I couldn’t talk about sewing knits without mentioning a fun series on sewing with knits that ran this past fall from two lovely bloggy friends of mine, Shannon of luvinthemommyhood and Anna of Noodlehead: Sewing with Knits Mondays! When I asked Shannon to contribute something to the Knit-Mania that’s been going on around here for the last couple months, she mentioned that she had a new hat pattern for knits in the works! I’m thrilled she’s here today to share it with us all as part of the KNITS – Stretch Yourself! series (my let’s-get-sewing-follow-up to the KNITerview series, all posts for both can be found right here).

Shannon’s blog is a little online haven for mommas where she makes you feel right at home. Sometimes there’s sewing, knitting, or roundups. She shares Weekend Wishes, guest posts, and also has a fun series called “Moms in the Mommyhood” which features women who have their own crafty businesses. Recently Shannon’s been on a mission to get the word out about sewing with knits (here’s her sewing with knits tips & tricks roundup) – I love the passion she has for helping people get over their fear of knits. And on top of that, she just released the recent Mallory Cowl knitting pattern. I seriously don’t know how she does it all! Here’s some of her knit tutorials for Sewing with Knits Mondays:

You might also want to check out these guest tutorials from Sewing with Knits Mondays:

Super speedy simple skirt from no big dill
Stretch Dress from Piccoli Pisseli

And here are some neat guest tutorials on knits from Shannon’s Versus blog/mag:

A Springy Tote from Happy Together
Spring Wrap Belt & Bracelet from Piccoli Piselli
Everything’s Coming Up Roses Skirt from Smashed Peas & Carrots
Empire Waist Dress Tutorial from the Cottage Home
Billy Cardi from No Big Dill
Ruched Leggings from Made

Here’s Shannon:

I’m so excited to be here today to be part of the KNITS -Stretch Yourself series! We love sewing with knits over on luvinthemommyhood so when the fabulous Rae asked me to join in I just knew I had to get a hat idea that I had been working on since xmas finished.  I am a die hard knitter and love to mix elements & techniques, so for this hat I wanted to replicate the movement and texture that I love out of my knitted slouch hats and incorporate them into an actual sewn hat.  I also wanted a hat to wear during the warmer and cooler months.  A lightweight, stylish slouch that has a bit of flair and personality. My favorite part of this hat is the construction.  I made test hat after test hat to get this just right for you folks.  It’s super easy, fast, and simple to customize and even more fabulous to wear!!

The best part is that the hat is made all in one piece!  What?!  Yep, that’s right – just one pattern piece!  There is literally only two side seams to sew and a  stitch around the hat.  How awesome is that?  The rest is some fun hand stitching and customization done to your taste!  The twisted cable is actually part of the hat and not an additional piece that is sewn on! I hate bulky ends on a hat and the construction of this hat allows for a softer drape for a sewn garment without the weight and bulk from seam construction.  The small side bows add a feminine and whimsical touch that slim the cheekbones and draw your eye up and away for a slimming effect instead of adding bulk and width to the face.  If you’ve never been able to wear a bulky slouch hat before this may be the time for you try out the slouch style without the added bulk.  Made with a soft, thin stretch it’s light weight, soft and comfortable to wear!

This hat is also a great way for you to practice your sewing with knits skills so brew a pot of coffee, put the wee ones down for a nap and come pop on over to luvinthemommyhood to make your own “Twisted Slouch Hat” and let’s get sewing with knits!  It’s time to whip up an adorable new slouch hat!!!  I promise sewing with knits is easier than it all sounds and once you jump into it you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about and why it took you so long.  There’s no seams to finish and it’s fast and fun to sew with!  We can’t wait to see you!  Thanks again for having me Rae – luv ya girl! xoxoxo

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Thanks so much for being here today, Shannon! And the pattern is SUPERCUTE, I can’t wait to try it out!

This series of posts is all about empowering you to sew with knits. Now go sew some knits!!! See more right here