The National Needlearts Association (TNNA) comes to Phoenix ~ Part 1

22 01 2012

I had a very rare and unique opportunity to attend the TNNA convention here in Phoenix for one spectacular day.  A very warm and special thank you to Karen Sadow, owner of One Planet Yarn and Fiber, who generously offered to give me a badge so that I could attend this event.  I had a blast tagging along with Karen and Terri, owner of the Fiber Factory of Mesa, all day on Saturday.  I can honestly say I was in pure heaven and cannot believe that I as able to see so many gorgeous skeins of yarn, braids of fiber, needles and accessories all underneath one roof!  It was almost overwhelming.

Since I was there for only one day, but took so many photos and met so many wonderful people, I’m going to do a four-part series of my experience at TNNA.  This is for a couple of reasons, one, there is some much to tell you about and two, there are a few folks that just need a post dedicated to them.

It was very exciting to be able to finally see and even touch a few of the fibers I have heard about and that have received great reviews.  There were also fabulous hand-knits that had been knitted up for samples to show case these wonderful fibers, and many were simply amazing.

Each photo that follow will have the company name and simply click the photo to be taken directly to their website.

Are you ready for a fiber adventure?  If so, here we go!!!

Hand Painted Knitting Yarns

Mountain Colors Hand Painted Yarn - By the way, that's Cat Bordhi wearing the shawl

Be Sweet Yarns - Karen of One Planet Yarn & Fiber and Terri of the Fiber Factory

Jade Sapphire Yarns - Gorgeous Knitted Samples

The Fibre Company - In the back is Hannah Fettig co-author of Coastal Knits

Anzula Luxury Fibers - Yarn and Fiber for spinning

Imperial Yarn - American Grown Wool Yarn Company

Alchemy Yarn - Alchemy Tweedy ... this was stunning!

Beautiful display by Kollage Yarns

Lorna's Laces Hand Dyed Yarns

Red Barn Yarn

A beautiful shawl display by Manos del Uruguay Yarn

Aurora Yarns

Berroco Yarn - A yarn bar hosted by designer Norah Gaughan

Norah Gaughan was hosting a fun event, a knitting bar where you could sample the new lines by Berroco Yarn.  After you knitted a bit, you could take one of the containers that contained samples.  Norah was a lot of fun and was enjoying all the knitters that were gathering around.  She was also a good sport when I asked her if I could take a photo.

There are many more photos to share but I will save those for another day.  Until next time, happy knitting, crocheting, spinning and crafting!


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Categories : Casting On and Casting Off, Review, Yarn & Fiber

On the Bookshelf: Introducing Apps for your iPad by Interweave

19 01 2012

For those of you who own iPad, did you know that Interweave has launched a few new Apps that are ready for download at your finger tips?

I recently was given an opportunity to download a great new App from Interweave,  The Knitter’s Companion, which is based on the best-selling book by Vicki Square.

This App is perfect for quick reference, provides navigation with  ease and  allows  you to explore many variations of seams, borders, bind-offs, stitches and learn how to use embellishments for your knitting projects and much more.   Each technique has detailed illustrations that make it easier to follow and understand what you are learning.

This App gives knitters more portability and for me, this is a great tool to have on your iPad and I give it a huge “thumbs up”.

More Knitting iPad Apps by Interweave:

Colorways

Colorways

ColorKnits
There are many new Apps appearing every day on iTunes, so be sure to check them out!

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Categories : All Knitting, On the Bookshelf, Review

On the Bookshelf: Nourishing Knits

8 01 2012

Courtesy of Kristi Schueler

I was so thrilled and so honored when fellow knitter Kristi Schueler, a.k.a. Fiber Fool, asked me if I would like to be part of her blog tour for her new book, Nourishing Knits.

Kristi has combined her love of knitting and baking into a wonderful collection of designs featuring cables, lace and colorwork all paired with 12 mouthwatering recipes.

Inside knitters will be inspired to knit a lace shawl, color-work slippers, socks and mitts, as well as a unisex sweater and a vest.  Recipes include appetizers, main dishes, beverages and desserts.   Not only does each recipe include a simple list of ingredients, but includes methods and tips for preparation, as well as suggestions for pairings and substitutions.

I really love how Kristi also has provided a knitters with a clickable table of contents,  clickable visual indexes of both patterns and recipes, as well as a bookmark panel for even more navigational options!  Since this eBook is downloadable in PDF format, it is extremely portable for most electronic devices, including tablets and iPads.

Here’s just a tiny hint of what’s inside and be sure to click on each photo for a direct link to the pattern!

Ginger - Photo Courtesy of Kristi Schueler

Ciabatta - Photo Courtesy of Kristi Schueler

Ganache - PhotoCourtesy of Kristi Schueler

I love all the designs in Kristi’s new collection, but I must admit I truly have a soft spot for shawls and anything that is lacy.  Ganache is a truly exquisite creation that I cannot wait to knit!

For more information on Kristi’s new eBook or on any other of her lovely designs, you can find her online at Fiber Fool, Raverly, FaceBook and Twitter .  You can also join her Raverly group, Designedly, Kristi Knitters,  to stay informed about all her latest knitting adventures

About:  Kristi Schueler lives on Colorado’s front range with her husband, Drew, and their two dogs, Emma and Brandon. Kristi’s technical approach to knitting comes from a scientific background, including a BS in Meteorology. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines, books and e-zines. While knitting, cooking and photography are all passions for Kristi, she also enjoys reading, yoga and spending time with friends and family playing games and enjoying the outdoors.


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Categories : Giveaway, On the Bookshelf, Review

2011 in review ~ Another Amazing Year to Me!

1 01 2012

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for my blog and I was rather amazed and want to again say thank you to my followers.

I was thrilled to see that I’ve doubled my visitors and my followers from this time last year !!!

The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 150,000 times in 2011. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 6 days for that many people to see it.

How did they find me?

Some visitors came searching, mostly for peacefully knitting, crochet bags, knitting, jane austen knits, and crochet bag.

Where did my visitors come from?

Most visitors came from the United States.  However,  Canada and the United Kingdom were not far behind.

What was the most commented post?

The most commented on post in 2011 was Wednesday’s Pattern – The Weekend Shawl

Attractions in 2011

These are the posts that got the most views in 2011, and a few of these posts were written before 2011.  Maybe I should consider revisiting a few of these topics!

All I can say is, I couldn’t have done this without ALL OF YOU.  So thank you so much and I hope that I can continue to inspire you!


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Categories : Review, Stuff

On the Bookshelf: A Suggestion for One’s Knitting Library

3 12 2011

Over the years we collect many books that are added to our ever expanding library of stitchery, but there are two that are simply a must that offer finishing techniques and skills needed to become an expert knitter.

Photo courtesy of Barnes and Nobles

The first  book,  is The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman, author of Knitted Sweaters for Every Season and designer of patterns created for Martha Stewart Living, Knitters, Interweave Knits, and many other national knitting publications.  In this handy guide,  Nancie shares her finishing secrets that feature more than 50  techniques, including increases, decreases, seams , blocking, binding off, picking up stitches and decorative finishes.  You will be able to learn, and even master, each method with easy-to-read text, excellent illustrations and dozens of color photos. This is the perfect knitting guide to keep in your knitting bag or to take along when you’re on the go.

The second book, is the Knitting Handbook, an instructional guide to knitting , edited by Viv Foster.  This wonderful handbook has more than 500 photographs and illustrations, along with an amazing library of stitches that will not only inspire you , but will make your imagination run wild with design possibilities.  In this guide, you will learn basic knitting skills, terminology, how to read charts, how to design your own garments, how to knit cables, lace,  bobbles and how to  knit with color.

From both of these books you will master the basic skills and techniques necessary  to become the knitter you aspire to be and gain the confidence you might need to overcome any stumbling blocks in learning new methods.  If you have a knitter in your family or circle of friends, these books would also make great Christmas gifts.


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Categories : All Knitting, On the Bookshelf, Review

On the Bookshelf: 60 More Quick Knits

14 11 2011

Following the success of  60 Quick Knits: 20 Hats, 20 Scarves, 20 Mittens using the ever versatile Cascade 220 Wool and  60 Quick Baby Knits  using Cascade’s 100% Superwash Wool,  60 More Quick Knits  introduces knitters to Cascade’s  brand-new “Sport-weight” yarn.

As many of you know know, Cascade has long been one of the most popular  and most affordable wool yarns for many fiber enthusiasts for years, and is ranked #1 on Ravelry.com.  Their new Sport-Weight yarn is  incredibly soft ,  gives a crisp finish and provides great stitch definition.   Like their other 220 wool lines, knitters will have a wide array of colors to choose from.

Inside 60 More Quick Knits, there are designs for knitters of all levels that range from simple to complex and include texture, bobbles, lace, colorwork and cables.   For beginner knitters there 7 patterns that are super easy, for intermediate knitters 34 patterns and for those of you who have more of an advanced knitting knowledge, there are 19 patterns.  While the patterns in this book are geared towards women and only offer one size, there are a sprinkling of designs that can be used for men, as well as for children.

All in all this book is well worth consideration and is a great addition to your bookshelf, especially if you are a lover of accessories.  Word of caution though, if you prefer knitting with worsted weight yarn, keep in mind that all of the designs featured in this book use “sport-weight” yarn.

 

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by Sixth & Spring Books for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.


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Categories : On the Bookshelf, Review

On the bookshelf: Vogue Knitting, Stitchionary 6

9 11 2011

I recently received Vogue Knitting, Stitchionary 6 – Edgings from Sixth and Spring Books for review.

This book is the sixth installment in Stitchionary series that provides a collection of more than 200 edgings drawn from the Vogue Knitting archives.   Arranged in seven chapters,  knitters will find very well written and charted instructions and more than 150 color photographs of swatches for each design element.

I must applaud Vogue Knitting on the last section of the book that is dedicated to crochet.  For me personally, I love combining knitting with crochet, especially when using it for an edging.  Crochet offers the unique ability to provide just the right about of “lace” in a manner that knitted edges often lack.  Its quick, neat and gives a “finished” look to any knitted garment.

I can say that a few edging designs look familiar and are even very similar to The Edge Series by Nicky Epstein, but all in all, this is a good book for knitters of all levels that can be used as a source guide for finishing off in type of garment with a beautiful edging.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

  • Chapter 1:  Ribs
  • Chapter 2:  Texture
  • Chapter 3:  Cables
  • Chapter 4:  Lace
  • Chapter 5:  Color
  • Chapter 6:  Unusual
  • Chapter 7:  Crochet

 

 

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by Sixth & Spring Books for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.

 


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Categories : On the Bookshelf, Review, Tips & Techniques

On the Bookshelf: Finishing School, a master class for knitters

27 10 2011

Courtesy of Sixth & Springs

I recently received a review copy of Finishing School by Deborah Newton from the publishers of Sixth & Spring Books.

Like most knitters, I do not like to finish garments and almost dread the moment when I have knitted the last piece and realize the next step is to put it all together.   Finishing to me is a chore and one that I do not like.   However, after reviewing Deborah’s new look, I might find that finishing really doesn’t have to be a chore after all!

Deborah has done a fantastic job by discussing five of the most basic finishing concepts that most knitters truly do not like, and ends with a chapter discussing how to further your finishing techniques.

Each chapter is full of tutorials, tips, tricks and techniques that are followed by photographs to depict what is being covered.

Here’s what you will find inside:

  • Chapter 1 covers finishing by provide a list of tools that every knitter needs for finishing the perfect garment.  Learn how to use swatches to test button bands, sizing, seaming and so much more.

 

  • Chapter 2 covers the basics of blocking, including lace.  Blocking is always the first step to finishing and this chapter covers how to use the right surfaces, tools and methods.  Deborah also covers how different  fibers should be blocked.

 

 

  • Chapter 3 covers the basics of seaming.   This chapter is wonderful in my book as it covers how to piece your garments together properly, joining shoulders,  sides seams and vertical seams.   Learn how to match ends for a seamless stitch, including when you use different colored yarns.   Also covered is the different methods of seaming, including the three-needle bind off.

 

  • Chapter 4 covers edgings.   This is a very important chapter as well as Deborah covers how to use decorative trim to dress up a plain design and how edgings play a part in the finishing process.

 

 

  • Chapter 5 covers buttons, zippers and pockets.  I don’t know about you, but zippers scare.   Deborah explains in detail how to insert a zipper  with ease and provided lots of tips and techniques so they come out right.  You will also learn how to create  buttonholes,  sew on pockets, add fringe and more.

 

  • Chapter 6  is continuing education.  This chapter covers special finishing techniques, including how to steek a garment, repurpose a knitted garment and even felting.

 

This book is well worth adding to your library and if you have started knitting garments, this comprehensive guide is a must.  Each chapter is very well written, full of information and I truly love the use of photographs for each technique being discussed, for me having a visual photograph helps me to understand the method easier.

About:   Deborah Newton has been a knitwear designer for more than 25 years, and her designs have appeared in numerous publications including Vogue Knitting, Threads, Knitter’s Magazine, and McCalls. She also teaches around the country, most recently for Vogue Knitting‘s annual VK Live Event in New York City. Her first book, the bestselling Designing Knitwear, has been in print for more than 15 years.

 

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by Sixth & Spring Books for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.


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Categories : On the Bookshelf, Review, Tips & Techniques

On the Bookshelf: How To Sell Your Crafts on Online

23 10 2011

Courtesy of St Martin's Press

Jessica Preeg, publicity manager for St. Martin’s Press, recently sent me a copy of How To Sell Your Crafts Online by Etsy seller Derrick Sutton for review.   As a former seller on Etsy, I find this book to be quite useful, informative and really wished I had had this book when I was selling on Etsy three years ago.

Inside this step-by-step guide, Derrick covers many aspects of being an Etsy seller including:

  • How to name your shop and create a banner that will truly promote what you are selling.  Remember, a  name needs to represent what you are selling.
  • How to list your items, which includes the basics of writing an “advertisement” that will engage the reader and make them buy.
  • How to create a profile, set up an email account, set up business cards and many other aspects of being a small online business owner.
  • How to use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to promote and advertise your Etsy Shop.
  • How to take advantage of Etsy’s forums, Treasury, and more.

Even though I personally no longer sell on Etsy, I found this book to be one that I would recommend current sellers to check out or those who are considering opening up an Etsy shop.  Derrick has really done a great job on giving A to Z information on what it takes to set up a shop online, providing tips to help boost your sales, attract more customers and really make your shop stand out from the rest.

With over 400,000 sellers on Etsy, how can you make YOUR shop stand out and increase your sales? This is a key question for many crafters and artists who are selling online these days. Now here are all the answers and much more from author and Etsy seller Derrick Sutton. Based on his self-published guide, and drawn from his practical experience, you will learn how to boost your Etsy sales, attract more customers, and expand your online presence. Derrick shares his proven online sales and marketing knowledge in an easily accessible format, complete with simple actions steps at the end of each chapter. Learn how to completely optimize your Etsy shop, website, or blog, and much more.

About:  Derrick Sutton and his wife sell their artwork and jewelry in their Etsy store. After using simple internet marketing techniques to promote their work, they saw their Etsy sales increase dramatically. Based on these techniques, Derrick produced this guide to help other artists and crafters increase their success.  For further information, visit Derrick’s website.

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I am happy to announce that I will be giving my review copy that St. Martin’s Press has sent me  to one lucky blog reader.  To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID.

The  Deadline to enter is Friday, October 28th  at 5:30 a.m. Arizona Time.  The winner will be selected by a  random number generator and will be announced on Saturday, October 29th .

Please note that the winner will receive their book directly from me and that this giveaway is open only to US and Canadian Residents.

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by St. Martin’s Press for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.

 

I’ve closed this giveaway early ~ thank you!


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Categories : Giveaway, On the Bookshelf, Review

On the Bookshelf: Knit Simple – Knitting Workshops

11 10 2011

Courtesy of Sixth & Springs Books

Have you seen Knit Simple, Knitting Workshops by the editors of Knit Simple Magazine?

If you are a brand new knitter, an advanced beginner or a knitter who just needs a refresher on certain techniques, then this book is definitely for you.

Inside you will find more than 80 patterns that not only have very easy to follow written instructions, but come with beautifully illustrated  tutorials that provide the reader with a visual step-by-step guide through the project at hand.   This makes learning to knit those sometimes intimidating looking projects, such as mittens or socks,  a snap.

The first 21 pages of this book covers the tools of the trade,  yarn resources, abbreviations and terms to know, basics of knitting, basics of crochet, cables and how to read a chart, as well as books for consideration for building a knitting library.

The Knit Simple Knitting Workshops include projects such as:

  • Mittens, hats and scarves
  • Quick and easy socks
  • A triangular shawl and an elegant hairpin lace wrap
  • Throw pillows, knitted and crocheted afghans for the home
  • Quick and easy tops, including a tank, cardigan and pull-over sweater
  • Fun projects to make for kids such as a drawstring hat with pompoms, an adorable layette set and a cardigan

I had so much fun putting together “Knit Simple Knitting Workshops”. One of my favorite features of the magazine is the How-To section. I find it so helpful to have a technique shown up close.  (A fun fact: most of the hand shots are mine!) ~ Carla Scott,  Editor in Chief Knit Simple, Executive Editor Vogue Knitting

This collection of illustrated techniques is perfect for a knitter who is just beginning,  moving on to more complex projects or for someone who enjoys learning by visual technique but it might not be good for  a more advanced well seasoned knitter.   Over-all,  this book is well worth taking a look at and even adding to ones knitting library and I give it my two thumbs up.   I also think it would make a fantastic gift for Christmas, along with a skein or two of yarn and a set of needles!

Playing Footsie - Learn to Knit Socks

Learn to Knit a Mosaic Scarf and create a Bouquet of Crochet

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I am happy to announce that I will be giving my review copy that Sixth and Spring Books has sent me  to one lucky blog reader.  To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment, and do be sure to leave a means of contact if your email does not automatically attach to your comment, for example your Ravelry ID or Twitter ID.

The  Deadline to enter is Sunday, October 16th  at 4:00pm Arizona Time.  The winner will be selected by a  random number generator and will be announced on Monday, October 17th .

Please note that the winner will receive their book directly from me and that this giveaway is open only to US and Canadian Residents.  So who wouldn’t want to win a free copy of this wonderful new book!

Disclaimer:  This copy has been sent to me by Sixth & Springs Books for review.   Please note that the  above opinions are my own.

Thank you all … this giveaway is now closed !


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Categories : All Knitting, Giveaway, On the Bookshelf, Review

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