5 more days til Christmas

Oops.  That busy weekend led to a very busy week at work before a bit of a holiday break.  Throw in lots of cookie baking, decorating the tree and a gift or two to knit and there goes the blog for a few days.



We didn't make Mimi's sugar cookies last year.  I think I missed her a bit too much.  But it was really nice to make them this week with Lil' Snowboarder.  Still my favorite cookies from childhood.  One of the holiday traditions I remember.  Speaking of which, thank you all so much for sharing your family traditions.  I loved reading each and every one of them!

So let's get to the winner!

                           Olivia from Carry Moonbeam

Congratulations Olivia!!  Send me your address when you get a chance (either through Ravelry irishgirlieknits or email irishgirlieknits AT gmail DOT com) and I'll get your prize out to you next week :)

And a few pattern winners are....

                            Shirley
                            Sarah JS
                            Marilynknits
                            Kucki68
                            FowlervillesDeb

Pattern winners, you can pick one pattern (value of $6.00 or less) from my pattern store here and I'll send it to you through ravelry or email if you prefer. 

Thank you all for helping me celebrate my blogiversary! And finally, I have a new pattern to share with you.  Introducing....

Big Trees



Back in the summer, Dani, from Sunshine Yarns, and I collaborated on this project.  I absolutely love her colorways and was thrilled to be able to design with one of her colorway collections.  The Forest Colorways that she sent, paired with our vacation in Arnold, near Calaveras Big Trees State Park, inspired this crescent shawl pattern.







I also think this shawl would be lovely knit in just one or two colors as well, don't you think?



There are quite a few ways to wear this shawl too, which makes it quite versatile. 

A special thanks to my favorite model for coming home for Thanksgiving, just in time for a photo shoot :)  I really miss Thayer, but particularly when I'm up against a deadline and she is halfway around the world!  And of course, Jill from Knitterella, for the awesome pattern layout.  Thank you both!

Finished measurements:  74” wide and 17” long at center point, after blocking

Suggested Yarns: ~ 185 yards (Color A), 90 yards (Color B) 180 yards (Color C), 125 yards (Color D) of fingering weight yarns such as Sunshine Yarns Single Ply Merino Fine, Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock

Materials:

·         Size US 6 (4.0 mm) or size to obtain gauge, knitting needles

·         Tapestry needle

·         Blocking pins and/or blocking wires

Gauge:  24 sts and 32 rows= 4” over st st before blocking

Notes: Instructions are written for a top-down shawl.  Both charted and written instructions are provided for the lace pattern.  
 



I'm excited because this pattern is going to be the first pattern in my new Sullivan Family Collection.  The collection will include 4 shawl designs inspired by special places for my family, such as Big Trees.  There will also be 2 additional, smaller accessories patterns (e.g., think hat, cowl, socks) in the collection.  These six patterns will be released between now and early April 2013.  Six patterns for $18.  Each of the patterns will also be available for individual sale at $6.00 a piece (yes, the collection is an $18 savings, or $3 per pattern).

I'll also be running a special introductory price on The Sullivan Family Collection for $15, from now until January 8, 2013. 



If you are interested in purchasing the pattern individually, it will be on sale for $5 until December 26, 2012 (then retail at $6).  




I think this post is getting long enough, so check back soon for a few holiday gifts I've been knitting and another new design (remember those Cotty Fingerless gloves?!?! hint hint) to release, just in time for last minute holiday knitting!  For now, I'll leave you with sparkly lights....



Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits