tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13289759437124833142024-03-13T06:26:06.352-07:00Knitting PurlsIdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-68477171382072143622008-10-21T21:43:00.001-07:002008-10-21T21:44:14.894-07:00We've MovedThe Knitting Purls blog has moved. Come and join us at the new <a href="http://knittingpurls.typepad.com">Knitting Purls blog</a>Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-19952913468562998902008-07-29T17:48:00.000-07:002008-07-29T17:51:15.314-07:00We've Joined the Podcast WorldYes, Knitting Purls now has a podcast. Check it out. <br />http://knittingpurls.typepad.com/knitting_purls/Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-28571899511201294592008-07-28T15:37:00.000-07:002008-07-28T15:58:45.874-07:00We've Come a Long WayThe July issue of Knitting Purls is now available! If you're not a subscriber--but would like to be--send an e-mail to ida@knittingpurls.com. In this issue, we take a look at sock yarn, sock pattern and technique books, and test knitting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Patterns for Paws</span><br />The July issue also announces a new project. As many of you know, I am also the founder/CEO of The Lily M. Foundation, Inc. One of our programs, Lily's Friends, works on behalf of animals. I am proud to announce that Lily's Friends is joining forces with Purebred Cat Breed Rescue in a project called Patterns for Paws. We are soliciting knit and crochet pattern donations from designers. These patterns will be sold, with the profits split equally between the organizations. Keep watch here for details regarding availability.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Upcoming Issues</span><br />There's going to be a lot happening in Knitting Purls over the next few months. Upcoming issues will feature interviews with Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations and Kelly Petkun of Knit Picks. We'll also be taking a look at independent spinners and dyers. In the November issue, we'll take note of some of the items that are at the top of knitters' holiday gift lists.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bigger and Better</span><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting Purls</span> received a shout-out from Wendy Johnson on her blog WendyKnits. Well, let me tell you, the subscriber list grew by leaps and bounds afterward. As of today, we have 300 subscribers! To be honest, that's more than I ever imagined.<br /><br />Because we have so many new subscribers, I set up a site where back issues can be downloaded. If you've missed some issues, send an e-mail to ida@knittingpurls.com, and I'll send you instructions for downloading, as well as the necessary password. And please be sure to include your real-life name.<br /><br />And, as soon as I figure out how and where to put it, I will be starting a Knitting Purls podcast. Keep your eyes and ears open.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-33892224783462213932008-05-30T19:41:00.000-07:002008-05-30T19:47:45.339-07:00Heads UpKnit Picks has a new product: Sock blanks. Now you can dye your own yarn and knit from the blank rather than ball. In an upcoming issue of Knitting Purls, I will be reviewing Knit Picks sock blanks. I'll also be reviewing Flat Feet. The response to Flat Feet has been so enthusiastic that many stores are having a hard time keeping it in stock. My LYS has ordered it, but they told her it wouldn't be available until mid-summer! My sample should be here next week.<br /><br />Knitting Purls will also be reviewing two products from SWTC: Soy Silk and Craft.<br /><br />If there's a yarn or other knitting-related item you'd like to see reviewed, drop a note to info@knittingpurls.com.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-89821817735192553862008-05-16T10:53:00.000-07:002008-05-16T11:01:07.835-07:00New Issue AvailableThe new issue of Knitting Purls is available. If you're not a subscriber and would like a copy, please send an e-mail to ida@knittingpurls.com.<br /><br />In this issue, we feature designers. Read how four designers turned their love of knitting and designing into a professional career. There's also reviews of two books that deserve a place on your knitting shelf. Knit Picks' Comfy is the yarn under review.<br /><br />Our last issue featured charity organizations that accepted donations of knitted items or knitting supplies. The response was overwhelming. Because of the interest, we will continue to highlight such groups in future issues.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-33536608187077562172008-04-18T11:33:00.000-07:002008-04-18T11:41:47.893-07:00Do you Wallaby?Do you? The September issue of Knitting Purls will feature an interview with Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations, and the designer of the Wonderful Wallaby. Copyrighted in 1984, the sweater continues to be a favorite. <br /><br />In doing research for the interview, I noticed that many--and I mean MANY--individuals who made a Wallaby (WW for those "in the know") didn't make just one. It seems to be like potato chips or Maine Coon Cats--you can't have just one!<br /><br />So here's the question:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How many Wonderful Wallabys have you made?</span><br /><br />Send me an e-mail telling me how many, and what it is about the pattern that keeps drawing you back. And, for the person who has made the most--and remembers who they were for--there will be a special prize.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Send your entries to ida@knittingpurls.com</span>Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-50268062315980433392008-03-26T11:54:00.000-07:002008-03-26T12:07:36.191-07:00Upcoming in Knitting PurlsWell, the March issue of Knitting Purls is out. The focus of the issue was on charity knitting. Profiled in the newsletter was Sonny & Shear, one of the hottest online yarn stores.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Coming in the May Issue of Knitting Purls</span></span></span><br /><br />As knitting's popularity has grown, so has the number of knitting pattern designers. They are the focus of the May issue of Knitting Purls. Find out how these individuals became designers, what motivates them, and their design process.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The May issue of Knitting Purls will be available May 16.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting Purls' July Issue<br /></span></span><br />So you want to be in the know about the latest knit patterns. I don't know many knitters who don't! One way to be on the leading edge is to be a test knitter. These lucky knitters test patterns and yarn for designers and yarn companies. In the July issue of Knitting Purls, we'll focus on test knitters--how they get their assignments, what's expected of them, and the good--and possibly not so good--things about their job.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The July issue will be available July 15.</span><br /><br />Remember: To subscribe to Knitting Purls, send an e-mail to:<br /><br />knittingpurls@charingcrosspublishers.comIdahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-2834883216850277992008-03-26T11:53:00.001-07:002008-03-26T11:54:08.073-07:00Free PatternsHere are the free patterns from the March issue of Knitting Purls.<br /><br /><br />Tropical Sore Bandages<br />Materials<br />225 yards No. 10 knit Cro-sheen, 100% mercerized cotton in white, cream or ecru. Do not use dyes/colors.<br />Size 2 or 3 needles<br /><br />Cast on 24 to 27 stitches so the bandage measures 3˝-4˝ across. Knit every row until bandage is desired length of about 4 feet. (TIP: I find the edge looks neater if I slip the first stitch of each row instead of knitting it.) Bind off, leaving a 2-3˝ tail to weave in. Secure tail by slipping thread through last stitch, tying a small knot, and weaving end back through stitches.<br />When completed, roll bandages and secure with a large (2˝) safety pin. Put in plastic bag, remove air, and seal.<br /><br />(©LDS Humanitarian Services)<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />Kitty Comfort Zone<br />(by Laura Wilson-Martos)<br /><br />Materials<br />2 balls Paton’s Cha Cha (50 gram/77 yards) or any crinkly eyelash/fun fur of similar gauge<br />2 balls Sensations Cello (50 gram/55 yards) or any straight eyelash of similar gauge<br />2 balls Caron Bliss (50 gram/71 yards) or any chunky, super-squishy and soft yarn<br />Size 15 needles or size required to knit gauge<br /><br />Gauge<br />Using a strand of each yarn throughout, 10 stitches/12 rows over 4 inches of garter stitch<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Holding a strand of all three yarns together, cast on 40 stitches.<br />Knit every row for 52 rows.<br />Bind off loosely.<br />Weave in ends.<br />Introduce to kitty.<br />Watch kitty drag through house.<br /><br />(©2008, Laura Wilson-Martos)Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-22903910596894333622008-01-25T05:11:00.000-08:002008-01-25T05:15:02.622-08:00We're Here!!!The first issue of Knitting Purls has been sent out to all subscribers! Yee haw! We had some technical difficulties, but it's out there. And I've already received some very positive feedback! Thanks to everyone who helped birth this new endeavor.<br /><br />If you would like to receive Knitting Purls, just send an e-mail to knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com.<br /><br />The subject of the survey for the March issue is the local yarn shop. What makes you keep coming back to your favorite LYS? What makes you stay away? And LYS owners, what makes a good customer? What don't you want to see? Send your answers to knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-12828605802214034832007-11-09T06:33:00.000-08:002007-11-09T06:39:06.372-08:00I Wonder What . . .How often have you wanted to know how a particular yarn worked up before you plopped down your money--or charge card or Paypal number--to but enough for that special project? We all probably have at one time or another. After all, yarn can be very expensive.<br /><br />One of the features of <span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting Purls</span> will be a yarn review. You'll be able to find out what other knitters think about a specific yarn. For the first issue, Lion Brand's Cotton Ease will be reviewed.<br /><br />If there's a yarn you'd like to see reviewed, drop a note to knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com. If you'd like to be a reviewer, send a note to the same e-mail address.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-69478733861193832242007-11-02T06:07:00.000-07:002007-11-02T06:14:01.386-07:00Your Chance to State Your OpinionThe launch date for Knitting Purls is approaching. Thanks to everyone who has subscribed to this free online newsletter. It's not too late: to sign up, just send an e-mail to knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Do You Think?</span><br />Taking the Internet world by storm these days is Ravelry, an online community for knitters, crocheters, and others who work with fiber. A recent thread concerned local yarn shops. Some of the stories told on the site were quite disheartening--especially if someone is already hesitant to visit their LYS. Here's what Knitting Purls wants to know:<br /><br />What can an LYS do to make you comfortable shopping there, and what does it need to do to make you a repeat customer?<br /><br />Send your answer to knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com by December 16, 2007.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-5368982980743327532007-10-24T14:07:00.000-07:002007-10-24T14:09:45.954-07:00Have You Used Cotton Ease?I hope to have at least one yarn review in each issue of <span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting Purls</span>. Cotton Ease by Lion Brand is being reviewed for the inaugural issue. If you've used Cotton Ease and would like to write a review, please contact: knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1328975943712483314.post-41885796586003830072007-10-24T13:57:00.000-07:002007-10-24T14:07:26.572-07:00Welcome to Knitting Purls<span style="font-weight:bold;">You Found Us!!</span><br /><br />Welcome to the blog for <span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting Purls</span>, the free online knitting newsletter. The newsletter launches on January 15, 2008, so keep your eyes open.<br /><br />What can you expect from <span style="font-style:italic;">Knitting Purls</span>? A lot of you. I've interviewed knitters of many skill levels to find out what they would like in a knitting-related newsletter. There will be articles, patterns, and reviews. There'll be the occasional poll and contest--yes, with prizes. The newsletter is evolving, and it'll follow the needs of its subscribers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to Get Involved</span><br />If you have an idea for an article, review, etc., please let me know (knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com). If you'd like to write something for the newsletter or contribute a pattern, let me know. Keep in mind, however, that no one is getting paid for their work on this newsletter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How to Subscribe</span><br />There's no fee to subscribe to the newsletter. Just drop an e-mail to:<br /><br />knittingpurls@wmseditorial.com<br /><br />with your name and e-mail address, and I'll put you on the subscriber list. Remember, it's FREE! Don't be afraid: I won't be giving or selling your subscription information to anyone.<br /><br />I hope to hear from you soon, and to add you to the list of subscribers.Idahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08428276019569879491noreply@blogger.com0