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.