The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 86 : Finding Athena

Episode 86

Enter to win one of these beautiful Raw Palette color collections of dk weight YOTH Yarn provided by Veronika Jobe by leaving a comment with your contact information under this post by January 15th. Only one comment per person please! Three winners will be announced in Episode 87.

Thank you for listening! 

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Yoked

I recently knit up this sweet tiny little cardigan as a baby gift.
It took only a few hours to make. It was soooo quick and easy!
Granted.. this is the smallest size. It looks like it would fit maybe a 3 month old.



I used a stashed skein of Becoming Art worsted weight yarn. I lost the label.. so that is unfortunately all I know... but you cannot go wrong with Becoming Art. Everything Lisa dyes up is just beautiful. The pattern is called Yoked Cardigan by Hannah Fettig. I did make one tiny modification. I added some decreases to the sleeves to bring them in a bit. I prefer that to the flared sleeve look.



I think this might be my new go-to baby gift pattern. It is so very sweet. If you are looking for a last minute baby gift, this is the cardigan for you! 

Pattern available HERE.


Alana Comments
Foxy

I just happened to finish knitting the most adorable hat pattern I have ever seen.
I did not make this for any special reason, nor was I planning on knitting it. It was simply a case of seeing this design and having to have it... right now.

I am so enjoying the current popularity of woodland animal patterns, and this one is no exception.

Meet Foxy!


This unbelievably cute hat was knit from the Foxy & Wolfie pattern designed by Ekaterina Blanchard and I used two very beautiful yarns from my out of control massive yarn collection. 

The orange skein is the beautiful Snow Capped Yarns Olde Salt Collection in the Rusty Anchor colorway from Cordova, Alaska. The Cream color yarn is Big Bad Wools Weepaca in Raw White. Both yarns were wonderful to work with and I am happy to have found these perfect colorways in my stash for this hat!

I made the toddler size and it somehow fits both of my kids. I think my 3 year old son has a giant head and my almost 9 year old daughter has a tiny head. Works out perfectly.

In other news.. both of my children love this hat. My knitwear-hating son actually asked to put it on.
Wow.



This little hat makes me so happy.

Pattern is available HERE.


Alana Comments
Black Friday Sale!


It is time to stock up on your favorite patterns!
Receive 50% off of all Never Not Knitting individual digital pdf patterns 
now through midnight PST on Sunday, November 30.
No coupon code required!

Stay tuned for another special sale promotion on Cyber Monday!

Happy shopping and knitting! 
Leave a comment to tell me which patterns you chose 
and what you plan on knitting first! :)
Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 85 : Books, Yarn and Something Beautiful

Episode 85

Enter to win this beautiful bundle of Skeins in the Stacks yarn along with the current copy of Jane Austen Knits by leaving a comment with your contact information under this post by December 15th. Only one comment per person please! The winner will be announced in Episode 86.

Thank you for listening! 

RETREAT INFORMATION

The Lantern Moon 2015 Retreat will take place at the lovely Five Pine Lodge in central Oregon, where you'll stay in your own spacious private cabin, and have an opportunity to experience the fabulous Shibui Spa!  Teachers will include Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting, Jean Wells of the Stitchin Post, and Jean's daughter Valori Wells of Valori Wells Designs!  

Full details on classes and schedule will be available in early December.

Pre-register Today! Call Cathy at 800-530-4170 to reserve your spot!

SKEINS IN THE STACKS PROMOTION

Listeners of the Never Not Knitting podcast can receive free shipping on Skeins in the Stacks orders of 2 items or more. Enter code "NNKPODCAST" in the checkout process HERE.

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
A Knitted... um... Goat

Now I enjoy knitting a sophisticated sweater or an intricate lace shawl just like anyone else... but sometimes you just need to go for a project that is entirely abstract. 

Knitted goat anyone?


I knit this little guy for my cousin's baby boy who is 2 years old and finds goats absolutely fascinating. They are his current favorite animal. 

This little boy was also the recipient of this cabled sweater from a few years back and his parents were thrilled. I love giving knitted gifts to worthy and grateful recipients. :) 

I am sending this little knitted goat off in the mail as a surprise.


It's not the real thing.. but hopefully he'll love it anyway.


Pattern found HERE for those of you who need a break from the traditional.



Alana Comments
Clara


Occasionally I find and knit up a pattern that truly satisfies me as a knitter. 
Everything about it is enjoyable and comes together in a beautiful way.
This is exactly how I feel about my most recent knit. The Clara pattern.




Not only was this pattern fun and interesting to knit, but the dress is too adorable for words. It's what I would call.. painfully adorable. The details kill me. I just love it so much.

ALSO... I was able to knit this entire dress with one skein of Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light that was languishing in my yarn stash. It is not often that you can knit an entire garment from only one skein!




I knit this little dress as a present to take to a baby shower this coming weekend for my friend (and Botanical Knits model) Courtney who is expecting her first baby this January.


I hope she loves this sweet little dress as much as I do! :)




Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 84 : Stories In Stitches

Episode 84

Enter to win a copy of Stories In Stitches Volumes 1, 2 and 3 by leaving a comment with your contact information under this post by November 15th. Only one comment per person please! 

The winner will be announced in Episode 85.

Thank you for listening!

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
6 Days Of Fall Pattern Sales!

Autumn is officially here and I am SO excited.
I love the cooler weather... evenings spent inside... and of course the coziness of fall knitting.

To celebrate I am hosting a new fall sale starting today! 

For the next 6 days I will be releasing a new coupon code for you to receive 50% off on one of my fall designs.

Here is the catch. I will be releasing a new code in a different place each day!
Maybe facebook? Maybe twitter? Maybe through my mailing list? 

This will be like a coupon code treasure hunt! 
So be sure to follow Never Not Knitting on all social media sites so you can collect all 
6 coupon codes!

The sale will run through midnight PST on October 12th. 
Once a code is released, it will not expire until this time.

Today's coupon code will be for my Rustling Leaves Beret pattern from Coastal Knits.
This seems to be a popular pattern choice because over 1000 knitters have posted their Rustling Leaves projects on Ravelry!  It is so fun to look through the pictures and see this design knit up in different colors and textures.


Enter code fallleavesrustling in the checkout process to receive 50% off of this pattern through October 12th.

Click HERE to purchase the pattern.

Where will the next code be released tomorrow?????? :)



Alana Comments
Wee Wildflower In White


I just finished knitting a new Wee Wildflower Cardigan for my almost 9 year old.
The size 6 hangs loosely on her tiny frame leaving her a few years of growing room.
She's such a petite little thing.



This sweater is for our upcoming trip to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck next month! We are so excited to attend and my daughter and I will wear our matching Wildflower Cardigans. :)



I knit up her little sweater in a gorgeous Patagonian wool that I received from The Nature Conservancy a few months back. As far as I know, this yarn is not yet on the market, although I wish it was because I want to buy all of it.. It is sooo wonderful. I am honored by the privilege of getting to knit with it. I spoke all about this yarn HERE.





                  The sweet feminine details are what makes this cardigan special.
I love the heirloom look of it with its sweet picot edging and wildflower pockets.

 I am pleased that my daughter has another of these cardigans to wear this fall.. winter and.... upcoming Spring! I know she will get so much use out of it.



The Wee Wildflower Cardigan pattern is available HERE.
The Adult Wildflower Cardigan pattern is available HERE.




Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 83 : The Knitted Leggings

Episode 83

Enter to win a printed copy of both the Adult and Children'sPlayful Stripes Cardigan patterns by leaving a comment with your contact information under this post by October 15th. Only one comment per person please!

3 winners will be announced on Episode 84.

Thank you for listening!

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Playful Stripes In Adult Sizes- Now Available!


The Playful Stripes Cardigan for women is now available for purchase!



This pattern has been years in the making and I am happy to have it finally all complete, 
Plus... I am all about matching. :)

This is an adult version of my original Playful Stripes Cardigan for little ones. (My very first sweater design from long ago!) Both the adult and child size version are knit from the bottom up in one piece with minimal seaming. I used the lovely Quince and Co. Owl yarn for my version, but the fun stripy yoke is the perfect opportunity to use up little scraps of colorful yarn you might have lying around.

If you have knit the child's version in the past.. you will know how addicting the striped portion is to knit up!



Here is the pattern information for those of you interested in knitting up a Playful Stripes Cardigan of your very own.


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 
Chest: 34.75 (38.75, 42.75, 46.75, 50.75, 54.75, 58.75, 62.75)" / 88.5 (98.5, 108.5, 119, 129, 139, 149.5, 159.5) cm
Length: 21 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)" / 53.5 (56, 58.5, 61, 63.5, 66, 68.5, 71) cm
Shown in size 34.75” / 88.5 cm; To be worn with 0-2” of positive ease 

MATERIALS 
[MC] Quince and Co. Owl [50% American Wool, 50% American Alpaca; 120 yd / 110 m per 50g skein]; color Snowy #300; 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15) skeins or 775 (925, 1050, 1200, 1325, 1450, 1600, 1750) yards / 700 (850, 975, 1100, 1200, 1325, 1475, 1600) m worsted weight yarn 

Alternate Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers

[CC1] color: Yucca #317; 1 skein
[CC2] color: Cinnamon #313; 1 skein
[CC3] color: Cielo #318; 1 skein
[CC4] color: Papuan #305; 1 skein

2 32” / cm US6 / 4 mm circular needles
1 24” / cm US5 / 3.75 mm circular needle

4 pieces of scrap yarn to hold underarm stitches
2 stitch holders
Stitch markers
8 (8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 11) 1” / 2.5 cm buttons
Tapestry needle 
Sewing needle and matching thread

GAUGE 
20 sts / 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch on US6 / 4 mm needles or size needed for accurate gauge.



Playful Stripes in adult and children's sizes is available to purchase in a digital pdf format below or
in print at your local yarn shop!

Purchase the adult version pattern pdf by September 15th, 2014 and receive the
child's version pattern pdf at a 50% discount.

Simply add both patterns to your "cart" and use the coupon code "playfulfamily" in the checkout process.

I hope that you enjoy knitting up these fun, stripy sweaters for Fall!

Children's VersionAdult Version




Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 82 : Knitting Medicine

Episode 82

Enter to win these two beautiful skeins of Indochine yarn provided by Lantern Moon by leaving a comment with your contact information under this post by September 15th. Only one comment per person please!

The winner will be announced on Episode 83.

Thank you for listening!

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Plum Tree Slouch


Introducing a new hat pattern for Fall! The Plum Tree Slouch!




This is a cozy, slouchy rolled brim hat that is so quick and easy to knit up. If you have never worked a lace pattern before, this would be a great first lace project! I have provided both charted and written instructions in the pattern to make it even easier to follow for beginners.
Also, this hat only took only one skein of worsted weight yarn. I used Imperials Yarns Erin in the Quail colorway for the sample, but any other worsted weight skein with 160 yards or more will work great too! All of us have that one stray skein in our stash that we have no idea what to do with, or the beautiful single skein at our local yarn shop that we need an excuse to buy, right? This is the perfect pattern for just this scenario. 
I think this hat would look stunning in Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage myself...hmmm.



Here is the pattern information for those of you interested in knitting up a Plum Tree Slouch of your very own:
SIZE 
Stretches to fit a 20-22”/ 51-56 cm head circumference

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 
Brim Circumference: approx 19”/ 46 cm unstretched
MATERIALS 
Imperial Yarn Erin 100% Wool; 225 yd / 224 m per 4 oz / 113 g skein; color Quail; 1 skein or approx 160 yd / 145 m of a worsted weight wool or wool blend.
Alternate Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220, Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage
1 US7 / mm 16” / 40 cm circular needle 
1 US8 / mm 16” / 40 cm circular needle 
1 set of US8 / mm double pointed needles 
Stitch marker 
Tapestry needle



Modeling and photography provided by Julie Crawford (knittedbliss.com)

I originally designed this pattern to be part of the Craftsy July Mystery Knit-a-long worshop where I provided step by step photos and instructions of all of the steps. If this workshop interests you, you can purchase the kit HERE through Craftsy.com.

Otherwise, the pattern is available to purchase individually as a pdf download below or in 
print at your local yarn store.

I hope that you enjoy knitting up this quick slouchy hat!







Alana Comments
Sleepy Fox


As soon as I ran across the Knit Sleepy Fox Amigurumi pattern, I immediately fell in love and cast on.
I have been recently obsessed with woodland animals and could not resist this tiny baby sleeping fox. 
He is SO cute!



I knit this little fox out of scraps of Rowan Felted Tweed DK on a size 3 needle. I love the effect of the tweedy texture and slight halo in the knitted fabric. 


I am excited to report that my son loves him too and has been playing with him during the day.
It is always so nice to see knitted toys being loved and used!



But when he is not being held, this little sleepy fox has a nice snuggly place to rest on my son's pillow. 


Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 81 : Two Little Babies
AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Sweet 'n Sour Apple Hat

I have a two-year-old boy at home who unfortunately seems to have a problem with handknits.

I recently completed the adorable aviator style Sweet 'n Sour Apple hat by 
Kate Oates of Tot Toppers and his reaction to it was less than ideal. :( 
I should have learned my lesson from the Gramps sweater, right?

Below you will notice the progression of photos as I bribed my son into his new hat with chocolate chips.



Chocolate really does make everything better, doesn't it?


This hat was a fun little knit out of only one skein of Malabrigo Merino Worsted that I found in my stash. 
I think that the finished hat is sooo adorable and cozy!


I think my son will appreciate this snuggly warm hat this winter. 
But I will be sure to bring chocolate chips along just in case. :)



Alana Comments
Remembering Cordova

Last week I returned home from the Fiber and Friends knitting retreat in Cordova, Alaska where I was invited to work as an instructor.


To be completely honest, it was probably the most amazing place I have ever been and it was one of the most fun weeks I have ever had. I feel so very privileged to have been invited to be a part of this amazing event.

I wanted to share a few pictures of my time in Cordova but these unfortunately were taken on my cell phone and do not capture the beauty like my Cannon camera would have. I was so worried about traveling with my expensive camera that I did not bring it. Am I kicking myself now? You bet.


Cordova is small and remote with no roads connecting it to any other place. It is considered a rain forest with an expected rain fall of approx 120-180 inches per year. Everywhere you look it is lush and green, with clear calm ocean and snow capped mountains in the background. The ground is littered with wildflowers, berry bushes and moss. It felt so clean and peaceful there.




The turquoise waters are a result of glacier run off.

Although Cordova is a remote fishing village in Alaska, it has a thriving knitting community. Dotty, the owner of The Net Loft, was the organizer of this wonderful knitting retreat and just celebrated her store's 30th anniversary! Never could I have imagined that there would be a yarn store in such a tiny town, never mind the fact that it has been there for 30 years! Not to mention.. this was literally the nicest, most well stocked yarn and craft store I have. ever. seen. 
Ever. 

I could have spent the entire week in that store.
Good thing they offer mail order!


This is just one tiny corner of a two-story shop!

Everyone I met in Cordova was so very hospitable and welcoming. Everywhere we looked there was a display of Cordova wildflowers, homemade baked goods and a pot of tea. 
They really made everyone feel right at home.


The classes themselves went great! I taught 6 classes while I was there. The knitters who attended were wonderful. It was really exciting to meet so many knitters from so many places and who traveled from all different parts of the world to be in Cordova for this event. 

Despite this, I have to say that the highlight of my teaching had to be the kid's "learn to knit" class! 
It is always so fun to help create new knitters!


Look at all of those kids! Thank goodness I had quite a few adult helpers!

My time in Cordova is an experience that I will always remember. I hope to someday bring my family there and share this amazing place with them as well. I highly suggest that everyone try to visit Cordova if they can. It was such a unique and beautiful town.

In an effort to bring home a piece of Cordova, I brought back 2 special skeins that were promptly knit up into two small hats for my daughter.

The first skein is this amazing tonal color from the company Skeins in the Stacks. It is actually hand-dyed with wild berries from Cordova! 

The rose was created the last night we were there at the Net Loft. Dotty showed all of us how to create these pretty roses with ribbon from her shop.






 The next was a gorgeous skein of Snow Capped yarn which was kindly provided to all of the attendees. Snow Capped is also hand-dyed in Cordova. This particular colorway is special because it was inspired by a painting of Cordova wildflowers.



I know that when I see these special knitted hats, I will remember the beauty of Cordova and the time I spent there.

Thank you to Dotty and everyone at The Net Loft for organizing such a wonderful week and for sharing your beautiful town with us all.

I can't wait to go back!




Alana Comments
Sprig Cloche Now Available To Purchase


My new cloche design inspired by the Sprig pullover from Botanical Knits 2 is now available for purchase!



The Sprig Cloche is a face-framing hat design with a sprig of foliage gracefully wrapping around the asymmetrical brim. The brim is first knit flat, then stitched together at the ends. Stitches are picked up along one side and knit up in the round to create the body of the hat. It is a fun pattern with interesting construction, and an elegant result! 

This is the second time I have had the privilege of working with The Fibre Co. Acadia yarn. What a wonderful, luxurious yarn to knit with.




Here is the pattern information for those of you who are interested in knitting up a Sprig Cloche of your very own!

SIZE
Women’s Medium-Large
(fits 20-22” / 50-60 cm head circumference)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Brim Circumference: approx 20” / 50 cm unstretched

MATERIALS
The Fibre Company Acadia [60% merino wool, 20% baby alpaca, 20% silk; 145 yd / 133 m per 1.75 oz / 50 g skein]; color Amber; 2 skeins or approx 225 yd / 200 m of a dk weight wool or wool blend. 

Alternate Yarns: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Rowan Felted Tweed DK

1 set of US5 / 3.75 mm straight needles for brim
1 16” / 40 cm US6 / 4 mm circular needle for body of hat
1 set of US6 / 4 mm double pointed needles
Stitch markers in 2 different colors
Cable needle
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
21 sts / 30 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch worked in the rnd on US6 / 4 mm needles or size needed for accurate gauge.

The pattern offers both charted and written pattern instructions.




 Photography and modeling provided by the lovely Julie Crawford from knittedbliss.com. Thank you Julie and Guy!


Purchase the pdf download for the Sprig Cloche below or look for it in print at your local yarn shop.
I hope that you enjoy the pattern! :)





Alana Comments