Wednesday, January 15, 2014

New Year’s Knitting Resolutions + KALs

Annie O'Day by Amanda Rios
Sample is knit with 2 skeins La Jolla
in My Sweet Valentine
Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a great holiday and that 2014 is off to a wonderful start. This is a great time of year to assess your crafting and decide what your goals are for 2014: Are you just starting your knitting or crocheting journey? Would you like to learn how to read charts or knit cables? Is there a type of project you've been wanting to make, but you just haven't had the confidence to cast on? We'd love to hear what your knitting and crocheting aspirations are for the new year - and we'd like to help you make them happen! We're always adding to our Tips, Techniques and Tutorials board on Pinterest; you can also read this guest post about swatching for your sweater project or check out this elastic cast-on tutorial video featuring our yarn for a little inspiration and encouragement!

Whatever you resolve to try in the new year, we hope that so-called 'selfish' knitting also makes the list! As wonderful as it is to make projects for those in need or loved ones, it's important to also treat yourself to a special project using a yarn you love. We'd like to invite you to knit along with us in the Baah Yarn Ravelry group, where we are hosting a come-as-you-are KAL for the Annie O'Day shawl pattern; the largest size uses two skeins of our La Jolla yarn, or you can opt to knit the smaller size using just one skein of La Jolla! And, of course, there is a chance to win a yarny prize for participating!

KaPOM hat by Mari Chiba
Be sure to mark your calendars for the Holla Knits KAL, which starts on Monday, February 3! You can choose any Holla Knits pattern to knit along (click here for more information); we recommend the KaPOM Hat by Mari Chiba, which uses 3 colors of Shasta Worsted to make a cute bonnet-style hat that's perfect for warding off the next polar vortex! Everyone who finishes their KAL project by May 2 will win a free Holla Knits pattern of their choosing, plus they will be entered to win grand prizes (including some Baah yarn)!

Thanks for joining us this month; we look forward to making 2014 our yarniest year yet!