Too soon for Christmas? (Nope.)

I couldn't wait. I had to share Rowan's Christmas Collection right now. (Because if you start knitting now, you can wear or give these beauties during the holidays.) These unisex fairisle sweaters have my heart! Rowan has released a collection of six Christmas themed knits, ranging from cozy scarves to these stunning, intricate fairisle sweaters. Above is 'Tidings', designed by Vicky Sedgewick using Felted Tweed. This polo neck sweater features an unusual Nordic style fairisle pattern. Absolutely gorgeous.

Another favorite of mine is 'Blitzen', a unisex sweater designed by Lisa Richardson using Rowan Tweed and Fine Tweed. This polo neck sweater features a modern Christmas fairisle pattern. I love the colors shown here, and with Rowan Tweed/Fine Tweed, the color combinations are endless.

And of course, cardigans! This design is called 'Partridge', which is a stunning unisex cardigan designed by Martin Storey using Alpaca Colour, Pure Wool Superwash DK and Wool Cotton. (!!) This intricate colorwork is suitable for the more advanced knitter. I'm completely in love. And sort of dreaming of a white Christmas. In September.

Want to see more? You can purchase the patterns individually, or buy all six patterns as a collection right here. Happy Halloween, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. It's knitting season, so let's just knit already.  ;)

It's here! 'WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits'

Over the weekend, I listed my new book for presale. The timing was appropriate, because it's called 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits'. 'Weekend' is a collection of 12 handknits for women, men and children. Knits you can live in on the weekend; knits you can create in a weekend.

Knit using bulky and super bulky yarn, these sweaters and accessories exude comfort and ease. My mission is to create casual, contemporary, wearable handknits that can serve as foundation pieces in anyone’s wardrobe. Approachable patterns that aren’t too complex, making knitters say, “I want to make that!”

I’m a minimalist at heart and I truly believe less is more, and simple is good. To me, simple equals wearable. Simple equals doable. And there’s no greater satisfaction than finishing a hand-knit piece, trying it on and falling in love with it. My goal as a knitter is to make go-to pieces that feel just right, like my favorite soft gray pullover from college. If you spend precious time knitting a garment, you want to love it and wear it a lot. It’s as simple as that. That, to me, is the definition of hand-knit success. And that’s what I hope to share with you in this collection.

For the past two years, it has been my labor of love and I can't wait to share it with you! In all the craziness of setting up the shop on my website and uploading the patterns to Ravelry, I somehow ran out of time and didn't write a blog post!

Here are all of the details.

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PREORDERS – hard copy + PDF ebook

For a limited time, U.S. residents can preorder a hard copy of 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits' + a free digital copy for the sale price of $25 + shipping. (Regularly $28 + shipping.) Hard copies of 'Weekend' are paperback with a soft matte finish on the cover. Gorgeously photographed, this 140-page collection will look fantastic on your knitting resource shelf or your coffee table. Hard copies will ship in mid-September. Look for the PDF download link (for your electronic copy of the book) on your receipt. PREORDERS END SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2015.

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RAVELRY – PDF ebook + PDF individual patterns

I have also listed each individual pattern for sale on Ravelry, along with the full PDF ebook.

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AMAZON.com

'WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits' is also available on Amazon.com.

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Apple iBookstore – iBooks

'WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits'is available for download with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device, and with iTunes on your computer. Books can be read with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device.

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Kindle

Available as a Kindle eBook here.

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LOOKBOOK

Want to take a look inside? Check out the complete 'Weekend' Lookbook.

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I think that's it for now! Please feel free to comment below if you have any questions.

Also, you guys are amazing. THANK YOU for the wonderful response so far. Writing this book was a leap of faith. It was a somewhat frightening moment when I hit the final 'send to print' button after I had finished putting my book's files together. And it was equally scary to flip the 'on' switch to activate my online shop yesterday. I've been working on this book for a long time, all by myself. It's a thrill to finally share it with the world. Thank you for being there and thanks for all your supportive words along the way.

xx,
jen

The process

I've been quietly plugging away on a project for months, and I just wanted to share some of my photos of the process, before I forget.

In design school, our professors taught us that the process is just as important as the final product. Quite possibly more important. We didn't show a final project without showing our entire process. THE PROCESS, they kept saying. We were taught to draft several concepts and preliminary designs, and then draft a few more, and then they'd ever-so-kindly insult our choices and help us learn to weed out the strongest ideas for further development. Then we'd work on visual solutions and reasons behind our design decisions; everything had to have a reason. Why black and white? Why did we choose that typeface? Why did we use a grid? And everything that followed was the work. The production and the execution; the blood, sweat and tears. I've applied this knowledge to projects I've done as a freelance graphic designer ever since.

This is also how I wrote a book.

The process began with me hurriedly writing down scattered thoughts and ideas and tiny ink pen sketches in my notebook. And then crossing things out. And making lots and lots of lists. And more sketches. And crossing out the sketches.

Then came the knitting of many swatches and garments. Over and over again to test out new ideas and to get things just right. It was a bit exhausting. I threw my knitting a few times.

Knitting in the car, on a plane. Knitting until 3:00 in the morning.

I would knit in the back yard. And on the edge of my kids' beds while they fell asleep. Many rows were completed while I sat in the after-school pick-up line outside of my daughter's school.

It took so much longer than I thought it would, but I had to allow my ideas, time and energy to ebb and flow. We are all human. No one has great ideas on demand. There were times this project seemed silly. There were days I wanted to set everything aside. But I wouldn't and couldn't let myself quit.

Row by row, one experimental garment at a time, I slowly built a collection. And of course, not every idea or knitted sample made it to the final cut.

But the ones that made it earned their place. They belong.

The process sounds mundane, but it wasn't. I set a deadline and finished all of the pattern writing and sample knitting over the summer. There was so much trial and error – and sometimes heartbreak – but I loved every minute of the process. It was mine.

Then came the photo shoots. I kind of died over the photo shoots. It was such a thrill. I put together an accidental dream team of friends and acquaintances who took my Rubbermaid bin of hand-knits and turned them into living, breathing art. It was nuts.

And the rest has been that whole production and the execution thing. Choosing photos and putting together the layout. Writing out pattern notes and special techniques. Graphic design is just another thing I love, and once again, getting to do all of the design work on my own project is a very splendid thing.

I sent my final documents to print last night and I'll see my first proofs soon. In no time, I will have an actual book in my hand. So I guess this is it. I'm going to trust the weird little process I've laid down. It's a scary thing to get this far and have nowhere to go but hitting the 'print' button. But you're supposed to do the things that are scary, and I can't stop this train now. (I'll give you a heads up when I have that book in my hand.) <3

Back to school with Creative Options

It's almost back-to-school time for my kids and when it comes to a love for school supplies, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Lotus and I both are suckers for a fresh pack of Ticonderogas, new markers or a brand new box of crayons. I'm sure you can relate. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

But staying organized throughout the school year is a challenge. That's why I was excited to try out this new organizational system from Creative Options, perfect for school and art supplies. Check out how we'll be using these storage solutions for back-to-school.

This is the Creative Options Two-Tray Box, which is similar to a large tool box or tackle box. It has 2 cantilever trays with 13-24 adjustable compartments and tons of storage in the base. This is ideal for art supplies for kids of any age, and would make a great locker organizer. Lo loved moving things around from compartment to compartment and I was happy to see that she thinks organizing can be fun!

Check out all of the art supplies that easily fit inside this box. Even Lo's big Crayola boxes fit inside the large compartment under the trays, and finding anything you need is a cinch. I love that there's a place for each and every tiny supply.

The lid of the Two-Tray Box has two more storage compartments that are perfect for smaller items. Like erasers. Or colored pencils. Or paperclips. Or hair clips, chapstick and ponytail holders. We have lots of ideas. Anything goes!

Next up ... paper. On Lo's school supply list this year were a number of notebooks, folders, lined paper, composition notebooks ... plus she always needs construction paper and plain white drawing paper for school projects and homework assignments.

This Project Box with Handle is the perfect, compact way to store all of her folders, paper and notebooks (plus a few extras.) It's heavy duty and the clips stay closed, making this box perfect for a school desk or locker. If you have younger kids, this would also be a great addition to your art supplies area to keep all of your craft papers in check. This organizer was nominated for the 2015 The Craft & Hobby Association Hot Product Award!

Last but not least is the awesome Large Craft Caddy, perfect for locker organization or kids going off to college dorm rooms. This caddy has eight outer storage pockets and a removable inner tote that snaps on or off. I love the three little pockets in front that hold pens or pencils.

This compact organizer holds a ton of things. Once again, Lotus fit in several large Crayola boxes, pencils, markers, highlighters, glue, a pencil box and pencil pouch and so much more. This is perfect for kids in elementary, junior high or high school – anyone can get organized when it's this easy!

It's hard not to get excited for back-to-school time! Everyone loves a fresh start. Organization is a fantastic thing to teach your kids. Watching them do it on their own is pretty cool, too.

For more great ideas on how to use these organizational boxes and caddies, check out the Creative Options Facebook page here.  My friend Amy Tan has also done some fantastic blog posts and and fun videos featuring really smart ways to use Creative Options' organizational tools, like this one! Definitely check it out for some inspirational ideas for new ways to organize your life.

TEN years of blogging (and a new website)

HELLO, lovely friends and dear readers. This is my first post in my new digs, here on my new website. (Just a heads up – my new website can be found at jengeigley.com but my blog can still be found at heyjenrenee.com. No need to update your blog reader – it all points to the same place.)

I am loving this new space. And I hope you'll take a quick look around, because I've got some big news to share. More on that soon.

But let's just take a moment, dear friends, to reminisce. Until right this very moment, I have been blogging on Blogger. For the past ten years. TEN years. And a lot of you have been in the blog game for just as long. My first blog post was in 2005. The world was a completely different place, and so much has happened in the last decade. The cool thing is I've met dozens of most excellent online friends over the years, and some of you have been reading all this time. (I heart you.)

Basically, that makes 2015 our ten year friendiversary.

We've watched each other move to new cities and have been there, virtually, for all sorts of fantastic life events. We've seen each other through the tough times too and no matter where we all live, here we are. Connected through this weird and wonderful online universe. Thank you to all of my online pals. Thank you to whoever is reading this right now.

Happy friendiversary/blogiversary my friends. Old or new, I'm just glad you're here.  (And if you are here, please say 'hi' so I can say 'hi' back!)

Rowan Loves: Pure Wool and Creative Focus Worsted

Take a peek at another one of my favorite collections from Rowan's 2015 A/W releases – Rowan Loves: Creative Focus Worsted & Pure Wool Superwash Worsted. This is the third brochure in the Rowan Loves series, and features nine designs that can be knit in either yarn, giving you lots and lots of options. I am absolutely in love with the photography and styling of this collection, and no surprise, these were all designed by the talented Marin Storey. See for yourself why I adore all of these gorgeous sweaters and accessories. So wearable with fun details ... and it's so much fun seeing the design variations and differences between the two yarns! Enjoy.

 

Let's start off with Bellerose, a classic striped cardigan or sweater. The contrasting colors in the cuffs and bottom edge are so cool; I'm in love with both versions of this sweater.

 

Use either yarn to knit Rockette, too. This casual sweater has ribbed edgings, semi set in sleeves and a pouch pocket. I would wear this all of the time.

 

Bergen would clearly be gorgeous in either Creative Focus Pure Wool Superwash. This boyfriend style cardigan has contrasting pocket and cuff detail. I love the shape of this and again, the color-blocked sections are super fun.

Corona is a textured cardigan or sweater. The longer length cardigan has placement pockets and the longline sweater has a deep rib collar and edgings.

Astoria is a chunky cable sweater with a roll neck and raglan sleeves. It can be knitted in either a shorter or longer length version.

Driscoll is a classic sweater with semi set in sleeves. It has a stand up rib collar and can be knitted in either a shorter or longer length version.

Haven is a boxy sweater or jacket. Both of these loose-fitting designs are knitted in moss stitch with delicate, contrasting lace panels.

Skyland is a scarf or shawl! How clever. Knitted in garter stitch and finished with pom poms, you can choose either a shorter length scarf or a longer length shawl. (I love pom poms.)

And finally, Union is a slouchy hat knitted in garter stitch. It uses just one ball of yarn!

Keep an eye out for Rowan Loves this fall at your local or online Rowan stockists ... you'll love this collection!

Rowan A/W Preview: Martin Storey's Easy DK Knits

Rowan is launching three brand new DK yarns this Autumn/Winter season, and I'd love to give you a quick preview of two of them: Pure Wool Superwash DK and Super Fine Merino DK. These two new yarns are showcased beautifully in Martin Storey's collection, Easy DK Knits.

A little bit of info about these two yarns: Super Fine Merino DK has a natural elastic quality for movement when wearing. The knitted fabric is soft and smooth and feels great to wear. Super Fine Merino will also be available in 4-ply and Aran.

Pure Wool Super Wash DK is hard wearing, making this yarn idea for the whole family and perfect for household knits. It's superwash, too!

This book is quite possibly my favorite this season and has so many perfectly wearable sweaters in it. My absolute favorite is this simple pullover, Greenwich, which I plan on making (right away) in Super Fine Merino in a bright chartreuse shade called 'Zing.' Check out more photos below of my favorite designs from Easy DK Knits.

Greenwich – Super Fine Merino

Barbican – Pure Wool Superwash DK

Mayfair – Super Fine Merino DK

 Brixton – Pure Wool Superwash DK

 Dulwich – Super Fine Merino DK

 Hampstead – Super Fine Merino DK

Kew – Pure Wool Superwash DK

Keep an eye out for this gem this fall at your local Rowan stockists ... it's sure to be a classic go-to collection that you'll turn to again and again.

time after time

My pal Kara has just released a new product called Time Books and I wanted to share them with you. Because they are way cool. Time Books are a printable zine-inspired method of time-based art journaling. They are easy to print at home or send out to a print center. Time Books can be whatever you want them to be — quick, bulky, cheap, elegant, long, or short.

 

What Time Books are is easy: throw one in your suitcase before a trip, spend a month adding to
one, or make a Time Book all about a day, long ago.

The traditional Time Book is a stapled saddle-stitched book (which will require a long-arm stapler), but there’s nothing that says you can’t mix it up. Try different binding methods like hand-stitching,
machine sewing, hole punching. If you want to bulk up your Time Book, add pages with your own
patterned papers before binding. Anything goes.

You can purchase Time Books here for only $10. I have already started working on mine and let me tell you ... freedom! And fun. So easy. Give it a try (and let me know if you make something cool!)

Share your Time Books on Instagram with #timebooking. @classeskaramade #classeskaramade

soaking and blocking (and a giveaway)

I've been doing a lot of this lately, which is a good thing. There's nothing like giving your sweet new baby sweater a gentle, loving dunk in the sink. But plain water isn't enough for your sweet new baby sweater. You have to use Eucalan. I have used Eucalan for a few years now and it's a must-have for your soaking and blocking process.

You don't skip this part, right? (Right?) Because you owe it to yourself to finish out these last steps properly on that amazing handmade garment that you spent so much time knitting. A good soak in a bowl or sink filled with lukewarm water and wool wash will do wonders for how your hand-knits look and feel. Really.

Last month at TNNA, I was one of the lucky attendees at the Marly Bird Designer Dinner and received a swag bag of epic proportions. In that bag was a sweet little bottle of Eucalan's new scent, Wrapture by designer Kristin Omdahl, infused with the essential oil of Night Bloom Jasmine. It's as good as it sounds. It not only smells wonderful but also has a ton of benefits. All of the Eucalan scents have natural moth inhibiting properties, and the lanolin and essential oils act as natural fabric softeners that will make your sweater extra soft, also allowing the fibers and stitches to lay really nicely. Wool wash cleans and softens your hand-knits with amazing results ... and you don't have to rinse.



Typically, I use Eucalan the 'traditional' way – soaking my garment in a sink or a bowl of lukewarm water (with one teaspoon of Eucalan per gallon) and then laying it out to dry. However, sometimes I knit sweaters that require a bit more care. Sometimes I'm wary of completely submerging them. With these delicate garments, I add a couple of drops of Eucalan into a spray bottle of water and boom, I'm ready to dampen and block my sweater. Eucalan is a no-rinse wool wash so it's perfectly okay to spray it on your garment and let it soak right in!

So. Would you like to soak your next finished project in Eucalan? I know you would. (Giveaway time!)

THE PRIZE

A Eucalan Getaway Gang pack

Pack includes: 2 each of the individual use single use pods (Eucalyptus, Lavender, Grapefruit, Unscented, Wrapture), 

6 stain-removing wipes, 1 pack lint removers, 1 nail file and 1 sewing kit in a re-usable vinyl zipper bag.

HOW TO ENTER

   • Comment below telling me if you're a hard-core wool wash user, or a first-timer!

   • Like Eucalan on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.

THE RULES

    •    Giveaway is open to US and CAN residents only

    •    Giveaway is open until Sunday, July 12, 2015 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.

A huge thank you to Eucalan for this wonderful giveaway. Good luck and thanks for reading! :)

knitting in public + a fiber exhibition + a community art project

Here in Des Moines we are so lucky to have The Des Moines Art Center, home to ever-changing exhibitions throughout the year and a fantastic permanent collection that includes pieces by Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Francis Bacon, Georgia O'Keeffe, Grant Wood, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko and so many more. Yes, we are pretty lucky. And the current exhibition on display is a fiber exhibit called Fiber: Sculpture 1960–present. Which, for a knitter, is pretty on point. Lotus and I had to check it out.

 

And not long ago, I mentioned a community fiber project that correlates with this exhibit – the Art Center is collecting hand-knit or crocheted swatches for a re-imagining of the iconic painting "From the Lake No. 1" by Georgia O’Keeffe. So Lotus and I signed up for the project and picked up our yarn. (I believe knitted submissions are due this Friday if you would like to jump in.) It's such a fun project for us to do together.

Last weekend the Art Center hosted a knitting circle, which was the perfect way to celebrate World Wide Knit in Public Day. We worked on our swatches for the community fiber project and I got to chat with some of my favorite knitting friends. Paul Kasal also gave a short talk on Georgia O'Keeffe and history of "From the Lake No. 1," which was quite fascinating. 

I'm naturally pretty excited to be part of this fiber experience and can't wait to see how this turns out. After what I imagine will be some very creative and interesting assembly sessions, the final piece will be unveiled on July 10th. Thank you, Des Moines Art Center friends, for bringing knitters together from all over our lovely city and making something big and beautiful out of all of our tiny handmade creations.