Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Giveaway! Nicky Epstein, Knitting a Kiss In Every Stitch.

by

This book was so much fun to look at. Chock full of simple, quick to knit, gift projects for everyone on your list. I know, you’ve heard that before, but seriously, Everyone! Scarves for your guy. Hats for your kids. Purses, socks, even a scarf for your dog! It’s a great book, my favorite project is the Charitible Gift Afghan done in pinks, reds and whites. Probably not a quick knit, that one, but definitely worth putting in the “gift” category.

To add to it, Nicky has given us a couple of her tips to pass along:

Tip 1:
When you plan to duplicate-stitch the motifs on your project, knit loosely to allow the duplicate stitches to settle into the fabric easier. Or, if the garment is knit on the tight side, split or pull out a strand of the yarn to make it thinner, or just use a thinner yarn to work the duplicate stitch.

Tip 2: Borrow From Baby
If you have purchased or handmade baby sweaters that no longer fit your child, you can use them to clothe their stuffed animals, as a tea cozy, or an adult hat by tying the sleeves together at the top.

This is a hard cover book with 35+ patterns. You can get the book, here: http://www.sixthandspringbooks.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=382

or, and here’s the fun part…. you can win it! Just leave me a comment telling me what my favorite color is. Come on, if you’ve been reading for awhile this is a no-brainer!

Obligatory stuff: This book comes from a smoke free, but not ever, ever, ever pet free home. Oh, and the contest ends Friday, March 26, 2010.

Next Pattern:

Comments

  2. Your favorite color is green. I know that because I have the same “problem” with green !!!! Is there any other color?

  3. I think your favorite color is green because you mentioned green for the sweater vest and the wrist warmers!

  15. I think your favorite color is green – in reverence to the beautiful Tuscany landscape you love so much!

  19. I’d love a chance to win this book – please enter me (your favorite color is green)!!

    Thanks 🙂

  20. I have been all over your blog and can’t find your favorite color. I am going to guess PURPLE.

    I’ve bookmarked your blog, though. You have great photos, even some free patterns and I think I just have to buy your knitted flowers book.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    (Oh, wish that your blog had a “search” box.)

  24. the previous comments said green… it must be green. but I’ m sure you also love purple and why not yellow….

  28. Your favorite color is green. Thanks for the chance to win such a great book. I have my fingers crossed….there are so many patterns I would love to try!

  31. I guess green. I hope I win the book even though I don’t really like the color green. Blue is my favorite! I like anything blue!

  34. I love ALL Colors. . . . but at the moment turquoise is my favorite. Love to win and thanks for a great blog.

  36. I’m quite sure your color is green, and I will keep that in mind while I am out shopping for Ferraris. Mine is blue, should you be likewise occupied!

  37. I’m guessing your favorite color is green. The grass here in WI will soon be turning green!

  38. I would love this book. I think your fave color is green. Mine is orange. Or pink. Or blue

  42. My favorite color is that wonderful golden green that trees turn at sunset, so I bet your favorite color is green as well, its only the best color!

  43. Sounds like green is your favorite color. You’d probably love the new green paint in office. 🙂 Would love to win the book!

  45. Nicky Epstein is a knitting goddess. Her designs are always spot on.
    How about green?

Have you read?

Add a Little Lace to Your Knitting Patterns

If you’re new to lace knitting or just aren’t sure how to incorporate the technique into garments, check out these tops and sweaters that use lace as a decorative element.

The easiest lace out there is eyelets, and you can practice them plenty with this eyelet covered sweater from Knitcro Addict. It uses light/DK weight yarn and is worked in four pieces knit flat. It’s intended to be a little cropped and a little oversized, and includes sizes XS to XXL in the pattern.

If you’re in parts of the world where it’s getting colder as you read this, the Nora sweater from Bummbul might be a good choice. This is actually a great one for learning lace because it’s worked in super bulky yarn, which makes it easier to see what you’re doing and makes the lace super graphic. This one just comes in one size, with a 42 inch (106) cm bust, but that could fit a variety of people depending on how much ease you like.

Minimi Knit Design has a cute allover lace cardigan worked in one piece from the bottom up. It’s worked in lace weight mohair held double, which maybe isn’t the best for those new to lace (because it can be hard to rip out) but it sure is pretty. Sizes range to fit from 30 to 66 inches/76 to 168 cm bust measurements.

If you’d rather not have lace all over your sweater, you can knit the Lumi sweater from Originally Lovely, which has a chevron lace pattern on the yoke and is otherwise worked in reverse stockinette stitch. (It’s worked inside out so you don’t have to purl every stitch.) The pattern has 9 sizes from XS to 5XL and uses worsted weight yarn.

Or try the super romantic sookie blouse from Trust the mojo (available on Ravelry). This sweet top is started working flat from the bottom up and has a V-neck and I-cord edgings. The sleeves are worked separately in the round, and the pieces are all joined together to work in one piece to finish off the top. It comes in eight sizes and is available in English and French.

You can also pair lacy sleeves with an otherwise plain top, like on the Starflower Wrap from Annelise Driscoll Gingrow. This intermediate pattern makes a wrap sweater with generous lacy sleeves and a double wrap belt. The pattern has nine sizes, from XS to 5XL, and is available for free from Hobbi.