Puerperium Cardigan


Another newborn sweater off the needles and ready for our baby boy.


This is knit from the Puerperium Cardigan pattern, and as soon as I discovered it, I felt the need to knit it IMMEDIATELY. 

It is a newborn sweater that I think will be so easy to slip on and off. 
The side buttons are extra adorable too.


The pattern calls for a small amount of DK weight yarn which I may or may not have massive quantities of.
There is nothing like tiny baby knits for using up stash yarn!

For this sweater I used a new Fiber Company yarn that I've been dying to try called Acadia. The wonderful softness and tweedy quality of the yarn made it really fun to work with. 
I rarely work with textured yarns such as these. It was a nice change of pace.
I was glad to have found a good application for these 2 skeins that have been lingering around for months.

Now to find projects for all of that "other yarn".


Alana Comments
The Tiniest Baby Shoes

One of the very first things I cast on for our new baby are these ridiculously tiny and adorable baby shoes from the pattern, Saartje's Bootees.


This is actually the biggest size that the pattern offers, and they are just SO small. I wondered for a long time whether or not they would actually be big enough, but in the end decided to just complete the pair and hope for the best. It helped that I was reassured by two very kind knitters who provided photographic proof that these shoes do actually fit newborns. 

I suppose that newborns are much smaller than I actually remember them being. :)

This is one of the cutest unisex baby bootee patterns that I have come across, and they work up in no time! I would love to make more in different colors and using different yarn weights for some size variation.

I've already planned out our baby's "first outing" outfit. I think these bootees add the perfect touch.







Alana Comments
Hospital Hat


Sometimes simple is good. As is in the case of this tiny, blue newborn hat.



It's knit from Rowan Calmer yarn so its stretchy and soft and a perfect hat for keeping baby's head warm while in the hospital. A very practical knit.

I remember making a special hospital hat for my daughter when she was born. It felt so much more special than the weird, not so soft, machine-knit, gender neutral, hats that they were giving out. 

When you are a knitter.. these things matter. 

Alana Comments
Aviatrix




One of my favorite things I have knit for the baby is this sweet little aviator style hat. 
This is from the free pattern, Aviatrix, and it's knit using Blue Sky Alpacas Sport.

It's hard to capture the hat's unbelievable cuteness with it just laying flat like this... It seriously needs to be modeled for the full effect. Unfortunately, there were no teddy bears around with the appropriate head size, so we'll just have to wait until baby arrives to get the perfect shot.

I know this hat will be warm and cozy and I love how it buttons around the chin. If I had more time, I would love to make this in every size and in many different yarn and button combinations. 

Did you know that this pattern actually comes in 7 different sizes with options for 3 different yarn weights?!? Amazing, right? 



Alana Comments
The Countdown Begins



In two weeks from today (or really any time in between) we will be welcoming a new baby boy into our family. There is nothing like self publishing a book to make 40 weeks of pregnancy fly by!

Right now I am going through that crazy pregnant lady "nesting" phase where I feel absolutely panicked about getting all loose ends tied up and everything set and ready for the baby.

I happen to have these two gorgeous gray cabled knits on the needles at the moment.. and although its completely illogical, I feel the desperate need to get both done before the baby's arrival. 

Because... those things make total sense when you are a crazy pregnant lady... ok? 
Ok.

This is the Gramps Cardigan pattern in progress.. being knit out of Madelinetosh DK. I seriously think that this is the cutest baby sweater ever. I know I've said that before.. but seriously.. It's the NEW cutest one ever. 
I can't wait to finish it!


And also vying for my attention is an extremely snuggly cozy Rocky Coast Cardigan for me, knit in the amazing Fiber Company Terra yarn. What a joy this is to knit, and I imagine it would be a comforting thing to wear in the cold wintry postpartum period up ahead.


I better get to work! I only have two weeks left! Will I make it??

In the meantime, I'll continue sharing the pictures of my already completed baby knits with you.. look for more over the next few weeks!


Alana Comments
My Work Week

This past week or so.. I've been literally surrounded by stacks...




and stacks... 




and stacks....




And some more stacks...



....which would have been so completely daunting and overwhelming if it wasn't for the help of our wonderful family and friends who tirelessly helped us get all of these copies of Coastal Knits packaged and out in the mail to all of you! 

Thanks to all of their help, we were able to get completely up to date with orders as of the end of last week. As a big, tired, very pregnant lady.. I am so grateful to each and every one of them!




Whoever might think that mailing out piles of books around the world is easy... well.. its no small feat let me tell you! Never did I imagine how many books would have to be shipped out thus far. I am amazed.. truly.

Thanks to your unbelievable support of Coastal Knits, I am happy to announce that less than two weeks after the book shipment was delivered, we are already into our second print run! 

Can you believe it? I can't. 

Thank you everyone!


Alana Comments
Winner of the Coastal Knits Pre-Order Giveaway!

Thank you again to everyone who pre-ordered Coastal Knits! 
Your enthusiasm for our project has been overwhelming!

We randomly picked among the list of names that pre-ordered and Hannah and I are happy to congratulate Kathleen Moul on winning this amazing basket of yarn!




We hope that you enjoy your new book and sampling the yarns that were used in our Coastal Knits projects!



Alana Comments
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 60 : Interview with Alana and Hannah

Episode 60

Shownotes:

Thank you so much for listening to this special season finale episode of Never Not Knitting. 

As you may have already heard, this will be my final episode for awhile while I plan for and enjoy the newest member of our family due in a few weeks. I hope to come back to the podcast in the future.

Thank you to everyone reading for the amazing support you have given me over the years. 

You have been so encouraging and wonderful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am very happy to have kicked off the Coastal Knits Blog Tour with this episode!

Please follow along with our friends as the book is reviewed, interviews are conducted, and many of those involved in Coastal Knits chronicle their experiences in helping to create this book!

Saturday, October 15 – Never Not Knitting Podcast hosted by Alana and Hannah

Monday, October 17 – Kate Oates of Tot Toppers

Tuesday, October 18 – Knitmore Girls, podcast review

Wednesday, October 19 – Mary Joy Gumayagay, our wonderful graphic designer

Friday, October 21 – Romi Hill of Designs by Romi

Monday, October 24 – Andrea Sanchez, adventures of a sample knitter

Wednesday, October 26 – Kelbourne Woolens, distributors of The Fibre Company

Friday, October 28 – Allegra Wermuth, of Petite Purls

Monday, October 31 – Susan B. Anderson

Wednesday, November 2 – Carrie Bostick Hoge, of Maddermade and Quince & Co.

Friday, November 4 – Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic

Monday, November 7 – Nicole Dupuis, sample knitter chronicle

Wednesday, November 9 – Ariane Caron – Lacoste of Falling Stitches

Friday, November 11 – Deirdre Kennedy, adventures of a sample knitter

Monday, November 14 - Shannon Cook of Luvin the mommyhood

Wednesday, November 16 – Anne Hanson of Knitspot

Friday, November 18 – Julie Crawford of Knitted Bliss

Monday, November 21 – Margaux Hufnagel of tentenknits

Monday, November 28 – Kirsten Kapur of Through the Loops

Wednesday, November 30 – Jaala Spiro of Knit Circus

Friday, December 2 – Cecily Glowick MacDonald of Winged Knits

Monday, December 5 – Veronika Jobe of Yarn on the House

To learn more about Coastal Knits or to place an order, please visit our website at coastalknits.com

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Books, Books, and More Books!


Guess what arrived today?


Our west coast shipment of Coastal Knits books!

Lots and lots of them!


It was so fun getting to open that first box and finally see the finished product! Super exciting!



There are a lot of books here and we will be working around the clock getting your packages ready!


We are going to be starting shipping on October 15th, so you have until midnight PST on October 14th to place your pre-order and qualify to download the special pre-order package.


Remember that everyone who orders before the 15th is entered into our special Coastal Knits Pre-Order Giveaway! The winner will be announced here and on Hannah's blog on October 15th.

Click HERE to pre-order while there is still time!



I can't wait to ship these out to you!



Alana Comments
Hooded Jacket


While we are waiting for Mr. Baby to arrive, some of these baby knits may be modeled 
by this very reluctant bear.




This is the Hooded Jacket pattern knit from the book Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss. I love this book and have knit many patterns from it over the years. This is the second time I have knit this little cardigan... It's a favorite of mine. It's simple, wearable, cute and practical. And since I chose to knit it in Spud and Chloe sweater yarn in the Firecracker colorway.. it's also washable!



I think we'll be getting a lot of use out of this little jacket this winter season.


Alana Comments
Baby Sophisticate

Well.. after weeks of talking about baby knits on my podcast, I think it is HIGH TIME that I actually share them with you here on the blog!

As you know, I've been preparing for the arrival of our baby boy due in less than a month! 
I've knit several baby things but have been too busy to blog about them. 
SO.. over the next few weeks, prepare to see a lot of tiny baby, knitted, cuteness. 
There is a lot to catch up on!

First up.. Baby Sophisticate.



Maybe the fastest, cutest newborn sweater EVER? This is one awesome pattern that you can find for free on Ravelry HERE.

I knit the whole sweater and a matching hat in just a few days using only one skein of Malabrigo Worsted in the taupe colorway.

I used Kate Oates Adventure Hat pattern from her new book Math For Hats. It turned out great!



Perfect future baby shower present? I think so!

Alana Comments
Tactile Fiber Arts Drawing Giveaway


In Episode 59, you heard me talk all about the gorgeous Tactile Fiber Arts Wild Crafted yarn line. 

Well.. here it is! Pretty, right?
It's no wonder that I selected this yarn for use in my Rustling Leaves Beret pattern for Coastal Knits!



These gorgeous colorways were created using natural botanical elements gathered here in California such as plum leaves, fresh eucalyptus leaves, and horsetail.

Along with these 4 amazing skeins, you have the chance to win this signed 
copy of, Bambeanies, by Woolly Wormhead. 
(Woolly contributed an awesome personal knitting story to the last episode. Be sure to listen!)




To enter to win this fabulous prize, please leave a comment (including contact information) under this post. Only one comment per person please.

The winner will be announced here on October 15th, so please check back then to see if you have won!

Drawing Now Closed! Congratulations to Nuttygal, the winner!


Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 59 : The Process Knitter
AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
The Beauty of Handmade

As many of you know, we are going to be welcoming a 
new baby boy into our family in November...which I am so excited about!
A little over a week ago, I had my baby shower and received so many wonderful gifts from family and friends.

Among these presents, were some very special handmade things given to me by my two sisters-in-law.
These two girls are amazingly talented and thoughtful.

My one sister in law, Erica, knit this beautiful sweater for our baby boy. This is the Rufus Textured Cardi from the book Vintage Baby Knits knit from Knit Picks City Tweed dk. So adorable!
 And in my favorite color too!



She also made this AMAZING mermaid for my daughter as a "big sister present". This mermaid is seriously one of the cutest knitted things I've ever seen. There is so much detail.. I know she must have put a lot of time into it. 

The pattern is called Mermaid from the book Dream Toys. I love this book and everything in it. 


My daughter's 4 year old dark-haired cousin has a matching doll with brown hair so that they can play mermaids together. So very sweet.


And as you can see.. my daughter loves it! They have been inseparable friends lately. 
There was a moment of panic in our house when mermaid fell tragically behind my daughter's bed.. but she was soon rescued.. and all is well again. :)




My other talented sister-in-law, Malaree, made this amazing handsewn jacket for our new little one.


But I should mention... it also came with matching appliqued onesies...


AND reversible pants...


Yes. And EVEN matching shoes.


Does it get any cuter than that?

She seriously outdid herself with this one. I cannot wait to try this outfit on our baby!

These handmade gifts mean so much to me. It makes me feel so special that someone would spend the time to make these beautiful things for us. I truly appreciate all of the time and effort that went into each of these items, and they will be treasured for years to come.

Thank you so much!



Alana Comments
All Together.. At Last!

A few weeks back, Hannah sent me all of her book samples just in time to display at a Coastal Knits preview event at one of my local yarn shops, Ranch Dog Knitting.

It was so fun to see the entire collection all together in one location!


It also was wonderful to finally see Hannah's east coast knits in person. 
..which fueled my unbridled obsession with this pattern...

The Rocky Coast Cardigan


It's the coziest, comfiest, most wearable cardigan ever. I want one. Now.

The Water's Edge Cardigan is also adorable!


And I thought it matched quite nicely with my Cambrian Cowl.
(For those of you who have been asking, the buttons are from HERE.)


I was also quite enamored with the beautiful side shaping on the Bayside Cardigan. 
It was even more striking in person.


Here is a 32" Gnarled Oak Cardigan knit up in the Bronze Age colorway from Pigeonroof Studios. 
It's a bit hard to tell in this picture, but it's a rich coppery color. 


My Wildflower Cardigan posing with my Sand and Sea Shawlette.


I often like to get my patterns test knit in an alternate color or yarn. 
Here are my two samples of the Cambrian Cowl. 

The cream version is the original from the book knit up in Alpenglow Yarn Big Fat Alpaca. 
The blue version was knit in Misti Alpaca Tonos Chunky. 
Both are excellent options for this design.


Here are two versions of my Rustling Leaves Beret. The lighter green is the original Tactile Fiber Arts version, but the tonal green beret was knit up in Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in the Wren colorway.

Any sock weight yarn will work will work for this pattern, but Tosh Sock is an excellent alternative.


For the Sand and Sea Shawlette, I had my second version test knit in Madelinetosh Prairie in the Cove colorway.  I wanted to show what this design looks like knit in one main color. Since Cove is a beautiful blend of browns and blues, it still evokes the feeling of the Sand and Sea combining on the shoreline.

This is such a versatile design. Any combination of lace or sock weight would be great for a light summery shawlette. But you could even do a thicker yarn for a more substantial shawl.


There will be two Coastal Knits trunk shows traveling the country very soon! 
Please check the schedule here to see if it will be appearing at a yarn shop near you! 


Alana Comments
It's Feeling Real


Over the weekend, I spent some time looking over the proofs for Coastal Knits trying to catch any last minute errors before it goes to press.


Seeing it in these printed forms, although they are rough, makes this feel very real. 



I am so excited about this book!!!!!!!!



Alana Comments
One Planet Yarn And Fiber Drawing Giveaway!

In my latest podcast episode, I had the privilege of sharing a story from  designer Anne Hanson of knitspot.com about an incident surrounding her lovely Les Abeilles shawl. Pattern found HERE.

Just like all of her patterns, this shawl is just beautiful! 
And I think it would be a perfect pairing with this soothing Sea Wool yarn. 

I love this blend of colors!



This shawl project could be yours!

Enter to win this skein of Fleece Artist Sea Wool (provided by One Planet Yarn and Fiber) along the lovely Les Abeilles shawl pattern (by Anne Hanson) by leaving a comment under this post.

Please remember to include your contact information in your comment... 
and only one comment per person please!

A winner will be announced here on October 1. Please check back then to see if you have won!

Listen to Episode 58 for a special September promotion from One Planet Yarn and Fiber!

Drawing Now Closed! 
Congratulations to the winner, Fibercrafter!

Alana Comments
NeverNotKnitting Podcast : Episode 58 : Designer In Disguise
AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Coastal Knits Pre-Order Giveaway!

Remember in the last post when I mentioned a little something about this?



Yep! This is one fantastic giveaway! Everyone who pre-orders a copy of Coastal Knits is automatically entered to win this fabulous basket of yarn! All of these yarns were hand selected by us for use in our Coastal Knits projects!



Here's what's inside!

(From top left)
-2 skeins of Tactile Fiber Arts Wild Crafted series skeins dyed in eucalyptus leaves. 
This is enough to knit 2 or more Rustling Leaves Berets.

-4 skeins of Madelinetosh Pashmina in Isadora.
This will make the smallest size of the Wildflower Cardigan.

-1 skein of String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Caper Aran in Skerry.
This is the yarn Hannah used in her Water's Edge Cardigan.

-1 skein of Pigeonroof Studios Cassiopeia DK in Bronze Age.
This is the yarn used in my Gnarled Oak Cardigan.

-2 skeins of Alpenglow Yarn Big Fat Alpaca.
This is enough to knit a Cambrian Cowl.

-10 skeins of The Fibre Company Organik in Heather Moorland. 
This is enough to knit the two smallest sizes of the Rocky Coast Cardigan.

I know that this basket is going to make one of you knitters very happy! 
We hope that you enjoy our new book, Coastal Knits, along with these amazing yarns we've chosen to work with!

Remember.. to enter the drawing, pre-order your copy of Coastal Knits HERE on our website!

Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered thus far! We really appreciate your enthusiasm and support!



Alana Comments