Category Archives: Books

Podcast Episode 205: Illuminated Lines Pattern Collection Interview with Kerin

Bringing together enchanting colorwork and captivating cables – Illuminated Lines captures the magic of Celtic art and culture with six exquisite designs. Hear all about how Kerin’s interest in Celtic culture inspired this new and exclusive pattern collection. Kerin and Jenny talk through each of the six patterns in Illuminated Lines, starting with the inspiration for each design, how that translated into the concept and ultimately into the knitted pattern in addition to the design details that make each piece a unique combination of traditional and modern. Kerin also shares tips and tricks throughout to help you try a variety of new and intriguing techniques with confidence. Explore and celebrate the wonderful traditions of Celtic history with Illuminated Lines as Kerin shares her design journey with you. Illuminated Lines is available as an eBook and as a printed book here: Illuminated Lines eBook Illuminated Lines printed book And don’t forget – you ...

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Podcast Episode 202: Interview with Margaret Radcliffe

This week, Kelley chats with author and designer Margaret Radcliffe about her book Circular Knitting Workshop! If you’ve ever been interested by the circular knitting method, you’ll love hearing Margaret insight and expert advice on everything from swatching to converting flat patterns for the circular method. Kelley and Margaret talk through the different chapters found in Circular Knitting Workshop and share ideas for using the various methods for working circularly. Additionally, knitters new to circular knitting will appreciate Margaret’s years of teaching experience – her clear, concise lessons and projects allow new knitters to get the most out of their learning experience. Circular Knitting Workshop by Margaret Radcliffe Margaret also has several other fantastic books you can find here: The Knitting Answer BookThe Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques 3 easy ways to listen…

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Kinkos and Circular Knitting Workshop

Whenever I come across a book that I know I will be using frequently, I take it over to Kinkos to have it spiral bound. It makes it easier to look at whatever page I need while I'm knitting. And, I think it makes the book wear well. While I was preparing for a podcast interview of Margaret Radcliffe on her book Circular Knitting Workshop, I decided to do something a little different.

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Podcast Episode 201: Crafting for the Holidays

This week, Jenny and Stacey chat about what is on every knitter and crocheter's mind this time of the year - holiday crafting! Both Jenny and Stacey share a list of their favorite knit and crochet designs for the holiday season. Find out what makes or breaks a project when it comes to crafting for the holidays and what go-to books (and eBooks) knitters and crocheters should be sure to check out this holiday season. We really love the holiday crafting season and had so much fun sharing our favorite projects and patterns. So consider yourself warned: in our holiday crafting excitement, there might be excessive uses of the words cute, pretty and adorable in addition to lots of "squeee"! And as very not-so-subtle hints for our family and friends, we also talk about what tops our very own wish lists. 3 easy ways to listen...

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To Do List

Oh goodness, my holiday knitting queue just keeps getting larger! I spend a little bit of time every day trawling Ravelry and our library here for good patterns to knit (or crochet now!) up for everyone on my list and I thought I'd share a few of my favorites today.

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Sock Yarn Studio book review

Before you start to play with any of the designs Carol Sulcoski has gather in Sock Yarn Studio, take some time to read through Carol’s preface for understanding what constitutes a sock yarn. You also begin to appreciate the absolutely stunning photography that you will find throughout the book. The introductory chapter also covers how Carol has categorized sock yarns for purposes of organizing the patterns. There are solid colors, self-patterning and multicolored each with their unique qualities as you knit.

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Book Giveaway – Knitting at Home

I think I'm just obsessed with coziness right now - I'm working on three different knit and crochet blankets, making throw pillows for our couch, and hunting around for the perfect pair of slippers. I don't know if you've seen Knitting at Home yet, but it's perfect for fueling any Must Get Warm At Any Cost feelings you might be having this holiday season. Even when my kitchen sink is full of dirty party dishes and the laundry is out of control, this book allows me to escape into a world of snuggly throws, hot cups of tea, and afternoons curled up on the couch.

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Book Review of Indie Socks

How many times have you fallen in love with sock yarn skeins that have been hand-dyed by a talented independent artist know as an “Indie-Dyer”. Oftentimes, I am drawn to more than just a couple of skeins. I find myself wanting nearly everything that particular artist makes. I call it the “sensibility” of an artist.Attending the two Sock Summits that have taken place here in Portland highlighted the concept of sensibility. Think of it as walking through a huge museum of Indie Dyers. Each booth full of yarn and fiber had a definite sense of color and style.  

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Podcast Episode 199: Interview with Anna Dalvi

Not ready to let go of your summer knitting just yet? Keep your lace projects inspired with this week’s podcast as Kelley chats with designer Anna Dalvi, author of the books Shaping Shawls and Ancient Egyptian Lace & Color. Hear all about Anna’s love of shawls and her design process for her book Shaping Shawls, which focuses on construction techniques for shawls. In her newest book, Ancient Egyptian Lace & Color, Anna uses her lace knitting expertise to explore the stories, symbolism, and mythologies of Egypt as reinterpreted through her lace designs. Anna also shares a few of her favorite mythological stories with Kelley and how they have inspired her designs. Ancient Egyptian Lace & Color. And don’t forget to check out Anna’s first book, Shaping Shawls! 3 easy ways to listen…

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Afternoon Knits

    I'm in serious stashbusting mode these days. As I'm packing up boxes of books, bags of clothes and wrapping my dishes in paper in preparation to move to a brand new apartment, I've had plenty of time to size up my rather ponderous stash of yarn. I've gotten rid of several paper bags full of yarn that I hadn't even thought of using for at least a year (I'd even moved some of it three times!) but I still feel a little bit embarrassed at just how many balls of Palette and Wool of the Andes Worsted I have kicking around in baskets and tucked under my futon. I just can't bring myself to part with even one more skein! So, between packing and cleaning I've been busily trying all sorts of new patterns, just to convert those balls of yarn into potential presents.

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