Showing posts with label Jimmy Beans Wool Blog giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jimmy Beans Wool Blog giveaways. Show all posts

Introducing "Knit Red"...and a Giveaway!

by : MarinadeDesigns
Whew! It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for us here at Jimmy Beans, primarily due to one very exciting new development- the release of our book Knit Red! For those of you who are not yet familiar with the book, I hope you’ll read on to learn more about it!

Knit Red has been a long time in the making. Back in 2007, I was meeting with my friend Marta McGinnis who also happened to be one of our yarn reps. She had recently suffered a heart attack and had been diagnosed with heart disease. It was a total shock to me that someone so young (she was just barely in her fifties) and so seemingly healthy could already have heart disease! Also earlier that year, my husband Doug, who is extremely active and healthy and also young (in his mid-thirties) had been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Marta and I were so amazed to learn that heart disease can affect a wide range of people, not just older men. At that moment, we began to brainstorm ideas to create an awareness campaign in hopes of educating more people about this deadly disease. Sadly, Marta passed away just six months later and for a variety of reasons, our ideas were put on hold for a few years.
Kieran Foley
Ysolda Teague

In 2010, the timing for something like this just seemed right so I began working again on what has now become the “Stitch Red” campaign. At TNNA in January of 2011, we pitched the idea to our friends in the industry many of whom are vendors and designers. Almost everyone we talked to jumped at the chance to participate whether it be through creating a Stitch Red product to sell or designing something for the Knit Red book. We heard so many personal stories and ties to heart disease from these friends and vendors that we knew that Stitch Red could really work. SoHo publishing (they publish Vogue Knitting) immediately agreed to help us publish Knit Red. We were so thrilled to see so much support for something that is so near and dear to our hearts- literally!
Diane Soucy

Next we set out to find a partner in all of this. We loved the Heart Truth campaign (known for their little red dress logo seen on Diet Coke cans) and what they stood for and knew that they would make a natural fit for a partnership in the campaign. The Heart Truth itself is a national awareness campaign that focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle and gives tips to help prevent heart disease. Most importantly, they focus heavily on women and the importance of knowing the individual symptoms which are often very different than in men.

Jeanne Giles
All of the vendors that are participating in Stitch Red are donating at least 5% of the gross profits from that product to the Heart Truth. Jimmy Beans Wool is donating 5% of the gross profits from the Knit Red book as well. Ultimately, we want the entire needle arts industry to get involved including local yarn shops, crocheters, sewers and quilters, and many more. We are already working on a 2nd book that will come out early next year called “Sew Red” which will focus on designs for sewers and quilters.

Norah Gaughan
Knit Red itself features 30 designs knit in red yarns from industry knitwear designers (including two of them who work here at Jimmy Beans- Jeanne and Kristen) and includes items that range from sweaters to accessories to home items. I just love all of the designs in this book. To me it represents the amazing power that we have as knitters to create something meaningful and share that with the world. You can view all of the designs on Ravelry to see what I mean. They are just stunning. I can’t say enough about them. Many of the designs use yarns that are Stitch Red products so when you knit the garment, you can support Stitch Red even more!

Kristen Ashbaugh-
Helmreich
 I’d really like to thank all of the vendors and designers who have helped make Stitch Red and Knit Red happen. It really couldn’t have without the enormous amount of support we received from this industry. Also, this entire campaign could not have happened without Marta. Her support of this campaign meant a lot to me, and I miss her everyday. Lastly, I’d like to thank all of you, all of our wonderful customers, for supporting the Stitch Red campaign. It means a lot to us that you continue to encourage and support what we do!

Daniela Johannsenova
With that I’d like to give away a signed copy of Knit Red. Please leave us a comment on this blog post telling us your reason for supporting Stitch Red or what your favorite design from the book is. Even if you’ve already bought a copy, feel free to enter and win one to give to a friend or family member. We’ll randomly select a winner and announce it in the blog post on Friday, June 8th. Please leave your comment by Thursday, 6/7 at 11pm PST.

Thanks so much to all of you again for your support and of course, happy knitting!

Laura (aka. Jimmy)  


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Denise 2 Go: Interview with Barbara from Denise Needles and Lorna Miser!

by : MarinadeDesigns
We were recently approached by Barbara from Denise Needles to ask if we'd like to be the exclusive seller of these darling new Denise 2 Go needle sets that they dreamed up. Of course we said yes as we are a big fan of their needles and loved the idea of a mini set designed especially for knitters on the go. Also, we found out that our friend, Lorna Miser (who helped push Jimmy into the yarn business years ago) designed the adorable fabric case that these needles come in! So now we are delighted to present you with a little guest post featuring Barbara from Denise and Lorna Miser!
Some of the first prototypes.


Here is what they had to say about Denise 2 Go:


Barbara:
Sketching out the design.
The idea for Denise2Go came from our history. Since interchangeable knitting needles began, they have been packaged as complete sets. Over these 40-plus years, sets have grown larger.  We now put 14 pairs of needles into a Denise-in-a-della-Q set, for instance. We also offer individual needles. What we wanted to add was a narrower range of needles – more than one needle and fewer than the complete collection. Just enough to take on vacation and pack lightly. The Mini version rather than the SUV. Knowing that Lorna Miser sews almost as much as she knits, we asked Lorna if she would design a case to hold a few needles and cords.

Lorna's Prototype.
Lorna:
When the Denise folks contacted me about this idea, I was confused for a moment. I've never been asked to design a sewn item---well, not for almost 30 years when I was a seamstress! What a fun thing to be asked to do. I've loved and used Denise Needles for years--since my early 20's when I was a new knitter and my mentor Ida gave me my first set of Denise Needles. When I began designing the case, I started with paper-taped prototypes. I had a couple of mis-fires but eventually sent a final version to Denise.

Barbara:
A small padded envelope arrived at our office in Virginia , and inside was Lorna’s perfect solution for our need! There was a universal sigh among us. Lorna had incorporated all the function we wanted in a portable package. Even her sample was pretty, though she had used scraps from her sewing room. Working from Lorna’s fine design, we worked on planning production, including needles in color. Though the idea came to mind years ago, it has really been only a few months that Lorna has been working with us on realizing the dream. We hope our shared enjoyment shows in the Denise2Go that you will see and hold in your own hands.
Inside view

The final version.
Lorna:
I've been using my prototype for several months. When Denise showed me the fabrics they had chosen and the pretty colored needle tips, I was thrilled. I love feminine things, pretty things. Now I have the convenience AND the beauty!

When I leave on a trip (or across town to a yarn shop) with several projects, I rarely have to give a thought to bringing needles. The Denise2Go fits in my little notions case which resides permanently in my knitting bag . I am comforted knowing that I have so many needles with me at all times. You never know what yarn will jump in my arms and request instant knitting! I'm always prepared now.

Fits in the palm of
your hand!
Barbara:
Lorna, now that we have Denise2Go in our knitting bags, I am thinking more about that idea of the Mini Cooper. Maybe we can convince the company to start making Minis in more colors. You can have a lavender one, and I want one in spring green. Still more possibilities to think about, design, plan. Not to mention the endless knitting possibilities.  Thanks, Lorna, for joining us on this adventure!


Thanks to both Barbara from Denise needles and Lorna Miser for providing this little peek into the making of this awesome new knitting product! These will be available exclusively through Jimmy Beans Wool until July 1st! Also, Denise has kindly given us a set of these needles to giveaway to one lucky reader! 


If you would like to win a set of the Denise2Go needles, please leave us a comment letting us know what kinds of summer adventures you will be taking your needles on! The winner will be selected at random and announced on Wednesday, June 6th. You will have until 11pm PST on Tuesday the 5th to enter. Good luck!


Happy knitting,
Kristen

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Jimmy Beans Wool Spring KAL/SAL- Sewing and Crafting with Brett Bara!

by : MarinadeDesigns
Brett on Martha's show demonstrating
how to sew the skirt! Be sure to check
out this video at the links below!
We just love Brett Bara's book- Sewing in a Straight Line and her blog Manhattan Craft Room! So when we saw that Cecily Glowik MacDonald, the designer of the Goodale Cardigan we planned to knit for the KAL, had been sewing the One-Hour Skirts from Brett's book to pair with the designs in her upcoming book, we thought it was a great opportunity to get Brett involved in the KAL fun! We did another blog interview with her in January a few months after the book came out, and figured this time we'd have her share some tips with us for beginning sewists! We hope you enjoy this 2nd interview with her and if you are planning to make a skirt, be sure to follow the links provided at the bottom for all of your skirt sewing instruction needs! Brett has graciously shared this pattern with us, so even if you don't have the book, you can still make a One-Hour Skirt!

Here is what Brett had to say about crafting for a living, sewing, and her beginner tips:

JBW- You are sort of an all-around crafty guru and your blog Manhattan Craft Room has everything from sewing to knitting and crocheting and food recipes. How did you end up working in this industry and in so many different areas of crafting?

Even Fifi (Brett's Kitty) wears
a One-Hour Skirt! :)
BB- I have been crafty my whole life (I get it from my mom), but I never thought making a living from crafting was even an option. In college I studied English, with the goal of working at a magazine, and after graduation I moved to New York to pursue a career in publishing. So I started working in magazines right away, and for the first seven years or so I mostly worked on men's and women's magazines, writing about health, relationships, beauty--all that typical stuff. Then one day I got a lead on a position as a crafts editor at Woman's Day Special Issues, and that was the moment when I was finally able to combine my career in publishing with my lifelong experience crafting. And everything just flowed from there! After that position I went on to be the Editor in Chief of Crochet Today magazine and the host of Knit and Crochet Now. These days I'm happily self-employed, working on my own projects and designs, which are all on my blog. I do cover a lot of different subjects, and that's just because it truly reflects what I actually do in my life. I love to do just about anything creative, and I tend to like to jump around from one project to the next because I love the process of starting something new. One day I'm knitting a shawl because I want a shawl, and then the next week I'm making a big birthday cake for a friend, then after that I'm sewing curtains because I need curtains, and then I'm repainting vintage furniture because I found a piece at a flea market. My crafts just flow from whatever is happening in my real life. And if I don't have the skills to make whatever it is I want, I try to learn--that's really my favorite thing, delving into a new subject and learning all about it, and eventually making something totally new.

JBW- What made you decide to feature back-to-basics patterns with "Sewing in a Straight Line?"

Cute kids versions of the One-Hour
 Skirt as seen on Martha Stewart.
BB- It seemed like I kept hearing people say that they would love to be able to sew, but that it seemed way too hard and they had no idea where to start. Meanwhile, I knew that sewing didn't have to be difficult. One day I was sewing something (I think it was a quilt) and I realized that the project I was making, while it looked kind of impressive, was actually made with nothing but straight lines, and that really anyone could make it. So I got the idea to do a book of projects that were sewn with only straight lines, with the hopes that it would help people see that with the right shape and fabric, and the right idea, you can sew really amazing projects with just simple skills.

JBW- We love how the book really leaves a lot of room for embellishment and individualization with each pattern. What is YOUR favorite pattern in the book and why?

BB- That's such a tough question! I think my favorite in terms of easy projects is the One-Hour Skirt, because it really is so easy to make and it seems to have inspired a lot of people to try sewing. I've gotten emails from tons of readers who really didn't sew, but made the skirt--and they're always so happy and proud and inspired to sew more. That's a great feeling. My favorite in terms of more challenging projects is the Wonky Diamonds on Point Quilt. I have it on my bed and it makes me happy every day. But it really is a challenging quilt -- not for the faint of heart!

JBW- What are a few of your top tips for beginning sewers?

The original One-Hour Skirt
from "Sewing in a
Straight Line"
BB- I do advise beginners to try to get help from a real human their first time out. If you don't personally know someone who can sit with you and help you on the machine till you get comfortable, take a class at your local fabric store. Also, read your sewing machine manual! It's not exactly exciting reading, but you'll learn a lot. Go through the whole manual with some scrap fabric and try out every feature, page by page. You'll learn a ton. I also highly recommend making a muslin before starting any new project (a sample of the project you're making, but sewn in muslin or another inexpensive fabric rather than your real fabric). This process really allows you to work out any kinks so that you'll have much greater success in the end.

JBW-  Tell us a bit more about the 1-hour skirt-- what do you love most about it and do you personally have any of these skirts in your wardrobe?

A collage of One Hour Skirts from
a class Brett taught at Etsy.
BB- I have about twenty of these skirts in my studio, in every size from baby to adult! (And even one to fit my cat. It's true.) The skirts are great because they really are quick and easy--I can actually make one in about 15 minutes now! And they teach you some good micro lessons: how to sew French seams, how to make a waistband casing, how to do a hem, even how to measure your body.

JBW- What tips do you have for our SAL participants who might be attempting to sew a garment for themselves for the first time?

BB-
1. YOU CAN DO IT!!
2. Be sure to wash, dry and very thoroughly iron your fabric before beginning.
(Otherwise, the fabric might shrink later when you wash it, and may cause
puckering in your seams.)
3. Even though I said above it's helpful to sew a muslin, if you're just anxious to
get started and you don't want to sew a muslin, just go ahead and start sewing, but
choose a fabric that's not too expensive. That way you can feel free to go just for it,
without having too much to lose.
4. Lots of people have trouble sewing in a straight line when they first begin. To help
with this, stick a strip of masking tape on your sewing machine, next to the presser
foot, so that you can line the edge of your fabric up with it as you sew. It helps!
5. Have fun! It's just sewing. If you mess up, tear out your seam and start again, or
cut a whole new piece of fabric. Don't stress!

JBW- What projects are you currently working on or what is next for you in the crafting world?

BB- What am I not working on?! I'm still trying to finish decorating my apartment, and I'm working on some designs that are going into some upcoming books, as well as my regular sewing column on Design Sponge. And I've got a lot of big projects in the "hopeful" file that will hopefully become a reality in the near future! :)

Now for the sewing fun! To make your one hour skirt, check out these super fun resources that Brett has kindly provided us with:


Here is Brett's video on how to sew the One-Hour Skirt:


Sewing in a Straight Line by Brett Bara – How to Sew a Skirt in One Hour from Rarebit Productions on Vimeo.

You can also read her post about visiting the Martha Stewart Show to make these skirts on her blog. Also, check out the Martha Stewart Website for the full written directions and materials as well as another video. I recommend watching both videos and reading the written instructions as well.

Now, for the winners of the yarn and fabric giveaway! First off, the following two winners each win three skeins of Cascade Venezia Sport in a color of their choice:

Commenter #24- Jeanie, who said:  "I joined the Kal and am using Madelinetosh pashmina in Victorian Gothic- can't wait to get started! Thanks for this fun knit along! Jeanie"

-and-

Lucky #13- Forensicgrl, who said: "I'm in! I hope to cast on tonight. I'm making my Goodale in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in Thundercloud."

And lastly, the winner of two yards of fabric of your choice from Jimmy Beans Wool's fabric selection is:

Commenter #28- Mary, who said: "I'm in with Madelinetosh Sport in Silver Fox for my Goodale. I'm excited! "
Winners- Please e-mail me with your color/fabric choices and mailing addresses at: kristen@jimmybeanswool.com to claim your prizes!

Thank you so much to Brett for participating in our SAL and providing us with all of this valuable information and tips! Good luck to everyone doing the SAL with starting your skirts! Of course please let me know if you have any questions or get stuck. Feel free to e-mail me directly at the address above or comment on the Ravelry Thread for the KAL. Also, please post finished skirt and sweater photos on Ravelry if you can or e-mail them to me if you'd like them to be featured on the blog in the final post!

Happy knitting and sewing!
Kristen

PS. If you read this entire monster post- whew! Nice work! I'm giving you a virtual pat on the back! :)

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Dora Ohrenstein's "Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments That Really Fit"--and a Giveaway!

by : MarinadeDesigns
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Dora Ohrenstein about her stunning new book: "Custom Crochet Sweaters- Make Garments that Really Fit."  She was nice enough to write the following post and send us a copy of her new book for a giveaway!  Here is what she had to say about her book:  

Dora modeling the
"Shrug Hug" design


I'm so excited about this opportunity to talk to Jimmy Beans blog readers about my new book, Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments That Really Fit.  While there have been a number of excellent books on this topic for knitters, I believe this is the first one offering crocheters in-depth knowledge of how sweaters are put together, and how to alter them when necessary.

It may not be widely known that garment making with crochet has a long and fine history.  Think of the gorgeous Irish Crochet blouses and dresses of the early 20th century!  Even in American magazines of the 40s and 50s, there were plenty of crochet sweaters, dresses, coats and the like.  Only in the decades after that did crochet become more of a "home dec" craft.  Thank goodness, crochet garments are making an awesome comeback.

"Eleganza Raglan"
The lapse caused problems however.  Many skilled crocheters had not learned the knack for following garment patterns, reading schematics closely, and knowing what to do when their measurements are different from the "standard." Since I love designing and making garments best, I wanted to write this book so people could once again be empowered and comfortable with it.

"Shawl Collared
Tunic"
I devote a large section at the beginning of the book to tackling the broad issues that crocheters face:  firstly, taking good measurements of your own body.  The tape measure can be cruel, I know, but truly you can't make a sweater look good if you don't know the dimensions of the body it's going to cover.  There are key measurements at the bust, shoulder, hip, and sleeve that will help you master fit.  

The book also covers how you can measure your store-bought sweaters and learn more about such things as how much ease you like, how low and wide you like your necklines, the depth of your armhole, and other tidbits.  Once you've accumulated all these numbers, you can now examine very closely the schematics for sweaters and see if they need alteration.

"Shrug Hug"
"Floating Tee"
Lots of times people choose a size to make based on their size for store-bought items.  Keep in mind, however, that sizing is always done based on "standard sizing," yet very very few people are actually standard sized!  I find many women have a discrepancy between their bust and shoulder size: the former may be a medium or large, but the shoulders are a small.  If the shoulders on your sweater are larger than your actual shoulders, this will definitely affect the sweater's fit adversely.  The shoulder and neck is where the sweater hangs from, and good measurements here are really important.  This in turn means that altering the armhole may be one of the most important alterations to learn.  That's the area where fabric is removed from the bust to the shoulder.  I devote plenty of space in the book to this particular issue.

There are ten designs in the book, and each is quite different, though all the garments are, I like to think, classics suitable for everyday life that will remain stylish for years to come.  To help readers understand the various types of sweater constructions, I used all the major ones in the book:  Dropped Shoulder, Fitted Sleeve, Vertical (or side to side) Construction, Raglan in pieces, Top Dow Raglan, and Circular Yoke Construction.  Each of these constructions is analyzed, its advantages and disadvantages discussed, as well as potential fitting problems. 

It's funny how people sometimes think they can't wear one or the other type sweater -- but once I teach them how to make it fit, they often change their minds.  Even a very simple, rectangle sweater with no shaping can look fantastic when made to the right dimensions and with a yarn that gives plenty of drape.  

"Cream Puff"
I've gotten great feedback so far on this book, which makes me very happy, of course. Some readers have requested more hands-on attention, so I am offering online classes at my website, Crochetinsider.com, to teach the material that's in the book.  I've taught this class a few times, and you'd be amazed at the gorgeous sweaters that students are making for themselves since taking the class!  If you're interested, please check out the info here:
"Uptown Top"

http://crochetinsider.com/article/crochet-insider-classes-designing-and-creative-crocheters

I will be offering these classes again soon.

If you love crochet but haven't yet ventured into garments, I urge you to take the plunge!  If you already make sweaters but aren't always pleased with how they fit,  I truly believe you'll learn what you need to know in Custom Crocheted Sweaters.  I'm on a mission and seeking others  to join the cause. Holding hooks high, let's show the world how gorgeous crocheted garments can be!

Thank you so much Dora for your insiders look at your book!  For those of you crocheters out there looking to create your own well-fitted garments, this is the book for you!

Now for the fun part.  Dora has graciously given us a copy of her book to give away to one of our lucky readers!  To be eligible, please leave us a comment (one per person please) on this blog post telling us what design from the book you are most excited to crochet!  Cut off time for this giveaway is Sunday evening, 3/18 at 11pm (PST) and the winner will be announced in Jeanne's blog post on Monday.

Thanks so much for reading and I hope you have a happy weekend!

Kristen

PS.  Have you heard about Stitch Red yet? Check out how you can get involved here.


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