Category Archives: Fun

Warm up the Winter Blues with Color!

Anytime you are involved in a creative or visual craft, having a good understanding of color relationships is a foundation that you will appreciate over and over again. Color is all around us. It has the ability to affect our mood, it can make us feel energized, it can make us sleepy, it can make us hungry, and yes, it can even effect our knitting and crocheting. The study of color is complex and can sometimes feel overwhelming, but getting comfortable with the basics will empower you to create stunning sweaters, hats, mittens, and so much more. As we embark on another year filled with fiber fun, we will be crafting through the seasons! During the next few months of cooler climates and dreary weather, we will be warming up our winter blues with projects, ideas, and inspiration that focus on shades of blue. Here is a basic color wheel that includes the primary colors – yellow, blue, and red – along with secondary and tertiary colors. Although only twelve colors are show, it can go a long way in translating color relationships. More advanced color wheels also include a large range of these basic colors in different hues and shades.

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Resolutions

Earlier in the year, I wrote a post outlining my crazy goals for 2011. Well, 2011 is over - how did I do? First of all - the total! I wanted to hit 100 knitted projects, plus 11 sewn projects to make a total of 111 in 2011. Did I make it? Boy howdy, I sure did! 100 knitted projects, from cast on to bind off, finished in 2011. To me, that's really the biggest achievement, considering how much else I've been working on. But, what were they? Well, here you go! (see them all after the jump!)

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Crafting into 2012

Working alongside so many clever crafters, it is easy to branch out of my comfort zone and try my hand at new projects and crafts. In addition to those who knit and crochet, there are also spinners, weavers, and dyers here at the KP office – a wealth of knowledge and inspiration! Over the past year, I have crocheted a few amigurumi toys and learned how to weave on a rigid heddle loom. Not only is it so much fun to explore new ways to indulge my fiber love, but it is also welcomed reality check. It was strange and exciting to be back into that unknown territory where I couldn’t read my stitches and I wasn’t sure if my hands were moving correctly to warp the loom. It was fun to have a project where I could embrace the experience and learning process rather than focus on the finished object.In the spirit of a new year and new projects, I am beginning to plan my list of new things to try out in 2012. First things first – I am starting to realize I have a growing collection of fiber. I have a drop spindle that I play around with from time to time, but I think learning to spin would be a much more effective use of my time and fiber!                     Wool of the Andes and Hanks in the Hood roving

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Woof!

When we first received our shipment of Full Circle, I was in love.  I love single ply yarns & this one was even more interesting since it was from recycled wool! I especially loved that it was in 100 gram skeins!  So I immediately snapped up a couple of colors...but then I had to decide on what to do. Later that same day, Mara Jessup sent me her newest pattern for IDP - Woof!  My decision was made.

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Gift idea – Toys!

So how is your gift crafting coming along?  For myself, I'm a little over halfway on my handmade gifts - I have 4 nieces & nephews and each requested some sort of knitted item (yes, I've trained them well).  They run in ages from 5 to 12 and all of them love silly little toys - which is good because I love making them!  So I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite toy books & patterns if you need some gift ideas! If you've been following the blog for awhile, you may remember that I'm a huge fan of Rebecca Danger and her monsters.

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Sweet Freebie Friday

Do you need a beautiful gift that would work for every lady on your list? (Or, like me, you just need to make more fingerless mitss because you lose them all the time).  Well our Freebie Friday pattern this week is a lovely pair by designer Susanna IC. These are BonBons and just as sweet as their name!

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Purse organizer as portable knitting kit

Wave anything in front of me that has a lot of pockets and I will buy it! I often don’t even know how I am going to use the item but I just know it has potential. If you blend pockets with bright, “Kelley” colors and I end up drooling in public.

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Welcome to Cyber Monday!

Are you ready?  We're very excited for the sale this year! Not only that, we have 35% off of selected kits and 25% off selected full bags of yarn! Have fun! Shop here: Cyber Monday deals

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Wintery Freebie Friday

So, for those of you in the US, did you go out shopping for Black Friday deals this morning? Or are you like me and spending your day lazing around, recovering from Thanksgiving?  I'm actually going to be working on holiday gifts - in fact, we have two free patterns by our own Melissa that are a lot of fun & perfect quick gifts to work on this weekend! First we have a trio of Snowmen!

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Fana, Faroe or Fair Isle?

I've just completed about half a year of knitting for charity, family, and pretty much anyone who isn't me. When I told my husband that what I really wanted for my birthday this year was to knit something for myself, he emphatically agreed! (and of course added that he wants something too.) I want a new sweater. Not that I don't have a bunch already, but there's just something awesome about new things, you know? I went into my craft room and saw my completely insane stash and immediately drew a blank. With so many choices, what should I knit? So I implore you, dear reader, to help me decide! So far this year I've knit myself a Setesdal-inspired sweater, a colorwork yoked sweater, a lace panel cardigan, and a stranded pullover with Turkish-inspired patterning. So, what next?

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