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Monday, October 20, 2014

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.

* * *

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

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




Edited by Anne Merrow
Interweave/F+W; $24.99


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:
-          
      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:  





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!

* * *

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.


Monday, September 8, 2014

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.  


 . 


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!