Brava!

I’ll admit, I’m something of a yarn snob. I guess after working with
yarn for so long, I’ve really developed a taste for certain fibers, but I
also know that it’s important to use the right tool for the job. So, it
was a shock even to me how excited I was when we started developing our
latest yarn – Brava!

Brava
is a super-soft premium acrylic yarn that was designed with washability
and durability in mind. Four plies give it the right balance for
softness and stitch definition, which makes it a great choice for
purl-and-plain patterns, cables and even lacy blankets.

 

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Happy Holidays!

Wow, the holidays signify the end of the year! Where did it go?  2012 is just a little over a week away and I haven’t gotten my 2011 resolutions done yet!  So it’s a new year and a new list – out with the old, in with the new (or new again!).  Has anyone started their 2012 New Years resolution list yet?

Here at Knit Picks, we wish you a great New Year. Our wish for you is that 2012 be filled with creative crafting and lots of fiber fun!

Happy Holidays & a very Happy New Year!

 

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Podcast Episode 175: Interview with Alasdair Post Quinn

This week, Alison gets a chance to chat with Alasdair Post Quinn, author of the new
book, Extreme Double Knitting! Know for his innovative spin on double
knitting, Alasdair’s patterns show off color and double knitting in
unique and creative ways. Hear all about how Alasdair first got into
knitting, what drew him to double knitting, and the chain of events
brought about the idea for a book on double knitting. After working on
his book for the last few years, Alasdair is currently focusing his
creative energies on designing single patterns and experimenting with
even more extreme forms of double knitting.
You an find out more about Alasdair over on his blog and website.
Books Mentioned:
Extreme Double Knitting by Alasdair Post Quinn (hardcover & eBook available)
 
3 easy ways to listen…
Subscribe in iTunes Episode 175: Interview with Alasdair Post Quinn RSS feed

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Yarn Line Price Increases

As you already know, everything has been getting more expensive over the last year or two.  Gas prices have gone up, along with grocery bills and the cost of various services.  The fiber world hasn’t been immune to these global changes, unfortunately, and we’ve seen dramatic pricing increases in the cost of our raw materials and shipping since 2009.  We’ve been able to keep our pricing from increasing through the worst of the economic crisis, but wool and other fibers are staying at the higher prices and our new contracts reflect this.  
On January 4th, we will be increasing prices on wool/wool blend and alpaca/alpaca blend yarn lines.  Any lines introduced as new in 2011 already have their price increases built in, since their shipments came in at the new higher prices, and those 2011 new yarn lines will not be increasing on the 4th.  Discontinued yarn lines will not …

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The Last Minute Gift Freebie Friday

If you’re in a bind for a gift, nothing beats a couple of handknit washcloths with some nice soap!  I’ve given similar gifts to friends & family who have moved into a new house as well as for last minute Christmas gifts.  I always have some cotton laying around, since most washcloths take less than one skein of Dishie or Simply Cotton  If you’re in a pinch, the Knit Picks staff have several free patterns for you!

Jenny created this adorable Chomp Chomp washcloth:

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Iceland Wins!

So, In my post Fana, Faroe or Fair Isle?
I asked for your opinions on what my next project should be. After
reading through the comments, I realized that I was really captivated by
the Icelandic yoked pullovers that were suggested. Not only were the
geometric yoke patterns really interesting, but I realized as well that
it would be a perfect excuse to do a stranding project with more than
two colors in a round!

As soon as I got home on that Thursday, I wound up my yarn and cast on.

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A Cushy Freebie Friday

This time of year, I’m always reaching for my handknit wool socks, the thicker the better.  My poor feet get so cold!  I normally knit my socks out of fingering or sport weight yarn, but sometimes I just want something a little bit thicker.  Well today designer Audrey Knight shares with us her pattern for some nice thick socks.

These are her Cushy Chroma Socks!

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Gifts for the Interminably Picky

I have a few people in my life that aren’t keen on wearing crocheted goods and their objections vary quite a bit. Some think crocheting looks “hippie-ish”, others think it makes you look like a doily. Whatever the reason, it creates a problem for gift-giving. Since I’m still warming-up my skills after years of disuse, I generally stick to giving simple hats and scarves; they require very little resources and, more importantly, tend to actually go into use. I say this with very, very great displeasure: No one has ever used any of the potholders I’ve crocheted for holding a hot item. So, if I don’t want to give what’s tantamount to wall art, I turn to cozies.

Of course not all cozies are created equal; they range from the truly utilitarian to the truly ludicrous/endearing. For my purposes, I think a cell phone cover strikes a nice balance.

CellPhoneCover-withphone

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