Winner + Making Waves with KnitPro

Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Vicki Browning! Their comment was randomly selected to win this month's giveaway for our new Comby II Sampler Set which contains interchangeable needle pairs from our Karbonz, Bamboo and Nova Cubics lines! We've contacted Vicki to arrange for the delivery of their prize. Thanks to everyone who entered this month's giveaway!

Introducing Waves Crochet Hooks

Make waves with our brand-new line of glamourous crochet hooks this fall!

Our new Waves crochet hooks feature our signature smooth finish aluminum hooks and colourful soft-feel handles. Waves come in 13 vibrant and trendy colour options, each of which are unique to its size.

KnitPro Waves crochet hooks are also available in sets! Packaged in a handy faux leather zippered case, each set contains 9 hook sizes ranging from 2.00mm-6.00mm. Choose from fluorescent green or fluorescent pink to build your crochet hook library!

Winner + Sneak Peek: New KnitPro Products!

We've got three lucky winners for our KnitPro Shawl Pin giveaway this month: Anna, Isa and Riyuuhi  we will be contacting you to arrange for the delivery of your prize. Congratulations!

Our newest needles and accessories will soon be arriving at a shop near you - below is a sneak peek of just a few of the exciting new products to join the KnitPro family:

Nova Cubics

Our crowd-pleasing cuboid shaped needles are now available in shiny brass! These new needles will be available in Single Point, Double Point, Fixed Circular and Interchangeable and will also include sets for these options!

Karbonz 

Enjoy expanded size options for Interchangeable, Double Point and Single Point Karbonz needles! Our high-tech carbon fiber needles with brass tips are a real crowd-pleaser, and now you can choose from several Karbonz DPN and Interchangeable sets to add to your needle collection.

Bamboo 

Our newest range of knitting needles and crochet hooks is made with the finest Japanese bamboo! Our Bamboo circular needles all feature 24k gold plated connectors, giving us a "gold edge" over other bamboo needles on the market! Choose from Single Point, Double Point, Fixed Circular and Interchangeable knitting needles and Single Ended and Tunisian crochet hooks. We also have knitting and crochet sets in this exciting new line!

Waves 

Our new colour-coded aluminum crochet hooks with soft grip handles are vibrant and trendy. They're available in thirteen individual sizes or as a set featuring 9 hooks in an attractive pink or green case.

Comby Set II

Get to know KnitPro with our new sampler set which includes interchangeable tips from our Karbonz, Bamboo and Nova Cubics needle lines!

Blocking Mats

We are introducing a range of lace blocking accessories this fall, from wires and T-pins to interlocking mats. Now it will be easier than ever to achieve a beautiful project from start to finish with KnitPro products - be sure to ask about our other new accessories at your LYS, too!

Giveaway + Socks Any Way You Like Them!

Socks are a great summer project because they are small and portable, and they can be simple or complex depending on the type of sock project you use. However you like to make socks, we have the right tools for you - below are some tips, techniques and tools to help you explore new ways of sock-making this summer!

Toe-up
Getting started is often the trickiest part to making toe-up socks, but once you master the technique, there's no end to the creative socks you can make! Many knitters prefer this method because they can just keep knitting until they run out of yarn. If you are having trouble getting started, click here to view a video tutorial demonstrating Judy's Magic Cast-On from the talented designer Cat Bordhi's YouTube Channel.

Top Down
A stretchy cast-on is necessary to start your top-down socks off right. There are many, many types of cast-ons that would work well, so you'll want to experiment to find which one works best for your style of knitting. Click here to see a video demonstration of the Channel Island Cast-On from Sockupied on the Knitting Daily blog if you need help getting started!

Cubics Double-Pointed Needles

Socks on DPNs
Many knitters prefer to knit in the round with DPNs; we have several needle styles to suit every DPN enthusiast! For the serious sock knitter, we recommend our Nova Sock Set (for those who prefer metal needles) or our color-coded Dreamz Sock Set (for those who prefer wooden needles). You'll also want to keep your stitches on the needles with our handy DPN tubes, which are especially great for on-the-go sock knitters!

Karbonz Fixed Circular Needles 

Magic Loop Socks

If you've ever been knitting while you're out an about and dropped one of your DPNs, only to have it roll away and never be found again, you may want to give magic loop knitting a try! You'll need a circular needle with a nice, long cord (80cm or 100cm is ideal); Stitch Diva Studios has a great tutorial video here on their website to get you started!

Two-at-a-Time Socks
Once you master the Magic Loop technique, you can use it to knit both pair of socks at the same time! It's a little tricky to get started, but here is an excellent tutorial with step-by-step instructions over on the Knit and Tonic blog.

Crochet

Two-At-A-Time Socks

Socks aren't just for knitters - there are plenty of great crochet patterns out there, too! Our steel crochet hooks come in smaller sizes which are just right for fingering-weight sock yarns. If you're new to crocheting socks, here are eight expert tips from the editor of Crochet Me to make your feet happy!

Steel Crochet Hook With Soft Feel Handle

This Month's Giveaway

How do YOU like to make socks? This month, one lucky blog reader will get choose their prize from one of four needle options:

• Symfonie Fixed Circular
• Symfonie DPN 
• Cubics Fixed Circular
• Cubics DPN

To be eligible, simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favourite way to make socks and which of the four prizes listed above you'd like to win. You'll also want to give us your email address or Ravelry ID so that we can contact you if you win! 

We'll randomly select our winner to announce on our next blog post later this month! 

Winner + Felted Project Inspiration

Nova Chunky Interchangeable Set

Thanks to everyone who entered our blog giveaway this month! Our lucky winner is Katrina who said, "I would love to try fixed circular ones". We've contacted Katrina to arrange the shipment of her prize, a pair of Basix Birch Fixed Circular needles.

We received a tremendous response to our last post about quick, chunky knits using larger needles, so today we'll be sharing more pattern inspiration with you. Wool yarns and large needles are the perfect combination for your next felting project; we have several chunky interchangeable needle sets which contain needle pairs in 9.00mm, 10.00mm and 12.00mm sizes - all you have to do is choose which type of needle tip you prefer! As we saw in our previous post, our Basix Birch line is another great option for projects requiring larger-sized knitting needles. 

Clockwise from top left: Star Garland by Katie Startzman, Felted iPad Case by Marlene Sigel, Woodins by Anna Hrachovec, Celtica Cushion by Debbie Tomkies, Felted Oven Mitts by Purlbee, and French Press Felted Slippers by Melynda Bernardi.

If you have never intentionally felted a knitted or crocheted piece, here are a few helpful resources to get you started: 

Felting article - Knitty Archives

YouTube Video - How to Hand Felt Knitted Projects

Crochet Doctor Blog - How to Felt Crochet Pieces

Feel free to share your favorite felting tips, resources or patterns by commenting on this blog post, too!

Think Big: Knitting Inspiration + Giveaway!

This month, we're thinking BIG! Our Basix Birch needles come in large sizes and are just right for quick, chunky knits and fast felted projects! In today's blog post, we'll share some of our favourite patterns for big needles and give you a closer look at Basix Birch. You'll also have a chance to win your choice of Basix Birch needles this month!

Quick Knits with Chunky Yarns

Here are just a few project ideas for fast knits on big needles, many of which are available for free on Ravelry! Clockwise from top left: The Eleventh Hour Blanket from Purl Soho, Marian by Jane Richmond, The Road to Gimmerton, Pembroke Tank by Tara-Lynn Morrison, 40 Winks Basket by Hana Jason, and Pixie Necklace by Kate Oates.

Basix Birch Giveaway

Our Basix Birch needles are lightweight and available in double-point, single-point and fixed circular needle styles in a range of larger sizes. These perfectly-pointed, durable needles are ideal for chunky yarns. 

Get to know Basix Birch below, then leave a comment on this post telling us which type you'd most like to try out. We'll randomly select one winner to announce on Friday, April 26. Good luck!

Basix DPNS

Available in 20cm length in sizes ranging from 5.50mm to 25.00mm.
Perfectly tapered points for easy stitch glide.

Basix Fixed Circulars

Available in 60cm, 80cm, 100cm, 120cm, and 150cm lengths in sizes ranging from 5.50mm to 25.00mm.
Smooth joins for snag-free knitting.
Resilient, flexible cords lay flat with no kink or twist.

Basix Single Point

Available in 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, and 40cm lengths in sizes ranging from 5.50mm to 12.00mm.
Generous size end caps keep stitches firmly on needles.

Be sure to check back on Friday, April 26 to see who won this month's blog giveaway!

Winner + KnitPro in Action!

We received a tremendous response to this month's blog giveaway! Thank you to everyone who left their comments on our last blog post; we thoroughly enjoyed reading each one.We have used Random.org to select the following winners, whom we will contact to arrange for the delivery of their prizes: 

Congratulations to Pokdej, who will receive a pair of Karbonz Single Point needles! Pokdej said, "I'd like to try the Karbonz because I have developed an allergy to nickel, so I'm looking for a non-wood alternative."

Congratulations to Puella63, who will receive a package of Karbonz Double Point needles! Puella63 said, "I never tried this type of needles and would really like to try the circular ones. I don't knit with the other two types."

Congratulations to Riikkis, who will receive a Karbonz Fixed Circular needle! Riikkis said, "I'd love to test these <3"

We'd also like to share the latest KnitPro in Action photos that have been submitted by our wonderful and creative fans. Click here to view & submit photos in our dedicated Ravelry thread; you can also submit via Twitter and Facebook!

L-R: Dreamz Fixed Circular needles (submitted by Knitwytch), Symfonie Interchangeable needles (submitted by Amparo), and Karbonz DPNs (submitted by ColorBloX).

As Seen on Knitter's Review: Karbonz!

There's been a lot of buzz about our Karbonz needles; most recently, Clara Parkes shared her thoughts on these high-tech needles on the Knitter's Review website (note: Karbonz are distributed in North America under the Knitter's Pride brand). We're quite flattered with her analysis! If you've been curious about carbon fiber needles, click here to get the scoop from one of our industry's finest experts! You can also read more about our Karbonz needles on the Meadow Yarns blog!

Now for the best part: we'd like to give you a chance to try Karbonz out for yourself! Leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to knit with these needles for your chance to win one of three prizes: a pair of Karbonz Single-Point Needles, Double-Point Needles or Fixed Circulars. We'll randomly select three lucky readers as our winners on Friday, March 22. Be sure to leave your Ravelry ID or e-mail address so that we can contact you if you win! 

Winner + 2013 Preview

Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered this month's blog giveaway! Our lucky winner is Beverly Anger, who said "I just subscribed! These knitting needles will change my knitting world!" Our prize coordinator has contacted you to arrange for the delivery of your prize, a Deluxe Symfonie Rose set in your choice of Interchangeable Circular Needles or Crochet Hooks. Congratulations!

Sneak Peek!

We're very pleased to share a small preview of our Spring Collection with you today right here on our blog. Since introducing our line of carbon fiber needles last year, we have had many requests from fans and shop owners for an interchangeable line of Karbonz needles. This year, we'll not only introduce Karbonz Interchangeable Circular needles to the line, but we'll also offer expanded size options for single point, double point and fixed circular Karbonz needles as well as DPN and interchangeable needle sets.

In fact, we'll be introducing many new & exciting additions to the KnitPro family of products at the Handarbeit + Hobby trade fair in Cologne, Germany next month which will be appearing at a yarn shop near you this Summer - stay tuned for more details!

KnitPro on YouTube + Giveaway

Did you know that KnitPro has a YouTube channel?  When you watch our videos, you'll get to see KnitPro needles & hooks up close while hearing what real knitters and crocheters have to say about our products. You can subscribe to our channel to be notified when we add new videos, too! To sweeten the deal, we'll be randomly selecting one of our fans on YouTube to win a Symfonie Rose Deluxe Set in the winner's choice of Interchangeable Circular Needles or Crochet Hooks! 

Leave a comment on this post to let us know that you subscribed to our channel and tell us which video was your favorite! Be sure to leave a way for us to contact you if you win (Ravelry ID or email address). We'll randomly select one winner on our next blog post on Friday, February 22. Good luck! 

Click here to view the KnitPro channel on YouTube or watch our video playlist below!

New Year's Resolutions & Finishing Projects!

Most knitters like to work on more than one project at a time, and sometimes when a project gets put to the side it may be forgotten completely! This year KnitPro is here to help you get organized; below we've listed a few of our favorite products that can be used with any of the KnitPro interchangeable needle sets to maximize your needles and keep track of all your works in progress!

KnitPro Cables

Extra cables are essential for knitters who love to multi-task! With extra cables you can use the same size tips on multiple projects, just use the end caps to keep your stitches safely on the cables while they are resting. 

KnitPro Needle Size ID Tags

While your projects are waiting on your spare cables, place a KnitPro Needle Size ID Tag on the cable so that you won't forget which size needles you were using on your project!

KnitPro Needle Stand

If you knit mostly at home, the KnitPro Needle Stand is a great way to display and organize your needle tips! This handy stand can be used with any KnitPro interchangeable needle set. 

KnitPro Fabric Bag

If you are a knitter on the go, our fabric needle cases are the perfect place to store your needle tips and cables. Keep everything organized for fast and easy access! 

KnitPro Chart Keeper

Whether you knit at home or on the go, the KnitPro Chart Keeper is a great way to stay organized! It will hold up a pattern or chart, and you can use the magnets to keep your place. You'll never have to wonder where your pattern is in your knitting bag or basket - our Chart Keeper will keep your patterns in one convenient place that is always easy to find.

Giveaway

This month we'll be giving away a KnitPro Fabric Bag here on our blog! To enter, just leave a comment on this post during the month of January. We'll be selecting a random winner on January 31, 2013. You can learn about all of our giveaways this month by visiting the My KnitPro Ravelry Group.

Last Minute Gifts

It's crunch time for hand made gifts! If you are running short on time, here are some suggestions for making thoughtful and beautiful gifts with limited time!

Cute Bow Headband by Rachel Hunnicutt: use a KnitPro Symfonie Single Pointed Crochet Hook

This quick and adorable headband will be done before you know it when you use a KnitPro Symfonie Single Pointed Crochet Hook! The KnitPro Symfonie hooks are designed by people who know and understand the art of crochet. These hooks are strong and lightweight, made from beautiful wood with a smooth polished wood surface your stitches will glide off the hook and right into the wrapping paper for gifting!

Fiona Button Scarf by Jennifer Dickerson: use a KnitPro Aluminum Crochet Hook and a KnitPro Symfonie Wood Shawl Pin

This elegant cowl is made with super bulky yarn and a 9 mm hook, so it will be done in just a couple of hours! Use the KnitPro Aluminum Crochet hook with its unique ergonomic shape with smooth handle and gentle grip will ensure that you can crochet all day long! Save time by including a KnitPro Symfonie Wood Shawl Pin as a closure rather than sewing on buttons. They come in many colors and styles, so you can easily find one that will perfectly compliment your cowl!

New Era by Alexandra Beck: use KnitPro Cubics Double Pointed Needles and KnitPro Wooden Buttons

Any lucky person on your gift list would love to receive these fashionable and practical fingerless gloves. Use KnitPro Cubics Double Pointed needles to make knitting these gloves a joy. The cuboid shape in the cross section gradually gives way to perfectly tapered birch wood tips, providing excellent stitch definition. Add the perfect finishing touch with KnitPro wooden buttons, available in all different shapes and colors!             

Gift Ideas to Give & Get

It's the season for giving gifts, and the KnitPro team has put together some great gift ideas for every knitter in your life (or maybe inspiration for your own wish list)!

The Colorful Knitter

These are some bright and colorful knitting accessories for those knitters that love vibrant hues and variegated yarns. 

1. KnitPro Shawl Pins come in many styles and are a great way to keep your beautiful hand knits in place.

2. Anyone would love to adorn their beautiful hand knit items with these fun KnitPro Wood Buttons. They come in beautiful colors as well as 7 different shapes.

3. Everyone needs cable needles, and these uniquely colored wood KnitPro Symfonie Cable Needles make knitting cables a delight!

4. KnitPro Fabric Bags are essential for keeping all your knitting needles organized in one place. Use this colorful case to store interchangeable or double pointed needle sets while they are not in use.

5. KnitPro Symfonie Needles are the ultimate needle for knitters that love color. They are strong, lightweight, have perfectly tapered tips and are suitable for any type of yarn and knitting project. Symfonie needles are available as double pointed, single pointed, fixed circular, and interchangeable circular knitting needles.

The Organized Knitter

These accessories are perfect for knitters who love to keep all their tools in order. 

1. KnitPro Needle Size ID Tags can be slipped on the cable when needle tips are removed, so that you can have multiple projects using the same size needle and never forget which tips to use for which projects!

2. If you like to keep all of your interchangeable needles neatly displayed by size than the KnitPro Interchangeable Needles Stand is essential! It is both beautiful and functional.

3. KnitPro Cubics  provide a unique ergonomic shape that makes knitting more comfortable and stitches more even. Although Cubics appeal to a wide range of knitter the geometric shape and sleek look is particularly appropriate for the organized knitter. Cubics are available as single pointed, double pointed, fixed circular, and interchangeable circular knitting needles.

4.The KnitPro Chart Keeper is a great tool for knitters that love to keep all their patterns and charts organized in one place. The Chart Keeper functions not only as a place to store your patterns, but also works as a stand to use while knitting!

The Travelling Knitter

These accessories were chosen for knitters who like to knit on the go.

1. KnitPro Needle View Sizer is a must for any knitting bag, because you never know when you will need to check that two needles are the same size.

2. The KnitPro Row Counter will help you to save time, because every time you pull your knitting out of your bag you won't need to count how many rows you've already knit-because you can just look on your row counter!

3. KnitPro Point Protectors are perfect for travelling knitters because they will ensure that all of your stitches stay on the needle, and that your knitting needles won't poke holes in your knitting bags.

4. KnitPro Nova needles are engineered from hollowed brass and quality plated nickel. These needles are smooth and lightweight-perfect for knitters on the go! Novas are available as single pointed, double pointed, fixed circular, and interchangeable circular knitting needles.

5.  The KnitPro Ring Binder is a great case for carrying circular knitting needles, small knitting accessories, and small knitting projects. For example you could keep your needles, stitch markers, and half knit socks all in this ring binder, so you won't have to worry about forgetting any of your essentials at home!

Knitting On The Go

We love to see people knitting in public. There’s no better way to extend your patience while waiting than to pick up your needles and work on your knitting project. However, working on your project on the go can present some difficulties, especially if you are unprepared. So, we’ve put together a list of essentials for knitting on the go: 

KnitPro Chart Keeper -  These are great not just for lace charts, but for keeping your place in any knitting pattern. This way you can move your magnets to keep track of your row and never lose a page in your pattern again! 

KnitPro Point protectors - There’s nothing worse than pulling your project out of the bag and realizing that some of the stitches have slipped off the needle. Avoid the frustration of having to pick up all your stitches by putting these point protectors on the tips of your needles before you put them in your bag. 

Crochet Hooks - Crochet hooks are very handy tools for knitters. They are useful for picking up dropped stitches, so it’s always good to have one in your bag for emergencies.

Row Counters - Row counters are extremely helpful when you have long sections of stockinette or garter stitch. It’s easy to lose count, so make sure you don’t by clicking this cute little row counter at the end of each row or round. 

DPN Tubes - If you like to knit socks or gloves on double pointed needles than these DPN tubes are a must have! These will protect your knitting and the needles while they rest in your bag. The knitting just hangs out the side of the tube while your needles are encased in the tube. 

Stitch markers - We have them all: the ring stitch marker, split ring stitch marker, locking stitch marker and Zooni beaded stitch markers! Choose your favorite style to keep on hand - these are a knitting bag necessity!

Finally, be sure to keep your knitting safe (and your notions all in one place) with a project bag! You can even make your own if you like. Here are a few of our pattern suggestions to try:

Braided Cable Handle Tote        Knitted Pocket                    French Market Bag     Pinwheel Purse