2009.2What's New(s) in Knitting |
New in this edition of KnitNet |
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This edition, it's all about the little things. We're delighted to bring you two patterns from great new books. From Artisan Book's Itty Bitty Toys, the absolutely fabulous Curly Snake. And from Interweave's Knitted Gifts, Ann Budd's Coffee Clutch. This perfect stocking stuffer is the perfect way to be both more environmentally sensitive and classy! We also feature some uber-cute baby things — a Lacy Baby Cardi, Easy Baby Aran and, for Karen Almond's many fans, Amber, a colourful little girl's sweater. There are even Soakers — put them over your baby's cloth diapers! For grown-up girls, two lovely wristlet patterns and an evening bag: Mitts for Lisa by favourite designer Rebecca Aldrich Bowen; Luxury Beaded Wristband by KnitNet mainstay Wendy Mortimer and Kathleen, an evening bag by new-to-KnitNet designer Mary Keenan. There's also a glimmery and gorgeous "neckwarmer" and the prettiest socks we've ever featured, both from Wendy Mortimer. Enjoy the good things that are made for small packages! Next edition, we're all about cables. |
What's News in Best Yarn Buys |
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You can get free knitting patterns at www.elann.com while you look over the available colours. One of our favourite, now discontinued, yarns, Gems Merino fingering (185 yards in 50 g) from Louet is on sale at DBNY - www.DiscontinuedBrandNameYarns.com. A bag of five skeins is $16.99. |
What's News in Knitting Products |
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Your stitching may be perfect but if you don't know how to finish or block, you garments, they'll never look as good as they should. For a simple tutorial on blocking lace or sweaters, go to www.KnitPicks.com. You'll learn how to use Lace Blocking Wires and Blocking Mats. |
What's News in Charity Knitting |
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Sandy McDonald proved the natural affinity between the online world and knitting when she created and built a successful online, global social network designed to improve the lives of South Aftrican children who suffer from AIDS. She asked the world's knitters and crocheters, to help make these children warm. In 6 months, 24,488 squares and 1317 knitted items have arrived in South Africa from 1700 members knitting and crocheting from 31 countries around the world. For the whole story and inspiration, go to www.knit-a-square.com. StreetKnit of Toronto has launched its annual drive for winter knit goods, encouraging knitters to put needles together and knit some warmth into a scarf, toques mitts, blankets, socks or a sweater for those without homes. This year StreetKnit will create An Enchanted Forest of Knit Goods at City of Craft's Christmas show. Now expanded into two-days in the heart of West Queen West, City of Craft 2009 will shine a spotlight on Toronto's vibrant craft community. Come support small innovative businesses and celebrate the handmade spirit on December 12 and 13 at the Theatre Centre. For more information, go to City of Craft 2009 () |
News about Tips & Tricks |
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Our free eBulletin — published biweekly — continues to grow in popularity with new readers signing up for each new edition. We love that people are loving our Tips, Tricks and Trade Secrets! We also love the clever, useful and often funny tips and tricks we get from you. Remember, if you submit a Tip and it's used in the eBulletin, you get a free one year online access subscription to KnitNet. Recently, we published a great tip from Pauline V. Angione of Prospect Harbor, Maine who admitted that it's sometimes difficult to tell the right side from the wrong side of work in progress. She said "My solution has been to buy two pairs of needles in different colours Use one of each color/type. Just like that, colour one is the right side and colour two is the wrong side. Why don't they MAKE needles this way?" Good point, Pauline. Many readers like the suggestion while others submitted solutions of their own. Rhonda Schiffrin of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said "When I am working a pattern which has a definote right and wrong side, I use a safety pin. When I get to the first row marked right side in the pattern, usually after the ribbing, I pin the safety pin on that right side near the beginning of the row. Then, whenever I get to that pin I know I should be knitting the right side pattern." Joyce Ranieri of Hinsdale, Illinois says "Recently I have been working on a yarn that I can't tell the right side from the wrong. I decided to tie a red bow on the knit side so that when I turned my work I would know which side I was on. It works like a charm and I never wonder now where I was." Send your tips, tell your friends (sign up HERE) and enjoy! |
For a great buy on the yarn of the year, check out Elann's Pure Bamboo (157 yards in 50 g) at $2.98 for 50 grams.