bestillandknit's blog

I'm doing some major redesigns around here. I'd like your input on a short 10 question survey. Please stop by and take the survey. In exchange for your opinions, I'll email you a copy of one of my patterns at no charge.

I have only enough room for the first 25 survey takers, so hurry and take your survey now. Only one survey per person please. The Peekaboo Kisses Hat and Oak Island Shrug are not included in the list of free patterns for survey takers.

Here's the survey link, so why not take a few minutes and help make the site more friendly!

I spent the day yesterday canning some green beans. I finished up a couple of knitting projects and had a big ol' bag of beans that I wanted to put away for winter. So, I ended up with six pints of beans, a pair of socks for my daughter, and a new shrug for me. Here's some pics:

I taught this class at CFU last weekend, and it was a lot of fun. I have put together a pattern and class video that I am offering to my readers at no charge. Just download the pattern in PDF format below. The pattern includes a link to the online video.

These mittens are designed to fit children and adults and are made from bulky weight yarn and size 8US double points. Enjoy!

Family Mittens Pattern

I was recently contacted by Christina Carathanassis of Christabelle's Closet - a way cool designer resale boutique in NYC. She absolutely loved the idea of the Hugs and Kisses blanket and has written a very complimentary review on her blog.

It's here! I've had pattern testers and reviewers take a look at this pattern, and now it's ready to go. You can purchase the pattern for immediate download in the webstore for just $2.50. Written for intermediate knitters, you can have this bonnet on your little one in just a few hours. Knit with Lion Baby Soft yarn and size 6US needles, it's soft and lacy - just right for babies. Fits 0-6 months.

I've been working on a new baby bonnet pattern that I'm about ready to release. I have a couple of test knitters working it now, and as soon as we've tested the pattern, I'll be able to release it.

I've been working on a great cabled sweater for my son. It will be his first sweater that I've made. I got the yarn for it (Knit Picks Shine Sport) for Christmas, and finally cast on a month ago. I had made a bit of progress, through the first cable repeat, and then realized that I was running out of yarn rather quickly. I was certain to not have enough to complete the project. Turns out that I made a poor calculation when substituting yarn. The original pattern calls for Sirdar's Snuggly 4 ply. That is a fingering weight yarn that comes in balls of about 250 yards each. I used the yardage for Sirdar Snuggly DK, which has only 150 or so yards per ball. So, you can see my error resulted in my not having enough yarn. Of course, that dye lot is long gone. Well, replacement yarn is on the way, and hopefully I will have a new sweater for him this fall!
The lesson here? Make sure you substitute wisely, and double check the yardage.

I was featured in Yarn Market News (a trade publication for the fiber industry) this past issue. Please stop by my Press page to read the article. It's so fun to be featured in national press!

I finished this sweater up this morning as Carlin was sleeping on the couch. She's been feeling lousy the last couple of days, so it's a good time for me to catch up on some knitting projects.

Here's a pic of the sweater:

The inspiration for the sweater came from I live on a Farm, but as you can see, the finished product isn't exactly like the original!

Now, off to work on Mitchell's sweater. Fortunately, I've got a year or so to finish it before he outgrows it!

Well, I've been wanting to start spinning for a while, and I finally took the plunge. Without the need to be making products for craft shows, I am able to spend more time learning new skills to share. I'd love to have you join me for this fun class. It's on July 19 from 1-4PM. Learn more and sign up in my webstore.