July 29, 2006

New Glampyre Knit Sweater Pattern - Stitch Diva

Stefanie Japel (aka Glampyre Knits) has released a new knit sweater pattern called Simple Knitted Bodice. The pattern is a simple knitted bodice with a v-neck line and a super-simple lace accent at the waist. The pattern is available in both short and long sleeves.

The pattern costs $7.00 US and is available for download at Stitch Diva Studios.

A knit along (KAL) has started on Crafters.org for knitters who would like to knit the pattern along with other knitters.

Intermediate Required Skills: Casting On, Binding Off, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Increasing, Decreasing, Repetitive stitch patterns.

July 27, 2006

For The Love Of Yarn Summer 2006 Issue

The For The Love of Yarn Summer 2006 issue has been released. This online magazine is geared to knitters and crocheters.

This issue has several free knitting patterns and free crochet patterns including:
Little Old Aran Vest by Catherine Hoben
Red Poppy Pillow by Stephanie Martin
Whatever Shrug by Pam Lovera
A Square to Snuggle by Tara E. Swiger

Free Articles:
Cables Tutorial
Spinning Pet Hair Into Yarn

July 26, 2006

Fall 2006 Knit Simple Magazine

The Fall 2006 issue of Knit Simple Magazine is now available. The patterns included in the issue range from country casuals to city-slick work attire.

The knitting patterns are divided into the Family Tree section which includes patterns for the family including an adorable dog sweater,
the Urban Folklore section which includes folk-inspired knitwear, the Big-Top Kids section which includes patterns with a circus-style theme for kids, the Comfort Zone section which includes patterns for throws and pillow, and the Indigo Girl section which has a blue-hued cardigan pattern for the curvaceous knitter.

Articles in this issue include "The Upside of Upsizing" by Jean Leinhauser on ways to modifying a pattern for fuller figures, another on how to knit cables, and one on how to do a slip-stitch.

The Fall 2006 issue of Knit Simple Magazine can purchased now on newsstands.

July 24, 2006

Fall 2006 Vogue Knitting Magazine Preview

A preview of the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting magazine is now available on the Vogue Knitting website.

Patterns are divided into several sections: GRAY'S ANATOMY, MODERN ENGLISH, HOBO CHIC, and BY INVITATION ONLY: SOCKS.

The Gray's Anatomy section's patterns include sweaters and cardigans with premium cables. Modern English includes highland themed sweaters with a modern appeal. Hobo Chic has three eclectic style garments. And Invitation Only: Socks has great looking sock patterns in a variety of styles.

There are also several knitting articles in the fall issue. Meg Swenson writes about Elizabeth Zimmermann’s sock "un-ventions." Nicky Epstein has an article about using I-cord edges and closures. Shirley Paden explains how to create landscapes through entrelac knitting. And Daryl Brower writes about Norah Gaughan's, author of Knitting Nature : 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature, design inspirations.

The Fall 2006 Vogue Knitting Magazine goes on sale August 8, 2006.

July 23, 2006

Knitting News Cast - Episode 16 Now Available

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

Download Knitting News Cast Episode 16 on the Knitting News Cast website. You can also Subscribe to The Knitting News Cast Podcast.

This episode includes:
Knitty.com Article Published
Knitting Podcasts
First Turned Heel Sock
Secret Pal Goodies
Test Knitter
South West Trading Company Phoenix yarn
My One Skein Secret Pal Rocks
Another Double Cable Scarf
Summer Spindlicity Issue Released
Knitty.com Summer 2006 Issue Released
New Crochet Magazine
Reinforcing Nylon Thread For Knitting Socks
Knitty Gritty Season 4 Begins
New Online Crochet-Friendly Yarn Store Directory
Magazine Review - Knit Scene Fall 2006
New Free Knitting Pattern: Ribbed Cable Muffler
Yarn Review - Cascade Yarns Pima Silk Yarn
Book Review - Knitting Rules! by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Upcoming Knitting Books In August 2006

Upcoming Knitting Books In August 2006

Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss (publication date - August 1, 2006)

Debbie Bliss presents 20 adorable new designs for babies and toddlers—from blankets and booties to cardigans, twin sets, and coats—all using soft, snuggly yarns.

Debbie Bliss is the most stylish and accessible children’s knitwear designer working today. In Simply Baby, she returns with a cuddly collection of clothing and accessories for newborns to two-year-olds. Some designs are simple to make, such as the striped hat and the ribbon-tie booties. As novice knitters gain confidence, they, and more experienced knitters, will enjoy the designs that introduce new elements, like edging or cabling. Each project—from a lace-edged cardigan to a cashmere coat—is knitted in beautiful yarns that are not only gentle against young skin but are also easy to care for. Complete with step-by-step instructions, charts, and charming photos, this is another irresistible collection from the foremost designer of knitwear for babies and children. Debbie Bliss, former designer for Baby Gap, is the best-selling author of more than a dozen books, including Baby Knits for Beginners, The Baby Knits Book, Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook, How to Knit, and Classic Knits for Kids.


Knitting Loves Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs to Hook Up Your Knitting with a Touch of Crochet by Candi Jensen (publication date - August 1, 2006)

Knit and crochet designer Candi Jensen has a mission — to show today’s trendy, young knitters just how much fun a little crochet can be. Crocheting can mimic lace. It can give a knit sweater pretty edging unachievable with knitting needles. Crocheted flowers and bobbles lend texture and interest to a flat surface. To get her message out, Jensen has written Knitting Loves Crochet, brimming with designs to make believers out of the knitting only crowd who still associate crocheting with doilies and dowdy tissue box covers.

Crochet works exceptionally well as edging or trim, and Jensen explores that match-up to its fullest, with patterns for chic knit cardigans edged with lacy crochet; a stunning, fitted tank finished with a paler shade of crochet on the top and bottom; and placemats, napkin rings, and washcloths trimmed with delicate crocheted color.

Jensen goes on to explore the creative possibilities of crocheted insets and motifs — granny squares in dog sweaters, flowers on a felted purse and fingerless gloves with beaded crochet wrist trim. The possibilities are endless when it comes to mixing these two versatile crafts. Knitting meets crochet — it’s the exciting next step for the knitting enthusiast.

About the Author
Candi Jensen has been a craft and needlepoint designer for more than 25 years. She is widely published in national magazines including Vogue Knitting and Better Homes and Gardens. She is the author of Crochet Scarves!, Crochet Bags! and Hooked on Crochet. Candi lives in the San Francisco Bay area.


Jackets-For Work & Play (The Best of Knitter's Magazine series) (publication date - August 1, 2006)

After more than 20 years of quality publishing and numerous sold-out issues, Knitter's Magazine has compiled the best jacket projects designed by renowned players in the knitting field. The 25 projects cover a wide range of classic styles—from suits to coats to light-weight cover ups—that provide stylish options for both work and play. Stitches such as the slip stitch, linen stitch, and moss stitch are introduced, as well as more advanced techniques that are thoroughly illustrated with detailed instructions. Creative finishing options are also provided for the motivated knitter seeking to customize and personalize their projects.

Book Review - Knitting Rules! by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

Knitting Rules! by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

This is one hilarious knitting book. It is the first book in a long time, maybe since I started knitting last year, which I've put down my knitting to read other then to look at knitting pattern books. I gulped it down in two readings.

Stephanie has a wonderful and humorous writing style, as is evidence by her online blog, Yarn Harlot. There she gives a daily glimpse into the life of harried knitter trying to find a balance between writing, knitting, and family.

In this latest book, Knitting Rules!, Stephanie offers knitting advise that is both informative as it is funny. I felt like I was sitting in the presence of one of those women you find in knitting circles across the country that knows everything about knitting, is willing to help you no matter what, and makes you feel better about your own mistakes by telling you about her own knitting fiascos. You know those women. You just love them!

The other great thing about this book is the easy way that Stephanie presents the various patterns in her book. They aren't dry instructions but more along the line of an experienced knitter sitting down with you, telling you the basics, offering you advise, and letting you come up with your own take and style of the item.

I especially liked the chapters on hats (page 102) and scarves (page 152). She offers simple directions on knitting these items while presenting great ways to make them your own.

I was even able to use Stephanie’s sage knitting advice right away. I was knitting a double cable scarf that had a cable motif at either end of the scarf. The center portion was K2 P2 ribbing. Since I was using different yarn then the pattern called for I didn't know when or how to get both ends knitted with the cables without running out of yarn or having too much left over. And there was the answer in the scarves chapter on page 166!

Here are some quotes from the book that I particularly liked:
"Stash has a tendency to multiply. This is independent of your tendency to keep buying it, so don't bother resisting the urge. Note: This rule is true only of stash that's hanging around being decorative. Once you start to knit with it, it doesn't multiply...as any knitter who has run out of yarn a half-sleeve short of a sweater can testify." - page 32

"Sweaters are clothes, not just knitting, and because there is more to them, there is more that can go wrong. A bad scarf can still be charming on some level and the consequences will never make your breasts look saggy, but a bad sweater has impact." - page 188

On the "I could Never Knit a Sweater": Ten Reasons Knitters Give and What I Wish I could Say to Them on page 196:
"4. I’ve tried and the sweater was crap. That's no reason to quit. I knit tons of crap. Crap all the time. The path to a good sweater is paved with crap. There's a magic number of crappy things you have to knit before you're released from the crap and can get a good sweater. You must work through the crap to get to the light. It's either that or you don't follow directions well. One of the two."

I highly recommend Knitting Rules! by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee to any knitter. It will have you rolling on the floor with laughter as you identify with all the craziness that is knitting. This is definitely a book worth putting your knitting needles down for.

Yarn Review - Cascade Yarns Pima Silk Yarn


Cascade Yarns Pima Silk Yarn
85% Pima Cotton, 15% Silk
50 grams, 109 yards
Gauge: 4 1/2 stitches per inch
Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry flat.

This is a fun yarn to knit with. Unlike other 100% cotton yarns I've knitted with, most notably Peaches 'N Cream which is stiff and scratchy, this yarn is soft and silky. Of course, it isn't as elastic as wool or wool blend yarns, but it is still is a wonderful yarn to knit with. And it feels light and soft against the skin.

I love the color of this yarn, Pink (Number 6915). It isn't too red or too burgundy. It is the color pink that I think of when I think of pink. And is a perfect color for items to knit for October Breast Cancer Awareness month. I knit a double cable scarf that I plan on wearing during October.

This yarn would be great for summer tank tops and short-sleeve tops, as well as for cool weather scarfs when fashion over warmth is preferred.

July 24 - Knitty Gritty - Ski Knits

New Knitty Gritty Episode - Ski Knits - guest host: Souza family. projects: knit camouflage ski cap. Airs: July 24, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern and July 29,2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern.

July 16, 2006

Top 10 Knitting Books - July 16, 2006

1. Mason-Dixon Knitting by Kay Gardiner, Ann Meador Shayne
2. One Skein : 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet by Leigh Radford
3. Knitting Rules! : The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
4. Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller
5. Knitting Nature : 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature by Norah Gaughan
6. Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers by Nicky Epstein
7. The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe
8. Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns by Cat Bordhi
9. Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann
10. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting Magazine Editors

July 17 - Knitty Gritty - Knitting as Fabric Episode

New Knitty Gritty Episode - Knitting as Fabric - guest host: Allison Whitlock. projects: knit pillows. Airs: July 17, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern and July 22, 2005 at 4:30 PM Eastern

New Free Knitting Pattern: Ribbed Cable Muffler

Knit a great looking ribbed cable muffler. This free knitting pattern is by Beadlizard.

The pattern required 700 yards/250 grams of sportweight yarn. It is knit on size 4.5 mm and 3.75 mm knitting needles.

This beautiful and unique pattern is an intermediate knitting project that isn't too challenging but does require some concentration to keep up with knitting the cables.

Required Skills: Casting On, Binding Off, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch, Increasing, Cable Knitting

July 14, 2006

July 15 - Knitty Gritty - Knitting for Charity Episode

New Knitty Gritty Episode - Knitting for Charity - guest host: Kathy Silverton, Betty Christianson (author of Knitting for Peace) and Michelle Bernal. projects: knit baby hats, knit teddy, breast cancer awareness knit pink-ribbon-motif bag, knitted scarf. Airs: July 15, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

July 13, 2006

Magazine Review - Knit Scene Fall 2006

The special issue of Interweave Press's Knit Scene for Fall 2006 is now available. It is chock full an assortment of knitting patterns along with a couple of articles including one on felting and one on cables.

Knitting Patterns
The Fall 2006 issue's patterns are divided into four sections: Folklorico, Knits In The City, Girly Girl, and MOD.

In the Folklorico section the patterns use bold colors and folk inspired designs. Poinsettia (page 10) is a wrap cardigan with waist ties. It is in a bright red with contrasting purple/magenta. Matador (page 13) is a knit bolero with raglan shoulder shaping. My favorite in this section is Camisa (page 15) which is a v-neck short sleeve top with basketweave stitches at the waist.

The Knits In The City section includes hip styled knitted garments and accessories geared towards city living. Hear No Evil (page 20) is a knit striped earflap hat made of bulky cashmere yarn. Uptown Mommy (page 25) is a knit diaper bag made with simple shaping. I particularly like the Central Park Hoodie (Page 23). I keep going back to this pattern every time I flip through the magazine. It is has a cable pattern and I love the green yarn used for the sample.

In the Girly Girl section of the magazine, the patterns take on a feminine look and feel. Molly Ringwald (page 31) is a form-fitting corset top with ruffled cap sleeves and eyelets around the bottom. Magnolia (Page 32) is a short cardigan with a deep v-neckline which closes with a pin instead of buttons.

The MOD section is a retro-look back at the 1960's knit fashions. It includes Extra! Extra! (page 43), a newsboy style knit cap. A crocheted curtain panel called Curtain Call (page 43) is also shown.

There are free bonus knitting patterns available on the Knit Scene website. They include:
Felted Flowers
Frill Collar made of mohair and cashmere yarn.
Striped Felted Bag with pom-poms and embroidered flowers

Knitting Articles
The Knit Scene Fall 2006 magazine also has a couple of note worthy articles. An extensive article on felting (page 16) walks through the 4 steps of felting. There is an article on knitting cables (page 28) with clear diagrams and directions for reading cable pattern charts. It uses the Central Park Hoodie (Page 23) as an example of a project that uses cables.

July 12, 2006

New Online Crochet-Friendly Yarn Store Directory

Crochet me, the online crochet magazine, has released the beta version of their online crochet-friendly yarn store directory. The directory contains listing of online and local yarn stores that are happy to go out of their way to welcome crocheters.

Often times, crocheters feel unappreciated by yarn stores that seem to only cater to people who knit. These yarn stores don't typically carry crochet supplies including crochet needles or have staff that are familiar with the craft (and art) of crochet. The new crochet directory answers these frustrations by listing crochet-friendly yarn stores.

Yarn stores that would like to be listed in the Crochet me store directory can be listed for free during the beta.

Check out the Crochet Store Directory.

Knitting News Cast Offers News By Email

The Knitting News Cast™, Knitting For Your Ears™, podcast now offers the latest knitting news by e-mail subscription. This feature is in addition to its current distribution of knitting news through its podcast, website and RSS feed.

The knitting news feature of the Knitting News Cast website keeps knitters up-to-date on the latest knitting news and events between episodes of its knitting podcast which contains reviews of knitting websites, knitting patterns, knitting books, yarn, stitches, and knitting events.

Sign up for the Knitting News Cast E-mail Subscription or the Knitting News Cast Podcast.

Amy Singer Seeks Professional Photographer and Models

Amy Singer, author of Big Girl Knits: 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves, is looking for a professional photographer for a photo shoot for her upcoming book, Big Girl Knits 2, as well as women to model for the book.

The photo shoot will be October 2-4, 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Photographs will be taken in various locations through out the city.

The qualified photographer must know how to make women of all sizes and shapes look gorgeous. Also, the photographer must have good people skills and act professional. The photographer's portfolio must be submitted in order to be approved by the publisher, Potter Craft.

Amy Singer is also looking for photogenic, attractive women, size 18-20, to participate in the photo shoot. Modeling experience is preferred but not required. At least two models of different body types will be used.

The Big Girl Knits strives to show that women of all sizes are beautiful. The authors' goal is to help women make the most of whatever they want to show off on their body and minimize the rest.

More information and contact information is available on Amy Singer's website.

Knitty Gritty Season 4 Begins

The 4th season of Knitty Gritty has begun on the DIY Network. The new episodes are aired Mondays at 11:30 AM Eastern time and Saturdays at 4:30 PM Eastern time each week.

Knitty Gritty is a hip and fun knitting program hosted by Vickie Howell. In each episode she covers knitting project with knitting authors and knitting designers.

Read a review of the Knitty Gritty book.

Upcoming episodes of Knitty Gritty:
Rock Star Bag - guest host: Kelley Deal. projects: felted bag. Airs: July 03, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; July 08, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Knitting for Charity - guest host: Kathy Silverton, Betty Christianson (author of Knitting for Peace) and Michelle Bernal. projects: knit baby hats, knit teddy, breast cancer awareness knit pink-ribbon-motif bag, knitted scarf. Airs: July 10, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; July 15, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Knitting as Fabric - guest host: Allison Whitlock. projects: knit pillows. Airs: July 17, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; July 22, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Ski Knits - guest host: Souza family. projects: knit camouflage ski cap. Airs: July 24, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; July 29, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Moebius Knitting - guest host: Cat Bordhi, author of The Second Treasury of Magical Knitting. projects: knit moebius scarf. Airs: August 07, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; August 12, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Disco Glam - guest host: Brett Bara, editor of Woman's Day Specials: Easy Knit and Crochet Ideas. projects:knit halter top, knit shrug, knit bag. Airs: August 14, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; August 19, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Combo Corset-T - guest host: Annie Modesitt, author of Confessions of a Knitting Heretic. projects: knit top. Airs: August 21, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; August 26, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

It's in the Bag - guest host: Vicki Square. projects: knitted messenger bag. Airs: August 28, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern; September 02, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern

Fibonacci Knitting - guest host: Adina Klein, editor-in-chief of Vogue's Knit 1 magazine. projects: knit cuff and scarf

Sushi for the Bathroom - guest host: MK Carroll. projects: knitted sushi-toilet-paper cozy and knitted bamboo toilet-tank mat.

Flirty Skirty - guest host: Tina Marrin. project: vintage-inspired butterfly pattern knitted skirt.

It's So Mod - guest host: Iris Schreier, author of Modular Knits. projects: knitted coasters, knitted placemat, and knitted table runner.

July 08, 2006

Reinforcing Nylon Thread For Knitting Socks

Reinforcing nylon thread is usually used to reinforce the heels and toes of 100% wool knitted socks in order to reduced wear. The thread is held together with the wool yarn when knitting the heels and toes.

Wooly Nylon which is a stretchy thread used in sergers for sewing can be used as a reinforcing thread. This thread is available in a variety of colors at fabric stores and is relatively inexpensive.

Some sock yarn is sold with reinforcement yarn such as Lang's Jowell. This yarn is 75% superwash wool, 18% nylon & 7% acrylic which also helps with wear since it is not 100% wool.

Some knitters complain that using reinforcing nylon thread in knitted socks actually increases the wear of their socks and causing them to darn their socks more often. However, it is usually the wool yarn in the areas where the thread is used that wears. This does, however, give a good base for using duplicate stitch for darning worn toes and heels.

Another complaint about reinforcing nylon thread is that it may make the heel and toe areas of the sock thicker and stiffer. This can make the sock uncomfortable to wear.

Instead of using reinforcing nylon thread, some knitters use a smaller needle when knitting the heels and toes of their socks. This helps the durability of the knitted sock but doesn't usually affect the size.

Whether or not you knit socks with reinforcing nylon thread is ultimately a personal decision. Some knitters find it aids in reducing the wear of their knitted socks while others find that it is too much hassle and doesn't help with wear.

July 06, 2006

New Crochet Magazine

A new crochet magazine, Crochet Today, will be available for sale on August 8, 2006.

The magazine is published by Coats and Clark, a textile/thread manufacturing company, that produces yarn including Aunt Lydia's and Red Heart.

The magazine has reviews on crochet books and crochet products, includes crochet projects with instructions, has articles on crochet techniques, and offers a crochet advice column. The premiere issue has an article on crocheting in the round. It also has instruction for a crochet afghan and a crochet bag.

The Coats and Clark website offers free knitting patterns and free crochet patterns.

Get a preview of Crochet Today, at the Crochet Today Today Website.

July 04, 2006

Summer Spindlicity Issue Released

The Summer 2006 issue of Spindlicity is now available.

The issue includes the results of the Shawl contest, a great article about a handspun, handwoven flag, kidspin, projects and more.

The issue includes two patterns. They are:
Marigold by Marnie MacLean - a bright colored patterned hat
Tutti Frutt by Kathy Hinckley - a crochet bag in bright colors

Knitting News Cast - Episode 15 Now Available

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

Download Knitting News Cast Episode 15 on the Knitting News Cast website. You can also Subscribe to The Knitting News Cast Podcast.

This episode includes:
Uncommon Threads Premier
Knitting Suduko
Crochet me Latest Issue
Vickie Howell's Free July Pattern
July Issue of MagKnits Released
Fearless Fibers Yarn Contest
Upcoming Knitting Book
Yarn Review - Lorna's Lace Shepherd Sport
Magazine Review: MagKnits 2006
Book Review: Sexy Little Knits

July 03, 2006

Book Review - Sexy Little Knits

Sexy Little Knits : Chic Designs to Knit and Crochet by Ashley Paige

Knit and Crochet patterns for summer pieces including swimwear, tank tops, dresses, and shorts.

Divided into three sections:
  • Bikinis and One-Piece Swimsuits
  • Dresses, tank tops, miniskirts, and short-shorts
  • Camisoles, bathrobes, and sleepwear.
I love the idea of knitting sexy garments and so I was looking forward to getting this book. I mentioned it in a previous episode as an upcoming book. However, when I received the book, I was disappointed.

There are some cute designs in this book, but unless you are a size 2 and have a model body, I don't think many people will be able to knit many flattering garments from this book.

These are the kind of patterns that you would probably knit for yourself rather then as gifts since they require pretty accurate close fitting body measurements. And you would probably need to keep trying them on while knitting them.

The only pattern I'd consider knitting for myself is the bathrobe. However, it calls for a lot of expensive yarn. Plus I'd rather spend my time knitting garments I'd wear out in public such as socks, scarves, and cardigan.

This book would make a better coffee table book for its unique looking designs and fashion models then as a source of knitting patterns.

July 02, 2006

Fearless Fibers Yarn Contest

Fearless Fibers Yarn is have their first yarn contest. The winner of the contest will win a skein of merino yarn. There are four types to choose from, in several colorways: Superwash Merino Sock Yarn, Merino Sock Yarn, Sport Weight Superwash Merino, and Two-Tone Twist Merino.

For contest rules, see the Fearless Fibers Yarn blog.

Upcoming Knitting Book

The Craft Queen's Guide to Hip Knits by Catherine Tough. Publication Date: July 31, 2006

* Fun and funky styles for beginning knitters!
* Cool, fun projects: leg warmers, mitts, scarves, pillows, throws--and lampshades!
* Each chapter introduces a new technique and great projects to practice with!

Beginning knitters, cheer up. Now you can learn to knit exciting, amusing designs by Catherine Tough, known for her witty accessories. A section on getting started shows all the basics. Then it’s time to make stylish leg warmers, mitts, scarves, pillows, throws, and more, following step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations. Big needles make many projects fast; fun yarn combinations and clever, cute embellishments make them all hip.

July 01, 2006

July Issue of MagKnits Released

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

The issue includes:
- Wimbledon, by Alison Hansel, a sleeveless tank with a wide collar and deep slit neckline
- Summer Shawlette, by Sue Morgan, lace shawl with a frill edge
- Pixie, by Marjorie Brigham, a recycled woman's sweater turned into a girls sleeveless dress with gathered skirt
- Ballet Camisole, by Alexandra Virgiel, sleeveless tank with gathered sweetheart neckline
- Summer Nights, by Abi Flynn-Jones, sideways knitted cardigan with short row shaping for the waist and bust

See all the knitting patterns in the July Issue of MagKnits.

Vickie Howell's Free July Pattern

Vickie Howell of the popular DIY network's Knitty Gritty has posted her free pattern for the month of July.

The pattern is a crochet pillow cover called Meredeth named after Vickie's brother's girlfriend. The pattern calls for 20 inch by 20 inch pillow, random worsted weight yarn, and ribbon yarn.

Check out the free pillow cover crochet pattern, Meredeth, at Vickie's Web Site.

Yarn Review - Lorna's Lace Shepherd Sport


100% Superwash Wool DK weight yarn
70 grams, 200 yards
Recommended Needle Size:US #4 (3.5 mm)
Gauge: 5 stitches per inch
Care Instructions: Care Machine wash and dry flat.

This is a super soft yarn in beautiful hand-dyed colorways. It would be great to use for sweaters, shawls, shrugs, and scarves. It is also a great yarn for making socks.

The colorway shown here is #12 Iris Garden. It is a great combination of purples and greens. This colorway is available in the entire line of Lorna's Lace yarns including Shepherd Worsted, Shepherd Sock and Shepherd Bulky as well as Wool Top, Revelation and Helen's Lace.

10 Top Knitting Books - 7/2/2006

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. Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers
7. The Knitting Answer Book
8. Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: a Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns
9. Knitting Without Tears
10. The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Two: Cables

Crochet me Errata

Crochet me, the online crochet magazine, has released an errata for the latest release of their crochet patterns.

Two of the patterns have updated instructions. They are:
Traveling Bags
Daisy Skirt

The corrections in the patterns are identified with orange text.