The greatest compliment I receive as a knitter is when an item I gifted is worn, loved, and now in need of repair due to use, not neglect. At Penguin Girl I recently wrote a little about mending a shawl my mother loves. The pattern is Shift Shawl, designed by Larissa Brown. I test knit this fun shawl in 2014. I've made many things for my mother over the years, however this shawl is definitely her favourite. The main types of repairs are darning, patching, grafting, and reknitting. The technique I choose is dependent on extent of damage, location of repair, availability of mending yarn, and my time. One isn't necessarily always better than any other, they each perform best for different situations. In some instances you may determine extra reinforcement and an obvious patch are more important than to return the item to how it originally looked. While I had an ideal for how I … [Read more...] about mending resources
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Spinning resources
With everything going on right now, I've decided to sit out on the actual event of Spinzilla. Don't worry, I'm still spinning! I thought this week I'd put together a revised spinning resources post for those who are participating or simply looking to learn more. I sampled this Hello Yarn fiber last week and decided that I'll continue my love affair with chain-plying. Before I start spinning however, I need to decide if I'm going to rearrange the colours on the braid or spin it as it is. Books Yarnitecture by Jillian Moreno. I interviewed Jillian last year and also reviewed her book. The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius The Field Guide to Fleece by Deborah Robson Magazines & Articles Ply Magazine you can now purchase digital copies! 3 Simple Steps for Preparing Fiber for Spinning Five Tips For Spinning a Consistent … [Read more...] about Spinning resources
three reviews
A Stash of Own's Own by Clara Parkes (Editor) ABRAMS Press $22.99, hardcover Within this collection, Parkes and 22 essayists help us to examine our own personal meaning for that often loaded word, Stash. In addition, beyond our own definitions, we can think about how we and our stash (or lack thereof) fit as part of the global fiber community. What are the stories we hear in our stash? Do we whisper its secrets? Where is its place in our homes and in our lives? I believe strongly in the power of books to come along when we most need them. This essay anthology appeared in my e-reader as I was reexamining my own stash under not-quite-ideal circumstances. I appreciate the variety of voices and the pacing of the essays. While you could skip around and read each essay in any order you choose, I believe the full magic is found when curled up amid one's stash, favorite comfort beverage … [Read more...] about three reviews
My 3 step method to evaluating a new tool
What better way to test ergonomic knitting needles than during a super stressful period in your life? Days before my world turned upside down for a few months, Stacey Trock (the Creative and Marketing Director of Louet North America) sent me not one but FOUR different knitting needles to review (the FTC wants you to know). I was sent two of my favourite sizes (2mm and 3.75mm) and the two different cables firm and soft to test out of the Kollage Knitting Needles to review. This isn't yet a full and detailed write up, but I do have some first impressions and the guidelines I use when evaluating new tools such as knitting needles. First I'll detour and explain that I don't often like to talk specific tools. What I love best, other knitters may find uncomfortable. Both manufacturing methods and my budget can change causing a needle I loved for years to no longer be my favourite. … [Read more...] about My 3 step method to evaluating a new tool
reclaiming balance
September welcomes the return to balance for this bobbin and also for my life. Pictured is an Akerworks flat pack bobbin for my spinOlution wheel with Bartlett Yarns fiber. Once this bobbin is full, I plan to spin a second and create a two-ply. … [Read more...] about reclaiming balance
penciling it in
This morning Shadow and Buddy helped me outline several upcoming posts, work on project schedules, and get used to our new normal following loss. Is there something you'd like to see me write about or review a specific book? Please let me know. … [Read more...] about penciling it in