I recently found myself jumping on the knitting bandwagon with this irresistible knit!

I tried to resist it. I really did.. but adorable versions kept popping up all over the net. 

What was I supposed to do?

The Baa-ble hat pattern is so addictive with that row of fair-isle sheep. Once I cast on I couldn't put it down. This hat was completed in no time at all. 

I knit my Baa-ble hat in Quince and Co. Osprey in colors Storm and Honey and used up some small amounts of stashed cream and dark brown yarn for the sheep.

I modified the original design just a bit by making a shorter ribbed brim. I didn't want to wear mine folded up. I also didn't include that pom-pom at the top.

This pattern is free of charge and can be downloaded HERE.

You know you want one too!

I am happy to say that my new

Secret Garden

shawl design is now available to purchase as an individual pattern!

This shawl was originally released as part of the gorgeous

Secret Garden Kit

from 

Little Skein in the Big Wool.

I had a new pattern sample knit up in one of my favorite yarns,

Madelinetosh

Tosh Merino Light

in this eye-catching colorway called Shire. 

This shawl is available in two sizes, medium and large. It fits perfectly around your shoulders as a shawlette or can be secured around the neck and worn as more of a capelet style with the garter edge folded down into a warm shawl collar.

Here is the pattern information for those of you interested in knitting up a

Secret Garden

shawl of your very own:

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Length: 57 (68)” / 145 / (173) cm from end to end. 

Width: 17.5 (20)” / 44.5 (51) cm at widest point of center. 

MATERIALS 

Madelinetosh

Tosh Merino Light

[100% Merino; 420 yd / 384 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein]; color: Shire; 2 (3) skeins or approx 750 (1025) yd / 700 (950) m of a fingering weight wool or wool blend. 

1 40” / 100 cm US3 / 3.25 mm circular needle 

Stitch markers 

Cable needle 

Tapestry needle 

1 medium button for optional button closure 

GAUGE 

26 sts / 36 rows over 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch on US3 / 3.25 mm needle or size needed for accurate gauge.

The

Secret Garden

 pattern will be available in a yarn shop near you very soon!

If you would like to purchase the

Secret Garden

shawl pattern in print, it will include a scratch off code on the back for you to receive a complimentary pdf download version of your new pattern. And the best news is that the accompanying download with be stored in your Ravelry library!

Purchase the pdf only version below.

Enjoy! :)

Episode 92

Appreciating Helen

Alana Dakos

Download

Shownotes:

Botanical Knits

Twigs and Willows Cardigan

Quince and Co. Osprey

Baa-ble Hat

Long Island Livestock Company

Wool & Wire Website

Purchase Wool & Wire HERE

The Never Not Knitting Etsy Shop

Cathy on Ravelry

Join the Never Not Knitting Group on Ravelry!

Follow me on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Enter to win a beautiful Wool & Wire silver-chain stitch marker necklace designed by artist Sallee Anne along with 2 packages of stitch markers by leaving a comment below with your contact information by November 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be announced in Episode 93.

Thank you for listening!

Early on in the year I was invited to be part of something very special.

I was invited by Anne Vally of littleskein.com to design a special shawl pattern inspired by the book  The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

I jumped at the chance. 

I not only love the story, but as you know... botanical inspiration is sort of my thing. :)

Immediately I thought of the ivy-covered stone wall surrounding the forgotten garden.

Adapting one of my favorite stitch patterns, I created this delicate textured shawl with the lovely Western Sky Knits Magnolia Sock yarn in the Misselthwaite Manor colorway.

And.. I love it!

The bottom has a lace-border while the sides of the shawl are done in garter stitch which can be folded down and worn in a shawl collar style. It can be wrapped around your neck, fastened with a shawl pin, or you can use the optional button-closure in the pattern to wear it in more of a capelet style.

Anne has kindly created a great video showing a few styling options HERE.

The Secret Garden Shawl is currently available exclusively in kit form through littleskein.com in the following gorgeous colorways from Western Sky Knits.

I especially love this green!

 The kit arrived at my doorstep packaged beautifully. With every Secret Garden inspired element developed by a different artist, this kit is so truly special. I am so impressed by the amount of detail included in every last little item.

I am so grateful to be a part of this project. It really has been a treat.

More information about the Secret Garden Kits from Little Skein in the Big Wool can be found HERE.

Look for the individual Secret Garden Shawl pattern to be released in November!

Episode 91

Knitting On The Go

Alana Dakos

Download

Shownotes:

Never Not Knitting... The Yarn Shop!

NNK Press

The Secret Garden Shawl

The Secret Garden Shawl Kit

Trailing Ivy

Dapper

Welcome Mocs

New Guy

Hello Kimono

Wee Hat

Quince and Co. Tern

Augustbird Yarn

Augustbird Tea Time Club

The Best Tea Ever

Bowerbird

White Gum Wool

Enter to win the secret November Tea Time Club Spot from Augustbird by leaving a comment below with your contact information by October 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be announced in Episode 92!

Thank you for listening!

I am so happy to have a pattern included in the Knittin' Little Fall 2015 Collection!

Knittin' Little is a new website created by designer Andrea Sanchez. This awesome site is dedicated to providing knitters with patterns for children as well as ways to engage little ones in the love of fiber arts.

For the premier collection, I wanted to design something special for my little guy to wear... 

A proper, gentlemanly jacket for Fall appropriately named "Dapper".

Knit in squishy Garter st, Dapper is complete with all of the pleats, buttonbands, and pockets, of a traditional suit coat. The handsome notched collar and buttonbands are worked right into the jacket fronts for reduced finishing work at the end.

This pattern contains lots of little special details that are fun to create, 

and make for such a beautiful finished product.

Here is the pattern information for all of you interested in knitting up this jacket for the little one in your life:

SIZE

2 (4, 6, 8, 10, 12)

FINISHED SIZE

Chest: 24.75 (26.75, 28.75, 30.75, 32.75, 34.75)" / 63 (68, 73, 78, 83.5, 88.5) cm

Length: 14.5 (15.5, 16.5, 18.5, 20, 21)" / 36.5 (39, 42, 47, 50.5, 53) cm

Shown in size 2; to be worn with 2-3" / 5-7.5 cm of positive ease.

YARN

Cascade Yarns 220 Heathers [100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 220 yd / 200 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein]; color 8011; 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins or approx. 550 (625, 700, 800, 925, 1025) yd / 500 (550, 625, 725, 825, 925) m of a worsted weight wool or wool blend.

NEEDLES

2 US 7 / 4.5 mm 32” / 80 cm circular needle

Stitch markers

Stitch holders

Tapestry needle

3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) buttons 1”/ 2.5 cm for body

6 buttons ¾” / 2 cm for sleeves

GAUGE

20 sts / 40 rows over 4” / 10 cm in Garter st on US7 / 4.5 mm needles or size needed for accurate gauge.

As with any photo-shoot with a 3 year old, there are always the most spectacular out-takes. 

I call this one... "The most awkward pose ever..."

and finally... his "musical number"

Dapper is available for purchase HERE.

Add it to your favorites on Ravelry HERE. 

I hope you enjoy it! :)

I'm kind of in love with this adorable set of 3 greeting cards illustrated by the 

talented Neesha Hudson.

You may remember Neesha as the illustrator of our Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf book published in 2012. 

I have greatly admired Neesha's amazing artwork for the past several years and her illustrations have appeared in all of our self-published knitting books to date including

 Coastal Knits, and Botanical Knits 1 & 2. 

I thought it would be fun to ask Neesha to take on the task of producing a small line of all-occasion blank cards featuring wool-producing animals. I love giving hand-made gifts whenever possible and I thought that these cards would make the perfect addition. :)

Cards measure 5 x 7" and are sold in a collection of 3 with accompanying envelopes for $12. 

Each card is blank inside to allow them to be used for all occasions.

They would also be so cute in a frame, don't you think?

Cards are available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE or on nnkpress.com/gifts.

I recently knit up this sweet little set as a gift for my cousin's soon to be born baby boy.

This is the Hello Kimono and Wee Hat pattern from Kate Oates new booklet, "New Guy" and I loved every second these were on my needles!

It has been maybe years since I did stranded colorwork in my knitting.  Now after this project, I feel obsessed. Now I am spending my evenings pouring over colorwork patterns on Ravelry.

I. Want. More. 

It's nice to change it up once in awhile.

For this project I used Quince and Co. Tern in Kelp, Aventurine and Popham. 

My favorite part of this little set are these sweet rocket-ship buttons. I purchased them months ago from Monarch Knitting in Pacific Grove and was happy to finally have a chance to use them. 

I'm a firm believer in buying up cute buttons at every opportunity. They can be hard to find! :)

I just gave my cousin this set at her baby shower this last weekend with a few pairs of hand-sewn baby pants. 

I can't wait to see her tiny new baby in them! :)

I simply could not resist knitting up these sweet tiny moccasins for a friend of mine who is expecting.

The pattern is called Welcome Mocs and is included in the adorable new booklet, New Guy, by designer Kate Oates. 

I used Quince and Co. Tern to knit up this little pair and it hardly took any time or yarn to make them! I could probably squeeze two more pairs out of the remainder of the skein.

I am so happy with these cute little shoes. 

It almost makes me want to have another baby of my own... almost.

Let's start the summer off right! 

Save 50% on all Never Not Knitting individual pattern pdfs starting tomorrow 

Friday, June 26th - Monday, June 29th!

Enter the code " SummerSale2015" in the checkout process HERE on my blog or HERE in my Ravelry store to receive your discount.

This sale includes all single digital pdf patterns in the Never Not Knitting pattern line but does not include e-books or any printed materials. Promotion will run from midnight-midnight PST.

Have fun and happy knitting! :)

I have a little confession. I've been keeping a secret from you.

Kind of a big one.

I am opening up a yarn shop! 

I know!

As many of you already know, a few years back I started a small publishing and wholesale distribution company called NNK Press. Recently we decided to move our offices downtown and use the front of our office for an adorably tiny, but quaint storefront.

As you can see we don't have a lot of room to work with, so we are not able to function as a full-service knit shop. Instead our selection will be limited to a curated collection of specialty yarns and notions. My goal is really to support and showcase the work of independent artists. You will find some gems here you may never see anywhere else!

We are starting with a selection of yarn from three of my favorite yarn companies.

Spincycle Yarns, YOTH Yarns, and Quince and Co. 

All are beautiful and a bit uncommon. All bring something special to our small space.

To get away from shelves of patterns stored in binders, I organized all of our single patterns in these cute file boxes alphabetically and by type. I love the way these turned out.

One of my favorite decorative parts of the shop are these fun yarn balls that I have hanging in all of the front windows! 

Thank you Pinterest. Thank you.

I am hoping that the Never Not Knitting retail store will be a fun stop for our local knitters as well as for all of you traveling the California coastline. If you are in our area, please stop by and say hello!

We are opening up this Friday the 19th from 10am-6pm!

Everyone who comes and visits us on our opening day will receive a free pattern!

Never Not Knitting

5990 Entrada Ave.

Atascadero, CA 93422

We accept orders by phone: 805. 703. 4010 

Business Hours: Mon, Wed, and Fri 10am-5pm

Hope to see you there!

Hooray! I am happy to say that my Cabled Leaf Pullover pattern is now available individually!

This is a cozy pullover that will be a great go-to wardrobe addition this upcoming autumn! 

The body of the pullover is relatively simple with the addition of dart-like waist shaping for a nice fit, but my favorite part of the design is this particular type of neckline. This was my first time experimenting with a split-neckline versus a V-neck and I think it is so flattering! It was also very fun figuring out how to incorporate the cable detail right into it as if it was all one piece. I am really happy with how it turned out.

Additionally, I am happy to say that this pattern was written to accommodate nine different sizes ranging from 32"-57 1/2" bust measurement!

For this particular sweater, I worked with Manos del Uruguay Maxima which is such a soft and cozy wool. I think it would be gorgeous in Malabrigo Merino Worsted, Dream in Color Calm or 

The Fibre Company Organik yarn as well. 

Here is the pattern information for those of you interested in knitting up a Cabled Leaf Pullover of your very own!

SIZE

32 (35.25, 38.5, 41.5, 44.75)[48, 51.25, 54.5, 57.5]” / 81.5 (89.5, 97.5, 105.5, 114)[122, 130, 138, 146.5] cm

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest: 32 (35.25, 38.5, 41.5, 44.75)[48, 51.25, 54.5, 57.5]” / 81.5 (89.5, 97.5, 105.5, 114)[122, 130, 138, 146.5] cm

Length: 21.25 (22.25, 23.25, 24.25, 25.25)[26.25, 27.25, 28.25, 29.25]” / 54 (56.5, 59, 61.5, 64)[66.5, 69.5, 72, 74.5] cm

Shown in size 32” / 81.5 cm; to be worn with 2-3” / 5-7.5 cm of positive ease.

MATERIALS

Manos del Uruguay Maxima [100% Extrafine Merino Wool; 219 yd / 200 m per 3 ½ oz / 100 g skein]; color: Sand; 5 (5, 6, 7, 7)[8, 8, 9, 10] skeins or about 975 (1100, 1225, 1350, 1475)[1625, 1750, 1900, 2025] yd / 875 (1000, 1100, 1250, 1350)[1475, 1600, 1750, 1850] m of a worsted weight wool or wool blend. 

1 US7 / 4.5 mm 32” / 80 cm circular needle

1 set of US7 / 4.5 mm double-pointed needles

Stitch markers in 2 different colors

Stitch holders

Cable needle

Tapestry needle

GAUGE

20 sts / 26 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch on US7 / 4.5 mm needles or size needed for accurate gauge.

Modeled by the lovely Julie Crawford of knittedbliss.com.

The Cabled Leaf Pullover pattern is available in pdf format below or in print at your local yarn shop. 

Remember that all of my printed patterns sold through yarn shops include a scratch off code on the back for you to download a complimentary pdf version that stores in your Ravelry library! By supporting your local yarn shop, you will receive two pattern formats for the price of one!

The Cabled Leaf Pullover is also available in French HERE.

I hope that you enjoy making this cozy pullover!

Recently I was invited to teach at a wonderful yarn shop Knit This, Purl That! in Pleasanton, CA.

The owner, Sandy as well as her staff were so very sweet and welcoming. 

As I walked around this adorable shop I was pleased to see my patterns and knitted samples prominently displayed at nearly every turn. What a compliment!

I couldn't have asked for a nicer group to work with in my class. 

Everyone was so supportive and kind. 

I am so grateful to Sandy and these wonderful knitters for an amazing weekend in Pleasanton. 

I hope to visit again!

If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop by Knit This, Purl That! in Pleasanton. 

It's a great shop with great people!

Episode 90

Sweatoo you!

Alana Dakos

Download

Shownotes:

Knit This, Purl That!

Madelinetosh Magic

Shire Colorway

Knits for Boys

Kate Oates

Library Cardigan

Jesse Half-Zip

Hikoo Abracadabra Yarn

Courtnie on Ravelry

Join the Never Not Knitting Group on Ravelry!

Follow me on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Enter to win a copy of Knits For Boys contributed by Stackpole Books along with a skein of Hikoo Abracadabra Yarn by leaving a comment below with your contact information by May 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be contacted on May 16th.

Thank you for listening!

Attention all knitters. I have an important announcement to make. 

I have just now finished the most adorable baby knit that ever was.

This hat.

 "This Little Piggy" hat by Kate Oates is complete with a snout, ears, and of course...

... a curly tail in the back!

I knit this hat up in only one day with only one skein of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. This yarn is a perfect choice for a baby knit because it is so soft.. and just the perfect piggy color too, don't you think?

I am so glad that my friend just recently had a baby girl because it gave me an excuse to knit this hat!

And it's hard to believe.. but it's actually cuter on a tiny baby. If that is even possible.

Congratulations to my friend Kyla and her new sweet little Piggy, Tessa.

Pattern available HERE.

Episode 89

The Sentimental Knitter

Alana Dakos

Download

Shownotes:

Pacific Northwest Knitting Adventure

Lantern Moon

Wildfibers

This Little Piggy

Little Skein in the Big Wool

The Secret Garden

Western Sky Knits

Little House in the Big Woods

Susan B. Anderson

Plucky Knitter Yarn

Join the Never Not Knitting Group on Ravelry!

Follow me on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Enter to win this beautiful  "Big Woods Shawl Kit" from Little Skein in the Big Wool by leaving a comment below with your contact information by April 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be announced in Episode 90!

Thank you for listening!

Just a few days ago, I returned home from one of the most memorable and luxurious trips I have ever had the pleasure of going on.

I am so honored to have been an instructor at the Lantern Moon Retreat this year in Sisters, Oregon.

We all stayed in adorable cabins in the Five Pine Lodge and it was beyond amazing. There is nothing like knitting in cozy, peaceful surroundings!

The best part however was getting to meet all of these fabulous knitters! 

If you are ever looking for a knitting retreat to attend in the future, I highly suggest Lantern Moon retreats. Cathy and Sharon really put on a nice event. I have never eaten so much good food and had such great company in my whole entire life!

By the way, if you find yourself in Sisters in the future, be sure to stop by The Stitchin' Post, a fabulous yarn and fabric store with a selection to die for! 

The next stop on our trip was Wildfibers yarn shop in Mount Vernon, Washington...

... where I was greeted by this welcoming yarn shop owner, Sarah, wearing her beautiful Sprig pullover!

 I was so happy to see so many Botanical Knits samples displayed beautifully around the store and classroom. Sarah really did think of every detail to make my time there special.

I was happy to spend a full day at this beautiful store teaching classes, making new friends and of course...shopping! Of course.

My visit to Wildfibers coincided with the Spincycle Yarns trunk show. It is always a pleasure to get to visit with the ladies of Spincycle and check out their gorgeous colorways.

 On our way back from the shop, we passed by the most beautiful site I may have ever seen. 

A gigantic field of daffodils. As far as the eye could see. Amazing.

My husband and I greatly enjoyed our time on the Pacific Northwest. I am so grateful to Cathy, Sharon and Joel from Lantern Moon for inviting me to be part of such a lovely retreat, to Sarah for hosting me at Wildfibers and for all of the knitters who made me feel so welcome.

I hope to visit again.

I am so excited to share that the patterns from my book Botanical Knits, published in 2013, are now available for purchase as individual pdfs!

Please visit ravelry.com HERE to purchase your favorite patterns from the book.

Of course, the complete collection is still available in ebook form at botanicalknits.com or in print at your local yarn shop.

Enjoy!

Episode 88

Interview With Kitterly

Alana Dakos

Download

Shownotes:

Wildfibers Yarn Shop

My Upcoming Wildfibers Classes

Stitches West

YOTH Yarns

Kitterly.com

Cabled Leaf Pullover

Manos Del Uruguay Maxima

Join the Never Not Knitting Group on Ravelry!

Follow me on Twitter!

Like us on Facebook!

Enter to win a free kit of your choice from Kitterly.com! Please leave a comment below with your contact information by March 15th to enter. Only one comment per person please. 

The winner will be announced in Episode 89! 

Special promotion: Use coupon code "STITCHES2015" to receive 15% off of your next kit purchase on kitterly.com! 

Thank you for listening!

Introducing my brand new sweater design which is for now exclusively available through kitterly.com!

Kitterly is a brand new site with a personalized and easy approach to shopping for your next knitting project! They provide an easy way for you to search according to project type and skill level and get all of the materials you will need for the project of your choice in just a few simple clicks! They take all of the guesswork out of the process for those who like to shop for materials online.

I am pleased to have many of my patterns available to purchase on the Kitterly site as well as my latest pattern as an "exclusive Kitterly project".

This particular sweater was just debuted at Stitches West this past weekend, so I have a special Stitches discount code to share with you. 

Use code "STITCHES2015" in the checkout process to save 15% 

on your next project purchase on kitterly.com!

Please click HERE to learn more about my new Cabled Leaf Pullover modeled by the lovely 

Julie Crawford from knittedbliss.com.