sequin yarn? Thank you
Yes! Thank you Dana! I too am a repeat knitter and proud of it. I’m about to start another Sophie Scarf – perfect knit in the middle of a hot summer. (Sorry sweaters, you’ll have to wait.)
I’m also a repeat knitter! I usually stop after the second sweater, but I am on my sixth Cameron cowl using Miss Babs Sojourn.
What an encouraging post to wake up to!!! Thanks for all of your inspiration.
This was great! I feel seen! Thank you Dana!
Loved this, Dana. I like the Sophie scarf too, and should try the shawl. I will try the Love Note sweater. When you can knit a pattern you’re comfortable with in an amazing array of yarns, and with modifications, it’s a new thing every time. Choose your own adventure, anyone?
Thank you for this burst of morning joy! I am on Sophie # 5!
I completely understand and agree. My favourite lace pattern is candlelight and I must have at least a dozen now, cardigans all lacy, jumpers with just the front lacy. I have done baby cardigans, children’s and adults
Oh my goodness! You are a girl after my own heart. I think I have made the Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers at least 6 times. In all types of fibers. And when I need a great basis raglan, the Flax by Tin Can Knits is my go to. I’ve lost count of how my I’ve made. It’s a great starting point to add other details. The last one I made was for summer in a cotton, linen, silk blend. I put a lace panel down the front and sleeves. I love your Love Note sweater, that one is in my queue. I even have the yarn and pattern.
Love it! As as golden gal, say, you do you! Why bother to try and be somebody else?
Thank you Dana! I am also a repeat knitter, and love to repeat yarns that I love, too.
The different variations you’ve are inspiring!
I wish I lived close enuf for you to help me thru a sweater. Oh well. My repeat knits are mostly plain socks. I need the repetitive motion and final sense of accomplishment. People have criticized me for doing so but it’s part of my sanity. Thanks for your validation! Knit on!!!
Karene, who can have too many socks? Keep up the good work!
Strongly agree! I just knit a vest for the second time, and made it two sizes smaller – one will be super boxy, one more fitted and both bring joy. Dana, your column always brings joy, too – your style, your smile, your intelligent approach to finding joy in our knitting, dogs, community of knitters – thank you!!!
I am also a repeat knitter just like I’m a repeat sewist. Yes! Find a pattern you love and keep making it! Knowing a pattern and knowing how it will fit on you is a true game changer.
I’m gonna go against the grain here and say – I have never repeated a knit yet! There are so many glorious patterns out there yet to be discovered.
Although vashisht by Hasargaknit might be about to be my first.
Do whatever makes you happy , and we can all be smug to have found this craft that makes us so happy
I’m with you. All my tops are 1 of a kind pattern. Always looking for a challenge and something new. But this article has me thinking. Thank you.
I loved your article and your wonderful photos!!! I need to knit a Love Note – asap – you look so great in your knits! Thanks for sharing
Whenever I travel I make the Be Simple scarf. I choose a fabulous variegated yarn and knit away in airports, buses, planes, and hotels. No instructions needed. I’ve kept some, gifted some, and donated some to raise money for nonprofits. I’m still not bored with it.
This is my travel “go to” as well and I have one in progress right now!
Seriously. I love your knitting. Yes, I hunted down that darn sequin yarn. And I plan to do the big plaid vest … so… nine of a thing? I’m in.
THANK YOU!!!! I am also a repeat knitter (maybe up to 9 Sophie scarves?), and I appreciate your encouragement so much! Your yarns are amazing, your sweaters are beautiful, and your letters are so much fun. Can’t wait to see more!
LOVED this article, Dana. You are so “brave” to admit you’re a repeat knitter. There are so many of us! I’m making a second Urchin (Libby Johnson) and I’ve knit multiples of many socks. There are others, too. Feels good to be among fellow Repeaters.
Thank you for more inspiration! I have never made a Love Note but I have the pattern. Wait, I could say that about several patterns…
I have made so many Love Notes. Cotton, bamboo, linen. I love it as a warmer weather top. Linen, with shortened sleeves and a longer body is my favorite. If something is good, it’s good. Why not knit it again?
Dana, every single thing you write teaches me something and shows me yet another way to liberate my knitting (and myself) from the rule-bound way I learned about crafting. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU :)))
Dana is always an inspiration!
Hi Dana,
I always enjoy reading your writing and seeing what you are making. Can you tell me what pattern you used for the sweater in the 7th picture above (the light green sweater you are wearing with the Sophie scarf)?
Thanks,
Kimberly
I would also love to know the pattern. I love the sweater!
I’m the same only with socks. I make my own yarn, sometimes even taking longer than the actual knitting. I donate most of mine to the Winter Shelters or to charity fund raisers. P.S. My Chihuahua was the same color and body type. He was 6.5# and afraid of nothing and no one. I miss him terribly. He was the most fun dog I’ve ever had. His name was Vinidogo-dogo, and African word for “a very little thing.”
If I had a pattern that fit as beautifully and looked as great on me as Love Note and Lento look on you I’d be a repeat knitter too!
I have knit 5 marlogram scarves with the freia ombre though…like 5+ feet of sequence knitting at a go. And have more colors in stash. They are mindless and hypnotic long car or plane trip projects.
My repeat is Hitofude: I’ve made seven. I, too, am a huge fan of the Sophie and have started many more for my friends, using my continuous i-cord cast on. Sophie is great for using that special single skein in a beautiful color.
Dana you are my hero! I haven’t finished one sweater in A decade!
I need to knit one Love Note !
The patterns have become canvases for your invention
Dana Williams-Johnson always makes me smile!!! And she’s pretty darn inspiring as well.
Five love notes, three of them with other lace patterns subbed in! It is a perfect stitch repeat to find other patterns. my favorite turned out to be with Barbara walker’s frost flowers in a contrast color. Two have been with handspun, two with contrast color lace bands, and three with long sleeves. It’s like a math logic problem, but every one is my favorite when I’m wearing it.
Martina Behm Endless Rainbow shawl? I’ve lost count. On my fingers I remember 6, but I know there’s more. It’s the perfect vehicle for yarn chicken and right when you’re getting bored, there’s a fiddly bit, and right when that’s tedious, there’s a big straight stretch!
as always, your column started my day with a big smile. and yes – repeat knitting can be AWESOME!
thank you, CRR
I love the v neck you are wearing with the multi-colored scarf! Please let us know the pattern name! Also, thank you for sharing that you like to knit the same pattern over and over. I do too because I knit for stress relief and relaxation, as well as for the lovely outcomes. There is nothing more relaxing than just knitting what you know.
AMEN!
There’s a basic top-down raglan pullover pattern from an old (1970s?) Leisure Arts booklet that I’ve made dozens of times in sizes from toddler to T-rex. (Boy, it was hard to get THOSE sleeves right!)
Anyway, I’m all in with keeping an old-reliable pattern in my back pocket to serve as a launch pad for those “what would happen if I changed *this* element?” moments.
What a great thing to read from Dana on a Monday morning with the week full of promise and my stash full of yarn. Thank you! My repeat thing is a small, lovely, triangular lace scarf with vines and leaves, in merino.
Agree!
Thank you!
Thank you,Dana. I’ve been hankering for a third Love Note. I won’t hold back a moment longer!
I always love reading your posts!
I mostly make shawls and baby blankets for charity these days, and I certainly enjoy repeating patterns that I like….
My repeat knit is Multicolored Sockies by Maude Smith. By now I must have made a couple hundred pairs, all different, as each baby recipient is a different person. I started out making 40 pairs for my daughter to give to her patients when she was an apprentice midwife. Moms love the booties because they stay on little feet and are washable; I love to knock out a pair as a palate cleanser between larger projects.
Dana, I am in your club and didn’t know it. My obsession or should I say addiction to multiple use of the same pattern is topped off with the Anywhere shawl by Cecilia Campochiaro (I did change her bind off to an icord bind off for a much improved finish) followed by Franca cardigan by CocoKnits and several Sophie scarfs and shawls. Isn’t addiction sometimes wonderful!
Dana, I am in your club and didn’t know it. My obsession or should I say addiction to multiple use of the same pattern is topped off with the Anywhere shawl by Cecilia Campochiaro followed by Franca cardigan by CocoKnits and several Sophie scarfs. Isn’t addiction sometimes wonderful!
I am in awe of your productivity. I love the idea of making the same thing over and over. It makes for a soothing rhythm and it is fascinating to see how different yarns make the sweater look completely different. Love this! Thanks,
Dana your smile is just what I needed this morning. I’m recovering from shoulder surgery and that’s going along slowly, but surely, but yesterday, I fell on my kitchen floor. I now have a sore, bruised knee. I look forward to doing some knitting everyday. Knitting, reading, and playing the piano are my daily go-to activities.
Thank you for keeping us encouraged in our knitting!!
I love your beautiful, creative knits! Each “same” pattern comes out with a totally different look! ❤️
The Lento in sequins is ingenious!!!
My first exposure to you today. What a gorgeous smile.
Will check out your blog.
Some great looking sweaters.
Thanks for this and for encouraging me to make a second version of a cardigan I just finished. I always teased my friend who would make two or three of the same pattern – she is a fast, steady knitter. Now I understand why she does this. You make something that fits and looks good, so why not make another? After all, how many tees do we have in our closets?
I love your columns and your confidence.
I do that exact same thing with the Close to You shawl by Justyna Lorkowska, free on Ravelry. I’ve made five of them! Two have been lost to moths but the other three are going strong (one is for my youngest daughter, age 24). More shall be made, in fact I’m picking out yarn for the next one right now, propelled by you, Dana.
I’ve made Close to You multiple times as well, some on request from people who have seen me wearing it. Simple but interesting and how I learned to YO and K2Tog. I am certain I will make it again because it’s just right for me.
Amazingly beautiful as always! I’m a repeat knitter as well, so you’re definitely not alone. I love your creations and seeing what you do with them!
Repeating a pattern makes so much sense—for creative possibilities and all the fine reasons you’ve cited. And the ease of it all! I’m definitely with you on this, Dana. And I’m very much looking forward to your workshop on July 25!
Your sense of colour is amazing, speaking as someone who normally knits in shades of blue and throws in the occasional red for variety. Having said that, can you please tell us the name of the beige cardigan in photo #4, or #5 if you count from the very top of the article. I also repeat patterns in both knitting and sewing, and have for many years.
I’ve made a bunch of musselburgh hats and tons of honey cowls. When you have a winner of a pattern it’s easy to keep going. I love your work!
I have made 4 Carbeths (plus 1 Carbeth cardigan), 4 Clapotis shawls, many pairs of Skyp Socks, and a LOT of sweaters based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Percentage System. Sometimes, you just want to make something familiar that you know you’ll be happy with!
I love the second Love Note! Did you use a heavier yarn for that? The stitch definition in the lace is ahhh-mazing. 🙂
I’ve made Sempervirens sweater at least a dozen times. Some were gifts, but I think I still have maybe five. It’s the perfect sweater for spring through fall here west of Chicago. It’s comforting to make. It’s flexible regarding fiber. So I, too, am a repeat knitter.
Thank you, Dana! I cast on my 5th emotional support chicken last night. Hennifer Lopez is everyone’s favorite & she is bringing me joy with every stitch. Each Hennifer now lives with a dear family member or friend and I will probably make at least 20 of them. Yay for being all in!
Dana, your joy, and delight in colour and texture, spread joy and light around. Thank you!
My favorite repeat knit is Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavallee. I’ve made four with Wool and Vinyl fingering yarn and have made modifications on each one (no mohair or stripes) When she came out with a DK version I frogged my DanDoh linen project and made a short sleeved version. I enjoy making things I can wear in all seasons.
I am currently knitting and crocheting to donate for newborns and women’s shelters. I’ve found a few patterns that I like and am making them over and over again, especially the baby sweaters. Since some of the yarn is coming from my stash, the scarf patterns may vary; but, that’s ok, too. It keeps it interesting.
I am in total awe of you, Dana! It makes total sense. When I find a pair of pants that fit, I want them in many colors and fabrics. These all look great on you and I’m inspired to try the Love Note and the Lento sweaters.