Did you make a resolution to try some new knitting techniques this year? Even if you didn’t I encourage you to give Judy’s Magic Cast On a try.  Look how pretty it is.

See the inside. I love the nice smooth line.

A bit of concentration is required the first time you try it but it’s well worth the effort. Cat Bordhi has a really nice video tutorial, so you can see it in action.

Obviously it works great for socks, but give it a try anywhere you would have to come back later and undo a provisional cast on or pick up stitches.

Sam lives in the PNW and spends her days knitting, writing, designing, and trying to keep up with her family and friends. You can read more about her adventures on her blog or Plurk, and reach her at sam@limenviolet.com.

It’s been a little while since we’ve seen a new pattern from Zephyr Style, but the girls are back with this great new cardigan, just in time for post-holiday knitting.

A fitted, curvy shape and just enough colorwork make Dexter a big winner. The pattern is available now from the Zephyr Style website. 

Welcome to a bright, shiny new year.

It’s a time when many of us take stock, reevaluate, realign and refocus. Sometimes this all shakes out in such a way that we start to look at the things we’ve taken for granted in a whole new light.

If this last bit sounds like you (or you’d like it to!), you may find a kindred spirit in Stephen Scott. This Colorado College professor has taken an instrument you may think you know and reinvented its possibilities with his Bowed Piano Ensemble.

Read the rest of this entry »

With a Major in Art History, Kayla takes her inspiration from her surroundings, and I do mean ALL her  surroundings.   Landscapes (she’s in Georgai, so you know those are gorgeous), movies, people, it doesn’t matter, they all inspire.  Also, with a drive to keep continually busy, she churns yarn out at an amazing pace.  I think my favorite base yarn is “Surprise Butt Socks.”  (Plurkers will understand that one, lol).  What a way  to start out the new year!

I’m Baaaack! It’s a new year and time to resume Fiber of the Week. By request of a commenter, today we’ll take a look at the Lincoln breed and it’s fiber.

Once upon a time, in Jolly Ole Lincolnshire County England, a breed of British Longwool sheep came into being. Set the “Way Back” machine to about 1750 and you’ll arrive at the establishment of this very large ovine. Arrive back in the present and you will find that the Lincoln breed is considered “at risk” in Britain because of the small number of breeding ewes.

Besides boasting gorgeous longwool locks, the Lincolns also have the distinction of being the largest sheep. Rams top out at 350 pounds and ewes are lighter at a mere 250 pound maximum. Neither gender has horns, and has wool down to their knees and on their faces.

The fiber is mainly used for upholstery and wig making. It can be spun very finely and used for lace or embroidery.

Fiber Specifications: (from In Sheep’s Clothing, Fournier & Fournier)
Fleece weight: 11-15 pounds

Fiber Diameter: 36s-40s (38 microns-36 microns)

Staple Length: 7-10 inches

Monkeypal, also known as Michele, is a native of the rain drenched state of Oregon. She can be found lurking in local yarn and spinning shops when not tending to her gang of small children. She can also be found under mossy rocks, on her blog, and can be reached by e-mail. monkeypal@limenviolet.com

Twilight fans rejoice!  Subliminal Rabbit has released a pattern for Bella’s Mittens.  These bulky weight mittens, inspired by mittens from the movie Twilight, feature a horseshoe cable up the back of the hand and long cuffs to keep your arms toasty.  The Bella’s Mittens pattern is available as a pdf download at Subliminal Rabbit’s blog.

Knitters everywhere might reconsider their position on video games when Technological/Textile Artist Rachel Beth Egenhoefer and Engineer/Behavioral Scientist Kyle E. Jennings release their new game for the Nintendo Wii.

Kniitiing takes one part Guitar Hero mixes in a splash of Dance Dance Revolution and then adds a heaping helping of fibery goodness. Gamers knit and purl to the beat as they improve their skills to create virtual projects.

The game is still in beta, but from what we’ve seen Kniitiing should knock your (virtual) socks off.

via Sarah’s Knitting Blog

Verena Knitting, a new-to-the-US knitting magazine, offers several free pattern downloads on their website each month. You’ll need to be a registered user, but registration is simple and quick. Also, did you know? You can subscribe to the digital version of the magazine, saving money and having instant access to each new issue. The content is exactly the same as the print version, but you won’t have to find a place to store it if your shelves are overflowing like mine are.

Very few people actually fit into pre-set, “standard” sizes. Sweater knitting can seem intimidating or simply a hassle when you know you’ll need to modify some aspect of the pattern to fit your own unique shape. Beverly S. of Yarnintercept has taken the stress and fuss out of the process with her Lazy Susan pattern. Cast on based on your hip measurement, and follow the numbers for your bust and underbust in the table she provides - all the math is done for you already. The pattern calls for the wonderful, affordable, and widely available Cascade 220, so no stress there, either. Just relax and knit.

We seem to be seeing a lot of great designs from The Crochet Dude lately.  Here’s another one, suggested by our own CrochetCompulsive.

Featured on Knit & Crochet Today the Guy’s Vest works up quickly with worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.  Download the free PDF from Ravelry here.  What a great project to keep him warm in the new year!