HRYC

but... there are way too many amazing cardigan and sweater patterns out there now.

While i'm still knitting the sample Melia for when Ysolda's new book arrives, and I do love it - I can't help but wistfully think of all the yet unknitted projects in my wardrobe of the future.

Such as, a Vine Yoke cardigan (from Ysolda, of course)

And a Folded, that Susan put me onto over the weekend

Or what about a Manu?

Which will need to wait until I get in the Cascade Superwash Sport, but still. Isn't it gorgeous?

The there is the Hooray Cardigan, Claire Bennet and all the other sock, scarf and hat patterns I want to knit. How does a knitter do it all? There is only a certain amount of knitting time in a day...

How about a challenge? I'm going to commit to knitting each of these patterns pictured by the end of winter. For me. They might hang out in the shop, but the main aim will be to end up in my wardrobe. I'll keep you updated - and hound me if I don't!

Thanks so much everyone so spreading the Holland Road word all over the interwebs!

Seeing as some people posted in 3 places, I had to literally draw names out of the hat.

And the winner, of a $50 voucher and specially signed copies of Creating Original Hand Knitted Lace and Wrapped in Lace is...

ZOE!

Yay! Pop by anytime to pick up your prize!

And because I had two sets of books to give away, there is a runner up!

Well done Helene - i'll flick you an email and get your books in the post asap.

xx

When I first heard about the Glassons Knit for Christchurch campaign, I was pretty skeptical. My main concern was that it would result in lots of awful, acrylic scarves, with average knitting abilities displayed. A great cause, but every chance of becoming a showcase for non-knitters to be put of hand knit items all over again.

Which is why i've decided to support the cause. A skein of red and one of black Cascade 220 bought together with the mention of Glassons and/or Christchurch will get them for only $25 - the price House of G is reselling the scarves for. That's $5 bucks spare you can use to grab a coffee!

PS if you buy them online, flick me an email when you are done and i'll refund the $5 if paying by paypal, or give you a new total if paying by direct debit. WIN.

PPS I don't understand why males knitting equates to 'showing a sensitive side'. In fact, I could get quite angry about it. But I won't. Ahem.

Lots of new treats have arrived in the last few days -

Gorgeous new colours from Spinning a Yarn

Loads of new books to drool over and be inspired by...

Gorgeous vintage buttons that are selling faster than I can sew them onto cards...

And, finally, the new Knitsch worsted. Left is 'Indian Summer' and right is 'Night Swimming'. More colours will be in stock over Thursday and Friday, including a golden yellow, burnt orange, forest green and a beeeeyooootiful dark navy teal. These are all strictly limited edition - 200g/ 288m and $36 each. Om nom nom nom!

I don't tend to hang out at knitting.com. The reason for moseying over there was to find out more about this post from one of the awesome knitters that wrote knitting.com's best knitting book of the year: New England Knits.

59% of votes is a pretty strong indication of how fantastic this book is. And we have it in store! $38 is a bit of a bargain for such beautifully designed patterns.

In the Runner Up list is Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders - another book that flies out the door faster than I can get copies. I've got other great titles arriving almost every day, and of course still wriggling with excitement about the future arrival of Ysolda's new book, Little Red in the City.

Spoilt for choice, seriously!