I love the New Year! I get all wrapped up in making new plans and setting new goals. The majority of my plans fall by the wayside but enough of them actually work out to keep me going through the same routine every year. Well, almost the same routine. This year, after some inspiration from the fantastic designs in Kristin Nicholas’ book, I am going to re-work my knitting stash. That’s right! Every ball and skein is going to get dragged out and re-assigned to something productive! I know it sounds crazy but I’m seriously considering making this a yearly habit. 
 
3 easy ways to listen…

Knitting socks for Jonathon has reminded me of all the opportunities knitters have to knit for others. Why not extend the spirit of giving beyond the holidays? Find a cause that tugs at your heart and get knitting!
 
3 easy ways to listen…

January’s project from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s book the Knitter’s Almanac is an Aran sweater. So, that is how I am beginning my year! As I worked out the design for my cardigan, I realized cabling would be a nice topic for the beginning of our knitting year together. It does feel nice to shake away the lethargy of Christmas vacation with a challenge.
 
3 easy ways to listen…

Every artist has a set of favorite tools that are a magical blend of usefulness and empowerment. As long as you have your bag with you, you can fix any knitting problem. Over the years I have defined my own collection of tools that I consider to be absolutely essential. I always keep them within reach when I am knitting. Since every knitter has their own style, her own requirements will be little different from mine. But, I will share my must-have list with you in case my collection inspires you to add a few things to your own tool kit.
 
3 easy ways to listen…

Designers are individuals. We love their unique projects but sometimes their unique way of communicating can make us crazy! The thing is, patterns are just like novels. An artist throwing their view of the world out there counting on the kindness of strangers. You, the reader, or knitter, have the responsibility to participate in process. You interpret the writing in order to enjoy the story. As you work through a pattern it may be easy to understand, confusing or frustrating. It all depends on the style of the written instructions and how well you are able to interpret them
 
3 easy ways to listen…

In cold weather, I’m quite comfortable knitting warm garments. But, before I know it, spring arrives and I have absolutely nothing hand knit to wear in the warm weather. What a disappointment! There are many reasons to knit summer tops and sweaters but you need to get started during the dreary days of winter. To help you make your yarn decisions, I thought it would be a good idea to review the qualities of summer fibers like cotton and linen.
 
3 easy ways to listen…

Casting on is the beginning of every knitting adventure. But, just like a travel adventure, how you get started depends on where you are going. Plane, train or automobile? Cabled, long tail or invisible cast on?
 
3 easy ways to listen…