Meet Lisa, from Dicentra Studio
by 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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Tags: behind the scenes, Fun, Inspiration, spinning, Tutorials, video


Button, Button, who’s got the button?
by on June 14, 2012

Such a little thing, the button, but it sure can make a good project look great!  Searching for that perfect button can also be a pain.  Each store usually only a select amount – typically somewhat standard, one button fits all.  But what if you want that special button that will wow your garment without running all over town (or further)?

Here at Knit Picks, we understand this dilemma.  We have so many projects in each catalog that requires buttons, and not just any button. So now we now have the perfect solution. Buttons! Buttons! and even more Buttons, right at your fingertips!

buttons

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Tags: New Products


How to Block Lace
by on June 12, 2012

My summer knitting ritual consists of finishing up any sweaters that I may have still on the needles in favor of lace. It can be anything from a very large, traditional shawl to a cute, elongated shawlette – if it’s got lace, then it has a home on my needles during the warm, summer months. But, in order to fully appreciate all of the time and effort that went into the lace project, I definitely have to set aside a day of blocking for my projects.

If you are anything like me, you might even have more than one lace project set aside, just waiting to be blocked out into its full lace glory. It’s okay to admit it – blocking your project takes a bit of time and patience. Unfortunately, it is a necessary evil (in my opinion, anyways!) since your finished lace project will come off of the needles looking akin to an ugly duckling. The lace yarn is so feathery light that it cannot hold its intended shape. And like the duckling, it is awkward and clumsy. But fear not! With a little dedication, blocking will transform your duckling into the beautiful swan it wants to be.

And to help you reveal the regal and delicate elegance of your lace project, we’ve got a wonderful video tutorial to help you block your lace into shape!

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Tags: blocking, lace, Technique of the Week, Tutorials, video


It takes two
by on June 8, 2012

Up here in the Northwest, we seem to be straddling two seasons. It
makes for rather interesting weather, and a difficult time finding
something to wear!

It’s for those occasions – the not quite spring but not yet summer,
warm sun but cool breeze, the-AC-is-on-a-little-too-high type of days
that inspired the new Gemini Vest.

This tunic-length vest is knit in Stroll and Stroll Glimmer,
making it soft, shimmery and machine washable. The lower bodice and
back are knit in a subtle stranded pattern of diamonds that is echoed in
the lace upper bodice.

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Tags: colorwork, Kits, Knit Picks Designers, lace


Podcast Episode 189: Interview with Nora Bellows
by 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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Tags: Books, Inspiration, Podcast


Cutch
by on June 6, 2012

A partial Earthues Botanical Dye Kit
kit found its way to my desk last weekend and I jumped on the chance to
dye a little bit of an enormous fleece I bought at last year’s Black Sheep Gathering.
There was enough cutch left in the packet to dye about 3/4 of a pound
of fiber. So, in the pot it went with some Alum as a premordant and then
once more into the pot with the powdered cutch for a few hours on a hot
stove.

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Tags: Dyeing, Roving


Good things come in threes
by on June 5, 2012

That old addage has been used to describe so many things, but it’s certainly true for the Ternion Knee Socks kit!

The Ternion (fancy word for a group of three) Knee Socks kit
features three patterns for three different pair of knee-high socks
that use three totally different techniques. There are the stately
Cabled pair, which feature intricate front cable panels and twist-stitch
ribbing…

 

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Tags: Kits, Knit Picks Designers, socks


Figure Eight Cast On for Toe-Up Socks
by on June 5, 2012

Knitting socks from the toe up has been quickly becoming a favorite technique among knitters. At first, the idea of working socks from the toe up instead of the cuff down boggled my mind- how would you cast on, how would you work the heel, would there even be a heel flap? All of these questions came to mind, but eventually my curiosity grew to the point where I simply had to see how a toe-up sock came together. And I have to say, I’m so glad I gave it a shot! It was a lot easier than I thought it would be and I even found a few advantages to toe-up socks that I really liked.

So, if you’ve been on the fence to trying toe-up socks, this week’s technique of the week is here to help you get started! In the Figure Eight Cast On for Toe-Up Socks video tutorial, Kerin shows you a simple and effective way to cast on for your toe-up socks.

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Tags: socks, Technique of the Week, Tutorials, video


Congratulations to our Noni Flowers winners!
by on June 4, 2012

Thank you for all of your entries in our Noni Flowers book contest! 
I randomly chose our two winners:
Winner #1
Becca!
Becca’s comment: “OOOOh those are lovely! I’d love to learn how to make them!”
Winner #2
Elke!
Elke’s comment: “I would have to say roses, I have seen some almost black ones, and an amazing two tone red one. But also some weed flowers look really freat especially if they have impressive colors or the morning dew on them. Nature is just amazing.”
Congratulations! I hope we’ll be seeing some beautiful knitted Noni Flowers coming into bloom!
 

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Tags: Contest, Fun


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