JANUARY 16TH, 2012
We are behind in getting the books out to the deserved winners. I plan to get the packages out by the end of the week. Thanks for your patience. I will send confirmation emails to those winners once I have sent the books out.
JANUARY 2ND, 2012
Here is the final roundup of Marketplace businesses from our Fall 2011 issue…..Winter 2011/2012 is right around the corner…….
Jaybird Designs has a nice array of crocheted hats and other accessories. Jennifer Cirka, the designer behind Jaybird Designs has been a Petite Purls designer, back in our Winter 2010 issue.
We love Sweet Georgia Yarns! Felicia’s colorways are absolutely gorgeous and her yarns are to die for. Remember to use the code PETITEPURLS to save 10% on your order!
My Shoeology offers adorable sewing patterns for shoes for babies, kids and women. They also offer sole material and shoe-friendly fabric.
We had the opportunity to meet the women behind Pollika in Summer of 2011. We fell in love with their felt kits, buttons and their accessories in general. They also offer a really neat product called “Wope”, or woolen rope.It is a woolen jute based cord that is perfect for sturdy, high functioning designs such as rugs or ottomans.
DECEMBER 20TH, 2011
As you can see, our Winter 2011 issue is not out yet…….
Due to numerous reasons, our Winter issue will be postponed until early January. We want to bring you the beautiful, high-quality magazine that you are used to. After quite a stressful fall for all of us here at Petite Purls, we felt that it would be necessary to take the extra time to be able to offer that to you.
Let me assure you, it will be a wonderful issue, worth waiting for. And it’s something to look forward to after the hubbub of the holidays.
We have great things planned for 2012.
I will be back on January 2nd to celebrate our indie marketplace sponsors, as well as a great new line-up of Renaissance Mom interviews.
Happy Holidays!
DECEMBER 14TH, 2011
Here is the list of winners of our grand book giveaway!:
Knit Simple: Knitting Workshops Margay “I really want to master knitting lace techniques, so of course I’m interested in Wendy Knits Lace. I’m also interested in the Knit Simple Knitting Workshop book.”
Wendy Knits Lace Jenn “I really want to learn to crochet – I can do edgings, but I’ve never crocheted an entire project. I’d love the Wendy Knits Lace book – been wanting to do more lace!”
Knitting Beyond the Edge Sarah “Nicky Epstein is a genius. I’d love to learn new ways to embellish necklines and hems to make them look more polished and finished. But all of the books are great!”
Knitted Lace Jac “Have not knit a shawl yet and would love to knit something dreamy and lacy.So I suppose knitting lace from Interweave could help start me in the right direction!”
VK Stitchionary: Edging Jill “What a fun group of books. I’ve been thinking lately that I’m tired of just having cast-on/cast-off edges on my projects. I see that 2 of the books could help with that–I’m ready!”
Stashbuster Knits Jennifer “We knit prayer shawls to cozy up those who are ill or celebrating marriage, babies, etc. Thinking and praying for people as you knit is very rewarding.”
Knit Noro Kristin H. “I get involved in the community by going to sit and knit with some of those with cancer. a fellow knitter was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago and when she is recovering from her chemo treatments i visit with her and knit. she teaches me so much and i love spending time with her.”
200 Fair Isle Motifs Krystina “I love to make little baby things for my local Down Syndrome Association. We give baskets to parents of newborn babies with Down syndrome as a way to welcome them into the world!”
Knit Local Lisa C. “Always working on Caps for Kids.”
60 More Quick Knits Meg ”Over the years, I’ve done various things – hats for newborns, hats for kids, etc – and plan to continue those. I also have started a knitting group in my home and have taught a number of people to knit that way.”
Folk Socks Andrea “I don’t know if I could pick just one but I would say I’m definitely a big fan of Hannah Fettig.”
There you have it! Congratulations to all winners! Please email us at infoATpetitepurls.com with your contact information AND book title. As much as I’d like to promise that these will all get in the mail before the holidays, I’m not holding my breath….and neither should you 
It looks like I have past giveaway winners to announce as well, I will be back on Friday with those winners.
DECEMBER 13TH, 2011
I love Beccijo’s shop The Enchanted Cupboard and have purchased frequently from her. There is still time to get your orders in, you have until December 20th!
Thanks Beccijo for joining us, why don’t you tell us how you got into crafting.
I really can’t remember a time that I was not crafting. I come from a very creative family, and it has just always been part of my life.
How did The Enchanted Cupboard come about?
I started making wooden toys for my own kids and then expanded into making them for friends and family. I found ETSY when I had my last child and was asked to approve a quilt someone was having made for me. Once I found ETSY I started researching everything I could about selling online. I wanted to make sure I understood it all for selling, pricing, branding, and marketing. The internet is such a wealth of information. Once I had the knowledge, it was just a matter of putting all the pieces together. I was really in love with this new “freedom” I had found in expressing myself and my art in a very real and interactive way that was not just artwork on a wall.
Are you a work-at-home mom or do you have a work space out of the home? If you are a work-at-home mom, how do you juggle your work duties with your mom duties?
I am a work-at-home, homeschooling mom of 4. Originally I just worked here and there in the house and soon took over every room. It was making me very disconnected to everything. I soon found I needed to get myself and my business centrally located. I tried being in a room on the second floor but that did not work and one Friday I woke up and told the kids we were rearranging the house. There first reaction was” Where are we going to put the kitchen sink?” I am now on the first floor right next to the kitchen. I also have a large storage area for all my unfinished stock and our wood working shop is downstairs in the basement and off of the back lower porch. It is all working good and keeping organized keeps me grounded.
Because I was a former Certified Professional Nanny/Governess juggling the work and family comes easy for me. Organization is the key! Having a family of 4 kids who homeschool works great in that I can make our schedule work around my business needs. Our day has a lovely flow that gives each child the ability to get their personal needs met and me to keep up with orders. You will often find my 3 yr. old working right beside me painting up scraps of wood her father gives her.
What inspires your creativity?
I have a huge, surreal imagination that I never lost from my childhood. It is part of what made me such a good nanny and now a good mom! I often weave my creative ideas into stories and I love to work with my kids to see how they would use the toys I create. Being a trained nanny gives me the knowledge to understand a child’s brain and what it needs to flourish. Being a mom gives me the desire to create things that will be cherished.
What do you think has been your biggest struggle as a working mom?
My biggest struggle has been to decide where my profits should go. As a mom I struggle to not over indulge the children and to except that for the first 5 years I need to reinvest back into my business. Having a goal helps me with this and knowing that my goal in the end will be better for our family’s future.
What are your goals for yourself or your business for your future?
Our goal is to bring my husband home from the corporate world and to have a self-sustainable family farm. With my husband coming home and getting to be a constant figure in our day will give me the ability to get more of the ideas in my creative head into a workable item. And getting our family into a lifestyle and mini farm that provided 80% of our needs will free up resources to be able to grow our business even more. We are working to provide natural craft supplies, fun craft kits for kids, homeschooling lessons that are portfolio-worthy, and books and stop-motion videos featuring our toy series.
We also have a shop in town in Shrewsbury, PA. Our grand opening is (was) November 5th. We are very excited about this new venture that not only has my handmade items, but also handmade items from other U.S. artists. I love being part of the movement that encourages people to support the USA economy in a very real and lasting way.
What other hobbies do you like to dabble in? What is your favorite way to relax?
I really like to dabble in a lot of areas. I also enjoy jewelry and accessory making for woman. I also paint and love to make our family Christmas card each year. To relax I love a good cup of tea and to curl up on the couch next to my husband. Getting to be with him is the best part of my day! We have been together 15 years and each one more glorious then the last.
Do you have any advice to give other women that are interested in starting their own small business?
The best advice is to make sure you read and research before you step in. Plan out your 1st, 3rd, and 5th year. Dream big and dream often. I always like to plan backward, start at the end and work backwards. For me I knew how much I needed to make in any year to make our goal happen. I took that amount and figured out how much I needed to make a day to make that a reality. That is my production goal every day and when the time comes that our family needs me to be producing that much it will not be a hard goal.
What is your favorite game to play with your kids?
We like to make our own board games. My kids are wonderfully creative. One year for Father’s Day we took my husband on a scavenger hunt to all his favorite places, when we got home his last gift was a handmade board game that turned our day into a game. Now we can relive that great day every time we play the game.
Is there anything else you’d like to add…..
The hardest step in any journey is the first one! Moms have a right to be happy and follow their dreams even after they give birth. Being a good mom means loving your kids, AND giving them a happy and secure mother who loves who she is.
Thank you Beccijo for such a wonderful glimpse into your creative life!
DECEMBER 12TH, 2011
O-Wool is a beautiful yarn company specializing in organic wools that are processed in a green way. You can become enlightened by the interesting process here.
O-Wool currently offers 6 different yarns, and I must say that the colors are simply gorgeous!
O-Wool is being found all over the knitting world, with beautiful designs in Knitscene Winter 2011, Twist Collective Winter 2011, Interweave Knits Winter 2011 and knit.wear 2011
NOVEMBER 27TH, 2011
We love Loop here at Petite Purls. Such a nice, classy LYS that can also be found online. Craig Rosenfeld, the owner, is such a nice guy, they have great products—what isn’t there to like??
We’ve been very blessed to have Loop’s support from very early on. Some new things going on at Loop:
You can now find Brooklyn Tweed’s newest amazing yarn, Loft, at the shop. All 32 colors and 14 patterns designed specifically for the yarn.
This limited edition yarn, Kidsilk Creation, by Rowan can make a beautiful knit or crochet ruffled scarf, just out of one skein! The color palette is beautiful. It’s definitely a luxury yarn, perfect to knit with for someone special in your life.
Do you follow Loop on Facebook? What about Twitter? They also have a blog. Get connected!
NOVEMBER 26TH, 2011
Well, it looks like I’m turning this into a Small Business Saturday post rather than a Black Friday post, but that suits me just fine! Just like the other giveaways, the books with *** next to them will be given away.
Weekend Hats
By Cecily Glowik MacDonald & Melissa LaBarre
Interweave Press, US $22.95
Talented designers Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Melissa LaBarre are back again after their very popular book, New England Knits, to bring you 25 fantastic hats to keep you warm this winter, and all year. Included are caps, berets, cloches, beanies and more. Other designers joining them are Jared Flood, Anne Kuo Lukito, Kirsten Kapur, Gudrun Johnston and Susan B. Anderson, among many others! Hats for everyone.
Folk Socks: The History & Techniques of Handknitted Footwear ***
By Nancy Bush
Interweave Press, US $24.95
This is the updated, paperback version of the incredibly popular 1994 hit Folk Socks. Originally this book kicked off the sock-knitting phenomenon, and 7 years later it is still going strong! Nancy Bush offers careful instructions with clear charts and illustrations. The collection holds 18 patterns showcasing Norther European traditions including boot socks, lacy stockings and much more. There is also a chapter devoted to essential sock-knitting techniques for shaping heels and toes. This edition includes updated information on new yarns as well as modifications.
Textured Stitches: Knitted Sweaters & Accessories with Smart Details
By Connie Chang Chinchio
Interweave Press, US $24.95
Damn this girl knows how to design! Connie Chang Chinchio has designed some of the most popular patterns out there currently and is adored by thousands of knitters. This collection of 20 brand new designs showcases her simple, classic style with lovely patterned stitches to make flattering wearable projects. The finished projects are beautifully polished and the textures help create a tailored fit. This book includes many sweaters as well as scarves, shawls, gloves and other accessories. It’s a must have for all knitter libraries.
Knitting Off the Axis: Projects + Techniques for Sideways Knitting
By Mathew Gnagy
Interweave Press, US $24.95
What a fabulous book! Sideways Knitting has definitely been on the rise and now there is a book to help us all join in on the fun. Gnagy offers new and exciting interest in shaping, pattern and fashion-forward silhouettes with these angle-inspired designs. He divides his designs into three categories: Truly Sideways, Mostly Sideways and Every Which Way. The book includes pullovers, cardigans, vests and more for both men and women.
Custom Knits 2: More Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques
By Wendy Bernard
STC Craft | A Melanie Falick Book, US $27.50
Popular blogger, designer and author, Wendy Bernard picks up where she left off in her bestselling book, Custom Knits. She offers more patterns, formulas and tips to help you become your own designer. She has designed hoodies, shells, pullovers, cardigans, hats, and many more. Wendy has a great sense of style and her designs are fun, colorful and classy.
Ok! So it looks like we have one book to add to the Giveaway Extravaganza: Nancy Bush’s Folk Socks. If you would like to be in the running for this book, please leave a comment telling us who your favorite knitwear designer is. I’m sure this is a toughie, as I know for myself, I have tons of favorites. So let us know who that is and why. Comments will close for all three days giveaways on November 30th.
Let’s review what we are giving away!:
Knit Simple’s Knitting Workshops
Wendy Knits Lace by Wendy D. Johnson
Knitting Beyond the Edge by Nicky Epstein
Knitted Lace (Interweave)
Stitchionary 6: Edging (Vogue Knitting)
Stashbuster Knits by Melissa Leapman
Knit Noro
200 Fair Isle Motifs by Mary Jane Mucklestone
Knit Local by Tanis Gray
60 More Quick Knits (Cascade 220)
Folk Socks by Nancy Bush
What a great collection of books! Good luck everyone!
NOVEMBER 24TH, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate. The books that have *** after the title will be given away.
Craft Activism
by Joan Tapper, Photography by Gale Zucker
Potter Craft, US $22.99
In recent years, the DIY movement has become quite strong, and has evolved into something more– a larger statement of Craft Activism or Craftivism. This book takes a look at crafters that are creating beautiful, inspirational pieces to help build a community, make a statement and ultimately, save the world. Artists included in the book are Jessica and Casey Forbes from Ravelry, Jenny Hart from Sublime Stitching, The Jafa Girls (Yarn Bombing) and many more.
Stashbuster Knits ***
by Melissa Leapman
Potter Craft, US $19.99
Who says you can have too much leftover yarn? Melissa Leapman has designed 21 creative projects to use up every last piece of yarn. The chapters of this book are organized by yarn weight– from super fine to super bulky and include fantastic projects such as the Boho Bracelets and Amy’s Sleeveless Hoodie.
The Best of Knitscene
By Lisa Shroyer
Interweave Press, US $24.95
Another great collection from Interweave of 20 of the most beloved and fashionable designs from the pages of Knitscene magazine. Some favorites include Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky, Geodesic Cardigan by Connie Chang Chinchio and Molly Ringwald by Michele Rose Orne. The collection also includes designer profiles and great articles.
Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color ***
Sixth & Spring Books, US $24.95
We all know and love Noro yarns, and now there’s a beautiful book of designs to capture their brilliance The collection includes hats, scarves, socks, shawls, blankets, sweaters and many more. The designs are imaginative—perfect to compliment the beauty that is Noro Yarn.
200 Fair Isle Motifs: A Knitter’s Directory ***
By Mary Jane Mucklestone
Interweave Press, US $24.95
A beautiful collection of Fair Isle Motifs that offers simple solutions to the seemingly complex technique of knitting stranded colorwork. The charts are easy to read and the photographs are lovely and clear.
The book also includes a section of essential skills for all knitters, including color choices, steeking, weaving and how to correct mistakes.
Knit Local: Celebrating America’s Homegrown Yarns ***
By Tanis Gray
Sixth & Spring Books, US $19.95
Knit Local is a wonderful book that celebrates American yarn companies and their efforts to produce yarns sustainably. The book is split up into sections of the country: Northeast, South, Midwest and West. Yarns included are Quince & Co., Brooklyn Tweed, Bijou Basin Ranch, Dream in Color and Kollage Yarns, but they are just the tip of the iceberg.
60 More Quick Knits ***
Sixth & Spring Books, US $17.95
This is the third installment in the very popular collection showcasing one of the most popular yarns ever used: Cascade 220 Sport. This book features 20 hats, 20 scarves and 20 mittens.
So if you’d like to be in the running for Stashbuster Knits, Knit Noro, 200 Fair Isle Motifs, Knit Local or 60 More Quick Knits, here is what you have to do:
Leave a comment stating how you get involved in your community using your craft(s). Please make sure you leave your email address! Comments will close for all three days giveaways on November 30th.
