Holla Knits Blog Tour: Knitting Velma

The Holla Knits Blog Tour is stopping by to say hello!

This is the third Holla Knits collection I've been involved with as a test knitter. I was first introduced to Velma (the pattern, that is. I made the cat's acquaintance before this collection) through a sketch that Allyson sent my way. I took one look at the chevron stitch pattern and the unique construction and I was fully on board.

Picking out the yarn was another fun project. Allyson has chosen Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed in the gorgeous Brass Heather colorway, so we knew we knew something darker would be a smart choice. It would show off the versatility of the pattern and hopefully give future knitters a starting point for color inspiration! I've worked with Knits in Class yarn before after winning a giveaway a few years ago and I love Kate's colors! We went with Ruby, a beautifully saturated red-purple. Kate even had the graciousness to send it pre-wound! That's some major knitting good karma.

I was so looking forward to getting started, this project practically cast itself on my needles. The chevron stitch pattern was pretty intuitive after an inch or so.

Chevron!

I had planned on being super-diligent about taking progress photos, but I just couldn't stop knitting this thing. The rest of the sweater came together in a flash! I love the seam in the back where the two sides are joined together. It's a slight bit of visual interest and it's somehow makes the sweater lay beautifully. 

That back, tho

Did I mention this thing is crazy flattering? Wearing it makes me feel like one million bucks! I can't wait to see more people cast this baby on - join the Velma revolution, y'all.

Just look how happy I am!

Want to make a Velma of your own? Duh, of course you do. Comment on this post with color ideas for your version and win a free copy of that pattern!

All You Do Is Win!

A belated congratulations to Knittingdancer and Debbie for winning a FREE copy of Excelsior! E-mail me at doogknits at gmail dot com to claim your prize!

Happy knitting!

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner!

The Holla Knits blog tour has come to a close, which means it's time to pick the winner of the Rolling Thunder pattern give-away!

I used the first number randomizer that came up on Google, (which seems to be from a geocities site, but I digress)

So, congratulations to MaryinTN! Send me an e-mail at doogknits@gmail.com to claim your free pattern! Can't wait to see it knit up in your version of two shades of green - my favorite color, incidentally.

Holla Knits Blog Tour & Rolling Thunder Giveaway

It's my favorite time of year. It's fall and, more importantly, it's time for the newest edition of Holla Knits!

I've been a subscriber to Holla Knits since the beginning, so I couldn't be more proud to have my first pattern design, Rolling Thunder, featured in Fall/Winter 2013.

 This southwestern-inspired yolk sweater is the perfect fall knit. It looks great on it's own or even layered over a button down, it's flattering with enough details to make it fun to knit. The stranded colorwork on the shoulders flies by - you can't wait to see the details come together! I can't wait to see the color choices people make when it they cast on.

I used Knit Picks Brava Sport in Sienna and Seashell for my original sample. I like the softness of Knit Pick's acrylic and loved the color options that line offers. The second sample features the absolutely stunning yarn of masi|knits. Their Nantucket colorways highlighted just how versatile this design can be - you can really make it your own!

Sample in Knit Picks Brava Sport

Sample in masi|knits Nantucket colorways

What colors would you use? Leave your answer in the comments for your chance to win a free copy of Rolling Thunder. A winner will be chosen next week.

Be sure to check out the rest of the collection here and follow along with the whole Holla Knits Blog Tour:

Sept 17: The Sweatshop of Love
Sept 18: The Knitting Vortex
Sept 19: Unplanned Peacock
Sept 20: Knit York City

Sept 23: masi|knits
Sept 24: Wooly Wonka Fibers
Sept 25: Moi!
Sept 26: Dyeing to Knit with Yarn Love
Sept 27: Dirty Water Dyeworks

Oct 1: Rohn Strong Designs
Oct 2: Knits in Class
Oct 4: Cosmos and Cashmere

Rolling Thunder is Here!

I've had a big summer. I've been crafting, beaching, traveling, celebrating and generally enjoying life. I've also had the opportunity to publish my very first knitting pattern in one of my favorite knitting publications. Featured in Holla Knits Fall/ Winter 2013, I'm pleased to present the Rolling Thunder sweater!

There will be no discussion or acknowledgement about my skills as a model, but I'm so proud of how this sweater turned out! It's a basic yolk sweater with some fun techniques thrown in for good measure. The shoulder details are actually stranded. The yolk is worked in with a wrap & turn at the shoulder so you're knitting on the Right Side and purling on the Wrong Side. The bottom detail is embroidered and is a great way to break up all that stockinette knitting for the body. I like to jump around to different details when I knit - keeps things interesting!

The sample I'm sportin' was made in Knit Picks Brava Sport, which is 100% acrylic. Some people find acrylic irritating, but Brava is super soft and feels great against the skin. Now that fall is in the air, you better believe I'm wearing this sample all around town. 

You can purchase the pattern here for $6.00. It's a bargain and will pay off the first time someone stops you and asks "where'd you get that sweater?"