KNITTING || STASH MAINTENANCE

I added to my stash. There. I admit it. I'm not ashamed. Ok, maybe I am a wee tad. 

I have enough yarn but sometimes a gal's gotta treat herself to some new lovelies just....well....just because. Our local LYS Beehive Wool Shop had a big boxing day sale on and I just couldn't pass on a good sale. There were too many new babies that wanted to come home with me. I am proud of myself though for not purchasing the gorgeous selection of Brooklyn Tweed they have in stock. It wasn't on sale so my weird though process meant that it wasn't ok to splurge on it but after seeing the new BT Winter 2014 Collection I'm glad I didn't buy any because now it means I can go in and get yarn for my favorite pattern from the collection. I'm all over that Channel Cardigan by Jared Flood. Dreamy! I need that on my body asap!

I also find it more fun to by yarn when you are with friends (ahem...enablers). I get a shopping high off of just watching them buy yarn. I love seeing us all go nuts over skeins and skeins of yummy yarn feeling content in the fact that I am not crazy and not the only one who can get THIS excited over yarn. We all spent a nice of chunk of time there and all came home with bags of new goodies. It was a lovely afternoon after all the xmas craziness. Yarn is good for the soul but what does that mean to our stash?



Well....I try to limit myself. I have one shelf that is just for yarn. Once it is full I'm cut off. On that shelf I have one level for yarn to just be stacked so I can see it. These are the ones I'm hoping to use in the near future and want to be inspired by. Then on 2 other levels I have 2 pretty turquoise baskets that I keep my WIP's in and other miscellaneous knitting goodies like my scale, sock blocker etc...and then on the bottom shelf I have 2 small plastic tubs. 1 tub is for all the leftover bits of yarn from projects that I want to keep (don't ask me why because I don't know yet. I just find it horribly hard to get rid of madelinetosh even if it's only a little poof of it left..haha) and the other tub is for skeins that I've had in my stash for longer that I haven't used yet. These I'm hoping to swap or maybe sell sometime so I can make room for more new stash. See how that works...lol.

I do try to remember though that I live in a condo. I don't have tons of room and my yarn is mostly in the open so I can't easily hide it from my eyes and well, I just start to get all fidgety if I have too much yarn staring at me all the time. I already don't have enough time in the day to get my work done never mind yarn making me feel guilty for not loving it enough ;) So this year I'm planning on trying to knit from the stash I now have (new babies included) and as I work through stash I can reward myself with new skeins (plus I have to save up for Vogue Knitting Live in March!!!!) Sounds like a doable plan and one I hope to stick too. Just don't ask me about my fabric....that is a whole other can of worms (hangs head in shame).

So in honor of the new year I'm going into phase "Stash Maintenance". Not a yarn diet, but maintenance. Anyone care to join me? C'mon now....you know you want to (ummm...need to). Don't make me do it alone...lmao. And after asking you so very nicely to suffer alongside me and not buy tons of new yarn till we use what we have I'm now going to show you my new lovelies....I know...twisted. But they are soooooo purdy. I had to show them all to you. It wouldn't be fair to hide them from the world in my dark bedroom.

// SWAN'S ISLAND

SWANS ISLAND 100% ORGANIC MERINO WOOL FROM THE NATURAL COLORS COLLECTION \\ COLORWAY SHALE

- Swan's Island has been on my to knit with list for ages now. I finally caved in and scooped on this gorgeous skein of 100% organic merino (light fingering) yarn in the most lovely grey/green color. It was one of my new year's resolutions to knit with this company's gorgeous yarns! I could not put this skein down and literally refused to leave the store without it. And let me tell you  - the swatch I'm working on now is sooooo delicious. Like dreamy soft and so pretty! I can't wait to knit with it!


// MADELINETOSH

MADELINETOSH DK \\ COLORWAY DR. ZHIVAGO'S SKY

- Uhhh..hello...I  never go into the beehive and leave without some Madelinetosh. It's like an addiction. I've been wanting to add this colorway into my stash for ages and am so glad I did. I'm obsessed with this color - Dr. Zhivago's Sky! It's so pretty!

// MADELINETOSH AND INDIGO DRAGONFLY

MADELINETOSH VINTAGE (LIGHT TURQUOISE) \\ COLORWAY BUTTON JAR BLUE & INDIGO DRAGONFLY SUPERWASH WORSTED \\ COLORWAY MY OTHER ORCA IS AN OTTER

-- These lovelies were gifted to me for my stash! Lucky me! The light turquoise which is Madelinetosh Vintage was a gift from my dear friend Hannah of Ummashin and the other 2 skeins from Indigo Dragonfly were from my parents :) Both are gorgeous and I'm happy to give them a new home.

// PATONS CLASSIC WOOL WORSTED

PATONS CLASSIC WOOL WORSTED \\ COLORWAY NATURAL

- remember my French Press Felted Slippers I showed on the blog on Monday? These skeins of Patons Classic Wool Worsted yarn are going to be a pair for a gift this month :)

// PATONS CLASSIC WOOL ROVING

PATONS CLASSIC WOOL ROVING \\ COLORWAYS (LEFT) DARK GREY & (RIGHT) CHERRY

- These 2 skeins of Patons Classic Wool Roving are going to be KEATON hats for the hubs and for my oldest. They were both requested at xmas time.

Here's some other helpful posts we've done in regards to stash and WIP's to stay organized! 

KEEPING THE STASH ORGANIZED

:: YARN STASH BALL BANDS PRINTABLE
:: TOP 5 TIPS FOR CONQUERING YOUR WIP'S

Now it's your turn to spill the beans! What have you added to your stash lately? What yarns are you dying to get your hands on this year? Any tips for stash maintenance? Will you join me? 

P.S. You can get a sneaky peeky at my stash here on my instagram.

PATTERN || THE KEATON HAT (CHILD VERSION)

Yesterday I released my new hat pattern KEATON and couldn't resist showing some pics of my little one wearing her KEATON hat! My heart just melts. There is something so adorable about a kid in a chunky slouch hat! Adorable!!!!

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KEATON PDF Knitting Pattern

Add To Cart

KEATON is available in 6 sizes - baby, toddler, child/teen, adult s, adult m & adult l! Wahoo! You can make one for every one in your family & all your friends too!

Tons of colors, stripe 'em, color block 'em, add a pom pom or make one without - doesn't matter - they are all fun! Plus this is an awesome beginner pattern and so quick to make it's ideal for gift knitting!

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This is the first hat my husband and both kids have ever asked me for. It's a Christmas miracle! Now if you are a knitter you will understand how much this means. I was so excited that I have at least 2-3 more KEATON's ready to go over holiday break! I think I may need to get a family portrait with us all wearing them...that would be so dorky but also hilariously cool...lmao.

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THE KEATON HAT PATTERN FEATURES:

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:: clear and easy to understand instructions

:: bright & colorful photography

:: 6 sizes - Baby, Toddler, Child/Teen, Adult S, Adult M & Adult L

:: 2 page color PDF pattern

:: a great knitting experience

KEATON is available to purchase at the following:

1. RAVELRY 

2.  ETSY 

3. VERY SHANNON

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KEATON PDF Knitting Pattern

Add To Cart

I'm dying to see some of your kidlet KEATON's pop up! Make sure you share pics when you are done making yours!!!!

What yarn would you make your KEATON in? Color? For who? Let's chat knitting! It's Friday!!! Wishing you all a wonderful, fun, hug, snuggles, laughs - filled kind of weekend topped off with coffee, tea and lots of making :)

NEW PATTERN || KEATON HAT PATTERN!!

I've found my new favorite hat. You know the one that you want to make in 10 colors and actually find yourself hoping the weather stays cold so you can wear all the time? That's the one.

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The KEATON hat is here! And guess what - this bulky weight ribbed hat comes in sizes Baby, Toddler, Child/Teen, Adult S, Adult M & Adult L!!! Wahoo! Now you can make one for all your friends and family and just in time for xmas cause this hat is quick, fast and super easy! Takes 120yds or less (including pom pom) and knits up with so much squish I have it on word that one of my testers even slept in hers!!! 

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I've been thinking for a while now that my Mallory Cowl needed a hat to go with it. I have so many sewers wanting to learn how to knit and other new knitters needing a great easy hat to make that I just knew KEATON would be a great go to pattern for them.

The pattern is written in an easy format, with technique options, a great cast on to learn, links to helpful videos and more! I mean really....who doesn't love a pom pom right? And a pom pom on a slouch hat is a win win in my book. I suck at making pom pom's but I still love 'em. 

I really want new knitters to feel brave and embrace learning new techniques. Don't be scared - just jump in! That's how we all learn and I'm still learning too! It's fun, I promise and I'll be there cheering you on! Plus if you are a more experienced knitter this is a great hat to whip up for kicks and style. You can easily make it more/less slouchy, mix up colors, stripe it...and more! 

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I used Quince and Co.'s Puffin (shown in Clay) for the one without the pom pom (adult sized) (you all know how much I adore Quince and Co!) and the others were both in Patons Classic Wool Roving (shown in Taupe and Plum) which has the exact same gauge for me! Wahoo! You seriously can't go wrong with either of these yarns! Both are great bulky, super soft and squishy yarns! But don't worry, KEATON looks great on other types of bulky too! My testers tried a variety of bulky yarns and they all looked just as good!

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THE KEATON PATTERN FEATURES THE FOLLOWING:

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:: clear and easy to understand instructions

:: bright & colorful photography

:: 6 sizes - Baby, Toddler, Child/Teen, Adult S, Adult M & Adult L

:: 2 page color PDF pattern

:: a great knitting experience

KEATON is available to purchase at the following:

1. RAVELRY 

2.  ETSY 

3. VERY SHANNON

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But wait...aren't my models just so darn purdy? I owe them so bad. It was freeeeeeeeezing cold when we did our photo shoot and Carly of the blog "Style Snapshot" and Kate of "Victoria's Wardrobe" so kindly agreed to come out and brave the weather for me. These 2 stylish gals are friends and fashion bloggers in the city I live. I loooovvve the KEATON on them. I asked them to wear what they would wear with the hat and I love how the overall look turned out! So fun! Plus I have to admit I want to steal Carly's boots and Kate's jacket....heck I want both their outfits. I owe ya one ladies - you're both stunning! Be sure to check out both of their blogs for upcoming posts on what they wore with the hats.

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Want to see the smaller version? You can see pics of the child version here. You can also see more pics on www.veryshannon.com. I've already gotten a request from the girls for 2 more and 1 for the hubby and another for me. I see lots and lots of ribbing in my future. Good thing they are fast to make :)

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Keaton PDF Knitting Pattern

$5.00

Add To Cart

I hope you enjoy the pattern and I cannot wait to see some KEATON's pop up! If you make one please share your pics with  me! I would love to see them! Happy knitting and thank you for all of your support! xoxoxo

GIVEAWAY || VERY SHANNON THANK YOU PATTERN GIVEAWAY!

I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you for reading and for being the best readers ever!

As promised when we reached 6,000 facebook likes I would host a giveaway for you all! So here it is! I'm keeping it short and sweet and easy to enter! I've been busy working in the background on a new look for the blog that's coming very soon and also a new pattern is coming out this week - yay!!!!! Can't wait to show you all!

|| THE PRIZE ||
Three (wahoo!) lucky winners will win my entire pattern collection (includes both sewing & knitting)! You can see all my patterns here on my website www.veryshannon.com

|| HOW TO ENTER ||
- simply leave me a comment below letting me know which of my patterns is your fave.
- bonus entry: follow me on facebook , twitter, and/or sign up for our free newsletter and then leave me another comment letting me know you did so.

|| THE RULES ||
- A valid email must left in each comment or you will be disqualified. Giveaway is open until Monday, December 16th, 2013, midnight, PST.

thank you decal || anchor decal co.

Good luck and thank you again from the bottom of my heart for reading. It means more than I can type here. I heart you guys.

MAKING || HANDMADE WINTER eBOOK RELEASE & GIVEAWAY!!!!

EBOOK ||  BUY NOW

I'm so excited to tell you all about Handmade Winter - a very special project that I was so lucky to be involved in!

Handmade Winter: A Season to Gather, Make & Share eBook by the Creative Mamas Collaboration is here! I've been drooling over my copy ever since I got to see it! Such an amazing and wonderful collaboration of talented ladies and I feel so honored to be included! This gorgeous eBook just shines with the love and passion for home, family, handmade and inspiration. Every page just begs you to turn to the next one. The cover alone makes me want to curl up on the couch with my fave quilt with the fireplace on and a cup of tea in hand, to sit and reflect and read this special eBook.

The talented women who worked to bring Handmade Winter to all of you are some of the most inspiring, loving and generous women I've had the pleasure of meeting and working with. It was so fun to see what everyone brought to the table and what ideas sparked from all of our conversations. The end result was above and beyond what I could have imagined and I'm just blown away by the sheer awesomeness of these gals! The words gather, make & share truly resonate with all of us creative mamas on a daily basis and we're so excited to share this book filled with recipes, crafts, sewing, jewelry, essays, poetry and more with all of you!!!!

Would you like to see more of the inside of Handmade Winter? Yay! Keep reading to see some sneak peeks of the eBook below!

The eBook is easily broken down into 3 sections.

Under Gather you can find...

DRINK 
This was one of my favorite sections of the book! I seriously am trying every one of these bevvies! Each one is more delicious than the last! I think I squealed with delight when I saw these. I'm always on the lookout for a new "adult" bevvie during the holidays.
EAT
From soup, salad, veggies, chicken & more you cannot go wrong with any of these recipes!
SAVOR
Cookies, masala chai, and did I say cookies? LOL! This section is just delish!
HOST
Learn how to host a favorite things party as well as a winter cookie exchange.

 

Then we come to MAKE...

There are so many fun crafts and goodies to make. Walnut fairies, leather jewelry, chalkboard blocks whimsical winter decorations and more!

And under SHARE...

You've got my super fun quilted coasters (4 different patterns), cushions, felted tablet cover, child's maxi skirt...and the list goes on!

That's not it though! In between the projects and recipes there is gorgeous photography, essays, and poetry. It truly is a gorgeous eBook.

HOW MUCH IS IT & WHAT'S INSIDE?
For just $15.00 you can get the Handmade Winter eBook filled with 50+ patterns, tutorials, recipes, crafts and more!!! So much good stuff to keep you making all through the winter season. To see the entire Handmade Winter Table of Contents for all projects included, click here. 

WHO ARE THE CONTRIBUTORS?
21 talented and creative women came together to form Handmade Winter (including myself)...

The Sewing Rabbit || MollyMoo || Simple as That || Things for Boys || Curly Birds || Little Stories || Buzzmills || Sew Jereli || Maker Mama || Crafting Connections || My Life at Playtime || A Golden Afternoon || Rajovilla || Craftstorming || Small + Friendly || Living on Love || Classic Play || Salsa Pie || Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky! || The Southern Institute

|| HOW TO ENTER ||
Simply leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite thing to make/bake/cook during the winter season.

|| RULES ||
You must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified. Giveaway is open until Sunday, December 15th, 2013, midnight PST.

I hope you all enjoy a Handmade Winter as much as we did putting it together. It's such a special collaboration and I'm so excited for you all to see it!!! Find out more details and purchase your own copy of Handmade Winter here for just $15! Enjoy!!!

You can always keep track and join in with us and the other creative mamas on social media using hashtag #creativemamas and #handmadewinter on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook & more!

JOURNEY BLOG TOUR || IN COLOR ORDER, A PLAYFUL DAY & MISO CRAFTY KNITS

You all ready for some more JOURNEY Blog Tour fun today? I am!!! I hope you've all been enjoying the tour so far!

First up today is Jeni from the blog In Color Order. I positively adore Jeni. I started reading her blog eons ago drooling over her massive collection and knowledge of pyrex and vintage lovelies! Since then she's become an amazing pattern and fabric designer! Drool worthy for sure. I've been so happy to have gotten to know her and I'm so thankful that she joined in today! I squealed with delight when I spotted her Swift hat this morning! I love it on her! Does my heart good! Make sure you go by In Color Order and visit and be inspired!

You can find all things In Color Order here.

Next we have one of the most fun knitters I know - Melissa of Miso Crafty Knits. I'm so lucky to live in the same city as Melissa and get to see her regularly! She's a dear and special friend. She's also got some CRAZY knitting skills and this girl could get you excited about ice if you lived in an igloo. I love hearing about what things she's currently loving because I know I'm about to find something new to obsess over too! It's fun. I love this girl to bits and if you haven't already been to her blog go pop by. You'll love it!

You can find all things Miso Crafty Knits here.

And last but definitely not least we are stopping at the home of the amazing podcast A Playful Day. I love to listen to knitting podcasts and have recently become addicted this year. When I'm out and about waiting on the kids or their classes I plug my earphones in my ipad, whip out my knitting and get lost in a podcast. It's like always having a knitting buddy to knit with. And this podcast doesn't dissapoint either. A Playful Day is doing a review and giveaway today but stay tuned for next week when she will review the book as well on her podcast.

You can find all things A Playful Day here.

A HUGE thank you to all the ladies above for joining in! I have loved reading each and every one of your posts today!!! Thank you so much!

Follow along with the whole tour at this link and find more information on JOURNEY here on www.marianraepublications.com! Thanks for reading everyone!  We've got more to come so stay tuned!

JOURNEY BLOG TOUR || NOODLEHEAD, HEY PORKCHOP & SKIRT AS TOP!

I'm sooooo excited for today's stops on the JOURNEY Blog Tour! 

The 3 ladies joining in today are some of my favorite bloggers! 2 of which primarily sew and are new to knitting. I love that they are part of the tour today and hope you will hop on over to all 3 of their blogs and give them a warm hello! I know you will love all 3 of them!

First up is one of my long time bloggy friends Anna of the blog Noodlehead. I adore Anna and I equally adore over everything she makes. Her patterns, blog and work are all amazing plus she is a genuinely kind and awesome friend! Pop by Noodlehead today to read her review (she's been knitting for almost a year) and check out the JOURNEY project she has in the works!

You can find all things Noodlehead here.

Next up is Amanda from Hey Porkchop. First off be warned, I drool and get lost in Amanda's site every time I visit it. The yarn shots, the handmade socks, the adorable embroidery - this girl is one of my fave blogs to kill an hour at :) She's one half of the awesome biz The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery - seriously cute cross stitch patterns!

You can find all things Hey Porkchop here.

And last, but not least, the lovely Kristin of Skirt as Top. I heart Kristin. A brand new knitter who's braving the world of knitting - I'm so proud of her! She's a die hard sewer and has some seriously mad skills so I'm so proud to see her finally jump into some knitting too. You all know how much I love to convert people...hehe. I just know in a few months she'll be knitting up a storm! Make sure you go on by and cheer her on.

You can find all things Skirt as Top here.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart ladies - so excited you all joined in!!!!

Follow along with the whole tour at this link and find more information on JOURNEY here on www.marianraepublications.com! Thanks for reading everyone!  We've got more to come so stay tuned!

JOURNEY BLOG TOUR || TANIS FIBER ARTS!

Are you ready for another stop on the JOURNEY Blog Tour? Yay! I am!

Next up is uber talented Tanis of Tanis Fiber Arts! You all know how much we LOVE her yarns!!! She's also a seriously amazing designer herself so make sure you drop by her site and check out the yarns (one of my top faves) and her patterns! You won't be disappointed!

You can also enter to win an eBook of JOURNEY on her blog today too! You can find all things Tanis Fiber Arts here:

WEBSITE ||  BLOG  ||  FACEBOOK  ||  TWITTER  ||  PINTEREST  ||  INSTAGRAM  ||  RAVELRY

 Thanks so much for joining in Tanis!!!! So thrilled you loved the book!

Follow along with the whole tour at this link and find more information on JOURNEY here on www.marianraepublications.com! Thanks for reading everyone!  We've got more to come so stay tuned!

JOURNEY BLOG TOUR || THE YARNIAD & TRULY MYRTLE

We're on day two of the JOURNEY Blog Tour! Yay!

So excited for today's stops! First up is one of my fave designers and friend Hilary of The Yarniad! She's one of the sweetest gals I know and I just adore her designs and work as well! So excited to have her on board with us today! Make sure you pop by her blog today and show her some luv! You can also enter to win an eBook of JOURNEY!

You can find all things The Yarniad on her website here.

We also have the wonderful Libby of the blog Truly Myrtle on the tour today! A regular member of the luvinthemommyhood Ravlery group and one of my fave knit bloggers she's sharing which patterns are her faves from JOURNEY today and also giving away a copy of the eBook! Libby is funny, sweet and so talented so make sure you visit her too!

You can find all things Truly Myrtle on her website here.

Thank you so much for joining in Hilary and Libby! You guys are awesome!

Follow along with the whole tour at this link and find more information on JOURNEY here on www.marianraepublications.com! Thanks for reading everyone!  We've got more to come so stay tuned!

JOURNEY BLOG TOUR!

Today is the first stop on our JOURNEY Book Blog Tour! 

Jane and I have been so excited for this tour! There will be lots of giveaways all week, tons of fun and a great surprise at the end of the week on Saturday! You DO NOT want to miss it! The tour kicks off today and will run until this upcoming Saturday.  Here's all the awesome bloggers!

MONDAY \\ CELTIC CAST ON

TUESDAY \\ TRULY MYRTLE & THE YARNIAD

WEDNESDAY \\ TANIS FIBER ARTS

THURSDAY \\ HEY PORKCHOP, NOODLEHEAD & SKIRT AS TOP

FRIDAY \\ MISO CRAFTY KNITS, IN COLOR ORDER & A PLAYFUL DAY

SATURDAY \\ SINGLEHANDED KNITS

But wait - we want you to join in too! Share and chat along with the tour on social media this week! 

Use hashtag #journeyknits and tweet/instagram/fb your progress & FO pics!!!!! We are dying to see some of the JOURNEY knits in action!

First up to kick off the tour is our lovely friend Kelly from the blog Celtic Cast On! We love Kelly and are so happy to send you over her way to read her post today!

You can find all things Celtic Cast On below:

BLOG  ||  FACEBOOK  ||  PINTEREST ||  TWITTER  ||  INSTAGRAM  ||  RAVELRY

Yay! Don't forget to join in too! We want to see your JOURNEY knits! What have you been knitting or hoping to cast on for? Yarn choices? Let's chat!

SALE || HOLIDAY PATTERN SALE!

Who's in the mood for a sale? I am! We've already had our Thanksgiving here in Canada but heck, I figure I can celebrate yours in the US too! 

From November 29th (Friday) through to December 2nd (Monday) I'll be running a sale!!! Get 25% off  the entire shop!!!!! Woot woot! Use coupon code "Thankful25" to get your discount! Discount is valid on my ENTIRE pattern shop except for patterns from JOURNEY (Antrorse, Onward & Swift). You can use the discount code at the following places:

RAVELRY SHOP  ||  VERY SHANNON SHOP  ||  ETSY SHOP

So eat some turkey, hang with the family, have some laughs and get making! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend! Happy Thanksgiving, sewing & knitting! I'll see you next week - we're still sick but on the mend here. ♥

p.s. here's 2 handy links that are AWESOME lists of other sales going on this weekend! 
- pattern revolution sale post
- marly bird sale post

KNITTING || 30 DAYS OF INDY

DREIECKE HAT PATTERN || BUY NOW - use "30dayproject" for 50% off!

I was so excited when the fabulous knitting shop In the Loop asked for me to join in on their 30 Days of Indy for November! 

Each day of the month they are featuring a different independent knitting designer to showcase and offer you all an awesome deal on that designers pattern in order to promote their love of indy knitting designers!

So today I'm up! Yay! You can use the coupon code "30dayproject" in my Ravelry Shop and on www.veryshannon.com (not valid on etsy) to get 50% off my Dreiecke Hat Pattern!!!! Wahoo! Coupon is valid for today ONLY.

You all know how much I love this pattern! It's one of my faves! It's a fun, addictive little knit that looks harder than it is. Promise. It only takes about 134 yds so it's truly the perfect 1 skein project to treat yourself with! You can find more details about Dreiecke here on the blog or here on ravelry.

Thank you again to In the Loop (who also hosted a Downton Cowl Knit Along the other month - how awesome are they!!) for having me! You can find there website here.

Happy knitting!!!

p.s. the blog may be quiet this week. I'm sick and I still have 2 sick kiddos that have been home with me. We're on the mend and I'm doing my best to get back on here :)

JOURNEY || eBOOK & PATTERNS NOW AVAILABLE!

BUY NOW ---> SWIFT  ||  ONWARD  ||  ANTRORSE

The indies are here! If you've been waiting to get your hands on certain patterns from our new book JOURNEY the wait is over!

You can now buy all the patterns in JOURNEY individually as well as just the eBook on it's own. The hard copy is still available on pre-order and will start shipping approximately Dec. 6th and will be up on Amazon.com in about 2 weeks (we'll keep you posted). If you purchase the hard copy you will still receive the eBook and individual pattern Pdf's with it. Yay!

We have an upcoming JOURNEY Blog Tour (with giveaways galore) coming soon with some awesomely talented ladies as well as podcast reviews (you even get to hear Jane and I chat too..hehe) and more fun things along the way!

I cannot express in words how much all of your love and support towards JOURNEY means to me.

This book is so special to us and it means the world to see you all embrace it just as much as we have. To hear from knitters that non-knitters are loving the book as much as they do is AMAZING!  The photography alone tells its own story and the whole team who worked on the book wanted you to feel like you could step inside the journey yourself - knitter or not :)

This book has been a dream come true for me. To have such a wonderful business partner and co-author in Jane is special in itself. But to be able to have a book come to life with my name and designs on it has been something I have dreamed of since I was a little girl sitting in the library surrounded by stacks of books. The icing on the cake was for Jane and I to have complete creative control and our design aesthetics clearly represented on the pages as well. Creating Marian Rae Publications was born from a want of being able to achieve our creative goals, express our visions, tell our stories, and to showcase a more modern style of knitting book. One that can be left out on your coffee table that is both a conversation piece and creatively inspiring.

I'm getting all teared up just writing this post...thank you again, and it won't be the last time I write this for I owe all of you for the days, weeks, months and years..yes...years of reading. For supporting. For caring. For being along for the ride with me. I love you guys and I can't wait to see what's coming next and the best part is getting to share it with each and every one of you.

Sometimes the laundry, the chores, the lovely chaos of life can wait....for if you seize those precious moments and claim them your own creativity can happen. You ARE worth the time to make your dreams come true. 

Take those 5, 10, 15mins - whatever you can get and own them. Make them yours. Start with a stitch, or a sketch, or a seam and reach for them. Sometimes those dreams aren't as far away from reality as you think. Your babies will thank you. We all need to see dreams come true. No matter how old we are. As women, as mothers, we deserve it - YOU deserve it.

Now go take your own JOURNEY. And share it with me :)

HERE'S SOME HANDY LINKS

---> to purchase JOURNEY now click here.
---> to see all the pattern info from JOURNEY click here.
---> watch the video and read more about the book on our website www.marianraepublications.com
---> link to buy ANTRORSE
---> link to buy ONWARD
---> link to buy SWIFT
---> if you purchased your book at Knit City you can now redeem your coupon codes for your eBook and patterns. The coupon codes are located on the inside back cover of the book. You can redeem them by logging into ravelry, adding the eBook to your cart and then using the code at checkout OR if you are a non-ravelry user you can redeem here.

Last week I chatted about each of my patterns from JOURNEY. You can read those posts below:

ANTRORSE || ONWARD || SWIFT

|| BUY ANTRORSE NOW ||

|| BUY ONWARD NOW ||

|| BUY SWIFT NOW ||

Have you started making a project from JOURNEY? What's on your needles? Yarn you're drooling over? I've got a new coffee cup with your name on it! Do come on by and visit for a chat!

CRUSHES || YUMMY

I've got some new yummies to show you! Mmmmmm....

To me, new yarn, fabric..etc are just as good, if not better, than food. So yes...this stuff is YUMMY! When they show up at the door I get all giddy and run around my condo like a fool. Now my kids join me. They don't know why I'm excited they just know when the delivery person comes mommy is gonna be in one good mood! It's like Christmas when I make orders. I'm sure you other die hard makers can agree and relate.

This month I'm crushing on......

Mini Confetti Dots in ALL COLORS from Dear Stella. 

Seriously, how could this not brighten one's day? I get all giddy and smiley just looking at it which is exactly why I haven't cut into it yet. It's just so darn purdy.  That big FQ bundle? That's gonna be 2 quilts for my girlies. Can't wait. And the yardage you will have to wait and see....hehe.

Yes, more knits from Girl Charlee! How can I resist right? 

I have been having so much fun sewing with knits and have plans for tons more! I've already cut into that adorable penguin print on the top for some baby leggings for a friends new arrival! So freaking cute!!!! I can't wait to sew up the rest! Not sure what it will all be but most is for clothes for the girls and one is a for a top for me :) I finally bought the Renfrew Top from Sewaholic Patterns. Tasia is such a sweetheart and lives in Vancouver so I'm lucky to get to see her when we're over for Knit City and other fun events. I highly recommend her patterns.

Oh cashmere, how I love thee.

Recently while at Knit City I managed to snag these 2 new additions to my Sweet Fiber stash. Oh my gosh...I seriously cannot resist the lure of Cashmere. It's taken over my mind...lol. It's just so soft and glorious to work with. I grabbed 1 skein of Cashmerino Worsted in Spanish Coin and 1 skein of Merino Twist DK in Bloom. Melissa's yarns are seriously amazing. If you have a chance to try some take it.

I'm also working on a few secret projects. 

The pictures above and below are all in the works. I can't wait to show you more! There will be a special weekend post this Sunday as I join in on the Pattern Anthology Winter Wonderland Tour! Can't wait to show you! So make sure you pop by on Sunday and Monday to see what I whipped up for the girls!

Ok, so you know what's next right? My favorite part! I loooove to hear what new yarns/fabrics etc you're crushing on this month!!!! Fill me in. Spill the beans gals!

READING || BOOKS ON THE TABLE

you all know i have an addiction to books right? i loooooove books.

before i became a blogger i was a hairdresser. but before i became a hairdresser i worked in bookstores. i love bookstores almost as much as i love books. i worked in all sorts of positions involved in running a bookstore. my favorite was working behind the scenes. getting to choose the new titles being bought for the store, meeting with publishing house sales reps, reading advances, running book clubs - you name it, if it meant being around books i was there.

both of my folks are avid readers and i grew up with a strong passion for books and reading. i was the kid the librarian actually tried to cut off my book borrowing limit. she didn't believe i could read all the books i was checking out and tested me once and low and behold - i did :) yep, and guess who else has the same issues? my girls! i adore it! when we come home from the library we can almost not carry our library bags they are soooo full.

so lately i've been compiling a stack o' books on my desk and thought it was about time i shared some of them with you! keep reading to see which craft books i've recently had added to my library.

first up is the newest release from knitwear designer - hannah fettig! knitbot yoked is stunning. the photos are true to the quince & co signature style and the patterns...swoon! classic and clean patterns (all designed with round yokes knit from the top down) that will be timeless additions to anyones wardrobes! this book just makes you want to jump right into it and whip out your knitting needles. i loved it!

you can find more on knitbot yoked here.

sewing for all seasons is the gorgeous new title released by author susan beal (west coast crafty). susan's awesome. she's so talented and also super sweet. i just looooved the styling of this book. the pictures and projects all work well together and bring together a lovely compilation of patterns to sew throughout the year! she even has all the projects in the book sorted by season with lovely, lovely, lead pages. swoon! i can't wait to get making from this book! the pieced throw below is my absolute fave! i want to reach in and steal it from the page! love it!!!

you can find sewing for all seasons here.

can i just say that when i was a kid i adored flip dolls? so imagine how excited i was to see "flip dolls & other toys" by laura wilson come out? this book is a must have for any sewer looking to make some awesome dolls & toys! i squealed when this book arrived. it's filled to the brim with projects that are all fun, creative and ones you can have as much fun making as your kids will playing with them!

you can find flip dolls & other toys here.

OTHER TITLES ON MY TABLE

:: instacraft by Alison Caporimo and Meera Lee Patel
:: Craft-a-Doodle: 75 Creative Exercises from 18 Artists by Jenny Doh
:: Quick & Easy Baby Knits by Sarah E. White

what books have you been reading? what are your current faves this fall? mmmm...coffee's on and i'd love to chat ♥

PATTERN || SWIFT FROM "JOURNEY"

SWIFT - GEOMETRIC LACE 

Featuring a geometric lace pattern with textural details and fun angular lines,the Swift hat is as enjoyable to knit as it is to wear!

The JOURNEY pre-order is open till November 17th and when you buy the pre-order you get an INSTANT download of the e-book so you can start making right away! Yay!!! Plus they ship just in time for xmas! Books will go out on December 6th :) JOURNEY would make a lovely gift for the knitter in your life or even to treat yourself!

JOURNEY PRE-ORDER

hard copy + e-book only $26.95

individual pattern $4.95 ||

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Ohhh...Swift...I heart you. This hat pattern is so darn fun. 

You see when I knit I can tend to get bored really easy. Now don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean I always want to knit super complicated things but I like to have a bit of interest to keep me satisfied.

Swift fills all my requirements. A few easy rounds and then one fun one, easy rounds, then a fun one...and repeat...till you're done! It's easy to memorize and before you know it - you're done! Love it!

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SWIFT: Moving or capable of moving with great speed

The texture on Swift really shines thanks to Quince and Co.'s lovely sport weight yarn - Chickadee. It takes less than 2 skeins so for under $15 you get a brand new rockin' hat! Yay! This soft and springy yarn works perfect for this hat pattern! It makes my heart happy to see the movement in the stitch pattern! You know how I love me some movement and texture. Even the ribbing moves ever so slightly ♥ And don't be fooled - this hat is way easier than it looks! If you can knit, purl, and do an increase you can make it! Don't let the lace scare you away!

I had so much fun with the photoshoot for Swift too! I got to ride in an awesome vintage car (that belongs to Jane's mom and was driven by her) along with the model and photographer as we drove up and down the prettiest road! It was a riot and so fun!!! And our photographer (Nicholas Kupiak) did an amazing job. These shots are some of my faves from the book. The expression on our model Rylee's face in the shots just does me in every time.

So you know I have to show you more pics right? Yay!

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It was so fun to see all the Swift hat's made by my testers! Some even made more than 1 they enjoyed it so much! I'm knitting a 2nd one for myself in the colorway Honey right now to go with my sized Antrorse! I can't wait to show you pics of it as well and I soooo cannot wait to see your Ravelry projects pop up too! So grab some Chickadee and pic your fave color and let's get knitting together! So thankful for all of your support ♥

JOURNEY PRE-ORDER

hard copy + e-book only $26.95

individual pattern $4.95 ||

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You can find more pattern details and specifics for SWIFT here on it's ravelry project page as well as on our website Marian Rae Publications.

You know what I'm going to ask right? Which yarn /color would you make Swift in? Have you gotten a copy of JOURNEY yet? What did you think? I love hearing your comments so come chat!

p.s. for all those wondering the e-book and individual patterns will be available when the pre-order is over.

PATTERN || ONWARD FROM "JOURNEY"

The Onward Shawl - modern texture!

This modern shawl pattern showcases a lovely, textured, reversible pattern that is sure to catch your eye. It’s knit in worsted-weight yarn that’s perfect to cozy up in when the weather is cool. You’ll find this pattern (and the easy-to-memorize format) a fun knit!

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The JOURNEY pre-order

is open till November 17th and when you buy the pre-order you get an INSTANT download of the e-book so you can start making right away! Yay!!! Plus they ship just in time for xmas! Books will go out on December 6th :) JOURNEY would make a lovely gift for the knitter in your life or even to treat yourself!

JOURNEY || BUY NOW

hard copy + e-book only $26.95

individual pattern $6.95 ||

Onward is a project that is very near and dear to me. I seriously have been dreaming of this project for over a year. I swatched and sketched etc until finally everything came together with one of my favorite worsted weight yarns

Lark from Quince and Co. The stitch definition in Lark is AMAZING. Like it makes me drool. I am a big fan of texture (in case  you haven't noticed...haha) and for this shawl you really need a yarn that will make those stitches pop! Once blocked this baby has a great wingspan, can be worn in several ways and is definitely a conversation piece! It's a pattern that doesn't require a chart, is quick to memorize, easy to read your work and a GREAT beginner shawl pattern! It's a fun one! Trust me on that!

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ON.WARD: Moving or tending forward.

Onward also knits up quick. Using worsted weight for a shawl is fun people! It's warm, cozy but not so thick you can't layer it all throughout the year. I had so much fun styling it on our lovely model Rylee for the shoot. We wanted you to see the shawl in an everyday setting that is relaxed and casual. It's one of my favorite pieces to curl up with and I so hope you will enjoy it too.

If you have been wanting to jump into shawl knitting I think you would really enjoy Onward. If you know how to cast on, knit, purl, yarn over, and read directions you are good to go!

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Want to see some more pics? Yay!!!!! Isn't our photographer Nicholas Kupiak amazing!

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I can't wait to see your

Onwards

pop up on Ravelry! I really did design this shawl with a beginner knitter in mind so if you're a sewer (which I know a lot of you are) and you've gotten a few knitting projects under your belt please don't be scared to try it out! I think you'll enjoy it! The JOURNEY pre-order is open till November 17th and when you buy the pre-order you get an INSTANT download of the e-book so you can start making right away! Yay!!! Plus they ship just in time for xmas! Books will go out on December 6th :)

JOURNEY PRE-ORDER

hard copy + e-book only $26.95

individual pattern $6.95 ||

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You can find more pattern details and specifics for ONWARD here on it's ravelry project page as well as on our website Marian Rae Publications.

Ok, so spill the beans....what yarn would you make Onward in? What color? Have you made a worsted weight shawl before? I've got coffee, pull up a seat and let's chat :)

PATTERN || ANTRORSE FROM "JOURNEY"!

Antrorse is your new favorite pullover. 

Featuring a cozy reversible funnel neck that can be worn open or buttoned, this pullover delivers comfort with a modern edge. The center panel adds a fun detail that draws the eye upward - it’s slimming and fun to knit!

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Antrorse is so very special to me. I'm so smitten with the ease and comfy factor with this pullover! I feel like it just shouts Shannon in a sweater and that makes me so very happy! The funnel neck is my favorite part. Who doesn't love a great funnel? So flattering and also super stylish. And the center panel is me loving my textures and plays on movement. I just can't get enough...lol. Some people have called it a chevron but what's funny is I never saw that. I drew out my sketches of a dash or arrowhead movement pointing upward - thus the name. Call it what you will - I'm crushing on it. I'm just beyond thrilled to see my sketches come to life!

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Hard copy + e-book only $26.95
Individual pattern $6.95

PRE-ORDER

The JOURNEY pre-order is open till November 17th and when you buy the pre-order you get an INSTANT download of the e-book so you can start making right away! Yay!!! Plus they ship just in time for xmas! Books will go out on December 6th :) JOURNEY would make a lovely gift for the knitter in your life or even to treat yourself!

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An.trorse: Directed forward and upward

Knit up in the cushy aran weight Osprey from Quince and Co. Antrorse knits up super quick on 6mm needles.

The funnel is knit flat and then joined in the round and the rest of the pullover is knit top down. The sweater is designed with 2in of positive ease and is meant to be worn semi-fitted so it's perfect for layering! Pair with your fave top/tank underneath or over your new go-to dress with leggings and boots for fall. 

I've finished one up in my size (42") and just need to block it. I can't wait to show you all! I've got curves all over the place and let me tell you - I feel fab in my Antrorse! Hides all the bits I don't want shown..lol...and that's important when you've had 2 kiddos. Taller than the average gal? No worries, the center panel repeat is so easy to keep going to any length you'd like. I made the one in my size a tunic length for fun! I simply did 2 times more the repeats than the pattern calls for.  

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And now for some more pics! You all know I just can't resist! The awesome

Nicholas Kupiak did our photos for JOURNEY as well and I think they are stunning.

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I hope you will all enjoy Antrorse as much as I do! Grab your new fave aran weight yarn, some gorgeous buttons, pour a hot cup of coffee and let's knit together! The JOURNEY pre-order is open till November 17th and when you buy the pre-order you get an INSTANT download of the e-book so you can start making right away! Yay!!! Plus they ship just in time for xmas! Books will go out on December 6th :)

JOURNEY || BUY NOW

hard copy + e-book only $26.95

individual pattern $6.95 ||

BUY NOW

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You can find more pattern details and specifics for Antrorse here on it's ravelry project page as well as on our website Marian Rae Publications.

Thank you so much for all the love you guys have already shown. Seriously, it means the world to me and I'm just so thrilled that JOURNEY is here - it's a dream come true! xoxoxo

.......stay tuned for ONWARD up next tomorrow!

Now - what yarn would you make Antrorse in? What buttons would  you use? I'm dying to know!

JOURNEY || PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN!

 BUY NOW
hard copy + e-book only $26.95

------- PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN! JOURNEY IS HERE! -------

JOURNEY is now open for pre-order!!! for only $26.95 you get a hard copy, e-book and the individual digital pattern pdf's! yay! when you pre-order a hard copy of the book you will recieve the e-book immediately. the book is available for pre-order from nov. 4th-17th & books will ship dec. 6th.

A collaboration of hand knits from designers Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook (that's me - yay!) inspired by the journey of self-discovery, independence and the path back to yourself. this gorgeous collection of garment and accessory patterns forms a special book filled with beautiful photography by Nicholas Kupiak -  let the pages take you away on your own JOURNEY. this book is a must have for your knitting book collection - it includes patterns to make 2 garments, 1 pair of socks, 1 shawl, a hat and a pair of fingerless mitts. 

i'm so insanely proud of this book that jane and i wrote and published together! we love it and hope you all do as well! 

my 3 patterns are antrorse (pullover), onward (shawl) and swift (hat) and jane's are inland (cardigan), spate (fingerless mitts) and climb (socks). i cannot wait to see your projects pop up on ravelry! it feels like i've been dreaming and working on these designs for so long that it will be surreal to see you all enjoying making and wearing them! and that's the best part of JOURNEY's patterns - they are all staple pieces that are fun and not difficult to knit! we want you to enjoy yourself and relax with this collection!

CLIMB * ONWARD * SPATE * SWIFT * ANTRORSE * INLAND

you can see all the pics, watch the promo video and get info on the book on our website here - www.marianraepublications.com and also view more detailed pattern information on ravelry here - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/journey/patterns.

DETAILS

Paperback: 8 1/2 x 8 1/2, 128 pages, full color images throughout.
Publisher: Marian Rae Publications
Published: October 2013
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0991728912
ISBN-13: 978-0-9917289-1-6
For more information about the patterns in JOURNEY please visit our Ravelry Shop. 
BUY NOW

i'll be sharing posts this week and next on my 3 patterns and some behind the scenes of the book so stay tuned for that! after keeping JOURNEY a secret all year i can't wait to chat all about it so i hope you'll join me! thank you so much to all of you for your support and all the lovely and kind comments so many have already shared to us about JOURNEY! we ♥ you guys!

do you have a copy of JOURNEY yet? what pattern are you dreaming of making first? yarn crushes? share away! i'd love to hear all about it!!! xoxoxo 

*Please Note: If you purchased a hard copy of JOURNEY at Knit City last weekend you should have a coupon code in the back of your book to redeem a free copy of the eBook. This coupon code will be activated AFTER the pre-order has ended.  

JOURNEY: A COLLABORATION || PRE-RELEASE

JOURNEY from luvinthemommyhood on Vimeo.
today is a very special day. today i get to reveal to you all a very fun and exciting secret project i've been working on! i'm so thrilled to announce the upcoming release of jane and i's newest book - JOURNEY: a collaboration!!!

JOURNEY is a collaboration of hand knits from designers jane richmond and shannon cook (that's me! wahoo!) inspired by the journey of self-discovery, independence and the path back to yourself. this gorgeous collection of garment and accessory patterns forms a special book filled with beautiful photography by nicholas kupiak -  let the pages take you away on your own JOURNEY.

we have been working so very hard on designing and self-publishing JOURNEY since the spring and we hope you will all love it as much as we do! it's very special to both jane and i and it's been such a crazy and amazing journey to get here today! nicholas kupiak did a magical job with our photos and our simply stunning model rylee brought our handmade items to life! so grab a cup of coffee or hot tea, curl up and watch the special sneak peek video of JOURNEY!!!

i cannot wait to show you all the book and guess what - i won't have to wait long!!!

JOURNEY will be available exclusively this upcoming weekend (october 26th & 27th) at knit city!!!  we'll have copies available to purchase and samples on display! you can find us at Booth #4. jane and i will both be there excited to see you all!

 

not able to make knit city? don't worry - the book will be available for pre-order shortly after our return from the event and more details will come so stay tuned! i have lots more fun information, pictures and posts to show you! you don't want to miss it! 

and if you get a chance you can pop on over to our brand new marian rae publications website and get more information/see pics about JOURNEY and our previous release ISLAND.