Whit’s Picks: Gifts for Knitters

The winter holidays are upon us! In my house, there are cookies to make, a tree to decorate, and gifts to gather.

Knitters love knitting related gifts, but the options (aside from yarn) can be a little tricky to navigate for loved ones. Here is a quick list of items that are sure to leave any knitter happy.

Project Bags 

One of the beauties of knitting is its portability. Therefore, there is no limit on the number of project bags a knitter can have. Here are some that are pretty popular:

The Field Bag by Fringe Supply Co. is quite a treat. It is durable, pretty large, and has pockets to keep knitting notions organized. It now comes in 5 colors with each bag being $65.

BriBags are also a cute option. There are several size options to choose from. I really like these bags as many of them are made of fun/whimsical fabrics. Bags range from $10-25.

Yarn Pop is a small company out of Portland, OR, They specialize in durable canvas crafting bags. These bags look great as they come in bold patterns and a variety of styles. Bags range from $25-$90.

Tools

Does your knitter have “too many bags”? Well, tools are always a great option.

I was just introduced to The Sirka Counter by my aunt and was amazed. This tool allows the knitted to track multiple counts at the same time. Often knitters need to count a certain amount of repeats while also keeping track of other amounts. Yes, you can do this on paper, but this tool makes it so much easier.

A Yarn Swift is an essential. It speeds up the yarn winding process tremendously. Wood swifts are lovely, but metal ones get the job done as well.

Wooden Swift from Knit Picks -$49.00 

Umbrella Metal Swift – $16.99  

 Swag

 Knitting related mugs, apparel, and jewelry are all things your knitter can use to share his or her passion with the world. Here are some of my favorites.

Check out delightful apparel at GGmadeit. 

How about a beautiful etched mug?     

Shawl pins can be a gorgeous way to jazz up a handmade accessory. Check out several beautiful options at etsy.com

 

I hope this list helps to guide your holiday shopping. If you are a knitter…What are you looking to receive this holiday season? 

  Until Next Time,

-Whit-

 

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Do You?

It is the Tuesday before American Thanksgiving. If you are lucky you will be hanging out with loved ones for at least two days stuffing your belly full of delicious food and enjoying some down time. If you are anything like me you must already be counting all the potential crafting hours. I have two projects in my overnight bag ready to go. Yes two. I might get bored with one or maybe even finish something.  Who knows? (haha)

So the question is…Do you have your Thanksgiving knitting together? Will you be selfish knitting or getting a head start on all of those DIY holiday gifts you have planned? If you need a suggestion, I highly recommend my Snuggly Loops Cowl  (free pattern through Knotions Online Magazine). It is quick, the color options are endless, and if you live in a cold climate it is perfect thing to keep you warm. Snuggly Loops makes for a satisfying knit for yourself or that someone special.

Snuggly Loops Cowl (Knotions Magazine, November 2016)

Snuggly Loops Scarf by Whit

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

The Beach

I looked out onto the world around me and took in the beauty. The beach is one of those places I can just let my senses take over and rest my mind.

Meditation along Highway 1

I am comforted by the rush of the water on the shoreline and the smell of salt in the air. 

Pheiffer Beach

I love how the wet sand bends beneath my feet as I leisurely stroll the length of the beach. Although I cannot stand the grit, I love to see the path I traveled.

Sandollar Beach

As my mind wanders, I take in the changing sounds around me. The noise of children yelling, the churning water, and dogs barking at the birds above me.

Pheiffer Beach

The beach is not merely a place of relaxation for me; it’s a place of freedom. This freedom allows my thoughts to slow and practicalities to take the passenger seat. In my world, there are so many controls that can take over my mind- work, family, politics. It is nice to have a place where my thoughts can be mine.

Beach near Point Sur Light Station

-Whit-

Adventures in Big Sur

This weekend was my birthday (the 31st edition) and my husband suprised me with camping in Big Sur, California. Big Sur is located on the central coast along Highway 1. It was a spectacular trip. Over and over again I am amazed by the beauty of the California coastline.

We started in Point Lobos Park to view the tumbling cliffs and sandy coves.

We headed south to Pfeiffer Beach. This beach was a little hidden and foggy, but such a great place to rock climb and explore nature.

We camped at Fernwood Resort, which is a great campground for Rvs and tents. Our campsite overlooked a small river, which made for some lovely views while I worked on my Red Rosina sweater.

On Saturday, we drove a total of 35 miles on Highway 1. Our hikes took us to McKay Falls, Limekiln Park and Pacific Valley Bluff Trail. All were fairly easy hikes with great scenery. I just couldn’t get enough of the breathtaking ocean views.

On Sunday, we took a tour of the Point Sur Light Station. The tour was little long, but so infomative. We looked for whales, explored the lighthouse, and then got to see the Head Lightkeeper’s house. The house was awesome as it was preserved with 1950’s artifacts. Everything down to the cans in the kitchen cabinets were vintage.

Later that afternoon, I received my birthday present. My husband (the smart man he is) treated me to a trip to Monarch Knitting Shop in Pacific Grove, CA. This yarn shop was magnificent. It was big, spacious, well organized and very welcoming.

The staff were super nice without being pushy. There were so many great brands from economic (Berroco) to pricey (Sweet Gerogia) to choose from. I ended up splurging and got two skiens of Madeline Tosh DK in Spectrum. Ooo whee 😍. I get excited just thinking about it. My first skeins of the coveted Tosh yarn. I think I am going to stash this for awhile till I find the perfect project.

 Until Next Time,

-Whit-

Adventures in North Bay

On Saturday morning we packed up the car and headed northward to Marin County for an evening of camping. My husband wanted to take me and some friends to Dillon’s Beach, where he spent many weekends while he was a Boy Scout. Let me say it didn’t disappoint. Never have I been to a country area that abuts a beach. The vibrant green grass and rolling sand dunes in combination with the low lying mist hovering over Bodega Bay was spectacular.

On Sunday, we packed up camp and drove back into civilization. We made a pit-stop in Petaluma, California. What a cute town! There are a lot of historical Victorian buildings still in Petaluma as it survived the 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco. The town has done a spectacular job of up-keeping/restoring the buildings. One fun fact that I learned was that the town has been the backdrop for over 15 movies (example: American Graffiti). 

Lucky me I also discovered a lovely yarn shop in the downtown area. Knitterly is a spacious and welcoming shop. The yarn selection was mostly in the mid-price range ($13 and up) with a few brands of lower cost yarn (Plymouth and Berroco). What I enjoyed most about the shop was that they carried a couple of brands that I have wanted to pet in person (Brooklyn Tweed, Quince and Co, Hedgehog Fibers). I ended up purchasing a skein of Brooklyn Tweed Arbor and a skein of Woolfolk (worsted weight).

I selected Arbor from Brooklyn Tweed as it seemed the softest against the skin. Plus I loved the vibrant red color. The Woolfolk yarn was a total impulse buy. I petted the skein and was divine. It was soft, squishy, and in a lovely jewel tone color. *swoon*

Fun with friends, exploring new places, and yarn. What a weekend. 🙂

Until Next Time

-Whit-

Exciting News and Free Patterns!

Hey everyone! I am happy to announce that my Snuggly Loops Cowl pattern went live today. I am super pleased to have it had it published in Knotions Magazine’s November 2016 issue. Snuggly Loops is a quick knit that combines dropped stitches and interlocking loops. It will easily become one of your favorite go-to accessories for winter warmth. Since it is a bulky knit, the cowl would be a great holiday gift to whip up for someone special.

Snuggly Loops Scarf by Whit

If you don’t know, Knotions is now a monthly knitting and crochet magazine that not only contains really cute (and free patterns), but also has great tutorials. When you get the chance I suggest you head over to the website to check it out.

Until Next Time

-Whit-

 

Sometimes

…my commute home surprises me. 

San Francisco Bay Bridge

–Whit-

Socks, Hats, and Sweater

A lot of things are going on the needles, but not many are coming off.

I am busily working on socks for the husband. He was in the yarn store with me one day and some yarn caught his eye (hahaha). So I am making him some vanilla socks with what will be an afterthought heel. Yarn: Cascade Heritage Prints Color 35

I am still working on the Kopekapeka Hat. I ran out of yarn, therefore, this project is in hibernation until I can get back to Michael’s. I attempted to go Saturday yet, the line was 30 people deep (no exaggeration). I immediately walked out the door. I love yarn, but not that much. Yarn: Patons Classic Wool in Royal Purple

Instead I went to my LYS to look for yarn for a new project. I purchased some Rowan Hemp Tweed in Almond to make an infant hat for a friend. I have to admit that colorwork is not my favorite. It makes me into a SUPER big perfectionist. The contrast between the colors really makes tension differences stand out.  I get so bothered if even one stitch is looking wonky. Hopefully, I can keep my editing eye in check with this one.

The new sweater I am working on is the Rosina Sweater. I am in love with this burgundy color I picked out. It is the epitome of fall colors. Rosina is being crafted on some tiny needles (US Size 2). I love the tight stitches, but this project might take me a long while. Yarn: Cascade 220 Fingering in Burgundy 

Until Next Time

-Whit-