a slipper pattern

When I posted here about these simple slippers

I had crocheted,

a reader asked if I knew of any knitted

pattern for a something similar.

While browsing garnstudio.com for

Drops Design's latest collections,

I came across this pattern::

Very close, I think, so if you don't crochet

you might want to check it out.

While you are there,

you may want to wander through

their wonderful patterns~all absolutely free!

Waiting on Wednesday (95)

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with family and friends! I know I did! 

Now it's time to get back to the books and catch up on blogging!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!

This week I chose:

"The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary Queen of Scots"
by Carolyn Meyer

Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: June 19, 2012

The following description is from goodreads.com:

Mary is only six days old when she is crowned after the death of her father, five years old when she is sent to France to be raised alongside her future husband. Surrounded by friends and beloved by the royal family, Mary absorbs the culture, becoming more French than Scot. But when her frail young husband dies, Mary, now eighteen, is stripped of her title as Queen of France and set adrift in the harsh world, alone.

Determined to reign over what is rightfully hers, as well as to claim the throne of England to which she believes she is entitled, Mary returns to Scotland. The fiery young queen must sometimes go to brutal lengths to establish her sovereignty. And she is just as willful when it comes to her love life. Hoping that a husband will help her secure the coveted English throne, Mary marries again, but the love and security she longs for elude her. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a murder scandal that could cost her the crown. And her attempts to bargain with her formidable "sister queen," Elizabeth I of England, could cost her her very life.

I love historical YA and I've really liked the other books I've read by this author. Plus how fabulous is that cover?!

What are you waiting for this week???

knit boots

getting ready

After planting a lot of spring bulbs this weekend:

• allium
• tulips ~ red & yellow
• daffodils
• narcissus

I grabbed a basket and gathered some pine boughs,

and took some clippings for my Advent candle arrangement.

As in past years, I used this old bread tin,

some floral oasis to hold the candles,

and tucked the pine in around them.

Every night we light the candle(s)at dinner

time ~ a tradition I have come to love.

~

For some wonderful Advent and Christmas craft and activity

ideas for children,

check out this link.



Deb

crochet scarf pattern

crochet christmas

Blogiversary Book Giveaway!

In celebration of my four year "blogiversary" I have a nice stack of knitting books to give away!

I love knitting books. Love. Them. 

There are so many fabulous books out there, but here are a few newer releases that will really round out your knitting library.

Starting at the top of the stack...

A Knitter's Home Companion

What a completely charming little book this is. This isn't just a book of knitting patterns, a book of essays, or a recipe book.. it is actually all three. And it is put together in a very touching way. This book is written and illustrated by Michelle Edwards and in it she shares the role that knitting has played in her relationships with family, friends and her community throughout her life.

60 More Quick Knits

A great, go-to accessory book of 60 patterns all using Cascade 220 Sport yarn. There are 20 hats, 20 scarves, and 20 mitten designs for you to choose from. This book offers many cute patterns in a wide variety of styles so there is something here for everyone. This is a great resource for knitted gift ideas.

Custom Knits 2

If you enjoyed Wendy Bernards first book offering, Custom Knits, as I did, then you will also love Custom Knits 2. As someone who loves sweater knitting, I really appreciate Wendy's amazing insight on how to plan, alter, add-on, convert, and customize sweater patterns. This book contains tons of extremely useful information as well as several beautiful garment designs. An amazing publication for sure.. although the pictures of the women modeling their sweaters with their bikini bottoms will always make me chuckle just a little bit. :)

10 Secrets of the LaidBack Knitters 

In this book, Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza offer up a fun and relaxed approach to knitting with their 10 secrets to knitting success. Its a great read with lots of fun stories, information, and interviews.. not to mention... some seriously cute patterns too! I desperately am wanting to make my daughter the
Princess Garden Skirt.

Finishing School: A Master Class for Knitters

Ok... I seriously am in love with this book! My time as a knitter has taught me how important finishing is for every knitted project. This book covers it all. Zippers.. seaming.. steeking.. blocking.. everything. It's a great reference book. I think that everyone should own a copy!


To enter to win this collection of five fabulous books, please leave a comment (including contact information) under this post. In your comment I'd love to hear how long you have been a reader of Never Not Knitting and what your favorite knitting book is. And no.. you don't have to say Coastal Knits. :)

I will randomly pick and announce a winner from among the comments left on Sunday December 4th.
You have until December 3rd to enter.

Remember only one comment per person please. And if you do not leave any contact information for me such as an email address, ravelry id, or so forth, I will have to pick another winner if your name is chosen.
I have had too many problems with unclaimed prizes and it's important that I am able to get ahold of you if you win. Thank you!

And just to make sure.. you do know about the blogiversary pattern sale, right?
Click HERE for more information!