Sometimes you've just gotta get on that chairlift.

Even if the people you're skiing with are way better than you.

Even if the people you're knitting with are way more advanced than you. 

You may fall on your bootie. You may drop a stitch.

But before you know it, you'll be swooshing right alongside the pros.

If you haven't already, you really should join our Loops Love Sweaters Challenge.

You get our downloadable Workbook with 14 years' worth of Local Yarn Store experience, distilled into step-by-step tips. 

You get a super-positive community of like-minded knitters and crocheters, going through the Challenge right alongside you.

You even get access to our 4 previous Workbooks, more than a dozen free patterns, free shipping on LoopsLove.com orders, and a special V.I.P. email address for personalized help.

It's all just $19/month. Click here to join.

Whether it's your first sweater or your 50th...it's all downhill from here! :)

P.S. Shown below, Mitzi is wearing "Beekeepers Smock" by Green Mountain Spinnery, and Margaret is wearing "Tea with Jam and Bread" by Heidi Kirrmaier. Both can be made with Woolstok or Rios. 

Just when we thought our free Fringeworthy Scarf pattern couldn't get any more fun...here comes new Estiva yarn from Berroco.

Estiva is a supersoft cotton tape, just like the yarn we used for our Batik Fringeworthy pattern shown below.

The difference is that one cake of Estiva has 33% more yardage, so you can make an even bigger, more dramatic scarf than the one shown!

And the gradient colors are even more slow-changing, subtle and saturated.

The Batik Fringeworthy scarf pattern can be found on our free pattern page.

Two other cute options: "Aniene" Capelet (3 cakes) and "Liri" lace shawl (1 cake), both available on Ravelry.

Shop Estiva yarn here.

When is a beginner scarf not a scarf?

When it's a gorgeous, garter-stitch Ruana! 

"Dayleza" is a lighter-than-air layering piece made with 6 cakes of Aero yarn. It whips up super-quick on #13 needles. And the pattern is free on Ravelry!

Shop Aero yarn here. 

This one's for you if you suffer from arthritis, carpel tunnel, or stiffness in your wrists or fingers...

Give square needles a try!

A square needle decreases contact stress by giving your fingers a flat surface to rest on while knitting. This is different from a traditionally-shaped round needle, which forces your fingers to rest on a smaller, convex-shaped surface area - and can result in poor circulation and impaired nerves. Eliminating or reducing contact tension (by using a Square™ needle) can significantly reduce pain. 

Even if you don't suffer from these problems, according to Knitting Ergonomic Expert Carson Demers, it's good to mix up your needle shapes and materials from project to project.

Loops now carries Kollage Square™ needles, including the new interchangeable sets! 

Bonus: Add one to your yarn order to get over the $100 mark and get free shipping :)

Shop our Square™ needles here.

Loops Trooper Karen says "This is one of my favorites. I love it because I'm bad at planning ahead, and all of these ingredients are things that I always have around anyway. I'll make a huge batch, and freeze most of it in small portions. So then, when I'm slammed for time (or just want to knit instead of cook), I can easily just reheat some and I'm good to go."

Mexican Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
3-4 bell peppers, various colors
1 onion
1-2 jalapenos
1-2 cucumbers
1 can of black beans
1 can of corn
garlic, minced
chicken or vegetable broth
cumin
chili powder
paprika
cilantro
avocado, sliced
lime juice

Directions
Sauté the veggies and garlic until they're a little bit tender. Season them with some cumin while they're cooking. Add the beans and corn, and as much of the broth as you'd like. Season with cumin (lots), chili powder (moderate amount), and paprika (some), until it tastes good to you. Simmer gently for a half hour or so. Serve with plenty of cilantro, sliced avocado, and some lime juice sprayed on top. 

If you make it with vegetable broth, it's vegan! If you want it a little heartier, add some shredded chicken, or serve it with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

XOXO,
Shelley and the Loops Troops