A few months ago, I had my very first test-knitting experience. If you're not familiar with the concepts, it's when a pattern designer someone knit a brand new, unpublished pattern to check for typos or mistakes in the design itself. When Chandi of Expression Fiber Arts told me she'd chosen me to test knit for her, I was pretty excited. The number of people that had applied to test knit for her was pretty sizable and, well, I'm a bit of a EFA fangirl. I mean, I really, really … [Read more...]
Advice for New and Wannabe Knitters
Whether you're a wannabe knitter or you've already started dabbling with basic knit and purl stitches, I wanted to share a few things I've learned through experience....for what that's worth. Keep in mind I'm not a fast knitter and I make plenty of mistakes. Just wanted to put this out there because so many people I talk to express interest in knitting but are either afraid to try it or have just begun and are wanting experiencing beginner's frustration. So. For those who haven't started … [Read more...]
Holiday Knitting
Tomorrow is the first day of July. The first day of the second half of the year. Tick tock. It's time to start planning and working on handmade holiday gifts already. I'm so great at planning ahead and getting everything made way, way ahead of time! No. Not really. I'm a last minute gal no matter how early I start. But. But. If I do one here and there, it's got to help relieve stress six months from now, right? Let's do it. Together. Let's get started. Okay? This … [Read more...]
Queen Bean Sphynx Sweater
We have gained a new family member. She's a beautiful Sphynx that we were fortunate enough to adopt from a pet rescue in the Fort Worth area. Many people cringe at the sight of a hairless cat and even say cruel things, but MAN, if you've ever been loved by a Sphynx you know how special these kitties are. They're not quite like other cats. They crave the affection of humans and want to snuggle 24/7. They're intelligent, loving, curious, and they never really outgrow their kitten-like … [Read more...]
Knitted Gifts
Knitted gifts. I've said it before and I'll say it again: they're really fun to receive. But while I'm still (and may always be) a slow, inefficient and clumsy knitter, I've been enjoying knitting again lately with the idea of giving gifts to those I love. I decided to challenge myself a bit by taking on a more complicated pattern than I've ever attempted. I wanted to make a shawl for my recently widowed grandmother as a Mother's Day gift and I settled on a pattern called In the Land of Oz. … [Read more...]