It seems our blog is petering out! No one posts. No one comments. So, I will send out this little post and see what happens. It does cost us hundreds of dollars a year to maintain this blog. I know. Surprising!
This is one of my recent FOs. It is my second Comfort Fade Cardigan, designed by Andrea Mowry. My first, more subdued rendition, can be found here. This color choice was actually not my own. I was inspired by a project I saw on Instagram. I ran to BeWoolen to get the same colors of Rios!! When I saw the actual colors, they looked different than the picture, so I substituted a couple of colors. Frank Ochre yellow just didn’t translate in the photos, but I wanted that acidy color in my cardi. I really like the results.
Another recent FO is my Melt the Ice Bandana turned Cowl. It was designed to be a summery alternative to the oh-so popular Melt the Ice Hat, with proceeds also going back into the community.
I converted the bandana into a cowl by working in the round after I got to a certain point. I am now knitting a regular bandana in a wool/cotton blend that will tie in the back.
I am still protesting. Still angry about what is happening to our country, but damn. It is absolutely exhausting. Every day they do something worse than the day before. It is impossible to keep up, and that is what they are counting on! So, I try to remain optimistic that we can weather this storm.
PS: Thank you for all the supportive comments! It means a lot. Don’t be shy about commenting as it is appreciated!
PS2: To Anne C. Anne asked about tips to fading sleeves to match the body. My advice is to count rows. Comfort Fade said just knit til they match, but I took notes on row counts and my sleeves match. Be sure you leave enough yarn of each color for the sleeves. Each sleeve row at its widest takes about a third of the yarn length of the body, then less as you decrease.
I’ve been following your blog for a while now (I still don’t do Insta) and I want to say, for what it’s worth, how much I admire your knitting but even more your spirit. I follow the news about the US, of course, but reading about it from the perspective of a fellow knitter directly affected by the monstrosities the present administration comes up with on an hourly basis has a much greater impact on me. So often the events shown on the news leave me (and certainly not only me) almost paralysed with impotent rage. This is why I absolutely adore the Melt-the-ICE hats and the bandana – small but very visible signs and acts of resistance. So even if you shut down your blog, I wanted you to know that more people read your blog than you are aware of.
Comment by katrin — May 3, 2026 @ 2:56 pm
Still here, still reading, and occasionally commenting. I’ve made 4 Melt the Ice hats (two regular and two mini) and have yarn available if anyone asks me to make another. I’ll enjoy making the cowl.
Good to “see” you again!
Comment by Mary — May 3, 2026 @ 3:46 pm
I read via RSS! (Still possible, despite the shutdown of Google Reader awhile back.) Not sure I’ve ever commented before. The Comfort Fade cardigan looks lovely.
Comment by Sharon — May 3, 2026 @ 4:08 pm
This is a nice reminder that I want to knit a comfort fade, your colours are fantastic together.
Comment by Chris — May 3, 2026 @ 5:12 pm
Keep it up! Look forward to seeing your posts.
Comment by Gretchen — May 3, 2026 @ 6:46 pm
Thanks so much for posting.
I do appreciate the blog, whenever you have time and energy to post.
That sweater is very striking – it will be fun to wear. Great colour combination.
thanks for protesting too! A lot of efforts that seem small add up – like stitches in knitting.
Comment by Lisa RR — May 3, 2026 @ 8:12 pm
Still here too! Hope you will continue posting.
Comment by Carole — May 3, 2026 @ 8:36 pm
Last entry was in February, so nothing new to add there.
I wore my hat at the No Kings march in NYC and was glad it was chilly enough to wear it. The cowl is pretty, but I’ve given up wearing cowls due to earring losses I can ill afford.
I like the color combination of your second Comfort Fade Cardigan. Please keep posting.
Comment by Elaine in NYC — May 3, 2026 @ 9:55 pm
Wow, that cardigan is beautiful! My world will be a dimmer, darker place without your blog — I hope you keep on.
I’ve been working with Standards Not Force to make changes in our country, and I do my best to ignore the day-to-day news — too depressing!
My work is nowhere near as lovely as yours, but I knit on. Working on a twisted-stitch sweater; I’m just casting on with an i-cord cast-on. It’s the second try for this yarn — my fingers are crossed, which makes the i-cord difficult!
Comment by Cam — May 3, 2026 @ 10:24 pm
It’s always an inspiration and encouragement to see another Rainey sisters post. Thanks! I love seeing your knitting – and I’m encouraged by your protest. At the last No Kings Day, I stood near a woman who had made 12 hats for her friends and family. We live in a bright red area of our blue state, so I loved meeting this kindred spirit!
Comment by Pam — May 4, 2026 @ 2:38 am
I check for new posts regularly a?d am always happy when there is something new to read.
Thank you for protesting against the horrors that this country is suffering.
Comment by Tracey — May 4, 2026 @ 7:08 am
I get you on feedly. I hear that success in getting rid of Orban was due to the few honest media that reported the truth over the years and people consistently protesting to keep the truth alive. It’s exhausting but they are counting on us giving up.
Comment by Barbara — May 4, 2026 @ 7:20 am
Another long time reader here. I’m a knitter too, but (even after 50 years of knitting) can’t say I knit as many stunning things as you. Still, I love seeing your work. It’s truly inspiring. You’ve also prompted me to get out there and protest. Both physically and monetarily. I’ve knit half a dozen Melt the Ice hats and have the bandana queued. I’ve donated to a few charities and continue to do so monthly. That’s all thanks to you. It Is exhausting, this daily beat down from this administration but where there’s life there’s hope. All that to say, whatever you’re doing decide to do with your blog I just wanted to say “Thank You” for many years of joy and for many things to contemplate.
Comment by Melissa — May 4, 2026 @ 8:01 am
I have been following for a long time now and hope you don’t disappear!
Comment by Deb — May 4, 2026 @ 8:04 am
I comment all the time! And have slowed down a bit for fear of being a pest. The fact that you blog so infrequently these days may have something to do with less Comments. I check every day, but others may not. Your knitting has been such a joy even though I will never equal it in quality. I also love that you knit using actual Color! I love black and white and gray as much as anybody, but only those choices can get depressing
Comment by Chloe — May 4, 2026 @ 10:46 am
Thanks so much for the consistent backbone and knitting inspiration. I am a blog reader from waaaaay back and so appreciate your crafting exploration
Comment by LoriAngela — May 4, 2026 @ 11:17 am
What they say (all the previous commenters)! I have always appreciated and been inspired by your blog, but believe it or not, always felt timid about commenting. Thank you many times over. The Comfort Fade cardigan is in the queue, yarn and all — this post inspires me anew to cast on. Reading the news is disturbing, maddening and frightening on a daily basis. Now my mantra is “what’s the best that can happen?”, a I saw recently.
Comment by Kris — May 4, 2026 @ 2:51 pm
I’ve followed your blog for a long time! I started knitting in 2007 and probably found you around then. I don’t knit much these days – I’ve had a blanket in the works for 2 years – but I did make 1.999 Melt the Ice hats (have to finish the tassel on the 2nd). I love your activism and your outspokenness AND your knitting skills. Thanks to your activism (and your city/state’s shining example) I’ve gotten connected locally to be prepared when and if they come back for our neighbors. And on the knitting front, when I go to my state fair I always check out the crafts area thanks to your writing.
So, even if you do wrap it up, you’ve had SUCH a lovely and wonderful impact on the internet world of knitters. Thank you for that!
Comment by bethh — May 4, 2026 @ 2:54 pm
I’m another long-time reader who hopes you keep posting. I’ve learned from your tips and tricks and modifications to sweaters, so thank you for that.
I’ve got an infinity fade set that I’m hoping to turn into a sweater, but I’m not sure how to get the sleeves and body to (mostly) match up. Any tips?
And let’s hope that wave happens!
Comment by Anne C. — May 4, 2026 @ 2:59 pm
I stop by almost daily as part of a reading list. Love your knitting and commend your action!
Comment by Julia in KW — May 4, 2026 @ 6:10 pm
A loyal reader from the UK here who looks forward to every post.
Comment by Ronke Chalmers — May 5, 2026 @ 6:25 am
I read and enjoy but never comment, apologies!
Comment by Anna King — May 5, 2026 @ 3:04 pm
I love your blog. I quit facebook and instagram in january 2025 and I´m so happy people still blog. I love blogs, reading them feels so cozy wich social media never felt like (It´s so loud) So I hope you´ll keep blogging.
Comment by Hjördís — May 5, 2026 @ 5:44 pm
Wow! I thought I was the only one still using RSS! 🙂 I’ve also been reading silently for years. Always so inspired by the projects you post! And I’ve made a couple of your hats as well. Whether you keep blogging or not is definitely up to you, but I wanted to make sure that you know you’ve touched a lot of people’s lives. Both with your art and your honesty.
Comment by Nina in NY — May 5, 2026 @ 6:27 pm
Oh I would miss the blog but understand if it needs to come to an end. I appreciate your sharing and am inspired by the content. I think of you whenever I drive by Be Woolen on the way to see my son and his family. Maybe I’ll get to stop in some day if I move to the area. There were a few protest hats that were made here too.
A MN girl living in MO.
Comment by Carol Waudby — May 5, 2026 @ 6:40 pm
Please don’t fade to black — I mean metaphorically! I read every post of yours that comes across my feed and occasionally act on your excellent suggestions and mods. For example, the “Metamorphic” sweater I was wearing just the other day was made much more pleasing by following your suggestion to align the neck ribbing with the line of knit stitches embossed, as it were, onto the reverse stockinette. And I faithfully download your Olympic hat patterns, which I always admire (and will one day knit). You and your sister are beautiful knitters and talented designers. Don’t stop sharing! Post more often!!
Comment by Rebecca Ganzel — May 5, 2026 @ 9:28 pm
Also still here and look forward to every post! All of your projects are so beautiful and inspire me to be a better knitter, learn new techniques, and to not let “difficult” projects hold me back from trying them! Here’s hoping and working toward a better future for our country despite the setbacks!
Comment by CC — May 6, 2026 @ 1:10 am
I have been checking the blog daily most of the time – nothing new to comment on since February, I thought you might be going the way of many blogs and either shutting down or switching to Instagram.
Your sweater is lovely, and the matching sleeves is pretty amazing. Are you doing the KAL for Yarnover? I am always amazed at how many sweaters and other “large” projects you do so often. I can barely manage to get a few pairs of mittens done with an occasional sock or hat thrown in.
Comment by Amy — May 7, 2026 @ 12:29 pm
I was wondering about you two. I enjoy the blog, but love the connection through Instagram as well.
I get what you are saying about blog, I finally stopped doing mine, because it seemed like our friend,
Renate was the only one who was seeing it/commenting on it. But, it also was a great way of keeping my life
for grands to see. LOL
Comment by Penny — May 9, 2026 @ 6:52 pm
I really like your fade colors!
Comment by janet — May 11, 2026 @ 5:11 am
Faithful follower of the blog, infrequent commenter. Your advice on construction and finishing is always helpful, and the projects are an inspiration (or copied!).
In my queue is a 2002 pattern (“Whisper” by Kim Hargreaves), and I was thoroughly delighted to see that Susan made this sweater and wrote a blog post (August 13, 2010 “Death by Finishing”) with suggestions for improving the construction!
Comment by Laurie — May 11, 2026 @ 11:14 am
So many wonderful posts from followers. A few quick thoughts.
1. Like some others, I read using an RSS app (Feedly). I do try to comment a few times but will try more often.
2. Love the color combination of your second Comfort Fade Cardigan. The great thing about shared knits are seeing color combinations I would (in past) probably never try and are now inspired.
3. Love the Melt the Ice Bandana turned Cowl. Need to add that one to the Future Knit list.
4. Last, but not least, the sharing of your posts of what is happening in Minnesota has been so important. Bad things are happening everywhere but Minnesota has given a lot of us a warm reassurance to see how the communities in Minnesota has re-inspired peaceful and effective protests.
Yes, life these days in the USA is exhausting mentally. I try to remind myself to be prepared to keep moving forward no matter how many times they try to push us back.
Knitters know how to untangle, decipher mixed/confusing messages, make exceptions part of the design, and build a finished product to be proud of.
Thankful for your blog. –E–
Comment by Elizabeth — May 11, 2026 @ 8:03 pm
I’ve been reading your blog and admiring your beautiful knits for years. I rarely comment, because I don’t usually feel I have much unique to contribute beyond what others have said.
I have been volunteering to try and help our community members who have been most affected by our government’s actions. It feels like a drop in the bucket — but at least it’s more constructive than just doom scrolling.
Comment by LGS — May 12, 2026 @ 12:37 am
Good to see a new post! That sweater is stunning!
Comment by Lauren — May 13, 2026 @ 11:34 pm
Hi there! I only recently found your blog, and I’m looking forward to reading the archives when I have time this summer. I’m usually reading a week or two late, and it often seems weird to comment late. I promise I won’t let that stop me in the future.
I instantly recognized your comfort fade cardi- mine has similar colors through the shoulders. The name is apt- the squishy lovely neck really is comforting- like a little hug.
Comment by Meredith MC — May 14, 2026 @ 8:46 am
I’m glad you’re still posting.
Comment by PinkSkatingGirl — May 14, 2026 @ 6:59 pm
The colors in the cardigan are amazing; I like it very much! Would totally wear or buy a design like that!
Comment by Kerstin — May 16, 2026 @ 3:38 pm
Absolutely love the colors of the cardigan, an inspiration for me to spin roving with this sweater in mind. Appreciate your Blog and willingness to share/inspire . ??
Comment by P. — May 17, 2026 @ 12:31 pm
I love your Comfort cardigan! Did you alternate skeins to help with pooling? Just wondering as it looks wonderful.
I, too, love your blog posts. It’s inspirational to see your beautiful knitting and learn from you. Please keep them coming!
Sincerely,
Nancy
A big fan in Washington state
Comment by Nancy M. — May 18, 2026 @ 5:11 pm
Please don’t go! I love reading your posts and I am not afraid to grovel! I do understand that it is at an expense to do this and respect the desire to close the blog. BUT, a little begging can’t hurt!!!
Comment by aamiller — May 19, 2026 @ 1:02 am
Love the cowl! The cardigan is beautiful – your colors are perfect! Appreciate your perspective and know that there are others with you – a lot of people doing a little will make a difference.
Comment by Anne Marie — May 21, 2026 @ 8:08 am
Love the techniques you develop and share for neat, tailored knitting. I must have joined after 2006. The Sock Monkey Dress is fabulous!!! I am angry and discouraged and exhausted by the corruption and cynical polcies and nonsense we’re a party to by being Americans. Knitting helps and so do your posts. Thank you!
Comment by Sarah — May 21, 2026 @ 11:04 pm
I’ve been faithfully reading through Feedly for more than a decade and still enjoy your posts very much. I hardly ever comment, though, because I’m usually reading days or even weeks after the posting and didn’t think it would be helpful.
Anyway, your thoughtful approach to projects is what I come here for. That and the beautiful, inspiring knits, of course!
Comment by Maryanne — May 25, 2026 @ 9:49 pm
I have always loved your blog. Thank you. You have been so very generous in sharing your work and techniques
Comment by Gail Snowden — May 25, 2026 @ 11:40 pm
I am not a commenter, but an admirer. I have tried several projects inspired by you two. In fact, yours is the only knitting blog I still follow! As long as you are knitting, I hope you will keep posting.
Comment by Betty — June 13, 2026 @ 1:20 pm