Quick Holiday Projects

Just in time for the holiday season...

Louisa Harding's Quick Holiday Projects!

My favorite designer, Louisa Harding has just released Quick Holiday Projects which contains three stunning patterns:  Spiced Punch, Frosted Leaves and The Holly & The Ivy.  Louisa designed these patterns to be quick knits and they are perfect for yourself or as a last minute holiday gift.  All three designs use just one ball of Louisa's new Amitola Grande yarn which is part of her new autumn/winter collection.  

Louisa has made theses patterns available as a free download however you can (and, I hope you will) make a donation for them which goes directly to cancer research on her Just Giving page.  Why cancer research?  Well it was just five years ago that Louisa's dear husband Steve (also her photographer) was diagnosed with lymphoma.  She raised funds back then for Macmillan Cancer Support with her Himalayan Hiking Hat patterns. These new patterns will raise funds now for Cancer Research UK who pioneer life-saving cancer research.

 I've selected Spiced Punch to knit for myself and for some last minute Christmas gifts.  Which pattern will you choose?


(Photography credit:  Stephen Jessup, Louisa's husband.)

Fit for a Princess!

HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

Welcome to the world Princess Charlotte!  

I love Princess Charlotte's beautiful baby shawl.  Since I'm a knitter, I had to do some research on it.  The shawl is made of super-fine merino wool and hand finished with a traditional Shetland scalloped edge.  It is made by G. H. Hurt & Son in their shawl factory in Nottingham, England.  

G.H. Hurt & Son began in 1912 and is still family run today.  They are the sole survivor of the lace shawl industry in Nottingham.  

If Princess Charlotte's lovely baby shawl has sparked your interest to knit your own, just search on Raverly for Shetland shawls.  There are over 700 patterns to choose from.  I am partial to the Shetland shawls by Sharon Miller and Elizabeth Zimmerman.

 I also love  Hansel by Gudrun Johnston of The Shetland Trader which is a traditional Shetland Hap shawl perfect for swaddling a new baby in.  Gudrun even has a Cratsy class The Shetland Hap Shawl to help you knit your own version!   I'm pretty certain I will knit Hansel one day for a future family heirloom.  

(Photo credit:  Press Association)

Noema Knit Along!

 Delilah Cowl

Have you heard,

there's a Noema Knit Along just starting in the  Louisa Harding Lovers Group in Ravelry?

I'm so excited about the Noema Knit Along!  Knit alongs are so much fun and are often just the nudge I need to get a project started and completed in a timely manner.  I also love the interaction with knitters from all around the world.  We draw inspiration from one another and share tips and ideas.  And, not to mention,  the lovely Louisa Harding herself frequently pops in the group offering with help and advice!

For my knit along project, I'm knitting Louisa's Delilah Small Cowl for a birthday gift.  I'm knitting it just as shown on the cover of the Noema pattern booklet in Noema color 5 Cocktail.  I couldn't resist this yarn or pattern for myself  so I also purchased Noema color 9 Jive for a bright blue summer cowl for me!

I had the pleasure of seeing a shop sample of the Delilah cowl in person and even got to try it on.  I can tell you that this is the perfect fashion accessory for any one and any age!  After I finish mine, I'm going to knit one for my mom, too.  If you're looking for boutique-style knit projects or even Christmas gifts, this is a perfect pattern and yarn to use!

Here are the Noema Knit Along details:  

The Dates

Noema Knit Along

April 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015.

The Details

You may knit any Louisa Harding Noema pattern from her Noema pattern booklet or new individual Noema leaflet patterns.  You must use Lousia's Noema yarn.  

The Prizes

Lousia's distributor Knitting Fever is generously providing prizes for the knit along.  Check out these fabulous prizes!!!

 First prize;  10 balls of Noema 

Second prize:  6 balls of Noema

Third prize:  4 balls of Noema

To be eligible for the prize drawing, you will need to post your finished Noema project in the Noema Knit Along thread with a photo of it in the Louisa Harding Lovers Ravelry Group.

For more details see the dedicated thread in the Louisa Harding Lovers Group on Ravelry.  Hope to see you there! 

Some Cloudy Day

The big reveal....

These leg warmers were my favorite knit project during the holiday season.  I knit them for a University of Nevada, Reno grad student.  She wanted Anthropologie legwarmers which were sold out.  How did I know that?  I saw that she pinned them on Pinterest!  So I whipped these out for her on Addi Turbo 12" circs as a last minute Christmas gift.

And, she loves them!

Legwarmers are back!

The pattern for the legwarmers is Some Cloudy Day 

by Tiny Owl Knits and it's a free pattern!

I knit mine in Rowan's Felted Tweed DK in color 165 Scree.  The color looks blue sometimes and in other light, appears more gray.  Hmm, kind of just like a cloudy day.  

Happy Hearts Day!

Yarn Love 

How cute is this...

a huge heart shaped candy box full of yarn
for Valentine's Day!

Such a clever idea!

Spotted at: 

Monarch Knitting 

529 Central Avenue

Pacific Grove, CA  93950

(831)647-9276

Resolutions

Bloomsbury Gauntlets

2015 Knitting Resolution:

To finish up my unfinished projects like these beautiful Bloomsbury Gauntlets that I nearly finished way back in January 2010!

Even the designer herself, Kristin Nicholas, commented on my project in Ravelry back in January 2011.  Kristen commented:   

"Love these - keep going. Wait til you see how fun the embroidery is! 
And thanks for using my yarn!"
Best, 
Kristin Nicholas

If that wasn't encouragement enough to get them finished.  I believe the reason these have been tucked away in a project bin for so long is that we just don't have really cold winter weather here in Northern California where I live.  

This month though as part of my knitting resolution,  I am going to dig the gloves out of hibernation and finish them.  Then I am going to ask my husband to take me to Lake Tahoe so I can wear my pretty Moksha wool scarf and my Bloomsbury Gauntlets that I made to go with it.  The weather should be cold enough up there!

It's Christmastime!

Fair Isle Gift Tags

My hand knit Christmas gifts are being adorned this year with these adorable Fair Isle Christmas cards. 

 Inside Message:

With warm and cozy thoughts of you.

Happy Holidays

I think these red mitten cards (and their message) are perfect for giving Starbucks gift cards, too!

Inside Message:

It's Christmastime

celebrate in style!

The boxed holiday cards (with glitter) are by Carlton Cards.  The cards are small so I'm going to add a hole-punch, thread through some red yarn and turn them into gift tags.  

I found them at Target!  

Wee Folk Hats

 Sibling Hats

If you're 5 years old and have a new little baby brother...

I think you should have matching winter hats.  And Woolly Wormhead's Quynn hat is the perfect hat pattern for siblings and wee folk.  Quynn is by the talented hat designer who calls herself Woolly Wormhead.   Woolly is British, so I love that she says her baby and childrens hats are for wee folk.  

Lately I've been knitting a lot for wee folk.  I really should be knitting Christmas gifts but I just can't help myself and have been knitting hats for little ones instead.  I love knitting hats for babies and children.  Off the needles this week are these adorable pixie-style winter hats for one of my husband's employee's wee folk.     

Baby Quynn

Woolly Wormhead's adorable Quynn hat is designed in Noro's Kureyon yarn.  I agree, Kureyon's color palette and striping is a winner for this hat pattern.  I chose my Kureyon yarn in boyish colors of variegated browns and greys,  color #149.

For the new baby (born just a month ago) I knit the 16" newborn/3 month size.  I am a tight knitter so I cast on with size #9's and knit the hat in size #7's as the pattern recommends.  

Big Brother Quynn

For the big brother hat, I knit the child size 20" diameter hat.  To properly finish the hats,  I soaked them in Soak liquid wash to soften up their Kureyon wool.  It does the trick nicely.  Then I pinned and blocked the hats on my knitting blocks.  Lastly I fully air dried them on a sweater rack. 

This was my first Woolly Wormhead hat project and I loved knitting this pattern.  I not only love the design but love that you can knit this hat in so many different sizes for siblings.  I've always loved matching wee folk hats...

because growing up, my little sister and I always had them!  

Cakes & Purls

 Masse's Pastries

Cakes and Purls...what a cute name for a yarn store!

A few months back, I checked out a few newer yarn stores in Berkeley, California that I had never been to before.  And, yes, there is a yarn store in Berkeley called Cakes and Purls.  

 Claddagh Yarns

My first stop was  Claddagh Yarns.  This cute little shop is nestled in a North Berkeley neighborhood known as Gourmet Ghetto.  If you're curious about why this area is called Gourmet Ghetto...well, it's home to nearby Chez Panisse along with other fabulous food stores, the original Peets Coffee, bakeries and restaurants.  

Claddagh Yarns is owned by Amanda Fernandez and she opened the shop back in September 2013.  The shop is small  but carries great yarn stock from Debbie Bliss, Noro, Malabrigo and Imperial Yarn Ranch to name a few.   There were some lovely knitted samples on display that really caught my eye.  This little shop is worth seeking out.

Whenever I find myself in Gourmet Ghetto, a must stop is Masse's Pastries.  They have the most delicious pastries, cakes and French macarons!  The owner Marcia Masse is so personable.  We have chatted about Paris, Paris by Mouth and red currants on more than one occasion.

Cakes and Purls

 My last stop of the day was Cakes and Purls.  I love this concept of a yarn cafe where you can "sit and knit" and have your cake,too!

Cakes and Purls is owned by Maria Sitaro.  She holds a degree in Pastry Arts and combined her love of fiber by opening Cakes and Purls.  The shop is roomy and there are plenty of tables and chairs to meet your knitting friends here and enjoy a little cake and purls.  

Ashley Flower Headband

While visiting Cakes and Purls I was drawn to a yummy cashmere yarn and pattern by Pepperberry Knits. I purchased a yummy skein of their cashmere yarn in color Posies and knit Pepperberry's adorable Ashley Flower Headband for a gift.  It's always fun to discover new yarns and new yarn stores.  And yes, for the record, I left Cakes and Purls with a couple of cupcakes, too!

Alice's Embrace

My first lap blanket

I am currently knitting my first project for Alice's Embrace.

My dear knitting friend, Diane Lewis has created Alice's Embrace in honor of her mother, Alice Figueira and her battle with Alzheimer's Disease.  

 Diane and Danielle

I met Diane years ago while taking classes at my favorite local yarn store, Knitique, A Yarn Boutique in Elk Grove, CA.  Diane is such a lovely lady and is always thinking of others.  It was around the knitting  table at Knitique that Diane shared her mother's struggle with Alzheimer's Disease to me and her Knitique friends. 

Throughout her mother's journey with Alzheimer's Disease, Diane learned first hand how comforting a lap blanket or prayer shawl can be in helping ease anxiety in those suffering from this disease.  Knowing Diane (the way I do) she would knit every person suffering from Alzheimer's a lap blanket or prayer shawl if she could!  Since that is an impossible feat she followed her heart and created Alice's Embrace.  Now fellow knitters and crocheters can join Diane and donate hand-made lap blankets and prayer shawls that will bring comfort to many who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Diane has partnered Alice's Embrace with the Eskaton Foundation of Northern California to provide their memory care residents with the donated lap blankets and prayer shawls.  You can visit the Alice's Embrace How to Help page for information and details on how you can help create and donate your items.  

 Ted's Lap Blanket

As for the patterns for Alice's Embrace...
they are wonderful and come in an array of skill levels.  It's no wonder they are so fabulous since Diane enlisted the help of Danielle Bowen, the owner of Knitique to help create the patterns.  

Danielle is the knitting teacher who has helped me become the knitter I am today.  I am not a bit surprised that Danielle wanted to help Diane with Alice's Embrace.  She is always so supportive of great causes. She was instrumental in helping me with my own Louisa Harding Macmillan Cancer Support fund raising event that she hosted for me at Knitique back in 2012.   I could have never raised so much money for Macmillan Cancer Support without the Knitique venue, her personal support and her generous customers.  I am honored and proud to call both women my friend.

Alice Figueira

 Please visit the Alice's Embrace website to read more about Diane and Alice. 

You can also view the Alice's Embrace patterns and completed projects on the Alice's Embrace pattern page on Ravelry. 

I am dedicating my first project for Alice's Embrace in memory of my own beloved grandmother, who recently  passed away, just two months ago.  Like Alice, she also had Alzheimer's Disease.


(Photo Credit of Alice Figueira, Alice's Embrace.)

Spring

Happy Spring

Here's to brighter days,
fresh flowers
and tea in the garden.
  

By the way, I knit this cute little tea cosy.  

I use it on a tea pot that I turned into a vase for fresh flowers.  

The pattern is the Rosie Posy Tea Cosy
by Loani Prior.  

Chasing Sophie

Swoon

I've been stalking Sophie Digard for a few years now.  From Paris to Carmel, CA...I'm always on the look out for Sophie. 

 Drool

My latest Sophie "spotting" was in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I love shopping on 4th Street in Berkeley, CA and always "pop in" the "girlie girl" Jest Jewels boutique.  Low and behold behind the Jest Jewels counter there they were...

those gorgeous Sophie Digard scarves!  

Sassy

Sarena from Jest Jewels was a doll!  She understood my admiration for Sophie and let me swoon over the scarves.  And here she is even modeling one for me!  We chatted about knitting and her website Christmas Cancer.  Sarena beat ovarian cancer and is interested in starting a chemo hat program.  Stay tuned for future details.

If you're headed down to 4th Street,
here are a few of my other favorite shops:

The Pasta Shop (carries Mariage Freres teas) 

Sur La Table

Anthroplogie

Castle in the Air

Teance Fine Teas

Nest

The Knitter's Year

 The Knitter's Year

Sometimes you just need a quick project.  

Last night The Knitter's Year by Debbie Bliss came to my rescue.  Debbie's book is filled with 52 projects for every week of the year.  The projects are perfect for quick gift knits or seasonal knits for yourself.  And the best part is...all the projects are designed to make in one week or less.  

Striped Baby Hat

So, last night I "whipped out" the adorable Striped Baby Hat in the book.  The pattern is written to knit flat with seaming.  I chose to knit it "in the round" with jogless stripes so it knit up even faster.  It's now one of my favorite baby hat patterns!  

I'm so glad I had The Knitter's Year on my book shelf and highly recommend this book.  

Baby, it's Cold Outside

Holiday Gift Set

I love knitting gifts.  I recently gave this holiday gift set to Kaitlin who is a grad student at the University of Nevada, Reno.  Thank goodness it is cold in Reno so she can wear it this winter.  Here in Northern California where I live, temps have been in the 60's and even 70's so my own hand-knits have not even seen the light of day.  

I loved putting this gift set together using Classic Elite's Fresco yarn in color Cinder.  This was my first time knitting with Fresco and I loved knitting with it.  Fresco is a lovely combo of wool, baby alpaca and a bit of angora.  It works up beautifully on the needles and creates such a soft and luxurious knit fabric.

 Climbing Cables Hat

As for the gift set details, I chose Hannah Fettig's Climbing Cables Hat for the hat.  I found and purchased Hannah's PDF pattern on Ravelry.  The pattern is in chart form and is an easy pattern to follow.  You can view my project on Ravelry with my personal notes and height alteration I made to it.

Fresco Lace Cowl

For the cowl, I chose Cecily Glowik's Fresco Lace Cowl .  Kaitlin is very fashionable and I love the style of this cowl which is like an infinity scarf then doubled up into a cowl size.  You can find my personal notes for it on Ravelry.  Kaitlin loved it and said "it's perfect to wear on cold mornings around campus". 

I highly recommend both patterns and thank both designers for their beautiful designs.  I look forward to knitting a set like this for me....

maybe to wear next winter!


(Baby, it's cold outside gift tag by Knitterella.)

'tis the Season...

for faux-fur!

 Lavish Collar

by Anthropologie

Faux-fur accessories are the definite fashion trend
this holiday season!  

While doing a little late-night window shopping, 

 I spotted Anthropologie's Lavish Collar.  It comes in five colors and can be yours for $68.00. 

Vera by Louisa Harding

If  you're a knitter and looking for a little winter glam...

why not knit your own faux-fur collar?  

You can knit Louisa Harding's Vera collar in just one ball of her new Luzia yarn.  Luzia is available in 10 colors and retails for $28.99.  That means you can knit your own faux-fur collar for less than half of the Anthro collar!  And, there's even enough time left to "whip" one out for a last minute Christmas gift!

(Vera photo credit:  Louisa Harding Luzia book, photo credit:  Stephen Jessup.)

Catching up!

 Charm Gloves

Did you join the Louisa Harding Charm glove knit-along?  I've been busy the past few days playing  "catch up" to everyone else's progress in the knit-along.  This has been a busy month for me since I've been in the middle of moving and demoing a kitchen.  

Stockinette & Lace

I'm on track now though to get my gloves finished by the knit-along's June 30th deadline.  Once you get the Charm gloves on your needles you can probably knit them up in just a few days.  The cable cuff section takes a bit of concentrating but then the lace and stockinette section knits up really fast.  I'm knitting these gloves for a Christmas gift and the best part about a knit-along is that you are encouraged to finish your project within a specified time frame.  Perfect for me, a flitter knitter!

I highly recommend this project from Louisa's Three Graces book.  There's just over a week left to complete the gloves during the knit-along....so if you hurry I bet you could get a pair finished, too!

Louisa Harding Book Giveaway Winners!

Three Graces

Drum roll please...

I am pleased to announce the three "lucky" knitters who will each receive a copy of Louisa Harding's "Three Graces"  pattern book thanks to Knitting Fever!

Here are the Three Graces book winners' comments on which Louisa Harding yarn they would love to knit Louisa's Charm gloves in:

Raveler jls123 "I would knit the gloves in colorway royal blue (#17) Grace Silk and Wool. It is such a deep and saturated color and would be perfect!"

Raveler kcmomof2:   "I would want to knit it in Willow!  Such a light airy color and look."

Linda said: I love pink and the gloves would look beautiful in a nice girlie pink!"  

I will contact the winners I can via Ravlery and winner Linda please contact me.

Whether you won a book or not, I hope you'll join the Charm Knit-Along from the Three Graces book and knit along with us.  As for the knit-along, Louisa herself would love to join us.   She told me:  "I’m looking forward to seeing all the Charm mittens in the KAL, I’m almost tempted to join in only I am still knitting for the fall/winter collections……and we have more photography this week!"

(Photo used with permission.  Photo credit:  Stephen Jessup.)

Charm Gloves Knit Along

 Simply Charming!

I just adore Louisa Harding's Charm gloves.  They are unapologetically feminine and oh, so pretty.  

Earlier this year while on holiday at the Monterey coast I was able to try on a shop sample of  Louisa's Charm gloves at Monarch Knitting.  The moment I tried them on, I knew I would be knitting several pairs for myself as well as for holiday gifts. 

 Be Charming!

Well, it turns out, I'm not the only Louisa Harding admirer ready to knit the Charm gloves.  Ann, Knitting Fever's social media gal, is ready to start the Charm gloves, too. When Ann heard that I was going to knit them as my next project she said:  "Well if two's company then three is a knit along."  So thanks to Knitting Fever, there's now a Charm gloves knit along!

Three Graces

Charm Gloves Knit Along

June 1 through June 30, 2013

For the knit along you will need Louisa's Three Graces pattern book, 2 skeins of Grace Wool & Silk or Grace Hand Dyed and 1 skein of Grace Hand Beaded depending on which version you knit.

For official details please visit the Charm Knit Along thread in the  Louisa Harding Ravelry Group.  To keep "in the loop" you can join the conversation in the Ravelry group and on Knitting Fever's Facebook page.  

And there's prizes!  If you complete your Charm gloves and post a photo of your completed project (by June 30th) in Louisa Harding's Ravelry group you will be entered into a prize drawing.  You must use a Louisa Harding yarn to be eligible for the drawing.  The prizes will be awarded by Louisa's distributors:  Knitting Fever in the USA, Designer Yarns in the UK and Diamond Yarns of Canada so this is an international knit along!

Three Graces Book Giveaway!

If you would like to join the knit along and need the Three Graces book here's your chance to win it! The wonderful folks at Knitting Fever are letting me give three books away!

So take a look at the Three Graces book at Knitting Fever along with the Louisa Harding Grace yarn range. Leave a comment here on my post by midnight, Sunday, June 2, 2013 of which Louisa Harding yarns and colors you want to knit your gloves in.  Your comment will enter you into the book giveaway.

Three randomly selected people will each receive the Three Graces book.  US residents only.  Void where prohibited.   One comment per person.  Please leave your name along with an email or Ravelry name in your comment for me to contact you if you win.  I will also post the winners in a follow-up blog post. 

 Good luck!

(Three Graces book images used with permission.  Photo credit:  Photographer, Stephen Jessup.) 

Louisa Harding Book Giveaway Winners!

Dixie

Drum roll please...
I am pleased to announce the three "lucky" knitters who will each receive a copy of Louisa Harding's new Jesse  pattern book thanks to Knitting Fever!

Thank you to everyone who commented for the Jesse book giveaway contest.  According to your comments... Miss Kitty (the book's cover top) and Daisy Duke are your favorites.

Here are the Jesse Book winners' comments about their favorite design in the book:

Corina Sahlin commented:   "I wouldn't mind making the cute Miss Kitty!"

bigredmoose92627 commented:  "So beautiful...how could one pick...thank you for sharing.

Virginia Smith commented:  "The cover color of Miss Kitty is my favorite."

If you're a winner please contact me with your information.

A special "thank you" to Knitting Fever for sponsoring the Louisa Harding Jesse book giveaway.  Be sure to  stay tuned for your chance to win with my next Louisa Harding book review and giveaway over the next few weeks.

(Jesse book image used with permission.
Photo Credit:  Stephen Jessup.)

Jesse

Jesse

No matter where you hang your hat...

you're sure to love Louisa Harding's new Jesse collection!

The Jesse collection features Louisa's new cotton yarn Jesse supported by her Jesse pattern book featuring 13 projects for hand knitting.  Daisy Duke, Oakley, Dixie and Miss Kitty are just some of the projects that fill the pages of  Jesse and contribute to its adorable "Western theme" charm.  Don't worry if you don't own a pair of cowboy boots because Louisa has designed and "styled" the projects in Jesse to appeal to both "country gals" and "city girls" alike!

Here's a quick little "roundup" of some of the projects in Jesse:

Dixie 

Meet Dixie.  

I think the Dixie top is very "figure flattering" with its "cinched" waist.   Louisa's one-color version (shown above) features a neat "western style" leather throng tie in lieu of ribbon.  Dixie would look great worn over a cotton summer dress or paired with a cute top and a faded pair of "old blue jeans".  Cowboy boots optional!

Oakley

Here's Oakley.  

There's no denying...

The Oakley top would look great worn with a pair of Wranglers, Levi's or even a cute denim skirt.  And, you don't have to be a cowgirl to love the Oakley top...city slickers will want to knit this top, too!

 Elsie

 Meet Elsie.

I think Elsie is the perfect addition to everyone's summer wardrobe.  Louisa designed Elsie to be knit as a striped shrug (as shown) or as a solid color capelet as well.  You can see the Elsie capelet version by viewing the complete Jesse collection at Knitting Fever. 

 Mae

Well hello there, Mae!

I love the Mae Bolero.  

Mae can be knit as a two-color bolero (as shown) or as a one color bolero with a leather throng (cord) neckline tie.  I think Mae can "set the stage" and turn any summer outfit into a "show stopper"!  

Miss Kitty

Hello Miss Kitty.  

Miss Kitty is one of the prettiest tops in the book.  Miss Kitty also graces the cover of Jesse photographed in the solid-color version.  I love the rich "denim look" of the Miss Kitty cover shot which is knit in Jesse, shade 109 Indigo.

Daisy Duke

Aww, Daisy Duke.  

With a name like that, one can't help but think that Daisy Duke should be worn with a pair of short "cut-off" jeans.  For most knitters though, the Daisy Duke top will pair-perfectly with jeans, capris or even a pretty floral skirt for summer.  

Well there's your sneak peak at the Jesse book.  A nice new feature of Louisa's new spring/summer pattern books is that she now lists the height of the model photographed in her books.  The projects in Jesse are photographed on a 5'9" model.    

Jesse Book Giveway

Now for the fun part!  After you view Louisa's new Jesse collection, leave a comment here on my post and tell me your favorite design from the book and you'll be entered into the Jesse book giveaway.  Three of my "lucky" blog readers can win Louisa's new Jesse book thanks to Knitting Fever.

So leave a comment on this post before Tuesday, May 14, 2013.  Three randomly selected people will each receive a copy of the Jesse book.  Book prizes will be mailed out by Knitting Fever.  US residents only.  Void where prohibited.   One comment per person.  Please leave your name along with an email or Ravelry name in your comment for me to contact you if you win.  

 Good luck!

(Jesse book images used with permission.  Photo credit:  Photographer, Stephen Jessup.)