🧶Did I ever tell you you’re my hero

Make the Ena Pullover with our exclusive colors of LolaBean Cool Beans Sport.

It’s a funny thing…

As makers, sometimes we get so busy making things, we don’t even realize how much impact we’re having on the wider world.

Our amazing readers helped make a heroic difference last week - and at first I didn’t even know it!

“Thanks to the newsletter, the Ena Pullover is now the third most popular pattern on  Ravelry,” Loretta alerted me earlier this week.  “And the designer has put the pattern on sale. So, while we did not dedicate proceeds of the bag to a specific charity, we are indeed helping Svetlana who lives in Kiev, Ukraine.  Just thought you'd like to know the difference you are making.”

And the very next day, the Ena Pullover hit #1 on Ravelry! Y’all are the best!!!

So, how about we keep the momentum going for Ukranian designer Svetlana Volkova?

I went and checked out Svetlana’s designs on Ravelry…and oh my goodness, there are so many gorgeous ones!

This whole newsletter is dedicated to my favorite of Svetlana’s patterns, curated to some of our exclusive yarns. Please consider purchasing one or more of the patterns (or even better, a pattern pack) on Ravelry to support her, and pick up some special yarn from us while you’re at it.

xoxo,

Make “Bloomsbury” by Svetlana Volkova with 4/4/5/6/6/7 skeins LolaBean Cool Beans Worsted for finished bust sizes 30/34/37/43/45/49. Photo courtesy of @fran.made (Instagram) Xinoda (Ravelry)

 

Make “Bloomsbury Kids” by Svetlana Volkova with 1/2/2/2/3/3/4 skeins LolaBean Cool Beans Worsted for finished chest size 17.9/19.3/20.6/22.9/25.2/26.6/28. Photo credit: Knitforsweet on Ravelry.

“Bloomsbury” is a top-down, seamless pullover with an easy to memorize lace pattern and a romantic, feminine look. It’s available in both an adult and kids version! For either version, we recommend either LolaBean Cool Beans Worsted or Rowan Felted Tweed.

"Family Tree Beanie" photo courtesy of Svetlana Volkova via Ravelry

The “Family Tree Beanie” is a ribbed and reversible unisex beanie featuring beautiful crown shaping. Can be worn straight or with a fold over brim. Perfect to make on repeat as holiday gifts! Try LolaBean Cool Beans Sport, or Loops Gusto (on sale!).

Join Sunnie’s Hat Drive for Cancer Patients…

Even better, how about making some Family Tree Beanies on repeat for charity?

Last year, team member Sunnie ran a hat drive for her uncle, who runs a cancer treatment hospital. She got around 160 hats; so many in fact that not only did every patient and staff member receive one, but she was also able to provide them to local shelter.

If you would like to make hats for this cause, just ship them to arrive at the Knit Stars Flagship Store (3509 S. Peoria Suite 301, Tulsa, OK 74105) no later than Dec. 1. They can be any pattern or material - just please label your hats with the fiber content so they can be sorted.

Here are some photos Sunnie took of last years’ recipients ❤️

 

Photo courtesy of Svetlana Volkova via Ravelry

Next up, we have “Cannelloni” by Svetlana, also available in adult and “Mini” versions. I just love the way the cables float down this top! Use our Cool Beans Worsted for the adult version, or Cool Beans Sport for the Mini version.

Photo courtesy of Svetlana Volkova via Ravelry

Want to make a sweater that works up even faster? Check out the "Narnija Sweater" - a perfect match for our Loops Luxe Chunky Royal Alpaca + Silk blend.

Photo courtesy of Svetlana Volkova via Ravelry

 

It can be hard to find a gender neutral fingerless mitt, so these “Bramble Basket” mitts really jumped out at me. Just one skein of TML + Tweed makes the pair - and the yarn’s on sale here!

Photo courtesy of Svetlana Volkova via Ravelry

Recipe as shown on HalfBakedHarvest.com

One Skillet Buffalo Ranch Chicken Enchilada Bake

I think, in all the years we’ve been doing this newsletter with these “less cooking, more knitting” recipes, I’ve never actually told you that YOU MUST MAKE THIS. But folks…this is that moment. This one-dish recipe from HalfBakedHarvest.com is indescribably good and deceptively simple. Just make it. Even if you’re vegetarian, just sub in tofu for the ground chicken, but for the love of all things fiber, make this and devour it. That is all.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 1 cup beer (or use water)
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temp
• 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 2 teaspoons dried dill
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 6 tortillas, warmed
• avocado, limes, and cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, combine the olive oil, chicken, onion, and peppers. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the fajita seasoning, then pour in the beer, the buffalo sauce, and the salsa. Simmer 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro.
3. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, yogurt, parsley, chives, dill, paprika, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
4. Spoon the cream cheese mix down the center of each tortilla, tuck, and roll. Place the tortillas, seam side down, into the skillet overtop of the chicken. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
5. Serve warm, drizzled with yogurt mixed with lime and salt. Top with avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños. Add extra buffalo sauce. Enjoy! 

Recipe as made by Shelley.