Tiny Shoes

Many years back I fell in love with a pattern for tiny mary jane style knitted shoes for babies. I mentally filed the pattern away thinking I would make it for a future baby daughter. I pictured her in my mind's eye wearing these little mary janes in red.

Only my second turned out to be a baby boy, and I ended up making this pattern for him instead.

Recently, however, when a friend gave birth to her second daughter, I knew exactly what to make for her.

This is the Tiny Shoes pattern designed by Ysolda Teague knit out of Blue Sky Alpacas Sport. Like all of Ysolda's patterns, the construction was quite captivating. Never have I started a baby bootie before with an I-cord! :)

Pattern found HERE. Yarn found HERE.

These knit up super quickly and I will be mailing them off to my friend tomorrow. I hope she loves them. :)

Alana Dakos Comments
Trailing Ivy

Introducing my latest pattern, Trailing Ivy!

It is funny how some designs are such a struggle from conception to finished item and some fall together effortlessly. Trailing Ivy fortunately was one of the latter. The finished shawl looks quite a bit like my original sketch and seemed to just knit itself.

I have fond memories of the design process on this one and I am absolutely thrilled by how it turned out. 

In this shawl, 3 trailing ivy motifs grow out from the increases on the body and into the pleats. The vines are placed in such a way that when the shawl is worn, one falls in the center of the back and the others gracefully cascade down the length of each arm.

Originally this design was released as part of Miss Babs 2015 Armchair Traveling Knitting Tour and was knit out of the beautiful Kunlun yarn. The version shown above was knit up in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Yaksi which was also a wonderful choice.

For more information about the pattern and purchasing, please click HERE.

Happy knitting! :)

Alana Dakos Comments
Taking Root

I am so happy to share with you my latest hat design called Taking Root.

As you are well aware, I cannot seem to stop designing textural botanically inspired knits. They just seem to flow out of me involuntarily. One finished design will inspire another. 

This one I worked on years back when I was working on Botanical Knits 2, but just couldn't seem to get it right until recently. I love the way it finally came together. I love the playful curves of the vines and the crisp lines of the twisted stitches. 

This pattern was orginally released as part of the Augustbird Tea Time Club for November and was knit in her beautiful Bowerbird yarn.  The sample shown above is knit in another favorite of mine, YOTH Yarns Big Sister in the Avocado colorway. 

Please click HERE for all the pattern and purchasing information.

I hope that you enjoy making it! 

 

Alana Dakos Comments
Getting Ready!

The Never Not Knitting store will be at Stitches West from February 18-21 at booths #1242 and 1244!

If you will be at the show, please stop by and say hello! :)

I will have some dear friends visiting and signing books at the booth this year which is so exciting! Have you ever wanted to meet Hannah Fettig of Knitbot, Carrie Bostick Hoge from Madder, Kate Oates from Tot Toppers or Elizabeth Doherty of Blue Bee Studio? Well.. now is your chance! :)

Stitches West Book Signings

Friday
10:00 am Hannah Fettig
10:30 am Carrie Bostick Hoge
11:30 am Kate Oates
1:30 pm Carrie Bostick Hoge
2:00 pm Hannah Fettig
3:30 pm Kate Oates
4:30 pm Elizabeth Doherty

Saturday
10:00 am Hannah Fettig
10:30 am Carrie Bostick Hoge
11:30 am Kate Oates
1:30 pm Carrie Bostick Hoge
2:00 pm Hannah Fettig
3:30 pm Kate Oates

Sunday
10:00 am Kate Oates

At the show we will carry the beautiful Quince & Co. yarn, books and patterns galore as well as lots of special little notions and gifts from my shop. We will also have a huge display of Wool & Wire jewelry!

It's going to be so much fun!! I can hardly wait. I hope to see you there! :)

Alana Dakos Comment
Four Seasons

Now that the Mystery Knit-A-Long has drawn to a close, I am happy to announce that the shawl pattern, Four Seasons, is now available to purchase in it's entirety!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Knit-A-Long! It was so fun for me to follow everyone's progress and to see so many of you stretch outside of your comfort zone and learn new skills. This shawl could appear a daunting project in it's entirety, but taken one stitch, one row, and one section at a time... it is very doable!

This shawl incorporates the idea of each of the four seasons interpreted in cables and lace. The beginning begins with the bare branches of Winter, moves into the budding leaves of Spring and Summer, and lastly the falling leaves of Autumn. 

The sample pictured is knit from The Fibre Company Cumbria which is a wonderfully soft yarn with a slight halo which sets off the cables so nicely. Any worsted weight wool blend will do of course, but I especially love this yarn for this design.

Please click HERE for all the pattern and purchasing information.

I hope that you enjoy it! :)

 

Alana Dakos Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 95 : A Dirty Yarn

Episode 95

Enter to win a Katrinkles needle gauge and set of 3 buttons (of your choice) by leaving a comment below with your contact information by February 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be announced in Episode 96.

Thank you for listening!

Alana DakosNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Have Ewe Any Wool?

I have a confession to make. I love being a shopkeeper. 

I love my tiny store more than I ever thought I would. I gave up on my original dream of being a shop owner years ago when I started designing, and thought it was something I had put aside entirely. Boy, was I wrong.

When I leave my little shop in the evening I find myself staring in through the lit window at night for way too long just to see what it looks like to customers walking by. I have even spent time at the shop on a day I'm normally closed "just for fun".

When I am not in my little shop, I miss it. I think about it and wonder how its doing. 

 It's this excitement that led me to the idea of offering "Care Packages" to those of you who don't live nearby. A curated collection of specialty handmade items from artisan companies and talented individuals from around the world, lovingly gift wrapped and packaged altogether in a pretty box. A special little slice of my store, from me to you. 

After all... everyone loves receiving unexpected gifts in the mail right?

My premier Care Package celebrates the love of sheep and wool and is the perfect choice for any wool enthusiast. The contents of the care package are a surprise… that is after all half the fun… but the recipient can expect to receive items in the following categories:

  • crafting notions
  • personal care 
  • items to use around the home
  • wool care 
  • crafting materials

Our care packages will allow the recipient to enjoy a variety of beautiful items beautifully presented at a discounted price.

This is a limited edition item and is only available while supplies last. "Have You Any Wool" Care Packages will ship at the beginning of February.

There is both a standard size and deluxe size available. Click HERE to see! :)

Alana Dakos Comments
Mystery Shawl Knit-A-Long Coming Soon!

I am so excited to be starting my very first Mystery Knit-A-Long!

At the end of the knit-a-long you will end up with a warm cozy shawl but you won't know how the pattern will change along the way! Your shawl pattern will be released in a series of four “clues” containing charted and written instructions… but no pictures!

The final measurement for your semi-circular shawl will be 28” deep with a wingspan measuring 60”. Your finished shawl will be a wearable art piece full of textured cables, knitted leaves and lace. A nice sampling of many techniques all in one project! If you have enjoyed knitting my other cabled, botanically-inspired patterns in the past, you should enjoy this one as well.


The knit-a-long will begin with the release of the first clue on January 8th. Three subsequent clues will magically appear in your Ravelry library every Friday thereafter. You will receive an email and ravelry message notification each time a new clue is ready.

Join us by purchasing your pattern HERE. Don’t forget to visit the Never Not Knitting group on Ravelry to join other knitters who are taking part in this knit-a-long and share the fun along the way! I have some exciting prizes that I am giving away at the end... including this lovely stitch marker shawl pin for the knitter who finishes first! Please see my post HERE for details.

 If you have any questions about the pattern or knit-a-long, please contact me HERE.


To create your Mystery Shawl you will need the following supplies:

  • 400 grams or approx 880 yds of worsted weight yarn. A few suggestions are: Cascade Yarns 220, The Fibre Company Cumbria
  •  Size US8 60” circular needle or size needed to achieve the gauge of 18 sts and 24 rows to 4” / 10 cm.
  • Cable needle
  • Tapestry needle

Have fun! :)

Alana Dakos Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 94 : Yarn Shock

Episode 94

 

Enter to win a  copy of The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting  by Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest provided by Interweave Press by leaving a comment below with your contact information by January 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be announced in Episode 95.

Thank you for listening!

Alana DakosNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Lily Slipper Flats

I loved knitting this sweet little pair of ballet flat slippers. These are from the book Home by Pam Allen and they literally took me only a few hours to complete. I used Quince and Co. Osprey yarn in the Chanterelle colorway and there is enough left over from that one skein to make at least one more pair!

Instead of the 3 colors that the slipper pattern calls for, I chose to make mine solid and add a cute little tree branch button to the top as an extra special detail.

Buttons are available in my online store HERE.

I am so impressed by how adorable and easy this pattern is. I will definitely be keeping these slippers in mind for the next time I need a quick and easy gift. But for now, this particular pair is looking wonderful displayed on my vintage shoe forms. 

 

 

 

Alana Dakos Comments
Teeny, Tiny Knitted Gifts

Is there anything cuter than seeing things in miniature?

I love knitting toys, but I have to say knitting tiny toys is even more fun.

I purchased these sweet little Tiny Hedgehog and Tiny Penguin kits by mochimochiland last Spring at Wild Fibers yarn shop. Recently when my cousin and her family came to town, I finally got the push I needed to finally make these up as a gift for her 3 year old son. I couldn't believe how quick they were to make.

They fit perfectly in 3 year old hands and tiny pockets and I just love the idea of my little cousin having a few very small knitted friends to share his adventures with. 

 

Alana Dakos Comment
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 93 : Nettie Mae's Mittens

Episode 93

 

Enter to win a signed copy of Top Down; Reimagining Set-In Sleeve Design provided by author Elizabeth Doherty by leaving a comment below with your contact information by December 15th. Only one comment per person please. The winner will be announced in Episode 94.

Thank you for listening!

Have a personal knitting story you would like to submit to the podcast?

Please submit your proposal below!

Alana DakosNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Welcome!

Welcome to my brand new website!

After 8 years of blogging, I was more than ready for an update! :)

In addition to the new site, I have also introduced an online shop featuring my printed books along with some of the specialty gifts and notions that I carry in my retail shop. 

To celebrate the new Never Not Knitting website and my new online shop, I am offering a Black Friday Weekend Sale on a few select items. 

Let me know what you think of our new online home in the comments below. Thank you for following me over to this new space. :)

 

 

Alana Dakos Comments
Baa-ble


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!


Alana Comments
Secret Garden

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! :)

Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 92 : Appreciating Helen

Episode 92

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!

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
The Secret Garden Shawl Kit

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!


Alana Comments
The Never Not Knitting Podcast : Episode 91 : Knitting On The Go

Episode 91

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!

AlanaNevernotknitting Podcast Comments
Dapper

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! :)


Alana Comments
Adorable New Greeting Cards

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.

Alana Comments