Now that my September Swatch Project has ended, the problem to solve is: how do I store them? It's a problem I need to find an answer to. I'm not thrilled with my current solution for the Anzula swatches. First some personal background and my swatch storage history. My academic background is in computer science as well as information and archive … [Read more...] about swatching, storage
tips
swatching, tips for practice
This month I'm advocating the practice of swatching, calling it my September Swatch Project. As the month draws to a close, I'm beginning to reflect on how it's been to play with yarn. With that in mind, today's post explores how a period of focused swatching will change how you interact with yarn. They become a habit You may find yourself winding … [Read more...] about swatching, tips for practice
swatching, tips for planning
This September Swatch Project isn't my first large swatch project. It's unlikely to be my last. Over the years I've developed methods for keeping a project of this size organized and consistent. Today I'm sharing a bit of my process from a blank page to a plan. We'll start first by reviewing a current plan, then explore parts of a plan in … [Read more...] about swatching, tips for planning
swatching, tips for choosing tools
There are two parts to every swatch, ok, three. The yarn, the tool used to manipulate the yarn, and the individual doing the work. How do I choose the tool? Which knitting needles or hooks do I want to use for my swatches? The answer is (as always), it depends. When swatching for fun I often use different needles and hooks than I use when working a … [Read more...] about swatching, tips for choosing tools
knitting with kittens
It's foster kitten season and that means I need to be good and take care of my tools and yarn. Why? Kittens are curious and like to test everything with their teeth and paws. They're why I prefer interchangeable needles. It's easier to replace the part(s) they taste tested. Kittens are why I have many many project bags.. and why at least once a … [Read more...] about knitting with kittens
swatch notes
Faster swatching with the knitting machine means I am taking more notes. While I write copiously in my notebooks, I am playing subtly with differences in gauge. It's made me rethink how I record important information when all the swatches may look similar. Traditionally, I've marked the US needle size (because it's easier than metric) with purl bumps on one … [Read more...] about swatch notes