A Winner and Links!

Hi Knitters,

I have fired up the random number generator and the winner of the Debbie Bliss book is:

Ingrid said...

I would love to knit up a few things for my little guy! You and Debbie Bliss are my favorites! What a fabulous give-away. Thanks.
www.ingridbarlow.com

August 01, 2010

Congratulations to Ingrid!!! Check out Ingrid's website here. She is a quilter amongst other talents and I see she has some fun instructional videos as well.

I have been working on my Slinky Ribs sweater (you can see it on the arm of the chair in the first photo). Now I feel like it is just starting to taking shape. It has been slooooow going but I am making progress. I love the yarn, Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool. I don't know why but this has seemed like it is taking me forever. I think I am going to absolutely love this sweater when it is done. The stockinette stitch body is moving a little faster.

Next I have decided to work on a large needle sweater so I can have an instant gratification project going. I am making this with this yarn in Bark. It will be a big needle quickie project. Can't wait to start. The yarn is wound and at the ready!
This weekend was the Madison area All-City Swim Meet where thousands of swimmers converge on one of the local pools and take over for several days. It was fun and crowded and hot! Next year our neighborhood pool is the host for this enormous event. My husband and I are already signed up for work duties. It is a huge undertaking.

Instead of packing my rooster bag with my knitting I reloaded this bag I made a year or two ago. This was one of the first bags I ever sewed. The pattern is from this fantastic little book by Lexie Barnes. I added a bunch of my own embellishments and used up lots of fabric bits and pieces. I got so many compliments on this funny little tote bag at the swim meet.

While I was at the swim meet I saw this bike with a crochet seat cover. I took a couple of photos with my phone to share but I am having trouble getting the photos to load on my computer. I'll keep trying so you can see it. I think I might have to do something like this on my bike. I loved it.

Note: Edited later to add the photos thanks to my son!!!

Isn't that cool?

I really love the idea of a knit bike seat cover now. Must add it to the list.
Back to the bag. It is completely reversible but I always keep it to this side for some reason. You should make one of these! I would make the straps a smidgen longer than in the pattern and maybe add another pocket on one of the sides. I have used the basic concept of this bag over and over again to make all kinds of tote bags of differing sizes. I love how the appliques are wearing and fraying on the edges.
I have a few fun links to share today.

Here is a hexagon scarf that I really want to try. Perfect for leftovers.

Look at this adorable version of the cover model from Itty-Bitty Toys. Well done.

I started following this adorable and creative blog called Mila's Daydreams. TC loves it, too.

I am thinking about making these granola bars this afternoon! Yum!

I just plain and simple like her and her art and fabric and patterns.

I feel like I could really do this kind of thing for a scarf. Do you think you could? My bet is that most wouldn't like all of the I-cord.

I LOVE Mel's blog and she has loads of top-notch free patterns AND tutorials! Do you read this already? If not you should add it to your list. Mel Clark is a fun read!

Check out this free hat pattern. It is adorable and would be perfect for Spud & Chloë Outer!

I bookmarked this site and can't stop looking at the gorgeous colorways. It is tempting.

This designer on Ravelry has really cool stuff!!

Okay, that's enough for now. I have received a couple more terrific books from Interweave to review and to host a giveaway! Very exciting stuff. I will be offering these giveaways fairly soon. Thanks to all who entered the Debbie Bliss book giveaway.

I also was invited to contribute a design to an incredibly fun and cool book last week. I am pretty excited about this one. I will tell you more when I can, you will all want this book for sure. I need to get my design sketches in to the authors this week (like today).

Have a great start to your week!

best, susie