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by Knit Picks Podcast on August 2, 2012
This week, Kelley gets a chance to catch up with designer Mary Scott Huff. One look through her book The New Stranded Colorwork and you can clearly see that Mary’s passion is definitely colorwork knitting. Which is exactly why she’s the perfect person to write a book of the techniques for color knitting! Her new book Teach Yourself Visually Color Knitting highlights Mary’s expertise on the subject alongside clear, concise images that will help new knitters learn to master colorwork. Kelley talks with Mary about this unique process of writing a technique-based book, along with getting a few handy tips and tricks as Kelley and Mary walk through each chapter of the book which includes intarsia, entrelac, stranded colorwork, and even embroidery! Mary’s enthusiasm for color knitting is so infectious; you’ll be tempted to cast on a color knitting project right away. You can find Mary Scott Huff’s latest book here: Teach ... |
Category Archives: Inspiration
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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! |
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by Knit Picks Staff on July 10, 2012
There's nothing better than finishing a long-term project. And for me, that's most of them - but they're not all knitting! This past week has been spent in the garden, reaping the rewards of the last year's work. But of course that's not all - I finally wove in the ends on my little Chroma sweater! |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on June 28, 2012
Kelley recently arrived back to our Vancouver, WA office only to find a nice, big pile of yarns on her desk – just waiting to be oohhh-ed and aahhh-ed over. And just which yarns were piled high on Kelley’s desk? Why our new summer yarns of course, which is why this week on the podcast is all about our new summer yarns! Kelley chats with Jenny about two new additions to our line of special reserve yarns – Preciosa and Bare Hare. In addition to gushing over the softness of each and the amazing, saturated colors of Preciosa, Kelley and Jenny chat about tips for working with these new yarns and fun project possibilities. And if lace is your go-to summer project, Kelley and Jenny review new color additions to our selection of lace yarns including Alpaca Cloud, Shadow, Shimmer, and Gloss Lace. Last but not least, Kelley chats with ... |
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by Kelley on June 19, 2012
These mesmorizingly gorgeous silk hankies from Hanks in the Hood are irrisistable. You don't have to be a hand-spinner to enjoy their beauty. You can actually knit directly from the hankies. |
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by Jenny K on June 14, 2012
A while back, I got to spend the day with Jen, from Hanks in the Hood and learn all about how she makes those goregous spinning batts of hers! Additionally, Jen was kind enough to take some time to share a bit about herself, how she got drawn into the wonderful world of fiber, and her inspiration. And it was awesome! I find it so amazing that so many different people can connect with something as simple as fiber and yarn, in such a lovely and inspiring way. I simply love hearing these stories from everyone I meet. Which is why I was thrilled when Jen asked if I would like to also spend time with Lisa from Dicentra Designs! My answer was a resounding yes, the more - the merrier! I got a chance to sit down with Lisa, an amazing fiber artist, to chat with her about her love of all things color, fiber, spinning and of course dyeing. In addition to dyeing her own yarn line, Dicentra Designs, Lisa also helps Jen, from Hanks in the Hood, with the processing and dyeing of the stunning silk hankies! And with Lisa's love for bright and vibrant colors, it's no wonder that her color sense is a perfect match for working with Jen's fearless color combinations. Just look at all of the amazing colors you'll find in the silk hankies from Hanks in the Hood to see for yourself! To hear more about Lisa's color inspiration, the process for dyeing the silk hankies, and some of Lisa's favorite ways of working with silk hankies - be sure to check out Lisa's video! |
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by Kelley on June 13, 2012
(photo from Knitty Gritty Whistler, pattern is #31 Turban by Lola Ehrlich) I like to start my day on Pinterest while I drink my first couple of cups of coffee. I love the creative inspiration I find as I look through the photos. A few days ago I saw this turban and thought maybe I could knit something like it for myself. So, I went to Ravelry and typed in "Turban". |
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by Knit Picks Podcast on June 7, 2012
This week, Jenny chats with designer Nora Bellows, author of the new book Noni Flowers! Hear all about how Nora’s family, gardening, and flowers have influenced her process and designs, in addition to how Nora made the transition from teaching college classes to designing knitting patterns. Nora also reveals a behind-the-scenes look into the process of writing her book, how she began designing the collection of knitted flowers, and what sparked the idea for creating the unique photography of the knitted flowers. In addition to sharing tips and tricks for knitting up the flowers, Nora also shares her favorite techniques for how to use and attach the knitted flowers as embellishments on other projects. After hearing Nora’s enthusiasm and passion for her knitted flowers, you’ll want to cast on your very own garden of Noni Flowers right away! You can find Noni Flowers here: Noni Flowers And ... |
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by Jenny K on June 4, 2012
update 6/04 - Contest is over! We'll announce winners later today! I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting knitting projects, so it was no surprise that when Noni Flowers came across my desk, I couldn't stop flipping through the pages! Filled with page after page of stunning photography of life-like knitted flowers, I was instantly mesmerized by the attention to detail that every flower was given. Designer Norah Bellows brings an amazing collection of knitted flowers to life, all while giving you guidance through techniques specific to creating these little beauties. Norah starts off by breaking down the anatomy of a knitted flower and then guides you through special techniques - such as how to create the stamen and how to add wire to your flowers. |
