The Knit Picks Staff Knitting Blog

Podcast 229 – Finding Inspiration with Elizabeth Zimmermann

by Knit Picks Podcast on December 5, 2013

Between our busy lives, the constant need for multi-tasking and an ever-present stream of distractions at our fingertips, it’s easy to get lost and lose sight of the simple joys, especially in knitting. This week, Kelley get’s her knitting back on track by going back to the beginnings of her fiber life – where the works of Elizabeth Zimmermann not only served as a guide to new techniques and projects, but also as a cherished companion. EZ’s unique style and sensibilities make her a loved teacher and friend amongst knitters everywhere. Hear Hear more about Kelley’s introduction to Elizabeth and reviews of her favorite EZ books, along with what new projects have found their way onto Kelley’s needles.

Elizabeth Zimmermann books reviewed:
The Knitting Workshop
Knitting Around
The Opinionated Knitter
The Knitter’s Almanac

Patterns reviewed:
Swarm of Bees Sweater by Lisa Kereliuk (from the Reclaimed collection)
Funchal Moebius by Kate Davies
Groovy Socks by Caroline Hegwer

3 easy ways to listen…

2 Comments

Tags: book review, Inspiration, Podcast

Swish Collection

by Heidi on December 4, 2013

I’ve always wanted knitwear that looks stellar in an ancient fort and a modern urban setting.

And now we have it. Let me introduce our Swish 2013 Collection, which combines functional designs with classic cables and fine textures. What I love most about this 6-pattern collection is the soft- washable wool yarn, paired with monochromatic, simple designs that bring visual interest through beautiful detailing.

2 Comments

Tags: Books, Inspiration, Patterns

Accessory Weather

by Hannah on December 3, 2013

Those frosted windshields and travel mugs full of hot tea mean that it’s accessory weather! Fingerless mittens have come out of storage weeks ago, I’ve started carrying around a slouchy hat in my purse for windy emergencies this week and I just sorted through my chest of knit sweaters. I’ve been pretty steadily increasing the winter wardrobes of my extended family and friends every Christmas and this year is certainly no different. I wanted to share a few of my recent favorites to add to your own knitting list!

1 Comment

Tags: crochet, favorite patterns, Finished Objects, gift knitting

A time for giving

by Stacey on November 28, 2013

Every year we get questions about what we do with the knitted items after we photograph them for the catalog & website. Well, once a year we go through them and donate most them to charity – we prefer to donate to local charities, to give back to the communities where we all live & work and where there is so much need. I put together the items this year and it seemed like a perfect time – while the Portland/Vancouver area weather tends to be mild, it has been very cold the last few nights and there is a great need for warm items.

My first stop was the Portland Rescue Mission.

3 Comments

Tags: charity

My Diadem DK Crocheted Infinity Cowl

by Jenny K on November 26, 2013

I am usually a very strict one-project-at-a-time kind of a gal, but every once in a while a yarn is just so tempting and beautiful that it just happens to come home with me and goes directly onto my needles or hook. And that is precisely what happened with our latest special reserve yarn, Diadem DK. I was still in the middle of my last crochet cowl (in Diadem Fingering) but I just could not help myself!

This yarn is so lovely with a wonderful drape, I knew it would be perfectly suited for something gift-worthy. And with the holidays sneaking up on me, I had just the excuse to break my one-project rule.

23 Comments

Tags: crochet, Finished Objects, KP Crochet

The Big Sale 2013: My Top 10 Picks!

by Knit Picks Staff on November 25, 2013

By now, most of you have noticed the spectacular sale we have going on (our early-to-the-party answer to Cyber Monday). But the downfall of having over 700 yarns on sale? It always feels like you’ve missed something, no?

With that in mind, I’ve highlighted my Top 10 favorites from this year’s big sale—in dramatic ascending order! Please keep in mind that I’m a lady who loves her neutrals (with little pops of jewel-tones here and there).

10) Capra in “Wine”
~~$7.99~~ $3.99/50g – 85% Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere

My favorite reds always look like they belong in a long-stemmed glass; the combination of this with cashmere feels like some pinnacle of luxury.

6 Comments

Tags: Sales, Yarn

Huge & Huggable Winners!

by Stacey on November 25, 2013

Thanks for all the great entries in our Mochimochi Huge & Huggable giveaway!
First winner is Lisap, who said:
ohmygoodness ! I want to knit them all. I loved the squid and the teddy bears are just too cute. I also absolutely adore the rolly polly!

The second winner is Debbie, who said:
Definitely squee. I’m a Pittsburgh Pirates fan so I would change up the colors a bit. 🙂

Finally, the third winner is Lynn, who said:
Scrolling through the images, my heart just about exploded from the adorableness of the Capybara Caravan. Oh my goodness, so cute.

Congratulations …

2 Comments

Tags: Contest, Toys

A Bevy of Brava Blankets

by Knit Picks Staff on November 23, 2013

There’s nothing quite like a handknit blanket to warm you up on a winter day. And they’re even better when they’re washable! That’s why we have several blanket kits in our super-soft, sturdy acrylic Brava yarn.

It’s hard to go wrong with the Hue Shift afghan! This favorite blanket is available as kits in four colorways…

2 Comments

Tags: colorwork, gift knitting, Kits, Patterns, Yarn

Podcast 228 – Interview with Stephannie Tallent

by Knit Picks Podcast on November 21, 2013

This week, Kelley got a chance to chat with designer and author Stephannie Tallent. First, Kelley and Stephannie talk about the newest book, Hitch, which is a pattern collection inspired by the classic films of Alfred Hitchcock. Next, Kelley and Stephannie talk about her designs in the Wool of the Andes collection (a Knit Picks exclusive) as well as her book California Revival Knits. Hear more about Stephannie’s design process and her fascinating approach to interpreting architectural inspirations into knitwear.

You can find Stephannie’s books and patterns here:
Hitch printed book
Hitch eBook
California Revival Knits printed book
California Revival Knits eBook
IDP patterns

3 easy ways to listen…

0 Comments

Tags: Books, eBooks, interview, Podcast

Roland and the Huge & Huggable Mochimochi Giveaway

by Hannah on November 20, 2013

I’m pretty sure that you could hear my exclamations from SPACE when we got our first copy of Anna Hrachovec’s new book “Huge & Huggable Mochimochi“. A giant stuffed tooth brush and tooth paste tube? YES PLEASE. An enormous pink squid driving a car?? You had me at Squidpocalypse. Page after page of incredibly cute knits had me clapping my hands and giggling with delight until we reached the page with Roland the rolly bug lounging in his folding chair. At this point, my brain exploded and I had to restrain myself from ripping the book out of Stacey’s hands and making a copy of the pattern to take home over the weekend so that I could have my very own Roland ASAP.

556 Comments

Tags: book review, Books, Contest, favorite patterns, Finished Objects, Fun, Toys

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