10 Top Knitting Books - 6/24/2006

1. One Skein : 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet
2. Mason-Dixon Knitting
3. Knitting Rules! : The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks
4. Knitting Nature : 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature
5. Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
6. Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers
7. The Knitting Answer Book
8. The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Two: Cables
9. Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns
10. Knitting Without Tears

Crochet me Latest Issue

The latest issue of Crochet me, an online crochet magazine, is now available.

In each issue, Crochet me publishs crochet patterns, tutorials, articles, and essays by recreational and professional crocheters from all over the world.

Free Patterns in this Issue of Crochet me Include:
Galaxy Top - use a cotton t-shirt as the base for some far out crochet lace edging.
Crystal Lace Bolero - a lacey bolero in a light wool/nylon yarn.
Two Traveling Bags - shoulder sling and passport bags in cotton for summer traveling.
Color Me - bright, fun crayon kids blanket crocheted in vibrant colored wool.
Daisy - lacey summer skirt.

Vickie Howell's Blog Book Tour Spectacularium 2.0

Vickie Howell's Blog Book Tour Spectacularium 2.0 starts on June 27th on the Vogue Knit.1 blog. Knit.1 will be giving away a free copy of Vickie's new book, Not Another Teen Knitting Book.

Vickie Howell's Blog Book Tour Dates:

Tueday, 6/27: Knit.1
Wednesday, 6/28: Naughty Secretary Club
Thursday, 6/29: Shelterrific
Friday, 6/30: Chick With Sticks/
Saturday, 7/1: Pink World
Sunday, 7/2: Pepto Girl

Knitting Suduko

A form of Sudoko, a logic game, usually played with numbers, has been updated as Knitting Suduko. The puzzle uses lace knitting terms.

The terms used in this version of Knitting Suduko are: yarn over, decrease, increase, K2tog, knit, purl, cobweb, blocking, heirloom. Each of these 9 terms must be used once in each horizontal row. They must also be used once in each vertical row. Finally, they must be used once in each grouping of 9 boxes which are highlighted as shaded or not shaded. Each box may only contain one term.

To play Knitting Suduko goto http://www.knittingbeyondthehebrides.org/lace/suduko.html.

Uncommon Threads Premier

The premiere of the new needlecrafts show, Uncommon Threads, on the DIY network will be on July 3rd, 2006. The show will include applique, crochet, embroidery, patchwork, quilting and rug making.

The first episode, Street Art Rugs, airs at 10:30 AM Eastern on July 03, 2006. In this episode, Oliva Bratich demonstrates how to transfer an image onto a latch-hook canvas. Whitney Lee covers basic latch-hooking and shows multiple ways to finish a canvas.

Other episode follow on July 5th at 10:30 AM Eastern (We've Got It Covered), July 7th at 10:30 AM Eastern (Scratching the Surface) and July 10th at 10:30(Embroidered Escape).

Future episodes will also include crochet and knitting projects. A list of all the Uncommon Threads episodes is now available.

Knitty D and The City Episode 7 Released

Knitty D and The City has released their seventh podcast. Entitled "Take Me Out To the Suburbs or Knitty D Does Devon", the episode can be downloaded at the Knitty D and The City Website.

Knitting News Cast - Episode 14 Available

The lastest episode of the Knitting News Cast, a podcast for knitters, is available.

Download Knitting News Cast Episode 14 on the Knitting News Cast website. You can also Subscribe to The Knitting News Cast Podcast.

This episode includes:
Knitter's Summer 2006 Magazine Review
Spin-Off Summer 2006 Magazine Review
Vickie Howell launches updated site
Knitty.com raising money for breast cancer
Knitty.com 2007 Calendar Contest
More Stitch 'N Pitch Games Announced
Summer issue of Spindlicity delayed
Knitting World Cup Drawing
Upcoming and New Knitting Books
Book Review of The Knitter's Companion

Magazine Review: Spin-Off Summer 2006

Since I'm still learning about spinning, I decided to pick up the latest issue of Spin-Off, a magazine for the handspinning community to get more familiar with the craft. The issue I got was the Summer 2006 issue.

The magazine included several articles I found interesting:

• self-winding winders by Nathan Lee (p. 26)
• the art of plying by Judith Mackenzie McCuin (p. 30)

There are also several patterns and projects using handspun yarn that I liked:

• Sheep and Shepherd Coin Purses designed by Mavis Adam (p. 58)
• Estonian Hand Puppets designed by Anu Kotli and Carol H. Rhoades (p. 62)
• Crocheted Bag for holding yarn by Meta Thompson (p. 86)

In the back of the magazine there is a Handspun Gallery of Children's Wear for inspiration that includes sweaters, mittens, and hats all made from handspun yarn.

The magazine also includes information on upcoming spinning related events as well as spinning guild information.

Magazine Review - Knitter's Summer 2006

The summer issue of Knitter's has some great articles and patterns in it. I especially enjoyed reading the letter from the editor. He talks about getting ready for the issue's photo shoot in Florida and has several pictures from behind the scenes.

There were several patterns that I liked including:

• Aqua Cascade designed by Norah Gaughan - three-quarter length sleeve sweater with ruffle neckline in Berroco Ultra Silk (p 48)
• SweetPeas designed by Colleen Smitherman - a short sleeved top in ribbon yarn a openwork design at the cuff and waistband that uses cable crossings. (p. 58)
• Paperback Rider designed by Stephanie Stock - a small felted bag with a loop and button closure. I just love the blue and green yarn they used. It is Westminster Fibers Nashua's Wooly Stripes in color #WS05, Ocean. (p. 66)
• French Market Dou designed by Marta McCall - a matching bag and wrap. I prefer the bag over the wrap. The bag uses a lace stitch pattern for an open work look. (p. 70)
• Persimmon Lace designed by Jane Sowerby - this is the cover pattern. It is a lacey summer wrap in a beautiful lace stitch pattern that gives it an airy feel. It could be worn a shawl or a scarf. (p. 76)

Book Review - The Knitter's Companion

The Knitter's Companion: New and Expanded by Vicki Square.

I just received the updated and expanded edition of the compact knitting reference guide, The Knitter's Companion. The original, published in 1996, was a great standard reference but the new edition has a lot of cool features including:

• a hardback that conceals the spiral bounding so it is less likely to catch on things in your knitting bag plus the cover should hold up longer. And it lies flat.
• color illustrations and photos. The old one had no photographs and all the illustrations were black and white
• new sections on winding yarn, measuring knitting, circular needles, and knitting backwards
• several expanded sectionsg:
• casting on
• splicing yarn
• binding off
• increasing stitches
• correcting errors
• information on the CYCA guidelines for the six standar categories of yarn sizes based on yarn thickness
• a needle sizer and stitch guage guide in the back

The Knitter's Companion: New and Expanded by Vicki Square has all the basic information on casting on, binding off, increases, decreases, stitches and stitch patterns, gauges, joins, seams, borders, and buttonholes. Plus, the small size of this guide makes it a good choice for including in your knitting bag or keeping by your chair when you knit.

Upcoming or New Knitting Books

Not Another Teen Knitting Book by Vickie Howell - June 28, 2006

One glance at this fun volume (cleverly designed to look like a high school yearbook) will have every teen, from preppies to punks, grabbing for their knitting needles. That’s because Vickie Howell has created something to appeal to every last one of them, whether they’re in the drama club (theater mask hats), celebrating their first car (steering wheel, headrest, and seatbelt cozies), or heading for the track meet (athletic socks). Each hip, urban-styled project represents a different group, event, milestone, or interest; taken as a whole, they truly capture the diversity of the high school experience. Plus, Howell offers “Knitting 101” for beginners, and ranks the projects by difficulty, from “Freshman” for the simplest to “Varsity” for those who enjoy a challenge. With her help, every young knitter will make the grade!

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Knitting Pattern-a-Day : 2007 Day-to-Day Calendar by Paulette Lane - July 1, 2006

With the Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar every day features a knitted piece from the craftiest in the trade. Enjoy photographs of fun and beautiful creations each day accompanied by associated patterns, instructions, and measurements. You'll never be without the perfect handmade gift-From cozy scarves and sweaters to groovy bags and sweet baby booties, create hundreds of knitted novelties and discover the newest techniques and materials along the way.

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Kids Knitted Sweaters & More by Cabin Fever Designers - Available

Following their creed of minimal finishing, Deb and Lynda Gemmell and fellow Cabin Fever designers bring you more than 30 delightful fashions for children. Most of the designs are knit in one piece or constructed from one of three different directions. Choose a cozy pullover knit in the round from the bottom up or from the top down. Or choose a cardigan or vest made in one piece, working back and forth on a circular needle. These can also be knitted from the top down with no seams to sew. For something different, work a sweater from each of the cuffs and then join in the middle. There also is a poncho, beaded bag, tunic and hat, hoodie vest, and bare midriff slipover. Your special little ones will love wearing these amazing creations, which are great for experienced as well as beginning knitters.

10 Top Knitting Books - 6/16/2006

1. Mason-Dixon Knitting
2. One Skein : 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet
3. Knitting Rules! : The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks
4. Knitting Nature : 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature
5. Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
6. The Knitting Answer Book
7. Big Girl Knits : 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves
8. Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns
9. The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Two: Cables
10. Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn

Knitting World Cup Drawing

If you are participating in the Knitting World Cup, you could win The Knitter's Satchel designed by Jordana Paige along with other knitting items.

The Knitting World Cup Drawing is open to all successful finishers of the Knitting World Cup. The drawing will take place on Monday 17th July. The winner will be announced on Yarn Monkey's official Knitting World Cup website.

The Knitting World Cup is a world wide knitting event that coincidess with the Soccer World Cup in Germany. Knitters started projects at the start of the World Cup on June 9, 2006. The projects must be complete by the end of the World Cup on July 9, 2006. Find out more about the Knitting World Cup.

Upcoming Knitting Events - July 2006

The Knit & Crochet Show
- King of Prussia, PA - July 13 - 16, 2006
Australian Sheep & Wool Show - Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia - July 21 - 24, 2006
Fiber Arts Festival - Charlevoix, MI - Jul 29 - 30, 2006
Lambtown Festival - May Fairgrounds, Dixon, CA - July 29, 2006
Fiber Arts Festival - Castel Farms, Charlevoix, MI - July 29 - 30, 2006
Virginia Highlands Festival - Historic Abingdon, VA - July 29- August 16, 2006

Pattern Review - Knitted Tank

Beak Knits! has posted a knitting pattern for a tank top in mercerized perle cotton yarn. It is the Eggplant Tank knitted with Valley Cotton 3/2 yarn in a deep purple.

The front of the tank is topped with an open work stitch pattern using a cable needle. The straps are done up with an i-cord.

The pattern is for a 34 inch bust by Beak Knits will write up other sizes if you send her an e-mail.

This tank is a great addition to the summer wardrobe.

KnitCast's 24th Episode Released

Marie Irshad has released her 24th episode of KnitCast, a podcast about knitting. This episode comes after a long break since her last episode in March 2006.

The episode is entitled Toronto. It includes interviews with Amy Singer, editor of Knitty, and Denny McMillian, employee of The Naked Sheep.

KnitCast was the first knitting podcast, started in early 2005. Past episodes have included interviews with Ann Budd from Interweave Knits, knitting author Annie Modesitt, designer Debbie Bliss, and other well known authors and designers.

Spindlicity Summer Issue Delayed

Spindlicity, an on line magazine for handspinners, summer's issue release will be delayed until June 9th.

Each issue of the handspinning magazine includes articles about handspinning and handspinning related products, people, and events.

The magazine also includes patterns for knitting, crotcheting, and weaving yarn that is handspun, as well as a gallery of spun yarn and completed products.

The most recent Spring 2006 is available at the Spindlicity website.

More Stitch N' Pitch Games Announced

The National Needle Arts Association (TNNA) has announced a new program called Stitch N' Pitch! The program builds on the success of Stitch N' Pitch program last year at the Seattle Mariners.

The event has been structured into a formal program. It partners with individual baseball clubs, to bring two American traditions together -- Baseball and the NeedleArts.

The first in a series of Stitch N' Pitch is to be held July 20th at the San Francisco Giants game. Additional events will be held at baseball games of the Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers, LA Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians, and the Atlanta Braves.

Get the more information and full schedule of games at the Stitch N' Pitch website.

The Knitty 2007 Calendar Contest

Knitty.com announced that it is taking entries for its 2007 Knitty Calendar. Entries must be from the knitting patterns from a past Knitty.com issue of their online knitting ezine/magazine.

Knitty.com is "looking for the best, most enticing, amusing and well-shot photographs of items knit from Knitty patterns. We'll select the 12 best and publish them in our second calendar, this fall, for 2007. And the best of those 12 will go on the cover and get some seriously fabulous knitworthy stuff!"

Prizes Include:
Grand prize:
One [1] of the 12 runner-up winners will be chosen to be on the cover of the calendar. The grand-prize-winning photographer will receive a BIG BOX full of current knitting books and a variety of gorgeous yarns from all the great yarn companies Knitty works with.

Runners-up:
Twelve [12] winning photographs will be selected to fill the pages of the Knitty 2007 calendar. Each winner will receive one [1] copy of the Knitty 2007 calendar and will be fully credited in the calendar [right on their photo].

Honorable mentions:
Pictures that we love but that aren't chosen as winning entries will be displayed in special gallery in Knitty's winter 2006 issue. Each photo displayed will be credited to the photographer, and we'll link to your website if you want us to.

Get all the details of the Knitty 2007 Calendar Contest.

Knitting World Cup Begins

The Knitting World Cup began today to concide with the Soccer World Cup in Germany. The challenge to knitters world-wide is to pick a challenge knitting project and have it complete by the end of the Soccer World Cup on July 9, 2006.

Knitters may participate in the challenge alone or in groups.

Unfinished Objects (UFO's) and Works In Progress (WIPs) can qualify for the challenge but include some "penalities". They include:

1. Timing how long it has taken to knit the project so far. This can be calculated by calculating the time it takes to knit a row and multipling by the number of rows already knitted.

2. An additonal 30 minutes should be added to the total to account for already knowing the pattern.

UFOs and WIPs can not be worked on until number of minutes calculated after the start of the games.

To find out more and to sign up a team, go to 2006 Knitting World Cup.

Team Knitty To Raise Money For Breast Cancer

Amy Singer, editor of Knitty.com, announced today that she and 10 other participants will once again raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through CIBC Run For the Cure.

The walk takes place October 1, 2006, in Toronto and Team Knitty hopes to raise at least $5,000 for to help the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation money to fund innovative and relevant breast cancer research, education, and awareness programs in Canada. In 2005, the run raise over $23 million dollars.

About the CIBC Run For The Cure race: https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/en/about.asp

To donate for the Team Knitty team: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation: http://www.cbcf.org/

New Knitting Pattern From Glampyre

Stefanie Japel of the Glampyre website has made a new knitting pattern available at HipKnits UK.

It is a Hip Tee sweater, made from silk yarn.

Check out the pictures of the knitted Hip Tee sweater at: http://www.glampyre.com/blog/archive/001487.php

Vickie Howell Launches Updated Site

Vickie Howell has a new and improved website. The new site includes:

• crafty t-shirts
• books
• free monthly patterns
• events & news updates
• "How-to" knit & crochet instruction
• "Ask Crafty" answers to your hot burning D.I.Y. questions

Knitting News Cast - Episode 13 Available

The lastest episode of the Knitting News Cast is available.

Download Knitting News Cast Episode 13 on the Knitting News Cast website.

This episode includes:

• Review of the Latest Online Knitting Magazine - MagKnits
• Knitty.com Surprise Knitting Patterns
• Free Patterns
• Upcoming Knitting Events
• Upcoming and New Knitting Books
• Book Review of Knit Knack Kit
  

Book Review - Knit Knack Kit by Kris Percival

Knit Knack Kit: Simple Instructions and Tools For 25 Terrific Knitting Projects by Kris Percival

Knit Knack is actually a box set that includes a beginning knitting book, knitting pattern cards, and a set of circular needles with stitch marker and a tapestry needle.

The knitting book includes a getting started section with an introduction to various knitting supplies such as needles, yarn, and other miscellaneous knitting items.

There is also a section on how to knit that includes

• holding the needles
• positioning the yarn
• casting on
• knitting and purling in both the american and continental style
• weaving in loose ends
• binding off
• increasing
• decreasing
• yarn overs
• knitting in the round
• making seams
• picking up stitches
• gauge
• blocking

It also has a knitting resource section and knitting abbreviations

There are also 25 knitting projects included on individual cards. Each card has a picture of the completed project on the front and the instructions on knitting the project on the inside.

Projects Include:

• a bookmark
• a plain and ribbed scarf patterns
• dishcloth
• mittens
• a ribbed hat knitted in the round
• slippers
• baby booties
• pillow covers
• change purse
• cell phone cozy
• baby sweater and blanket
• socks
• lacy shawl
• leg warmers

I like that each project is on its own individual card rather then in the book. That way I can slip the project card I'm working on in my knitting book rather then having to carry along a big bulky book. And the small knitting book included in the set doesn't take up much room either.

I think this would make a great gift for a new knitter or knitter wanna be. Just team it up with enough yarn for one of the projects and your recipient will be ready to knit.

Kris Percival also has Knitting to Go Deck that includes 25 more knitting projects on individual cards.

Book Review - The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee

The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee

I picked up this book a couple of months ago, looking for the ultimate sweater book. This book is pretty close. The subtitle is “Knit Creative Seam-Free Sweaters on Your Own with Any Yarn”. That pretty much sums up the book.

The Sweater Workshop is based on a workshop that Jacqueline teaches. And the book has the feel of her right there with you guiding you through the process. She gives detailed, step-by-step instruction for making sweaters using the raglan and drop-shoulder styles.

Jacqueline based her workshop on Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Percentage system where you basically take two measurements and are then able to design and knit a sweater. With Elizabeth’s permission Jacqueline takes EZ’s method and expands on it.

And there is a pattern for a pair of easy, spiral socks that requires no seams. It is a beginner’s pattern that would be good for a new knitter or a knitter new to knitting socks. I hope to try out the pattern soon. As well as making a sweater based on the books step-by-step instructions.

Overall, The Sweater Workshop is a great resource for any knitter wanting to design and knit their own sweater using any yarn they'd like.

June Issue of MagKnits Released

The June issue of the online knitting magazine, MagKnits, was released today.

The issue includes:
- Rufflette, by Zoe Valette, a knitted lace sweater.
- Tropicana, by Sabine Riefler, a knitted pair of socks
- Gesundheit, by Carol J Sulcoski, a knitted tissue cover.
- Vegan, by Chrissy Gardiner, a vegan suede vest
- Saturday Market bag, by Jodie Danenberg
- Lux, by Melissa Wehrle, cashmere lacy tank
- Rose of Sharon, by Angela Hahn, a knitted hat
- Emily, by Katie, Golitzin, a cotton and lycra yarn tank top

See all the knitting patterns in the June Issue of MagKnits

Upcoming or New Knitting Books

The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Two: Cables
The second in a trio of essential Stitchionaries from the experts at Vogue® Knitting—a knitter’s most trusted source of information.

No other book on the subject offers material that’s as rich or as comprehensive as this! Vogue® Knitting’s second superlative Stitchionary presents an expansive collection of cable stitches culled from the magazine’s unmatched archives. Perfect for inspiring the design process and enhancing garments, it's the ultimate “swatch bonanza” for crazed knitters obsessed with trying new stitches. The options range from simple to expert level, so everyone can find something appropriate. And all the stitches—Allover, Braid, Combo, Diamond, and Pretzel—are organized thematically and shown in large, close-up images. With its clear, concise instructions, charts, and superb photos of more than 200 pattern stitches, this will become an indispensable reference in every knitter’s library.

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Greetings from Knit Café by Suzan Mischer
When former CBS vice president Suzan Mischer decided to open a knitting store on Melrose Avenue, she wanted to create a place where people could gather, slow down, and talk (as well as buy supplies). The result was Knit Cafe, a sleek yet homey crafts store where an increasing number of Hollywood denizens regularly unwind with their needles and yarn. With the publication of Greetings from Knit Café, knitters nationwide can join the famed store's ever-widening circle of devotees.

This colorful, cozy, and chic book offers 30 of Knit Cafe's most dazzling patterns for "California style" projects ranging from hiking socks to a bikini to a "red carpet" gown. It also features stories about how the celebrated store came to be, the neighborhood it's in, the daily goings-on, and the improbable mélange of actors, surfers, doctors, and directors that gather there. Even a few favorite recipes from regular customers are included.

Greetings from Knit Café is, quite simply, the best way to share the history, spirit, and patterns of this unique yarn store without having to fight the traffic.

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Lion Brand Yarn: Just Wraps : 30 Patterns to Knit and Crochet
From shawls, shrugs, and stoles to ponchos, capelets, and boas—wraps are both classic fashion staples and hot accessories of the moment. Lion Brand Yarn: Just Wraps features an exciting collection of designs that combine fashion finesse with creative flair.

Just Wraps includes:
-30 original designs including a Western-style men’s poncho ("moncho"), and an adorable children’s capelet embellished with organza ribbon

-easy-to-follow knit and crochet instructions

-an array of new and interesting textures to inspire the creative crafter.

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Lion Brand Yarn: Just Bags : 30 Patterns to Knit and Crochet
It’s impossible to have too many bags, and now Lion Brand Yarn: Just Bags presents a new collection of innovative designs for knitting and crocheting fashionable carryalls of all types. Ranging in skill level from simple to challenging, and varying in stitches and styles, designs include a classic pocketbook appropriate for the office, a flashy purse to sport on a night out, and a roomy messenger bag to suit an active lifestyle.

Just Bags features:

-30 original designs to knit and crochet a variety of bag styles

-easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams on adjacent pages

-colorful photographs and clear illustrations.

Vickie Howell's Free June Pattern

Vickie Howell of the popular DIY network's Knitty Gritty has posted her free knitting pattern for the month of June. It is the "Populars" scarf from Not Another Teen Knitting Book.

It uses the same type of material that her Tinsel purse pattern on Knitty called for. It is made out of ripped-up fabric.

The scarf is made out of a hot-pink version of similar fabric and has keyholes so that it can be worn at different lengths.

Check out the free scarf pattern, Populars, at Vickie's Web Site.