Must Have Knitting and Crochet Craft Books for Girls

You may remember when I featured It Girl Knits by Phoenix Bess. Bess's how to guide contains pretty designs for girls between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, but can be worked up and modified for any age. There are a few more books that I would like to bring to your attention today, to add to your craft library: Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies, 20 Yummy Treats to Wear and Cowlgirls: The Neck's Big Thing to Knit by Cathy Carron.

Chan's adorable book features 20 projects for the kawaii lover in your life. Carron's book offers the neck warmer and cowl lover an "ultimate feast" for the eyes and with over 40 projects to last all year long. Get your hands on a copy of these fabulous books. You will wow your friends with your knitting and crochet skills, and fashion sense.

Cool Things to Make Today

Projects that can be knit up in a day or two are always a favorite. These are different, eye catching, as well as so soft to the touch.

Outre hat that can be worn many ways. You have to buy the Berroco Booklet #300 and two hanks of Berroco Borealis yarn. Check out this great review of the Borealis yarn by Barbara Rottman.

Savannah Shingle by Rowan is a crocheted top (vest) with nostalgic flair. Buy the project at YarnMarket.

Festive Yarns

Moonlight  Mohair by Lion Brand Yarns - 57% Acrylic, 28% Mohair, 9% cotton, 6% metallic polyester - Bulky/Chunky

Lazer FX by Berroco - 100% polyester - various weight

Beaded Ensemble and Sequins Yarn by Artyarns - Silk blend - worsted

Verena Knitting Magazine Summer 2010

Click over to view the current issue highlights for Verena Knitting Summer 2010 issue. There are 75 summery and tropical patterns to choose from. You can also buy them individially in the pattern shop. Just click on the "new arrivals" button on the left side bar.

Need Yarn?

Custom Yarns by Linda

ALL BERROCO YARNS 50% OFF!
TWO DAYS ONLY - APRIL 29th & 30th.

Berroco Idol yarn
Image source: by pballantyne3930
Shop from an assortment of styles and colors with prices ranging from $1.75 to $4.75 each ball/skein. Some of the yarns featured on the Custom Yarns website are discontinued, so get them while you can!

Gordana Gehlhausen

Photo source: Ms. Gehlhausen's Facebook album.

Check out this fun interivew with Project Runway's Gordana Gehlhausen, featured on the Vogue Knitting website.

Nifty Gifts for Knitters

Since I have been using my Xtensor, I have noticed that my hands do not get as achy and as tired as fast. The instructions are clear, making it easy to put together, put on and start using right away. It's lightweight, comfortable to wear, and you can do the exercises anywhere. It is a great invention at an affordable price. It would be perfect for the elderly as well.

Here is some more information about the product:

"Our hands are the most crucial part of embroidery and sewing. Whether you’re stitching, patch working, knitting, or crocheting, the muscles in your hands are constantly clinching and gripping, which can cause cramping, muscle aches and pains. Now you can safely strengthen your hands, allowing them to do more and perform better. Introducing the Xtensor, a medically-supported exercise device designed to offset the continuous gripping actions the hands go through every day. Xtensor (http://www.thextensor.com/) is a core training tool that improves range of motion in your fingers and structural stability in the wrist and elbow. By applying gentle adjustable tension specific to each finger, the Xtensor provides a natural path of motion to strengthen the muscles that open the hands. Easy-to-use, the device fits on your hand and stimulates the muscles that open the hands through the use of specifically designed finger bands that generate resistance. The Xtensor is the first device to specifically exercise the finger extensor muscles and tendons with pinpoint precision."

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Bloom Putty might not seem like your average crafting accessory, but it works similarly to the Xtensor (above) in that you can exercise your hands with it. I noticed this the first day I played with the silly stuff. You can pull, twist, stretch and bend it. This is another great gift for arthritis sufferers. I love Bloom Putty and I know you will too!

-Available in 14 different scents and colors plus 6 unscented colors, so you are sure to find one (or many!) that you'll love!
-Scented with organic and natural oils, NOT artificially scented chemicals which can be absorbed into the skin or burn if rubbed into the eyes.
-Conforms to ASTM 4236
-Conforms to ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety, F963
-Tested for lead content. Complies with 16 CFR 1303
* Since this toy can be molded into various sizes, choking hazard - small parts, not for children under 3 years old.

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Who says patterns are not a good gift? There are tons of free ones on the web, and you can just download, print, and get a little creative with the wrapping for something truly special. Some people cannot find good patterns and if you can, I'm sure they will be happy to receive them. Check these out:

Women: Katalin Mobius Wrap and Wristlet Set (when you go to this page, click the green link in the body of the post to download this pdf file).

Children: Mazie's Mittens by Stefanie Japel ( This is a pair of mittens knitted with only 2 needles! Search for this on Ravelry. You must be a registered user to get this pattern.)

Unisex: Pebbles Scarf by Teresa Chorzepa (This link opens a PDF file immediately. This pattern is from the Tahki Stacy Charles e-newsletter).

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--SAVE WHEN YOU BUY--

-Kpixie is having a sale right now, in addition to the sales they always have going on.

10% Off your order of $50 or more. code: DEC10

15% Off your order of $75 or more. code: DEC15

20% Off your order of $150 or more. code: DEC20

These codes expire midnight December 9th, 2009 (i'm not sure about the time zone).

-VogueKnitting is having a 40% off book sale.

A Few New Things at Lion Brand and Berroco

Great tip from my Lion Brand e-newsletter today:

• Works for knitting or crochet: I like to use bobby pins (the straight kind) to mark my rows, my stitches, and also to put articles together. To keep track of a lot of stitches, I count out 10 stitches and place a pin and continue. Then I only have to count by 10s. - Anonymous

New free pattern @ Berroco - Mayer

• "A cozy fall jacket with an exaggerated collar, Mayer features the same waffle textured stitch used in Faber, from Norah Gaughan vol 5."

Get Started on your own High Fashion Knitwear for Fall 2009

Tyra Top knit in Rittratto yarn, by Tahki Stacy Charles, Inc.

The Modern Living Collection
"This collection of 17 distinctive styles features jackets, shrugs, coats and the ultimate in sweater dressing."

Samina Peplum Jacket

"Gedifra brings you 30 stylish projects direct from the runways of Europe. This collection is actually two collections in one. The first is called "Glam Factor" and features cozy structured pieces for fall. The second is titled "Abstract", and here you will find colorful and trendy pieces with tons of eye interest and the latest in shapes. There is certainly something here for everyone, from trendy to sophisticated; from unstructured to sleek and stylish; from bright and colorful to chic and refined."

When you think of new pieces to add to your wardrobe for Autumn, knitted garments are usually a must have, even if you can only buy one or two. This makes it even better because you can create your own, if you are into that sort of thing. The two I featured here are designed with beautiful new shaping and fiber blends to satisfy your fashion needs. Style yourself right, and learn a new technique with these sumptuous patterns.

Knitted Neck Warmers, a.k.a. Snoods

Burberry Prorsum Milan Autumn/Winter 2009 collection

- that neck piece is actually fur, not knitting.

This is a very easy look to duplicate at a more inexpensive cost.

Check out a new trend featured on Elle UK. These are easy to make as well, with a circular knitting needle and your favorite chunky yarn.

Missoni Fall 2009 RTW

Read an article about snoods, here, by Emma Sells, Junior Shopping Editor.

Knitting How To Videos from Berroco and Lion Brand

Berroco and Lion Brand now feature detailed how to videos about various techniques to help you with your knitting and crochet projects. You do not have to be a registered user to view the video clips!

Dark and Sexy Knits at Mark Fast

Mark Fast's Fall 2009 collection showcased some almost unfinished dresses that are very interesting. I really like how they used nude heels with black dresses. It makes the idea of knitted dresses much more modern. Another unique technique used in this collection is knitting garments with velvet. NOTE: See the Mark Fast website link on the right side bar.

Verena Magazine Spring 2009

Here is a sample of a few of the gorgeous knitting patterns featured in Verena Knitting Spring 2009.

Also, here is a sample of the bonus patterns you can download if you subscribe to Verena Knitting :)

Verena Magazine also has an extensive selection of luxurious yarns to buy. Click here to see more.

New Feed - Knitter's Review

Hello knitting and fashion enthusiasts,

I have added a new feed on the right side bar titled Knitter's Review. The Knitter's Review is a website with reviews on yarns, and almost anything you can think of that has to do with knitting and fibers. "It is also the only weekly publication that focuses on fiber, yarns, and the online yarn-shopping experience." Here is an excerpt from their about page:

"Our mission is to provide quality product information to help knitters make informed purchasing decisions and, ultimately, have a more fulfilling lifelong knitting experience."

You can even have your product reviewed on their website.

To learn more about the Knitter's Review, please refer to the website.

Handmade Gothic Gauntlets, Bracers, and Wrist Cuffs

Adorning the wrist is a very feminine act of expression. When you wear something handmade, and of this nature, you will be portraying the somewhat lost style, in my opinion, of romanticism. For those that want to dabble in exciting new accessories, or experiment with a different trend, these gauntlets and bracers would be a perfect first choice.

TotusMel "La Petite Goth - Bracer"

Pattern for Gauntlets of Regret by ShiriDesigns

Red Lady Corset Gauntlets by BendyBones

"Lisbeth's Bow" Red Cotton Wrist Cuffs with Black Bows, mysteriously found at Gloomth.

Would you be caught wearing something like this (dead or alive)?

The Vogue Knitting Website - A Great Resource

The Vogue Knitting website is becoming a great resource for today's most fashionable patterns. You can preview the patterns before you even buy the magazine on the website, as well as download free patterns. There are nice wallpapers for your desktop to use, live chats, podcasts, among other great features. Check it out today, even if you just need some inspiration to get you in the knitting mood again.

Attention New York, New York Residents: Debbie Bliss Sale at Knit New York, Dec. 5th-7th

This note was taken from the Knit New York e-newsletter. If you haven't signed up for it, please do so to recieve their updates.


Debbie Bliss kicks off 3-day "Super GET FREE YARN Event"

In honor of Debbie's visit we are offering 15% off all Debbie Bliss yarns and books Friday December 5 through Sunday December 7.

Plus we are giving away five signed copies of some of Debbie's bestsellers when you attend the event on Friday...don't forget to stop by from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm Dec 5 (She will talk about her yarns, her patterns, and show garments made from her newest books. She'll be available to sign books and talk about some special techniques.)

Better yet when you make a purchase the ENTIRE yarn inventory is 10% off all three days...Everything from Peruvian wools to Italian cashmeres and special hand dyed yarns.

Better still during the three day event 6 lucky people will be chosen at random to get their ENTIRE PURCHASE FOR FREE.

* this sale is not to be combined with frequent knitter card offer andalready marked down sale items

Knit New York
307 E 14th St
New York, New York
10003212-387-0707
212.387.0707

New Poll

Hi everyone,
Please spend a few seconds and take my poll on the right side bar. There is only one and it is very short. Thank you! :)

Ditu Knitwear

Layla Abramowitz understands fashion, and the direction it is heading (or needs to be). She is the genius designer behind the exquisite knitwear label, Ditu. On the Ditu website, you can view a slide show with some of the latest designs, read about the theme of this collection, get detailed information about Abramowitz's pieces, among many other awe filled features. Ditu will make you fall in love with knitwear all over again, and again, and again...
"Structured knits are somehow very organic, like skin or an exoskeleton, made up of small cellular structures. There's something exciting and volatile about combining nature with technology." - Layla Abramowitz

The designs featured above are from the "Towers of Babel" Fall 2008 collection.

New York Knitting Event, June 24th

Join Knit New York in Bryant Park for an evening of knitting on June 24, 2008, from 6 to 8 pm. They'll be kicking back Knit New York style on the Great Lawn. Bring your favorite afghan and get working on your current project.

Where & When

Bryant Park's Lawn

June 24, 2008

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

*This is not an instructional event.

Knit New York will be giving away a $100.00 gift certificate to one lucky winner good for any purchase in our store. Drawing entries will only be accepted after 7:30 pm. The winner will be selected at the end of the evening. You must be present at the park to receive your prize.

Knit New York
307 E 14th St
New York, New York 10003
212-387-0707