Episode 20 ~ Antrorse Sweater & More!

Hi, Knitters,
Episode 20 is up on YouTube. If you'd like to watch directly or subscribe on YouTube click here. If you'd like to subscribe on iTunes or find out more click here.

I talk about a lot of different things today and this podcast is recorded on a couple of different days. One thing I share is a new hat design of mine called Fairytale Winter. It is available in a kit created by Tangerine Designs that is up for pre-order on November 7th.

The individual pattern will be available for download in my Ravelry Pattern Shop in January 2016. I will announce it when the pattern becomes available.

For now please check out the Cold Sheep Kit! The Cold Sheep kit is super cute and Casey of Tangerine Designs does a fantastic job with everything in her shop. I have a few of her wonderful project bags and I have met her a couple of times in person. She is cute and friendly and fun.

Click here for more pre-order Cold Sheep kit information.

From Casey of Tangerine Designs:
I'm planning on doing the Pre-orders Saturday, November 7 @ 10a.m. and 6 
p.m. CST.  The Fairytale Winter hat and Melissa Tuttle Sibley's Slippery Slope Sock pattern will go out that week with the bags and extras to follow in 
December. 

Fairytale Winter

Click here for all of the information on the Fairytale Winter hat pattern!

Thank you to my lovely Miss Molly for modeling and to my son for his photography.

Fairytale Winter

Here are the links for the rest of Episode 20:

Antrorse Sweater by Shannon Cook

Quince & Co.

Baa-ble Hat 

Drawing Nigh Shawl

Fairytale Winter Hat

Tangerine Designs 

Arne & Carlos Sock Yarn

Wooly Moss Roots buttons

Karbonz dpns

Signature Needle Arts dpns

Lowland Original project bags

aaharrison Red Maple Leaf yarn bowl

Hue loco on Etsy

Hue loco on YouTube

Gale's Art (sock blanks)

Highland Handmades Green Ash Worsted in the Kineo colorway

Bernat Faux Fur pom-pom

Melissa Leapman Stitch Dictionary (a great book!)

Knit-Today UK magazine

Seathwaite Hat (free pattern!)

Okay, dear friends, I think that is it for today. Enjoy the episode and the links. I'll be back soon with more...

xo ~ susan

Fall Inspired

Hi, Knitters,

I have randomly selected a winner for the Little Skein Secret Garden Luxe Kit and the winner is.....

Susan Cowan or MaggieGrl on Ravelry! Congratulations to Susan. 

I've already emailed Anne Vally of Little Skein to pass on Susan's contact information. Anne will be getting in touch directly. Thanks to everyone for entering, what an amazing and huge response! I will host another giveaway very soon.

I started recording a podcast episode and I got about 20 minutes in and I noticed my phone had stopped recording. I had to stop and move things around and by the time I got back to it the house was full of family and there was a lot going on. So I have about a half of a podcast filmed and hopefully I'll get to recording the rest this weekend or early next week. 

Well, fall has hit pretty hard around here. It is such a beautiful time of year. We have had a mild and somewhat warm fall season. Although we've had some colder weather recently the first week of November is supposed to be back up around 70 degrees. That seems impossible.

Everyday I get outside to enjoy the outdoors and the fall colors. It has been beautiful and inspiring. The fall landscape and temperatures have seeped into my knitting over the last couple of weeks. I'm thinking a lot about cozy sweaters and warm wool socks.

I started a pair of Patchwork Socks. There isn't a specific pattern for these socks. You just take leftover sock yarn and your favorite sock pattern and switch yarns every 10 rounds or so. The yarns I'm using are the leftovers from the four pairs of Arne & Carlos Regia socks I have made. I am knitting these socks from the toe-up and it has been really fun. They won't match but they will definitely go together and look like a pair. I see a lot of autumnal colors when I look at that finished sock. I've already started the toe on the second sock.

And for some reason navy blue has been going strong around here as well.

Miss Molly (my future daughter-in-law) finished her Yowza Weigh It 3 Shawl using Miss Babs Yowza in the Stairway to Heaven colorway. It is beautiful and she reported that she has worn it several times already. Molly says it is warm and cozy. She loves it!

The other navy blue project I've been working on is the Antrorse sweater by Shannon Cook. I am using Quince & Co. Osprey in the Peacoat colorway. Those are Karbonz dpns on the sleeve, US size 10. 

Since this photo I've finished the sweater and it is blocking and drying now. I've ordered some buttons that I hope will work out well. I'll share more about it as soon as it is all together and done. Antrorse is a great pattern, super simple and fast. 

I'll be back with my podcast episode very soon.

xo ~ susan

Secret Garden Luxe Kit Giveaway from Little Skein

photo by Alana Dakos 

Hi, Knitters,

I am going to jump right in to the topic at hand today. Anne Vally of Little Skein contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I'd like to host a giveaway for her new Secret Garden Luxe Kit. I thought it might be something you would enjoy hearing about and winning so I said sure!

Here are some links to check out:

Little Skein ~ the website! Anne is no longer selling on Etsy, just littleskein.com. 

Little Skein on Instagram!

Knitalong with Little Skein group on Ravelry!

Anne's kits are always artistic, impressive and thoughtful. She designs and makes some of the items herself and then she enlists the talents of other designers that use all sorts of different mediums. It is always fun and interesting to see what Anne will come up with next. For the Secret Garden Kits she has included a beautiful cabled shawl designed by Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting. It is an eye catching shawl that really captures the Secret Garden theme. Alana hit it out of the park with this one.

Click here to go to Alana's blog and here to see her other designs!

Click here for Alana's knitting pattern publishing company NNK Press!

photo by Alana Dakos

Today's giveaway prize kit for one lucky winner includes:

- PDF copy of "The Secret Garden" shawl by Alana Dakos

- 2 skeins of Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock yarn in the colorway of the winner's choice. This is a beautiful, heavy fingering weight, MCN blend yarn -- oh so soft!

- Drawstring project bag in the winner's choice of my new Secret Garden fabrics

- Stitch markers

- Lots of knitting support as the winner knits the shawl: online stitch maps, technique videos, knitalong support, etc.

photo from Alana Dakos or Anne Vally

You get to choose which colorway you'd like for your shawl and they are all stunning. Western Sky Knits created the gorgeous Secret Garden colors for the kits.

photo by Little Skein

photo by Little Skein

And you also get to choose your stitch markers. So many choices!

The Luxe Kit is a huge prize valued at $110! Thank you to Anne for this great opportunity. 

If you'd like to enter to win a Secret Garden Luxe Kit please leave one comment on this blog post. Your comment must include your Ravelry username or your email address so Anne can get in touch with you to arrange your prize choices and delivery. Please only click on the publish button one time. There is a delay before your comment is published. 

I'll be back in a couple of days with a randomly selected winner.

Good luck and let the comments begin! I'll be back soon with much more....
xo ~ susan

Modifications and Tips for the Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith

Hi, Knitters,

First of all thank you to my wonderful future daughter-in-law, Miss Molly, for her modeling talents and my son for his keen photography for today's post. Molly is beautiful and young and energetic and generous. She glows! And I think she has one of the cutest profiles I've ever seen. Miss Molly has cast on for her own Baa-ble Hat and is using the following modifications. I'll share her version when it's done.

Now for Baa-ble Hat knitting!

I've knitted a couple of Baa-ble Hats by Donna Smith and I am planning on a couple more. I think they will make the cutest gifts for the holiday season ahead. It is too fun and fast to pass up. The pattern is written and designed by Donna Smith for the Shetland Wool Week. In order to get the FREE pattern you have to sign up for the Shetland Wool Week newsletter and then the newsletter is emailed directly to you. The newsletter contains the Baa-ble Hat pattern. If I remember correctly it took at least a couple of days to receive the email with the newsletter and pattern.

Click here for the Baa-ble Hat information on Ravelry!

Click here for the Shetland Wool Week newsletter and free pattern sign up!

Click here for Donna Smith's Instagram feed!

Click here to visit Donna Smith Designs beautiful website!

Click here to see the Baa-ble Hat Kits from Jamieson & Smith!

I posted a couple of photos of my Baa-ble Hats on my Instagram and said that I made some modifications to the pattern that I will share here today. I've had people ask me about getting the free pattern. I guess some have had some trouble getting the pattern emailed and I'm not sure why. I do remember that there was a delay from the time I signed up to the time I received the email. Other than signing up on the Shetland Wool Week website, I don't know anything else about how to get the pattern. I've been getting emails from knitters about getting the pattern sent to them from me but I'm not distributing the pattern. You'll have to go through the website. I'm pretty sure if you're patient it will show up in your inbox. Also, check your spam folders to be sure it isn't in there waiting for you!

If you go to the Baa-ble Hat Ravelry page to see and read the comments about the almost 800 hats that have been knit already one common issue is that the hat has turned out too big. The pattern is knit in an aran or worsted weight yarn at an unusually tight gauge, 5.75 sts per inch. The numbers in the pattern and this gauge do work out fine to give you a 20-inch circumference hat which is an average and good measurement for an adult-sized hat. My feeling or guess is that many may not be getting this dense gauge exactly and so the hats are turning out on the large side. 

I saw Martha Healy, goldybear on Ravelry, knitting several of these hats at the Maine Knitting Pipeline Retreat. I told her that I had that pattern waiting for me to cast on when I got home. Martha warned me that it was on the big side and that she had made modifications. Martha's hats were turning out so perfect and adorable that I took her modifications to heart. I give her the credit for coming up with these general modifications and then I added a few things of my own.

Click here to see Martha's three Baa-ble Hats on Instagram! 

Martha's hats are so cute and inspiring. Thank you, Martha, for sharing your modifications with me.

Here is how I knit the Baa-ble Hat. You will still need the pattern to knit the hat! These are just tips and modifications.

Yarn: 
Quince & Co. Osprey ~ Aran weight 100% wool
Version 1: Peaks Ferry, Egret, Belize and Storm (red and blue version)
Version 2: Crocus, Egret, Kumlien's Gull and Honey (purple and mustard version)

Needles: US size 7/4.5mm and 8/5mm, 16-inch circular and US size 8/5mm dpns OR size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 4.5 sts per inch on the larger size needles in stockinette stitch

Note on gauge: I changed the gauge from the original pattern quite a bit! Achieving the correct gauge is very important for this hat. The fabric is supposed to be on the dense side, thus the smaller than normal needles on the aran weight yarn. Be sure to check your gauge.

Finished measurement: 20-inch circumference

~ With the US size 7 needles, I cast on 88 stitches and completed the rib as the pattern suggests. This will give you a long folded brim (cuffed) OR the long rib could be worn unfolded for a slouchy-style hat. You could make the rib section shorter (1 or 2-inches) if you don't want to cuff the brim and want a fitted hat.

~ On the first round of the chart I switched to the US size 8 needles and I increased 2 stitches for 90 stitches total. I just did a kfb in one stitch at the beginning of the round and a kfb in one stitch about half-way around.

~ The chart has 60 stitches. If you look closely the repeat is 30 stitches (I drew a line down the chart to keep track). I repeated the 30 stitch repeat three times. So I completed the chart once all the way across and then I repeated the first 30 stitches again.

Since I had a different number of stitches I did a slightly different decrease sequence and I needed to continue the colorwork. I fudged around with the colorwork repeats and wrote it down for you if you are interested.

Here is what I did using the top half of the hat color or the main color (MC) and the white flecks or the contrast color (CC). The decrease rounds in the pattern start on Round 26. Since I am not using the chart I am starting the Decrease Section numbering below with Round 1.

Decrease Rounds:
Rnd 1: (K8, k2tog in MC) repeat to end. 81 sts.
Rnd 2: (K2 in MC, k1 in CC) repeat to end.
Rnd 3: (K7, k2tog in MC) repeat to end. 72 sts.
Rnd 4: Knit in MC.
Rnd 5: (K6, k2tog in MC) repeat to end. 63 sts.
Rnd 6: (K2 in MC, k1 in CC, k3 in MC, k1 in CC) repeat to end.
Rnd 7: (K5, k2tog in MC) repeat to end. 54 sts.
Rnd 8: Knit in MC.
Rnd 9: (K2 in MC, k1 in CC) repeat to end.
Rnd 10: (K4, k2tog in MC) repeat to end. 45 sts.
Rnd 11: Knit in MC.
Rnd 12: (K4 in MC, k1 in CC) repeat to end.

Cut CC and work in MC only to the end of the hat.

Rnd 13: (K3, k2tog) repeat to end. 36 sts.
Rnd 14: Knit.
Rnd 15: (K2, k2tog) repeat to end. 27 sts.
Rnd 16: Knit.
Rnd 17: (K1, k2tog) repeat to end. 18 sts.
Rnd 18: (K2tog) repeat to end. 9 sts.
Cut the yarn and pull the end through the remaining stitches.

For a baby-size hat you could cast on 60 stitches and go to town repeating the chart one time through.

~ Pom Pom ~

For the pom-pom I used a Clover Large Pom Pom Maker (click here for information). If you don't have a pom pom maker use a cut piece of cardboard that is about 2 1/4-inches wide to get a similar size. I held two-strands of the top two hat colors together while wrapping the pom pom maker. I like to cram as many wraps as possible on the pom pom maker so it is super-full and round in the end. I can barely get the sides closed before cutting.

~ Floats ~

One last point to make is about the floats which are the loose strands being carried across the inside of the hat. In the red and blue version I trapped the floats here and there and not often, in the sheep section. I did this because some of the floats cross maybe 12 stitches or something like that. The rule of thumb is to trap every 5 stitches or so. This is technically what you should do but since the sheep are white and the floats are red the places I trapped the float showed through a little bit on the right side of the fabric. It looks fine but it's just something I noticed, no one else would probably notice. I also think the traps showed through more because of the aran weight yarn which is a heavy weight for colorwork. 

~ Tips for relaxed floats ~

1. The second time I knit the hat I didn't do any trapping of the floats. In the sheep section of the chart, I would stick the tip of my pointer finger in between the stitches on the right needle and the long float going across the back of the work while I was knitting to ensure that the float was going to be loose enough to accommodate the long stretch of stitches. This appeared to have worked out well and I will do this again if (when) I make more of these hats.

2. Make sure when you are doing colorwork that your floats are not too tight. This is imperative. I have seen some hats where the sheep are looking puckered because the floats have been pulled too tightly. It won't block out if your floats are pulled too tight, unfortunately. I suggest the finger trick I mentioned above and also make sure that the stitches on the right needle are spread out as you work. This really helps. Really make a concerted effort while you are knitting to spread the stitches out so there is space in between the stitches on the right needle. 

3. Another trick is to turn your knitting inside out and knit on the inside of the circular needle. The floats then have farther to go around the outside of your work. I generally don't do this technique because it feels strange to me to be knitting on the inside of the work, but I've seen others do it very successfully and it really does help.

Okay, Knitters, I hope this helps if you are going to modify the amazing and fun Baa-ble Hat pattern. Donna Smith has really done a great job with this pattern. It is a huge runaway hit!

Congratulations to Donna!

I'm not able to field a lot of questions about this hat and besides it's Donna's wonderful pattern and design. This is all I've got for this one! If you have other questions about Donna Smith's beautiful hat design I'm sure she would answer you either on her Ravelry or Instagram accounts, or on her blog/website at Donna Smith Designs.

Thank you for understanding. 

I will be back later this week with a huge Little Skein Luxe Kit giveaway worth $110! You won't want to miss it.

I hope you are having a wonderful fall season, Knitters.
xo ~ susan

Episode 19: KP Maine Goodies & More Knitting!

Hi, Knitters,
First, I'd like to announce the winner of the Gale's Art Sock Blank Club 3-month Subscription winner!  The winner is Trwhip on Ravelry! Congratulations. I've contacted both Trwhip and Gale to let them know. Gale will be in touch directly to figure out the logistics. Thanks for entering everyone. Next week I have another HUGE giveaway to share that I know you will all be excited about. Stay tuned....

Today I have a new podcast episode where I am talking about the Knitting Pipeline Maine Retreat 2015, tons of yarn, knitting, a new shawl, patterns, various products, my sweater and more.

Click here to view the podcast directly on YouTube!

The podcast is available on iTunes. Click here!

In the video I talk about a lot of different knitterly things and here are all of the links:

Gale's Art on Etsy

Mary, Millie & Morgan Doll ebook information

Quince & Co.

The Knitting Pipeline Podcast

The Knitting Pipeline Retreat Group Ravelry

Itty-Bitty Knits Group (my group on Ravelry)

Louise Cardigan

Friends in Fiber on Etsy

Seven Sisters Arts

Juniper Grace

YOTH Yarns

Madelinetosh 

Quaere Fibres on Etsy

Yowza Weigh It 4 Shawl

Miss Babs Yowza Yarn

Helen Stewart's Red Robin Shawl

Wool & Wire jewelry

NNK Press printed pattern line

Alana Dakos

Arne & Carlos Regia Sock Yarn

Yarn Enabler

Kristin Nicholas Colorful Pottery on Etsy

NNK Press Greeting Cards

Omena vest

photo from Sue Witkin

The beautiful Kriste, the doll artist extraordinaire, is on the left! 

photo from Kristebe

Friends forever!!

That's about it! Phew! I'll be back soon with much more and a fantastic giveaway from Little Skein.

xo ~ susan

Win a 3-Month Subscription to Gale's Art Sock Blank Club!

Hi, Knitters,

One day many months ago I stumbled upon one of my favorite Etsy shops with no plans to purchase anything. As I was scrolling down and looking at Gale's beautifully dyed sock yarns and fiber something caught my eye. It was something I had never seen before, not like this anyway. I was seeing a piece of art, a new way to think about sock yarn, a new way to have fun with colors and dyeing. I was looking at the Gale's Art Secret Sock Blank. It was incredible.

I had to get one! I had to knit the Secret Sock Blank into socks immediately. And so I did. 

If you don't know what a sock blank is, it is a machine-knit piece of fabric that is made out of sock yarn. The dyer creates colors on the fabric and in Gale's case, stencils secret messages. You pull the yarn from the end of the blank that pulls off easily and cast on for your project. 

Gale has both single-strand sock blanks that will create mismatched socks, and double-stranded sock blanks which will create matching socks (strands are held together in the sock blank and two strands are pulled off at the same time). When ordering be sure to order the type you'd prefer.

Click here to see more sock blanks like the one in the photos above!

Click here to visit the Gale's Art Etsy Shop! 

Click here to see the beautifully smooth and finished pair on my Instagram!

I LOVE knitting socks from a sock blank. I didn't know if I would like it or not but it was fun, easy, portable and entertaining, especially with the Secret Sock Blank because I was so curious about how it would turn out. These socks flew off my needles, literally. I could not put them down. The yarn is kinked up when you knit with it which didn't bother me at all. 

Once the socks are finished and washed they are smooth as silk and gorgeous. I love the speckled look of the socks. The speckles on the socks are where the stencils were on the blank. Genius!

Do you remember this Monkey sock from awhile ago? This Graffiti and Asphalt Wonder Sock Yarn (best yarn ever!) is from Gale's Art, too. This yarn is variegated in little blips of color so every couple of stitches the color changes, there is no pooling or flashing at all. This is one of my all-time favorite yarns. 

As you can see I have been a long time user and admirer of Gale's yarns. She is so talented and she is always trying to push herself to create new and different techniques with her dyeing. Plus Gale is a down-to-earth, nice person. I met her at SSK last summer and everyone went bananas over her dyeing workshop at that retreat. If you ever get a chance take one of Gale's workshops. 

Anyway, I was thrilled when Gale asked me to host a giveaway for a 3-month subscription her first-time ever club! Yes to that!!

Click here to see more information about Gale's Sock Club! 

Today I get to offer a prize worth $99 to one lucky winner. 

You will receive the three sock blanks in the photo above from left to right:

1. In November 2015: The Fallen

2. In December 2015: Special Snowflake

3. In January 2016: Happy New Year 2016!

Each of these sock blanks evoke the best colors of the seasons ahead. It is so exciting just to think about it. If you want to just purchase the club and not wait too see if you win here is all of the club information including add-ons that can be included in your order.

The blanks are stenciled with seasonal prints and messages. Each one is inspiring.

My goal is to knit each blank in the intended month, November, December and January.

Now be sure to note whether you'd like a single or double-stranded sock blank. My sock blanks in the photos are single sock blanks. You can choose which type you'd prefer. 

Gale is also offering a one time only ONE YEAR Sock Club for those of you who are interested. Here is what Gale has to say about this intriguing option:

"This will be 12 sock blanks I am planning on doing this year. There sill be separate listings for the 12 single and 12 double sock blanks. I don't currently have photos of the year's worth so you will just have to trust that you will LOVE every one of them. The price for the year-long club reflects a 10% discount. Convo me with any questions about add-ons or anything else. 

The Club Blanks will never be reproduced again! They are only for the club people." 

Each blank is 463 yards of a Superwash Merino 75%, Nylon 25%, fingering weight, 100 grams.

The blanks literally glow. They are so beautiful. The finished socks are so smooth and lovely to wear. My Gale's Art sock blank socks are truly one of the most favorite pairs of socks I have ever knit. I wear them every chance I get.

If you'd like to be entered to win a 3-month Sock Club Subscription for Gale's Secret Sock Blanks, please leave a comment on this blog post. It is a must to include either your Ravelry username or an email address so Gale can get in touch with you directly if you should win! Please only leave one comment. You have to be patient for your comment to appear as each comment is approved before posting so there is a delay. Only click on the publish button one time. 

Be sure to follow Gale's Art on Instagram! You won't believe the sock blanks she has cooking.

Good luck! You will LOVE this prize, I guarantee it.

Let the comments begin.

xo ~ susan

Knitting without Needles ~ plus a Yowza Weigh It Pattern Sale!

Hi, Knitters,

Before I start the book review, I want to announce that in celebration of the (nearly) one year release of the Yowza Weigh It Shawl series of patterns I have put all 4 Yowza Shawls on sale. These shawls are simple, fast and fun and they make the perfect gifts using one skein of Miss Babs Yowza or a comparable yarn from your stash. 

The sale starts today, September 30th and will continue through October 14th, 2015. The four patterns prices are all set at $3.50 per pattern, marked down from the normal price of $5.00 per pattern. No sale codes are necessary as the prices have already been lowered for you. 

Big savings, big shawl knitting fun! Enjoy!

Here are the Yowza Weigh It Shawl Pattern links for you with the sale prices ready to go:

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 1

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 2

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 3

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 4

Here is the link for the Yowza yarn that I used in these shawls: Miss Babs Yowza.

Now for the book review at hand. 

Knitting without Needles.

I've been converted! 

Being more of a traditional knitter I have to say that I wasn't too interested in trying out arm knitting in the past but Anne Weil of Flax & Twine has completely changed my mind with her newly released book, Knitting without Needles. Anne Weil takes arm and finger knitting to a new level of execution and sophistication in the pages of her beautiful new book. The book is chock-full of 30 fresh and fun projects. The projects include stylish home decor, kid and baby items, wardrobe accessories and more. All of the simple mostly chunky projects will provide almost instant gratification and all you need are your arms/fingers and the yarn! Literally. 

Let me start with a few links for you:

Click here to see Anne's fabulous website Flax & Twine!

Click here for Anne's shop where you can purchase the book, kits & how-tos!

Click here to see the projects from Knitting without Needles on Ravelry!

The yarn for the book was supplied by every knitters' favorite place for inspiration, Purlsoho!

The Pouf yarn is Cascade Magnum!

Here is a little bit about Anne Weil from her press release:

Anne Weil is a freelance contributor for MarthaStewart.com and her site is part of the "12 Months of Martha" team of bloggers selected by Martha Stewart's craft department. Her projects have been published on Design*Sponge, Design Mom, Apartment Therapy, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Mollie Makes, Pottery Barn blog, and more. Anne teaches nationwide and has online classes on Creativebug.com and Craftsy.com. 

I've provided direct links to Anne's accounts @flaxandtwine for you here: 

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

(Mug is from Creative with Clay, wheel is from Infinite Twist, pillow is handstitched by me from a kit by Kristin Nicholas)

Anne Weil has pulled together a fantastic book blog tour with some exciting participants. When Anne asked me to be a part of the tour I of course said an enthusiastic yes because I love her work and have followed her blog and Instagram for many years now. What I didn't know at the time is that Anne was making and gifting each of the blog tour participants with their very own Pouf in the Cascade Magnum color of choice! I couldn't believe it. The Pouf is one of the cover projects in the book.

The Pouf shell is created using arm knitting with 4 strands of Cascade Magnum held together and then it is stuffed with a comforter. Genius.   

The best part of receiving our very own Pouf from Anne is that when I went to say goodnight to my daughter last night she had already claimed the Pouf as her own. She was using it as a backrest on her bed while she was studying. Perfect and sweet. 

The Pouf would be a great college-kid dorm gift, too. Team colors, anyone?

(Mug is from Creative with Clay)

Knitting without Needles includes beautifully photographed step-by-step tutorials with crystal clear instructions. The projects are all creative, well-done and achievable. The book is for non-knitters and knitters alike of any skill level, even first-timers. There are projects that kids could do as well. There is a little something for everyone.

The home decor projects in the book are definitely my favorites. I think this is the area where arm and finger knitting can really shine to their fullest. 

photo provided by Knitting without Needles

These linen baskets are created with finger knitting. I just love them! 

photo provided by Knitting without Needles

The super-chunky throw pillows are made with arm knitting. I love the textured stitches. There is a cabled blanket in the book, too. Anne takes you step-by-step on how to use a paper towel tube as your cable needle. How fun is that?

I do think the highlight of the book besides the clever projects are the tutorials. Anne makes it all so achievable and simple by breaking down each step for you from casting on to binding off to stitching pieces together. It all looks so easy and clear. 

photo provided by Knitting without Needles

I had to add in this final photo of the baby booties. These are created with felt soles (a template is provided) and literally two strands of finger knitting cleverly stitched together. These baby booties would no doubt be the hit of any baby shower around.

Check out the other stops on the Knitting without Needles blog tour:

9/23  Gabrielle Blair | Design Mom

9/25  Lisa Congdon | Today Is Going To Be Awesome

9/28  Brittany Jepsen | The House That Lars Built

9/30  Erin Souder | House of Earnest

10/2  Susan B Anderson | Susan B. Anderson Blog

10/5  Victoria Smith | SF Girl By Bay

10/7  Melissa Coleman | The Faux Martha

10/9  Mari Richards | Small for Big

10/12  Shannon Cook | Very Shannon

10/14  Delia Randall | Delia Creates 

10/19 Caitlin & Manda | The Merry Thought

10/21 Meredith Crawford | One Sheepish Girl 

 'Tis the perfect start of the season for quick gift-making of all sorts and Knitting without Needles is the perfect start to homemade gifts for your loved ones.

I've got so much in store for you over the next couple of weeks. I have a couple of FANTASTICAL giveaways to offer you, a new podcast episode, new pattern releases of my own and more. 

I'll be back soon, Knitters.

xo ~ susan

Spinning for Knitting

(Gourmet Stash Fibery Tribbles being knit into a hanspun sock)

Hi, Knitters,

I was contacted by Liz Gipson, one of the founding members of Spinzilla, to contribute a blog post for the upcoming Spinzilla 2015 event. Ahhh, Spinzilla! How I long to be of part of this thrilling spinning adventure someday. Due to my travel and teaching schedule this fall I am unable to participate but it is my goal at some point to be a Spinzilla participant! I will be watching and cheering on all of the spinners this year and I hope all of you run to sign up if you haven't yet on Spinzilla.org. Last year I was so inspired by all of the Spinzilla participants. 

Click here to follow Spinzilla2015 on Instagram.

Liz asked if I would write about the topic Spinning for Knitting. I said yes to Liz's request because although I don't consider myself to be an expert spinner I do think I have something to offer to this conversation. I have suggestions that may help others with this topic because the main reason I spin is to knit the handspun yarns I have created.

If you don't know what Spinzilla is here is a message from Liz Gipson, one of the founding committee members of Spinzilla:

Spinzilla is a global challenge to see who can spin the most yarn in a week. Teams and individuals take to their spinning devises to make as much yarn as possible in a very short amount of time. The event is designed to get spinners to push past their fears and to raise money for the NeedleArts Mentoring Program to foster the handspinners oftomorrow. Spinner registration is open for just two more weeks. There is a team that needs and wants you. To see the complete list of teams, FAQ, and blog posts about how to get ready, visit Spinzilla's website at www.spinzilla.org.

You can still sign up to participate so be sure to check it out if you are interested. Click here!

Sweet Sheep Pattern on Ravelry

First and foremost I am a knitter so when I look at any yarn, commercial or handspun, my mind immediately starts thinking about how I would knit the yarn. When I started spinning about 4 or 5 years ago all I wanted to do was knit with my handspun yarn. Right from the start I would knit with all of my handspun yarns, I had no hesitation at all. I was proud of my handspun, no matter how lumpy and imperfect. In fact, I made a design and pattern out of my very first handspun yarn called Sweet Sheep. The quality of the yarn was questionable for sure being my first but by knitting it into an adorable sheep the imperfections became somehow even more charming than I could have ever imagined. It felt like magic.

In my eyes there is no reason not to knit with ALL of your handspun from the very start. 

Right from the start I would spin and spin and spin all sorts of weights of yarn and use different plying and spinning techniques. I couldn't get enough of spinning and then knitting my handspun yarns. I think the word some might use is obsessed. The excitement still runs high while I am waiting for a new handspun yarn to dry when it is just fresh off my wheel. It never gets old to think about what I will knit with my handspun.

Part of the allure of yarn is trying to figure out that perfect project that will make a match made in heaven. It is like a puzzle challenge. I'm always asking myself, is it the right weight, the right yardage, will it drape or be light enough, will it hold up to wear and tear...... the questions go on and on. But if you don't try and experiment you won't ever figure out how to use your handspun and knit it into beautiful, wearable pieces. 

(A pile of handspun socks using the free pattern, How I Make My Socks)

Since I started spinning I have knit everything under the sun with my handspun yarns. I have knit shawls, socks, hats, mittens, fingerless mitts, a cardigan, toys, scarves, etc. Each project I work with handspun is somehow more satisfying than when I knit with commercial yarns. There is a different feeling you get from working with handspun especially when you've spun it yourself. 

Click here to scroll through some of the projects I've created using my handspun yarns through the years!

Here are 8 tips for the Spinning Knitter:

1. Have Fun!! Just cast on with your handspun yarn and KNIT! Don't worry about the imperfections in your hanspun yarn because often much of it will disappear when it is knit into fabric. To me little imperfections add to the fabric and make the project even better. Your finished object will be one of a kind and that's the best.

2. Spin the yarn, then pick the project. I always just spin away first, really focusing and enjoying the process of spinning. Sometimes I have an idea in mind for the future yarn I am making and sometimes I don't. Sometimes the yarn turns out completely different than I initially intended. I never want to get caught up in trying to be too exact when I'm spinning to knit because that zaps the fun out of it. There are a million different things to knit with handspun and your yarn, no matter what, will work great in some project out there.  

3. Keep it simple. When selecting projects for your handspun simple projects are often better. If the yarn is busy with lots of color or barber poling, stockinette stitch, rib or garter stitch will usually look best. Basic hats, mittens, shawls, scarves and socks are often the best choices for a wide variety of variegated or striping handspun.

4. Combine your handspun with commercial yarns. This can help to make up for smaller yardage. My favorite knitting project combining handspun with commercial yarn is this cardigan (see the photo below). I combined a Loop Bullseye gradient bump with Cascade 220 in black. It turned out wonderfully. The gauge for the handspun wasn't always exactly the same as the Cascade 220 but it didn't matter at all. This is one of my all-time favorite projects.

Click here to read all about the spinning and the knitting of the Loop Bump cardigan!

I've been adding commercial sock yarn for cuffs heels and toes in my handspun socks lately and I love this combination. The pattern I use for my socks is the free pattern called, How I Make My Socks.

5. Experiment! Experiment with the needle size for knitting your selected handspun and be prepared to switch needles and swatch until you get the gauge that will work best for the yarn at hand. Knitting with handspun is not an exact science. For me there are often thicker and thinner moments throughout the yarn and I expect this and it doesn't bother me. I often have to try out different needle sizes when starting a handspun project. It is a different beast than commercial yarns.

6. Be Flexible. You may start out thinking you are spinning a fingering weight to knit a pair of socks and then you end up with a worsted weight perfect for a hat. That's fine! The part of spinning that is so interesting and fun to me is that things change during the process and it can keep you on your toes. It is exciting and adventurous.

 7. Don't force the spinning or the knitting. "Let the fiber be what it wants to be." I used to hear this all of the time from spinners and I didn't get it. Now I get it. What this means to me is that while you are spinning don't force the fiber to be something that it isn't meant to be for your technique. Through experience I know that for me Polwarth Silk blends can comfortably be spun into very thin singles. If I am spinning a straight up Falkland roving it works well for me to spin a worsted or bulky weight yarn. When you first start spinning different fibers you will find out how they spin up best for your personal techniques.

On the same note don't try to knit your handspun yarn into a project where it won't work. Maybe you'll even have to design something on your own to make the perfect match for your special skein of handspun. I did exactly this with the 50 Row Shawlette (see the photo below).

50 Row Shawlette ~ roving was from Unwind Yarns

I had 250 yards of a worsted weight handspun and I couldn't find the perfect pattern for it. That's when I decided to just cast on and make up a fun shawlette that would use every inch of the beautiful handspun yarn. The 50 Row Shawlette was designed in a snap. It was a perfect match.

Another project I designed when I couldn't find the perfect pattern is called, Lost Banner Hat (see the photo below). 

The Lost Banner Hat, knit in handspun from Fiber Optics Gradient Roving.

Here is an example of a gradient yarn I had spun where there wasn't enough yardage to create a larger project like a shawl but I wanted to keep the gradient colors intact. I needed a simple knit with stockinette stitch and rib. The Lost Banner Hat takes about 200 yards of a worsted weight yarn, either handspun or commercial. This hat knit in handspun feels so good on my head. I love it.

The name of the hat pattern was because the hat was lost and then found a long time later.

(Handspun socks knit with Friends in Fiber Gradient Rainbow)

8. BE FEARLESS! Knit your hanspun yarn into beautiful, treasured things. Don't just let it sit on a shelf or in a bin somewhere. Show it off to the world. There is really nothing like knitting with handspun yarn and you won't know until you try. It is pure magic! Really.

Lastly, be PROUD of your handspun yarn. And be proud of your knitting with your handspun yarns. How amazing is it that we can create our own yarns through the process of spinning and then make one of a kind originals with that yarn? It's the best.

By knitting with your handspun yarn you are tying your knitting in a more direct way to the wool, the silk, the cotton, the yak, the sheep, the earth, the farmers....  that's a powerful thing

Handspun is cool! Knit with it.
xo ~ susan