Zippers!

Knitters are historically afraid of zippers, but they are very easy to sew in, and for this particular sweater, the zipper makes dressing easy as pie.

Zippers should always be sewn in by hand. The zipper should be the exact same length as the opening, to avoid stretching or puckering.Place the zipper in a stitch or tow so the zipper teeth will not be exposed. Pin the zipper with the right side showing, then baste it in with a simple running stitch. (Using a contrasting color thread will help.) Remove the pins and turn to the back side. Sew zipper edge with a backstitch. Repeat with the other side of the zipper, and you’re done. Be brave, and try it!

New Patterns

The latest patterns just out include the Smocked Daydress, Swedish Sailor and Elfin Stripes, all worked in my yummy CottonTail Yarn. You can find these patterns at your local yarn shops, or on-line – just google the pattern and you will find many resources. Happy knitting!

Baby Brit Sailor

Spring is the time to knit with cool cotton instead of warm wools…my Baby Brit Sailor is the perfect project for spring knitting. This pattern is knit in my lovely CottonTail yarn, a cabled cotton produced in one of the finest mills in Italy. There are myriad colors to choose from, and because it is cabled it doesn't split as many cottons do. Happy spring!

Knitting is Chic!

Even Chanel thinks knitting is cool!

Holiday Gifts

Now that we are out of our gardens it is time to review our yarn stash, and make plans for all those charming holiday gifts. Hats and mitts and socks and scarves, weekend knits and spare time knits…all to be stashed away for the holiday gift giving celebrations. My trademark QuickKnits™ are perfect for instant gratification, too!

Coco!

As a lifelong designer and admirer of fashion, I was delighted to receive a copy of The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, Life Lessons from the World’s Most Elegant Woman by Karen Karbo, published by skirt!  Chanel was a fashion legacy who continues to inspire women all over the world. This book is a funny and stylish take on Coco Chanel, full of relevant life lessons for modern women. Enjoy!

New Patterns

Here are my latest two patterns, and I've just released a mini collection. My dress patterns are all best sellers, so I am including a dress design in every collection. The Smocked Daydress sports a charming smocked bodice, which is quite easily knit. The Swedish Sailor pullover is a color blocked sweater worked entirely in garter stitch…perfect for beginners and experts alike. enjoy! You can find them here.

Outtakes

I’ve been designing and publishing for over twenty years and the photo shoots never cease to amaze me. We have a simple set, a white seamless and a few thoughtful props, but the giant banked lights are intimidating. Intimidating for anyone, never mind a two year old. We have had many a melt-down, but we always get our shot, and only once have we had to reschedule the shoot. My photographer, Nina Fuller, is amazing, working magic with the little ones. Never a dull moment!

Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves Review

Everyone loves Nicky Epstein's fabulous patterns, and incredible technical prowess. In this book she has adopted her hallmark embellished style for a collection of over 40 scarves. All knitters from beginner to advanced will be delighted with this very creative collection. Published by Nicky Epstein Books.

Visit www.nickyepstein.com.

Tree Topper Baby Hat Kit Giveaway!

Knitters can enter to win this adorable baby hat by taking part in this giveaway. The kit includes yarn and baubles and complete instructions. Happy knitting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Baby Hats

Baby showers are always delightful and my Bon Bons baby hat patterns make the perfect shower gift. Knit up in my Jil Eaton Cottontail, they are washable and perfect for newborns.

The patterns are available on my Ravelry shop. Happy knitting!

Mini Collections

Here are the two new patterns in my mini collection for May 2014. These patterns are available as pdf downloads through my Ravelry shop.

266QK Smocked Day Dress

Little girl¹s sleeveless dress with smocked bodice and ruffles.

Sizes

6 months (1 - 2 - 3) years

Materials

Jil Eaton CottonTail

267QK Swedish Sailor

Child¹s color-blocked boatneck pullover

Sizes

6 months (1 - 2 - 4 - 6) years

Materials

Jil Eaton MinnowMerino

Park Avenue Kids

Cozy Cardi

The second of my new downloadable ebooks, Park Avenue Kids, is a collection of five occasion-ready garments for little girls and boys in merino wool, cotton and mohair. Party togs for stylish tots, in worsted weight.

Here is a wonderful review from Crochet Addict UK.



Hope you enjoy this collection!

BonBon Cape

Festive Vest

Jumping Jack

Party Frock

Jil Eaton Ravelry Group

We're pleased to announce the formation of Jil Eaton Ravelry Group where knitters can chat, share information, and post photographs of their Jil Eaton projects or project made with Jil Eaton MinnowMerino or Jil Eaton CottonTail.

I'm looking forward to seeing your projects and we're always interested in your feedback. Let us know what you think. Many thanks and happy knitting!

Room with a View

For many years my studio was in a downtown cooperative, but when my son moved out I moved to a beautiful room on our second floor. Light and airy, my studio has a fabulous window view. The commute is great and the rent's even better!

My most recent book Jil Eaton's Knitting School included almost 100 tips and tricks, my special techniques for knitters. Weekly, I'm going to offer tips and tricks on my Facebook and on my Twitter. Enjoy!