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Friday, January 24, 2014

First Giveaway of the New Year

First,
Today's Tip: I found a great blog post from Sweet Georgia Yarns on Yarn Substitution : what to do when you can't, or don't want to, use the yarn that the pattern calls for.

Either that yarn isn't available to you, or due to allergies and other sensitivities it cannot be used. 
So if you find yourself having to go with a different yarn than what the pattern calls for, you should try to find a balance between the many different but interacting variables. It may sound intimidating, but in reality all you need is just good old common sense paired with a few basic facts about yarn and fiber characteristics.

Gauge, texture, and yardage are discussed. It's a really illuminating article!

Giveaway!
I have a great giveaway for this month. The new Knit Picks Bulky Collection, published in late 2013, is full of quick and easy cozy knits, perfect for winter and spring weather.

It includes sweaters and accessories -- you're sure to find something you like.  These oh-so-satisfying large gauge yarns hold a special space in every knitter’s stash. And not just for instant gratification wow, but also for their keen ability to transform simple textures, cables and motifs to striking designs. The Bulky 2013 collection revels in these details that highlight the qualities of bulky yarns, all while showcasing a versatile mix of dramatic shapes and sleek silhouettes alongside easy-to-wear garments and accessories.
My own Bryant Park Vest is in the collection.

How to enter:
  1. Please sign up for my monthly newsletter (upper right side of this blog). I promise to work at making it useful and interesting, not just a sales pitch; for example, every issue has one or more Tips and Tricks  AND,
  2. Write a comment on the blog about one of the designs in the collection – why you like it, why you would knit it, whom you would knit it for, etc. Please include an email address or Ravelry ID so I can reach you!
That’s it! If you are already signed up for the newsletter, that’s fine, you don’t have to sign up again.
Deadline is  Feb 15, 2014. 

Coupon Code!
From now until Feb 28, 2014, I'm offering 60% off all hat or hat and mitt sets. See my designs here. The code is HALOS in honor of Halos of Hope, an organization that provides hats for chemo patients -- a great cause! You can knit hats for them (hats are being collected at Stitches West, and several yarn stores) or donate money to help with postage costs.
See you next time with a book review, and more tips and goodies.

21 comments:

  1. I'm already subscribed! I would knit the hoodie or your vest for ME! Very selfish these days! I'm pregnant and they would both work with the belly and after it's gone! Rav amchart

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  2. i totally love the cables along the button-band in ur Bryant Park vest... wud be a lovely knit for me! or even the Fen-edge coat... pretty extreme choices, but there ya go! mugdhamanasa on Ravelry :)

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  3. I'd start with the "Bryant Park Vest" and knit it for myself. I love wearing vests.
    Lmecoll on Ravelry

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  4. I love Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl because it is girly and elegant. I would knit this for myself or my Mom or maybe the both of us.
    Ravelry ID: Sandee8908

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  5. I love your Bryant Park Vest. I have never knit a vest before so this would be a beautiful first!

    JKnits51 on Ravelry

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  6. I would knit your Bryant Park Vest. I have some bulky yarn that I have been looking for a vest pattern to knit. I want a vest to wear to knit nights and church to keep the chill off my back..

    knittingdancer on Ravelry

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  7. I'd knit the Maddie Hoodie for myself first. I love big, cozy hoodies!

    I'm vernalequinox on Ravelry.

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  8. While I love the idea of the Maddie Hoodie, the climate here in the Deep South, USA would prevent much wearing. Your Bryant Park Vest is just what the doctor ordered! :)

    You can find me on Ravelry as PrincessMommie

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  9. I would knit the Bryant Park Vest first. I'm not a big vest fan, but I love the lines and fit of this vest. Am already subscribed to your newsletter.
    kathyg on Rav

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  10. The Maddie Hoodie is my favorite! I love it and my daughters love it. That's what makes it a favorite - it can be made for so many different types of people. This one could easily become a go to pattern. I am a subscriber.

    greyowl60@yahoo.com

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  11. I love the entire collection! If I have to choose one, it would be the Maddie Hoodie. Thanks
    gussek on Ravelry

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  12. I am a subscriber. Love the collection and would knit the cable scarf....for my gift box.

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  13. I love the Bryant Park Vest because of the unique vertical cables. I've never seen seed stitch inside cables, and I'm sure I'd receive lots of compliments, especially from my knitting group (who would all want the pattern!). I also like that it would be faster to knit than a sweater.

    I would use the same KnitPicks yarn, but go with the scuba (deep turquoise) colorway.

    My Ravelry name is cityknitcat.

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  14. I like the Everdene wrap. It would knit up and be so comfy cozy. alcbrooks on RAV

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  15. I would knit the Maddie Hoodie for one of my daughters. She is always feeling cold in the winter months and loves clothing with hoods to help keep her warm.

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  16. I really like the Maddie Hoodie. My daughter lives in hoodies but this one looks so much more 'dressy' that a regular sweatshirt hoodie. She would absolutely love it.

    schwipknits@gmail.com
    schwip on rav

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  17. Difficult choices, I'd have to choose between the Ayrie Tunic, Bryant Park Vest and the Maddie Hoodie. I think I;d start with the vest as homage to my wonderful home town, that I miss so very much.
    bdgrammy on ravelry

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  18. The Bryant Park Vest is my favorite. It has such pretty cables and I could see myself wearing it.
    bizeknitting on rav
    bizeknitting@gmail.com

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  19. I love the Bryant Park Vest. It looks very flattering and would be a great layering piece.

    jessiepie524@hotmail.com

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  20. I am definitely partial to the Bryant Park vest. Great for overheated days in the office.

    drswilliams@yahoo.com
    dianelaces on ravelry

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  21. I'm not sure if I'd like to make your Bryant Park vest first or the Ayri Tunic. Either would be fun additions to my wardrobe! (asimplehomestd on Rav)

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