Sunday Snapshot

Rengade Craft Fair

Life has been so busy around these parts recently that I have lots to catch up on!

Two weeks ago Renegade Craft Fair was in Chicago. I'm lucky to live a few blocks from where it's held so my friends Tara and Alicia and I wandered over and checked it out.

First up on the list (and always number one on MY list): FOOD

I was intrigued by something called BACON SAUSAGE. It was DEEELLLICCCCOOOUSSSSS. Imagine the savory goodness of bacon in a sausage form. Served with grilled onions on a pretzel roll and a side of creamy slaw. yum.

Following the savory with some sweet I tried Puffs of Doom. I went all out with an home made apple ice cream, stuffed puff, complete with whip cream, a cherry and homemade caramel drizzled on top.

Fully fueled we hit to the street and started checking out the rest of the wears. aka. ART.

We stopped by the Lillstreet booth and made ourselves some hand stamped metal pendent necklaces.

Tara tried on a gorgeous ring from DollyBird

We swung by the Vouge Knitting Live booth where I entered Allyson and myself to win tickets and a class from Vogue Knitting Live (which will be in Chicago October 26-28.) In very exciting news I actually ended up winning free admission to the market place so my vogue knitting live experience just got way cheaper!!!

There was an enthusiastic barber who was offering free hair cuts to passer-by's. Barbers choice, of course.

and I treated myself to something from Sally Harmless. Who's work I've been admiring on Etsy for a long, long time. I was so happy to stumble upon her shop. There may have been an argument over who could purchase the last knitting narwhal print (hint: I didn't win) But I'm so happy that this little guy made it home with me. Just what I need these days (and probably all days.)

Overall I was really happy with the selection and vendors at Renegade this year. It was great to get out, walk around, poke around, look at some art, eat some things and spend some time with friends.

WINNER of the Sexxxy Librarian pattern give away

The lucky winner of the Sexxxy Librarian pattern give away is comment #6, camphillpeaches!!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone to entered!!

Holla Knits Fall/Winter Review and Pattern Give Away

I've been so lucky to be included in the most recent collection for Holla Knits. Created by Allyson, of Sweatshop of Love fame, Holla Knits is all about fun, fashion forward and wearable patterns. What I look for every time I knit something new!! It's easy to support something I already feel passionate about!

The collection is a great mix of different looks all for fall and winter. As always each of the patterns are offered in two yarn selections, a Knit Picks option and a independent hand dyed yarn. You can subscribe to the whole collection (which also nets you the six patterns from the Spring/Summer collection earlier this year, and a yet to be released accessories collection) for $36, of if you've just got your heart set on one they are avalible individually for $6 a pop.

Sexxxy Librarian is a sleek and sexy sleeveless top that can be worn alone or layered over a long sleeved tee. Worked in the round, from the bottom up, oversized cables run along the side keeping things snug and interesting. Stitches are picked up along the collar edge for a cozy cowl neck to snuggle into.

I'm a little partial to this one (it being my design and all) but I love how simple and flattering this top can be. It's definitely going to see a heavy rotation in my wardrobe this fall. I'll probably wear it with boots and pants like I've styled it in the photos above but it would be just as cute with a slim pencil skirt and tights.

Henri is a uniquely constructed sweater, knit side to side, the cables and stitch patterns keep you on your toes. I LOVED this sweater so much while modeling it, it has jumped to the top of my must knit list. Ann designed it with 4 inches of positive ease making it slouchy and oversized but I love the look of having a more body skimming look ( I'm a 42 in. bust wearing a 38 in. sample in this picture above.) It would be just as cute over jeans and I can see this becoming a sweater staple for myself. I also am OBSESSED with the Spring Tree Road yarn that was used. That green!!!

New Girl is a cute as a buttons skirt featuring daisy stitch along the bottom edge and POCKETS (a must have for all skirts in my opinion!) Things are kept snug up top with an elastic edge. This is a great piece that could be worn layered over tights in the fall and winter or bare legs into the spring.

Devon Cardigan is a slouchy cardigan with an interesting wavy stitch pattern built in through out it. I love the versitility with color choices here! Over on the ravelry board there have been mentions of a gray and yellow combination which I stand behind fully!!

Bombshell Shorts are great knitted shorts. Featuring complex and visually stimulating cables throughout you get to work out your fingers as well as your booty. I love the BELT LOOPS featured on these design. Definitely a statement piece (and sure to make your booty look bomb) I would wear them over a pair of brightly colored tights just like above.

Jilted is a simple yet sassy pullover that features striking dropped stitches down the front and sides of the arms. I am living and dying with the Roman Hills yarn that you see in the photo above. I can't wait to treat myself to some of this beautiful yarn sometime in the future!

Now that we've gotten a chance to look at all of these great patterns here's the fun stuff! I'm giving away a chance to win a free copy of my Sexxxy Librarian Pattern!! Just leave comment below by midnight CST on September 23rd. For an additional entry tweet a link to this page or "like" the Owl and the Bee on Facebook. Be sure to stop back here and leave a comment for each extra. The winner will be announced on September 24th, and may the odds ever be in your favor!

Sunday Snapshot

Holla Knits Fall Launch

A very exciting day around these parts! It's the launch day of Holla Knits Fall/Winter!!!

I've been waiting for MONTHS to share my new pattern with you and today's the day. Hop on over to Holla Knits to peruse the whole collection. I'll have a collection review coming up soon as part of the blog tour.

Sept 10th: The Sweatshop of Love - entire collection & New Girl pattern giveaway
Sept 11th: I Knit 2 Purl 2 - Devon Cardigan pattern giveaway, and subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
Sept 12th: Wooly Wonka Fiber - Devon Cardigan pattern giveaway, free shipping when you order a sweaters worth of yarn
Sept 13th: Stash, the Knit Picks Blog
Sept 14th: Knits in Class - Irish Cable Bomb pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive discount
Sept 17th: The Owl and the Bee - Sexxxy Librarian pattern giveaway, and subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
Sept 18th: Periwinkle Sheep - New Girl pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
Sept 19th: Knitting Vortex - Jilted pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
Sept 20th: Roman Hills - Jilted pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive discount
Sept 21st: Under the Red Umbrella - Irish Cable Bomb pattern giveaway
Sept 24th: Springtree Road - Henri pattern giveaway, 2 skeins Praline DK giveaway
Sept 25th: Magical Grammar - Henri pattern giveaway, subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway
Sept 26th: Dirty Water Dyeworks - Sexxxy Librarian pattern giveaway, free shipping on all orders with coupon code 'Holla Knits'

Sunday Snapshot