I’m excited to start a project that I’ve imagined for several years: taking a freshly-shorn fleece from one of our sheep and cleaning it, spinning it into yarn, and knitting a sweater. The first steps are to grow and harvest the wool, and I’ve already made a few blog...
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Keeping track of knitting patterns: mark your place, count repeats, and work charts
Building on the theme of “what I find helpful in my knitting” – this week I’m sharing inexpensive tools and simple techniques for tracking your progress and modifications as you work through knitting patterns. Whether it’s a colorwork sweater with multiple charts, or a simple accessory, you need to...
Knitting Needle Review, Part 2: Fixed circulars and DPNs
It’s time for Part 2 of my knitting needle review, this time focusing on fixed circulars and double-points (DPNs). Once again, there is no affiliation or sponsorship at play here – all the needles that I use I’ve either purchased myself or received as a gift that was purchased....
Knitting Needle Review, Part 1: Circular interchangeable sets
As I’ve gained practice and experience with knitting, I’ve tried many different tools, and I’m starting to settle on my favorites. In this first of two videos, I wanted to review interchangeable knitting needle sets in particular, and share some observations, complaints, and personal recommendations for the features and...
Fiery Foliage scarf captures the colors of autumn
Continuing with my interest (obsession?) with sequence knitting, as well as a deep appreciation for the work of Karida Collins, owner of Neighborhood Fiber Company, I developed this large scarf with another one of the NFC gradient packs. The fun pompons are decorative as well as functional, providing weight to...
Don’t Wait Up: a versatile shawl, scarf, and poncho in one
After months of experimenting with colors and textures, Don’t Wait Up is finally ready for you to knit for yourself. This versatile and large-yet-lightweight piece of fabric can be styled in many different ways. Wear it as a wrap, poncho, scarf, or hooded cape. Based on my experiments with...
Bethel Socks: new knitting pattern for warm feet this winter
I just love the Vermont Sock Yarn from Wing & A Prayer Farm, so when Tammy let me design another pattern for socks I jumped in with both feet (literally and figuratively). The Bethel Socks are based on my popular hat and mitts pattern, and the cushy texture makes...
Field Trip to Scratch Supply Co. and LolaBean Yarn Co. Trunk Show
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Tamara and I headed across the border to New Hampshire for a party with Scratch Supply Company for their third year, and a trunk show with Adella of LolaBean Yarn Company. It was great to celebrate independent businesses, women entrepreneurs, and, of...
DiploMEADic CHAImunity – Braggot
DiploMEADic CHAImunity gets its start and origin from a recipe by Rob Friesel, whose blog Rick has been following for over 15 years. The recipe was published along with his article in Brew Your Own magazine on the Braggot style. Having done a few meads this past winter we...
Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival: Sheep, yarn, and fiber friends.
We had a great time at our first Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival, an event with a small-town and agricultural focus. Big thanks to everyone who came by to say hello and chat with us – it’s nice to be able to do that at some of these...