Holla Knits Accessories Review + Giveaway!

Today is my stop on the Holla Knits Accessories 2012 blog tour, and I am so excited to share this collection with you (and give one of you a pattern for free!). I was contacted months ago by Allyson of Holla Knits/Sweatshop of Love to see if I'd like to be a part of the accessories collection by offering some yarn for one of the patterns, and I happily took the opportunity.

Like the previous Holla Knits collections that have come out this year, this collection is full of fun, unique, and cool designs by some very talented designers. Each of the six patterns is $4, or buy the whole collection for $12. I've already talked about what I love about the Holla Knits collections in general on the blog, so instead of repeating myself, let's dive right in to the patterns.

First up is Black Swan by Tara Shade. Knit up on size 17 needles in either Knits in Class Twist or Knit Picks Biggo, this looks like an incredibly quick knit that would be a fun way to change the look of an old top or carry a spring/summer dress into fall.

The Multiplicity pattern by Allyson Dykhuizen is an adorable little purse knit in Knit Picks Brava Sport that is a perfect size for just the essentials (phone, wallet, keys, maybe some chapstick...). I am not a "just the essentials" kind of girl when it comes to my bag, but there are some times (like at an event) when carrying your regular purse is a bother, and this would be great for that. This is also double knit, which is a technique I've never done before. This project is small enough that it wouldn't be overwhelming to practice a new technique on.

 Along the same lines as Black Swan, Knight Service by Teresa Gregorio is another quick way to change up an outfit. Knit in Periwinkle Sheep Merino DK or Knit Picks Gloss DK and jazzed up with plenty of beads, this shrug would be cute thrown over a sleeveless top to add a bit more coverage, or over long sleeves as pictured.

The Snowball Bonnet by Anna Elliott is knit with either Artesano Alpaca DK or Knit Picks Swish DK and plays with interesting textures to create a different winter hat. The loop stitch and the pom poms at the ends make a very soft appearance in the bonnet, and the loops just look fun to do. I can see this on a really chic lady at a ski resort.

The Scallop by the Sea clutch by Katie Canavan is a very simple shape, but makes use of pattern and color choices to make a completely unique clutch. Knit in Bumblebirch Blossom or Knit Picks Stroll Sport, the scalloped design really does remind me of waves by the sea. I think this would be amazing either in a two-color combination or a gradient, because I'm a sucker for gradients. I don't really do clutches, but I want this for a small project bag.

Finally, the pattern I'm most excited about: the Wallpaper Cowl by Emma Welford (yep, the lady that designed the awesome Holla Back Tank I just finished). I adore colorwork, yet rarely do it, but I really want to cast on this cowl. Who doesn't love a good cowl, right? The cowl is lined, which keeps floats from the colorwork protected and adds another layer for warmth. It doesn't hurt that the cowl pictured above uses Gynx DK for the colorwork (Canary and Neliel) and Gynx Sock (Electric Strawberry) for the lining. I am really considering getting this on my needles since it looks like a quick knit, but I've been restraining myself because I have so many other projects going on right now. This cowl is happening though, and I'm already playing with color combos in my head.

Now, on to the reason (most of) you are probably here for: the giveaway! One lucky reader will win a copy of the Wallpaper Cowl by Emma Welford. All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post telling me which of the six patterns is your favorite, and leave me a way to contact you (email or Ravelry ID). You have through next Tuesday (October 23) to enter, and I'll announce the winner next Wednesday (October 24).

For more stops on the blog tour (and more giveaways!), check out the schedule below:

October 8: The Sweatshop of Love - collection and pattern giveaway
October 9: Under the Red Umbrella - Subscriber exclusive KP yarn giveaway, pattern giveaway
October 10: Rohn Strong - pattern giveaway
October 11: Emma Welford Designs - pattern giveaway
October 12: Knits in Class - Subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway / pattern giveaway

October 15: Bumblebirch Designs - pattern giveaway
October 16: Audrey’s Teashop - pattern and yarn giveaway
October 17: Gynx - pattern giveaway
October 18: Adaly Myles Place - pattern giveaway
October 19: Canary Knits - Subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway, pattern giveaway

October 22: Webs Yarn Store Blog - yarn giveaway
October 23: The Sweatshop of Love Hosts Homestead Heirlooms! - subscriber exclusive purse kit giveaway
October 24: Knitted Bliss - pattern giveaway
October 25: Stash, the Knit Picks Staff Blog
October 26: Holla Knits hosts Tara Shade! - Subscriber exclusive yarn giveaway, pattern giveaway