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book review: twelve knits of christmas

A little while ago I was asked to review The Twelve Knits of Christmas  by Fiona Goble (disclosure: I received the book for free, but was not paid to review it. I'm not otherwise affiliated with it). I have to say I'm completely charmed by it. It gives directions for knitting each of the animals and characters in the Twelve Days of Christmas song, such as the calling birds, maids a-milking, geese a-laying, etc. and of course, the partridge. Keeners may choose to knit appropriate multiple quantities of each. Having the whole set would be fantastic, actually. I should get on that.

Although I've tended to sew dolls and toys more than knitting them, these are all small enough they are quick projects. The book begins with basic knitting techniques and sewing stitches like French knots and chain stitch. The directions for each character are followed by its verse in the song, which my daughter has taken delight in singing frequently. The back cover contains a card pear tree you put together for your partridge to nest in. I couldn't resist making him immediately, as I have a thing for birds, trees, nests and eggs. As you can, perhaps, tell.

Overall, it's a lovely book and I look forward to knitting more from it. Ms. Goble has written many other books of knitted toys in various themes, including farmyard animals and royal wedding characters (knitting zombies intrigues me as well). This one's the perfect book for getting into holiday mode.

whirlpool

All photos by Carrie Bostick Hoge  for Twist Collective 

I am very honoured and excited to have a design in the latest Twist Collective.

Whirlpool is a stranded fair-isle style colourwork vest worked in the round from the bottom up. Once you reach the underarms you have the choice to work the rest back and forth or include steeks to continue in the round. I wanted to make this project as accessible as possible, which is also why the charted pattern is simple and easily memorized.

It's worked in Miss Babs Northumbria BFL fingering weight and the colours in the sample above are 'Blackbird Shadows' (main colour) and 'Coventry Monochrome' (contrast colour).

There are so many wonderful patterns in this issue by people I greatly admire. My queue keeps expanding. I have loved every edition of Twist since it started, so this pattern is especially meaningful to me. Now I need to make one I can wear this winter.

rossbeg

Pattern: 'Rossbeg' by Carol Feller from Contemporary Irish Knits
Yarn: 'Wool of the Andes Tweed' from Knitpicks in North Pole Heather

I've had this book for awhile so I'm happy to finally knit something from it. This pattern was pretty fast and fun. I just added a few inches to the length of the body and sleeves. I made the buttonbands a wee bit wider as well. Should probably rip and re-knit the buttonhole band to tweak it a bit, but otherwise happy. This yarn is great for Irish cabley sweaters. In fact, I have more to make another Carol Feller pattern for myself. Also, love these toggle buttons.

I don't know why, but the girl decided leaning would make the photos more interesting.

Snow is here, so knitting is kicking into high gear. Happy weekend, peeps.