Elsewhere

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— There’s no one-sentence summary of Clara Parkes’ amazing new venture The Great White Bale — just click that link and read it, yo? For better or worse, the Explorer option sold out before I gave in to the urge to pony up for all that wool, but I am officially an Armchair Traveler.

— In case you need another holiday craft, see the DIY felted acorns at HonestlyWTF. And then there are the boot stuffers topped with giant pompoms. I actually need those.

— Etsy had some follow-up questions for Simon Doonan — following his much talked about Slate essay on Art and craft, that is.

— Threaded takes a long view on Christmas sweaters. (Did you see that piece last year about the couple largely responsible for the Christmas sweater market? I can’t find it now!)

— I love this Christmas stocking idea at Fancy Tiger so much I actually considered doing a little decorating for the holiday. I’m also fond of their latest free knitting pattern, the Ice Skating Cap.

— Hannah Fettig is doing a video-fueled knitalong for her Cradle Cardigan, a great introduction to the top-down method if you haven’t done it. (You should!)

— Natalie Joos, you slay me with your crazy sweater-styling ways. Over and over, you slay me.

— Emma Dime has a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the “Sheep to Shawl” feature in the new issue of Kinfolk (which I regrettably put off carrying in the shop until next time).

— Did you see those beautiful sweater notecards at Brooklyn Tweed?

— And last but so not least, pre-registration for June’s Squam. Will I see you there?

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It’s all about elbow patches

elbow patch sweaters phoebe honestlywtf dosa j. crew

Elbow patches are everywhere these days — from classic brown leather to countless modern interpretations. (And they’re not just for sweaters!) I love them all unto death. Unfortunately, they aren’t applicable to my life or wardrobe, since I have a pathological need to roll or push any given sleeve up over my elbow. So I just gather up images and gaze admiringly at them. And also dream up variations on the HonestlyWTF needle-felted heart idea seen here …

Top to bottom, left to right:

1. Simple brown cotton patches on a navy pullover by Brandy Melville

2. Needle-felted hearts in a DIY tutorial by HonestlyWTF

3. Crocheted doily as elbow patch on what I believe to be a Dosa sweater — can anyone confirm?

4. Contrasting front, back and elbow patches at J. Crew

5. Chambray patchwork on floral by Junya Watanabe

6. Gingham inserts — by let me know if you know!

elbow patch shirts watanabe gingham