Let me just start by saying I LOVE hand knit accessories. While the garment issues of Holla Knits were amazing - and I have two of the garments on my needles right now - they are not instant gratification knits. And I love instant gratification. (I also have a problem with starter-itis, but that might be another post for another time - or, just check out my Ravelry projects page.)
As in previous issues, Allyson Dykhuizen (designer and the genius behind Holla Knits) has chosen to knit most of the pieces in both a commercial yarn and a hand dyed yarn from an indie dyer. Each piece also features fun details that make them stand out from the crowd - lots of great colorwork, beading, and double knitting. Not familiar with a technique? Not a problem - Holla Knits subscribers have access to video tutorials, and you can chat with other knitters and designers on the Holla Knits Ravelry board.
There are a pair of fantastic knit bags in the collection. Knit bags are something that I often shy away from - sewing the fabric lining, zippers, handles... it always seems a bit much. But, both Scallop of the Sea and Multiplicity make me feel more confident.
Designed by Katie Canavan, shown here in Bumblebirch Blossom, Scallop of the Sea has amazingly detailed step-by-step instructions all the way down to backstitching the fabric lining.
Multiplicity, designed by Allyson Dykhuizen, is a double knit cross-body bag (shown in Knit Picks). Double knitting is a technique that's always intimidated me a little bit, but Allyson provides some great tips, along with helpful links to more double knitting tutorials. And, I am loving the handmade leather strap from Homestead Heirlooms.
There is more beautiful colorwork to be found in the Wallpaper Cowl, in Gynx Yarns. Designer Emma Welford created the pattern with inspiration from vintage wallpaper. The Latvian braid and contrast color lining make this cowl extra special.
No accessories collection is complete without a fabulous hat, right? And, I am loving the Snowball Bonnet! (I need one for this winter) Designed by Anna Elliott and knit in Artesano Yarns, this is one to really have fun with - loop stitch and poms! And it looks super warm, which will be just perfect for a Minnesota winter.
Knight Service, designed by Teresa Gregorio, is a super-versatile beaded shrug that could be worn year-round. The beading here is very attainable - the yarn is DK weight, with larger beads, so you aren't fiddling with cobweb lace and miniscule beads. Links are provided to various beading tutorials, and the shrug is made extra special when knit in Periwinkle Sheep - subtle tonal shading gives the stockinette stitch extra depth.
Black Swan is a quick little knit (I actually knit one of my own this week!), created by first-time designer Tara Shade. It's knit in *my* Knits in Class Twist yarn, which gives a cozy marled look to the topper. It's a cozy compromise between a shrug and a capelet, and only takes a few hours to knit up.
Now for the awesome giveaway love! I hope you love the Black Swan as much as I do and can't wait to knit it for yourself - so, here's your chance to win the yarn or the pattern!
Three ways to enter: post a comment here, tweet it, or pin it! (and then be sure to leave me a comment to let me know you've tweeted or pinned) Let me know how to contact you - e-mail, Rav ID, Twitter handle... they'll all work.
If you're a subscriber, you'll be entered to win the yarn. Or, if you aren't a subscriber, you can still win the pattern.
Post your entry by Friday, October 19!
Cheers!
Follow the rest of the blog tour for more fun reviews and giveaways!
October 8: The Sweatshop of Love - collection and pattern giveaway
October 9: Under the Red Umbrella - Subscriber exclusive KP yarn giveaway, pattern giveaway
October 10: Rohn Strong - pattern giveaway
October 11: Emma Welford Designs - pattern giveaway
October 12: Knits in Class - Subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway / pattern giveaway
October 15: Bumblebirch Designs - pattern giveaway
October 16: Audrey’s Teashop - pattern and yarn giveaway
October 17: Gynx - pattern giveaway
October 18: Adaly Myles Place - pattern giveaway
October 19: Canary Knits - Subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway, pattern giveaway
October 22: Webs Yarn Store Blog - yarn giveaway
October 23: The Sweatshop of Love Hosts Homestead Heirlooms! - subscriber exclusive purse kit giveaway
October 24: Knitted Bliss - pattern giveaway
October 25: Stash, the Knit Picks Staff Blog
October 26: Holla Knits hosts Tara Shade! - Subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway, pattern giveaway
14 comments:
Love the Black Swan! And the yarn is fabulous - can't wait to knit this :)
Love this in your twist yarn. What a fun accessory!
Very unique accessory! I'm a subscriber and would love to get this yarn!!
I love the yarn! Thanks for the opportunity. Have a great weekend.
rav id = mmgrrr
I'm a subscriber and would love this yarn. It's lovely.
deep_blue_muse at hotmail.com
Awesome review! Love the Black Swan - it would be perfect for evenings, here in Honolulu. The yarn and pattern are both lovely. I am a subscriber, too. :)
Love the way this looks in this yarn!
Fun yarn...fun shrug!
Rav ID johalley
Such a fun pattern. I'd love to win this lovely yarn!
tharensolo on Ravelry
your yarn is beautiful! and black swan sounds like just what i need this winter :) i'm a subscriber too! k1sheehan11(at)gmail(dot)com
What an adorable shrug!
Love this yarn, I kinda want to hold it!
Would love to win! Such fresh looking designs.
(Goodstuff on Rav)
I'm a new subscriber via GFC and it looks like I found your blog just in the nick of time! I'm always looking for new knitting ideas, especially around the holidays. I love the Knight Service shrug!
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