The winner of the Starmore book and the Naturegarn yarn is none other than Wendy! Since she has always been so generous herself with her knowledge, contests, and patterns, I think she is very deserving, and the random number generator agreed. Congratulations to Wendy, and thanks to everyone for their insightful comments!
The comments on the knitting for men contest were especially interesting to me. There is quite a bit of angst out there about knitting for men, and there are just as many horror stories as successful ones. Dave talked about perhaps the most common problem I have noticed - there just aren't that many great patterns for men's garments. When I was getting ready to make a sweater for Dan, I searched through every magazine and book that I own (which is a considerable number of patterns) and found only one or two that were even remotely possible. I'm hoping that the increasing number of male knitters will eventually result in a better selection of garments - especially sweaters - for men, because the pickings are still pretty dismal. But Margene pointed out perhaps the best advice - if you're knitting for a man who is not yourself, let him pick the yarn and pattern for the best likelihood that he will like the resulting sweater.
Since we are now at the end of my birthday month, I'll just go ahead and announce the last birthday blog contest today. If you've been thinking about learning to spin, this one is for you.
The prizes:
The prizes are 8 ounces of pink merino roving, an Ashford student drop spindle, and a copy of "Spin It: Making Yarn from Scratch" by Lee Raven. Everything you need to get started spinning in one package!
To Enter:
Leave a comment to this post and tell me about the fiber projects you have lined up for fall. The winner will be chosen by random number generator on Saturday, September 30. Good luck everyone, and have a great week!
This is such a very generous prize. My fall fibery projects begin with joining the Twisted Knitter Along. I'm also making Snowman and Skates (Seasonal Fair Isle Vests from Knitpicks) for my mom. This will be my first adventure in steeking. Of course, I'm still knitting Caps for a Cure, and the holidays approach and I think some sisters-in-law will receive shawls.
Posted by: Sarah | September 29, 2006 at 08:32 AM
Ohhh... what am I not planning to knit this fall?? heh I'm in the dye-spin-knit along so that pretty pink wool would be WONDERFUL and seriously - a spindle spinner can NOT have too many spindles in her collection!
I've got to finish a sweater for my daughter, a second NB Canada sock for my daughter, a second sock for my son - a scarf for my son - possibly homespun - and I'm also joining Susan's Lonesome Skein knitalong and getting ready to start a cowl/shawl project for that! With all the things I want to get done I don't know if I'll get ANYTHING done - because I can't stay away from my spindle and the wool. :)
Posted by: Laura | September 29, 2006 at 03:40 PM
Fall is my second favorite season. Actually, I prefer winter. Therefore I love to knit things to wear during those months.
I have on my needles a lacy shawl, a mystery stole (french knitalong) a I have also begun knitting Christmas presents.
I dream of learning how to spin. I hesitate : a classical spindle or a "turkish" one ?
Posted by: Sonia | October 01, 2006 at 12:29 PM