Category Archives: Books

Custom Crochet Sweaters – and a contest!

update 4/12 - Contest is over! Thank you for your entries - we'll announce the winners later today!   As you can tell from my last few blog posts, I've caught the crochet bug.  I haven't yet attempted a crochet sweater but I've been sorely tempted by a new book - Custom Crochet Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein

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Podcast Episode 183: Interview with Joan of Dark

This week we bring you an extra special, bonus mini-episode of the Knit Picks Podcast (and make sure to keep checking the KP blog for more bonus interviews in the future)! Alison catches up with designer Joan of Dark (aka Toni Carr), author of the new book Knits for Nerds! Hear all about the process and inspiration behind this collection of knitting patterns that your inner nerd will adore. Joan also reveals a few fun facts behind the book, Knits for Nerds, and shares details behind a few of her favorite designs. You can find Joan of Dark’s website here: Joan of Dark And you can find the book, Knits for Nerds here: Knits for Nerds   3 easy ways to listen…

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Lots of New Reference books

Does it seem like you never have enough reference books? It feels like that for me!  My personal library is fully stocked but I am always looking for more - every book gives a slightly different look at different techniques.  Also, books with stitch libraries are a must-have to spur on the imagination!  I'm excited to show you several of my favorite new reference books that will be perfect for your library! The Knitting Encyclopedia by Claire Montgomerie Breeze through previously difficult techniques with step-by-step instructions, full-color photos and helpful diagrams. Then use the new skills you've learned with the simple, intermediate, and advanced projects provided in the book. The projects range from hats and scarves to a Fair Isle sweater or coat. I love the large, easy to read images in the techniques sections.

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Chroma Surprise Jacket

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Opinionated Knitter was one of the first books I bought as a knitter. I loved the photos, stories about the various school houses she lived in and more specifically, the story behind her Baby Surprise Jacket. Fast forward six years and I had still not knit a single thing out of The Opinionated Knitter. However, after years of gazing longingly at my favorite pattern book, I was finally able to rally my courage and make my own "Baby Surprise Jacket".

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A Nerdy Contest

Contest is over!  We'll draw a winner on 3/12! I have been so happy the past few weeks - one of my favorite designers, Toni Carr, released her new book - Knits for Nerds! I've known about this book for awhile & have been so very excited.  See, I'm a nerd so this hits me right at the sweet spot.

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Knits for Nerds Winners!

Wow, thanks for all of your great entries in the Knits For Nerds Contest - I had a lot of fun reading all of your nerdy loves!  Alas, I only have 2 copies of the book so I loaded up the Random Number Generator & came up with our winners Winner #1 - Meli Santiago! Her comment:  Nerdy-ness is a trait passed down in my family. My dad was a Trekkie and a Star Wars fan. Passed that down to me, who adopted Firefly, Doctor who, and Torchwood on top of that. Now I've got my phone that is completely Doctor Who-ified. It plays the Theme song when someone is calling, the TARDIS sound when I get a text message, and the background screen is of the tenth and eleventh doctor. (10 is my favorite) Squee! Winner #2 - Jenifer! Her commnet: Um. My last name is Spock. Pretty sure I win on that alone ;) I am a Firefly and Doctor Who freak. Husband, kids are all Star Wars nuts, I love the original and Next Gen Star Trek series, and I can quite pretty much quote any Harry Potter book, and am a firm believer that Cedric Diggory would have beaten the minions of Team Edward into the ground. In addition, I also make and donate Jayne hats to the PDX Browncoats for their annual Can't Stop the Serenity screening to benefit various charities. Also, did I mention that the "Status is NOT quo?" and Dr. Horrible is one of the best creations of Joss Whedon... I could go on with my love of DC Comics, but I'll stop.., ;)   Thanks again everyone - this was a really fun contest!  Stay tuned for more contests here on the blog!  

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Tilde Cloche

I was looking for a quick but not mindless project to work on while I wait for the oodles of yarn to arrive in the mail for my next BIG project. I sat down to page through my knitting books for inspiration when My Grandmother's Knitting popped open to Jared Flood's Tilden Baby Hat. I loved the colors and simple but beautiful pattern. I definitely wanted to knit this for myself, but the pattern was for a toddler sized noggin.

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Book Review – Finishing School

Please, please, please buy Finishing School by Deborah Newton!!  It’s not that hard to find the time to learn how to knit - take a class, spend an afternoon with a knitting friend or even get trapped next to an enthusiastic knitter on a plane who just happens to carry along extra needles and yarn for spontaneous instructions to total strangers. Of course, by the end of the flight you’ve become lifelong friends but that is another story.

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Winter Book Sale!

I may have told you this before, but it's a truth that I need to say again.  I love books!  A book is a tangible item - you can touch it, turn the pages and (of course) it can inspire you! Our book list is constantly changing as I search for wonderful new books. Now, to make it even better, the books are on sale for 40% off! I've recently added several new books that have caught my eye. The Lace Knitting Palette by Catherine M. Thomson

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