New Knitting Books!

So many new knitting books are coming out! It's very exciting, but certainly the field of knitting has changed in the past 8 years...

60 Quick Knits
Great resource for quick projects using just a few skeins of Cascade 220 (or similar worsted weight yarn). The patterns are for scarves, hats, and gloves -- things that take one or two skeins of Cascade 220. A couple of the projects are whimsical mittens and hats for kids. The projects make great winter gifts for men, women, and children.

Knitting 24/7 by Veronik Avery
I've been looking at this book for awhile..it features 30 patterns organized by AM, PM, and Weekend. Most of the projects are small -- socks, scarves, and gloves -- but there are also larger projects: a sweater, skirt, and vest.

The designs feature some colorwork, stitch texture, and lace. None are very radical or avant-garde, just lots of tasteful, classic knits.

Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller
When I first saw this book, I was skeptical. Were they serious? But the patterns are pretty nice. Although it has ties to the Twilight phenomena and popular vampire culture, the patterns themselves are pretty tame. Lots of lace & romance with a few fun projects suitable for Halloween, including a child's sweater with intarsia fangs and a werewolf hat.

Knit & Wrap by Nathalie Mornu
Yum! This book feature 25 patterns for capelets, cowls and neckwraps. I like it because it has patterns for small quanitites of super bulky yarn. I love super bulky yarn, but it make super bulky sweaters and tends to be expensive and available only in small balls/skeins.

I'm really looking forward to making the shrug with the owl cables...there are also patterns for lighter weight yarns such as Kidsilk Haze. And patterns for yarn from Patons and Caron as well as Rowan. All in all, it has a nice range of smaller projects suitable for gifts.

07.27.10 : danisoul's wish tree

07.27.10 : danisoul's wish tree, originally uploaded by PJ Taylor Photo.

Feed your faith and your fears will starve. Just need to keep this in mind.

Quilt & Craft Show

I went to San Mateo last week with Lara to the semi-annual Quilt & Craft Show. Sadly, it seems to get smaller every time. It mostly focuses on quilting, but there are a few booths that feature yarn, stamping or card making.

A couple of years ago, I got a starter kit for rug hooking and loved it! But now I have to go online for supplies.

I've been working on a design using felt and embroidery, and this time Bird Brain Designs of Kelseyville, CA was there. They specialize in felting with wool roving, embroidery, and wool felt fabric. So now I have the materials to try out some prototypes...

Costanoa

We had such a nice time at Costanoa! The weather was perfect, although a little chilly for camping, so it's a good thing we stayed in the lodge. I would love to go back when it's warmer and try the tent cabins or wood cabins. It looks like fun! The General Store has lots of "necessities" for camping and gourmet versions of the usual camping treats.

The restaurant had yummy food; we ate dinner and breakfast there twice. And the only TV is in the bar. We sat by the outdoor fireplace at the lodge and talked with other guests. We did not try the hot tub; heard it was nice, but it was a chilly dash from the lodge to the hot tub! Did not try the horseback riding either, but I'd like to try it the next time.

We also visited the marine lab in Santa Cruz. It's small, but interesting and many groups share the facilities for a variety of research projects.

Silk Cardigan is Done!

Finally finished up the short-sleeved silk cardigan. It was a pretty quick knit, but I had some projects for the shop to work on at the same time. I'm pretty happy with it...it could be a little longer and the fit under the arms is a little off...but I love the godets below the waist.

The Ella Rae Shibu was lovely to work with. It was not too stiff, and the slubs give the finished fabric a tweedy look.

I ended up getting buttons at the new Joanns in south San Jose...it's hard to find good buttons, and these were nice and a good value. I needed 10 of them, and finding that quantity is also challenging.