Like. Like. Love.

Hi, Knitters,

First I have randomly selected 5 winners, each will receive a copy of the Unofficial Downton Abbey Knits magazine! The winners are (by Ravelry ID): Debbie4, VCR, kerryespins, annejz, and Yarnvixen. Congratulations! I sent the winners a message through Ravelry with directions on how to receive the prizes. Thank you to all for entering and for F+W Media and Interweave for giving us this opportunity.

Now for some knitting! Here are a couple of things I like that involve knitting and my daughters. My girls are both on the high school swim team. The team pairs up an upper-class swimmer with a freshman or sophomore. The pairs become "sisters" for the season. The swim sisters make each other inspirational posters and get weekly gifts for each other amongst other things. It's all fun and good but admittedly a lot of work for me. Each week I try to come up with something fun and little and unique. Some weeks are better than others. The weeks I am describing here are knitterly and an example of a couple of better weeks.

Every year I have knit a hat for the swim sister and a pair of mittens, given on separate weeks. 

Lion Brand had this super-bulky team spirit yarn at JoAnn's and in the team colors for our swim team. It was the perfect yarn for sister mittens. Go team! These flew off my needles in no time.

We debated the pom-poms but I finally couldn't resist. I might write up the recipe for this hat. I used scraps of worsted weight wool held double on US 13s. These hats are a fast and fun knit. I made it up as I went along. What a great scrap-buster.

The finishing touch included these wool felt labels. I stitched the girls' names with black thread. The labels marked the inside of the back of the hat. The back is hard to tell sometimes with this style of hat so I wanted to be sure to mark it for ease for the girls. It's a cute and personal touch.

Now for a couple of things I love.....

(photo by Betz White)

My buddy and fellow designer Betz White designed some fantastic knit-inspired fabric not too long ago. She has a bunch of it in her home and being the fabulous sewer and bag designer that she is, she decided to create some project bags using her fabrics. I was lucky enough to test out a prototype for her. There was nothing I could offer for improvement after I received my bag. They are adorable and functional as knitting project bags! 

Betz is offering pre-orders for her Stitch + Stash Project Bags right now!

(photo by Betz White)

The bags are reversible and can be folded down to sit and stay open or they can stay securely closed. The project bags are adorable and unique to boot.

Here is the link for more information straight from Betz:

Click here for all of the details and/or to pre-order!

Click here for Betz' Etsy Shop ~ the bags are here, too!

I love my sample bag and I think you will love them as well.

Check out this incredibly cute felt ornament pattern by Betz! I am making these for Christmas gifts this year for sure!

(photo by Hannah Dewey of Fastenation Studio)

Now this next shop was brought to my attention through an email from the button creator herself, Hannah Dewey. I checked out her shop and I think it is worth a mention!

(photo by Hannah Dewey of Fastenation Studio)

Hannah makes buttons, hair bows and shawl pins and they are all cute and well-done. I especially like the candy swirl buttons. The buttons include whimsical children's designs and more subtle adult-like buttons as well. I haven't ordered any yet but I am planning on it soon.

Click here for Hannah's shop, Fastenation Studio!

If you order something let me know how it works out.

(photo by Kate Davies)

Lastly, I am loving the hat, Peerie Flooers by Kate Davies (one of my favorite designers, click here for her website!). I am going to cast this on. I have been scrounging around and I think I have the yarn to make this in my stash and pretty close to the colors, although slightly different. Isn't it gorgeous? I have been inspired by Paula Emons-Fuessle's version (click here!). I loved it when she talked about Peerie Flooers on her podcast.

In fact, I am loving this and so many more projects from my friend Paula's project page on Ravelry. I want to make just about everything she does. Paula really inspires me. I have the yarn and patterns for all of Paula's shawl patterns, her own designs. I have knit two of them already, Piper's Journey (already over 1000 completed projects in Rav) and Lullaby Rain. The others I have lined up with yarn are Gill's Rock (I have Quince & Co. Chickadee in Winesap), Ellison Bay (I have Quince & Co. Chickadee in Bird's Egg), and finally, Hyla Brook (I have Quince & Co. Tern in Sea Grass). These are all going to be knit this coming winter, or shawl knitting season as I call it! You have my word. 

Other projects that Paula (of knittingpipeline.com) had knit that I want to knit are the Baby Tea Leaves, the Henslowe Shawl, the Holden Shawlette, Windschief and Dustland hats, and the Elowen Shawl. 

I seriously am going to knit each and every one of these projects and I can't wait. I'll share along the way!

One last thing I love is the kind support you have offered by voting for me for the Craftsy's Best Instructor Blog Award. The voting is still open if you are interested. 

Click here to see the nominees and to vote!

One last thing I love.... have you listened to Pam Allen and Hannah Fettig's new audio podcast, called knit.fm? They have recorded two episodes. These two knitting-greats are smart and knitterly and thoughtful.  Click here to have a listen to knit.fm!

I'll be back soon with more!
best, susie

Unofficial Downton Abbey Knits Giveaway!

Hi, Knitters,

Quickly, I have to note that I am so honored to have been nominated for the Best Craftsy Instructor Blog in Knitting and Crochet! Wow, what a thrill to be nominated amongst such talented bloggers. Thank you! 

Now the award goes to the next round of voting to get a winner. If you vote you will automatically be entered to win a free Craftsy.com class of your choice! Please head over, if you are so inclined, and vote. I appreciate it so much. The winner will be announced on Oct. 29th, 2013.

Click here to vote! You'll see my sock drawer photo from my blog header on the correct category. I had to smile when I saw that up there.

Thank you!

(All photos in this post are from Interweave Knits)

Okay, here we go with another fantastic giveaway opportunity for you! I received the new Unofficial Downton Abbey Knits magazine from Interweave a couple of days ago and I can't put it down.

Let me give you some links to start:

Click here to see all of the designs on Ravelry!

Click here to see the magazine on the Interweave website!

The magazine is much more than just patterns. It creates a mood and lets the reader disappear for awhile in another time. There are historical articles, wonderful inspirational pictures, great projects both imaginative and practical and if you love the BBC show Downton Abbey as much as I do this is a must have special issue!

Here is the description of the magazine from the Ravelry Design page:

Look through the eyes of Downton Abbey with this new special issue from PieceWork magazine. Enjoy knits inspired by the lavish sets and styling of the hugely popular television series, which tells the story of the Grantham clan and their servants at England’s Downton Abbey.

This special issue includes: Knitted garments and accessories—gloves, shawls, sweaters and vests, blouses, hats, purses, and more—for both those upstairs and downstairs. Learn about knitting for the troops during World War I and enjoy articles detailing aspects of the Downton eras: fashion, history, and culture.

My favorite project in the book was closely inspired by this beautiful portrait.....

What a wonderful colorwork hat with a sweet pom-pom detail. I want to make this for sure with my Harrisville Shetland collection of colors just sitting in my studio. I would wear the pom-poms not so close the face but more on the side and back a bit. The poms are on braids or twists and are then threaded through a loop on the side. I love this detail!

Look for this one on my needles very soon, maybe even later today.

Click here for the Fetching Fairisle Cap project page on Ravelry! 

I love this vest with the subtle textured panel on the front by Joanna Johnson. It is made in one of my favorite yarns, Brooklyn Tweed Loft. This one is a win. I would love to have a vest like this in my wardrobe.

Click here for the Ravelry page for the Lady Denman's Vest!

I love the clever twist of the Two in One Warm Hat or Cravat! It is a long tube that is then tucked inside itself to create a double-layer stocking hat. I think this is great fun. 

Here it is as a cravat (or a scarf if you're me!).

Click here for the project page for the Two in One!

I think the detail on the Walking Out Eyelet Panel Blouse is lovely. I would wear this one for sure. It's a very sweet design that could easily be worn in our modern times.

Click here for the Walking Out Blouse!

In my cold climate I don't know anyone who wouldn't enjoy a Chilly Morning Cosycoat (I like the name of this one, too!). It is made out of Cascade 220 which is perfect.

The best part is the inspiration photo below:  

Isn't it wonderful? There are so many designs in this issue, something for everyone.

What a fantastic job by Interweave and the designers and writers! The magazine is selling for $14.95.

I am so excited to offer each of 5 winners a copy of this extraordinary magazine! 

To enter to win please leave a comment on this blog post that includes your Ravelry ID or an email address where I can get in touch with you if you win. The winners must have a U.S. mailing address. Please only leave one comment. It takes awhile for your comment to show up on the blog.

Thank you to F+W Media and Interweave for this opportunity!

Good luck and let the comments begin!
best, susie

Farmers' Fall

 

Hi, Knitters,

Just in! Go check out my friend Leanne's Owls on Dantes Etsy Shop!! Click here! Leanne gifted me one of her little owl tape measures and it is adorable! She was selling them left and right at the KnitEast retreat a couple of weeks ago and has now updated her Etsy Shop. The tape measure is cozy-ed up in sock yarn and made to look like a sweet little owl. They are so cute. Great gift idea, knitters!!! 

The winner of the Happy Again Kit from Little Skein (go check out this Etsy shop!) is.......

maashrink (rav id)! Here is the winning comment:

I. Am. In. Love..... Hopefully I will be so lucky. Thank you for this opportunity and exposure to such beautiful products!!
Rav Id- maashrink

October 11, 2013

Congratulations to Melanie! Thank you to everyone for entering, what a huge and great response. I have another giveaway coming up right away this week so keep your eyes out for that.

Last weekend we went to the Madison Farmers' Market and it was such a treat. By the way, I never can remember is it farmers plural, farmer's singular possessive, or farmers' plural possessive... it is farmers' on the website so that's what I'm going with. Farmers'.

Click here for the Dane County Farmers' Market website!

I think fall may be the best time to go. Here's a quick pictorial run through of the beauty.

My buddy Jeanette from Sun Valley Fibers was there vending with her husband, George, and daughter. They were just kind of holding their booth spot for the season and had some of their gorgeous yarns out on the table. I was shuffling along in the crowd and glanced over and spotted the yarn on the table. Then my eyes slowly moved up to see who owned the yarn and there was Jeanette's smiling face looking right at me. It was funny.

Click here for the local Sun Valley Fibers website! 

Don't forget about the Sun Valley Fibers' Thaw Retreat, January 23-26, 2014! I am teaching two workshops at this event in Barneveld, Wisconsin. The fabulous Amy Detjen is teaching, too. I can't wait for this one, so close to home. Last time I checked there were still a few spots available. It is going to be so much fun! I hope to see you there.

Click here for more information on the Thaw Retreat 2014!

The Capitol Dome

I can't get over how artistic the displays are in some of the booths.

 Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin serving up free samples of their warm grilled cheese. Crispy and gooey! They griddle tiny blocks of cheese and the lines are a mile long to get a piece.

 Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin's booth is always a crowd-pleaser.

$9 flower arrangements!

 Owls Cardigan and warm kettle corn straight from the kettle..... mmmmmm.

 So artistic!

 There were several yarn options at the market. I love that!

 Brat booth! Only in Wisconsin, ya hey!

 There was a brief downpour but the crowd didn't clear out. It was homecoming for the UW-Madison so there was an extra amount of red attire.

On our way out at the top of State Street we ran into a friendly one-man-band. We listened for a minute and my son (who came home from college for the weekend) and my husband could not stop laughing as we continued the walk. The reason? The one-man-band guy was singing a song filled with curse words and some racier content. Every time some questionable word came up he would honk his horn loudly instead of saying that word. They thought that was just hilarious. It was pretty funny hearing them sing the song with horn noises included on the way home.

Lastly, a few days ago I finished up a quick Fair Isle sock called, Solidago, a free pattern on Knitty.com by Mary Jane Mucklestone. Click here for the pattern!  I am going to make a bunch more of these in mix and match colors. I just think they are adorable and so fun and quick (4-inch cuff) to knit. Genius she is that Mary Jane! Mary Jane is in Shetland right now with Gudrun (go look at her photos!!!) and Ysolda. Go look at Mary Jane's blog photos, you won't be disappointed. Click here for Mary Jane's website!

Take care, Knitters! Thanks for always jumping in and having fun with me on the blog. I really appreciate each and every one of you. You all keep me going.
best, susie

Happy Again ~ Little Skein Kit Giveaway!

(All photos in the post are provided by Anne Vally of Little Skein)

Hi, Knitters,

First, I have to tell you that the registration for classes at Vogue Knitting Live in New York City have gone live and are open for sign-ups now! I am teaching a bunch of classes and I would love to see you there in January 17-19, 2014. I am super excited about this teaching event and it will be my first VK Live in New York and I am teaching all three days. What a privilege to be included. 

Click here to see the classes being offered in New York!

Now onto today's news....

I have something big and exciting and fun for you today! I've been waiting for the right time to share this amazing sock kit collaboration put together by Anne Vally, the creative talent behind Little Skein in the Big Wool. The kit includes the talent of Anne herself, Laura of Gynx Yarns, and Laura Linneman of The Knit Girllls. All of these lovelies were inspired by the yarn-y children's book, Extra Yarn.

Let me give you some links here:

Little Skein Etsy Shop!

Little Skein in the Big Wool website!

Extra Yarn (the book)

Gynx Yarns ~ Please go look at this Etsy shop! Laura's yarns are gorgeous and unusual. I am going to have to order some for myself. She has lots of stock and her shop is always full of incredible yarns. I love that.

The Dyer's Notebook (Laura's podcast) ~ It's a good one that I watch all of the time.

The Knit Girllls Laura Linneman's fantastic podcast!

Laura's Designs  called, La La's Knits (I've knit her patterns and they are all wonderful and clear!)

This is a huge list of talent! The Happy Again Kit is a combined force of knitting nature and we are so lucky that they came together.

The book, Extra Yarn, is a Caldecott Honor Book, the artwork is interesting and knitters and children alike will love this story. The yarn was specifically designed and inspired by the book and created exclusively for this kit. Laura's socks are the perfect compliment to this rich, interesting, lightly speckled yarn. The pattern is for toe-up style socks and is sized for kids through adults. I think these will be my first toe-up socks! I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Let me share what is included in this fantastic kit (the following text is from Little Skein):

-- An original, toe-up sock pattern (PDF copy) – sized for adults and children – by Laura Linneman, of Lala Knits and The Knit Girllls

-- 1 skein of sock yarn from Gynx Yarns in BFL Sock (438 yards/100 grams | 100% superwash BFL) in “Extra,” an exclusive colorway inspired by Annabelle’s adventures
-- Drawstring project bag, handcrafted by littleskein, and made out of an artisan fabric from textile designer, Tamara Serrao, in a design adapted just for this kit
-- Set of 8 stitch markers in your choice of design (see photo 3) and packaged in a miniature corked bottle
-- A sweet treat: a pack of 5 fruit gems by Sunkist

If you'd like to add the book to your kit, just select this option in the listing as you check out. If you would like an extra skein of sock yarn (or duplicates of any other kit items), please add one of the separate listings to your shopping cart.

{ ABOUT THE SOCKS }

Designer Laura Linneman of Lala Knits created these unique toe-up socks exclusively for the littleskein HappyAgain kit. They are perfect for adventurous beginners as well as more experienced sock knitters. They feature an asymmetrical, mirrored pattern that echoes the lines of a twining tree branch. The pattern is deceptively simple – it is easy to memorize and knit, and gives an impressive finished result that looks much more complex than it is to create. The slip stitch cables are a perfect introduction to cabling without a cable needle. The pattern provides:
* Complete instructions on how to knit these beautiful socks
* Four size options: children's, adult small, adult medium, and adult large
* Charts and written instructions

Here is some information from the Little Skein Etsy shop about the project bag. Do you remember my Little Red Riding Hood bag that I love so much (they are on pre-order right now on Little Skein ~ go order one!)? And my Llama Bag? This is the same maker/designer and her bags are exquisitely made, such detail!

Anne Vally designed the fabric exclusively for this kit!! It is a great print and the inside is just as good.

The following text is from Little Skein:

{ ABOUT THE PROJECT BAG }

Annabelle's Treehouse project bag is handcrafted out of a custom-printed cotton-linen fabric, in a design adapted exclusively for this kit. The bottom portion of the bag is dark plum canvas, made for durability, and the interior is in a custom-printed quilting cotton print of hand-drawn sweaters. This bag will comfortably fit 1 to 2 skeins of yarn and your work in progress. The bag is:
-- Approx. 10" wide and 11" tall when the bag is flat, with a 5x5" square base
-- Made with a plum-colored grosgrain ribbon drawstring and cord lock, and a "word ring" that says HAPPINESS to inspire your knitting
-- Made with a canvas bottom, so the bag will stand on its own but still be "floppy" enough at the top to enable your working yarn to pull neatly from the bag.
-- Machine stitched
-- Fully lined and top-stitched, with all seams enclosed, for a neat and polished look
-- Handcrafted with love in a smoke-free, pet-free, kid-friendly studio

The kit would be an excellent gift for any knitter or just for yourself! I think this would be about the best gift around for the coming holiday season. I would love to receive something like this.

Laura from Gynx Yarns is smart and talented. I love her work! Just look at this yarn, it is beautiful.

I have quite a few tiny glass vials with a cork stopper from Little Skein sitting on a shelf in my studio. These are the first stitch markers I reach for when I'm working on a project. I have purchased many sets and use them all of the time. I am a huge fan and I've even hosted giveaways for them in the past. I joined Ann's Wizard of Oz Stitch Marker Club as a treat and I wasn't disappointed. I love them all so much.

Here is some information directly from the Little Skein Etsy shop about the stitch markers:

{ ABOUT THE STITCH MARKERS }

You will receive a set of 8 snag-free stitch markers that fit up to a size US 9 or 5.5mm knitting needle, in your choice of design: Annabelle (in a scarf) or Annabelle's Treehouse, packaged in my signature corked glass bottle. The master marker features a 12mm cameo base with glass cabochon, and you will also received 7 handcrafted beaded ring stitch markers. My stitch markers are made out of substantial 18-gauge base metal with a color-coordinated Japanese glass seed bead. The ends of the ring are secured inside the bead, so the stitch marker is completely smooth to the touch and will not snag your knitting.

The kit is selling for $75 on the Little Skein shop right now. There are choices available and you can order some of the individual pieces of the kit on the shop as well. The book can also be included with the kit. Ann is a smart, reliable and wonderful shop owner. Her customer service is fantastic and that's a big part as to why her shop is doing so well.

Today I am so happy to offer you a chance to win a Happy Again Kit!! 

Please leave one comment (be patient for your comment to appear, it takes some time, and please don't leave multiple comments)! Your comment must include an email address or your Ravelry ID. I will randomly select a winner in a few days.

Thank you to Anne for bringing us this huge opportunity! Thank you to the fantastic designers and talents that came together to make this inspiring kit. If you don't win the kit here please check out the Little Skein Etsy shop and order a kit. You won't be disappointed. 

I received a kit to review from Anne and I can't get over the quality of every piece included!

Good luck and let the comments begin!

best, susie

3 More for the Drawer and Spinning News

 

Hi, Knitters,

First, please jump over to Angela Tong's blog to join in the Topsy-Turvy Inside Out Knit Toys giveaway. Angela has taken the time to write a wonderful review that includes adorable photos of her daughter with the book and quotes from her daughter as she looked through the book. They are cute and funny, it's definitely worth a read! Angela also knit the Happy Mouse Sad Mouse toy for her daughter. It turned out great. Thank you to Angela for writing such a fun and detailed review. Please leave a comment on her blog post to be included in the giveaway for a copy of my latest book. Remember, if you already own the book you could gift it to a friend or donate it to your local knitting guild or library. Click here for the link to Angela Tong's blog! Angela is a wonderful designer and Craftsy instructor. Click here to see her designs!

Now for some other fun and fibery things.... 

I hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was mainly filled with hosting a potluck for the high school girls swim team and then attending a couple of swim meets. I have been doing a lot of sock knitting on my work travels and going to and from the swim meets and sitting in the bleachers at the meets. Socks are just so good as a take-along project as they are compact and simple. It always works well.

I have finished three more pairs of socks to add to my sock drawer. This is exciting news. Above, the Fab Funky Fibres 15 Colour Rainbow socks literally flew off my needles. This yarn is dreamy, squishy and mesmerizing. You never want to put it down once you start your socks. I did a 7-inch cuff and used my How I Make My Socks free pattern. 

This is one dreamy pair of socks, one of my favorites for certain.

The Tiki Bar socks from Desert Vista Dyeworks are my trip memento from SSK, the retreat I taught at last July in Nashville. I started the first sock while having dinner at Ann Shayne's house if you remember. That's pretty special. Good memories.

This is another dreamy, squishy beautiful sock yarn that I couldn't put down. The colors are just gorgeous. I have two more skeins of sock yarn from Desert Vista Dyeworks. You should really hop over to Susan's shop and take a look at her gorgeous yarns. The cool thing is that she always has yarn available, tons of it, and one colorway is more intriguing than the next. It is an impressive sock yarn shop. What a huge talent Susan is in the dyeing industry.

Click here to hop on over to Desert Vista Dyeworks!

The last pair I finished are knit out of my own handspun yarn. I love them so much and they really are so fun, rustic and cute looking. I will be sporting these with my wool clogs all winter, I can see it now.

A long time ago I spun up the fiber I bought from Moonshine Fiber Co., they are no longer in business. I got great yardage and made extra-long cuffs on these socks as well as the other two pair I finished up. I have been trying to use up more of the yarn in the skeins. I have quite the gathering of leftover sock yarn going as you can imagine.

Here is a photo of the original roving. Half was bright as all get-out, and the other half was black and gray. I spun each half separately and then plied them together to get this wild and crazy yarn.

Click here to see my detailed post about the Moonshine Fiber Co. spinning and yarn!

I'm feeling pretty good with my sock progress. I still have a bunch of new socks on the needles and some with one sock done and one to go. They all get finished eventually. This is my favorite knitting, no pressure, easy, do as I please. Everyone should have a bit of that on the needles, don't you think?

(photo from Highland Handmades)

Next up on the wheel is this beautiful Falkland roving from the lovely Heather of Highland Handmades. I met Heather at KnitEast last weekend. She is a nice and generous soul. When I popped in her booth at the end of the show she generously gifted me this gorgeous Puffin's Landing Falkland top. She let me pick out the colorway and fiber of my choice. I am so excited about it.

You should really check out her shop as it is filled with beautiful yarns and fiber. Heather is a really talented dyer from Maine. 

Click here for the Highland Handmades shop!

Here I have some of the fiber pre-drafted a bit and ready to go. Isn't it pretty?

Now, I have a little something new to share with you ~~~

(photo from Acadia Wheel and Loom)

See this spectacular wheel? It is a handcrafted wheel made by Acadia Wheel and Loom, located in Maine. It is exceptional and interesting and expertly made. The workmanship is beyond impressive.

You can purchase this wheel, called the Artisan Spinning Wheel, or find out more, by clicking right here!

I am so proud and excited to be the new owner of the Artisan Spinning Wheel!! It is a dream come true. 

Someone else you may know owns this same wheel.....
click here or here  or here to see. (This is one of my favorite blogs ~ I never miss it.)

Here is the Highland Handmades fiber on the brand new wheel! The fiber and wheel both are as smooth as silk. I am loving them both so much. The wheel runs so quietly, much smoother than my Ladybug (which I still love just as much).

 I'll keep you posted on my progress. I think this yarn is going to be really pretty. I love the colors.

This hank of yarn is my first spin on the new Artisan Wheel. It is 234 yards of a 2-ply yarn, probably a worsted/bulky weight. The 100% BFL superwash roving was from Unwind Yarn Company. 

Dana, the dyer, had a deal where the proceeds of this fiber, called Tealtember, would go toward some cancer charity. I'm blanking on the specific charity. Dana raised a lot of money and worked really hard getting all of this fiber dyed and out the door. Great work, Dana!! Dana also hosts the podcast Just One More Row. It's a good one that I listen to all of the time.

Click here for Unwind Yarn Company! Don't miss a visit to this shop! Dana's yarn and fiber is breathtaking! 

Click here for Just One More Row!

I love this fresh new skein spun on my fresh new wheel! I could not believe how much this fluffed up after drying. It is pretty incredible the difference from wet yarn to dry. It pretty much puffed up to twice the size. It is so soft and squishy and airy. It was perfectly balanced straight from the wheel, too. This never happens for me. I want to order more of this BFL from Unwind Yarn Co. and soon!

What a perfect way to kick off the fall season.

I hope you are all off to a good start to the week.

best, susie