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Giveaway: Knitting on Top of the World

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Win a paperback copy of Nicky Epstein's Knitting on top of the world.

Congratulations to winner Debby!

Nicky Epstein’s Knitting on Top of the World is a really fun book, chock full of 50 designs inspired by knitwear and other traditions from around the world.

For example (opening to some pages randomly) an entrelac wrap inspired by strolls in Paris, a Fair Isle and diamond brocade cardigan, a super fancy Aran sweater (that’s it there on the newly designed cover for the paperback edition), a capelet that looks like giant versions of tams sewn together, a flower-covered pullover inspired by Spain, and a lace scarf fir for a Shanghai garden.

I started knitting the dragon from this book a long time ago. Never finished it, but maybe I will now that I’m thinking about it again.

This week I have a copy of the paperback version of this book to give away. One winner will be chosen at random from the people who leave comments on the post before the end of the day Sunday, October 19.

Why don’t you tell me where your dream vacation would take you? I would love to go to the Mediterranean!

Thanks for visiting, sharing and commenting and good luck!

Looking for knitting patterns for knitted Cardigans? Check out these Knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Looking for pullover and sweater patterns? Check these books out.

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Knit a Spiky Balaclava

Not too long ago my daughter and I had a discussion about what a chestnut really looks like. The nut itself is small and brown, of course, but on the tree they’re covered with this weird kind of spiky, kind of fuzzy shell. It’s a wonder anyone ever figured out they were edible.

If you didn’t know that, you might wonder why this project is call Chestnut balaclava, but now you know.

This fun design from Yevheniia Pyroh is covered with spikes just like a chestnut shell, and is even the same color, though of course you can make yours whatever color you like. It uses two strands of fingering weight yarn held together (which it says is fingering weight but you could try a light/DK yarn and see if you get gauge with it if you’d rather).

There are two different design options in the pattern. One is a more fitted balaclava style hat (it doesn’t cover the face but does go around the neck) and a looser fit hood.

It’s worked primarily in garter stitch, with shaping done by knitting and purling in the same stitch and through various decreases (including a knit 3 together).

The pattern is charted but also explained in words. It’s worked flat to the size you want, and then joined into a hood shape with ribbing at the neck. The opening for the face is finished with I-cord.

This hood/balaclava would definitely be a conversation starter and in different colors it might read more dinosaur than chestnut, which could also be fun. The sizing is totally custom so you can make it fit whatever head you’re stitching for.

If you want to try it for yourself (and I’d love to hear about it if you do!) you can download the free pattern from Ravelry.

[Photo: Yevheniia Pyroh]

Balaclava Knitting Patterns

Colorwork Balaclava Knitting Pattern [Knitting]