Ready to finish your socks strong? In this video, I’m walking you through exactly how to knit the toes of your socks using 9” circular needles.

Read more

The body is officially done. ✔️
Hem? Knit.
Bind off? Complete.
Tiny celebratory moment? Absolutely earned.

For weeks, this sweater has lived in that in-between state…not quite a garment, not quite just yarn. But now? It’s unmistakably becoming something real. Holding it up and seeing the full length of the body for the first time is everything. The shape is there. The drape is there. The vision I had when I cast on is starting to whisper, “Hey, I’m actually happening.”

The bind off felt especially satisfying. There’s something about that final row on the body that has a sense of closure to it. Like gently closing a book before starting the sequel. I took my time with it, making sure the edge had just the right amount of stretch. No tight hems ruining future outfit dreams on my watch.

And now. It's sleeve time.

I won’t pretend sleeves don’t have a reputation. They’re the part where some knitters stall, wander off, or suddenly become very interested in casting on something new. But I’m feeling optimistic. Maybe it’s the momentum from finishing the body, or maybe it’s the excitement of seeing this sweater so close to wearable territory.

Right now, the sweater looks a little like a short sleeve top. Next update should bring some sleeve progress.

Coastal Knits & Purls is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Knitting

FOs (Finished Objects)

I finished Plateau de Valensole Socks. It’s pair #8 for the year.

• Yarn (Cuff): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Dino-mite

• Yarn (Leg): Destination

• Colorway (Leg): Plateau de Valensole

• Pattern: Vanilla Sock

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

I finished Dino-mite Socks. It’s pair #7 for the year.

• Yarn (Cuff): Destination Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Plateau de Valensole

• Yarn (Leg): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Leg): Dino-mite

• Pattern: Vanilla Sock

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

I finished Hello Winter Socks. It’s pair #6 for the year.

• Yarn: Freckled Whimsy

• Colorway: Hello Winter

• Pattern: Vanilla Sock

• Needles: Chiaogoo Bamboo 9” Circulars

I finished soap sock #9 in Yellow.

• Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream 100% Cotton

• Colorway: Yellow

• Pattern: No Pattern

• Needles: 9” Circulars US Size 8

  

  I finished soap sock #8 in Watermelon Kisses.

  • Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream 100% Cotton

  • Colorway: Watermelon Kisses

  • Needles: 9” Circulars US Size 8

  

  I finished soap sock #7 in gray.

  • Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream 100% Cotton

  • Colorway: Gray

  • Needles: 9” Circulars US Size 8

WIPs (Works in Progress)

I am almost done with the bottom of my first sweater. I am about 1/4” from finishing, binding off and moving on to the sleeves.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love – Sugar Cookie

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red Twist Interchangeable US Size 6

I am on still working on my Bible Sweater.

• Colorway: Sea Glass

• Needles: Chiaogoo Circulars US Size 2

I am getting ready to turn the heel of Blue-and-Red Striped Shortie Sock #1.

• Yarns: Mystery Yarn

• Colorways: Mystery Yarn

• Yarn (Leg): Hypnotic Yarn

• Pattern: Vanilla Sock

• Needles: Bamboo 9” Circulars

I am getting ready to turn the heel of FSU Shortie Sock #1.

• Yarn: Unicorn Solid

• Colorways: Burgundy, Mustard

• Pattern: Vanilla Sock

• Needles: Bamboo 9” Circulars

Reading

Last month, I finished:

• Don’t Open Your Eyes ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• I See You’ve Called in Dead ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• All My Bones ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Detective Aunty ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• The Impossible Fortune ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• You Belong Here ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• The Locked Ward ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Forget Me Not ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• The Mad Wife ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• The Castaways ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am currently reading Powder Burn (Amazon) and Too Old for This.

You can order my reads through Bookshop.org to add them to your bookshelf or TBR pile. Every purchase gives back to local bookstores and contributes to my Wool Work for Yarn Fund. Win-win!

Coastal Knits & Purls is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Knitting

WIPs (Works in Progress)

I am still working on the body of my first sweater. I knit about 16” inches and I need to reach 17” before finishing the bottom and moving on to the sleeves.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love – Sugar Cookie

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red Twist Interchangeable US Size 6

I am on row 20 of my Bible Sweater.

• Colorway: Sea Glass

• Needles: Chiaogoo Circulars US Size 2

I am on round 36 out of 70 on the foot of Dino-mite Sock #2.

• Yarn (Cuff): Destination Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Plateau de Valensole

• Yarn (Leg): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Leg): Dino-mite

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

I am on the heel flap of Blue-and-Red Striped Shortie Sock #1.

• Yarns: Mystery Yarn

• Colorways: Mystery Yarn

• Yarn (Leg): Hypnotic Yarn

• Needles: Bamboo 9” Circulars

I am on the heel flap of FSU Shortie Sock #1.

• Yarn: Unicorn Solid

• Colorways: Burgundy, Mustard

• Needles: Bamboo 9” Circulars

I am on round 36 out of 70 on the foot of Plateau de Valensole Sock #2.

• Yarn (Cuff): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Dino-mite

• Yarn (Leg): Destination

• Colorway (Leg): Plateau de Valensole

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

Reading

Last week, I finished:

• Don’t Open Your Eyes ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• I See You’ve Called in Dead ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• All My Bones ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Detective Aunty ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am currently reading Powder Burn. (Amazon)

You can order my reads through Bookshop.org to add them to your bookshelf or TBR pile. Every purchase gives back to local bookstores and contributes to my Wool Work for Yarn Fund. Win-win!

Read more

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how many stitches to pick up, where to place your markers or how to smoothly transition into gusset decreases, this video breaks it all down in a clear, beg…

Read more

Coastal Knits & Purls is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Knitting

FOs (Finished Objects)

I finished Hello Winter Socks. It’s pair #6 for the year.

• Yarn: Freckled Whimsy

• Colorway: Hello Winter

• Needles: Chiaogoo Bamboo 9” Circulars

I finished soap sock #9 in Yellow.

• Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream 100% Cotton

• Colorway: Yellows

• Needles: 9” Circulars US Size 8

WIPs (Works in Progress)

I am still working on the body of my first sweater. I knit about 15” inches and I need to reach 17” before finishing the bottom and moving on to the sleeves.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love – Sugar Cookie

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red Twist Interchangeable US Size 6

(Left of Hello Winter Sock) I am on row 12 of my Bible Sweater.

• Colorway: Sea Glass

• Needles: Chiaogoo Circulars US Size 2

(Left of Bible Sweater) I am on round 51 out of 64 on the leg of Dino-mite Sock #2. Super close to starting the heel!

• Yarn (Cuff): Destination Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Plateau de Valensole

• Yarn (Leg): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Leg): Dino-mite

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

(Above Dino-mite sock) I am on the heel flap of Blue-and-Red Striped Shortie Sock #1.

I am on round 24 out of 64 on the leg of Plateau de Valensole Sock #2.

• Yarn (Cuff): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Dino-mite

• Yarn (Leg): Destination

• Colorway (Leg): Plateau de Valensole

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

Reading

Last week, I finished:

• The Impossible Fortune ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am currently reading Don’t Open Your Eyes.

You can order my reads through Bookshop.org to add them to your bookshelf or TBR pile. Every purchase gives back to local bookstores and contributes to my Wool Work for Yarn Fund. Win-win!

Let’s check out some well-known characters who knit on screen.

Why Do Characters Knit in Movies and TV?

Knitting is often used as a visual storytelling tool. It can:

• Show a character is calm, patient or observant.

• Contrast peaceful actions with dramatic situations.

• Represent care, domestic life or tradition.

• Give characters something natural to do during dialogue scenes.

Because knitting is repetitive and visual, it works especially well on screen without distracting from the story.

Famous Characters Who Knit

#1 Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter film series

Molly Weasley is one of the most iconic knitters in film. She creates handmade sweaters and gifts for her family, often using magic to knit quickly. Her knitting represents warmth, protection and maternal care. It reinforces her role as the emotional center of the Weasley family.

#2 Miss Marple from Agatha Christie’s Marple

Miss Marple frequently knits while observing people and solving crimes.Her knitting serves as a disguise, making her appear harmless while she analyzes clues. It highlights her intelligence and attention to detail.

#3 Madame Defarge from A Tale of Two Cities

Madame Defarge uses knitting in a much darker way. She encodes the names of enemies into her work during the French Revolution. Her knitting symbolizes control, secrecy and revenge.

#4 Phyllis Lapin from The Office

Phyllis knits at her desk during work hours. This small detail adds depth to her character, showing independence and a quiet confidence in ignoring workplace norms.

#5 Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote

Jessica Fletcher occasionally knits while thinking through mysteries. Like Miss Marple, knitting reflects her methodical mindset and problem-solving approach.

#6 Claire Fraser from Outlander

Knitting is part of survival in Claire’s historical setting. It reflects practicality and adaptability.

#7 Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock

Mrs. Hudson’s knitting adds a sense of calm and domestic stability amid chaos.

#8 Agnes Skinner from The Simpsons

Her knitting reinforces her strict and controlling personality.

#9 Berta from Two and a Half Men

Berta’s knitting contrasts with her blunt, sarcastic personality, adding humor.

#10 Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds

Garcia’s crafting moments reflect her creativity and warmth, even in a high-stress environment.

What Knitting Symbolizes On Screen

Across genres, knitting often represents:

• Care and connection (family, gifts, protection).

• Observation and intelligence (detective characters).

• Control or secrecy (hidden meanings, coded work).

• Tradition and survival (historical settings).

• Contrast and humor (unexpected character traits).

Because of this flexibility, knitting continues to appear in both classic and modern storytelling.

Characters who knit in movies and TV shows are more than background details. Their knitting often reinforces who they are and adds meaning to the story.

Whether it’s a magical sweater, a crime-solving distraction or a symbol of survival, knitting quietly supports some of the most memorable characters on screen.

Coastal Knits & Purls is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Knitting

FOs (Finished Objects)

I finished soap sock #8 in Watermelon Kisses.

• Yarn: Lily Sugar ‘N Cream 100% Cotton

• Colorway: Watermelon Kisses

• Needles: 9” Circulars US Size 8

WIPs (Works in Progress)

I am still working on the body of my first sweater. I knit about 13.5” inches and I need to reach 17” before finishing the bottom.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love – Sugar Cookie

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red Twist Interchangeable US Size 6

I am on round 26 out of 70 on the foot of Hello Winter Sock #2.

• Yarn: Freckled Whimsy

• Colorway: Hello Winter

• Needles: Chiaogoo Bamboo 9” Circulars

I am on round 24 out of 64 on the leg of Plateau de Valensole Sock #2.

• Yarn (Cuff): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Dino-mite

• Yarn (Leg): Destination

• Colorway (Leg): Plateau de Valensole

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

I am on round 26 out of 64 on the leg of Dino-mite Sock #2.

• Yarn (Cuff): Destination Yarn

• Colorway (Cuff): Plateau de Valensole

• Yarn (Leg): Hypnotic Yarn

• Colorway (Leg): Dino-mite

• Needles: Chiaogoo Red 9” Circulars

I am on the heel flap of Blue-and-Red Striped Shortie Sock #1.

Reading

Last week, I finished:

• You Belong Here ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• The Locked Ward ⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Forget Me Not ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am currently reading The Impossible Fortune.

You can order my reads through Bookshop.org to add them to your bookshelf or TBR pile. Every purchase gives back to local bookstores and contributes to my Wool Work for Yarn Fund. Win-win!

Read more

Read more

There was a time when acrylic yarn ruled the knitting world.

Then came the backlash. Stiff textures, squeaky stitches, and unforgettable encounters with acrylic yarns sent many k…

Read more

Read more

Read more

Read more

Knitting socks on 9” circular needles is easier than you think, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

This is my little corner dedicated to helping knitters learn how to knit socks on 9” circulars with clear tutorials, beginner-friendly instructions and practical tips you can actually use. Whether you’re searching for how to knit socks on sma…

Read more

Read more

These three stash-busting projects have been on repeat for me lately. They’re practical, giftable, and just the right size for knitting in line, in the car, or during a cozy coffee break.

Read more

There are two kinds of people at Epcot: those racing from ride to ride and those quietly knitting their way around the world.

(I even saw two other ladies knitting in line!)

On my latest visit, I fully embraced t…

Read more