Upcoming pattern: Mika Vest

Some details about the next design release, CraftDoodling Designs updates, etc.

As many of you know, the Mika Vest has been in the works for a while now, and I’m almost ready to release it!

Designing this vest has been fulfilling in so many ways. Garments have become my favorite things to design. Planning out the details and fit in different areas of a garment involves some challenging math, but I’m learning to enjoy that part of the process.

This vest includes a double knit button band and armhole trim which gives a neat and polished look. If you're new here, here’s an earlier post where we had a fantastic discussion about finishing options while I was still developing the design.

When you think about it, garment-making is one of the most powerful things you can do as a knitter. You have complete control over your materials, style, fit, and finishing details—every single stitch is yours to shape. I’m so grateful to play a small role in this process for some knitters.

I also got lucky with an incredibly skilled testing team, and I can’t wait to share their beautiful projects with you soon!

For this design, I used

Anne Vally

’s Targhee Worsted. I had bought this yarn a while ago when she first introduced the Moonlight colorway. I typically prefer fingering weight for my garments, but this yarn somehow declared itself the perfect garment yarn and waited patiently in my stash.

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Almost a year later, I came up with the idea for a vest—an idea sparked by a book I was reading at the time (but that’s a story for another day!). Anne’s Targhee wool, with its long staple fibers and delightful bounce, makes stitches come alive beautifully. She puts her materials through rigorous testing before bringing them to us and offers deep technical insight into how her yarns come together, among other things. If you’re not already subscribed, I highly recommend signing up for her newsletter to stay updated.

Anne not only offered to test the design herself but also had provided a discount on her gorgeous yarn for testers. If you’re interested in using the same yarn, keep an eye on littleskein.com.

What was the last garment you knit for yourself? Maybe you are gearing up to knitting your next one or your very first one? Where are you in your knitting journey? I’d love to hear - please share in comments. 💙✨

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES

1. Shuffle Scarf is coming right along. I had to rip and redo a few times in the middle to get it exactly how I wanted. I’m happy to share that it is back on track now. 🥰

   

   Shuffle Scarf - Design in progress

2. I have a few other designs that are in various stages of completion. I will be sending out pattern testing calls soon. Please keep an eye out, here in my Ravelry Group if you are interested. 💙

3. Here are my earlier garment patterns that might interest you. 💙

   Niyat Pullover

   Fluens Tee

3. Here are some of my classes on offer at Fillory Yarn currently. If you are local, see if anything catches your attention. 💙

4. I will be teaching Introduction to 2-color Brioche at the Next Level Knitting Conference, TKGA. Registration for the sessions are still open and there are some beautiful prizes lined up for the participants. 💙

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OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

Some of my earlier articles about garment making:

1. That elusive ease

2. 3 best practices for wardrobe knitting

READING UPDATES

Finished Reading 📖

The enigma of garlic - Alexander McCall Smith

Currently Reading 📖

The Windsor Knot - S.J. Bennett

Until next time,

Kavitha. ♡

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