Thursday, May 26, 2011

5 Year Blogiversary May Giveaway! Deadline May 31st, 2011

I'm in a bit of a knitting funk...... How bout you? The weather should be warm, the garden should be planted, but the rain hampered everything. My garden is crying out for attention, not to mention the sunflower field that is underwater and who knows when will be dry enough to plant. It just seems that this time of year, I'd much rather be outside that chained to some needles. I suppose in the hotter parts of the U.S. where you have to spend the summers inside in air conditioning, knitting production for some of you may increase?  At any rate, I do what needs to be done and fit in the rest of the stuff around it. 


Last year at this time, we were just beginning our studio renovation project! Boy am I glad that isn't happening this year. It's great to be able to use the porch every meal and look out upon the lambs and chickens doing what they do. Looking forward to the first "Getting Stitched on the Farm" Class at the end of July. Full class - very exciting! I still have five spots left in the Sept 10-11 class and one space available for the Oct 1-2. Check it out here.

I'm a couple of months into my 5th year of blogging. When I thought about this back in March, I asked some good friends of mine for some gifts for all of you to help promote them also. I was so overwhelmed by the generosity and ran many giveaways. But then I tired of it because I felt so many people who entered were just there for the chance of winning some yarn or books. I decided to hold back some of the prizes for later so that I would be able to offer them to all of you who stick around month in and month out. And these prizes are GREAT!

I've got today's giveaway and a second one coming up in June. Here's what we have for you today! Courtesy of Kathy Elkins (Co-Owner and Podcaster extraordinaire) and the fine folks at Webs in nearby Northampton, my next winner will receive 13 skeins of their Valley Yarns Superwash DK in a lovely basil color. 

Along with the yarn, the next winner will receive matching circular and straight needles to knit this gorgeous yarn with and a handy dandy Webs tape measure. 

From my friends at Sixth and Spring who publish beautiful knitting books (they are the publisher of my latest book Color By Kristin) I'm thrilled to include some of their newest, highly sought after titles including 
1. Knitopedia, a book that was at least 5 years in the making. It is a must for every knitter's shelf.
2. Rosemary Drysdale's Entrelac. This book is so popular that it went immediately back to print. I got to see some of the samples from it when I was at Webs one afternoon when Rosemary was teaching. What you can learn to knit from it is amazing!
3. Susan Levin's ColorSense. This book is a great tool for all of you who feel color challenged.


And lastly, I've got some of my Best Foot Forward self-striping sock yarn donated by the fine folks at Westminster Fibers, producers of the yarn. You'll get 5 different balls of yarn - each ball will make 1 pair of adult socks! Wow.

Here's how you enter. Answer the following question and leave the answer in the Comments section of this blog?

Does your knitting, crocheting or crafting increase or decrease in the summer months? What craft or hobby do you like to do best during the summer?

U.S. Addresses only and PLEASE leave an easy way to get a hold of you
Contest ends Midnight of May 31st. Good luck everyone!

297 comments:

1 – 200 of 297   Newer›   Newest»
Lapdog Creations said...

Happy Blogiversary! What a wonderful contest!

My knitting tends to go up and down in the summer. My other half races cars so I try to get some knitting time in during the drive to the tracks and during down time in the pit area. Knitting is still my go to summertime hobby.

Jessica said...

Haha. I am east of you in Boston, and I cannot tell you how happy I am that the sun came out yesterday. I have big plans to finish my new raised bed this weekend (I need to put dirt in it) and plant the garden! As for knitting, I find that I have more time during the summer because I spend more time at home in the evenings and weekends but that time is also divided with projects that can only be done in the summer (house and yard stuff). So maybe it's no surprise I never get anything done :)

SnohoTina said...

Yummy yarn. During the summer I tend to do more spinning but I always have one or two projects on the needles. I live in the Pacific NW so we don't have such huge temparature extremes. If I should be a happy winner you can reach me at snohotina(AT)gmail.com

Becky said...

During the summer, my knitting tends to go down. My boys are home from school and it makes it more of a challenge. This year, I hope to change that with some cotton yarn and "lighter" projects.

Thanks for this tremendous giveaway!!

loonyhiker said...

During the summer I think I do more knitting. We do more traveling and camping which is perfect for me. I love to knit when we are in the car and if we are just sitting around a campfire. I also bring my sock knitting with me when we go hiking.

Pat
successfulteaching@gmail.com

thepaintedsheep said...

Mine increases, especially once the A/C is on - something to do when I'm tucked away in my bedroom with the window A/C cranked up.

Unknown said...

Wow! Five years! I know I've been reading it for at least the last three and went back to look at some of the original posts. I still love reading about your sheep adventures!

My knitting changes and speeds up in the warmer months. I use lighter yarn and knit a lot of smaller lace projects. Round about October I will start to get the urge to cast on for a cardigan or a sweater or a blanket with some worsted weight yarn. Until then, it's fingering weight and size 5 needles.

catepolacek at yahoo dot com

gina said...

It has been rainy here in Colorado too. I spend lots of time in the garden but still find time for knitting when I can. I don't think my knitting time goes down, but I do switch to smaller projects. Lots of socks!!! Enjoy your summer!

Susan said...

I knit more in the summer, I think, because I can bring my knitting outside, so I tend to carry it with me more than I do in the winter. I tend to knit mostly socks in the summer, and their more portable nature also increases the chances that I will carry them along. My winter projects tend to be larger and more complex, perfect for sitting with a cup of tea and a DVD.

Chris said...

Once my garden is in and when it gets super hot my knitting picks up again,I knit socks and lacey things or even better felted stuff. Its nice as it is so dry here everything dries super fast. Congrats on your blogiversary Your blog is a great read and always interesting. I am in Canada so i don't qualify for the draw but I do enjoy reading your blog

Bonney said...

I'd have to say my knitting increases in the summer because I knit of LOT of squares to make into baby blankets or lap robes. They're quick, easy to pick up and put down, and offer pretty quick satisfaction! Congrats on the blogiversary!

mkg said...

What a question! Well, in a way it depends on how much I'm hiking. I usually stop knitting sweaters, cause who wants all that stuff blanketed over you as you knit. But I start knitting small things--socks, scarves, sometimes sweaters that get knit in discrete pieces. If I'm hiking somewhere, I always take sock knitting in my pack for tops of mountains and evenings in camp. First thing I do in a backcountry campsite, after setting up the tent, is get out my knitting.

Molly said...

I like to sew and embroider and definitely less in the summer. The nice long evenings in the fall and winter make it so easy to start a project and get lots done before you want to settle down and relax. Also, with new TV shows starting it great to get all cozy on the couch and hand quilt or embroider. In the summers you are outside and when it's humid I can't stand fabric or yarn touching me.

I usually read more in the summer and sew more the other times of the year.

Tracie said...

Happy Anniversary!

I love to garden and go to the beach - neither of which I can do with my knitting. However, since it stays light longer, I feel like I have more evening time to knit. I love working on a lace project sitting on my deck.

Thanks for giving such wonderful reading material also great giveaways.

tracienix at gmail dot com

Cindy said...

More daylight, more time to knit, crochet and sew. In the winter I want to sleep so much!

Wendelene said...

Long time lurker coming out of the shadows.
I live in South Carolina, and my hobbies do get seasonal. Spring and Autumn are spinning time because I like spinning outdoors. Summer is prime knitting time because most of my other activities go on hiatus. Summer is when the big projects get started. Winter is the time to finish stuff and plan the next season.

Herbal Tonya here said...

hi there

i tend to work with wool less in the summer months, usually i am outside more, making more medicine, planting...and during those summer nights often work on ideas and designs often come into fruition the following Fall!

thanks for the giveaway! maybe we will see you at the Ashfield Lake one of these summer days!

Heather L. said...

Happy Anniversary to your lovely blog, which I've been following for nearly four years I think!!!

Well, if I'm honest, I do less crafting in the summer even though I feel like I should do more since I'm not homeschooling. Right now I'm knitting some stuff for the TNNA and then I'll need to start a few projects of my own. I usually knit but I also have some Japanese flower granny squares I'm crocheting at the moment t make into a shawl. I'll also need to spend time helping my daughter with her 4-H projects: knitting and sewing.

Jessica L'Heureux said...

I tend to knit less in the summer just cuz I'm on my motorcycle more, but the groups on Ravelry help me keep up my craft.

Congratulations on your blogaversary!!!!
jessica at myknits dot com

Sally said...

Happy 5 years, Kristin! And many many more! My knitting/stitching volume changes very little over the warmer months. It's the size and temperature of what will be in my lap that changes. For instance, no big wool sweaters or blankets. No large quilts. Socks, baby things, mittens, hats, cotton, linen, hemp, etc. Embroidery. Thanks for the lovely pics, the lovely giveaway, and the constant inspiration!

Sue said...

Happy anniversary to you!
During the summer, my knitting and crocheting does drop significantly. I switch to spinning primarlily because I demonstrate at our nature center on Sunday afternoons. I also try to get in more dying- no problem getting wet typically.

Sarah said...

Thanks for 5 great years! I tend to knit less in the summer because I want to be outdoors more and because I wait until late fall to start all my holiday knitting!

lifeinsarahland AT yahoo.com

nancy blanchong said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I would like to say that my knitting doesn't really change as the seasons change. Although, I would have to say that it probably does decrease slightly just because I do have yard and garden work to do. I do know that I tend to do more 'brain-less' projects in the summer. More sweaters that are worked in st st or have very easy stitch patterns, more 'on-the-go' type projects.

auntiemichal said...

I love your blog, Kristen! In the summer I tend to spin, but when I knit it's small things like socks. This summer will vary, though, because I'm teaching a few kid and adult knitting classes and will be knitting samples.

barb :0) said...

HAPPY, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY :0)
Thank You for such a wonderful and fun give away !!!
I Love to knit Every day .... summer or winter :0) In the summer ... I am busy in the garden and on the farm .... so I just get up a bit eariler to knit !!!

Sarah said...

I think I knit more in the summer actually. Lots of socks and scarves, nothing too bulky.

sjyleroy AT yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love your blog - thank you!

My knitting stays the same, but the projects change from season to season. In winter, I use a lot of wool, in Spring I use cotton.

ahandmadeprincess@hotmail.com

Diane said...

Happy anniversary! I tend to get less knitting done - would rather be outside - but I do get more dyeing done. Except right now because it's really windy.

Vicki Knitorious said...

I knit year 'round, but production definitely decreases in the summertime because of more time spent outdoors!

Happy blogiversary!

Robin C said...

Happy Blog Anniversary Kristin,

I have been in a funk about everything so I'm probably not the right person to talk to. The hated Menopause is playing games with me and I don't like it one bit. But giveaways always perk me up, dreaming of winning something special. Man, you are being way too generous with all this beautiful yarn, books and needles. I would be speechless if I won something so pretty. Heck, I'd be fine with a book. But to answer your question, I think my knitting stays about the same in the summer as winter. Work gets into my fun time and I'm always catching up. But the summer, we have a little garden and I love to watch the flowers grow, the baby birds and all my cats playing in the yard. I wish I had sheep and chickens like you. Your farm is just beautiful. But in Virginia it gets hot fast and I'm not much for heat so inside there will be knitting going on.

Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day and I'd love it if you have note cards of the sheep on the pink flower petals.

Robin C

Anne P said...

I am one who checks your blog daily! and yesterday I even made my husband come look at the sheep on pink petal carpet pics! I appreciate your hardwork/dedication to your blog as so many blogs 'languish' out there :)

Anyway, I suppose my knitting/crafting tends to decrease in the summer - but last summer I knit more than a dozen 'Bella' hats - it got to the point that I had the pattern memorized and could make a hat a day! (without neglecting my motherly/wifely duties!) I just finished some knitted flowers from your flower pattern to make into pins for teacher gifts! But, other than that, I'm not sure what's next. I usually make small things in the summer - dishcloths, hats, wee baby things, etc... thank you for the fun contest! I am annegp on Ravelry.

bittenbyknittin said...

I don't have any hard data to support the sense that my knitting slows down in the summer, but I spend a lot of time in the garden and in the kitchen processing the things from the garden, so it seems natural that the knitting would suffer. BTW, I haven't planted my sunflowers yet, either. Is it ever going to stop raining?!?

owlette said...

Happy anniversery, I love your blog its always has beautiful pictures. I like knitting in the summer so I'm not swamped with projects when fall comes. I would love to win that yarn because I always knit stuff for other people and I promised myself I would knit a sweater for myself this year.best of luck on your knitting and blog:) carej1994@gmail.com

HOA Mgr Lady said...

Happy Anniversary and It's my Birthday! My crafting takes a small vacation during the warmer summer months. But come fall Boom! Its crafting weather. I am crocheting but trying to teach myself to knit... wish me luck!
Ruth
Rcederstro at aol.com

Sharon D. said...

I tend to keep my knitting to small projects in the summer and they do go slower when it is really hot.

penny said...

it's quite reassuring to know i'm not the only one in a funk.. (for me it's knitting.. and well Everything) this weather has been Difficult... and i have only a tiny kitchen garden and an indoor cat to worry about (well beyond basement flood worries... knock on wood!).

my knitting tends to stay the same season in season out ... i no longer follow the ebb and flow of the school year and the train commute rarely shows variation.

Cinnamon said...

I guess compared to winter when I have more indoor time I do more crafting, sewing, knitting, but the need does not diminish in the summer. I just have more to do when it's warm and dry out...the garden, canning, being outdooors, going to the beach (although I always take my knitting to the beach). Thanks for the giveaway and congratulations to 5 years!

Kelsie Butler said...

I love your blog. I love reading about the lambs and the colors always brighten my day. My knitting tends to fluctuate during the summer months. It really depends on our kids schedules and what sports/camps they are doing. Plus vacations thrown in there. My husband is always gone in the summer for a couple if weeks for work so I really get a lot of knitting done then because I never sleep when he is gone. I always tend to lean toward crocheting more during the summer, I don't know why. As long as I have needles or hooks in hand I am happy during the summer.
okyarngoddess@gmail.com

nancy said...

I am pretty much just a knitter, but I am finding myself tempted to try crochet and quilting as a result of all the wonderful projects I see on the web.

Perhaps since I live in California, I knit pretty much the same all year round, but I still find knitting to be more comforting in the winter.

Happy Blog anniversary! Wonderful giveaways!

nancylerer@yahoo.com

Hallie said...

Happy blog anniversary!! And what an amazing view of knitting eye candy!!

After a few years, I still feel like I am new to knitting. I do go thru phases of knitting more and taking a break and I think I'd have to say I do more in the winter, but maybe it's just the bigger projects I do in the winter, like dresses or hats. In the summer I tend to make more small items for toy swaps etc...things that are easy to take on summer road trips! :)

Thanks for the chance to win... I will be crossing my fingers! :)

Hallie

www.ourbrokenroad.blogspot.com

Sally said...

Happy 5th Blogiversary! I craft year round, and actually just ordered yarn for Christmas presents (Viking hats for the guys).
Sally - Fibercrafter on Ravelry

kenna said...

definitely more knitting in the winter when it is dark and cozy. summer is for sewing and quilting as my rooms for those face west and get lovely light until at least 10 pm.

happy anniversary, love the lamb pictures.

Cathy said...

My knitting time stays the same, but I do switch to smaller projects, hats, socks/mittens, or children's sweaters. It can get just too hot to have lots of yarn in my lap.

Congratulations on 5 years! I've enjoyed every post.

jjkerratverizondotnet

Lisa C. said...

I knit year round. Usually work on smaller projects in lighter weight yarns.
Congratulations, Kristin, on five years of a great blog!

paul(dot)lisa(dot)c(at)gmail(dot)com

Susan said...

I love the pictures on your blog, and what a great combination of topics - knitting, color and sheep. I don't like to knit as much in the summer but I've taken up sewing again after many years and am enjoying that immensely as well as embroidery-day-of-the-week dishtowels, of all things!

rowndabout said...

When the warmer weather arrives I love to knit with cotton and lace weight yarns. Closer to Fall I begin work on winter weather projects so that I will be ready for the first blast of cold!

MarmePurl said...

No Knitting this spring and summer...I'm renovating an old house and bringing a farm back to life!
But now if I had some lovely self stripping sock yarn to play with, I just might put down the paint brush for a bit...
MarmePurl on Rav

Martha said...

I live in Florida, so when the temperatures go above 95, I'm inside knitting and sewing. This is when I plan and start large projects, especially ones I want to have finished by the holidays. During football season (aka fall) I knit socks -- small portable projects -- but in the summer it's afghans and quilts and big things I can work on in front of the tv and, most importantly, in the air conditioning!

Erin said...

I am definitely too hot to knit during the summer. I tend to sew more, and read a lot.
Congrats on you 5th anniversary! Your sheep photos the other day were awesome, btw. You should sell them!
eowyn1220 at comcast dot net
Thanks for the opportunity!

Anonymous said...

I just started getting back into knitting and crocheting, and it is not like riding a bike. I am finding I have forgotten a lot. When I decide to take it back up again I thought great my boys play baseball in the summer and I can knit at their practices and games. Well, they decided not to play ball this Summer instead they are BULL RIDING. Yes I said Bull Riding like in Rodeos. I am pretty sure I will not be knitting during this. It would not be safe for who ever is sitting next to me......

Anonymous said...

I knit pretty much all year 'round. In the summer, I tend to knit smaller projects like socks. I don't know why, but lately, I've been crocheting potholders. (?)

Brenda
iabrenda0312@aol.com

Bonnita said...

My knitting/crocheting stays about the same during the summer, only the type of fiber changes from wool to cotton.
During the summer I'm usually behind my sewing machine.

honeyb1231@yahoo.com

Sara said...

You are so amazingly generous! What a great giveaway! I struggle during the summer months to knit and crochet. I actually get the most knitting and crocheting done between Jan and June. Not sure why, but even the holidays don't kick start me to do any major projects despite the fact I hand make every Christmas gift. I'm going to beat the summer heat this year though and continue getting in my over a thousand yard average per month.

Alchemy said...

Thanks for the giveaway! In Minnesota it's so chilly I may be knitting mittens all summer anyway. Sigh.... I did buy some corn yarn to try in case it ever feels too hot for wool.

laurabal25@gmail.com said...

I think I will be doing more knitting this summer.. only because I have a lovely screened porch that faces my neighbor's beautiful garden. Summerdays are my lazy days.. with more time for anything I want to do. This past winter has been cold and hard.. and there was just the one room I could only knit in-- with the rest of the house being very cold. This summer I will be able to relax a whole lot more.. meaning this.. Let's get on with the knitting!! Yahoo!

thank you for the giveaways!

Laura B

Zenitude said...

Happy 5th anniversary!
My knitting does reduce in intensity in the summer months. If we travel anywhere, I will knit in the car and have the odd project on the go during the summer though.

Auntie Shan said...

I should probably attach a Crochet Hook to my Keyring... I'm pretty much of a Have-Yarn-Will-Hook-24/7/365 kinda "Girl"! I exclusively work with Cotton Yarn, so severe Temp changes aren't really a problem for me. Whenever I have to be someplace where I *know* that I'll likely have more than 20 minutes of mind-numbing "waiting", I always bring a bag of Yarn and my Hooks! -- One can never have enough Scarves!!

:-D

Carolyn said...

Congratulations on your anniversary!
I am a Massachusetts girl who now lives in the west. Your words and pictures bring memories of home.
I continue to knit, crochet and spin throughout the summer. I do a lot of items for children, that are seasonless. I also do more dyeing when I can do it outside and not make a big mess in the house.
Here in Utah it has been cold and wet, essentially no spring, so I will really welcome a sunny warm day.
Carolyn
cclarke@xmission.com

Kristin said...

My knitting actually increases during the summer. I go to my place on Cape Cod, and spend the day on the beach or water. The kids hang out with their friends at night, and I am free to knit!!

kristinfitzgerald on ravelry

Suzanne said...

I knit year round but I think I slow down and do more shawls over the summer. They are just lighter to hold and it's lighter at night to see the small stitches. I tend to do smaller, quick knit items during the fall for gifts and for work (lunch knitting). I'm hoping to knit a few pair of socks this summer also.

Kelly said...

Wow this is great. My knitting definately increases during the summer. Mainly socks and dish cloths. They're small. I live in Southern California, it's hot.

Congrats on the blogiversary!!

reach me at oshnpashn@gmail.com

Kelly

nancy said...

I live in Minnesota so have long cold stretches of time in the winter for knitting & quilting. So far, we also have had lots of rain. Our son lives in Boston so we know you have had a very wet year also. Summer is busy but still find time to work on Christmas knitting!

deidre said...

My crafting time remains pretty stable throughout the year, but the yarny crafts give way to jewelry and paper crafts in the warmer months. I am lostinkansas on ravelry. Congrats on 5 great years.

Jenn said...

Congrats on 5 years!!!
My knitting and crocheting are pretty consistant throughout the year. But in summer I work on smaller projects and more of them. So at the end of the year the amount knit and crochet oddly equals out, it is just the size that changes according to the weather. I am Angeleyz14 on Ravelry :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary and thank you!
I always think my knitting will fall off in spring and summer. Not so, I miss it so I do smaller, lighter projects: socks, baby things, lace weight shawls. Having said that, I am outside all day since the sun returned.

Margie

Eliza said...

Happy Blogiversary! Yes, I guess my knitting does slow down most of the time in the summer but with this damp & rainy spring...I'm still knitting away! I try to stay inspired with lighter weight cotton/linen yarns for the summer months! Sometimes, I throw in a little embroidery when I'm in a funk, though!
:) Beth bbrrtt1(at)cox(dot)net

Cami said...

My knitting stays about the same, but I tend to do more spinning in the summer.

Regina said...

Wow! That's some giveaway! Thank you! I would say that it pretty much stays the same! With road trips during the summer I'm so happy to have a portable craft! I also like to sew and I do sew more in the summer, but I knitting is easy to do in bed or at the park, so it stays with me all year!

Janelle said...

My knitting decreases a little in the summer due to yard work and fewer meetings at work to knit during. But I NEVER stop making socks!

Maria said...

Summer = more knitting!

Colleen said...

Being in one of those hot-weather climates you mentioned, I don't think the volume of my yarn play (usually knitting) is impacted particularly during the summer. However, I do tend to prefer plant based yarns over animal in the summer~ sometimes it's just unbearable, even in the air conditioning, to have that warm fiber in your hands. Bring on the linen, tencel and cotton! :) Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!! pippinred67@gmail.com

Mariah said...

The knitting continues here on the coast of Maine during the summer. My husband and I own a bookstore, now in its 25th year. Summer can be hectic, so knitting is the solace...the refuge. The temperature matters not.

Cortney said...

Happy Blogiversary!

Mine goes up in the summer. I have a business and use the summer months when orders are down to stock up my inventory for my fall/winter craft show circuit.

I do my very most in the oct-dec months though :)

warmfuzziesbycortney@gmail.com

Turtle said...

Happy blogiversary! wow, has it been 5 years!!??

I tend to go through funk's no matter what the season. Right now i seem to be finishing a few wip's and doing a bit of redwork needlepoint as well as quilting. But then i have been having fun glamping out our travel trailer so.... sewing has been handy! :)

Maria said...

What a great thing to celebrate! I definitely slow down on the knitting during the summer, but I'm picking up embroidery this year to help fill the void.

Joyce said...

Happy anniversary!

My knitting switches to more socks and other lightweight projects, especially when it's really humid. I also tend to do more sewing instead.

LauraLillyLaura said...

Happy anniversary!! I knit all the time. I love summer knitting because it is all for me!!! No Christmas to make me feel like I need to knit for others it is just me, me me.
I love to knit socks all summer with other projects interjected along the way. Summer and knitting is such lovely happiness!!!

Robin Allen said...

Congrats on five years of blogging, Kristen. I came to your blog for the knitting, but have fallen in love with the lambing/farming info.

My knitting decreases in the summer, not because I'm outside, but because south Texas is much too hot to even think about having any extra anything touching your body.

Word Verification: myclamb :-)

Ashley said...

That's awesome....5 years! I have been reading for about 4 of them. I love your pictures, your stories about the farm, and see Julia grow up (just a couple of years ahead of my darling girl). I love that you take the time to share so much with all of us.

During the summer, I keep knitting but the size of the items get smaller!

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary. I started reading about 2 years ago and love the inspiration. My kids love the sheep.

My knitting doesn't really depend on summer vs winter. I knit after my 2 boys go to bed. I stick mainly to knitting in summer for crafts, but in the summer I get in some nice gardening with the kids.

annarga on ravelry

Anonymous said...

Since I live in two places and pretty much follow the sun, my knitting, weaving and spinning tends to be fairly consistent year round. What affects it isn't so much weather or seasons as it is inspiration and time. The latter I often refer to as "life interruptus".

The prizes look great, thanks for offering them!

Despite my intentions I never seem to get my own blog cranking so I appreciate how hard it is to be constent and reliable, as well as interesting, all of which you manage to do! I want to add my sincerest congratulations on your blogaversary!
--elizaduckie (Ravelry)

Paula [pdurrant1@hotmail.com] said...

Kristin ... when I lived in New England and worked hard I generally set my knitting aside for summer activities ... gardening, enjoying the outdoors, vacationing. Now I am retired and in the CA desert and I knit constantly no matter what the weather. I know I am an addict but I don't care. I go through phases and have just completed my lace phase and am moving on to spinning, dyeing and then creating something with my own fiber ! Fiber calms me and knitting is such a beautiful craft I am beyond smitten. So this is an essay with no real hook for you to notice me above the other fine responses. Just know that I have been on a yarn diet - I must use my stash - so the offer of that gorgeous yarn is too tempting to ignore. Knit On no matter what the season or the weather.

Ruth Ann said...

Because I am a teacher, I am able to spend a greater amount of time on a project in the summer. Tomorrow is my last day(with a few workshops between now and Augst) and I have my projects all in order----well, sort of in order.
Ruth Ann, in Oklahoma
rafullerATcoxDOTcom

Jo Morgan said...

Wow! You asked a question which I actually addressed in an e-mail to the lovely women at my church who knit hats, scarves and mittens to give to a local charity at Christmas and prayer shawls for other times of the year. I love knitting in the summer. My favorite is early morning on the deck with a cup of coffee and a project which requires some attention and love and concentration...none of which seem as readily accessible in the winter. Summer is when I knit complicated lace, etc.

Thanks for a great contest and a chance for wonderful prizes. I'm easy to reach. At the e-mail address attached to my comment.

Jo

P.S. I am in love with the lamBs, th.e black and white kitties, and the beautiful colors in your blog and books!

Kate said...

I initially slow down in the summer, but then my knitting ramps up as I am more social and take projects I can knit on the go, like socks. I love to make little household things during the summer too, I seem to always add to my dish towels and cloths during the summer.

Diane H K in Greenfield said...

Congratulations on five years of blogging. That is impressive!

And I think we met about six years ago this October. That would have been at the first Fiber Twist, in 2005.

I barely knit in the summer. Too hot, too many outdoor and farm chores. Occasionally I do spin just to keep my hand in.

I don't want you to think I read or comment just for the giveaways; please don't enter me in the drawing. Although one day I aspire to try the sock yarn.

Much love to you, Julia, and Mark.

Betty said...

I knit and crochet all year long- seems no different in the summer. My absolute favorite is crochet- like putting on my favorite pair of shoes.I've been crocheting shawls from sock yarn and would love the pack in your giveaway. Congrats on 5 years of blogging!
contact: taser52@yahoo.com

Patty C said...

my knitting increases during the summer since I am a teacher and have that wondeful summer break. I get started on Chistmas gifts, usually small projects, and if it is blistering hot here (Colorado) I spend the afternoon at my LYS enjoying their AC along with many other customers. I have just taken up spinning so I hope to really have time to get a lot of that done too.

Patty
pclark204@COMCAST.NET

Anonymous said...

Knitting and cross-stitch goes on all year long blissfully endlessly!
The only difference is in the projects - lighter things like socks and scarves and shawls for outside knitting and heavier blankets inside in the air-conditioning.

What great prizes - thank you for such a wonderful blog!

Sandy in NJ
Pecsan114@optonline.net

Anonymous said...

My knitting pretty much stays the same. My husband and I are retired and I keep tabs on my soon-to-be 96-year-old father. We haven't travelled in the last few years and aren't likely to any time soon. In any case, I wouldn't be travelling in the summer, competing with families with kids on summer vacation. Am just working up the courage to tackle simple lace--wish me luck. Thanks for the opportunity and for all the fun info about the farm and your activities.

Contact:bpamela@lycos.com

Little NutMeg Productions said...

Previous to this year my knitting decreased in the summer, and my sewing increased. But this year I seem to be going strong even deep into May, perhaps because the weather here has been so cool my hands still think it's March? xo Meghan

anythingbutsnow-at-gmail-dot-com

Anonymous said...

generally, I knit less in the summer. and I just have no attention span in the heat -- so it's just dishcloths and little hats. that is some gorgeous green yarn and other goodies. happy 5th! nancywalters44@hotmail.com

Penny said...

My knitting stays the same. Right now, I am frantically knitting for summer and before summmer gets very far in, I am frantically knitting for Knit Camp. Then as soon as I get back from Knit Camp, I start knitting for Winter....guess I am just a frantic knitter, and I love it!

Sallie said...

I actually knit about the same in the summer, but I knit with cotton or lighter weight yarns and the projects tend to be smaller ones that don't keep me warm.

pharmaknit said...

My knitting changes in the summer. I tend to knit bigger simpler projects like Pi shawls or plain stockinette socks. Unless I get a bee in my bonnet like I have right now. I've knit 6 shawls in the last 3 weeks!

Knitsblue said...

Last year, I was in a very dry, hot spot, so I spent the summer indoors knitting smallish projects. I spend the same amount of time in winter, but I tend to larger projects I can cuddle under.

knitsblue on Ravelry

Chppie said...

I think I'm an odd bod, as I can pretty much knit the same thing all year. I live on the coast and while we get warm, it doesn't really get hot. Well maybe I wouldn't knit an afghan in the summer. I do have to plan small cottony projects for when I go inland for the day since the temperature really jumps, but I still find that I can knit if it's not too humid.

Mentally I think I tend to knit smaller things, but I'm not sure why maybe because it feels more vacationy.

ash_fred42 said...

I do lots of sewing in the summer, my knitting bug seems tobe on the back burner! I really love your blog!!! :-)

Rav id: Ashley42

Rebecca said...

Happy Blog Anniversary! My knitting increases in the summer and early fall. I like to sit outside on my screen porch in the warm months and knit. :) Thanks so much for offering this wonderful giveaway!

luinsf@aol.com said...

I loved the comments from everyone. I love summer, swimming, biking, hiking and time off with my son. My knitting slows some but I love to knit and watch baseball all summer. Go Giants!
I love knitting with the Rav group SUmmer of Socks. Fun to see what everyone is knitting.
I enjoy your blog Kristen and your beautiful books.
Lu

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

I would say my knitting stays fairly consistent. Because of caring for my sheep, I'm outside alot...year-round. There's less barn chore work in the summer, but the garden takes lots of time and energy. I don't really like knitting with cotton, so I knit (and spin) wool all the time.
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary. That's quite an achievement. Your blog is so visually beautiful and I love reading the stories you tell.

Alexis W said...

I'm only in my 2nd year of knitting, and have gone from being a stay-at-home mom of two children under the age of 5 to a nearly full time teacher with two children under the age of 5. My guess is that now that I'm working again, my knitting will definitely sky rocket - even with the lovely weather we have in the Pacific Northwest during the summer I'll still have more free time to knit than I do in the school year!

Priscilla said...

Five years. That's wonderful. Congratulations. My knitting time stays the same only the projects change. I put away the heavy wool projects in exchange for light weight cotton or bamboo or linen.
Persimmons on ravelry.

toni in florida said...

My knitting isn't seasonal, but my choice of projects is.

And congrats on your blogiversary! I'm at 4 years... although I totally missed my own online anniversary in March. Sigh.

Thanks for the giveaway op!

I'm cupcakeknitstoo on ravelry.

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

The ebb and flow of my knitting mojo is governed by a nefarious cabal of unknown factors, one of which may be the changing of the seasons. It sometimes feels as though I don't get to choose what or when I'll knit. I'll just come out of a fuzzy haze, staring at a partially knitted object in my hands. Whether it gets finished is dependent upon my being able to identify what it is, or rather, what it aspires to be.

I have been lusting over the Entrelac book for so long now, and the rest of the prizes are just as awe inspiring. Thanks for another great giveaway.

Strickbombe said...

I like to win something as much as the next person, and having been a follower for nearly two years of your five, I feel qualified to enter (and a US address can be supplied). My knitting and crocheting activities are the same throughout the year - if i slowed down the pace any more, i'd only finish about one piece a year. with the longer days and better light of summer, i do add sewing to the list though.

Anonymous said...

Considering that I am in Bangalore where the winter is not too harsh, I find myself knitting more in the summer. I am knitting with cotton or bamboo and also knitting ahead for the winter.

Congrats on your anniversary and thanks for the generous giveaway.

bestbetsy said...

Congratulations 5 years on! Your is the only knitting blog I regularly read. I love the pictures from Western Mass as I lived there for 8 years in the 70's. The recent pictures of the early May trees budding out on the hillside brought tears to my eyes. Webs was an amazing knitting store even back then. There were also some great fabric stores, are they still in business? The one in Greenfield was my first outing after the birth of my first daughter.

Living in London now I find I nest with complex projects during the dark winter months, and enjoy lighter, smaller. simpler things in the summer, mostly baby gifts for the offspring of my friends who are now new young mothers themselves.

bestbetsy said...

PS I have an address in the States if I happen to win your generous and exciting giveaway.

SusanKuyk said...

Living in the southeast I knit socks year round, not slowing down for summer!
Susan Kuykendall in Mississippi
susankuyk@yahoo.com

JackieLemon said...

My knitting slows down a bit in the summer and the projects are a little different. I knit more socks and lace projects. Lighter weight and portable. And for some reason, for the past few years, I've made an afghan each summer.

Arlene said...

I'm all about knitting for what's to come -- so in the summer I'm knitting what I want to wear and give in the fall and winter! Congrats on your anniv!

Val said...

I'm a transplanted Virginian living in Northwest Florida. Summer is our "winter." When the heat and humidity get so bad that even the vegetable garden gives it up, I stay inside and declare a "snow day." Knitting is always the "go to" craft (some cross stitch) - but smaller, quicker "production" projects so there's almost always a new project to start and a pile of finished projects to bring a smile to my face (and giveaway as the occassion calls for)

Anonymous said...

Hi! I am a bit of a lurker, BUT I've been reading your blog for a very long time. I bought your embroidery book way back when!

My knitting isn't particularly seasonal. My children are grown so it doesn't revolve around school activities or lack thereof. Unfortunately, my knitting does pick up around family crisis. Lots of waiting room time equals lots of knitting. But what a blessing it is.

I'm from Dallas and once summer really kicks in it gets too hot out to do much. So free time can often be spent knitting. But there is work, and cooking and cleaning and laundry. Sheesh. I don't know how other people get soooo much knitting done.

witknitter said...

Happy anniversary, keep up the great blogging!
In the summer, I knit about the same as other times of the year,but size does matter. Instead of sweaters and afghans I knit socks,scarves, toys and other craft fair items. I don't want something big & heavy on my lap when the temperature and humidity soars.

Manise said...

Poppin in to wish you a Happy Blogiversary! My knitting changes regarding projects during the summer. More lace and smaller projects that don't heat up my lap. The volume of knitting does decrease during the summer and spinning ramps up with Tour de Fleece on Rav.

Stoney said...

Yes, my knitting slows down in the early summer since we live in northern Wisconsin and we have a short and intense push to get flowers and veggies in the ground and growing. Once July comes, I can sit around the campfire at night and knit the quarters caps (your pattern) that I donate each fall to schools. Teachers hand them out when they see a child in need. Wool is hot to handle in the summer, but I enjoy knowing that when fall arrives, some kids will have what they need to stay warm. My other hobbies are rug hooking--more wool--and quilting. I find that I quilt only when commissioned, regardless of the weather. Rug hooking is for the fall and winter. Knitting is so wonderfully portable that I enjoy it year round. Enjoy your summer everyone!!
Stoney Monte
stoneymonte@hotmail.com

Julie said...

It varies, I never really stop knitting but take breaks. Right now I'm on a sewing kick but still knit some. Summer skirts are on my mind.

Anonymous said...

I'm a school teacher, so my knitting increases in the summer months. I've been out a week and have cast on 4 projects:)
Renee
fryejeff@cox.net

Anonymous said...

I have checked your blog every day for a few years now. Keep up the great work! Those pictures of the sheep on the pink petals were amazing.

I'm just getting through a knitting funk. Can't even figure out what got me out of it but glad I'm excited about it again.

This summer I'm determined to spend part of it making sure the doubleknit mittens & hats and neckwarmers for my family are all knit and ready for winter. The last couple October/Novembers I was doing the knit under pressure thing because kids needed new winter things - right now! :) Those projects are light and portable.
susanknits@earthlink.net

Jeffrey said...

I knit about the same amount all year long. The passion never wanes for me. I may change the type of yarn I use, but am always working on a project. I love to cook as much as knit and in the summer I particularly enjoy baking fresh fruit cobblers and making homemade ice cream. Thank you for the joy your blog brings me with every post. I go to your site first. I know it's a lot of work on your part, but please know that you are appreciated.spreider@aol.com

Barbara said...

I live in Michigan and work full time. My first lobe is knitting and I knit year round taking my knitting everywhere. I knit on my lunch breaks at night when watching something on tv or the computer. During the long winter months I do a little more sewing/quilting on weekends.

PAK said...

Happy blogoversary. I have to balance my knitting time and garden time during the summer. We travel more so I get some car knitting in. The books look wonderful and so does the yarn. pakoss0414@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 5+ years! Thanks for celebrating with this giveaway. When the heat and humidity strike here in NH, I tend to start knitting with cotton yarns. But to be honest, each summer has its own crafty balance, depending on what's happening in the garden. I've got my eye on that Entrelac book! lisaallenartist (at) gmail (dot) com.

Shannon said...

thanks for the giveaway! I think I actually knit about the same, but seem to finish more in the summer. I have more summers sweaters than winter ones! I think just becuase the items seem to be smaller? Less knitting? I'm actually not sure...but, I enjoy the portability of knitting, so little-by-little I get things done.

onescrappychick said...

Kristin, I'm with you. (close by in SW-NH also!).. this weather has been depressing. I notice that my knitting does slow down in the warm weather. We have such a small window of "good weather" that I want to be outside enjoying every second of it. Happy blogerversary!!!

justplainbeth@myfairpoint.net

Cynthia.landers@ocps.net said...

Happy Anniversary Kristin! You have inspired me to add more color to my life. Thanks. I probably knit more during the summer because it's so hot that I can't really do too much in the garden. Plus I always try to get a leg up on my gift stash for the holidays. I split my time between knitting, spinning, and weaving.

lat0405 on Ravelry said...

Knitting tends to go down in the summer and I tend to knit smaller things (socks for example). I'm out puttering in my garden and chasing the rabbits away.

Wonderful giveaway...

sricker said...

i knit more in the summer because school is out and I like to knit bigger project like blankets.

Elaine said...

Happy Anniversary! I find that I do more knitting, weaving, spinning, crochet in the summer because I have more time. I'm a very early riser and take advantage of that time too. As a Granny Nanny I'm always using pockets of nap time for "Me Time"!
eblim01@yahoo.com

Kathleen said...

I am constantly knitting and this stays about the same in the summer. I like to knit when it's too hot and humid to do anything else. Sitting quietly in the shade or with the air conditioner keeps me going.

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary, Kristen! I will hit 5 years for mine in September, so I know how demanding AND rewarding a blog can be. I love reading about your life in rural New England from here in Denver!

Thanks for the fun gift offer: for me, summertime means knitting outdoors on the patio - enjoying the garden and listening to the Rockies baseball games on the radio. (My level of knitting stays about the same year 'round) I'm looking forward to some warmer weather, too!
jhcstudios(at)yahoo(dot)com

forevermore said...

Knitting is my craft of choice always, but; depending on the events of the summer - it could be up or down. Love the basil color -- fun naming yarns :). I've not known your blog all 5 years, but have been enjoying it for a while. Rav ID is Forevermore.

Patti said...

Congratulations on your 5 year Blog Anniversary! Yes, I knit many items during the summer months. Seems that is when life is quieter. Yes, I even sit in the hot sun knitting wool! Love wool, and your lambs are so cute! Your use of color astounds me - I'm learning from you how to use color. Thank you for this opportunity to win fabulous items!

patriceod said...

In summer I do more gardening and bicycling, but I still manage to squeeze in a bunch of knitting since the days are longer, and during long cross-country car trips. I love this shade of green, and basil seems just the thing for some summer knitting. Thanks for your inspirational blog!
patriceod on ravelry

Unknown said...

My crocheting does drop off during the warmer months. I think come last Fall I will be starting another big blanket project. During summer I tend to cross stitch alot. Please enter me this wonderful giveaway.
Blessings
Diane

Lollie said...

Yes, unfortunately. I tend to switch over to smaller projects, like socks. They go quickly, and I can pack them up easily for travel. And, at the end of the summer I can still say I finished something!

Fleecebumpkin said...

During the summer, I always choose a lace knitting project. The amount of knitting is about the same as the other seasons, only my inclination is towards the open, breezy lace, and a kiss of wool using cobweb yarn.

debra said...

My knitting picks up speed. This summer I'll finish my mitered square afghan from sock yarn. It's been four years, it's time to bring it to the September Guild meet for ooh and aahs. I have four pairs of socks, a baby afghan, and two sweaters to crank out. DH fishes, DD is a college student. I'm the knitter and it's time to get er done.

may knits said...

This summer I have a lot of specific projects planned. I don't know if I knit more in summer or winter. But I am coming off a project that I am ready to be done with. So I think I am just excited to move on to something else. Usually I am not such a planner when it comes to me knitting. I just knit whatever I feel like at the moment.

Abbie said...

I suppose the actual making of items decreases for me in the summer, but I tend to do more of the craft-related things that are more enjoyable to work on when the weather is warm, such as washing and carding fleece for spinning. I always have big plans for projects, though.

Thank you so much for your commitment to your blog and to your readers--and thank you for the contest!

Bonnie said...

My knitting decreases in the summer, but not by a lot. I knit after I eat during my lunch hour all year. It's when I'm home that I notice the difference because I'll be mowing, weeding, or working in the garden. Happy blogiversary!

Laura T said...

Congrats on 5 years! My knitting does decrease a bit during what little summer we have in WA. I'm taking some knitting with me to a quilting retreat so I have something going on in the evenings and on the airplane. I always love seeing your sunflower garden each year and glad it gets planted although I don't know how you do what you do. Farming is not for the faint of heart! I love seeing pictures of your family. Thanks for keeping your blog going as it is quite the commitment and thanks for the opportunity to participate in a fun give-a-way:)
Laura T
lauratawney7@gmail.com

Tracey said...

Summer doesn't stop my knitting/crochet! The size of my projects do change though. I try to focus on cotton/lightweight projects like baby hats, cowls, socks. I like to knit or crochet, and also scrapbook if I'm stuck home in the rain. Thanks for a chance to enter!
traceymccarthy@gmail.com

Sunrise Knitter said...

My knitting takes a hit in the spring as my gardening, mostly flowers, takes a priority. Once it gets hot here at Lake of the Ozarks, my knitting increases in the air conditioning.

Love to check your blog...have been a fan of yours for a long, long time...and love your blog with all the diverse farm/knitting activities.


Lois @ sunriseknitter@gmail.com

Julie Matthews said...

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call, and I'll be knitting, 'cause it is my friend, it is my friend

Thank you, Carole King - and Kristin Nicholas, too

Julie, julie@knittingatlarge.com

Vermont Grand View Farm said...

My hands are never idle any season of the year. In the summer, much of my time is spent dyeing with natural dyes and weaving!
You can always find me at
kimgoodling@yahoo.com

Kimmy said...

I find that my addiction to yarn keeps me knitting or crocheting all year long! I try to make a ton of scarves during the summer, so they're ready to give or sell when the cold weather comes. Lately, I've been sitting out in the sun, with all of my goats, doing some cross stitching. Goats don't seem to mine a needle and thread, but when I took some crocheting out instead, they were all over me.
Kimmy bordercolliebabies@yahoo.com

Marilyn said...

I have a lot more time to knit in the summer, but my projects tend to be smaller and not too wooly. My favorite knitting spot ever is on the back porch, under the ceiling fan, listening to nature, sipping wine...the best way to spend a summer evening.

Anonymous said...

My crafting increases during the summer because I have more down time. I care for 3 babies (1 is my grandson) and two others who are all teachers' children so I have more time to do fun stuff in the summer since they are out of school. This is an awesome giveaway....love the yarn (its beautiful). Haven't been knitting very long so this would be an awesome addition to my "stash"...Thanks.
Karen
kmjva@ntelos.net

sheeplyewenique@yahoo.com said...

I too am torn between working out in the gardens and doing the yard work and knitting. I've said many times working a full time job and taking care of a household alone cuts into my knitting time. I knit as much as I can, usually I start to gear up in the summertime in preparation for Christmas. I take my knitting with me everywhere so if there is a moment I can squeeze in I knit.
gail at sheeplyewenique@yahoo.com

Lindsay said...

I love to knit and crochet in summer. Socks and granny squares are not too hot. I also like to start planning for winter when it seems romantic and cozy rather than slushy and salty.

Lindsay letteredwoman@gmail.com

Michelle said...

This has definitely been a CRAZY spring! I still haven't gotten most of my garden in, either. :0( Right now we are rockin' with strawberry plants and onions, though! lol What a great giveaway opportunity! I think my knitting and crocheting is still pretty steady over the summer. I think I may crochet a little more, and I usually stick to cotton yarn and smaller projects. Hats, bags, toys, shrugs, socks, etc.

MicheleinMaine said...

I try to knit every day, summer and winter. Maine evenings are generally cool (and we don't have any AC), so that works. I always have 3-4 active projects on the needles, and many more in hibernation.

P.s. if you need more giveaways, let me know! I'd be happy to contribute a bag.

DelilahsMom said...

Knitting goes WAY down because the lure of outside is too much. . .even with the stifling heat and humidity in the Deep South.

Jodi said...

I get some of my best knitting done while one vacation, so summers are great for knitting. I managed to knit up a man's cabled sweater last summer. Between swimming lessons and car trips I managed to fit in some quality knitting time during the summer. If I have time I might get a some sewing projects done this summer. Thanks for the giveaway!
jones2read (at) gmail (dot) com

Kay said...

The next 5 years will be the best - congratulations! I love knitting in the summer - outside of course. I bike on the trestle bridge across a lake in Menasha, WI and always take my knitting with me to take up my needles when I stop to enjoy the view. I bike to my LYS too! Sitting on the porch in the evenings is very enjoyable too.

CatherineinFrance said...

too bad your foreign visitors cannot compete ! never mind, your lambs and your knitting are such a pleasure to watch. Thank you all the same for your blog

Sonia said...

I tend to knit less in the summer because my children are around more. When I do knit I knit smaller projects.

Missy said...

Happy Anniversary!

Missy
missy.d.thomas@gmail.com

Charlene said...

During the summer months I tend to more embroidery,because it is cooler than yarn in my lap . But I still knit I just love to do a little bit every day, I get up a little early before it gets to warm and knit.That quiet time is so nice! Thanks for sharing your time and space with all of us. ma2vt@comcast.net

sandi said...

My level of production stays the same year round!

danaj said...

I craft a little less in the summer. I like to stick with knitting, but usually do smaller projects like toys or baby items.

Candice Harris said...

I knit all year. Socks are my favorite, fast and portable. Weather and season don't influence my yarn or pattern choices. Just LOVE to knit. CH catslovenascar@aol.com

Diane North said...

'am a transplanted Yankee to Florida and can honestly say I knit non-stop (well not while I am at work!) all year. I am part of a prayer shawl ministry and we always need shawls. I also tuck personal projects and baby things in between the shawls. I get tempted to try other crafts but am pretty much devoted to knitting, and cooking but guess that is not a craft! I am a regular reader, love reading about the sheep and hope to have chickens some day but not at the current house, as it is kind of urban. LOVE your use of color!!!

Celia said...

I knit and crochet year round. It is what I do to relax...so I even carry it with me when we travel just like in the winter. I also love my flower gardens in the summer. I guess I just like keeping my hands busy with beautiful things. Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway....very sweet!
celiakaye@gmail.com

Sharon said...

I keep knitting and spinning in the summer. HOwever, I don't do as many big projects that would require piles of wool in my lap. So I focus on smaller things, socks, shawls, and hats and mittens. But I don't stop knitting or spinnign.

barb chio said...

I think my knitting increases during the summer..I live in northwest Ohio so weather permitting I knit outside or if to warm and humid go into the air conditioning. I get bored with TV and enjoy the longer days and evenings knitting. My LYS has a great porch for knitting with friends.

Anonymous said...

I still knit all the time in the summer, but mostly washcloths and toys for the kids! I love to knit all year around! (stuff287@live.com)

Patricia said...

I think I increase my knitting time during the summer hoping to be ready with Christmas gifts! Plus car trips and a less structured family life mean I can get quite a bit done! Thanks for a great giveaway!
jwandpjc@yahoo.com

peartreejan said...

I knit all year round, usually smaller projects in the summer so I don't have lots of fabric in my lap when it's hot and steamy outside. But this year I have a baby blanket to finish and a wool throw to knit for a September wedding, with a child's sweater (silk!) in between. Love your books and your site. peartreejan on Ravelry

Lila Tonche said...

Basil...Yum! I continue to knit smaller items in the summer months, but also do some gourd art. I live in CA so you have to have a few different projects going on at once. You can reach me at ltonche@gmail.com.

weavinfool said...

I make baskets in the summer only so I can work outside with water. I knit, spin, and weave all year long.
I have just started knitting a cotton blanket and am making up the pattern to resemble a quilt design I saw in a Kaffe Fassett book.

trish v said...

My knitting usually decreases during the summer because the kids are out of school. During the summer my hobby is photography...trying to get great shots of my boys enjoying our summer activities :)
Ravelry ID knitgirl72

Unknown said...

Canada is sad not to be included in your giveaway but happy blogiversary anyway.

Lisa said...

My knitting is a habit, therefore it never lets up... just changes. Instead of knitting big wool projects I switched to socks and ltos of baby items in beautiful cotton yarns. vivianos3@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your blogiversary!!

I go through a slight decrease when the weather first starts to get warm in the spring. I don't want to think about wooly things after a long winter and I want to get out into the yard. However as the summer gets hot and we have to turn on the air conditioner, my knitting picks back up again. Last year I started my Christmas gift knitting in June.

(by the way, I love hearing your comments about the weather/climate and such----I went to college very near there and it's a wonderful way to remember....)
susanabarfield(at)gmail(dot)com

moonbabyk said...

Hay happy anniversary to U! Hmmmmmmm my crafting is year round.what happens is this with different times of the year I just choose diff projects to knit. I love to knit it makes me happy working with the creation process is a great thing, I love to create change! Thanks for the giveaways they are always FUN! Moonbabyk@gmail.com

PJ said...

Happy Blogiversary to you! I so enjoy your colorful blog, projects, and snipets about life on the farm.

My knitting progress goes way down in summer because I usually knit while watching TV and I don't spend much time on the couch watching the reruns of summertime.

That said, my favorite hobby in summer is sitting on my deck with a cold one, watching the garden grow.

Jo Anne W-M said...

My knitting stays about the same through the summer. I have a lot of projects to finish as well as yarn for some upcoming projects so I feel that I should pick up the pace this year.

Elise said...

Wow what a giveaway. My knitting probably goes down in the summer and my sewing increases in the summer. Along with my book reading.

emoconnor20@gmail.com

Colleen said...

I'm a pretty constant knitter, and occasional crocheter, year round. Big projects at home when I'm watching television with the kids. The rest of the time it's small projects that need no pattern - for rides in the carpool to and from work, or for downtime at my kids' sporting events. Things like basic stockinette socks, dishcloths (because I ALWAYS need those) and the like.

Happy Blogiversary - here's to five more and beyond!

Susan said...

My knitting and crocheting doesn't change winter to summer as I am disabled and this is all I have to do. Before, both fell away in the summer since I was always outside in the garden or flower beds, etc. Alas....better days.

mkriggs@suddenlink.net

Sharon said...

Hi Kristen, Happy anniversary. My knitting quantity stays about the same but what I knit is different. I start Christmas presents in the summer and by winter I can't stand it and want to make something for myself from all the "new looks".

slien@q.com

JR said...

I just realized the other day when I got an amazing case of startitis that my summer knitting seems to be all beginnings, or small things like socks. I'll knit on something while it is small and then set it aside as it grows and the weather warms. I do want to make a wedding shawl for a coworker in a cotton and bamboo yarn, that may be cool enough to work on all summer. I hope so the wedding is in October!

Anonymous said...

I am a teacher, so my knitting always increases during the summer break. If I am hoping to start an ambitious project, I always like to get the planning and math firmed up before the fall. I love any knitting, big or small, and always use wool. My four year old has been known to pop on his new mittens in August and wear them all day!
rhuselton4783@msn.com

Kristin said...

I knit the same amount regardless of the season, but in Southern California we really only have one season :-) When the kids are out of school and the schedule is slower I tend to knit larger items, blankets, sweaters...

Knitting is my one and only but I think I will teach myself to crochet this summer...

kgoff@gmail.com

Sally said...

I knit about the same winter or summer. I just use different yarns. Heavier in winter. I have a new grandchild so I'm doing alot of knitting for her.

Jolene said...

My knitting used to decrease in the summer when I lived in Minnesota, but now that I'm in Albuquerque, it's increased -- partly because the kid takes ice skating year round here, and partly because I'm "inside 'cause it's too hot midday" reason you guessed at.

Happy Blogiversary!

yarnandyarns(at)gmail(dot)com

terrisue said...

Happy Anniversary. I love your blog and all your beautiful photographs. My knitting doesn't change much in the summer. I don't change to summer weight yarn. I try to use this time to make a few things for myself before I start preparing for winter holiday gift making. Hope to see you at the BAKG luncheon in the fall. you can reach me at tsasanow@law.nyc.gov

constantly knitting said...

Oh gosh, that's really generous of you and the folks who donated! It's like being paid to check in on a neighbor :)

My knitting actually stays about the same; it's just that the projects change. I tend to do most of my lace-knitting in the summer, and switch to sweaters when the weather makes me wish I had one.

Love your blog, it's the highlight of my day when there's a new post up.

Leah
marveloustoy(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nancy said...

Summer doesn't slow down my knitting much. I always have something underway. It is nice to have it whenever and wherever I travel during summer months. With almost 12 grandchildren, there is no time to slow down the knitting!

I so love reading about the lambs and life on your farm. Being a city girl, it is amazing and educational to follow the Farmer's busy life (and also his lovely wife).

Thanks for an opportunity to win.

nanheiner@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I knit about the same in all seasons. In the summer I knit while we are traveling, and while sitting by the lake - less in front of the TV. I also knit with less wool, more cottons. Always knitting though!
Sara
sarabyron@att.net

Joan said...

Happy 5th Annivesary.

I love knitting in the summer if it is not wool. I tend to work on smaller projects saving the big sweaters and such for fall. Summer is spend in the garden and on the porch reading. I don't feel guilty popping a dvd in the machine to watch while knitting.

jmcarr49@sbcglobal.net

Christine said...

Gee...I haven't noticed and this was a hard one to answer. Although with this year's weather, I'm still knitting a lot. As the weather's been so cold and wet..no way do I feel like gardening. I assume that when the weather is nice, I'm gardening a lot (could knit then, but get tired of scrubbing my hands), so don't knit as much. But could knit at night...so that makes it that my knitting stays constant all year long..or as the whim flies!

Carla said...

I think it stays the same- perhaps my projects get smaller but I do just as much knitting!

bookagent said...

During the summer I spend more time in the garden and outside in general. Winters here are long and summer is short so we have to grab what we can. I still knit, smaller projects, kitchen washcloths and scrubbies as well as socks. The prize package looks amazing Kristen, so good of you.

phopkin1@rochester.rr.com

Emma said...

That sounds awesome! My email is toemma@gmail.com.

Denise P. said...

I knit less. I like to spend as much time as I can in the garden. And I'm sure not thinking of sweaters and scarves in summer!

flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

I tend to knit small things and I feel I have a bit more free time in the summer so my output increases. What an amazingly generous giveaway!

Thank you for the chance to win!
Tera

TeraRowe@gmail.com

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