May 2023
Well, I don’t know how it happened but April flew by without me updating this front page. Time has a way of behaving strangely—speeding up and slowing down unpredictably—and April was no exception to this rule.
I’ve entered a period of creative energy and I’m very grateful; 2022 was filled to the brim with tours and teaching, and the result was a lack of joy in creation. My decision to cut back is finally paying off in a more relaxed and open mental space. As always, such decisions come at a cost: I do enjoy working with students. But sometimes we have to say “no” even to things we love!
My Moonstruck Sweater is done—you can see it on Instagram (@janinebajus). I hope to write up the pattern within a few months. I’m so pleased with it! Now my energy is focused on knitting toys, planning some river-themed sweaters, and dreaming of the upcoming trip to Ireland, where I expect to be deluged with even more inspiration!
If you’d like to know more about my work, I recently wrote an essay for Kate Davies’ blog entitled Colour and Feeling. And Felix of Knitsonik interviewed me: A Conversation with Janine Bajus AKA The Feral Knitter.
Whichever directions your life takes I hope that you face them with an open heart and open hand.
love,
Janine ❤️
Not-Quite-News but perhaps of interest…..
The Redbud Vest pattern is now available in a digital version! When converting it from the paper version I corrected a few issues and added more information about steeking. If you purchased a paper copy of the pattern you can find all corrections on Ravelry; you can download the steek information here.
Because I’m not teaching this year I’ve reduced the price of the large yarn packs — 30% off. These packs consist of 12 shades of Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift—I’ve created a number of color ways that are especially useful if you aren’t sure about choosing colors or if you don’t have a nearby yarn shop.
Are you new to Fair Isle knitting? Let me recommend my two patterns geared to beginners: Dryas Octopetala, a slouchy hat, and the Beginner’s Fair Isle Cap, a small, close-filling cap. Both these patterns include motifs that build in complexity, giving you a chance to build your confidence in carrying two colors at a time.
My approach to Fair Isle knitting is modern and very personal; my goal is to share my deep appreciation for this type of knitting and to help you develop the confidence to plunge into this world of color and pattern.
My newsletter is where you will get the most current information about teaching and travel and new patterns, so please sign up if you haven’t already!
WHAT IS A FERAL KNITTER?