Welcome to Polar Bear Patterns!

• You can use any yarn. Polar Bear Patterns are always non-yarn-specific:  you can use any suitable yarn you happen to have.  PB Patterns always give yardage requirements, and the yarn used for the sample is described in general characteristics:  for example, a "thick-and-thin wool yarn", or a "sock yarn".

• You can understand them.  My former career as an engineer has led many of my knitting students to remark on the thoroughness and clarity of my patterns.  I've spent over 20 years reading knitting patterns, and 5 years teaching knitters:  so I know what makes sense, and what is confusing.  I always try to give options, tips and suggestions from my own experience, where applicable.  And you can always contact me if you're stuck!

• You can learn new skills.  Many Polar Bear Patterns were designed specifically to use in a class setting to teach a particular skill:  for instance, Lisa's Fair Isle Hat was born as an introduction to the basics of Fair Isle techniques.  I designed it to be a project that could be taught in a couple of class sessions, and that would engender confidence in knitters making their first attempts at Fair Isle knitting.  That this has been accomplished with great success is borne out by the number of knitters I've taught who have come to the first class unsure of their abilities, and then show up at the second session with one, or two, or more, completed hats!  (And not only that, it's a really cute hat!)

• You are supporting polar bears!  The name "Polar Bear Patterns" stems from my love of polar bears -- don't know exactly why, but I just love 'em.  So, a portion of the profits from Polar Bear Patterns goes to pro-polar bear causes such as Polar Bears International, and the Oregon Zoo, which is raising funds for a new polar bear habitat.