The Japanese Knitting Pattern Blog is a resource for English speaking knitters who love Japanese knitting patterns.
Japanese knitting patterns are gaining more popularity with English speaking knitters. However, the language barrier and the differences between knitting pattern instructions, knitting symbols, and knitting needle sizes, makes it difficult for English speaking knitters to knit the patterns.
The Japanese Knitting Pattern blog hopes to help jump these hurdles and offer resources for knitters to translate patterns that they can knit.
The blog covers such topics as:
Japanese Knitting Books
Free Japanese Knitting Patterns
Japanese Online Bookstores
Japanese Knitting Patterns
Japanese Knitting Symbols
November 28, 2007
Knitting Daily Announces Yarn Spree Giveaway
Enter at knittingdaily.com for a chance to win $600 in gift certificates to your favorite local yarn shop.
Loveland, Colo., November 28, 2007: Knitting Daily wants yarn lovers to shop till they drop in the New Year. Knitting Daily, Interweave Press’s new online community, pattern library, blog, and e-newsletter for knitting and fiber enthusiasts, announced today the opportunity for readers to enter the chance to win $600 in shopping sprees to their favorite local yarn shops (LYS).
Simply visit the Knitting Daily Yarn Spree webpage, provide your contact information and the name of your favorite LYS, and automatically be entered to win a LYS yarn spree. Three winners will be drawn at random and will win a gift certificate to shop for free yarn, needles, books, and magazines at their favorite LYS compliments of Knitting Daily. The grand prize is a $300 gift certificate to the winner’s favorite LYS, followed by a $200 LYS gift certificate to the second-place winner, and $100 LYS gift certificate to the third-place winner.
Website: www.knittingdaily.com/yarnspree
Knitting Daily Editor Sandi Wiseheart will announce the winners in January 2008.
Loveland, Colo., November 28, 2007: Knitting Daily wants yarn lovers to shop till they drop in the New Year. Knitting Daily, Interweave Press’s new online community, pattern library, blog, and e-newsletter for knitting and fiber enthusiasts, announced today the opportunity for readers to enter the chance to win $600 in shopping sprees to their favorite local yarn shops (LYS).
Simply visit the Knitting Daily Yarn Spree webpage, provide your contact information and the name of your favorite LYS, and automatically be entered to win a LYS yarn spree. Three winners will be drawn at random and will win a gift certificate to shop for free yarn, needles, books, and magazines at their favorite LYS compliments of Knitting Daily. The grand prize is a $300 gift certificate to the winner’s favorite LYS, followed by a $200 LYS gift certificate to the second-place winner, and $100 LYS gift certificate to the third-place winner.
Website: www.knittingdaily.com/yarnspree
Knitting Daily Editor Sandi Wiseheart will announce the winners in January 2008.
November 22, 2007
The Knitter's Book of Yarn
The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes is an informative and entertaining guide to everything you need to know about yarn.
The Knitter's Book of Yarn is written by the editor of Knitter's Review (http://www.KnittersReview.com), Clara Parkes, who has been reviewing yarn, needles, and all things knitting for years.
It includes a thorough discussion of the 4 major types of fibers used to make yarn: protein fibers (wool, cashmere angora, etc.), cellulose (plant) fibers, cellulosic fibers (rayon), and synthetic fibers (nylon, acrylic, etc.). Clara writes about the characteristics of each kind and where they come from. More importantly she explains the properties of each kind of yarn and what type of knitting uses are best for them.
Clara also has a whole section of the book that covers how yarn is made from the major mill to the microspinneries and everyone else in between. Plus she discusses the different processes used to dye yarn.
Finally, in the third section of the different plys of yarn (single, two-ply, tree-ply, four-ply, cabled, textured, boucle, brushed, and chenille), she has 40 knitting patterns that take in the best features of each type of yarn.
I especially liked the two-ply Baby Soft Cardigan (page 91), the four-ply Princess Mitts (page 173), and cabled-yarn Cabled Headband (page 187) by designer Jennifer Hagan of Figheadh Yarnworks. The baby cardigan has an unique slightly asymmetrical front placket that doesn't require a button band to be knit. And the fingerless gloves have a beautiful cable pattern on top.
Amy King has several nice patterns including an angora cardigan, Vines Cardigan (page 103) and a cabled-yarn vest, XOX Vest (page 183).
Other designers featuring patterns in the book are: Adrian Bizilia, Cat Bordhi, Teva Durham, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, Norah Gaughan, Amie Gavin Glasgow, Bess Haile, Lana Hames, Shelia Janury, Elanor Lynn, Tara Jon Manning, Gina Wilde, and Margaret Klein Wilson.
Clara Parkes has included several of her own patterns including a lovely Butterfly Moebius shawl done in a cabled-yarn.
What I especially enjoyed about all the great patterns in the book is that in addition to listing the yarn used in the pattern, the book also has recommendations on what type of yarn to use for substitution.
Two patterns from the book are available for free, Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes and Princess Mitts by Jennifer Hagan
Errata for the patterns is available on the Knitter's Review website.
The finally section of the books is a great reference that any knitter could use. It includes how to care for handknits and special considerations to keep in mind for each type of fiber. There are couple of invaluable charts, one on figuring out Wraps Per Inch (WPI) and the other listing the standard yarn weight system. And the abbreviations and technique section is invaluable.
Overall, The Knitter's Book of Yarn is a must have for any serious knitter who want to knit better finished garments. It gives all the information you need to make better buying decisions of yarn and wonderful patterns to use the yarn with.
The Knitter's Book of Yarn is written by the editor of Knitter's Review (http://www.KnittersReview.com), Clara Parkes, who has been reviewing yarn, needles, and all things knitting for years.
It includes a thorough discussion of the 4 major types of fibers used to make yarn: protein fibers (wool, cashmere angora, etc.), cellulose (plant) fibers, cellulosic fibers (rayon), and synthetic fibers (nylon, acrylic, etc.). Clara writes about the characteristics of each kind and where they come from. More importantly she explains the properties of each kind of yarn and what type of knitting uses are best for them.
Clara also has a whole section of the book that covers how yarn is made from the major mill to the microspinneries and everyone else in between. Plus she discusses the different processes used to dye yarn.
Finally, in the third section of the different plys of yarn (single, two-ply, tree-ply, four-ply, cabled, textured, boucle, brushed, and chenille), she has 40 knitting patterns that take in the best features of each type of yarn.
I especially liked the two-ply Baby Soft Cardigan (page 91), the four-ply Princess Mitts (page 173), and cabled-yarn Cabled Headband (page 187) by designer Jennifer Hagan of Figheadh Yarnworks. The baby cardigan has an unique slightly asymmetrical front placket that doesn't require a button band to be knit. And the fingerless gloves have a beautiful cable pattern on top.
Amy King has several nice patterns including an angora cardigan, Vines Cardigan (page 103) and a cabled-yarn vest, XOX Vest (page 183).
Other designers featuring patterns in the book are: Adrian Bizilia, Cat Bordhi, Teva Durham, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, Norah Gaughan, Amie Gavin Glasgow, Bess Haile, Lana Hames, Shelia Janury, Elanor Lynn, Tara Jon Manning, Gina Wilde, and Margaret Klein Wilson.
Clara Parkes has included several of her own patterns including a lovely Butterfly Moebius shawl done in a cabled-yarn.
What I especially enjoyed about all the great patterns in the book is that in addition to listing the yarn used in the pattern, the book also has recommendations on what type of yarn to use for substitution.
Two patterns from the book are available for free, Maine Morning Mitts by Clara Parkes and Princess Mitts by Jennifer Hagan
Errata for the patterns is available on the Knitter's Review website.
The finally section of the books is a great reference that any knitter could use. It includes how to care for handknits and special considerations to keep in mind for each type of fiber. There are couple of invaluable charts, one on figuring out Wraps Per Inch (WPI) and the other listing the standard yarn weight system. And the abbreviations and technique section is invaluable.
Overall, The Knitter's Book of Yarn is a must have for any serious knitter who want to knit better finished garments. It gives all the information you need to make better buying decisions of yarn and wonderful patterns to use the yarn with.
November 11, 2007
Pretty Knits
Pretty Knits by Susan Cropper has 30 feminine-styled knitting patterns knit with some of today's' most beautiful yarns by popular knitting designers.
If you are looking for a knitting pattern book with a little less glam and a lot more feminine, then you should check out Susan Cropper's Pretty Knits. In it you will find stylish knitwear as well as beautifully lush home decor.
Susan Cropper is the owner of the London yarn store, Loop. In her book, Pretty Knits, she has patterns from popular knitting designer such Debbie Bliss, Leigh Radford, and Claire Montgomerie, as well as lesser known designers.
The book has four sections of patterns and there are several patterns in each section that would be great knits.
The first section, Flirty Fashionista, has several feminine tops including the Beaded Camisole by Lesile Scanion, the "Bliss" Empire-Line Top by Debbie Bliss, the "Elsie" Swing Cardigan by Amy Twigger Holroyd, and the "Avril" Shrug by Kristeen Giffin-Grimes.
The second section, Divine Accessories, has the "Anisette" Wrap by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes.
The third section, Beautiful Boudoirs, has the Lavender Sleep Pillow by Ruth Cross, Floral Bolster Pillow by Catherine Tough, and Lace Ruffle Bed Socks by Leslie Scanion.
The fourth section, Feminine Fripperies, has Scallop-Edged Lace Wrap by Kate Samphier and Lavender Heart by Catherine Tough.
If you are looking for a knitting pattern book with a little less glam and a lot more feminine, then you should check out Susan Cropper's Pretty Knits. In it you will find stylish knitwear as well as beautifully lush home decor.
Susan Cropper is the owner of the London yarn store, Loop. In her book, Pretty Knits, she has patterns from popular knitting designer such Debbie Bliss, Leigh Radford, and Claire Montgomerie, as well as lesser known designers.
The book has four sections of patterns and there are several patterns in each section that would be great knits.
The first section, Flirty Fashionista, has several feminine tops including the Beaded Camisole by Lesile Scanion, the "Bliss" Empire-Line Top by Debbie Bliss, the "Elsie" Swing Cardigan by Amy Twigger Holroyd, and the "Avril" Shrug by Kristeen Giffin-Grimes.
The second section, Divine Accessories, has the "Anisette" Wrap by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes.
The third section, Beautiful Boudoirs, has the Lavender Sleep Pillow by Ruth Cross, Floral Bolster Pillow by Catherine Tough, and Lace Ruffle Bed Socks by Leslie Scanion.
The fourth section, Feminine Fripperies, has Scallop-Edged Lace Wrap by Kate Samphier and Lavender Heart by Catherine Tough.
November 08, 2007
Knitty Fall Surprise Patterns and 2008 Calendar Available
Knitty.com has published 3 new patterns for their Fall 2007 Issue. They are:
Intarsia Fun - Two intarsia patterns by Debbie Bakerfield, one a hat, the other a scarf.
Juno Regina - A lace wrap by Miriam L Felton
Oblique - a cardigan by Véronik Avery
Also available is their 2008 Knitty Calendar, available in the Knitty Shop. The calendar uses photos of completed Knitty projects. The winners are:
January: Alicia Ramirez
February: Sarah Wilkin
March: Jo Kerrigan
April: Flora Wermuth
May: Jenny Spencer
June: Suzie Putnam
July: Heidi Kastner
August: Angela Daff and her bunnies!
September: Lindsey LaPlant
October: Angela Moore
November: Jennifer Schmitz
Intarsia Fun - Two intarsia patterns by Debbie Bakerfield, one a hat, the other a scarf.
Juno Regina - A lace wrap by Miriam L Felton
Oblique - a cardigan by Véronik Avery
Also available is their 2008 Knitty Calendar, available in the Knitty Shop. The calendar uses photos of completed Knitty projects. The winners are:
January: Alicia Ramirez
February: Sarah Wilkin
March: Jo Kerrigan
April: Flora Wermuth
May: Jenny Spencer
June: Suzie Putnam
July: Heidi Kastner
August: Angela Daff and her bunnies!
September: Lindsey LaPlant
October: Angela Moore
November: Jennifer Schmitz
October 29, 2007
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fiber Harvest Announced
Plans were unveiled today for the first-ever "Fiber CSA" where knitting enthusiasts can purchase membership shares in the Spring 2007 "harvest" of fiber from the angora goats and fine wool sheep of the Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm. Purchased for yourself or as a gift, share ownership lets members become "vicarious shepherds" without ever having to feed a sheep or shear a goat. Best of all, after shearing, each member will receive an equal portion of the clip in the form of unique, one-of-a-kind yarns.
A CSA is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members who pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In turn, members receive a share of the harvest. This arrangement gives the farmer a direct connection to and relationship with the consumer.
The CSA concept is quietly sweeping the country with families who are looking to help small farmers stay profitable while taking advantage of all the benefits of buying local.
A limited number of shares will be pre-sold at $100 per membership share. Shareholders can choose to take all of their share of the harvest in one type of yarn or receive a sampler pack that includes mohair, kid mohair, Cormo, Cotswold, and fine wool yarns. The purchaser will receive a shareholder’s certificate, weekly email updates on the animals and farm, and an invitation to the farm’s Shearing Day Celebration. For more information, or to purchase a share while they last, visit our website at marthasvineyardfiberfarm.com, or call 845.625.7075 before the holiday rush
A CSA is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members who pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In turn, members receive a share of the harvest. This arrangement gives the farmer a direct connection to and relationship with the consumer.
The CSA concept is quietly sweeping the country with families who are looking to help small farmers stay profitable while taking advantage of all the benefits of buying local.
A limited number of shares will be pre-sold at $100 per membership share. Shareholders can choose to take all of their share of the harvest in one type of yarn or receive a sampler pack that includes mohair, kid mohair, Cormo, Cotswold, and fine wool yarns. The purchaser will receive a shareholder’s certificate, weekly email updates on the animals and farm, and an invitation to the farm’s Shearing Day Celebration. For more information, or to purchase a share while they last, visit our website at marthasvineyardfiberfarm.com, or call 845.625.7075 before the holiday rush
October 16, 2007
Vickie Howell Podcast
Vickie Howell, host of Knitty Gritty, will be releasing her first podcast on November 1, 2007.
Season One will include 7 original podisodes that will be released on Thursdays in November & December.
The line up for the episodes is:
Podisode 001: Dia De Los Crafty!
Begins airing 11/01/07
Guest: Kathy Cano-Murillo (aka Crafty Chica)
Topic: Latina inspired crafting, Dia De Los Muertos and Kathy and Vickie’s Latin roots. Kathy also fills us in with her brand spankin' new line of craft products!
Podisode 002: Eco-Create
Begins airing 11/08/07
Guest: Adrienne Armstrong (Owner of Atomic Garden/First Lady of Green Day)
Topic: Scoop on knitting, crochet and crafting with eco-friendly materials. We’ll also chat about Adrienne's new sustainable living boutique and her work with Habitat for Humanity!
Podisode 003: Man, you’re the Knit!
Begins Airing 11/15/07
Guest: Will Forte (Saturday Night Live)
Topic: Why one man knits as well as how to hook-up with the male-knitting community. Will also gives us the scoop on SNL, his movie Brothers Solomon and his other upcoming projects!
Podisode 004: Bringing Home the Crafty Bacon
Begins Airing 11/29/07
Guest: Jennifer Perkins (Host of Craft Lab/ Owner of Naughty Secretary Club)
Topic: Grass roots info on starting a crafty business. Jen also talks about the current season of Craft Lab and her upcoming jewelry book!
Podisode 005: From Make to Mags
Begins Airing 12/06/07
Guest: Adina Klein (Editor in Chief of Vogue Knitting & Knit.1 Magazines)
Topic: Advice on getting knitwear designs published and what editors are looking for when it comes to submissions, style and execution. Adina will also give us the hot gossip on upcoming VK and Knit.1 issues!
Podisode 006: 3rd Wave Femiknits
Begins Airing 12/13/07
Guest: Debbie Stoller (Editor-in-Chief BUST Magazine/Author Stitch 'N Bitch books)
Topic: Feminism and this generation’s crafty revolution. Discussion about the need for community, the desire to create and the new genre of careers emerging, all in the name of knit. Debbie also fills us in on her upcoming book, the knitting cruise she’s hosting and the scoop on what’s next for BUST!
Plus, tips on starting your own SnB group and seeking out community on the web!
Podisode 007: Book Deal
Begins Airing 12/20/07
Guest: Kelley Deal (The Breeders /Author)
Topic: Trials, triumphs and tribulations of writing a knitting book. Vickie and Kelley swap tales from the book writing trenches and talk about upcoming projects including Kelley's upcoming handbag how-to and the much anticipated Breeders return.
Plus, tips on landing your own book deal!
More info on Vickie Howell's Podcast is available on her website at:
http://www.vickiehowell.com/podcast.html
Season One will include 7 original podisodes that will be released on Thursdays in November & December.
The line up for the episodes is:
Podisode 001: Dia De Los Crafty!
Begins airing 11/01/07
Guest: Kathy Cano-Murillo (aka Crafty Chica)
Topic: Latina inspired crafting, Dia De Los Muertos and Kathy and Vickie’s Latin roots. Kathy also fills us in with her brand spankin' new line of craft products!
Podisode 002: Eco-Create
Begins airing 11/08/07
Guest: Adrienne Armstrong (Owner of Atomic Garden/First Lady of Green Day)
Topic: Scoop on knitting, crochet and crafting with eco-friendly materials. We’ll also chat about Adrienne's new sustainable living boutique and her work with Habitat for Humanity!
Podisode 003: Man, you’re the Knit!
Begins Airing 11/15/07
Guest: Will Forte (Saturday Night Live)
Topic: Why one man knits as well as how to hook-up with the male-knitting community. Will also gives us the scoop on SNL, his movie Brothers Solomon and his other upcoming projects!
Podisode 004: Bringing Home the Crafty Bacon
Begins Airing 11/29/07
Guest: Jennifer Perkins (Host of Craft Lab/ Owner of Naughty Secretary Club)
Topic: Grass roots info on starting a crafty business. Jen also talks about the current season of Craft Lab and her upcoming jewelry book!
Podisode 005: From Make to Mags
Begins Airing 12/06/07
Guest: Adina Klein (Editor in Chief of Vogue Knitting & Knit.1 Magazines)
Topic: Advice on getting knitwear designs published and what editors are looking for when it comes to submissions, style and execution. Adina will also give us the hot gossip on upcoming VK and Knit.1 issues!
Podisode 006: 3rd Wave Femiknits
Begins Airing 12/13/07
Guest: Debbie Stoller (Editor-in-Chief BUST Magazine/Author Stitch 'N Bitch books)
Topic: Feminism and this generation’s crafty revolution. Discussion about the need for community, the desire to create and the new genre of careers emerging, all in the name of knit. Debbie also fills us in on her upcoming book, the knitting cruise she’s hosting and the scoop on what’s next for BUST!
Plus, tips on starting your own SnB group and seeking out community on the web!
Podisode 007: Book Deal
Begins Airing 12/20/07
Guest: Kelley Deal (The Breeders /Author)
Topic: Trials, triumphs and tribulations of writing a knitting book. Vickie and Kelley swap tales from the book writing trenches and talk about upcoming projects including Kelley's upcoming handbag how-to and the much anticipated Breeders return.
Plus, tips on landing your own book deal!
More info on Vickie Howell's Podcast is available on her website at:
http://www.vickiehowell.com/podcast.html
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