Shawl knitting offers a lot of fun choices for the knit designer. After some general conceptualizing, the first specific choice is always: hmmmm, what shape of shawl do I want that shows off my stitches or texture or color work the best? If the answer is an equilateral triangle shawl, there are a couple of … Continue reading Try the CDI for triangular shawl magic
The best way to wash a woolen garment is by hand in cool water with only gentle squeezing to get rid of the excess water when done. This, of course, is a giant pain in the butt, so countless folks have resorted to throwing their woolies into the washer to save time (washers are a … Continue reading Yes, you CAN felt superwash wool
It's looking like wearing a mask in public is the responsible thing to do just now. Commercially made and disposable ones are getting hard to find but you can make a basic one yourself. Now don't get me wrong, homemade cloth masks are not going to filter out and prevent the coronavirus from getting to … Continue reading Quick and easy masks using all recycled materials
Today, I'm writing up a different kind of post. Instead of a knitting technique how-to or photos of some of my pieces, I thought I'd share some of my favorite, I might say even indispensable, online resources that I go to again and again. Some may well be familiar to you but maybe you'll see … Continue reading Online resources for knitters
Using multiple strands of yarn to create a colorful fabric is one of the most beautiful forms of knitting, imho. This is also known as Fair Isle knitting, (named after an island of Shetland in northern Scotland where it has long been practiced), particularly when traditional colors and motifs are employed. Instructions for the pattern(s) … Continue reading Interpreting Color-work Charts
Everyone is used to making a ribbing of some sort for the cast on beginning of just about every kind of knitted garment. And why not? It is indeed a great utilitarian pattern: ribbing tames stockinette from rolling and draws the width of the fabric in and even acts as a visual frame to the … Continue reading Knitted Picot Hem
A cast-on edge is meant to be a permanent foundation to your knit. There are various methods depending on how you want it to look and how stretchy you want it to be. But...sometimes you don't want that foundation to be so permanent. You want to be able to cast on and knit, of course, … Continue reading Provisional cast-on
I'm addicted to knitting socks like many knitters are--hey! we even have a Facebook page, so you know it's a thing! And why not? What's not to love? You get to make some great functional pieces and they are quick, quick, quick! So..yeah. Me and socks, I love'em. After designing and knitting quite a few … Continue reading Lacy Socks: my not so secret passion
It's obvious that many things pique my interest and inspire me; I've already blogged about particular knitting stitch patterns or striking indie dyed yarns. If I look back far enough at my designs, it's also clear that I keep on gravitating back to a generalized ethnic esthetic, often with central European roots. Which is no … Continue reading Colorwork with a twist; an overview
An important part of my crafting has in recent years has involved posting and reading others' posts on social media. Such a source of inspiration and great way to meet new friend and learn about their crafts or share tips or just be supportive. Recently I was amazed and envious of the exquisite little handmade … Continue reading Bottle Cap Pincushions: Guest Artist Anne Schmidt tutorial
