Welcome back to my monthly Knit Nook update where I share a look at my completed knitting projects from the last month, any yarn hauls and new projects on the horizon, as well as the contents of this month’s KnitCrate (a knitting monthly subscription service). In this post I share both the August & September KnitCrates.
Recent Completed Projects
Well…it is complete! Sadly, however, my attempt at the Lauren Cowl was a complete and utter #FAIL. Two failed projects in a row is not very inspiring, sadly, but unlike last time around, I found this particularly funny. I accidentally knit a twist and a half into the pattern, which shortened the bind side dramatically, resulting in a strange cowl hat/cape for my dog. Right, no one is going to wear that. I’m unraveling the project to use the lovely Swans Isalnd yarn on something else. I think I need to go very simple for my next project. Happily, I am not discouraged by this “oops” and am looking forward to trying something new. It’s all in the name of learning!
Yarn & Supplies Haul / Upcoming Projects
I haven’t purchased anything knitting related recently aside from what comes in my KnitCrate subscription. As for projects, I am going to be on several long flights in the next couple of weeks and am looking forward to some airplane knitting. I’m definitely packing supplies to work on hexipuffs for the Beekeeper’s Quilt, which is a great small project for travel. I’m not sure if I’m bringing a larger sized project or not. At least I know I can successfully knit hexipuffs!
August & September 2014 KnitCrates
I absolutely love KnitCrate, which is a monthly (or bi-monthly if that seems like a bit too much yarn coming at you) subscription service geared towards knitters. There are eight different subscription options, which you can see here if you’re interested. I subscribe to the Beginner’s KnitCrate, which includes a pattern suitable to that level, enough yarn to complete that project, a couple of bonus items (ranging from soothing to sweet to fun), and promo codes for knitting related products. It’s basically the most awesome care package a knitter could ever dream of!
What’s in my August Knit Crate?
✻ Drew Emborksy Sarcastic 50’s – What fun yarn! I love the sherbet colors of these beautiful DK weight hanks. The Peruvian Pima cotton and Tencel blend makes for a super soft texture.
✻ Adventure Knitting 1 by Lee Meredith – The pattern this month is actually a knitting eBook in a Choose Your Own Adventure style. I haven’t quite figured out how it works yet, but I believe it teaches you four different types of stitches and provides twenty patterns to work with them. Very cool concept!
✻ Knitter’s Tool Tin by The Sexy Knitter – The fun extra this month is a little tin that holds so many helpful knitting tools. It’s perfect for on the go essentials. I especially love the too cute to boot tiny scissors and gorgeous origami stitch markers.
✻ Flavrz Organic Drink Mix – The soothing extra is juice-based mix-in-water drink that can turn ordinary water into a delicious treat! I’ve never tried anything like this before and am interested to see how I like it since I am not a big fan of sodas or juice.
✻ Promo codes also included for discounts on Leethal Knits patterns, Flavrz products, and sale items at KnitCrate.com.
I also subscribe to the 5 Mini Add-Ons package available through KnitCrate. Each month I receive five 30-yard mini hanks in hand painted/indie dyed yarns. It’s a nice way to try out a variety of hand-dyed yarns from different providers. I use the mini hanks I receive through this subscription for the Beekeeper’s Quilt. This month’s selections include five pretty shades from Drew Emborsky. This hand-dyed sport weight Gemstones yarn is made from 90% extra fine/superwash merino wool and 10% nylon. I love that they’ve included creamy whites, which will add nice variety to my quilt.
If you’re interested in purchasing the Beekeeper’s Quilt Kit or other items from KnitCrate you can receive 10% off your first KnitCrate purchase (not including monthly or bi monthly subscriptions) by clicking here!
Since I wasn’t home in August, I had two KnitCrate packages to open this month. Fun times!
What’s in my September KnitCrate?
✻ Imperial Yarn Erin Worsted 3-Ply – A medium worsted weight yarn at last! The beginner knitter in me jumped for joy at the sight of these gorgeous hanks, which I can use in a simpler, easier to handle project. I love the subdued but still vibrant colors, which are perfect for this transitionary time of year as we move into fall.
✻ Chevron Fingerless Gloves – What a cute and playful pattern! I’ve never owned a pair of fingerless gloves and can see how they’d be great on cold airplanes or chilly over-the-garage home offices (like mine) during the winter months. The chevron pattern is lovely. I hope it’s not too tricky for me!
✻ Sock Box by Chicken Boots – The fun extra this month is a vinyl pouch perfectly sized for yarn and all of your project necessities. I love the grab handle and extra wide zipper opening.
✻ Tree Hugger Gum – It wouldn’t be a KnitCrate without a sweet treat! This all natural bubble gum is fun to chew on while knitting. I haven’t had gum balls in years!
✻ Promo codes also included for discounts on Estella Haines and Corrina Ferguson patterns, orders from Tree Hugger Gum, Imperial Yarn, A Hundred Ravens, and a free gift with purchase at Chicken Boots USA.
The September Mini Add-On’s selections include five colorful picks from A Hundred Ravens. This hand-dyed fingering weight Iachos yarn is made from 100% merino wool superwash. I love the vibrant jewel-tone shades for fall!
Check out my coordinating Knit Nook video below for musings on my knitting journey and a closer look at my KnitCrate goodies:
I am happy to announce that KnitCrate has very generously offered a Beginner’s or Int/Advanced September Knit Crate (winner’s choice!) as a prize for one of you! The September 2014 KnitCrate Giveaway will run until Friday, September 26 2014 at 6 PM CT. The giveaway is open internationally. All entrants under the age of 18 must have parental permission to enter. You can enter by following the directions in the Rafflecopter widget posted below (check out this blog post for more information on entering Rafflecopter giveaways). I’ll announce the winner on THIS blog post and KnitCrate will contact them directly through email. Good luck!
*** GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED ***
Congrats to the winners of the September 2014 KnitCrate Giveaway!
The Poll Results for *The Holidays are fast approaching, if Knitcrate were to offer an exclusive discount on Gift Subscriptions to OrganizedJen Followers, would you use it?* out of 815 entries:
Likely (429) 53%
Highly Likely (287) 35%
Not Likely At All (99) 12%
Sometimes Rafflecopter experiences technical difficulties. If you can’t enter for some reason, try again later and it will probably work.
Don’t forget to check out my group on Ravelry called Bliss Knits where we share current projects, knitting stories, and tips and tricks with each other!
Happy Knitting!
* Some of the products mentioned are part of the KnitCrate monthly subscription program, for which I pay for my own membership. I was gifted the Beekeeper’s Quilt pattern. KnitCrate is generously providing the giveaway prize. Post contains affiliate & referral links. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are genuinely my own. *
