Category Archives: Inspiration

For the love of Single-Ply yarns

I have a great love for single ply. Obviously there are some cons - mostly that it pills more easily and can be splitty to work with. But we have such yummy single-ply yarns that I can't help but love them! Since I've finally put the finishing touches on my favorite Icelandic coat, I've been itching to start another Icelandic style sweater. The natural choice is a single-ply, as that's what Lopi-style yarns are. Before it's all gone, I had to get my hands on some Full Circle Worsted in the most cheerful green - Tomatillo - and get to work!

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Skip swatching at your own risk

We were out to dinner last night and it was a bit breezy and cold. It was ideal for the Swarm of Bees sweater by Lisa Kereliuk in Reclaimed. Just the incentive I needed to cast-on and get started. It's a good thing I took the time to work the swatches.

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Diadem Fingering Cowl
More pink, please!

In a utopian world, in which wars are a thing of the past, spiders cease to exist and cupcakes have the nutritional value of kale, I would get to wear pink, girly accessories with sweat pants. Oh my, did I just dream utopia into reality? Because I just finished a lovely, feminine cowl out of our silky new Diadem yarn and - yes, you guessed it - it looks smashing with my faithful sweatshirt.

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Kitties and Knitters (plus a giveaway!)

We hang our heads in shame. Yesterday (October 29th) was National Cat Day and we completely missed it. I would normally take any opportunity to yak about kitties - either about my own or the cats & kittens I hang out with when I volunteer at Pixie Project.

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Introducing Lilleknappen!

I'm a huge fan of details, especially when it comes to finishing projects. I like good, proper hems, perfectly coordinated buttons, and fine stitching along a steek. Even more than that, though, I love authentic touches. That's why I'm so thrilled that we're carrying authentic Norwegian pewter buttons and clasps and Swedish cotton ribbons from Lilleknappen! I've been waiting for this day for quite some time, actually. I found Lilleknappen when I was looking for good quality pewter clasps several years ago, and we've finally been able to add their fantastic products to our lineup. That means that the pile of sweaters that have been waiting for trimming can finally be finished! (for two years my favorite Icelandic sweater has been held shut with a safety pin!)

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In Loving Memory

Xena has been a member of the Knit Picks family for as long as I can remember - serving as our iconic (and epically cute!) mascot, yarn ambassador and occasional actress. Xena was also an extremely loyal companion, only straying from Kelley’s side to stroll the office and check out the day’s activities. She loved apples, being wrapped up in blankets and snuggling with Kelley as she was knitting away. And although Xena is no longer with us, we will always cherish our memories and look back fondly at her time with us. In honor of Xena, we’ve collected a few photos from throughout the years for everyone to enjoy.

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Comfort knitting

I was in great need of comfort knitting this weekend. I'm afraid I have sad news, Xena passed away last week.

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Knit Picks scarves
Christmas Scarf Fiesta!

Christmas is almost here. Well, if you crochet and knit, that is. This is my first holiday season as a crocheter, and I hope my family and friends are prepared for the sudden shift in the types of gifts I bestow. Goodbye gift cards, hellllooo scarves.

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Everyday is Halloween!

It's October 1st, which means it's my favorite month of the year!  Every since I was young, I've loved October - cooler days, falling leaves, pumpkin everything, and especially all sorts of spooky things to celebrate Halloween!  Whether it's listening to an old favorite song, watching a favorite movie or visiting our local haunted houses, every October I'm ready to celebrate. And a lot of our IDP designers have gotten into the spirit - check out some of these great patterns to get started on before the 31st shows up. First off, the marvelous Joanna Rankin has several patterns that are perfect this time of year.

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