knitting

SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG || MADDER ANTHOLOGY VOL. 1 BOOK GIVEAWAY

ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting

Boy oh boy do I have a lovely and oh so pretty prize to giveaway today for our Summer Sweater Knit Along!

One of my most favorite designers, photographer/stylists is the oh so talented Carrie Bostick Hoge. Her work is constantly inspiring me and I am truly inspired by all of her work. I was super excited to see the release of her new book Anthology 1. Drool factor on high here folks!!! Seriously. You all know how I get obsessed about stitch patterns well this book is a knitter's dream! Carrie has taken 4 unique stitch patterns and incorporated them into a collection of dreamy and gorgeous garments and accessories!

THE BOOK INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

CAMILLA | 6 Patterns including a pullover, shawls, child & baby garments & a blanket
SIBELLA | 4 Patterns including a cardigan, cowl, pullover and scarf
IMOGEN | 6 Patterns including a pullover, tees, a cowl, and a blanket
BEATRICE | 6 Patterns including cardigans, a wrap, cowl, tee and scarf

Each pattern is beautiful in it's own right. But when combined in different forms it creates an addictive collection of patterns just yearning to be cast on! Incorporated into different weights and styles these stitch patterns just beg to be knit up! There are patterns for babies, children and for adults. Also included are shawls, blankets and more. Each pattern is knit up with the equally as addictive Quince and Co. yarns! Seriously....could it get any better? Accompanied by Carrie's signature photography and graphic design Anthology 1 is a must have for any knitter's coveted collection of books.

Would you like to win a copy of Anthology 1? Keep reading to find out how!

ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting
ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knittingANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting

ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting
ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting
ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting
ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting
ANTHOLOGY 1 by Carrie Bostick Hoge Giveaway on VeryShannon.com #knitting
Aren't they gorgeous! You ready to win?


THE PRIZE
- One lucky winner will win a hard copy of Madder: Anthology Vol. 1 when it's released (Oct) as well as the eBook which is available now.

HOW TO ENTER
- Simply leave me a comment below letting me know which pattern from Madder Anthology 1 you would make first!

THE RULES
- You must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified. Giveaway is open until August 25th, 2014, midnight, PST.



A big congrats to Carrie for this amazing book! I can't even decide which is my fave or what to cast on first! Thank you for all the inspiration! You can find more about Carrie here:


THIS POST IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

WWW.BROOKLYNTWEED.CO

SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG || A NEW DESIGN!

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn | VeryShannon.com #sskal14

There has been so many gorgeous pics shared of Summer Sweater Knit Along projects over the last few weeks and it's been so inspiring! 

I figured it was time to show what I've been knitting away on. I've been working in the background  on a new sweater design! Yay! This time I'm making a cardigan and I can't wait to wear it! It's one of those projects that I can't knit fast enough so I can finally add it to my regular wardrobe. I have sort of adopted a new process that when I design now I try to knit 2 of some things. 1 for me and 1 for a sample because it kills me to not be able to wear them! So right now I'm working on 2 cardigans. One in my size and one in a sample size since I am for sure NOT the sample size...haha. If you look closely at the picture of my basket below with my knitting you will see the color that I'm making my size in. More on that later though.

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn | VeryShannon.com #sskal14
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn | VeryShannon.com #sskal14
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn | VeryShannon.com #sskal14

I really enjoy making the initial design in my own size so I can try it on, use my dress form, and see how it looks on curves instead of just model proportions. Since I also design sewing patterns I find I use techniques from both fields in the design process. It's fun to implement things when I can to aid in the design process. Since math is so heavily used and I'm more of a visual person, I find the sewing skills aid me in designing garments in knitting and then adding in the math to create the pattern.

Since we just moved into our first home my knitting time hasn't been huge but I've been busy swatching and pattern writing and finally have that lovely Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in colorway "Hayloft" turning into a cardigan! I've been rewarding all my cleaning/unpacking with a few good solid hours of knitting work at the end of the day before bed. I find myself staying up late just enjoying our new house and the quiet with this pretty yarn. Isn't this color to die for? I've been in love with it for the longest time and I'm so happy to make a sweater with it. This color is the "sample" size for this pattern. I wish I could show you more but a girls gotta have some secrets...wink wink.

Rain & Leaf | VeryShannon.com

We just had our first day of rain here in a very long time and let me tell you, the girls shot out of bed this morning, threw on their rain boots and ran into our backyard all full of excitement to be able to go out and play in it. I on the other hand, grabbed my favorite hand knit and ran in the yard with a camera to catch a shot of the matching leaf to my cardi. I couldn't resist the shot..lol. I didn't even have my coffee first and that's saying a lot! I just couldn't get over how much the color matched perfectly! So pretty!

How's your SSKAL project going? Do you need any help? Questions? Don't be shy! Join the conversation! Feel free to leave a comment here or to ask any questions in our Ravelry group! We love seeing your "work in progress" shots and hearing about your projects! Also, if you blog be sure to share a post every Wednesday and share your link in the comments here so we can read it!

P.S. Don't forget to tag your work on Instagram and Twitter with our hashtag #sska14. There's a ton of fun going on there as well as in our Rav group. You can find me on both under "soveryshannon".

THIS POST IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

www.brooklyntweed.com

SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG || READY, SET....GO!

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn for #SSKAL14 || VeryShannon.com

Get those needles moving! Today is the start day for our Summer Sweater Knit Along 2014!!!

I've been busy the last few days moving our family into our first home. I've been exhausted and more tired than I've ever been but soooooo happy! I've also been beyond thrilled to see the amount of chatter and excitement over this year's SSKAL already and it' hadn't even started yet! Can I just say you guys are the best!!!! Seriously, it makes me feel so happy to see you all enjoy this kal as much as I hoped you all would when I started it years ago.

When it comes to knitting garments it can be a whirlwind of thrilling emotions - excitement, trepidation, anxiety, confusion, happiness, confidence, pleasure and more. But the best part out of the process is the sheer joy of making a beautiful handmade garment that fits! Our SSKAL strives to help cheer you on throughout the entire process. From planning/cast on to binding off/blocking we can't wait to be a part of you making this new addition to your wardrobe!

For some lovely & well constructed garment pattern inspiration we highly recommend one of our all time favorite companies -  Brooklyn Tweed! They are sure to have a pattern to make your heart swoon! Their collections are filled with simple stunners to intricate pretties, and let's not forget about the kids and men in our lives! They have awesome patterns for those too! Brooklyn Tweed designs are sure to have superior craftsmanship and knitterly detail.

I'm so excited to let you all know that Brooklyn Tweed is our Official Summer Sweater Knit Along Sponsor! I'm beyond thrilled to have them on board again this year! Jared Flood is one of my biggest inspirations for design and aesthetic. I have an inspiration board in my office and one of the few things on it is my signed ball bands from Jared from Vogue Knitting Live in 2013! It was highlight to meet him in person and every time I feel the creative blues I look at those ball bands for an extra boost of inspiration. Silly I know, but hey, it works..lol.

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn for #SSKAL14 || VeryShannon.com
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Yarn for #SSKAL14 || VeryShannon.com

Brooklyn Tweed also offers scrumptious yarns! Shelter (Worsted) and Loft (Fingering) are both yarns I have knit with and love. Brooklyn Tweed produces American yarns that preserve, support and sustain their belief in the tradition of U.S. textile production. Shelter and Loft are both fleece-dyed to achieve light and lofty yarns boasting 32 rich custom-blended heathers. These yarns give even the simplest fabrics depth and sophistication! They are truly a staple workhorse yarn to add to your stash and great for garment knitting. We'll have more info on Brooklyn Tweed throughout the kal so get ready to get inspired!


For this years SSKAL I'm working on a new sweater design! I won't be done by the end of the KAL I don't think but I'm sure gonna try! I'm swatching with some amazing Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in colorway Hayloft. Can we say swoon! Love this color so much!  And these shots are the first pictures I've taken in our new house!!!! I can't wait to show you all more soon!

I also wanted to share some helpful info today on this year's Summer Sweater Knit Along. First of all don't miss our handy SSKAL homepage!

www.veryshannon.com/sskal14

You can find all of our SSKAL14 posts on our home page as well as some helpful information, links and more! Anytime you want to see what's happening with the KAL just pop on over to the SSKAL Homepage!

We've got some exciting posts coming your way for this KAL this year too! I've got some talented guests coming on to share some tips, techniques and more all relating to knitting sweaters! You can find all our pasts guest posts on our Tips & Techniques page as well!

Our Ravelry Group has some helpful moderators for our KALs. You can tell who they are by looking under their Ravatar for the word "moderator". They are all long time KAL members and they are there to help out as needed in our group. One of our moderators this year is assisting me in the chat thread with some special tasks so if there's any questions or you need assistance with something KAL related KCMOMOF2 can help you. I try my best to get in once a day but sometimes I'm not able to answer or address all the questions/convos so my moderators are my other hands in the group. I couldn't run these KALS without them! So show them some serious love!

Don't forget to use our hashtag! Use #SSKAL14 on social media to follow along with every one's projects! It was great fun to see all your projects on Instagram throughout our knit alongs.

Looking for inspiration? Check out our SSKAL Pinterest Page for tons of sweater pattern inspiration! We will also be pinning kal members choices as you tell as what you're knitting for this kal so feel free to share your pattern choices and yarn picks in the Ravelry group or here in the comments!

I love seeing what you are all making! It's part of what makes it all fun!And remember.....fun is our #1 rule for our kals!

What would you like to see talked about on the blog for this year's SSKAL? Any technique's or topics you would like to see covered? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Happy knitting!

THIS POST IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY 

WWW.BROOKLYNTWEED.COM

SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG || ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!

Summer Sweater Knit Along 2014 || VeryShannon.com
© Jared Flood / Brooklyn Tweed
Our Summer Sweater Knit Along 2014 is almost HERE!!!
You've all been so patiently waiting the dates for this years Summer Sweater Knit Along and I couldn't keep it secret any longer! We've got some AMAZING guest posts planned, dreamy prizes, tutorials and more for this year's KAL! You won't want to miss it! We will have our handy Summer Sweater Knit Along Home Page up on my website next week! You will always be able to find all of the posts and relevant info on that page as well as our BIG reveal on who our Official Sponsor is for the SSKAL!

Never made a garment before? Looking to try a new technique? Don't worry! Our knit alongs are suitable to any level and we're here to cheer you on and help you through the process. We've got a lively, friendly and supportive ravelry group that's filled with moderators and members always willing and able to help answer questions and give support. We're lots of fun and the group is very active and chatty during our kal's. Think of it as sitting each week with hundreds of ladies knitting/crocheting alongside you cheering you on every step of the way!  Trust me - it's fun! We've also got a brand new Tips & Techniques page for you to find all of our curated posts from all of our knit alongs. There's tutorials, how to's, free patterns and more!

What can I make?
For the Summer Sweater Knit Along you can make any sweater, cardigan, pullover you would like! It can also be a child's sweater or you can jump in with a WIP that you've been dying to finish! We also don't mind if you double up on KAL projects - we're easy going and just want you to have fun knitting with us! Just in case you need some extra inspiration you can follow and get inspiration on our Summer Sweater Knit Along Pinterest Board! We're starting to pin now and will also be adding member project choices too!

Make sure to use our hashtag #sskal14 on social media so we can follow along with your projects!! Our last kal was sooooo fun to follow on Instagram! We all had a good time watching each other's WIP's!

What happens at the end of the kal?
If you you haven't done a knit along with us before you don't want to miss the end rewards! When we are all done we celebrate with me showing off some of your finished projects on the blog here with our "Starring You Post" and then I host a giant giveaway with awesome prizes from our KAL sponsors!!!! All you have to do is sign up (link & info below) and have started or complected your project to be eligible. 

Summer Sweater Knit Along 2014 || VeryShannon.com
© Jared Flood / Brooklyn Tweed
So what do you say? You ready to join in for our Summer Sweater Knit Along? Yay! You can find all the info and details below!



// DATES
Start: July 30th
End: September 24th with a fun giveaway!

// RULES
- You can KNIT OR CROCHET ANY PATTERN OF YOUR LIKING that fits under the category of a sweater, cardigan, pullover etc..  This can be either for an adult or a child.  Any weight of yarn can be used.
- You can enter knitting on a WIP and you are also allowed to double up on KAL's if you'd like.
- You don't need to finish your project (though we love it if you do) to be eligible for the giveaway but you do need to start.  We really want to encourage people to knit together and form a sense of community and online friendships.
- There will be a topic thread in our ravelry group that you can chat away about your projects, share patterns, cheer each other on and more.  Have fun with it!
- Have fun! For reals! That's a rule..lol! You must have fun!
- If you're not on ravelry feel free to share your pics and chat in the comments. We love when you guys comment on the blog and it's also a fun place to have convos and share your blog posts as well.

// SIGN UP
Enter your info into this private form tobe eligible for the prizes for the giveaway! You must have a project in progress during the KAL to be eligible. Projects already begun before the KAL started are allowed to be joined into the KAL. You can also double up KAL's if you are in an existing KAL with that project.

You can sign up by filling in the form below.
*Note: you must be signed up to be eligible to win the giveaway prizes at the end of the knit along.


// HOW TO JOIN IN!
1. RAVELRY. Find the KAL running in the Very Shannon Ravelry Group. The thread to chat in will be up today sometime so you can all pop in and share which projects you will be making, swatches, yarn choices etc. This is the part I find the most fun! I love all the chatting, friendships, laughs and support. If you haven't joined in over there before for our KAL's you should give it a try.

2. PINTEREST. We will have a fun Summer Sweater Knit Along Pinterest Board where you can find other  projects pinned to see different yarns & patterns and to get inspiration. We will be adding to this pinboard as the KAL progresses throughout the month so please share your projects pics with us! We love to see them!

3. BLOGS. Each week throughout the KAL, I will both be posting here on the blog along with some special guests. You will be able to read the posts hopefully every Wed throughout the duration of the knit along. Please feel free to join in and post on Wed as well and share your links in the comments so we can read your posts too!

4. SOCIAL MEDIA. You can follow along with pics and more with the hashtag #sskal14. You can find me on facebook, twitter, instagram and google+.

5. HOME PAGE. You can always keep up to date with all the posts, sponsors, details & more for the SSKAL on our homepage Summer Sweater Knit Along Homepage HERE (coming soon!).


Summer Sweater Knit Along 2014 || VeryShannon.com
© Jared Flood / Brooklyn Tweed
Are you joining in? What sweater/yarn will you be using? Thanks for knitting along with me!

SALE || JOURNEY ROAD TRIP SALE!

Swift Pattern (by Shannon Cook) from JOURNEY

Both Jane and I have fun road trips planned for our summer vacations this year so we thought it would be most fitting to have a JOURNEY Road Trip Sale!!!

It's summer but that doesn't mean we're not knitting and thinking about knitting! Don't waste all those hours in the car - use that valuable time knitting! Ferry, airplane, train - whip out the needles! Knit up an Antrorse to sport with denim cut offs and a tank beach side by the fire on a summer evening. Or pair your Inland with a pretty floral summer maxi dress out for a cool evening stroll with your flip flops. Making an Onward - you're in luck! This is such a versatile year round shawl. Yes, it's worsted, but it comes in handy in the morning at the farmer's market, camping, lakeside and more. Just because it's summer doesn't mean you can't style and wear your hand knits! It gets cool at night still, especially in the forest. All of the pieces from JOURNEY could easily be incorporated into your summer adventure!

JOURNEY ROAD TRIP SALE
 Save 20% OFF using code "roadtrip"
Sale is valid on the following:
:: individual patterns from JOURNEY (Antrorse, Inland, Onward, Spate, Swift & Climb)
:: eBook version of JOURNEY (which comes with pdf's of the indie patterns too!)
:: purchases can be made for the eBook & indie patterns on Ravelry ONLY for this sale. You can also find the same sale in Jane's shop too! See her blog for details.
:: sale closes on Sunday, July 13th, midnight, PST.
  
Onward Pattern (by Shannon Cook) from JOURNEY

Happy knitting and road tripping! See you all next week!

What are your summer vacation plans? Are you taking a road trip? Knitting on any JOURNEY patterns right now? We'd love to see and hear about them!

KNITTING || STASHBOT GUIDE & APP

Stashbot Stash Guide by Hannah Fettig || VeryShannon.com

Have you guys heard of the fabulous new guide Stashbot yet?

Stashbot is a comprehensive guide for building a useful stash. This handy guide from Hannah Fettig of Knitbot includes yarn requirement averages for all size sweaters and accessories! That's right! It is seriously a must have for every knitter! I got a print copy a few months ago and have used it many a time already. It's made project yarn shopping, pattern designing and gift making so much easier.  In a nutshell Stashbot is your perfect new yarn shopping companion!

Best part is that it also helps you to control, maintain and organize your stash. You know those times when you are at your fave LYS or a knitting event and you find that yarn you just cannot bear to live without? Well Stashbot will help you figure out how much you should buy of your dream yarn. It saves you from overbuying and under buying yarn for your stash saving you money in the end. Since you are more aware and in control of what you are purchasing for your stash it will help to keep your stash useful. Hannah has also included an article in Stashbot on stash psychology with tips on how to change your stash for the better. I know I'm always looking for ways to keep my stash streamlined, purposeful and not overwhelming.

True to Hannah's style Stashbot is lovely and has a clean aesthetic accompanied by gorgeous illustrations by Neesha Hudson. It's 8.5 x 5.5" so it's perfect for your purse or knitting bag.

What will you find inside Stashbot?

Stashbot is an 8 page booklet that includes 
yarn requirement averages for gauges 3 - 8 stitches per inch / 2.5 cm

Categories include:
Vests, shrugs & cropped, average and tunic length sweaters 
in sizes 3 months - 60” / 152cm bust circumference.
Hats, Socks & Mittens in sizes Baby, Toddler, Child, Adult & XL Adult 
Neckwear in 3 averages dimensions

All yarn requirements are presented in both yards and meters.Stashbot Stash Guide by Hannah Fettig || VeryShannon.com
How can you get your hands on Stashbot?

- Stashbot is available in booklet format as pictured above at your local LYS. You can find a list of the stockists HERE on the Knitbot site or also purchase it from Quince & Co. HERE.

- And the most exciting way.....I'm freaking out over this one folks....a soon to be APP! That's right! Stashbot is about to become an APP! Soon you'll be able to have Stashbot with you on your phone, tablet and more! I'm super excited for this interactive digital format! I'm lucky enough to get to try out the Beta version this week and the Knitbot team hope to have the Stashbot app out for the public in mid-July! Woot woot!

Stashbot Stash Guide by Hannah Fettig || VeryShannon.com

I'll be sure to fill you in on how the app is when it's out for release. In the meantime enjoy Stashbot!

How do you organize and maintain your stash? Have you tried Stashbot yet? Would you use a knitting app like this? Let's chat! 

You may also like our handy "FREE Printable Yarn Stash Ball Bands" to help keep your stash under control! Get the free download HERE.

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Perkins Cove Pullover by Pam Allen
Perkins Cove Pullover by Pam Allen. Picture by Carrie Bostick Hoge
It's time to announce the winners of our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Giveaway!!!! 

I know you've all be patiently waiting for me to spill the goods on who won our lovely awesome prizes!!! So here are our winners.....

WINNER #1 - 
BETSY (BETSYJO ON RAVELRY)

WINNER #2 - 
MARTA (SBNYC ON RAVELRY)

Congratulations everyone! I'll be in touch soon in regards to your prizes!!!

www.quinceandco.com

A HUGE thank you again to all of you for joining in and knitting with me! And a big thank you to all of our generous and amazing sponsors for the TTTKAL this year! You can always find all the posts and info on our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Home Page.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Summer Sweater Knit Along! Dates will be announced next month!!! So get ready :)

GIVEAWAY || TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG GIVEAWAY!

Confetti Powder from Confetti System
It's giveaway time!!!! After all your hard work knitting up your top, tanks & tees it's time for our annual giveaway for the TTTKAL! 

A big thank you to Quince & Co. for being our Official Tops, Tanks & Tees Sponsor this year! Without Quince & Co. we wouldn't have our knit along! Our other super fabulous sponsors have donated some amazing prizes for you all to win! I'm drooling over here people! Two of you are going to be some lucky knitters!!!! Please visit their sites and show them some love! Each of our sponsors are companies I love and use. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.

|| PRIZE ||
- Kestrel and Sparrow Sans eBooks and 1 skein each of Kestrel and Sparrow in the color of the winners choosing from Quince and Co.


|| PRIZE ||
- 3 skeins of Julie Asselin Yarn - Fino (Merino/Cashmere/Silk), in winners color choice.

|| PRIZE ||
- $25 Gift Certificate to Jane Richmond Designs.


|| PRIZE ||
- $25 Gift Certificate to Sugar + Candy Handbags.
|| PRIZE ||
- 2 sets of Akin Stitch Markers

|| HOW TO ENTER ||
- You must be signed up in the TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG and have started a project during the time of the knit along.  You DO NOT have to be done your project but you must have cast on and started knitting.

|| THE PRIZES ||
First Place Prize
- Quince & Co. prize package, Julie Asselin Yarn Prize Package and Jane Richmond Prize Package.

Second Place Prize
- Sugar + Candy Handbags Prize Package, Akin Prize Package

RULES:
- You must have left a valid email address when you signed up in the form above.
- You must have taken part in the TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG that is now over.
- Giveaway ends Sunday, June 15th, 2014 at midnight, pst.

More information and links for the entire knit along can be found on our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Homepage. Good luck everyone and thanks again for knitting along with me!

WINNER || UP, DOWN, ALL-AROUND STITCH DICTIONARY & BLUE SKY ALPACAS GIVEAWAY

Winner of Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary & Blue Sky Alpacas Giveaway!

The weather here has been positively gorgeous and I've been busy behind the scenes on some secret projects and hanging out at the beach and floating on lakes :) I hope to fill you in on some of them soon. But for now I'm excited to finally get to announce our Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary & Blue Sky Alpacas Giveaway winner!!!!

The winner is.....
COMMENTER #71: MICHAELA

Congratulations Michaela! I'll be in touch with you soon in regards to your prize! Thank you to all of you who entered.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend! What have you been making lately? 

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG || STARRING YOU!!!

Vasa pattern knit by Sunflowerknit
Vasa knit by Sunflowerknit
Today is the day we've all been waiting for! The Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along 2014 - Starring You Post!!!! I seriously love putting this together for you all every year! It's so fun!

I mean how could you resist showing off all these amazingly gorgeous projects!!! You guys blew my mind this year! We shortened the TTTKAL by almost a month and still some of you whipped out 2 projects! Mind blown!!! Plus there was some seriously great uses of color and fibers paired with inspiring and oh so lovely patterns this year! I'm so happy to see so many of you embrace knitting warm weather garments!

Saco Stripes pattern knit by JennEmerson
Saco Stripes by JennEmerson
When putting together today's post I couldn't help but get emotional. I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful knitters joining in on our knit alongs. It does my heart good to see so many of you having such a good time, bonding, laughing, sharing stories and also learning/helping each other with your projects. I know I enjoy sitting down and reading through the thread every night and following along on Instagram with our #tttkal hashtag. It's so fun to see what you all have been up to with your projects!

Willing Spring pattern knit by Jaykayknits
Willing Spring by Jaykayknits
I can't help but say a huge THANK YOU to each and every one of you who participated - whether you finished or not. It means the world to me that you join in and have fun! From someone who had nobody to knit with to now having all of you it  makes me get all teary eyed! You guys are the best and I can't wait for the next one!!!

And now - here you all are!!!! You're AMAZING!
Sourpatch pattern knit by BetsyJo
Sourpatch knit by BetsyJo

Saco Stripes Pattern and Driftwood Tee Pattern knit by Knitthehellout
 Saco Stripes and Driftwood Tee both knit by Knitthehellout
Dulce De Leche knit by ryanpagehaas
Davis knit by Knitmish
Fire Opal Tee Pattern knit by Mamatronic
Fire Opal Tee knit by Mamatronic
Leger and Saco Stripes knit by Gardenknittr
Drifting and Scarborough Shrug knit by Moonkun
Regatta Tee knit by Sbnyc
Cap Sleeve Lattice Tops - 1 & 4: Knit by Becca Flake 2: Knit by Stephni-A 3: Knit by Joy201
1. Bryter knit by KCmomof2 2. Saco Stripes knit by cassburns 3. Simple Circle Yoke Pullover by DrAnna 4. Sunny Lou Dress from byannieclaire 5. Short Row Sweater knit by laura2022 6. Sparrow knit by Regalraven 7. Hawt Sands knit by Mamtronic 8. Hetty knit by likeleigh
1. Lavina knit by inafunk 2. Whispers by qtpieknitter 3. Emerald knit by lilpixie124 4. 26-29 Super Cotton Vest knit by karinamaza
1. Stoney Brook Top knit by madgiddy 2. Icarus knit by urbanizer 3. Saco Stripes knit by culabrat 4. Wakame knit by philda 5. Jessa knit by CassyTom 6. Sagoponack Tee knit by ummashin 7. Cosmopolitan knit by Purplefish 8. Nachtfalter knit by pattymatt 9. Catskills Cardi knit by bibite 10. Tomboy Cardigan knit by asimplehomestd
1. Bokeh Tank knit by craftycavy 2. Drambuie knit by mootastic1 3. Aquae Tank by mradford  4. Shannon knit by ValentinaS 5. Vertex knit by Calliopesmom 6. Dropveter knit by Karinamaza 7. Ribbon by qtpieknitter 8. Holla Back Tank knit by PamonMars
Wowsa!!!! You guys did soooo good! So many amazing projects! And such a fun variety! I love it! Congrats again on all of your WIP's and FO's! You guys rock!

You can always check out all the lovely knitted projects on our...

Instagram with #tttkal hashtag


And a huge thank you to our wonderful and supportive sponsor Quince & Co. for helping to make our TTTKAL 2014 happen!!!! Please go visit them and show them some love!!

Stay tuned for next week! Our big giveaway is coming up!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!

TTTKAL || DEADLINE EXTENSION POLL

Kestrel Tank by Quince and Co.
Image via Quince & Co.
Knitting a whole top, tank or tee is time consuming. You guys know that I always like to give you all a chance to vote if you'd like a 1 week extension on the deadline to finish up your KAL project.

It was new this year to try the TTTKAL in a 1 month time span. Usually I do 2 months but found everyone was making at least 2 projects - it was too long. So this year we did 1 but I'd still like to offer you a chance to push it back a few days if you'd like before we do our starring you post! The new deadline would be Monday, June 2nd, 2014.

Remember - do your best to get some lovely finished pictures of your project to show off your hard work! Get someone to help you or find some great tips on our post last year on taking great project pics by our guest Michelle from A So Called Handmade Life. It's got lots of great tips and her pics are always some of my faves! Click HERE to read the post. You can also find more helpful info on our Tips & Techniques page HERE.

Trust me when I say that you will appreciate taking the time to take a good project shot later on when you look back at all your knitting on ravelry. It feels good to have your work shine and to share it with all your fellow knitters :) Plus our next KAL post is our "Starring You" one and I'll be posting some of the finished projects on the blog next week!!

Now it's time to vote! Fill out the poll below and then get knitting ladies!


And for those of you who are already done - wahoo!!!! There are some AMAZING projects in our Tops, Tanks, Tees Knit Along FO Page on Ravelry!

Thanks for knitting along with me!

This post was brought to you by our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Official Sponsor - Quince & Co.!

UP, DOWN, ALL-AROUND BLOG TOUR & BLUE SKY ALPACAS GIVEAWAY!!!

Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com
Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard || Published by STC Craft/Abrams || Photos by Thayer Allyson Gowdy

I adore stitch dictionaries. I can't get enough of them. Fun reading for me at night is perusing stitch dictionaries. Weird, but true.

I love seeing all the endless possibilities and the creative why's and how's. When I heard about Wendy Bernard's new book "Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary" I got super excited! A coil bound stitch dictionary that does all the work for you! Seriously! She's written it so that each stitch is shown with instructions & charts and can be knit in 4 different directions!!! Flat, in the round, bottom up, town down - you name it - she shows you! Genius!!! This is the first of it's kind and I'm so excited to be on the tour today sponsored by Blue Sky Alpacas!

I have spent some lovely hours slowly perusing this gorgeous book! True to the STC Craft/Abrams brand, "Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary" is as pretty as it is useful. Clear, and bright photographs, easy to follow instructions and charts - Wendy has written and compiled a book that is a must have for any knitters technical library. I cannot tell you how useful this book is. So much helpful information and I keep going back to the coil binding. I love that it lays flat while I'm knitting from it. Plus all the yarn used in the book is from Blue Sky Alpacas (whose yarn I adore) and the colors just pop from the pages! Wendy even has each chapter broken into color themes! WEEE! It does my book lovers heart so good to see this! It adds such a great texture & vividness to the swatches when you are flipping through the book itself.

Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com
Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com
Photos above: Thayer Allyson Gowdy
There are lots of special little details added to this book. Such as the fun graphic design! On the spine and bottoms of the pages where the stitches are written there are shapes that mimic the symbols used in knitting charts. I go gaga for things like this! I really loved this book and thoughtful design elements of the book itself. It's also broken up into great sections to make it easy to find what you're looking for.

Here's what's included:

// HOW TO USE THE STITCH PATTERNS
- Swatching Basics
- Swapping out Stitch Patterns
- How to Work With Charts

// KNITS AND PURLS   // RIBS   // TEXTURED, SLIPPED, AND FANCY   // YARNOVERS AND EYELETS   // CABLES   // LACE   // COLORWORK   // HEMS AND EDGINGS   // PROJECTS   

// APPENDIX
- Designing From Scratch
- Abbreviations
- Special Techniques
- Key
- Stitch Multiple Index
- Acknowledgements
- About the Author

Wendy Bernard also added some great chapters in this book that are very educational and useful for any knitter - designer or not. Such as the section on Swapping out Stitch Patterns - so handy! She also has a great chapter on the end that is on Designing from Scratch and she gives you 3 patterns that you can easily learn and design your own using the stitch patterns in the book! It's awesome!  There is a stole, a slouch hat, & some mittens! Also at the end of each Stitch Chapter there is a project using one of the stitches from that section and there are some darn cute patterns as well!

I couldn't resist whipping up a swatch of one of the stitches in the Textured, Slipped & Fancy chapter! I made mine using the Bamboo Stitch! A fun one! Doesn't it look so scrumptious in Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyed? This yarn is beyond heavenly and that color......swoon, it's color #2023!!!! I can't wait to knit more with this!

Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com
Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com

Needless to say this book is great! Patterns, design help, stitch dictionary & more Wendy always puts together books that are so valuable but also inspiring! I recommend this one to any knitter looking to add to their stitch dictionary library. It's got some great ones in it! Plus this book would also be a handy tool for knitting instructors or shop reference.

But that's not it.......I've also got an exciting prize to give away today!!!!

Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com
// THE PRIZE
- One lucky winner will win this lovely prize package:

- 3 drool worthy skeins of yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas (shown in the picture above & below)
- a copy of Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary by Wendy Bernard
- an adorable Pretty Cheep Project Bag

// HOW TO ENTER
- Leave me a comment letting me know what you love about stitch dictionaries.
- Bonus Entry: Like Blue Sky Alpacas and/or STC Craft on facebook and leave me a separate comment letting me know you did that too.

// THE RULES
- Open to US/Canadian residents ONLY.
- You must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified.
- Giveaway is open until June 1st, 2014, midnight, PST.

Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Blog Tour || VeryShannon.com

Follow along the rest of the Up, Down, All-Around Blog Tour below! Lots of chances to win!!! Good luck and happy knitting everyone!!! A big thank you to STC Craft/Abrams and Blue Sky Alpacas for having me on the tour! Congrats on the wonderful book Wendy!

May 20: Knit and Tonic - we will also post Tour Info & Schedule on the Blue Sky Alpacas Blog.
May 22: FreshStitches
May 24: Hey Jen Renee
May 26: Very Shannon
June 4: Mari Knits
June 21: Wendy Bernard on the Ready, Set, Knit! podcast

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KAL || KNITTING WITH QUINCE & CO. LINEN

Kestrel Collection from Quince & Co.

Oh Kestrel how I love thee. Who's Kestrel you ask? Why Kestrel is the newest linen yarn from Quince & Co. and let me tell you....this yarn is fab.u.lous. 

Every year during the Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along I try to encourage everyone to try a summer friendly fiber to knit with and to embrace those plant based fibers. My go to recommendation has always been Quince & Co.'s first linen yarn - Sparrow. Sparrow is a pretty fingering weight that knits up and wears great! So when Quince & Co. announced they were releasing Kestrel - an aran weight linen - be still my beating heart! Linen + aran weight = happy shannon! I admit I tend to knit with yarns that are DK or higher most often so the idea of a linen that is aran weight, 100% linen and organic just had me swooning! Not to mention it's seriously amazing to knit with, drapes like a DREAM. I can't stop petting mine!

Kestrel Collection from Quince & Co.
Now don't start to get scared and run from the computer saying "linen....hmmm...not sure...I only knit with wool....don't like how it feels on my hands....don't know how to care for it...." etc, etc. We've all been there. It's like anything new that you learn. Linen can seem scary to a knitter who hasn't used it. But trust me when I say it's not. As a sewer who also knits linen really appeals to me! I love the fact that what you get is what you see. Linen doesn't lose it's shape or stretch out. It just is what you make it. You can treat it just like fabric! And no, it's not like linen fabric where you end up all wrinkled at the end of the day. It won't go all cray cray on you. You can wash it in the machine, iron it and more! Plus it doesn't pill! The more you wear it - the better it gets! How can you not like that right?

Kestrel Collection from Quince & Co.
Looking for some helpful posts on knitting with linen?

// Check out Knitting with Linen and also Finishing with Linen by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. There are some great tips in these posts!
// Pam Allen (designer & one of the founders of Quince & Co.) & Hannah Fettig have a wonderful new podcast out called Knit.fm that is fun to listen to and educational! If you take a listen to Episode 7 (Design Process) you can learn more about Kestrel and also working with and caring for linen yarns. If you enjoy knitting podcasts make sure you subscribe to Knit.fm!

Need some lovely patterns to try out your linen knitting skills?

We recommend the following collections for some wonderful linen patterns:

 Kestrel   ||   Sparrow Sans   ||   Knitbot Linen

How about some helpful tips on linen?

// You can put linen in the washing machine and the dryer.
// It get's better the more you wear it and wash it.
// You can still block your linen item.
// It softens up after wear.
// It's sometimes easiest to wind linen by hand as it has a tendency to tangle and knot. If you do use a swift, go slow and be careful.
// Always knit from the outside of your ball - not the inside. If you do knit from the center pull you may want to put your yarn inside a sock or something to contain it to keep from knotting.
// It comes from the flax plant.

Sparrow Collection from Quince & Co.
I promise you once you give it a try you'll like it! You may be surprised at how much you'll enjoy the end result! 

And if you have found linens rough to knit with in the past Kestrel will be a welcome addition to your yarn stash. I found it enjoyable to use and quite comfortable on the hands to knit with. Two thumbs up in my book! I also highly recommend any of Quince & Co.'s yarns and if you haven't tried any of them yet give it a go! They have a wide selection of weights, reasonable shipping and the colors - well swoon! Texture, loft, drape - their yarns have it all. I haven't met a Quince & Co. yarn I haven't loved yet :)

So what do you say? Are you going to give knitting with linen a try? Have you knit with Kestrel or Sparrow before? Let's chat yarn ladies! And don't forget to share any tips you may have on knitting with linen! I'd love to add them to the post!

This post was brought to you by our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Official Sponsor - Quince & Co.!

*All images in the post courtesy of Quince & Co.

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KAL || WARM WEATHER KNITTING NECESSITIES

Warm Weather Knitting Necessities // VeryShannon.com
1. Knit and Let Knit Tote  2. Sparrow Yarn 3. Box Pouch 4. Fox Yarn Bowl 5. Neon Stitch Markers 6. Zippered Pouch
Summer knitting is almost upon us and the weather is warming up. So today we're going to chat warm weather knitting necessities! And yes - there are some :)

Now you all know how much I encourage and preach continuing to knit in the warmer months of the year. That's how our Tops, Tanks & Tees and Summer Sweater Knit Alongs were born! Just because it's gorgeous outside does not mean that our passion for knitting needs to be hidden away for months at a time. Bring that knitting out of the closet - let it see the sunlight! Instead of thinking you can't be knitting - embrace it! Bring it to the beach, take it to the park, have it go on your road and camping trips! Knitting is truly a bring it everywhere you go hobby!

So what sorts of things does one need to make knitting suitable for the warmer months? Well...these warm weather knitting neccessities of course!
// A ROCKIN' BAG OR BASKET
We don't want you getting sand in your fibers so make sure you are carrying a rockin' project bag to keep your knitting lovelies safe. You can use one of our tutorials to make your own (if you are so inclined) or spoil yourself and purchase a great new bag to go with your shorts and a tank :) We are currently crushing on all things Fringe Supply Co.

Not in the mood for a bag? We've all been crushing big time on baskets! I have an African Market Basket from Tolt Yarn and Wool that is MY FAVE! I need more and I mean like 5 more! They are great for storing your projects, yarn and for bringing your current knitting projects with you in style!

// THE RIGHT SIZE PROJECT
Bonnie Project Bag Tutorial by VeryShannon.comNow the art of warm weather knitting is to be smart and choose a suitable project. For example - don't cast on a giant chunky wool sized blanket to bring around with you. Instead opt for something light and easily portable like a top, shawl, socks, sweater etc. It makes a world of difference when it's on your lap and in your bag.

// FIBER
Warm weather fibers are becoming more and more readily available. With cotton blends, linens and more in your LYS you cannot go wrong in knitting up that lovely summer tank for yourself this year with all the gorgeous yarns on the market! Our personal fave of the moments are Sparrow and Kestrel from Quince and Co. Linen only gets better the more you wear it so cast on now for a super lovely top to wear this summer!

// YARN BOWL OR CADDY
One of my favorite things to use lately is my yarn caddy (or yarn buddy as shown here) as I like to call it. What the official name is for these I can't seem to figure out but they are AWESOME! Keeps my yarn from falling all over the place, keeps it clean, it's easier to knit and I bring it with me everywhere. What can I say - I love it.

A yarn bowl is also a stellar choice for keeping your yarn sand and dirt free! There are tons of stylish and modern yarn bowls available now and heck you could even make your own at your local pottery shop! That's what I plan on doing one of these days.

// NOTIONS & POUCHES
As any knitter knows we LOVE our notions as much as we love our knitting. Stitch markers, gauge tools, tape measures, scissors, cases and more - you can never have enough. The cooler and cuter the better! I have this adorable case to store my stitch markers and scissors in!

And with all those notions you definitely need a good pouch to keep them in! Sew yourself up some with a great tutorial or pattern (you can see ours here) or purchase a unique handmade one and show off those notions!

// SUNSCREEN, SUNNIES & GOOD TIMES
Knitting is always more fun with friends! Keep your skin protected out in the warm weather with sunscreen, your favorite pair of sunglasses and a rockin' hat! Meet some knitting pals on the beach or your favorite restaurant patio and soak up the fun!!!

So grab your needles, your fave bag, your coveted notions, some sunscreen and your sunnies and go bask in that gorgeous weather all summer long!

This post was brought to you by our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Official Sponsor - Quince & Co.!


Now....what are YOUR warm weather knitting neccessities? We're dying to know!!! Comment below with your faves!!!

TOPS, TANKS & TEES KAL - FREE KNITTING PRINTABLE!


It's here! It's time to cast on for the Top, Tanks & Tees Knit Along!!!! Are you excited? Yay!

You've all been chatting away in our Ravelry group sharing favorite patterns, yarn picks and posting pics of yarn lovelies and swatches! It's been fun already and the kal hasn't even started yet! Firstly I am so thrilled to announce that one of my favorite yarn companies - Quince & Co., is our Official Sponsor of the TTTKAL!!!!! Wahoo!!! I'm so excited to have them on board for this kal in particular! Their gorgeous linen yarns Sparrow and Kestrel are both fabulous choices for the TTTKAL as well as the rest of their selection! We'll be sharing more on their yarns, collections, patterns, podcast and more during the knit along. But if you're just joining in and still looking for a great yarn/pattern I highly recommend checking out Quince and Co.! You won't be disappointed!

Free Knitting Printable from Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along || VeryShannon.com #tttkal

Are you guys ready for something fun? Now, I love printables. I love lists, and notepads and sticky notes..etc...it's a bit of an addiction of mine. So the other day I was thinking how fun would it be to have us a free knitting printable to keep our project organized for the TTTKAL? I tend to sketch all my pattern info on scraps or in random journals and am notorious for losing them. I hope that this will at least let my notes stand out a bit more and look a bit prettier if I must say so. So while you are all getting ready to cast on take a second to write down your yarn name, colorway, gauge, needle info etc and then plug it into your ravelry project page and get knitting!!!!

Free Knitting Printable from Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along || VeryShannon.com #tttkal

I've given you a column to list the yarn(s) you are using and make notes about them, write down your gauge (put your needle size(s) here too!), the cast on and bind off methods you tried or preferred and then general notes or row (rnd) counts if you'd like! I hope I'm not the only dork who thinks this stuff is fun! Any way I can be a tad more organized is a win win in my book!

Simply click on the "download box" below to print out your own copy!!!!

Free Knitting Printable from Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along || VeryShannon.com #tttkal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1iHSIgw64pcRHVPaWdDUTI0T28/edit?usp=sharing

// PLEASE NOTE

This printable is free for personal use only, not for commercial use. You can print as many as you like for yourself or as a gift to someone, but you are not allowed to sell this printable in digital or print form, nor to distribute it in its original or in an altered form.

If you'd like to share some images of this printable, on Pinterest, social media, in a blog post... that's great! Thank you so much! Please feel free to use some images, but please credit and link back to this page. Please do not distribute the printable direct from your site and please do not link directly to the file- instead, please link back to this page. Thank you so much in advance!

I'm so excited for you all to start knitting!! It's never to late to join! You can find all the information, signups, dates, and more on our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Homepage!!!!! Yay! Don't forget to use our offical hashtag on social media - #tttkal!

// THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICIAL TTTKAL SPONSOR - QUINCE & CO!

WWW.QUINCEANDCO.COM

PATTERN || EMERY - SUMMER ISSUE OF POM POM QUARTERLY!

Emery Shawl by Shannon Cook of VeryShannon.com for @pompommag Summer Issue

I'm so excited to tell you about my newest pattern - EMERY that is now available in the newest issue of Pom Pom Quarterly!!!

I've been happy dancing around the house since Friday with excitement! I'm a huge fan of Pom Pom Quarterly and was over the moon to be able to publish a pattern with them! They are such a fun and modern knitting magazine! If you haven't seen an issue yet I highly recommend them. You can purchase & subscribe online and also find Pom Pom at your local yarn shops and select bookstores.

I so enjoyed knitting and designing EMERY! This pattern is a textured play on fun geometrics! Knit from corner to corner to create a triangular shawlette that is modern & stylish and can be worn multiple ways. Reversible & light, this pattern is quick to memorize and easy to knit for all skill levels. Stitch definition pairs nicely with the lace details creating a triangle emblem focal point on this sweet, yet modern shawl.

EMERY will take you from summer days to steamy nights. Paired with a cute tank & shorts or a summer sultry dress at a beach side party - no matter what the outfit - EMERY will make you shine.

Knit up using ONLY 2 skeins of the deliciously lovely Plucky Sweater from The Plucky Knitter in colorway Mini Skirt you just can't go wrong!

You can get a copy of EMERY in the newest summer issue of Pom Pom Quarterly that is available to pre-order HERE.

Emery Shawl by Shannon Cook of VeryShannon.com for @pompommag Summer Issue
Emery Shawl by Shannon Cook of VeryShannon.com for @pompommag Summer Issue
Emery Shawl by Shannon Cook of VeryShannon.com for @pompommag Summer Issue
Emery Shawl by Shannon Cook of VeryShannon.com for @pompommag Summer Issue

Thanks for all of your support and happy knitting! I hope you enjoy EMERY as much as I do! I can't wait to make another one!

You can get a copy of EMERY in the newest summer issue of Pom Pom Quarterly that is available to pre-order HERE.

You can fave, queue and pre-order EMERY as well on it's Ravelry Page HERE

KNITTING || TOPS, TANKS & TEES KNIT ALONG ANNOUNCEMENT

I know you have all been waiting so patiently for this announcement so I'm happy to finally be able to announce the dates for our annual Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along!!!

It's been a super busy April so this year we are going to try out May for the KAL. I'm also going to try out us only having 1 month for this KAL vs a longer duration like we usually do. I find you gals are usually on your 2nd projects by the time the end rolls near so if we run the TTTKAL shorter it allows a bit more of a break in between this and the Summer Sweater Knit Along. So mark your calendars and get ready to join in!!! You can always find our Knit Along Directory here.

Our TTTKAL is simply knitting a top, tank or tee to join in!  You can make it out of any weight of yarn, any style you'd like - it just can't have full sleeves or be considered a full sweater!  It can be really summery or it can be warm and cozy with short sleeves. We want you to be free to knit what you'd love to be wearing this spring & summer! There are so many wonderful patterns out since last year's KAL I know you won't have a hard time finding one to knit or crochet! Fun right? But to make it easier you can follow and get inspiration on our Tops, Tanks & Tees Pinterest Board! Make sure to use our hashtag #tttkal on social media and on pinterest!

Togue Pond by Pam Allen
Togue Pond by Pam Allen
Plus you get to knit along with our great group of gals online!  We're lots of fun and the ravelry group is very active and chatty during our kal's. Think of it as sitting each week with hundreds of ladies knitting/crocheting alongside you cheering you on every step of the way!  Trust me - it's fun! We will also have a handy Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along Homepage on my website! You will always be able to find all of the posts and relevant info on that page!

Our knit alongs are suitable for any level of knitter! If this is your first garment - don't be scared to join in!  We've got a great group of ladies in our ravelry group and we are all always game to help and answer any questions!  During our knit alongs there is always great technical posts with lots of info, tips & tutorials to help you get through your projects.  We also have a new Tips & Techniques page that you can always go check out that houses all of our helpful posts.

If you you haven't done a knit along with us before you don't want to miss the end rewards! When we are all done we celebrate with me showing off some of your finished projects on the blog here with our starring you post and then I host a giant giveaway with awesome prizes from our KAL sponsors!!!! All you have to do is sign up (link & info below) and have started or complected your project to be eligible. 

So what do you say? You ready to join in for our Tops, Tanks & Tees Knit Along? Yay! You can find all the info and details below!


WHAT ARE THE DATES?

Start: May 7th
End: May 28th with a fun giveaway!

WHAT ARE THE DETAILS & RULES?

- You can KNIT OR CROCHET ANY PATTERN OF YOUR LIKING that fits under the category of a top, tank or tee.  This can be either for an adult or a child.  Your project cannot have full length sleeves.  any weight of yarn can be used.
- You don't need to finish your project (though we love it if you do) to be eligible for the giveaway but you do need to start.  We really want to encourage people to knit together and form a sense of community and online friendships.

- There will be a topic thread in our ravelry group that you can chat away about your projects, share patterns, cheer each other on and more.  Have fun with it!

- Have fun! For reals! That's a rule..lol! You must have fun!

- If you're not on ravelry feel free to share your pics and chat in the comments. We love when you guys comment on the blog and it's also a fun place to have convos and share your blog posts as well.

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Enter your info into this private form to be eligible for the prizes for the giveaway! You must have a project in progress during the KAL to be eligible. Projects already begun before the KAL started are allowed to be joined into the KAL. You can also double up KAL's if you are in an existing KAL with that project.

You can sign up by clicking on the link below.  
*Note: you must be signed up to be eligible to win the giveaway prizes at the end of the knit along.


WHERE CAN YOU FIND US TO JOIN IN?

1. RAVELRY. Find the KAL running in the Very Shannon Ravelry Group. The thread to chat in will be up today sometime so you can all pop in and share which projects you will be making, swatches, yarn choices etc. This is the part I find the most fun! I love all the chatting, friendships, laughs and support. If you haven't joined in over there before for our KAL's you should give it a try.

2. PINTEREST. We will have a fun Tops, Tanks & Tees Pinterest Board where you can find other  projects pinned to see different yarns & patterns and to get inspiration. We will be adding to this pinboard as the KAL progresses throughout the month so please share your projects pics with us! We love to see them!

3. BLOGS. Each week throughout the KAL, I will both be posting here on the blog along with some special guests. You will be able to read the posts hopefully every Wed throughout the duration of the knit along. Please feel free to join in and post on Wed as well and share your links in the comments so we can read your posts too!

4. SOCIAL MEDIA. You can follow along with pics and more with the hashtag #tttkal. You can find me on facebook, twitter, instagram and google+.

5. HOME PAGE. You can always keep up to date with all the posts, sponsors, details & more for the TTTKAL on our Tops, Tanks & Tees KAL Homepage!

Do you have a pattern in mind? What yarn are you planning on using? Pour a cup of coffee and let's chat TTTKAL!

GIVEAWAY || CATERPILLAR GREEN YARNS GIVEAWAY!

Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com

I will admit I have now become an avid sock knitter. An addicted one at that. I have embraced the sock knitting.

I have knit since I was a young girl but only started knitting socks last year. After crossing it off my list of "to learn how to's" I quickly realized what a silly git I'd been. I mean seriously, I feared the sock. I feared the heel. I feared everything about sock knitting. The base fear though was that I detest wearing socks. I only wear them when I really need to. They bug my feet and always have. I used to pay my little sister to put my socks on my feet for I couldn't even stand that out of the dryer sock feel and I'm still the same way.

So when I slipped my feet into a pair of lovely handmade slippers gifted to me from my friend Buffy (thanks again Buffy) I started to realize...hmmmmm...if I can control what the fiber content is going next to my skin maybe I would actually wear socks? And the rest is history.

Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com

I gave it a shot and let me tell you, there are not a lot of things that compare to that moment when you turn a heel and you want to shout out in glee "it's a sock, a real sock, a real, real, real sock, with a heel and everything"! No matter how many socks I make I still get an adrenaline rush from the toe and the heel. They make me so gosh darn happy. It's pretty hard to explain in words but trust me in that it's fun and I now see 100% why it's so darn addicting! The yarn for socks is a plenty and there are tons of amazing ones to choose from! It doesn't break the bank to knit a pair of socks and the best part - you can bring them with you everywhere. And I mean everywhere. I don't leave home without a pair of socks in my bag anymore. Thus leading me to my love of the "vanilla sock". That lovely plain sock that you can mindlessly knit and make out of any fave yarn you come across.

My current yarn obsession - Caterpillar Green Yarns. Seriously. Obsessed. Self striping. Awesome colors. Soft as butter. Did I say self striping? Yep. 'Nuff said. And the icing on the cake - she lives in my city! Heck yeah people! Can you hear the yarn angels singing! Hehe. The dyer behind Caterpillar Green Yarns is the lovely Catherine who has mad skills. Like serious skills. She makes yarn that makes you scratch your head and go "how the heck did she do this?". It's gorgeous. I love that I can just drive by her place and beg her for more yarn...j/k...sort of...lol. Don't worry Catherine...I promise not to stalk you :)

I met & fell head over heels for Catherine's yarns last summer at Fibrations here in town. She quickly became the hot commodity and we all left home with some of her pretty sock yarns. I cast on this fall and have become smitten. I now have acquired a few more skeins. You can purchase her MCN Fingering in 2 different sizes - 115g and 170g!! Both are more than enough to make a pair of socks! Plus you can add on yummy accent skeins for your toe and/or heel! Love! I've also been waiting patiently for something new she's been cooking up as well - self striping shawl yarn! Can you hear me squealing with delight? I can't wait to see it when it's ready!

Ready to see some more pictures? What's the fun in having yummy yarn if you can't share it with others who equally love yummy yarn? I've been dying to show you all my current socks on the needles! 

Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com

Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com

Aren't they so purdy!!!. And guess what? You can enter to win some today!!!! Yahoo!!! I'm dancing around the house in my one sock right now out of excitement for y'all! 


// THE PRIZE
- One lucky winner will get to choose a 115 g skein plus accent skein (click here to read more about the awesomeness of her accent skeins) of their choice from Caterpillar Green Yarns!!!! Thanks Catherine!

// HOW TO ENTER
- Simply visit Caterpillar Green Yarns and check out all the lovely yarns, then come back here and tell me which 115g skein/colorway of yarn you'd choose if you won!

// THE RULES
- You must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified.
- Giveaway is open until Sunday, April, 27th, 2014, midnight, PST.

You can find all things Caterpillar Green Yarns below:

SHOP ||  RAVELRY  ||  INSTAGRAM  ||  BLOG

And don't worry, I didn't forget all the nitty gritty details of my socks! 

And yes, I know my stripes on the 2nd pair don't match At. All. I decided to go a little wild and just wing it and break the sock knitting rules. They make me smile that they don't match. I think it's the gemini in me wanting them different. It's like knitting a brand new sock! And that coral heel on the first pair - my fave thing ever!

Yarn: Caterpillar Green Yarns, MCN Fingering, Colorway: Concrete & Tulips
Needle: 2.75mm/US 2 Addi Turbo Sock Rocket, 32" circular (for magic loop)
Pattern: Gusset Heel Basic Socks from the book Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy D. Johnson
Follow along with it & get more details on my ravelry project page.

Additional Yarns Shown:
1) MCN Fingering, Colorway: Ocean Sunset (170g with accent skein)
2) MCN Fingering, Colorway: Skyline (115g)

Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com
Caterpillar Green Yarns Giveaway // VeryShannon.com

Alrighty....who's ready to win themselves some new yarn? Yay! Good luck and HAPPY KNITTING!

MOMENTS || CHECKING IN & A WINNER


Just popping in today to quickly say a hello and draw a winner!!!

My folks just left this morning and after having them here for 2 weeks I'm already missing them. I'm a blubbering baby who spent last night crying. I only get to see them once or twice a year and we are very close so it's hard to say our goodbyes or "see you soon's" as I like to say. I got to take a much needed mini-break from work and spend some time with them and my family with some amazing weather these past 2 weeks knitting and drinking coffee in the sunshine. The sun has been out and it's been soooooo warm!!! It's been wonderful.

I hope you all have had a great week as well! I'm excited to hear what you have all been up to. I also have some fun new posts to share with you in the upcoming weeks as well!

And now I know you're all waiting to find out who won the awesome Tanis Fiber Arts Giveaway we hosted last week! The yarn, the patterns....ohhhhh...such a lovely prize!

The lucky winner is.....
Commenter #157 - Brittani!!!! 

Congratulations Brittani! We'll be in touch soon about your prize!

A big thank you to all who entered and to Tanis for the generous prize!

What have you been up to this past week or so? Any new projects on the needles? What have you been working on? Making? Fill me in! I've missed ya!

p.s. yes, that yarn in the pic above is Tanis Fiber Arts yarn...isn't it gorgeous? It's Orange Label and I am so smitten with it!

GIVEAWAY || LUCKY PENNY BABY COLLECTION FROM TANIS FIBER ARTS!!

Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts

Who's in the mood for a fun giveaway? Me, me, me, me! 

I was sooooo excited when my lovely friend Tanis of the amazing Tanis Fiber Arts wrote me to say she had released a new collection all for baby boys entitled the "Lucky Penny Baby"!!!! Seriously....adorable. And even though I have girls I would make every single thing in here. Plus there is definitely not enough go to patterns for boys in the knitting world so it's great to see her filling that void with stylish and cute patterns!

Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts

In the "Lucky Penny Baby Collection" you get 4 stylish patterns! 

// SCHOOLBOY VEST
// R&R HOODIE
// KEYFIT BABY BLANKET
// FROSTED ALPINE HAT (sizes infant to adult!)

The patterns feature Tanis's beautiful and scrumptious yarns and showcase her signature style and use of color! I can't wait to cast on the Frosted Alpine Hat and R&R Hoodie! I've got a few little men in my life who could most definitely use these!

Tanis also offers great size ranges for the collection as well! The Frosted Alpine Hat goes all the way up to adult from infant!!! Love that! I also love all the thoughtful details she's placed into each pattern. Any of these patterns would be a great shower present or something special for that little man (or girl) in your life!
Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts
Would you like to know what you could win? Click below to keep reading & to see more pics!


Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts
Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts
Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts
Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts
Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts
Lucky Penny Baby Collection from Tanis Fiber Arts

Aren't they all adorable? Ready to find out what you could win? Yay!
// THE PRIZE
- One lucky winner will win the following:
- A copy of the "Lucky Penny Baby Collection
- 3 skeins of Green Label Aran weight from Tanis Fiber Arts in 3 coordinating colours!!!! Wowsa! Tanis will surprise the winner with the colour of the yarn and the winner can put them towards a Schoolboy Vest or a Frosted Alpine Hat (or both if they knit the small sizes!).

// HOW TO ENTER
- Simply leave me a comment letting us know which project from the Lucky Penny Baby Collection you would make first!
- Bonus Entry: like Tanis Fiber Arts and/or Very Shannon on facebook and leave us a separate comment letting us know you did that too.

// THE RULES
- You MUST leave a valid email address with your comment or you will be disqualified.
- Giveaway is open until Sunday, April 13th, 2014, midnight, PST.


A big thank you to Tanis for her talent, inspiration, this awesome giveaway and for being such a special friend! I can't wait to see who wins this special prize! You can find all things Tanis Fiber Arts below:


Happy knitting and enjoy!