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by Knit Picks Podcast on October 30, 2012
In honor of the 200th Knit Picks podcast, Kelley revisits one of her favorite episodes from the very beginning – deserted island knitting. Back in 2007, Kelley used this idea of being stranded on a deserted island to create her list of must-have knitting supplies. To start, Kelley shares two of her favorite blogs whose stories come awfully close to Kelley’s deserted island scenario. Both The Sailing Knitter and Island and North Country Life are blogs that follow the lives of two women traveling the high seas with knitting by their sides. Inspired by their stories, Kelley begins on her own list of must-have knitting supplies. Although there are some similarities to her list from 2007, Kelley’s focus is on drop spindling this time around with her cherished spindles from Golding Spindles being on top of her list. Along with plenty of fiber and silk hankies, Kelley also adds a ... |
Category Archives: Fun
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by Knit Picks Staff on October 29, 2012
We understand that holiday shopping can be quite the burden this time of year. If you're like me, you still have a LONG list of presents that need to be purchased and wrapped before Christmas gets here. Luckily, thanks to Knit Picks' shipping promotion, I can get most of my shopping done online, and I can rest assured that everything will arrive with plenty of time to spare. Right now, when you use promo code FREE3DAY at checkout, Knit Picks is giving free 3-Day Expedited Shipping on all orders over $75.00. Hurry and take advantage of this deal now because it ends on December 19th! The rules: Offer expires at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, 12/19/10. Limit one order per customer. Online orders only. Contiguous US only. |
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by Stacey on October 9, 2012
Contest is now closed - thanks for entering! We'll draw the winners on 10/9! This week on the podcast I was so delighted to talk to two fantastic designers - Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochiland and crochet designer extrodiner, Deja Jetmir. Both of them have brand new books out that I'm really excited about (if you couldn't tell from the podcast). |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on October 3, 2012
This week, we have another bonus episode of the Knit Picks podcast and it is chock-full of adorably scary projects perfect for Halloween! First, Stacey talks with Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land about her newest book Super-Scary Mochimochi. This latest collection of patterns still highlights the cute and clever knitted tiny toys that Anna is known for, but with a scary and creepy twist! Hear all about Anna’s design process for this book, what some of her favorite patterns are, her inspiration for the designs, along with fun behind-the-scenes stories. Next up, Stacey chats with crochet designer Deja Jetmir about her newest eBook Wonderfully Horrific Crochet. In her book, Deja celebrates all of the camp and fun of classic horror themes with 14 patterns for crocheted softies. Hear all about how Deja started designing her own crochet patterns and learn more about the design ... |
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by Jenny K on September 19, 2012
Every couple of months, I get the urge to break out of my little knitting bubble to try my hand at some other crafty craft. My latest adventure has been with crochet. I've dabbled in crochet here and there but I've never undertaken more than a small toy (yet at the moment, I am completely obsessed with working on my first-ever crochet blanket!). However, a few months back when I got the itch to try something new with my yarn collection - I fell in love with the world of embroidery! This was a whole new way to explore color and texture, it was almost like drawing (slowly) with yarn. I even bought a shadow box to frame my little embroidery sampler that I was working on as a fun way of meshing my crafty explorations with pretty home decor. So it was no surprise that my interest in embroidery was revived when I saw Kerin's latest design - the Suzani Jacket! This pattern incorporates four different types of embroidery to embelish and beautify this colorful cardigan. If you've had your eye on this pattern but haven't had much experience with these techniques (or maybe you just want more fun and unique ways to use up those odds and ends!), we've created a series of video tutorials that focus on different embroidery techniques. For this week's technique of the week, we're highlighting the versatile back stitch! |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on August 30, 2012
Always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to use technology to organize her fiber life, Kelley shares her enthusiasm for a handful of knitting apps! Kelley reviews three apps for android users that help you stay on track throughout your knitting project and keep you connected to your Ravelry account – no matter where you might find yourself knitting! Kelley first reviews Ravulous, a handy app that links to your Ravelry account so you can manage your stash, search through patterns, and update your projects. Next, Kelley talks about the Ravelry Photo Uploader app that lets you snap a photo of your WIP and upload it to your Ravelry project page directly from your phone! That way you can be sure to keep your projects organized and up to date, no matter if you are at your local knit night or on the road. Both of the Ravelry ... |
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by Knit Picks Staff on August 9, 2012
As a sentimental type, I want to first express how simultaneously wonderful and difficult the experience of judging this contest was. Looking at each board almost felt like meeting a person—some humorous, some artful, some obvious nature-lovers or foodies or film enthusiasts. I was particularly touched by the numerous personal (and fab) “vintage summer photos” of yourselves and family, no matter how unsure you were of your hair in the 70’s. As mentioned in the original post for the contest, I maintain that summer (faults and all) is a magical time; even for the myriad who aren’t winning a spiffy prize, I hope that entering this contest reminded you of that, even in the slightest way. Oh, and I’ll also add - I learned that VERY MANY of you folks are lovin' some Fifty Shades of Grey this Summer of 2012. I am positively scandalized! |
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by Knit Picks Staff on July 27, 2012
Today was the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games! Of course since I'm at the office I didn't get to see them, but we've got a couple of weeks to catch up. For those of you who did get to see them, how were the ceremonies? what did you think? Now, I'm not much of an athlete myself, unless sitting-on-your-kiester is a new marathon event. But I do like to knit, so I'm taking part in the Ravellenic Games! If you're not familiar, that's the knit-along competition that is timed to coincide with the Olympic Games on Ravelry. Even if you don't compete, it's fun to see what everyone is working on while they're watching their favorite sport! I've only just barely cast on, so there's not much to see - but I've chosen quite the challenge for myself, and it involves a lot of Palette and about three dozen bobbins. At least. Honestly, for me, it's not about winning or prizes or competittion, but the challenge of it. |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on July 19, 2012
In this week's episode, Kelley chats about her love of cowls! In addition to covering a brief history of the cowl, Kelley talks about several different varieties of designs that are based in the basic cowl shape - including neck warmers, infinite scarves, and other styles that experiment with unique ways of closing the loop. This allows designers even more creative freedom in order to come up with even more fun ways to wear cowls. And of course, Kelley also mentions that cowls are the ideal way for using up those single skeins of wonderful handspun yarn. Next, Kelley reviews a few books including The Complete Guide to Spinning Yarn by Brenda Gibson, Knit & Wrap: 25 Capelets, Cowls & Collars by Nathalie Mornu, and Ultimate Mittens by Robin Hansen. Finally, Kelley catches you up on what has been on her needles - or in this case, what will be on her needles! After finishing up all of her works in progress, Kelley shares a few projects from her queue that will be making their way onto her needles very soon. |
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by Jenny K on July 12, 2012
When Bare Hare arrived to at our office, everyone's first reaction was to uncontrollably "ohhh!" and "ahhhh" over how incredibly squishy and soft it was. Then almost immediately afterward, it seemed as though the same idea popped up for everyone at the same time - Bare Hare is an undyed yarn, which means you can dye it whatever shade is your color of choice! All of us have had previous dyeing experience and so of course, we couldn’t help but jump over to the dyeing section of the Knit Picks website to check out the different dyes and colors. In addition to the Jacquard dyes, we were also drawn to the Earthues and Greener Shades dyes. And because we loved Bare Hare so much, we thought - why not experiment a bit and try out all three different types of dyes? I had been wanted to try out the Greener Shades Dyes, so I opted for the Coral Reef Aqua. Stacey chose Emerald in the Jacquard Dyes and Kerin went with the Earthues natural dyes. Here is the result of our Bare Hare dyeing extravaganza, I love how they turned out! |
