Monday was a federal holiday here in the U.S. so I completely blanked out on blogging on Tuesday because Tuesday felt like Monday. Whoops!
Better late than never, here is my work in progress: the front of my gansey-type sweater.
I’m about two-thirds done with the front (yay three-day weekend) so I have high hopes for finishing the front this weekend and getting a start on a sleeve.
I did take some time out from knitting on this to start a swatch in a different yarn. Can anyone guess what the yarn is?
I’ll give you two hints: it is a cotton/acrylic blend and it is worsted weight.
Book Giveaway
The winner of my review copy of Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett (illustrated by Jon Klassen) is “Stacy and the rugrats,” who has (have?) been emailed. Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.
Speaking of Giveaways . . .
I got something exciting in the mail the other day. This:
This is the new “Crafter’s Tool Butler” by Jordana Paige, who was nice enough to send me one for review. (Note that I shamelessly pulled the photos of this case from her website since they are far nicer than any I can take here on a dark afternoon.)
The specs:
The cases is made from an attractive vegan-friendly PVC and is available in 4 colors: black onyx, bronze, deep red, and eggplant purple.
Mine is bronze.
It has six flat pockets for all sizes of double-pointed needles and crochet hooks, as well as a mesh pocket for small items such as safety pins, stitch markers and darning needles.
There is also a knitting needle and crochet hook inventory chart included.
And there are four zippered accordion pockets for circular needles with label inserts for custom numbering.
It is 10.5″ long by 6.5″ tall by 2″ thick — compact enough to tuck into a medium-sized purse or knitting bag. I foresee that I will find it extremely useful for knitting on the go, something I do a lot of.
You can purchase the Crafter’s Tool Butler from the Jordana Paige website here. There’s also a link on that page to a store locator so you can purchase it locally.
Did I mention how nice Jordana Paige was to send me one? She actually sent me two: one is for me and one is for one of my blog readers. 
I’m keeping the bronze one, so I’m giving away the black onyx one. Who wants it? 
Leave a comment on this blog post by 12:00 noon Eastern Time on Tuesday January 24, 2012. I’ll choose the winner at random then.
Lucy is very excited about the whole contest thing.
Wow! That needle case looks very cool. I’d love to win it. As usual, your knitting looks wonderful.
Kalkette´s last [type] ..Finally the Green-Brown Yarn Story
This looks like it just might work for me. Pop my name in the magic box for items.
Since I am overloaded on yarn, I am now addicted to tools, bags, and anything else. This looks fantastic and I’d love to win!
Deb´s last [type] ..Happy New Year!
I’ve been eyeing this new case from her for a while!
Jennifer´s last [type] ..2012 – Here we come!
What a lovely case. Please enter my name.
What a great case for all of the extras! I’ve got my extras all over the place in all sorts of different containers. I would be so nice to have them all in the same spot
StacieBee´s last [type] ..Grey Felt Rosette Handmade Wreath
I’d love one. Looks like a nice compact way to store tools.
Maybe this could be the thing to keep my knitting clutter in line?? What do you think? If I win I’ll let you know
I can always use a better system for needle organization as I’m always knitting on the go. This seems like a great case. Great progress on your sweater.
Kate Rideout´s last [type] .."Oh Bother" Gluten Free Smoothies
Anything that helps me organize my knitting on the go has my vote. Stylish too. Thanks for the opportunity (and thanks Jordana Paige).
kb (rav: aknitontheside)
Oh yes please! The butler seems very practical and useful and all…
Well that looks useful–and of course you can never go wrong with black!
I had a little help from Ravelry, so my guess is a little dishonest. Comfy Worsted? (I don’t think Calmer is a Worsted, no matter what Rav says.)
Wow, that looks like a great case!
I love how the two colors coordinate so nicely with Lucy!
OOOO snazzy! Would be a great way to travel with my gear!
ah what the heck … I’ll throw my figurative hat in the ring. I admired Jordana’s bags at Stitches Midwest and would be proud to own something of hers.
It sure beats the plastic ziploc bags I’m using now!
Very nice! I’d love to carry a Butler….thanks for offering!
How sweet is that? And Lucy is as floofy as ever.
I’d love to win that case – maybe then I can find all my needles in one place!
every knitter always needs on more bag of some type! just like one more pattern, one more batch of yarn, and we never have enough needles!
Please enter me in the drawing. One of my favorite things about knitting is all the cool stuff that goes with it.
Oh, that looks loverly! I may have to go and order one for myself in that beautiful red color. I get tired of loosing my various things in all the different cases I need for them.
I’ve been wanting to try Jordana’s new organizer! fingers crossed!
Kristen´s last [type] ..On sock yarn (warning: many pictures, possibly too many)
oh, that looks awesome. I’d love a chance at one!
Me please! Anything that can possibly help me stay organized would be fabulous!
Is it Rowan Calmer?
It’s very generous of you to share. I hope I’m drawn as the “sharee”. What kind of knit are you making out of the cotton/acrylic?
What a fabulous giveaway – looks like a great item to fit in some of my stuff!
Every knitter I know could use a butler. Hope the gods of random numbers smile on me.
I ca never find the tool I need. I’m hoping this will cure that problem.
Wow, I need that case. It would make me organized!!!! (or make me look organized?)
Wendy McElroy´s last [type] ..It’s time to train…..
oh–I have been coveting one of those!
Blogging can be a job–just claim you took a holiday
Knitting case looks awesome–it is actually on my wish list, in black, no less!
I’d love to win ^_^
I love it, would love to have it, would love it if I won it……………
Thanks for running the contest! This is definitely something I’d like to add to my JP collection one of these days.
I’d love to win. Looks like the butler would be very useful.
Wow, what a great giveaway. I’m crossing my fingers to win
Could it be the yummy All Seasons Cotton you’ve swatches with? I’d love a Butler!
Donna´s last [type] ..New Tricks
This tool case is amazing. Thank you for the giveaway.
Wow… awesome giveaway. I was checking out the Crafter’s Tool Butler on the Jordana Paige website around Christmas time. Sadly Santa didn’t put one in my stocking…
I would love to win this! I am on my way to bookmark her site in the event I am not the winner.
Wow… maybe it would help me get my end table next to my knitting glider organized!
That Crafter’s Tool Butler looks awesome!
*raises hand* ME! I would love a(nother) case for storage of needles and notions and whatnots. I have so many things laying around and could really use something proper, especially for DPNs…
Renee Anne´s last [type] ..Wow, that Jelly Bean Parrot is HUGE!
Neat looking needle case!
That looks awesome for carrying all my knitting bits around! Please enter me into the drawing.
Nice case! I need to invest in one…..
cassandra´s last [type] ..Late Rhinebeck report….
that looks very neat!
I would love to win – thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you so much for being the test knitter on this. Looks like it would be very useful. I’d love to win this.
That is one cool organizer!
Nice sweater (as usual!). Please put me in the drawing for the Butler. It’s so nice that Jordana Paige sent you one to share.
I would love to find a compact way of keeping my dpns with me along with some extra doodads!! I hope I win!!! Thanks for sharing, Wendy!!
Oooh, how lovely! Add me in, please.
Wow. This bag could finally replace my dull brown pencil case. My daughter will be happy to heat it is began friendly. It will be nice to win.
Ooh, me! I’d love one!
Also, how do people actually guess what you’re working on? Is there some secret club that they belong to? One with an insider news feed?
Perhaps this will help my needles stay in line but I doubt it
Are there any secret pouches for an emergency diaper and wipes? That would make it even more perfect!
That looks like an awesome little case. Thanks for sharing. Your gansey is coming along very nicely!
It’s probably Rowan’s Calmer knowing how you love it but it looks an awful lot like one of the KnitPicks blends that I’ve made a sweater from. At least I think it was KnitPicks but I can’t really remember and don’t know the yarn name. Good eh? However, the organizer is wonderful. If I don’t win it I might need to buy it. Hmmm, maybe one for Cindy as a “congratulations end of treatment gift”? Ok, if I win it I’ll give it to Cindy and buy my own.
The new sweater is looking great. Are you going to have a pattern for us? Please include me in the drawing. It sure was a long weekend with no pics of Lucy.
Maybe this would help me get organized!
I would love it! Thanks!
Oh, this would definitely be useful! I would love to win this.
That’s so cute! I bet it would be really helpful to organize all of my paraphernalia. Thanks so much for offering your extra.
Michelle´s last [type] ..WIP Wed: waiting
I have been admiring the butler. Thanks for a chance!
It is so cold here in IL, that I can’t take my wonderful poodle for a walk. He probably would rather stay on the heater anyway.
This would be wonderful next to my knitting chair. And basic black is always in style.
I could definitely use that! Love all the pockets inside.
I’m guessing Rowan All Seasons Cotton, one of my favorite sweater yarns! Nice case.
DPUTiger´s last [type] ..Dawn Gnot
…..zowzzzz no more ziplock bags to hold my circs!
Number one, I am guessing rowan calmer on the yarn, and number two, I would LOVE the Jordana Paige bag.
Oh, I think I definitely need one of those in my life. All my knitting tools have been scattered since moving last year!
I’d love to win the tool butler. Are you making something else from Calmer?
It is amazing how people design things you never knew you needed until you see them and then…WOW! I would LOVE a butler of my own!
Kali´s last [type] ..Shaving Socks
I know it sounds totally wrong, but I’m out of space for organizers, so I have to pass on this lovely give-away.
The yarn, however … I have two skeins of Lion Brand “Cotton Ease” yarn in that exact color. It’s very soft, but sturdy, stuff!
KateJonze´s last [type] ..What’s Up, Doc?
I totally need a new butler, so toss my number into the generator, please!
Sarah´s last [type] ..Living and Learning
ooh, that looks awesome. Count me in.
Lucy is adorable and the tool case ain’t to bad either
What a fun giveaway! do you think the random number generator will be more favourable toward me since my dh and kids didn’t get me any knitting related stuff for my recent birthday?
Wow, would I love to win the tool butler. Would be sooo useful.
Your gansey-type sweater is looking good!
My boyfriend got me a needle case for my birthday this week. However, I need one for my DPNs and smaller size needle circulars. This would be perfect!
I love your sweater and the new yarn looks soft. How nice of you to get these great things to give away. The black tool bag would be an awesome thing to use for when i travel.
The Butler looks very useful! I currently keep my tools on a baggie, but that looks much classier
I adore your kitty!
I have other Jordana Paige bags and I love them all! So thoughtful about pocket placement.
Very cool.
Cindy´s last [type] ..FO’s – Finished Objects….. not flying ones.. LOL
That’s a very unique tool case and I love it. Thanks for the chance to win one. BTW, I love the gansey sweater you are working on. Is this a new pattern of yours in the making? I guess that the swatch is Knit Picks Comfy Worsted in Flamingo…..partly because I just ordered some a little while ago. It’s either that or Rowan Calmer.
That’s a nifty case! I’d love one! Hope the random # generator pick me!
This looks fantastic — would love to win it! Love your blog!
Hi Lucy! Glad to see you so excited! I love those tool butlers – I was just reorganizing my knitting mess next to my bed last night and that would really come in handy!
That case looks great!
Word Lily´s last [type] ..Book Spotlight: The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer
Me. I need one!
I would love to have the Tool Butler. Thanks to you and Jordan’s Paige!
Wow – what an opportunity! That Crafter’s Tool Butler looks perfect! Thanks so much Wendy and thanks to Jordana too!
I have yet to find the perfect notions case, although I have a bunch. This one looks really nice!
Love this case. I need more space for my stuff.
I’d love to get one of those. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a while. And the tags for organizing, *love*
I’d love to win that Jordana Paige Tool Butler!
That’s so cool. It would be great to have something to help with the organization of all my knitting bits
The onyx is beautiful and I could so use it especially when traveling. Cannot leave home with only one project or needle set for reasons all os us understand.
You get the best goodies in the mail. How nice of you to share.
Twyla
I would love it!
Looks perfect for keeping little toddler hands out of my equipment!