She Knits In The Loop

Brand New Blog, Brand New Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Mon, 16 May 2011 01:06:00 +0000

If you're wondering why things have come to a standstill here lately, it's because I've moved! Please visit my brand-spankin' new blog: http://www.splendidsticks.com/.

If you're looking for Pattern help on igottknits patterns, please visit: http://www.igottknits.com/.

For the Love of the Swatch

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Back in February, in the Creative Knitting eLetter, I wrote about the importance of finding your gauge swatch. When it comes to designing, swatching is something that I revel in because I find it utterly fascinating that everything you need is contained within a 4 x 4 square. For many knitters however, they just don't see the fascination because they want to get busy knitting! That said, it's even more imperative to find gauge-- most especially with garments because who wants an armhole made to fit a gorilla? To better explain this, I like to use this analogy- without the creation of your gauge swatch, it's like taking a trip covering new territory without a map, or gas in your car.

Like I said, I love the swatching process, but the problem for many is that it's tedious and then you're left with leftover squares of fabric in boxes or baggies. So let's solve the problem, and put those swatches to good use! The options are endless for the kinds of creations you can make from simple squares. Here are a few examples: change purses, blankets and lap throws, totes, coasters, hand towels, rugs.

As you can see below, I've put my swatches to good use by making a variety of change purses, embellished with high-end buttons.

Another resourceful method for utilizing swatches is to felt them to use for embellishment, as you can see in this example of a felted purse. After felting the squares, I cut out a variety of shapes, and then sewed them in place.

And finally, if you're feeling slightly ambitious, you can connect several swatches by sewing or decoratively joining them with crochet stitches in contrasting yarn colors. The example below is a lap blanket in progress.

Color-coordinating the swatches for my lap blanket.

Squares joined using single crochet stitches.

Right side of work showing decorative stitching in single crochet.

Perhaps as time goes by, this may turn into a full size afghan, who knows!

The exciting part is that after you've spent the time making your useful gauge swatches, using them in new and spontaneous ways can help you shift gears from the technical aspects of finding your gauge, to being able to utilize them in a new and artistic ways.

Creative Knitting Magazine- July Photo Shoot Outakes

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:49:00 +0000

As promised, here are some fun, not-so-serious behind-the-scenes shots taken during the making of the July issue of Creative Knitting magazine. When it comes to working on the magazine, the photo shoot is the most dynamic part of the process because it’s during this time that the magazine comes to life. I’m constantly inspired when I observe our photographers setting up the shots so carefully, making sure that the composition and lighting are just right. Matt Bowen, freelance photographer started working on Creative Knitting magazine a few months ago, and his eye for design and composition is impeccable. In the shot below, you may wonder why Matt is on floor. In his quirky way, he may tell you he’s multi-tasking by trying to fit in a little nap between shots, but in reality, he’s a true artist at work. The cool thing about the shot above is that Matt found a way to give the illusion that the glass behind the model appears like sheets of blue water, without a sign of an outside streetlight or a car in sight!

Matt Bowen, striving to get the best shot.

Amy, working wonders with hair and makeup

The day usually starts pretty early, considering that in a typical day we can successfully shoot about fifteen to twenty projects, so this means we’ve got to hustle to keep things moving. The day begins with our talented makeup artist, Amy Ish, who works wonders with hair and makeup. Then, our talented photo stylists, who I fondly refer to as “The Tammies,” Tammy Liechty and Tammy Steiner, handle the logistics of the day. They are the queens of multi-tasking, and they pull each shoot off without a hitch. Then of course we have our gifted photographers, Matt Owen, and add on “B” and you’ve got Matt Bowen. If it weren’t for these two guys, we wouldn’t have as much fun as we do, and I’d miss all the silly jokes and constant laughing that keeps us all motivated throughout the day.

Matt Owen photographs the beautiful Misti

Work it baby, work it!

The elegant Jessica poses so gracefully.

A girl's gotta take a break sometimes!

Yep, Still Kicking

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:17:00 +0000

Just this morning, I received a delightful email alert from one of my favorite online mags, Knitchmagazine.com, and to my surprise the email contained a link to my exciting interview, which you can check out here. Thanks Knitch! I also realized that with the very first sentence is a link to this blog. Woo hoo. Pretty cool. But it was also a wake up call to get busy tapping that keyboard.

Yes, I'm guilty as charged for not posting over the last several weeks, but with a darn good reason. January was a very busy month, and I'm still recouping from all of my travels. Promise, no traveling for awhile. As you already know, I headed to Long Beach to attend TNNA, back in the beginning of January. You can still read my eLetter about my exciting finds here. Then a short two weeks later, I headed to my beloved Big Apple for Vogue Knitting Live. It was a whirlwind weekend, but I connected with old friends, and made some new ones too.

Let me bring you up to speed since I last wrote. I'm now embarking on pulling together my debut issue as editor of Creative Knitting magazine. It's a really exciting time because I'm in the midst of working on the biggest part of the issue. So many exciting things go into this process, and it's tedious and time consuming work. What sparked my desire to sit down and write today was a much-needed break from proofreading and copy writing! Next week, I'll be heading out for the July photo shoot, which we'll be doing on-location. You'll be impressed by the breathtaking shots soon to come your way. I'll keep you posted, and maybe slip in a little "hint" about what you'll be seeing in a few months!

Until next time......

Look What I Found at TNNA!

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 17:13:00 +0000

I just returned from an exciting time in Long Beach, Calif., this past weekend attending The National NeedleArts show. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with designers, yarn companies and other industry professionals all in one place. There's something so magical about being under one roof with a bunch of people that all share the same passion!

Long Beach marks the first time in several years that Creative Knitting magazine had booth presence. The goal was to increase brand awareness for both Creative Knitting and Crochet!, both published by DRG Publications, and to bring attention to our popular knit and crochet pattern books.

Me with Carol Alexander, editor or Crochet! and Crochet World meeting attendees

I'm constantly amazed by the new products featured at TNNA. This time around, I couldn't get enough of all the new finds that will be coming our way in the months ahead. Here's some eye-candy for your viewing pleasure!

New from Lantern Moon:

Here are some exciting new confections from Be Sweet. Bambino Taffy is a fun cotton and bamboo self-striping yarn. All you need is one skein for the Sweetie Pie hat pattern included on the label.

Also from Be Sweet: Bubble Ball yarn, made with merino baby weight yarn, strung with 25 felted balls per skein. Perfect for embellishing scarves, accessories or garments.

There's always something to see at DellaQ. This season, you'll find a generous offering of needle cases in a variety of sizes, including the Que Cotton limited edition case pictured below.

And then there was an inspiring collection of knitting bags and notion keepers at Namaste. This spring, Namaste is partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, by donating 10% of each light pink product sold.

Let's not forget the people who make these shows so inspiring! It's not often that we get to see little ones on the show floor. Here's Owen, who really stole the show with his felted fedora. He was mesmerized by looking into the camera, as babies often are. But finally, I got a side shot of his memorable little hat.

Last but not least, my eye caught this super-funky felted ring. I just couldn't resist asking for a shot of this striking little creation!

Work in knit-two purl-two ribbing until you're sick of it

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 01:58:00 +0000

After my family and I enjoyed a non-traditional Christmas dinner of home made egg rolls, along side a nice bed of blanched broccoli on a bed of risotto, I sat chuckling as I read Barbara Walker's commentary on Elizabeth Zimmermann's instruction for a ribbed turtle neck: pick up a multiple of 4 stitches around the neck and work in knit-two purl-two ribbing until you're sick of it. That's pretty much how I feel right about now as I'm in the midst of creating a bottom-up pullover that I started back in October. It's actually a cowl neck, but the same principles apply.

I've been doing nothing but ripping back because I'm so darn indecisive. I've had the bodice ready on waste yarn for several weeks now, patiently waiting to join with my sleeves, that is, if I ever finish them. I started off with an all-rib sleeve, then embarked on a short row funky bell sleeve. I didn't quite like the look of them, so I proceeded to make a traditional bell sleeve. Then at about six inches up, I decided that a bell sleeve is not in, so guess what? I went back to a ribbed sleeve.

Sure, it would be nice to wear this before the winter's over, but I'm really just enjoying the process. For the first time in years, it's nice to design something for myself, without a worry about this becoming a pattern in my collection. When I first set out to make this piece, I decided that I would allow it to evolve and change along the way if necessary. Sometimes, some interesting things can evolve on the needles, that you can't translate ahead of time on paper. I would often cross my fingers after sending out a new design to my sample maker, hoping that what I put down in technical terms would translate to what I had envisioned.

The boys out sledding

Oh no, it's Mr. Snowman!

On a different note, it really has been quite a memorable first Christmas here in Indiana. We had a little snowfall overnight, which officially makes this a "white" Christmas. We all went for some fun sled riding this afternoon and spent the rest of the day watching silly movies like Scrooged and A Christmas Story, eating apple pie and drinking cocoa.

Spending the day with my boys makes me feel truly blessed, and grateful for the many gifts I've been given. Life's too short, and as I get older I realize that more with each passing day. Sometimes work can just wait, and doing a little "nothing"can be one of the most productive and replenishing things we can do.

Let Them Eat Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:20:00 +0000

I first posted this Christmas eve, 2009 but I thought what a shame to keep it buried away in the archives. Back by popular demand, here is my oh-so-yummy apple pie recipe...

I think the secret to making the perfect apple pie comes down to 2 very important things-

1. Homemade butter crust

2. Lots of ooey gooey brown sugar

Aside from these two things, of course the apples and only the best ingredients will make your pie the best tasting. Using either Rome, Empire or Red Delicious apples are always the best, so don't use just any old apple. Believe me, because I learned the hard way! I couldn't get good in-season apples, so I once used Macintosh. Bad idea. The pie came out mushy and slightly bitter.

So, I thought in the spirit of Christmas, I'd share my apple pie recipe. It's evolved a bit over the years, because I used to make it with a top layer of crust, but have since done away with that, thanks to my father who once asked me to make it with a brown sugar crumble top. I gave it a whirl, and have been doing that way ever since.

Here's my recipe below, but I will admit, when I make it I don't do too much measuring. My preference to to "feel my way" through the process, but it all works out in the end!

Pie Filling:

2-3 lbs of Rome, Empire or Red Delicious apples. (I lean more toward 3 lbs for a nice hearty pie)
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1/2- 1 cup of brown sugar (the more the better!)
Juice of 1/2 of a lemon
3-4 tablespoons of flour
Cinnamon (optional)

Pie Crust:

1 stick of cold butter (taken right out of the fridge-- it should be very cold)
1 cup of flour
a few tablespoons of water with ice cubes (this should also be very cold)

(An important aspect to a perfect butter crust is to make sure the butter and the water are very cold)
Crumb Top:

1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 stick butter
about 3 tablespoons of flour

Prepare the crust:
1. Place 1 cup of flour in large bowl and cut 1/4 inch slices of 1 stick of butter into bowl. With your fingers break up the butter and blend into the flour until the mixture resembles corn meal.
2. Add a very small amount of the cold water into mixture, working the dough with your hands. Keep adding very small amounts of the water until the dough stops sticking. Form into a flat disk, and cover with clear wrap or place in a baggie. Place in freezer for about 5 minutes to chill.
3. While the crust is chilling peel and core the apples and slice. Place into large bowl and add lemon to apples so they do not brown. Add the sugars, flour and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
4. Grease a 9 inch pie pan. When crust is chilled, place on floured surface and carefully roll out into a circle, slightly larger than pan, being careful not to crack the dough. If that happens, add a touch of water and re-roll. Place into pie pan. Shape crust into pan, and cut excess dough off with scissors, or if you want to get fancy, make "bear claws," which I especially love to do.

5. Prepare the topping by placing 3-4 tbs of flour and 1/2 cup of brown sugar into bowl, and cut in butter the same way as for pie crust. (see picture to the left) When the topping resembles corn meal, it's ready. Drizzle on top of pie. Place a few pats of butter on top, place pie on cookie sheet and bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Take pie out of oven and "tent" the edge as shown with foil. The crust on the edge of the pie can tend to cook faster, so in order to make sure it does not burn, it's a good idea to do this. Place back in oven for another 25 minutes.
Serve warm of course, and to add even more decadence, some vanilla Hagen Daz on the side!
Have a wonderful holiday!

Decadent Chocolate Bean Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:11:00 +0000

You may not think beans and and chocolate go together, but when you taste these brownies, you'll be convinced they're a match made in heaven!

If you won't take my word for it, try them for yourself.

Enjoy!

Preparation Time: 5 min
Cooking Time: 30 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients


	3 item(s) egg
	16 oz canned black beans
	3 Tbsp vegetable oil
	4 Tbsp Hershey's Cocoa, Special Dark
	1/8 tsp table salt
	1 tsp vanilla extract
	3/4 cup(s) sugar
	1/2 cup(s) semisweet chocolate candy

Instructions

Mix all ingredients except chocolate chips together in a blender or food processor until pureed. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into greased 8x8 cake pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

NEW Learn To Knit Mittens Book: Warm Hands Warm The Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 22:55:00 +0000

NEW from Annie's Attic: Warm Hands Warm the Heart, on sale November 19^th

Get your special preview here!

Moulin Rouge Fingerless Mitts

Warm Hands Warm The Heart offers eight enticing mitten projects, with a selection of "primer" basics such as beginner Fair Isle mittens and fingerless mitts, to help ease the novice knitter into knitting-the-round.

Moulin Rouge, designed by Lisa Ellis, is not only a super-stylish fingerless mitt, it's also a fun project if you're interested in trying out a cool technique. This design utilizes a method called Twining, traditionally known as Tvåändsstickning. This method of knitting can be worked with either one or two colors and is done with bot yarns carried across the back or front of the fabric, or changed from back to front or vice versa, as needed for the pattern.

Whether you're beginner or advanced, this exciting "How To" book has something every knitter will enjoy. Several projects incorporate alternate ways to work-in-the-round, along with a variety of designs featuring intarsia and advanced Fair Isle techniques, color work, drop stitch elements and embroidered details. The patterns offer generous sizing options from kids to adult.

Bollicina

Some knitters favor the tried and true method of using double-point needles, while others wouldn't dare use anything but a circular needle. This book offers multiple avenues for learning which construction method works best for you.

If mitten making is on your gift-giving list this holiday season, and if learning something new is what you seek, then Warm Hands Warm The Heart is the solution.

If you'd like to find out more about this book, and many other titles, visit Annie's Attic.com

Sifting Through The Stash

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:28:00 +0000

The overwhelming urge to pour through old photos in order to clean up some disk space came over me at 4 A.M. this morning. While going through my files, I was surprised and inspired by what I uncovered. If it wasn't for my insomnia, I may have never given some of these photos a second thought.

Some time ago, (pre-life-of-a-full-time-editor) I used to document my works in progress, or projects that I'd like to revisit later. I would often take a photo of specific stitches, or balls of yarns, and in this case, 4" x 4" swatches, arranged by color for a future blanket I had in mind.

The Power of The Swatch

About 15 years ago, I first learned the importance of swatching is relation to knitwear design. Taking the time to swatch with several different kinds of yarns, stitch patterns and needle sizes is the imperative first step in determining a design. Everything you need to know about that yarn is "programed" on that perfect little square: stitch and row gauge, drape, texture. Deborah Newton, the "queen of the swatch" encourages this elementary process in her book: Designing Knitwear. I will always hold this book near and dear to my heart, because it gave me my first "Ah" moment about designing. Reading her book helped me to learn and apply new methods, and helped me gain a greater understanding about how to design knitwear.

I just so happens that Deborah has also authored a new book by Leisure Arts: Warm Weather Knits. As the title implies- this book is a compilation of knits to wear during the warm months of the year. Deborah reviews the types of yarns suitable for warmer climates, such as cotton, bamboo and other natural fibers. She also discusses how versatile warm weather knits can be no matter what time of the year. As a former Floridian, I can say safely suggest that light-weight knits can certainly come in handy during the cool Florida winter months!

Simple Hip Knit Scarves is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:14:00 +0000

Tis' the season for scarf making! If you love to make scarves...and I know you do, you'll LOVE Simple Hip Knit Scarves. Here's your chance to get a copy of the book, packed with fourteen enticing scarf patterns for knitters of all skill levels.

Wonder &Whimsy

Get your knitting fix with a selection of long skinny scarves, chunky scarves, scarflettes and neck warmers to keep your needles clicking through the holidays.

Many talented designers have shared their imaginative creations that grace the pages of this electrifying book. Here are just a few designs that are on my own personal "knitting wish list" this season: Wonder & Whimsy is constructed with long, continuous garter-knit strips. Featured in Noro Iro, it looks alluring when worn tousled around the neck, allowing the vibrant piles of the garter-stitch strips to meander every which way.

Stormy Weather

Another little number on my hot list is Stormy Weather, created using Brown Sheep Top of The Lamb sport. This two-color, tonal scarf is knit lengthwise on large needles, creating a fun, loose-gauge look. The braided fringe adds a bit of dimension to this stylish piece.

Ethereal Dream

Ethereal Dream, a soft billowy scarflette, is a perfect project for the beginner. This piece is made in Kid Silk Haze by Rowan, and knits up beautifully on a size five needle.

With the holidays fast approaching, we're all short on time. Scarves make the ultimate gift, because they take little time, require little investment and offer stunning results.

Get out those favorite needles ready, grab yourself a copy here and get busy!

Sheep & Wool Festival Rhinebeck NY

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:31:00 +0000

I trekked on over to New York State to enjoy the Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, on October 16^th- 17^th.

I was there to talk to knitters about three new exciting DRG/House of White Birches books: Circular Knitting Redefined, The Perfect Finish and The Divine Drop Stitch.

I also had a chance to chat with designers and teachers that were in attendance. Here I am with Lily Chin, signing some of her new books, and teaching some of her wildly popular classes at the Festival.

Rhinebeck is so much more than yarn and fiber. It’s a place where friends gather each year to renew their yarn stashes, enjoy some great food, take in a spinning demonstration, or check out one of the many fiber competitions.

I also learned some sheep and alpaca breeding 101 at Greenwood Hill Farm. I also discovered some great knitting finds at Moving Mud, creators of handcrafted galss buttons and closures, and Jennie the Potter, designer of pottery stitch markers, yarn bowls, buttons and jewelry.

With the fall foliage at full peak, and over 30,000 in attendance, the Sheep & Wool Festival was certainly the event of the season for knitters and sheep breeders hailing from the Mid-Hudson Valley, New York and beyond.

Simplification Leads to Contentedness

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:44:00 +0000

Once again, I find it hard to believe that another Sunday afternoon is here, and the weekend almost a distant memory. I sometimes wonder if my grand plans to knit, design, catch up on reading, and maybe cook some gourmet meals are all just lofty ideas.

I laugh when I think back to all the "stuff" I lugged out of the office this past Friday for the weekend, thinking I'd get to do some of those things that have been forever on the back burner. The tasks of this world are like ripples on the ocean. They will never cease! The ability to disengage from worldly duties from time to time is an important discipline to cultivate.

Really letting go can be so hard to do at times. Allowing all of those grand plans go by the wayside can really create a sense of freedom and expansiveness. Settling into the moment feels so authentic, because it's all we really have.

NOW is perfect just as it is.

Color Knitting Explorations

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:36:00 +0000

I've been working on a new How To knitting book that will contain a variety of techniques for working in-the- round, and color work. I'm not a big fan of Fair Isle or Intarsia only because the idea of a tangled mess of yarn really doesn't appeal to me. I think that for knitters who have only dabbled with color, (like myself) that it really doesn't have to be a tangled mess after all.

I decided to take on the challenge of mocking up the step-by-step techniques that will appear in the book. Working up the circular models was within my comfort zone, but my tendency was to take the easy route on the color mock ups and go with some photos from the handy archives. My instincts said to take a risk and get the heck out of that comfort zone, and take advantage of an opportunity to learn something new.

Since the book primarily features projects that are made in-the-round, I decided to do the same with the models. I proceeded to create the Fair Isle model, and casted on several stitches onto three double-point needles in order to simulate the cuff of a mitten. Since this book is geared toward novice knitters just getting ready to learn some new skills, I kept the Fair Isle pattern quite simple, and felt that it was important to show how the yarn is held in the same hand, as well as how the work is carried across the back.

I also created an a model for a method called Twining, also known as Tvåändsstickning. This technique calls for the alternating of two different yarns every other stitch, while making sure that the yarn you're about to use is lifted above and over the last one used. You can see from the "wrong side" photo to the left, how this way of positioning the yarn creates a nice neat twist. I enjoyed using this technique, but you really need patience, because the yarns have to be untwisted every so often. The look is so rich and textured, making it well worth the effort.

Diving into the realm of color knitting has really inspired me, so I've decided to make Twined fingerless mitts for Jay. This experience has helped me gain a better understanding and respect for color knitting. And with some organization ahead of time, color knitting can be quite easy!

Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers Blog Tour Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:05:00 +0000

Hard to believe that all ten days of the tour have gone by! I found the interviews with Amy Polcyn to be so insightful in many ways. What I found to be especially helpful was how Amy explained some specific techniques such as beading and Fair Isle. I think knitters feel intimidated by working techniques such as these, and Amy explains them in such a straight forward way, making them easy for anyone to grasp.

If you missed the tour, or want to catch a interview or two, here's the schedule:

Day 1 (Sept 20): Beth Smith of Three Sheeps To The Wind
Day 2 (Sept 21): Kate Oates of Tot Toppers
Day 3 (Sept 22): Nancy Fradenburgh of Knittin' For Britain
Day 4 (Sept 23): Eurona Tilley of Hands in Delight
Day 5 (Sept 24): Jocelyn Sass of Crochet Cafe
Day 6 (Sept 25): Amy Duncan of Two Sticks and A Sheep
Day 7 (Sept 26): Katherine Vaughan of Knit With KT
Day 8 (Sept 27): Rachel Horsting of Rachel Erin
Day 9 (Sept 28): Melissa Monday of Monday Morning Knits
Day 10 (Sept 29): Nancy Rieck of Knitting Gourmet
If you want to get the book, you can get it here.

Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers Blog Tour: Days 1-4

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Thursday already....Where has the week gone? Time to catch up a little on the Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers Tour. The more I read each interview, the more excited I get about knitting up some slippers for everyone on my Christmas list! I can't wait!

We've already trekked through the first 4 days, and lots of enlightening information shared! Beth Smith of Three Sheeps To The Wind kicked things off on Monday, with a fabulous interview with Amy Polcyn about her Mitered Square Scuffs.

Beth asked Amy if she reinforced the bottoms of the scuffs, and I was so happy she did, because my first concern with non-felted slippers are their durability. In order to keep these scuffs easy to make, Amy steered clear of any kind of felting for the soles, and used interfacing to give them some extra body. What a great idea Amy!

On 9/21, we hopped on over to Kate Oates' blog: Tot Toppers. Kate decided to interview Amy about her cute as can be Little Jane Slippers and her Red Sports Cars. Both of these slippers knit up crazy fast. Amy used Universal Classic Chunky Long Print for the Little Jane Slippers, and Plymouth Encore Worsted for the Red Sports Cars.

Amy has already been questioned about how to make these slippers larger for adults, and I like how she adds additional details for doing this. I find that with easy projects, making modifications is usually quite simple to do as well.

Moving on to Day 3-- Nancy Fradenburgh of Knittin' For Britain had a nice chat with Amy about her very edgy Fair Isle Bootie. I think this is my personal favorite because I love Amy's unique rendition of the Fair Isle technique. I appreciate all the traditional approaches, but putting a little spin on this method really gives Amy's design an uncommon flair. I've been studying a thing or two lately myself about color knitting, and it definitely has taken me out of my comfort zone. I marvel at the rich and intricate patterns that can be achieved through the mix of just the right color and pattern. It takes some maneuvering and organization to knit successfully with multiple colors, but it can be well worth the time and effort involved in preparation.

I also applaud Nancy for asking Amy questions about how she got her start as a designer. When I first started out designing, I was so grateful when designers were willing to share their advice and wisdom. This is such valuable information for those just embarking on their design career. Be sure to check out the rest of the interview here.

And finally, don't miss today's interview with Eurona Tilley of Hands in Delight. She'll be giving away a free copy of Knit a Dozen Slippers so don't miss out!

Check back for the schedule here, or hop on over to: Jocelyn Sass of Crochet Cafe for the Day 5 interview.

The Perfect Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:03:00 +0000

The Perfect Finish has finally hit the scene, and in one short month it ranks as the #5 best selling book on Annie's Attic. Woo hoo!

When I began working on this project, I knew that knitters were really seeking a book that could address finishing methods in an unintimidating, straight forward way. The book contains fourteen generous chapters, written in conversational style, with one-hundred-plus full-color step-by-step photographs.

For DRG, this is the first book of its kind, offering an "article-style" format that I think many knitters will find not only useful, but at times very entertaining.

I sought a select group of teacher-designers and asked them to present some of the methods they teach in their popular classes held at TNNA and Stitches. In the Wonderful World of Working With Zippers, Leslye Solomon walks you through her unique method of inserting a zipper flawlessly. And if you've been stumped (like many of us) with making the perfect button hole, Arenda Holladay presents a variety of methods in The ABCs of Buttonholes. I've also included a bonus project section featuring five patterns that showcase many of the techniques featured in the book.

I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to talk to knitters next month at the Sheep &Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY, where I'll be signing copies of The Perfect Finish. I'm hoping to answer questions and get some feedback about the book. I'll also be there to do a signing for The Divine Drop Stitch, also doing very well on Annie's Attic. This book is a collection of my own designs, featuring on-trend, funky drop stitch knits. I'll also be signing copies of Circular Knitting Redefined, a 176-page hard cover book featuring 40 plus projects for circular knitting fanatics.

It couldn't be a better time to be in the Hudson Valley to marvel at all the fabulous foliage and fantastic yarn!

Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:01:00 +0000

It's that time again! DRG Books is conducting a blog tour for Amy Polcyn's new book: Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers. The tour starts starts tomorrow 9/20 and runs through 9/29 for 10 enlightening days! Get the inside scoop about each design, and what inspired Amy to design them.

If you've never followed a blog tour, here's how it works: each day of the tour (see schedule below) you hop from blog to blog reading interviews with the designer about one, or a few of the designs in the book. As you read through the interviews, you'll also get to preview photos of the projects and get the inside scoop about each of the designs before you even purchase the book!

Here's the tour itinerary:

Where Were You On 9/11?

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 22:11:00 +0000

View My Saved Places in a larger map

I was in Denville, NJ, working for a PR company called RFCP. Every year since, I reflect on that day, and as always those images of the World Trade Center are as shocking as they were the first time I witnessed them.

I know we all have our own stories from that terrible day. I liken it to my parent's generation remembering where they were when JFK was assassinated. Oddly enough, I remember everything from that day-- even the post 9/11 events. I remember that I took such a great cycle class that morning at NY Sports Club, with an instructor that was blond and super-spunky, but the one thing I don't remember is her name. I also remember how incredibly perfect the weather was that morning. When I arrived to my desk, I started to begin working on my tasks for the day and recall thinking how odd it was that someone was listening to a radio in an office nearby. I heard some talking about a plane crashing into the WTC, but it didn't register at all. My first thought was: "just another crazy thing happening in NY." I can recall just feeling so annoyed that I couldn't get my work done, because I had so much on my plate that morning. But after awhile the noises and unfamiliar sounds I heard coming from the other office were too out of the ordinary to disregard. I got up from my desk, and walked into a room filled with somber, tear filled eyes. In one moment, my work meant absolutely nothing.

Within minutes of the sobering reality, the office was closed and we were all sent home for the day. As I drove home, I looked at every face I passed, and most of them had a look of shock, and eyes filled with tears. As our eyes connected, I could feel a sense of warmth and connection that we're all in this together.

My thoughts then turned to my best friend Diana, who was 8 months pregnant at the time, and working downtown on Bleeker Street. I was in total panic, and tried to get in touch, but to no avail. I later found out that she was safe and sound at a friend's house uptown. She lived in Brooklyn, and the idea of walking over the Brooklyn Bridge 8 months pregnant, was not an option.

Little did I know that my father had a meeting in the city, which my sister later shared with me once she discovered he was safe. She said to me: "Don't freak out," but..... Dad is in NY today. He had an appointment this morning at the World Trade Center, but his meeting was changed at the last minute uptown to the IBM building." Wow, is that Karma or what? Amazingly, as my father told me, if he had not checked his email that morning he would have headed directly to his meeting, scheduled for 9am at WTC. I may never say this again, but thank God for email!

So, where were you on 9/11?

Little Piece of Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:32:00 +0000

Every Thursday, myself and the other DRG magazine editors go out for lunch to talk shop, or to just shoot the breeze. This past Thursday, the question posed to the group was: "How do you manage stress?" It was a nice, lively discussion, and some very useful strategies for stress-reduction were discussed. We then moved into the subject of how hard it can be to place our work tasks aside and just "be." We all agreed that our A+ personalities keep us from allowing ourselves to "turn it off," and to just wear our PJ's all day if we feel like it. Wearing PJ's all day is a bit of stretch for me, so I'll choose yoga pants instead.

So today, I managed to take some of the great advice given, and treat myself to a decadent cup of hot white chocolate. It's pure ecstasy I tell you! I know it's a little naughty pleasure, but it feels so darn good. The taste reminds me of one of my favorite hot drinks called Orzata, which means "almond" in Italian. It's traditionally served hot with steamed milk, or cold in seltzer water. I can remember the days when I would enjoy a cup at Ferrara, in New York's Little Italy. The best Steamed Orzata and Sfogliatella around!

My other little secret pleasure, was my "joy ride" on the way home from the gym. Down came the windows and, and on came "Who's Cryin' Now!" Yes, I'm nerd, and I don't think I've listened to that song in years, but sometimes it's nice to bring back memories from those simpler times. I can still remember the first moment I heard this song. I was about 12 years old, and from that point on, my bedroom became a shrine to Steve Perry and Journey.

I've evolved a bit in my music tastes, and might opt to listen to some Getz & Gilberto instead of Journey these days, but I'll never forget how that song makes me feel. I can still vividly remember the smell the record vinyl, and the joy I felt each and every time I sang along with Steve. And yes, I'm wearing my yoga pants as I write this, and it couldn't be a more perfect Sunday afternoon.

Creative Knitting Magazine in Zionsville

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:48:00 +0000

If you asked this ex-Floridian-New Yorker where Zionsville, Indiana was about a month ago, I would've had no idea. But now that I've discovered this quaint little village, I can't wait to come back. We spent two days on location here for the Creative Knitting Magazine November 2011 photo shoot. It was blistering hot and humid, and making someone wear fingerless mitts and a hat for 15 minutes, while pretending to be happy about it was a sure form of torture indeed! I felt so bad for our models, but they were such good sports. Luckily, we had a nice resting spot, which was this sweet little yarn shop called The Village Yarn Shop. I don't know what we would have done without their generosity in allowing us to regroup and cool off while Amy, our hair and make up artist was getting the girls ready between each shot.

I managed to take some time to explore the village and enjoy the beauty of the architecture and nature. I was having my own little photo shoot with a very eager butterfly, showing off for me on this lovely flower. I managed to take some interesting close ups before he (or she) decided that it was time to move on.

Before the heat of the day dragged us down, we managed to get some amazing potential cover shots in front of this fabulous art gallery, The Sanctuary. It would have been nice to have had a chance to explore the gallery, but the clock was ticking before the heat got the better of us.

Amazingly, we got all the shots in two days. It was tiring, but so worth going on location. We were all so overjoyed, when late Thursday afternoon, during a total down pour and limited lighting options, we were blessed to get a "ray" of light that allowed us to capture some of the best shots over the course of the two days.

You'll just have to hold your breath until November 2011 to get a glimpse of these fabulous photos!

Feeling Funny on The 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:19:00 +0000

Now that the boxes are FINALLY unpacked, things are slowing down and leveling out, and Indiana is really starting to feeling like home. I thought it might take much longer to feel adjusted, but things have naturally clicked, and life is great here. I love to hear the Amish buggies go galloping by right outside my door.

I'm just loving this lazy 4th of July day. It's been one of those contemplative days, where I've managed to take some much needed time to relax, be a little silly, and notice the beauty in the littlest of things. My brain is usually inundated with thoughts of pending deadlines, or what kind of fabulous new yarn I should use next, but today I've managed to switch gears, and "switch" the other stuff off...if just for today.

I'm still working on getting a shot of the Amish on roller blades, but for now here's a silly shot of London who's just loving life here...

Trading in Palm Trees for Buggies

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Well, it's a reality. We made it to Indiana! We decided to take 3 days to get here, and it was a fun adventure. I thought London would have a tough time on the trip, but he spent most of the time sleeping and reading his Elmo book. It was so amazing to watch the transformation in the landscape, going from palm trees to mountains and lush green trees, to finally arriving at our destination to see Amish buggies bustling about town.

I've been meaning to write about my final week in Florida, because it really was so memorable, enjoying good times with good friends. I had hoped to post all of my pictures highlighting my exciting last week, but of course my camera cable is buried in a box that will not arrive here for a few days!

I'm so proud of myself, because I made every little moment count! Here I am below with my super-fabulous friend Karen, who I kicked off the week with. Karen is someone who makes you appreciate the little things like pretty lavender flowers, or the beautiful blue sky. She's a friend that always knows how to bring me back to the basics and realize that I MUST be good to myself and to enjoy all the little moments. Here's a little "Karen quote" that she often says in her absolutely eloquent southern accent: "Everything I do turns to health and beauty."

And how could we forget little Percy...

Then a few nights later, I met my friend Michelle at Casis, An American Brasserie. OMG...this place is the real deal-- an authentic French Brasserie! Even the tile floors looked as if they were over a hundred hears old. The old Paris memories came pouring in.

As I was drinking my Stella, and catching up with Michelle, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed the "Free Wi-Fi" sign, and then thought that it's all for the best that I'm moving, because I'd be spending way too much money on Nicoise salads, sipping cafe cremes and writing in my blog!

As the week progressed, I caught up with some knitting buddies and then topped things off with Jay for our last Saturday night in St. Pete. His mom gave us one last "date night," and we enjoyed some incredible tapas at Ceviche. I just love this place, but unfortunately the AC must have been on the fritz, and people started to walk out. The food is amazing, so that outweighed the fact that I had on jeans and I was in a schvitz!

It strikes me as ironic that I'll miss Florida, because it took me nearly 2 years to feel comfortable with living there. It is a weird place, but I'll miss the weirdness, because it really became my home over the past 6 years. Now that we're here in Indiana, I feel that same little uneasy twinge that I remember so well, when I first moved to Florida. But hey, it's all part of the process-- change can be uncomfortable, but a good thing!

It's A New Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:16:00 +0000

This is it! Our final week in Florida. One week from today our condo will be empty, and our belongings will be on their way to Indiana. Now that everything is just about ready and packed, I finally feel ready to move on. It was ironic how I ended up in Florida-- a place I said I'd never move to, but so many huge milestones have occurred here-- I met the love of my life, Jay, got married, and gave birth to my son London, who is growing up so fast, I can't believe my eyes. He's certainly turned into a funny little kid. Here he is doing "freeze frame," a little game we like to play when he eats breakfast.

On this rainy Monday morning, and in between all the packing, I'm trying to find a little sanctuary for myself during this upheaval, so I've decided to knit some sock yarn shawls.

I spent the morning browsing the patterns on Ravelry, looking for just the right project. I queued a bunch of designs, and I've decided to start with the Aestlight Shawl, by Grundon Johnston. It's a simple shawl made originally with Malabrigo Sock yarn. I SO wish I had some, but instead I'm working with a gorgeous brilliant red variegated sock yarn from my stash. Unfortunately, I don't know the name, but I know it was from Skacel. It's been in my stash for so long, I have no idea what happened to the label. I'm also thinking of making it in Trekking Pro Natura, also distributed by Skacel, shown below in a nice smoky gray.

Looks like it's going to be a sunny day after all......

Something Funny For Today....

noreply@blogger.com (Kara Gott Warner) — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:35:00 +0000

As they say, if you have nothing to say, don't say anything at all..........