Wednesday, September 26, 2012

a catch up ~ a giveaway!

once in a while, upon completion of a rather large and time consuming knitting project (this one), i feel a little lost. what to make now? this time it didn't take much thinking or searching...my sister had invited me on a (surprise) trip to alaska, and she would need a new scarf!

  


she loved it and wore it nearly everyday! well, if i were to tell the truth, she didn't have another scarf to wear, hee hee. but she did love it and was happily warm. so i was too.  :)

pattern: kidsilk haze stripe mitered square scarf by nancy kleiber
yarn: one ball of rowan kidsilk haze stripe (colors by kaffe fassett) in the color #201, to make a scarf seventy inches long and ten inches wide
joy: seeing your sister comfortable and cute, priceless
(my hat can be found on ravelry here and favorite cowl here)


soon as we were back home from alaska, my local knitting, quilting shop asked if i'd make some samples for their newly redecorated knitting room...


pattern: modular neck wrap from knit noro accessories book (found here)
yarn: noro silk garden, color # 84
i loved making this, it was like knitting a puzzle, triangle to point, pick up stitches and begin again



then roxanne, the lovely shop owner asked if i'd knit this kit...


the sequins don't show in the photo very well, but there were many of them. it was my first time to knit with
sequins, and with silk lace weight yarn. there was a hand dyed ball of bamboo silk in a heavier weight also. it was all very nice, but oh so slippery! i learned a thing while knitting with this material...


it tangles. oh my gosh, it tangles. as soon as i wound it into a ball on my swift, it dissolved into a silky puddle of knotted thread and sequins. hours later (and maybe a tear or two), i came up with a solution.


using an old spool, i wound the (unwilling) thread sequin mess onto it. i'm sorry to say an old book was harmed with this technique as i couldn't find a piece of wood to accommodate. a nail was hammered into the book, the spool slipped over the nail and happy happy joy joy, it worked. the shawl was then my friend again and completed in no time!
pattern: zephyr's shawl
designed by: lauren scarpo from country yarns in wallingford ct.
kit: version #2
color: tiffany


 here is the shop the samples are in! and also where i teach!


 the newly redone yarn room!


the modular neck wrap is at home here



 and the zephyr's shawl


the noro wall (love)


if you are planning a visit to carpinteria, you might like to make a trip to  roxanne's ~ a wish and a dream
i love this shop!


 this hat was made for matt. matt was here this week from nyc, he came with my daughter, for a visit. his first time to california. my girl said, momma, can we make matt a hat? which, although she knows how to knit, meant, can i make a hat for matt. with pleasure


matt's hat: 
pattern: basic beanies by paton (you will have to register to access the pattern)
wool: local alpaca



and now, a giveaway! i was recently asked by the nyc based ebook publisher, open roads media, if i would
like to review newly released knitting ebooks, yes! the books i chose were, knitting for baby, viva poncho and knitting 24/7


from liz at open road media:

At Open Road Media, we’re working around the movement that increasing numbers of knitters want to be able to read patterns and instructions on their ereaders, tablets, and smartphones—especially those who knit during their commutes or who carry their knitting projects with them, and don’t want to have to use knitting needles to hold their page in a print book while they’re knitting on the go. For those just learning to knit, having knitting ebooks on their gadget of choice helps them use their idle time to learn more about knitting!

i love all three of these new to me books, there is a wide selection of patterns, and there is something for everyone at every skill level. i'm excited to have these books of patterns on my ipad now, i'm imagining only how difficult it will be to choose which to make first. open roads media has generously offered one digital copy of knitting 24/7 to giveaway! if you would like a chance to win, please leave a comment letting me know. random number generator will help choose a name on october 1st. thank you for reading and good luck!
xxx lori


joining with yarn along again here


87 comments:

  1. Loving catching up here, and loving your sister's pretty scarf.

    You have two beautiful daughters Lori :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a gorgeous place to teach!

    Thanks for the chance to win.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooh, I'd love a chance. Thank you! All your FO are gorgeous, but boy that silk sure does look fiddly. The Noro neck wrap looks perfect for autumn, and the buttons are a great choice.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So much beautiful, and completed!, knitting. Thanks for the chance to win the digital patterns! Hope you have a wonderful day.

    xo katie

    ReplyDelete
  5. That shawl is breath taking! And I'm not really into shawls usually.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lori, you and your sister look so much alike. I know she loved that you made her a scarf for y'all's special trip.
    My goodness, I am always just speechless when I see your beautiful knitting. Everything you do is just stunning Lori!
    I would love to be entered in your giveaway, what a treat!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you so much for sharing your slippery yarn solution! I'll now be able to knit some beautiful silk, that has proven to be completely unmanageable.
    Thank you also for the chance to win Veronik Avery's book!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your knitting is always so gorgeous Lori!
    Such a beautiful photo of you and your sister xo

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'd love to win the books. Could you send Matt along with them...?

    ReplyDelete
  10. holy smokes you have been busy. that scarf you made for your sister is amazing (as is the shawl, and the neck wrap... ok all of it is). i think i will make that scarf for my mom for christmas. so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. also, where do you get the pattern for that scarf? thank you

      Delete
    2. it was a giveaway in the shop, i'll scan it and email it to you mom! i LOVED knitting it, it was easy to memorize the mitering part and rowans kidsilk haze is amazing!

      email me here: lorix5@hotmail.com :)

      Delete
  11. I always love visiting you Lori. It's like being a child reading a wonderful storybook coming here.

    I would be honoured to enter your giveaway ;-)

    Warmest wishes,

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  12. This post is thick with travels and projects and love and joy and color. Awesomeness. Love how fuzzy the Alaska scarf was, and such a nice hue to complement the glaciers. The shawl is so intensely incredible, as is the grey cap.
    I peeked at 24/7 in our local yarn shop and love how the premise is to sneak rows in throughout the day so knitting embodies the day, rather than the day stops so one can concentrate on knitting.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow - what a total feast for the eyes, there is so much loveliness that I don't know what to say about it all! 24/7 looks really interesting - I'll have to check that out!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Those are some lovely projects, you are so productive and have such skill! I'll quite happily enter your giveaway, thank you for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lori I love you last post. The scarf you made for your sister looks so squishy and wonderful. How exciting is it to review knitting books! You are so innovative with you fix on the yarn with sequins! I love the hat you made for Matt. I love that you used local alpaca yarn. That yarn room is the brightest cheeries yarn room I have ever seen. I'd love to visit it one day. Oh and I'd love to win the book, but my computer hates me and won't let me leave comments. I'm going to turn it off later and hit it hard and turn it back on. I hope that will fix it so I can come back and leave a comment so I can be entered into the give away.



    xxAndee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. there ya go andee, comment recieved and your name is in! thank you for the lovely words dear.

      Delete
  16. Everything is fabulous. I think my favorite is the scarf for your sister. Looks so soft! And colorful!!! After all this alpaca natural colored knitting, I need some color. Maybe I'll have to make one for myself. And yes, please enter me in the drawing. I am finally up to date and "with it" having a new fancy shmancy smart phone that I can look up patterns on. Yippee!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my I think I'd like to take my next holiday in that yarn shop!! it looks like a dream come true.
    As usual your knitting is amazing. All your projects in this post are so full of fun, great stuff.
    please include me in the give away.

    ReplyDelete
  18. The neck wrap is gorgeous-great colors for autumn. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Alas I do not knit, but my eldest daughter Althea does. Actually she is a beginner knitter and a becoming professional mommy. Four year Milo and two month old Silas keep her on her toes. Any of these lovely items would cheer her and bolster her knitting skills. Of yes, I would give any as a gift to her. And love the blog!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Lori This is such a delightful, colourful and inspiring post. I love the scarf you knitted for your sister, such soft and pretty shades...I have made a note of it :) The shawl looks wonderful..... what a task to take on with that swirly shiny yarn....I have sometimes embroidered with glossy tangly thread so can imagine what it was like to use! Loved your solution! The shop pictures are amazing...what a wonderful place to browse and to teach, I love all the colours in there too. And a knitting book to win....what a treat. Please put my name in the draw too.
    Have a happy day!
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Well a scarf was the perfect present if she didn't have another to wear, its lovely. As are your samples, and what a great looking craft store, totally jealous you have that local to you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Dear Lori, I have missed you! That shop looks like a candy store to us yarn/knitting lovers! Your latest projects are fantastic! I loooove all the colours (as you could guess) and so beautiful patterns, too! Thank you for sharing your idea for the tangly yarn or thread - I have met the same problem sometimes and it's terrible!
    Thank you also for a lovely give away! x Teje

    ReplyDelete
  23. As always, your knitting is just beautiful! I absolutely love the zephyr's shawl! Thanks for hosting such a lovely giveaway, keeping my fingers crossed. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  24. great knitting projects and what a wonderful shop!!
    Love your posts, I enjoyed the Alaska pictures a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Such beautiful knits. The yarn shop looks lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love coming here, you're such an inspiration! I hope you had a lovely trip, Alaska is a beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am not sure if I have commented before but have been reading your blog for some time :) Yes, all gorgeous knits. I bought a lot of Noro yarn on sale when I first started knitting and I might have to make that scarf for one of my girls. Have pinned the e-books, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  28. cool! i wanna chance to win! : ) love your work - the scarf, the shawl, the hat. they're all so different but so soft and wonderful. you are quite ingenious coming up with a solution to your zephyr problem. wow! nice pix of the shop too. they're so lucky to have you!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Gorgeous, gorgeous and more gorgeousness. And the shop! Oh I wish we had something like that here.

    ReplyDelete
  30. the colors and the puzzle pattern of the modular neck piece really are catching my eye today. But you know what else is too? The striped dress in the photo on the wall - I'd wear that in a heartbeat!

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. You're so ambitious! I bet Matt loves that hat. It goes nicely with his beard. I crocheted a beard today!!! I put a silly pic of me wearing it on my blog: www.thescrumptiouslife.blogspot.com
    Oooh, that looks like a great book...I just checked and my library has it! I am going to see if I can check it out! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am amazed at how much knitting you got done!! I love the hat and the boyfriend wearing it :) The shop you work in is beyond beautiful and you are a lucky lucky girl. I have to say the bestest photo is you and your sis. You know I love mine so much and we are very close. I bet your mom was smiling down on the two of you being together (sporting knitted lovelies).

    ReplyDelete
  34. Lori - please enter me for the giveaway! That makes so much sense to have access to projects/reference anywhere. I'm not inspired to dig out my books and start a new project (or finish old ones!). Your work is beautiful! Thank you - Susan

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lovely shawl! Thanks for the chance to win!

    greyowl (ravelry id)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Lori, this is a lovely post, so full of positive energy.

    That mitered corner scarf you made to keep your sister warm up north in Alaska is a beauty.

    The photos of your local yarn shop are full of light and an atmosphere that I am sure encourages lots of folks to try their two hands at the art/skill of knitting. Bravo.

    Matt's hat is grand. A wonderful response to a special commision.

    I am so glad to visit hereabouts, every time!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Lori,

    I always enjoy your blog it's full of vibrance and your projects are lovely.

    Also enjoyed your trip to Namibia. photos were gorgeous.

    Having those patterns on an iPad makes sense.

    Love to be in the drawing.

    Chrisy
    Lil Bit Brit

    ReplyDelete
  38. simply: you are a good knitter and such a clever one!!! I would love, one day, to come in California and have you as a teacher!!!
    The shop seems an adorable place: envy you, just a little bit!!! ;oD
    Have a good day, xxx Alessandra

    ReplyDelete
  39. what beautiful knits!!! and you are absolutely brilliant with that silky solution!! (I have a silky MESS that I gave up trying to detangle years ago. Maybe sometime I'll drag it out----with a bobbin in hand!!!)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I would love to win! That cowl is amazing!!! And what a sweet yarn shop...

    ReplyDelete
  41. What gorgeous projects - I really like your neck wrap, such warming colours too :-) And I'd love to enter! Thanks for the chance :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love the scarf! Thanks for such a cool giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  43. wow, so much knitterly goodness in this post Lori! I love it all and that is highly innovative to put a nail in a book :O)
    I love the shop, wish I could go there myself, it looks like knitters heaven!
    XXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you for the chance to win such a lovely giveaway!
    Your knitting is stunning!
    I have knitted with silk before and I know your pain :) Your bobbin idea is inspired, will try that next time :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. I've been meaning to comment here - time slips away! loved your last post with Hannah home - she looks just like you! and as gorgeous looking, especially looking happy with Matt - who seems to be a doll also. Imagine seeing CA for the first time - I remember my first time, it was eye opening!
    Your knitting here is lovely wonderful. I am stalled on my projects due to a million other things but SO want to make some of the items that you have here....I'm definitely going to try the hat for my buddy here,
    the shop is lovely looking! I did find the knitting store in SLO and it was wonderful, you'd love it. Next time OK? love mim

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh, Lori,

    how would I love to be picked for this book!
    You have a wonderful life, it's very inspiring.

    Best wishes
    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  47. Your knitting is always amazing, Lori. I would have been in a quivering ball of tears if I knitted something with sequins.

    And what a fun shop! I would love to visit. :)

    Matt's hat is great. He is such an awesome model in your photos ;)

    I would love an opportunity to win! Thank you for offering this up to us.

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh my goodness sooooo many beautiful projects!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Beautiful scarf! I have always wanted to go to Alaska, I bet the trip was amazing.
    also, your shop is adorable and I want to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hi Lori,
    Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this book. It's lovely to sit with my knitting and tea and "visit" with you via your blog. I really love it. Thank you.
    -Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  51. You are a knitting genius! How to nice to see your work in a shop too. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like sisterly knits and that scarf looks fantastic, frugal yet feminine and soft and all.

    I'm ready to win.

    ReplyDelete
  53. This was fun! Savored every bit, followed the links, read about the yarns, (one day I will knit that cowl, or maybe this Christmas, for my mom?), all over a cup of coffee :) You have such a beautiful family! (But Lori! We just moved here! You cannot put a nail in that book! I am just going to believe that that was an unfortunate accident, or that you have several other copies...)
    ♥Emma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, not to worry emma, the nail is out, book is fine and honestly it was the first one i chose off the donate pile). i could send it on to you if you like?
      :)

      Delete
    2. (I believe you!) I could actually put that book to good use, yes, Jean loves to listen to "The Book of Virtues" by the same author. It would be a special treasure to us, you can be sure!

      Delete
    3. send me your address! lorix5@hotmail.com

      Delete
  54. That yarn shop looks so colorful and gorgeous! Your shawl looks quite at home. It's lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Me me me. I want this book on my iPad :)

    ReplyDelete
  56. That's a bunch of lovely knitting! Your sister looks great in her scarf in front of that amazing light blue glacier! Great yarn choice, hehe.
    And I wouldn't say no to the giveaway, too. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love your sister's scarf and the photo of you both :)

    The projects you did for the store are wonderful! I love the buttons on the collar. And look at Matt in his hat!

    I love that store :) Such delight!

    Don't add me to the giveaway, it would be wasted on this non-knitter. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Mim :)

    Sweet, sweet post♥♥

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a beautiful place that yarn shop is!
    And my, you've been busy. Beautiful projects. And a wonderful giveaway. Thanks so much for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Wow that yarn show looks beautiful! And your FOs are really gorgeous. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting! The book looks great too.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Lori,

    Thank you for your kind comment on my blog! Wos you are a wizard with knitting needles. I wish I could make as pretty things as you!

    Happy weekend from Holland,

    Madelief x

    ReplyDelete
  61. The yarn shop is absolute heaven and all your knitted projects are absolutely gorgeous -- especially that shawl. Love the pattern and the color. Of course, the one scarf you made for your sister is lovely, too, and no doubt kept her quite warm and stylish while in Alaska. :) Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  62. Good morning dear Lori Ann,

    First of all, my mouth watered when I saw your sister's scarf. Lovely beyond words. I like how she wrapped it to make it a hat/scarf combo. Love all your samples, and you KNOW how much I enjoyed Roxanne's when you gave me the tour. Maybe someday I will be able to take a class, but really, I am all thumbs.

    YOU WON ONE OF THE COPIES of Imagine Childhood. Hurrah! I'll be down at Ginny's house for lunch next Friday (we are hitting the road trip for book promo), and I would love to hand you the book in person. Let me know how this works for you.

    Love,

    S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you sharon! yippee! how exciting! yes i'll be here on friday, at one of the shops, i'll run over to ginny's to see you!

      Delete
  63. Hi Lori,

    I have been following your blog for a few months and I look forward with anticipation to each new blog. I adore your knitting projects and glimpses into your home life and all your wonderful photographs. I also love looking at all your sunshine pics as we have had a rather gloomy summer here in England.

    I have just purchased an iPad so I would be thrilled to win your ebook.

    Peace and Love
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  64. hi there, i'd love to be in with a chance of winning, i can't think of anything better but to have access to knitting books on the go... ;0)

    ReplyDelete
  65. hi lori--you left a comment on my sight and i hopped over here and am amazed!! your knitting is gorgeous!!
    xo seana

    ReplyDelete
  66. Your knitting always, always inspires me - as do you with your kind and gentle words to me. Thank you!!

    Oh and I would love a chance to check out this book!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I've love to win this book :) Beautiful shawl - wow!

    ReplyDelete
  68. lovely scarf and ingenious way to sort out the knotty yarn. I love old wooden spools, don't you? thanks for this giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
  69. This post is just jam packed with fabulous knits Lori! That shop is a dream shop. I want to live there. Can you please ask the owner if and when I can move in? I had loved hearing about Matt's first time to Cali in your last post, but I love even more that hat your daughter requested for him. That just pulls at my heart.
    Yeah to give-aways! Been eyeing that book.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi, thank you for taking time to get around to my little blog space - I just got back from the Philippines and am finally catching up with my comments and blogs. I love your knits and am very envious that you can knit. I can knit but I barely have any personal time so the little be I do have I spend doing photography which is my greatest passion :) Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  71. thank you for the chance to win - and for the link to that modular scarf, yours looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I need some serious catching up to do on the blogs as well.......
    But so far my days have been busy........
    Such nice pictures of you and your sister! Lovely new things you knitted. I bet you are faster than a machine dear :) Great idea with the spool!
    I don't want to be in the hat as I don't knit but the idea is sweet!!!
    LOVE that store! looks like the same color walls as my studio. And those IKEA bookshelves are great for organizing all those colorful balls of yarn. Such a lovely place . I can picture you there teaching to knit. What a great atmosphere.
    HAve a wonderful Sunday dear♥

    ReplyDelete
  73. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your kind words. I have enjoyed looking around your creative world.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Your knitting is beatiful! It is fast becoming great knitting weather for me. Of course, I should be picking up walnuts or raking leaves. Oh well, I digress. Thanks for a chance in your giveaway. Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  75. Your knitting is beautiful Lori, I often wonder what to make next, I love your color palate.

    I'm not a knitter so I'm wishing everybody good luck!!

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  76. Lori, your samples are beautiful. It would be such a joy to have knitting content on my Kindle!

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  77. alaska looks gorgeous! I love your sisters scarf. I could get lost for a long while at your craft shop

    ReplyDelete
  78. Hello from chilly alberta, I could use a warm scarf like that right now.. :) your post has inspired me to knit again, I am a crocheter by heart but got the want to knit a warm swearer for me. I also would love the pattern for the neck wrap.. Very cute pattern. Jdpalmerhow@hotmail.com. Ps thanks for the chance for the give away. Cheers. Jan

    ReplyDelete
  79. You could create a hat craze, you know, throughout North America and starting with 100 plus people right here

    The shop is adorable cozy. Oh you are too!

    Love
    kj

    ReplyDelete

xoxo lori