Hey, knitting bag ... let me upgrade you.

When I was in NYC a couple of weeks ago, I spent some of my free time hanging out in Muji, home of all things organizational and minimalist and perfect. I swoon over every darn section in that dreamy store, but my first stop is always the stationery, with the tiny perfect notebooks and mechanical pencils and planners and binders. I love stocking up on these everyday items, but on this trip my mind immediately went to my knitting bag needs. I love carrying around a zipper pouch with all my notions and tools, but lately it had become a mess and I knew cleaning up my game would just made me feel better and be more inspired to work creatively.

So, knitting bag ... let me upgrade you.

Out went all the crazy odds and ends – a broken tape measure, dull craft scissors that I had stolen from my child's art bin, and the mess of whatever else that had accumulated in my multiple project bags over the years. I have to admit that yes, I've been reading 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' (like the rest of the world) so I am striving to keep and use only the things I truly love. I do think this is a magnificent idea.

Anyway, what's in my bag? Well, let's start with the bag itself, which is a large zipper pouch (In 'window' print) from Bookhou. I love it so very much and have been using it daily for quite awhile. It's hand-crafted and screenprinted – so much attention to detail. Everything they make is cool. The little tool treasures I snagged at Muji are the aluminum ruler, a wooden mechanical pencil, stainless steel + acrylic scissors, a tiny steel tape measure and a few notebooks in various sizes (where I keep my sketches and write down notes for new patterns.) A few of my other supplies have come from another favorite source, Fringe Supply Co.: the ebony repair hook, the matte black stainless steel 'facet' mini scissors, black rubber stitch marker and metal removeable stitch markers. Then there's my Wool and the Gang tapestry needles and my trusty Field Notes notebook, which I carry with me constantly. You can never have too many notebooks.

I love the contents of my bag now – cool supplies make the making more fun. What's in your bag? Are you due for an upgrade too?

WIP Wednesday

I feel like the queen of WIPs lately, but that's okay. I find that I'm a sloooow sweater knitter and I want to remedy that. Must knit faster. With zero distractions. In a perfect world. HA. Just like every other knitter out there, I'll get there eventually ... stitch by stitch, one row at a time.

Anyway, here are the two biggest projects on my needles right now. And I've got a good start on both, so they shouldn't take too much longer. You would think. ;)

The first is Greenwich by Martin Storey, and I'm using Rowan Super Fine Merino DK in a colorway called 'Zing.' I will admit that I've been working on this since October. (Flinch.) But it's coming along so nicely - I have finished the back and I'm about halfway through the front. The fabric is so extremely soft and springy, and I know I'm going to love this sweater when I'm done. If you've never knit with Super Fine Merino DK, here's the run-down: it's extremely buttery soft, and almost feels like rubber (in the best way) as it glides through your fingers. Weird but true. I am in love with this yarn. And the stitch pattern in this sweater is interesting, too – not complicated, but it's a k1 below rib which looks pretty great on both sides of the fabric and keeps things interesting.

My second WIP was my airplane knitting project on the way to and from NYC last week. I started the Julia Sweater from Wool and the Gang, and I'm knitting it with Shiny Happy Cotton in Ultra Violet. Again, this yarn is so extremely soft and cool and it's my favorite cotton yarn ever – it will not tear up your hands like some cottons do. This sweater is made of a loose-ish seed stitch fabric, which is going to give it some fabulous drape. I'm excited to finish and wear this one.

So, what are you working on? Are you on a sweater kick, too? Tell me, tell me. :)

Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2016

I just returned from a crazy spectacular weekend at Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2016, and jeez. I have a ton of photos that I'd love to share. I personally enjoy reading people's blog post recaps of special events, and maybe you do too. Especially knitting-related special events. But how can you sum up a weekend that was bursting at the seams with new experiences, new friends and yarn as far as the eye can see? I will try.

I arrived in NYC on Friday afternoon, and had just enough time to check into my hotel room at Row NYC (highly recommended) and change into my gold pants for my book signing at the StevenBe + Do Ewe Knit booth. Vogue Knitting Live happens in Midtown near Times Square, so the buzz of the city hits you right away. After I had smoothed out my ragged traveling self a bit, I ran over to the Marriott Grand Marquis (VK Live headquarters), went up the escalators and found myself in the Marketplace.

This is what the Marketplace looks like and it was crazy. Steven and Karen's booth was buzzing and there were knitters and yarn everywhere! Just as it should be.

I ran up to Steven, we gave big hugs and then discovered we were both wearing gold pants. Mine weren't nearly as gold as his, and I wasn't wearing light-up shoes, but still. We were pretty on point. And we didn't even plan it. I cannot express (with words) my love for the StevenBe family. Jeremy, Missy, Tara and everyone at the shop are truly a StevenBe family – I love them so much and they have been so kind to me.

At the booth, I got to check out 'Knit York', the first episode of Steven's new reality t.v. show. WOW. You absolutely need to watch it immediately because it's out of this world fantastic. Go now. I'll wait.

As I was getting acclimated to my new glitter-filled environment, I plopped down some books on a table and did the whole book signing thing. I quickly discovered that I had brought just the right amount of books for each day in my carry-on, but they sold out quickly. Such a whirlwind ... and so much fun to meet so many knitters who had made a Gap-tastic cowl early on in their knitting days, along with fellow bloggers and friends from Facebook and Instagram. I love talking with knitters! All day long ... bring it.

Then, I happened to notice a very special person who was also signing books nearby. Yup, the one and only Susan B. Anderson. We exchanged books and each looked through each other's pages and projects, one by one. (While I completely geeked out ... I tried to be cool about it but no.) Her new book is called 'Kids' Knitting Workshop' and it's fantastic, and you can find it right here. I definitely urge you to grab a copy because she is the best. I know this for a fact because we hung out for a couple of hours that evening, chatting about knitting and family and books and the Midwest. It was so incredibly cool to meet her.

Outside the marketplace were a variety of extremely talented fiber artists. I got to meet Jacqui Fink, who creates hand-knit oversized scale textiles and installation works made from a selection of beautiful natural fibers and raw materials. You can find her (huge) custom yarns here at Little Dandelion. I also got to meet London (of Made by London). She is a Brooklyn-based street artist who crochets fantastical displays of all kinds, including this David Bowie piece at VK Live. Please please please check out her website to see the amazing things she has done.

That night, I walked around and explored a bit on my own. In all the times I've visited nyc over the years, I haven't really spent much time in Times Square. (I'm normally with my pals Jamaica and Kristi and we like to hit Brooklyn pretty hard.)

Day 2 (for me) was Saturday. I took a sweater design intensive with Amy Herzog for most of the day (which was amazing.) But after class I had another book signing at StevenBe's booth and that's when I had the chance to meet my FRIENDS! I was so overjoyed to see these faces when I got to the booth with my books. I finally got the chance to meet the sweetest and most supportive knitting pal ever, Gaye of GGMadeIt. (Go read her blog – do it.) I felt like I already knew her of course, so we hugged and squeezed each other pretty much all day and started gabbing right off the bat about yarn and life and everything under the sun. I was so happy to have enough time over the course of the weekend to actually talk and hang out with her; she is genuine and fun and just a joy to be around. I also met Kelz from MarCheleKnits and her sweet mom and so many other knitting friends! Plus I got to chat with Carina and Kristen from The Third Piece. (Have you seen their amazing new yarn, Funky Chunky!?) So yeah, the people. The people are the best part of this whole experience and that's the biggest thing I've taken away from VK Live. I wouldn't call it 'networking' ... it's definitely just meeting new people who are just like you. Knitting enthusiast friends who completely understand your world. I loved every minute and the days went by much too quickly.

(Are you exhausted yet? Hang tight, because I promise I have some great stores ahead.) So, Saturday night, I had no actual plans. That day, Karen (of Do Ewe Knit) and her sweet husband Fred had invited me to join them and the StevenBe gang for dinner. I shyly waffled for a bit and said I didn't want to impose, but they insisted. Fred said 'Just be at the Empire State Building at 8:00.' My face went blank and I said 'Okay ... okay!' And wouldn't you know it – Fred is the owner of the restaurant at the Empire State Building. He has quite a history there, along with lots of stories and trivia to share. We enjoyed a delicious dinner with drinks and a gorgeous cake celebrating Karen and Steven's friendship. Fred took us all up to the observation deck on the 86th floor ... then up to the very top viewing area on the 102nd floor. It was spectacular and I felt like the luckiest girl in nyc. It was a night I'll never forget and these people are so very special and wonderful. I'm so grateful to know them. And Steven. He is my honest-to-gosh knitting hero.

On that note, Day 3 – Sunday. The day started off with me popping into Steven's class (New Perspectives on Knitting) to share some of my samples and my book. Watching him do his thing and listening to his stories is just a dream – I loved having the chance to just absorb some of his brilliance and I could honestly listen to him talk about fashion and knitting all day long. After class, there were VK Live fashion shows and extreme knitting, selfies with Karen Posniak of Do Ewe Knit, putting my pin on the 'Where does your stash live?' map, meeting GG's daughter Shelbey and exploring the marketplace with my new knitting friend Tee Maniluwhua-Rivers. So much fun packed into one day! Sunday was the last official day of VK Live, so before long it was time to pack up and say our goodbyes. It had all gone by so quickly and I already can't wait until next year. I've decided that I cannot miss this event and hope to make this a yearly thing.

But my NY adventures in knitting weren't over yet. After the Marketplace closed on Sunday, I decided to walk to Purl Soho. In what you could call a small snowstorm. Giant, heavy snowflakes were falling into my eyes and face and this Iowa girl got a tiny bit lost-ish because I had buried my head deep down into my coat, head down, moving forward through Manhattan, Chelsea, then Soho ... and ended up walking a bit too far. I don't even know. Whoops. But I managed to end up at Purl well before closing time, and decided to 'visit' my book in the shop. I stepped into the warmth of the shop, smiled at all the gorgeous samples that I recognized from The Purl Bee and shook off the snow. And there it was. My book was right there, sitting on a big table of super bulky deliciousness. It was such a thrill to see it there. At Purl Soho. One of my favorite shops in the world. And the staff there has been SO kind to me. After quite a few re-orders, they've said 'Weekend' has been quite popular with nyc knitters and that makes me so extremely happy. I wrote 'Weekend' for fun, just to see if I could really do it. And all along, my secret ultimate dream was to see it on the shelves at Purl Soho one day. And this was the day. Dreams come true, my friends.

I said goodbye to my lovely hotel (and the awesome food at City Kitchen/coffee at District M) on Monday morning. I had such a perfect time at the Row and I'd definitely stay again. I still had a tiny window of time that morning before I had to be at the airport, and I decided to spend it doing something I really loved. So I hit the streets and walked to the MoMA.

Be still, my contemporary art loving heart. It was without a doubt the best use of my time and being there made me so happy. I jumped into the 'Making Music Modern: Design for Ear and Eye' exhibit first, which was a graphic designer's/music enthusiast's absolute dream. I wanted to move in. To the exhibit. Then I hit up some of the greats – Pollack, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Basquiat. On my way out of MoMa and on the walk back to the hotel, I got a little teary-eyed. This weekend had been such a departure from my everyday mom life in the midwest, even though I obviously love that life so much. And as my friend Gillian pointed out, art just 'hits you where you live.'  It was all just a reminder of who I was, who I am and what I love. I was walking my last few city blocks in the freezing cold. I was feeling all the feels. (Thanks, nyc.)

I ended the trip feeling the same way most people feel when traveling; I jumped on that plane feeling not quite ready to go home ... but also totally ready to go home. With a smile on my face and new memories made, I'm already looking forward to next time.

Black Sheep Society

My friends Johnny Vasquez and Lacie Lynnae, founders of New Stitch a Day and Argyle Sheep, are doing something exciting and new! And I'm stoked to be part of this new crafting adventure. It's called the Black Sheep Society. (I'll tell you more about that in a minute.)

Johnny and Lacie have helped over 10 million people around the world improve their knitting and crocheting skills through New Stitch and Day, the 30 Day Sweater challenge, and now their retail store Argyle Sheep. I have personally been part of their 30 Day Sweater Challenge, and I can vouch for how wonderfully helpful, knowledgeable and FUN they are. Everything they do is above and beyond what you'd expect. They are knitting and crochet experts who are well-organized, wonderful to interact with, and they offer high-quality HD videos and personalized help every step of the way. They are absolute pros at what they do.

So naturally, I was 100% on board when they asked if I'd be one of their designers for the Black Sheep Society. There are 11 designers creating exclusive projects for this craft-a-long, and they're kicking things off with my interrupted garter stitch cowl project (in the photo above). Want to know more? Read on, dear knitting friend.

What Is The Black Sheep Society?
In the simplest terms, The Black Sheep Society is an ongoing Monthly Craft-A-Long club beginning January 15th. We wanted to take the idea of a Knit-A-Long to the next level and create an experience that was like nothing ever seen before.

How Is this Craft-A-Long Different?
Aside from working on the same projects at the same time as a group, we've added a few components that will take things to the next level.

Project Kits Using Carefully Curated American Products
We think it's important to be more connected to you clothing and that starts with using trustworthy materials made in the USA.

HD Video Classes For Each Project
We're using our years of experience producing video content to give you in-depth, step-by-step instructions of every single project. You won't just get written pattern instructions, you'll have a video instructor to help you along the way.

Live Q&A Sessions With Our Designers
Get to know the people behind our collection. We'll be holding frequent live hangouts with our designers so you can hear their stories, and ask your questions.

An Interactive Community Forum
You'll have access to everyone in the community, to share your progress, ask questions, and give feedback to new friends from all around the world.

Interested in finding out more?

Join The Black Sheep Society Here

Win a copy of 'Weekend'!

Head over to GGMadeIt to win your very own copy of 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits'! And follow her blog while you're at it. I promise you'll be a fan. She's a talented knitter with a lot of spunk and enthusiasm for everything knitting; GG is just plain fun. Reading her thoughts and musings about her adventures in knitting is a real treat! (Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, too.)

New York State of Mind (Vogue Knitting Live NYC!)

Happy New Year, blog pals! I hope you had a magical holiday season – I'm already feeling like 2016 is off to a solid start. But now I'm beyond ready to get back to the routine. Enough of the endless lazy days spent in pajamas. (Which were nice, I admit. The knitting time was pretty stellar too, but reality awaits.) My next adventure is a visit to my beloved NYC for Vogue Knitting Live. I can't contain my excitement, truly.

I am teaming up with my friend Steven Berg from StevenBe, and he's going to make your head spin with the hottest trends right off the runway, uber-chunky yarns and combinations of fibers that will blow your mind. Such an inspiration. I'll be popping in during his class on Sunday morning at VK Live and I've designed an exclusive cowl pattern just for this event. (It has a subtle NY skyline knitted right into it!)

I'll also be at the StevenBe booth at the VK Live Marketplace doing book signings. Stop by and see me on Friday (Jan. 15th) from 5-7, Saturday (Jan. 16th) from 5:30-6:30 and Sunday (Jan. 17th) from 1-3. Pick up at copy of 'Weekend' and get it signed! It's going to be such a fun time. I cannot wait to experience the energy and to hang out with knitters from all over the world. (Plus ... shopping.) I'm a first-timer, so if you have tips or advice to share, I'm all ears.

Will you be at Vogue Knitting Live NY? Have you gone before? (Tell me everything.) :)

SKEINO Venice

I recently had the chance to knit with a special new yarn from SKEINO that is unlike any other yarn I've ever used before. (And that's pretty remarkable, because I feel like I've knit with every kind of yarn imaginable.) It's called SKEINO Venice. And here's why it's so unique. It has just the right amount of glittery sparkle, and the sparkle comes from a lurex 'core.' So cool.

Venice is a chainette yarn. Instead of being spun, it's knitted using four stitches in the round on a machine. Baby Alpaca and lurex are knitted together into a chainette, resulting in a lightweight fluffy yarn (that is not scratchy!) The process to create this yarn is tedious, but the result is beautiful. Venice comes in five shades that have gold lurex (cream, beige, camel, musk, brown) and five shades that have silver lurex (snow, light gray, silver, charcoal, black). Which makes choosing a shade an exciting experience.

SKEINO sent me a kit that included a skein of Venice in Charcoal (with silver lurex!) and a pattern to make a project called the Gala Scarf. Which is gorgeous, easy and QUICK to knit – I highly recommend grabbing this kit with your Venice yarn. This scarf is a one-skein project and the result is stunning. An easy-to-knit scarf/shawl/wrap quickly becomes an exquisite accessory for the holidays or New Year's Eve. I can definitely see anyone wearing the Gala Scarf with their little black dress. The glittery shine in Venice stands out just a bit but is subtle enough that it looks really elegant. I love it.

Gala Scarf's lacy pattern is easy with a repeat of just two rows. SKEINO even offers a video tutorial for a new technique called Combination Knitting, which makes it even easier. Check out their explanation of this technique here.

SKEINO has kindly offered up a coupon code so you too can give this amazing yarn a try! Enter JENGEIGLEY at checkout to receive a 10% discount valid through January 31st, 2016. *

Happy holidays and happy knitting!

* Conditions:
– valid for orders worldwide between now and January 31st 2016
– discount is not applicable to shipping cost
– voucher can only be used once per customer
– voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other vouchers, promotions or discounts
– this coupon code has no cash value and can only be used on http://www.skeino.com
– not valid on previous purchases
– the above mentioned Terms & Conditions may be altered without any prior notice

Make Give Repeat

Have you heard about MAKE | GIVE | REPEAT? Do you want to knit items for charity this winter, but don't know where to donate? Check out Make Give Repeat for a wonderful list of charities, their addresses and specific needs. My friends Robyn Devine and Heather Walpole started Make Give Repeat simply because they love to support charities through their favorite hobby. And I can get behind that!

I am thrilled to be contributing a pattern to the cause. 'Sliver', a super-bulky (and quick) hat pattern from 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits' is the featured pattern for the Make Give Repeat December knit along. And you can make a few in no time at all. Sliver comes in sizes XS – XL and can be worn by children or adults. Ready to knit up some hats for charity? From December 1 through January 1, you can download Sliver for FREE with the code MAKEGIVEREPEAT.

The December charity focus is Nest: Maine. Nest is a charitable group started as a way to help keep folks in the Ft. Kent area warm. Each year they've collected items and distributed them to shelters and clinics in the area, helping their neighbors survive the brutal Maine winters.

Nest collects all sorts of handmade items, but most needed are hats and mittens in sizes from babies through adults. They also need stroller blankets this year. Nest prefers that items be made from 100% wool for maximum warmth, although stroller blankets can be made from acrylic and blends.

Finished items can be mailed to:

Jean Lee
NestMaine
P.O. Box 6011
Falmouth, Maine, 04105

Find all the Make Give Repeat December hat knit along details here. Knit a hat or two (or ten), and give someone in need the gift of warm fuzzies this holiday season.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals + a GIVEAWAY!

Whew! Did you make it through Thanksgiving weekend? It was a blur! (I spent the weekend in Minneapolis at StevenBe, but that's a post for another day.) :)

Just wanted to give a heads up that today is the last day that my book will be on super sale. Until midnight tonight (12:00 AM CST), you can pick up a copy of 'Weekend: Simple, Modern Knits' for only $23 (reg $28) + FREE SHIPPING with the code FREESHIP. So go snag a copy for yourself or as a gift for your favorite knitter. Such a great deal!

Finally, Jane Richmond, one of my favorite knitwear designers in the world, just blogged a beautiful review of 'Weekend' and I'm so incredibly honored. Her words mean so much because she is a huge creative force in the knitting world and I adore everything she does! She's also hosting a giveaway, so go enter (right now) for your chance to win a hard copy of 'Weekend.'

Hope you have a nice, somewhat relaxing week ahead – happy knitting!

Book touring + trunk showing

I'm taking this show on the road and embarking on a mini-midwest book tour of sorts. It's already proving to be a ton of fun. By the way, I'd like to send out a huge, heartfelt thank-you to all of the yarn store owners who have welcomed 'Weekend' into their shops. I cannot explain what a thrill it is to see this book being picked up in so many wonderful locations ... my very favorite yarn shops. (Pinch me, because last week I sent books to Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver and Purl Soho in NYC. Dreams come true, my friends.) It's still totally surreal to think that this book has finally been published and is out there for the world to see. And spreading the love is the fun part. So yes, a book tour. Which has kind of already started!

Last month, I made a stop at Nina Chicago with a fresh stack of books and a trunk show of samples from 'Weekend'. It was a day of adventure, walking through the Lincoln Park Zoo with the whole fam on the way and grabbing coffee. Then Bo helped me wheel my box of books to the shop on a skateboard. HA. If you've never been to Nina, let me just say that she has curated the most fantastic, beautiful selection of yarns you may ever see in one space. It's the truth. Go see for yourself.

Nina is such a warm and welcoming store and the energy in the store was fantastic. I had the best afternoon meeting lots of Chicago knitters and hanging out with the lovely Nina ladies in Wicker Park. I'd hang out there every weekend if I could, truly.

And last month, my hometown yarn store Hill Vintage & Knits also hosted a book signing and trunk show event, and man ... I felt the love. Look at those sweet faces. I adore this local crew. Thanks so much to my pals Erica and Jess for hosting a super fun Friday Night Knitting night.

This weekend, I'm road-tripping with my pal Emily to Stitch Together Studio in Cedar Rapids, IA. I absolutely cannot wait to see this shop – it's brand new and it's owned by one of my longtime crafty friends, Kayanna Nelson. From what I've heard, it's super eclectic and gorgeous and they'll be offering a 15% off sale on all bulky yarns and roving. Woo! If you're in the area, stop by and hang out on Saturday from 1:00-4:00.

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Later this month (November 27 + 28) I'll be road-tripping again to StevenBe in Minneapolis. The most magical yarntopia in all the land. How much fun will it be? All of it. All of the fun. On Small Business Saturday there will be free demos with Steven and I in the fiber loft, discounts on all things chunky, a 'Weekend' trunk show and book signing, and so much more. I get giddy just thinking about it. On Sunday, Steven will be having a tea party featuring his brand new tea blend, plus 35% off all yarns in the My Mountain Pop-In Shop, 50% off all yarns in Steven's Value Vault, a reveal of the best Cheap and Cheerful gifts, free gift with purchase over $100 and your choice of a tour messenger back or tour book with $200 purchase. Got it? It's a lot – I know. But I'll basically be at StevenBe for an entire weekend. So come hang out with us. We're going to have a blast.

More to come in the months ahead, but I wanted to share these upcoming events in case you live in one of these lovely cities and want to say 'hi'. Also! If you're a yarn shop owner and would like to set up a book signing/trunk show, feel free to email me any time. I would love to visit you, too.

Have a great weekend ... and knit on, my friends!