I was recently sent a project kit from Skeino for review on my blog, and you have probably seen my WIP photos of the Aloha Hat & Scarf kit over on Instagram as well as here on the last couple of Wednesdays. In addition to sending me a free project kit, the Skeino folks were also kind enough to create a coupon code for my readers (found at the end of this post)!
I was pretty excited to give this kit a try because I don't knit many entrelac projects, so it's nice to have a reason to revisit this technique, which I learned via a Craftsy course I took 3 or 4 years ago. Since then, I've knit a handful of entrelac projects here and there, and while I don't really keep that skill set sharpened, it's pretty easy to jump back in whenever I need to. Sometimes I'll re-watch the Craftsy class videos to get a refresher, although there are some really great free tutorials online which will do the trick if you don't want to pay for a class.
Two of my favorite entrelac lessons are from VeryPink.com (which is a video tutorial) and Crazy Aunt Purl (which is a photo tutorial). They might be great links to keep handy if you want to try knitting this kit and you are new to entrelac, but honestly, I think most adventurous knitters can get the hang of it just by following the instructions as written. I found the pattern to be much easier to follow than other entrelac patterns I've encountered - in fact, what I like so much about the Aloha pattern is that there is NO pick-up-and-purling, which is probably the trickiest part of the whole entrelac knitting experience in my opinion.
The yarn was also quite a treat: I really liked the corriedale sock yarn which came in the kit: it was bright and colorful, and the yarn was quite sturdy with a nice twist to prevent excessive snags and splitty plies. Entrelac involves a LOT of picked-up stitches, so using a yarn that is not prone to snagging or splitting is key to both your happiness while knitting the project, but also the finished product.
As you can see, crazily-variegated skeins of yarn are great for the entrelac technique - but the magic doesn't stop there. Once you have finished knitting your project, be sure to block it out: you'll see a pretty stunning transformation!
The Aloha Hat & Scarf kit is a two-in-one accessory which can be worn either as a hat or a cowl; personally, I prefer the cowl, but you can see how this looks as a hat in the above video from the Skeino website. I wore it for the better part of yesterday and loved how the entrelac gave structure to such a lightweight cowl and kept it snugly around my neck (apologies for no modeled shots on today's blog - circumstances conspired against them this week, but I will try to share at least one this weekend over on Instagram). There are over 30 variegated colorways to choose from; I chose Hapuna (it's one of the few colorways which doesn't include pink or purple in it).
Another plus for this project kit is the price point: at just $29.95 (plus shipping), it makes a great gift (either for yourself or a knitting friend), and you can save 10% on your purchase of the Aloha kit or ANY of their project kits, yarns, etc. - just enter HM-BY-STEFANIE at checkout.
Click here to see more at Skeino.com.
Here is the fine print for the coupon code::
- valid for orders worldwide between now and December 1st, 2015
- discount is not applicable to shipping cost
- voucher can only be used once per customer
- voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other vouchers, promotions or discounts
- this coupon code has no cash value and can only be used on www.skeino.com
- not valid on previous purchases
- the above mentioned Terms & Conditions may be altered without any prior notice
 |
| Aloha Hat-Scarf Kit in Hapuna |
Two of my favorite entrelac lessons are from VeryPink.com (which is a video tutorial) and Crazy Aunt Purl (which is a photo tutorial). They might be great links to keep handy if you want to try knitting this kit and you are new to entrelac, but honestly, I think most adventurous knitters can get the hang of it just by following the instructions as written. I found the pattern to be much easier to follow than other entrelac patterns I've encountered - in fact, what I like so much about the Aloha pattern is that there is NO pick-up-and-purling, which is probably the trickiest part of the whole entrelac knitting experience in my opinion.
 |
| Finished cowl, pre-blocking and a little bunchy. |
 |
| I used Knitter's Pride blocking mats, wires and Knit Blockers to block out my cowl. |
The Aloha Hat & Scarf kit is a two-in-one accessory which can be worn either as a hat or a cowl; personally, I prefer the cowl, but you can see how this looks as a hat in the above video from the Skeino website. I wore it for the better part of yesterday and loved how the entrelac gave structure to such a lightweight cowl and kept it snugly around my neck (apologies for no modeled shots on today's blog - circumstances conspired against them this week, but I will try to share at least one this weekend over on Instagram). There are over 30 variegated colorways to choose from; I chose Hapuna (it's one of the few colorways which doesn't include pink or purple in it).
 |
| Finished, blocked & ready to wear! |
Click here to see more at Skeino.com.
Here is the fine print for the coupon code::
- valid for orders worldwide between now and December 1st, 2015
- discount is not applicable to shipping cost
- voucher can only be used once per customer
- voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other vouchers, promotions or discounts
- this coupon code has no cash value and can only be used on www.skeino.com
- not valid on previous purchases
- the above mentioned Terms & Conditions may be altered without any prior notice
Comments
Post a Comment