Knitter's Review

July 17, 2008: Toasty Toes in Iceland

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 16 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

Before L.L. Bean, before Ugg boots, and before Gore-Tex waterproofing, humans needed some way to keep their feet warm and dry in the winter. In Iceland, they used to knit colorful little shoe inserts. Helene Magnusson wrote a book about these little inserts, adding contemporary garments based on the traditional motifs that were used. Until recently, this book was only available in Icelandic. On the occasion of its release in English, Lela Nargi gives us a full review of the book. And in the Forums, it's confession time. Do you swatch?

July 10, 2008: Fearless Color

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 09 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

Lucy Neatby is not afraid of color. She surrounds herself with it, and she creates it on her knitting needles. One of her favorite techniques is intarsia, something she knows makes many of us quake with fear. So she created two in-depth DVDs to help us over the bridge. We review both. Plus, retreat news and something fun happening in the forums through August.

June 26, 2008: Colors that Quake

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

Tina Newton may have made a name for herself with Socks That Rock, but that's just one of the yarns she dyes under her Blue Moon Fiber Arts label. This week I show you what could be considered the polar opposite of Socks That Rock -- a luscious single-ply silk and Merino that could give Manos or Malabrigo a run for their money.

June 18, 2008: Meet Mooi

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

What happens when you take a super-smooth dyed bamboo fiber and mix it with the short, delicate, undyed downy undercoats of bison and cashmere goats? You end up with Mooi, the new yarn from Louet that was the buzz of the summer TNNA show two weeks ago. Two very special skeins accompanied me home in my carry-on bag, and they've been begging to get on the needles ever since. Care to join me for a swatch?

June 12, 2008: Cooling it in Columbus

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

Sweltering temperatures and humidity aren't exactly conducive to knitting, but thousands of us managed to make do quite nicely this week as we took over the Columbus Convention Center for the summer TNNA trade show. I went, I saw, and I took loads of notes (and legal pictures outside the show floor) just for you. And in the forums, we're discussing those few projects that ended up being a complete waste of time.

June 5, 2008: Gadgets for Gauge

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 4 Jun 2008 9:00:00 EST

No matter how hard I try to maintain order over my needles, they always end up in a big jumble. Pulling two matching needles from the pile can take a while, especially since most needles tend to lose their size markings over time. And if you're using DPNs and have to find four or even five matching needles, well, you might as well make yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable. To determine the size of a needle, we use needlesizers. This week I've discovered an adorable little metal sizer that doubles as jewelry or even a keychain. In the forums, we're sharing stories about who taught us to knit and how knitting has changed since we first started.

May 22, 2008: Heavenly Haiku

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

I've decided that all knitters should carry around little emergency packs with snippets of yarn, like smelling salts, to revive us when our spirits lag. My emergency pack would definitely contain at least one skein of this week's yarn. Haiku is an ethereal lace-weight brushed mohair/silk blend from our friends at Alchemy Yarns. The yarn itself is wonderful, but it's the color that really makes my heart go pitter pat. And in the Forums, we're discussing whether or not we take into account the seasons when we choose our projects.

May 15, 2008: Creativity Loves Company

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Last week's talk of theft sparked a larger discussion about our knitting culture and code of ethics. A relatively new book from husband-wife duo Larissa and Martin John Brown explores the cultural side of things further, focusing on our age-old quest for connectedness through our stitches. The book is called Knitalong, and I review it this week. And in the Forums, is $20 outrageous for a pair of knitted socks? Do you have any less expensive yarn suggestions?

May 8, 2008: Bum Wrap

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 7 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

There were sheep, yarns, tools, and people everywhere during the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival last weekend. Unfortunately, there were also some sticky fingers - and not the kind you get from fried dough or fresh lemonade. We take a closer look at the 2008 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and the police records it left behind. And in the Forums, how can you revive lagging knitting mojo?

May 1, 2008: Beyond Bling

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 9:22:00 EST

Sometimes a yarn's carbon footprint isn't the only thing to consider. Take this week's yarn from Tilli Tomas as an example. Yes, this succulent blend of Merino, cashmere and silk was spun and dyed in India before being shipped to the U.S.A. But Tilli Tomas has also used some of its proceeds to establish several safe houses in India to help impoverished women learn skills and achieve financial independence. That's what I'd call a karmic footprint, and it's pretty good. In the forum we're forcing ourselves to examine our knitting strengths. What a concept!

April 24, 2008: Denise Goes Soft

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 24 Apr 2008 9:22:00 EST

If I had to come up with one thing I didn't particularly like about the Denise Intechangeable Needles, it'd be their plastic case. Yes, I know the needles are also plastic. And I know that the Denise case is organizationally perfect. It's just not very cuddly. All that has changed with The Denise Organizer. Sold separately, it's a cloth case made entirely in the U.S.A. I review the highly portable, flexible, and huggable case this week. And in the Forums, we're talking about (gasp) how many knitting bags we have.

April 17, 2008: A New Twist on Lace

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 9:22:00 EST

When you dye yarns naturally, introducing new fibers to the mix isn't always easy. But Darlene Hayes has done just that with the addition of her new Nature's Palette Silk and Wool Lace-Weight. But this isn't just your ordinary hand-dyed two-ply lace-weight yarn -- it has a different twist composition that makes a world of difference. And in the Forums, we're talking about yarn diets and spring-induced startitis.

April 10, 2008: Lessons from the Harlot

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 9 Apr 2008 9:25:00 EST

Master storyteller Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is back with yet another collection of witty essays drawing observations from the life lessons knitting has taught her. And in true Stephanie style, the conversation goes all over the place -- from cognitive psychology to miniature cows and a woman who actually gave up birth control for a month so she could afford yarn.

April 3, 2008: Signature Single-Points

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 2 Apr 2008 10:05:00 EST

If the KR polls are any indication, not a ton of knitters use single-pointed straight needles. So why do people continue to make them? Because some knitters really, really love using these needles, that's why. And this week I introduce a sleek new customizable aluminum needle that may draw some circular converts too. In the forums, we're discussing our dream yarn storage setup. And in the KR Boutique, all the T-shirts are on closeout and priced to go, go, go!

March 27, 2008: Revisiting Montana Mountain

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EST

Two years ago I told you about a guy in Montana who made wooden knitting needles for his wife's yarn store. Not only is Sam Bolton still turning his wooden needles, but he's improved upon the needle tip and added a whole series of exotic woods to his repertoire. This week I take a closer look at Sam's latest batch of needles.

March 20, 2008: Liking Linen

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EST

I'm not all that fond of knitting with linen because the fiber can be a bit firm and unyielding. Mind you, I love the finished results -- just not the knitting process. For that reason, I didn't expect to like the yarn I reviewed this week. Almost equal parts linen, alpaca, and wool, the yarn is called Soft Linen and it's designed to get you through those transitional months when Mother Nature can't make up her mind.

March 13, 2008: The Lure of Fuzz

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EST

I have a certain weakness for angora -- almost as much as I do for cashmere and qiviut. Last weekend I taught a class about yarn at Halcyon Yarn in Bath, Maine, and that's where I fell prey to a particularly alluring angora/merino blend they had on display. Its name? Sublime. And this week I sacrifice a skein to the swatch gods and goddesses to see if it really lives up to that name.

March 6, 2008: Kureyon for Socks

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:11:00 EST

If you told me you wanted to knit socks out of a fine single-ply yarn, I'd check your temperature and ask if you were feeling ok. Socks are like yarn-torture machines, and most traditional single-ply yarns just won't hack it. But the folks at Noro did a few things to fortify their new fingering-weight version of Kureyon. And to erase any doubts about the yarn's purpose, they named it Kureyon Sock. We give it a swatch to see how it fares.

February 28, 2008: Se Habla Knittish?

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST

When knitters talk to one another, non-knitters in the vicinity may think we're talking gibberish. What's this about frogging and tinking and the LYS? But of course we know what we're talking about, at least most of the time. This week I look at two books that explore the language of knitting and knitters. And in the Forums, is it ok to tie the occasional knot?

February 21, 2008: Superwash Socks

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST

Sock knitters, I have another yarn for you! It's a superwash three-ply worsted wool from Uruguay that comes in giant skeins, tons of colors, and costs less than $20. And in the forums, does it really matter how fast you knit?

February 14, 2008: Magical Magnets

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST

You're halfway through a 28-row lace pattern when the phone rings. You put down your knitting and go to the phone for a nice long chat with a friend. Only after you hang up the phone do you realize that you forgot to mark where you were in the chart. Was it row 14? Or row 16? You slowly study the stitches you just worked to try and reconstruct where you were before the phone rang--and you curse yourself for not having a better system in place. Well, this week I show you a very simple tool that almost guarantees you'll never lose your place in a chart or pattern again, no matter how many times the phone rings.

February 7, 2008: Meet the Buffalo Gal

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST

Following right on the heels (or hooves?) of last week's Buffalo Gold yarn review, in which we met the buffalo guys Ron and Cecil Miskin, I present a splendid new bison/Merino blend from a buffalo gal and legendary fiber artist Judith MacKenzie McCuin. Its name? Why, Buffalo Gals Yarn of course! And in the Forums, did you even know you could turn a cable without a needle?

January 31, 2008: Git Along Little Bisons

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

What's a reviewer to do when she likes the people who make a product, but she really isn't all that crazy about the product? She holds her tongue, bides her time, and hopes that the product will get better. Which wasn't very hard to do, because the Buffalo Gold guys are constantly working to improve their yarn. Finally, with the release of the unimaginatively named "#11" we have ourselves an exceptionally review-worthy yarn, which I review this week. And in the Forums, Lauren needs some recommendations for a durable superwash wool for kids.

January 24, 2008: Going Green

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

When Beth Casey bought Lorna's Laces some five years ago, I was skeptical. Who was this newcomer, and how could she possibly maintain what Lorna Miser had created? Today I stand corrected. Not only has Beth nurtured and expanded the business, but she has added her own unique mark -- most recently with the release of her Green Line yarns. They're so new that you won't find them at your LYS yet, so I take you on a virtual test-knit instead. And in the Forums, we're talking about those yarns that get better and better with wear.

January 17, 2008: California Dreaming

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

I just returned from the winter TNNA trade show in Long Beach, California, where I was surrounded by yarn for three solid days. Join me for a look behind the closed doors at what was bought, sold, signed, and talked about--and what may be headed to your LYS in the near future. And in the Forums we're discussing the number of works-in-progress in our stashes and the chances of our ever finishign them.

January 10, 2008: The Swiss Surprise

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 9 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

I've never reviewed a yarn from Switzerland before. But then again, this week's featured yarn was only SPUN in Switzerland. The other half of its life comes from the dyepots of Hand Maiden in Nova Scotia. And quite frankly, the resulting yarn -- which I review this week -- has given me a severe case of the vapors. In the Forum we're discussing the accuracy of weighing finished garments to finish out how much yarn you used for them. Does a kitchen scale really work?

January 3, 2008: Spinnery Socks

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 3 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

Happy New Year! It's good to be back. I spent my time off nursing a cold and, what else? Playing with yarn. I couldn't help it, though. This yarn was a gorgeous new sock yarn from Green Mountain Spinnery -- and it's the focus of this week's review. In the Forums, we share tips and advice for making the most of our magazine archives.

December 20, 2007: The Year in Review

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:28:00 EST

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Well maybe not exactly, but 2007 was quite a year wasn't it? Because this is our last newsletter of the year (I'll be off next week visiting family and playing with yarn), join me aboard the U.S.S. Nostalgia for a look back at the year we've just shared. And in the Forums, Pat is knitting her very first sock and wants to know how long it takes, on average, to make a normal pair of socks. Shall we warn her about Second Sock Syndrome or just let her figure it out for herself?

December 13, 2007: Knitter's Block

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 13 Dec 2007 08:28:00 EST

Is your bed tired of being used as a makeshift blocking board? Does your carpet tremble every time you approach it with a new finished product and your sharpest blocking pins? Then read on. This week I introduce not just a new blocking product but a whole concept for blocking that takes you away from the rectangle and allows you to create the shape of whatever you're blocking. Within reason, of course. And in the Forums, we have a cold-weather knitter suddenly faced with the prospect of moving to a warm climate and terrified that she'll never want to knit again. Warm-weather knitters, she needs your reassurance!

December 6, 2007: The Gift List

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 6 Dec 2007 08:28:00 EST

Every year I try to fool myself into believing I'll knit everyone their gifts for the holidays. And every year, I reach this week and realize that it isn't going to happen. For the knitters on my list -- and on yours -- I offer this year's selection of 10 great knitterly gifts. And in the Forums, tell us who's on your do-not-knit list!

November 29, 2007: A Well-Stuffed Stocking

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 29 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

Welcome back! I have a special treat for you this week. Cat Bordhi has just designed her grandson;apos;s very first Christmas stocking, and she shares the pattern with us. Even if stockings don't float your boat, check out the "disproportionate waste yarn technique" she uses in the pattern -- and which she illustrates with two special videos on Youtube. In the Forums, we're talking about our very favorite super-soft and colorful scarf yarns.

November 15, 2007: Back from Paradise

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 15 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

Last weekend I was joined by 90 knitters from Maine to Florida, Oregon and California. We came together for the sixth-annual Knitter's Review Retreat. It's our time to get away from it all and play with yarn -- with people who love yarn as much as we do -- for three solid days. For those who could only be with us in spirit, I've brought back many . And in the Forums this week we're talking about what it's like to knit among non-knitters.

November 8, 2007: What's Your Handle?

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 8 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

I love knitted bags, but I don't always love the handles out there. I mean really, how many different ways can you use fake bamboo handles on a purse, anyway? But this week I present an elegant leather alternative from a two-person company called . Speaking of home, this week in the Forum we're talking about having . Do you have one?

November 1, 2007: Heading into Winter

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 1 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

I'm a serial scarf knitter. Scarves happen when I fall in love with a yarn and can't stop swatching. Hats don't come as easily, though. Many knitting books offer instructions for gorgeous and elaborate hat concoctions, but sometimes I just want simple, basic, flexible hat instructions to follow as I embark upon my own creative journey. This week I sit down with Sarah Bradberry's to find out if she fills the void. And in the Forum, let's !

October 25th, 2007: Rhinebeck Revelry

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 25 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

Last Saturday, some 12,000 people packed the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. The next day, many more followed suit. What drew these people? Promises of fame and fortune? Were the Rolling Stones giving a free concert? Nope. It was the 35th annual New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. I was there and took pictures for you. And in the Forum, one distraught member wonders if she's the only knitter on the planet who frequently has to frog her work. Let's reassure her, shall we?

October 18th, 2007: A Silver Anniversary for SOAR

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 18 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

Interweave's annual Spin-Off Autumn Retreat turned 25 this year. That's a mighty big number, and SOAR is a mighty special event. I liken it to the MIT of fiber gatherings. It's seriously geeky but in an energizing and totally inspiring sort of way. I traveled to Michigan last weekend for the first half of the event and share photos and stories with you this week. And in the Forums, we're talking about the knitting catalogs we love and hate to receive in the mail.

October 11th, 2007: The Big Book

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 11 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

It's so close I can almost touch it! And on October 16th, you too will be able to touch my new book, The Knitter's Book of Yarn. This week I celebrate this milestone by sharing the delightfully simple and suitably named Maine Morning Mitts pattern from the book. They beg to be knit in La Lana, Noro, or any other stunning multicolor single--although they also look great in other yarns too. For those who enjoy peeking behind the scenes, I also offer a more personal under-the-covers look at why and how this book came to be. And in the Forums, believe it or not we're already discussing holiday projects! Any recommendations for sure-fire winners?

October 4th, 2007: Cormo Chameleon

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 4 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

Remember those TV ads where Mr. Whipple was endlessly trying to stop people from squeezing the Charmin? Well, this week I have the yarn version of Mr. Whipple's ward. It's called Cormo Alpaca Classic, and it comes to us from a 220-acre sheep farm in western Massachusetts. And yes, you'll want to squeeze it. In the Forums, join in our discussion of where to get the best buttons.

September 27th, 2007: Como se Llama?

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 27 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Poor llamas. While their glitzy cousins the alpaca, vicuna, and guanaco elicit endless oohs and aahs, the llama usually ends up serving security duty out in the field. But did you know that llamas can grow fibers as soft as alpaca, and in some cases even softer? This week I prove the point when I take a closer look at Royal Llama Silk, a brand new release from Plymouth Yarn. In the Forums, we're discussing post-project depression and ways to overcome it.

September 20th, 2007: Knitting Out Loud

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 20 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Kathy Goldner works at warp speed. In April, she was inspired to start a knitting audiobook company. And just three days ago, she handed me two complete audiobooks--Melanie Falick's America Knits and Lela Nargi's Knitting Memories. I introduce Kathy, her business, and those books this week. And in the Forums, we're pondering the forces behind projects we finish and those we don't.

September 13th, 2007: Missed Milestones and an Organic Experience

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 13 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Last week's newsletter marked the seventh anniversary of Knitter's Review--and I didn't even think of it until after I pushed the "send" button. This milestone is even more meaningful for me this year because, in just one month, my very own book about yarn will hit the shelves. It has been quite an adventure, and I look forward to sharing seven more years of it with you. Speaking of adventures, this week's review has a little something in common with a chance encounter I had two years ago with a flock of sheep in the mountains west of Taos. Finally, am I the only one who gets a serious case of startitis in the fall? We're discussing this phenomenon in the Forums.

September 6th, 2007: Taming the Triangle

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 06 Sep 2007 09:28:00 EST

Evelyn Clark is the mistress of triangular lace shawl designs. Her Flower Basket, Shoalwater, and Leaf Lace shawls (all distributed by Fiber Trends) are among the most popular patterns ever designed, and certainly among my favorites. Recently she published a little booklet called Knitting Lace Triangles. Being a huge fan of Evelyn's work, I eagerly snatched up a copy to see if she finally reveals her triangle trade secrets -- and offer this review.

August 30th, 2007: Self-Made Semisolids

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 30 Aug 2007 09:28:00 EST

Instead of waiting and waiting for your favorite hand-dyer to release her latest batch of semisolid yarns, only to have them all sold out from under you within a matter of minutes, why not dye the yarn yourself? I tried it this week using Louet's Hand-Dyed Sock Kit and file a full report with tips, warnings, and loads of pictures.

August 23rd, 2007: Semisolid Hand-Dyeds and the Hedgerow Sock Pattern

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 23 Aug 2007 08:39:00 EST

Several of the smaller, boutique hand-dyers are turning their attention to semisolid colors--those beautiful shades built upon layers of shadow, nuance, and subtle saturation differences. Many of these boutique hand-dyers are also, alas, too small to feature in a standalone yarn review. So this week we do something a little special: Jane Cochran has designed a sock pattern that you can use with almost any semisolid sock yarn you find. I give you some of my favorite sources, too.

August 16th, 2007: Socks That Sparkle

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 16 Aug 2007 10:20:00 EST

We show you a brand new yarn named Sterling. Guess what precious metal it contains? In the Forums, we're sharing our favorite tips for easier knitting. And last but not least, we've got details about the 2007 Knitter's Review Retreat!

August 9th, 2007: Socks Soar Again

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST

Cat Bordhi's long-awaited new sock book, our favorite lace shawl yarns and patterns, and Stitches Midwest

August 2nd, 2007: Four Books for Feet

editor@knittersreview.com — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST

Four sock books that float, preparing grab-and-go project bags, and the Maine Fiberarts Open Studio and Farm Weekend