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| Illustrations by Jill Zielinski Designs. I have a new pattern coming out soon! It's a pair of fingerless mitts called Oak Grove and I am very excited about them! I will be posting all of the pattern information within the week. For now.. here is a sneak peek! |
12.31.2010
Coming up next!
12.23.2010
Autumn Vines Beret in Fresco
This beautiful version of my Autumn Vines beret pattern came in the mail to me just the other day. This is a test knit done for me by the talented Lily France and she did an amazing job as always!
The yarn she used was Classic Elite Fresco which is a soft, slightly fuzzy, beautiful alternative to the crisp smooth yarns that I used in the other samples. I thought I would share this hat with you to give you an idea of how the yarn can completely change the look of the pattern.
And guess what else? She got this hat out of only one skein!
Thank you Lily!
12.20.2010
Yarn Inspiration
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| From the top: Madelinetosh sock in Ginger, The Sanguine Gryphon Bugga! in Gladiator Katydid, and Becoming Art Cielo Sport in Sunlit Amber. |
Recently I've had the pleasure of working with these 3 gorgeous yarns. There is nothing more inspiring as a knitter than working with good materials in colors that you love. As I work on my newest design projects, I cant stop thinking of all of the new patterns I want to create. All I want to do these days is knit and knit and knit... and buy more beautiful yarns of course!
12.17.2010
Cascade 220 Drawing Giveaway
Leave a comment under this post by January 1 to enter to win these 2 skeins of Cascade 220 provided by Sandrasingh.com as well as an autographed copy of the French Press Felted Slipper pattern from Melynda Bernardi. Oh yes.. I also have thrown in a copy of my newest Best Friend Sweater pattern published by
Spud and Chloe.
Both the slipper and sweater pattern are perfect projects for the Cascade 220 yarn.
Please check out my latest podcast episode to learn more about Cascade 220 and to hear a funny knitting story provided by Melynda Bernardi of French Press Knits.
Also, check out Sandrasingh.com for discounted rates on Cascade 220. She has also provided a special free shipping code to the NNK readers and listeners for all orders over $50. Enter the code "NNKFree01" at checkout.
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment telling me how you feel about Cascade 220 yarn.
Have you used it in the past? Do you have a favorite colorway?
Only one comment per person please, and don't forget to leave your contact information so that I can easily get a hold of you if you are the winner! Have fun!
Drawing Now Closed! Congratulations to "w e n t i n g",
the winner!
12.15.2010
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 46 : A Knitter's Hands
Episode 46
Shownotes:
Join the Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group!
Follow me on Twitter
The winner of Episode 45's Knitterella Drawing Giveaway is Maria! Congratulations!
*Please check back soon to enter the drawing for Episode 46!
Get free US shipping (a $6.99 value) on orders of $50 or more from sandrasingh.com until January 15th!
Enter code "NNKFree01" in the checkout process.
This offer is exclusive to the Never Not Knitting podcast listeners and blog readers.
Click HERE to download the Episode 46 MP3 file.
Follow me on Twitter
The winner of Episode 45's Knitterella Drawing Giveaway is Maria! Congratulations!
*Please check back soon to enter the drawing for Episode 46!
Get free US shipping (a $6.99 value) on orders of $50 or more from sandrasingh.com until January 15th!
Enter code "NNKFree01" in the checkout process.
This offer is exclusive to the Never Not Knitting podcast listeners and blog readers.
Click HERE to download the Episode 46 MP3 file.
12.09.2010
Best Friend Sweater
Over a year ago now, I designed this little sweater for Spud and Chloe.
I'm so happy to see that it has finally been published!
This sweater is available in children's sizes 1-12 which is so great.
It is fun for me to see it modeled by an older child because the version that I turned in was a tiny size 2.
Here is my original sweater. I named it the Campfire Jacket.
My friend's little boy, Benjamin, modeled it for me. Isn't he so sweet?
For all of you who complain about me not designing things for boys... well... here you go! :)
This is a great little cardigan because, like all of my other children's patterns, it is knit in one piece! Even the pockets are knitted in. Its unisex, cozy and warm. And of course you know how much I love the Spud and Chloe Sweater yarn! It's a perfect choice for children's garments.
The color that this sweater is knitted in is called "Chipmunk". I've never seen a dark green chipmunk myself... (except for this one) but anyways.. this colorway is what inspired the campfire theme. I found these amazing handmade tree branch buttons on Etsy, and I think that they really made the sweater extra special.
All of the pattern information can be found HERE on the Spud and Chloe website.
All of the Spud and Chloe patterns can be purchased through your local yarn shop.
I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to design for such an awesome company.
I hope you enjoy this knit!
12.06.2010
Pashmina Vines
I've just received all of the Autumn Vines Beret samples back from my test knitters.
All 3 of these hats were knit from Madelinetosh Pashmina
which is an excellent substitute yarn for this pattern.
which is an excellent substitute yarn for this pattern.
The hats used approx half of the yarn. I think that you could definitely make 2 hats from one skein.
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| Colorways from left to right: Tart, Winter Wheat, and Briar |
All of these samples were sent off in this month's trunk show displays.
Check the schedule to see if any of these hats will be appearing at a yarn shop near you.
Out of all of these colors, I have to say that my favorite has to be this Winter Wheat colorway...
although I probably shouldn't wear it in a hat.
It would perfectly blend in with my blond hair and look really strange, I'm sure.
I am dreaming of a sweater in this color though. That would be so pretty.
That delicate gold has really got me hooked.
12.03.2010
Autumn Vines Beret Pattern- In Print!
Just the other day I received in my bulk shipment of Autumn Vines Beret patterns from the printery!
I love the way they have turned out!
The past few days have been completely taken up with pattern order processing and packaging.
Let's just say that the post office lady knows us all by name now. :)
Check for the printed pattern in a yarn shop near you!
12.02.2010
Knitterella Drawing Giveaway
Enter to win this generous selection of Knitterella gift tags provided by knitterella.com...
...along with this brand new autographed copy of New England Knits contributed by Melissa LaBarre!
It was my pleasure to feature Knitterella gift tags as well as to share a knitting story from Melissa in my latest podcast episode. Click here to listen!
To enter this giveway, please leave a comment (with contact information) under this blogpost.
Only one comment per person please.
I will be announcing the winner on December 15th, so please check back then to see if you have won!
Drawing now closed! Congratulations to Maria, the winner!
12.01.2010
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 45 : Special Occasion Hats
Episode 45
Shownotes:
The winner of Episode 44's Brave New Knits Drawing Giveaway is Judi A! Congratulations!
*Please check back soon to enter the drawing for Episode 45!
Get free shipping on all Knitterella purchases through the month of December!
Just mention Never Not Knitting in the checkout process and Jill will refund you your shipping charges.
This offer is exclusive to the Never Not Knitting podcast listeners and blog readers.
Click HERE to download the Episode 45 MP3 file.
11.29.2010
New Knitting
I've just completed four new sweet, whimsical, little designs for springtime out of this
rainbow of Louet Gems Fingering Weight yarn.
Patterns will be revealed in the new year... but I'll give you a hint now:
Something for little girls.
It's been awhile since I designed for little ones. It was nice to get back to it. :)
11.26.2010
Blogiversary SALE!
Three years ago today I started my blog, and what a wonderful journey it has been.
This blog has led me into wonderful friendships and exciting new creative opportunities.
November 26, 2007 will always be a special day to me.
For the past 3 years I've used this date to give back to my readers, and to all of you who have kindly supported me from the very beginning.
This year I will be offering a 50% off sale on all of my pattern pdfs. The sale will go on all day tomorrow, November 27th. From midnight to midnight PST.
To receive your discount, please enter the special code "3yearsofnnk" in the checkout process.
(Note: It has come to my attention that some of you are having a hard time with the discount code. At the bottom of the Ravelry Shopping Cart window, you will see a little link that says "Use Coupon Code", please enter in the code there. Email me if you have any questions: nevernotknitting@gmail.com)
(Note: It has come to my attention that some of you are having a hard time with the discount code. At the bottom of the Ravelry Shopping Cart window, you will see a little link that says "Use Coupon Code", please enter in the code there. Email me if you have any questions: nevernotknitting@gmail.com)
Thank you, and enjoy!
If you'd like to leave a comment for me, I would love to hear from you!
I'd love to find out how you originally stumbled upon Never Not Knitting and how long you've been reading!
11.18.2010
Brave New Knits Drawing Giveaway
I have a new giveaway for you to enter!
In episode 44 of the Never Not Knitting podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Julie Turjoman, the author of Brave New Knits. Julie's publisher, Rodale Books, was kind enough to provide a copy of the book for me to give away to one of you!
In addition to the book, the winner will receive a skein of Malabrigo Sock yarn in the eggplant colorway kindly provided by Sandrasingh.com. This is the yarn and colorway called for in the book's
Orchid Thief Shawlette pattern by Ysolda Teague.
Isn't this pattern gorgeous? And it only takes one skein!
It was hard to capture the gorgeous color of this yarn with the camera. It is a lovely deep dusky purple.
Be sure to listen to episode 44 to learn
more about Brave New Knits. Also, don't forget to visit Sandrasingh.com. You can get 10% off of all yarns, magazines and needles through December
15th!
Enter code "NNK01" at checkout.
To enter to win, please leave a comment (only one!) including your contact information under this post.
I will be announcing the winner here December 1, so please check back to see if you have won!
Drawing Now Closed! Congratulations to Judi A, the winner!
11.15.2010
Autumn Vines Beret
My Autumn Vines Beret pattern is finally done!
It took a long time to get it just right but I couldn't be more pleased with the end result.
This design is tied with Cedar Leaf as my favorite published pattern.
I love how the cabled leafy design looks like a tangled vine traveling up the sides of the hat.
It was a very interesting and fun stitch pattern to work up.
The yarn that I used, Becoming Art Cielo Sport, complements the design so nicely. It shows off the textured pattern very well and the subtle highlights in the color bring the pattern to life.
Usually the samples that I knit end up in my trunk shows.. but no. Not this hat. This is mine. I love it.
Here is the pattern information for those of you would would like to make an
Autumn Vines Beret of your very own:
SIZE
Stretches to fit a 19-22" / 48-56 cm head circumference.
FINISHED
MEASUREMENTS
Brim
Circumference: approx 18 inches after blocking.
MATERIALS
Becoming
Art Cielo Sport [100% Superwash Merino Wool; 256 yd/234m per 4oz skein]; color:
Cinnamon; 1 skein or approx 200 yds of a sport weight wool or wool blend.
Alternate
Yarns: Madelinetosh Pashmina, Classic Elite Fresco
1# 16” US
#5/3.75mm circular needle for brim and body of hat
1# set of
US #5/3.75mm double pointed needles for top of hat and I cord
Stitch marker
Tapestry
needle
GAUGE
25 sts/ 32
rows = 4" / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch on US5 / 3.75 mm needles or size needed for accurate gauge.
If you run into me this Autumn, this is what I will be wearing... every day.
I am so happy to be surrounded by knitted leaves in my favorite Autumn colors.
Kits for the Autumn Vines Beret are now available for pre-order through Becoming Art.
Please click HERE to see all of the amazing colorways available!
Pattern now available in French! Click here for the French Translation./
Ce modèle est maintenant disponible en français. Cliquez ICI pour l'acheter.
Pattern now available in French! Click here for the French Translation./
Ce modèle est maintenant disponible en français. Cliquez ICI pour l'acheter.
Happy Knitting!
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 44 : Interview with Julie Turjoman
Episode 44
Shownotes:
Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group
Follow me on Twitter!
The winner of Episode 43's Roseknits Bag Drawing Giveaway is Cheryl! Congratulations!
*Check back soon to enter the drawing for Episode 44!
Get 10% off of the entire selection of knitting needles, magazines, and yarn from Sandrasingh.com through December 15th by entering code "NNK01" in the checkout process.
This offer is exclusive to the Never Not Knitting podcast listeners and blog readers.
Click HERE to download the Episode 44 MP3 file.
11.14.2010
Autumn Vines Beret Pattern- Coming Soon!
As promised, here is a picture of my newest hat design. The pattern is soon to follow! :)
11.03.2010
Roseknits Bag Drawing Giveaway
If you have listened to my last podcast episode or have followed my blog for a time, you will undoubtedly be aware of how much I love Roseknits knitting bags!
I am very happy to say that Annie from Roseknits has sent me this beautiful bag to give away to one of you!
Seriously.. I want this bag for myself. Isn't it so amazingly adorable? So fun and cheerful.
But this drawing prize would not be complete without some fantastic things to go IN the bag!
In Episode 43, Melissa Wehrle from neoknits.com was kind enough to share her story of becoming a knitwear designer with all of us. She has kindly contributed a copy of her first sweater pattern,
'The Grannie Smith Cardigan' to this prize.
'The Grannie Smith Cardigan' to this prize.
But I decided that the winner probably should also have some yarn to go with it... :)
Months ago I received this beautiful skein of Fancy Lace yarn from Emily, the talented dyer behind Viola yarns. This skein is amazing. It's a beautiful soft blend of Silk, Cashmere and Alpaca. What a treat. I've decided to pass this lovely skein onto one of you. Crazy I know. What am I thinking?
This skein holds a whopping 1300 yards. That is enough to make an entire Granny Smith Cardigan sweater for yourself!
To enter to win this amazing prize set, just leave a comment under this post with contact information.
Please only one comment per person.
Before you comment, please visit the Roseknits Etsy shop and let me know in your comment which style bag you like the most. The Etsy shop can be found HERE. I have my favorites.
I'd love to find out which ones you like too!
I will announce the winner here on November 15th. Please check back then to see if you have won!
11.01.2010
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 43 : The Journey to 7th Avenue
Episode 43
Shownotes:
The winner of the episode 42 Debbie Bliss Drawing Giveaway is Marilyn! Congratulations!
*Check back soon to enter the drawing for Episode 43!
Receive free shipping on the entire Roseknits Etsy shop for the month of November by mentioning Never Not Knitting in the comments section when you place your order. Your shipping costs will then be refunded back to you. This offer is exclusive to the Never Not Knitting podcast listeners and blog readers.
Click HERE to download the Episode 43 MP3 file.
10.27.2010
Flamingo
I am very happy to report to you that I finished the design project that I was working on out of the
fabulous yarn that I shared with you in the previous post.
fabulous yarn that I shared with you in the previous post.
To celebrate the occasion, I knit this flamingo.
Because.. everyone knits flamingos when they want to celebrate right?
Wow. I just realized how incredibly boring I am.
Moving on..
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It has been a couple of months now since I indulged in knitting a toy for my daughter. I absolutely love the satisfaction of toy knitting. Toys are fun, fast to knit, and my daughter loves them. They are also great for using up scraps of yarn. Most toys I've knit have been from scraps, and that is a satisfying thing in itself. |
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If you like this little flamingo, you'll be happy to know that the pattern can be found for free here.
It's another design by Susan B. Anderson. I just can't stop knitting her toy patterns.
This flamingo is cute and all, but lets get back to the point... there is an occasion to celebrate! My new pattern is done. And I am seriously so excited about it! It's with my graphic designer and test knitters now and I'm hoping it will be ready to release soon.
It's a beret pattern. A beautiful cabled leafy beret. And it was hard to do. But now its done.
I can't wait to show you!
10.23.2010
Cinnamon Cielo
Meet Becoming Art's Cielo Sport in Cinnamon.
It's so unbelievably beautiful I can't decide whether to marry it or eat it.
Perhaps I'll just design something with it instead.
Pattern coming soon! :)
It's so unbelievably beautiful I can't decide whether to marry it or eat it.
Perhaps I'll just design something with it instead.
Pattern coming soon! :)
10.19.2010
Debbie Bliss Drawing Giveaway
As you already know I had the unbelievable privilege of interviewing
Debbie Bliss on my latest podcast episode. (Click HERE to listen.)
Debbie Bliss on my latest podcast episode. (Click HERE to listen.)
In the interview she talked about her latest book, Design it, Knit it; Babies. Which I love!
Debbie's publisher, Sixth and Spring Books generously has supplied a brand new copy of the book to give away to one of you. (It has even been signed by Debbie herself!)
But in order to give you the full Debbie Bliss experience, there is yarn too!
Knitting Fever, the US distributor for Debbie Bliss yarns, has kindly provided all of the yarn for this giveaway.
Included in these yarns are two baby yarns that Debbie recommends in the book.
Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (My favorite) and Debbie Bliss ecobaby.
Also the winner will get a chance to sample a skein from one of Debbie Bliss' newest yarn lines, Andes.
What fun!
To enter to win this fabulous prize, just leave a comment with contact information underneath this post.
Only one comment per person please.
Gain an additional drawing entry by posting this phrase on twitter.com
" I entered to win the Debbie Bliss Drawing Giveaway on nevernotknitting.com! @nevernotknittin
You should enter too! "
The winner will be announced November 1. Check back then to see if you've won!
Drawing is now closed. Congratulations to Marilyn, the winner!
10.15.2010
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 42 : Interview With... Debbie Bliss!
Episode 42
Shownotes:
The winners of the Episode 41 KnitCircus gift collection drawing giveaway are cksknitter, Christi,
Cindy M, Janeen Puckett, and Ursa! Congratulations!
Cindy M, Janeen Puckett, and Ursa! Congratulations!
The grand prize winner of the years subscription of KnitCircus magazine is
Pretentious Wombat! Congratulations!
Receive 25% off 'Design it, Knit it: Babies' from Sixth and Spring Books HERE
by entering special code "NNKDB" in the checkout process when you place your order.
This offer is exclusive to the Never Not Knitting listeners and blog readers and is valid until October 30th.
Be sure to check back soon for a chance to win a special Debbie Bliss drawing giveaway.
I will post all the details in the near future!
Click HERE to download the Episode 42 MP3 file.
10.12.2010
Guess Who?
Which celebrity designer is joining me for Episode 42 of the Never Not Knitting podcast?
Clue: She has a magazine..books.. her own yarn line.. and she is awesome.
Leave a comment below and tell me who you think it is!
Episode 42 will be airing on October 15. This is not one to be missed!
10.11.2010
Playful Stripes Meets Alpaca
So over the past few weeks I indulged in some more tiny sweater knitting.
There is something so sweet about sweaters this small. It makes me miss my daughter when she was a baby. Now she is all big and her sweaters take much longer to knit.
I made this Playful Stripes sample for a temporary display at my new local yarn shop and eventually for another trunk show.
This is a size 6 months so it was very fast and fun to knit.
This time I broke out of my Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino comfort zone and knit this up in Blue Sky Alpaca Sport and Melange instead. The Melange and Sport are the same weight and put up. The Melange however offers up beautiful heathered colorways. Both are 100% baby alpaca.
It may not be as practical for a baby but it sure is gorgeous in this yarn.
So warm and soft.
I love these fall colors together. If you want to copy me, I wont mind. Here are the colors I used:
Blue Sky Alpacas Sport in color #504 Light Tan
Melange in color #800 Cornflower
Melange in color #814 Pumpernickel
Melange in color #806 Salsa
Melange in color #807 Dijon
While I was knitting this I was thinking about how much these colors would lend themselves to a little boys sweater as well. I think that the Playful Stripes could definitely work for a baby boy. I would simply change the picot borders to a rolled Stockinette st hem to make it less girly.
Pattern available HERE.
10.03.2010
Knitcircus Magazine Drawing Giveaway
Would you like to try Knitcircus patterns?
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Enter to win the Knitcircus Magazine Drawing Giveaway by leaving a comment
(with contact information) under this post.
There will be 6 winners chosen!
The grand prize is one years subscription of Knitcircus!
Five additional winners will be chosen to win the special Knitcircus Gifts pattern collection.
Click HERE to visit the Knitcircus site.
Listen to my latest podcast episode to learn what Knitcircus is all about!
Winners will be announced October 15. Please check back then to see if you've won!
Drawing is now closed!
Winners are: cksknitter, Christi, Cindy M, Janeen Puckett, and Ursa!
Grand prize goes to Pretentious Wombat!
Congratulations!
Drawing is now closed!
Winners are: cksknitter, Christi, Cindy M, Janeen Puckett, and Ursa!
Grand prize goes to Pretentious Wombat!
Congratulations!
10.01.2010
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 41 : The Birth Of A Knitter
Episode 41
Shownotes:
Use the "Buy Now" buttons below to purchase the Gift and Fall pattern collections for a discounted price.
This offer is only available to the Never Not Knitting podcast listeners and blog readers.
Offer ends November 1.
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Check back for a Knitcircus Drawing Giveaway! Ill be posting that soon!
Please click here to directly download Episode 41