Category Archives: Inspiration

Knitting on the GO

I have been toting a project, either lace or socks, constantly – daily – in a GoKnit Pouch since September. I kept having trouble with my small sock needles poking through my other little knitting bags, but not with the GoKnit Pouch. This thing is sturdy! And it keeps my knitting clean and protected, and is just the right size for stuffing into my purse if I need to. The Pouch sits neatly and unobtrusively on the floor beside me too; I pull the drawstring tight so the balls of yarn stay trapped inside the Pouch instead of rolling around while I’m knitting. <

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Angela’s staff picks!

Tea Cozies by The Guild Of Master Craftsman Since my teapot plays an important role in keeping me snug and warm during these rainy winter months, I think it deserves to be cozy too. And since cozies are pretty small, look easy to make, and have irresistible pattern names like Wooly Mammoth and Green Goddess, maybe I’ll even make two or three- one for everyday chai tea-pouring, one for English Breakfast themed tea parties, and maybe one in case the Queen ever stops by for spot of Lady Grey. It comes out this Friday. I can’t wait. I snuck a peek downstairs in the KP department, and it looks amazing. It’s only $10.17. Check it out here. I can’t decide which one to make first. <

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Coffee Dyeing

I've used Jacquard acid dyes for a number of yarn and roving projects, but for this month's dyealong I wanted to try something new. I haven't done much natural dyeing, and I wanted to try using everyday household items that didn't need special equipment or complicated recipes.  I thought I'd try using coffee to dye my blanks - we always have it in the cupboard, and I was playing around with the idea of using two different ombre dye patterns in a woven scarf.

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Entrelac is not scary!

So in a kit planning meeting long, long ago, it was decided that we’d do an entrelac kit. It’s an interesting technique that can yield very pretty results. When it was decided that I would be writing this pattern, I thought, well, darn – I have no idea how to do that! Turns out, it’s really easy. And Yvette is the result. Considering I had to learn Entrelac before writing the pattern, I was concerned that I’d get frustrated with it and not come up with anything very nice. But what I found was that it’s strangely addictive. Especially in Andean Silk, which is about the best yarn ever. It’s actually much, much easier than I expected – if you can pick up stitches, then you’re ready to go! Entrelac is formed by knitting a small mitered section of stockinette, then picking up stitches from a previous section ...

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Shiver Scarf Winner!

Congratulations Araignee! I hope you have chosen your Merino Style colors to make your own Shiver Scarf! We will be getting in touch to ask for your preferences! <

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Knittin’ Mittens – Lesson Three

This lesson has just a tiny bit of stress because you will need to decide what sort of thumb shaping you want to use on your mittens. Don’t worry! I walk you throught the pros and cons of each and then show you how to set up your choice of thumb opening. You will be knitting the body of your mitten (with your chosen thumb design) up to the little valley where your thumb and hand meet. In the next lesson, I will show you how to set aside your thumb and continue on up your hand. Pop on over to the Knittin’ Mittens Knit-A-Long (KAL) and do some mitten knitting! You can join this KAL at any time! We’re having a grand time learning to knit nice, warm, comforting mittens. <

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10 Stitch Twist Blanket – Finished!

This project felt like it took forever, and I’m so glad it’s finally done. I also love the finished result, so it was worth all that effort. Here’s my 10 Stitch Twist blanket in all its 72″ diameter glory. I ended up using 36 balls of Palette, double stranding 2 colors together throughout. I switched out one color at a time (every 3/4 of a round or so) so that the color transitions are pretty gradual. Frankie Brown’s 10 Stitch Twist pattern is clever and simple – it’s excellent tv/movie knitting and keeps you warm at the same time! Melissa – our color guru – helped me pick out the colors to match my sofa, and the blanket looks wonderful draped over the arm of the sofa – ready to curl up with a good book when I am. And the ample size means no cold ...

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Olympic Fever

So who’s taking part in the Knitting Olympics/Ravelrympics? I actually kept putting off my project – I did a sweater during the Summer Olympics a year & half ago and thought I might do another – but I want to finish the sweater I currently have on the needles. I hemmed & hawed and told people here I probably wouldn’t take part…then Friday I suddenly choose a project at the last minute. Temple Cats! I have been in love with this pattern even before Suzanne submitted it to IDP. I haven’t done a lot of stranded color work so I decided the time was right for this pattern. I had some old Merino Style in my stash that would work well so I was all set! I cast on during the Opening Ceremonies – which I loved, especially the tattooed tap dancing fiddle players. Though I am super annoyed ...

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Knit Buddy Giveaway – Shiver Scarf!

I’ve finished mine and it is absolutely perfect! The perfect length! Perfect holder for my spindling supplies. I should put in a fabric liner in the pockets to keep the hook from my Golding spindle catching on the stitches. Or, I could use my Jenkin’s Turkish Delight spindle and not have to worry about a hook at all. It all depends on just how much I hate sewing! Perfect instructions! When Erica Jackofsy’s photo sample arrived in the office, I knew I just had to make one for myself. In my favorite colors! Perfect yarn! To enter this Knit Buddy Giveaway, just leave a comment and I will draw a winner on Friday, February 19th. The winner will receive 6 balls of Merino Style in the main color, 1 ball each of the three contrast colors and one copy of Erica’s ...

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