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Knit Fix Blog Tour Starts September 4, 2006
Lisa Kartus’s Get Your Knit Fix Blog Tour kicks off the publication of her new book, Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters (Interweave Press, September 2006), with a chat with The Knitting Fiend, a blogger hailing from Lisa’s hometown of Chicago. Starting Monday, September 4, follow Lisa as she offers solutions to some of your favorite knitting bloggers’ knitting problems and gaffes. She’ll sit down for a virtual visit with a different blogger each day leading up to her appearances in New York at Knitty City (Sept. 16) and the New York Knit-Out and Crochet (Sept. 17). Along the way there will be book giveaways, podcast interviews, lively debates, and plenty of opportunities to laugh at your knitting troubles as you pick up a few new skills.
Do you need a Knit Fix? Send your knitting problems to Lisa! Visit Lisa’s new web site, www.knitmaven.com, for her weekly Knit Fix picked from your submissions. Each week she’ll select one knitting problem and a picture of the unhappy result, and post it with a solution on her web site. Send your submission to her email address: knitmaven@sbcglobal.net. Starting in October, she’ll also broadcast and discuss this weekly knit fix on the popular podcast, Cast-On: A Podcast for Knitters, hosted by Brenda Dayne.
KNIT FIX BLOG TOUR 2006
For the most up-to-date listings of tour events, visit: http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Knit_Fix/tour.asp
September 4
The Knitting Fiend
www.thedietdiary.com/blog/
September 5
Crazy Aunt Purl
www.crazyauntpurl.com
September 6
Grumperina
www.grumperina.com/knitblog/
September 7
CRAFT Zine
www.craftzine.com
September 8
Cast-On.com Podcast
www.cast-on.com
September 9
A Knitter in Queens
www.aknitterinqueens.blogspot.com
September 10
SistahCraft
www.sistahcraft.typepad.com
September 12
Knit and Tonic
www.knitandtonic.typepad.com
September 13
Craftsanity Podcast
www.craftsanity.com
September 14
Elizabeth Lenhard, Author of Chicks with Sticks
elizabethlenhard.com
September 15
Lolly Knitting Around
lollygirl.com/blog
KNIT FIX SPECIAL EVENTS AND BOOK SIGNINGS
If you'd like to sign up for a workshop, please contact the store.
September 9, 1-4 p.m.
String Theory Yarn Co.
477 N. Main
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 469-6085
Book signing
September 16, 2-4 p.m.
Knitty in the City
208 W. 79th St.
New York, NY 60137
(212) PurlTwo
Bring your most colossal knitting mistakes for a fun and funny special event and mini-workshop. Mini-workshop is at 2 p.m., book signing at 3 p.m.
September 17, Noon to 5 p.m.
New York Knit-Out and Crochet 2006
Union Square Park, New York City
Lisa will be one of the "knit doctors" on call, so bring your questions and samples!
Book signing time TBA
October 7, 2-4 p.m.
Three Bags Full Knitting Studio
1130 Shermer Rd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 291-9933
Correcting mistakes workshop: 2-3:30 p.m.
Book signing: 4 p.m.
October 14, 12:30-4 p.m.
Nana’s Knitting Shop
5144 W 95th St
Oak Lawn IL 60453
(708) 229-0061
Correcting mistakes workshop: 12:30-2 p.m., 2:15-3:45 p.m.
Book signing: 4 p.m.
Posted 8/30/2006 - Knit Fix Blog Tour Starts September 4, 2006
August 28 - Knitty Gritty - It's in the Bag
New Knitty Gritty Episode - It's in the Bag - guest host: Vicki Square. projects: knitted messenger bag. Airs: August 28, 2006 at 11:30 AM Eastern and September 2, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern
Posted 8/27/2006 - August 28 - Knitty Gritty - It's in the Bag
Black Bunny Fibers Hop-Along Knit-Along Announced
Wendy and Christina, hostesses of the Knitty D and the City podcast, are hosting a Hop-Along Knit-Along with Black Bunny Fibers. Unlike a typical knit-along where each knitter knits the same project, this hop-along encourages knitters to knit any project with Black Bunny Fibers yarns.
Knitters can join at the Hop-Along blog at http://www.blackbunnyhop.blogspot.com/. There they can share pictures of completed knitting projects using the Black Bunny Fibers yarn as well as meet up with other participants.
Each participant that finishes a Black Bunny Fiber project wil be entered into a drawing with the winner receiving Black Bunny Fiber Yarn, a Black Bunny Fiber T-Shirt and a Black Bunny Fiber Tote Bag.
Black Bunny Yarn produces hand-spun and hand-dyed yarn. Carol, the owner, is an avid knitter and spinner who creates yarns in a variety of yarn weights including:
- Handpainted Laceweight Merino
- Handpaint Superwash Merino Sock
- Wool Nylon Sock Yarn
- Handpainted Romney blend wool
- Sportweight Blue Faced Leicester
- Handpained Merino Worsted Weight
Find out more at Black Bunny Hop.
Posted 8/26/2006 - Black Bunny Fibers Hop-Along Knit-Along Announced
2006 Knit-Out
The 2006 Knit-Out, started by the Craft Yarn Council of America (CYCA), is scheduled to occur Mid-September to Mid-October in venues all around the country with a kick-off on Sunday, September 17th, 2006 in New York City.
Knit-Outs are five-hour, free annual events to bring knitting to the public's attention. Knit-Outs are educational and informational gatherings of knitters and inspiring knitters.
Some activities, depending on what the local group who sponsors the knit-out arranges, can include:
-Free, how to knit and crochet instruction
-Fashion shows
-Show & Share
-Demonstrations
-Product and magazine displays
-Children's yarn crafts area
-Knitting and Crochet Guild representation
The CYCA encourages knitting groups to host knit-out events in their local areas to promote knitting and encourage others to take up knitting. They offer a knit-out brochure that includes way to organize and promote a knit-out.
A list of knit-out locations and more details about each Knit-Out & Crochet event will be available on the Knit-Out website as information becomes available.
Posted 8/23/2006 - 2006 Knit-Out
Knitting News Cast - Episode 17 Now Available
The lastest episode of the Knitting News Cast, a podcast for knitters, is available.
Download Knitting News Cast Episode 17 on the Knitting News Cast website. You can also Subscribe to The Knitting News Cast Podcast.
This episode includes:
Chicks With Sticks
First Spinning Class Results
Making Sense Of My Stash
South West Trading Company V-Neck Shell Finished
Fall 2006 Vogue Knitting Magazine Preview
Fall 2006 Knit Simple Magazine
For The Love Of Yarn Summer 2006 Issue
New Glampyre Knit Sweater Pattern - Stitch Diva
Vickie Howell's Free August Knitting Pattern
August Issue of MagKnits Released
AntiCraft Lughnaladh Issue Available
Knitting and Crochet Designers Needed
Book Review: The Yarn Stash Workbook by Laura Militzer Bryant
Top 7 Reasons To Knit
Knitting Blog Review - Crazy Aunt Purl
Posted 8/20/2006 - Knitting News Cast - Episode 17 Now Available
Knitting Blog Review - Crazy Aunt Purl
Crazy Aunt Purl Knitting Blog Review
Laurie's, also known as Crazy Aunt Purl, blog is much more then about knitting. The tag line says it all:
"The true-life diary of a thirty-something, newly divorced, displaced Southern obsessive-compulsive knitter who has four cats. (Because nothing is sexier than a divorced woman with four cats)"
If you haven't stopped by this blog, then you are missing some wonderful knitting patterns (and life adventures) with Crazy Aunt Purl.
Non-knitting topics include:
Blogging is My Therapy - the diary part
Insane Kitty Posse - the cat part
Divorce - the divorce part
Previous knitting entries include:
Increasing: Knit into the front and back of a stitch - includes video with a hilarious outtake
The Paris Scarf - directions for a funky scarf using Modea Dea's Curious Yarn
The Brangelina Hat - chunky yarn hat based on one worn by Angelina Joline
Easy Knitted Felted Bracelet Bag - unique bag using Patons Up Country yarn, Crystal Palace Stardust Fizz, and two bangle bracelets for the handles
Posted 8/20/2006 - Knitting Blog Review - Crazy Aunt Purl
August 21 - Knitty Gritty - Combo Corset-T
New Knitty Gritty Episode - 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 and August 26, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern
Posted 8/20/2006 - August 21 - Knitty Gritty - Combo Corset-T
Top 7 Reasons To Knit
1. All the "cool kids" are doing it - Knitting has never been more hip. You too can have a knitted iPod cozy and be the envy of all your friends.
2. Free hand lotion - Lanolin in wool feels great on the skin and makes them soft too! Throw away all those bottles of lotion and get yarn instead
3. Great Accessories – You can go to the movies with knitting needles that glow in the dark. Now nothing has to eat into your knitting time!
4. Yarn p0rn - Visit your local yarn store and tell me you didn't make it out with at least one ball of yarn. Resistance is futile!
5. Knitters Get Around - You can see knitters knitting in public, going to baseball games, and just hanging out at the local coffee shop.
6. Make New Friends - Knitters are a friendly bunch and can be found on the internet and at your local yarn shop. They are glad to turn you over to the dark side (I mean help you with your knitting) and no question is too stupid to ask them. Well, accept "Why do you have so much yarn in your stash?". See reason #4.
7. Knitting is the New Yoga - Don't tell any knitters I said this (they hate the comparison). But knitting really is relaxing and meditative (except when your yarn gets tangled or you drop a stitch or have to read a complicated chart, but other then that....). Getting in the knitting zone is much better then standing on your head and humming.
Posted 8/16/2006 - Top 7 Reasons To Knit
Upcoming Knitting Books In September 2006
Yarnplay: Colorful Techniques And Projects for the Creative Knitter by Lisa Shobhana Mason (publication date - September 15, 2006)
Knitting Projects to Make Your Own
*Fashion-forward knitted projects for anyone who loves color
*Rated by skill level, with projects for both beginners and experienced knitters
*Focuses on the use of luxurious natural yarns and experimenting with design and color
With Yarn Play, Lisa Shobhana Mason shares with readers her knitting philosophy: Learn the rules, then break them--improvise. In this engaging guide, knitters will find wearable projects and home décor projects that they can make their own, by using yarns from their own stash and by rethinking the patterns, combining yarn and scraps to make gorgeous and fashion-forward one-of-a-kind projects."
Andean Inspired Knits: Designs in Luxurious Alpaca by Helen Hamann (publication date - September 1, 2006)
Lush fiber and dazzling design are the focus of this collection of patterns inspired by pre-Columbian textiles from the culturally rich Andes in South America. Adapted for modern knitters, the ambitious designs offer eye-catching patterns, unique silhouettes, and a palette of techniques ranging from intarsia and Fair Isle to embroidery and beading. Skilled knitters will find plenty of contemporary flair in projects such as a boldly striped geometric scarf, a showy lace cardigan with ruffled trim, and a crocheted poncho embellished with beads. Photographs of the stunning Peruvian landscape and stories about the tradition of Andean craft and the vital alpaca enrich this tour of beautiful art from a beautiful country.
Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters by Lisa Kartus (publication date - September 1, 2006)
Dropped and twisted stitches, too-small button holes, and mis-crossed cables are only a few of the knitting dilemmas tackled in this humorous and useful guide. Beginners and seasoned knitters alike are promised that learning from mistakes improves technique and inspires personal style—and that sometimes the best solution is just to let a mistake stand. To head off problems before they start, the sturdy, spiral-bound book explains the correct way to cast on and bind off, decipher charts, choose fibers, calculate yardage, join yarns, work with multicolor designs, and—for more experienced knitters—how to alter a finished piece or customize a pattern.
Knitting Stitches: Over 300 Contemporary and Traditional Stitches by Mary Webb (publication date - September 15, 2006)
A comprehensive stitch-resource for knitters of all ages and levels of experience.
Knitting is the new yoga. Schools hold "knit nights," while needle-clacking cowboys trade stitch secrets on Prairie Home Companion. In Boston, knitting superstar Stephanie Pearl-McPhee arrives to a frenzied crowd at a yarn store. Headlines like "Catherine Zeta-Jones Is Knitting Mad!" herald a newfound celebrity passion for the hobby. The latest statistics from the Craft Yarn Council of America show that 38 million knitters and crocheters participate in this relaxing pastime.
Knitting Stitches is a small-format, portable guide to more than 300 stitch patterns. From the most basic to the more intricate, these traditional and contemporary patterns are demonstrated in clear, colorful illustrations with concise step-by-step instructions. With the stitches grouped by kind cable, bobble and the various others -- locating a specific stitch and determining its degree of difficulty is fast and easy.
This is the perfect reference for discovering the pleasure of creating just the right pattern and texture for a knitting project. The book also includes:
Instruction charts and how to use them
A wide variety of yarns, each photographed
Gallery of stitches
Glossary of symbols and abbreviations
Knit and purl stitches
Cable stitches
Lace and bobble stitches
Twist and other stitches
Working with more than one color.
This comprehensive and handsome guide will be welcomed in any serious knitter's knitting bag.
Posted 8/15/2006 - Upcoming Knitting Books In September 2006
Book Review: The Yarn Stash Workbook by Laura Militzer Bryant
The Yarn Stash Workbook: Great Ideas and Dozen of Projects by Laura Militzer Bryant
I got this informative and fun book to help me use up the individual skeins of yarn I have in my stash. I was having a hard time figuring out what to do with the mismatch of yarns I had. There are so many colors and textures in my stash that looking at all of them, I just couldn't think of how I could use them or how they might be used together. But after getting Laura's book, I have a much better idea.
The first part of the book has a great section called "In the Beginning: Sorting Your Stash". In this section, Laura explains about the various aspects of yarn including yarn-weight like fine, medium and bulky and construction like piled, boucle', chained, brushed, chenille, woven, nubs/slubs, and component yarns.
But, more importantly and what I found to be the most beneficial, she also talks about another type of yarn weight which has to do with color rather then by the size or construction of yarn. Instead of arranging the yarn by color like blues or reds, she suggests arranging the yarn from light in color to dark in color taking into account the saturation and intensity of the each.
I found this method of categorizing yarn to be very helpful and applied it to my own stash. And in fact it allowed me, for the first time, to get a real sense of what I have in my stash and how I can use the various yarns together. I arranged my stash using this method and was astounded by what I really had and the possibilities of using the yarns together in ways I hadn't imagined before.
The book goes on to using the idea of color weight in projects ranging from scarves and wraps to ponchos and capelets, to hats and purses, to afghans and pillows to shells, sweaters, cardigans, and jackets. Although I didn't like all the combination of colors or projects in the book, I found several I did like including the open work scarf (page 30), the multiyarn wrap (page 34), the almost-enough striped tee (page 94) and the scrap-yarn teddy bear (page 80).
The Yarn Stash Workbook: Great Ideas and Dozen of Projects by Laura Militzer Bryant is a great book to get started on using up your yarn stash. The color weight theory as well as the break down of the yarns by construction gave me a better sense of what yarns could be used in my knitting projects. Also, the projects show the application of these concepts to help inspire anyone with a yarn stash needing to be knit up.
Posted 8/14/2006 - Book Review: The Yarn Stash Workbook by Laura Militzer Bryant
August 14 - Knitty Gritty - Disco Glam
New Knitty Gritty Episode - 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 and August 19, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern
Posted 8/13/2006 - August 14 - Knitty Gritty - Disco Glam
Knitting and Crochet Designers Needed
Bella Web Design, Inc. and Accord Publishing are looking for new and creative designers to contribute to the 2008 Knitting Pattern-a-Day and Crochet Calendar-a-Day publications. The company needs 320 knitting pattern or corchet pattern submissions by January 1, 2007.
Interested designers should go to www.knittingpatternaday.com and submit their design and at least one image (If you can't take a picture of it, you can send your knitted or crocheted item to Accord Publishing and they will take one for you). Each submission will receive a free copy of the calendar the design is submitted to. Multiple designs may be submitted.
Knitting Pattern-a-Day and Crochet Calendar-a-Day publications are read and used by knitters and crocheters worldwide. Publication of a knitting or crochet pattern can mean recognition for design talents.
Any questions can be emailed to submissions@knittingpatternaday.com or submissions@crochetpatternaday.com or call Desiree Scales at 888-716-9524 for more information.
Posted 8/11/2006 - Knitting and Crochet Designers Needed
AntiCraft Lughnaladh Issue Available
The Lughnaladh issue of the online knitting and craft magazine, AntiCraft, has been released.
The issue includes:
- Toxic Tea Set by Jane Roth, tea cosy and matching mat crochet with cotton yarn
- Stop Sign Pole Wrap by LoopDogg & AKrylik
- Nuclear Family by Renée Rigdon and Zabet Stewart, sewn tea apron
- Asphyxiation by Severina, crocheted cotton choker
- This Cosy is Da Bomb by Robyn Wade
See all the patterns and projects in the Lughnaladh Issue of AntiCraft.
Posted 8/10/2006 - AntiCraft Lughnaladh Issue Available
August Issue of MagKnits Released
The August issue of the online knitting magazine, MagKnits, has been released.
The issue includes:
- Chunky, Funky bag - by Laura Hopwood, a chunky cable purse made from super bulky yarn that knits up fast
- Cherie, by Jorun Boklov, a knit hot water bottle with a cotton bag filled with cherry stones inside that are heated in a microwave for heat
- Flower Corsage, by Kerrie Allman, quick and easy knitting project using left over yarn
- Snowbaby Hat, by Janine le Cras, baby hat with a simple, modified feather and fan stitch pattern
- Special Socks, by Erssie Major, knit baby booties in a Fair Isle design
- Chance, by Ann McMeekin, fun and simple pair of wristwarmers
See all the knitting patterns in the August Issue of MagKnits.
Posted 8/08/2006 - August Issue of MagKnits Released
August 7 - Knitty Gritty - Moebius Knitting
New Knitty Gritty Episode - 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 and August 12, 2006 at 4:30 PM Eastern
Posted 8/06/2006 - August 7 - Knitty Gritty - Moebius Knitting
Vickie Howell's Free August Knitting Pattern
Vickie Howell of the popular DIY network's Knitty Gritty has posted her free pattern for the month of August.
The pattern is Victorian Punk Sleeves. The pattern calls for two colors of DK weight yarn in purple and black.
Check out the free knitting pattern at Vickie's Web Site.
Posted 8/01/2006 - Vickie Howell's Free August Knitting Pattern
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