Head over to GGMadeIt to win your very own copy of 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits'! And follow her blog while you're at it. I promise you'll be a fan. She's a talented knitter with a lot of spunk and enthusiasm for everything knitting; GG is just plain fun. Reading her thoughts and musings about her adventures in knitting is a real treat! (Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, too.)
New York State of Mind (Vogue Knitting Live NYC!) /
Happy New Year, blog pals! I hope you had a magical holiday season – I'm already feeling like 2016 is off to a solid start. But now I'm beyond ready to get back to the routine. Enough of the endless lazy days spent in pajamas. (Which were nice, I admit. The knitting time was pretty stellar too, but reality awaits.) My next adventure is a visit to my beloved NYC for Vogue Knitting Live. I can't contain my excitement, truly.
I am teaming up with my friend Steven Berg from StevenBe, and he's going to make your head spin with the hottest trends right off the runway, uber-chunky yarns and combinations of fibers that will blow your mind. Such an inspiration. I'll be popping in during his class on Sunday morning at VK Live and I've designed an exclusive cowl pattern just for this event. (It has a subtle NY skyline knitted right into it!)
I'll also be at the StevenBe booth at the VK Live Marketplace doing book signings. Stop by and see me on Friday (Jan. 15th) from 5-7, Saturday (Jan. 16th) from 5:30-6:30 and Sunday (Jan. 17th) from 1-3. Pick up at copy of 'Weekend' and get it signed! It's going to be such a fun time. I cannot wait to experience the energy and to hang out with knitters from all over the world. (Plus ... shopping.) I'm a first-timer, so if you have tips or advice to share, I'm all ears.
Will you be at Vogue Knitting Live NY? Have you gone before? (Tell me everything.) :)
SKEINO Venice /
I recently had the chance to knit with a special new yarn from SKEINO that is unlike any other yarn I've ever used before. (And that's pretty remarkable, because I feel like I've knit with every kind of yarn imaginable.) It's called SKEINO Venice. And here's why it's so unique. It has just the right amount of glittery sparkle, and the sparkle comes from a lurex 'core.' So cool.
Venice is a chainette yarn. Instead of being spun, it's knitted using four stitches in the round on a machine. Baby Alpaca and lurex are knitted together into a chainette, resulting in a lightweight fluffy yarn (that is not scratchy!) The process to create this yarn is tedious, but the result is beautiful. Venice comes in five shades that have gold lurex (cream, beige, camel, musk, brown) and five shades that have silver lurex (snow, light gray, silver, charcoal, black). Which makes choosing a shade an exciting experience.
SKEINO sent me a kit that included a skein of Venice in Charcoal (with silver lurex!) and a pattern to make a project called the Gala Scarf. Which is gorgeous, easy and QUICK to knit – I highly recommend grabbing this kit with your Venice yarn. This scarf is a one-skein project and the result is stunning. An easy-to-knit scarf/shawl/wrap quickly becomes an exquisite accessory for the holidays or New Year's Eve. I can definitely see anyone wearing the Gala Scarf with their little black dress. The glittery shine in Venice stands out just a bit but is subtle enough that it looks really elegant. I love it.
Gala Scarf's lacy pattern is easy with a repeat of just two rows. SKEINO even offers a video tutorial for a new technique called Combination Knitting, which makes it even easier. Check out their explanation of this technique here.
SKEINO has kindly offered up a coupon code so you too can give this amazing yarn a try! Enter JENGEIGLEY at checkout to receive a 10% discount valid through January 31st, 2016. *
Happy holidays and happy knitting!
* Conditions:
– valid for orders worldwide between now and January 31st 2016
– discount is not applicable to shipping cost
– voucher can only be used once per customer
– voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other vouchers, promotions or discounts
– this coupon code has no cash value and can only be used on http://www.skeino.com
– not valid on previous purchases
– the above mentioned Terms & Conditions may be altered without any prior notice
Make Give Repeat /
Have you heard about MAKE | GIVE | REPEAT? Do you want to knit items for charity this winter, but don't know where to donate? Check out Make Give Repeat for a wonderful list of charities, their addresses and specific needs. My friends Robyn Devine and Heather Walpole started Make Give Repeat simply because they love to support charities through their favorite hobby. And I can get behind that!
I am thrilled to be contributing a pattern to the cause. 'Sliver', a super-bulky (and quick) hat pattern from 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits' is the featured pattern for the Make Give Repeat December knit along. And you can make a few in no time at all. Sliver comes in sizes XS – XL and can be worn by children or adults. Ready to knit up some hats for charity? From December 1 through January 1, you can download Sliver for FREE with the code MAKEGIVEREPEAT.
The December charity focus is Nest: Maine. Nest is a charitable group started as a way to help keep folks in the Ft. Kent area warm. Each year they've collected items and distributed them to shelters and clinics in the area, helping their neighbors survive the brutal Maine winters.
Nest collects all sorts of handmade items, but most needed are hats and mittens in sizes from babies through adults. They also need stroller blankets this year. Nest prefers that items be made from 100% wool for maximum warmth, although stroller blankets can be made from acrylic and blends.
Finished items can be mailed to:
Jean Lee
NestMaine
P.O. Box 6011
Falmouth, Maine, 04105
Find all the Make Give Repeat December hat knit along details here. Knit a hat or two (or ten), and give someone in need the gift of warm fuzzies this holiday season.
Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals + a GIVEAWAY! /
Whew! Did you make it through Thanksgiving weekend? It was a blur! (I spent the weekend in Minneapolis at StevenBe, but that's a post for another day.) :)
Just wanted to give a heads up that today is the last day that my book will be on super sale. Until midnight tonight (12:00 AM CST), you can pick up a copy of 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits' for only $23 (reg $28) + FREE SHIPPING with the code FREESHIP. So go snag a copy for yourself or as a gift for your favorite knitter. Such a great deal!
Finally, Jane Richmond, one of my favorite knitwear designers in the world, just blogged a beautiful review of 'Weekend' and I'm so incredibly honored. Her words mean so much because she is a huge creative force in the knitting world and I adore everything she does! She's also hosting a giveaway, so go enter (right now) for your chance to win a hard copy of 'Weekend.'
Hope you have a nice, somewhat relaxing week ahead – happy knitting!
Book touring + trunk showing /
I'm taking this show on the road and embarking on a mini-midwest book tour of sorts. It's already proving to be a ton of fun. By the way, I'd like to send out a huge, heartfelt thank-you to all of the yarn store owners who have welcomed 'Weekend' into their shops. I cannot explain what a thrill it is to see this book being picked up in so many wonderful locations ... my very favorite yarn shops. (Pinch me, because last week I sent books to Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver and Purl Soho in NYC. Dreams come true, my friends.) It's still totally surreal to think that this book has finally been published and is out there for the world to see. And spreading the love is the fun part. So yes, a book tour. Which has kind of already started!
Last month, I made a stop at Nina Chicago with a fresh stack of books and a trunk show of samples from 'Weekend'. It was a day of adventure, walking through the Lincoln Park Zoo with the whole fam on the way and grabbing coffee. Then Bo helped me wheel my box of books to the shop on a skateboard. HA. If you've never been to Nina, let me just say that she has curated the most fantastic, beautiful selection of yarns you may ever see in one space. It's the truth. Go see for yourself.
Nina is such a warm and welcoming store and the energy in the store was fantastic. I had the best afternoon meeting lots of Chicago knitters and hanging out with the lovely Nina ladies in Wicker Park. I'd hang out there every weekend if I could, truly.
And last month, my hometown yarn store Hill Vintage & Knits also hosted a book signing and trunk show event, and man ... I felt the love. Look at those sweet faces. I adore this local crew. Thanks so much to my pals Erica and Jess for hosting a super fun Friday Night Knitting night.
This weekend, I'm road-tripping with my pal Emily to Stitch Together Studio in Cedar Rapids, IA. I absolutely cannot wait to see this shop – it's brand new and it's owned by one of my longtime crafty friends, Kayanna Nelson. From what I've heard, it's super eclectic and gorgeous and they'll be offering a 15% off sale on all bulky yarns and roving. Woo! If you're in the area, stop by and hang out on Saturday from 1:00-4:00.
Later this month (November 27 + 28) I'll be road-tripping again to StevenBe in Minneapolis. The most magical yarntopia in all the land. How much fun will it be? All of it. All of the fun. On Small Business Saturday there will be free demos with Steven and I in the fiber loft, discounts on all things chunky, a 'Weekend' trunk show and book signing, and so much more. I get giddy just thinking about it. On Sunday, Steven will be having a tea party featuring his brand new tea blend, plus 35% off all yarns in the My Mountain Pop-In Shop, 50% off all yarns in Steven's Value Vault, a reveal of the best Cheap and Cheerful gifts, free gift with purchase over $100 and your choice of a tour messenger back or tour book with $200 purchase. Got it? It's a lot – I know. But I'll basically be at StevenBe for an entire weekend. So come hang out with us. We're going to have a blast.
More to come in the months ahead, but I wanted to share these upcoming events in case you live in one of these lovely cities and want to say 'hi'. Also! If you're a yarn shop owner and would like to set up a book signing/trunk show, feel free to email me any time. I would love to visit you, too.
Have a great weekend ... and knit on, my friends!
Week 1: Weekend Knit Along /
The first week in October is behind us and we're already off and running with the Weekend Knit Along. So many people have already made a ton of progress, so I wanted to share a few of their pics.
Emily and her cat, Rick, are knitting 'Minnie', a hooded scarf in Mint Tuff Puff yarn from Knit Picks. (Cat helpers are the best helpers.)
My pal Kayanna is knitting 'Sliver' with WATG Crazy Sexy Wool in this gorgeous red. I do love a red hat! Kayanna just opened a new store, Stitch Together Needle Arts Studio, in Cedar Rapids, IA! I can't wait to visit next month. :)
Ena knitted her son this Distortion and Feedback set, and I adore how she did the accent stitches! So cool (and such a cute kid.)
TheThingsSheMade is starting out on her 'Undone' sweater!
Amy is working on her 'Undone' as well in this awesome purple color of Maxi Wool from Erika Knight. (Plus coffee ... very necessary.)
Erica is knitting an army green 'Undone.'
Nichole has finished a 'Feedback' cowl in hot pink and gray Tuff Puff from Knit Picks, and she's started knitting 'Minnie' and may also knit 'Distortion'! This girl is ambitious (and a very speedy knitter.)
And last but not least, Sarah is completely finished with her 'Undone', knit in Spud & Chloë Outer in Carbon. It's so good, so perfect! (And she knitted it so quickly!)
It's not too late to join us! The Weekend KAL lasts the entire month of October, so there's plenty of time to jump in. For more info on how to join, click HERE. Knit on, my friends.
Join the 'WEEKEND' knit along! /
Knit a project in a weekend from the book, 'WEEKEND.'
Just a few weeks ago, my new book 'WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits' was released. Now it's time for us to knit something together, at the same time, sharing our pics and inspiring each other to make cool things. Are you in? It won't take long! Let's do this.
WHEN
The WEEKEND KAL will start on Thursday, October 1st and end on Friday, October 30th.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Choose a project to make from WEEKEND – any project is fine! Enter your info HERE to be eligible to win the giveaway at the end of the KAL. You also must have shared photos of a project in progress during the KAL to be eligible.
GIVEAWAY
One lucky KAL participant will win an awesome prize!! (So, go sign up.)
KAL RULES
You can choose any project you'd like to knit from the book WEEKEND. (Projects from other sources will not qualify for the KAL.)
To be eligible to win a prize, you must share photos of your chosen KAL project on the HEYJENRENEE Ravelry group board, which you can find here. (Feel free to share on social media as well, using the hashtag #weekendKAL.)
It's okay if you have already started a project from WEEKEND. Take in-progress pics and share them with us!
You may jump in any time during the month of October.
You may knit more than one project.
If you don't finish your project by the end of the KAL, it's okay! Participation is enough! Let's have FUN and make cool things.
WHERE TO START
RAVELRY
Start with the KAL discussion threads in the HEYJENRENEE Ravelry group. Right away, you'll find a thread where you can say hello and chat about what projects you have decided to make, the yarns you'll use, etc. This is the fun part! Don't be shy. I'll be in there, too. :)
SOCIAL MEDIA
Check out everyone's photos by searching for and using the hashtag #weekendKAL. You can find me posting all the things (all the time) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. (Find my social media links at the the top of my blog/website.)
BLOG
I will be posting about the KAL on my blog (and sharing your pics!) throughout the month of October.
WHERE TO PURCHASE 'WEEKEND'
'WEEKEND: Simple, Modern Knits' is available in several formats. You can purchase the hard copy + free PDF ebook on my website under 'Shop'. You can also find the hard copy at local yarn shops, Amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. Purchase individual pattern PDFs on Ravelry, as well as the full PDF ebook. It's also available on Kindle and iBooks! Find all of the links right HERE.
Last but not least, I wanted to thank you all for being so incredibly awesome. Thank you to the blog readers who have stuck by me from the start. Thank you to the yarn stores who have expressed enthusiasm and support for someone they have never met in real life. Thank you for sharing your photos and sweet words on your blogs and social media. It's a thrill to hear that you're enjoying the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. I love you guys. xx.
Stour – a Rowan cardigan by Martin Storey /
Last weekend, I finished up this ultra cozy cardigan and I already can't wait for cooler weather so I can wear it all of the time. The pattern is 'Stour' by Martin Storey and I knitted it using Rowan Brushed Fleece, which is a gorgeous, warm, lightweight wool that's extremely soft (and not itchy whatsoever.) You have to feel it to believe it.
'Stour' is technically a mens' cardigan, but I really wanted to knit something for myself that was a little bit oversized and easy to throw on. I made the smallest size (which I believe was a 38" chest) and it's really quite perfect.
I fell in love with this hazel-green color (called 'Moor') as soon as I saw it on the shade card. I can see myself throwing this on over practically anything in my closet. I took my time with this cardigan (because I was busy finishing projects for my book) but it really didn't take long at all to knit. Quick knits are my favorite!
I'm totally in sweater mode right now; I have two projects (for myself) that I want to cast on next and can't decide which one to do first. But I also have a sweet little sweater pattern picked out for Bowie. So maybe I'll start with that.
What are you making this fall? If you can decide what to knit right now, check back soon for WEEKEND knit along details – it's going to be fun!
I see you. /
Okay, you guys are blowing my mind with your pics and projects. Thanks so much for sharing.
(Ready for a Weekend Knit-a-Long? Pick a project from 'Weekend' and knit it in a weekend. First week in October. Let's do this ... more soon.)