Giveaway: Pattern Magic and Pattern Magic Stretch Fabrics

Please see the main post for more details!

Prize pack includes:
Pattern Magic, by Tomoko Nakamichi
Pattern Magic Stretch Fabrics, by Tomoko Nakamichi

This prize pack is actually aimed at some of the more experienced and experimental sewing readers.  It's a pretty advanced book, but I think a more adventurous advanced beginner or intermediate could get a lot out of it.  Of all of my sewing books, I decided to give these away because there's are thousands and thousands of beginner sewing books out there, but not many aimed at more advanced sewists.  This is definitely some of the few, and while most of the patterns are a little bit out there, the construction techniques and drafting experiments are fascinating to read.

Pattern Magic mostly deals with woven fabrics, and shows you some of the (more incredible) 3-dimensional structures you can create with fabric.  This google image search gives you a pretty good idea of what else you can find in here, but here's a couple of examples.

I boggle at these, being a more boring practical sewist, but I thoroughly admire the construction that goes into these designs, and I don't think it'd be too hard to pull details out of some of these designs and add them to more wearable garments.  And honestly, those bow bodices are really adorable, and pretty swearable (haha Freudian slip much?  I'd probably swear a lot, attempting this) wearable themselves!  This google image search shows some of the other designs in the book.

Pattern Magic Stretch Fabrics focuses on structural and creative designs based on knit fabrics.  I find that the patterns are actually a little bit more wearable, or at least, more aspects that can translate to wearable garments.

I mean, that top is pretty cute, and I love the way the shoulders are designed.  And those leggings below it?  I can totally see anyone who wears leggings wearing them!  Oh, and that bottom image gives you an idea of how the book shows you how to draft these things.  Here's some more examples here.


There's some real funky stuff in these books, but they're all fun designs and fascinating construction, and I learned a lot just looking through the draft pages.  Granted, they don't hold your hand at all for these, which is why I don't necessarily recommend these to beginners.  Then again, a lot of beginner's are braver than more experienced sewists, so don't let that stop you!

If you're a new sewist, a sewing expert, or anyone in between, and you're interested in learning how to create some truly funky features, please sign up below!  And don't forget to let me know how I can reach you if you win.  Link to an email in a profile, Ravelry account, or note it below.  GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway: Black Bean and Natural Alpaca Yarn

Please see the main post for more details!

Prize pack includes:

1 50g skein of undyed Nova Earth Collection Alpaca Peru Natural
1 50g skein of the same yarn naturally dyed with black beans

Does this yarn look familiar?  If you've been reading my blog this summer, it should!  It's the yarn I dyed using black beans.  I'd originally thought of using it to knit a Christmas present, but then thought that it'd be a fun addition to this giveaway.  The undyed skein is a nice complement and could look good knit/crocheted/woven with the dyed yarn, or you can try your own hand at yarn dyeing!

This yarn is 100% alpaca, and is lovely and soft against the skin.  Be aware though that alpaca can grow with wear.  Not a problem, necessarily, but definitely something to consider.  I knit my Mom's fingerless mitts in this last Christmas (or uh, a little bit later), and to compensate for alpaca's growth I knit the mitts a bit tighter.  They still grow a bit and can bag out with wear, but this precaution keeps them wearable and snug enough.

What would you make with this yarn?  I spent a lot of time on Ravelry looking through patterns until I got distracted by sweater patterns, and I don't think I ever did find a pattern for this yarn.  I'm such a magpie (NOT the Australian version!) when it comes to that pattern database.

If you'd like a chance to win this yarn, please sign up below.  And don't forget to let me know how I can reach you if you win.  Link to an email in a profile, Ravelry account, or note it below.  GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway: Knitted Washcloth Set

Please see the main post for more details!

Prize pack includes:
4 cotton dishcloths

I'm excited about this one.  I wanted to do a knitted project, but how do you choose something that could work for anyone?  Make a practical knit, that's what!

I've been involved in a few dishcloth swaps this summer, and it's been a lot of fun.  Not only do you receive a nice cloth from someone and get to know them a bit, you know that your gift has put a smile on someone's face.  And both of you maybe hate doing dishes a little bit less.

So I decided to do a nice set of washcloths for this giveaway out of a new (to me) dishcloth pattern.  I love the traditional Grandmother's cloth, but the lace added something to it, and hopefully dries quicker too.  I need to make some of these suckers for my own kitchen!

Of course, these can be used as bath cloths too!  I just hope that you enjoy using them, however way you do.  Do you ever make practical things for the house? 

If you'd like a chance to win this set of cotton cloths, please sign up below.  And don't forget to let me know how I can reach you if you win.  Link to an email in a profile, Ravelry account, or note it below.  GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway: Ravens Fat Quarters

Please see the main post for more details!

Prize pack includes:
2 fat quarters of raven batik fabric

I bought this fabric in Haines, Alaska on our recent trip there, originally planning to sew something up for this giveaway.  But when I was planning out my prizes, I thought that someone might appreciate making something themselves.

I liked the ravens on them too.  They're wonderful birds, and they stick around the territory all winter long.  They handle -40C weather like champs.  Those buggers are smart, too!  I've seen them hanging out at the grocery store parking lot watching shoppers, just waiting the tourist to load bags into an open truck bed, or for Mom to turn to a fussing child long enough that they can hop right into the trunk and steal groceries.

I saw one raven sitting on one of those shopping cart huts.  I looked up at it and said hello, and he said hello right back!  Apparently they're good mimics.  And did you know they can recognize faces?  Mess with one of their buddies, and they'll keep an eye out for you.  Don't mess with ravens!

Ruler is 6 inches long.

Anyone want to make up some raven-themed projects?  Sign up below for a chance to win this quilting cotton!  And don't forget to let me know how I can reach you if you win.  Link to an email in a profile, Ravelry account, or note it below.  GOOD LUCK!

Oh also, have you ever had a bird say hello to you?

Giveaway: The Knitting Directory

Please see the main post for more details!

This prize pack includes:
The Knitting Directory, by Alison Jenkins

I bought this book a while back at the Itsy Bitsy Yarn Store, our local yarn shop.  It's a great little book with some cute stitch patterns and I'm a little bit sad to see it go, but I already have a good stitch dictionary.  This is a good little beginner knitter's book, and since I'm a filthy enabler, I'm happy to pass this on to someone else.

Look at these great little heading!  There's Equipment and Basic Techniques, Simple Stitch Library, Advanced Work, Creating Your Own Designs and Adding Decorative Details, and Finishing, so it's got everything you need to know to help you get through a project.  Plus it's spiral bound, so no fighting with the bloody thing while you try to follow instructions!

AND IT'S SO PRETTY!  I love the colours (despite how...blue it looks right here) and how clear the instructions are.

So if you'd like a chance to win, please comment below!  I'm looking at you, "I can't knit"-ters, "I'm just beginning"-ers, and "I haven't knit in forever"-ers!  And anyone else who'd like this book, of course.  ;)  The book has some great stitch patterns in here that any experienced knitter would appreciate too!

And don't forget to let me know how I can reach you if you win!  Link to an email in a profile, Ravelry account, or note it below.  GOOD LUCK!

Giveaway: Northern Lights Bag Set!

Please see the main post for more details!

This prize pack includes:
10"x13" drawstring bag
3.5" round zippered pouch

I found this fabric at the quilt shop in Skagway, and knew right away that I wanted to make something for this giveaway.  I modeled the drawstring bag from one I use all of the time to hold the yarn for knitting projects.  It was a pretty simple make, but definitely fun and useful.

I think braiding the drawstring took longer than sewing the bag.  You could use this little bag for anything from wips to lunches.  Or possibly your popcorn as you watch the northern/southern lights this winter.

Stitch markers sadly not included.

The small zippered pouch was made using this ear bud pouch tutorial and was inspired by the one I received from Suzy from Suzy Bee Sews.  I use mine to store knitting notions like stitch markers, yarn needles, and a tiny pair of folding scissors, but it could be useful for change, sewing machine feet, or maybe even ear buds!

Have you ever seen the aurora borealis or aurora australis?  We're lucky here in the Yukon, we see them pretty much all winter long.  I've watched them in the mornings on the way to work, which is a great way to start the day.  Granted, the sun doesn't rise until after 9 in the morning, so we've gotta have something.  But then, we can't see them at all in the summer, mostly because the sun doesn't really...set.  :)

Good luck!

ETA: Oh hey, don't forget to leave me some way to contact you, whether through an email link on your profile or your Ravelry user name, or just the email in your comment!  Haha getting the hang of giveaways. 

A (Belated) One Year Anniversary Celebration!

I hinted at this more than a month ago, but between my partner's parents visiting and doing some damage to my shoulder (who knew desk work was more hazardous than working underground in a mine?!), I'm only getting around to this now.

Though I think that there's never a bad time for a

Blog Birthday GIVEAWAY!!

I have SEVEN PRIZES to give away to you awesome people, seven different prizes that cover a range of the topics I love to chatter on about here at Things I Make. Plus Rocks.  You are all amazingly supportive of my new beloved bloggy home, and I appreciate each and every one of you.  Yes, even those of you who read but don't comment - you're awesome and deserve fun prizes too!

Here's how it's going to work:
I'm going to post one giveaway prize a day for the next week, and all you have to do is comment on that prize post if you're interested!  You're welcome sign up for any or all of the prizes available, but just make sure you sign up on the individual prize posts.  The winners will be drawn randomly on Monday, September 7.  I may ask a question for you to answer, but that's totally voluntary!

Everyone is welcome to join.  I don't want to exclude anyone!  <3

Giveaway Prize Schedule:
August 26: Northern Lights bag set
August 27: The Knitting Directory, by Alison Jenkins
August 28: Ravens fat quarters
August 29: Knitted washcloth set
August 30: Black bean and natural alpaca yarn
August 31: Pattern Magic, by Tomoko Nakamichi
September 1: Rose quartz

Now keep in mind that this is NOT a sponsored giveaway - the prizes are all things I've made or bought to give to you all.  These books came off of my bookshelf, the bags came out of my sewing machine, and the washcloths off of my needles.  These aren't perfect, but they're made or chosen with love, and I hope you like them!

Half-way there, Henri

So I have about a thousand other posts to write - including a bunch of finished projects.  Instead, and entirely because it just came off of the drying board and I can't stop petting it and admiring the cables, I'm going to post about my Henri.

Besides the name and shame post and it's most recent response, I don't think I've really blogged about this sweater.  Which is odd because I'm totally in love with it.  I started it back in December, when I couldn't stand not playing with the lovely Knit Picks City Tweed I'd bought for it.  The purple is scrumptious and the tweedy flecks appeal to the Grumpy Old Man that lives inside of my heart.  I knew it'd be perfect knit up in Holla Knits Henri, by Ann Leachman.

The pattern is interesting in that it's worked from side to side, starting at the wrist of one sleeve and knitting it, then casting on a ton of stitches and working across the body before binding off and knitting the second sleeve.  Then you repeat the whole process for the back.

I worked pretty steadily through the pattern, charting up the cable pattern across the body to make it easier to follow, and pretty much plowing through to the second sleeve of the front.  And then the Holla Knits KAL started in February, and I put Henri down to work on my Cardboard Cafe.  And I never really picked it up again.

Granted, stopping at the beginning of a bobble stitch pattern I hate making (but love once it's done) didn't help with that.

The Boyfriend was being a brat while taking these photos. HE WOULDN'T STOP!

And then I did the Name and Shame post, and started to think about my Henri again.  Coincidentally, the Very Shannon Summer Sweater KAL started up at the end of July, and being a wip-friendly group, I decided to pick up Henri again for the KAL instead of starting a whole new sweater (like I almost desperately wanted).  It helped that I was still in my self-imposed 'No New Projects' timeline.

But mostly, I'm so in love with this sweater, and I want it finished so I can wear it constantly!

I was a little worried that it would be too short.  It was looking awfully cropped pre-blocking.  I KNEW that it wasn't, that the cables would open up and it'd be the length I'd done some painful math to work out.  But that didn't stop me panicking.  So as soon as the front was off the needles, I blocked that sucker out.  Not only is it working up to be the perfect length, the fabric has softened up even more, hence why I can't stop petting it.  :)

Now I've just got to knit the whole other half...

State of the WiP Pile

Hey guys, remember the WiP Name and Shame post I wrote a month ago?  It's the one where I wrote this declaration:

I, Heather of Things I Make. Plus Rocks, do declare that I will finish at least 5 of these projects in the next month, and will not start anything else until they're done.  I will also finish all of these projects before the end of 2015.

BAM!

7 project finished!  SEVEN!!!
2 projects frogged (well, one frogged and a dishcloth thrown in the garbage because I screwed it up so badly it was that or stab repeatedly with my scissors)
Major progress made on my Henri sweater (the purple one on the right) and the fingerless mitts at the top!

You've seen some of the finished projects, like the Fuego in Flames toque, the SpringTastic socks, and the Helix set (my musician cousin won them, btw, and has apparently been bugging his wife for a pair for years).  I'll post about the other finished projects soon!

The grey sweater in the bottom right corner is still waiting on my KAL buddy to catch up - she's currently in the far northern arctic doing field work, so she's forgiven.  I'm not feeling the grey and white baby blanket right now, but I'm not ready to frog it right now either, so it's going into hibernation until I'm desperate for a baby gift.  The dark brown socks are waiting for fall when it's cooler out, and all of the ends in the year in temps scarf in the upper left corner scare the crap outta me, so it's a project for another day.

But hey, I'm pretty darn proud of myself.  Especially since I finished off 4 of them this past weekend (the last before my self-imposed deadline)!  We did a fishing trip to Haines, Alaska, and between 10 hours a driving and a lot of sitting in camp chairs in front of fires and on pretty rock beaches, I got a lot finished.  I'll post more on these another day, but here's some teaser pics!

Baby vest, finished on the way to Haines - just in time for a wander about the Million Dollar Falls along the way!

Sewing in ends above the treeline.

SO MANY ENDS!


Sewed in more ends (AAAAHHHH) and then added the buttons I bought at the Dalton City Yarn Store in Haines.

More end sewing, but this time with a glacier view from a pretty rock beach.

Of course, we had to run away from these guys at one point.

MOAR ENDS!  But miraculously, finished in time for a freshly caught salmon dinner, cooked over the campfire!

And because I obviously hadn't sewn in enough ends, I did some more.

After all of those ends (SO MANY ENDS OMG), I pulled out my Henri and started the bobble section of the sleeve.  I hate knitting bobbles and that was why I left the sweater alone for so long.

I think I'm on track to finish all of these projects by the end of the year, except maybe that baby blanket, and the scarf will obviously need a couple of days into 2016 - since I'll need to know the temperature on Dec 31 first.

I'm also not letting myself start another sweater until Henri is done.  Following my declaration was tough at times, especially that "not start anything new" part, but it was really good at pushing me to finish projects.  This last declaration, about finishing Henri, is particularly tough because I just received some gorgeous new yarn and I want to play with it so badly!  But I want to wear Henri even more, so it's easy to talk myself out of starting something new.

More on these finished projects soon!

fo: Fuego in Flames Toque

Do you know how hard it is to model a warm toque when your Aster flowers have only just bloomed?  VERY HARD.

Remember when I mentioned this toque (#6) in my WiP Name and Shame post?  It's the Fuego Hat pattern by Justyna Lorkowska, knit out of this scrumptious merino wool/cashmere yarn my best buddy sent me for my birthday last March.  (And I actually finished it a couple of weeks ago, but stalled in taking photos.)  I love both the pattern and this yummy yarn...

...but I don't know if I like them together.

I thought it was a match made in heaven, but in reality, the recommended pattern gauge seems too loose for this yarn, and the beautiful range of colours in this tonal yarn seems to overpower the pattern.  :(

It drapes beautifully though, so it's perfectly slouchy, even when I wear it down over my forehead and ears.  This is the way I always wear toques because I live in a place with Cold Winters and thus necessary, and most slouchy toques tend to not be slouchy when you do that.

Sorry for the crummy photos, guys.  Hats are hard to photograph, especially with a timer only.  I don't know how Michelle does it over and over and over again.  You are a talented woman, my friend.

Here's my Ravelry project page, btw!

Yarn Dyeing with Onion Skins

Hey look, I dyed yarn with onion skins!  This is such an easy dyeing experiment and one that a lot of beginners use.  I probably should've started with this before indigo, but oh well!

I basically raided the new bag of onions plus all of the older skins that's been collecting at the bottom of our random veggie/fruit bowl for ages, weighed them out for giggles (25 g, btw), then dumped them in my new-to-me glass dye pot, topped it up in water, and simmered all the colour out of it...for hours.  Oops.

I used some undyed Mirasol Yarn Nuna that my LYS owner recced for dyeing.  It's this super soft merino wool/silk/bamboo, and I can't wait to use it up, it's so lovely to touch.  I scoured it with a few other skeins of yarn and did an alum mordent.

After the dye bath cooled, I added the yarn and warmed it up again to a simmer for a while (sorry, can't remember how long), then let it cool and sit overnight.  By the time I pulled it out of the water, the yarn had absorbed most of the colour!

I rinsed the yarn for a while before giving it a vinegar rinse.  After a final mild-soap bath, I pressed out the water and let it dye outside, with another dyed yarn I'll tell you about soon.  :)

And this was the result!  Orange isn't a colour I gravitate to, but I really love how it turned out.  I even know what I'm going to make with it!

Holla Knits is doing another KAL (several of them actually, but here's one that I'm joining), and I'm going to make up the Francisco Cowl by Allyson Dykhuizen!

One more note about the onion dye.  Look at how the 100% yarn I used to tie off the skein.  SO ORANGE.  I finally broke and bought a ton of undyed yarn from Knit Picks, and I'm really looking forward to experimenting with it.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Guys, I have a ton of posts to write and much less time to write them in now.  I'm not complaining though, since it's because I started a new job last week!  It's a temp position that'll go until the end of the year, but I like the work and, more importantly, it's a job.  Actually, two jobs, because I just found out that I got the distance ed teaching position I applied for at my undergrad university!  WOOHOO.

I'll try to get these posts out soon, because I have something exciting coming up for you all real soon!