Giveaway: Vintage Modern Knits

Please allow me, for just a moment, to gush over this book.

First of all, the sweater on the cover. And don't even try to tell me that you don't judge knitting/craft books by their covers. We all know you do it, it's okay to admit it. Anyway, the fetching sweater on the cover is called the Adelaide Yoke Pullover. If you've ever wandered into a yarn store there is no doubt that you've seen a yoke sweater and if you're anything like me, you've dreamed of making one. The Adelaide is an updated version of the classic yoke sweater. It has been designed to have a more flattering fit and soft colors while maintaining the traditional fair Isle patterning. As blog is my witness, 2011 will be the year of the yoke sweater for me, and I will be using this pattern.

The idea of taking a traditional method and modernizing it is what Courtney and Kate's new book Vintage Modern Knits: Contemporary Designs Using Classic Techniques is all about. While the two authors come from different knitting backgrounds, they share a love for vintage styles and the different techniques found in knitting. In the introduction of the book, Courtney and Kate explain that "each project has its roots in a particular style or technique that has been updated for a modern application and aesthetic." And as I flipped through the projects, I quickly learned that with each design there is a bit of history to be learned, and a new method to master.

So, to briefly recap: Vintage designs featuring traditional techniques that you use to make handmade knits with modern flair. Um, sold? I mean, what's not to love about this book is what I would like to know.

Here are a few more of my favorite projects:

Brigid Jacket—how cute is this take on a traditional Aran cardigans?


I am fairly convinced I would be much nicer if I were wearing the Whitby Stockings right now. These are cute enough for me to give up my sock knitting boycott.


Yvette Roositud Hat—Roositude is an "Estonian inlay technique" that looks similar to embroidery. I can't wait to learn this technique so that I can incorporate it into other knits.


Yangtze Cardigan—the 1950s cardigan of my dreams. In mustard yellow, please.

{all photos courtesy of Interweave}

So, enough gushing already! Do you want to win your very own copy of Vintage Modern Knits: Contemporary Designs Using Classic Techniques? Well you can! It's easy! The kind folks at Interweave are offering a copy of Vintage Modern Knits to one lucky Narrating Life reader.

Please leave a comment on this post: Do you judge books by their covers? You can be honest. Make sure I have an email address linked to your comment so I can reach you.

Spread the good word!Tweet, blog, facebook, (or whatever social media-type-thingie you're obsessed with) about this giveaway and link back to this post for an extra entry! Please leave an additional comment for each additional entry.

Comments close on Wednesday, February 16th at 10:00 PM MST. The winner will be announced on this post. Closed

Bravo to Courtney Kelley & Kate Gagnon Osborn
Thank you to Interweave
And
Good Luck to all of you!

Want to hear more praise for Vintage Modern Knits? Check out past and present stops on the blog tour here!

Congratulations to Marilyn who said: Oh, I'm terrible. I buy books by their cover, wine by their label, etc. I sure would love this book

Marilyn, please email me ASAP to claim your book!

Giveaway: tag team tompkins

Today's final Handmade Holiday giveaway is from an Etsy shop that I've only known about since October; I've been infatuated since the moment I saw it.

It's no doubt that tag team tompkins letterpress prints are simply perfect. Black + White. Letterpress in the spirit of vintage paper cuts. Charming quotes for the everyday + holiday quotes for festive decor. Beautiful calligraphy + handmade goodness. Love, love, love.

Here's a brief bio from the dynamic duo that makes up tag team tompkins:

Diane and Madeline make paper art that centers around word play. Our original hand-lettered and paper cut designs and letterpress art prints let us express our love of paper, ink, and a bit of wisdom or humor.

We blend our midwestern sensibilities with a global itch. Travel near or far lights our imagination. We partner well together from years of practice, being mother and daughter.

This mother-daughter pair are working hard to crank out new designs all the time. I've already purchased several prints for our new home and I know exactly where they will go. Thank you Diane and Madeline for sharing your creative talents with us all!

{all photos courtesy of tag team tompkins}

The details:
tag team tompkins is kindly offering a set of the four prints pictured above to TWO lucky Narrating Life readers! Each print measures 5 x 7.

How to enter:
:: Check out the great prints in the tag team tompkins Etsy shop.
:: Please leave a comment on this post. Which letterpress print is your favorite? I love this one, and this one, and this one.
:: Grab a Handmade Holiday button and post it on your blog/website for an extra entry. Please leave an additional comment letting me know you did so.
:: Comments close on Friday, December 13th at 10:00 PM, MST. The winner will be posted here so be sure to check back to see if you've won! Closed

Congratulations Michelle & Debby. Please email me ASAP to claim your prints!

Handmade Holiday 2010: a series about making it happen.

A few winners

Hello all!

There are a few winners of Handmade Holiday giveaways that I haven't heard from yet! I know, right?

The winner of The Organ Grinder's Wares giveaway was Sarah who said:

I tend to use table cloths and placemats, but I would love to have a runner!

The winner of The Modern Top-Down Knitting giveaway was Anna who said:

First on my list is to finish a scarf for my Mom and then everyone else is getting adorable lil knit corner bookmarks! This book is actually on my xmas list but it would be wonderful to win incase my Mom dosen't get it for me! hee hee
Thanks!

The winner of the More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts giveaway was Greeneyes who said:

Ohh, that wrapping photo has my attention!

Please email me within 48 hours to claim your winnings. Otherwise, new winners will be chosen!

Giveaway: More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts

Today I have another giveaway for you knitters and friends-of-knitters. It's a book that you've no doubt seen popping up in your yarn stores and on bloggers' faves lists. Also, it's a perfect book to add to your collection right now, when you're filling a big (ahem) pressed for time. (Please don't tell me I'm the only one!)

More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts is one of those books that makes you want to dog-ear every single project. Except you would never actually do that to your fancy new book. The author, Joelle Hoverson, is the founder of Purl Soho in Manhattan and if you've ever stopped by their blog, The Purl Bee, you know that Joelle and her team are a whirlwind of creativity.

The projects in the book are divided up into five sections: less than 2-hour gifts, 2-4 hour gifts, 4-6 hour gifts, 6-8 hour gifts and more-than-8 hour gifts. I think this is especially perfect for new knitters who may not yet be able to gauge how long a project might take. There is also portions of the book devoted to wrapping and personalizing your gifts. Something we all know is so important for our cherished handmades.

Here are a few of my favorite (fast) projects:

You know you can never have too many knit blankets and baskets.

This scarf would look gorgeous on every single one of my friends.

I have seven baby gifts on my list.

For my brother-in-law.

{all photos via STC craft, view more here}

The details:
One Narrating Life reader will receive a copy of More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts courtesy of STC.

How to Enter:
:: Check out the project gallery for More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. You can also browse Joelle's other books: Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, and Last-Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts.
:: Leave a comment on this blog: What is your favorite holiday cookie? We just made peppermint fudge cookies, mmm...
:: Grab a Handmade Holiday button and post it on your blog/website for an extra entry. Please leave an additional comment letting me know you did so.
:: Comments close on Friday, December 10, at 10:00 MST. The winner will be announced on this post so be sure to check back to see if you've won.

Congratulations, Greeneyes! Please contact me to claim your prize!


P.S. Be sure to check the past giveaways posts to see if you're one of the lucky winners!

Handmade Holiday 2010: a series about making it happen.

Giveaway :: Modern Top-Down Knitting

Today's Handmade Holiday Giveaway is doing double duty as a blog tour stop for Modern Top-Down Knitting. To say I'm excited about this review/giveaway would be an understatement. I have a copy of the book sitting shiny and new right in front of me, just waiting to be packaged and sent to a lucky reader. It will be perfect for making an extra special handmade gift, or for passing along to your favorite knitter. I know you're going to love it.

At first glance, the projects and patterns in this book might appear too difficult for anyone but the expert knitter. But a quick read through the introduction will make you believe otherwise. The author, Kristina McGowan, describes her own journey into top-down knitting using the techniques and philosophies pioneered by, Barbara Walker. Kristian explains her own reservations about using Walker's book and later learning that "not only were no elaborate skills required, but the ideas were exiting and revelatory..."

The beauty of these patterns is that being made from the top and often in-the-round makes it possible to try on the garment while it is being knit giving you full control of length and fit. Also, and this is a big seller for me, there is no seaming! I hate seams. The three key techniques used for this kind of knitting are the provisional cast on- short row shaping, and sitting in sleeves seamlessly. Each of these techniques are thoroughly described with plenty of pictures to help you along.

I took my copy of Modern Top-Down Knitting with me on vacation so that my sister-in-law and I could get a chance to really study it. We spent two days oohing and aaahing over all of the projects, the gorgeous photography, and the matte texture of the pages, which I'm always a sucker for. And since I'm sure you're dying to know, here are just a few of the projects that have made my to-make list:

I really wish I had been wearing these when we pulled up to our house yesterday.

This hat is not only a gorgeous pattern, but would make it in exactly that color.

Mmm, I love tunics. Don't you?

And now...for a giveaway.

The Details:

One lucky Narrating Life reader will receive a copy of Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker courtesy of STC.

How to enter:

:: Check out the other blogs on the blog tour for Modern Top-Down Knitting here as well as the project gallery here.

:: Leave a comment on this post: What is first on your holiday to-do list?

:: Post a Handmade Holiday button on your blog or website for an extra entry. Please leave another comment letting me know you did so.

:: Comments will closed on Friday, December 3rd at 10:00 PM, MST. Closed

Congratulations Anna! Please email me ASAP to claim your prize!

P.S. The next stop on the blog tour is the lovely Knit-a-While. Be sure to head over there tomorrow for a Q & A!

Handmade Holiday 2010: a series about making it happen.

Giveaway :: Knitterella

Imagine you've finally finished making all the gifts you had planned for your family and friends. Your fingers have burns from the hot glue gun. Your thumb is sore from knitting too long. Your back is a mess of spasms from bending over your sewing machine. And now you're done. Now it is time to wrap your gifts. You've chosen a beautiful color scheme to wrap all your present in—it's going to look just like that picture from Pottery Barn. As you go to label the gifts with the recipients names it feels like something is....missing. It doesn't feel like any old tag will do. You put a lot of work into these gifts! Isn't there some kind of tag you can add to let people know that you care about them enough to actually make them a gift?

Well, yes. Yes there is. And they're made by Knitterella.
The first time I spotted Miss Knitterella's gift tags and stationary sets I was smitten. Not only do they add the perfect handmade touch to gifts, but some of them are hilarious.


Knitterella has also created a stationary line that includes cards and notepads. Her simple designs and bright colors would be a welcome addition to any knitters stash.

The details:
Knitterella has kindly offered 3 items of your choice from her stationary line to one Narrating Life reader.


How to enter:
:: Check out Knitterella's online shop. Her blog is also great for knitting inspiration.
:: Leave a comment on this post: What will your wrapped presents look like this year? Is it different every year?
:: Grab a Handmade Holiday button and post it on your blog/website for an extra entry. Please leave an extra comment letting me know you did so.
:: Comments close on Saturday, November 20th at 10:00 PM, MST. The winner will be announced on this post so be sure to check back to see if you've won! Closed

Congratulations jt! Please email me to claim your prize!

Thank you Knitterella, and good luck everyone!

Handmade Holiday 2010: A series about making it happen.

Giveaway :: Penguin Bot

I'm not much of a purse girl, I have to admit. I've never been very good at keeping multiple bags on hand so that I can coordinate them with outfits. I can't peruse online galleries of the latest handbags and I am completely lost when it comes to the fashion end of these functional items. That being said, a girl has to have a purse. Rather, a mom has to have a purse. And if I have to have a purse, I would prefer that it be made by PenguinBot.

PenguinBot totes are sturdy and hip. Laurel, who is the founder of PenguinBot (and my sister-in-law!), has an eye modern fabric and she combines it with gorgeously colored vinyl to create totes that can be both abused and admired. I never go anywhere with my PenguinBot tote that it doesn't get compliments. And believe me, I got everywhere with that bag. It is, after all, the only one that I have.

The details:
Laurel has kindly offered one small tote to a Narrating Life readers. Here's what she has to say about the tote:

We used sturdy, high-quality marine-grade dark red vinyl for the bottom and straps, then paired it with an awesome yellow, red, and gray damask fabric for the upper. (Is it flowers? Is it owl eyes? Is it just an awesome geometric pattern? You make the call!) It's the perfect size to hold all your necessities, as well as anything you need to toss in at the last minute, like a book or some snacks. This sweet tote is fully lined with cotton fabric and includes an inner patch pocket so you can keep your lip gloss and your phone at the ready.

Size: 10" long, 10.5" tall, 3.5" depth

How to enter:
:: Check out the PenguinBot online shop for a selection of totes, oven mitts, knit clutches, and coin purses.
:: Leave a comment on this post: Are you a purse girl? How many handbags do you own?
:: Comments will close on Satuday, November 20th at 10:00 PM, MST. The winner will be announced on this post so be sure to check back to see if you've won! Closed

Congratulations Bethany! Please email me to claim your bag!

A few more things:
:: If you live in California, you can find PenguinBot atthe Holiday Market in San Diego, Bazaar Bizarre in San Fransisco, and the San Diego Holiday Hit List.
:: If you live in Seattle, you can check out PenguinBot's wares in person at the CakeSpy shop.

Good Luck!

Handmade Holiday 2010: A series about making it happen.

Giveaway :: The Mini Mart

Even though I spend an awful lot of time talking about yarn and fabric on this little blog, I still have a secret obsession with paper. Actually, if you took a good look at my craft room you would realize that it isn't a secret at all. But I'm fairly certain that my paper-crafting skills don't hold a candle to Marta's.

I'm also fairly certain that most of you read Marta's blog. I recommend adding her to your reader if you're looking for daily doses of inspiration, daily reminders of how beautiful everyday life can be, daily confirmation that it is hard for everyone to keep a clean kitchen with a toddler toddling behind you, and daily posts that read like you're chatting with your best friend. Plus she lives in Idaho—and that's where I live—so, you know.

Every time Marta posts one of her many paper crafts or brilliant artistic ventures it reconfirms in my mind that she truly is a paper girl. I am thrilled that she is sharing some of her paper wares with you for today's giveaway.


The Details:
Marta is kindly offering a set of 6 homemade holiday cards + 2 sheets of Jolly Old St. Nick stickers to one lucky Narrating Life reader!

How to enter:
:: Check out Marta's shop to get a glimpse of her lovely paper goods.
:: Leave a comment on this post: What makes you feel like the holidays have officially started? For me, it is drinking peppermint hot chocolate—oh yeah, then it's on.
:: Grab the Handmade Holiday button and post it on your blog/website for an extra entry. Please leave me an additional comment letting me know you've done so.
:: Comments close on Thursday, November 18th at 10:00 PM, MST. The winner will be announced on this post so be sure to check back to see if you've won! Closed

Congratulations Hil! Please contact me to claim your prize!

Handmade Holiday 2010: A series about making it happen.

Giveaway :: The Organ Grinder's Wares

I've mentioned before that I come from a family of crafty ladies both past and present. My cousin, Staci, is no exception. Her current obsession is quilting. Quilted table runners to be exact, which she sells on her Etsy shop: The Organ Grinder's Wares. Of course she is also whipping up the occasional tree skirt or quilt-along quilt because really, what good is an obsession if you don't go a little overboard right?

I am fortunate enough to own one of Staci's table runners. It is a charming accent to my table that makes me happy each time I look at it. I don't have to worry about it hanging evenly on all sides of the table (curse you tablecloths for torturing me when I helped decorate for weddings, I am forever scarred). And the colors are perfect and somehow blend perfectly into every season. But one of my favorite things about Staci's table runners is that fact that she sews them on our grandmother's old sewing machine. While so many old sewing machines are sitting in corners collecting dust our grandma's million-pound Bernina is still clunking away and turning out gorgeous work with the help of Staci's eye for color and steady hands.

Staci has kindly offered one of her table runners to one Narrating Life reader. This particular runner is called Happy Holidaisy. How cute is that? The colors are bright and fun and as Staci says, "perfect for someone who needs a burst of sunshine this holiday season."

The details:
One table runner: Happy Holidaisy
Measurements: 13" x 29.5"
Machine washable

How to Enter:
:: Take a look at the cute Halloween table runners Staci has in her Etsy shop. Be sure to bookmark her shop as she will be updating it soon!
:: Leave a comment on this post: What is your favorite way to dress up a table? Table cloth? Cloth napkins? Butcher paper? Do tell.
:: Grab the Handmade Holiday button and post it on your blog or website for an extra entry! Please leave an additional comment letting me know you did so.
:: Comments will close on Wednesday, November 17th, at 10:00 PM MST. The winner will be announced on this post so be sure to check back to see if you've won! Closed

Congratulations Sarah! Please email me ASAP to claim your table runner!

Handmade Holiday 2010: A series about making it happen.