2011 Knitting Books - January

Here are just a few of the books you can look forward to in January.  I can't wait for Knitting in the Details in particular!

Knitting Today - New Magazine!

You can find the home page HERE, or follow on Twitter, or like on Facebook

Their premier issue was for  November/December 2010.  Of course, I picked it up as well as the latest issue, for January/February!  I think this magazine has promise.

The first issue features holiday patterns, such as Garland Lights designed by Jaqueline Milles, and some really cute ornaments designed by Clare Scope-Farrell (gingerbread man, bauble, and candy cane), plus other great patterns. Also has a book review section called Book Nook, Expert Q/A by Shannon Okey and of course, the standard 'basics/how to' section in the back.

Their second issue, the Love Issue, has some cute patterns for Valentines such as the Double Knit Heart Scarf designed by Marina Salume and Heart Hat designed by Jaqueline Milles.  You can get a free pattern for some adorable little stuffed hearts here.   Along with the Book Nook and Expert Q/A this issue has some great patterns, such as the Camel  Cape designed by Jaqueline Milles and Alyce Benevides and the Boyfriend Cardigan designed by Elena Malo.

AND, visit the website for your chance to win a copy of Modern Top-Down Knitting by Kristina McGowan.  Enter by January 11, 2011.

Happy Knitting!

Creative Knitting & Knit Simple: Latest Issues Review

I love getting mail, especially when there is a knitting magazine in the box!  Recently, I received the January 2011 issue of Creative Knitting and the Winter 2010/11 issue of knitsimple.   Here's a bit of what you will find inside these issues:

Creative Knitting:
Don't forget to download the extra patterns available online!  If you are a subscriber, all you have to do is enter your email address for the extra patterns.  If you are not a subscriber, just enter the code from page 4.

Ethereal Eyelets Pullover - Page 17, Designed by Cia Abbott Bullemer and knit in a DK weight yarn
Sample was knit with Schulana Kid Seta - 70% kid mohair and 30% silk
Delicate sweater with eyelet body

Ambrosia Neck Gaiter - Page 24, Designed by Kathy Norris and knit in a DK weight yarn
Sample was knit with Naturally Yarns Haven - 100% merino wool
Very pretty beaded neck warmer

Green Goddess Cardigan - Page 42, Designed by Margaret Wilson and knit in a chunky weight yarn
Sample was knit with Misti Alpaca Chunky - 100% baby alpaca
Nice and cozy, perfect for keeping warm on a chilly day

Vogue Knitting Holiday Issue

I've just finished poring over this issue, and thought I'd mention a few of the things that caught my eye.

First, on page 42 the Garden Party clutch, which has flowers knit with Kidsilk Haze and Swarovski bead centers designed by Nicky Epstein.  (The flowers are attached to a purchased handbag)  Personally, I don't ever carry a clutch/purse/bag, but I think these flowers would look pretty on the corner of a scarf or wrap, or even a felted hat.

The Cabled Swing Poncho on page 65 looks super cozy!  This has  a hood and pretty cable pattern, designed by Michele Wang.  Knit in Zealana's Aspire Tui, the poncho also features knit-in slit pockets.

I love, love, love the Ruffle Scarf on page 82 designed by Brooke Nico.  Knit in Misti Alpaca Lace, very feminine.

The Entrelac Scarf on page 83 is gorgeous!  Designed by Rosemary Drysdale and knit in Filatura Di Crosa/Tahki Stacy Charles Baby Kid Extra.  Beautiful!

There are lots more great knits in this issue if you are looking for a last minute gift to knit for someone, or yourself ;-)

Happy Knitting!

Girls Night In Knitting!

Happy Friday, fellow knitters!  I have decided that tonight will be my Girls Night In.  It is cold, gray and nasty out, so it's the perfect night to snuggle up with a good movie, knitting, and some hot cocoa!

I will be watching :
Who doesn't love a Cinderella story??  I also love Drew Barrymore.... and Dougray Scott ;-)  I suppose I am still a kid at heart, because this is one of my all time favorite movies!  I don't think there is really any explanation needed - Ever After - A Cinderella Story is a contemporary re-telling of Cinderella.  Angelica Houston also stars as the Wicked Stepmother, and she is great!

I plan to work on my Handsome Shawl from Victorian Lace Today.  It's been about a week since I picked this project up, and I am really anxious to work on it.  If I get around to it, I will post a picture of my progress.  As you may know, I am not a fan of large projects; however, this is turning out to be easier and more fun than I expected.  In fact, I like it so much, I have purchased one of the brand new lace books that has just been released....which I plan to review on the next show.  (And I promise, Episode 10 will be much better than the last one.  Again, my apologies.)


I hope you will also find some quiet time for you and your knitting.  Until next time, Happy Knitting!

More Christmas Knitting Patterns

As promised, here are a few more noteworthy patterns for Christmas.  Enjoy!

Mini I-Cord Wreath
Lattice Stocking
Mini Stocking
Mistletoe
Elf
Holly
Star Ornament
Candy Cane Boot

Sapphires-N-Purls Podcast: Episode 9: Now and Then

Finally, I've had time to get all of my notes together, and get this done!  Below are links and a brief of everything I talk about in this episode.  And, for some reason I thought this was Episode 10.... that may be because this was done at 2:30 in the morning.  Episode 9!!! I apologize for the less than stellar performance; like I said, it was 2:30 am....

A review of Vogue Knitting Fall 2003 issue, by me and a review of the Fall 2010 issue by my sister  (She has her own crafty blog called Stitches N Purls).  A link to Vogue Knitting can be found at the top of the blog - you can subscribe as well as purchase back issues.  Be sure to sign up for the news letter too!

There is a super neat new app for the iPod Touch and iPhone called Knit-n-Count.  I decided to splurge and pay the $1.99 to download this app.  It counts rows as well as pattern repeats, and you can even set an alarm to go off to remind you to do a certain stitch at a particular point in the pattern.  If you need to frog a few rows, no problem; the app will help you keep track of that also.  You can enter up to 10 different projects at a time, along with the name of the project and any notes you might want to jot down.  Great for designing your own patterns, IMHO.  Here is an article about the app.