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And at Verypink Headquarters…

Lots of crazy stuff going on. I’ll try to keep this post as brief as possible, but I could honestly write pages and pages!

In March, YouTube sent a team out here to Austin to shoot some footage on Verypink and how we use video for my business. They’ve edited a few videos from that footage that include other businesses, but here’s the Case Study they did on Verypink –

Shortly after all that excitement, YouTube flew Parker (my friend and producer) and me out to California to take part in a new program called Marketing Ambassadors. We got to visit the YouTube and Google Campuses, watch several great presentations, and eat and eat and eat and eat.

We weren’t allowed to say anything about the Marketing Ambassadors Program until today, when Google was scheduled to make the announcement. So at midnight last night, these links appeared in my inbox – New York Times, and Official Google Blog. OMG. Yes, Verypink was just mentioned in the New York Times.

We also participated in a photo shoot with the other Ambassadors. Here’s me!


(credit: Bryan Davis Photography)

Parker and I stayed and extra day in California to take a drive down the coast to Monterey. The weather was perfect. Such a great trip.

In case you were wondering how my dogs managed while I was away, Chris (my ex) stayed with them. As you can see by this photo, they were FINE. In fact, they were better than fine. In my observations, all of the things that the dogs do that I find annoying, Chris finds clever and adorable.

One last note – You might have noticed that I’m wearing a Clapotis in every single photo of me. I highly recommend taking a Clapotis with you while traveling. Not only is it beautiful and warm, but it can go from a shawl to a scarf to a blanket to a pillow, as needed.

Whoops – one more note. I’ve been kind of quiet here on my blog, but I update to Facebook nearly every day. If you’re on Facebook, friend me. I’ll friend you back. 🙂

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Learn to Knit Toe-Up Magic Loop Socks

For the first time ever, in sizes for men, women, and kids!

This combination of techniques is such a great way to knit socks, and I’m excited to teach it. First, toe-up is my favorite way to knit socks, because you can use every bit of the yarn with NO LEFTOVERS. Magic loop sock knitting ends up going faster than using double-pointed needles, because you only have to readjust your needles twice in a round, instead of three or four times.

Skill Level: Prior sock knitting experience is helpful. If these are your first attempt at socks, you’ll need strong confidence with basic stitches and pattern reading.

Sizes: Child (5-10 years old), Women, Men (any size, all average widths)
Needles: Size 5 US circular needles with at least a 24” cord
Yarn: 1 skein or hank of worsted-weight yarn (about 100 grams/200 yards) in wool or wool blend. This much yarn will make crew socks in the men’s size (as pictured above), and longer socks in the smaller two sizes.
Additional Materials: Crochet hook in size G or H, scrap yarn, clippie stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Gauge: 5.5 stitches per inch in stockinette

Note on Sizing: The sizing is for average widths, finished sock circumferences 5.75 (7.25, 8)”.

Pattern + links to 5 instructional videos $8 US via PayPal

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Easter Pattern Give-Away

Free stuff! From now until the day before Easter (April 7) buy one of my pattern/video tutorials, and get my Learn to Felt – Easter Basket pattern/video tutorial free!

The Easter Basket pattern includes links to a six-part video tutorial to get you through the tricky parts. The pattern has instructions for two sizes (the picture above is the small size), and it knits up quickly with double-stranded worsted yarn.

To get your free pattern, just buy a pattern/video tutorial ($6 value or greater), then drop me a note at staci@verypink.com. I’ll respond to your email with your free pattern ASAP!

I want to share more free Easter stuff with you. These fair isle Easter eggs are designed by Little Cotton Rabbits, and she offers the pattern for free on her website.

Have fun with all of the Easter knitting, because you know I’m going to start pestering you to get started on your Christmas knitting soon. 🙂

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Log Cabin Felted iPad Case

When I was knitting my Log Cabin Blanket, I noticed that after I had completed the first five strips, the work was the exact same size as my iPad. (I noticed this because there is a high counter in my house where I put all of the precious things I don’t want the dogs to touch – which includes my knitting and my iPad.)

I didn’t pay this much attention until I started noticing scratches on my iPad screen. I know it has to be from stuffing it into my knitting bag, where it then has to fight with Addi Turbo needles.

Then the cartoon light bulb went off over my head! I decided to felt a sturdy, soft case for my iPad.

Here’s a rundown of how I did it –

Using 100% wool, follow the Log Cabin Blanket instructions, stopping after completing Strip 5.

Follow the instructions for knitting a border – 10 ridges each side.

Make a second one of these, and seam them together on three sides, leaving one of the short sides open.

Felt in a hot washer – mine took about 35 minutes. Check the felting process frequently. You want it to felt down to slightly smaller than your iPad, so that you can stretch it into a snug fit. Once the size is correct, run the washer on “spin” for about 30 seconds to spin out most of the water.

Put your iPad in a plastic bag, and slide it into the case while it’s still a little wet. Shape the corners, giving it a good tug wherever it needs it.

Some of the wools I used turned out to be pretty fuzzy. I took a little pair of scissors and gave it a haircut wherever it needed it. Also, the fit on mine is snug enough that I really don’t need any kind of fastener at the open end.

Okay, enough playtime for me. Back to work.