Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A Contest, Just Because

This is a just because contest, just because I am in the mood to have one. I am going to be awarding knitterly prizes to the winners (there will be three). Probably some soft alpaca, bulky wool, maybe some sock yarn and some gadgets. To enter, all you have to do is comment, telling me your favorite yarn (it can be brand or type) and your favorite project, not that the yarn and the project have to go together. For extra entries, you can comment on other posts (an entry per post) and link this contest to your blog for another entry. In addition, you get an entry for every person you send this way.

The 1st prize will be the person with the most entries; the wonderful random generator will select the other two winners. The contest will be open until midnight November 23, 2008.

Is this easy enough? I am really looking forward to everyone’s entries and information on favorite yarns and projects.

58 comments:

leah said...

How fun! My favorite project is socks! as for yarn...there are so many good choices, but right now I'd have to say my handspun :)

sheep#100 said...

I think my favorite project is the simple Stockinette sock with a 2x2 rib in my favorite sock yarn, Socks That Rock, unless it is child socks then I like Cascade Fixation (extra stretch for growing feet).

My Number Guy loves Knit Picks Andean Silk for almost any worsted weight item.

Renna said...

I guess this would be the time to come out of lurkdom! ;-)

To be honest, I've not tried enough yarns to determine a favorite. I live in a small town without a LYS (gasp!). I've only ever visited a real live LYS a couple of times in my life. Other than that have been trips to craft stores, and ordering online. It's hard to know what to order without first feeling it, plus living on an extremely tight budget, there's not much opportunity for that, either. I like to knit hats, and I love a really soft worsted, such as a merino.

Sandra said...

I always have at least 2 or 3 socks on the go - they are my "go-to" project when I need somehting mindless and small. I love all the sock yarns, especially those by small hand-dyers. I'm in the process of knitting an Kauni sweater, and am loving that yarn as well. But nothing beats alpaca for touch!
As for projects - socks, shawls, lace, texture - if it's knitting, I love it.

smariek said...

I'm not entering the contest, but I did mention it on my blog so you'll get more visitors. :-)

Right now my favorite yarn is Elann's Luxury Merino Superwash. And my favorite project at the moment is the one I just finished, my Saint Albans Scarf, which I wore today. :-) You can see photos of it on my blog.

Jean said...

My favorite yarn at this very moment is Malabrigo and my favorite project right now are cowls (I can't really choose a specific cowl as with each cowl, that particular one becomes my favorite on that day). I will place a link to your site when I update my blog tonight (or at the latest tommorrow). I found your blog thru Smariek's blog, I totally love her patterns too and can be counted among my favorites - see I'm a fickle knitter, if I start to think of another project I change my mind again!

Heide said...

I love socks too! My most favorite yarn to use is Louet Gems because it wears very well. My most coveted yarn though is Seasilk... I've never used it or else it may knock my stalward Louet out of first place. I've linked to your contest over at
www.heideho.wordpress.com
Cheers!

Liz said...

Well, look at that! Was going to comment anyway and found your contest ^_^

re: paraffin — When I worked at the Toyota factory, they had bins of hot wax at every station. It was the best way to warm up your hands before working on the line, and doing it after would help prevent cramping in your sleep. I wish I had one at home! lol

Let's see… my favourite yarn would have to be anything by Mirasol. I think I love Alpaca, and their yarn is just so awesome. I recently made a hat (Gretel) out of Mirasol Miski, and it's probably my favourite project to date.

I'll be mentioning your contest in my next post! Thanks for hosting a contest ^_^

Laura said...

My favourite things to knit are socks, I knit them pretty much exclusively, unless a family member asks for something else.
So far my I would have to say my favourite yarn is from Yarnlust on Etsy, she is great to work with for custom orders and her dying skills are amazing. I always knit on circulars and I no matter how old I get I don't think I will ever get to knit all the sock patterns I have collected..:) I can't be the only one.

Unknown said...

My favorite yarns are almost any Noro yarn and I love knitting bags.

Jan E said...

I'm torn between Malabrigo (for how it feels) and Noro (for the colors!) for favorite yarns. Right now I'm knitting a lot of dishcloths as a way to practice different stitches. I like to finish stuff, so they're a no-brainer for that too.

Nyxxie said...

Recently I have decided that Malabrigo may be my new favorite I also love Noro and lots of other brands.

Catherine said...

Malabrigo, for sure. And my favorite project is the simple hat and mittens that I knit from some bright green Malabrigo for my son. I love seeing his little green head bob up and down in the leaf piles and snow drifts and know that I made his gear and it's keeping him warm! Heard about your contest from Heide over at heideho.wordpress. Thanks!

Ye Merrie Quilter said...

Usually I'm a quilter, but about a year ago I learned how to knit socks and have cranked out about six pairs since. I have also made a couple hats, like the Elf Hat Project from the Cabincove.com site, which is what I'm working on now, using my own pattern. I love the Pagewood Farms yarn for socks, and I'm using Cascade 220 for the hats. SOFT and very easy to work with.

Elaine said...

I'm a Noro-lover, and I usually knit sweaters or jackets.

I'll post a pointer to you contest on my blog.

Elaine said...

Oops - I forgot to say that Tom sent me over to your contest.

MLE said...

I don't have a favorite yarn, but I do have a fondness for the fun bulky yarns. My favorite project so far has been a cute little doggie sweater. I tend to make a lot of hats for charity and scarves and baby blankets for friends. I haven't tried socks yet.

Unknown said...

Hmm. Currently my favorite project is actually only in my head. :P I have a gorgeous design in mind, now I just need to swing by the LYS and get the yarn!

My favorite yarn right now? Oh, if I could only remember the name! It was a silk yarn at my LYS that was SO shiny, and SO silky, and SO smooth, and SO soft. *happy sigh* Unfortunately, one hank was $22. *not so happy sigh*

My second favorite yarn right now is Plymouth Yarn's Royal Llama Silk. Ooooooh, SO nice.

My third favorite yarn is South West Trading Co's Love yarn. 70% bamboo, 30% silk. HEAVENLY.

Oh, yeah, and I blogged. ;)
http://blueridgeknits.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/so-no-fos-today-but-a-heads-up-about-several-more-blog-contests/

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

My favorite yarn and project are whatever I'm working with/on at the moment. I am the personification of fickle. I am here via Liz (riizu.blogspot.com) and I have posted on my blog.

Darcys Knotty Knitter said...

I love noro for its colors and Iam finally knitting the pattern I have always wanted to knit the lizard ridge blanket.For softness malabrigo is my favorite yarn.Hugs Darcy

Elaine said...

I posted your contest on my blog. I hope lots of people rush over and say I sent them!

Unknown said...

Good question. I love alpaca - it is so soft and yummy. I really don't have a favorite brand although I do like Elann's a lot and it is very reasonably priced.

Now what do I love knitting? What don't I love knitting is an easier question. Actually, unlike everyone else these days, I don't like knitting socks although I love knitting other things with sock yarn.

And Elaine told me to let you know she sent me over.

Unknown said...

I forgot to mention that Riizu sent me. *headdesk*

Turtle said...

hi there, i came to you through wiknit! I love socks and hats, fun small and portable, as far as favorite yarns...well, that seems to change from day to day! i enjoy them all as long as they are not the type to split horribly when working with it. (i linked to your post)

LaVerna said...

My favorite yarn has to be Malabrigo.My favorite project is one I just finished-the Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret.It was so quick and fun-I am about to cast on for another!

Bluebird49 said...

Is it dumb to say my favorite project is toys for my grandkids?? They're always appreciated, and for me, easier for people to scrutinize! I'd LOVE to try something like cashmere, or seasilk--but mostly have to stay with elann or KP merinos--and even with acrylics for the grandkids at times.

Bianca said...

My project at the moment is to knit socks for Kelli. Am working on the fifth pair, and I hope to have all seven pairs done before December comes. It is fun, as she allows me to be inventive and design especially for her.

Besides that I love to knit for my youngest, and work on a blanket KAL. All at its given time...

Unknown said...

My favorite yarn is Silk Garden, I think. I just love the colors. And my favorite thing to knit right now are scarfs.


I came her from Elaine's blog (elaine-knitting.blogspot.com)

purple-power said...

My favorite project is whatever I'm currently working on. If I don't love it, I usually just stick it in the closet and let it "mature". As for yarns - I love just about any natural fiber, especially if it's purple

Fun contest.

Elaine sent me.

Debbie said...

My favorite yarn is Southwest Trading Bamboo, it's so soft and drapey. My fav thing to knit is scarves or socks. I'm addicted to both. LOL Thanks for the contest. Debbie

ikkinlala said...

My favourite yarn ever was some that a friend of my mom's spun for me, as much because of the sentiment as because of the yarn itself. I don't have a favourite brand of commercial yarn, but lately I really like tightly-spun/springy sock yarn.

My favourite project is socks, often Thuja (from Knitty) or a modification of it to use a lighter weight yarn.

April said...

I found you through Smariek. I don't really have a favorite yarn. I guess it all depends on what I'm currently knitting. I don't have a LYS within about 30 miles, so I tend to do a lot of ordering online and Knit Picks is always a great bargain.

Ms. Diva said...

Right now my favorite yarn is whatever I am working with at the moment. My favorite project is hats - it gets cold watching kids baseball this time of year!!=)

Unknown said...

My favorite project right now is the Dino Scarf from Morehouse Merino. It's too cute!

My favorite yarn right now is YarnPirate's superwash merino. She is quite creative in her colorways.

wenat said...

My favourite yarn is malabrigo lace, which is so amazingly soft, and comes in stunning colours. I love lace shawls in Malabrigo lace!

Christine said...

My favorite type of yarn is an alpaca/merino blend.....oh, pish....I LOVE alpaca...and alpaca/silk makes me swoon.

I lurve knitting lace shawls. I keep knitting them. I fall asleep with most other projects, but this keeps me going knitting.

I heard about your contest from smariek.

Kristen said...

I came here from WiKnit.
I am a relatively new knitter so I haven't had a chance to try a large number of yarns, but so far my favorite has been Sheep Shop Yarn's Sheep 3. It's a wool/silk blend and it was so nice to knit and to wear. Love it.

squiggi said...

My favorite yarn has to be blue moon fiber arts socks that rock.
My favorite project, socks, of course!

Alex Debra said...

my favorite project is knitting scarves with all kinds of different patterns or cables. I love, love, Alpaca Silk yarn. It is so soft! just the best!

Alex Debra said...

I love knitting scarves with Alpaca/silk yarn. They are so warm and soft.

crochetgurl said...

Hello! My favorite yarn is Berroco Ultra Alpaca because I love working with wool, and I love the soft hairiness that the alpaca lends to the yarn. (I am actually knitting Gretel with the Ultra Alpaca at the moment.)

My favorite project would be my Opulent Raglan from the latest issue of Knitscene. It was quite easy, beautiful, and didn't take too long to knit! :-)

Grace said...

My favorite yarn is definitely alpaca, and my favorite project is a shawl any shawl, going through withdrawal right now as I am so busy doing Christmas gifts, and no shawls among them!

Marissa said...

I love to knit. HAVE to knit, will knit anything. Right now, it's socks, and sock yarns. Love hand-dyed especially. I'm easy...I love it all!
And, hey, my friend Grace said to tell ya she sent me, winkwink.

kathy b said...

Hi

I came from Grace at lovingcomfortknits post on your contest!

My favorite project is now the maze hat from knitty 06 that I made for my snowboarding son. I used Zara. MMMMMM>

katerina said...

My favorite yarn is Malabrigo, it so soft and lovely, and at the moment my favorite projects are anything baby- related - they're so small and fun to make! I'm realy enjoying knitting baby sweaters right now.

cthulhulovesme said...

I'm another Noro lover. I've made hats, scarves, sweaters, and now even a blanket out of it.

As far as favorite projects go, I'd say as a type I really like knitting toys/sculptural pieces. I enjoy making the unexpected out of yarn.

SylvChezPlum said...

My favorite yarn is Kureyon. I can't get enough of those color changes and this -real-deal-wool texture.. :-P
As for favorite project, I'd say mitts. So quick to make, sassy and wearable.. and so many design possibilities !!
Sylv (syliveATchezplumDOTcom)

Abby said...

My favorite brand of yarn is Malabrigo, so soft and squishy! I especially love the silky.

My current favorite project is the monster that I made for the son of a swap partener. He named it the Yo Gabba Gabba monster (Pictures to come tomorrow or the next day in my blog! =]).

Taylin said...

I love handspun yarn (sock in particular) and Frog Tree Meriboo. My favorite project right now is a lacy vest in Meriboo.

Aster.etsy.com

adrienne said...

my favorite is yarn and my favorite project is usually whichever sock i am working on at the moment.

posting your contest on my blog now!

monica said...

what fun.
Favorite project: socks
Favorite yarn: there are so many that I call favorites but right now my favorite sock yarn is anything Pagewood Farm. Favorite fiber would be baby alpaca and cashmere blends. But I love merino and BFL too, it all depends on the project.

Tabitha said...

I love pretty much any yarn that I am using at the moment. I rarely knit yarns that I don't adore. I am crazy about alpaca yarns.

Anonymous said...

Not very original, I know, but I love to knit socks! I'm learning to spin with a drop spindle, so hopefully one day my homespun will be my favorite to work with, but for now I really like Lorna's Laces (I'm pretty easy to please!). Malabrigo's superb - I was lucky enough to be gifted 1/3 of a skein (x2), so I'm planning on making a few fingerless mittens. Those are also fun, and are really more handy than I ever imagined! (Sorry for the pun...)

Tally Knits said...

I think my favorite thing I've knit would have to be my Bird In The Hand mittens. I knit them recently and they were my first stranded colorwork project, making me fall in love with color knitting!

My favorite yarn... I really like Frog Tree Merino Worsted, my handspun, and anything Araucania or Blue Sky Alpacas.

Anonymous said...

My favorite project to wear is my Lady Eleanor shawl, knit with Boku. The Entrelac pattern always gets compliments, and it is warm and soft.

Heddy said...

cool idea for a contest ... my favorite pattern is Broadripple socks, and my favorite yarn is Kertzer On Your Toes bamboo ... the finished product is like silk, so soft, but very sturdy and wears well.

Beverly said...

Cool (and sneaky) to have a winner be the person with the most entries. I have nothing better to do than comment on everything you have here!!! I'm kidding...I think. I am having my own contest on my blog to give away to boxes of yarn. I think my husband would look at me with a quizzical brow if I told him I won a contest where I get yarn as the prize....but he's so cute when he's quizzical.

Anyway, my favorite yarn is Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn. I do a great deal of mission and charity knitting and using expensive or high end yarns wouldn't do. I Love This Yarn comes in great colors, knits up lushly and is machine washable and dryable which makes it durable - that's a good thing because we give away items to the the homelss and to new moms and that makes it easier than the hand wash stuff.

I only knit with 4,5,6 yarn. don't do sock yarn or dk weight. not a snob just my preference.

Favorite project? I make afghans and I cry a little when they sell. I don't know why, but it's only the afghans that make me weepy.

rita said...

Auuuggghhhhh!!! I missed it! I need to pay closer attention!!!