So I'm jumping on the Polyvore bandwagon and creating a look that is very me. It's full of fantasy items (doubt I'll ever get the Cartier Love Bracelet or spend $310 on a scarf), but it's fun to dream.
So all of you fashiony types, get thee to Polyvore and play! Release your inner fashion editor; you might just find yourself lost in Polyvore land!
Showing posts with label website reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label website reviews. Show all posts
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thrilled with my knitting
So I am thrilled with my knitting prowess as I have finished the back of the Michael Kors cardigan. Here's a picture.
I've started the left front and I think that it will be quicker than the back - not quite so wide, you see, and with that huge shawl collar much more decreasing. I'd show you a picture of what I've done, but it's not all that exciting, just a 2x2 rib with a small length of 1x1 rib where the buttons will be sewn on. Also, I am loving knitting with this Caron Simply Soft. I've had very few problems with it and it really is soft and cuddly.
Speaking of decreases, I found a great reference on KnittingHelp.com when I was trying to figure out which stitches to use when I worked my armhole decreases. On the Decreases page not only do you get to see what the decrease looks like, but you can watch videos on how to stitch them using both English and Continental stitch. There is a similar page for increases. I can't say enough about this site. Whenever I'm unsure of a direction or how to work a certain stitch I can invariably find the answer here. Bookmark this site. It's a keeper.
Also in the great website category is WhipUp.net, "the guide to the best free knitting patterns on the web." Most free pattern sites aren't much to look at, just lists of pattern names. This site has 15 colorful pictures of really lovely knitting projects like the popular Odessa hat found on Ravelry and a Basic Sock Recipe by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Really cool.
This picture shows the fallen petals from my neighbor's flowering plum and cherry trees. The alleyway has been a riot of purple and white. When you walk down it, you get the sensation of walking down the aisle in a very lavish wedding. Summer is here!
I've started the left front and I think that it will be quicker than the back - not quite so wide, you see, and with that huge shawl collar much more decreasing. I'd show you a picture of what I've done, but it's not all that exciting, just a 2x2 rib with a small length of 1x1 rib where the buttons will be sewn on. Also, I am loving knitting with this Caron Simply Soft. I've had very few problems with it and it really is soft and cuddly.
Speaking of decreases, I found a great reference on KnittingHelp.com when I was trying to figure out which stitches to use when I worked my armhole decreases. On the Decreases page not only do you get to see what the decrease looks like, but you can watch videos on how to stitch them using both English and Continental stitch. There is a similar page for increases. I can't say enough about this site. Whenever I'm unsure of a direction or how to work a certain stitch I can invariably find the answer here. Bookmark this site. It's a keeper.
Also in the great website category is WhipUp.net, "the guide to the best free knitting patterns on the web." Most free pattern sites aren't much to look at, just lists of pattern names. This site has 15 colorful pictures of really lovely knitting projects like the popular Odessa hat found on Ravelry and a Basic Sock Recipe by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Really cool.
This picture shows the fallen petals from my neighbor's flowering plum and cherry trees. The alleyway has been a riot of purple and white. When you walk down it, you get the sensation of walking down the aisle in a very lavish wedding. Summer is here!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Two Great Knitting Knitting Magazines, Fun Fugly Site
Two Great Knitting Magazines
Do you often look at the sweaters, accessories, etc. in some knitting magazines and think "Who in the world would wear something that shlumpy and unstylish and, well, ugly?" I do. This is why I am always happy when a new edition of Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting comes out because these are my tried and trues, the magazines that always have stylish, beautiful knits. So imagine my happiness when I happened upon the Vogue Knitting publication Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine and Verena Knitting!
Debbie Bliss Magazine is light, airy, and when you look at the pages you can almost feel springtime. The projects are sophisticated and stylish and you will wish that you had the time to knit all of the home accessories: the Garter Stitch Blanket on page 57 and the amazing cabled afghan (page 45) make me wish there was more time in the day. This magazine is well worth the $7.99 (I know - ouch!) as you could knit the projects for years to come.
Verena Knitting is apparently Europe's top knit magazine (I know because it says so on the cover). Stateside editions have been adapted for American use; you won't see tons of ads for British yarn stores and the like (which is kind of a bummer, I have such a good time reading British Country Living, one of my favorite magazines, and devouring the ads). The patterns, though! The Leafy Bower sweater is simply gorgeous, the cardigan Old-Fashioned Girl is sublime. I also particulary enjoyed the "Go For Glamour" feature as I would love to have any of the sweaters in my closet. Verena sells for $6.99.
Photobucket's anton168 submitted this pic of a knit from a past Verena magazine. Look at that lace! Can you stand it?
Do you often look at the sweaters, accessories, etc. in some knitting magazines and think "Who in the world would wear something that shlumpy and unstylish and, well, ugly?" I do. This is why I am always happy when a new edition of Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting comes out because these are my tried and trues, the magazines that always have stylish, beautiful knits. So imagine my happiness when I happened upon the Vogue Knitting publication Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine and Verena Knitting!
Debbie Bliss Magazine is light, airy, and when you look at the pages you can almost feel springtime. The projects are sophisticated and stylish and you will wish that you had the time to knit all of the home accessories: the Garter Stitch Blanket on page 57 and the amazing cabled afghan (page 45) make me wish there was more time in the day. This magazine is well worth the $7.99 (I know - ouch!) as you could knit the projects for years to come.
Verena Knitting is apparently Europe's top knit magazine (I know because it says so on the cover). Stateside editions have been adapted for American use; you won't see tons of ads for British yarn stores and the like (which is kind of a bummer, I have such a good time reading British Country Living, one of my favorite magazines, and devouring the ads). The patterns, though! The Leafy Bower sweater is simply gorgeous, the cardigan Old-Fashioned Girl is sublime. I also particulary enjoyed the "Go For Glamour" feature as I would love to have any of the sweaters in my closet. Verena sells for $6.99.
Photobucket's anton168 submitted this pic of a knit from a past Verena magazine. Look at that lace! Can you stand it?
Fun Fugly Site
O.K. Before we begin, I suppose we should establish what the term "fugly" actually means. You know when you are reading People Magazine or The Enquirer (admit it, you read it) and you see pictures of celebrities wearing incredibly hideous outfits and you think to yourself, "A blind monkey could dress me better than that," but the outfits are supposed to be fabulous by virtue of the person wearing them? That's fugly fashion. Fabulously ugly fashion. Think top model Agyness Deyn or maybe , just maybe Paris Hilton. Go Fug Yourself is a blog that discusses all things fugly, repeated asks "um, what?", and really is fun to read. Plus it's full of a lot of fabulous people that obviously don't have blind pet monkeys to dress them.
She usually looks incredible, but sorry SJP, this is just fugly!
O.K. So I'm a little snarky. I'm sorry, SJP, I love you and want to be you. But... well... um... what?!? You would have done much better with the "Celebrity" on page 32 of Verena magazine.
****
Just as an update, I am about a quarter done with the back of my Michael Kors Cardigan. I love knitting this. It looks like it would be complicated, what with all the cables and the shawl collar and the like, but it's really been quite fun, I've only dropped 2 stitches (!!!!), and I will be so Vogue when I wear it! More pics when I'm a little further along.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Yummiest Mexican Casserole, More Websites to Visit
The Yummiest Mexican Casserole
I love Mexican food but I get tired of making tacos every time I have a craving or my family wants them. So I was quite pleased to find a recipe on the internet that I modified and made my own (you have to improvise when you don't have all of the ingredients, you know). My 10-year-old was impressed and my husband declared this recipe "a keeper." So here's how you do it!
You will need:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 (16 ounce) bag of shredded cheese (I mixed Colby, Monterey Jack, and Mozzerella)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 jar of the salsa of your choice
1 (6 1/2 ounce) package of corn bread mix
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1. Preheat your oven to 375 F.
2. Brown the meat in a large skillet.
3. While the meat is cooking prepare the corn bread: add one egg and 2/3 cup milk to the cornmeal mix and stir well.
4. When the meat is fully browned, add the corn (don't drain it), taco seasoning, and the entire jar of salsa and mix well.
5. Pour half of the corn bread mixture into a greased 9x 13 casserole. Layer half of the cheese on top. Then add your meat mixture. Cover the meat mixture entirely with the remaining corn bread mix. Top with the rest of the cheese.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes or until nicely browned.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Sigh with delight at the tasting of above casserole.
I don't take nice pictures of food; this one is courtesy of paltysma on photobucket.
More Websites to Visit
So what else? I have found a few new knitting sites that I think you may enjoy. See Eunny Knit is Eunny Jang's gorgeous blog about her amazing knitting. Check out this amazing Twisted Stitch Sweater. You will want to knit everything on her blog. Really.
I think I've mentioned Vogue Knitting here before. If I haven't, I have been remiss. A fellow Ravelry member left a post about this page of stitch patterns on Vogue Knitting's website. I love cables and am always happy to have a few more cable patterns to play around with.
I just found this great new e-zine Knotions. It seems to be competing with Knitty, but the thing I like about this site is that I came across quite a few plus-sized patterns that were actually cute! I'd like to knit the Oak Leaf Socks when I want a break from my current sweater project (which is going swimmingly, by the way). Anyhow, enjoy!
I love Mexican food but I get tired of making tacos every time I have a craving or my family wants them. So I was quite pleased to find a recipe on the internet that I modified and made my own (you have to improvise when you don't have all of the ingredients, you know). My 10-year-old was impressed and my husband declared this recipe "a keeper." So here's how you do it!
You will need:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 (16 ounce) bag of shredded cheese (I mixed Colby, Monterey Jack, and Mozzerella)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 jar of the salsa of your choice
1 (6 1/2 ounce) package of corn bread mix
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1. Preheat your oven to 375 F.
2. Brown the meat in a large skillet.
3. While the meat is cooking prepare the corn bread: add one egg and 2/3 cup milk to the cornmeal mix and stir well.
4. When the meat is fully browned, add the corn (don't drain it), taco seasoning, and the entire jar of salsa and mix well.
5. Pour half of the corn bread mixture into a greased 9x 13 casserole. Layer half of the cheese on top. Then add your meat mixture. Cover the meat mixture entirely with the remaining corn bread mix. Top with the rest of the cheese.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes or until nicely browned.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Sigh with delight at the tasting of above casserole.
I don't take nice pictures of food; this one is courtesy of paltysma on photobucket.
More Websites to Visit
So what else? I have found a few new knitting sites that I think you may enjoy. See Eunny Knit is Eunny Jang's gorgeous blog about her amazing knitting. Check out this amazing Twisted Stitch Sweater. You will want to knit everything on her blog. Really.
I think I've mentioned Vogue Knitting here before. If I haven't, I have been remiss. A fellow Ravelry member left a post about this page of stitch patterns on Vogue Knitting's website. I love cables and am always happy to have a few more cable patterns to play around with.
I just found this great new e-zine Knotions. It seems to be competing with Knitty, but the thing I like about this site is that I came across quite a few plus-sized patterns that were actually cute! I'd like to knit the Oak Leaf Socks when I want a break from my current sweater project (which is going swimmingly, by the way). Anyhow, enjoy!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Turn to the Left, Turn to the Right . . .
O. M. G. (Sorry, I hear it literally 30,000 times a day). I have found the best blog. Ever. It has made me intensely jealous and in awe at the same time. Knit Lit is the perfect amalgam of knitting, fashion, cheekiness, o.k., everything. I am a fashionista. You would really never know it looking at me. I dress well, but I don't have $300 for a t-shirt or $20,000 for a dress. I am not a Greek heiress or a Park Avenue Princess. I would love to dress in Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses, La Perla pretties, and Manolos; alas, I am a housewife in Ohio. Old Navy, Target, Filene's Basement, that's the way I roll. Anyhow, this amazingly wonderful to look at blog has up-to-the-minute articles (check out the article about Rodarte knits - wouldn't you just kill to have the legs to wear those tights?).
A-Mazing Rodarte knits
On the Knit Lit blog, there was a link to this next to-fab-for-words blog, Karl Lagerfeld's Guide to Life, a truly inspired faux-blog that is too fabulous. Just read it.
I don't know. He just scares me a little, that's all.
There was a time early in my knitting life when I envisioned myself the next great fashion knitter. I have always dreamed of being a designer of some kind (am considering Interior Design as next career as I right this); my grandfather who used to teach Business Sociology at what was then Columbus Technical Institute and is now Columbus State Community College once gave me a career aptitude test that gave me the most accurate personality profile of any test that I have ever taken (somewhat withdrawn, bohemian spirit, giving to a fault, yada yada) in which my top scoring profession was designer and physician came in second. But knitwear will have to be a dream, as I can't even get the leg warmers that were a present for Kendall in July done.
Any-hoo, enjoy the blogs. Until next time, Ciao, bella.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Knitting Sites Galore
So I promised some knitting sites, and here they are! I really cannot say enough about StumbleUpon; quite a few of the cool sites that I have discovered are the result of it. But enough said about that, to the sites!
The big news this month is the launch of The Twist Collective, and it was worth the wait! The articles are top notch, and the patterns - brilliant. Just check out "bonnie", a mock turtleneck sweater with genius celtic cabling (downloadable for $7). I have a soft spot for great cables, and "wisteria" by Kate Gilbert has some of the most inventive cable detailing that I have seen. If you are a sock knitter, you won't be disappointed; there are five sock patterns, an article on sock yarn, and a tutorial on the inserted heel sock. If you have not entered this wonderland of knitting lusciousness, get there now!
The Knitting Fiend is a helpful site that contains generators for many knit items, including sweaters, headbands, socks, etc. The site also includes lessons in bust darts, the kitchener stitch, gauge and yardage, and many other tricky knitting skills. There is a knitting convertor and several basic sweater patterns as well.
I really must say more about the knitting convertor on The Knitting Fiend - it really is quite wonderful. Visit this page to do all those complicated knitting calculations: converting rows and stitches from one pattern to another gauge, increases and decreases necessary to taper sleeves, knitting cuffs, etc, shape hat crowns, and on and on. Really a handy tool.
Kiss Your Shadow is not a knitting site, but it contains a really cool, really fun tool - a random stripe generator. You can choose from a large number of colors, select the allowable stripe widths and the total number of rows in your project. Useful for sweaters, scarves, hats, whatever your imagination canjures up. So fun, check it out!
This next site will make you go "Ooohhh." Chic Knits is a site with modern hand knitting patterns designed by Bonne Marie Burns. The patterns are classic and beautiful and they will make you wish that you could knit much faster than you actually can (for a prolific, inventive knitter and also a great blog, check out Canary Knits - she seems to knit a sweater a day. How does she do it?!). There is a nice section of tips and articles and a nice knitting blog.
Find yourself spending much to much on yarn? Knitter's Review has a money saving article for you, "Online Guide: Where to Find Inexpensive Yarns." Times are tough, and let's face it, part of the joy of knitting is making something out of a yummy yarn. Use this site to protect your bottom line.
You must check out Knitting Scouts. Do you love badges? Do you long for the days when cooking dinner earned you another patch on your girl scout sash? You most likely have earned one of these hilarious badges and you don't even know it.
And finally, I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been knitting a prayer shawl. There are hundreds of sites on the internet where you can find the Trinity Stitch prayer shawl pattern, but The Prayer Shawl Ministry Site is what you visit when you want to learn everything - yes, everything, about the prayer shawl. There is an interesting section regarding symbolism behind the different colors used to kint the shawl, a message board, info on how to start a prayer shawl ministry, and wonderful prayers for beginning the shawl, contemplation, and specific conditions in which the shawl may be used.
The big news this month is the launch of The Twist Collective, and it was worth the wait! The articles are top notch, and the patterns - brilliant. Just check out "bonnie", a mock turtleneck sweater with genius celtic cabling (downloadable for $7). I have a soft spot for great cables, and "wisteria" by Kate Gilbert has some of the most inventive cable detailing that I have seen. If you are a sock knitter, you won't be disappointed; there are five sock patterns, an article on sock yarn, and a tutorial on the inserted heel sock. If you have not entered this wonderland of knitting lusciousness, get there now!
The Knitting Fiend is a helpful site that contains generators for many knit items, including sweaters, headbands, socks, etc. The site also includes lessons in bust darts, the kitchener stitch, gauge and yardage, and many other tricky knitting skills. There is a knitting convertor and several basic sweater patterns as well.
I really must say more about the knitting convertor on The Knitting Fiend - it really is quite wonderful. Visit this page to do all those complicated knitting calculations: converting rows and stitches from one pattern to another gauge, increases and decreases necessary to taper sleeves, knitting cuffs, etc, shape hat crowns, and on and on. Really a handy tool.
Kiss Your Shadow is not a knitting site, but it contains a really cool, really fun tool - a random stripe generator. You can choose from a large number of colors, select the allowable stripe widths and the total number of rows in your project. Useful for sweaters, scarves, hats, whatever your imagination canjures up. So fun, check it out!
This next site will make you go "Ooohhh." Chic Knits is a site with modern hand knitting patterns designed by Bonne Marie Burns. The patterns are classic and beautiful and they will make you wish that you could knit much faster than you actually can (for a prolific, inventive knitter and also a great blog, check out Canary Knits - she seems to knit a sweater a day. How does she do it?!). There is a nice section of tips and articles and a nice knitting blog.
Find yourself spending much to much on yarn? Knitter's Review has a money saving article for you, "Online Guide: Where to Find Inexpensive Yarns." Times are tough, and let's face it, part of the joy of knitting is making something out of a yummy yarn. Use this site to protect your bottom line.
You must check out Knitting Scouts. Do you love badges? Do you long for the days when cooking dinner earned you another patch on your girl scout sash? You most likely have earned one of these hilarious badges and you don't even know it.
And finally, I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been knitting a prayer shawl. There are hundreds of sites on the internet where you can find the Trinity Stitch prayer shawl pattern, but The Prayer Shawl Ministry Site is what you visit when you want to learn everything - yes, everything, about the prayer shawl. There is an interesting section regarding symbolism behind the different colors used to kint the shawl, a message board, info on how to start a prayer shawl ministry, and wonderful prayers for beginning the shawl, contemplation, and specific conditions in which the shawl may be used.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Say hello to these nifty sites!
Tim, Collin, Kendall, and her boyfriend Patrick (who cleaned out my microwave this morning - yes, I know, there are not words) are busy cleaning out our garage (aka, the pit of misfit household items) so that I can actually get my car into it (the motorcycle already has it's place; don't get me started). Anyway, that gives me some time to introduce some of the nifty sites that I have discovered over the last month.
Cooking
There is no end to the fantastic cooking sites on the internet! One that I have particularly enjoyed is Foodgawker, where foodies and regular schmoes publish beautiful pictures of their culinary creations, which, when clicked, will take you to the corresponding blog or food site. The homepage changes daily, but right now it includes Thin Mint muffins, Thai Chicken Sausage rolls, and Wild Mushroom Risotto, just to name a few. Very inventive and delectable recipes at your fingertips!
My grandma taught me how to cook (my mom and step-mom were partial contributors, but grandma was my main influence). So it is understandable that I would be attracted to the food blog How to Cook Like Your Grandmother. I've often thought that in this world of microwaves and fast food and saturated fat terror that people are totally losing out on the good old-fashioned meals of our childhood. Check out this recipe for Peach Cobbler and you will remember the days when food simply tasted good and you didn't have to consult your dietician and spiritual guru before eating it.
Not my grandma, but I'll bet she was a great cook!
What's Cooking America is a HUGE database of regionally based recipes, cooking articles, hints and tips, and on and on and on. I came across it because of my insatiable love of my cast-iron chicken fryer and a fortuitous Stumble. The Irreplacable Cast Iron Skillet is an excellent article on proper seasoning and care of the beloved iron pan (check out this article, too); there are innumerable other articles covering any cooking topic you can fathom. The regional recipes section is a bit sparse, but there is enough there that is it certainly worth a visit - etouffee anyone?
My mom always said that I should have been born into an Italian family because I never came across a noodle that I didn't fall in love with (Spatzel and cabbage and noodles, while yummy and filling in an German-Irish sort of way, just isn't the same). I would choose a good risotto over anything else even from an early age. Italian Home Recipes is full of more authentic Italian deliciousness than most sites I have found. Right now, the featured recipe is Risotto with Scallops (my bar none most favorite seafood which means I am drooling on my brand new keyboard). All of the recipes are rated and comments are allowed, which I have always found very helpful, not to mention that the pictures are mouthwatering. Channel your inner Italian with Italian Home Recipes.
I hope you enjoy these sites and take the opportunity to expand your cooking repertoire when you spy a new irrisistable recipe. Next post, knitting madness!
Cooking
There is no end to the fantastic cooking sites on the internet! One that I have particularly enjoyed is Foodgawker, where foodies and regular schmoes publish beautiful pictures of their culinary creations, which, when clicked, will take you to the corresponding blog or food site. The homepage changes daily, but right now it includes Thin Mint muffins, Thai Chicken Sausage rolls, and Wild Mushroom Risotto, just to name a few. Very inventive and delectable recipes at your fingertips!
My grandma taught me how to cook (my mom and step-mom were partial contributors, but grandma was my main influence). So it is understandable that I would be attracted to the food blog How to Cook Like Your Grandmother. I've often thought that in this world of microwaves and fast food and saturated fat terror that people are totally losing out on the good old-fashioned meals of our childhood. Check out this recipe for Peach Cobbler and you will remember the days when food simply tasted good and you didn't have to consult your dietician and spiritual guru before eating it.
Not my grandma, but I'll bet she was a great cook!
What's Cooking America is a HUGE database of regionally based recipes, cooking articles, hints and tips, and on and on and on. I came across it because of my insatiable love of my cast-iron chicken fryer and a fortuitous Stumble. The Irreplacable Cast Iron Skillet is an excellent article on proper seasoning and care of the beloved iron pan (check out this article, too); there are innumerable other articles covering any cooking topic you can fathom. The regional recipes section is a bit sparse, but there is enough there that is it certainly worth a visit - etouffee anyone?
My mom always said that I should have been born into an Italian family because I never came across a noodle that I didn't fall in love with (Spatzel and cabbage and noodles, while yummy and filling in an German-Irish sort of way, just isn't the same). I would choose a good risotto over anything else even from an early age. Italian Home Recipes is full of more authentic Italian deliciousness than most sites I have found. Right now, the featured recipe is Risotto with Scallops (my bar none most favorite seafood which means I am drooling on my brand new keyboard). All of the recipes are rated and comments are allowed, which I have always found very helpful, not to mention that the pictures are mouthwatering. Channel your inner Italian with Italian Home Recipes.
I hope you enjoy these sites and take the opportunity to expand your cooking repertoire when you spy a new irrisistable recipe. Next post, knitting madness!
Monday, June 16, 2008
New Knitting Websites
Planet Purl
Planet Purl is a new website by Beth Moriarty, a knitting fanatic and world traveler who realized after doing countless web searches that it was nearly impossible to find information regarding yarn stores, knitting events, etc around the world in an easily searchable form. She founded a website that not only solves these problems (with a worldwide knitting store feature, travel guides, and events listing) but also hosts knitting blogs and forums, reviews yarns and gadgets, and includes knit-alongs and patterns.
Sweaters on Mr. Rogers
I was watching Mr Rogers today with the rugrat. I am a huge fan, always have been. Anyhow, he was wearing the greatest sweater! A cardigan (of course) with cabling on each side of the zipper with a knit 1 purl 1 waist in a soft grey, collar like the sweater above. There was no cabling on the arms, though. Really cool! I never remember Fred Rogers wearing anything more than a stocking stitch cardigan in powder blue or red. I stand corrected! Am thinking of adapting the sweater and placing some darts to make it more fitted (lots of inspiration from Knitting Daily for that one). You never know where your inspiration will come from, so you?
Twist Collective
Planet Purl is a new website by Beth Moriarty, a knitting fanatic and world traveler who realized after doing countless web searches that it was nearly impossible to find information regarding yarn stores, knitting events, etc around the world in an easily searchable form. She founded a website that not only solves these problems (with a worldwide knitting store feature, travel guides, and events listing) but also hosts knitting blogs and forums, reviews yarns and gadgets, and includes knit-alongs and patterns.
Sweaters on Mr. Rogers
I was watching Mr Rogers today with the rugrat. I am a huge fan, always have been. Anyhow, he was wearing the greatest sweater! A cardigan (of course) with cabling on each side of the zipper with a knit 1 purl 1 waist in a soft grey, collar like the sweater above. There was no cabling on the arms, though. Really cool! I never remember Fred Rogers wearing anything more than a stocking stitch cardigan in powder blue or red. I stand corrected! Am thinking of adapting the sweater and placing some darts to make it more fitted (lots of inspiration from Knitting Daily for that one). You never know where your inspiration will come from, so you?
Twist Collective
Every knitter that I know is excited about this one. Twist Collective is a webzine that launches August 1st (45 days and counting). It will feature how-to articles, reviews, and most importantly, patterns for download. No one knows if we will be charged for the downloads (I'm thinking we will), but from what I have seen, they will be worth it. If you go to the website now, you will see teaser photos of the upcoming patterns. I, for one, want to make them all!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Visit these Websites!
Noble Pig
I am now a Stumbler (check StumbleUpon for more info on how you too can become part of the mind suck that is Stumbling). Anyhow, I just came upon this sinfully decadant cooking site, Noble Pig with more waistband straining recipes than you can shake a stick at. Want Carmelized Chocolate, Banana, and Marshmallow Sandwiches? You can find the recipe and the mouthwatering recipes in an article aptly entitled "Get your fat pants out." Cathy describes herself by saying that gluttony is her sin of choice. You may have to join her after reading these recipes.
Knitting Cybrarian
This is a great blog by knitting librarian Laura Gayle. Insight on life, nature, and of course knitting and librarianship make this blog a joy to read. There's a lot to absorb here, with postings on books of all genres, music, pretty much everything you can think of. Check it out.
School Products
I was paging through an issue of Vogue Knitting from 2004 when I found the ad for School Products, the oldest yarn store in Manhatten. According to the website, "[for] almost 60 years School Products Company has been serving fiber artists with the best equipment, accessories and widest selection of yarns." You've got to see the selection and prices to believe it. They carry highest quality yarns (cashmere, kid alpaca, etc), mill ends, and stock a huge selection of European yarn. As of this posting, I found a cashmere/merino blend yarn for $8.50 a skein and baby camel at $4.50 and ounce. They also carry a huge selection of books and other tools and accessories.
DROPS Designs
Amazing database from GARNSTUDIO/DROPS Designs, the Norwegian yarn producer. Thousands (2769 in English) of free, downloadable patterns featuring every skill level. The patterns are written a bit differently than the American patterns that I am used to (amounts of yarn needed are in ounces, no yardage is given, and you will find instructions telling you to cast on a certain yardage of yarn with no number of stitches given). Nonetheless, you'll find many patterns incorporating Norwegian colorwork, an incredible amount of stylish sweaters, hats, sock, etc, etc. There is also a link to suppliers of the yarn, both on the web and local yarn stores.
Yarndex Knitting and Crochet Directory
Sister site to Yarn Market, this site is a reference site for all of us yarnies. Information has been catalogued on over 4,000 types of yarn to help the crafter pick out the perfect yarn for their chosen project. Each entry includes MSRP (with a link to Yarnmarket if that yarn is currently available), current available colors, and patterns using the yarn, if available. You'll also find all of the standard yarn specs (distributor, yardage, weight, needle sizes, etc).
I am now a Stumbler (check StumbleUpon for more info on how you too can become part of the mind suck that is Stumbling). Anyhow, I just came upon this sinfully decadant cooking site, Noble Pig with more waistband straining recipes than you can shake a stick at. Want Carmelized Chocolate, Banana, and Marshmallow Sandwiches? You can find the recipe and the mouthwatering recipes in an article aptly entitled "Get your fat pants out." Cathy describes herself by saying that gluttony is her sin of choice. You may have to join her after reading these recipes.
Knitting Cybrarian
This is a great blog by knitting librarian Laura Gayle. Insight on life, nature, and of course knitting and librarianship make this blog a joy to read. There's a lot to absorb here, with postings on books of all genres, music, pretty much everything you can think of. Check it out.
School Products
I was paging through an issue of Vogue Knitting from 2004 when I found the ad for School Products, the oldest yarn store in Manhatten. According to the website, "[for] almost 60 years School Products Company has been serving fiber artists with the best equipment, accessories and widest selection of yarns." You've got to see the selection and prices to believe it. They carry highest quality yarns (cashmere, kid alpaca, etc), mill ends, and stock a huge selection of European yarn. As of this posting, I found a cashmere/merino blend yarn for $8.50 a skein and baby camel at $4.50 and ounce. They also carry a huge selection of books and other tools and accessories.
DROPS Designs
Amazing database from GARNSTUDIO/DROPS Designs, the Norwegian yarn producer. Thousands (2769 in English) of free, downloadable patterns featuring every skill level. The patterns are written a bit differently than the American patterns that I am used to (amounts of yarn needed are in ounces, no yardage is given, and you will find instructions telling you to cast on a certain yardage of yarn with no number of stitches given). Nonetheless, you'll find many patterns incorporating Norwegian colorwork, an incredible amount of stylish sweaters, hats, sock, etc, etc. There is also a link to suppliers of the yarn, both on the web and local yarn stores.
Yarndex Knitting and Crochet Directory
Sister site to Yarn Market, this site is a reference site for all of us yarnies. Information has been catalogued on over 4,000 types of yarn to help the crafter pick out the perfect yarn for their chosen project. Each entry includes MSRP (with a link to Yarnmarket if that yarn is currently available), current available colors, and patterns using the yarn, if available. You'll also find all of the standard yarn specs (distributor, yardage, weight, needle sizes, etc).
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Ravelry
Ravelry
I haven't posted in a few days. I received my invitation to Ravelry and was sucked into its vortex for a few days. What a great site! Cool groups, places to organize your projects (who needs to buy a knitting journal now?), and thousands of patterns, a lot of them free! I am in love.
Have started two new projects. Began the aforementioned colorwork project, the Fair Isle Rapids scarf on Knitty. Am using Red Heart yarn as it is my first Fair Isle project; didn't want to use expensive yarn when I didn't know how it would turn out. But it's looking good so far, although I haven't gotten through one repeat of the pattern yet.
Also have started a pair of legwarmers for my daughter's birthday on July 10. She will be 15!!! She's a figure skater and has talked about how cool legwarmers are, so I came up with a pattern and am cranking a pair out. Am using Caron Simply Soft in Confetti - I was tempted by some self-striping yarn that I found on the internet by Yarntini, but times are tight, and I had the Caron yarn. The legwarmers remind me of Rainbow Brite or Punky Brewster as they are so colorful. Kendall will love them. Will post a pic when I have completed one.
Such a rainbowy girl!
Now I'm going back to Ravelry - I predict a Ravelry 12-step group in the future!
I haven't posted in a few days. I received my invitation to Ravelry and was sucked into its vortex for a few days. What a great site! Cool groups, places to organize your projects (who needs to buy a knitting journal now?), and thousands of patterns, a lot of them free! I am in love.
Have started two new projects. Began the aforementioned colorwork project, the Fair Isle Rapids scarf on Knitty. Am using Red Heart yarn as it is my first Fair Isle project; didn't want to use expensive yarn when I didn't know how it would turn out. But it's looking good so far, although I haven't gotten through one repeat of the pattern yet.
Also have started a pair of legwarmers for my daughter's birthday on July 10. She will be 15!!! She's a figure skater and has talked about how cool legwarmers are, so I came up with a pattern and am cranking a pair out. Am using Caron Simply Soft in Confetti - I was tempted by some self-striping yarn that I found on the internet by Yarntini, but times are tight, and I had the Caron yarn. The legwarmers remind me of Rainbow Brite or Punky Brewster as they are so colorful. Kendall will love them. Will post a pic when I have completed one.
Such a rainbowy girl!
Now I'm going back to Ravelry - I predict a Ravelry 12-step group in the future!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Knit-Along, Free Pattern Sites
Lion Brand Yarns Knit-Along
For the next two weeks, Lion Brand Yarns will be offering their Tree of Life Afghan pattern for free as part of its first Knit-Along. You can get the pattern, read comments, and get info on how to listen to the accompanying podcast by clicking HERE. This is an Expert level pattern, so it may not be appropriate for beginning knitters, but requests have been made for easier patterns in future Knit-Alongs, so check the site for updates!
Sites for Free Patterns
Speaking of free patterns, there are plenty of nice sites online to find them. My favorite is the Berroco Pattern Library which features over 100 fashionable patterns in all skill levels for all manner of knitwear and home accessories. Other favorite sites include Knitty.com, which not only has a impressive archive of beautiful patterns but is essentially a top-notch online knitting magazine with inspiring design and a treasure trove of articles. Knitting Pattern Central has hundreds of patterns covering all categories, including an impressive section of cute knitted toys. On the Crystal Palace Yarns free pattern site I found my go-to patterns for booties - seriously cute cabled baby socks. I've already mentioned Lion Brand Yarns. Their site has trendy and classic patterns suitable for any level knitter. Megacraft store joann's site has too many patterns to even try to describe; essentially they've amassed patterns from a wide variety of yarn manufacturers and put them together on their searchable database. Interweave Knits, a superb knitting magazine, publishes a few of the featured patterns; by going to the site you can also sign up for "Knitting Daily," endlessly helpful daily emails on a variety of knitting topics.
When searching for free patterns on the net, try yarn manufacturers, knitting bloggers (who usually publish one or two original patterns), and knitting magazine sites. There's so much out there, you may never have to buy a pattern again!
For the next two weeks, Lion Brand Yarns will be offering their Tree of Life Afghan pattern for free as part of its first Knit-Along. You can get the pattern, read comments, and get info on how to listen to the accompanying podcast by clicking HERE. This is an Expert level pattern, so it may not be appropriate for beginning knitters, but requests have been made for easier patterns in future Knit-Alongs, so check the site for updates!
Sites for Free Patterns
Speaking of free patterns, there are plenty of nice sites online to find them. My favorite is the Berroco Pattern Library which features over 100 fashionable patterns in all skill levels for all manner of knitwear and home accessories. Other favorite sites include Knitty.com, which not only has a impressive archive of beautiful patterns but is essentially a top-notch online knitting magazine with inspiring design and a treasure trove of articles. Knitting Pattern Central has hundreds of patterns covering all categories, including an impressive section of cute knitted toys. On the Crystal Palace Yarns free pattern site I found my go-to patterns for booties - seriously cute cabled baby socks. I've already mentioned Lion Brand Yarns. Their site has trendy and classic patterns suitable for any level knitter. Megacraft store joann's site has too many patterns to even try to describe; essentially they've amassed patterns from a wide variety of yarn manufacturers and put them together on their searchable database. Interweave Knits, a superb knitting magazine, publishes a few of the featured patterns; by going to the site you can also sign up for "Knitting Daily," endlessly helpful daily emails on a variety of knitting topics.
When searching for free patterns on the net, try yarn manufacturers, knitting bloggers (who usually publish one or two original patterns), and knitting magazine sites. There's so much out there, you may never have to buy a pattern again!
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