Inspiration
On Patterns Past
Working at MDK is just as much of a delight as you might think. The company (in all senses of the word) is swell. There’s an abundance of yarn to sniff (or not (you do you)). Any and all knitting nerdery is embraced.
However.
I have one complaint: when you dive into a simple project—a wrap-up of patterns we’ve had on the site lately, say—you can find yourself straying far from your intended destination.
Ask me how I know?
In short, Ashley has found some fine patterns this year for our Pattern Scout feature. Some have involved lobsters and dickies. Others offer bedspreads and hot pads. To say nothing of her spin on Kaffe Fasset’s Earth Shawl Wrap and hot weather wear.
But then the mind wanders to the Pattern Scouts past that the site’s search engine offers up. Like those socks you keep a picture of on your phone should you happen across the perfect yarn, which you found via a 2024 column from Jen Arnall-Culliford.
And this gauze-y little cloud from a Scout about uses for Love Story Einband.
Then the next time you look up, you’ve wandered back to 2019. Ann collected six sweaters perfect for Baa Ram Ewe’s Winterburn Aran. We had it in the shop at the time; sadly, it no longer seems to exist.
Which is too bad, because I’m slightly smitten with Bristol Ivy’s Wainwright.
As I scrolled, I also couldn’t stop looking at Isabell Kraemer’s Baldric or Amy Christoffer’s Felix (or, to be honest, the other three designs).
What a shame, I thought, that Winterburn Aran is no more.
And then I realized that MDK Atlas is pretty close to an Aran weight. And then I realized that I could easily get my hands on a sweater quantity’s worth. And said quietly to myself ,”oh no.”
Was “start a new sweater” on my 2026 to do list? No, it most definitely was not. Will I do it anyway? All signs point to yes.
May your new year start with your own unexpected knitting delights!
Come shop our end-of-year sale! Up to 85% savings on yarns, bags, books, notions—treat yourself, find a gift, have fun with this.
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Dear Adrienne… To answer your question about “knitting a sweater” being on your list for 2026. I have a simple 4-word answer: Bang Out A Sweater. Coming soon to our beloved MDK Zoomwaves. I can’t wait… join us! (Because there is such unbelievable joy in a HUGE group project!)
Fun memories in this post, thanks!
I simply must not start reading Adrienne’s columns while making breakfast. Almost burnt the sausage patties.
Thank you for sending me down multiple rabbit holes this morning. A few weeks ago I committed to Kay to knit my first sweater this year. Yes to the Bang Out, but what colors to choose!?!?
And I very much agree that Amy Christoffers’s Felix sweater would also be a possibility.
It’s only Day 1 of a new year, I haven’t had breakfast (always walk and feed the pups first), and mentally I’ve already spent my MDK gift certificate multiple times. Ah, the possibilities!
What color of Atlas did you choose??
The waffle sweater looks so cozy and like a fun knit, but I much prefer wearing cardis. I am thinking of adding a column of extra stitches in the front to steek it and add a zipper. Any thoughts on that?
I’m so excited for the steeking class in a couple of weeks! One of my goals for the year is to turn a long-ago (like from the 80s) pullover that I’ve never worn into a cardi. I’ve always been too scared to try….
I thought this too, but I’ll back and forth rather than cut!
Do it!!!! Must see this!
I’m thinking of Clay and Persimmon in the Jane.
Who *doesn’t* need a new sweater in 2026? 😉
Happy New Year!
I need multiple sweaters in 2026, honestly. That’s my goal for this year — to use up the dozen sweaters worth of yarn I have!
That did not stop me from getting more Jane to make the Waffle sweater for February, though!
I thought “I love those socks!” Clicked on the Ravelry link and they are in my library already. Maybe a New Years’s Day cast on!
Goodness gracious! Wainwright! If ever a sweater was just pleading to be made of someone’s certain pile of BFL hand spun. Oh, you….
Thank you.
I too did lots of clicking on the patterns (why didn’t I remember some of them? I’m an avid MDK follower!)
But the Wainwright called ZickeZackeHühnerkacke is amazing!! Can’t share the link, but it’s worth making your own way there! I’m inspired!
The Waffle Sweater intrigues me and I would have made it when it first appeared if it were constructed in pieces and with seams rather than top down. Maybe the pattern could be re-done at some point to accommodate those of us who are not keen on top-down knitting. I am feeling brave after reading Kate Atherley’s article from earlier in the week.