Meet Spud & Chloe in Person

Hi Knitters,

I mentioned last week or so that I have a new job. I am now working for Blue Sky Alpacas, specifically for their new yarn and pattern line called, Spud and Chloe. My new job is just perfect for me. I have been hired to write and create the Spud and Chloe blog! Plus, I have been hired to design and write free patterns for the blog, new and fresh free patterns every month! Basically, the new blog for the Spud and Chloe website is my new baby. I have so much fun stuff planned I can hardly contain myself. Please hop over to the site and sign up for the newsletter (which will be my blog posts packed with fun stuff and free patterns and shop spotlights and then even more fun stuff) if you are interested, of course. The site is here.

The owner of Blue Sky named the line after her friend's sheep after they were introduced to her as Spud and Chloe. Those names stuck with her and in turn she has created Spud and Chloe, the most spectacular, comprehensive yarn line and support line I have ever seen. The key is that it is simple, 3 different weights of yarn, the best colorways ever and beautiful, fun pattern support. Blue Sky been a longtime favorite of mine but Spud and Chloe has shown such a fresh and original take on yarn and knitting that I am blown away. I hope you will join me in this new adventure, it's going to be a good one. 

Spud and Chloe is striving to be inclusive of all types of knitters, young, old, in between, new, experienced and intermediate. Everyone! Kids, too! The yarn is exquisitely made from all natural materials (superwash wool and organic cotton) and it has that wow factor that is indescribable. You have to witness the yarn in person. You just have to squish, smell, smoosh in your fingers, rub on your cheek, well, you get the picture.

With that being said, I am so proud to give you a sneak peek and a chance to win some Spud and Chloe Sweater yarn, 3 skeins. The Sweater yarn is worsted weight, washable 55% wool, 45% organic cotton. It is the squishiest, softest, most fantastic yarn and you are going to love it.
I selected these colors for you because I am also throwing in a special printed version of my pattern, the Sweet Pea Hat. This is my top selling pattern. The pink, blue and green are perfect for this hat. Each skein has 160 yards, that's generous. You don't have to knit the hat, there is plenty of yardage for other things, too.
The tags are so cute that you'll want to hang on to them (or maybe that's just me). To enter the contest just leave a comment and only one comment. Please leave some sort of identifying something in your comment (name, location, blog name, etc.). I will randomly select a winner on Friday, May 22nd. This contest is going to go on for only a few days so enter right away. I will post the winner on the blog this Friday and then the winner will have two days (through Sunday) to contact me with a mailing address. Easy-peasy, right?

It is exciting because this yarn is not even being launched until June 12th at TNNA. You will be getting a jump on your Spud & Chloe knitting before the shops even get the yarn.

Good luck to you all. I know you are going to love Spud & Chloe as much as I do. I hope you join me, I'll miss you if you don't. By the way, I will continue on here, at Susan B. Anderson, just the same as same can be. I have things to say and tell you here and I can't leave this spot. 

Okay, enter away!

best, susie

My Kind of Knitting Circle

Hi Knitters,

Last Friday I had some of the Girl Scouts over after school for a bit of knitting time together. They had me laughing the entire time. What a group. We were sitting just like you see above and all of a sudden one of the girls said, "Are we having a knitting circle?" The girls looked around, made a few adjustments and we became a literal knitting circle. They made everyone touching in the circle somehow. See my foot on the table is touching the girl's yarn on the bench? And be sure to note the last girl on the couch, her toe is touching the girl's toe on the love seat. They were so happy about the fact that we actually were a knitting circle. It really made me laugh. My son got home from school as we were completing our circle and I made him take a picture to commemorate. 

Too good for words. I loved it. I don't know if they knew that you don't have to be in an actual circle or not, it just happened. Believe me, I will never tell them the truth. It was so much fun.
Then The Collector starting playing some Jack Johnson music (her favorite) and the girls just loved it. The Collector threw down a blanket and yelled out, "Blanket knitting!" They all jumped up from our circle and squeezed onto a tiny blanket with their knitting. Dancing was included. They continued knitting the entire time.

See the little blonde, she's my "smart cookie" from last time. She got up and along with dramatic movements quoted, "If at first you don't fricassee, fry, fry a hen." It was so funny. She told me it was from Caddie Woodlawn. She also told me it was a direct take on, "If you don't succeed, try, try again." Loved that. I love that saying, it's all true.

Too good for words, again.
Even with all of the silliness we got one more hat completed for donation and a lot of knitting done by the others. The finished hat is another beauty. This little sweetheart finished her hat right up and donated it to charity. Doesn't she look proud? That's hat number seven for the group. I am sending off three hats this week for charity from our troop.

This has all been so incredibly cool and fun. I hope to keep them going. I think I enjoy it more than the girls. Aren't they cute?

What a week I have scheduled ahead. Why does May get so crazy every year? When I look at my calendar there is so much stuff written in that it makes my head spin. There isn't a blank day in the month. Yes, I keep an old-fashioned calendar in my kitchen where we actually hand write things in. I am not a good calendar person at all. I write things down and then I forget to look. I'm afraid it will never change for me.

Oh well, off into Monday I go. Hope you are all in for a good and busy week, too.

best, susie

p.s. Hey, I'm going to Tnna! I just found out last week. I'll tell you more about what I am doing there soon. I am so excited to go and I hope to see some of you in O-hi-o.

How to Weave in Ends Tutorial

Hi Knitters,

I had my son video me as I wove in the ends on a Rainbow Marley hat from Itty-Bitty Hats. You will see how quickly and easily this can be done!

best, susie

The Collector & Me

Hi Knitters,

This isn't a knitterly post but rather a springtime post. The Collector and I ventured out earlier this week with the camera in tow to the nature conservation park only a few blocks from our house. We love it there. 

Actually, last summer they added three large ponds to the park and I have a feeling that we will end up spending a lot of time by these ponds this summer. The Collector wanted to make a beeline for the ponds the minute we walked into the park. I hope you're up for lots of photos because that's what I have for you today.
Rambling open paths...
footprints under the water that tell a story....
secret entryways...
reflections of fluffy clouds painted on a pure blue sky...
never take the easy path...
tiny black tadpoles swimming under the water...
big trees bursting with buds...
dandelion heaven...
bumpy old bark...
twisty little vines waiting to be untwisted...
a smattering of violets, white and purple...
rules to be read...
a hidden ancient park...
with the best old rusty teeter-totter (complete with a car tire bumper)...
dried out wheat grass blowing in the wind...
and a fairy ballroom waiting to come to life.

The Collector in her glory.

Happy spring!

best, susie

Hat Fest

Hi Knitters,

Elizabeth (ChickWithSticks on ravelry) posted this picture of her granddaughters wearing Bunny Tail hats (the pattern is in Itty-Bitty Hats) that she knitted for them this spring. They are in California. I wrote her that I need some of those for my lawn! How incredibly cute. Thanks, Elizabeth, for sharing your family and knitting.
I have two more hats from my Girl Scout knitters. This girl scout is a fast and furious knitter and completed her hat in an instant. She donated her hat to charity along with one more from The Collector.
The Collector finished this hat and I helped her with the point on top. Doesn't it look like an ice cream cone from Dairy Queen? She loved the subtle, heathery stripes. This yarn is Encore Colorspun #7333 and it is really nice. 

These two hats (we have donated 6 hats so far) are being sent to Indiana to an organization that helps and supports mothers by offering activities and classes. When the moms attend and participate they earn coupons for free stuff, like diapers for example. I learned about this charity through the Itty-Bitty Knits group monthly charity knitalong. I have to get these sent off to Indiana within the next couple of days.
Here is my Rainbow Marley hat that now just needs the marley topper. I made this one for the Hat Swap I signed up for. You can still sign up through May 16th if you are interested in joining. After you sign up you have until June 16th to make your hat so there is no rush.

Here is one more cute girl in a knitted hat. This one is the Baby Slouch made for an older child. I think it turned out great. I get so many photos and links from knitters sharing their projects and babies and children. I wish I could post them all but do know that I love to see what you are doing with your needles. Keep it coming.

Okay, Knitters, I have a lot on my plate today as I am sure you all do, too. Seize the day!

best, susie

What's New?

Hi Knitters,

My son and I have been working on setting up a new shop for my blog patterns. I am getting so many patterns on my sidebar that it is starting to get a bit jumbled. I have a bunch of new patterns on the horizon so now is the time to make the jump. 

We took some of my original watercolor paintings that I had made for Itty-Bitty Hats. As you may have noticed, they didn't get used in the book. I love these tiny watercolor paintings and have always wanted to find a place for them. I had a painting for each hat so I have books of paintings.
I decided to put them in the logo for the new Susan B. Anderson shop.
You'll recognize the hats in the paintings from the book. The ladybug hat was supposed to be in Itty-Bitty Hats but didn't make it in the end.
The watercolors were scanned and dropped into a collage-type header.
Here is the new logo and here is the link to the new shop. It features all of the patterns from my sidebar and an add to cart feature. Now you can order as many patterns as you'd like all in one order plus it is easier to view all of the patterns at once. It's way better all-around. I am going to be adding a few new items and a new pattern in the upcoming week as well. I will be cleaning up my sidebar and putting a permanent link to the new shop on the sidebar.
And now I am unveiling my newest washcloth pattern, Sweet Pea. Wouldn't this be cute with a matching Sweet Pea Hat for a new baby? You could make in the lighter green and blue or pink peas to go with the hat. The Sweet Pea washcloth is textured which is extra good for scrubbing power. As soon as I get the pattern typed up I will get it in the new shop, hopefully in a few days.

The best part is that I can have sales and special offers now on the shop. With that being said, this week I am having a 20% off sale on all of my patterns to celebrate this new addition to my blog. All you have to do is type in: GRANDOPENING (all one word and all caps) in the code box and 20% will be discounted from your total. The sale will end next Sunday, May 17th. I am still personally emailing out all of the patterns (they are attached pdf files to the email) so please be a bit patient in receiving your order. It is not automated. The shop is still run through Paypal. 

I have so many blog posts lined up and not enough time to get them written up and posted. What's a blogger to do? Actually that just shows me how much I enjoy writing and keeping this blog and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Well, enjoy this beautiful spring Monday, Knitters. I'll be back with more very soon.

best, susie

Springy Bits and Pieces

Hi Knitters,

Wow, it is a beautiful spring day. It couldn't be any closer to perfect outside. I just spent an hour or two on the phone going over some little things for Itty-Bitty Toys. We are scouring it thoroughly and completely. I am in love with this book and I can't wait for it to come out next November, 2009. I have the cover shot and I'll ask the publisher if I can share it soon. It is very sweet.

I pulled out some excellent colors of Tahki Cotton Classic this morning to wind up. Do you recognize the color grouping? It is the good old rainbow, ROY G BIV, for the Rainbow Marley hat in Itty-Bitty Hats. I have joined my first knitting swap on the Itty-Bitty Knits group on ravelry. I am so excited. We are a small group all knitting Rainbow Marley hats in any way you see fit, different colors and a couple different sizes, and then we are swapping them! It is just a fun little springy thing to do. You can still join the Hat Swap if you are interested up until May 16th. Come on along, I hope some of you join in. It is always fun to knit something and give it away and then you'll get something right back in return. I can't wait to see the different takes on the Marley, too.

I was thinking that I might make my Marley in a different colorway like greens and blues. Then I started thinking that I love the rainbow version and I can't really top it. I am doing the rainbow colors and I am excited to start later today. I actually have to look up the pattern because I haven't knitted this hat in about 5 years or so. My memory isn't that good! It'll come back to me, right?
My neighbors have the most beautiful yard. They have tulips  popping up everywhere. I used to have tulips until the rabbits ate them all and now they don't come up anymore. I miss them in my yard but I get to enjoy the tulips next door. Rabbits must not like daffodils because I still have those every year.
Every tree is busting out around here. We love watching and waiting for our flowering trees to bloom. 

This is a change of subject but I have been thinking a lot about knitted sachets lately. I love them and think they make the sweetest gifts. A new free pattern for a lacy sachet just came in my email this morning. You may have gotten this pattern already but I thought I'd share the link just in case. I think I may make a few of these for teachers gifts this year or something like it anyway. They are quick and little and smelly, in a good way. Remember this one, too. I've made some of these tiny pine trees and given them away.
The Collector wanted French braids this morning, not regular braids. We had a few extra minutes so I obliged. She looked so neat and tidy that I thought I'd snap a quick photo of her. Her crafting has reached all new levels lately. I'll have to photograph some of her latest creations and share them soon. The girl really needs her own blog. The fairy obsession is already coming back strong for the warmer weather. There is some serious fairy house planning going on. Can't wait.

Okay, one last silly thing to ask you about. I have been collecting the fortunes out of fortune cookies for several years. I save them every time we eat Chinese for dinner, which is only once every few months. I want to do something creative with my collection but I don't have nearly enough. You know my table I decoupaged luggage labels on? Yeah, something like that only with the fortunes. 

Well, I guess what I am asking is if any of you eat fortune cookies a lot and if you would save your fortunes for me. I would love it if you would! There is no rush in getting them to me at all but if you are interested in starting a little stash for me instead of throwing them out I would appreciate it. It is sort of a little "green" project, recycling a bit. Let me know if you are up for this. I know, silly, right?

Happy Mother's Day to all of you this weekend. Give your moms a hug from me: )

best, susie

p.s. I am hosting two more Girl Scout knitting gatherings today and next week. I'll keep you posted on their progress.

p.p.s. Guess what? My sister is coming over next Thursday (and hopefully more) to help me learn how to use my sewing machine better. We scheduled it right in, Sewing Thursdays! I am so excited about this. I do so much hand sewing and I have this beautiful machine sitting in my studio that I don't know how to use very well. We are going to start a project together. I am getting all of the materials this weekend. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

A Good Dose of Whimsy

Hi Knitters,

In the last post I linked a lot of fun things I wanted to share with you. Well, this little book deserves a little more attention because it is that special. Ysolda Teague is a wonderful young and vibrant designer. A couple of weeks ago I ordered her newly self-published book, Whimsical Little Knits.

What's excellent about her collection, besides the fabulous patterns, is that she gives many options when ordering. You can order individual patterns, the down loadable version of the book or the actual book that she will mail to you. I believe she lives in England so it takes a couple of weeks to get the hard copy. It's well worth the wait.
The book has a vintage feel as does Ysolda so it is perfect. I love the page to write your name in the book, very sweet.This shawl is named, Ishbel,  it is on fire right now on Ravelry. Just look at Ysolda, she is a beauty and an incredibly inventive and adept designer/pattern writer. I am impressed all-around.
Included in the book are a couple of pretty hats, fingerless gloves, Ishbel, a doll, a mouse, a couple more shawls, booties and a blanket. Oh, and grown-up booties or more like slippers. It is all fun and pretty and interesting. Give it a look if you are interested in something a little different to knit this summer. Little things make for good summer knitting.

Mainly, in addition to enjoying Ysolda's work, I bought her book to give my support to a young, talented knitting designer who is brave enough to self-publish and take on all of the work that it entails. It is a lot of work. That is simply wonderful! You would really enjoy her publication.
I love my new peeps at Blue Sky Alpacas. To welcome me aboard they sent me this lovely little bag that features a woven base, a funky crochet flower topper and a felted ball handle. The inside is lined with denim. The Collector and I are going to wrestle over this one, I can see it in her eyes. It is really sweet and they have no idea how nuts I am over little gestures like this. It means more to me than they'll ever know.

I just finished knitting a project for Blue Sky this morning. It is a fun one, full of whimsy for sure. It feels good to be done with a project. It always does.
The Collector and I read together before she leaves for school. We have about 20 minutes after the three older kids have left. It is a time I cherish. Sometimes we do word-finds together on the kitchen table, too. We started this new book a couple of days ago and it is incredibly cute. Tumtum and Nutmeg is a new release and it is very English and very wonderful. The author is Emily Bearn. It is a thick book that contains three different adventures, 3 in 1. We are enjoying the book and I thought I'd pass on our new discovery to you!

Take care, sweet Knitters. Hope all is well in your world today.

best, susie

Linked

Hi Knitters,

I can't believe what a whirlwind this week was! In some ways I am glad it's over and in other ways I am sad it flew by. I want to simply share a list of fun links to finish out the last week in April and to welcome the new month. 

Here I go:

best knitted chicken in the history of knitted chickens. You have to look! Crazy good!

cutest self-published knitting book ever! Received mine today and I triple love!

fantastic free baby hat pattern-Cozy, cozy.

best design contest opportunity now open for entries!

want everything in this shop. Please?

great scarf for some chunky yarn sitting around my house.

Jill's baby knitting.

beautiful spinning! Wow!

gorgeous spring scarf. Love it truly.

adorable blog with sewing and children's literature reviews.

fantastic sizing charts for children's garments.

toy-making tool I really, really need but don't have.

hat I want to make but never do.

terrific use of sparkle.

mitten obsession.
I'll leave you with this beautiful gathering of gorgeous natural fiber. That's a sneak peek, the yarn will be launched in June. Squishy!

I have one last newsworthy thing to mention. Mama's got a new job! I've been hired by a fantastic yarn company, Blue Sky Alpacas, to do all sorts of really cool things for their new yarn line, Spud and Chloe. It is my dream job. I never thought an opportunity like this would come true in a million years but it did. I will be sharing more details about my newest undertaking very soon. It is exciting and fun and hopefully it will benefit all of you in some great ways. 

Have a peaceful weekend, Knitters.

best, susie

Who Wants to be a Designer?

Hi Knitters,

There has been a lot of cool behind the scenes stuff going on around here and now has come the time that I can let you in on some of the coolness! First off, I don't know if any of you have heard the exciting news about the brand-new yarn line coming out this June '09 at TNNA from the fantastic people at Blue Sky Alpacas. The yarn line is called, Spud and Chloe. That is the logo above. Adorable, right? 

I have been doing lots of work for the Spud and Chloe line and I can tell you firsthand, the yarn is simply spectacular. It is a simple, straightforward line of yarn. There are three weights, sock (fingering), sweater (worsted) and outer (bulky). The yarns are made from all natural fibers and are machine washable. The colors are perfect for versatility and gorgeousness in general. The yarn is a treat, soft and squishy, really yummy. I was blown away the first time I got to use it and I'm not kidding.

Besides the description on the logo, "sweet yarns for real life," (which I love) here is the company's description:

"New from the makers of Blue Sky Alpacas, Spud and Chloe is a line of luxe yarns designed with life in mind. With a soft hand, spot-on colors and the option of gentle machine washing, everything you make is family-friendly and easy-going, made for real life."

What could be better than that?
Here is a little sneak peek at some of the designs coming up for Spud and Chloe. But here is where it gets even more interesting for you. The good people at Blue Sky Alpacas (BSA) are putting on a design contest for anyone to enter.  There will be 3 winning designs selected by the BSA staff. The prizes are phenomenal, a chance of a lifetime!

Each of the 3 winners will be announced with a featured link and picture on the Blue Sky Alpacas website's front page. (That's huge!!) The winners will also receive 3 skeins in each line of Spud and Chloe. This is before it is even released to the public so you will get the ultimate sneak peek! This is a large prize offer worth quite a bit. You will love this yarn, no question.

These are the specific requirements for the design contest:

1. Submit only one original pattern.

2. Patterns may range in difficulty from washcloths to lace shawls.

3. The contest will start May 1rst and end May 31rst (absolutely no later than).

4. Submit your original design to the BSA group on Ravelry called High Fiber. The official entry thread will be opened on May 1rst. Just hop on this forum and you will see that the top 3 topic lines are devoted to this contest.

5. Each submitted design has to have a free pattern link (yes, the pattern has to be available for free!) either on your blog or on Ravelry. 

6. You can use any of the Blue Sky Alpacas yarns for your design. Only Blue Sky yarns, not a mix with another brand. You can use two or more different Blue Sky yarns within the same pattern.

7. The 3 winners will be announced with a featured link and picture on the BSA website's front page under "Staff Pick" of the month. If you win, your linked pattern will run for approximately 30 days. Months will be July, August and September. (One winner per month)

8. There is a question line open on High Fiber. If you need any answers about the contest you can ask here. 

I am also happy to field any questions as well and I will try to get the answers for you. I think this is an exciting opportunity for any designer trying to break in. It is an amazing chance to get some attention for your knitting designs and blog. I strongly encourage any of you with free patterns already up and running or a pattern just waiting to be posted for the first time to enter. Contests like this don't happen very often, if ever, so take advantage. 

I can't tell you how many knitters write me all of the time asking for advice on getting a pattern published or getting a book deal. Well, this is the perfect place to get your feet wet. Here you go.

This is your chance to shine, Knitters! Just do it!

The Spud and Chloe website is here. It should be up and running pretty soon and I'll keep you posted on that. 

Also, there is a brand new twitter page for Spud and Chloe where there will be updates and contest news along the way along with other news about the yarn line and new patterns. Please join in and follow Spud and Chloe on twitter, too. There is going to be a lot going on over there shortly.

Take care and good luck! Let me know if I can help you along the way. I am more than happy to help.

best, susie

An Occasion

Hi Knitters,

I got up early, early to work on my editing and made some good progress which feels great. We are having a thunderstorm-filled weekend so that makes it easier to get some work done. I took a break from the editing to knit a bit and to watch Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium with my girls and my husband later in the morning. What a good-hearted movie. It has some sadness, some magic and some stories to tell. 

I think I remember that this movie didn't get good reviews when it came out but we all loved it. Plus it is a G-rated movie which as a mother I sincerely adore and appreciate. Who needs all of the swearing, violence and other inappropriateness when watching movies with children? I never get that. I always try to support G movies, there aren't enough of them in my opinion.

My favorite quote from the movie is this:

"Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." 

Indeed.
Okay, on to a knitting occasion, there are two winners I need to announce. The first winner is for the Knit and Crochet Today dvd set, 2 seasons. And the prize goes to:

Sewtakeahike! Please email me your mailing address as soon as you get a chance. Congratulations! You will enjoy having these wonderful dvds for sure.

The second winner of the day goes to a washcloth knitter who will get 2 skeins of the beautiful, lush Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille. And the prize goes to:

Virginia Pluta of Louisville, Kentucky! I will send your address, which I already have, to Susan Druding of Crystal Palace Yarns and she will send the yarn out to you. Congratulations, Virginia!

The winners' numbers were selected randomly by a number generator so all is fair and square. Have fun with new stuff, ladies!

The beautiful new socks I am working on are being knitted in Sunshine Yarns Watermelon Stripe sock yarn and I am in love. Dani never fails me. You would love her yarn if you are looking for something different. 

Have a great weekend, Knitters.

best, susie