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.)