Your Top 5 Favorites from 2024 (and a Bonus!)

As we look forward to the coming year, it's always a treat to look back through the previous year. In June, Farm & Fiber Knits released our inaugural print issue, full of beautiful patterns to knit and stories about sustainable wool.

The conversation continues here on the web. Here are your top five favorites from 2024:

5. "Your wool is worth nothing."

When Anne Sammons discovered that her brown wools would fetch only pennies, no matter how soft and clean, she took matters into her own hands. Photo courtesy of Leaf Livestock

After all the work of tending a herd of sheep, no shepherd wants to hear their sheep's wool is worthless. Instead of feeling defeated, Anne Sammons took on the challenge of transforming her "worthless" wool into beautiful yarns. Read the full article here.

4. Blocking Hats and Tams

Two versions of The Tam O'Shanter by Eileen Lee. Photos by Gale Zucker and Joe Coca

What's the difference between a beanie (or toque) and a tam? And how do you block them—either to smooth out any inconsistencies, or to show off to their best advantage? Susan Rainey explains the process here. It's simpler than you might think!

3. Knitting the Simple but Clever Grand Picot Chunky Scarf

The Grand Picot Chunky Scarf is a fun and satisfying project. Photos by Gale Zucker

Anne Merrow discovered there was more than meets the eye with the Grand Picot Chunky Scarf. While she initially decided to knit it because she liked the look, she quickly discovered that it has everything a knitter could hope for, and more. Read the full article.

Find the pattern here.

2. Five Reasons Why You Should Knit a Vest

There is something so relaxing about knitting a vest. Photo by rocknwool on Unsplash

I hear that vests are trending for 2025. They're great layering pieces, whether you're out on the trail or in an office. If that's not reason enough, discover Pat Olski's reasons for knitting vests here.

1. What Length Should You Knit Your Scarf?

Jen Geigley's Loon Lake Scarf is an example of an extended length scarf. Photo by Gale Zucker

Sometimes you want to wrap yourself up in layers and layers of cozy goodness, and other times you simply need a whisper of a cowl to keep the chill away. Katrina King answers the perennial question of how long to knit a scarf, shawl, or cowl in this post.

Bonus: The Leaf Cap

Cast on your Leaf Cap today! Photo by George Boe

The Leaf Cap Pattern is a simple yet charming hat that has proved to be one of our all-time favorite patterns. Warm and cozy with a little lace detail near the brim, it's a classic!

All of these posts and patterns are classics. We can't wait to share more patterns and stories with you in 2025!