11/16/09

knit + purl


A big hi and hello! It's Jen from HeyJenRenee and I have just loved seeing all of the fun guesties pop up here from all over blogland the past few weeks. Like everyone who has posted here before me, I wanted to give all our best wishes and a huge congrats to the Denbow family on the arrival of little Ruby. She sure looks like such a sweet bundle of happiness and I know all of us internet pals were so excited to see those first photos of her adorable little face. Congrats!

I'm so very excited to be guest blogging this week (thanks so much, Rachel) and I have a couple of cool knitting projects to share. Over the past year or so, I became a knitter. A full-fledged knitter. It was an immediate addiction and luckily I have a few girlfriends who don't mind meeting up once in awhile for a little stitchery, so I'm in good company. I try to knit something every day. I'm pretty sure it would make my grandma proud.

My latest and greatest project is the Chorley Wrap from Rowan Magazine 46. I saw a knitted sample of this at a local yarn shop, and it was the first time my jaw dropped after looking at a knitting pattern. Oh my ... I just had to make one.

And in three and a half days (and ten skeins of yarn,) I did. Oh, how I love this thing! I used Rowan Big Wool in this awesome smokey gray color (called 'glum' - ha!)

Gorgeous cables and ties in the back (so it stays on, arms free.) It's super chunky and oh so warm.

Perfect for a person like me who is absolutely freezing all winter long. Wearing this is like getting away with wearing a blanket/throw out in public. A very stylish one. I can see myself snuggling up in this at all of my holiday gatherings next month.

And now, just a few things you should check out. One of my favorite knitter girls on Etsy is Yokoo (whose designs are being picked up by Urban Outfitters.)

And I'm a huge fan of these re-purposed/upcycled scarves by Kelley Deal (of the Breeders.) She also has a book out about knitted/crocheted bags.

This is my favorite knitting photo of all time. I would love to try something this huge. Giant knitting is just incredible. This is from a project Christien Meindertsma created for the exhibit Design for a Living World at Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

Last but not least – in honor of Little Red, I'd love to give away this super chunky red hand-knit cowl, made by me. Super toasty warm and perfect for the winter months ahead!

Just leave a comment here and I'll pick a winner when I return on Friday with more hand-knit eye candy. See you then!

(e.t.a. – YES, I'm on Ravelry! I'm 'heyjenrenee' there, too.)

184 comments:

Samantha said...

I loooove the color! I was always jealous of people who could knit. I can never get the hang of it.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous eye candy! I would love to learn to knit! The red is so pretty, count me in! Thanks for an awesome giveaway :)

JAJjourneyahead said...

so beautiful! and I've asked for knitting lessons for Christmas....thank you for the inspiration....

Anonymous said...

I love this, the color is perfect. Thanks for such a pretty giveaway.

Morgan said...

Oh, I love that! I am just learning to crochet, but maybe I should switch to knitting? Your pictures are sure making me want to!! :)

Holly said...

Hi Jen! Your knit creations always inspire me... and that giant knitting photo is UNREAL! Love it. Thanks for doing a giveaway!!
XO

Lisa said...

Love it!!! It's looks like red bubbles. Your other projects are beautiful as well. Great post!

Unknown said...

I just began crocheting over the weekend, and am now a chain stitching fool! I think I'll try to get a bit better at that before picking up kinitting. I LOVE all the photos you shared, but the all white was simply GORGEOUS! :)

mrs boo radley said...

LOVE the huge knits.

Sarah said...

What a gorgeous cowl!
I'm a jewelry-maker for now, but your post has made me renew my resolve to learn to knit. Thanks for the giveaway offer!
-- Sarah

SG said...

What a beautiful color! I love it.

Love or Nothing said...

those projects look amazing!! love it.

Michelle said...

That is beautiful! I'm having a coworker attempt to teach me to knit..

RachelDenbow said...

So much knitted love in this post. I think your new gray wrap is the fashionable answer for those who are even slightly tempted by the Snuggie!

Just heard it might snow today so these are making me want to wrap up in something. Great giveaway, too!!!

Unknown said...

How lovely!!! Your work is amazing.. Makes me want to learn to knit. I can crochet I wonder how difficult it would be lol.

Bri Bri said...

Wow! All these photos are so cool! I used to knit when I was a desk worker in college. I would sit there all night knitting and checking IDs. One of my favorite jobs so far... lol! :) Anyway, I'd love to have some of your beautiful work and thnks for the inspiration!

Sarah M said...

yay!! I am also big into knitting and L-O-V-E chunky yarns best!
If you are buying that many big skeins for one project--do you buy them wholesale or cheaply online at a good website? Please share!!
We only have one LYS and it is expensive! 1superbulky would easily cost $20/skein there! eesh! I love your cowl, so here is my official "entry"! :)
Sarah M
ps--are you on ravelry? (ssmast)

Kristin Ryan said...

My goal after writing two eleven page research papers is to tackle knitting in a few weeks. Your cowl is so lovely, and I've never seen a shade of red that pretty.

Holly F. said...

I've always wanted to learn how to knit; maybe once my husband graduates from college in a few months, I'll have time! :)

P.S. Red is my favorite color, nay, thing of all time.

Jamie said...

Gorgeous!!!!
That ginormous knitting photo is amazing!!! Love it!!!!
Love the RED you're giving away! Pick me! Pick me! ;)

Vee said...

love the wrap jen!!! it is gorgeous! :)

Jessica said...

Love the RED!! : )

Alisa Bobzien said...

I just learned to knit and am so addicted! Thank you for the inspiration, great giveaway!

Blink said...

giant knitting! *gasp* that would be waaay too much fun, although every mistake would be the size of my fist so I might not be quite cut out for that project ;)

Anonymous said...

Love this post :) I've tried crocheting and it didn't turn out well so I'm going to try knitting soon.
xx
Mrs. Muffins

Anonymous said...

So beautiful1

Stacey B said...

Beautiful...I would love to win that. The grey one is absolutely spectacular as well.

Unknown said...

chunky knits are my favorite!!

Lizzi Beduya said...

what a pretty scarf! You're inspiring me to get some knitting done - for once! =)

Erin said...

Just lovely!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, your cowls are amazing!

Anonymous said...

yay, i love this huge wrap!
and the cowl is cute, too!
i´m so jealous of your knitting-skills - i guess i should go getting mine refreshed... :)

Francesca Forzoni said...

Ah the scarfs are beautiful! the first green one is stunning! x

Genevieve said...

I really really really wish I knew how to knit! I must try to get my mom to teach me (again) when I go home for the holidays. Your stuff is gorgeous Jen, that super chunky cowl/wrap/cape thing is AMAZING!

amanda webster. said...

oh my goodness,they are so very lovely!
-xo

jessica lozano said...

that huge wrap is AWESOME!!!
:)

NatalieW said...

It's beautiful! Great post!

kristin said...

I live in scarves through the fall/winter, and LOVE your creations! I'm just learning to sew, but would love to learn to knit someday. Your work is inspiring!

Creative Focus Design Studio said...

I crochet, but haven't been able to figure out knitting as of yet. I love that cowl..it is just gorgeous!

Christen E. Krumm said...

Oh goodness. In love with the grey sweater wrap!!

Xoxo
christen

AlliT said...

You are great at knitting for just a year's worth of practice and I love the "Ruby" red color!! Gorgeous!!

janaetime said...

Ohhh that red is amazing! I have been drooling over beautiful cowls like this one for weeks!

Katie said...

i love the giant knitting i had not seen that before awesome!

Jen said...

This cowl is beautiful. I am attempting to knit again, and am fine with small projects. My goal is to be able to make larger items such as your amazing wrap. Great giveaway...

Miss Sunflower said...

oh my gosh...
the giant knitting is incredible!
i'm totally in love with it! (:

have a nice day!
XOXOXO.

Dear Skeletons said...

oh wow that first one is amazzzzzing!! I am a big knitter too, just taught myself how to do it all about two months ago and I can not stop! I need a girl knitter group meet ups at starbucks..so good

mama*thayer said...

Beautiful! I've been wanting to knit a cowl for myself, but Christmas presents have been keeping me busy.

Anonymous said...

The grey knit wrap looks so snuggly...The red cowl is divine! I am teaching myself to knit :)
Count me in! x

n said...

aww super pretty! and the huge knitting looks like so much fun that maybe someday I'll have to try it.

Anonymous said...

Wow!
What a gorgeous scarf! I really want to learn to knit and this is definitely inspiration!

Anonymous said...

This cowl is so gorgeous and the color is just lovely. Someday I will learn to knit and be happy. Haha. :] Loved your blog post! :]

Liv said...

I've been thinking about taking up knitting for a few months now, but after seeing your beautiful creations (that wrap - WOW!) I'm now inspired to stop thinking about it and DO it! Thanks for the inspiration and the amazing giveaway!

hana.k said...

LOVE the chunkiness of your scarf & wrap! Looks uber cozy & warm. I wish I could crochet & knit but that didn't work out so well so I do really want that knit cowl!

Unknown said...

Beautiful stuff! Knitting is so cool and something that I hope to learn someday.

sarah said...

The color puts me in the mood for the holiday season... that beautiful cowl would be perfect for some late night caroling or christmas cookie creating! Love it!

Anonymous said...

I love the scarf! The color would go great with the knitted hat I got last year.

Color [Me] Happy said...

I have recently started to knit. I think that I need bigger needles to make the awe inspiring designs that you are so rockin! Love this....smiles!

We Blog Artists said...

FABULOUS!
Love all the picks...so chunky.
Great post and giveaway!!!
Char

Anonymous said...

That is some beautiful work! I am a beginner at knitting also...I'm just finishing up a scarf for my boyfriend...and I actually enjoyed it :)

Keegan Osinski said...

I love everything about this post! Knitting is definitely my favorite crafty hobby, and I agree--the chunkier the better! I started knitting with size 10 needles, and have bought bigger and bigger needles since. My size 13s are my favorite. I'd love to try something giant like in that picture too! Beautiful work!

Jingle said...

I am SO loving all of this chunky knit goodness! That HUGE knitting photo is so fun! I would love to do that!

Unknown said...

I just discovered your blog. I love this cowl !!! I would buy this from you. Do you sell items? I learned to knit a few years ago and stopped. You inspire me to possibly pick up my dusty needles.

Carol Anne said...

I love that gray wrap! It looks so toasty!!

And the cowl is gorgeous! Beautiful color!

Anonymous said...

Such lovely knitting. I'm a huge fan of chunky but love delicate creations as well. I'm still yet to get past the knit and purl stage - I really want to learn to cable next. Great pictures and great giveaway!

angela said...

In love with the giant knitting. That's looks so cun and cozy! Been wanting to learn to knit. Maybe that should be a 2010 goal. The red is just beautiful. Wonderful.

Charmaine said...

That cowl is just beautiful! I love how big the stitches are!

I just took a knitting class about two weeks ago and I am hopelessly addicted. My first project is a couple baby blankets!

teencie said...

Beautiful post! I love all of the projects! The giant knitting is something else! I've seen miniature knitting, but never giant... totally awesome! Thanks for the fabulous giveaway!

Amber said...

Thanks for all the knitting inspiration. Your wrap is amazing. It made my jaw drop! I just might have to venture out further than a scarf soon and try this!

nicole said...

breathtaking! Love it all!!

Amy G. said...

What a gorgeous shade of red. I would love to learn how to knit, but for now its just me and my crochet hooks.

Elizabeth said...

i wish i could knit! all of these knitted goods are so beautiful.

Mandy Ford Art & Illustration said...

Oh wow! That wrap is gorgeous! I've recently taken up loom knitting and am having fun with that, but I would love to learn how to knit with needles. And the cowl is lovely - how sweet of you to give it to a lucky reader!

Joy said...

All of these images are the coolest knitting images I've ever seen! Gorgeous!

Unknown said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!! red has become a new favorite of mine!! thanks for the chance to win! :)

erica.simpson1@gmail.com

Kristi Drennan said...

Okay so yeah...you make me want to learn to knit. My Mom has tried over the years to teach me and it never really stuck with me. And now she lives so very far away. Love your stuff! Especially that Chorley Wrap one. Heaven's I NEED one!

Rhiannon said...

mmmmmmm, I'm getting warmer just looking at those pictures.

Amy said...

sooo cool! i love those links and photos. your stuff is amazing :)

chelsea lee said...

loving this cowl...feeling oh-so-inspired right now! I just repossessed all my knitting paraphernalia from my old place and I can't wait to get started on some old projects. I even had something waiting on the needles already! Can't wait to get working on lots of christmas goodies.

Gabbie said...

So beautiful! Fab color too!

Linnea said...

How I love a good knitting project...hehe but most of all when someone else is willing to do the knitting. I must admit I get more enjoyment from pulling out my projects than I do completing them. perhaps I just need more practice and patience. I love that wrap! ...and the cowl...and the pictures displaying them...and... Thanks.

kiki comin said...

beautiful! those things you've done are amazing!

Tricia Orchard said...

I think that would look amazing with my black pea coat! Plus, I could never knit that, or it would take me forever!

Count me it please!

Tricia

Lexi said...

LOve it! And you see, my 30th bday is saturday (YIKES!!) so I would be SUPER excited to win!!

Kristen and Ryan said...

It is gorgeous! I've knitted a little but nothing like this. I LOVE the big cable and the tassels in the bag of that project! It might just motivate me to pick up my needles again!
p.s. I really hope you pick me!

Taylor M. said...

AH, so pretty! I've been practicing my knitting on a daily basis :) I'd love to be this great!

Mrs. Curtis said...

i have a sweater that would look perfect with this! pick me! ;)

zarah said...

beautiful, warm post! lovely giveaway!
:)

Robyn said...

Ooooooh, I want to learn to knit so badly! Love this gorgeous little red gem!

amy.blose said...

I want to learn too. That red cowl is gorgeous.

Stacy Hart said...

wow, that wrap makes me want to learn how to knit! everything is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

That is absolutely gorgeous! I learned to knit in college, but have just recently picked it up again. I hope my skills will soon be as lovely. Awesome giveaway!

Vanessa said...

Jen!! Love this post! You have inspired me to knit! I have been working on a few things of my own. That wrap looks amazing! 10 skeins holy wow! So lovely

tracy said...

Pick me! Mama needs a treat!

Shaina Longstreet said...

oh goodness jen! i LOVE your knitting creations and the fun eye candy you shared. i would adore having that cowl.

Amy said...

Love your knits, Jen, they came out so well. And I would love to get my hands on yarn that thick as seen in the one pic. HOLY COW.

Mandi Johnson said...

Hi Jen! :D You're making me want to knit.

Unknown said...

Nice cowl. I am just learning to knit and hope to make some handwarmers. :)

mosier at gmail d o t com

Rita said...

wow! huge knitting, I am intrigued. Also, I would gladly sport that cowl! Keep makin' your granny proud :)

Robin said...

Great guest post. I saw that exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt this summer!

Truly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Truly said...

you've just inspired a whole lot of girls to take up knitting (myself included)

i love that the color is named "Glum"

Georgee said...

Awesome -- and inspiring! I picked up my knitting needles but still have a problem with consistent stitches! I just need your cowl...

Elizabeth said...

sooo pretty and perfect!

Unknown said...

i wish i knew how to knit! i've tried teaching myself but just can't seem to get it.
your designs are beautiful!

Lilly said...

Woah! That wrap is BEAUTIFUL! *waaaant*

I'm just starting to get back into knitting after many, many years of being away. It's annoying having to relearn something that came so naturally but wow, if I could ever come up with a wrap like that it's definitely worth persevering!!!

Dianna said...

WOW!! I love the wrap you made! its beautiful :) I have been trying my hand at knitting. How did you get good so fast!!?? ;-)

Unknown said...

Great eye candy! I'm just getting into knitting, so I need all of the inspiration I can get!!!

Martha Bonneau said...

I had no idea Kelley Deal was a knitter, how cool is that? Oh and everything you do pretty much rocks too, I am jealous of people who can knit, I just can't wrap my brain around it!

W said...

I love this cowl! I wish that I could knit with you. Love to knit but am self taught and think that I am probably making it too hard!

MariahRiah said...

wow! that is gorgeous!! i loved this entry so so so much!

Kat said...

ahh I want to learn how to knit so bad! I love the color!

Holly said...

wow, the red is so eye-popping. I tried to knit, I'm not so great. I got one row and then lost my skill.

Marina said...

Oh I wish I could knit like you! So many beautiful things you make. Love the red.

Ashleigh said...

I love knitting as well. About a year ago my husband and I decided we would give it a try and well, I picked it up no problem. My husband still cant figure it out. Everything you posted is fantastic. Thanks!

Yvette Adams said...

Wow I love your knitting!!! I handmake lots of different things but I canNOT knit or crochet. I WISH I could! I've tried to learn but I just can't do it!

What a lovely giveaway!

jackiek said...

i love love love your knits!
so cute.
i'm planning on learning how to knit soon! its so beautiful.

robin said...

you truly are one AWEsome knitter!..love that cowl scarf and the gray wrap around is so cool!!

Jari said...

oh jen! i looove this! i'm just starting to knit and was knitting and purling last night :)
you make such beautiful things! <3
xo.
jari

Unknown said...

Beautiful color and pattern--true love!

bethchien said...

Good guest blogging, Jen! Love all your creations!
B

Kat said...

Great guest post! I think I pretty much want to make everything in your ravelry projects page. They are all awesome! Love the red of the scarf you are giving away. Crossing my fingers for this one!

Unknown said...

Wow! Makes me want to get out my knitting needles again!! Mary<><

Tammy said...

Oooh that Chorley Wrap makes me want to learn to knit right now!

Stephanie said...

Your knitting is always my favourite! That wrap is awesome.

Lydia said...

super cute+cozy!!!

run, kara run! said...

i am so inspired by your work! that red cowl is totally gorgeous. i'm motivated to sit down and knit and see what i can come up with!

Unknown said...

You make such beautiful things. And that big knitting is incredible! I can't wait to start knitting again.

sarah said...

wow - really beautiful stuff! it's inspiring me to learn how to knit more than just the basic scarf!

Elizabeth Sanchez said...

i wish i could knit... but i crochet... atleast it's something!

starving artist said...

oooh such perfect timing. i am *just* starting to pick up the knitting needles again and reteach myself. my mom is taking classes and is teaching me new stitches via webcam.
thank goodness for technology these days, when you can't have a stitch n' bitch in person, do it webcam! ;-p

i've been wanting to figure out how to make a cowl..

Anonymous said...

That is such a beautiful cowl! You're such an amazing knitter. I was first inspired when I saw your cool scarves earlier this year.

Miss Money said...

I love this!! I hope to win it, but if not I'd love to try to make it! Thank you for great inspiration!

Carrie K said...

lovely stuff...it all looks so comfy! the red is especially gorgeous :)

youve inspired me to pick up my needles again...

Anonymous said...

Great color! Count me in. :)

rose said...

Wow, I love that wrap! I love "little red" too! I need to learn how to knit! :)

Julia K. said...

gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Love love love the cowl! Would love to wear it in cold Kansas City! It just turned cold today and I'm freezing. Don't you wish you could wear giant knit socks too every day?

Little Miss Shadow Dozier said...

I just started knitting this year (in face just a couple months ago). I had always had issues figuring it out. My mom always suggests buying the kids instructional book when trying to pick up a new concept but even that didn't work for me with knitting. So one day I just sat down and watched youtube knitting videos till one clicked.

I hope by next year I have even half your talent.

JessHart27 said...

It's great. I want to learn to knit, now!

Judith Cebreros said...

Oh those scarves are awesome. I tried hand knitting once but it didn't turn out. LOOOOOVE the red cowl is so beautiful.

16 windows said...

Love that giant knitting! How Awesome!

misskim said...

WOW! I love your knitting! I have recently begun crafting again and am teaching myself the tricks of knitting. I could only knit squares, but bought an RVA pattern for the beanie with ears and made it, on three needles with purling and decreasing. So proud. I hope to become as good as you!
Little Red must be so honored for such an amazing give away!
xo

Shannon said...

So beautiful!

Anonymous said...

for about two years now and I'm no where near the level you are!

Lauren @The Little Things We Do.... said...

quite lovely.

my neck is already warm just looking at it.

now...next step....win.

Anonymous said...

ooh! that color and texture are yummy...add one of those to my knitting to-do list!

robineilene said...

I, like everyone else, would LOVE to learn to knit. Until then, I will try to win others knitting creations! :) This would make a great Christmas gift!

Robin

ladybug said...

This is sooo nice!! Bravo!

loststitch@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Fantastic! And I love the grey knit number you knocked out and are rocking now.

I've been drooling over the cowls and killing myself trying to decide which color to order, or which colors... this could decide one!

Rachel said...

Love all of it - tfs! The cowl is gorge...

Anonymous said...

I love all of these...wow! I need to get myself a cowl :)

Anonymous said...

oh, one more thing. I really, really want one of those Chorey wraps, but I can't find them anywhere! Do you have any hints on where to get one (I don't think knitting it would be in my near-future, I'm still in the scarf phase). Any info would be fantastic!!!

Unknown said...

its beautiful, the color is gorgeous! you are so talented!

Lucie Keprova said...

I love it! Amazing. I wish I could make something like that. Cant wait to see more =)

Geek+Nerd said...

I'm right there with you on the knitting obsession. Especially in the New England fall/winter, it's so nice to cozy up with a knitting project.

Holly S said...

I don't knit but I'm trying to crochet-your work is beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win that gorgeous scarf!

Darling Petunia said...

I would rock that cowl!

kinzielynmadsen said...

this scarves are all amazing!! i am in the process of learning how to knit right now, and i think i'm a little knitting challanged. :/ but all your stuff is amazing! :)

i hope i win. :)

xoxo.kinzie

Emily said...

omg! I am in love with this beautiful cowl! Yes please with sugar on top!

~Emily

Kelly said...

LOVE the red! Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

Sherry said...

I love those! I'm starting to feel a crochet bandwagon begin...I may need to join in. I want to learn to crochet!

Ashley said...

I love those. So cute! That will give a reason to dress up a little this winter:] Thank you for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your stuff!! I also love that you're a metal head (from your blog) - hard to find the mixture of metal and knitting ;) I'm a big Fear Factory fan.
Thanks for the chance to win the cowl!!

Anonymous said...

I have recently been drawn to knitted lovelies. Maybe after the holidays I will attempt to make it a new hobby of mine. So many wonderful things to be created!

Megan Clark said...

My goal is to learn to knit in the next year...it looks so much fun :) Thank you!!

Andrea said...

I love all of these...so cute! I am currently trying my hand at knitting...I picked it up a couple weeks ago while I was in bed with the flu - yuck! Such pretty things, thanks for sharing!

Jana said...

I just love this!

_Kine said...

Your knitting is fantastic! I love everything you make :)

cindy said...

Beautiful + gorgeous come to mind when I see that scarf. Fingers crossed!! s

Aimee said...

That is so yummy!

Her Art Nest said...

How amazing....just so beautiful in color and function! I love how awesome the yarn appears. Would love the chance to participate in your giveaway. Thanking you...Hugs, Nan
ncvanhoose@comcast.net

Emily said...

Oh how I am trying to wait until after the holidays to attempt to learn knitting and this just doesn't help! So many pretty projects!!

sylv said...

So very very gorgeous!!

Chelsea, Tea Talk said...

Your knits are fabulous, and I'm super excited about this giveaway! :)

jdavissquared said...

Oh, I love! I wish I knew how to knit, but since I don't, I'll just have to admire talented people like you!

Violet said...

Oh! Oh! I love the Little Red Riding Collar. Count me in!

xo,
Violet

cupcakeaday said...

i love this ..its such a great color . i keep getting suck in a knitting rut. patterns really seen to scare me . haha i would really love to make something like this one day ..

Karen said...

How cool is this. So lovely and warm!!

Unknown said...

I love this scarf and oh it would look so beautiful on me! :) Nice work and I'd love to make this!

Unknown said...

Just BEAUTIFUL!!!
retrogalusa@aol.com

Karen said...

I have always wanted to learn to knit. Looking at your beautiful things makes me want to even more.

Fauve Design said...

SO cool,i especially love the wrap!!And that picture of the huge knitting is so much fun.

Beautiful red color,yay for xtremely cool give aways!

Leanne said...

it's beautiful! if only i had the patience to learn (and didn't have dogs that like to consume balls of yarn as they roll along the floor.

Leanne said...

beautiful! if only i had the patience to learn the art of knitting! (and didn't have dogs that chase the ball of yarn along the floor.