Creating a Giveaway, Freebie Friday

I've been thinking for weeks about doing a giveaway on the blog.  The question is, what to give?  Yarn?  Patterns?  A book?

I have loved meeting knitters from around the world through this blog, and appreciate the feedback, both to my email and in the "comments" sections.  It would be nice to find a way to say "thanks for your support".  Currently I'm thinking either yarn or a book.  Mystery yarn or book?  Or should I publish a picture and write-up?  Which yarn?  Which book?  (I have a few ideas...)  This is a good one for feedback, folks.  Let me know what you think.

On this Friday, the freebies are happy ones.  Both of today's patterns are in worsted weight yarn, which makes them pretty quick knits.  The first one is this fabulous Hostess Cupcake Hat, which cracks me up just thinking about it.  I plan to make it for my 5 year old nephew, and I know he'll love it.  It's a super simple hat pattern with an I-cord for the loopy icing.  Winter is only two more months long, so I'll have to get right on it!

The second is the Taos Crossover Vest.  It's beautifully simple in its construction, and with the selection of so may variegated yarns out there, you can make this as funky or subtle as you like.  Something wild in parrot colors or a vivid solid would make a fun statement, don't you think?  In cottons it's a good spring wardrobe builder.  In wool or cashmere it's a great winter layer.  I love when a pattern is versatile!

So many patterns - so little time.