Hey, I have something exciting to share with you, so lurkers, come on out of the woodwork! Jaala Spiro, editor of Knitcircus Magazine and fellow Madison knitter, offered me a number of Knitcircus freebies to give away.

If you’re not familiar with Knitcircus, it’s a Madison-based knitting magazine that recently transitioned from a paper magazine format to online distribution. They now have a model sort of similar to Twist Collective (but a lot cheaper!) where each issue features some free patterns and some patterns that are for-pay only–the current issue is $7.50 for the full collection of 20 patterns. I’m glad to see them move to the online format–although I loved having paper copies of the magazine to hold and leaf through, the potential audience is much larger for the online mag. I’d love to see this locally published knitting magazine become as well-known as Twist or Knitty, so if you like their patterns, spread the word.

If you’re interested, leave a comment telling me which Knitcircus design is your favorite, and next Sunday, April 11, I’ll do a random drawing to determine the winners. I have two full year’s magazine subscriptions (value: $23.50 each) and three individual pattern collections (value: $7.50 each) to give away. Please make sure to give me your email address so I can get in contact with you if you win–if I don’t hear back from you within a few days I’ll need to pick someone else.

To get you started on the pattern browsing, here are a few of the lovelies from the current issue, Issue 9:
The Twilight Shawl–combines Kauni yarn with a really interesting shape, and for once I think the name is actually a reference to a time of day. (You have to look at the modeled photo on Ravelry with this wrapped around the shoulders and neck–the one below shows the shape but doesn’t show how pretty the shawl looks with the layers of Kauni stripes when worn.)
twilight4postcard

Raveled Wristies–free! And named after Ravelry! Awww.
newwristies2

Seamless Slippers–another free pattern, this looks like a great quick gift!
slippers3small

Four Seasons Cardigan–the cardigan from the cover, meant for layering.
issue 9 coversmaller

Check out the archives, too–some of my favorites from past issues are Kate’s Cardigan from Issue 5 (the photoshoot involves ice cream! More of my pattern photos need to involve ice cream in the future) and And All Things Nice, a girl’s dress from Issue 8.