Tuesday, October 21, 2008

We've Moved

The Knitting Purls blog has moved. Come and join us at the new Knitting Purls blog

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

We've Joined the Podcast World

Yes, Knitting Purls now has a podcast. Check it out.
http://knittingpurls.typepad.com/knitting_purls/

Monday, July 28, 2008

We've Come a Long Way

The 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.

Patterns for Paws
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.

Upcoming Issues
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.

Bigger and Better
Knitting Purls 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.

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.

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.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Heads Up

Knit 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.

Knitting Purls will also be reviewing two products from SWTC: Soy Silk and Craft.

If there's a yarn or other knitting-related item you'd like to see reviewed, drop a note to info@knittingpurls.com.

Friday, May 16, 2008

New Issue Available

The 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.

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.

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.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Do 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.

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!

So here's the question:

How many Wonderful Wallabys have you made?

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.

Send your entries to ida@knittingpurls.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Upcoming in Knitting Purls

Well, 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.

Coming in the May Issue of Knitting Purls

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.
The May issue of Knitting Purls will be available May 16.

Knitting Purls' July Issue

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.
The July issue will be available July 15.

Remember: To subscribe to Knitting Purls, send an e-mail to:

knittingpurls@charingcrosspublishers.com