10 Saturday Mar 2012
Posted in Etsy Finds, For the Nook, Furniture, Space Savers
Vintage Folding Sewing / Knitting Basket with Wooden Frame by Juju's Vintage Ooh Oohs
I’m all about breathing new life into old things. If it has good bones, the possibilities are endless! Folding baskets might scream “Granny!” but I love what some Etsy sellers are doing to freshen their image, making them prime real estate for WIPs!
01 Thursday Mar 2012
Posted in Art, For the Nook, Furniture
Tags
belle, Chair, kitty mcbride, knitting, nook, The Divine Chair, upholstery, vintage
The Divine Chair, Belle $2,000.00
Those wanting to add a practical pop of color and touch of whimsey to your nook, look no further than The Divine Chair!
Kitty McBride refurbishes and reupholsters chairs of yore and turns them into strikingly visual masterpieces for your home… and rump!
29 Wednesday Feb 2012
Posted in Etsy Finds, Handpainted Yarn, Interviews, Yarn
Tags
Apothecary Yarns, dyed, Etsy, hand dyed, handdyed, independent, indie, interview, Jennifer, Sarah
Apothecary Yarns, Wall Street Jumper
I must confess, Apothecary Yarns was my gateway drug into the world of independently hand-dyed yarns, with their wild colorways and catchy names… Which is why I’m super excited about this week’s interview with Sarah and Jennifer, the awesome sisters behind it all!
While they both knit, Jennifer is the mastermind behind the dyeing process, and Sarah is responsible for the business end of things and taking photos of their delicious yarn!
I would really love to meet them for a knit some day because they seem like so much fun! I hope you agree when you hear what they had to say.
25 Saturday Feb 2012
Posted in Decor, For the Nook
Tags
bag, bean, beanbag, Chair, Design Sponge, for the nook, grace bonney, Kebnekaise Mountain Pouf, pouf
Kebnekaise Pouf
After interviewing many fiber folk for KnitNook, one thing is clear to me: Having a big comfy chair to knit on is essential. Well knitters, feast your eyes on this adorable knitted pouf chair, inspired by the highest mountain in Sweden!
I spotted it on Design Sponge, one of my favorite blogs. (The founder, Grace Bonney, is also a fellow Greenpointer!)
Get your Kebenkaise Mountain Pouf at StoryNorth.com
21 Tuesday Feb 2012
Posted in Etsy Finds, Yarn
Tags
downton abbey, Etsy, hand dyed, handdyed, lisa roman, Roman Hills, yarn
Roman Hills, "Sybil" 420 yd Superwash Merino/Cashmere/Nylon
The magnificent ladies behind Roman Hills Yarn have done it! They immortalized the characters of Downton Abbey within their luxurious skeins!
If catching up with the Crawleys once a week is just not enough, check out the Roman Hill’s Etsy shop; Lisa and Amy channel the likes of Mary, Sybil, Matthew, Bates, Anna and yes, even the scheming Thomas & O’Brien! But hurry up, because they’re going like hotcakes!
14 Tuesday Feb 2012
Posted in Book Review, Pattern Picks
Once again, I’m on a full blown sock-knitting kick and I may have Alice Yu to blame. I recently purchased her latest book, Socktopus: 17 pairs of socks to knit and show off, and it’s brimming with tempting patterns. I thought I’d take this opportunity to write a little review about it:
To start, I really like that Alice Yu gives a thorough introduction to sock-knitting. She covers all the basics like fiber, common sock fibers, yarn construction and yarns from around the world. Some of the information even applies to other aspects of knitting. I especially enjoy how she talks about yarn ply and then has photos of swatches to show how ply effects gauge. Very helpful!
I’d say Socktopus is for the adventurous knitter, interested in experimenting and learning how to make more than one kind of heel or toe. It might also be for someone who enjoys or just getting into lace-knitting. Socks are small and a great starting point for this. There are a few patterns like Om Shanti, that are knit from the toe up– something I’ve been wanting to learn!
Right now, I’m knitting a pair of V Junkies and loving every stitch! The pattern’s honeycomb-texture looks like it’s pretty complex but believe me, it’s no Cookie A. It’s surprisingly easy to memorize and looks great knitted up with the hand dyed sock yarn I’m using.
I really want to knit almost every sock in this book– but from a reviewer’s perspective, here are my top 5 patterns picks:
You can check out all the patterns from this book on Ravelry.
Check out Alice Yu’s web site, Socktopus.co.uk and get your hands on a copy of Socktopus: 17 pairs of socks to knit and show off on Amazon.
09 Thursday Feb 2012
Posted in Decor, Etsy Finds, For the Nook
Tags
MayaMuseTextiles, Hanprinted Designer Pillow / Cushion
Big bold print? Check! Fun bright color? Check! Knitterly design? Check! I’m all over this pillow from Maya Muse Textiles!
Her products boast original designs and are screen printed by hand using all-natural materials. I only wish she had more prints and products to choose from! That being said, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on her Etsy shop.
05 Sunday Feb 2012
Posted in Interviews, Knitting Podcasts
Green Triangle Girl of 'A Playful Day' Podcast
Behold! Another interview with one of my favorite knitting podcasters, Green Triangle Girl of A Playful Day! Like the name suggests, her show evokes an incredible sense of playfulness. Her voice is charming and always upbeat. I just love her enthusiasm for knitting; each episode leaves you ready to tackle the world with their knitting needles. Did I mention, she’s also a mega foodie? The girl loves to cook and bake– rest assured, you will be inspired not only to keep on knitting, but to get busy with your kitchen.
05 Sunday Feb 2012
Posted in Knitspiration, Pattern Picks, Ravelry
Tags
Ephemera Mittens by Amy Christoffers
Mittens have long been on my list of ‘things to knit’. I don’t know why I’ve procrastinated until now, when it’s getting colder and carrying groceries back home really makes me wish I had a pair! So this weekend, I made my cold hands a priority …As they always should be, because without them we couldn’t knit!
While I’d love to make an intricate fair isle or cabled pair, this scenario called for instant gratification! I needed a quick, work horse pattern that would let me bang out a pair in just a few hours. (Classic Mittens are an easy go-to, but I was hoping to find something with a little more character.)
After a quick Ravelry search, I stumbled on the Ephemera Mittens by Amy Christoffers. They’re simple, but I love how the small gauge makes them charming and dainty. It goes without saying, these also make excellent stash-busters and one could have lots of fun improvising some stripes or fair isle design.
28 Saturday Jan 2012
Posted in Decor, For the Nook, Furniture, Space Savers
Tags
EDLAND, IKEA, linen closet, shelves, stash, yarn, yarn storage
IKEA EDLAND Linen cabinet, $399.00
Moving day is here! There’s still lots of packing to do but I can’t resist taking a break to peruse the internet for more future nook decor.
I have a funny feeling I’m not the only knitter who’s been drooling over IKEA’s EDLAND linen cabinet. Actually, I’m amazed it took me this long to post about it!
EDLAND meets all my needs for yarn storage; inspired vintage design, glass doors (so I can see my stash) and a pull out drawer to hide leftover yarn, rogue knitting needles, etc… I’m also smitten with those teardrop knobs! (It’s the little things)
Me and the Mister will be taking a trip to IKEA in the near future and all I can say is EDLAND will be mine… it WILL be mine!
25 Wednesday Jan 2012
Posted in Decor, For the Nook, Knitspiration, Tutorials
Tags
Design Sponge, paper basket, recycled, sewing, storage, tutorial
When me and the Mister finish moving, no doubt we’ll be up to our ears in cardboard boxes and bubble wrap.
There are two things I can do; Chuck it… or get crafty! — Which is what this clever recycled paper basket tutorial from Design Sponge is inspiring me to try. (The yarn brimming from said basket certainly helps!)
I’m not very graceful with a sewing machine but I just love the idea.
25 Wednesday Jan 2012
Posted in Interviews, Knitting Podcasts
Tags
Electric Sheep, Hoxton Handmade, interview, knitting, London, podcast, UK
The Electric Sheep Podcast is one of my favorite knitting podcasts, and I jumped for joy when Hoxton Handmade (the host) agreed to do this interview!
I must admit, whenever I see a new episode of Electric Sheep downloading to my iTunes, a little party goes on in my head. Whether it’s about what’s on her needles, a knitting magazine review, hilarious (sometimes bearded) excerpt from the ‘Feed the Sheep’ thread on Ravelry, commentary on current events or her annual holiday Panto, Hoxton keeps us coming back for more! I really enjoy her wit, imagination, and honesty… She’s fantastic!
If you’ve never heard of the Electric Sheep, I hope this interview encourages you to check it out.
19 Thursday Jan 2012
Posted in Pattern Picks
Tags
2012, e-book, mittens, narwhal, patterns, pdf, Teague, Vogue Knitting Live, Whimsical Little Knits 3, Ysolda
Narwhal Mittens by Ysolda Teague
Last weekend I attended Vogue Knitting Live in New York City! I had never been, so I was excited to see what was in store. (And to my surprise) I had a second run in with the one and only Ysolda Teague!
Ysolda was promoting her new book Whimsical Little Knits 3 and had her beautiful samples on display for all to drool upon (metaphorically speaking). Of course, I immediately zeroed in on her Narwhal Mittens and couldn’t help but exclaim, “I LOVE NARWHALS!!!!”
{You would think after my first encounter with Ysolda, I would have learned my lesson and not behave like a psycho-babbling fan girl– but apparently I’m a loose canon. Who knew!? Anyway, she replied (ever so calmly), “So do I!”}
Bottom line: I’m very excited about this pattern. I wanted to circle back and pick up a copy of her book, but sadly, she had taken off.
For those of you looking to get your hands on a copy, when you pre-order Whimsical Little Knits 3 online, you can immediately download the PDF version… and you know what? I don’t mind if I do! 
13 Friday Jan 2012
Posted in Decor, For the Nook, Furniture, Tutorials
Tags
craftzine, DIY, echo, IKEA, our first cottage, panels, podcast, sound-proof, sound-proofing, tutorial
Photo by 'Our First Cottage'
Knitters who podcast may agree: having the right tools and a space to record is half the battle. Recording decent sound quality is a whole other issue!
While not everyone can afford a professional microphone or recording studio, some of the best knitting podcasts are done on a shoe string budget! Sound doesn’t have to be perfect, but anything you can do to eliminate annoying elements, like echoes, will make your show a more enjoyable listen!
Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce echoes, like stapling egg crates to the wall! If thats not what you had in mind, then check out this nifty tutorial posted on Craftzine.com! (Originally podted on Our First Cottage.) They’re fun and easy to make… Not to mention budget friendly!
Hang a few of these on the wall(s) of your knit nook, maybe throw down an area rug and it doubles as a functional and very stylish recording booth!
10 Tuesday Jan 2012
Posted in Knitspiration, Pattern Picks, Uncategorized
Through The Loops, Mystery Sock 2012
While catching up with Blue Peninsula’s Blog, and was intrigued by one of her latest projects: Through the Loops’ Mystery Sock 2012.
I’ve never participated in a mystery KAL because, well… I’m a little scared. My fear is, after all that work, I won’t enjoy the finished product. However, after seeing what Blue Peninsula has knit thus far, I’m very tempted. Also, the pattern is by one of my favorite knitwear designers, Kirsten Kapur!
At the same time, I like the idea of participating in something like this. After all, it’s supposed to be fun! If you feel the same way, and would like to rationalize your way out of thinking you’re not going to like the finished object, here’s what I propose:
What are your thoughts on mystery patterns? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
