2.15.2010

meet Daniel and your Cascade Eco Alpaca



First things first, congratulations to StaceyKnitsIt!! You are the winner of last week's giveaway! There are two wonderful skeins of Malabrigo Worsted sitting happily at my house waiting to be sent your way. And, now that the bar has been set by our first winner, we would all like to see a picture of the yarn in your possession once it arrives.

This week's giveaway is two skeins of beautiful Cascade Eco Alpaca in a really nice, classic medium gray color (#1517). I know that I just finished last week's giveaway and that was gray tones, but I just couldn't resist getting this yarn. The yarn is amazingly, unbelievably soft! And, the gray is a perfect shade of gray. The yarn is a 100% undyed baby alpaca! The comments on Ravelry say that this yarn's like buttuh, and I would have to agree!

Also, this week modeling the yarn for you is my handsome younger brother. Didn't he do an excellent job? What a good sport! I don't think he was all that excited about the modeling process (kept telling me that he was uncomfortable), but the pics turned out great. So, I'm glad he suffered through it for me.

I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:

1) Have an address in the US to ship the yarn to. See house rules for further details.

2) Post a comment on this blog post by the end of Saturday, 2/20/10, telling us what your favorite flattering garment pattern is. Is there a sweater pattern that you have knit that takes 10 lbs off when you wear it? If so, we want to know about it!! A couple of followers suggested I ask this question and I think that it is a brilliant question to ask. Have fun!

3) Please post only one comment to give everyone a fair chance.

Again, I'll randomly pick the winner on Sunday and post the results on Monday along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

My husband and I spent this past holiday weekend up in Victoria, BC with some of our friends. I apologize for not be able to post the new giveaway sooner. We had a wonderful time though, and I got to visit a yarn and button store while I was there. It was an adorable shop and I got to meet the owner and take some pictures of the place. I'll be posting those up later on this week sometime - that way you can see what I have been up to. Happy belated Valentine's Day to everyone and I'm off to bed to recuperate from my trip. It's nice to be home.

Sincerely,

Ve

100 comments:

Marlitharn said...

Lovely yarn! I'm still looking for that special sweater pattern that will make me 20 pounds lighter and fabulous. I also like fingerless gloves for showing off manicures.

Tamika said...

I like ribbed sweaters for some reason. My most flattering garment that I've made was this babydoll summer tee. To be honest though, this yarn looks and screams HAT to me. Followed by lots of petting.

miraling said...

Sadly, I have not yet knit a sweater so I don't know what would be extra flattering (well, certainly NOT the 95% of a sweater I knit and then abandoned...).

But this yarn could be inspriring!

yarnchickie said...

Flattering sweater? Pbbhf. Do they make those? Haha. Although I did really like my Cleaves sweater off of knitty.com. I was about 15 lbs slimmer at the time and had fabulous shoulders that it really showed off! Still trying to figure out what is now flattering on my more *ahem* mature figure. Those newly womanly curves need some help! I've found that boxy, v-neck, 3/4 sleeved tees that cling to my bust and hips are most flattering on me normally, but how do I translate that into a sweater pattern? Hmm. I might have to stalk these comments and see if I can come across anything awesome.

yarnchickie said...

Oh, and the brother is c-u-t-e! Does he knit, too? 'Cause, if so, YUM.

Robin said...

I too am still looking for that pattern. Although I recently knit a chunky wrap and it does sort of make me look smaller by comparison. Ditto on the brother:)

Unknown said...

OK - I really don't know of any skinnyizing sweater patterns but, I really like ones with cables on them which probably are fattenizing. Oh well.

Deneen said...

My project was crocheted and it was "Seafoam Vest" By chloe Nightengale.

I say lacy scarf and wrist warmers for this yarn.

Liz said...

I knit a tank top (Asana from knitty) that got me tons of compliments at a family get together on the beach. That's probably the closest thing I've done to a "flattering" knit. (I won't even mention the horrible sweater coat that makes me look like a pregnant elephant *shudder*).
Depending on how fuzzy the yarn gets, this would be a lovely shawl. It'd be like being wrapped in a cloud.

Anonymous said...

I have found that quite a few of the sweaters from Chic Knits are pretty flattering for me, and I think this is because the patterns always come with options. The trouble I have with sweaters is that sometimes they really emphasis the goods on top, which is not what I really want to do these days. :)

chihockey said...

Oooooo, I'm drooling already! I LOVE Cascade Eco Alpaca ... so soft and cuddly.

Every time I wear my Liesl, folks ask me if I've lost weight. Perhaps it's because I feel more comfortable wearing something fitted under it? Dunno...

Thanks for the opportunity!

Anonymous said...

Geez, that's a tough one. I am always hoping to find such a flattering sweater. I will watch all the posted comments in the hopes that someone out there has actually found this.
Glad to see you are keeping with the tradition of hot models for your yarn. It's takes me a few minutes to finally see the actual yarn. oh dear.
That yarn your brother has need to be a pair of mittens for me.

Thanks
Brenda (Manitoba2ct)

mommieof4munchkins said...

I would have to sat hat since it is the only garment I have knit for myself ;) But I do wear a hat well if I do say so myself!

Love the yarn too by the way ;)

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I haven't knitted any sweaters for myself. I knitted 2 children's sweaters for charity. I would love to find any pattern that would make me look 20 pounds thinner. I agreed with the other posters about your brother being really cute.

LilChickadee said...

Ooh... pretty! I love gray. :) In all honesty, I am still looking for a sweater pattern that will look good on me (I'm a stick with no curves). I'll keep reading comments on this page though to see if I find it!

|chee-uh| said...

I haven't knit anything flattering for myself because I still want to lose that "relationship" weight first. I was going to knit the February Lady sweater but I was told that it wouldn't look good on me. I've also had my eye on Stitch Diva and Knit and Tonic patterns for awhile too.
monkalicious on Ravelry

Kristen said...

I've never knit a sweater; I'm a relatively inexperienced knitter. However if I don't win the yarn, please mail your brother. ;) He's a doll.

Unknown said...

My theory is, knit a great-looking sweater and then everyone will be staring at the sweater instead of the imperfect goods inside.

Sylvia said...

Your brother looks thrilled! Love the way he "interacts" with the yarn :-)

I'd love to win it though - I'd take it home and interact with it like crazy - promise!

Unknown said...

It's not purple, but it sure is pur-ty.

I lot of people think that shaped sweaters are flattering and make you look slimmer. Personally, I think they emphasize the things I don't want emphasized. I'm still looking.

Carla said...

I really like Hanne Falkenberg's sweaters although they do not necessarily make you look lighter.

Elaine said...

I've given up on hoping that a sweater will make me look thin. They don't but I knit them and love them and wear them. That's it.

I would love to make a scarf from the alpaca

Unknown said...

Isn't that what we're all looking for? Who really believes it exists? It sort of like Santa Claus, or fairies, or ... you keep looking but they are just out of reach.

Unknown said...

I have no suggestions for looking 10 or 15 pounds slimmer in a sweater, but I'd still love to win the yarn.

twins2005 said...

Since I am fairly tiny, I like fitted sweaters or things that fit tighter. I am currently working on "Sexy Vesty" on Ravelry, and it makes me look younger! So although I don't need the poundage off, the age off thing works for me!

Natalie Servant said...

I haven't knit anything for myself that I would consider flattering. I'd like to get to a place where Eunny's Twisted Stitch Sweater would look good on me - perhaps that'll happen by the time it's published.

Aria said...

ooo i love alpaca. i haven't really knit any garments recently, but i do love sweaters that have ribbing around the middle to provide some shaping! Thanks!
knitmit on rav

Sara said...

I've not knit a sweater in ages - but, a long while ago I knit a dress - in gray and purple. The main part of the dress was gray and the raglan sleeves were a deep purple. It really made me look cute and gave me a nice figure.

Rachel O said...

I'm actually quite thin so I'm not trying to look thinner.

scarfhappy said...

That yarn is lovely!! I have been searching for the perfect shade of grey to make this scarf pattern that I got, and have been putting it off!
Hmm.. I haven't knit any flattering sweaters yet, but I plan on making Katie Davies' owls sweater, and it looks flattering (looks being the operative word here!)
I've got everything for it, but I won't let myself start on it until I finish up some of these lingering WIPs.. =)

Sherry said...

I think v-neck sweaters and cardigans look the most slimming. I am knitting V- shaped Cable Cardigan. I am going to use crochet buttons for a clean look down the front.

Laurie said...

I've only knit unflattering sweaters so I'm still looking!
knittergirl on Rav

danigolts said...

Only recently I discovered Cascade 220 yarns and I'd love to try the Eco Alpaca yarn soon!! As to my favorite flattering garment, I loved a pair of long black socks that go above the knee to wear with a short skirt ... super sexy! The pattern was adapted from knitty.com.

Unknown said...

I think the most flattering garment that I have knit is probably a scarf.

Thanks for another great giveaway!

sarah said...

Beautiful yarn! I haven't made many garments but I do really like this scarf I made, it was a strand of Lion Brand Homespun held together with a strand of Lion Brand Fancy Fur. Long and sort of skinny - more so then most regular scarves anyway.

sadiekate on ravelry

Laurel said...

Oh! I love alpaca and Cascade Eco Alpaca is GREAT! It would be perfect for a sweater for my 6 year old son.

Jessica said...

Oh my gosh, that yarn sounds amazing! I haven't knit any garments other than a scarf...but my next attempt is a shawl! Maybe I'll be brave enough to try a sweater someday.... (: Thanks for the giveaway!

Knitkolic said...

What a great question! My favorite sweater I have made is flattering to me for more than one reason - it is my version with modifications to the Textured Tunic by Stephanie Japel. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knitkolic/textured-tunic-with-side-buttons
I like it because it defines my waist and gives me a bust :) Woohoo!
I also love circular shrugs - can't go wrong in my mind!

Anonymous said...

That looks like lovely alpaca. I usually work with Misti's yarns, but I'm sure that's nice and soft too. I knit mostly lace shawls, so I figure, if everyone's looking at that, it must make you look good too, right?
Thanks, atthebreakofnoon (on Ravelry)

Sharon Rose said...

What a tasty model! If I were younger I'd ask if he came with the yarn. :)

For flattering knits, I love cowls. They hide my double chin. In fact that's what I'd do with this Alpaca! Thanks for a chance to win.
Sharon
PS - I'm not as ancient and lecherous as this post makes me look, I swear!

Mercy said...

I love alpaca.

I haven't made it yet, but I plan on making the Crossover Knit Top from the Fave Craft website. It looks like it would be flattering to my figure.

Quinn said...

I hope this doesn't have to be "something flattering that I have knit" because I knit mostly socks! They may be pretty, but I don't know about "flattering" LOL!

One pattern I would really like to knit because I think it IS flattering is "Margaret" - the long sweater designed by Mary Neal Meador for Mason-Dixon. Maybe someday!

Turtle said...

i also like ribbed sweaters, they just fit better! Hubby says i'm weird as i only wear fingerless gloves, and cables!!!

sheep#100 said...

Oh, wow! I love Cascade Eco Wool (just finished a sweater in it) and I bet Eco Alpaca's even nicer - count me in please!

Kate said...

Two patterns to recommend! One is Wicked, and the other is the Mary Swanson Cardi-Vest.

Beautiful yarn!

Tanzi said...

I haven't tried anything that must be measured or fitted as of yet, so I'm interested in seeing what patterns others have had success with for when I'm ready for that! This yearn is beautiful, and the gray is a beautiful color. I'm imagining it right now as a pair of mermaid fingerless gloves, and maybe some matching legwarmers.

BTW, you have quite the handsome husband and brother.

Amybel said...

I haven't made them (yet) but I think that the shrugs type of knit is great for bringing the emphasis up, on the girly girls, and away from the waistline. I especially like Gaia for the extra details it has. Thanks for another great giveaway!

Sophia said...

I really love cardigans, you can knit them slim, and can open them thus allowing for an elegant drape.

I love Melissa Labarre's Garter Yoke Cardi. I have yet to knit Joelle Hoverson's Hourglass sweater which looks flattering. I also love the book Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. Her patterns are all modify-able with fantastic instructions.

We need to see Ve model next!

CraftyLaDonna said...

I've not yet made a garment such a sweater, so I have no idea if there are any that take off 10lbs, but I've seen plenty of FOs on Ravelry that add weight and make the wearer look really frumpy.

Taleah said...

I haven't moved much beyond scarves and cowls - but I'm convinced a lacy scarf is so flattering... even in the cool summer evenings. And it puts a certain flair into your wardrobe! Thanks for the contest! I'm naughtyknots on Rav

my7kids said...

I personally LOVE the Intolerable Cruelty skirt from Knitty. I don't think there's a woman on this earth whose caboose wouldn't look hot or at least better in that skirt.

Thanks for the chance to win!

Nikki
jesus_iscomin on twitter

Riaknits said...

I made a Debbie Bliss pattern that got so many positive comments, that I started making them for friends & family - it's the pleated wrap from the summer '09 magazine, and I think this lovely Cascade Eco Alpaca yarn will make a beautiful wrap! (Maybe this one will be for me!) Thank you for the nifty giveaway~

A Dusty Frame said...

Hi, I haven't knit myself a garment yet;0!

So, I hope you'll still enter me and I'll check out the suggestions by other people:)
Lizzie

shm said...

using small needles, and a dark colored yarn :)

Amy said...

I must say my favorite item to use to cover up scary hair and hide whatever might or might not be happening with it would be a hat...the perfect fashion fixer!

Anonymous said...

I like the 'top down raglan cardigan' from Cosmicpluto knits. It's a free pattern & totally customizable. If the sweater FITS, it will be FLATTERING.
2 skeins of cascade Eco Alpaca--I'd make either a cowl or a big, smooshy scarf!
lovewend on ravelry
lovewend at gmail

KnittyBron said...

Yet another lovely yarn! These giveaways are fun! :-) I have yet to knit a sweater, though I have been collecting Cascade Quattro like a squirrel getting ready for winter! It will be for my daughter! She is looking at patterns and will hopefully pick one by the time I'm ready to start! Have a great week everyone!

MamaMay said...

So pretty!

Ok, sadly, I haven't knit for myself in .... years... I knit for my kids mostly now. I have a hard time finding mature patterns that fit my body shape. I wear a size 13 in childrens usually (I am pregnant now) so finding something that doesn't scream "teeny bopper" is hard even in knit patterns.

Jess said...

I have yet to knit a garment! I prefer sweaters with a bit of an empire waist, so I suspect my first sweater will be something with that shape.

Heather said...

I'm not finished with it yet, but part of the reason I made a Margot Sweater (from the Fall '09 Knitty) was that it flattered every Raveler who's got a picture up. I hope that mine will be just as flattering!

Amaranthe said...

Haven't knit many sweaters, though I find longer length sweaters are more flattering (for me at least)

sparky136 said...

My favarite pattern is February Ladies sweater. and little brother is a cutie potootie. Sparky136 on Ralvery

Katie said...

This yarn looks fabulous! I have yet to actually knit myself a garment. I'm sure the small section of the back portion of my Central Park hoodie doesn't count as a garment yet. Maybe one day it will be finished

MEBacons said...

What a great question! Looking forward to peoples' responses.

My first sweater and current WIP is a cardigan with cables. Not sure how figure flattering the cables will be. My next project is ribby shell, which I am anticipating to slim me down maybe 5lbs. : )

Love ur free yarn blog! Such kindness for those of us in need of a fix.

ImplausibleYarn said...

Great yarn! I'm working on my first sweater which I have the feeling will not be the most flattering garment being not fitting and rather a-line in construction but I'm curious as to what other people put down.

Knot Knitting said...

Slimmer fits and sweaters...hmmm. Well, I just finished Shalom. I think it makes me look awesome and apparently attitude is everything. But a lovely toque brings attention to you face, so that is always flattering.

I am international (boo), but I do have a US address to mail to (thanks American cousins).

Tishkette

Melinda said...

I only crochet at this time and will be making my first sweater for the summer - I just love grey yarn

Jess said...

I think patterns like Ishbel are flattering b/c they draw the attention upward and away from the less-flattering parts of my figure. :)

Jess

jessicacook17@hotmail.com

TheDancersSpirit said...

Well, I haven't knitted any sweaters yet, but I'd really like to try Pioneer. It is a really simple but pretty T-shirt.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pioneer
I don't know about this T making you look a few pounds lighter, but it might give you some nice cleavage! LOL

KCKnits said...

I would have to say the Hourglass Sweater from Knitted Gifts is very flattering. I haven't finished mine yet, but the other pictures on Ravelry are very flattering!
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Alpaca! How did you know?!

Phyllis said...

I'm pretty new to knitting, so I don't have a favorite flattering pattern yet. I did crochet a bobble headband (listed on Ravelry, by Chloe Nightengale) that actually looks good on me. I hate hats, so I was thrilled to find something to keep my head warm, without looking awful! :-)

(I do live overseas, but if I happen to win, I have relatives in the states whose address I could use.)

Anonymous said...

Slinky Ribs by Wendy Bernard. I get the most compliments when I wear it.
rav id: dogwalker

SusanG said...

I have tried several sweaters - but my shape is hard. I have a wonderful petite daughter that I am in the process of knitting the owls sweater and it is very flattering on her - left a skein of yarn at my sisters and will retrieve it this weekend to finish the yoke!

Soto Sister said...

yes, Opulent Raglan by Wendy Bernard has just a little va va voom, without being over the top.

Unknown said...

Ohhh! Pretty yarn! Gray again YAY! my favorite color. :)

My favorite flattering pattern is the Incredible Custom-Fit Raglan because you can make it to FIT YOU. :)

I'm also not a fan of seaming, so a top-down raglan will always be one of my favs.

Thanks again for the fun giveaways!

Anonymous said...

I better get in on this. How could I not? :-)

phoenixfire said...

My most flattering garment has been the Custom Fit Raglan. This is more of a recipe than an actual pattern, and it's the best-fitting (OK, only fitting)sweater that I have ever knit!

phoenixfire @ ravelry

JuliaA said...

i have not knit a flattering sweater, myself. just one raglan stockinette-fest. and a kids sweater, and kids' sweaters always look good!

i say shawls are flattering. i can't handle ornate lace patterns myself, but i just got the rhytidome shawl as a gift from another raveller. i love it so much.

PurpleGoddess said...

Like Buttah, how can I resist??

My favorite pattern that I've knitted is the February lady sweater, this one just hides everything I want to hide, while showing what I want to show...an it's such an easy knit!

JaneD said...

I'd have to say that a super-long and very narrow scarf would be elongating--so something like a 1x1 rib scarf that's 9 stitches wide and a couple of yards or more long.

zuzu said...

I haven't knit a real garment yet -- some socks, mittens, and the like, but nothing both large and attractive. I do, however, have a sweater that is inspiring me; I love it and would like to try and create something similar. It's mostly stockinette, with cables instead of ribbing at hem and cuffs, and an asymmetrical neckline with cables. Love it!

katerina said...

Welcome Back! And tell your brother that he did a wonderful job!
Although I haven't knit with it, I hear it's wonderful!

I don't have a pattern I've knit, but one I think is just beautiful is:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/05-flower-tied-cardigan

and I've heard great things about teh Tomato pattern as far as being very flattering:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tomato

both are on my favorite list! Thanks again for the great blog!

Lisa said...

I would have to say the Feb. Lady Sweater. They all look pretty darn great, even on "larger ladies" (speaking as a one of those ladies).

Sarah said...

I haven't knit it myself, but several of my friends knit the Hourglass sweater and it looked great on them and they are all different shapes and sizes.

French Press Knits said...

Hmm...I'd have to say a thinly-knit cardigan. The best part? For some reason, it is totally acceptable to wear the same cardi over and over!

Lara said...

I have very little experience knitting garments, but one thing that I think really adds to how flattering a garment is is attention to the neckline and making sure it's going to look good on people with a variety of torso shapes. I also think that empire waist construction is flattering on a lot of people.

-bookwormdjibouti on Rav

Cat said...

Flattering garments? I don't know, it's so different for everyone. I'm petite so I can't wear anything with a lot of ease, and the waist needs to nip in. But that's not flattering for everyone!

I'm currently making the St. James sweater, and it is immensely flattering on me.

Anonymous said...

I don't really know if there is a flattering garment pattern out there, but I know I love wearing my Verona Shawl that I knit with a buttery soft blue faced leicester wool. The pattern was simple but the yarn made it extra special!

bcknits said...

everything looks good on my boys but, alas, the Marines have them packing for hot places so... It's a good thing I have a new granddaughter to knit for: flattering on her = pink & grey (and purple. and red. and teal. and blues. and did I say pink?)


- bcknits on Ravelry

Pavla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pavla said...

Very pretty yarn! I could see a nice neck cowl out of it. I made a sweater from Vogue knitting free patterns on-line that makes me look slimmer. Take a look: http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/faux-cabled_cardigan.aspx

Unknown said...

I just finished knitting this adorable sweater/top for my plus sized daughter:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ludington

She hasn't emailed me a picture yet, but says it is the cutest thing she owns. I'm thinking of making one for me too. :o) - Very flattering.

Sandie (KnitzyBlonde on Ravelry)
zaftig2k at yahoo dot com

SereneWinter said...

I don't think I've even felt alpaca yarn! I'm still pretty new to knitting and crocheting. I've made a scarf in the past and have started making toys for my children. I have been looking through several patterns for sweaters and shawls. Good to have plenty for up here in the North West =)

fiberfriend said...

My daughter & I took a class at Abubdant Yarn & Dyeworks on knitting your first sweater...
It was "Pure and Simple Hoodie" Hers was in Debbie Bilss Chunky Yarn.
Turned out so Beautiful!
My is in handspun with stranded alpacas on it and not yet finished.

Casi said...

Another vote for the February Lady. Hands down my favorite sweater pattern.

Carrie B said...

I tried on a sweater at Madrona that was really flattering. The pattern has not been released but should be soon. It is the Rib-n Cardigan by Karen Alfke. It was in the Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn booth. I can hardly wait until it is released!!!

Unknown said...

Love you blog, all the yarn pics are fabulous :)

My fav pattern is fingerless gloves, they look great on everyone!

Unknown said...

Getting in on the end. Thinner yarn,stay away from bulky!
Daleknits from ravelry

StaceyKnitsIt said...

I would think most sweaters or cardis knit in a fingering up to light worsted weight would be the best to not add extra bulk to a figure would be best (although, I do like cozy bulky sweaters sometimes too). My Rowan 38 Lucy sweater is knit up of a few strands of lighterweight yarn and has a nice stretch to it.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/StaceyKnitsIt/lucy

YarnOnTheHouse said...

POSTING FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for posting! Check back on Monday to see who wins and see what the new weekly giveaway is. Good luck!! -Ve