Spring Yarn-Lover's Contest at My Real Life Reviews!

 

 

It's been a while since I've posted a contest here at My Real Life Reviews but I've got a wonderful giveaway to share today, especially for all the yarn-crafters and wannabee crafters too! ;<)

 

One lucky winner will win all three of the great prizes up for grabs in this month's contest.

 

 

Here's what this Yarn-Lover's prize package includes:

One of my favorite knitting resource books:

 Stitch N Bitch Superstar Knitting click to read my full review.

Book provided courtesy of Thomas Allen & Son.

If you've been looking for an easy-to-understand guide to help take your knitting to the next level: Fair Isle, Cables, Intarsia, Lace... this is a book you'll definitely want to check out. One of only a few knitting books in my craft library that I actually refer to on a regular basis.

This book is a keeper!

A $25. gift certificate from Willow Yarns.

I only recently found out about this new yarn company. They have an extensive selection of high quality yarns, books, patterns, accessories, kits...

 And with spring/summer knitting time on the way, check out Willow Yarn's gorgeous summer weight picks from a variety of natural fiber sources.

I'm a big fan of linen, cotton, flax...yarns and there is a lot of temptation when I stop by their site. What to choose, what to choose... ;<)

If you haven't checked out Willow Yarns yet, do stop by soon.

It's a yarn-lover's heaven!
                         

 

And to keep all those handmade yarn projects looking their best:

 

A $25.  gift pkg. from Eucalan Inc.

 

I use Eucalan on a regular basis, for washing all my hand knit and crochet items.

 

Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash products, gently but effectively removes dirt, leaving sweaters, socks, scarves... looking and feeling wonderfully soft and smooth. No need to rinse either (how cool is that!)  as Eucalan leaves no heavy soap residues.

 

You can read my full review about all of Eucalan's  fine products here.

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Total prize package value, over $75!


To enter the Spring Yarn Lover's Contest:

-Leave a comment below including what your favorite yarn-craft is: knitting, crocheting, loom knitting....

-If you are a "wannabe" yarn-crafter at this point, pick the type of yarn craft you are planning to pursue, if you do win the contest.

 

 

-One entry per person.


-Please sign in with a valid blog address/identity (no anonymous comments please).

-Contest is open to Canadian and US residents.

Exception: void in Quebec (sorry about this) you can read why I've had to add this to my contests.

 

 

-Winning entry chosen by a random generated system.

 

 

-Contest closes April 30th.

 

 

-Winner will be posted here the first week in May.

 

 

 

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Good Luck Everyone and Happy Crafting! :<)

 

 

 

Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting by Debbie Stoller

I've been a fan of Debbie Stoller's knitting books since the first Stitch 'N Bitch book was published back in 2004.

 

Since then, there's been several additions to this book series including:

 Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting Going Beyond the Basics: published in 2010. 

 

And once again, Debbie did not disappoint!

 

 

I love so many things about this book. Debbie Stoller takes on the more challenging techniques and types of knitting: Fair Isle, Cables, Intarsia, Lace, Knitting with Beads, Steeks...and makes it all seem not only doable but fun too!

 

 

Speaking of Fair Isle, I recently tried this type of knitting for the first time, after reading the chapter on Fair Isle in Superstar Knitting and I was FINALLY feeling it was something I could actually do.

Ironically, the pattern I made: Fairly Easy Fair Isle Cardigan was featured in one of Debbie Stoller's previous books: Stitch N Bitch Nation.

 

But just reading the pattern and other articles on Fair Isle had left me with a number of questions that were all answered in Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting, including how to easily incorporate the yarn "floats' along the back of the knitting.

 

Yes, there are floats in knitting and they have nothing to do with water. ;<)
 If you're a knitter, you'll know what I mean.

 

Here's a photo of my finished results:

 

 

Not too shabby for a first Fair Isle try!!!

 

You can read more about this project here.

 

If I can learn Fair Isle, any knitter can!!! ;<)

 

 

And a big part of tackling this project and completing it successfully was feeling confident enough to try Fair Isle, after reading the instructions in Superstar Knitting.

 

If you've been looking for a easy-to-understand, "go to" guide for taking your knitting to the next level, Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting is a resource book, you'll refer to again and again. Complete with excellent diagrams throughout that are easy to understand too! And I've seen a lot of knitting books that fall short when it comes to the diagrams!

 

In addition to the instructions for a variety of knitting techniques, the book includes a beautiful selection of 41 original patterns: including something for everyone in the family and incorporating many of the skills you'll learn in this book.

 

I love the Tiptoes (toe) socks, Gretel Tam, Crush Shrug, Leafy Lace Cardigan, Life Aquatic Pullover and Dress to Impress Baby Sweater to name but a few.

 

The only addition I'd like to see in this book is adding yarn weights to the patterns, not just listing the actual yarn that was used in the design as photographed.

 

There are a lot of times that I'm trying to use up a stash yarn or can't find a particular recommended yarn. I find it most helpful if a pattern lists the actual weight/type of the yarn required (worsted, lace, bulky...) so that a substitute yarn can be used successfully too.

 

 

If you're already a fan of Debbie Stoller's work, you'll definitely want to add this one to your collection. And if you've never checked out the series before, Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting is a great place to start! Would make a thoughtful gift too.

 

 

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5.