“How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

― William Shakespeare

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Hello there fellow knitter!

This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way Disney loves the Main Street Electrical Parade.

Here's what we've got for you today...

• Knitspiration: Our picks for the best crafting lights
• Stitchionary: A rib stitch that's not a rib stitch
• Pattern Pick: These socks are not slippers, or are they?
• PLUS: Buying happiness, cyclops sweater, and more

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Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.

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Knitspiration

💡 Seeing the light: Best craft lamps for knitting

I often find myself working on something, sitting at the table and losing track of time.

My wife will come home and ask if I want the light on.

Usually this is a rhetorical question as she says this only moments before flicking the light switch.

Immediately my world changes as I realize that I've been working in the dark for who knows how long.

And I'm always caught by surprise at how much easier it is to work when there's plenty of light.

Knitting in the dark

I'm pretty proficient at knitting without looking.

I love to take my knitting to the movies, provided I'm not working on something too complicated.

But we all know that our eyes only get worse as we get older, and knitting without proper lighting is no bueno.

While it is a myth that doing activities like reading in low or dim light will damage your eyes, it certainly doesn't make knitting easier.

Having good lighting makes knitting more enjoyable, prevents making mistakes, and can allow you to knit in places you otherwise couldn't.

You could try knitting with glow in the dark yarn, but I hear it's not that bright.

Instead, we've got some better solutions for your lighting needs.

Our Favorite Crafting Lamps for Knitters

There are tons of options out there for good illumination solutions.

We've filtered through the noise to offer a list of lights that meet different use cases and budgets.

All of our selections are highly rated, most with 1,000+ positive reviews.

Here's our top picks:

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​Glocusent LED Neck Light​

What is it?​
This USB chargeable light sits around your neck and illuminates your knitting when visibility is low.

Why we like it​
It's inexpensive and super portable. The light is directed down and in front of you so it won't bother people around you. Perfect for night time road trips and plane flights.

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​OttLite 4-Inch Hands-Free LED Magnifier​

What is it?​
This magnifying glass has a built in light that hangs from your neck.

Why we like it​
Another affordable illumination option, this light has a magnification power of 1.5x and a spot viewer with 4.25x. It's also portable uses OttLite's daylight LEDs which mimic natural sunlight.

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​Beyamz Magnifying Lamp​

What is it?​
This table lamp is perfect for those who need some extra viewing power from time to time.

Why we like it​
My grandma had a lamp similar to this next to her chair. This one has 5x magnification power and a stronger, dimmable led light. Plus the extendable arm means it can be moved out of the way when not in use.

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​Brightech Litespan​

What is it?
This led floor lamp not only provides plenty of light to knit by, it also looks nice in your crafting space.

Why you should own it?
For a floor lamp it's reasonably priced, and the adjustable gooseneck ensures you always enough light to work by. Plus it has more than 18,000 positive reviews so they must be doing something right.

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​BenQ e-Reading LED Desk Lamp​

What is it?​
If there was a Ferrari of craft and hobby lamps, this would be it.

Why we like it​
This lamp is being talked about everywhere, from water color painters, to cosplayers, to knitters. It ain't cheap, but with it's high quality components, adjustability, and wide light coverage, this is no better crafting lamp on the market.

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Conclusion

I hope these books have offered some inspiration.

But what do you think?

Are you going to try making a BIG project this year? If so what?

Or maybe you'll put some new pattern to explore on the calendar?

Hit reply and tell us your thoughts!

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Announcements

Here's a couple of upcoming events you might want to check out!

Knit Your Wardrobe Summit (Feb 1-4) I'm doing a presentation for this FREE event along with 14 other knitting teachers and designers. Get Your FREE Ticket!

Headband KAL Feb 4-24 • Space is limited Join us as we explore new techniques through a quick headband project. 4 projects to choose from! Get on the waiting list

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Daily Stitch

Slip Stitch Rib

This simple rib stitch isn't really ribbed at all.

Sure, it looks like ribbing, but it's just pretending.

Those vertical columns of stitches look real nice, but they're all for show. So if you want a stitch that looks ribbed but doesn't stretch, this is the one for you.

​Learn This Stitch

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Yarnist Insider Bonus

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Members Only

LIVE Knitting Circle (Jan 24 @ 7 EST) Join us and we chat and knit together. ​RSVP HERE​

Work in Progress Wednesday What are you working on this week? ​Share a bit about your project with the community!

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Pattern Pick

Slipstream Socks by Aud Bergo

These fun and fanciful socks use a slip stitch rib pattern.

Paired with a self striping yarn, this pattern is perfect for mindless knitting on a lazy Sunday.

If you love knitting socks, but want something a little different this is the next step up from beginner.

Get This Pattern

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Knits & Giggles

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Thanks for reading!

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Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:

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Look at you reading all the way to the end!

Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯

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Made with 💙🖤🤍 in Tallinn, Estonia

Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120