Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

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.

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?

Pencil Knitting Patterns

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns! 

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil. 

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn. 

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point. 

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up. 

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.