I just finished my Soap Bubble Wrap (Ravelry link) in the Marshmallow color of Simply Cotton Worsted. It’s a pattern from the Spring 2009 issue of Interweave Knits. I liked that it was assymetrical with lace detail at one hip and also spreading out over the opposite shoulder.

The pattern construction was really interesting – you make the kimono-style sleeves by casting on stitches at the armscye until you have enough for the length of the sleeve, and then you keep knitting straight up. This, along with a few short rows, allows you to keep the lace pattern intact at the shoulder. When you finish knitting the fronts and back, you join the top sleeve seam using a three-needle bind off.

I really liked knitting with Simply Cotton – it’s a lot softer than a lot of cotton yarns I’ve worked with, and …

Here’s a sneak peak behind the scenes at Crafts Americana… Each division (Knit Picks, Connecting Threads, and Artists Club) does a review presentation to Customer Service. We review the new projects, techniques, yarns (fabrics, surfaces) and tools that will be appearing in the next catalog. I took some pictures from yesterdays meeting to share with you (sorry about the location, conference room was in use, so the presentation was done out in the warehouse!)
These first pictures are of me sharing a couple of new Knit Picks projects…
Lacy Cardigan from Knitting Goes Large, knit in Risata Seedling:

Thistle Design Balmoral from Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting, knit in Gloss Lace Cypress.

Here’s The Connecting Threads team sharing the wonderful quilts and new fabric lines coming out (I want 2 of everything!!!!):

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I’m moving in a few weeks, and started packing – of course, the most accessible thing to pack was my yarn!

The yarn is calling to me from its cardboard confinement!

And my yarn shelves are bare. (Yes, my craft room is hot pink)

So what to do for knit in public day? I know that moving is about the most super-busy time ever, so I figured I was probably safe packing everything because I wouldn’t have time to knit. But, the yarn, it calls to me! Every skein I touched was begging to be something as I stuffed it mercilessly into boxes. No, no, for this Knit in Public day, and I guess for the next few weeks before I set my yarn free once more, I will commit to… *gasp*… one project. I KNOW! I know. …

To celebrate Knit In Public Day, we’re knitting preemie caps for The Preemie Project over the weekend! The knitter who completes the most preemie caps by 9am PDT on Monday morning wins! To participate, go here.

The Preemie Project is most in need of caps for 3-8 lb. infants, so that’s what we’re knitting. Your finished hats must have a circumference of 11-12.5 inches and a length/height of 4-6 inches. You can get more sizing details in The Preemie Projects measurement guide.
We are not requiring you to use a specific pattern for this speed knitting contest, but here’s a suggested pattern that’s quick and easy. It’s the Basic Newborn Baby Hat by Jennifer L. Jackson.
When you are done, take a photo of your finished caps (they have to be ready to wear, no unwoven ends!) …

When I first heard about Worldwide Knit in Public Day, I didn’t really understand the concept. I mean, I knit in public ALL THE TIME. On public transportation, in the car, in restaurants,in airports…..at any seated event really. And some un-seated: in line at the post office, at the bank…I could go on and on. So, what’s the point of a whole entire day devoted to knitting in public? I already do that!
Then I realized that I have only certain types of projects that I knit on in public. Socks are the most likely thing you’ll spot me working on because they are so portable. Mittens and gloves are up there too, closely followed by hats and cowls. When I knit in public, I don’t drag out the afghans, the color work, the sweaters knit in pieces with 2 sleeves on the needle at once, the snowy white lace that …