don't forget...

We can't believe that another month has flown by so quickly. Already this Friday December 2, 2011 is "first friday freebie". We have a crochet pattern that we will be offering as a free download and it is perfect for this time of year so be sure to check back!

kim and tara.

sneak peek.

Here's a peek at an up and coming crochet pattern that should be ready for release any day now...

kim.

current project.

I try not to purchase random balls of yarn just because I love the colour, texture or what have you. I like to have a plan or a project in mind, but all self control seems to fly out the window when I hear the words "50% off"!

I had no idea what I would do with this giant collection of 12 mini skeins all handpainted in the same gorgeous colours but I couldn't resist:)

The yarn is from Hand Painted Knitting Yarns, and this beautiful skein is a sea of texture, with 60 yards of each yarn, ranging from fine merino to boucle and glitters. At first I thought that I would make a triangle shawl, but because I was concerned about the colour pooling, and the different weights and textures of yarn I decided that I would have some fun and try my hand at free form crochet. I thought that I would start by crocheting a collection of different motifs...

...and when I'm done I will lay them all out and see what they want to be. I am hoping for a shawl. Not much of a plan, but I will keep you posted.

kim.

finished project.

I am not the fastest crocheter so when I get a project done, I am EXCITED! Thought I would share my latest.  This is one of Kim Miller's most recent patterns, called the "Boyfriend Cowl".  I did it up for my guy but I have every intention of stealing it :) Okay, that sounds bad...borrowing it...at least until I have one to call my very own.

I love this pattern! It looks great on girl or guy and created using a simple stitch. The finishing construction is genius and creates this funky cowl.  Love it!

I used approximately 1.5 balls of "Stylecraft Life Aran" in "Granite Marl" to create this cowl.  It is 75% acrylic and 25% wool.  Just the right combination of fiber for our mild winters.
 
To get your hands on this pattern, click here. Thanks Kim, for another great design!

tara.

before and after blocking.

Blocking can play a large part in how your finished project will look and this step is especially important when you are working with lace. If you have never blocked before it opens up the stitches and what looks crumpled and ordinary is transformed into light, airy and extraordinary.

This post is to show the wonders of blocking...

Wrapped in Lace Shawl

by Kim Miller

Before:

After:



Maia Shawl

by Lisa Naskrent

Before:



After:

South Bay Shawlette

by Lion Brand Yarn

Before:

After:

 Wrapped in Lace Shawl

by Kim Miller

Before:

After:

kim and tara.

and the winner is....

We love giveaways as much as you do!! It is such a great way to meet and connect with fellow crocheters and it is so exciting to read everyone's comments. We would like to say a big thank-you to everyone for participating in this months giveaway!!!

Now for the exciting part...and the winner for this month's giveaway for the surprise package valued at over $50.00 is...

TERI...who commented "Nothing better than your patterns and free yarn!"  Thanks Teri and congratulations!  We will contact you via email and we will have the goodie bag sent out to you shortly!!

kim and tara.

photo gallery - first pair of mittens.

Kim of "MamasFluffnStuff" recently posted pictures of the first pair of mittens that she ever made and she generously gave us permission to to share with you:)

Didn't her mittens turn out absolutely beautiful!!! To meet a fellow crafter/crocheter and to see more pictures of Kim's delightfully charming mittens visit her blog!

kim and tara.

first friday freebie.

Tara has been busy with moving which means that she has also been minimizing and organizing. This of course has inspired me to do the same and to start what I've been calling "31 days of getting rid of stuff".

Now, I know that you are all wondering what this has to do with "first friday freebie"? Well, both Tara and I have been going through our yarn stash and such, and we have put together a wonderful surprise package of various types of yarn, and what have you, for this months giveaway. This surprise bag, valued at over $50.00, is full of all sorts of goodies and will be awarded to one person.

The draw for this surprise package will begin today and will end Monday, November 7th, 2011 at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). The winner will be randomly picked using random.org on Tuesday November 8th and they will be contacted the same day by email. We will also announce the winner here, on our blog, so be sure to check back on Tuesday to see if you are the winner!!

Note: Everything in the surprise package is new and from a smoke free, pet friendly environment.

To enter the draw: 

Just comment to this post, even to say "Hi". Please make sure to leave us your email address in your comment so we can contact you if your name is drawn. If you prefer to keep your email private, just email us at knotsewcute@gmail.com

To receive a second chance to win, simply tell your friends about our blog via facebook, twitter, personal blog, whatever and come back and share the link with us in another comment. Again, please leave us your email address.

Maximum of 2 entries per person. All entries must be in by Monday, November 7th, 2011 at midnight PST to be valid.

Update: Just a quick little note to let everyone know that we will ship internationally:)

kim and tara.

don't forget to check back on friday.

Just a reminder that this Friday November 4th is "first friday freebie"! We have something special planned so be sure to check back...

kim and tara.

photo gallery - "tadaaaaaa...another scarf" from happybee.

Dany of Happybee just completed the Pretty Triangle Scarf and we just had to share pictures of her gorgeous scarf with you! We love it when others share their project pictures with us as we find it to be an interchange of inspiration and creative encouragement!!! Don't these photos make you want to dig out your crochet hooks?

Dany is from Italy and in her own words, "she loves to sew and make quilts, handmade crafts, bags, pouches, crochet lariats, scarves and cowls, pencil cases etc." To see more of Happybee's creative talents visit her etsy shop and have fun browsing:)

kim and tara.