Wednesday 12 November 2014

Christmas Knitting......and a Knitvent 2014 Giveaway.

Hello my friends, yes, I'm trying to be organised and I have started my Christmas gift knitting with the help of Helen from Curious Handmade and her free Holiday Knitting Planner. I have lots to show you as I have quite a few things on my needles, all fairly quick projects, ideal for Christmas gifts.

Helen has also just released Knitvent 2014, a collection of patterns that are ideal to knit for yourself or to give as gifts. The first Knitvent was released last year and was a great success, it came from the idea of an Advent calender where you get to open a window each day but instead you receive a new pattern each week for five weeks. They will be accessories that are quick to knit and will include different sizes so you decide how much time you want to spend on each project.

The first pattern is the Candlelit Shawl, perfectly named, it's a gorgeous shawl with beautiful twinkling beads, it comes in two different sizes and the option of with or without beads.

I've cast on the small, one skein version with beads, last night as I had the ideal beads in my stash that matches perfectly with this gorgeous Juno Alice in Ethereal. It's a match made in heaven, this is a gift for me as I really don't think I could give it away!!!!!

As well as the release of this year's Knitvent Collection, there will be a Knitvent KAL over on the Curious Handmade Ravelry board with weekly prizes and a grand prize at the end.

To celebrate the release of Knitvent 2014, Helen is giving the Knitvent 2013 collection FREE when you purchase Knitvent 2014 until Sunday 16th November, just add both to your basket, no code is needed.

Also, Helen has very kindly offered me the 2014 collection to give away to one lucky reader, if you want to be in with a chance of winning just leave me a comment by Saturday 12am GMT, telling me what you like to knit for Christmas gifts. My favourite things are mittens and hats as they are quick and easy especially in a heavier weight yarn.

I cast on the Checkerboard Mitts yesterday afternoon whilst watching Christmas films, as you can tell I'm getting into the Christmas spirit!!!!! These are really quick to knit and would make a great last minute gift, they are from the Knitvent 2013 collection. I've only got the rib to finish at the bottom of the mitt and the thumb and it took me less than two hours to get this far.

I'm knitting the Ardvasar Hat for my sister, it's from Pom Pom Quarterly Issue 6 and is one of my favourite hat patterns, it's the third one I've knit.

I've cast on the Vanilla Latte socks, a free download on Ravelry, these are for my husband, he's been driving me mad asking me to knit him a pair of socks. I'm using Trailing Clouds Mind the Gap, he probably won't like the pink but the other colours will make it less noticeable.

I've also bought this yarn for more Christmas projects, watch this space!!!!! I haven't had much time to read this week. I've started reading In the Woods by Harlan Coben, I can't say I'm enjoying it that much and was tempted to start a new book. I'll carry on for now to see it gets any better.

I'm linking this post to Ginny's Yarn Along and Nicole's KCCO, don't forget to leave me a comment if you want to be entered into the draw to win the Knitvent 2014 collection. I will pick a winner from the teacup on Saturday, don't forget you've got to be in it to win it!!!!!!

Have a good week.

xxxxxDebxxxxx

26 comments:

Tiny Toadstool Cottage said...

Knitvent sounds like a fabulous idea - and if the patterns you have shown are anything to go by, it will be amazing! I am heading straight over now to have a look as that shawl looks divine!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Ohhhhhhhh loving all the projects you have going on!!!!

Unknown said...

fab giveaway. thank you

Lazy Days & Sundays said...

Looks like you are going to be very busy leading up to Christmas then.

Lea Lacoste said...

That knitvent is such a rad idea!!! Thank you for sharing with us, definitely interested!
I like to give away hats because a/ i love to knit them and b/ size is usually not an issue!

also, love love your current wipe! I've been trying to find some trailing clouds myself, I think there is an update soon ;)

kjramstack said...

This is the first that I've heard of Knitvent - what a great idea! I like to knit chunky cowls as Christmas gifts.

Donna said...

I will have to go check out Knitvent. Great idea! And as always, such lovely projects you shared. I especially love the socks!

Unknown said...

So much holiday knitting! You go girl! I am knitting gifts for the first time this year. I've mostly been going with cowls as my quick knit gifts.

Eight by Six said...

wow that's a lot of project for presents. I'm trying to complete a knitted blanket for my sister, its keeps me warm and cosy whilst I finish it!

Angela said...

Yay for holiday knitting! The beaded shawl is going to be lovely!

Naomi said...

That shawl is gorgeous! I started my Christmas knitting so long ago and I fear I still won't finish. 2 sweaters, a cowl, and a shawl are on my list of projects to finish. Accessories are definitely the way to go!

Allison said...

I am mighty envious of your TrailingClouds Mind the Gap yarn. I am never quick enough to get any when she updates! Knitvent sounds like a great idea. I like to knit mitts and hot water bottle cozies as Christmas gifts.

gilly said...

Wow Deb, you've got a great Christmas production line going there! The beaded shawl looks just beautiful. My favourite Christmas gifts to knit are chunky cowls, cabled wristwarmers and my latest addiction...anything with pom-poms!
Hugs xx

quiltercaroline said...

I tend to knit shawls, mitts and washcloths and crochet toys. Knit more throughout the year for birthdays to avoid too much stress for Christmas. Love all your projects. Thsnk you for the giveaway, love Helens stuff, in fact one shawl is hers for my mum. C

Amy at love made my home said...

What lovely things you are making, I really like the socks - of course, I love socks!! Please don't enter me, I am not a knitter and it would be wasted on me, but I wish everyone else well with it! xx

Stefanie said...

You are on a splendid roll!

Anonymous said...

I get so excited when you make a new post - I love what you're knitting and wish I had more time to knit more than a few minutes each day. That book looks awesome - count me in!

Linda Tytko said...

Hi Deb,
I have been wanting to knit that hat for myself , haven't gotten around to it yet, yours looks great. I also like the beaded shawl it will look pretty with your harir, I am knitting a sweater for my boyfriend, so I hope to get around to some Christmas knitting soon as I finish .
Linda

Catherine said...

I'm knitting cardis for my granddaughters and crocheting a throw for a Xmas present. I'm going to heck out knitvent too for more ideas

Now Am Found! said...

hubby's going to be a hottie in those sox pink or not!

Caffeine Girl said...

Wow, you are amazingly organized about this holiday thing. I bet you will be whipping up some baby items!

elns said...

So many lovely projects with such lovely yarn. I like the idea of a knitting planner. I like anything that keeps me from getting overwhelmed at holiday season. I love the mind the gap socks and am very jealous. Tell your husband to own the pink stripes, the yarn is sold out and it's special! :)

Elizabeth said...

You're so prolific! I like to knit hats and cowls for Christmas, since they always get worn straight away for our Christmas day walk, but i also like to knit a sleeveless jumper for my big boy to wesr on the day.

Unknown said...

Love the idea of Knitvent! The patterns you show are lovely. I have been knitting cowls and socks for Christmas, and a few warm items for myself. :-)
I found your blog by looking at your entry for little bobbins mittalong. Love the gloves AND your blog!

Anonymous said...

I love that shawl! I've got yarn at home that would be perfect for it. Hmm... ;)

CathieJ said...

You have so many beautiful knits in progress. Wow. I love the shawl with the beads and the checkerboard mitts.

The Handmade Sock Society 3 by Helen Stewart

Hello there, I just wanted to let you all know that Season 3 of  The Handmade Sock Society  is available for pre-sale  here  with an Ea...