And the winner is...

Congratulations Angela! Your comment was selected by the random number generator.

I always have socks going and have yet to knit the same pattern twice! They really are rewarding and are something I truly enjoy wearing more than any of my shawls, sweaters, or other projects- Angela

You have won a free copy of the book "The Sock Knitter's Handbook". Please email me at laura @ theuniquesheep.com and let me know where you'd like me to send it!

Book Review & Giveaway: The Sock Knitter's Handbook

When Charlene Schurch & Beth Parrott asked me to review their new book, The Sock Knitter's Handbook I knew that I was in for a treat. These two women have been knitting socks and writing about it for years. What sock knitter doesn't have a copy of Sensational Knitted Socks in their library?

When my review copy arrived in the mail I wasn't disappointed. I didn't even have to open the cover to be impressed. The book is relatively small- about 6"x 9"- which is a great size to toss in your knitting bag or rest on your lap (with space left for your knitting, of course). It's also spiral bound with the cover over the spiral binding so that a) you can open it completely flat so you can reference it while your hands are busy knitting and b) your yarn doesn't get tangled up in the spiral binding. They clearly thought about the details with this book and got it right. It's also available as an e-book if that's more your style.

As for the content of this book, there is really just one thing to say. It has everything you want or need to know about socks. Everything. In one neat, clean and concise packet. Toe up, Top Down or Middle-Out, its got you covered. There are other sock knitting books that promise this but this book stands out for two reasons. 1) its very well organized and clear. Its easy to jump right to the information you need 2) the photos are excellent. Check out these photos from the section on heel types. I love that they used real socks knit with different colors of yarn rather than sketches or digitally re-colored photos. When I can really *see* the different types of heels I have a better understanding of how they might fit and look and can make a good choice as to which one to use. They have photos and instructions like this for every part of the sock, both top down and toe up.

There is also a section of Tips & Tricks with great information like how to re-knit toes and heels on holey socks (I've always been to scared to try this without a guide!) and numerous options for re-sizing patterns from changing yarn/needles to altering the pattern and stitch count. This section includes tips on "Special Fit Issues" to make your socks fit you better. Because really, what is the point of knitting socks if they aren't customized to fit perfectly?

At the back is a glossary full of information like how standard foot measurements & shoe sizes and a stitch dictionary of common sock stitches.

If you knit socks- or are thinking about starting- this is a book that you need to own. Its as simple as that. Charlene and Beth were kind enough to send me a copy of the book to give away. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post telling us what you like most about knitting socks. Next Wednesday, the 25th, we'll randomly select one person and announce the winner on this blog. Good luck!

The Spirit of Guernsey Mystery KAL

We invite you to join us on a trip to the Guernsey Isles to discover the history and natural beauty of this unique island situated between England and France. Our talented design, Janine le Cras, lives on Guernsey and often takes inspiration from her surroundings. With this KAL we will all be able to learn more about her home and what she finds so inspiring about it!

The Spirit of Guernsey Mystery KAL is a lace weight circular shawl with optional beads.

Click Here to Find Out More & Sign Up!

Happy Easter!

Celebrate Spring with a fun design to share with your favorite young artist or color yourself! Once you are done coloring, snap a picture and share it with use on our Facebook Page!

The Unique Sheep in Knitscene Magazine

Have you seen the new Summer 2012 Knit Scene yet? One of our favorite designers, Sarah Wilson (aka The Sexy Knitter) has several designs featured in the new magazine including one using The Unique Sheep's Green Sheep Cotton Bamboo!! You can see pictures and project information on most of the patterns on Ravelry. The magazine hits news stands and LYS on April 17th, or you can purchase it on the Interweave website now.

Sarah Wilson's Worth Avenue Cardigan takes 3 skeins of Green Sheep Cotton Bamboo Fingering. The sample is shown in the colorway "Raspberry Vanilla"






Photo Courtesy of KnitScene Magazine and Nathan Rega, Harper Point Photography

April Featured Artisan

In April we are giving away* stitch markers from WeeOnes! Get to know Jillian with the interview below and make sure to check out her Etsy Shop!

How and why did you get into stitch marker making?
I was an avid knitter and had been making little clay creations for years. I was looking around on Etsy and was inspired to open my own shop. My love of knitting and love of sculpting combined beautifully and WeeOnes was born. I named the shop after my Pomeranian, Wee'un.

Where do you find inspiration for new stitch markers?
My travels, my husband, and most importantly, my customers.

1. What is your favorite word? Perspicacious. I can't say I use it often, but I do love the way it sounds.

2. What is your least favorite word? Crapper or any other crude nickname for the toilet.

3. What turns you on? Traveling

4. What turns you off? Too much stress

5. What sound do you love? Thunder

6. What sound do you hate? The sound my dogs make when trying to get my attention ("Muh"). It's just so repetitive.

7. What is your favorite curse word? I think a tortured indecipherable growl/yell

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?I enjoy making a living in an unconventional way. I'm not sure about another profession, but it would need to be self-made!

9. What profession would you not like to do? I wouldn't want to be a writer. I'm just not creative in that way and really don't enjoy it.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? All the family and friends you've lost over the years are here waiting for you!

*a free stitch marker will be included in any non-club order over $30, while supplies last