The Alchemist Diaries

This vintage pattern from the 1980s is available for about $2.50 on Etsy at the ShadowsPatterns shop. There are instructions for five different knitting variations: Fingering, Sport Weight, DK, Worsted, and Chunky. If you are an experienced knitter, the pattern can be easily adjusted to include colorwork or cables.

Honestly, I have been working on the DK weight version of this cardigan for over three years now. I am at the very end, so I expect to be finished no later than November. Just so you know, it really shouldn’t have taken me this long to make it. It has been a painful pattern to knit mainly because knitting straight stockinette stitch in a smaller weight yarn in solid black can feel like torture when one typically prefers variation and interest.

However, I am doing this all for the incredible pewter skull buttons I invested in, and the matching silk ribbon I plan to use for decoration. I can sense that this is going to be a personal favorite that will get quite a bit of mileage.

This is the 2023 Halloween Hat by Noemi Zimmer. Available on Ravelry for $6.50, this edgy beanie is a super fun looking colorwork project that features staggered skulls and bones. The pattern comes with three different variations, including a headband version.

This has been on my list since it first came out in 2023. I love a good skull. The symbolism for me is not set in death and darkness, but rather, as a Memento Mori—remember that you will die. It is a reminder for me to make the most of my life, and never skip out on opportunities, important life lessons, and to cherish my relationships.

I love that this pattern features skulls without it appearing too cartoonish. Sometimes the look of knit skulls remind me of childlike jolly roger flags. This one, however, is tastefully done, in my humble opinion.

I am super excited about this one. It has been on my list for a couple of years, but I waited to commit to it just to be sure it would be something I would actually wear. Tim Burton’s Wednesday has a unique wardrobe that has made me fall in love with white and black. It is so easy to style!

Wiam’s Crafts has a free version of this intarsia pattern that is pretty much identical to Wednesday’s version in the show. It is also a quick knit, done using size 8 and 10 needles.

I had a little trouble finding a yarn to use. The recommended yarn is called Burcum Klasik Alize, but since I do not like 100% acrylic yarn for clothing, I ended up using Lion Brand Wool-Ease in black, and Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted in winter white. Both are acrylic wool blends, which pill a little less and feel more comfortable.

I haven’t attempted in years, but this season I was inspired to make some after scrolling through the virtual shelves of Arcane Fibreworks.

This Canadian shop has some of the sickest hand painted color palettes. I recently found that I love wearing striped or patterned socks with my Watson Edwardian Lace-Up Boots from American Duchess (they give that witchy feel)! So, I thought making my own socks would make the look fancy, quirky, and witchy all at the same time.

I’m knitting these as a solid color, and I hope that I can maintain my attention span…. Knitting with fingering weight is not my forte.

These are the most gorgeous bulky weight hats designed by Rohan based in the Netherlands. The pattern runs for roughly $15.00, and includes a tutorial, detailed instructions, and helpful tips.

I love how the pattern incorporates yarn, fabric, and charms for a deliciously chunky look. It’s rustic, whimsical, and comforting. As an added bonus, the designer mentions that it was designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind (she explains in her tutorial).

I plan to make mine using fabric scraps, leftover yarn, and woodland charms and buttons I’ve collected over the years.

Let me be straight with you: I DETEST AI. However, it unfortunately generates cute things from time to time. I was scrolling through Pinterest, and I came across this horrendous image with a color-block cardigan. I love the cardigan despite the questionable buttons and fabric draping.

It gave me an idea for a balloon sleeved cardigan featuring the same color palette. This is going to be a pattern-hack of one of my favorite patterns; another vintage aran from the 1980s. Only, I will be adjusting the sleeves so that they are balloon sleeves. I am not quite sure of how I want to knit the back, but I am thinking about knitting the back using the intarsia method, alternating the grey and cream sides. We will see.