Few people have influenced the knitting world as much as Barbara Walker. Most knitters are familiar with Walker from her indispensable four-volume stitch dictionaries, A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. Walker did much more to further the craft of knitting, though, and she applied her brilliant and curious mind to other subjects as well. Walker was born in 1930 in Philadelphia.…
We live in amazing times.
This week, I happened upon a new product from Lion Brand Yarns. It’s called “Instaknit” and it’s a skein of yarn that comes with a pre-made set of loops. Instead of casting on, you just slide the loops onto a needle and begin knitting. The loops have a white thread on the bottom side which is supposed to help you…
The Weight of Anniversaries
I’ve been working with a great therapist for the past couple of years. One of the things I’ve learned is how wounding anniversaries can be. Often I won’t consciously remember anniversaries; other times they are heavy on my mind. I’ve now come to know that every summer, around late July, the anniversary of my marriage starting to blow up makes…
It’s that time. . .
October already! If you’ve read my blog before, you probably remember how much autumn energizes me. Yes, I’m a nerd who loved going back to school, but the cool weather, the colorful leaves, Halloween, it all makes me so happy. For years, another autumnal high point has been the release of the new Rowan Magazine. This year it’s volume 74…
On myths, memory and meaning
I first heard the name Heinz Kiewe in the early aughts, when a blogging friend described him as a “knitting crackpot.” Her description intrigued me; while my friend was often dramatic, she knew a hell of a lot about knitting. My initial Google searches turned up contradictory descriptions of Kiewe. Some described him as a textile historian, others as an…
A beautiful day in the knit-borhood
I was three years old when Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premiered. I was entranced by the gentle, always-affirming man in the cardigan and loved his Land of Make-Believe. I don’t know if you can credit a tv show with helping to make you the person you are but if you can, Mister Rogers was a formative influence on me. When I…
Go See This: Kaffe Fassett and the Power of Pattern
If you follow me on other social media, you may know that I recently returned from a trip to London. My daughter, of whom I am incredibly proud (which you would also know if you follow me on other social media, lol) began a semester abroad at Goldsmith’s. We left a bit early and spent about nine days exploring London…
Book Look: Instaknits, by Melissa Leapman
My dear friend Melissa Leapman has a new book out which is perfect for these cranky, uncertain times. Instaknits (Stackpole Books; MSRP $26.95, available for $24.25 at the time of this writing through the affiliate link) is a collection of fun patterns that knit up quickly. If you’re pulled every which way and don’t have that much time to knit…
Flixmix Friday: End of Summer Edition
It’s been way too long since I did a FlixMix Friday (now brought to you on Monday). I’ve spent more time than usual inside this summer since I’m taking meds that make me photosensitive. So I’ve got lots of streaming stuff to put on my list of shows to recommend. As always, please feel free to add your own favorites…