Say, would you like some Trekking 126?

The mailman brought me something very special today. I had forgotten that I ordered this yarn a long time ago. I now have four balls of Trekking 126. Would you like a ball of this Trekking XXL 126?

One ball of this highly-coveted yarn will be given away in June, at the conclusion of my blanket drive contest.

If you would like to enter, please see the rules here.

Mom J has also assembled some wonderful drool-worthy prizes for the contest, and I'll be posting details soon about those prizes. (There is some Lorna's Laces involved!)

I'm planning on having a different prize each month until the conclusion of the contest in June. (The blanket drive will probably go on longer, but I'm not sure yet at this point if the contest will. We'll see!) If you aren't selected for a prize one month, your entry will be kept in the bag for the following month.

And, of course, all participants will be entered in the Trekking 126 drawing. In fact, to motivate you all, your entries for the Trekking 126 will be greater if you submit early.

If you submit in January, you will get six extra entries to win the Trekking 126. In February, five extra entries. In March, four extra entries. In April, three. In May, two. And in June, one extra entry.

I haven't received any submissions yet for this month, so if you want a copy of Knitting for Peace, your chances of winning it are pretty good if you get your submission mailed by January 31.

Spread the word, y'all!

Love,
the Lone Knitter

p.s. Try this technique for making an 8X8 inch square.

How to make a simple 8 x 8 inch square:

Cast on three stitches.
Row 1: Knit each stitch.
Row 2: M1 by knitting into the front and back of the stitch, knit until there are two stitches left on the needle (for the first Row 2, this will be the very next stitch), M1 by knitting into the front and back of the stitch, K1.
Repeat these two rows until the edges of your "triangle" measure 8 inches.
Begin decreases.
Row 1: K1, K2Tog through back loops, knit until there are three stitches left on the needle, K2Tog through front loops (as you normally would), K1.
Row 2: Knit each stitch.
Repeat these two rows until you have three stitches left. Bind off. Weave in ends.

This technique works great with all types of yarn. I like using heavy worsted weight on my size 10 needles. You can change colors and yarn as you see fit, and this method sure beats trying to figure out gauge and then getting it wrong!