Here is the final item that I have to share with you that will be included in the 

Deluxe Edition-Gift Set of our soon-to-be-released children's book, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf.

A special, custom made....

P u z z l e !

I absolutely love this little 20-piece puzzle. This is one of my favorite scenes from the book 

where Annie's mommy teaches her how to knit on the couch. 

It reminds me of when I taught my daughter to knit.

That will always be a special memory for me.

My daughter has had lots of fun taking this puzzle apart and putting it back 

together over and over and over again.

Remember... this puzzle will be part of our Deluxe Edition, but will be included for free for everyone who pre-orders the book!

Pre-orders will be available shortly!

In yesterday's post.. I promised you...

S t i c k e r s!

Yes! A sheet of five glossy, durable stickers to go along with our soon to be released children's book,

Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf.

This sticker sheet is part of our "Deluxe Edition-Gift Set", 

but will be included for free to everyone who pre-orders our new book.

(Pre-orders will open very soon on our new website. AnnieCanKnit.com)

Would you like to join our mailing list and be emailed as soon as pre-orders are ready?
If so, enter your email below.

If I know one thing.. it's that kids love stickers. My daughter would cover every square inch of our home in stickers if given the chance. There are stickers on our furniture, mirrors, walls.. you name it.

My daughter was soo excited to see these new "Annie stickers".. but I am being careful to keep them out of her reach.. otherwise I may wake up one morning to find our entire living room covered with them. :)

Thank you to everyone who has written me about the book. I am so excited about this project and am thrilled to hear that all of you are too! :)

I have another exciting "Annie item" to share with you tomorrow. Any guesses as to what it might be?

It's been a few months ago now since I announced the beginnings of my new children's book project, 

Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf.

What you do not know... is that since that time, this project has literally taken on a life of it's own!

As is my nature, I love to complicate things. I love to add on. Do more. Go the extra mile.

Sooooooo.... I decided to get some fun "extras" manufactured to go along with this story book. 

Because, I guess a self published children's book just didn't seem like enough to take on. :)

These extras will be part of a "deluxe edition-gift set" that will be all packaged together with the book in
it's own special decorative box. 

AND by the way... everyone who pre-orders the book, will get the gift-set "extras" for free!

Over the next few final days leading up to the pre-order opening, 

I will be sharing pictures of these special little items. 

Up first..

Paperdolls!

I just loved paperdolls when I was a child. I don't see them around much anymore though, sadly.

I thought they would make a perfect accompaniment to the story.

 You might just recognize some of Annie's outfits! 

They are all Never Not Knitting patterns for children that can be found in my pattern store.

My daughter and I had an absolute blast cutting out these dolls last night and dressing up Annie.

Here are some of our favorite outfit combinations. :)

There are still more fun things for me to share!

Tomorrow... stickers!

We just received our printing proofs for our new children's story, Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf.

It's so exciting to see all of the pages together like this. It's starting to feel very real!

It seems like every day something new and exciting for this project is arriving in the mail. 

I will have some very fun little "extras" to share with you shortly.

Everything is coming together and it has all turned out to be so cute. 

Pre-orders will be opening up very soon.

I AM SO EXCITED!

A few years ago now, my friend Audrey hired me to knit up this sample of her lovely Cables and Knots Scarf for her upcoming book, Reversible Scarves; Curing the Wrong Side Blues.

Now that the book is all done and in print, she kindly let me keep the sample. 

I am thrilled of course, because not only does this scarf have a great textured pattern...

But its completely reversible...

No wrong sides!

And it happens to be in my favorite color too.

I guess we know what scarf I will be reaching for this season. :)

My fifth and final Coastal Knits pattern is now available for individual purchase.

Sand and Sea Shawlette

This little shawlette is shaped using short rows. I chose a lighter lace weight yarn for the body and a heavier fingering weight for the edging to give it a bit of weight and drape.

The scalloped border in the turquoise sea-blue color is reminiscent of the tide washing up on the shore of one of my favorite local beaches in Morro Bay.

 There are many pretty versions of this little shawlette posted on Ravelry. I have enjoyed seeing which colors different knitters pair together. Here are a few of my favorites.

Knit by Jennifer. (gardenknittr on Ravelry)

Knit by Sam. (elys7 on Ravelry)

Knit by Monika. (motan on Ravelry)

Knit by Kristina. (kristinamama on Ravelry)

Knit by Kristin. (KrochetKristin on Ravelry)

Knit by Audrey. (audknits on Ravelry)

If you too are interested in knitting up a Sand and Sea Shawlette, this pattern is now available for purchase individually.

Use the coupon code "incomingtide" in the checkout process to receive 25% off the individual pattern today only.

This special code will expire on Saturday, October 6 at 11:59PM PST.

Or you can purchase the Coastal Knits e-book or print version HERE.

Enjoy!

My fourth and favorite pattern from Coastal Knits is now available for purchase individually!

The Gnarled Oak Cardigan

I absolutely love this cardigan. The cabled oak leaf motif on the yoke was inspired by one of my favorite locations, an ancient oak forest in Los Osos.

I have been so pleased with the response to this design on Ravelry.

I have enjoyed watching many gorgeous versions of this favorite cardigan pop up.

One project in particular that caught my eye was this one. I unfortunately could not get in touch with the knitter to have the permission share these photos on my blog, but I do hope you will check out this link. The sweater and photos are so pretty!

Here are some more of my favorites from Ravelry.

Knit by Sydney. (Squidneyknits on Ravelry) This version is without a buttonband, and it looks great!

Knit by Louise. (Doodlesknit on Ravelry) I love the color she chose!

Knit by Alex. (alexck on Ravelry) I always love to see my knits being worn in every day situations. :)

Knit by Jonette. (craftyjonny on Ravelry)

Knit by Mary. (dextermaine on Ravelry)

Knit by Jessica. (fascine on Ravelry)

A short sleeve version! Knit by Becky. (knittingma on Ravelry)

A tweed version! Knit by Sandy. (scass on Ravelry)

I found this next version especially sweet. This was knit by Audry (bears-ears on Ravelry) for her grandmother. I am always so flattered when knitters choose one of my designs for a gift like this. 

Her grandma looks wonderful in it!

There are so many other amazing versions of this sweater posted on Ravelry. 

Please take a look by clicking HERE.

This pattern is now available individually.

Use the coupon code "ancientforest" in the checkout process to receive 25% off the individual 

pattern today only.

This special code will expire on Friday, October 5 at 11:59PM PST.

Or you can purchase the Coastal Knits e-book or print version HERE.

Happy Knitting! :)

My third Coastal Knits pattern is now available for purchase as an individual pdf.

The Cambrian Cowl

This cowl knits up lightning fast and so incredibly warm. It can be styled differently for a variety of looks.

This cowl was inspired by one of my favorite coastal walking trails, the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria. It is always so windy and cold here. I need a cowl like this to keep warm!

One of my favorite things about this cowl is the way you can accessorize it. It's a great project for showcasing a special set of buttons that you have been saving.

There are many great versions of the cowl on Ravelry with buttons of all sorts. It has been fun to look through the projects and see the combinations that other knitters have put together.

I thought that this version was quite nice.

Aren't these buttons pretty?

Knit by Summer. (Summerjc on Ravelry)

 I also really enjoyed this version from Maya.

(mayapof on Ravelry)

If you are looking for a quick last minute hand-knit gift. Look no further! 

This cowl could probably be knit up in one day!

This pattern is now available individually.

Use the coupon code "cozyincambria" in the checkout process to receive 25% off the individual pattern today only.

This special code will expire on Thursday, October 4 at 11:59PM PST.

Or you can purchase the Coastal Knits e-book or print version HERE. 

Enjoy!

The second of my Coastal Knits patterns now available for purchase as an individual pdf is..

the Wildflower Cardigan.

This is my all time favorite photo from our book.

This feminine and lightweight cardigan was inspired by the springtime wildflowers found off of Hwy 58 in Santa Margarita.

It seems as though the Winter Wheat colorway that I chose for the original has inspired many other knitters to knit up yellow versions for themselves. Here are a few that I thought were quite nice.

Knit by Rebecca. (Rubyangelfire on Ravelry) I like that she made a cropped version. Very cute!

Knit by Karen. (Quiltbaker on Ravelry) Her cat, Arwen, is a yarn snob too I am told. :)

I'm not entirely attached to the yellow cardigans. There are some other color variations that I like as well.

Knit by Kristen. (Kristenlynnea on Ravelry) I thought that this pink was especially cute.

Knit by ANOTHER Kristen. (MediaPeruana on Ravelry) I've shared some pictures of Kristen's beautiful blue version before, but I couldn't help but share another. It's awesome! As far as finished sweater pictures go... I just love the shots that these lovely ladies sent me. It's not often that I get to see three versions of one design in the same picture!

knitwit41, cdncarol and mswnola on Ravelry

"Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil..."

I look forward to seeing your version next! :)

This pattern is now available individually.

Use the coupon code "walkingthroughwildflowers" in the checkout process to receive 25% off the individual pattern today only.

This special code will expire on Wednesday, October 3 at 11:59PM PST.

 Or you can purchase the Coastal Knits e-book or print version HERE.

Happy Knitting!

The first of my Coastal Knits designs is now available to purchase as an individual pattern pdf!

This is still one of my favorites... The Rustling Leaves Beret.

This beret design was inspired by the Montana De Oro eucalyptus leaves rustling in the ocean winds.

It seems as though many of you have enjoyed knitting up Rustling Leaves Berets of your very own! 

I am so pleased to see almost 500 projects listed on Ravelry, and am happy to read all of the positive comments on the project pages.

There are so many gorgeous versions, but here are a few that caught my eye.

Knit by Dana from Unwind Yarn Company. (craftygirl83 on Ravelry) Isn't her yarn gorgeous?

Knit by Kirbie. (Kirbalicious on Ravelry) Photo by Amy Kumler Photography. This sample was knit for the fabulous store, Yarn.

Knit by Francesca. (Skytender on Ravelry)

Knit by Camilla.

Knit by Erin (Mintyfresh on Ravelry) Photos by Caro Sheridan.

Knit by Arianna. (AriannaArt on Ravelry)

Knit by Grace (Littleminky93 on Ravelry)

And I'm saving the best for last here... Just how cute is this little girl with her chicken?

Love.

Knit by Brook (SpringPeeper on Ravelry) for her "Chicken Whisperer". :)

I hope that you will enjoy knitting the Rustling Leaves Beret too!

You can now purchase this pattern individually!

Use the coupon code " Rustlinginthewind " in the checkout process to receive 25% off the individual pattern today only.

This special code will expire on Tuesday, October 2  at 11:59PM PST.

Or you can purchase the Coastal Knits e-book or print version HERE.

Have fun! :)

I can't quite believe it.. but it has been a full year since Hannah and I released our book, Coastal Knits! Where did the time go?

To celebrate our one year anniversary, we are happy to announce that we now have a 

digital e-book version of Coastal Knits and we will soon have all of the individual pattern pdfs 

available for purchase and download!

We even have a special discount code for the e-book available to knitters who have previously purchased the printed book from our coastalknits.com website.

Click HERE for more information!

Hannah and I want to thank everyone for all of the amazing support you have given us this past year! 

We couldn't be more thrilled with the positive reaction to our designs from the knitting community.

It has been so much fun for us this past year to see all of your beautiful versions of our designs and to read all of your comments in the Coastal Knits Ravelry group.This week I look forward to sharing some of my favorite versions of your Coastal Knits garments on my blog.

All of Hannahs designs from the book are available for individual purchase right now, but I have decided to do something a bit different for my readers.

Each day, beginning tomorrow, I will be releasing a new individual pdf pattern from the book (of my Coastal Knits designs) along with a special coupon code for 25% off the featured pattern 
that day only. Be sure to check back every day this week!

Episode 66

Shownotes:

Arching Leaves Socks

Shelter

Reversible Scarves: Curing the Wrong Side Blues

Audrey's Blog

Audrey on Ravelry

Eleanor Cowl

Audrey's First Sweater

Berroco Zodiac Yarn

Coastal Knits E-book and individual patterns are coming soon!

Have you entered to win a free Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf book yet?

Join the Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group

Follow ME on Twitter!

Enter to win a copy of the book, Reversible Scarves; Curing the Wrong Side Blues by leaving a comment under this blog post by October 15, 2012. Please do not forget to include your contact information!

The winner will be announced on Episode 67.

Thank you for listening!

I was delighted to design this textural sock, Arching Leaves, for the September installment of 

Tanis Fiber Arts Year in Colour Club. 

Photos courtesy of Tanis Fiber Arts

Tanis' yarns and colorways are truly exceptional and this particular skein was of course no different.

When September rolls around every year... I start to think about dreamy autumnal shades. This colorway perfectly reflects the colors of the changing leaves and evokes the feeling of a cozy autumn afternoon when the air is crisp and the world is colorful. These socks combine my two favorite things. A leafy textural stitch pattern and the warm inviting colors of the season.

This pattern is available exclusively to the Year in Colour Club members but will be available to the public as part of my new pattern collection coming in 2013.

It has been practically ages since I knit something in garter stitch on straight needles like this.

It takes me back to when I was first learning to knit and how I wasted  spent so many years of my life knitting nothing but garter stitch scarves in the ugliest most unusual novelty yarns imaginable.

So 2003.. right?

A garter stitch scarf is a great practice piece for a beginner. It's the quintessential "first project" for a knitter. 

In fact the character in our new children's story, like most of us, learns to knit on a garter stitch scarf....

only hers doesn't turn out so well at first. 

Hence the title of the story :)

A friend suggested that there should be a pattern for a "Swiss Cheese Scarf" to match the scarf in the book.

At first this idea seemed odd. Why would there need to be a pattern out there for a messy scarf? I'm sure that all of us have a scarf like that already buried deep in a drawer of early knitting! Something we never wear, but have to keep as a memento of our personal knitting history. 

Does something like this really need a pattern?

Well.. after some consideration I figured.. why not? 

So I am putting together a little scarf pattern that will be a free download on the Anniecanknit.com website. 

A little one skein chunky weight scarf with irregular edges and well placed "swiss cheese" holes, just like Annie's. A perfectly quick and fun little knit to give to the child in your life along with the book so that they can "match" with the story character. I'm hoping that this holey version will remind them that knitting doesn't have to be perfect and will motivate them to try their hand at making their own garter stitch scarf. 

I'm writing up the instructions for the "Swiss Cheese" section and then will pass it off to my 6-year old to knit the rest of the garter stitch. Then this scarf will be from the both of us.

As a perfectionist.. you have NO idea how hard it is for me to knit something that looks messy on purpose!

Things are coming together on the Annie book! This project has taken on a life of it's own and is taking longer than I thought. Thank you for your patience while we finalize everything.

More information as well as pre-ordering will be available soon.

I recently pulled out some of the Fibre Company's new Tundra yarn for a new pattern, and the colors were so pretty I just had to snap a quick picture to share before dismantling these skeins.

This yarn is similar in weight and feel to the ever popular Misti Alpaca Chunky that I used in my Shawl Collared Cowl design. But it has a more luxurious hand with the addition of merino and silk. And who can resist those Fiber Company colorways? Not I.

The colorways shown above are Larch and Mink. I am not planning on using them together.. but the colors look so nicely put side to side.

As a little update.. my husband and I have been working very long hours behind the scenes here to bring you some really exciting new surprises. Hannah and I are working on releasing some new Coastal Knits goodies in honor of our 1 year anniversary. Also, we are working on getting everything in order to open up 

pre-orders for the new "Annie" book. It's exciting! And busy! 

I look forward to showing you lots of fun new things very soon.

Among other large projects I am working on behind the scenes here, I have recently been finishing up a new sweater design out of the very lovely Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn in the Hayloft colorway.

I have run into a few snags with this yarn that have made for a few interesting and funny stories that I will be sure to share on my upcoming podcast episode for this month.

Despite all of that however, I have to say.. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this yarn. 

Its rugged, and beautiful, and just feels... good to knit with. 

This cardigan has some very special little details that I am not ready to fully reveal just yet, so I will leave you with this little collection of annoyingly vague, close-up shots from today. :) 

Because I am mean like that.

I'm on the home stretch.

This sweater just needs some final finishing touches. 

Thank goodness I have my little "helper" to lend a hand. :)

Oh.. and please do disregard the pile of laundry lurking in the background. :)

Episode 65

Shownotes:

Rufus Textured Cardigan Pattern

:( The last sweater that fits! :(

Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf

Neesha Hudson

Coastal Knits

Coastal Knits Ravelry Group

The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet

Hunter Hammersen

Hunter on Ravelry

Chrysanthemum Frutescens Socks

Join the Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group!

Follow ME on Twitter!

Enter to win a copy of the book, The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet by leaving a comment under this blog post by September 15, 2012. Please do not forget to include your contact information!

The giveaway winner will be announced on Episode 66. 

In my last post I mentioned that I had a big surprise and a special new someone to introduce.

The time has now come!

I would like you to meet Annie.

Annie is the main character of a new children's book that I am working on with my daughter and super talented illustrator, Neesha Hudson! The story is titled Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf and is about a little girl who faces the challenges of learning to knit.

What a super exciting project this has been thus far! It has been so much fun to work on this with my daughter. As you might remember, she is six years old and is learning to knit herself.. and it is pretty obvious that the character of Annie is modeled after her. :) You may even recognize Annie's sweater too. :)

I hope that all of you will visit Annie's brand new website found HERE and enter to win a free book!

I am hoping to open up pre-orders sometime in September if everything goes as planned.

I have lots of special surprises in store.. I know that it will be a fun-filled next few months for us as we get everything together and finalized. This is obviously our first time working on a project of this nature and we are really enjoying watching this take shape.

I can't wait to release this book!

A new one-skein cabled hat design fresh off the needles!

This is another piece for my upcoming design collection.

I am slowly but surely making progress, and it feels so good to every day get a little bit closer to my goal.

Thank you to everyone for your support and patience with me. 

I look forward to releasing all of these new patterns!

Pssstt.. and also... Keep an eye out for my next post... I have a BIG announcement AND

a new special someone to introduce to you. :)

I bet you can't guess!

Episode 64

Shownotes:

Charlene on Ravelry

Stephanie on Ravelry

Cathrine on Ravelry

Kerstin on Ravelry

Nicky Epstein

Knitting on the Edge

Knitting Beyond the Edge

Join the Never Not Knitting Ravelry Group!

Follow me on Twitter!

Enter to win a copy of the books, Knitting on the Edge and Knitting Beyond the Edge by leaving a comment under this blog post by August 15, 2012. In order for your comment to qualify as a drawing entry please include the following:

-Your contact information so that I can contact you if you are the winner!

-In your comment please tell me your favorite knitting story shared on the podcast. I'm curious to find out which stories you like best! (Choose any story(s) featured on Episodes 1-64)

The giveaway winner will be announced on Episode 65. By the way... would you like to go on a "Knit-cation" this summer? Sign up for Veronika's awesome knitting vacation with designer Stephen West! Mention NNK and get $50 off! Check it out HERE!

Thank you for listening!