June 3, 2007
And Barry Blows Through...
Today has been a rather blustery day as we experienced the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. So rather than having a typical knit-by-the-pool summer afternoon, we took the kids to see Shrek the Third. Actually it was their idea to take Daddy to see Shrek for his birthday. Wasn't that nice of them? :-) We'd be lying though if we did not say that we also enjoyed this latest installment from Far, Far Away. In fact, there's plenty of humor for all age levels, and we enjoyed it a lot!
I got a new book this week! It's Very Easy Circular Knits: Simple Techniques and Step-by-Step Projects for the Well-Rounded Knitter by Betty Barnden. It's a combination beginning knitting/learn circular knitting book, and a cool project book too. I think even if you'd never knit a stitch before you might be able to pick up this book and start right off as a circular knitter. Call me weird, but that's what I did! I just love knitting in the round.
Even cooler though is the wide variety of circular projects included in this book. It touches on just about everything, from scarves and hats and bags and socks and pillows and gloves and mittens, and even sweaters. It covers color work, cables, increases and decreases, and shows with very clear pictures different types of cast ons. And that one very important thing about circular knitting that used to elude me when I started, the old "join, being careful not to twist." There are good pictures in the book that show what this means.
I haven't knit anything in the book yet so I don't know if there is anything major wrong with it. The patterns may be too simplistic for some, but I think it's a really good introduction to a lot of the really cool things that can be done with circular needles. It's worth a look!
The KnitWiki
So I was listening to a back episode of Cast On with Brenda Dayne when she mentioned that Sarah Bradberry (whose site I adore!) has started a KnitWiki on her website. A knit-what-ee? you ask? A wiki is a community-run encylcopedia. Anyone can join the community and add to the body of knowledge, including patterns, techniques, discussion, history... you name it! With all the knowledge out there about knitting on the Internet, imagine what it would be like if all of that knowledge came together in one place?? Wow. Check it out!
My Own Knitting...
I'm still knitting away on my stripey baby blanket. Progress is slow because the stitches are so tiny! But still, I persevere. I'll post a photo next time. Bye for now!
Knitting Resources
About Me - If you really GOTTA know who's writing this blog...
Got Feedback? Visit the Guestbook
Work in Progress: Aran Sampler Rainbow Blankie - Click this page to see all the cool designs that are going into this project!
Finished Object Gallery - This page doesn't have a lot on it! I'm notorious for not finishing projects. But check back from time to time as I just might surprise myself!
Trish's Knitting Library - This is an assortment of knitting books and related materials that I've enjoyed, so I thought I would share them with you.
Trish's Knitting Links - I surf a lot for knitting resources so I thought I'd start compiling my discoveries here. Check back often!
The KnitList - This is probably one of the oldest and most comprehensive knitting resources on the Web. There are literally thousands of members, and people are always ready to provide information and help.
KnitTalk - and if you're sick of the Knitlist and just want a warm fuzzy place to chat about knitting, try this group on for size.
KnitHatsNow - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit hats! We maintain an always-growing list of free hat patterns available on the web.
KnittingScarves - A mailing list devoted to people who love to knit scarves! We maintain an always-growing list of scarf patterns available on the web. Crocheters are welcome, too.
Knitty - Very creative online knitting magazine. Great patterns and really great articles. Best of all, it's FREE.
Trish's Knitting Tips
Knitting Small Round Objects Without Double Pointed Needles (a.k.a., "The Magic Loop") - Learning this technique revolutionized the way I knit! The booklet which describes the technique in detail is published by Fiber Trends and is available through a huge variety of knitting retailers. I also found that I learned the technique on my own pretty well visiting this website: How to Knit Small Circumferences Using One Long Circular Needle.
Recently, I've found a website called Knitting Help.com where the Magic Loop technique is demonstrated. Click on the Advanced Techniques page to find the video.
My Own Patterns
Cables and Eyelets Scarf -- I put this pattern together and I'm enjoying it a lot so far! Of course, my sample is still in the UFO pile, but the pattern is a lot of fun to knit.
Fancy Cabled Braided Scarf -- My first pattern! I love cables, and I love this scarf. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Commercial Knitting Resources
The Yarn Market - My current favorite yarn store. A wide selection of beautiful and fun yarns.
Knitpicks - My other favorite yarn store. This one carries tons of accessories and doo-dads I can't live without! Recently, Knitpicks has begun carrying their own house-brand yarn. The reviews are good and the prices can't be beat! Be sure to check them out.
Denise Interchangeable Needles - I love these needles and I use them exclusively. I have two sets! The needle sizes range from 5-15, and the cables can be combined to make almost any length. I find these needles lightweight and easy to work with.
Favorite Knitting Blogs
WendyKnits - This one is a hoot to read and contains lots of info on really interesting projects! But, Kudos to Wendy's tip on Cabling Without a Cable Needle. I've read many directions before, but this one was the one that caused my "light bulb" to go off.
Archives
Visit My Other Sites!
Day Family on The Web - This is our family website; check often for updates on the kids and other news.
Parents with Disabilities Online - This is my project I manage for parents with disabilities. I really enjoy providing resources, information and support to families like ours, so that they know they're not alone.
Birtles Shorrock Goble - Founding members of the Little River Band, who have reunited and gave me the honor of doing their website!
Beeb Birtles' Official Website - The pleasure has been all mine to manage the web site for the life and times of Beeb Birtles, a founding member of the Little River Band.
DOT Disability Resource Center - This is where I work, and I also do the website for the office.
Powerscape, LLC - this is the website for my brother's business, which specializes in commercial power washing services.
©2004 Patricia Day; All Rights Reserved.
E-mail Trish: Trish@trishday.com