Ferris /  by jen geigley


A new hat for me! I've picked out five different things I want to make from Rowan's Big Accessories collection (because who doesn't like a project that you can whip up in an evening/weekend?) The first thing I had to make was this awesome hat, Ferris.


Ferris was designed by Sarah Hatton using Alpaca Chunky. (I used shade 73/Pigeon.) This was a super quick knit and if you're not familiar with this yarn, it is softer than soft. It has a rounded chain construction which gives it a bit of stretch and makes it incredibly lightweight, but it's also very, very warm. This hat uses exactly one ball of Alpaca Chunky and I'm in love with all of the natural colorways that are available. 

The next project I want to knit from this collection is Bandit, which is a super cool cowl with fur trim on the cover of Big Accessories. Check it out – it's so neat! What's on your needles right now? The time (and the weather) is right for knitting.

Rowan Loves /  by jen geigley


Wow, right? I just received a new stack of gorgeous Rowan publications on my doorstep, and I wanted to share this collection right off the bat. It's called 'Rowan Loves Kidsilk Haze & Felted Tweed' by Sarah Hatton, and it's kind of a big deal because this book is like no other. All 9 designs can be knitted in either Felted Tweed DK – or – Kidsilk Haze (held single or double) and all of the designs can be customized. It's so much fun to see the two yarn usage options and dream of all the possibilities. Just look...

9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing.  Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. - See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf
all 9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing.  Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. - See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf
all 9 designs, all classics with updated twists, have multiple options for customizing.  Plus every pattern can either be knit in Felted Tweed DK for a more casual look, or for a more glam look, knit in Kidsilk Haze single or doubled. - See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf
Sarah Hatton.nd it's a particularly unique collection because

The first pic (top) is of 'Gemma' knit in Kidsilk Haze ... and here is 'Gemma' in Felted Tweed DK. I love both looks! (Do you see how much fun this is?)


This is 'Karla' in Felted Tweed DK and 'Kate' in Kidsilk Haze.


Here's 'Kate' again, but in Felted Tweed DK and with a contrast edging + alternate neckline! 

 

This is 'Andrea' in Felted Tweed DK with long sleeves.

 

 And here's an adorable short-sleeved version of 'Andrea' in Kidsilk Haze.


Check out 'Jamie' in this gorgeous blue shade of Kidsilk Haze, called 'Trance.'


And this comfy, cozy version of 'Jamie' in Felted Tweed DK.

 
But 'Rowan Loves' isn't all sweaters! Check out 'Davina,' a gorgeous wrap.


 And 'Paula,' a hat that would look fantastic in both yarns.


You can pick up a copy of 'Rowan Loves Kidsilk Haze & Felted Tweed' at your local Rowan stockist or look for it amongst the many yarn shops online. And keep an eye out for more 'Rowan Loves' books in the future – we've heard that this will become a series. I've been poring over new Rowan designs each night before bed and I can't wait to share more soon!
Rowan Loves by Sarah Hatton will be available soon at your Rowan stockist, if not there already. Rowan Felted Tweed DK and Rowan Kidsilk Haze are very popular yarns and very easy to find.  Your local Rowan stockist will most likely carry a good selection.  My local yarn store, Uncommon Threads in Los Altos is always my first option, support your LYS!  If you don't have that option, there are many many many excellent online stores you can visit worldwide.  
I heard from Rowan that there will be a series of books called Rowan Loves.  I don't know what yarns they will be loving next, but as soon as I know, you'll know!
- See more at: http://www.knitionary.blogspot.com/#sthash.eg84eO4D.dpuf

knitXmidwest 2014 /  by jen geigley


Ah! I'm so sad that our wonderful weekend of knitting is over! Last weekend was the second annual knitXmidwest knitting and crochet retreat, held right here in Des Moines. I co-hosted alongside these wonderful ladies, Jessica and Erica of Hill Vintage & Knits. Here are some of my favorite photos from the weekend, taken by our talented pal Bethany Kohoutek.













 







 





 

















It was so much fun, you guys. If you couldn't make it this year, definitely plan for it next November because this is truly a weekend you can't miss. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to knit and crochet with us! See you again next year. xo.

Latest infatuation: Rowan Felted Tweed + Easy Fairisle Knits /  by jen geigley


Fairisle kittens and stripes on a scarf! I'm kind of obsessed. If you're still working on perfecting your colorwork skills (like me,) you have to see Martin Storey's newest collection using Rowan Felted Tweed DK. It's called 'Easy Fairisle Knits' and it's a ton of fun.


Fairisle is everywhere this season and I'm convinced that this scarf is the perfect accessory.  


And check out the rest of Martin's contemporary simplified fairisle designs. This collection includes 14 designs – hats, socks, scarves, cushions, a slipover, bag, throw and garland – all with only two colors in a row.

 
 

If you're new to the world of Felted Tweed, I'll let you in on a few details. First of all, this yarn is available in 28 perfect shades (and you will love them all.) Second, these adorable little balls of merino/alpaca/viscose are the perfect yarn for colorwork. You'll want to collect them all because the color combinations are endless. Truly. Third, this yarn is lightly pre-felted which knits up into a gorgeous fabric that's light yet warm, but also looks a tiny bit felted. Felted Tweed is a favorite amongst knitters for a reason and the projects in 'Easy Fairisle Knits' are the perfect way to give it a try.

Blue Sky Alpacas EXTRA blog tour /  by jen geigley


Welcome to my stop on the Blue Sky Alpacas EXTRA blog tour! The lovely people at Blue Sky Alpacas recently sent me a hank of their brand new EXTRA yarn along with a pattern from their Destination Collection. Check out the video below to see why this new yarn and pattern collection are so special. 


 

EXTRA is a lovely and lush mix of 55% baby alpaca and 45% fine merino wool. It comes in a generously sized hank (218 yards) and is available in 14 colors. It's a versatile Aran weight that is light and lofty and incredibly soft. You will love knitting with this yarn – I promise.

The Destination Collection is inspired by hometowns, far-away places and everywhere in between. The accessories in this collections were created by top Blue Sky Alpacas designers from all over the world.


The gorgeous pattern I have been working on is the Fractal Cowl by Kirsten Johnstone. Each pattern in the Destination Collection has been designed exclusively for EXTRA and each pattern has a story. And I have to say, Blue Sky has done a wonderful job with the design and packaging of their printed patterns! I just love how this folds out into a full page of photos and pattern instructions with a full-sized chart on the back, and then folds right back up into a sturdy little envelope that's easy to throw into your bag. 

The construction of this cowl is genius. The unique cabled design is inspired by the cutting-edge architecture of Australia, where designer Kirsten is from. Every round is different, and it's knitted (with ease) in stockinette. Then you flip it inside-out to see the geometric design. Brilliant! I've just started working on mine, but it's already been a super enjoyable knit.



GIVEAWAY!

 

THE PRIZE

THE RULES

  • Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only
  • Giveaway is open until Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 11:30 PM CST.
  • Comments must include a valid email address or Ravelry ID so I can contact you if you are the winner.
  • Winner will be chosen via random number generator and will be contacted within 48 hours after giveaway ends.

HOW TO ENTER




A big thank you to Blue Sky Alpacas for the opportunity to be a part of the fun!

Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the EXTRA blog tour:

Week Three: Lattes & Llamas
Week Four: Rock + Purl
Week Five: HeyJenRenee

knitXmidwest 2014 /  by jen geigley


Hey hey! It's that time again. I've teamed up with my girls Erica and Jess at Hill Vintage & Knits to host our second annual knitting retreat right here in Des Moines, knitXmidwest! If you want to hang out with us and have a most fabulous and refreshing weekend of craftiness, you should sign up right now. So I know how many cupcakes we'll need. (Space is very, very limited!)

But really! There are a zillion reasons why you won't want to miss this.  For $25/day, you will enjoy:
  • Devastatingly good lunch catered by Tacopocalypse.
  • Lots of uninterrupted time to knit + crochet, perfect for finishing up that big project you've been wanting to work on.
  • Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Wear your hand-knits and your sweatpants. We don't mind.
  • We'll be knitting and crocheting in the beautiful Walnut Woods Lodge. Have you seen the leaves starting to change colors this week? It's gonna be gorgeous out there.
  • T-shirts! Cat t-shirts. T-shirts with cats on them.
  • Photos with friends. Taken by our very talented photographer friend, Bethany.
  • Fun times with friends.
  • Knitting and crochet show and tell. Show off the coolest things you've ever made! Bring your stuff. We want to see it.
  • Our friend Robyn, author of the blog She Makes Hats is joining us again this year and will read an excerpt from her recently released book. She is also in the midst of a charity hat knit along for kids living below the poverty line and we are encouraging everyone to participate. She has even created patterns that you can use and there will be a retreat special giveaway! You can find all the details here!
  • Stashbust. Hey hoarders: bring yarn that you want to trade/get ride of. Leftovers will be donated.
  • Mimosas. And cupcakes. And BYOB, if you wish.
  • After-hours shopping and wine at Hill Vintage & Knits in the East Village.
  • Hotel slumber party + late night knitting with your friends. (With optional midnight snacks at Fong's.)
  • Fantastically cool door prizes. So many giveaways. From these wonderful sponsors: Blue Sky Alpacas, Knitter's Pride, Feel Good Yarn Company/Silverspun, Lavishea, Manos del Uruguay, Spud & Chloë, Green Mountain Spinnery, Bijou Basin Ranch, Mari Knits, Zealana, Mountain Meadow Wool Mill, Eucalan, Louet and Red Barn Yarn. (Yeah, whoa!)
  • Just look at how much fun we had last year.

You seriously won't want to miss out. Sign up here, right now. You can register for one day or the whole weekend. It's up to you.

I really hope to see you there!


Wool and the Gang Workshop /  by jen geigley


Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of hosting a Wool and the Gang Knitting Workshop right here in Des Moines. It was so much fun to hang out with friends who love knitting as much as I do. Here are a bunch of my favorite pics from our crafty afternoon.
 

Our headquarters was this amazing window-filled room at the Des Moines Social Club.


I threw together some fun snacks, neon yellow decorations and a playlist filled with music I had painstakingly picked out just for the occasion.


The workshop started off with a little talk/presentation. Because WATG is a pretty interesting company. And then we started the making.


Our project du jour was the Sansa Choker and Khaleesi Bracelet using WATG's Jersey Be Good yarn.



It was pretty fantastic. These gorgeous ladies are my gang. A huge thank you to everyone who came and made the afternoon extra rad. You girls are the very best. xo.

North /  by jen geigley

Drab - Kim Hargreaves/North

Sometimes you see a collection of patterns for the first time and fall in love with each and every one. That's what happened to me (and probably what will happen to you) when I first laid eyes 'North' by the wonderful Kim Hargreaves. This collection is a gorgeous showcase of contemporary tweeds, cozy cables and jewel colored arans. I loved diving into all the darks and neutrals to find those exciting brights thrown in – little dashes of orange, pink, blue, chartreuse and yellow amongst oceans of navy and stormy gray. I'm a fan. Take a look.


This collection includes a whopping 21 designs using Rowan Felted Tweed DK, Kid Classic, Kidsilk Haze, Fine Lace, Rowan Finest, Lima, Fur, Brushed Fleece, Mohair Haze, Cocoon and Felted Tweed Aran. Honestly. What more could you ask for? North is available now from Rowan stockists and you can check out the details for each pattern right here.