(I still need to go button shopping to complete it…)

Worked from the bottom up in one piece with thick, bold cables running up the fronts and back. Fitted at the waist with short knit-in sleeves.

Knit in button bands. Cozy shawl collar and ribbed armhole edgings picked up and knit. Garter stitch bordering on the shawl collar ties all the design elements together and adds a nice finishing touch.

Optional garter stitch belt to be worn for extra oomph!

I'll be writing this one up next so watch for it soon!!

It's a fairly quick knit as it's done on size 11 needles.  The color I used is called Blackberry.  I love the color name and it's such a rich blue/purple shade!

I can totally see wearing this as a short-sleeved cardigan over a dress or long-sleeve shirt.  It would be great in an office too (if I worked in an office!).

There's a Winnie-the-Pooh one that is fun to wear when I bake cookies with my kids.

And there's a basic one that we got as a housewarming or engagement gift, I can't remember.

Do any of them get worn regularly? Um... no, not really.

BUT NOW I have a really beautiful apron that can bring out the Martha Stewart in anyone!  It's so pretty, I have it hanging out in the kitchen so I can admire it!

Shown above are the 2 aprons sent to me for free from Debbie, the mother of the mother-daughter team that is behind the TheHipHostess.com line of aprons.

Thanks so much, Debbie, for letting me have these aprons to review and for a great giveaway!

First off, I do have to say the packaging and presentation is very classy and impressive! 

Each apron came neatly folded and presented with a pretty, coordinating ribbon and tag.  Just perfect to ship off as a gift!

And I truly had a hard time selecting which styles to have Debbie send to me.  The prints are stunning and unique.  Modern with a touch of retro in great colors.  Some more whimsical and others more floral.  All very fun.

Plus, there are different styles to choose from!  I chose a sheath-style (full-length apron) in the blue/brown combination you see above, aptly named "Chocolate Mint".  It is a yummy design.  The pockets are great - big and sturdy.  The ruffled bottom flounce is so pretty without being over the top.

I wore it this past weekend when I was grilling some chicken on the stovetop and not wanting to wear the oil splatter evidence.  When guests arrived for the party and saw me wearing the apron, they were full of compliments!  I was immediately attributed with lots of credit for being a great cook, hostess, and party maven.  Not bad for just wearing a cute apron!

The other style of apron I chose to review was the Cafe Style in Paper Doilies. I'm in love with this print!  I want pillows and a duvet cover it! 

This cute Cafe Style is more suited for use while crafting or gardening.  It's got the great pockets, as all their aprons do, so you can have your tools handy, whether they are your gardening spade, scissors and tape measure, or whatever.

I would have taken it out to take piture of myself using it, but I didn't want to mess up the beautiful packaging since this one will be given away to one of you!

YES - these aprons are all that they claim to be on the HipHostess website and I highly recommend them.  They are very well made, with reinforced stitching where needed.  They are made from a high quality, stiff cotton that will hold up to much use and washings.  They are flattering and feminine and don't make you feel like a housemaid.

You can find these aprons at www.thehiphostess.com.  You can even use the discount code of "GETHIP" to get 15% off!  Let them know you heard about them from SweaterBabe.com!

************* AND NOW FOR THE APRON GIVEAWAY!  ***************
Please enter a comment on this blog post by August 20th, 9pm PST and tell us why you like these aprons!  One comment per person please. 

I will choose a winner randomly (using Random.org's random number generator) to win the Paper Doilies Cafe Style Apron, a $32 value that is Sold Out on the Hip Hostess site.  It's a lovely prize!  Good luck to all!

So, I was excited to receive these bracelets for free from CharmFactory.com as I've not worn a charm bracelet lately.  (I go through jewelry phases, don't you?)

They came very nicely packaged in the boxes you see below. One features a pretty mix of heart shapes that would be fun to wear everyday.

The other one has knitting-related charms on it (so cool!).  There's the standard yarn ball and needles (though you do have to be careful they don't get caught on your knitting, which I always thought was kind of ironic about the design!), a button, a little sweater (T-shirt style), a "Handmade" charm, and a "made with love" heart-shaped charm. 

Just a very sweet bracelet!  I've never had any knitting-related jewelry and it's just fun to wear something that reminds you of what you love!

The heart bracelet features 3 little puffed hearts alternating with 2 smaller hearts with beaded edges.  Totally wearable and great for layering with other bracelets!

The bracelet chains are also quite nice.  They aren't like those chunky silver ones that used to be popular in the 90's.  These chains are delicate and pretty, but sturdy.  There is an extension piece that allows you to adjust the size, which is awesome. 

Both the bracelet and the charms are sterling silver, and you can tell the nice quality of the silver right away.  AND, these charms were sodered onto the bracelet, which is so great! No worries that you will lose a charm because the little silver ring separates!  Also, no worries about the joins catching on your sweaters!

These are classic gift items that allow you to easily add a personal touch!  When I went to CharmFactory.com to see their selection - I was surprised to see the huge selection! 

You can buy ready made bracelets with charms (like the heart one) or custom select your own, including a choice of bracelet styles.  They can assemble them for you, or you can do it yourself. 

You can tell that they know their business well given how many options are well presented on the website.

I'd definitely recommend them as a first stop if you are in the market to buy a charm bracelet!

And for those of you who love jewelry. . .
*** ENTER to WIN the HEARTS CHARM BRACELET! (a $25 value) ***
Just comment on this blog post by July 31st, 9PM PST.  Tell us about a favorite charm or what you like about charm bracelets and charm jewelry.  A winner will be randomly chosen at the beginning of August.  One comment per person please.

Anne T. of Wanganui, New Zealand, knit her version of the #106 Shawl-Collar, Nipped Waist Cardigan in a beautiful color.

AND in these photos, you'll see how this cardigan can be styled in many ways.  It's worn upside-down in the photo at left!

Anne used Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 10ply in Colour Lake. The grey/teal shade is unique and very sophisticated.

"I enjoyed knitting this. I found the pattern well written and easy to follow and I love the look of the lace peplum." -- Anne T.

Thanks, so much, Anne, for showing us the gorgeous ways this cardigan can be worn!

I hadn't imagined it being worn upside-down, but the fancy lace at the bottom looks so gorgeous as a collar!

That lace pattern really was intended to be the centerpiece of this cardigan, and wearing it like that truly highlights that! Here it is worn upside-down again, but with the Parasol Lace bottom draped over as a hood.  So chic!
Take a look at these other great photos.

Now are you inspired to make your own?  Check out the pattern: #106 Shawl-Collar Nipped Waist Cardigan, originally knit in Knit Picks HW Gloss yarn. 

She used Drops Karisma superwash in light grey for the Talia Vest and Nashua Handknits creative focus superwash in grey for the Cap.

And here are her comments on both of these great projects:

"I was ecstatic when I came across your website a few months ago because I was looking for a cute pattern for a vest or cardigan to knit.

I fell in love with all your designs because of the lace and cable details. I loved the look of the Talia vest and the cute newsboy cap so I decided to try knitting it for my friend's daughter, as I only have 3 boys.

I just started knitting about 6 months ago, therefore, was very grateful to see the detailed instructions for your patterns.

The pattern kept me so intrigued that it only took me 4 days for the vest and 2 days for the cap. Needless to say, both projects came out perfectly cute and wearable without any headache on my part.

I cannot wait to dive into another one of Katherine's design. I've already got 2 lined up in my queue. Thanks again for being so creative. You are a #1 knitter/designer in my book." -- Lana T.

Well, thank you so much, Lana, for sharing your finished projects and for such nice comments! They look perfect for your friend's daughter. Super stylin'! Great work knitting them and you were SO fast!!   And you only just learned to knit 6 months ago.  WOW.  You have either a very good teacher or are just a natural for knitting or both!

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

"I fell in love with the design because of the cabled neckline, sleeve shape and beautiful lace panels, but I didn't know if the blousy middle was the best for my figure.

I just had to knit this, though, so I decided to make it non-blousy. All I did was add a little waist shaping and eliminate the decreases before the waistband.

This sweater was such a pleasure to knit, and the pattern was very well-written and easy to follow. I love the way the flutter sleeves came out - just the right amount of flutter! I used a 50% wool, 50% cotton yarn so I could wear it throughout all of the seasons.

 Thanks for another great pattern!" -- Marisa W.

And thank you, Marisa, for sharing your mods and comments on this pattern!  It's been a great-selling pattern and because of it's top-down design, has been easy to adjust!

Here's what my sample version looked like (see blow). See how different it is witb the alpaca blend and the blousy body shape gathered at the waist with a slightly cropped length?

Really shows you how a few adjustments to a great baseline pattern can make it perfect for you!

Looks great buttoned at the top and in the middle and you chose a very versatile color.

Thanks again!

Imagine a whole afternoon ahead of you.  Gorgeous balls of yarn just waiting for you to make them into something cool.  An exciting new knitting or crochet pattern to tackle - something for yourself this time!  A fresh cup of coffee or tea by your side.  Needles or hook ready for stitches. . .

But wait - what about a little background music?  Wouldn't that just be the set up for a perfect crafting afternoon?

Well, I may just have the perfect tech accessory for your knitting/crocheting room! 

This JBL iPod speaker dock was sent to me for free to review.  It's a really nice way to enjoy some music while you knit!  Less distracting than the tv, especially if you are following the lace and/or cable pattern in a SweaterBabe.com design!  Ha ha. 

Here's my official review of this project (PLUS, I'll tell you how to enter the giveaway to win a brand new one!  Woohoo!).

It's the JBL On Stage 400P High-Performance Loudspeaker Dock for your iPod or iPhone.

It's got a cool modern look to it and was super easy to use. All I had to do was plug it in, stick my iPod Nano into the top, turn it on, and start the music on my iPod!  Voila!  Great, ambient music that has a very rich sound to it.

I'm no stereo afficionado, but did grow up with a Dad and Brother who were into stereo equipment, speaker systems, etc. so I can appreciate speakers that deliver nice, well-rounded, quality sound.  These speakers do just that.  And the oval design delivers sound in all directions, not just in one direction.

The speaker dock comes with a handy little remote, so if this speaker is perched up high or across the room, you can easily use the remote to adjust the volume, mute the thing, or change tracks or settings.  I was not able to try out the remote, as the review sample I received didn't have batteries in the remote, but I can tell it would come in handy! 

The instructions say you can do all the things you would normally be able to do if your iPod was in front of you. . . which is great; this would work best if you can see your iPod screen as you are using the remote, but of course that depends on how far away it is.

The design is sleek and simple.  Volume controls are also located at the top of the speakers, so if you are in reach, you can easily adjust the volume.

It also came with a stereo mini jack connection so you can use it with an MP3 player or CD player, your computer or laptop, or a satellite radio. 

Another nice little bonus is that this is a dock, so it will charge your iPod or iPhone when it's attached. 

This speaker is available at Amazon.com for ~$205 (list price is $249)! 

Thanks, JBL, for letting me review a sample!  It would be awesome for anyone who enjoys filling a room with great music and loves to knit or crochet while listening to their favorite music.  We all know how much music can set the mood, boost our creative juices, and (with the right track) speed up our knitting or crocheting tempo!  Sigh!  I'll be sad to send the sample back!

*** Enter to WIN a Brand New JBL On Stage 400P (retails for $249)!! ***

There are 3 ways to enter this amazing giveaway:

1) Post a comment on this blog post, telling us what you love to listen to most when you are knitting or crocheting a SweaterBabe.com pattern.  Is it Amy Winehouse?  Jazz?  Blues?  ONE comment per person, please.  Comments will be closed 9pm, PST on June 30th, 2010. July 2nd, 2010.

2) Purchase a knitting pattern or crochet pattern from SweaterBabe.com anytime between June 5th through 9pm, PST on Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. July 2nd, 2010.  Each purchase transaction counts as ONE entry for this giveaway.

3) Be a member of the SweaterBabe.com Knitting Club during the month of June.  ALL members automatically get TWO entries in this giveaway!  Not a member?  Join by 9pm, PST June 30th July 2nd, 2010 to earn your double entry!

One winner will be chosen at random to win the JBL 400P and announced here at the beginning of July.   (Prize will only be shipped within the continental US.)

Good luck to all on this most amazing giveaway! 

7/8/10 Update: AND THE RANDOMLY CHOSEN WINNER IS. . .  PATRICIA L.!!!  CONGRATS!!!  I've emailed you, Patricia, so please reply with your mailing address so I can send you this amazing prize!  Woohoo!!

Here are our MOST POPULAR knitting patterns right now. . . 

Which one will be your next project?

(From left to right, top to bottom)

1) #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan: A top-down design in a very affordable worsted weight merino blend yarn featuring a stunning lace stitch, flattering silhouette, and very cool shape!  (Hundreds of copies of this pattern were sold the first day this pattern was made available!!)

2) #111 Long Lace Shawl-Collared Vest: Beautiful vest to be worn open, belted, or pinned.  Pretty all-over lace stitch pattern is worked up to the waist.  Then, the waist is decreased to gather and transition into a great textured cable stitch.  Fronts are angled for major interest.  Back is ribbed for great fit.  Generous and ultra flattering shawl collar is picked up and knit.

3) #113 Super Cute Newsboy Cap: The name of the pattern practically says it all!  Little garter stitch brim is completely stylin'.  This hat is also seamless and ONLY requires 1 ball of yarn for ALL sizes -- baby through adult!!

4) #100 Little Lace Vest: Just a really sweet and shapely vest with leafy lace panels and lots of shaping details.  Flattering curved neckline and knit-in button bands.  This vest is knit from the bottom up in one piece, so there is only seaming at the shoulders.  Uses only a few skeins of yarn.  A great addition to any wardrobe!

5) #99 Flutter-Sleeved Blousy Cardigan: A most feminine cardigan knit from the top-down in a fabulous alpaca silk blend yarn.  A gorgeous open cable panel becomes the neckline along which stitches are picked up to complete the rest of the cardigan.  Stunning open leaf lace panels adorn the fronts and fluttery sleeves.  A unique blousy shape.

Get knitting!

Here are her comments on this knitting project:

"I have only been knitting for a little over a year. . . have only knitted basic scarves, hats, and a couple stockinette sweaters, but nothing intricate or with a lace pattern.

When I came across your site and saw the unbleievable patterns you create I was completely taken in. I saw the Talia Vest pattern was a free download and wondered if I could even do it. But there were so many confidence builders (especially on Ralvery.com!!!) that I thought maybe, just maybe I could do it.

So, I decided to give it a try. The pattern was beautifully written and easy for me to understand. It was very easy to follow. I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing.

I have to say it is my favorite knitted piece that I have done. It kept me so motivated with the changing of the stitches that I was able to complete it in just over two weeks, which surprised me. I am so pleased with how nice the vest turned out that I have already started another one, I love it that much!!

Thank you for offering the free pattern, it has absolutely opened a new world for me and I am so excited! Sincerely, Penny S. Cocoa, Florida"

Penny used Caron Simply Soft in color Grey Heather #9742.

* * Do you have a SweaterBabe.com Pattern photo (on a body!) that you'd like to submit to the photo gallery? * *
If we select your photo(s), you get a free pattern!

Read about submitting photos to our Finished Projects Gallery.

I’m about to release my latest knitting pattern, the #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan.

This cardigan features many elegant and feminine details. It's a top-down, seamless design with bold open lace panels adorning the shaped front sections and back, 3/4 length kimono-like sleeves, and a fitted shape.

The open fronts can be worn wrapped sexily around the waist, left to drape beautifully in front, or fastened in many chic ways with a shawl pin.

This new pattern has gotten a LOT of interest already. (Over 300 people commented on the pre-release blog post!)

Free Review Copies for Bloggers!
If you blog about knitting, would you like a free copy of this new PDF pattern for review*?

I have 5 copies to share with enthusiastic knitters who are willing to write and post reviews of the #112 Dramatic Lace Wrap Cardigan knitting pattern on their blogs.

Interested?

Please email me at info@sweaterbabe.com with your name and blog URL. I’ll be happy to send you a free copy of the pattern if you think you can commit to posting a short review* of the new pattern by May 20th, 2010.

Happy knitting!

-- Katherine aka Sweater Babe

* A "short review" is blog post commenting on the pattern and design.  If you don't have time to knit any part of the cardigan, you are welcome to use my photos of the pattern in your blog review.