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!

Adler Sew Along - Week 2

It's the best part of any Sew/Knit Along: RESULTS!

Adler Shirtdress

This was, by far, the most difficult sewing project I've ever tackled. I was glad to have Jen's super-helpful sew along instructions to refer to as I went through the project. Pattern assembly was going well until I got to attaching the collar. Here's a visual representation of how I felt about that process:

"I'm just going to Chippendale it and call it a day"

It was a matter of my brain not understanding the instructions OR the tutorial. This can be a real low point for any crafter. If you can't figure it out from two different resources, you start to panic a little bit. Usually, the best thing to do is to take a break, text your sew-along buddies and get some air. Unfortunately, it was almost midnight on a Wednesday and I really wanted to get through at least the collar and hem before bed.

Fortunately, I had decided to start my annual fall re-watch of my beloved Friday Night Lights. Right when I was about to throw in the proverbial towel, Coach Taylor was there to remind me that football doesn't build character, it reveals it. I wasn't about to let Coach down by giving up! I powered through and somehow got that thing attached after another 30 minutes of muttering to myself.

So, you can thank the Dillon Panthers for this dress, is basically what I'm saying.

"Clear eyes, steady hands, can't lose" - Crafty Night Lights

Droopy = unimpressed

I got a hair cut! Surprise!

In the end, it was worth it. I love how it turned out and can't believe my luck with the fabric choice. I went with Allyson to Kalamazoo, Michigan on a hunt for bargains at the Field's Fabric tent sale earlier this summer and we bought the fabric for this project together. Hers turned out beautifully and, I have to say, so did mine! I've been privy to a sneak preview from Katie, and (spoiler alert) we all pretty much crushed this project. Stay tuned for Katie's progress next week and brace yourself to be super impressed with this trifecta of style and talent. 

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.