Knitting Without Needles

Big is the New Black

By Denise, on October 25th, 2011

At least in knitting trends it is!

Everywhere I look BIG yarns are big this year! Which is a boon for us loom knitters as many of our looms handle super bulky yarns very well!

There are many new big bulky yarns out this season to full fill your need to go with this trend and they are quite nice! I have had the opportunity to handle a few of them.

One isin the new Martha Stewart line:

Lofty Wool Blend this one is a nice bulky yarn which is soft.. but not too soft. It would be great for hats and other accessories. It measures out at 26 yards a ball so count on buying at least two or more to make any projects. It’s quite nice and I have a couple balls of it that I am going to knit up in the next week. So look for those items soon!

Another of the big yarns out this season is Link by Berocco . This yarn is BIG! It’s a chainette yarn so it’s like knitting with big I –cord! There are some nice patterns with it and measuring in at 32 yards you get a teensy bit more than Lofty Wool. There is a nice pattern for a short scarf that only takes up one ball, and I am sure you could use it for either yarn!

Being a big Malabrigo fan (even before I found out my brother was going to Uruguay to do mission work) I am also excited to learn that they have a super bulky offering in Rasta! Loove their yarns they are super soft and beautiful!

Isn’t it pretty?!!

Of course recently when walking through Joann’s I have seen some SUPER bulky fleecy type yarns among others. I was in a bit of a rush so I couldn’t investigate but hey that just gives you an excuse to go to the yarn store!

So embrace the bulky nature of our knitting looms this season and go for it! Cant wait to see what you make!

Bookish Thursday

By Denise, on October 20th, 2011

I was recently sent a copy of Craft Activism for review. I LOVE IT! This book rocks. The stories are engaging and interesting, and I learned some things about people I have come to know that I didn’t know!!

Broken up into sections this book covers the various aspects and reasoning behind craft activism and the people who practice it.

First up crafting a statement! From yarn bombing to quilting and knitting for a cause or to promote a message there are so many ways crafters can make a statement!

Then on to re-crafting the past. Crafters are keeping old ways alive, see how in this section!

This section features one of my favourite craft bloggers: Ellen Bloom

Next, there is crafting for a cause. Crafters are some of the most generous people I know! Supporting many different causes all around the world! See how some crafters are stepping up and helping others. Again another one of my favourite bloggers is featured in this section the venerable Norma!

The fourth section covers crafting to reduce, reuse, and recycle!! See the creative ways that crafters are using things that would be simply thrown out! There are some great new ideas in here that I want to try! I need to get to the hardware store!!

The last section covers community. I have to say nothing brings people of different nationalities, religions ideologies like craft. In my secret plan to make our own country better I dream of teaching everyone in congress to knit.. Then they might just get something productive done.. eh?

Wordless Wednesday! A Visual Progress Report on my Rhinebeck Sweater!

By Denise, on October 5th, 2011

1 of 9

By Denise, on September 23rd, 2011

Well actually this one will be 2 of 9. I am planning out a little introductory project for newbie loom Knitters. Designed to get me to stop needle knitting for a bit to continue to rest my left thumb.
So far, it’s almost working
So this will be one square for a blanket. Having been inspired by the "Hexapuff" craze on Ravelry, I thought I would work on a bit of a loom knit version.
The yarn I used for this square is the new Martha Stewart Crafts yarn Alpaca Blend.
I was sent a few samples as well as a Martha Stewart Knitting and Weaving Loom set.
The yarn is delightful! I will definitely be getting more!
The loom set is wonderful! It is so versatile and easy to use! I can easily see this being my new go to loom!
I am planning a little video review, along with a fun little free pattern some time in the next few days.
So keep an eye out for that and more squares as well!

Resistance is FUTILE! You will be i-loom-inated!!

Bookish Thursday: Wendy Knits Lace

By Denise, on September 22nd, 2011

I am not a big lace knitter. With 4 kids 2 cats and a dog I don’t have the quieter environment needed to focus on complicated lace patterns. So I tend to avoid it, or if I am making lace I choose simpler geometric patterns.

Enter the book Wendy Knits Lace :

You have seen that I have knit a couple of her Elizabeth’s cowls! They are wonderful!!! Easy, and the lace pattern is easily memorized. SO.. I have stuck my toes into the depths of lace in this book!

There are 20 lovely patterns in this book. From cowls to scarves and shawls, socks and some super cozy afghans and sweaters this book has it all and I feel confident that I could make any of them! That is a big deal for me!

For my loom knitters.. this book is worth a look, I can see that a few of the patterns could be done on the loom. First off Elizabeth’s Cowl could be done on the loom, the Lace Stripe Scarf and Cranbourne Scarf could also be done on the loom.

There are a couple sock patterns that lend themselves pretty easily to the sock loom, and if you have an adjustable sock loom the Vintage Knee socks are doable as well.

So if you are a loom knitter who is looking for a bit more to make I do recommend you take a peek and see if anything interests you in here!

Moaning on Monday..

By Denise, on September 19th, 2011

When you last left me dear readers, I was ‘trying’ to rest my thumb. It seems I have been too tempted and fiddling with yarn too much trying gauge swatches for a Rhinebeck sweater and I am still hurting.. Sigh..

I really didn’t do TOO Much knitting. I have to say.. It’s just so hard not to!!

Maybe I should pick up a thumb brace support thingy at the drug store and that will annoy me into not knitting. We’ll see..

For now I am writing a couple book reviews that are long overdue and seeing if I can figure out the new blog theme I want to use!

That might keep me out of the yarn, even though I have piled up some project ideas.. and am still obsessing over making that darn Rhinebeck sweater! I don’t know why this year that need just has grabbed hold of me!

Knitting Without Needles

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