Monday, May 5, 2008

a win-win situation

I can hardly believe it myself, but it has been nearly a year since I started rambling about knitting on this very page. Much to my delight, I have given up neither knitting nor blogging, which I think is an accomplishment to be recognized (the same can’t be said, for example, of my short-lived dive into scrapbooking—which, I swear, I’m going to get into again some day!). And with my recent sock club contest win, I’m feeling quite loved by the knitting community and I want to share the love. So, I’m having a little contest of my own!

I have not 1, not 2, but 3 knitting books to give away to the dear readers who, for whatever reason, have taken an interest in my life and this hobby. Those three books are:

Bag Style

Knitter's Bible: Knitted Accessories


Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book

But wait, there’s more! Act now and you’ll also have a chance to win 5 skeins of Elsebeth Lavold Classic AL in Slate Gray (which I will freely admit is leftover from Mrs. Darcy, but free yarn is free yarn, right?)! Here's a really terrible picture of the yarn, because I need a new camera:

So, that’s 4 prizes for 4 lucky readers. And that’s about how many readers I have, so it works out well.


Most knitting bloggers are pretty generous and allow you to enter a contest just by leaving a comment. But I am not. I’m going to make you work for your contest entry. Bwah ha ha ha!


Don’t worry, it’s nothing too taxing; but in the spirit of summer (warm weather, trips to the beach, fresh fruits and veggies, baseball, cancer-inducing suntans—I love summer!), I’m going to ask you to leave a comment telling me your favorite summer-y knitting pattern, so we’re all inspired to do some warm weather knitting (links, ravelry or otherwise, are appreciated!)). Leave your comments/links by May 30, por favor. I’ll draw random winners and announce them here on my official blogiversary, June 2. So that gives you a couple weeks to get excited about entering, forget to enter, remember to enter again, decide on your favorite pattern, comment, and then wonder if I’m ever going to post the winners.


And please spread the word—that might sound like I’m being generous, but I really just want more people to waste time reading my blog.


(If you don’t want your name in the running for all 4 prizes—ex, you already have a copy of The Ultimate Sock Book and you don’t need another--please let me know which ones you are interested in.)


Next time on a very special Blossom--er, blog: maybe I actually finished knitting something (ha!) and why I opted out of S+W.

61 comments :

Clumsy Knitter said...

You're making us do work?!? Oh, you are a sneaky thing! ;-) I keep dreaming about making Sahara, by Wendy Bernard, so even though I haven't made it yet, that would be my fave summer knit. I'm also about to start on the Auburn Camp Shirt from the Spring IK, so depending on how that goes it could be a favorite as well.

I'm not a sock knitter, but the other prizes look so great (especially that yarn...drool)! Congrats on your (early) blogiversary!

Dove Knits said...

OK, ok, I'll be honest. I found your blog because of the contest -- you posted the entry on Ravelry. But I'm glad I did, because you crack me up.

Anyway, I generally love to knit small items in the summer. Any fiber is good, as long as the item is small enough not to drape all over me while I'm working on it. Although I do like shawls...As far as specific patterns, the one I really loved working on was the Rona Lace shawl (link to my blog, which has a link to the pattern, because I think the pictures in the pattern do not do this lovely shawl justice, at all). Mine is made in alpaca, but it was so light that it wasn't too warm to work on at all.

5elementknitr said...

I'm planning on making Isabella from Knitty.com Spring 2007.

mmmmmm, Isabella.....

Alyssa said...

I like to knit lacey socks because they are small and quick. Who wants a big heavy wool sweater on their lap in the summer? Larger projects tend to pool and sit in your lap as they grow. This can make the hot weather worse! Socks, especially little lacey ones (air holes!) will never pool in your lap and make you sweat. PLus they're light and portable so you never have to drag a big knitting project around in the heat!

Anonymous said...

I think my favourite at the moment is Orangina By Stefanie Japel. I love almost all of her designs and this one is just easy and quick to make. Congratulations on your anniversary...

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary!!

I like knitting shawls, dishcloths, toys..........stuff like that in the summer. It doesn't take much work and is a nice quick knit, except for the shawls........so there's plenty of time for other things to do outside :o) After all, don't want to be stuck in the house all summer.....LOL. And it's a good time for knitting socks too!!! those are very portable and I pick a design that's easy to remember so I can take the knitting with me :o)

Erin said...

Check out the Cobweb Frill Tank. I'm planning on making it out of some teal fingering as soon as I've finished some other projects....

Congrats on your blogiversary!

Funky Monkey said...

I love to knit socks in the summer also because they're small. I'm also trying to get a head start on some gifts to stash away, such as felted bowls. Happy blogiversary I really enjoyed reading your entries :)

Kristen said...

Happy blogiversary! I'm a new knitter, having just learned over the winter. I haven't knitted any summer items yet but I have the Lelah Top by Christine Buhagiar favorited on Ravelry. Hopefully I can make that soon.

Sharon Rose said...

I like light, lacy stuff in the summer. I'm planning on making Jeanie (from Knitty) and Swan Lake (Pink Lemon Knits) this summer. :) Think I'll actually do them?
Needlegrrl on Ravelry!

Becky G said...

I'm here from Ravelry, too. My ID is FineMartialFiber.

My favorite project for summer (or winter, for that matter) is socks. Scarves come in a close second. Here in the Deep South, summer and winter are almost indistinguishable so it has to be something light. My favorite sock pattern is Yukon Leaves, so far.

Amaranthe said...

Though I haven't made it yet, I would say Ms. Marigold. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ms-marigold. It looks like it would be a dressy or casual top, but light summer clothing depending on the fibers used.
I found this contest on ravelry btw.

Congrats on you blogiversary.

Anonymous said...

My favorite is going to be my first second sock. Does that make sense. Sock #2 to complete my first pair of socks!!!! Whoot! No design really. Just a project to work on and get a hang of the basic sock structure and get used to using DPNs. I've been knitting since the middle of January so I'm a new knitter!

Jackie
JackieCastsOn ravelry
jacobsmommATcomcastDOTnet

Anonymous said...

Sahara is definitely my dream summer knit :D Or, Somewhat Cowl

Heide said...

I love to knit practically anything in silk or cotton during the summer months. Of course socks are always fulfilling, but headbands and tanks are favorites too. I have to admit that I make these without patterns. Sometimes they turn out, sometimes not.

Umme Yusuf said...

Happy blogoversary! I also found you through your ravelry post. Well I like to knit bags and other accessories in Summer. However there are exceptions to this rule as last year I knitted a rug in the sweltering june heat.
P.s I am in Pakistan and it gets really HOT here in the summers.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'm from Rav also. AND looking forward to the kitchen swap.
As for my summer knits: As a new knitter I'm looking forward to Coachella by Fathom Harvill found on Rav and Knitty
and Surplice Bodice Camisole by Joan McGowan-Michael from Knitting Lingerie Style
Both to be made for my gorgeous niece. They will look perfect on her.
And I have no preference for a prize. Although that yarn is beautiful.
//trying not to covet

Anonymous said...

*this is the 2nd time I've tried to comment you, I hope it works this time!*


thanks for hosting this contest!

I am addicted to knitting in general, but right now I'm making

http://glampyreknits.tripod.com/glampyrephotos/id62.html

and it's a really fast, easy knit.

(I'm Bruisin on Ravelry too, look me up sometimes!)

thanks again!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! Ooh, I have to agree with some other people, Sahara is gorgeous and so is Isabella. I really enjoy Perdita. It is a nice small knit that can be taken anywhere on a beautiful sunny day. It also offers pretty quick satisfaction for the impatient knitter. And, as if all that wasn't good enough, there are three versions to chose from.

Destiknit said...

This summer is all about socks and lace... but mostly socks. Anything by Cookie A is on my list, as well as any patterns of Gigi Silva which I managed to file away. I also plan to knit several pairs of 'footies' such as these so as to preserve my well loved flats.

I do have the books you are offering as prizes but I would love to be considered for the yarn, should my name be drawn ;)

Thank you for hosting this contest! A great idea to generate traffic to your site!

destiknit.com
You can find me on Ravelry as Destiknit

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to knit the Lotus Blossom Tank from Interknit and this year is the year I'm going to get it done :)

Janet
jani22 at ravelry

vriddle07 said...

I also found your blog on Ravelry via the contest post. I agree with doveknits, I have enjoyed laughing at you, .....er, I mean with you!
I'm looking forward to summer knitting to start a lace project. Haven't decided which one, gotta be something minimally challenging `cause I'll be watching softball. Maybe I'll try Brighton in the spring Knitty. I need a stylish bag to take along. Any suggestions?
I would be happy to win any of the wonderful prizes, but I do have the Vogue Sock book in my collection. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I will be knitting market bags. I have a new found need to be green and my latest "thing" is to not need those plastic bags anymore (at least only enough to pick up my dogs mess while on our walks;) I will also be making them for gifts for anyone/everyone to encourage my friends to go green! This one looks especially interesting and will be started tomorrow!!! http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTmeshbags.html

PS I am NOT a sock knitter. I have no desire, need, or want to knit a sock. I was given some beautiful sock yarn from knitpicks and have been looking high and low to find a pattern to use it on other than a sock. So . . . if I win, no sock book please, thank you:)

Anonymous said...

My favorite summery knitting pattern is the Lelah tank top. I am almost finished with my first one, and I have plans for a second!

Anonymous said...

A contest! Oh Joy! Congrats on your year long blog. I shall come back to read more. Since I live in the land of perpetual summer (AZ) I knit small items. I love to knit mittens. I might try some smigukami (however it's spelled!) since they are small.
I am AllEars on Ravelry

Unknown said...

Congrats on your Blogaversary! I like to knit lace in the summer - call me crazy! I'm working on the Sarcelle shawl right now and am loving it!

sskstacey said...

I am madly in love with
Sarah Tank Top by Christine Buhagiar. i knitted one up for me to wear ot Sheep and Wool in MD, and loved it. I'm still making adjustments (it's my first shirt, give me a break :P), but it's quickly becoming my fav tank!

(i'm sskstacey on ravelry, btw)

sskstacey said...

I am madly in love with
Sarah Tank Top by Christine Buhagiar. i knitted one up for me to wear ot Sheep and Wool in MD, and loved it. I'm still making adjustments (it's my first shirt, give me a break :P), but it's quickly becoming my fav tank!

(i'm sskstacey on ravelry, btw)

Estella said...

I like knitting cotton tanks for my daughter. The Tank of Many Colors (which was on the now gone MagKnits) is one of my favorites. This year I've even designed my own tank for her with her help.

I spend the summer at the beach (I know rough life but someone has to do it) and my new goal is to start knitting on the beach. I've always been afraid that sunscreen will get on what I'm working on. Now my kids are a little bigger I might be okay with it.

Anonymous said...

Hi
congrats on your anniversary. I'm in Australia, where its pretty much summer all year round, which is probably why I knit shrugs mostly, and scarves (which are all you need if it does get a bit chilly). When its really, really hot, I move to dishclothes, so there's nothing heavy sitting on my lap, making me sweat!!
melissaellen(ravelry)

Anonymous said...

I found your blog through Ravelry as well! Congrats on your anniversary! In the summer I knit washcloths....they are quick, easy, light and useful... Also, I use them to help test new techniques like lace, cables, color work, etc.

Turtle said...

Lol, that is a good kind of work. I just finished this pattern and could happily knit it through the summer. http://www.blueskyalpacas.com/pattern_detail.php?patterns_ID=87 The yarn is soft but not hot and the pattern pieces are small enough to easily be portable. Plus the design keeps it interesting but not difficult. And of course any sock, right!!??! (will post a link to you!)

AmyJ said...

My fave warm-weather knitting are dishcloths or summery lacy cottony socks.

You didn't say what your favorite is...

KrisCe said...

First off Happy Blogiversary. I've enjoyed reading your blog and you have inspired me even to knit two projects the Mrs. Darcy Cardigan and the Hemlock Blanket. I am currently working on the a Catch a Cable tank. It is from the May Issue of Creative Knitting. Who doesn't love a new tank to wear during those warm summer days.

Katnmouse's Diary said...

I am doing the Easy Flame Lace Scarf and I think it's a wonderful small and carefree way to pass the heat.

My crocheted afghan is sitting alone waiting to be finished because it's just too hot to crochet on it.

tripletsmom said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'm from Rav too. Last year was my first year of real summer knitting and I only made things for the girls ex: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kidlet-tank , but this year I am going to make this: http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=cYarn.yarnDetail&yarnid=204&searchcollection=11&pattern_id=001225#pattern-tab. I even have the yummy bamboo - yeah. I would like to be in the running for Bag Style and the yarn. Thanks so much. :0)

cthulhulovesme said...

Heya. I came this way via your post on Ravelry. What I'm planning on knitting this summer, besides the inevitable socks-- BMP, I'm looking at you-- is a Lizard Ridge blanket. While I realize an all-wool blanket in the middle of summer may sound crazy at first, keep in mind that the whole thing is knit in 12" by 12" squares. Much less bulky than a sweater or even a hat. ;)

Vicki said...

Hi Kristen,

Happy blogiversary and thank you for hosting this contest!

My favorite summer knit was probably a Cropped Raglan Sweater from Lion Brand. I liked it so much that I'm knitting another one this summer for my aunt.

In addition to socks and lacy things, I'm really looking forward to a Lelah top, as well as the Hexacomb Cardigan and Flutter Sleeve Cardigan from the spring Interweave Knits. Another that I really want to try sometime is Ophelia.

Happy summer knitting!

Maria said...

I am laughing at your "Bwah ha ha ha "!! You are so funny! But serious.... This summer I will be knitting socks and preemie stuff. Also, I will start and finish a cute cami for my daughter. It's called "Beaded Cami" from Black Dog Designs. Also a felted bag or two. I love that Vogue Sock book and the yarn......sigh...

Miss T said...

Lace is perfect for summer knitting. I highly recommend Hypoteneuse as a fun, relaxing pattern to knit. Perfect for sitting outside with a margarita...

wenat said...

I generally knit socks all summer because they're light and portable and don't sit on my lap and make me sweat. But I'm on a lace kick at the moment, so I might be doing some light lace scarves as well this summer.

Happy blogiversary to you!

Zhenya said...

I'll be knitting socks as part of Summer of Socks 08, but for non-sock knitting, I think the Lotus Blossom Tank from Interweave Knits (summer06 and Best Of...) is divine! Congratulations on your blogiversary.
-Z

Terri H. said...

My go-to summer knitting has got to be the Ballband Dishcloth from Mason-Dixon Knitting; I knit up a pile when the mere thought of wool gives me heat rash. I love them so much I even wrote a song about them.

Happy Blogiversary! (thdx3 on ravelry)

Heather said...

i love to make lace in the summer, but i have also joined summer of socks, so it looks like i will be making socks this year.
but i plan to make the swallowtail shawl. so we will see with our move this summer how much i actually get knitted.

Wendy said...

Socks, socks, and more socks. I have to admit that socks can be the perfect knitting project for so many reasons. But in the summer heat socks can be a nice lite knit. But this summer I'm planning on working on some lace stoles and we'll see how that works out.

Turtle said...

I found your blog by following Wiknit's link! (must stalk you afterwards to get to know you!)I also posted a link to you!

For summer knitting i tend to usually just switch things up by switching things to cottons, silks, bamboo etc. Socks are always the perfect item to knit up and good for on the go backpacking, camping, beach knitting. A lace shawl would be nice as well and be ready for fall! I am starting Whispering Pines by Knitspot. Will be lovely this fall! I am still on a quest for a fun summer knit hat but have yet to find one i Love!

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!

Tally Knits said...

Such fabulous prizes!

This is my first summer with serious knitting, but I plan on filling it with bags (all sorts!), cute stuff for the dogs (summers are our time together and they go where I go), summery socks (Sockotta is great for warm weather knitting/wearing), and baby items (quick and easy and in cotton).

OhAmyKP said...

Happy Almost Blogaversary!

This year sock are going to be my summer knits and I'm also going to start my christmas knitting this week. I'm new to sock knitting so I should be doing just a basic sock but I've started out with the Jaywalker. I've already started screwing up on the simple 2 row pattern. My, hopefully realistic, goal is to complete 1 test pair Jaywalker and 1 real pair then 1 ankle sock by end of June. anything after these will attain me rockstar status (as did my El Capitan cap see OhAmy ravelry).

For Xmas knitting I'm hoping to do 5 cable bags, 4 pairs of socks (or headbands & Light weight hats to replace unfinished gift socks)

thanks for the contest came here by way of Wiknits

Unknown said...

I am knitting my daughters "grrr" from Invader Zim. It is small and travels well perfect for summer knitting. It gets to be between 110-123* here in the summer so no sweaters for me.

Jessica said...

Hello there. I've been a lurker via Ravelry for quite some time, my user name is JMJ697MN. I would have to say the Summer time Tunic from Interweave Knits Summer 2007 looks super adorable. I have not made it yet, but really want to! Thanks for doing such a lovely giveaway, and congrats on your blogiversary!!

KBlicious said...

hi! happy blogiversary! saw your post on knit it forward and i love contests! ;-)

i live in florida and my favorite fiber is wool, so what project doesn't suck really? when i'm out and about, i will usually bring a sock or a hat, so i can still work with wool but not have something huge warming my lap. at home, i put the air on 70 and whip out the sweaters. ;-) socks always work though!

ikkinlala said...

Happy blogiversary!

My favourite projects for summer are socks and dishcloths. One specific pattern I like is the Broadripple socks from Knitty (http://knitty.com/issuesummer03/PATTbroadripple.html), which are still a reasonable project when it's too hot to work with wool.

(I'm not interested in Bag Style, but I'd love a chance for any of the other prizes.)

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

I mostly make sweaters, and rarely follow patterns - just start knitting and let the yarn take me where it will. Socks haven't captured my attention, scarves and hats are just to use up oddballs. As a man I don't wear shawls or lacy things. Some do God Bless them, I don't. I'm stuck for a suggestion, as far as anything I myelf would make. One shawl I have admired is the CHAMPAGNE LEAF AND ACORN LACE SHAWL by Shui Kuen Kozinski available as a free pattern at Elann.com. I came her through WiKnit's contest blog and will post to mine in the next couple days. Congrats on the annicersary.

GHouk said...

Well, socks of course. Even if they are wool, I don't get all sweaty from working on them. After I finish Juno from knitty, I'm going to make the basic slip from knitting lingerie style (but shorter as a tank).

GHouk said...

Well, socks of course. Even if they are wool, I don't get all sweaty from working on them. After I finish Juno from knitty, I'm going to make the basic slip from knitting lingerie style (but shorter as a tank).

crochetgurl said...

Hello! I am still a relative beginning knitter even though I learned at the age of 8. Currently, I'm trying to move past my numerous scarves to create an actual garment. My favorite summer pattern of the moment is Rusted Root by Zephyr Style that I am halfway finished with! After I'm done with Rusted Root, I plan to knit a Juliet. :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy blogiversary! :)

I'm knitting scaves this summer (I think...). This patten makes a light summerscarf: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/turvid/mile-a-minute-scarf-1

anne watson said...

Happy Blogoversary! Maybe I'll do the same thing for mine! I'm Irish99 on Ravelry.

My favorite summer knitting project is making stuff for Christmas presents. There's something about making wooly hand warmers in July that I love.

All your prizes look great!

Unknown said...

i like to knit lighter projects lieke knitty's cozy project but in an airy yarn like mohair or kidsilk haze my tip is pick something to knit that you dont feel weighed down by who wants a whole garment full of woll on there lap in 100 plus temps.

vickie said...

oh no not work as if i didnt have enough lol!!!
http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTsheldon.html


thats my fav pattern to knit sheldon the turtle he is just so cute

http://knithappens24.blogspot.com check out my contest also

amy said...

i like to knit smaller projects in the summer - kids sweaters and such. easier to carry.