tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23054012492531369772024-03-13T12:06:25.869-07:00HipKnitizerMy take on knitting and some free knitting patterns tooJana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-39824901744548261932011-04-10T11:22:00.000-07:002011-04-10T11:22:39.459-07:00The Penny Pincher's Guide to Cheapskate Knitting - Part 4 - Online Knitting & Supply SourcesFor an obsessed knitter, the internet may be the best thing since sliced bread for 24/7 yarn and supply shopping. There are countless online stores, large and small, for every conceivable type of yarn and knitting paraphernalia. When I'm searching for a certain type of frugal yarn for a project, I have some top favorites which I will share with you here. Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments section below.<br />
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One of the places I search weekly is <a href="http://www.herrschners.com/">http://www.herrschners.com/</a>. Every Wednesday around noon (Pacific Time) they post discounted yarn on both the "Yarn Sale" section and the "Hot Buys" under the yarn category. Seems lately it hasn't offered much I'm looking for, but I've snagged some serious bargains in the past for as low as .99/skein for Plymouth Encore, Moda Dea closeouts like Tweedle Dee, Bamboo Wool & Sassy. They tend to carry a lot of Red Heart & Lion Brand, but when there is a serious markdown on something it tends to sell out quickly. It pays to get there early when they post the sale items on Wednesdays and do a quick scan.<br />
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Probably the very cheapest yarn source I know of is <a href="http://www.smileysyarns.com/">http://www.smileysyarns.com/</a>. Super cheap prices on lots of Plymouth, Lion Brand, Filatura Lanarota, Rowan and more. This is purely closeout colors and yarn lines and they make no pretense. Once a month or so they have a .99 special on something that is usually pretty awesome. I bought 200 skeins of workhorse, machine-washable Plymouth Encore DK in neutral solids for .99/each the last time I ordered. So far I've used it to knit a man's pullover and vest and am starting an ivory baby blanket with it and that only made a tiny dent. The only drawback on this site is the flat rate $12.95 shipping cost. I wait to order until I am buying at least 130 skeins so the shipping averages out to .10/skein or less. Teaming up with a friend(s)to order is also a good way to reduce the shipping hit.<br />
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Higher end yarn from the major yarn companies is available on <a href="http://www.elann.com/">http://www.elann.com/</a>, another of my go-to's. They have their own low-priced line of yarn in a wide range of fiber weights and combinations along with everything from Reynolds to Naturally to Rowan and lots of patterns and books. I go to the "Bargain Finder" and scan the newest stuff, much of it 50% - 75% off. The shipping (it is coming out of Vancouver, BC) seems reasonable if going to the Northwest, not as good when I ordered from Texas. I have noticed there seems to be a significant savings on the shipping for bigger orders, however.<br />
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A recent favorite is <a href="http://www.fabric.com/">http://www.fabric.com/</a>, which has some very high-end yarn marked down from 20% - 65%. Today I found some lovely Nashua, Regia, Rowan and Filatura Di Crosa starting at $3/skein. The trick with this website is to spend over $35 to get the free shipping and find an additional discount code on <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/">http://www.retailmenot.com/</a>, a great source for many of your online yarn & supply purchases. There have been codes for 20%-30% there in the past. If you access <a href="http://www.fabric.com/">http://www.fabric.com/</a> through <a href="http://www.ebates.com/">http://www.ebates.com/</a> to place your order, you also snag a 4% cash rebate. <br />
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The ultimate best source of current yarn sales, both online and in stores is on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">http://www.ravelry.com/</a> postings on the "Yarn Sales" group. I have found out about some of the most awesome sales both online and at local craft stores of any other source. If you haven't joined <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">http://www.ravelry.com/</a> yet, this group alone is worth getting involved for the 411 on sales.<br />
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More next time on great online sources for yarn and supplies. And feel free to share your best cheap-o yarn and supply sources in the comments here.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-60735303803670010782011-03-13T16:09:00.000-07:002011-03-13T16:10:56.174-07:00The Penny Pincher's Guide to Cheapskate Knitting - Part 3 - Frugal Yarn & Knitting Supply SourcesI love searching for a good bargain on yarn and knitting supplies and I've spent countless hours honing my cheapskate buying skills (and adding to my frighteningly large yarn stash). It provides welcome recreation and I find it relaxing on the weekends - my reward for working another week in the financial world and much more fun than grocery shopping.<br />
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I am on the lookout for items that can be used for knitting supply/yarn storage everywhere I shop. Some of my favorite containers came from Ikea. My double-pointed needles are housed in a "Lidan" bag which was intended as toiletry storage and the "Flort" remote control pocket on my favorite chair keeps my knitting needles and supplies handy. All sizes of "Expedit" shelving, which is divided into cubes, is ideal for yarn storage with or without the optional fabric "Drona" drawers which will hide an entire project.<br />
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There are specific local craft places I look first depending on what I'm searching for. When I need any good, functional yarn or a knitting tool/needles quickly, I'm always prepared with coupons for Joann's, two of which are conveniently located minutes from my place. If you're not on Joann's mailing list, get there quick. They send out a mailer every few weeks that has at least one 40-50% off an item coupon and sometimes several. They also email coupons regularly, and are willing to accept Michael's (and other craft store) coupons. Last weekend I walked in with 10 coupons for 40-50% off any regularly-priced item and stocked up on enough Lion Brand "Amazing" to knit a sweater, which I couldn't have justified at full price.<br />
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I have amassed an impressive Clover bamboo single and double point needle collection, all bought with 40-50% off coupons. There's nothing quite as satisfying as the scritch-scritch of basic bamboo needles. Several times a year, Joann's has 10-20% off everything coupons for both regular and sale-priced items. That is a particularly good time to stock up on needles, crochet hooks, cable needles, stitch markers and any other fun tools you've been wanting to try out (perhaps those pricey rosewood single points).<br />
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Michael's also offers coupons, although they don't ever mail me anything and I'm on their mailing list. I find their coupons online (sometimes it involves Googling) and print them for use at the physical store location near my place or at Joann's. Several weeks ago I stopped in to use a 20% off everything coupon I had printed online for them. I was thrilled to find a bunch of unadvertised yarn specials on brands/colors they were closing out, but found when I tried to check my cartload of yarn that the coupon didn't cover closeouts, only sale and regular priced items. I kept half of the yarn that I couldn't live without since it was almost half-price on closeout. Michael's tends to seriously discount certain colors and varieties of yarn several times a year to make way for new spring and fall layouts, so check in periodically.<br />
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Keeping an open mind about yarn brands and materials is important when shopping at Michael's and Joann's (and AC Moore, Craft Warehouse, Hobby Lobby and other big craft stores). Even "Yarn Snobs" can have a satisfying shopping experience if remaining open to possiblity. I used to be the worst of the brand snobs when I owned my yarn shop and looked down my nose at any Lion Brand, Red Heart, Bernat and Caron yarn for their perceived lower-quality, acrylic-laden yarns. I've come to appreciate many of the brands I once avoided and I've always had a soft spot for Paton's yarns.<br />
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Some of my perennial craft store yarn go-to's are Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool, Paton's Classic Wool, all Red Heart's Stitch Nation yarns, Paton's Kroy sock yarn, Red Heart's Heart & Sole sock yarn (love the aloe), Caron's Spa (acrylic & bamboo), Paton's Grace (awesome sheen & drape cotton), Bernat Baby Cakes (cotton/acrylic baby yarn), Lion Brand Baby Wool, and I am not ashamed to be rather fond of Lion Brand Wool Ease (easy-care and cheap). I'm okay with acrylic involvement these days as long as the yarn in question has at least a token amount of some natural fiber.<br />
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In my next blog entry I will tackle the massive online discount yarn treasure trove. Look out!Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-51589029215895239672011-02-27T13:36:00.000-08:002011-02-27T13:36:15.335-08:00The Penny Pincher's Guide to Cheapskate Knitting Series - Part 2 - Cheapo Ways to Find Knitting PatternsThere are so many sources of inexpensive and free knitting patterns these days, that it makes the olden days of searching out a local yarn store and buying the instructions on how to knit your next project seem like the stone ages. The internet has spawned numerous sources of excellent knitting patterns and instructions as have other media outlets since knitting became "hot" again in the 90's.<br />
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My ultimate favorite source of free and minimally-priced knitting patterns is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">http://www.ravelry.com/</a>. I use that website to allow users to download my free patterns, be re-directed to this blog to download my freebies and I also sell several of my designs there. If you're not familiar with this website, it has evolved in the last few years from a basic social network for knitters and crocheters to the epicenter of knitting on the internet. A Ravelry.com generic pattern search using the keyword "knit" currently indicates over 45,000 free knitting patterns available to download, not counting the other 72,000 patterns available to download either on Ravelry or another website for a nominal charge.<br />
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The search engine is great on Ravelry as well, narrowing down results with keywords or by pattern attributes, designer names, ratings, and more. The patterns you like best can be "queued" for future reference. I currently have 699 patterns in my personal queue that I have either knit already and am storing, or plan on knitting in the future. Checking the new patterns feed is one of my daily activities as many freebie patterns from other sites, books, blogs and magazines are consolidated there. I also routinely look up patterns on Ravelry I am considering knitting to read other's comments and see photos of their finished projects. I have abandoned knitting project ideas after checking that information and discovering that no one else has been able to knit effectively or there are pattern flaws I can't overcome.<br />
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There are many individual websites that offer lovely knitting patterns free for the taking. My favorites are: <a href="http://www.berroco.com/">http://www.berroco.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.straw.com/">http://www.straw.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.elann.com/">http://www.elann.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">http://www.knitpicks.com/</a>, <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/">http://www.lionbrand.com/</a> and <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">http://www.knitty.com/</a>. Each serves a purpose depending on what type of item I am looking to knit. Berroco is trendy designs, particularly good for cardigans featuring Berroco yarns (which I like) andgenerally interesting designs. Straw is all designs made from Crystal Palace yarn, serviceable if simplistic and a little clunky. Elann has a good selection of freebie patterns, many provided from yarn companies in mid-range style with an abundance of shawls and sweaters. Knitpicks is getting better as time goes on and offers a large selection of everything from accessories to home decor items, with lots of color-work and felted projects. They also act as a clearing house for a wide range of minimally-priced designs by independent designers.<br />
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Knitty comes out four times a year with new free designs from a wide range of amateur to professional designers. Knitty's designs are generally fresh and hip, and originally offered some truly off-the-wall knitted item patterns. The last few years the site seems to be a sock, fingerless-glove and shawl emporium, if that's what you're into. It remains a go-to pattern source, particularly the pattern library.<br />
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Lionbrand has evolved into a huge free knitting pattern source in the last few years. There isn't a category they don't cover, with many basic scarves, hats, home decor and baby items not found elsewhere. I've knit many of their typically novice-geared patterns and find some of the garments a bit ill-fitting. Knowing that, many of them can be adjusted to be usable using the comments and advice from other knitters' experiences.<br />
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I've utilized <a href="http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/">http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/</a> over the years, particularly pre-Ravelry, and it still has many listings in all knitting categories, drawing from many of the websites listed above and others, including blogs. The downside of that website is having to actually click the links and go to the sites to see what the pattern is about (with none of the advice and photos of other users' projects).<br />
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Besides the internet, there are other cheapo knitting pattern sources. After buying many expensive knitting books over the years and finding I only used one or two of the patterns, I now fully utilize my local public library and save a bundle. When I find a new knitting book that I want to test drive, I put it in my online library queue and get in line to borrow it for a minimum of 3 weeks (sometimes longer if it isn't in high demand). If I find I absolutely can't live without owning the book mysel<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1931499438&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>f, I wait until <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">http://www.knitpicks.com/</a> has one of their 40% off online book sales (several times each year), buy it used on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">http://www.amazon.com/</a> or use a 40-50% off coupon at my local Joann's or Michael's Crafts to snag my copy. I have also found many cheapo knitting books (sometimes vintage) at my library's book sales. My last score was a set of early 70's "Creative Hands" volumes featuring needlework crafts (macrame, anyone?) and many awesome knitting stitches and patterns.<br />
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And last, but not least, is the improvisation method of cheapo knitting patterns. I often design my own patterns from scratch. Once you have knit various objects and understand the basic mathematical calculations and gauge, the possibilities are endless for cheapo knitting designs when you're creating them yourself. There are a variety of sweater component design books out there to assist, like <strong>The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns</strong> by Ann Budd and countless knit stitch encyclopedias perfect for winging it.<br />
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Be sure to check back for Part 3 of the Penny Pincher Guide on "Frugal Yarn and Knitting Supply Sources".Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-12857804057927308382011-02-19T14:39:00.000-08:002011-02-19T15:38:30.429-08:00The Penny Pincher's Guide to Cheapskate Knitting Series - Part 1Even though it feels like we are finally climbing out of the huge hole our economy, real estate and stock market fell into in the last few years, I think responsible shopping is always appropriate. I'm proud to have been called many things over the years, from "thrifty" to "tight" to just plain "cheap ass" as I've steadily honed my cheapskate skills. It is the way I raised my daughters to consume as well. To this day, they are trained to go directly to the SALE racks at the back of the store, do not pass GO. We just don't pay retail and I think a lot more people feel this way after what we've all been through since 2008. Losing your job, your retirement savings and possibly your home makes thrifty living look more attractive even to the most die-hard spender. And none of us plans on giving up our knitting addiction no matter what the economy...<br />
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There is something innately gratifying about getting a good deal. It enhances the enjoyment of buying something we really want or need when we have the added satisfaction of paying as little as humanly possible for that item. I can remember what type of deal I got on every skein of yarn, knitting needle and pattern I use on a daily basis. Sometimes it makes me smile while I knit with those things and certainly adds to the fun of the project and process. And if anyone criticizes my boundless yarn stash purchases, I can justify/rationalize all of it when it was at bargain prices.<br />
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As a former yarn shop owner, I have a distinctly different view on what is a reasonable price for yarn and knitting supplies. I bought all the inventory for the shop from wholesalers and systematically doubled the wholesale price for the final retail prices I charged in a very upscale tourist-dependent beach town. Being able to buy wholesale for five years is probably why I keep trying to recreate that situation with every knitting purchase I make now. <br />
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Granted, it is a lot of fun to hang out in your local yarn shop (LYS) and buy only the highest-quality, snooty brand name yarn and tools. I love it as much as the next knitter. Cheapskate knitting sometimes involves eliminating our yarn snob tendencies and foregoing the tactile experience of feeling over the yarn in your LYS for better prices online and keeping an open mind.<br />
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With all this in mind, here goes "<strong>The Penny Pincher's Guide to Cheapskate Knitting</strong>", a 5-part series here on my blog. Stay tuned for "<strong>Part 2: Cheapo Ways to Find Knitting Patterns</strong>" next week.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-42887480230005168352011-02-07T17:35:00.000-08:002011-02-07T17:35:53.225-08:00Well Behaved Women Don't Make HistoryI saw this quoted on a bumper sticker yesterday in a Walmart parking lot. There were other rather insightful bumper stickers on the truck parked next to my mundane little Insight, but that one just spoke to me. So, I'm going to keep that in mind the rest of 2011 and beyond. It is both a challenge and permission and I need both.<br />
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The Knit Party last weekend was a mixed bag. On one hand, there were only five of us in attendance (when I thought 12 were coming) so there was a lot of leftover food and wine. On the other hand, the women that did attend were delightful and we had a great time. <br />
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I taught one woman how to knit from the ground up with the Learn-to-Knit kit I had gotten her for Christmas. Another woman I had taught how to cast on and knit last year was ready to learn purling. And another woman who has been knitting off and on for years just needed some advice on finishing a block afghan. The other woman is grieving from the loss of a husband last year and isn't quite ready to learn to knit. I'm convinced she will be more receptive later on and I'll be ready to teach her then.<br />
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Unfortunately I have broken several of my New Year's knitting resolutions already. I didn't get a new post on here last week with preparation for the Knit Party. Also, and my worst infraction, was breaking my resolution to not buy any new yarn until after Presidents' Day. Darn that Weshop.com website! I couldn't resist their half off special on Joann.com and Fabric.com gift certificates. Combined with 30% off all yarn and free shipping, I was a goner, and ordered immediately.<br />
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I got 4 skeins of oatmeal Fishermen's Wool (my current fave), a cone of cream Lion Brand 1878 wool, several sets of bamboo single point needles, 10 skeins of Gedifra Riana Yarn in beige tweed and new point protectors. Then there was that trip to Joann's yesterday for 2 sets of bamboo double points that resulted in a new spring tape measure and 2 honkin' big skeins of Bernat Baby Blanket in shades of pink/orange for a cushy blankie for little June Bug. <br />
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Yes, India, my oldest, found out my next grandchild (due in late June) is really a girl and her name is going to be June Alyxandra (middle name same as my middle daughter Jade's). I'm so thrilled to be able to knit tiny girl thingies and have more plans for projects than I'll probably ever get finished.<br />
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I did finish the Anthropologie-inspired toddler cardigan. I took several pictures but still need to list it on Etsy.com. Not sure if I'm up for recreating it multiple times, but I like the way it turned out. While I was using the infamous Fishermen's Wool I also churned out another "Oatmeal Slouch Hat" for my Etsy.com shop. In addition, I designed and knit my new hat pattern "Put a Bird On It!" which is posted here on the blog page using the Iceland Lopi mentioned in the previous posting. <br />
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Also, I am half finished knitting slouchy cabled socks in a lovely pink Rowan Extra Fine Merino DK for a friend awaiting a kidney transplant. She is very ill and I hope these cuddly socks will comfort her. I'm also half-finished with another pair of denim blue cabled socks for my daughter Jade, who will be having her tonsils out in another month and recovering afterward at my place.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-78524445714052780292011-01-23T17:49:00.000-08:002011-01-23T18:08:53.203-08:00Icelandic Yarn, Men's Socks and a Knit Party<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1584798408&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I was pleasantly surprised this week when friends brought back some gorgeous Icelandic Lopi yarn straight from the source on their quick jaunt to Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights. It is a really soft Bulky Lopi by Istex and will be a delight to knit. I will probably knit a stranded earflap-style hat out of the cream and brown, but it must wait in the project queue for now as there are many more pressing things to finish before I can start anything new.<br />
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I also finished "Mona's Jacket" and it is blocked. Not sure if I like it as much as I thought I would. It fits okay after extreme blocking, but the crocheted buttons seem very clownish to me. Maybe they will grow on me.<br />
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My weekend has been spent making a large knit snack basket/container for my friend recovering from some nasty surgery and simple, cozy socks to recuperate in. The soft basket is rather clever and is included in Joelle Hoverson's <u>More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts</u>. It only took 1 1/4 skeins of Moda Dea Tweedle Dee and is just the right size for plenty of Trader Joe's snacks and the cozy socks. I will definitely make it again in the future - maybe for yarn studio storage or another gift.<br />
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The socks really knit up fast and are in my new favorite knitting book, <u>Knits Men Want</u> by Bruce Weinstein (photos by Jared Flood). They aren't kidding in the tagline either: The 10 Rules Every Woman should Know Before Knitting for a Man Plus the Only 10 Patterns She'll Ever Need. The 10 rules are hilarious and so true - I took the time to read the chapters before starting the socks and laughed out loud in between nodding in agreement many times over the accurate observations. The "Thick and Warm Socks" pattern is in the chapter titled "Rule #8 - Men Can Compromise" and were fun to make out of charcoal DK wool/acrylic.<br />
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The photos are beautiful, the projects simple, yet highly useable and cover everything from hoodies to hats to pullovers. I like the way each pattern has options for sizing each step of the way and the socks turned out great. Definitely a book to add to your library. You will reach for it again and again.<br />
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Meanwhile, I am readying my place for the Knit Party scheduled this coming Saturday afternoon. I had so many requests to teach friends and friends of friends how to knit that it seemed the most logical way to accomplish that (and drink some good wine). I'm excited to get to use my big pine IKEA table which has always looked like a knitting workroom table to me. I expect about a dozen women and have plenty of yarn in my copious stash to teach everyone with. Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-64759497877313474722011-01-16T11:27:00.000-08:002011-01-16T11:27:52.170-08:00My 2011 Yarn DietSo far this year, I have managed to stick with my resolution of not adding to my yarn stash in 2011 until after President's Day (also, ironically, my birthday this year). This resolution came from the fact that I have 100's (perhaps 1000's) of yarn skeins in my stash already and a change of residence on the horizon (I will have more boxes of yarn & knitting supplies than household goods). I've also managed to avoid buying any new knitting tools or books. The large snaps I bought at Joann's last weekend were necessary to complete the "Mona's Jacket" project and that darn Vogue Knitting magazine just showed up in the mailbox. <br />
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It has been difficult for me (harder than I realized it would be) and I feel like I'm on a restrictive food diet. When I'm on a calorie-restriction diet, I find myself watching the Food Channel constantly, clipping recipes like crazy and thinking obsessively about when and what I will eat next. For me, everything starts revolving disproportionately around food. That's the main reason I don't bother dieting anymore. <br />
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Now I'm not just skimming through yarn websites daily like normal, but loading up online shopping carts while telling myself I really NEED that yarn and what a great deal it is that might not come along again. I find myself daydreaming about types and colors of yarn I would like to buy walking back and forth to work and throughout my workday. As I'm knitting each evening, my right brain opens up and I start dreaming up new projects and designs that invariably require some yarn I don't currently own. I'm just glad it is yarn I am addicted to and not something much worse...<br />
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Fortunately, I haven't followed through on buying anything yet, but February 21st seems like a long time from now. At least I've been redirecting my frustration into knitting at a faster, more productive pace on my current knitting projects which uses up my yarn stash quicker. I just finished two loop scarves to post in my Etsy shop, have one sleeve left on "Mona's Jacket", am about 1/4 finished with Harold's vest and into the rustic child's Anthropologie-ish cardi. I'm casting on today to make a sweet pink "Elegantly Simple Baby Blanket" for my friend Ben's new addition, Evelyn Rosemary, arriving late this spring.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-78739944008476477822011-01-09T17:52:00.000-08:002011-01-09T17:52:43.414-08:00Knit Hermit WeekendI'm enjoying my first "Knit Hermit Weekend" of 2011 - three days of uninterrupted knitting bliss after my family went back to Texas last week. Except for some brief annoyances like laundry, vacuuming and an unavoidable grocery store trip tomorrow, I have sat like a slug by the fire knitting fiendishly on multiple projects. I watched lots of History channel tv, The Hangover movie and listened to music (right now some Bing Crosby). The weather has even cooperated - damp, cloudy and cold - perfect knitting weather. Life doesn't get much better for this knitter!<br />
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I will admit I'm not a particularly fast knitter (being a thrower slows me down for sure), but I try to make up for my speed with quantity. Being borderline adult ADD, I have to rotate between projects to keep myself entertained, so tend to start a bunch at once, feel like I'm never going to finish any of them at some point and finally wrap them all up almost simultaneously. I wouldn't recommend this knitting style to anyone else, but it is how I've always churned out my projects.<br />
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So, what have I accomplished so far this weekend? I'm happy to say I did complete the "Treasured Heirloom Baby Blanket" (a Lion Brand freebie pattern) that I started a week ago on the car ride to check out the University of Oregon in Eugene (one of my youngest's three potential college picks). I had 6 balls of white wool/cashmere yarn in my stash that were just enough to do it (see photo on the left). It was brainless knitting, but turned out well and will make a good baby gift for either my friend Ben's first baby or my newest grandchild, Weaselhead (what Hudson wants to call him/her).<br />
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I got all motivated after Harold, my boss and friend, seemed disappointed at Christmas when I didn't knit him a sweater. I decided to knit him a simple v-neck men's vest in rice stitch out off grey wool/acrylic DK from <em>Two-Stitch Knits </em>by Jane Crowfoot<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0762106220&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>. It will take me forever to finish this one, but I'm really liking the look and texture of the rice stitch and keep picturing how nice the vest will look under his business suits.<br />
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After selling yet another "Oatmeal Hat" in my Etsy shop right after listing, I suppose I should start another to replace it. I have made (and immediately sold) three of them now and am considering raising the price to slow down having to churn out more. I make them out of oatmeal Fishermen's Wool and don't like making them anymore. Speaking of Fishermen's Wool, which I am way too fond of right now, I am starting a little girl's Anthropologie-like cardigan out of it with oversized rustic knitted flowers sprinkled here and there for my Etsy shop. I'm still trying to decide whether I want the flowers to be bright, or done in the various natural shades of the FW yarn. I will cast on for the cardigan tonight and see what happens...<br />
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And finally, I wanted to make a simple infinity scarf with fringe around one edge like the one I made Sayde, so used some Knitpicks Felici sport in grey and red stripes to start it (see photo). I will probably put it in the Etsy shop when finished. I also cast on the "Mona's Jacket" from Spring 2010 Interweave Knits out of Tweedle Dee for me. It is done top-down and way fun to knit. Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-74452238801920419872011-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:32:08.423-08:00My Knitting Resolutions for 2011<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1933064145&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>After a crazy flurry of last-minute holiday knitting, I'm finally ready to regroup for the new year. Among my completed gift projects were several afghan/throws, multiple scarves, slippers and slouch hats. Now I can get back to increasing my Etsy shop inventory , finishing several new patterns I'm designing and making random booties, clothing and toys for my next grandchild affectionately known as "Weaselhead" (Mr. Spud's name for him/her).<br />
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I barely managed to finish the misty taupe scarf Sayde had requested I knit to duplicate one we saw at Anthropologie in Austin at Thanksgiving to give her when she came for the holidays. I knit it out of Naturally Caron "SPA" (75% microdenier acrylic/25% rayon from bamboo) for softness and drapability, cast on 50 stitches with size 5 needles and alternated 10 k, 10 p to a 70" length, seamed into a loop and added long fringe down one side. Love the way it turned out (see side photo), Sayde has worn it non-stop and it inspired her to get back into knitting and make one herself out of apricot Patons "Silk Bamboo."<br />
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The charcoal grey newsboy cap I knit for my daughter Jade was a big hit and looks really good on her. She and Sayde both have excellent heads for hats and seem to look good in any headwear I knit them. The photo of Jade in her new cap was taken in front of the Christmas tree in Pioneer Place in downtown Portland where we went to check out the new H&M store that opened recently.<br />
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I churned out a postal-y heathered blue ribbed scarf for my super postal carrier, Burt, who always goes out of his way for me and my mail. I doubled Plymouth Encore DK so it was chunky and washable (note picture on the side). Burt was tickled and it was fun to surprise him with a Christmas gift.<br />
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The only thing I didn't finish in time was the Star Afghan I knit for my friend/boss Werner and his family. I used the pattern out of the <em>Knitter's At Home</em> book which literally starts with 7 cast on stitches and with the help of many increases ends up being 740 stitches per row at bind off. I made it out of Moda Dea Sassy Stripes that self-patterns in browns and blues, is machine washable and looks good on their new chocolate leather sofa. I forgot to take a photo before gifting it (although I remembered to sew on a "HipKnitizer Handknits" label). Werner has promised to take a picture of it for me to post on here later.<br />
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So, after careful consideration, here is my list of 2011 New Year's Knitting Resolutions:<br />
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1) Take at least two photos of each finished project (1 close-up and 1 from a distance) and post on this blog, Etsy and/or Ravelry.com.<br />
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2) Sew a "Hipknitizer Handknits" woven tag on every project I knit this year, no excuses.<br />
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3) Improve on my Intarsia skills and hopefully learn to love doing it.<br />
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4) I swear, swear, swear I will actually try steeking rather than just reading about it<br />
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5) I will design a minimum of 6 new knitting patterns this year (at least half of them complicated garments).<br />
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6) I absolutely won't buy more yarn until after President's Day (although I have reduced my stash substantially in the last few months with my non-stop knitting).<br />
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7) I will only knit for people that want and appreciate my knitting (or are willing to pay for my work).<br />
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8) I will manage to take 30 minutes of my daily knitting time to exercise the rest of my body.<br />
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9) I will teach and inspire at least 6 newbies to knit this year.<br />
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10) I PROMISE to update this blog at minimum once a week (and will try extra-hard to update twice a week).<br />
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HAVE A GREAT <strong>2 0 1 1</strong> EVERYONE!Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-88203629718766219802010-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:11:26.226-08:00Ready of Not, Here Comes Christmas & My Favorite Knitter Gifts<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000IG1I8O&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>Wow, the holidays snuck up on me this year. I have so many people to knit gifts for this year, compared to last year when I was still working full-time on the road. This year I'm knitting for my three daughters, son-in-law, grandson, grandchild-on-the-way (due in June & probably named June if a girl), two bosses and their families, mailman who has been so awesome this year and friends. And, simultaneously, keeping this blog somewhat up-to-date, my shop on Etsy.com (HipKnitizer) stocked, adding new knitting designs on Ravelry, prepping my loft for Christmas from scratch (all my Christmas decor is still in TX) and managing to work my full-time job.<br />
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If I get everything done it will be a miracle. Here's my list of current projects: Star afghan done in the round, fringed infinity scarf like one my daughter saw at Anthropoligie in Austin, postal blue "Dudester" scarf for mailman, several other men's scarves, more "Oatmeal" hats to stock my Etsy store (they keep selling as soon as I list them), hats for Jocey & Luke, the prototype for the silly "Sayde Sunshine" doll and more.<br />
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I normally buy myself something for Christmas (usually yarn), but this year I am foregoing this treat. I will probably be moving again in the next six months and am trying to not accumulate more to move. It did get me to thinking about the best knitter gifts and knitting treats I like to buy myself. And, for what it is worth, here is my list:<br />
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Under $20 gift budget:<br />
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1) The original <u>Stitch 'n Bitch</u> book by Debbie Stoller - the best basic knitting book there is, period...<br />
2) KnowKnits "Go Knit" Pouch -a brightly-colored nylon pouch with drawstring perfect for sock knitting<br />
3) Several pairs of 9 - 14" bamboo single point knitting needles - preferably in the 3-9 size range<br />
4) Stitch holders, markers & point protectors - I'm fond of the double ended stitch holders, Knitpick's brass markers and blue Boye point protector sets<br />
5) Knitpicks,Elann.com, JoAnn, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or A.C. Moore gift cards<br />
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Under $50 gift budget:<br />
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1) Ball winder - the Boye electric winder is the Cadillac of ball winders<br />
2) Yarn swift - see wood swift link above - I have one just like this and I love it<br />
3) Sock blockers in several sizes - I like Knitpick's heavy blue plastic ones<br />
4) Any knitting stitch collection book - always useful to a knitter<br />
5) 10 skeins Stitch Nation Alpaca Love yarn (enough for a sweater) - my favorite color right now is "Cobblestone"Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-49194886044197819662010-12-04T13:29:00.000-08:002010-12-05T14:20:55.174-08:00My 9 Top Basic Stash Yarns<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003D7B5KG&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>I just returned from a two-week trip to my East Texas home. While I was there, I took a peek at the 20 boxes of yarn and knitting books stashed in my yarn room there waiting to be moved somewhere this summer. I had forgotten much of the yarn there as I hadn't been back in a year. Dang!<br />
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I am further reminded as I gaze at my Oregon yarn stash today that I have WAY too much yarn. I am a sucker for a good yarn sale and typically buy 100-200 skeins when I order by mail. Between the two homes (and two yarn rooms), I probably have well over 1500 skeins or enough to knit at least 200 - 300 projects. Shocking and I should be ashamed. <br />
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Anyway, it begs the question, how much yarn is enough (but not too much)? I don't know the answer to this question, but I do think there are certain brands/types of basic, utilitarian yarn that should be in every knitter's stash for last-minute projects or when it is just too darn much work to get out and buy yarn when you're dying to start a new project.<br />
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So here's my list of what should be in every yarn "pantry":<br />
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1) Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool (100% pure virgin wool with natural lanolin oil, 465 yd skeins, worsted). I am fond of the "oatmeal" colorway for the rustic neutrality. This stuff is great for felting, knitting men's projects and come in ginormous skeins.<br />
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2) Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride (85% wool/15% mohair, 190 yd skeins, worsted). The softness and deep, beautiful colors in this yarn are to die for. It felts well, has a nice shine and slight halo. Just great for a fairly economical sweater or accessories.<br />
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3) Paton's Classic Wool (100% pure new wool, 223 yd skeins, worsted). Maybe my all-time favorite go-to yarn for basic knitting, felting and down-to-earth colors. Fairly economical and the large skeins go a long way. This is the yarn I recommend to new knitters just starting out.<br />
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4) Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian highland wool, 220 yd skeins, worsted). This is a classic, universally-loved yarn for felting or regular knitting. It has great stitch definition, comes in a wide range of good colors and is moderately-priced.<br />
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5) Plymouth Encore (75% acrylic/25% wool, 200 yd skeins, worsted). Again, another classic yarn with many attributes of wool, but the washability of acrylic. This is a softer yarn that is a pleasure to knit with and perfect for the look and feel of wool but easy to care for in kid's clothes, afghans and pillows.<br />
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6) Lily Sugar 'N Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd skeins, worsted). Who doesn't love using this basic cotton for dishcloths, home accessories and summer items? It washes well with no special care, comes in a wide range of colors, easy to locate and very economical. <br />
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7) Paton's Grace (100% mercerized cotton, 136 yd skeins, sport). I'm starting to fully appreciate the beauty and usefulness of this smooth, slightly shiny basic yarn. The stitch definition is excellent and it is perfect for lighter-weight, summer projects. It has a surprising drapability and pretty colors.<br />
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8) Stitch Nation Alpaca Love (80% wool/20% alpaca, 131 yd skeins, worsted). This relative newcomer is gorgeous and has the attributes of a high-end yarn in a very economical form. The colors are exceptionally bright and vibrant and it can be found at regular craft stores. The yarn has good stitch definition and adorable free patterns, and will also felt well.<br />
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9) Red Heart Heart & Sole with Aloe (70% superwash wool/30% nylon, 213 yd skeins, sock). I'm a sucker for this inexpensive, self-patterning sock yarn. Maybe because it's easy to find at most craft stores, feels good and softens your hands while knitting (and later your feet in the socks). It comes in a limited range of colors, but the ones they offer are pretty appealing. I've knit socks, kid's clothes and accessories with this yarn and the washability is excellent.<br />
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What are your go-to yarn basics?Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-91628934407584339772010-11-12T19:01:00.000-08:002010-11-12T19:01:09.134-08:00Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Book Signing with the Superstar HerselfI'm here to report that Debbie Stoller's book signing at Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland, Oregon last weekend was a great success! There were 50-60 attendees and lots of them purchased the book and had it signed. Knitting needles clicked in the awe-struck audience as Debbie spoke about her knitting inspiration, knitting tips (stitch positions involving audience participation was priceless) and background about her new book, <em>Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting </em>which was officially released 11/01/10.<br />
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Debbie had brought a trunk show of some of the book's projects, including my design, "Baby Corn", and "The Life Aquatic" pattern designed by Serena Murphy, also from the Portland area. We were introduced to the audience, too. The project models featured in the book were passed around and it was interesting to see the models in person. I cringed when "Baby Corn" was passed to me, dreading how the model I knit might be faring through all the modelling, handling, etc. There were a few loose ends and pulled stitches, which I remedied as best I could.<br />
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It was fun to meet Debbie's mom, Mrs. Stoller (I'm sorry I didn't catch her last name). She was along for the ride on Debbie's book tour on the train. She told me she would rather fly than ride a roller coaster after having been traumatized on a roller coaster years ago. Debbie prefers riding the train on her book tours and still had Seattle, WA and several cities in California to hit before having to fly home to Brooklyn for the holidays.<br />
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I went to the signing with a couple of friends and was pleasantly surprised when my day job bosses and their families attended to show their support of my first published pattern (and hopefully not the last). The kids, Jocie and Luke, were wearing sweaters I had knitted both of them so it was really special. I've put their pictures on the left. I even got to sign some books myself and got Debbie's signature on my book copies. <br />
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I was wearing a black wool/angora version of "Coco" from the book I whipped out for the occasion. I wasn't feeling the sequins in the original "Coco" so used a selection of random buttons along the bottom and sleeve edges. I was sorry several times as it was overly warm and the angora kept going up my nose!<br />
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The next day, Debbie was featured on local TV on "AM Northwest" and showed the projects we had seen at the book signing. Several of my friends saw "Baby Corn" and my name mentioned as the designer and contacted me afterward. What a fun experience and Debbie is an excellent, clever speaker. I would highly recommend making the effort to see her if she comes to your town!Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-44634581694682034852010-11-07T10:07:00.000-08:002010-11-07T10:07:36.019-08:00Boogie Shooz #1 Released To the PublicI FINALLY finished the Boogie Shooz #1 pattern and posted it on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">http://www.ravelry.com/</a> late last night. It took w-a-y longer than I had expected, as I decided to do two other versions simultaneously (#2 & #3 natch), while I was finishing up several projects and whipping out "Coco" from <u>Superstar Knitting</u> in record time to wear today. Oh, and I wrote the pattern and am half-finished with "Sleet", my latest new scarf pattern which will be offered for free download on this blog (hopefully this coming week, if I can finish the prototype to photograph). It is my favorite scarf pattern yet. And there's the interruption of having to stop my knitting and go to work outside Knitworld 35 hours a week...<br />
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Boogie Shooz resemble quirky baby booties as you can see from the photos to the left and come in 3 sizes for grown a** women. They are pretty quick and easy for some instant gratification. I definitely let my freak flag fly on this one - why the heck not?? This is my first foray into selling patterns on Ravelry. I've been giving away "Big Honkin' Bag" and the "Elusive Blue Rose Hat" for almost a year now and they've had a good response, as well as the two scarf pattern downloads on this blog linked to Ravelry. This may prove if the hundreds of patterns were downloaded because they were awesome or because they were .... free.<br />
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I chose Debbie Stoller's Stitch Nation Full 'o Sheep to knit them in as it comes in an array of bright, interesting colors and is my current fave yarn. Debbie's book signing is at Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland today and I will be in attendance. I 'm taking all 3 prototype pairs of Boogie Shooz for Debbie to see knit from her yarn and my next design sketches for "Sayde Sunshine", a bizarro doll also out of Stitch Nation yarn.<br />
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If you're interested, each Boogie Shooz pattern download can be purchased for a mere $4 on Ravelry. I will do my best to get #2 and #3 on there this coming week. I would love your opinion on these so feel free to post your comments. I will also be posting the rules of the drawing for 3 copies of Superstar Knitting (one signed by Debbie) soon. Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-83874834239979658692010-11-01T13:42:00.000-07:002010-11-01T13:42:24.445-07:00Book Review: Design It, Knit It, Babies by Debbie BlissAfter buying and enjoying <em>Design It, Knit It</em> published in 2009 by Debbie Bliss, I was excited to check out her "sequel" for babies which came out Summer 2010. My interest was definitely piqued in the first volume by several inexplicable photos of darling baby garments not included in that book, which proved to be teasers of patterns in this book. Clever marketing idea, along with several other novelties which are included in this book.<br />
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PROS: I like knitting books that feature a spiral wire binding like this one - it easily lays flat and is infinitely more useable than a regular binding when referring to pattern instructions. The pattern instructions are clearly-written and easy to follow with plenty of diagrams and photographs to illustrate each.<br />
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The eighteen projects included in the 158-page book range from easy (tiny unisex Garter-Stitch Cardigan with minimal shaping) to more complicated, but still not overly difficult (boy's Shawl-Collar Jacket with clever northwoods styling). My favorite pattern is the precious Hooded Cardigan which is charming in its simplicity or as a blank slate for design customization. I can see using this pattern again and again.<br />
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There are also several baby afghans, accessories like a fair isle beret, several dresses, cardigans for boys and girls, and imaginative pullovers. I'm intrigued by the colorful little girl's Chevron Cardigan as it is similar to a design idea that had been floating around in my head and appeals to my affection for ripple stitch patterns.<br />
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The photography is soft and beautiful, a hallmark of Debbie Bliss books and showcases the pretty babies and muted colors of the Debbie Bliss yarns utilized in the designs. Really makes you want to grab some needles and whip out a baby project on the spur of the moment, even if there isn't a baby to knit for right this minute. Even though it may be purely staged, I enjoyed the glimpses of Debbie's design studio (and Debbie herself with a tape measure around her neck) sprinkled throughout the book.<br />
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CONS: If you are into designing patterns for babies (like Debbie Bliss clearly is), there is some helpful creativity advice, but little about the actual mechanics of calculations and the like, as she mentions herself in the book's introduction. This is purely soft core knit design information.<br />
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When I buy a knitting book, I calculate the value of the book by dividing the cost by the number of usable patterns in the book. Only 18 patterns in this book is a little on the skimpy side (although I found few page fillers) and the value of "design inspiration" is subjective. I admire Debbie Bliss and what her talent has accomplished in the knitting world, but I either want my knitting books to be either a knitting pattern book or a design inspiration book. Or, contain enough of each <span><span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=hipkn-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1933027983" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></span>in a hybrid to make me feel like the book was a good investment of my knitting dollars.<br />
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The jury is still out on whether the 15 pages of "Design Workbook", composed of grids and sweater outlines to embellish with one's own ideas was all that necessary. I don't like writing or drawing in my books, so that was not something I would ever use. Including a tear-out tool in the back for measuring knitting needle, gauge and knitting abbreviations is an interesting idea. The flimsy laminated page clearly won't take the place of any of these more permanent tools you currently own.<br />
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Overall, I give <em>Design It, Knit It, Babies</em> by Debbie Bliss a 3 1/2 * rating (based on a 5 * system).<br />
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<span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1933027983&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span> Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-3603927681525094812010-10-30T15:48:00.000-07:002010-10-30T15:48:14.691-07:00Why I'm Obsessed With KnittingI've been thinking about my knitting addiction this week. It is my only obsession that I don't feel somewhat apologetic for. I will admit I am ashamed of my sugar cravings (damn those gummy worms, chocolate parfait Nips and pumpkin spice Hershey kisses) and blatant caffeine addiction (hello Starbucks and my daily mega coffee consumption). I feel bad about my periodic cheeseburger attacks and frequent BBQ Pringles weaknesses. <br />
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I would even admit a little guilt about my love of Reality TV, Mad Men, Soup, Project Runway and TMZ... I watch way more tv than anyone I know, but justify that since I currently live alone, don't necessarily have to eat on a schedule and am knitting almost every minute I'm not asleep or at work. I won't even go into my reading, computer and secret obsessions with Jon Bon Jovi and John Corbett...<br />
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Here's my list of why I justify any and all aspects of my knitting fixation:<br />
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1) It has probably kept me from weighing 300 pounds. I'm not a small person or particularly fit, but I'm weird about making sure my hands are super-clean when I knit, so simultaneously eating ice cream, cookies or chocolate just won't work. These are two completely separate activities in my world. I've also been known to skip a meal or two on the weekend when caught up in a knitting project (who has time to stop and rustle up something?)<br />
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2) I truly feel like I am hypnotizing myself when I get into the rhythm of knitting. The repetition opens up my right brain (as I mentioned in a previous post), I feel my blood pressure dropping and I slip into another place, like a trance. I can't get that feeling from anything else I do and I'm definitely hooked on the feeling.<br />
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3) All my tv/movie watching is justifiable when I'm knitting something useful, creative and sometimes lucrative. I have never been able to sit and stare at a screen without doing something simultaneously that accomplishes a goal. Thanks to knitting, I am never bored, ever...<br />
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4) I have found a creative outlet that meshes with my talent and background. I was working on quilts during my high school classesl, sewed many of my clothes from a young age and earned money in college doing alterations and custom sewing. I always loved creating things, good design and fashion. Designing my own knitting patterns and customizing someone's pattern is right up my alley. Continually expanding my knitting skills and knowledge is challenging and addictive in its own way.<br />
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5) I've never been a collecter of things people usually collect, like thimbles, cats, shoes. But I am a huge collecter of yarn and it makes me very happy. My obese yarn stash is so large that it has its own rooms in both my residences. Collecting yarn gives me something to search out anywhere I travel, from the handspun Amish Corriedale yarn to hand-dyed Blue Moon sock yarn in the "Siren Song" colorway from the Flock & Fiber Festival in Canby, OR. I'm always on the search online and offline for good deals on beautiful fibers. And knitting with my finds reminds me of when and where I found them, like a good souvenir should. <br />
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6) The first place I go when I get online (after checking my email and this blog) is Ravelry.com. I love that knitting community more than I can express and would've never been a part of it if I wasn't a knitter. The comments, shared obsession and information from that website are an integral part of my life.<br />
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7) The pure pleasure and satisfaction I gain from knitting something awesome for a friend or family member that is loved and appreciated. How better to show people you care about their importance to you? The finished project is proof enough of that, but also the hours and hours of knitting time I spent thinking good things about them while working on the project certainly counts for something, like the Prayer Shawl phenomenon. That positive energy is worked into everything I knit.<br />
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8) I always have something portable to keep me occupied in any situation with my knitting projects. Doesn't matter if I'm facing a long plane flight, long phone call or traffic jam. I have a small project tucked in my purse (usually a sock) for any emergency. Time flies when you're absorbed in a fun knit.<br />
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I could add dozens more reasons, but I would like to hear other peoples' opinions. Why are you obsessed with knitting and how has it added to your quality of life?Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-31004366519135157392010-10-25T15:05:00.000-07:002010-10-25T15:05:47.298-07:00Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting Is In the HouseI am so excited to report my copy of the newly-hatched <u>Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting </u> has arrived! I am having a blast seeing my pattern, "Baby Corn", and my name and bio in print and enjoying the other forty pattern contributions, as well. My pattern not only has a 4-page spread with two photographs, but made the back cover (see photos on the left).<br />
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Debbie Stoller's writing is awesome, as always, and the first half of the 356-page book is devoted to her humorous spin on advanced knitting instructions. There are some great diagrams and insight into doing everything from knitting with beads and deciphering a lace knitting chart to designing your own sweater creations. She has really outdone herself on this one. I think it is the best Stitch 'N Bitch book yet.<br />
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As mentioned before, I will be attending Debbie's book signing at Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland on November 7th at 4:00 pm. I am 2/3 finished knitting the "Coco" cardigan from <u>Superstar Knitting</u> in black angora/merino and will hopefully be wearing it for the event.<br />
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I will also be having a giveaway here for 3 copies of the new book. If you want your copy RIGHT NOW, click on the Amazon link and get it for a great price and <span><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=hipkn-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0761135979&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></span>quick. Stay tuned for more info!Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-19099922095178560442010-10-16T14:13:00.000-07:002010-10-16T14:37:33.637-07:00My Current Knitting ProjectsIn between working full time and day-to-day domestic survival tasks, I do find plenty of time to knit. I manage to squeeze in 3-4 hours a day most days. It helps preserve my sanity, lowers my blood pressure and opens up my right brain very effectively. I keep Sharpie and paper handy always when I pick up my knitting. It feels like a door opens on my creativity about 15 minutes in to knitting, especially really repetitive knitting like stockinette or garter.<br /><br />Several days ago I had one of the best "creative spillages" I've ever had. I had put in a stressful 9 hour day at work and finally sat down to work on a simple boy's pullover worked in stockinette with sock yarn (on size 3 needles). I had been working only a few minutes and was alternating between the knitting and watching my favorite Thursday night TV shows when the ideas started flowing. Out poured great solutions for the my new slipper design pattern, color combinations that had never crossed my mind, embellishments for future designs and new pattern designs. I was writing and sketching so fast that I almost couldn't keep up. It was great - probably the high point of my week. Hope it happens again soon!<br /><br />Does this happen to anyone else? I would love to hear about other knitter's experiences with the whole right-brain phenomenon. It fascinates me to no end. Feel free to post your creativity stories below in the comments section.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I'm back to finishing the second slipper of my newest design. I posted a picture of the first one to the left, along with several other recent projects both finished and in progress. I particularly like the pink cabled cardigan. It is for my 3 year old friend, Jocelyn, to keep her warm this fall and winter. She will wear nothing but pink, so this awesomely pink creation should tickle her fancy. It was kind of tedious with all the cabling and double-stranded yarn, but I love the way it turned out and can't wait to see it on Jocie.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-77714657699070073352010-10-09T11:21:00.000-07:002010-10-09T11:45:27.856-07:00Debbie Stoller's Book TourI was contacted by Debbie Stoller's publicist at Workman Publishing about her upcoming book tour to promote <em>Superstar Knitting</em> this fall/winter, since my "Baby Corn" dress design/pattern is included in the book. The tour starts November 1st, 2010, the same day the book is released. Debbie says she got a first copy this week and I'm expecting my copy soon. From what I have seen, it is definitely one to add to your knitting library.<br /><br />I am helping to let people know where to find Debbie as she goes across the country on her tour. If you are in the areas she will be visiting, be sure to grab a copy of the new book, meet her and have her sign your book. I was fortunate enough to have gone on the first "Stitch 'N Beach" cruise in 2008 with Debbie and Shannon Okey, super talented knitters and really fun women!<br /><br />Here's Debbie's tour schedule:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.workman.com/authors/event_search.pl?author=9367&rm=search_results">http://www.workman.com/authors/event_search.pl?author=9367&rm=search_results</a><br /><br />I will be at the Powell's event in Portland, OR on Sunday, November 7th at 4:00 pm.<br /><br />According to the publicist, Debbie will also be at The Yarn Garden at 1413 SE Hawthorne in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, November 6th at 6:00 pm. I plan to be at this event as well.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yarngarden.net/">http://www.yarngarden.net</a>Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-70891615039140839702010-10-04T17:31:00.000-07:002010-10-04T18:08:25.848-07:00SSS Part 2The shop had been a gratifying experience and turned me on to knitting. I had just had a pattern accepted for the next Stitch 'N Bitch book (<em>Superstar Knitting</em>) and was excited about whiling away the days in my new knitting studio designing more patterns. This was going to be my ideal retirement, or so I thought...<br /><br />Unfortunately, fate had another plan. My husband was diagnosed with malignant melanoma with about a 50/50 chance of surviving the next 5 years. He had surgery to remove the original tumor and no melanoma cells were found in his sentinel lymph nodes, which was the good news. The bad news was our private health insurance wanted rid of us a soon as possible with that diagnosis. No other private insurance companies would accept someone with that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre </span>existing condition, either. I was forced to return to Edward Jones in Tyler, TX as an office administrator to qualify for the group health insurance since Mike was having countless CT scans, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRI's</span>, biopsies and removal of other suspicious skin growths.<br /><br />Back to a 45 hour a week job (long commute) I barely had time to knit anything, much less devote any significant time to designing new patterns. I managed to do that almost a year before getting re-licensed as a financial advisor and hitting the road as a Transition Rep. I figured the constant travelling and weeks at a time in hotels would give me more design time and a better paycheck.<br /><br />I covered 18 offices without a financial advisor in the almost two years I travelled all over the US. I got to visit some awesome yarn shops everywhere I went and churned out more knitting than I had while parked in east Texas. Fortunately, my husband has remained melanoma-free and beaten the odds. He stayed in Texas while my youngest daughter finishes high school this year.<br /><br />A combination of events brought me back to the Portland, Oregon area. Since my two older daughters and Spuds (my grandson) live in the area, I was spending more and more "weekends home" here. I came in from the road, moved to a really great loft in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hillsboro</span> area and Edward Jones friends needed an office administrator a mere 5 minute walk from my current place (no commute). Fortunately I have been able to go to a 4 day work week and focus the other 3 days a week on my knitting and designing.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-59217665751423929422010-09-30T11:12:00.000-07:002010-09-30T12:12:34.175-07:00Siren Song StitcheryI guess I never mentioned owning my own yarn/needlework shop on here, so bear with my ramblings. It all began in the spring of 2001...<br /><br />For the previous 6 years I had been working as a financial advisor with Edward Jones in my own branch office in Beaverton, Oregon. Moving to the Northwest to run that office was a huge leap from our Southwest roots at the time, having lived the previous 8 years in New Mexico. I had fallen in love with everything Oregon had to offer and we adapted to the rain pretty easily. <br /><br />The mid to late 90's was an exciting, yet highly stressful time helping investors with all the stock craziness. I had managed to build a successful business (at the expense of time with my daughters, my health and any home life) but dreamed of giving it all up and moving to Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast. I made steps in that direction from putting up a poster-sized photo looking down the coast at CB right over my desk to buying a small weekend beach house in Seaside and a residential lot in Cannon Beach I someday hoped to build on.<br /><br />In the late spring of 2001 we were spending the weekend in the Seaside house and wandering around Cannon Beach, when I spotted a "For Rent" sign in the window of a prime retail space on the main street where the tourists hung out. One thing led to another and I ended up leaving the investment world, moving to the coast with my middle daughter, Jade (ready to start high school that coming fall), and opening my own needlework shop. I've taken a lot of risks in my life, but that was the most difficult decision I ever made - I was terrified I had made a huge mistake. In addition, we accepted an offer on the Seaside house that was too good to pass up and I had to get a home built on the Cannon Beach lot so we had a place to live at the same time.<br /><br />I called my shop "Siren Song Stitchery" with the tagline "DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO" and the original business model only involved cross-stitch, needlepoint and embroidery kits and supplies. I designed a mermaid logo, painted the space a beachy blue/green, filled it with fun merchandise and opened the doors on July 28, 2001, hoping the money I had socked away to cover the bills for the first year would hold out. <br /><br />Less than 2 months later, 9/11 happened. After the initial shock, it became apparent that people were seeking solace in crafts and needlework and business was good. About that time, my mother noted that her knitter friends spent an awful lot of money on yarn and suggested I add knitting supplies to my inventory. I had never learned to knit or crochet and couldn't see how that would work when I was barely familiar with those crafts. How could I assist my customers buying supplies or give the advice/instruction necessary? <br /><br />Nevertheless, I could see that was the right move, so added knitting and crocheting supplies to my shop. About that same time I took another giant leap of faith and finances and moved to a stand-alone building almost twice the size (and double the rent) of my original place. I poured everything I had into filling the new space and teaching myself to knit from a beginning knitting brochure and Debbie Stoller's first <em>Stitch 'N Bitch</em> book.<br /><br />The business grew and prospered and the seeds of my knitting obsession were planted. I hired several employees to help and I spent my days working with other devoted knitters, gradually shifting to a yarn shop from a needlework shop. In the 9 months of rainy evenings I sat by the fire and knitted shop models and yarn samples as my knitting skills improved. I put out a shop newsletter and held classes and a weekly knitting group as the shop expanded and improved. We were totally riding the knitting/crocheting wave that followed 2001.<br /><br />Several things happened simultaneously that led me away from beach life after six years. My husband still lived over in Portland with my youngest daughter (80 miles away) and my middle daughter had been off at college for a year. The lease was about to expire on the shop building, both our homes were worth ridiculous amounts (right as the real estate bubble was about to burst) and the isolation of the coast and never-ending stress of running the business was starting to wear on me. It was time for a change.<br /><br />We ended up selling both homes, Siren Song Stitchery, my husband's business and relocating to east Texas. I sold the shop and it was renamed "Coastal Yarns". It still exists today in Cannon Beach near my first location on Hemlock Street. Meanwhile, we built our dream home, invested the real estate money and planned to semi-retire. I was going to while away the days designing knitting patterns but that was not to be. <br /><br />To be continued...Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-38723237345025945732010-09-25T15:12:00.000-07:002010-09-25T15:31:03.818-07:00I'm a Ravelry.com JunkieIt suddenly dawned on me that I've never mentioned how addicted I am to Ravelry.com. I go on there several times a day without fail. I really don't know what I did before it existed. In case you are unfamiliar, it is the facebook.com for knitters and crocheters and combines everything from message boards to patterns to thousands of other knitters all over the world. Everytime I check my personal email, I do a quick scan of what's new on Ravelry. In fact, I could probably exist just fine with only online access to those 2 places and nothing else.<br /><br />I currently have 2 free patterns to download on Ravelry. One is the "Big Honkin' Bag" and the "Elusive Blue Rose Hat" pattern. I originally spent countless hours designing, writing the pattern and photographing the bag pattern to submit to Knitty.com. Big mistake that - I think from the time elapsed it probably made it into one of the final groups to be published on Knitty, but was ultimately rejected for reasons I will never understand. <br /><br />I was so incensed over all my wasted effort on that experience that I vowed NEVER TO DO THAT AGAIN and let my awesome pattern languish for awhile. I considered selling it on Ravelry, but decided to give it away for free on there as a kind of pay back for all the free patterns I have downloaded and enjoyed from the site myself over the last several years. Several people requested the hat pattern after seeing it on my finished projects page, so I added that pattern as well. <br /><br />If you haven't had the chance to set up a free account on Ravelry.com, I highly recommend it. It is an excellent place to record your finished knitting projects, read other people's ratings and observations of most knitting and crocheting patterns out there and see photos of countless finished projects (which can be both depressing and inspiring). The various message boards devoted to everything from Prius lovers to local knitting shops is an endless source of amusement. My current obsession is the Mad Men board where we discuss knitting and my favorite tv show endlessly. <br /><br />If you want to see most of my finished projects in the past several years, feel free to check in on me (user name HipKnitizer) and feel free to "friend" me as well.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-15690259164292260292010-09-20T12:22:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:40:58.735-07:00Not Much Longer Now!I'm really getting excited about the upcoming publication of the<em> Stitch 'N Bitch Superstar Knitting </em>book. Only 41 more days until it comes out! I have seen several previews of the contents (Knitpicks has photos) and got an advanced copy of my Baby Corn pattern pages to proof several weeks ago. Baby Corn is the yellow dress in the first preview photo on the Knitpicks website upcoming books preview - funny that they would put my pattern first.<br /><br />Debbie asked for current addresses of the pattern designers so she could send us each a copy of the book. I'm hoping it comes soon. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Powell's have been advertising advance ordering of the book for months now. I went on my local public library website and there were already 4 holds on the book also in advance of publication. I sure hope it gets the press it deserves when it is finally on the shelves. It is a really beautiful book - great photography, lovely projects and Debbie's great writing style is throughout. Can't believe it has been over 4 years since I first submitted my pattern!<br /><br />I just had a total knitting hibernation weekend. It was rainy and perfect to stay indoors knitting and designing. I finished the Vanilla Ice Cream scarf pattern which I will be posting soon on here. Also am nearing the finish line on the pink hooded cable cardigan for a friend's 3 year old daughter and a self-patterning sock yarn pullover for their 5 year old son. I also quickly knit a ruffled wine bottle drip-catcher for a wine gift and finished my knitted bead necklace (will post a picture later). I am about half finished with the dinosaur/dragon toddler hat design and hope to have that pattern completed by mid-October.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-49839721673138937262010-09-12T11:12:00.000-07:002010-09-12T11:36:41.630-07:00The Big Faucet Will Be Turned "ON" SoonSeptember and October are truly the best months of the year to reside in Portland. The days are typically sunny, mild (low 70's this week) and rain-free. As we were warned when we first moved here from New Mexico 15 years ago, "If you want to do anything outdoors, do it before November 1st." That is about the time the Big Faucet in the Sky comes on and the next 8-9 months of uninterrupted rain commence. <br /><br />I'm like most people around here. We accept and embrace the inevitable rain that gives us the year-round green landscape, amazing produce, beautiful Douglas firs, great vineyards and more bookstore and coffee places per capita than anywhere else in the country (except for maybe Seattle). The first few weeks of rainy season are welcomed with extra coffee and hot tea, curling up under an afghan with a good book and evenings spent next to the fireplace cozily knitting away. Ahhhh, this is why we live here...<br /><br />I will be spending this winter tucked into my cozy place as seen in the adjacent picture. I was really lucky to end up in this situation as my unit is one of only three currently inhabited. This is my favorite home so far - high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful wood floors. I spend many pleasant hours knitting and designing here in my cozy little tree house. <br /><br />Currently my designing and knitting it is in an out-of-control phase. I have 5 project designs in the works including a baby cardigan, adult slippers, a toddler creature hat, a mohair adult pullover for a contest and a lengthwise scarf (probably the next one finished which I will post on here). My WIP (work in progress) list includes: 2 adult cardigans, 3-4 pairs of socks, a pink toddler cabled hoodie cardigan, a boy's pullover knit from sock yarn (that will take awhile), knit bead necklaces, and ongoing chunky scarves to sell on etsy.com.<br /><br />I must point out that is only the projects in my Oregon place. The WIP's in my workroom in the Texas house probably number in the dozens at this point. I can't even begin to remember, much less count all of them since it has been nearly a year since I was there. I have packed a number of them ready to be shipped up here eventually and plan to finish as many as possible when I spend several weeks there at Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Writing about my WIP's is making me anxious. Better wrap this up and get busy !Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-78066908674493403522010-09-04T17:40:00.000-07:002010-09-04T18:00:35.208-07:00Now that its been almost 13 MONTHS!I'm treating Labor Day 2o1o weekend like my own New Year with a bunch of fresh starts. Hard to believe it has been almost 13 months since my last blog post. I'm determined to do better this time and am aiming for weekly updates at the very least.<br /><br />So much water under the bridge in the last year. I am no longer a travelling financial advisor as of this past March. I finally had my fill of the non-stop hotels, planes and rental cars and inability to return to my home base for months at a time. The two years of travel experiences were great and I don't regret any of the places I spent time and new friends I made all over the US, but I'm basically a homebody at heart. There's something to be said for dwelling among your own things and sleeping in your own bed at night. Plus I have way too much knitting paraphernalia to be toting it all over the place for weeks at a time...<br /><br />So now I'm situated in a cool urban loft back in Portland, Oregon, truly the knitting epicenter of the US. I live a 5 minute walk from my work at an Edward Jones financial office and use all my extra non-commuting time to (what else?) knit even more. My place has great natural light, bookshelves crammed with yarn and knitting books and a whole extra room devoted to knitting and designing (photos to follow eventually). The Max (lightrail) runs right out front and I can easily get to the airport if I need to head down to East Texas to check on my house there.<br /><br />I'm anxiously awaiting the publication of Debbie Stoller's newest Stitch 'N Bitch book, "Superstar Knitting" coming out November 1, 2010. I've seen the previews of my pattern design, "Baby Corn" and am blown away by the photos and layout. Yes, I knit the yellow dress the model is wearing in the picture on the beach and it will go all over the country in the upcoming trunk shows promoting the book release. Just hope I wove all those ends in tight enough!Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2305401249253136977.post-78959777057829222022009-08-09T14:11:00.000-07:002009-08-09T14:36:37.064-07:00Hangin' With the AmishMy most recent job brought me to a part of the country I had never seen. I'm working in York, PA, which is 45 minutes from the heart of Lancaster County/Intercourse/Amish country. The original job looked like it would take less than a week, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it looks like I will be stationed here much longer. It isn't too hot and the countryside is beautiful, as you can see from my Amish laundry picture (taken as I was driving) so I'm okay with that.<br /><br />In a way I was glad to extend my visit as it allowed me to visit Lancaster County yesterday. Had a wonderful, surreal time wandering around Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse, where I found several great yarn shops and a lovely quilt museum. There are Amish buggies zooming all over the place and it all seems very authentic, not commercialized as much as you would think.<br /><br />I was on a quest for local handspun yarn and I found some. I posted a photo of the 3 skeins I bought. The two on the left are natural-colored (one very grey and the other medium brown, which didn't photograph well) and spun from Corriedale sheep on a nearby farm. I bought them in Labadie Looms enroute to Intercourse from a fascinating shop owner that told me her family had been weaving/spinning for 300 years.<br /><br />I love the golden yarn on the right. I bought it at Lancaster Yarn Shop (see two violinists playing on their back steps in the photo). It was also spun locally from Corriedale sheep and said on the tag it was "aster dyed". It looks like over 200 yards of worsted weight (already balled!) and only set me back $8.95. I can see it knitted up into a complicated, lush winter scarf. That color would look great with any color of outerwear.<br /><br />York is an interesting area. I hate driving here as they are even more aggressive than Dallas drivers, but my hotel situation is great. The teenagers and 20-somethings here are some of the most polite I've encountered anywhere in my US travels. I'm planning to see Hershey and re-visit Amish country before I leave. I'm also about an hour north of Baltimore and two hours from Delaware. If I make it to those two states I can mark them off my states-I-need-to-visit list.Jana Pihotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17156114843391955962noreply@blogger.com0