Shadow Toque

The days are getting shorter and with a chill in the air, it can mean one thing only...the holidays are closing in on us and our knitting time is running out.

So what is a knitter to do? It has to be fast and yet dramatic. The answer is simple. Hats, and in a chunky yarn.

The Shadow Toque from the Fall 2011 Interweave Knits is the perfect solution. Knit in Tobbogan at 3 stitches per inch on US 10 ½ needles it works up quickly.  The cable detail makes it special without making it too difficult.

Tobbogan is a wool and alpaca blend, so you know it will be very soft to work with and keep the recipient’s head warm during the winter months to come.

Taking only 1 skein and available in 21 colors, you can knit one for everyone on your list, whether they were naughty or nice this year. A second skein will enable you to make a big fluffy pom pom for the top, the design detail of the season.

Purchase your copy of the pattern on Interweave’s website here.

Photos courtesy of Interweave Press, Carmel Zucker, photographer.

MillaMia Stocking Kits, just in time!

Have you knit a Christmas stocking yet? Christmas stockings have long been on my to-do list, and we may have found the perfect pattern from MillaMia, a line of yarns and patterns based in England.

Scroll down for a holiday giveaway!

MillaMia is an established European brand that is now being distributed by Classic Elite Yarns here in the States. Founded and operated by two sisters who spent their childhood summers in Sweden, MillaMia's style is distinctive and contemporary.

Their products include Naturally Soft Merino, a 100% extrafine Merino machine-washable sportweight yarn in 17 colors, a collection of beautifully styled patterns for children, and cushion and stocking kits for the holidays. You can find their entire range of products here in the States beginning in January 2012, but stocking kits are available now! 

Kits include the Candy Cane (4 balls of yarn plus the pattern), Cables (3 balls of yarn plus the pattern) and lastly the Nordic Star (3 balls of yarn plus the pattern). Though pictured above in Scarlet, these kits also come in Moss and Snow (red, green and white for the holidays!) You can buy stocking kits from the retailers listed below.  If your shop isn't listed here, don't worry! Keep checking our website here for new retailers and ask for it at your LYS.

• WEBS, Northampton, MA, http://yarn.com 
• Yarn Garden, Portland, OR,  http://www.yarngarden.net 
• Stitch House Dorchester, Dorchester, MA, http://www.stitchhousedorchester.com 
• Sweet Pea's Yarns and Gifts, St. Clair, MI, http://sweetpeasyarn.com/ 
• Hub Mills Store, N. Billerica, MA, http://www.hubmillsstore.com 

We want to give one lucky reader in the United States a chance to experience MillaMia and Naturally Soft Merino this holiday season. We're giving away one stocking kit of your choice! You'll be hooked. Just comment here and let us know how you prepare your home for the holidays. Be sure to include a way to reach you, either through Ravelry or email so we can notify you if you win! We will choose a winner on December 8th at noon. Comment away!