|
by Knit Picks Staff on August 10, 2011
Now that Sock Summit has come and gone, I have to plan out what to do with all the yummy new sock yarn I have! Since I have a goal to use up all my Sock Summit purchases by the end of the year, I'd better get cracking. But, after having knit so many pair of socks, I've learned a lot about speeding up the process. First came the Magic Loop method and knitting two socks at once - that totally eliminated second sock syndrome for me. But what really sped things up was knitting my socks toe-up. That gave me the ability to finish the socks at any point I wanted past the heels, and not have to worry about running out of yarn before the toes were done. But, toe-up cast-ons can be fiddly and hard to manage - and there are lots of them to choose from! So, how do you find one that suits you best, and how do you actually work the cast-on? To help, I did some short tutorial videos for the three toe-up cast-ons you're most likely to encounter: click to see more! |
Category Archives: Knit Picks Designers
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on July 29, 2011
If you couldn't make it here to Portland to attend Sock Summit, or are wondering what to do with all of the fabulous yarn you scored if you did attend, we've just realeased a new eBook: Socksplosion! This eBook features the patterns from four of our bestselling sock kits. The 25 patterns from Show Off Socks, Speedy Sport Socks, Spring in your Step and Flashdance have a little something for everyone. |
|
by Jenny K on June 22, 2011
Summer seems to have gotten a late start this year, but it looks like the sunshine has come just in time for all of the wonderful new shawl kits! And of course, Kerin kindly shared her inspiration for the colors and designs behind these shawls - some of which come from the most unlikely of places! But it just goes to show that inspiration is around us everywhere. |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on May 31, 2011
Kerin is the in-house pattern designer for Knit Picks and is one of the most talented knitters our company has ever had the opportunity to work with. We thought that you all should get a chance to get to know Kerin the way that we do, so how better than with an interview! I hope you enjoy getting to know our funny (and all-around-awesome) Kerin as much as I did. As many of our blog friends know, you are the pattern designer for Knit Picks. This job requires that you know pretty much everything there is to know about knitting. When and how did you learn to knit? |
|
by Knit Picks Staff on May 6, 2011
Intarsia is one of those techniques that seems to strike fear into the heart of many a knitter. But it's actually not scary at all - the trick is simply to understand what it is that you're actually doing. Intarsia is a method by which separate areas of different colors are knit into the same flat piece of work. This can be exceedingly simple, like vertical stripes, or intricate like the Road Trip Totes. What makes it work is the way each working strand of yarn is wrapped around the next at color changes. If you've been curious about Intarsia but weren't quite sure how to get started, I put together a little video explaining some of the techniques. Take a look! |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on May 6, 2011
So, as in most operations where secrecy is paramount, we use 'code names' for our yarns and patterns before they're released. That way, we can say things in 'code' to each other and avoid tipping off the... oh, wait. Actually we just use working titles, because that's easier than thinking of 'formal' names right off the bat. Usually, these working titles are scrapped and something more descriptive takes their place. (For instance, I'm sure a lot more people would want to make the 'Shift Tote' than the 'Intarsia bag'.) Sometimes, though, the working title sticks and you get things like Dishie! |
|
by Jenny K on May 5, 2011
As you may have noticed already, it has been a busy week here at Knit Picks! Not only have we added lots of new yarny goodness, but there are also many new kits as well! And if you are like me and love to hear about the inspriation behind a design or simply how an idea transformed into a finished project, these designer interview with Kerin are a real treat! And to pass along the inside scoop on these amazing new kits, Kerin and I worked together to bring you another round of designer interviews! You can now see videos for the Shift Totes, the Dimensions Wrap, the Tiddlywinks Baby Set and the Fancy Feet kit simply by clicking on the "video" tab when viewing the kit. Besides finding out the spark of creativity for these patterns, Kerin also mentions specific construction design and techniques as well as tips and tricks. Another thing that I really like about these videos is how it adds another way to see the actual designs knit up, how large they are as well as how they move and drape. |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on April 25, 2011
Besides being a fun pastime, knitting is a pretty effective way to help the earth by using less energy. I'm sure you've all heard the adage, "If you're cold, put on a sweater." But it goes so much farther than that! The difference of just a few degrees on your thermostat can make a big impact on your energy usage. According to the US Department of Energy, for every degree lower you set your thermostat in the colder months, you can save up to 1% on your energy bill. Lowering it from 72 to 68 degrees can save a lot more. Instead of turning the heat back up if you feel a chill, a wool sweater or blanket can be just the thing to keep you warm without having to warm the whole house. Not to mention that some blankets, like the Impressionist Afghan, can warm you while you work on it - because it's made in one piece! |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on April 19, 2011
...With the Show Off Socks Kit! These socks are written with shoes in mind - the foot portion is entirely in stockinette to fit comfortably in your shoes, while showcasing the fun, textured cuffs. There are 12 different stitch patterns to choose from: |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on April 15, 2011
What better way is there to experience the countryside than a good old road trip? Well, if gas prices are prohibitive, you can bring the countryside home with you with our Road Trip Tote kits! These three kits capture the spirit of place with brilliant intarsia panels. So pack up the car and let's go! |
