Pamper Me Please, Day #2!
Introducing Knit on a Bike!
Kristine is one of my really good friends and I actually met her through knitting! She is one of those girls who carries knitting with her everywhere. I really loved the things she made, especially scarves. So one day I asked her if she would teach me how to knit and she did. We started getting together monthly with a group of girls and knitting and sharing yarn and having tons of fun. One thing though that is so unique about Kristine is that every thing she knits is different. No two projects are the same. She also creates high quality scarves, hats and bags. She started felting and that has opened up a whole new world of wonderful projects for Kristine. I love to go to her house and look at her stash of yarn. It's all color coordinated and divided into different types of yarn. It is very neat and organized and you KNOW Kristine has got it together. She also writes down every project with what yarn she used and the different types of stitches. She is also willing to create anything that you desire!
I was so privileged to rifle through her large bins of hand knit hats until I found one that fit my style and need. I have tried over and over to make a hat, but Kristine is able to whip one up in one night. My hat is bulky weight yarn that is 45% wool, 42% nylon and 13% acrylic. She even includes a little business card with washing instructions. This hat has about 1.5 inches of ribbing which makes it fit snugly on my head and covers my ears! I love the colors of blue, off white and light brown because they coordinate with my clothes well. This is a great hat that I can stash in my purse to have on hand. I love the softness and I know it's made with quality so it will last a long time.
Let's get to know Kristine a little bit:
*Where did you come up with the name of your shop?
My husband actually came up with the name. A couple years ago I was opening an eBay account and I wanted my ID to be something to do with knitting but also something that defined more about me. I love to bike! In fact I even commute to work by bike on most days. So, here I am...Knit on a Bike.
*How long have you been knitting and how did you start?
December 2002 I was on my way back to Montana to visit my family for Christmas. On the flight there I saw a gal knitting a scarf and it was so interesting - and everyone was so interested in what she was doing. I was attracted to the idea of making my own things. And doing something unique! At this point knitting for 20-somethings wasn't so popular and I liked that too. So, when I returned home from that trip I bought myself some yarn and a “Teach Yourself How to Knit” kit and March of 2003 I taught myself how to knit!
My husband actually came up with the name. A couple years ago I was opening an eBay account and I wanted my ID to be something to do with knitting but also something that defined more about me. I love to bike! In fact I even commute to work by bike on most days. So, here I am...Knit on a Bike.
*How long have you been knitting and how did you start?
December 2002 I was on my way back to Montana to visit my family for Christmas. On the flight there I saw a gal knitting a scarf and it was so interesting - and everyone was so interested in what she was doing. I was attracted to the idea of making my own things. And doing something unique! At this point knitting for 20-somethings wasn't so popular and I liked that too. So, when I returned home from that trip I bought myself some yarn and a “Teach Yourself How to Knit” kit and March of 2003 I taught myself how to knit!
*What do you like best about knitting?
That's hard - I like a lot of things about knitting! I like yarn – all the colors and textures and combinations of fibers! I like seeing a project progress – especially with a new yarn. I like the feeling of accomplishment and pride I get when I've completed a project or when someone compliments an item and I get to tell them "I MADE IT"! I like teaching others how to knit and see them "get it"! I like the look on someone's face when I've given them something I've made and I just know they love it! I like having something to do while waiting in long lines...the list could go on but I'll stop there!
*What is unique about your shop?
There are a few things that I think make my shop special. First of all, everything is hand-knit by me – I pick out the yarn, I come up with how to use it, I make the entire item from start to finish. Also, I don't really use patterns for anything - I try to come up with ideas on my own. Of course I'll see other things - knitted or not - and get ideas but usually I just put it together in my head. I've never really been a pattern knitter - except for sweaters and socks - and I don't have any of those in my shop yet. But I did just add an enormous amount of sock yarn to my stash so watch out for those soon. And I also have acquired a lot of great patterns and books lately so my pattern-free knitting may change if I find something really great and I don't find the need to alter it or free hand it! Thirdly, each and every item that I make is unique. I never make two items the same. Ever. I always like having things that are special and different and I want that for other people too. And finally, I think you’ll notice as you browse through my shop that all of my knitting is…On a Bike! I love to bike so much that for our wedding my husband bought these 1970’s Schwinn bikes as our getaway “car” and I’ve used them as props in every photo of my knitting for sale on Etsy. I think that’s what makes my shop so unique!
Thanks for sharing, Kristine!
Buy it: Knit on a Bike offers bags, purses, hats, scarves and vintage pottery. You will love Kristine's amazing collection. She has something to offer every taste! Her creations would make great Christmas gifts and this is the perfect time to shop. (By the way, Kristine has MUCH more in her shop than is listed. Convo her and see if she has something you might like.)
Win it: Kristine has offered a $25 gift certificate for the winner. Wow!! Open to US only. Giveaway ends Friday, October 1.
To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.
1. Mandatory: Be a follower on my blog (2 entries)
2. Visit Knit on a Bike and tell me your favorite item. (Required)
3. Put my Knowlton Nest button on your blog and provide the link.
4. Put Pamper Me Please button on your blog and provide link (button must be on blog until giveaway ends)
5. Subscribe to my blog by email (top right corner)
6."Like" The Knowlton Nest on Facebook (link on my blog).
7. Follow on Networked Blogs (link on my blog)
8. Follow me on twitter (@shondaet)
9. Post about this giveaway on another site (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc) (1 entry for every site)
10. Add Knit on a Bike as a favorite on Etsy.
11. Make a purchase at Knit on a Bike.
12. Tell me one thing you learned about Kristine.
Click HERE for extra entries if you entered more than one giveaway this week.
