New magazine review - knit.purl - and a giveaway

knit.purl

** The winner of the giveaway is sherryglover1 ! Congrats Sherry! I will be in touch to get your mailing address. **

I recently received a copy of knit.purl magazine. This is a re-branded version of knit.wear – which was a fresh, fashion forward, collection of patterns. This new incarnation, I think, has some very fashionable pieces as well, but it also includes accessible and achievable sweaters and accessories that appeal to knitters at various skill levels. Many would be great gift ideas (hint, hint).

There are articles on knitwear at New York’s Fashion week, Navaho 3-ply knitting (create 3 strands out of one), and using bulky yarn.

There’s a profile of designer John Brinegar, who contributes 2 exclusive patterns -- long swingy vests that are very appealing. John has created a video of his new collection, Acros. 

If you have a few minutes, and you enjoy the concept of knitwear as wearable art, check out the video here. It’s great to see the clothing in movement, beautifully shot and presented. I was blown away by how gorgeous this was! I wonder if videos will replace Lookbooks...

I passed the magazine around at my weekly knitting group, and also at the CogKnitive Fiber Retreat (#CFR6) that I attended a couple of weeks ago; these are some of the patterns that provoked comments.

The cover sweater, Spiral Pullover by Cathy Carron, is beautiful, flattering and includes interesting - but not difficult - stitch patterns.

I love the 2 pieces by John Brinegar, the Tuxedo Trapp and the Bio Palm. They each have a unique construction that will be enjoyable to knit, and are versatile layering pieces.

Interweave/F+W Tuxedo Trapp

Fisherman Redux by Vera Sanon (a fave of mine) features some twists on the classic sweater, especially a very pretty hem treatment.

Fisherman Redux

Assymetric Hem by Alice Tang is another lovely and original design. 

Assymetric Hem

I, and many of my friends, loved this one: Banded Sweater by Ann Weaver. It's colorful and interesting.      

Banded Sweater

 

There are lots of great patterns here -- check out Plumage  and Shifted Eyelet Yoke sweaters for some elegant and original styles. 

You can browse the whole collection conveniently here to find your own favorites.

 

A Giveaway

Want to win your own copy of the magazine? Just leave a comment on the blog, telling me what you’re knitting OR your favorite pattern in the magazine. Also, sign up for my monthly newsletter, if you haven't already done so.

I'll pick a name at random, on Oct. 31. Please, please leave a Ravelry name or an email so I can contact you if you win! The winner's name will also be posted right here.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the publishers.

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Book Review + Giveaway: Sockupied

Congratulations to our winner of the drawing - via the random number generator - KnitsWithSnicks!! 
Thanks, everyone, for entering, and stay tuned for the next giveaway :-)

Sockupied!

Copyright F+W Media

Sockupied

Edited by Anne Merrow

Interweave/F+W; $24.99

http://bit.ly/1jyKTug

I enjoy knitting socks; they are a great portable project; they provide a versatile canvas for all types of stitch patterns such as colorwork, cables, lace, or just plain “vanilla” socks that let a great yarn be the star. They make great gifts because everyone has feet, right?

I’ve tried both toe-up and top-down, and have tried several types of heels. So why would I want another sock book? Because it’s fun, that’s why!

I recently read the new book Sockupied, and enjoyed it very much. 

Sockupied is a groundbreaking eMag that began in 2010. Now available in book form, Sockupied includes a collection of 20 sock patterns selected from its first 10 issues.

First, it has great photography and an attractive layout that’s easy on the eyes.

Second it has a nice range of patterns, from plain to fancy.

Some of the features that I loved the most were:

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      The section on various cast-ons and bind-offs, and when to use them.

-        The discussion on darning (repairing) socks when they develop holes – called "Save our Socks" (very valuable).

Some of the contributors include design stars such as: Kate Atherley, Eunny Jang, Cookie A, Ann Budd, and Cat Bordhi.These are some of my favorite sock patterns from the book:  

• Spectrum Socks by Terry Morris
• Passerine Socks by Cookie A
• Speed Bump Socks by Deb Barnhill (especially for self striping yarns)
• Azurea Socks--fit for toe-up by Lorilee Beltman
• Emerging Cable socks by Stefanie Bold
• Flutterby Socks by Cat Bordhi
• Ann's Go-to Socks by Ann Budd
• Cataphyll Socks by Hunter Hammerson
• Muscadine Socks by Star Athena
• Schwabische Socks by Lisa Stichweh

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the publishers.

Would you like to win your very own copy of this fabulous book? Just leave a comment on the blog, telling me why YOU like to knit socks. Also, sign up for my monthly newsletter, if you haven't already done so.

I'll pick a name at random in two weeks, on Oct. 7. Please, please leave a Ravelry name or an email so I can contact you if you win! The winner's name will also be posted right here.

Good luck!

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New Design

Here's my latest design, the High Society Capelet or Poncho.
It's an easy knit, nearly all done in garter stitch.

It features a lush cable edging around the top edge to frame the face and an attached i-cord to neatly finish off the lower edge. A small button placket provides an opening for easy on-and-off. The piece can be worn with the buttons centered, or off to one side.
Garter stitch for the body gives it a cushy warm texture, and shows off a pretty yarn.
The capelet is worked flat with the 2 edges grafted together at the end. There is short-row shaping to widen the piece from the top to the bottom.

It has been tech edited and test knit.

Somerset Hat and Mitts - limited time coupon code!

I just released the lovely Somerset Hat and matching Mitts - until Sept 12, they are 40% off, with code SOMERSET.
This hat features a cute knotted tie which gives the benefit of an adjustable and perfect fit. Great for gifts!

The hat can be made in a slouchy style, by working more rounds before beginning decreases.

It's worked in DK weight yarn such as Springvale DK from Three Irish Girls, a gorgeous yarn, by the way.



Here are the matching Somerset Mitts.  

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Both patterns have been professionally tech-edited, for a pleasant knitting experience.
I have listed them separately, but also created an eBook so that people can get the complete set at a reduced price.  

With the code, you get both designs for $3.60.

Have a look!

Book Review - New American Knits; Giveaway; Special of the Week

UPDATE: The winner of the Giveaway is Rachel McKinney, 100Creations on Ravelry. Congratulations, Rachel!

I’m delighted to have received a copy of the new book by Amy Christoffers,  New American Knits.

I’ve been an admirer of Amy’s for a while. Her style is crisp, modern and very wearable. The new book extends her style into the realm of classic sportswear, the kind of sweaters that you can throw on every day and look polished and put together.

The photography is lovely, and the layout is clear and readable. It's a pleasure to leaf through it.

Here are a few notable pieces:

Let’s start with Nevelson, the cover photo. It has that look, simplicity plus sophistication, that is so hard to find. Very pretty.

Benton is a lovely cardigan with a shawl collar and attractive cables.

 

Benton

Moses is a classic hoodie. While simple, it has some nice detailing, with pockets and textured stitches at the shoulder.

Moses Hoodie

Edmonia  has a fresh modern look with its wide neckline and attractive lace trim. This piece is a top-down seamless design.

Remington is one of my favorites. The lace trim on this fitted cardigan is fresh and original.

Remington

Tanner Cowl - a very pretty cowl done in worsted weight lace.

 

Tanner Cowl

Some pieces were not to my taste:

Evans tunic was a bit too plain and simple. It lacked the eye catching details that make the other designs special.

Georgia is really pretty with a big embroidered flower on the front. But I was disappointed that there were no instructions to execute the embroidery except for “using the photo as a guide…”. There should be a stencil or some further detail provided.

Wyeth Shrug seemed too shapeless and loose for me.  It’s meant to be slouchy but it didn’t seem in line with the polished sophisticated look of the other pieces.

All the pieces have good schematics and the lace where applicable is charted. All in all, the majority of the 20 patterns included here are wearable, pretty and interesting to work. What more could you ask?

How about a Giveaway?

Would you like to win a copy of the book? Just leave a comment on the blog telling me why you want the book. Also please sign up for my newsletter, if you haven't done so already.
I'll pick a name on Sept 3. Please make sure to include an email ID or your Ravelry name. Good luck!

New American Knits  - By Amy Christoffers; Interweave / F+W; $24.99

I received a review copy from F+W Publications; photos used with permission.

Special of the Week

This week I'm offering 40% off one of my top selling patterns, the Richmond Mitts. Just use the code "RICHMOND" (without quotes) to get the discount. 

Act fast, it expires on Sept 1. 

 

These pretty fingerless mitts use an unusual zigzag rib combined with a single cable on the top of the hand. The palm is decorated with 2 sets of zigzag stitches with a stockinette stitch background.
They use less than half a 100 gm skein, so treat yourself (or someone special) to something beautiful and practical.

See you next time!

New Design! Flash Sale - just $1.00 for one day!

UPDATE: Sorry, the sale is over.
But it's still available at the reasonable price of $5.

The new Molto Bella Shawl- was just released.
It's done in lovely Kinsale from Three Irish Girls Yarn, and uses one ball of each colorway. This yarn was a dream to work with!

Courtesy of Three Irish Girls Yarn

This pretty and wearable L-shaped wrap is easy to knit like a rectangular stole (no shaping or constantly counting your stitches), yet it wraps around your shoulders with extra coverage. The wool blend provides lovely drape for just the extra layer you need when breezes blow or when the air conditioning is on too high.
The shawl is worked in sections, starting with lace on one edge, moving into stripes of different yarns and easy textures such as garter stitch, garter eyelets, and stockinette stitch. Once the lace edging is done, the rest is a relaxing knit.
Try it in your 2 favorite colors; or all one color, for a more subdued look.
Size
15” / 38 cm wide, 80” / 200 cm along outer edge of “L,” 50” / 125 cm along inner edge of “L,” after blocking.
Pattern is both charted and written, and has been professionally tech-edited and test knit.

The test knitters loved the unique shape:
"A pretty L-shaped shawl knitted in 3 sections - no seaming, the joins are made by picking up stitches and kitchener stitch. I particularly like the shape - a move away from triangle and rectangle. It will make a wonderfully warm wrap which I will enjoy wearing in winter."
Note: Pattern was part of the Three Irish Girls Yarn Club in Spring 2014.

A Review - Knitting Needles

I should say, I have all kinds/brands of needles. I use circulars for everything, but I do have Knit Picks interchangeables, Hiya Hiya, Addi, Chiao Goo, Kollage, and even Signatures. I also have a set of inexpensive needles from China that I ordered on eBay.

Guess what, I like them all, in their own way. 
The interchangeables from Knit Picks are so convenient, but there’s always just the slightest drag where the cable meets the needle, so recently I have been using the fixed circulars when I can.

Recently I was given 3 circular needles from Knitter’s Pride to try out. I had the Karbonz, the Dreamz, and the Nova Cubics. Here are my impressions:

Karbonz – these were my favorites. The tip is quite pointy, the same as the Signature Needles stiletto point, which I like very much. The cable join was nice and smooth, no drag. The cable itself was flexible, not floppy, and seemed sturdy enough without being stiff. I was very impressed with these.

Cubix – these are cubic in the needles, i.e. the cross section of the needles. I have heard that for some people these are more comfortable and can reduce cramps or soreness. I didn’t really experience this, but they were really pleasant to use and had a nice feel to them. The tips were nice and pointy, and the cable was good as well.

Dreamz – are the wood needles. They have a bit more “grab” than the others and would be best for a more slippery yarn. I was testing these needles with a merino yarn, and for this yarn I preferred the Karbonz.   The Dreamz have a good point and the same cable as the others.

All the needles have the size stamped onto them, so there’s no constantly looking for the needle gauge to check your needle sizes. That is a great feature.

Thanks to Knitter’s Pride for supplying the needles for testing.