It was close, but I made it! My sister got a finished Positano Tote under the tree. She did see it ahead of time, though, because we were snowbound together at my house. I finished it the morning of the 23rd, right before we packed up to make the long trek to our parents’ house.

Pattern: Interweave Knits Winter 2008 Positano Tote
Yarn: Wool of the Andes Amber Heather
Needles: US 7 24″ circular and US 5 DPNs <

Okay, so I only made one mitten when I was snowed in at home last week, but it’s all a part of the plan. You see, I’ve long admired all the cute colorwork mitten patterns out there, but I don’t wear mittens (or know anybody gift-worthy who does). I’m a devoted glove gal because of what I refer to as “finger claustrophobia”–fellow glove wearers probably know what I’m talking about!
Anyway, so a while back I decided that I would make mittens, but I would make one each of several different cool patterns using different combos of the same colors and frame them as an art display in my home. I think colorwork is art, don’t you?
The yarn I chose was my personal favorite, Palette, and the colors I picked for my little art project are Pimento, Golden Heather, Green Tea Heather & …

That’s right. Our last giveaway was such a success that we’re already at it again. But this time you’re going to have to work for that prize. Here’s what we want you to do.
We will be knitting a home decor project out of worsted weight yarn using size 10 needles. The first one to complete their project, post a photo on their Knitting Community blog, personal blog, or Ravelry and link to it from the Speed Knitting Contest knitalong wins a Knit Picks needle set (you choose which one), a fiber yarn sampler, and the knitting book of your choice. That’s over $100 value. The home decor project will not be announced until the last week of January to give everyone a chance to get their supplies, stretch properly, get well hydrated, and perfect their speed knitting techniques.
Here’s how it’s going to work:
Step 1- Join the Speed Knitting Contest Knitalong …

<

This weekend I finally cast-off Delilia’s baby blanket. I still have a few details to add and then I will send it off!
<

<

I’m excited to see how many people have signed up to participate in our speed knitting contest.
The race isn’t on quite yet, but we’ve made a new video to help you get ready to knit FAST! This is a new take on the tips we’ve gleaned from Miriam Tegels, the world’s fastest knitter. At your request we’ve filmed it from a new perspective so you can get a better view of how to minimize your movements, keep your tension, and knit faster.
You’ve still got a couple more weeks to practice, Practice, PRACTICE!
Check back next week for a look at what techniques you’ll need to know to complete the mystery project successfully. Don’t worry, we consider this pattern an advanced beginner pattern, and we’ll provide a list of tutorials next week to give you a little time to master any you haven’t tried before. …

<