What IS in my Beloved Knitcrate

I recognize that this post came a little later than I had hoped.  Seriously, life has been slowly but surely getting in the way of everything fun I want to do.  But that's for the next blog...

This blog is all about taking you into the wonderful world of Knitcrate, my Christmas every month.  Since I talk about it so much, I figured maybe an insight into it would help you share my excitement...and maybe even give you a gift idea for a knitter in your family.

Stolen from the Knitcrate blog:  a photo of me with Andrea of Knitcrate at Rhinebeck

First, Knitcrate is owned and operated by Andrea and Joe, two amazing former Manhattanites who decided last year that we knitter's needed our own subscription service...and Knitcrate was born.  I've been on board since month 4.  The initial three months were a Valentine's Day gift from The CEO.  He was awesome enough to get me the beginner with a sock add on...he knew I really want to learn to knit socks.  You can see all of the subscription options here.  As time has gone by, I have also added the Indie and the minis as add ons.  So I have tons to show you.

The first impression of the Knitcrate is always the shiny red mailer (I hear other colors make appearances for special deliveries.  Mine is really special, because it has a note just for me...I told you Joe and Andrea are awesome!

You know something is special when it comes in this!

So, the idea is to not rip into the bag like a crazy person, but I am an admitted crazy person, so here goes!

My first peek in the bag

I like to take things out one by one and THEN review them.  Here is the yarn...still covered...I can't see it...it is SO like Christmas.

Yarn Christmas, lovingly wrapped by Knitcrate

Then, to look at the cards.  Knitcrate sends a card explaining everything in the box as well as the "perks" for this month.  I like to look at this second.  Note this month did things a little different.  Typically Knitcrate sends the patterns in a very nice binder sleeve.  This month, they came via download.  I don't mind either way and the codes worked fine for me.

So now I know what I am getting, but I don't know all the details yet

This month had two books...the holiday issue of Vogue Knitting, and a pattern book for my beginner kit...Take a look.

Books!

Vogue Knitting was quickly read and devoured, I need a subscription to this magazine.  The Luzia book...well, The CEO and I both think the cape on the cover is just captivating.  I will make this as soon as possible.

The thing that sets Knitcrate apart is that each month comes with at least one fun and at least one sweet or soothing extra (most months there are more...but they only promise one each).  The Vogue Knitting is one fun thing and here is another:

The Knit Kit!

I have to tell you, this little thing goes with me everywhere now.  It has what you need to be a competent knitter in a small package and is transportable.  I love it.  Apparently, this even made Martha Stewart.  I cannot rave enough about it.

For the soothing extra, there was this tea:

How cute is the packaging.

I like the pyramid tea and I am always happy to have tea around.  So I loved it.  I cannot find for the life of me the brand, so I will update when I figure that out.

EK, you may be asking, "Where is the yarn?"

Oh, the YARN, you say.

It starts with the yarn to go with the pattern book above, Luzia by Louisa Harding:

Mine is colorway 7 (Otter)

Not quite enough to make that pattern but a start, for sure.

For the socks, we had Merrily Socks...by Irish Girlie Knits...a Knitcrate exclusive.  The yarn is Miss Babs Yummy in Blarney Stone.

I shall be socks...but for whom?

Next up, the Indie had an awesome pattern for some boot toppers.  I had never heard of boot toppers until this season but now I think I need many of them.  The yarn, also by Miss Babs, is Northumbria DK in a colorway called Jack's Frost, special to Knitcrate and dyed to remind of Miss Babs' wonderful puppy Jake.  Pretty!

The puppy has blue eyes...gorgeous

Finally, the minis were Miss Babs Yummy...here they are

You see that pink?  OBSESSED

Considering the Miss Babs booth at Rhinebeck was mobbed, I am excited to cast on with some of her yarn.

And that, folks, is my Knitcrate.

I must note that November was the birthday (their first!) edition and therefore very special.  But each month has brought this much of a smile to my face.

You don't have to buy all the things like me but if you love a knitter (and that includes yourself)...this is an excellent gift.

NoM

~EK