This year, I'm taking my knitting business in a slightly new direction, one designed to respark my joy, to borrow an overused trending phrase. I have decided to take a year off of publishing new patterns, and have declared this my "Year of Playing With Words and Yarn." That means you’ll be hearing more about knitting. And that’s a good thing.

I’m not sure I’m cramming enough exciting things into my week. What do you think?

Have you been having trouble finding yarn to substitute for Knit Picks Wool of the Andes for the Just Plain Gloves or Just Plain Mittens patterns? Do you have trouble substituting yarn in general? Read this.

Today, I had an epiphany. I realized that my idealized state of “balance” and true homeostasis are not the same thing. This is going to change everything…

When I think back to last December, I can see how very much has happened in my life in the last year, what I’ve accomplished, and how I’ve changed. And I’m grateful.

Sweaters on Pinterest and other knitting geekery, books, writing, simple comforts, and other joys of autumn. Here’s what’s been inspiring me.

A photo essay of what's been filling up my blog silence.

This week, I have been resetting physically and mentally, including my current writing project. Plus, a quick knitting update.

How to recreate the exact look of a k1fb (kfb) increase when working on the purl side of the fabric.

A day at a time, the log jam is loosening and the ideas are flowing. The sun is coming back, energy is returning, and I am pulling myself blinking from the retreat of hibernation. For my own mental and emotional health, this year needs to be less about driving myself and more about reducing commitments, taking care of myself, and finding my passion again. It needs to be about healing.

I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have used the exact yarn called for in a given pattern, and I've made my share of mistakes while learning how to substitute. May you be able to learn from them.

At last, this pattern is finally ready! When you see all that it has to offer, you'll know why it took nine months to make! (Okay, so I didn't knit a lot during the summer... but this pattern did get super-tested!)

Francoise of Aroha Knits had more than a few obstacles in her way when she decided to launch her knitwear business--but she did it anyway. Read the inspiring story of this expat American designer living in Japan whose business has grown to encompass the globe.

Tea, books, knitting, eating, cuddling, chocolate... This is a small celebration of some of my favourite simple pleasures. What makes your list?

"Knit on with confidence and hope in all crises." Elizabeth Zimmerman