Episode 31 ~ Cabled Gigi & Yarn Giveaway!

Hi, Knitters,
I hope you are having a great long weekend here in America. We had a family cookout last night which was really fun. I love having all of my kids and their significant others around. There is always a lot of laughter and storytelling. And there is always a lot of good food! The hot weather continues with a projected high of 93 degrees today. It is tough to do much at the height of that heat. I'll get outside on the early side today.

I recorded a new podcast episode. If interested, please be sure to enter to win the yarn over on YouTube by simply leaving a comment that includes your Ravelry username.

Click here for Episode 31 and to leave a comment over on YouTube!

Click here for Episode 31 Shownotes and Links over on the BWC Journal!

In the podcast, I'm wearing a new pattern release called Cabled Gigi Pullover. It is a new favorite of mine. The pattern is by Devin Ventre. Click here for Devin's website, Knitty McPurly.

The Cabled Gigi Cardigan and ALL of the Barrett Wool Co. patterns are 50% off right now using the code SUMMER at checkout.

Click here for the Cabled Gigi Pullover!

Click here for all of the Barrett Wool Co. Patterns!

We have kits right now for the Cabled Gigi Pullover on Barrett Wool Co. The kit includes the pattern and yarn and also a custom made Diamond Willow button that is truly beautiful.

Click here for the Cabled Gigi Pullover Kits in 7 gorgeous color options!

Have a wonderful week ahead. I'm traveling to Vermont to teach at the Wing and a Prayer Farm this weekend. I can't wait for this small intimate retreat in a scenic setting. I have never been to Vermont so I am really looking forward to it!
xo ~ susan

Going West Socks, Gigi Cardigan + more!

Hi, Knitters,

Well, I've been knitting up a storm lately. I've finished a couple of sweaters and a couple pairs of socks. It feels good to get some things done. I've also been sewing up a storm. I whipped up a dozen quilted placemats and a few quilted coasters. Most of these were for gifts but I held onto a couple of placemats to add to my collection. We use these placemats so much that some of ours are getting a bit worn. I hope your creative energy has been going strong this spring.

I have a few new things to share today. I've added a new pattern to my Ravelry Pattern Shop. The pattern for my Craftsy class of the same name is now mine. The pattern is My First Toe-Up Socks and I have it available for a discounted price right now. 

The pattern price is set at $3.50 for another week or so, no code needed. Then the price will be set at $5.00. Please note, if you own the Craftsy class you already have the pattern. 

Click here for the My First Toe-Up Socks pattern information or to purchase! 

The pattern includes worsted weight and fingering weight instructions for three sizes (S, M, L) and for double-points and magic loop! 

Speaking of socks, we have two new Going West Socks Minis Kits available over on Barrett Wool Co. I've selected new color combinations in our Home Fingering Weight to make these fun striping socks. The socks use my Smooth Operator Socks pattern along with the free striping instructions on the Barrett Wool Co. Journal.

Click here for the Going West Socks Minis Kits information or to purchase!

Click here for the Going West Socks Journal free instructions!

Click here for the Going West Socks pattern on Ravelry!

Kit Option #1

Colors from left to right: Scout, Tattersall, Blush, Ellie Grey, Strawflower and Field

Kit Option #2

Colors from left to right: Peppercorn, March Wind, James, Marmalade, Acorn and Morning Sky 

Photo credit: Lucinda Scala Quinn

And lastly, we've listed new colors for the Gigi Cardigan Kits on Barrett Wool Co. I love this cardigan so much. The photo above is the wonderful Lucinda Scala Quinn (author of the Mad Hungry cookbooks) wearing her Gigi she knitted from our kit in the Birch colorway. This is Lucinda's first sweater and she looks fabulous! I love how proud she looks.

The yarn is our Wisconsin Woolen Spun Worsted and we still have a limited number of the custom buttons available as well. The pattern is by the talented Devin Ventre. We have a new sweater from Devin that's releasing very soon.

Click here for the Gigi Cardigan Kit information or to purchase!

Okay, friends, have a wonderful Sunday. It is rainy and colder here today so it should be a good crafting day. I'll be back soon with more.

xo ~ susan

Branches & Buds Sweater Kits + Galiano Island Retreat

Hi, Knitters,

I hope you are all doing well. I have been traveling and teaching again, spring has finally hit big-time in Madison and we have restocked sweater kits over on Barrett Wool Co.! There's a lot going on.

First, our very popular Branches & Buds Sweater Kits were just restocked last night and they are selling quickly. However, we have a large number of kits so don't worry if you'd like to get one for yourself. There are plenty! The sweater is designed by Carrie Bostick Hoge and it is an iconic sweater in my opinion, both gorgeous and instantly recognizable. 

Click here to check out the Branches & Buds Sweater Kits!

The Branches & Buds Sweater Kit includes our Barrett Wool Co. Wisconsin Woolen Spun Sport Weight yarn. This yarn is local, light and airy and frankly, one of the most beautiful yarns I have ever used. I simply love everything about this sweater kit.

The pattern is well-written and simple enough for first-time colorwork but also perfect for experienced knitters. There is a wide size range and the sweater looks great on all sizes. I've seen it knit and worn in the smallest to the largest size and it is flattering and comfortable.

Click here to find out more or to purchase a B & B Sweater Kit!

I want to share some quick photos from my latest traveling adventure. I went to the Galiano Island Retreat which is hosted by Knit Social. Galiano Island is one of the Gulf Islands off of Vancouver. This is one of the most beautiful locations I've ever seen. And I had a complete ball with the knitters and hosts. This was sincerely one of the best retreats I've ever attended.

Click here to find more about Galiano Island!

Click here to find out more about Knit Social!

The photo above from left to right: Jodi of Grocery Girls Podcast, Amanda of Knit Social, Fiona of Knit Social, me, and Tracie of the Grocery Girls Podcast. 

Click here for the Grocery Girls Podcast! One of my faves. I'm so glad I got to spend time with my buddies Jodi and Tracie.

We stayed at the Galiano Inn, where the food was so delicious and the rooms were beautiful. All of the rooms had an ocean view. The retreat took over the entire Inn but it is small. I think there were 26 attendees. 

I went on hikes and runs every day. The views were scenic and peaceful. Just out the door was a cute bakery and coffee shop and bookstore. There were restaurants and shops just minutes away by foot. It was charming and it made you never want to leave.

There was a small and gorgeous marketplace on Saturday. I'm here with Shannon Cook of Very Shannon. Click here for Shannon's fantastic website.

Jane Richmond was with her for their table. They have written many books together and I own them all! Click here for Jane's lovely website. 

These two are some of my favorite knitters, honestly. I have met them several times before but this was the first time I got to spend quality time with them. They are simply wonderful and fun and talented. True gems of the knitting world.

I am holding my baby sweater yarn from Gauge Dyeworks! I will be knitting a couple baby sweaters in the future with this genius yarn. Click here for Gauge Dyeworks! Much more to come on this!

My bag is from Mrs. Brown's Bags!

I cast on a new sock for the plane rides home. I am still glowing with the memory of this fantastic knitting adventure. I taught two Smooth Operator Sock workshops and the students were so fun and game to learn. The other instructor was the smart and endearing Andrea Rangel of AlterKnit fame. 

Click here for Andrea Rangel's website! Andrea is so much fun and she's interesting, friendly, and she has a great sense of humor. I enjoyed her so much.

Anyway, I'll have more to share soon. Have a beautiful weekend.

xo ~ susan