this ain't your grandma's knitting

Knitting has had a huge comeback in the past few years. It used to be just for little old grannies to make afghans, dish towels, and mittens. Knitters these days can make those things if they want, but the possibilities are endless. I've come across patterns for trendy little cardigans, sweet eyelet skirts, curtains, piano bench covers and (gasp) lingerie. I've even read about groups of young people that roam the streets at night, knitting covers for street sign posts, lightpoles and the occasional bench. Could it be-- knitting graffiti?!!

People tell me all the time that they'd love to knit, but that dear old grannie no longer lives close by. If you've ever wanted to knit, but never knew how to get started, then this blog's for you. There are lots of wonderful resources out there for new knitters, and I'll list a few of my favorites.

www.knittinghelp.com This site offers free knitting videos that clearly show many of the techniques you'll need to know to get started. You can watch the videos over and over again until you've mastered each one.

www.knitty.com An "e-zine" for the knitting obsessed. A fantastic resource for free (but still fresh and fun) patterns. Just click on archives and search for what you want to knit.

www.jimmybeanswool.com A great resource for clearance yarn. Search their sales and see what you can find.

And if you really want a source of cheap yarn, try http://www.peaches-creme.com/. They sell mostly cotton, but you won't find better prices anywhere. And if you find you really love knitting, you can buy a 1 lb. cone (that's nearly 800 yards of knitting bliss, ladies and gentlemen).

If you scan the shelves at your local library, you'll find lots and lots of books about knitting. A few are gems, most are pretty good, and many are BLAH. Here are my favorites so far:

Vogue Knitting: the ultimate knitting book
They weren't kidding about that title. This book contains everything you could ever want to know about knitting. I only recently discovered it and am already mourning the day that I have to return it to the library.

Mason-Dixon Knitting, by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne
The most entertaining knitting book I've ever come across. And there's not a pattern there that I don't love.

The Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond the Basics, by Julie Carles
A great book of patterns for newer knitters.

Knitted Toys, by Fiona McTague
Sick of knitting scarves, sweaters, and dish towels? Maybe you should try monkeys, caterpillars, or penguins. I haven't tried any of the patterns yet, but they're all adorable.

And for those of you that live in Utah County, Heindselman's is the oldest yarn store in the nation. Their customer service is wonderful and they have a great selection of yarn.

Have fun!

P.S. a blog about our fabulous Florida vacation is in the works, just keep being patient...

Housewife Chic

Okay, so I've got to admit: I've come dangerously close, many a time, to forgetting to take off my apron before I leave the house. With this sweet little thing, it wouldn't MATTER! I'm seriously tempted to make one for every day of the week. If I can only find my sewing machine...



For those of you who are drooling over it too, you can't buy it ready-made-- only the pattern is for sale (http://www.montessoribyhand.net/). But there's a silver lining to this cloud: when you make it yourself, you get to pick your own fabrics. I adore those white polka dots in the apron pictured, but a pretty floral-- maybe some pink Japanese cherry blossoms on a grey background-- would be fabulous, as would a funky geometric print. I'm willing to bet that food tastes even better when you cook it wearing an apron this cute.






The trouble is, the last time I actually finished a sewing project was waaaaay back in 2005 (Lincoln's blessing romper). I've started 4 or 5 different projects since then, most recently a dress that I was going to try to sew in time for Ryan and Christina's wedding last August. I don't feel too bad about that one, since I found a marvelous little vintage-style thing (already made!), and besides, that's all water under the bridge.



I've found that knitting projects are much easier to finish. I'm not sure of the reason, maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm not afraid of running a knitting needle through my finger. Anyhow, so far I've made 2 basic scarves, a wool diaper cover, hat and mitten sets for my boys, a cabled scarf and hat for myself (in delicious granny smith apple green), and a sweater that looks like a rain cloud. Lincoln has been begging me to make him a sweater ever since I made him his hat and mittens, so that's what I'm currently working on. It's a crew neck sweater with raglan sleeves knitted up in basic cotton, and as per Lincoln's request, is green with a big "L" on the front. I love the way it's turning out, and as soon as I'm done I'll start one for Daniel. Of course, his will be blue with a big "D".





Turns out I can't go long after I finish a project before my fingers start itching to make something new and wonderful. I've now got a list longer than my leg of things I want to knit next, but this adorable baby sweater is my favorite. Will someone please have a baby so that I've got an excuse to make it?!!