The Woven Bag

Krause publications has a another book on their shelf. “The Woven Bag” by Noreen Crone-Findlay has 30+ projects made from small looms. If handbags are your obsession, this book is for you. Especially since, the fashion trend is knitted and woven bags this spring.

If the only loom you have ever woven on was a potholder loom, you are ahead of the curve. The patterns in the book cover small looms (potholder), frame and knotted mesh looms. Small looms are affordable and portable. When weaving on a small loom, there is very little if any yarn waste. Three good reasons to try your hand at weaving.

If you have eyed the floor looms and the the woven garments made from them but, realized they are expensive and require a lot of space, this is a great alternative. For more info…

Beginning a hobby (knitting)

With the economy’s job market the way it is, starting a new hobby right now, might be just out of reach. With knitting, now is the time. Besides the beautiful results you can obtain, it is a wonderful stress reducer.

For tweens and college students as well as adults, here are some suggestions to help you find the materials you need for little or no cost:

• Knitting Guild

• Library

• Second hand store

• Web; Freestyle and Craigslist                          for more details

Knitting encyclopedia shows you 350 different stitches

“Knitting Stitches Visual Encyclopedia” by Sharon Turner contains 350 stitch patterns. The book is sectioned into 10 chapters. The first chapter covers over 50 knit and purl stitches. Following chapters include ribs, bobbles, textures, slipstitches, twist-stitches, cables, drop stitches…., borders and color knitting. Interested in finding out more…

Knitting Stitches is the second in this series. “Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia” was the first to appear. It is also a hardcover book. There are 300 crochet stitch patterns, edgings and more by Robyn Chachula. Robyn has included a number of stitches that I am unfamiliar with. The breadth of the stitch collections, both knit and crochet, will have you sampling these stitches and thinking about how to show them off best. read more

 

A creative pilgramage retreat

Jenny Doh has put together 14 stories of different mixed media teachers, in her book “Creative Pilgrimage“. It is an exploration of artful gatherings and discovery of innovative art techniques, enjoyed by both the teachers and students.

What fun it would be to have the time and funds to just take some time off and be creative. Jenny takes us through the retreats and the teachers that create there.

Vogue Knitting Live recap

Vogue Knitting Live was three days of fashion, fiber and education. This event took place this past weekend, January 14 – 16. In Sheep’s Clothing chartered a bus to the show on Sunday. The yarn shop is located at 98 Main St, Torrington, CT. 06790, 860-482-3979.

The show was not just for knitters, but also spinners, weavers and dyers. There were free demonstrations, free learn to knit classes, non-stop knitwear fashion shows on both floors and classes, classes, classes. Also shopping, shopping and more shopping.

Glitz and glitter were everywhere. Yarn this spring will sparkle with beads and sequins. One ball skeins of the softest cashmere and Quiviut will be made into skinny scarves. Skirts, that’s right, knitted skirts, but not the A-lines of years past.

photo by Ginger Balch of In Sheep's Clothing

Here are more highlights of what the show had to offer.

Knitting Pleats book review

Martingale & Company

Olga Pobedinskaya has come out with her first book. “Knitting Pleats” is filled with patterns of stunning garments and accessories. The design element of pleating, whether horizontal, vertical or diagonal has the 17 designs in this book jumping off the pages. Pleats, tucks… folds have a decorative effect that will have you standing out in a crowd. To read more about this book.

Kumihimo the art of Japanese braiding

Kumihimo is the art of the Japanese braid. It translates as braided cord.  An ancient Japanese fiber technique that enables the creation of beautiful, aesthetic, and functional braiding through interlacing.  Kumihimo braids are versatile and may be used in apparel design, accessories, jewelry making and sculpture. for more

If you knit and have used icord in the past, maybe it is time to try a new technique to dress up your knitting. Beads and knitting are gaining in popularity.

Technology and the world of fiber

misterjester

We live in an ever changing world. The Greek philosopher Ηράκλειτος (Herakleitos; Heraclitus) of Ephesus (c.535 BC – 475 BC) said it best, “The only thing constant in life is change”. Fiber and the making of yarn into cloth is up there with the oldest professions. For the longest time there has been little change. Fast forward to this century and the computer has twisted fiber into new gyrations.

Apps, QR codes, eMags, Pinterest and Twitter parties are at the forefront of fiber.

From pottery to yoga…what’s happening in Hartford

 

Barbara Warholic

“Sewing Pottery by Machine” by Barbara Warholic is a Martingale & Company book. It will teach you the simple technique of wrapping fabric strips around cording to make coiled pots. Barbara makes gorgeous pots. They are very colorful with a lot of depth, texture and photographed in beautiful detail. It is fun to look at.

If you need roving, Black Sheep Yarn is having a roving sale this weekend. Friday, January 13 through January 15 is a 15% off sale on ALL yarns, roving and other fibers.  Receive an additional 5% off, if you mention how cute, Fang the dog is in his mouseketeer outfit.  Wine, crackers, and cheese will be there to greet you on Friday and Saturday afternoons.  For Saturday morning, there will be a beautiful streusel, coffee-cake. To top off the fun, Sunday is Mimosa Sunday! More info…

This weekend is Vogue Knitting Live in NYC at the Hilton New York Hotel. In Sheep’s Clothing Party Bus (to the show on Sunday, January 15) still has a few seats. Need seats?

Why not try Yoga for Knitters & Crocheters  by Amy at Creative Fibers LLC. Yoga is a perfect way to ease  the muscles that get worked during knitting/crocheting. This weekend.

Don’t miss out.

20 booteeful booties

Search press

Val Pierce is back again with her latest book “20 to Make Knitted Baby Booties”. Val is an avid designer with a number of books to have come off her needles and hook, in the past few months. She is diverse in her patterns from Teddy Bears to shrugs. This time it is all about the bootee. Find out more…

Val is a prolific crocheter and knitter beside author. She has also written “Cutest ever Baby Knits”, “20 to Make Mini Christmas Crochet”, “Simple Stitches Knitting” and others in 2011 alone.