New Knitting Pattern

I just released my latest pattern for sale in my Etsy Store!

This is the pattern we will be casting on at this month at Knitting class on Monday, July 26th.  If you are in the greater Seattle area and would like to attend class, contact me for details!

And of course.... today is your last day to post a comment on my 150k post for your chance to win the awesome collection of blog candy!

500!

For once I wasn't neglecting the blog.  No, that's not why I haven't blogged all week.

Truly, the reason for the lack of posting has been that this is my 500th (yes, five HUNDREDTH) post.  I wanted it to be something special, meaningful, inspiring, etc.  And I'm totally out of all that right now!  All last week I scoured my brain trying to come up with something cool for the 500th post, and nada - nothing.

Sorry!

Really... I'm very dissatisfied about this.  It's eating away at me.  It makes me feel like a bad blogger.  But, honestly, we can't all be amazing bloggers all of the time.  I guess this is just a season in my life where other things are taking priority.  Lots. and. lots. of. other. things.  These are all good things, but I really miss my time in blogland.

I'll do better!  I promise!  :)

In the meantime, I taught a knitting class on Saturday.  We casted on these lovelies: my newest pattern - the "Skyscraper Fingerless Gloves".

I think the ladies enjoyed them.  It was hard to tell because we were really busy devouring the amazing Peach Tarts that Dave made us for dessert.  (Yes, Dave makes desserts for my knitting class attendees!  He rocks that way).  This tart was pure decadence.  Imagine the best peach pie filling you've ever tasted, but instead of pie crust, it was paired with a buttery lemon short cake instead.  Num-num-num-num (as my little Ruby likes to say).  

The picture really doesn't do it justice.  And you'll have to pardon me as I wipe the saliva off my chin.  Did I say yum?!

If you'd like to purchase my Skyscraper pattern just visit my Etsy or Ravelry stores.  :)  

And I'll try to come up with some great "Pearls of Wisdom" for my 1000th post I guess.  

April Knit-Along Pattern

While I won't be able to hold my regular card/scrapbook classes this month (due to the move), I am still planning on holding my April Knit-Along class!  Here is the pattern we will be working on together.

Are you in the greater Seattle area?  If so, I would love to invite you to this class on Saturday, April 17th from 7-9 pm.  It's only $5 and includes the pattern and a delicious dessert made by my loving husband.

Can't make it to class but still want the pattern?  You can purchase it in my Etsy store!

ISO Test Knitters

I'm about to release my April Knit-Along pattern, and I would love for three test knitters to proof my pattern for me before I go public!  Here is a sneak peek at the project.  Check out the test knitter requirements below.  :)

Today I posted my previous 2010 Knit-Along patterns on Ravelry for sale and already have sold 3 copies!  WHOOHOO!  Of course, in the past, I've had a few typos mysteriously show up and have had to edit the patterns, including saving new versions of the PDFs and then re-uploading them to all of my various sites.  I'm trying to be smart and proactive this time and get feedback BEFORE I release the pattern to the general public.

So... if you are interested in being a test knitter here is what I'm looking for:

1. You must have the pattern finished by 5 pm on April 1st (that's Thursday, I know but the hat knits up pretty quickly), and have feedback sent to me via email by 10 pm that same evening.
2. You must be competent with knitting in the round, both on circular and double pointed needles (size 7), and be able to do a simple cable stitch.
3. You must be able to read a knitting pattern!  :)
4. You must be one of the first three people to contact me.

I don't care what color yarn you want to use, as long as it is worsted weight.  You don't have to send me photos of the finished project (unless you want to), just pattern feedback (typos, confusing jargon, misspellings, etc).  You'll receive my pattern FREE of charge if you are one of the lucky three, and additionally, when I need test knitters in the future, you will be the first group of people I offer the opportunity to before going public!

So, if you are interested, please post a comment in the comment box below, and be sure to include your email address so I can respond!

March Knit-Along Pattern

Thus far my monthly Knit-Along/knitting class has been a smashing success!  If you haven't tried it out (in person or long-distance) you definitely should! 

Here is a peek at the pattern for March - a Cabled Ear Warmer.  And a bonus -this pattern is a "two-fer" - You get both the child and adult sizes for this great ear warmer headband!  The cost of the class is $5 and includes this original pattern by me, and a deliciously delectable dessert made by Dave.

We are delving into circular knitting and cables this month, so you will need 16" circs in size 7, and a cable needle.  For just $9 extra I am happy to provide those tools  for class attenders.  I'll be placing the knitpicks order on March 8th, so be sure to let me know before then if you want the supplies!


If you can't make the class in person, be sure to purchase the pattern by clicking below!  It's only $3 (for both sizes!) and you have the opportunity to join in our knit-along blog hop later in the month!  I'll be posting the blog hop photos for February's project in about two weeks!  


Click here to order March's Knit-Along pattern!   --->    

January Knit-Along Blog Hop

In January, I started a knitting class/club/group - whatever you want to call it - and made it open to local and long distance friends.  It was a little scary starting a new class, but so much fun to meet other knitters and even inspire a few people to try picking up needles for the first time.

For our first Knit-Along project, I chose a scarf pattern with ribbing that flowed along the diagonal.  This pattern, while still at a beginner level, was a bit more interesting to knit than a traditional garter stitch scarf.  It offered a chance to practice both knit and purl for the newbies, and the challenge of working a short pattern repeat.

I thought it would be fun to do a little blog hop today to share the progress that some of the group has made on their scarves!  Here are the photos and links to other blogs from a few of our Knit-Along members.  I hope to make this a monthly tradition!  If you want to join in next month, feel free to purchase the Feb pattern below!

My scarf (it is finished now!) and a link to purchase this pattern for $3:  

Heidi's Scarf:

Kathy's Scarf:

Kayla's Scarf:

Jessica's Scarf:

Thanks for sharing your hard work ladies!!!  :)

Here is a reminder of the February Knit-Along project.  If you live near Seattle and would like to attend, it is Sat, Feb 20th at 7 pm, and only costs $5 (which covers the pattern AND a yummy, homemade dessert).  If you want to participate long distance you can purchase the pattern for only $3!  Happy Knitting!

February's Knit-Along

So earlier in the month I had my first knitting class and it was a smashing success!  We knit, we gabbed, and we enjoyed a fabulous, yummy dessert made by my sweet Dave.  I'm so excited for February's class on the 20th!  If you are in the Seattle area, and you want to attend, send me a message with your email and I'll send you the details.

I just put the finishing touches on this month's pattern and couldn't be more excited about it!  Even if you can't attend my class, you can still get the pattern - and it's only $3.50 in my etsy shop!  It's a great beginner pattern, and teaches an increase technique ("yarnover") and two decrease techniques ("knit two together" and "slip, knit, pass").  The finishing is also fairly easy (just sewing on a button) and can be left plain or embellished as desired.

Here is a preview of the project!  If you purchase the pattern you are invited to participate in a blog hop on a date TBD to show off your finished project!  The finished January project hop is going to be January 5th, and I'll post links to the participants blogs!

And here is Ruby wearing her new bib!  She really needed this because she's teething and drooling like crazy.

Nona's January Knit-Along!

It's almost a new year, and I can't wait to reveal my NEW class!  You asked for it, you got it!  I'm now hosting a monthly knitting class in addition to my card and scrapbook classes!  :)

Here is a photo of January's Knit A-long project.  A diagonal rib scarf made with chunky alpaca yarn.  It is warm and soft, and quick to knit up!

I hope that local folks will want to come.  For those long distance, feel free to email me (nonapearl@firebin.net) about joining in the Knit-Along long distance.  The patterns we will use will vary in difficulty, but for at least the first few months will stay in the beginners/intermediate range until I get a better feel for the interest and skill level of participants.


To purchase this pattern, go to my etsy store!