Why I’m proud to carry Churchmouse Patterns

Back in the day, I used to write up simple patterns to go with the yarns I carried in the shop. Those of you who’ve been with me for a while might remember the “Pattern of the Month” feature in my printed newsletter—no photo, just a write-up on printer paper and a hand-knit sample on display. Most yarn store owners did the same sort of thing.

In 2009, at a Yarn Market News conference, I met Kit Hutchin, founder of Churchmouse Yarns & Teas. At the time, she had just started offering her shop’s patterns wholesale. Like many of us, Kit had been creating her own in-house designs for the yarns she carried. But instead of a few copies on the counter, she took a giant leap forward. She hired Jared Flood—yes, that Jared Flood—to photograph the samples and printed thousands of copies on beautiful heavy cardstock. This was long before every phone put a pro camera in your pocket.

But it wasn’t just about the photos or the paper. Kit had a vision. Her shop, nestled on Bainbridge Island across the water from tech-saturated Seattle, was built to be a haven—a place where people could unplug and connect with something slower, softer, and more intentional. That philosophy shows up in every aspect of the Churchmouse patterns.

Patterns with Purpose

Churchmouse patterns are designed to be wearable, beautiful, and approachable. They’re not flashy for the sake of flash. Instead, they offer clarity, versatility, and style that endures season after season.

Exceptional Clarity

Churchmouse patterns are among the clearest I’ve ever seen. They’re written with knitters in mind, aiming to make the knitting experience pleasant, with thoughtful detail, clean layout, and excellent support. They style speaks to the shop's focus on teaching with lots of interesting techniques they explain clearly, making making it easy for beginners to grow and for seasoned knitters to relax into the rhythm of the project.

Versatile, Size-Inclusive Designs

These are patterns that work on a wide range of bodies and across all seasons. With styles that flatter and sizing that respects real people, Churchmouse is one of the most size-inclusive lines in the industry.  Additionally, most of their sweater designs have lots of options.  Instead of having to buy multiple patterns for different versions of the same thing, Churchmouse includes a variety of lengths. sleeve options, and more.  

Made for Plant-Based Fibers

Many of their designs shine in summer yarns as well as wool and wool blends.  This is one reason they’re such a good fit for Crazy for Ewe right now. From sleek shells in Rowan Summerlite DK to simple accessories in Cotton Cashmere or Ito combinations, the possibilities are endless.

Why Churchmouse Matters at Crazy for Ewe

I’ve always believed in making things you’ll actually wear—pieces that serve you well and feel good every time you put them on. That’s what Churchmouse does.  I also love that they understand the importance of local yarn stores in helping knitters find just the right pattern and select just the right yarn for it.  It was with this in mind that Churchmouse reached out to a selection of yarn stores to carry their digital patterns.  I’m honored to carry these patterns, and even more excited to share them with you.

See for Yourself

You can now shop Churchmouse patterns on our website. Browse the full collection and get inspired. Better yet, come visit the shop while the trunk show is here and find the project that speaks to you.

Have you ever knit a Churchmouse pattern? Which is your favorite?  Tell me in the comments!

Warmly,
Ellen