Friday fun… February 28, 2014

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   Chic Knits ALBY strolling in Laurelhurst Park, Portland, Oregon

Happy Friday!

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…from our last visit to Bountiful Fridays on Chic Knits, February 21, 2014 :
the winner of The Knitter’s Book of Wool from last week:

Leah who writes (and I totally agree): “Give me a smooth, squishy merino yarn and I’m happy.”

Hear hear Leah! :)

Enjoy all the wonderful comments about us & wool from v.2 of Bountiful Fridays – we love it!

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Don’t miss us around the web – join in the fun here:

Bountiful Fridays continue on random Fridays – watch for the announcement in the Chic Knits newsletter…

Hope your weekend is full of knitting and delight –
Bonne Marie

Bountiful Fridays v.2 February 21, 2014

And today, is the perfect day, for a little pay-it-forward…

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Something about knitting that is always true: there is always something MORE to learn…

Even though I’ve been knitting for ages now (and designing from Studio Chic Knits for way over 10 years), almost every day, some nugget of info enters the scene, sometimes shaking it up, sometimes helping an idea cross the bridge from a thought to the needle.

I’ve been trying to aid and abet the speed of the shaky times with as much information as I can find – so I have knit encyclopedias, how-to-books, stitch pattern books, etc. in lots of versions, types and publish dates.

But something that I found I needed to truly understand what knitting was all about was not in my sights until this:

Chic Knits Knit Blog Bountiful Fridays

First of all: Clara Parkes.

Known far and wide as the ultimate yarn whisperer, she really put the pedal to the metal on this tome and goes far and wide to give us a wonderful look into the way-back story of wool itself. From sheep breeds to the types of wool they produce to an abundance of project patterns to test your new knowledge (more than 20!), it’s all there.

Secondly: this is a great basic go-to book to have in any knitter’s library. Even if you never set foot on a farm or go to a festival, it is an easy way to catch up on the organic nature and mystery of what’s been living on your needles all this time (and, yes, no mud…) There’s been a great renaissance of small producers here in the U.S. (and around the globe) and this book is perfect to help understand the evolution of some of the fabulous yarns appearing on the scene.

{{So: if you’d like a copy of The Book of Wool, just leave a comment below telling us which type of fibery animal is your favorite and why!}} … Comments closed – stand-by for winner announcement …

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…from our last visit to Bountiful Fridays on Chic Knits: the winner of 2-skeins of ToshDK in the TART colorway is Sharon A. who writes, “I love knitting because it’s always in my heart.” yes.

THANKS SO much to everyone for taking the time to comment and share with us your joy in our beloved craft. I invite everyone to get a nice refreshing cuppa and linger over the comments – they are some wonderful, inspiring reading…

happy weekend & happy knitting,
Bonne Marie

Indie Design Gift-a-long November 1, 2013

 

Put another log on the fire...
It’s that wonderful time of the year when you relax with a warm drink and some clicking needles to make some fine gifts for your folk…

There’s some extra elves hoping to join you this year – a wonderful group of over 100 independent designers has put together a Holiday 2013 collection of patterns to get you on your way.

I’m pleased to invite you to visit the Indie Design Gift-a-long on Ravelry to browse and see all the great styles we’ve put together for your holiday stitching.

From now until November 15th, use the code giftalong on any of the patterns showcased in the List of Participating Patterns to get 25% off the price in the cart during checkout…


Chic Knits is offering the ELISBETH COLLECTION for the gift-a-long and you can get it here — 4 patterns delivered via a small eBook – only – $3.75 with the giftalong code.

There’s something for everyone on your list in this collection – from a shaped cabled headband to a horizontal cabled cowl (that works really well for HIM…he’ll steal yours…) to a great slouchy cap, we’ve got you covered!

THANK YOU all for knitting with us in 2013 – hope to chat with you in the KALs!
…Bonne Marie