Holiday 2012

I hope everyone is having a joyful holiday season. When the hustle and bustle quiets down, it's the perfect time to begin your winter knitting projects.

Give the gift of a sheep

The holidays are all about giving gifts and one of the favorite gifts I ever received was the gift of a sheep. Heifer International is a nonprofit organization that allows you to donate sheep and various other animals to people in need in countries around the world. Because this is a nonprofit, your gift donations are tax deductible.

When you purchase a sheep or a share of a sheep, your gift is given in the name of someone you love. The gift of a sheep helps fight poverty and hunger. Villagers often make wonderful wool for knitters everywhere; will you consider adding the gift of a sheep to your holiday list?

I'm thankful for...

I'm thankful for all the wonderful knitters who have been knitting my patterns for the past 18 years. Here is the Holiday Capelette pattern for you as a thank you. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Knitting Kits for The Holidays

Hi Everyone!

The holidays are right around the corner and I have some charming knitting kits perfect for gift giving. Lambikins hand puppet is adorable, charming children and adults alike.

The PomPom Learn to Knit Scarf Kit comes with the scarf already cast on, which is the most difficult part of learning to knit. After knitting the scarf, the new knitter will easily be able to cast on. This kit is perfect for mothers and grandmothers teaching children to knit, and for adults learning to knit. All kits come with Jil Eaton MinnowMerino machine-washable yarns, with a micron count next to cashmere.

Kits are available at your local yarn shops, on the internet, and at www.classiceliteyarns.com.

Happy Knitting!

When we're knitting, all is right with the world!

Yesterday I was at my doctor's office and I brought her a copy of my latest book, Jil Eaton's Knitting School: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Confident Knitter. She is a big knitter as was another of her colleagues. We were all chatting about knitting, and what a wonderful pastime it is. I mentioned that for 18 years I've been putting the slogan, "When we're knitting all is right with the world," at the end of all my patterns. My doctor was delighted with that, and said that there's science behind the concept. Apparently when we're knitting, our bodies create serotonin, which is a natural mood enhancer. So I encourage you all to pick up your needles and knit!

Dog Sweaters Studio Sale

Just in time for a holiday gift and winter weather, we have a selection of hand knit dog sweaters and jackets available. Prices range from $30-$45.

Inventory includes an assortment of the following:

 Fringe Benefits 

 Yikes Stripes

 Pom Pom

 Soutache

 Jester

 Boss Tweed

Holiday Jacket

Payment can be made through PayPal.Com using jil@minnowknits.com. Please e-mail for availability, sizing and prices. Happy Holidays! 

Fall 2012 MinnowKnits Collection

Here is the latest-my 2012 Fall Collection, just out! Patterns and yarns are available at www.classiceliteyarns.com via shopatron or, at your favorite local yarn shop.

Tunica #256

Best Vest #253

Fair Isle Set #254

Saucy #255

Popcorn Dress #257

September In The Garden

We had many magical dinners in the garden this summer. Now it's time to come in from the garden and knit. Be sure to check back for new posts soon!

Fall Photoshoot Outtakes- So You Think This is Easy?

We had some photoshoots for the Fall 2012 collection this week. The models would much rather have played footfall and air-guitar than model handknit garments. See for yourself!

First and Ten do it again!

Tom Cruise eat your heart out!

Hat's off to Minnowknits!

Tuesday Tip #42

Tip #42 It is much easier to knit with lighter colors if you are a beginner. It's difficult to see stitches when you're knitting with darker yarn.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #41

Tip #41 Removable markers are great for keeping track when casting on a large number of stitches. Place a marker every 25 stitches for easy counting if you lose track.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #40

Tip #40 Work increases or decreases one or two stitches in from the edge to avoid steps at the edge.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #39

Tip #39 When making pom-poms and tassels always use more yarn than you think you need so that they are perky.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #38

Tip #38 When knitting in the round make sure not to twist your stitches when joining your round to avoid a mobius strip.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #37

Tip #37 Increase only on the right side so you can check how the increased stitch will appear.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Knit Local: Celebrating America's Homegrown Yarns

Knit Local is an anthology created by Tanis Gray, published by Sixth and Spring Books, is a compendium of patterns knit exclusively in American yarn.  We have a fast growing list of companies that grow, spin, and dye their yarns in the U.S.  Knit Local makes it easy to support American business, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure the well being of animals.  There are over 30 designs for women, men, and the home from leading American designers, as well as a comprehensive list of fiber events and festivals across the country.

My Maritime Hat and Mitten Set was knit in Swans Island Yarns. You can find Knit Local anywhere knitting books are sold.

Tuesday Tip #36

Tip #36 Sew seams with the same tension as your gauge.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #35, Happy Valentines Day!

Tip #35 Don't be afraid to experiment, especially with color. You can bring your own creativity to light! Switching colors in the same yarn is an easy way to customize your garment, as the gauge stays the same.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #34

Tip #34 Add a new ball of yarn at the edge of your knitting leaving a 6 inch tail from the old ball and another 6 inch tail for the new ball.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #33

Tip #33 Enlarge charts on copier for easier reading.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #32

Tip #32 An I-cord bind off makes a beautiful and invisible finish.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #31

Tip #31 Measure your gauge using a metal gauge ruler or cloth tape that can't be stretched.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #30

Tip #30 For mohair or other fuzzy yarns, freezing your piece for a few hours will make ripping out easier. Really.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.

Tuesday Tip #29

Tip #29 Never hesitate to adapt a pattern for your own shape, if you are high-waisted omit a few inches before the armhole begins, if you are low-waisted, add a few inches.

For a complete set of my tips and tricks, look for my latest book
Jil Eaton's Knitting School: A complete guide to becoming a confident knitter.