Knitting Patterns Blog from SweaterBabe.com

Enter the Hip Hostess Giveaway!

Aprons?  We have a few.  There's the mongrammed one I bought my husband once as a gift to compliment his "bite me" steak brander for use when he BBQs. 

There's a Winnie-the-Pooh one that is fun to wear when I bake cookies with my kids.

And there's a basic one that we got as a housewarming or engagement gift, I can't remember.

Do any of them get worn regularly? Um... no, not really.

BUT NOW I have a really beautiful apron that can bring out the Martha Stewart in anyone!  It's so pretty, I have it hanging out in the kitchen so I can admire it!

Shown above are the 2 aprons sent to me for free from Debbie, the mother of the mother-daughter team that is behind the TheHipHostess.com line of aprons.

Thanks so much, Debbie, for letting me have these aprons to review and for a great giveaway!

First off, I do have to say the packaging and presentation is very classy and impressive! 

Each apron came neatly folded and presented with a pretty, coordinating ribbon and tag.  Just perfect to ship off as a gift!

And I truly had a hard time selecting which styles to have Debbie send to me.  The prints are stunning and unique.  Modern with a touch of retro in great colors.  Some more whimsical and others more floral.  All very fun.

Plus, there are different styles to choose from!  I chose a sheath-style (full-length apron) in the blue/brown combination you see above, aptly named "Chocolate Mint".  It is a yummy design.  The pockets are great - big and sturdy.  The ruffled bottom flounce is so pretty without being over the top.

I wore it this past weekend when I was grilling some chicken on the stovetop and not wanting to wear the oil splatter evidence.  When guests arrived for the party and saw me wearing the apron, they were full of compliments!  I was immediately attributed with lots of credit for being a great cook, hostess, and party maven.  Not bad for just wearing a cute apron!

The other style of apron I chose to review was the Cafe Style in Paper Doilies. I'm in love with this print!  I want pillows and a duvet cover it! 

This cute Cafe Style is more suited for use while crafting or gardening.  It's got the great pockets, as all their aprons do, so you can have your tools handy, whether they are your gardening spade, scissors and tape measure, or whatever.

I would have taken it out to take piture of myself using it, but I didn't want to mess up the beautiful packaging since this one will be given away to one of you!

YES - these aprons are all that they claim to be on the HipHostess website and I highly recommend them.  They are very well made, with reinforced stitching where needed.  They are made from a high quality, stiff cotton that will hold up to much use and washings.  They are flattering and feminine and don't make you feel like a housemaid.

You can find these aprons at www.thehiphostess.com.  You can even use the discount code of "GETHIP" to get 15% off!  Let them know you heard about them from SweaterBabe.com!

************* AND NOW FOR THE APRON GIVEAWAY!  ***************
Please enter a comment on this blog post by August 20th, 9pm PST and tell us why you like these aprons!  One comment per person please. 

I will choose a winner randomly (using Random.org's random number generator) to win the Paper Doilies Cafe Style Apron, a $32 value that is Sold Out on the Hip Hostess site.  It's a lovely prize!  Good luck to all!

** August 29th Update ** And the winner randomly chosen from all comment entries is. . . Lori York, who commented on 8/12/10.  Congrats, Lori!  I'll email you so you can send me your mailing address.

Charming Bracelets - Review and a Giveaway!

Like me, you've probably owned a few charm bracelets in your time. They are so classic and always add a little whimsy to my outfit and they make me smile.

So, I was excited to receive these bracelets for free from CharmFactory.com as I've not worn a charm bracelet lately.  (I go through jewelry phases, don't you?)

They came very nicely packaged in the boxes you see below. One features a pretty mix of heart shapes that would be fun to wear everyday.

The other one has knitting-related charms on it (so cool!).  There's the standard yarn ball and needles (though you do have to be careful they don't get caught on your knitting, which I always thought was kind of ironic about the design!), a button, a little sweater (T-shirt style), a "Handmade" charm, and a "made with love" heart-shaped charm. 

Just a very sweet bracelet!  I've never had any knitting-related jewelry and it's just fun to wear something that reminds you of what you love!

The heart bracelet features 3 little puffed hearts alternating with 2 smaller hearts with beaded edges.  Totally wearable and great for layering with other bracelets!

The bracelet chains are also quite nice.  They aren't like those chunky silver ones that used to be popular in the 90's.  These chains are delicate and pretty, but sturdy.  There is an extension piece that allows you to adjust the size, which is awesome. 

Both the bracelet and the charms are sterling silver, and you can tell the nice quality of the silver right away.  AND, these charms were sodered onto the bracelet, which is so great! No worries that you will lose a charm because the little silver ring separates!  Also, no worries about the joins catching on your sweaters!

These are classic gift items that allow you to easily add a personal touch!  When I went to CharmFactory.com to see their selection - I was surprised to see the huge selection! 

You can buy ready made bracelets with charms (like the heart one) or custom select your own, including a choice of bracelet styles.  They can assemble them for you, or you can do it yourself. 

You can tell that they know their business well given how many options are well presented on the website.

I'd definitely recommend them as a first stop if you are in the market to buy a charm bracelet!

And for those of you who love jewelry. . .
*** ENTER to WIN the HEARTS CHARM BRACELET! (a $25 value) ***
Just comment on this blog post by July 31st, 9PM PST.  Tell us about a favorite charm or what you like about charm bracelets and charm jewelry.  A winner will be randomly chosen at the beginning of August.  One comment per person please.

*** And the randonly chosen winner from all of the fabulous comments is . . .

Tina, who posted her comment: "Oh, these bracelets are so pretty and unique too! I love charm bracelets because of the movement they create on my wrist. I would love to have a new charm bracelet in a new theme!" on July 18th.  I've emailed you, Tina, so please let me know your mailing address so I can send you the heart charm bracelet.  CONGRATS! 

Set the mood for knitting with this amazing giveaway!

7/7/10 Update: Thanks for ALL the great entries!  Podcasts, country music, 70's, Lada Gaga, the love to listen to list has quite a range!  Check for the winner announcement at the bottom of this post!

Imagine a whole afternoon ahead of you.  Gorgeous balls of yarn just waiting for you to make them into something cool.  An exciting new knitting or crochet pattern to tackle - something for yourself this time!  A fresh cup of coffee or tea by your side.  Needles or hook ready for stitches. . .

But wait - what about a little background music?  Wouldn't that just be the set up for a perfect crafting afternoon?

Well, I may just have the perfect tech accessory for your knitting/crocheting room! 

This JBL iPod speaker dock was sent to me for free to review.  It's a really nice way to enjoy some music while you knit!  Less distracting than the tv, especially if you are following the lace and/or cable pattern in a SweaterBabe.com design!  Ha ha. 

Here's my official review of this project (PLUS, I'll tell you how to enter the giveaway to win a brand new one!  Woohoo!).

It's the JBL On Stage 400P High-Performance Loudspeaker Dock for your iPod or iPhone.

It's got a cool modern look to it and was super easy to use. All I had to do was plug it in, stick my iPod Nano into the top, turn it on, and start the music on my iPod!  Voila!  Great, ambient music that has a very rich sound to it.

I'm no stereo afficionado, but did grow up with a Dad and Brother who were into stereo equipment, speaker systems, etc. so I can appreciate speakers that deliver nice, well-rounded, quality sound.  These speakers do just that.  And the oval design delivers sound in all directions, not just in one direction.

The speaker dock comes with a handy little remote, so if this speaker is perched up high or across the room, you can easily use the remote to adjust the volume, mute the thing, or change tracks or settings.  I was not able to try out the remote, as the review sample I received didn't have batteries in the remote, but I can tell it would come in handy! 

The instructions say you can do all the things you would normally be able to do if your iPod was in front of you. . . which is great; this would work best if you can see your iPod screen as you are using the remote, but of course that depends on how far away it is.

The design is sleek and simple.  Volume controls are also located at the top of the speakers, so if you are in reach, you can easily adjust the volume.

It also came with a stereo mini jack connection so you can use it with an MP3 player or CD player, your computer or laptop, or a satellite radio. 

Another nice little bonus is that this is a dock, so it will charge your iPod or iPhone when it's attached. 

This speaker is available at Amazon.com for ~$205 (list price is $249)! 

Thanks, JBL, for letting me review a sample!  It would be awesome for anyone who enjoys filling a room with great music and loves to knit or crochet while listening to their favorite music.  We all know how much music can set the mood, boost our creative juices, and (with the right track) speed up our knitting or crocheting tempo!  Sigh!  I'll be sad to send the sample back!

*** Enter to WIN a Brand New JBL On Stage 400P (retails for $249)!! ***

There are 3 ways to enter this amazing giveaway:

1) Post a comment on this blog post, telling us what you love to listen to most when you are knitting or crocheting a SweaterBabe.com pattern.  Is it Amy Winehouse?  Jazz?  Blues?  ONE comment per person, please.  Comments will be closed 9pm, PST on June 30th, 2010. July 2nd, 2010.

2) Purchase a knitting pattern or crochet pattern from SweaterBabe.com anytime between June 5th through 9pm, PST on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. July 2nd, 2010.  Each purchase transaction counts as ONE entry for this giveaway.

3) Be a member of the SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club during the month of June.  ALL members automatically get TWO entries in this giveaway!  Not a member?  Join by 9pm, PST June 30th July 2nd, 2010 to earn your double entry!

One winner will be chosen at random to win the JBL 400P and announced here at the beginning of July.   (Prize will only be shipped within the continental US.)

Good luck to all on this most amazing giveaway! 

7/8/10 Update: AND THE RANDOMLY CHOSEN WINNER IS. . .  PATRICIA L.!!!  CONGRATS!!!  I've emailed you, Patricia, so please reply with your mailing address so I can send you this amazing prize!  Woohoo!!

Beautiful CZ Earrings

It's been fun getting to review great knitting and crochet products!  And I believe my 26,000+ email list has been enjoying them as well, based on the comments and feedback I get.

So, it seems that I've opened myself up to being a good reviewer.  Can't say I mind when I get offered some free jewelry to review!!  A girl just can't say no to that, can she?

Sarah, from LuShae Jewelry, www.jewelryartdesigns.com, asked me to review her cubic zirconia jewelry.  I took and look at her site and found some earring designs that seemed quite nice, so here is my official review of them.

I requested two designs, the Sterling Silver Flower Bud and the Sterling Silver Princess Studs.

The order arrived very quickly!   Each set of earrings came very nicely packaged in a little blue box that snaps shut.  The box is nice for storing the earrings and for gift-giving. 

The Flower Bud one is really unique in design, featuring a cascading cluster of three 5-petal flowers.  The left and right earring mirror each other in shape.  They have a nice sparkle, as you'd expect from good quality CZ. 

And the Princess Cut studs are beautiful and simple for everyday wear.  I've been wanting a pair for a long time, as these are a very wearable size.  Not so big that they seem gauche or too obviously fake and not so small that they don't get noticed.

So, yes, I'm a fan of these!  I find that with my busy schedule and as a mom of young ones, I I definitely prefer low maintenance earrings - ones that I can wear day after day with most any outfit.  Ones that make me look like I made a little (but not too much!) effort to look put together are always a good thing too ;-)

I'd recommend these as a classy gift for a girlfriend, sister, or for upcoming Mother's Day.

Take a look at all of the many other designs at www.jewelryartdesigns.com and tell Sarah I sent you!

*** SPECIAL GIVEAWAY ***
Post a comment on this blog post and enter to win a pair of earrings (a $65 value!)! 

One of the two pairs above will be given away to a randomly chosen commenter at the end of this month. 

Post your comment by 9pm PST, April 30th, 2010 to enter this giveaway.

One comment per person, please.

*** May 2, 2010: And the winner is . . . * * *

Leah Yarbrough!  Congrats!  You were randomly selected to win the earrings shown here.

I've emailed you, so please respond with your mailing address and I'll send this to you right away.

Thanks, everyone!

Preview of the Dramatic Lace Top-Down Wrap Cardigan

Here is a great new top-down design that I recently finished and will try to release in May.

The back and sleeves are worked from the top-down first, with a twisted stitch cable rib accenting the front "raglan" seams.

Of course, as with most all of my designs, the waist is shaped for a sexy fit. Increases are placed within the center of the 2 back lace panels to make it interesting.

The sleeves are finished with lace edgings and a stylish 3/4 length.

Then, the fronts are picked up and knit sideways with wide lace panels at the top and bottom.  The shapes are tapered to create a very flattering V-neckline effect and nicely draped fronts when worn open.

This one is knit in Knitpicks Swish Worsted, which blocks out very well.  The stitch definition and softness of the resulting fabric is perfect! 

I'm just starting to write this one up and hope to have it ready in May. 

The design is a bit kimono-like and can be worn in many ways with the use of a shawl pin or strategically placed snaps or buttons.

Share your comments!

** SPECIAL PATTERN GIVEAWAY **

As soon as this pattern is available, I will randomly choose 2 commenters to receive this PDF pattern for free! 

Just post your comment here before 9pm PST, May 9th, 2010.

One comment per person, please.

Good luck! 

** May 17th Winners Announced! **

And the winners of the free copies of this pattern are . . .  commenters Charyl Biggs and sara who commented on 4/13/10!!!

Congrats! I've emailed you both the pattern pdf.

For everyone else, please find this pattern now in the pattern shop at:
http://sweaterbabe.com/knitting-patterns/dramatic-lace-top-down-wrap-cardi.htm

It's a great top-down design to make now!

Knitting or crocheting in the dark? A product review and giveaway.

In recent years, there's been such an amazing selection of new, innovative things for knitters and crocheters!  I never had a chance to try them yet, but I remember the knitting needles that light up (are they still around?) being all the rage for a bit.  I suppose I do knit in low light situations more than I even realized!  Late night knitting and crocheting is such a little luxury when the house is so quiet and you just want to do "one more row"!

So, for you fellow late night knitters and crocheters, here's an interesting product that was sent to me for free so I could review it... a special reading light that leaves you hands-free! 

Does it work well for us knitters?  Read on for my thoughts. . .

It's called the "Beam N Read".  I received 3 versions, 1 with 3 leds (the one you see at the left here), another brighter one with 6 leds, and a special 3 led one with magnifier attachments.

They all come nicely packaged in shrink wrapped VHS-sized or slightly larger boxes.  Yes, the packaging looks like something you'd find in a hardware store display more than in a yarn shop, but that's because it's not specifically for knitting or crocheting.

It's really being sold as an all-purpose light that can be used for reading, walking, for emergencies, while commuting, and working in any kind of low-light situation.  It's hands-free feauture does lend itself quite well to knitting and crocheting or any other kind of needlework or crafting.

Here's how it works.  You hang it around your neck and you can angle the light beam down in front of you.  The neck strap adjusts very easily by just sliding the little adjusters along the cord.  It's really nice and simple.  No on or off button.  Laying the light beam flat will automatically turn the light off, angling it will turn it on.

It's powered with 4 AA batteries, which is convenient, although it does add a bit of weight to your neck.  They say the battery life should be at least 120 hours, which sounds great!

It uses low entery LED bulbs, which won't burn out.

The 3 led light is decent enough light for basic knitting or crocheting, but I would go with the 6 led version if I was doing any detailed work, like lace or any other special techniques that required me to see the stitches more clearly.

The magnifier attachments are nifty on the magnifier model - they come in 2X, 4X, and 6X power levels.  They are simply plastic magnifying plates that attach to the light easily and vary in magnification depending on what you need.  Great for those of us that are needing a little help seeing smaller stitches and don't like reading glasses.  Plus, they come in nice protective pouches so they won't get scratched if sitting in your knitting or crochet bag.

I did have to fiddle with the strap and placement of the light on my chest to get it to angle correctly.  I tend to knit with my arms up a bit, not actually in my lap (like the knitter in their photo here), so the light could only angle up enough if I made the strap quite short.  This would not be an issue if you were working at a table or really did knit or crochet lower on your lap.  It's farily adjustable, so it should work for most people with some fiddling.

So, this light is a great idea!  A nice thing to have in your knitting or crochet bag if you do often knit or crochet in the dark and don't wish to turn on the lamp (and disturb a sleeping DH, for example).

It's not perfect, but I don't like the reading lights that my DH has used for my nightime knitting either.  The one he wears on his ear like a bluetooth runs out of batteries (special, harder to get and pricier types) too fast and everytime he looks up at me or turns his head my way, I get blinded by the beam.  His other reading lights are not hands-free for knitting or crochet since they must all clip to the book cover.  So, this Beam N Read is the best option I've seen.

Beam N Reads retail for around $13 to $25 and are sold by the company at http://www.readinglight.com.

** Want your own Beam N Read for your night-time knitting or crocheting habit!? **
I'm giving away the 6 led version.  All you night knitters and crocheters, please leave a comment on this blog post to enter this giveaway!  Please leave your comment by March 21st, 9pm PST.  One lucky random commenter will be chosen.  One comment per person, please.

DO YOU HAVE A PRODUCT FOR SWEATERBABE TO REVIEW?  If you do, please email me at: reviews@sweaterbabe.com.  Read the submission details.

*** March 25th Winner Chosen! ***

Congrats to Bonnie, who left her comment on March 9, 2010 and was randomly chosen from the 124 comment entries!

Bonnie has won the 6 LED Beam 'N Read Light. 

In recent years, there's been such an amazing selection of new, innovative things for knitters and crocheters!  I never had a chance to try them yet, but I remember the knitting needles that light up (are they still around?) being all the rage for a bit.  I suppose I do knit in low light situations more than I even realized!  Late night knitting and crocheting is such a little luxury when the house is so quiet and you just want to do "one more row"!

So, for you fellow late night knitters and crocheters, here's an interesting product that was sent to me for free so I could review it... a special reading light that leaves you hands-free! 

Does it work well for us knitters?  Read on for my thoughts. . .

It's called the "Beam N Read".  I received 3 versions, 1 with 3 leds (the one you see at the left here), another brighter one with 6 leds, and a special 3 led one with magnifier attachments.

They all come nicely packaged in shrink wrapped VHS-sized or slightly larger boxes.  Yes, the packaging looks like something you'd find in a hardware store display more than in a yarn shop, but that's because it's not specifically for knitting or crocheting.

It's really being sold as an all-purpose light that can be used for reading, walking, for emergencies, while commuting, and working in any kind of low-light situation.  It's hands-free feauture does lend itself quite well to knitting and crocheting or any other kind of needlework or crafting.

Here's how it works.  You hang it around your neck and you can angle the light beam down in front of you.  The neck strap adjusts very easily by just sliding the little adjusters along the cord.  It's really nice and simple.  No on or off button.  Laying the light beam flat will automatically turn the light off, angling it will turn it on.

It's powered with 4 AA batteries, which is convenient, although it does add a bit of weight to your neck.  They say the battery life should be at least 120 hours, which sounds great!

It uses low entery LED bulbs, which won't burn out.

The 3 led light is decent enough light for basic knitting or crocheting, but I would go with the 6 led version if I was doing any detailed work, like lace or any other special techniques that required me to see the stitches more clearly.

The magnifier attachments are nifty on the magnifier model - they come in 2X, 4X, and 6X power levels.  They are simply plastic magnifying plates that attach to the light easily and vary in magnification depending on what you need.  Great for those of us that are needing a little help seeing smaller stitches and don't like reading glasses.  Plus, they come in nice protective pouches so they won't get scratched if sitting in your knitting or crochet bag.

I did have to fiddle with the strap and placement of the light on my chest to get it to angle correctly.  I tend to knit with my arms up a bit, not actually in my lap (like the knitter in their photo here), so the light could only angle up enough if I made the strap quite short.  This would not be an issue if you were working at a table or really did knit or crochet lower on your lap.  It's farily adjustable, so it should work for most people with some fiddling.

So, this light is a great idea!  A nice thing to have in your knitting or crochet bag if you do often knit or crochet in the dark and don't wish to turn on the lamp (and disturb a sleeping DH, for example).

It's not perfect, but I don't like the reading lights that my DH has used for my nightime knitting either.  The one he wears on his ear like a bluetooth runs out of batteries (special, harder to get and pricier types) too fast and everytime he looks up at me or turns his head my way, I get blinded by the beam.  His other reading lights are not hands-free for knitting or crochet since they must all clip to the book cover.  So, this Beam N Read is the best option I've seen.

Beam N Reads retail for around $13 to $25 and are sold by the company at http://www.readinglight.com.

** Want your own Beam N Read for your night-time knitting or crocheting habit!? **
I'm giving away the 6 led version.  All you night knitters and crocheters, please leave a comment on this blog post to enter this giveaway!  Please leave your comment by March 21st, 9pm PST.  One lucky random commenter will be chosen.  One comment per person, please.

DO YOU HAVE A PRODUCT FOR SWEATERBABE TO REVIEW?  If you do, please email me at: reviews@sweaterbabe.com.  Read the submission details.

*** March 25th Winner Chosen! ***

Congrats to Bonnie, who left her comment on March 9, 2010 and was randomly chosen from the 124 comment entries!

Bonnie has won the 6 LED Beam 'N Read Light. 

Preview of 2 Upcoming Cardigan Patterns + a Giveaway!

Here are the latest projects I've just finished knitting and am trying to write up as fast as I can!

First, is a ruffled-edge top-down cardigan that my little girl inspired (and requested!). She fell in love with the buttery color, so I committed to making her a new cardigan with all the girly elements she loves.

The design is top-down, so you will be able to adjust for what you need in terms of sleeve and body length.

The ruffled edges are done in a moss stitch, as are the button bands and little collar. Pockets are knit in and the fronts are adorned with big lace hearts! I'll try to release this pattern in February or March with a full range of toddler to teenager sizes.

And below is a vest pattern that will also be a cardigan pattern! It's a new, improved version of the super popular #38 Fabulous Lace Inset Cardigan. This time, it will have a full size range, a slightly longer length, lace panels that mirror each other and a sleeveless vest version!

BOTH of these patterns are now availalble in the Knitting Pattern Shop!

*** Enter to WIN copies of these 2 pattern!! *** Just comment on this blog post by 9pm PST, February 26th. ONE comment per person, PLEASE! At the end of this month, I will randomly choose 3 winners to receive a copy of BOTH of these patterns as PDFs (the winners will receive this pattern the day I release them in the Shop). Good luck to all!

** February 27th update **
Commenting on this giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to all who entered!  Winners to be chosen this week.

** March 18 update **

And the randomly selected winners of these patterns are. . . (sorry for the delay!):
Roz
Faye M
and Jenness Weldon!  Congrats!

I've emailed a copy of these 2 patterns to each of you.  Please let me know if you didn't receive them.  Thanks to all for entering!  These patterns are BOTH available now at: http://www.SweaterBabe.com/knittingpatterns.htm.  Happy knitting!

Yarn and Pattern Giveaway!

Here's a new giveaway!  This great quick pattern is the #95 Falling Leaves Pull-Through Scarf.  It's knit using just one skein of Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn.

Talk about instant gratification!

The falling leaves lace pattern is simple to knit with gorgeous results. Tapered ends mirror the shape of the leaves and give this scarf great interest.

A pull-through design gracefully secures this scarf around the neck without a lot of bulk. This is the perfect accent scarf that will carry you through many, many seasons and looks.

I'm giving away the yarn + pattern for this project to 3 lucky winners.

To enter this contest, just post a comment on this post by 9 pm PST, January 28, 2010.   One comment per person, please.

3 lucky winners will be chosen at random from all the commenters to receive one skein of Lamb's Pride Bulky (in one of the 2 shades of green shown in the photo) and a copy of this pattern.

Good luck to all!  

*** January 28, 2010 Update ***
Thanks to all who entered!  Entries for this giveaway are now closed.  Winners to be announced next week!

*** January 31, 2010 Winner Annoucement! ***
CONGRATS to the following commenters who were chosen randomly as the 3 winners!
Bergen, Theresa Pearson, and analisa!  I've emailed you to request your mailing addresses.  Enjoy the Yarn and Pattern!

*** February 25, 2010 Update ***
One of our licky winners already finished the scarf!  Here is what she had to say:
"I was so thrilled to win the scarf pattern/yarn giveaway last month.  I received it on Friday and knitted the whole thing while we watched the Superbowl on Sunday.  It was a well-written, enjoyable pattern to work up and I just wanted to thank you again!"

-- Theresa P. from Westwood, CA

Enter to win a SweaterBabe.com Tote!

This month, I'm giving away a SweaterBabe.com tote bag!

It's perfect for your knitting or crochet projects OR as a reuseable shopping bag!

The tote is 100% cotton canvas and has plenty of room to carry all your knitting and crochet essentials or a big project on the go.

It has a bottom gusset and extra long handles for easy carrying. Made of 10 oz. heavyweight natural canvas fabric, 22" reinforced self-fabric handles, machine washable.

Measures 15" x 18" x 6".
 
So, how can you get one?

Just comment on this blog and tell us "What is on your knitting or crochet wish list?" by December 23rd, 9pm PST.  A random drawing will take place right after that to choose the winner.  One entry per person, please.

Good luck to all!

** December 29th Winner Announcement **
And the winner of this lovely tote bag is. . . Linda Pierce!  Congrats, Linda!  You will now have a nice roomy bag for your projects or groceries!

Skeini-T Product Review and Giveaway!

A few months ago, I reviewed a great product called a Yarn Owl from DianaCouture.etsy.com. Well, she also sent me her unique Skeini-T's.

She designed them to do what the Yarn Owls basically do (keep your yarn tangle-free and allow you to knit on the go), but in a simpler, light-weight jersey construction. Here is my review of these unique items!

The Skeini-T's are like socks that fit snugly around your yarn skeins. They have openings in the top and bottom to allow the center-pull strand to come through. There is a fabric loop that snaps easily around your wrist, your knitting bag or purse strap, or your belt loop.

As you can see, I tested out a Skeini-T as I was knitting a version of my new pattern, #101 Quick Shawl-Collared Shrug, for my daughter. The skein of Lamb's Pride Worsted fit securely in the Skeini-T and I could very easily walk around the house and knit!

These Skeini-T's are nicely made, using a T-shirt like material that makes them very light-weight.  Because they are just jersey material, they will easily roll up to fit in your knitting bag.  The construction is very simple and effective.  I'm a big fan of light weight notions given how much other cr*p I often carry around!  Plus, they can be machine washed.

What is really special about them is the cute designs created by Diana.  The knitting mannequin one you see in the photo above is my favorite of the ones she sent me.  These nice, modern graphics make the otherwise plain-looking Skeini-T's look like cool accessories.

It is a very cute gift item that makes my knitting just a bit more fun and easy, especially if I knit while out and about.  I can totally see myself using it while waiting in line at the post office (rather than throwing my yarn willy nilly into my purse, as I do now!)

And how does it compare to the Yarn Owls I reviewed before?  These are easier to carry since they have no stiff construction.  And they are half the price of the skein size Yarn Owl.

Both are great for keeping your skeins tangle-free. Both are great for knitting-on-the-go when you use the straps on your wrist or bag.

The Yarn Owls double as project holders since they snap closed at the top and have no bottom opening.

Both are great additions to any knitting bag!

What do you think?  Have you tried them before??

** Comment on this post and enter to win a Skeini-T!! **
One randomly chosen commenter will win the "Yarn Head" design Skeini-T (shown in the center).  Just comment on this blog post by 9pm PST November 29th. 

AND the winner of the "Yarn Head" Skeini-T is . . . Bobbie Lynn!  Congrats!!