katrina & Susan (Sookiesookie on Ravelry).
Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to collect your prizes.
About a month ago I mentioned that I was lucky enough to attend Vogue Knitting Live in Seattle/Bellevue when it was here, and that I wanted to share with you all of the lovely things I got at the show. Well, today I am not only going to show you what I got, but I also have for you a sponsor from my by far favorite purchase at the VKL marketplace. Here's a pic of what I snagged…
Notice, please, that there is no yarn in this photograph. I know, how did that happen?! Actually, I set a goal of not purchasing any yarn at the show, because my current stash is a tad bit big at the moment and literally taking over my small home. I'm just waiting for my eviction notice from my current roomies (hubby & DD) due to excessive hoarding of yarn! It was hard not to buy any yarn, because there were soooooooo many lovelies, but I gritted my teeth, deployed a lot of self control and moved along when the credit card wanted to creep out of my purse around pretty yarn skeins, and there were a lot of them! I did however, make some other knitting related purchases (that I OK'ed for myself prior to going to the show). In the picture above, starting at the top and moving clockwise around: Chicken Boots needle organizers in Squirrel, Kollage Yarns Square Needles, really cute hard plastic or resin of some sort buttons that I unfortunately do not have a link for because the lady who sells them does not sell online, super cool Meg Hannan earrings that are handmade out of stiffened fabric, and a Bar-Maids Lo Lo Bar in Cucumber Melon that smells amazing!
Can you guess which purchase was my fav? It was the organizers! I stumbled across the Chicken Boots (cutest name eva!) booth in my first couple hours at the show and knew immediately that at least two of the organizers were coming home with me.
I've been searching for new needle organizers for awhile now and when I saw Chicken Boots' Interchangeable Needle Case that holds two sets of interchangeables, I was in love. This baby is not only beautiful (the fabric has darling squirrels and flowers on it), it's functionality is beyond words, and I'm loving that the whole thing can zip up and keep my needles secure. This purchase did however lead to me purchase a second set of interchangeables when I got home! In addition to the nice big interchangeables case, I also bought the Accordion circs case that I am equally obsessed with. The case has these awesome plastic dividers on the inside that make organizing and pulling my needles out a snap. I couldn't be any happier with these two cases and I plan on purchasing a DPN case next to round out my collection!
Saremy, the owner and genius behind the Chicken Boots brand was kind enough to come and share her product with you and I also had the opportunity to chat with her about her process, sewing, and knitting. Check it out!
Links and such from the videos:
- Chicken Boots
- Chicken Boots on Ravelry group
- Accordion Circs Holder
- Interchangeable Needle Case
- Notions Case
- Pattern Holder
- Double Double
- Pocket Bucket
- The Trifle Trio! (only for May)
- Sew Red: Sewing & Quilting for Women's Heart Health
Here are the two beautiful prizes two very lucky followers have a chance at winning this time!
I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:
1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 5/19/13. Which tools and/or bags do you use the most often and which are your favorite? And, for those Americans who follow the blog, how important is American made to you?
I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.
Sincerely,
Ve
102 comments:
I love my Chiao Goo needles and also my homemade stitch markers and project bags.
My must accessories are my "pretty cheap" project bag, a row counter, metal stitch markers and my tape measure.
American made...hmm this is not the most important thing in the world for me. I boycotted products made in China for years and still tend to avoid them if there is a comparable product on the market even if it is more expensive.
I use the reusable shopping bags from Sally's Beauty.
I wish there was more balanced trade. So, many good paying jobs with benefits have gone overseas. I have no problem with products made in other countries. The problem comes when it's too many products made in other countries especially counties that play fast and loose with safety rules.
My most favourite tools are my darning needle and my Addi turbo lace knitting needle.
I use almost nothing but my KnitPro Symphonie interchangeables. I love how the marbled wood changes colour depending on the colour of the yarn.
My favourite accessories are the lantern moon stitchmarkers and a pair of stitch markers my friend made for me.
My most important accessories are my favorite clay stitch markers and my Slipped Stitches project bag.
I don't really care where a product is made, as long as the creator is properly compensated.
American made is often what finally closes the deal for me. When I see something I like I ponder it for a moment or two and sometimes its when I see that "Made in America" label that I finally decide that I really need to have it.
I love my interchangable needles. I thought they wouldn't be that different from my many fixed circulars, but actually I love them. I reach for them anytime possible. And so I also love my organizer that holds all the tips and cords too!
I absolutely love my Addi Interchangeable needles and I can't live without my Knit Kit. American made is always best! Love to support local suppliers and vendors whenever possible.
Hi Ve! Love love love my signature dpns! I also have a madbird tote, yarn pop gadgety and a chicken boots dpn case! Love them all! I do prefer to buy American and support small businesses whenever possible. Thanks!
Kriste. (Kristebee on rav)
I made my own needle holders out of cute fabrics and use them all the time. But chicken boots designs are very well thought out and executed, her experience shows!
American made is important to me, if given a choice I will buy made in USA.
My favorite tools are my circular needles, and my double points (I knit a lot of socks). As for "extras," I love my row counter!
And given a choice, I try to buy things made in America if a) I can afford them, and b) they have quality.
American made has always been important to me, but more and more so in these economic times. My favorite tool is fun stitch markers! As for bags ... whatever I can manage to grab in the appropriate size as I run out the door. A lot of times it's a diaper bag!
I love stitch markers! I also love my interchangeable circular needle set, but I am in need of a new one (I am hopefully ordering one very soon). I don't have any project bags, but I use tote bags and other small-to-medium bags I find at thrift stores.
American-made is not a make-it-or-break-it decision for me, but I lean towards American-made products.
My most used bag is a zippered tote bag I got at a yard sale for $1.00. I try to buy American products as much as possible, so it is very important to me.
So Nice! I have Namaste bags, a couple Jordana Paige bags, two dif. sized fortune cookie triangle bags from etsy, and a Lexie Barnes bag, I take turns using. They are all great.
American made is always a plus.
StaceyKnitsIt
For my project bag, I use a small L.L. Bean canvas tote bag. It works great for one project, with a small front pocket for extra tools (scissors, ruler, etc.). For storage, I currently keep everything (yarn, needles, patterns) in a large plastic bin stored in the guest bedroom closet. Buying American Made is actually very important to me, and I blog about it at beadsandbrass.com. This is a great give-away, thanks!
I only have the cheap plastic case my interchangeable needles came in (& I love my needles) and would love to have a pretty & functional one. I live in Canada, but after Canadian made things (which I'll admit are few and far between) I'll definitely look for Made in the USA.
My Jordana Paige bag is a favorite, there's nothing like being able to whip out the project at a moment's notice while standing in line at the bank! Of course, my chiagoo needles, the only ones I use.
As for being American made? It's relatively important, and I like to choose the US made of two comparable products.
I have so very nice knitting bags from USA shops on Esty.
My favorite tool is my Hiya Hiya bamboo needles. I much prefer the feel of wooden needles and these are the pointiest.
I wouldn't say Ameican made is really important to me, but for environmental reasons I do try to buy locally made when possible. So, being in Oregon, I might pick yarn from Vancouver Canada ahead of yarn from Maine.
I have those same resin buttons! I bought them at Looped in DC--too bad she doesn't sell online as I would love more.
I am a Clinique makeup user, and use all of the cosmetic bags I get from their free gifts during sale time as project and accessory bags.
American made is not a priority for me but I do appreciate it.
I'm really happy with my Namaste needle case.
I love my knit picks interchangeable needles. I try to purchase American made, but honestly, if you track the materials back all the way, it's often not truly all-American.
I love my knit picks markers and my clear plastic zipper project bags. I should be better about checking American made, but cheap is more of a motivator for me in my selections.
My favorite item is my pattern holder and needle/hook holder that Saremy from chicken boots designed for my doll needles. She is awesome to work with.
I do buy handmade things from other countries but stay away from mass produced items.
My favorite item is my hanging circular holder that I sewed myself. I do prefer American made products. Thanks
I love my LSG stitch markers and my homemade felted tool bag. I like to buy American made when I can but will also buy from countries that don't have a history of exploiting/abusing their workforce.
I really like my chiagoo needles. I wish I could say I regularly look for American made, but I'm not there yet. I do however like coming across American made and am more apt to buy. I especially like etsy where I can support family businesses.
I love my set of simple plastic ring stitch markers, and my Brittany birch dpns for knitting socks!
I second the comments on ChiaoGoo Red Lace needles - the only issue that I've had with them is when my dog grabbed a project and tried to magic loop herself in with the socks in progress.
Yes, I do look where an item is manufactured & I will buy made in USA even if it is more expensive than a cheap import.
esea on Ravelry
I've been searching for a needle case myself and recently acquired one that holds my interchangeables all at reach.
I've got an old basket-style purse that has become my most-used project bag.
I like to buy from smaller producers when possible, which usually means American-made, but I admit I don't check very often when I'm shopping at chain stores and such.
I use my little peppermint candy measuring tape from Lantern Moon all the time. Also, some little handmade zipper pouches to hold all my accessories. Frankly, right now I don't really have enough bags and tools right now.
Cannot live without my owl row counter and my project bag which my mum sewed for me. Also a handy pair of scissors for when I cast off :)
I own three Chicken Boots products - a clear wristlet, a notions case and a project bag. I love them all and they are constantly in use! The fabrics are so cool and each product is so functional and very high quality.
I love project bags and have trouble not buying them, even though I now have quite a few!
I love my puppy snips. I also have a number of bags I really like--mostly from various etsy sellers. Made in the USA is important to me. I always pay attention to that.
I love my Knitpicks interchangeables and my precious Signature needles.
Also my stitch markers and locally made project bags.
I do like American made products but that's not the only criterion I use.
Usefulness, price, and looks are all important.
Great video interview! My favorite tools are my Addi Turbo circulars, I try and have 2 sets of each sizes which makes knitting in the round easy. Although I am from Canada, I feel American or Canadian made items are extremely important because I prefer to support home-grown products.
I use my row counters like it's nobody's business! I prefer to support local or independent shops rather than "the big guys".
I have to say -- between my Addi Clicks and my stitch markers, it's a tough choice!
My GoKnit pouches are always in use. Love using a DPN as a cable needle, my rosewood circs, row counter, triangular stitch markers, Sajou scissors.
hotknitter
I use circulars for almost everything. I like my Knit Picks Harmony the best. I guess I haven't thought too much about American made for my supplies - I think quality and usefulness is more important to me.
conradk
"American made" isn't necessarily as important to me as really nice, quality work. I have a pattern wallet made by Madbird which I totally love, but I also love my HiyaHiya interchangeable cases. Generally, though, I think the quality of independent, often American, artists on sites like Etsy is the best, and worth saving up for.
I love the accordion bag from Chicken Boots! It's so cute and useful!
I have addi clicks so use their little bag ... but do need something for the other random needles I have. I will have to look into the chicken boots case further.
I have a namaste project bag but use it as my day to day handbag oops!
i have a few really nice harmony wood needles that are my favorites, but also a lot of hand me down needles that aren't great but i can't justify buying new if i already have the size in hand me down :( perhaps my favorite accessory is my yarn baller - for tidying up leftovers at the end of a project or for making a center pull ball from a skein.
re: american made - yes and no. local is the ideal, but there are many canadian goods that are more "local" to me as a wisconsinite than, say, something from arizona...
I really don't have much in the way of organizing my needles, so need something desperately. But of the tools and bags I do have, I have a lovely tote that a friend made for me in exchange for a ram. And I use my ipod ap that inventories my needles. I do like American made products and like to support small artists, but will buy items produced elsewhere if they serve my purpose.
I have accumulated quite a collection of project bags- some are bought, some are just cotton bags that I got with yarn purchases, and one is a vintage one from hubby's nana. I have a tiny notions case, but nothing in terms on organizing needles on the go. Usually, I just grab the needle I need and that's it. I'd love to win one of those goodies! Thank you :)
I have at least 2 of every size knitpicks needles, and lots of the cables. I did love them, but have had breakages and bad joins. I ordered a set of the Chiaogoo today, hopefully they will be my new favourite thing.
I have most of my projects in reusable shopping bags, but there's one tote I like & will use if my project isn't very large: it's about 12" tall by 10" wide and 4" across, with two outer pockets (one zipped, one Velcro'd) and one small inner pocket. The outside fabric has cherries printed all over, on a black ground. And I just splurged on a worm binder (fishing gear!) from Bass Pro Shops, for my circulars! It's very nifty, the plastic pockets are like Ziplocs and can be removed from the binder -- and I can add more pockets. My daughter makes my stitchmarkers, and as they're make with LUV they are my favorites.
I use random stuff for project bags and such, but I LOVE my addi's, I would love to have a second set, but that will be awhile before that happens.
American made is very important to me, I also love to support other stay at home mom's because I know how important it is to be home with your kiddos when they are little.
I have so many favorite things, but I really love my project bags, especially one a friend made me with a clear front so I can see what I've got contained within. After that it would be my notions pouches that follow me everywhere.
I appreciate American-made products and wish there was more out there. I really appreciate that when shopping on Etsy and the like I have the ability to see where the item is coming from. It's not that I don't buy things that aren't made in the States, but I feel good about purchasing things made here.
I prefer products not made in China because of the total disregard for animal rights, human rights, and safety. I will try to buy American if I can.
And I must have a magnetic pattern holder and stitch markers that won't snag my yarn!
My most favorite thing in my knitting bag is my little butterflies makeup bag that I keep my notions. I prefer to buy American made when I can find it.
My favorite tools are my Signature circular needles. They are expensive but I like how pointy the tips are and how nice they are to knit with. I do like to buy American made products when I can. Thanks for the chance to win!
My notions bags are my most important tools, after needles! Neither my 'tote around' nor my 'stay at home' notions bags are made for the purpose, but they work well - one is a recycled fabric coin purse I bought in Thailand on holiday, the other is a recycled linen bag I was given from my partner's aunt (who got it locally) - and though I'm an American living elsewhere, that sorta shows what I think - buying local is wonderful, even if you had to travel there to do so. For me, while I like buying local, I'm more interested in knowing who my money is going to - and that means I've got some good relationships with vendors far from me that I still value.
I have a dpn tube. It works so awesome! I really need a container for my circs, though.
I love circular wooden needles and use a little reusable bag to store my projects
My favorite accessories are project bags! I use them for everything--projects, notions, needles, etc. Those needle cases are stunningly beautiful! The red one is my favorite. :) I like to buy American-made, but I don't refuse to buy something I want if it's made elsewhere.
HermioneWeasley on Ravelry
My most important things are bags that are the right size for my projects- biggish ones for sweaters and small ones for socks and scarves.
I don't really mind where it's from. Yes, American made is good (more jobs for the US blah blah)but I also believe if we didn't buy from other counties we would not have so many allies.. :)
These are BEAUTIFUL!! :)
AmandaVondrasek on rav
I love all sorts of tools from my needles to projects bags. While I have purchased items from other countries I try to look for "fair trade items". Morally, I have a problem buying something that was made either by child labor or was made by someone who did not receive a fair wage. You can't always know this but I do try to ask the right questions so I can make a good decision.
sherryglover1 on Ravelry
I cant think of a specific tool that i use most often other than my project bag(s)... other items depend upon what i am working on at the time but my project bag and small insert for handy items like scissors and darners are key. As for American made... it is nice when i find something quality made in America but workmanship and price is what i look at first prior to worrying about where it was made.
locking stitch markers and my little homemade notions bag. american made isn't super important to me. i tend to go with the quality of the product, not where it was made.
locking stitch markers and my little homemade notions bag. american made isn't super important to me. i tend to go with the quality of the product, not where it was made.
Following my needles, the tools I use most are: my sheep tape measure, my plain Jane needle gauge, bright rubber stitch markers, my mini Leatherman folding scissors (favorite), darning needles, and a row counter. I use a hand-made zipper pouch that my cousin made, but lately have thought a pouch with easier visibility would be nice. I really appreciate American made products and try to support small companies and LYSs as much as possible! Thank you! Stephanie (indigodogmt on Rav)
I love my Signature circular needles and use a fishing lure organizer to house them.
I love my handmade project bags (Jessalu is my favorite) and my handmade stitch markers. My favorite needles of all time are my Addi's. I don't stress out too much about where a product is made; American made is a plus but I look more at the workmanship. :)
I have a gifted set of Addi turbo interchangeable needles which I love using. I'm always sad when a project calls for <size4 needles.
Omigosh, gorgeous doesn't even *begin* to describe these! Drool, I say!
The tools I use the most are my knitpro interchangeable needles and a couple of different kinds of project bags I've made myself. There can never be too many of those, I tend to have more than one project on the needles at a time and two cats who love to sleep on them...
My "go to" tools are a set of handmade stitch markers my daughter made for me (super special because she made them), and my Addi interchangeables.
Made in America can have a HUGE impact on my purchase of a particular item. Often, I find myself focusing more of Locally made/sourced items. Supporting small business is extremely important...regardless of where a person lives :)
My most used tools (other than needles or hooks) are stitch markers, Clover darning needles and retractable tape measure. These are held in the bottom of the project (aka ziploc) bag as I go. Circular needles are stored in a ziploc bag, and DPNs and hooks are stored in cases a pencil case.
I love the fabric needle case a friend made me to hold straight needles. I'm always looking for better ways to organize. I love all the trinkets and gadgets. I try to support American made when I can but I'm not exclusive.
Margie (Rav ID: smithmks)
I love a small Longaberger bag that I carry small projects in. Also some various stitch markers from Phat Fiber. I just got a set of Chiaogoo interchangeables, and am looking forward to loving them as well. I like to buy American, but will buy from abroad if I like it and can afford it.
I've been eyeing the Chicken Boots cases-love, love, love the fabrics, love the idea, but just don't want to have separate cases for fixed circs and interchangeables-it would simplify my life to have just one case. I'm not American, but love to know things are made ethically, and the closer the better!
My Atenti bag is currently muy favorite! I also love my Lantern Moon stitch markers.
American made is so important. I wish there was more balance.
Although I knit a lot, I have never had any needle cases. It's not that I wouldn't love them, but being on a tight budget...I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have a zippered cosmetic bag for crochet hooks, DPN's, stitch holders, Etc. and an empty Pringles Can for my straight needles. Buying yarn seems more important than a needle case, but I'd love to win this. American made is semi-important to me. As long as the product is a good buy and good quality.
My favorite tools are my Kolláge square double points. I love making socks, so I have 2.0 mm and 2.25 mm sets. That way I can accommodate heavier and lighter sock weight yarns.
My most used tool is my Boye interchangeable circular set. using straits much longer than 7 in. hurts my hands, so if my project wont fit on the short needles I'll use a circular.
I like buying American made, but I don't go out of my way to do so. I'm much more likely to go out of my way for Indy made than just American made.
I love my project bags and my Tom Bihn bag. I think I like bags! :)
American made can be important to me if I feel like it means not-sweatshop-made. I like to buy from small businesses whenever possible, because I feel like more of what I'm paying is going to the people who made the thing. I'd guess most of my yarn-related spending goes to U.S. or Canada-based companies.
neneni on Ravelry
I've been looking for organizers for ever and ever, so I don't have a fav and would love to win an of these! I really like my nitpicks inter-changable wooden needles.
I'm a big fan of supporting local businesses, so buying American made goods is important to me.
Pavla
The tools I use most are cheap plastic stitch markers (since I'm constantly losing them) and my crochet hook for fixing mistakes.If I have the choice to buy American, and it is affordable,it is definitely my first choice.
I love Knitpicks interchangeable needles. For project bags, I use the black totes that Sephora used to ship product in-about the perfect size for a sweater's worth of yarn, and easy to reuse!
I use my project bag and self-sewn needles organizer all the time. I would love the accordion organizer. It is so pretty and functional.
I have a fabric circular needle case I bought on Etsy a few years ago. I keep my double pointed needles in there too, which makes it too crowded and hard to find things. I need another case!
I love my Knitpicks interchangeables, even though I think the quality is on the inconsistent end of the spectrum. Their affordability makes up for it. I do prefer to buy local if possible.
I love any thing knitting-organization related! My current favs are project bags with internal pockets to stash your tools. These look lovely!
I recently made a needle case in patchwork that is able to hold all my circular needles and dpns, with enough room to allow me to buy some more. I love it, it's a bit bulky but still it had to be to hold my entire collection. I also made a travel case where I can hold my essential notions when I take my knitting out. This is really a must have for me.
I love stitchmarkers and project bags both of which I try to make myself (stitchmarkers assorted to the project they are used with). But I always see nicer ones online which inspire me to make new ones. Alas, I don't have much time so usually I just save pictures and website addresses.
I love my Hiya Hiya interchangeable needles, I just can't go without them! I also use my tape measure and the safety pin stitch markers all the time.
My most used tool would definitely be my KP nickel interchangeable needles. I also find a tape measure, stitch markers, and row counters very valuable.
I should probably think more about where items are manufactured. I do attempt to purchase from small businesses that are based in my community.
-Stephanie, sjn821 on Rav
I have a beautiful silk needle roll for my single point needles. I am desperately trying to find something similar for my circulars, I have a full set for 3 different lengths. I love the ones that you found.
schwipknits@gmail.com
I love my Clover needle case which came with my clover bamboo circs and also another one for dpns that my dad sewed for me! the ones you got and those in the giveaway look totally drool-worthy!
-babyloveknit on ravelry
For me I love to use project bags,needle cases,pincushions...it makes me happy.Lovely giveaway,thank you for the chance to win it.
I love all knitting organizers! The more the merrier in my knitting bag and they must be PRETTY!! Love these!
i love my Namaste bags...pretty colors and vegan material. I need a better notions/needle case though. my tools are very unorganized and it's driving me crazy. American made items are always a draw to me; Ihave no problem paying more for quality American-made goods.
I like bags that are small but big enough to hold one knitting project. So I can take it with me places in a sort of organized way.
As for American-made...as long as it is quality, that is the most important to me regarding decisions on buying stuff.
I like having a bag for each project, because I always have multiple projects going at once. I like having one small notions bag for my snips, tapestry needle, extra crochet hook for fixing knit stitches if needed, and a few stitches markers. Then, I can easily transfer m notion bag between my project bags!
I have a lot of needles, so it is important for me to be able to label my needles. If the case doesn't already have sizes sewn or imprinted, then the material must either allow for sharpies or stickers for labels.
Regarding American made... It is important to me to support small businesses who make their own product in either the U.S or Canada (most of my life, I have lived within an hour or two from Canada). I will pay more to purchase from these small businesses. If it is a large corporation, I do still pay attention to where it is made, but as long as the quality is there and there are not any reports of unfair treatment to workers, I am open!
Jubbers on Rav
I use the most beautiful paper bags from stores as my,project bags because I always have at least two ongoing. Plus a plastic case where everything I need fits: scissors, stitch markers, pins, threading needles, etc... And a snall fabric bag for the portable projects.
Ravelry id: missagnes
I use lots of different bags but my favorites are the ones with lots of inside pockets for tools. I'm an American and while I like to think I prefer American made, I often purchase yarn and other supplies from other countries.
For my last birthday, my MIL got me a full set of Hiya Hiya DPNs and then made me embroidered felt cases for them. They are definitely my favorite! I use my DPNs and interchangeables all the time. I do wish that I had some individual project bags to keep things better organized.
While American made is important to me, I'm more concerned with quality. That being said, if I can high quality, affordable, American-made (locally is even better) that is what I will go with.
I love my interchangeable needles. I have one full set of Knit Pick ones in the lighter wood with extra tips in the Harmony wood. But I also have my fair share of fixed cables too. I am always using one or the other or both. And though I don't have a full set of them, I love my wooden DPN needles. (I started using those before I knew people were afraid of them....hehehe, so no fear here. ^_^)
Those fabrics are so fun! I love the idea of the HP fabric she hopes to use this summer! I would love to see other geeky versions in the future...like Doctor Who, Star Trek, or something like those....maybe?? ^_^
Great interview! Thanks!
I always carry a project bag (made to carry shoes :P), a small pair of scissors, and a ton of stitch markers.
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