Pattern Previews for Making Memories

Making Memories: Timeless Knits for Children is an enchanting collection by Claudia Quintanilla. It features pieces for the smallest ones in the family, from newborns to 10-year-olds. Take a closer look at all of the knits and the stories behind them! 

Claudita

"If I had been a better embroiderer when my daughter was still a child, this cardigan would have been for her. The arching flowers, applied by my dear friend Midori, are a beautiful addition to an otherwise everyday, soft knit."

Yarn: 
Pink: Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weigh  
Yellow: The Uncommon Thread BFL Fingering

Arvi

"My son, like many babies, was born without hair. A warm hat is a winter necessity for any child — that is why my book would not be complete without a cold weather favourite like Arvi, named after this cute little wearer."

Yarn: Emilia & Philomene Leona and  Mr Bouthillette

Midori's Mittens

"While these mitts keep tiny hands cosy and warm in cold weather, the adorable lilies and buzzing bees make you look forward to warmer months to come. I named the pattern after my talented friend, Midori, who embroidered all the samples for this book."

Yarn: Fingering by Tukuwool 

Lanita

"I originally designed this pullover for an adult but couldn't help but imagine how cute the frilly cuffs would look on a child. Lanita can be knit in soft pastels or bold colours for a very different yet equally lovely result."

Yarn:

Pink: Silk Mohair by Isager and Spinni by Isager
Blue: Silk Mohair by Isager and Merino d’Arles by Rosy Green Wool 

Panda Cardigan

"As a child, I loved collecting shells and shiny things from the beach, but not many of my garments had pockets to store my treasures. This memory inspired me to add pockets to this simple design that reminds me of cute panda bears. Make it as a cardigan or a sweater!"

Yarn: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive

Panda Sweater

Yarn: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive

Nikoleta

Yarn: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive

Together Apart

"I designed the Together Apart sweater at the beginning of
the COVID-19 pandemic. The parallel winding rows on the yoke represented togetherness at a time when we were physically apart"

Yarn: 

Cream: Merino Singles by Qing Fibre and  Kid Mohair Silk by Qing Fibre
Teal: Merino and Soft Silk Mohair by Knitting for Olive

Oscar

"Oscar was inspired by my son, who was an energetic and adventurous child. As such, he always wanted his arms as uninhibited as possible, even on the chilliest of days. This modern take on a traditional vest is sure to keep your child's chest warm on colder days, while leaving the arms free."

Yarn:

Dark blue: Vovo by Retrosaria Rosa Pomar 
Light blue: Jensen by Isager

Wheat

"While many people are in awe of Canada's national parks and bustling cities, upon my arrival I was struck by the windswept prairie wheat fields. With this cardigan, I want to portray both the landscape — that golden, softly rustling expanse — and my childlike enthusiasm at encountering it for the first time."

Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK

Piscucha Tee

"As a child in El Salvador, I used to make kites with my friends. We cut out large pieces of cardboard and glued beautiful bits of paper onto them. Piscucha Tee reminds me of those windy days full of laughter. Wear it on its own, or with a long-sleeved shirt underneath — it is perfect for any weather!"

Yarn:
Pink: Cashmere Classic by Cardiff 
Brown: Chickadee Organic Heathers by Quince & Co.

Piscucha Mittens

"These mitts make a great pair with the Piscucha Tee. However, they look good as a sandout piece with another kind of outfit, too!"

Yarn: 
Pink: Cashmere Classic by Cardiff 
Brown: Fingering by Tukuwool

Kaleidoscope

"It is not hard to guess where the name of this sweater comes from — my most prized childhood possession, a kaleidoscope. I wanted to turn all those reflective colours and shapes into a lovely pullover, making the everyday more exciting."

Yarn: Loch Lomond by BC Garn

Alex

"I named this sweater after my younger brother, Alex. It is an easy everyday knit with rustic details."

Yarn: Semilla Pura by BC Garn

Catedral

"Cathedral got its name from the intricate spires seen on gothic and neo-gothic cathedrals. While it may take a bit longer to make this sweater than the other projects in the book, the result is a timeless, comfortable yet dressy knit for more important occation."

Yarn:
White: Kid Classic by Rowan
Red: Highland by Isager

Galicia

"Galicia is a region of Spain known for its diverse landscapes of both green forests and glorious mountain ranges. This cardigan was designed to be warm enough for a trip to the snowy peaks, while the delicate flower pattern is an ode to the enchanting woods."

Yarn: 2ply Jumper Weight by Jamieson & Smith

Angel Trumpet

"My elementary school in El Salvador was surrounded by angel trumpets, a common flower whose appearance is very true to its name. This sweater, with the yoke and balloon sleeves, reminds me of this beautiful nightshade."

Yarn: Daylights by Harrisville or Dovestone by Baa Ram Ewe

Florentina

"Florentina is perfect for chilly spring days and summer nights. It is a girly cardigan with a cable-knit look, but in reality, it is an easy project for every knitter."

Yarn: 
Pink: Tosh DK by Madeleinetosh
Grey: Merino DK by La Bien Aimée

Robin

"Crochet is a popular craft in El Salvador, my home country, as the weather is generally too hot for knitted clothes. The neckpiece of this Robin cardigan is a relatively simple project, but the result is equally charming without it."

Yarn: Merino and Soft Silk by Knitting for Olive

Cielo

"This basic knit can be made with or without the crocheted neckpiece, depending on your (or your child's) preference. I chose to knit Cielo in a light blue colour that reminds me of my childhood joys of waking up to a cloudless sky."

Yarn: Kid Classic by Rowan and Spinni by Isager (collar)

Luca

"This cardigan takes my mind to chilly summer nights at the cottage. It is a wardrobe staple that goes with everything: overalls, dresses, jeans — or whatever fashion your little one is currently into!"

Yarn:

Cream & Light Blue: Double Sunday by Sandnes Garn 
Dark Blue: BFL Light DK by The Uncommon Thread 

Kielo

"The droplets running down the socks are like lilies of the valley: little bells spreading their sweet scent. Lily of the valley — or ’kielo’ — is the national flower of Finland, the home of my publisher. For these socks, I also used Finnish yarn."

Yarn: Sock by Tukuwool

Barcelona

"I got the idea for these socks from the blue seas of Barcelona. They are knit with mohair and sock yarn held together, making them so soft and warm — like fine sand on the beach."

Yarn: Fingering Weight Merino by Kokon

Dear Deer

Yarn: Heavy Merino by Knitting for Olive 

Little Star

"I wanted to create a symmetrical pattern of little stars in the night sky. Since the original blanket was made, others have said that they see ribbons, petals — or even pasta! No matter what people see, this design will become a lovely companion to your child."

Yarn: Daylights by Harrisville