Knitting Patterns Blog from SweaterBabe.com

Featured Yarn Company - Namaste Farms and a giveaway

Calling Namaste Farms a cool Yarn Company is accurate, but a complete understatement!

Not only do they produce one-of-a-kind yarns that I've never seen before, but the y hand create the yarns from the rare, award-winning sheep breeds they raise on the farm!

Natalie Redding is the fiber artist behind the Namaste Farms line of luxury fibers.  On her farm in Temucula, CA, she has: 

• Champion Wensleydale Longwools
• Gotlands and Bluefaced Leicesters
• Racka Sheep
• Old English Babydoll Southdowns
• Angora and Pygora goats

And that's only a partial list of the animals she raises at her farm!

As if running a farm with 85 to 100 animals isn't keeping her busy enough, Natalie hand spins and hand dyes all of the yarns with only a few others to help, so each hank is incredibly special and unique. (And if you are curious about the process of creating and handling fine fibers, spinning, etc., check out her YouTube videos!)

When she approached me to design something with her yarns, I just had to say yes!  Plus, she developed a special color, called "Babe" just for me!  "Babe" features a gorgeous blend of pinks and mango tones with hints of turquoise.  And it's the perfect backdrop for the Hello Kitty Charms that are part of the yarn (see the top hank below)!  I'm a sucker for Hello Kitty, so combining my love of yarn + knitting + Hello Kitty is like a dream come true!

"Babe" is also available as a color in her "Ohm Kid Mohair" yarn (see the bottom two hanks here, which I'll be giving away later in this post, BTW!)

To buy Namste Farms yarns, see the line exclusively at YarnMarket.com.

To learn more about this unique Yarn Company, visit their website at www.namastefarms.com, on YouTube (namastefarms), and on blogtalk radio at
blogtalk: Namaste Farms, where Natalie talks about farming, interviews designers, and much more!

And thank you, Natalie, for sponsoring my latest pattern, the #135 Babe Zip-Front Hello Kitty Cardigan (with matching Cowl!)   This top-down design features the Charmed-Hello Kitty yarn mentioned above that is completely one-of-a-kind! See it exclusively at YarnMarket.com.

The all-over cable design wth short-sleeves is in a coordinating color of Malabrigo Worsted.  The Charmed-Hello Kitty yarn worked perfectly with it as an accent on the knit-in pockets and along the bottom border.

See more photos and purchase info for the #135 Babe Zip-Front Hello Kitty Cardigan, now available in the Knitting Patterns shop!

AND lastly, I have 2 hanks of Namaste Farms Ohm Mohair yarn (sorry, NOT the one with the Hello Kitty charms!) in color "Babe" to give away!

To enter this contest:

1) Post a comment on this blog entry by 9pm PST, January 31, 2012 and tell us what you would do with a hank of this gorgeous yarn!  One comment per person, please.  And please also SHARE this post using the Twitter, Google+, and Facebook links below.

2) Post a comment on the Ravelry.com Forum post in the SweaterBabe.com Fans group announcing this giveaway by 9pm PST, January 31, 2012, telling us what you would do with a hank of this gorgeous yarn.  One comment per person, please.  Also, please "fave" this pattern on the SweaterBabe patterns page at Ravelry.com. 

After the end of the month, I'll choose 2 random commenters to each be sent a hank of the Namaste Yarns Ohm yarn in "Babe" color. 

Good luck to all! Sorry, but winning hanks can only be sent to U.S. and Canada addresses.

NEW Free Knitting Pattern - Knit up some mitts fast!

Here's the new addition to my FREE patterns page! Lovely Fingerless Mitts that only use one hank of yarn! In this case, Classic Elite yarns Lush angora/wool blend.

These fingerless mitts are a wonderful knitting project for you to treat yourself to after all that holiday knitting (and eating! ha ha)

Grab a hank, download this free pattern now, and you'll have a new pair of vintage-inspired mitts to wear this week ;-)

This pattern is today's feautured pattern in Classic Elite Yarn's Web-Letter. 

Check out their Designer Spotlight (featuring me!) on their blog too.

AND, please favorite this pattern in Ravelry.com!  I would love to see if we can get it on the Patterns home page!  Thank you!

(All photos by Meg Myers of Classic Elite yarns)

Happy Dec. 25th with a 25% off coupon! Load up your new iPad, Tablet, or Kindle!

A Happy Holidays to you from SweaterBabe.com!!
Save 25% off all pattern purchases!

Thanks for a great year!  Now it's time to load up on patterns for you and your new iPad, Kindle, or Tablet!

Here is a SPECIAL COUPON code for 25% OFF any and all Knitting and Crochet pattern purchases until New Year's Day, 2012!

Just use this Coupon Code: 49187916

 Enjoy and hope you are all have a wonderful holiday season!!!

Shop all Knitting Patterns NOW.

Shop all Crochet Patterns NOW. 

Shop all 1-Skein Knitting Patterns NOW.

Hurry!!! Offer Expires: Midnight PST on Sunday, January 1, 2012.

P.S.  Feel free to share with all of your knitting and crocheting friends by email, by tweeting, or by liking this post.  Thanks!

Finished Cowls!

Lucie S. of Pontefract, West Yorkshire, UK, knit these 2 great-looking cowls!

One is the #127 Soft and Chunky Infinity Scarf, shown below in pretty grey tones, and the other is the #103 Luscious Cabled Cowl (available as an individual PDF pattern or as part of an eBook, "5 Best Cowls to Knit Now!"), also in a wonderful multi-colored yarn.

"I recently purchased 2 patterns from your website, I am thrilled with the results of the two shrugs. I live in england and found your site extemely helpful. I am a milliner and my autumn hats coordinate perfectly, thanks." -- Lucie S.

She used Chunky Alpaca.  "[These were] very quick easy to follow patterns which I have used many times with different yarns . . ."

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * * If we select your photos, you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Quick Knit Shrug from Anny

Anny W. of Cordelia, CA used Paton's Shetland Chunky Aran to make her version of the #101 Quick Shawl-Collared Shrug! 

It looks great!  Anny says, "This pattern was really fun to knit, easy to understand, and a very cute finished product. I've already worn it several times over a tank top or dress."

Make one for yourself or a gift! Knit on size 10 3/4 [7mm] needles and seamlessly for quick results!

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * * If we select your photos, you get a free pattern! Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

Preview of some upcoming patterns. . . and a Giveaway!

I've been in a hat mood of late. . . guess it partly due to the changing weather. But, to be honest, it may be more due to my need for some fast, gift projects, and to try out a new set of short circular needles that I just treated myself to ;-)  (Clover 16" circulars - they have been fabulous for working hats in the round!)

Also, it feels good to destash once in a while AND try out some new pattern stitches!

The first hat shown above is in a Trellis Cable stitch that was a fun challenge to work.  Bobble clusters and intertwining cables made for a very interesting knit with wonderfully textured results!

The second hat is a one-ball pattern (yippee!) in Classic Elite Montera yarn.  LOVE the vibrant orange color.  Very fall, and yet very bright and cheery.  This is a nice chunky hat with a wide cuff for warmth and a very cozy look.  The stitch pattern is a simple, yet unique stitch that mimics a cable, but just consists of some strategic lifted increases.  Cool technique to try out and a very quick knit that would be great for a man or woman!

I've also just completed the Zip-Front Cardigan you see here. It's a really eye-catching cardigan (IMHO!), featuring a wonderful cable and lace all-over stitch pattern, contrasted with Garter stitch neckband, front bands, and Ribbed sleeve cuffs. AND, truly whimsical Hello Kitty charms were built into the "Charmed - Hello Kitty" yarn that I got from Natalie of Namaste Farms, and used for the pocket openings and bottom edging.

The Namaste Farms yarn is the what inspired the project. . . and Natalie created the special colors in the accent yarn for me and called it "Babe!" The main yarn used in the cardigan is the ever-popular Malabrigo Worsted. This is a truly unique cardigan! It has a matching cowl as well.

All of these patterns are coming soon!  Still have to write them up!

*** SPECIAL PATTERN GIVEAWAY ***

As a special giveaway, please comment on this blog post by 9pm PST, November 15th, 2011.  Tell us what you think of these new upcoming patterns! One comment per person, please.  And please also SHARE this post using the Twitter, Google+, and Facebook links below. 

I will choose THREE winners to each receive PDF copies of all THREE of these patterns (when they are all published)!  Good luck to all!

 

** 11/12/11 Update ** The #134 Slouchy Trellis Cabled Hat pattern is now available!

** Update ** The #136 One-Ball Chunky Cuffed Hat pattern is now available!

Falling Leaves Scarf knitting kit giveaway! Three kits to win!

Time for a knitting kit giveaway!

This one courtesy of our friends at Elann.com, who sent us the lovely Peruvian Highland Bulky yarn for each kit. 

This giveaway includes the #95 Falling Leaves Scarf PDF knitting pattern + 4 balls of Elann.com's Peruvian Highland Bulky yarn in beautiful and rich fall shades.  The 4 balls are more than enough for completing the scarf (and the Peruvian Highland Bulky is even a little softer than the original yarn called for in this pattern. . .).  I'll choose the color for each winner from the 3 shades shown here.

More info on Elann.com's Peruvian Highland Bulky yarn can be found at: http://www.elann.com/Commerce.web/product.aspx?catID=&id=123684

To enter this giveaway, please do one, two, or all of the following:

1) Make a pattern purchase from now through October 30th, 9pm PST.  Each individual pattern purchase counts as an entry!  Start shopping for knitting patterns now at http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knittingpatterns.htm or crochet patterns at http://www.sweaterbabe.com/crochetpatterns.htm.

2) "Like" this blog post by clicking on the Facebook "Like" button just under this post AND post your comment here on this blog post. One comment per person, please. Tell us what you like about making scarf projects with bulky yarn on bigger needles! Please comment by 9pm PST, October 30th, 2011.

3) Post a comment on Ravelry.com in the SweaterBabe.com Fans Group discussion announcing this contest by 9pm PST, October 30th, 2011.  Here's the link: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/sweaterbabecom-fans/topics/1861667.  One comment on Ravelry per person, please.

Thanks and good luck to all on winning these kits!

*** Announcing the winners of this giveaway!  11/10/11 ***
Congrats go out to:

Julie D., who made a pattern purchase on 10/12/11. You have won the BRONZE color kit.

Carol D., who made a pattern purchase on 10/25/11.  You have won the PORT color kit.

and Carol (bank**** on Ravelry.com), who posted a comment on the Ravlery thread for this giveaway on 10/24/11.  You have won the COFFEE color kit.

Woohoo!  I've emailed the winners.

Thanks to all who entered!  Stay tuned for more giveaways. . .

 

 

 

Two Flower Hats

Nanatte W. of Sedro-Woolley, WA knit the #115 Romantic Lace Beret for two of her students.

Here are her comments:

"These are two of my fourth-grade students for whom I knitted Romantic Lace Berets pattern.  I adapted the pattern to accommodate their smaller head circumference—don’t they look adorable?

I also teach a knitting club at my school for students. I sincerely hope you like the finished product." -- Nanatte W. of Sedro-Woolley WA.

Thanks, Nanatte!  It's to cool that you teach them knitting too!  I would have loved to learn knitting in a class at that age.  Times have changed.

Nanatte used Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Begonia and the teal color.  She thinks those colors have been discontinued, so Serrano and Macaw are the closest in stock colors.

"I loved using this pattern. The finished product looks exactly like I expected! It was rather easy to adapt the pattern to fit my students' smaller head circumferences. At first, I had a challenge with the flower pattern...I didn't think I was interpreting the pattern correctly. After several attempts, I just buckled down and followed the directions, and voila it worked!! Awesome pattern that yields beautiful results. " -- Nanatte W.

Featured Yarn Shop: Unwound: Unique Yarns and Accessories

Here's another exciting installment of our Featured Yarn Shops!  Here's what Melinda, the owner of this wonderfully inviting shop in Blowing Rock, NC, tells us:

"Exciting things have been happening at Unwound, Unique Yarns in Blowing Rock, NC!

We’ve moved up the hill to Main Street! We invite you to visit our new shop located in the heart of North Carolina’s prettiest town.

Our new location at 1132 Main Street (in the courtyard just behind Kojay’s) offers over 2100 sf (look at the photo below!!!) of luxury and comfort!

The warm inviting atmosphere will entice you to sit and knit with us in our comfortable visitors’ “living room” or browse through our many books and patterns for ideas. Wander through the shop and enjoy the many colors and textures of our beautiful yarns, then match it with some of our unique buttons.

Need help with a difficult stitch? Owner, Melinda Mayronne and her experienced staff are available to help.

Want some in-depth private instruction? Call us for an appointment.

Or, sign up for some of our exciting project classes to be held in our large class room area. We have it all right here! You have to see (and touch!) our yarn to really appreciate the experience. But - as a teaser - here are some of the brands we stock: Malabrigo, Louet, Hand Painted, Colinette, Sublime, Jade Sapphire, Blue Heron, Schaefer, and more. We’re also excited to support some of our favorite independent dyers like The Unique Sheep, Claudia, Blue Ridge Yarns….and others.  

We carry the popular Addi Turbo needles by Skacel and proudly distribute the beautiful bags handmade by Atenti."

Thanks, Melinda!!  And thanks too for being a Featured Yarn Shop and sponsoring my latest pattern, the #133 High Low Glamorous Top-Down Cardigan.  You sent me the Disco Lights yarn from Tilli Tomas to try out and I loved it! 

*** As a special offer from Melinda of Unwound, please mention SweaterBabe.com when you order from her and get 10% off entire sale.  Thanks, Melinda!! ***

Here's how to find Melinda and her Yarn Shop:
Unwound Unique Yarns and Accessories
1132 Main Street, Suite 5
Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605
336-295-5051

Hours: Mon-Sat, 10-5; Sundays 1-5
www.unwoundyarns.com
unwoundyarns@gmail.com
unwound and unbound: ravelry group

Want your fave Yarn Shop to be featured?
Just ask them to "sponsor" a SweaterBabe.com pattern by providing yarn support. In return, I'll feature photos and details on the Yarn Shop so my audience can learn about the GREAT yarn shops that are out there! (Contact me at info@sweaterbabe.com to learn more. . .)

Another Charming Giveaway from our friends at Kamibashi.com

Our friends at Kamibashi.com sent us more of their fabulously detailed String Dolls, so it's time to give TWO of them away!

Here's a photo of the String Dolls and String Doll Magnets they sent.  Thanks, Chris!!

The TWO that are for this giveaway are the ones below. 

The one on the right is named Isabelly and she "shimmies your shyness away." And on the left is Twinkle who "sprinkles enchantment throughout your life."

You can read my full review of these great dolls, including the wonderful "Purl" doll just for knitters, here.

 

To enter this giveaway, do the following by 9pm PST, September 20th, 2011:
1) Please "Like" this blog post by clicking on the Facebook "Like" button just under this post AND post your comment here on this blog post. One comment per person, please. Tell us which Kamibashi Doll you NEED most!

and/or

2) Purchase a pattern at http://www.sweaterbabe.com/knittingpatterns.htm or at http://www.sweaterbabe.com/crochetpatterns.htm.  Every pattern purchased counts as an entry.

Dolls can only be sent to U.S. or Canadian address.  Thanks!

*** Sept. 29, 2011: Announcing the winners of this giveaway!  ***
Congrats to Sherry M. (who purchased a pattern on 8/31/11) and Anna W. (who purchased a pattern on 9/8/11).  Sherry is the winner of the Isabelly doll, and Anna is the winner of the Twinkle doll.  I've emailed both of you!

Enjoy!