knotions magazine

Follow us on Twitter

host — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:08:00 GMT

We're now on twitter - @knotions. Follow us for quick knotions updates as well as links to all things knitting that we like - FOs, yarns, books, sales - anything we find interesting.

Sign Up for Knotions Announcements

host — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:53:00 GMT

Many of you have asked that we send email announcements when new things happen on the site - when an issue launches, when we start a new contest, or when new free patterns or articles are posted. So, we've created a google group to send monthly announcements to you all.

We selected google because you don't need a gmail account - you can use any email address you choose.

To sign up, visit the group home page.

And we promise not to inundate you with email - we'll send approximately one email per month.

New Book Review - One Ball Knits Purses

host — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:54:00 GMT

Our latest review gives you the scoop on the newest book in the One Ball Knits series. One Ball Knits Purses is full of fashionable bags with stylish details.

{read the review}

summer issue is live!

host — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:42:00 GMT

come on over and check it out!

Summer Preview

host — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:24:00 GMT

The preview of our summer issue is out. Check it out.

Thrift Shop Savvy: In search of knits

host — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:12:00 GMT

Betz White, author of Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials shares some of her great advice on finding knits that can be reused and turned into something new.

Read her tips and register to win a free copy of Sewing Green.

review: Sewing Green

host — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:43:00 GMT

Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials by Betz White.

The timing for the release of this book couldn't be better -- we're feeling more environmentally conscious than ever, and economically we're aiming to use and reuse what we have.

The book is split into three chapters. Chapter One - Thinking Green - guides us through the basics of repurposing and reuse. Betz believes that every bit helps, and tells us "this book is not about guilt or sacrifice", but rather she outliness simple changes to how we approach new projects by suggesting "[r]ather than making a beeline for the fabric store...check out resale shops first". She gives good tips on how to prepare our new-to-us reuse items and points out some surprising uses for thrifty purchases, like using canvas belts as handles for a tote. Betz also reviews new eco-friendly materials such as organic cottons and wools, and lesser known fabrics such as cork leather, corn fabric (PLA) and recycled polyester (PET).

Chapter Two - Projects - range from clothing and accessories to home decor, bags and reusable items to replace everyday disposable ones. The projects break down like this:

11 home decor - blankets, pillow cases, aprons, napkin rings, a draft buster
5 clothing and accessories - skirts, lounge pants, slippers a scarf and a hat
7 bags and accessories - totes, toys, bags and a waller
3 reusable items - a sandwich wrap, a produce bag and a water sling

The projects range from simple to intermediate and are accompanied by finished measurements, a materials list and step-by-step instructions. The projects all have multiple pics to show the whole item as well as some close-up shots. For patterns that have smaller pieces, the cutting lines are in the book itself and require a copier to use them (some need to be enlarged). For larger pieces (such as the lounge pants) there is a tissue paper insert at the back of the book. It's printed on both sides so you'll need to trace them out before using.

The book is sprinkled with "Eco-Logic" sidebars such as Furoshiki (eco-friendly gift wrapping), Green Sewing Spaces and Reducing Textile Waste, and "Eco-Innovators" introduce us to a few businesses and non-profits that work in the green/reuse space, such as Crispina ffrench and Alabama Chanin.

Chapter Three - Tools, Techniques & Resources - gives us the basics of sewing (e.g. machine and handstitching, clipping corners, how to miter and attaching buttons), as well as a resource list on where to find the more unusual materials featured in the book.

Even if you don't make a single project from the book, it's a great source for inspiration and training your eye on imagining how to take an old object and make it into something new again.

If you liked the review, come back tomorrow when we'll have Betz White guest blogging about "Thrift Shop Savvy Knits" and signup for your chance to win a free copy of Sewing Green.

guest blogger: heather ross

host — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Heather Ross, author of Weekend Sewing, teaches us the differences between fabrics with drape and fabrics with body.

Read the article and register to win a free copy of Heather's book!

book review: weekend sewing

host — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:39:00 GMT

Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching by Heather Ross

I'm so excited to make this book our first sewing book review on Knotions. It's a lovely book with beautiful photography and great illustrations.

First, the basics. The book's projects are divided into 3 stories:

Home and Away - 12 projects including 3 bags, napkins, a tablecloth and a dishtowel, a pillowcase and slippers, an apron and a checkbook cover.
Dressing Up and Down - 10 projects including 4 dresses, pajama bottoms, a blouse, a wrap skirt, a head scarf and a bag.
Sewing for Kids - 7 projects including a baby blanket, 2 dresses, 2 tops, and a pair of pants.

The women's clothing sizes are graded in a typical Small / Medium / Large:

Bust - 32 - 42"
Waist - 26 - 38"
Hip - 35 - 46"

If you fall outside of the size ranges, the projects are simple enough that up- or down-sizing shouldn't be too difficult. Since all the sizes are included in the pattern sheets you'll be able to use them as a guide for your own grading. An important note - similar to many sewing books, the book comes with 2 sheets of paper with all the patterns outlined on it. You'll have to either trace out your pattern or photocopy it in order to keep the original patterns in tact.

By my estimate, the difficulty levels range from easy to mid-level. A beginner could start with something like the napkins or pillowcases to practice cutting and piecing of straight edges, grow into the bags for non-fussy shaping and curved seams, and graduate to one of the garments for hems, facings, darts, and setting in sleeves.

The designs in the book evoke a weekend sensibility - easy living pieces for lounging (hello pajama bottoms excuse me while I plot excuses to wear you to the office), non-workday chores (tote bags and garden gloves), and days out strolling about town (the summer blouse and trapeze sundress).

The projects are quite versatile too. Take the trapeze dress and cut it shirt length and you have a cute top, shorten the pajama bottoms and you have a great pair of loungey shorts for warm weather. The book hasn't been out very long but there are already some great variations popping up online. Here are a few:

There's a flickr group for the book {visit the Weekend Sewing flickr group} and Heather keeps her own Tips, Tricks and Errata on her blog as well {visit Heather's Weekend Sewing Errata & FAQ}.

While the projects are fun it's the details that make this book shine. Heather's own illustrations give you step-by-step details on how to execute the written instructions. No need to worry if you're laying out the pattern properly, where to snip those corners for the facing, or how to set-in your first sleeve.

You'll also find great tips on the main project page. Heather gives you guidance on the types of fabrics to use for each project, as well as suggestions for the appropriate machine needle, thread, and how to best cut out the pieces.

In the final chapter, Sewing Basics, we learn how to choose the right sewing machine, matching a fabric to a project, preparing fabric for sewing, tracing the patterns and cutting out the individual pieces. This chapter also includes a glossary of popular tools sprinkled with tidbits of info based on Heather's own experiences.

The book offers a lot for both new sewers and experienced sewers alike with solid, basic projects that allow you to follow its directions closely or use them as the starting point for something uniquely yours.

If you're interested in the book, we're going to have Heather as a guest blogger later this week when she'll cover the basics of fabric body versus drape (a great topic for those of you who are more familiar with knitted fabrics) and you'll have a chance to enter a drawing for your own copy of Weekend Sewing.

reader FOs: magic mirror mittens

host — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:41:00 GMT

Magic Mirrors were one of your favorite projects from the winter issue -- FOs of just about every color have been popping up. Click through to see the details...

Call for Submissions: Fall '09

host — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:02:00 GMT

Hello Designers!

Submissions for the Fall 2009 issue are officially open. The Fall issue will be our fifth issue and will be our biggest issue yet. It launches on August 3, 2009 to give knitters time to finish their projects before the season hits.

Here are the details...

Tricornu: Sewing Tutorial

host — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:37:00 GMT

Several of you have emailed or commented that you'd like to make a Tricornu but are having trouble with the sewing. Here's a step by step tutorial to help you get through the hard part.

Step 1: Cut 2 squares the same size. Make 1/4" snips at the midpoint of each of the edges.

Step 2: With Right Sides together, align the top square so its top meets the midway point snip of the bottom fabric. Now, move the top fabric up 1/4". Pin in place.

Step 3: Sew a 1/4" seam about halfway down from where the 2 fabrics meet. Turn item 90 degrees.

Step 4: Rotate the top fabric 90° so the raw edges of both layers meet again. Use a pencil or other small instrument to work the fabric under the presser foot.

Step 5: Fold the fabric as pictured to prepare to sew the next seam.

Step 6: Sew a 1/4" seam taking care not to sew through the fold (the fold is only there to help keep the fabric under control while you're sewing). Stop the seam 1/4" before the edge of the top fabric.

Continue in same manner, sewing along all edges leaving a gap to turn the piece inside out.

The final sewn item will look awkward, but once it's turned right side out and stuffed it will take on its final shape.

Summer Submission Deadline

host — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:59:00 GMT

Hello Designers!

Are you stll working on the final touches of your summer submission? Or maybe you're hurrily knitting on it hoping to sneak in at the last minute?

If you're still working on a submission feel free to check in and let me know. I usually make final decisions about a month before the next issue goes live so you still have some time (especially if I know it's coming). I heard from a few of you in the past couple days but just in case you're too shy to ask I thought a blog post would be helpful too.

And if you're really running behind, the fall issue is only 5 months away at this point (can you believe we're already talking fall?). We have an extra big issue in store for fall and it's never too early to start thinking about it.

If you have any questions, please email me at editor AT knotions DOT com.

Spring 09 is Live!

host — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 03:07:00 GMT

We're live!

A few of the highlights:

15 new free patterns
A new series Fabric Row combining knitting and sewing into the same design
A Knitter's Guide to Seattle
Review of Nashua's new magazine Nashua Handknitting Magazine

Enjoy!

Spring Issue Preview Is Up!

host — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:38:00 GMT

We're just under a week away from launch. Come on over and check out the preview!

quick bit: spring previews

host — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:32:00 GMT

Even though winter solstice just passed us, previews of spring lines are starting to come out. Here are a few projects to dream about while you're finishing up that colorwork mitten or tweed cardi you have on your needles.

Rowan 45

Three stories make up the newest volume of Rowan:

Bloom - Ruffles, eyelets, and other feminine touches in a muted palette.

Driftwood - Looser silhouettes with refined elements in a natural palette of taupes and blues.

Evergreen - A spirited palette of greens, deeper pinks, mustard and burnt orange showcases colorwork, stripes and a bit of lacey texture.

{view the preview}

Norah Gaughan Vol 4

The latest installment in the always-anticipated Norah Gaughan series from Berroco has two stories:

Flower Child - Peasant-style flowing garments and subtlely shaped tops give a reminiscent nod to the 70s.

Excess - Explore pleats, tucks and other clever ways of sculpting with extra knitted fabric.

{view the preview at kaleidoscope yarns}

quick bit: fiber baristas

host — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:16:00 GMT

It won't come as a shock to any of you when I say that indie yarn dyeing has exploded in the past few years. It's a lot of fun to see the artistry of each dyer -- kettle dyeing and hand painting, muted tones and brights, traditional merino and specialty fibers (bluefaced leicester, cormo to name a few).

In a market with so many beautiful choices it can sometimes be hard to choose what's next to try. The ladies from nine indie dyers came together to create Fiber Baristas - a nine month club giving you a chance to sample all nine dyers' work. If you've considered joining a club but weren't sure you wanted to commit to a single dyer this club may be for you.

The first years' club is called Postcards From Home. Each month the featured dyer will work up something special to reflect her region of the world. Registrations are open until January 31st and the club runs from March through November.

Submissions Update: Spring and Summer

host — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:23:00 GMT

I hope everyone had a great holiday!

I've been enjoying seeing all the knotions projects pop up on Ravelry and the blogs. At writing, there are over 200 active projects from the Winter issue on Ravelry, and the designs are in over 5,000 queues! With all that love I'm sure you're all curious what's in store for the next couple of issues. Here's an update.

Spring 2009 - Submissions Update

The spring issue will be released in mid-February. With the holidays in the mix it's been a challenge for the contributors to enjoy the season *and* complete their submissions. We'll be adjusting our Spring release date for future years as well so we won't need to move dates around after this.

If you submitted a design for spring expect to hear back from us within the week. Final decisions are being made now (some accepts and declines have been sent out but we still have quite a few to work through).

Summer 2009 - Call For Submissions

Summer knitting is the time for smaller projects and lighter weight yarns. Think cotton, bamboo, linen and hemp. For project types, in addition to socks which are a must-have summer project in my book, think lace stoles and shawls, light weight garments such as tanks and vests, and accessory projects such as jewelry, belts and bags. If you have an idea for a combo knit/fabric project, this is the season for it.

If you have an idea you'd like to discuss with me, please .

tweed raglan: blocking

host — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:37:00 GMT

The tweed raglan is finally blocking...

The Bibliophile's Wishlist

host — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:52:00 GMT

Carol Sulcoski shares her top picks for the holiday season...

Spring submission deadline is approaching!

host — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:08:00 GMT

The deadline for spring submissions is Monday, December 1st. It's interesting to see things ebb and flow. In previous issues, sock submissions were the highest, and this go-round it's the opposite.

In fact, right now - we need more socks! If you have an idea for a pair of socks and would still like to submit a proposal, please do so. I can work with you on the deadline.

And if you're not the sock-designing type, by all means please submit what interests you! Given that I've said in the past "no more socks!" I thought it best to let you all know that we're a little low on socks for this issue.

And as always, if you're planning to submit but aren't going to make it by December 1st, please let me know. I'm happy to work with you on timing (several of the projects in this issue were submitted after the deadline) but it's good to know what's still coming in so I save a spot for you.

Thanks, and if you're in the US - have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Winter 2008 is Live!

host — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:13:00 GMT

I'm pleased beyond words to announce that this issue IS LIVE!!!!

I hope you find it was worth the wait.

{visit Knotions Winter 2008}

New Digs!

host — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:34:00 GMT

If you're reading this you're hitting the site via the new hosting provider!

Let's give this a couple days to make sure everything transitions smoothly. I'll update the blog as soon as we launch!

Winter Launch - The Latest

host — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:15:00 GMT

We've been migrated to the new platform and are taking stock to make sure everything is configured properly. So far things are looking good.

We'll monitor the site to confirm we get at least 48 hours of uninterrupted service before we launch (we don't want to launch only to have a technical problem).

Thank you all SO MUCH for your outpouring of good wishes and supportive comments. I am floored by how great you all have been through it all.

I think we're really close!

Winter Launch - another update

host — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:08:00 GMT

We're getting closer. I finally got a real update from the ISP. We know exactly what the issue is and we've developed a short term and long term fix.

The ETA on the short-term fix is 24 hours. The ETA on the long-term fix is TBD (they actually tried to implement it this morning but it failed).

So, the big question on your minds is when will we launch? Well, it's on my mind too! We'll launch as soon as we're stable -- and by that I mean as soon as we have a full day without this problem. The earliest that will be is tomorrow (Wednesday) morning. Once things are rolled out I'll be sure to post on Ravelry, on this blog and on my own blog so you'll all be sure to know.

Thanks again for all your support and patience these past couple days. Technology is fun, isn't it?