Monthly Archives: December 2017

I posted this in my newsletter, but it seemed to hit a chord, so I wanted to share this further.

Are you in the midst of some holiday deadline knitting?

Here are some quick tips that keep me sane.

1. Only knit for someone who’s knitworthy. By knitworthy, I’m including someone who appreciates the thought, work, and time that goes into making a handknit accessory or garment. Otherwise, just buy something nice that won’t take you hours of work! I’m also a big fan of shared experiences – take someone out for a nice lunch, for a gorgeous hike, or something else that will be fun and relaxing.
2. Pick yarn that you love to work with. This is the time to break out the super soft, comforting yarn. I recently knit up a sample in Mrs Crosby Due Capre and it was heaven in my hands.
3. Ideally, pick something that is DK weight of larger. You know I love tiny needles, but this is not the time to work on, say, a Bohus sweater in light fingering weight.
4. Choose something that can be sumptuous: slippers, a cozy cowl, house socks, a warm hat, or a lacy shawlette.
5. Don’t stress out! If you’re knitting for someone knitworthy, chances are they’ll love whatever you make. That doesn’t mean don’t do the best work you can, just enjoy the process. And take a bit of time for some self care. I know that’s the trendy phrase of the moment, but there is validity to it. Go to the gym, take a walk, brew a nice cup of tea or coffee and just relax a bit — with or without your knitting.

Congrats to commenter #55, GM! I’ve emailed you as well.

I’m the first to admit I’m a junkie for stitch dictionaries, and I was pleased as punch to receive a review copy of Andrea Rangel’s AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary.

The first 20 pages or so are devoted to quick lessons on color theory, how to hold the yarn for stranding, how to read charts, how to lock floats, and other tips.

The next 100 pages are all swatch-y, charted goodness, with stitch patterns (200 of them!) ranging from bold graphics to whimsical representations of animals and other objects.

The last bit of the book includes an essay on how to use the stitch motifs for various projects (including doing a bit of math), and then patterns for a beanie, mittens, cowl, pullover and cardigan.

Some of my favorite stitch patterns are Escher Bats, Bees, Sonora, Spiders, and Gecko. My absolute favorite is her Masked Bandit pattern, with an adorable raccoon and trash cans. She has some lovely geometric patterns as well.

If you’re looking for something a bit different that traditional Fair Isle or other regional colorwork stitch patterns, I bet you’ll love this book.  I know I’m going to have fun playing with some of the motifs!

Do you want a chance to win your own copy? Interweave has offered to give away a copy to one of you!  Just leave a comment on this blog post about your favorite types of stranded projects, by midnight PST December 11th, and I’ll draw a winner from the comments.