It's time for a Knit-along, aka KAL! My recent pattern release, the #306 Amethyst Shawl (which includes both the shawl and scarf versions), is a great pattern for those who love lace!

Let's knit it together - creating, laughing, and learning from each other along the way! 

I'm going to try something a little different with this KAL! The KAL will be run on this Ravelry thread. AND in addition, you can opt in to participate in 2 Zoom sessions (for a small additional fee of only $10)!

Here are the details:

1. Purchase the pattern pdf at my SweaterBabe.com store or from my Ravelry pattern store. This pattern is ideal for intermediate knitters that have some lace experience.
2. Join the KAL thread on Ravelry. You can choose to knit the shawl (the lilac sample shown here) or the scarf (the deep red version shown below) version. Participation in the KAL is free - just purchase the pattern and find  yarn. If you'd like to use a yarn similar to the samples, here are some mohair/silk yarn options* (please note their yardages vary!): Rowan Kid Silk Haze, Debbie Bliss Angel, Lana Grossa Silkhair, Ella Rae Silky Kid, Rico Essentials Super Kid Mohair Loves Silk. If you are newer to lace, then you are more than welcome to use a non-mohair/silk yarn (the mohair can be a little challenging)! I started this pattern with a merino wool (Pembroke Worsted) and it looks fabulous (see photo at the bottom of this post)! I'm waiting for my yarn shipment to finish is! Yarns similar to the Pembroke Worsted**: Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Merino, Malabrio Rios, Berroco Ultra Alpaca (a longtime fave yarn of mine!), Sugar Bush Yarns Bold, Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine
3. If you wish to participate in the Zoom sessions for the KAL, please purchase the "Amethyst Shawl/Scarf KAL Zoom Sessions" with this buy now button:

The Zoom sessions will be:

Zoom #1 WEDNESDAY, July 22nd, 3-4 pm PST: It's cast on time! Let's all cast on together and get our scarf or shawl going! I'll share tips for casting on with the mohair silk blend yarns vs. a more traditional wool option, reading charts, working lace, keeping track of your rows, and more (as time allows)!

Zoom #2 WEDNESDAY, August 5th, 3-4 pm PST: Progress report! We'll see how everyone is doing. I'll share tips on fixing minor mistakes, safely ripping out rows, changing balls of yarn, and more!

I've tried to set a Zoom schedule that can accommodate different time zones. 

Purchase the Zoom Sessions here**! Just $10 for TWO 1-hour sessions with me and your fellow Knit-along friends! Please purchase Zoom Sessions by July 21st, so I can be sure to include you when I send out the Zoom links: 

Hope you can join in! This is my first time trying this sort of KAL, so let's give it a go! 

Oh! And I will have some prizes for those that finish the KAL by September 9. Three randomly chosen winners (from those that have "finished" Ravelry project pages linked to the pattern by September 9th) will each receive $30 store credit towards any SweaterBabe.com patterns. The $30 will be redeemable on SweaterBabe.com or can be used on Ravelry with patterns gifted up to the $30. Winners will be chosen on September 10th and announced on the KAL thread, this blog post, and through my email newsletters.

***~***~*** WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!  September 10 ***~***~***

And the 3 randomly chosen winners from all eligible entries on Ravelry are … unionmaidknits, staverm, and seaprotein!

Congrats to you all and thanks to everyone for participating in this KAL!!

Winners, I have pm'd you for details on claiming your prize ;-)

* Please note that the links to yarns that are provided above are affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you choose to make a purchase after clicking through.

** Zoom tickets are for one participant and are not transferable. No shows cannot be refunded. If for any reason I need to cancel the Zoom Sessions, I will issue a full refund.

As Summer becomes Fall, I'm always reluctant to relegate my pretty summer outfits to the back of the closet. That's why I love a great shrug or lacy cardigan. It gives me just a little more time to wear my pretty summer tops, maxis, and sundresses.

Shown above [Left to right, top to bottom]:

1) #213 Kimono Cropped Cardi. Knits up quickly in a chunky cotton yarn. On Ravelry.

2) #214 Shawl-Collared Shrugette (just released!). One ball only (for 2 smaller sizes) in a seamless, flattering knit! On Ravelry.

3) #212 Azure Thing Cardigan. Gorgeous all-over lace is a beautiful accent to your summer dresses. On Ravelry.

4) Back view of the #214 Shawl-Collared Shrugette.

MORE Cardigan Knitting Patterns

MORE Shrug and Poncho Knitting Patterns

Here's what I've been knitting lately . . . look for these to be published in the coming months!

Hillside Blooms is knit up in a stunningly beautiful hand-dyed yarn. The perfect balance of lace and texture, along with gentle curving lines, really brings this design together. Stay tuned for this shawlette knitting pattern (which I LOVE to wear as a scarf)! (NOW Available - the #210 Hillside Blooms Shawlette)

the image above.

the above image.

A bold heart is the centerpiece of this quick knit! A departure from my usual designs, but this one was so fun and quick (took me just over an hour to knit one hat!) AND I learned a fabulous technique for working Intarsia in the round that was so easy! PLUS, I made this matched set (one for DH) with just 1 skein of each color. Woohoo! [NOTE - This pattern has been released: #209 Big-Hearted Hat]

the hat image above.

There are some lace patterns that practically beg to be worked up in a delicate mohair silk. This was definitely one of them. The result is a very feminine, flowy scarf that is super budget-friendly and a great travel project! I'm almost finished knitting this one-ball scarf and will begin writing it up very soon! (NOW available - the #211 Chalice One-Ball Scarf)

the above scarf.

*** AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS ***

ENTER TO WIN a copy of your TWO choices (of the above) as soon as they get released!

HOW TO ENTER:

1) PIN any or all of the above images (or any knitting pattern from my SweaterBabe.com site or my from my patterns on Ravelry) to one of your Pinterest Boards. The words "SweaterBabe Knitting Pattern" must be in your Pin description. THEN, enter the Pin's url here as a comment (example: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/181129216239054823/).

2) If you are not on Pinterest, post a comment here telling us which knitting pattern you'd love to get your hands (and needles) on! 

All entries must be before 9pm PST, March 31st, 2015.

Then, I'll randomly choose 3 winners from all entries. Each winner can choose TWO of the above patterns to win.

Winners will be announced here on this blog post AND in my knitting email newsletter.

Additionally, I will email winners directly, so please be SURE to include your correct email on the comment posting form. 

To be sure you don't miss my winner announcement, please sign up for my knitting email newsletter here. 

Winners will be emailed or gifted the TWO pdf patterns they choose (from above) as soon as the pattern is released. If they wish to substitute a different individual pattern from my collection, that is ok too.

*** Announcing the Winners! ***

Congrats to . . . Suzi Smith (commented on 3/7/15), Ife Davis (who pinned and commented on 3/12/15), and Cathy Plittman (who pinned and commented on 3/4/15).

You've each won your choice of 2 individual SweaterBabe.com patterns. Choose from these previewed here or from my whole collection. Winners have been emailed.

Elegant lace, mixed textures, eye-catching silhouettes, & then some! Here are THREE upcoming patterns for you to preview and then ENTER to win a copy!

Here's a sneak peek at two upcoming patterns that are just off my needles. Guess I was in a beige/camel color mood!

Up first is my new love. It's a cocoon-style cardigan featuring a gorgeous open lace panel in the back. Ribbed dolman sleeves provide a tailored contrast. Then, a striking banana leaf panel is featured in both the shaped shawl collar and optional sleeve cuffs.

This is a special, elegant piece that is wonderful to knit and very striking to wear.

Fave/Queue this project on Ravelry or  .

Coming soon!

Below, is a little cardigan with a pretty diamond lace pattern stitch. The wide back panel is then divided in half as front panels. A slimming fit allows this to work beautifully with summer dresses and tops, or at work, under a suit jacket.

Plus, it's a seamless, top-down design, so the sleeve length is easily asjusted.  

Fave/Queue this project on Ravelry or .   The #175 Diamonds and Lace Top-Down Cardigan is available NOW!

And lastly, is a new blanket design with lovely texture! [NOW Available for Purchase]

This pattern includes 4 sizes, from the Baby Blanket size (shown here) to a Throw size.

What's special about this blanket is the cool combination of Cables and Lace. This stitch pattern is a unique combination of cabling that makes it look like the cables are floating and traveling on top of the lace panels. I call it the #189 Travelling Cables Blanket.

This knitting pattern is NOW available and is a great project for texture-lovers, like me!
Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry or .

(Don't wish to wait? This is an April pattern download for members of the SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club. Details on joining the $7.99/month club are here.)

AND THE GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

I'll choose 5 winners to win a copy of one of these patterns (their choice of which pattern).

TO ENTER:

1) Make any pattern purchase from SweaterBabe.com from now until 4/30/14, 9pm PST. Each purchase counts, so multiple orders are welcome. Sorry, but free pattern downloads do not count as an entry.

2) Post a comment on this blog post telling us which pattern you would chose and why and Pin one of the patterns above (use any of the PinIt buttons). Comments and pins must be entered by 9pm PST, 4/30/14. One comment per person please. 

Shortly after 4/30/14 I will contact the 5 randomly chosen winners and ask you to chose which pdf pattern you'd like for your win!

*** May 8, 2013 Winner Announcement! ***

The winners are:
Tammy Blondon, who commented here on 4/15/14.
Becky, who commented here on 4/5/14.
Susan B., who made a pattern purchase on 4/19/14.
Carla R., who made a pattern purchase on 4/5/14.
Susan S., who made a purchase on 4/11/14.

Congrats! You've all been emailed and can let me know which of these 3 patterns you choose to be your prize.

The #189 Travelling Cables Blanket pattern is available now.

The #175 Diamonds and Lace Top-Down Cardigan (just released!).

The #191 Tabitha Cardigan will be available late May or early June.

*** Feb. 20, 2014 update *** This pattern is now available! http://www.sweaterbabe.com/182-noe-valley-sweater-pdf-knitting-pattern/

Fave/Queue it on Ravelry.

I'm calling this new design my Noe Valley Sweater.

I used to live in Noe Valley, a beautiful neighborhood in San Francisco that was said to be one of the sunniest of the city. While it was quite sunny at times, I would walk around the corner many mornings to grab a cup of coffee and a muffin and be met with chilly winds that certainly reminded me that I was still in San Francisco!

This sweater is exactly what I would have wanted all those San Francisco mornings.

Lots of delicious cable work to keep the knitting interesting and to add tons of textural interest to the front and back of this sweater.

The sloped shoulders and poncho shaping give it a very urban feel add to its cozy chic quality.

Its long length keeps your mid-section warm and is very flattering with your skinny jeans.

The deep cowl neck is super cozy. 

It's a piece that is very easy to throw on top of a long-sleeve tee just to keep the chill away as you walk around your favorite city.

This pattern will be coming soon. . . getting written up right now.

*** THE GIVEAWAY! ***

Want to win a copy of the Noe Valley Sweater pattern when it gets released?

I'll be giving away 3 copies.

HOW TO ENTER: You can do one or more of the following to enter.

1) Make a pattern purchase from SweaterBabe.com of any knitting pattern, crochet pattern, or eBook pattern collection from now until January 31, 2014. Every purchase counts as an entry, so feel free to make multiple purchases to be entered multiple times! NOTE: Excludes free patterns.

2) Post a comment on this blog post telling us when and where you would wear your Noe Valley Sweater. One comment per person, please. AND share this giveaway: , or share it on Facebook! Comments must be posted by 9pm PST, January 31, 2014.

Shortly after January 31, I'll randomly choose 3 entrants to each receive a PDF copy of this pattern when it gets released.

THAT'S IT!  Good luck to all!

 Fave this project on Ravelry.

*** Winners Chosen! ***

Here are two patterns just off my knitting needles and coming in November.

Having three very girly daughters who love pink means the color will rub off on me! It sure has of late.

The first example is this Striped Mohair Silk Scarf/Stole knit in an Orchid Pink/Raspberry color combination. 

The ultra-girly colors inspired me to create an ultra-feminine design.

I'm in love with this lace pattern and love it even more with color changes that bring out the pretty scalloping (is that a verb?) rows. I chose to do irregular stripes, but of course you can choose to do it differently and choose your own fave color combo.

Two-colored fringe give the ends a dramatic flourish. The sample shown is actually wide enough to double as a stole and a generous scarf. A narrower and slightly shorter scarf size (that uses only 2 balls of yarn) is included in the pattern instructions as well.

Next up is the Rose Cabled Circular Scarf.

Mixed texture cables are worked in with wide ribs to create a simple, yet sophisticated design. And of course it's worked in the round so it's seamless and a breeze to finish!

Looks great as a long circular scarf or is easily looped around the neck twice as a double cowl. The silk and alpaca blend yarn (new Magnolia yarn from Classic Elite) in a gorgeous shade of pink bordering on fuschia is a very flattering color on any woman, IMHO. 

OR, knit it in a nice blue, grey, or brown for a handsome men's scarf.

BOTH of these patterns will be released in November and are perfect for gift knitting or treat-yourself knitting!

*** PATTERN GIVEAWAY ***

To win a copy of BOTH of these PDF patterns, here's how to enter:

1) Make any pattern purchase from SweaterBabe.com now until November 15th, 2013. Each purchase counts as an entry, so feel free to enter multiple times! Shop all knitting patterns here.

2) Post a comment here telling us which one you'll knit first and why. And please pin this post . All comments must be entered by 9pm PST, November 15th, 2013.

After November 15th, I'll randomly choose THREE entries to win PDF copies of BOTH of these patterns.

Happy entering!

*** WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT *** And the winners are. . .

1) Norma Horan, who commented on this post 11/5/13;

2) Sheryl K., who purchased a pattern 11/4/13; and

3) Anne E., who purchased a pattern 11/7/13.

Congrats! You've each been emailed the 2 pdf patterns.

BOTH patterns now available:

#177 Annabelle Striped Stole/Scarf on SweaterBabe.com. (Fave/Queue on Ravelry)

Also, available as part of a 4-pattern eBook called #eB0004 The Gossamer Lace Collection.

#178 Rose Cabled Circular Scarf on SweaterBabe.com. (Fave/Queue on Ravelry)

Enjoy 15% off all orders of $8 or more!

See the coupon details below.

And don't forget to enter the Pattern Naming Contest for a chance to win 3 months of new knitting patterns!  Contest ends FRIDAY, July 26th, so get your entries in TODAY!

Here's a pattern suggestion:

#152 Violet Zig Zag Shawl PDF Knitting Pattern   Shop all Knitting Patterns Shop all Crochet Patterns SHARE THIS COUPON CODE : Copy this url:"  http://blog.sweaterbabe.com/knitting/2013/07/coupon-code-and-naming-contest.html"and click on the icons below. Then, paste the url onto your favorite social networks so you can give your friends this COUPON CODE.   Coupon code expires August 15, 2013 - so share it right away!

Oddly, I find that I am able to get more knitting done in the summer, but less writing up of the patterns on the computer?!

Just a quirk of the way I work. I'm able to slip in little chunks of time to knit, but writing up a pattern takes some focused computer sitting time - which is hard during the busy summer months (when I have my 3 kids at home and the weather outside is so nice)!

How are you finding the summer knitting?

Here are the latest items off of my knitting needles. . . light, lacy layers have been front and center in my mind, as you can tell!

Top left is the #171 Extra Spicy Mustard Cardigan. It's a short-sleeved, top-down topper that will add a lot of spice to your closet! A very pretty Vine Lace panel envelops your shoulder with a nice Garter stitch knit-in collar to provide contrasting texture. Then, the body of the cardigan is picked and knit down. Small cables are added to the fronts for a pretty detail.

But the best part might be the back, which has a panel of 4 cables running down, then twisted together to create a nipped in waist. This is a winner of a cardigan coming or going!

Next is this ultra soft, creamy coverup knit in an amazingly soft and silky yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas called Metalico! This yarn gets rave reviews for being so pet-able! Imagine knitting it up and then wearing it against your skin?!

To that end, I knit up this very sophisticated, yet incredibly easy-to-wear short-sleeved cardigan so I would wear it over my skinny-strapped tops and enjoy the softness.

It features a gorgeous curved back hem, lace panels that run vertically for a slimmer shilouette, and dolman sleeves. The open front keeps it casual, but the mulberry silk gives it a subtle sheen that will make this cardigan feel like it could you a small fortune.

And lastly is the #172 Cloudy Skies Scarf, which only uses 2 balls of mohair silk yarn. It has a lovely extended triangular shape that lends itself to being worn many different ways. 

The mohair in the yarn gives it just enough substance that it can be "sculpted" around your neck and ressemble a fluffy cloud. Knit it up in a light sky blue, or choose from the many other lovely colors of mohair silk available online or in your stash!

I hope to finish these all soon and release them in the next couple of months as fast as I can!

Meanwhile, how about a contest?? I'm having a hard time naming the Creamy-Colored Dolman Sleeved, Curved Hem one! Help!!

So, to enter this contest, please do one or BOTH of the following by 9pm PST, July 26th, 2013:

1) Use this Pinterest button to pin this blog post and in the "describe this pin" area, enter #SweaterBabe.com (required, or I won't be able to find your entry!) AND your proposed name.  * PLEASE be sure you are on my email list, so that when I announce the winners, you can claim your prize if you entered through Pinterest (as I can't contact you directly).

(If you don't know what Pinterest is, then skip to 2!)

2) Enter a suggested name as a comment on this blog post.

Short names, long names are all good!

After July 26th, the person with the winning name will win a copy of this PDF pattern (as soon as it's released) + 3 months of free membership in the SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club!

I'll also pick 3 random entries to win a free PDF copy of the pattern (as soon as it's released).

 Good luck to all and can't wait to hear your name suggestions. . .

*** WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT 8/9/13 ***

Thank you for all of your creative, interesting, whimsical, and cool name suggestions for this pattern!

It was definitely a challenge to pick the winning name, but here it is: THE WINNING NAME IS. . . Tumbling Leaves, submitted by Florence Solowianiuk through Pinterest.

Congrats, Florence! You win this PDF pattern (when it gets released) + 3 free months of membership in the SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club. [FLORENCE, please email me at info @ sweaterbabe dot com to claim your prize!]

And the 3 randomly chosen winners who will also receive a PDF copy of this pattern are:
- Cheryl Witte (who entered through Pinterest)
- Amanda Mier (who posted on 7/23/13)
- Giselle Dosen (who posted on 7/9/13)
CONGRATS TO ALL!

Introducing the latest addition to our featured local yarn shops:
The Yarn Sellar, located in this beautiful building in York, Maine. 

Here is a description of the The Yarn Sellar from Carrie, the owner:

"We are a local yarn shop located on the beautiful coast of Maine filled with everything for the hand knitter and crocheter, spinner and needle felter.

Our inventory includes fabulous fibers, patterns, needles, hooks, spinning wheels books and notions.

Follow us on Facebook, Ravelry and Twitter."

Thanks, Carrie! The photos you sent us and those on your website (at yarnsellar.com) sure do convey what a lovely shop you have - very inviting with lots of gorgous yarns and a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere!

Be sure to visit www.yarnsellar.com to see what yarns they carry, what classes they are offering, and more! And let us know if you get a chance to visit this lovely shop in person!

You can find The Yarn Sellar at:
264 Route 1
York, ME 03909
(207) 351-1987
WWW.YarnSellar.com

Carrie, was kind enough to sponsor my newest pattern, the #162 Sweet Hooded Vest. She sent me the Berocco Ultra Alpaca (a yarn I've never had the chance to try!) in the Periwinkle Mix.

The beautiful heathery color and soft hand of this yarn inpsired me to create a long lace vest with lots of feminine touches. Amazing stitch definition really helps the two lace stitch patterns stand out! Pockets and a hood keep it casual and easy-to-wear.

See this pattern at SweaterBabe.com.

See this pattern at Ravelry (you can Fave or Queue it!).

Thanks, Carrie, for sponsoring this new pattern, introducing me and my audience to your pretty shop, and letting me experience this great yarn!

The Yarn Sellar is also sponsoring a fabulous giveaway!! They generously donated more Berroco Ultra Alpaca so that one of you can make this vest!

Here's how to enter the giveaway for a #162 Sweet Hooded Lace Vest Kit ($70 retail value! Includes the pdf pattern + 6 hanks of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in Irwin Green Mix #6273, which is enough to make the XS - 1X sizes):

HOW TO ENTER:
1) Enter a comment here about The Yarn Sellar, Berroco Ultra Alpaca, or the new pattern by 9pm PST, May 8, 2013. One comment per person only, please.

2) Pin this giveaway (using the Pin It button here: ) and follow SweaterBabe on Pinterest by clicking this button: . One pin per person, please. Pin by May 8, 9pm PST.

*** WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT 5/15/13 ***

Thanks for all the great entries here on the blog and through Pinterest!

The randomly chosen winner is. . .  Jan K., who commented here on 4/18/13.

Congrats! I'll email you.

See the #162 Sweet Hooded Vest knitting pattern here.