Friday, November 30, 2012

NKBN: Zephyrus


A weekly feature on the blog, NOT Knit by Nat highlights great patterns by budding designers on Ravelry


If you want to talk value, take a look at Sara Elizabeth's Zephyrus hat pattern with 3 different edging options.   All for $2.50!   How can you go wrong??   Would be great for siblings so they're kinda co-ordinated (think family photo shoot), but not to matchy matchy that you have to hear any unnecessary "Oh Moo-ooom"s.


Friday, November 23, 2012

NKBN: Socks times 4!


A weekly feature on the blog, NOT Knit by Nat highlights great patterns by budding designers on Ravelry


The talented Cindy has not one but FOUR great sock designs for you to take a stab at.   I'm looking at them all and can't pick my favourite.   I love the two toned toe and cuff, but I also can't keep my eyes off those green lace ones!


Which one is your favourite?






Thursday, November 22, 2012

Popcorn Packed Pumpkin Pots (phew!)



Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!


Little Pumpkin Pots filled with popcorn for our Canadian Thanksgiving 
last month were a big hit!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

NKBN: Giveaway winner!



A "Cherry City" resident won the Cherry Picks Pillow pattern!!   How fitting!  Congrats Jani,  I will contact you via Rav shortly!

Thanks again to Joan for generously offering up her pattern.

Oh my gosh that is so adorable! My daughter loves Cherries and I live in Salem Oregon which is "Cherry City"!! That is so cute!!







Friday, November 16, 2012

The "IT" factor

You know, it's pretty amazing seeing your child start to grow into their own person.  You can nurture them and teach them to say "please" and "thank you", but when it comes right down to it their personality is a product all of their own.   And with every day, I see this girl of mine grow into a sweet (yet feisty), inquisitive, smart, passionate little girl.  Some say "just like her mama" (especially about the feisty part), but she's got a special spark all of her own.  She's got the "IT" factor.  


She's a natural fashionista, concocting outfit after outfit from her enviable closet effortlessly (100% hand me downs, I am lucky to say!).

That, and the girl can strike a pose!!!








I originally wrote this pattern quite a while ago when I just wanted to sit and KNIT.   I found that I had such little time to squeeze in any knitting that by the time I sat down and got organized finding the spot in my pattern, I often lost that precious window of time.   This knit satisfies that pick up and knit NOW need that we all sometimes have.   Garter stitches, ruffles and a fashionista to model the heck out of it.   Good job, Ella.   I named this pattern "Stella", cuz this girl is a star!





ps.  She is wearing Peyton's Freeway Mitts from last week's NKBN with a couple mods.   Once she saw mine she HAD to have a pair.   I made her version with super bulky wool, only 12 repeats around and 4 rows.   Whipped them both up in less than half an hour.   She's barely taken them off since!

NKBN: Cherry Picks Pillow Giveaway!


A weekly feature on the blog, NOT Knit by Nat highlights great patterns by budding designers on Ravelry




My very first knitting project was a pillow, so I have a real soft spot for any sort of cushion.  Pun totally intended there.  I think Joan's Cherry Pick Pillow is a great way to add some quirkiness and fun to so many different rooms, from a games' room to a kid's room to your craft studio (I want one for my knitting chair!).    In fact, Joan has a great roster of quirky designs.   (Check out her Sheep Mug Mats, you will die!)

And lucky for us, Joan has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of this adorable pillow pattern!   Just leave a comment below before Tuesday Nov 20th at midnight and I will randomly select a winner on Wednesday.   Good luck everyone!!




Friday, November 9, 2012

NKBN: Freeway Mitts


A weekly feature on the blog, NOT Knit by Nat highlights great patterns by budding designers on Ravelry



5 reasons you must read this blog post and start Crocheting Peyton's Freeway Mitts RIGHT NOW:

1.  It's fall and these mitts are a perfect addition to you fall repertoire.

2. You DEFINITELY have enough yarn to hook a pair of these in your stash.   In fact, I bet you have enough yarn to crochet a pair up for every person you know whose name starts with A.  Or M.  Or N (for Nat)

3.  Best gauge measurements EVER.   I quote from the pattern notes: 

"NOTE: The gauge is not measured, but try to stay at a pretty moderate tension."   

   Those words are like magic to a gauge reluctant spontaneous knitter.  (I know, I know.  Always swatch, saves time in the end.   I want instant gratification sometimes.  Sue me)

4.   Start an episode of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, last night's Grey's...whatever.  Sit back and get hooking.  You'll be done in a flash!

5.  It's a FREE pattern on Ravelry.   Told ya.   Stop reading, grab your hook!


In fact, that's just what I'm going to do right this second.  Rapido!






Friday, November 2, 2012

NKBN: Off the Cuff Cowl


A weekly feature on the blog, NOT Knit by Nat highlights great patterns by budding designers on Ravelry


I'm tempted to call Lindsay the "scarf queen" but, while her designs are an enviable collection of neck accessories, her profile depicts a true artist who loves to create in many different mediums.   Have a peek at all her thoughtful designs here.



(I'm a sucker for anything with an oversized button!!)