Podcast Episode 184: Interview with Hunter Hammersen

We simply adore Hunter Hammersen, and we were all super excited when we heard the news of a new book in the works! After months of waiting, her latest book – The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet – is finally available and it features a stunning collection of socks patterns as well as a variety of accessories. In this week’s episode, Kelley reunites with author and designer, Hunter Hammersen, to chat about the process behind her latest book. Similar to her first book, Silk Road Socks, which features sock patterns based on oriental rugs, Hunter shares her inspiration for creating a collection of designs inspired by curiosity cabinets. Hunter explains just what exactly a curiosity cabinet is and gives Kelley a brief overview of their history and importance. She also chats with Kelley about how curiosity cabinets inspired her new book and how she was able to translate a collection of botanical …

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A workhorse shawl

You know how much I love lace shawls. But, I also appreciate simple, wear anywhere shawls.
My favorite style is Faroese because it has relatively long “wings”. Women could cross the “wings” across their chests and tie the ends behind their backs. The shawl stayed in place while the women attended to their chores.

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How to Dye Yarn with Food Coloring

As the sugar high of chocolate, jelly beans, and Peeps finally wears off, you might find a box or two of leftover Easter egg dye lying around the kitchen. Instead of tossing them back in the cupboards, grab some of your favorite Bare yarns and start dyeing! You might be surprised to learn that a lot of unconventional dyes, like Easter egg dye and food coloring, are a wonderful way of dyeing protein based fibers like wool, alpaca and silk. In addition to being inexpensive, these are dyes you can easily find at your local grocery store. Another great thing about dyeing with Easter egg dye and food coloring is that these are nontoxic dyes, making them ideal for a fun afternoon crafting project with children. And if you are anything like me, you might already know that right after the holiday is the best time to stock up on Easter egg dye packages for year-round yarn dyeing fun!

     

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It’s raining Cats & Dogs!

Cats & Dogs Satchels, that is!

Knit in Wool of the Andes Sport,
this satchel is messenger-bag style and is big enough for a laptop,
schoolbooks, a knitting project, and of course a bag of treats for your
favorite furry friend. The body of the bag knits up quickly in
stockinette, and there are options to knit the strap and the inside
front pocket plain or in an adorable paw-print pattern.

But the real draw of this bag is the tesselated pattern of adorable Westie dogs and lounging black kitties!

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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

the knitting encyclopedia

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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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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Queen Anne Infinity Scarf

It’s been another year and my sister is having another birthday. Every year I find myself plumbing the depths of my Ravelry queue,
pinterest boards and various craft stashes to come up with a gift that
she’ll both like and wear. When my sister was visiting over the holidays, she brought a bunch of
those giant, jersey fabric infinity scarves that seem to be popping up
in stores these days. They keep you warm like regular scarves without
the hassle of keeping track of all those ends. I decided to break out the 32 inch Kromski Harp Loom and weave my own version of her favorite scarf!

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