Author Archives: JC
It may look like I’m cheating on my shawl project, but I’m not. Not really, anyway. Say hello to Mirasol Nuna, a yummy blend of wool, silk, and bamboo. The desire/need to knit another Swirl hit me while at Stitches East, so I purchased a skein of Nuna and a couple skeins of other yarns […]
Check out this article: “I Suck at Photoshop.” The subtitle is telling: “Except I Don’t, and You Don’t Suck at That Thing You’re ‘Bad at’ Either.” The whole idea is that no-one is really good at anything when they first try; it always takes some effort and practice. Ya gotta love the article’s tone. Here’s […]
Remember that Haapsalu shawl I wrote about in my last post? I decided to place a narrow border around the whole thing. Traditionally, that’d mean knitting the body of the shawl, then separately knitting the edging from the outside in and sewing it in place. I may decide instead to pick up edging stitches from […]
Lately I’ve been enthralled by Estonian lace. I’m not sure what got me off on this kick, but I do know what’s fueled it along: Taking in the Knitted Lace of Estonia exhibit at Lacis – not in person, unfortunately, but virtually through its stunning slideshow. Don’t you just love how the photos show a […]
Have your heard? Carol Feller puts a new spin on traditional Irish knits in Contemporary Irish Knits, a collection of fresh and exceptionally wearable designs. My favorites are Tralee and Knockmore. Beyond the designs, the book also includes fascinating portraits of the three remaining mills in Ireland that produce yarn for hand knitters. Actually, discovering […]
As much as possible, I try not to whine on this blog. And when I wrote last week about having to rip back a sock, I didn’t think I was whining. After all, I didn’t mind ripping, and I did look forward to getting the leg the right length. Really, I was laughing at myself. […]
Good news: I’m really digging a sock design I came up with just before Stitches Midwest. Any spare moment I had outside of class, I worked a few more rounds. Bad news: I went overboard on the leg. It’s a good inch longer than I usually make ’em. I don’t even have a good excuse. […]
The swatch therapy continues. The Merino Silk Lace from indigodragonfly blocked out beautifully: What you can’t really see in the photo is how the yarn glows. Or the wonderful way it feels—too decadent! Arguably, though, I should’ve used smaller needles, maybe 3 mm. At 3.5 mm, the fabric is a wee bit too airy. I […]
Thanks
By JC | August 11, 2011
I’ve had two weeks to think about it, and I’m just as certain as ever of two things: Sock Summit 2011 was a smashing success, and I was an utter idiot for agreeing to teach during every class session. Don’t get me wrong; the classes were great fun. I’m honored I had the chance to […]
Guess what finally made it to the other side of the pond—Charts Made Simple, that’s what! It’s now available at Amazon.co.uk and, with distribution help from Search Press, yarn shops throughout the UK. Whee! It’s taken months, but I’m thrilled it’s finally taken place.