Hi, Knitters,

One day many months ago I stumbled upon one of my favorite Etsy shops with no plans to purchase anything. As I was scrolling down and looking at Gale's beautifully dyed sock yarns and fiber something caught my eye. It was something I had never seen before, not like this anyway. I was seeing a piece of art, a new way to think about sock yarn, a new way to have fun with colors and dyeing. I was looking at the Gale's Art Secret Sock Blank. It was incredible.

I had to get one! I had to knit the Secret Sock Blank into socks immediately. And so I did. 

If you don't know what a sock blank is, it is a machine-knit piece of fabric that is made out of sock yarn. The dyer creates colors on the fabric and in Gale's case, stencils secret messages. You pull the yarn from the end of the blank that pulls off easily and cast on for your project. 

Gale has both single-strand sock blanks that will create mismatched socks, and double-stranded sock blanks which will create matching socks (strands are held together in the sock blank and two strands are pulled off at the same time). When ordering be sure to order the type you'd prefer.

Click here to see more sock blanks like the one in the photos above!

Click here to visit the Gale's Art Etsy Shop! 

Click here to see the beautifully smooth and finished pair on my Instagram!

I LOVE knitting socks from a sock blank. I didn't know if I would like it or not but it was fun, easy, portable and entertaining, especially with the Secret Sock Blank because I was so curious about how it would turn out. These socks flew off my needles, literally. I could not put them down. The yarn is kinked up when you knit with it which didn't bother me at all. 

Once the socks are finished and washed they are smooth as silk and gorgeous. I love the speckled look of the socks. The speckles on the socks are where the stencils were on the blank. Genius!

Do you remember this Monkey sock from awhile ago? This Graffiti and Asphalt Wonder Sock Yarn (best yarn ever!) is from Gale's Art, too. This yarn is variegated in little blips of color so every couple of stitches the color changes, there is no pooling or flashing at all. This is one of my all-time favorite yarns. 

As you can see I have been a long time user and admirer of Gale's yarns. She is so talented and she is always trying to push herself to create new and different techniques with her dyeing. Plus Gale is a down-to-earth, nice person. I met her at SSK last summer and everyone went bananas over her dyeing workshop at that retreat. If you ever get a chance take one of Gale's workshops. 

Anyway, I was thrilled when Gale asked me to host a giveaway for a 3-month subscription her first-time ever club! Yes to that!!

Today I get to offer a prize worth $99 to one lucky winner. 

You will receive the three sock blanks in the photo above from left to right:

1. In November 2015: The Fallen

2. In December 2015: Special Snowflake

3. In January 2016: Happy New Year 2016!

Each of these sock blanks evoke the best colors of the seasons ahead. It is so exciting just to think about it. If you want to just purchase the club and not wait too see if you win here is all of the club information including add-ons that can be included in your order.

The blanks are stenciled with seasonal prints and messages. Each one is inspiring.

My goal is to knit each blank in the intended month, November, December and January.

Now be sure to note whether you'd like a single or double-stranded sock blank. My sock blanks in the photos are single sock blanks. You can choose which type you'd prefer. 

Gale is also offering a one time only ONE YEAR Sock Club for those of you who are interested. Here is what Gale has to say about this intriguing option:

"This will be 12 sock blanks I am planning on doing this year. There sill be separate listings for the 12 single and 12 double sock blanks. I don't currently have photos of the year's worth so you will just have to trust that you will LOVE every one of them. The price for the year-long club reflects a 10% discount. Convo me with any questions about add-ons or anything else. 

The Club Blanks will never be reproduced again! They are only for the club people." 

Each blank is 463 yards of a Superwash Merino 75%, Nylon 25%, fingering weight, 100 grams.

Hi, Knitters,

Before I start the book review, I want to announce that in celebration of the (nearly) one year release of the Yowza Weigh It Shawl series of patterns I have put all 4 Yowza Shawls on sale. These shawls are simple, fast and fun and they make the perfect gifts using one skein of Miss Babs Yowza or a comparable yarn from your stash. 

The sale starts today, September 30th and will continue through October 14th, 2015. The four patterns prices are all set at $3.50 per pattern, marked down from the normal price of $5.00 per pattern. No sale codes are necessary as the prices have already been lowered for you. 

Big savings, big shawl knitting fun! Enjoy!

Here are the Yowza Weigh It Shawl Pattern links for you with the sale prices ready to go:

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 1

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 2

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 3

Yowza Weigh It Shawl 4

Here is the link for the Yowza yarn that I used in these shawls: Miss Babs Yowza.

Now for the book review at hand. 

Knitting without Needles.

I've been converted! 

Being more of a traditional knitter I have to say that I wasn't too interested in trying out arm knitting in the past but Anne Weil of Flax & Twine has completely changed my mind with her newly released book, Knitting without Needles. Anne Weil takes arm and finger knitting to a new level of execution and sophistication in the pages of her beautiful new book. The book is chock-full of 30 fresh and fun projects. The projects include stylish home decor, kid and baby items, wardrobe accessories and more. All of the simple mostly chunky projects will provide almost instant gratification and all you need are your arms/fingers and the yarn! Literally. 

Let me start with a few links for you:

Click here to see Anne's fabulous website Flax & Twine!

Click here for Anne's shop where you can purchase the book, kits & how-tos!

Click here to see the projects from Knitting without Needles on Ravelry!

The yarn for the book was supplied by every knitters' favorite place for inspiration, Purlsoho!

The Pouf yarn is Cascade Magnum!

Here is a little bit about Anne Weil from her press release:

Anne Weil is a freelance contributor for MarthaStewart.com and her site is part of the "12 Months of Martha" team of bloggers selected by Martha Stewart's craft department. Her projects have been published on Design*Sponge, Design Mom, Apartment Therapy, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Mollie Makes, Pottery Barn blog, and more. Anne teaches nationwide and has online classes on Creativebug.com and Craftsy.com. 

I've provided direct links to Anne's accounts @flaxandtwine for you here: 

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

(Mug is from Creative with Clay, wheel is from Infinite Twist, pillow is handstitched by me from a kit by Kristin Nicholas)

Anne Weil has pulled together a fantastic book blog tour with some exciting participants. When Anne asked me to be a part of the tour I of course said an enthusiastic yes because I love her work and have followed her blog and Instagram for many years now. What I didn't know at the time is that Anne was making and gifting each of the blog tour participants with their very own Pouf in the Cascade Magnum color of choice! I couldn't believe it. The Pouf is one of the cover projects in the book.

The Pouf shell is created using arm knitting with 4 strands of Cascade Magnum held together and then it is stuffed with a comforter. Genius.   

The best part of receiving our very own Pouf from Anne is that when I went to say goodnight to my daughter last night she had already claimed the Pouf as her own. She was using it as a backrest on her bed while she was studying. Perfect and sweet. 

The Pouf would be a great college-kid dorm gift, too. Team colors, anyone?

(Mug is from Creative with Clay)

Knitting without Needles includes beautifully photographed step-by-step tutorials with crystal clear instructions. The projects are all creative, well-done and achievable. The book is for non-knitters and knitters alike of any skill level, even first-timers. There are projects that kids could do as well. There is a little something for everyone.

The home decor projects in the book are definitely my favorites. I think this is the area where arm and finger knitting can really shine to their fullest. 

photo provided by Knitting without Needles

These linen baskets are created with finger knitting. I just love them! 

photo provided by Knitting without Needles

The super-chunky throw pillows are made with arm knitting. I love the textured stitches. There is a cabled blanket in the book, too. Anne takes you step-by-step on how to use a paper towel tube as your cable needle. How fun is that?

I do think the highlight of the book besides the clever projects are the tutorials. Anne makes it all so achievable and simple by breaking down each step for you from casting on to binding off to stitching pieces together. It all looks so easy and clear. 

photo provided by Knitting without Needles

I had to add in this final photo of the baby booties. These are created with felt soles (a template is provided) and literally two strands of finger knitting cleverly stitched together. These baby booties would no doubt be the hit of any baby shower around.

Check out the other stops on the Knitting without Needles blog tour:

10/21 Meredith Crawford | One Sheepish Girl 

 'Tis the perfect start of the season for quick gift-making of all sorts and Knitting without Needles is the perfect start to homemade gifts for your loved ones.

I've got so much in store for you over the next couple of weeks. I have a couple of FANTASTICAL giveaways to offer you, a new podcast episode, new pattern releases of my own and more. 

I'll be back soon, Knitters.

xo ~ susan

Hi, Knitters,

While I gather all of the prize information for the SBA Shawl Knitalong that just finished yesterday I thought I would put up a quick giveaway for a ball of the crazy-good Arne & Carlos brand-new, yet to be released in the US, Regia sock yarn line. I'll be back later this week with a recount of our hugely successful shawl knitalong, we had just under 300 shawls entered in our 6 weeks of knitting together. Some people entered as many as 3 or 4 newly knit shawls. It has been incredible and so much fun.

More on this later in the week!

I was sent some of the much anticipated Arne & Carlos Regia sock yarn to review and when I was sent more than one ball I thought I would share one with all of you!  The colorway I am working on in the photos is #3655.

The self-patterning yarn is beyond fun. All of the colorways are fantastic and lively just like Arne & Carlos. This is one of the most fun sock lines I have knit. You will love it, I promise. I think this is going to be a tough one to get your hands on. It is already available in Europe and has been quickly selling out. If you are interested act fast. 

Click here to find out more about the Norwegian knitting pair known as Arne & Carlos. I love them and have all of their books. They have a great spirit about them.

And because I know I'll be asked:

Needles: Signature Needle Arts US size 1 dpns, 6 inch length, stiletto point (All of their dpns are stiletto point only.)

Pattern: My free pattern called, How I Make My Socks

Sock Blocker: From theloopyewe.com

Here it is friends. Colorway #3656. For one of you.

To enter to win this fantastic sock yarn by Arne & Carlos for Regia leave ONE comment on this blog post. Be patient for your comment to appear, only click on post one time. I approve all comments and there is a delay. You must leave your email address or Ravelry Username so I can contact you if you win. 

Okay, friends, have at it! I will be back in a few short days with the SBA Shawl Knitalong conclusion and prizes and a randomly selected winner for the Arne & Carlos Regia sock yarn in the photo above.

Good luck and let the comments begin.....

xo ~ susan

copyright of Classic Elite

Hi, Knitters,

I have a fun review for you today. Julia Farwell-Clay has created a beautiful new collection in book and digital form for for Classic Elite Yarns. It is so pretty and fun and varied. There are 11 patterns in the book that include a hat, shawl, a sweater, cardigans, a dress, a skirt, a scarf and a short sleeve pullover. Everything is photographed beautifully and Julia is a very talented pattern writer and designer.

Click here to see all of the patterns in Folly's Cove on Ravelry.

The collection is available as an ebook, individual patterns for download and as a printed book.

Click here to see all of Julia Farwell-Clay's designs on Ravelry. She designed the Hiro Sweater amongst other well-known designs.

Click here to check out Julia's blog.

This week is the blog tour for Folly's Cove. Here are some things you should know about the blog tour:

1. For this week, all patterns, both individually and the entire ebook, are 10% off on all Ravelry purchases for any Folly's Cove item using the coupon code: FFC10

2. I will draw a winner for the patterns Iarrobino Butterfly Cowl and Vest which are pictured below. Please leave a comment on this post to enter to win these two digital colorwork patterns.

3. There are lots of cool stops on the Folly's Cove blog tour. After my stop is Indigo Dragonfly. Other stops include Kristin Nicholas, Kay Gardiner of Mason-Dixon Knitting, and Talitha Kuomi. These all include fun giveaways and reviews.

4. At the end of the week, check into the Classic Elite Blog for a chance to win yarn for the project of your choice from the book. Click here for more information.

copyright of Classic Elite

Above is the Iarrobino Butterfly Vest that is part of the giveaway for one lucky winner along with....

copyright of Classic Elite

Here is Ida B. Knitting, an Opal Sock Yarn Bunny that travels to and from various Itty-Bitty Knitters'  (my Ravelry group) homes and events just like Flat Stanley. I had to share this photo from Carrie or cstein on Ravelry. Carrie took my class at VK Live in NYC and she brought Ida along for the ride. Thanks for bringing Ida and for making the effort to come to class. I love seeing you, Carrie.

The SBA Shawl Knitalong is in full-swing. There are already 77 finished shawls posted (remember you can post past knits) and there are almost 130 shawl knitters joined in the Knitalong. If you are at all interested you may want to sign up by the end of the week (although you can join anytime through March 1st). I will be drawing for the first prize from the participant sign up list in a few days and the first prize is HUGE and really good. I have a bunch of fantastic prizes already lined up and I am gathering more as we go. Don't miss out.

Click here for the SBA Shawl Knitalong thread on Ravelry

Don't forget that through Friday, Jan. 30th I have a 20% off discount code: SBASHAWLWKAL

Included in the SBA Shawl Knitalong and the discount code are the following shawl patterns: 

In other sheepy news, I am in the process of re-fluffing several of my patterns which will become available as updated downloadable pdfs through Ravelry but also as high-quality printed patterns for local yarn shops to carry wholesale. Many more details are coming soon and I am super-excited to share more with you.

In the meantime I have been re-knitting, rewriting and photographing the new samples for these patterns. There is a graphic design team working on the patterns, too.

I am telling you this because.....

..... the prices are going to be changed on several selected patterns, some will be slightly higher and some will be slightly lower. This has to be done for consistency purposes. I am really excited about this new venture and as I said more information will be coming soon.

The pattern called Lamb from Scratch, in the photo above, is one of the patterns that is going to have the price raised slightly. I originally knit this up in my very first handspun yarn several years ago. I was so thrilled with my uneven lumpy handspun yarn that I created a sheep pattern in honor of it. 

The older, more homespun, original version of the pattern is still available for $4 on Ravelry for a short while longer. I want to give you fair warning that the price change will be happening in the near future.

When the new version is available I'll send out the update to everyone who has already purchased the pattern in the past.

The newer and fancier version will be $6. I am not sure exactly when this will be changing but probably in the next few weeks. Grab it now if interested and you don't mind the older scruffier version (the pattern is the same as for the newly knit sheep in the photos here).

Click here for the Lamb from Scratch pattern

The new version of the pattern will be called Sweet Sheep and the samples are knit in the wonderful Solitude Wool Romney 2-ply Aran weight. It is a cute, simple sheep pattern.

One last quick thing. I was surprised to see that I am nominated for the Best Craftsy Knitting Instructor's Blog Award for 2015. Thank you for the honor if you were one of the nominee voters.

Craftsy has been very good to me over the last few years and although I don't promote my classes too often on my blog I do appreciate everything Craftsy has provided for crafters in general and knitters. It is a great new and innovative platform for learning and teaching.

Now the voting is on through midnight on Wed. Jan. 28th, 2015 (tomorrow) to select the winner of this and many other great categories. 

Click here if you are interested in checking it out or voting!

I'll be back soon to share some sock and shawl knitting progress.

Don't forget to leave a comment to win the vest and cowl pattern.

xo ~ susan

Hi, Knitters,

I randomly picked a winner for the Red Hot Art hand-painted canvas tote bag by Linda. 

The winner is..... introvert ~ rav id or Faith!

Faith is from Green Bay, Wisconsin which might be the direct opposite of Florida where Linda lives. I love that. I've passed on all of the information to both parties to arrange the bag exchange. Thank you to Linda for the opportunity and congratulations to Faith. I will host another giveaway very soon.

Now for today I'd like to share a quick little project that I made for my daughters' little swim buddies. Our summer pool's mascot is a penguin. Each summer the kids on the swim team are assigned a buddy or two for the summer season. The buddies are called Little Penguins. My daughters each have two Little Penguins this summer, four in total, and all are girls. The Little Penguins exchange support, cards, candy and friendship throughout the summer at the swim meets. 

Last year for the final big meet, the Madison All-City Swim and Dive Meet, I sewed up some adorable fleece penguin stuffies for the buddies (photo above is from last summer of 2013). This year I did something a little different. 

I happened to have some wool felt in team colors that I had picked up on a sale quite awhile ago. I knew I wanted to make some sort of penguins using the felt. I washed and dried the felt in my washing machine and dryer a couple of months ago so it was all ready to go.

Yesterday I ended up stitching these adorable tiny penguins for the little girls. The penguins are about 2.5-inches tall, a little over 3-inches including the loops. I sewed in a grosgrain ribbon loop at the top of each one because I am going to pick up some key chains or loose-leaf rings today so they can hook the penguins on their swim bags if they'd like. They would also make cute ornaments for the Christmas tree in the winter season. 

I made an extra penguin for our neighbor even though she isn't an official Little Penguin of ours she is on the team and she is like a little sister to TC. They remain good buds. I made our neighbor the fleece penguin stuffed toy from last summer and she brings it along with her to every single meet this season. How could I resist not giving her another penguin to love? She is so sweet and I can't believe she is already 11 years old.

I thought a little personalizing would go a long way with this bunch of girls so I took some red thread and stitched their names in tiny letters on the white bellies. It added a bit of charm.

The penguins are all hand-stitched but after the first one the rest really didn't take me that long. I got it figured out very fast and off I went. I think they are a lovable bunch. Plus the hand-stitching was such a nice break from the book knitting I have been powering through as of late. It was a needed break.

You know, there is something about a hand-stitched or sewn wool felt toy..... there is such a charm-factor to them and they feel really good to hold in your hand. I highly recommend making some if you haven't before.

Here's where I found the pattern for the tiny felt penguins, the book Sew Quick, Sew Cute by Fiona Goble. What a fantastic book. Good job, Fiona!

Click here to see the book on Amazon!

I can't remember if I purchased this book or if it was sent to me by the publisher. The publisher is Ivy Press and Adams Media and it was released in the spring of 2014 so it is a new one. I am pretty sure I purchased the book. The book is really good and chock-full of easy, simple beginner sewing projects. I love this type of distraction from my knitting every once in awhile and I really do enjoy hand-sewing projects. I can do it for hours on end very easily. It makes me happy, content and completely absorbed. 

When I was paging through the book a few months ago I made a mental note that there were some sweet little felt penguins to stitch. I am amazed that I actually remembered these when it came time to get this final penguin gift of the season together. 

The penguins are part of the Antarctic Play Set which is pretty adorable and fun with all of the pieces. I love how the white felt has a little tent or snowbank built in for a penguin to take shelter. That is clever and playful. 

Here are some of the other projects that interest me for future sewing endeavors:

I love this fabric box. I may not even add the handles but just keep it as a simple box for storing goodies.

I have linen fabric and lots of fabric scraps for appliqués and this pattern looks so simple and easy. There's nothing much to it. This is definitely on my to-do list.

I've always wanted to make a little girl's dress like this one. I love the "shirring" at the top and I think it would be loads of fun to try and learn this technique. 

I've always wanted to make my own tomato pincushions! These are perfect and easy.

A little flower-shaped play mat would be super fun to sew as a baby gift. Sew Quick, Sew Cute has projects for babies, children, and adults, the home, cozies, a garland, an ornament, stuffed toys, a skirt, sachets, pajama pants, an Advent calendar, and more. There are 30 simple, speedy projects, just as the book cover states, and for any level of sewer there are some sweet ideas in this book. This would be a good teaching or learning book as well. There are time estimates given in hours for each project as well as the pattern pieces (some have to be enlarged), and well-written step-by-step instructions. I found the book clear and simple to follow. 

One thing I enjoyed about making this project yesterday is that when I spread all of the materials out on my kitchen table to work on the penguins, TC then pulled out her scrap paper, markers, glitter, notebooks full of handwritten motivational sayings, scissors and glue. She made her Little Penguin good luck signs at the same time. We sat most of the day together at the kitchen table chatting and crafting (except for a quick and needed cupcake run to the Bloom Bake Shop). I loved yesterday so much.

Awhile back TC told me she really loves it when I sew in the kitchen. This touched me for some reason. When I sew with my mom's old 1970s sewing machine I inherited I set it up right on the kitchen table and go to town. I remember as a child when my mom was sewing up a storm on this same sewing machine. I loved it when my mom was sewing just like TC does. There was something very comforting about my mom and her sewing. It made me feel safe and loved and her creativity and talent was exciting to be around. Although I am most certainly not a talented sewer like my mom, maybe this same feeling has transferred to TC. I like to think my mom has had a hand in this. 

Anyway, I wanted to share a little piece of my home life with you today. The rest of the week will be very busy attending the All-City Swim Meet, starting tomorrow. This is a city-wide event that takes place over three days and involves thousands and thousands of swimmers and families. It is a gigantic event that I participated in as a youngster growing up in Madison and that we have been participating in for over 15 years now as parents. What a tradition!

You might enjoy the book Sew Quick, Sew Cute by Fiona Goble if you want a few super fast and simple projects to sew up as gifts or just for fun. Click here to see more about it.

I'll be back soon with more. I hope you are enjoying this beautiful final week in July. The weather has been extraordinarily pleasant this summer here in Madison. We are loving every minute of it.

best, susie

Speaking of popular, the always innovative Signature Needles Arts has come up with a 100% cotton Blocking Cloth with built in 1-inch squares. You can wash it, throw it down anywhere, protect floors and beds while blocking and use the grid to make sure your measurements are accurate. When you are done simply fold it up and put it away. I think it is a great concept. 

Thanks to the kind folks at Signature for sending me a Blocking Cloth of my own to use and use over and over again. It's very smart.

Click here to see more information about the Signature Blocking Cloth! It's a good one!

How about this adorable hand-painted knitting gnome? I love it! My friend jenb69 (rav id) sent me two wonderful painted canvas bags that her friend Linda (redhotart - rav id) makes and sells on her Etsy shop called, Red Hot Art by Linda. I love them so much and I think you would, too. Thank you for the sweet gift!

Click here for Red Hot Art by Linda on Etsy! 

Not all of her bags are knitting related and I love those bags, too. Linda lives in Florida so she has a great beach theme to her shop. Linda is kind and helpful and she loves requests so I know she would love to hear from you if you have something in mind. 

Linda has recently joined my Ravelry Group, Itty-Bitty Knits and it is so much fun to see her jumping in and talking to everyone. She started a thread for bag suggestions on our forum so you could also chat with her there.

Click here for the Itty-Bitty Knits group and bag thread! Linda's photo on Rav is adorable, she is standing next to her hanging painted bags.

Both sides of the bags are painted, which I love. The attention to detail is wonderful and the quality of the canvas is excellent. It is sturdy and still pretty soft as far as canvas goes. I think with wear and tear it will soften up even more. 

I love bags like this to put smaller project bags in when I am out and about. It is a great beach or pool bag, too, or a market bag. It is pretty large and can hold a lot.

Linda has offered to give a hand-painted bag away as a prize to one of you! Thank you, Linda. Please leave a comment on this post and I will randomly select a winner in a couple of days. Please leave your email or Ravelry ID in your comment to win a tote bag. I will then put the winner in touch with Linda to discuss your new bag. 

This is a great shop to check out! Hop on over to Red Hot Art by Linda on Etsy!

A little while ago I was sent this really interesting skein of yarn by LanaMundi Yarns and sold by the  Feel Good Yarn Co.

Click here for the Feel Good Yarn Co!

If you are like me and you spend time outside in the cold weather you will love this yarn. The Silver Spun has silver in it and therefore it is conductive and therapeutic. Knit it into the fingertips of your gloves or mittens and you can use your phone or iPad without removing your gloves or mittens. This is such a cool concept and I can't wait to give it a try. Are you with me on this? 

Here is what the Feel Good Yarn Co has to say on their website about the benefits of silver in a yarn:

BENEFITS: 

One last thing before I leave you today, I was so happy to be included in the Twinset Designs Podcast's Living Doll Knitalong. The group used my doll pattern, Mary, Millie & Morgan, as a template to create dolls that resembled someone loved or important to the knitter. Many made the dolls resemble a beloved child. But one fancy and talented member of the group knit her dolls to resemble Jan and Ellen, the actual twins of the Twinset Designs Podcast. Jan and Ellen have an adorable photo of themselves as toddlers in bonnets and plaid dresses and it is just charming. Turbogrrl on Instagram or Turbogal on Ravelry, is the creator and knitter of these fantastic dolls and she is sending them all over the globe (literally!) on a Flat Stanley type tour. I was honored to be included so I brought the girls out on my evening hike and took some photos. How much fun is that? I love everything about the doll tour and the Twinset Designs Podcast. I never miss an episode! Oh, and if you are on Instagram the hashtag to check out where these dolls are traveling is: #twinsettour

Click here for the Twinset Designs Podcast website to find out more!

Well, I hope you found something new-to-you in this post. Let me know! It's always fun to see different products that are available to us as knitters. 

Don't forget to leave a comment to enter to win a tote bag!! Good luck and let the comments begin. I'll be back soon with a winner and much more. I hope your week is off to a good start.

best, susie