Useful Articles!

I’ve had a few articles passed on to me recently that some of you friends may find helpful! Just a couple little tips and tricks to assist with some common knitting woes.

Selvages Guide

Shrunken Sweater Solution

Hope these come in handy!

Emily

Advertisement

Another Knitting History Podcast

Hey there! Yesterday the lovely ladies at the Stuff You Missed in History Class released an episode on Knitting’s Early History. It covers some of the same information as the last podcast we linked from Stuff Mom Never Told You, but it also adds some new information, including delving a little deeper into knitting from the British Isles. I never actively considered just how many unique styles come from such a tiny place.

I always enjoy catching the new episodes from the Missed in History podcast, and this one was especially enjoyable. I found myself nodding along as they talked about tensions, different kinds of knitting needles, and the difference in appearance between knit and purl stitches. And what a privilege it is to share in this craft, whose history spans hundreds of year.

You can find the episode here.

How to Wear a Shawl

This video was brought up at the meeting on Thursday and I said I would post it, sooo here you go! Let’s be honest, which of us has not wondered how on earth you wear the fabulous shawl you just finished? Leave it to the vivacious Stephen West to share a video that should help you figure out how to wear your lovely creations. The video uses shawls knit from patterns that he designed, but you can use these methods to wrap any shawl!

How to Wear Your Shawl

 

And… in case that leaves you wanting more tricks of the trade from the West perspective, here is another video that, true to form, gives you good info and makes you smile.

Pom Pom It!

Enjoy!

Knitting Term Origins

Ever wondered where all those nonsensical knitting words come from? This Merriam-Webster article was kindly shared by Jean Barczak. I thought it was really interesting and will definitely be thinking of where my knitting terms come from when (if ever) I am brave enough to learn intarsia or Fair Isle. I also thought the origin of “purl” was really fancy! Let me know what you think of the information or if you feel like you can debunk what they’re telling us!

Knitting Word Fun

Knot a Problem!

Lindsay posted this to my Facebook and it sounds like my dream job!

Knot a Problem!

I know that not everyone gets the same calming experience from unknotting as it seems these women and I do, so I thought information about this group called Knot a Problem may be a lifesaver for some of you ladies! I know that personally, I have always found serenity in detangling and I am more than happy to help anyone who has incorrigible skeins at home. Feel free to bring them to guild meetings and I would be happy to take a stab at them for you!

If you would prefer help from the professionals, though it sounds like the ladies of Knot a Problem would be happy to tackle the mess for you!

This is how you contact the detanglers through their group on Ravelry:

Here is a brief explanation of how KAP Detangling Services work.

  1. A person with a tangle can either: a) Create a post (preferably with a picture of said tangle) and request anyone to volunteer to detangle it. b) Go to the Detanglers by Location page, locate, and Private Message a Detangler directly with a request to detangle yarn.
  2. If you create a post, please PM the person you choose, and then post in the thread that you have found someone to detangle your yarn.
  3. A person with a tangle is responsible for the cost of shipping to and from a detangler (unless of course a meet up is coordinated).
  4. Detanglers often like small tokens of appreciation for their volunteer work. A person with a tangle can inquire with a detangler what he/she might like – but is no way obligated to provide anything but shipping costs.

NOTE: We all know that life gets busy and we all know that every skein of yarn is precious. Do not volunteer to help someone detangle unless you are absolutely certain that you can commit to the time and responsibility of this volunteer work. All received yarn must be returned to its original owner, unless another agreement has been made between the person with tangle and the detangler.

Note: Please do not create post requests to detangle yarn for people. There are over 2500 detanglers who are eager to help. Please feel free to respond to post requests and private messages made by persons with tangles.

Emily

The History of Knitting

Hi Knitters!

What do these things have in common: Egyptians, narwhals and spies? Why, knitting of course! Listen to this podcast to find out how. The ‘Stuff Mom Never Told You’ ladies talk about the history of knitting in this Wednesday’s episode. They discuss how, where and when knitting started and how it has become what it is today. There’s lots of interesting little facts that every knitter can appreciate. If you’ve never listened to this podcast, I would recommend checking out other episodes as well. They are all very entertaining and informative. The link is below. Enjoy!

Click to listen to the podcast!

You can comment on this post and let me know what you think!!

Have a good listen,

Emily