Knitter's Review

November 5, 2009: The Trumpet of the Swan

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Perched in the Atlantic ocean six miles off the coast of Maine's Mt. Desert Island, Swan's Island has a year-round population of 350 people, no Starbuck's, no stores, and no real source of entertainment except its stunningly beautiful natural surroundings. In the early 1990s, two burnt-out Boston lawyers named John and Carolyn Grace moved to the island in pursuit of a quieter, more genuine life. They set up a small weaving studio using local wool, perfected their trade, and by 1996 their Swans Island Blankets won a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft. Ten years later, the company took on new partners and relocated its operations to a 1780 farmhouse in the coastal town of Northport. Change has not dimmed the museum-quality of each blanket produced, but it has brought new possibilities for those of us who like to make our own blankets. This week we swatch Swans Island Certified Organic Merino yarn.

October 29, 2009: Make it with Merino

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

Have my last few sheep-centric newsletters been a little too farmy for you? Do you crave a softer, smoother yarn with fewer traces of the barnyard? For the next two weeks, we'll be looking at two plush, supersoft organic Merino yarns � one spun in Italy, the other right here in Maine. We begin our Merino adventures this week with Tahki Lana, a spongy quick-knitting three-ply bulky yarn that's offered to us in five natural shades.

October 22, 2009: Five Festival Finds

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

At the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival last weekend, every inch of the Dutchess County Fairgrounds was jammed with sheep and wool paraphernalia from yarn and fiber vendors to sheep farmers, potters, cheese-makers, hat makers, and, lest we forget, purveyors of delicious fried artichokes. This year I was on the other side of the booth as I signed copies of my new book and sent them out into the world. I had just a few brief hours to explore the festival and can show you five special finds that came home with me.

October 15, 2009: Why Wool?

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

Ever wonder what those beautiful names on yarn labels mean � words like Coopworth, Bluefaced Leicester, Perendale, and Rambouillet? I wrote The Knitter's Book of Wool to tell their story, and it's on the shelves this week. I'd like to share a simple pattern from it with you. The Hill Country Hat uses a mere 120 yards of any bulky-weight yarn. It's a quick knit, a fun pattern repeat, and a great little unisex hat for fall. I'd love for you to try it with different kinds of wool, but you can use any fiber you'd like. And, here's another pattern exclusive: Jennifer Hagan's Cuff-to-Cuff Pullover shows how you can keep kids warm with wool.

October 8, 2009: Nine Wonderful Wools

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

For nearly two years I've been working on a 207-page love letter to wool. Next Wednesday, The Knitter's Book of Wool makes its official debut. On the eve of this auspicious occasion, I thought I'd invite you in for a cup of tea and a mosey through my stash. In particular, I want to show you nine remarkable wool yarns that contributed to the spirit - and in five cases the patterns - of the book.

October 1, 2009: Cat is Back

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Cat Bordhi sprang into the knitting world in 2001 when she self-published a simple little book about how to knit socks on two circular needles. She has since become a sock-knitting luminary reknowned for her ability to see things in unexpected ways. Today marks the official release of her newest book, a much-anticipated guide to yet another new way of knitting socks. This one promises to be the simplest yet, which might be why she used the word "insouciant" in the title. Can Cat really "do" simple?

September 24, 2009: Lace with Lou Lou

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

While August's Sock Summit was all about socks, that's also where I discovered a lovely new lace yarn base that's finding its way into the hand-dyed yarn world. It's a blend of baby alpaca, silk, and cashmere that takes dye beautifully and drapes like a sleeping baby. This week we see how Land O Lace transformed this base yarn into Lou Lou.

September 17, 2009: Needles, Lotions, and Gadgets, Oh My!

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

This week we hear from three companies that have each come out with fun new stuff for the fall. First, we peek at Montana Maple's needle-of-the-month club, then we prevent rough skin with the new Knitters Hands lotion bar, and finally we see just how tiny the holes are in the new lace needlesizer from Debra's Garden.

September 10, 2009: A Kidsilk Haze

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Only a special yarn can carry an entire book of patterns. The yarn has to have widespread distribution, lots of fans, ample creative possibility, and a pretty stable history. For Alison Crowther-Smith, that yarn is Rowan Kidsilk Haze. She pays tribute to it in her new book, Silky Little Knits. Fans of the brushed mohair mystique will want this one.

September 3, 2009: Liking Lima

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST

Nine years ago this week, I sent out the very first edition of Knitter's Review. I had a day job and no big plans beyond writing about what I loved (yarn) and, I hoped, connecting with other knitters who loved yarn too. Today, one day job, two books, eight retreats, 468 weeks, hundreds of swatches, thousands of cups of tea, and more than 30,000 subscribers later, I face the baffling notion of pulling Knitter's Review into its 10th year. For me, the journey is about putting one needle in front of the other, always seeking out the new and unusual, the notable and worthy. I'll begin with a lovely new yarn from Rowan. Its construction says novelty, while its natural fibers and rustic feel say classic. Meet Lima. And, as always, thank you for joining me on this journey.

August 20, 2009: From the Summit

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

How many major events began as a quiet conversation among friends with the words, 'Wouldn't it be fun if...?' Those same words led to the Sock Summit, a history-making sock-knitting extravaganza that took place in Portland, Oregon, earlier this month. I was there as a teacher, and this week I offer a pictoral look back at some of the event's most memorable moments.

August 6, 2009: Great Gifts

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

Finding a good pattern for a knitted gift can be as tricky as finding a ready-made gift at a store, if not trickier. You want something interesting, attractive, and original. But you also want something you can actually complete within a realistic period of time. Ann Budd has just released a new collection of knitted gift patterns called, fittingly, Knitted Gifts. The book contains more than 30 diverse, fresh, and inspiring projects ranging from quick to heirloom. It's the first knitted gift book to catch my eye in a long time, and I review it this week.

July 23, 2009: An Artful Blend

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

What do you knit for someone truly special? If you can, you save your pennies and splurge on a glorious yarn, taking your time to knit a truly special gift from it. But what kind of glorious yarn might that be? This week I show you one contender called Lux 12, which comes to us from Buffalo Gold and the Lorna's Laces dyepots. Its fiber contents read like a Julia Child recipe, blending just the right proportions of American bison, cashmere, silk, and Tencel. Join me for a swatch.

July 8, 2009: Raising the Blend Bar

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 8 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Long ago an unintentionally felted afghan taught me that, when in doubt, it's wisest to stick with an easy-care, machine-washable blend for gifts, and to reserve the really precious, pure, pricey yarns for folks I know better. Not all machine-washable, easy-care acrylic blends are the same. In fact, some have given the whole category a pretty bad reputation. But at TNNA last month I spotted a new machine-washable entry from Berroco that raises the quality bar. It's called Vintage Wool and I review it this week.

June 25, 2009: Meeet Spud and Chlo�

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

I'm fresh home from the summer TNNA trade show, which just took place in Columbus, Ohio. As usual, all the major yarn companies, designers, accessory manufacturers, and publishers competed for the attention of LYS owners from around the world. The belle of the ball was an adorable new yarn line from Blue Sky Alpacas. Allow me to introduce Spud and Chlo�.

June 11, 2009: Can Mink Make Yarn?

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

If you'd told me that such a thing as mink yarn existed, I would've said ewwwww and kindly turned it down, the assumption being that the animal lost its life for its fiber. But this week's yarn disproves all assumptions about mink and animal cruelty. And it also reveals surprising facts about mink fiber itself. Meet Great Northern Yarns mink cashmere.

May 27, 2009: A Happy Hedgrows Pattern

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Starting next week and through August, Knitter's Review will be published every other week. Having spent the last three summers holed up on the porch writing The Knitter's Book of Yarn and my forthcoming book, The Knitter's Book of Wool, I promised myself that I'd take a breather this summer. To kick off the vacation schedule, here's a fantastic fingerless mitts adaptation of Jane's Hedgerows Socks pattern, fittingly called Hedgerow Mitts. Designed by longtime KR member Amy Ripton, it uses the hand-dyed yarns from Spirit Trail Fiberworks. Quick and satisfying, the pattern is perfect for warm-weather knitting.

May 21, 2009: Jumping Juniper

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Ever notice how most superwash Merino sock yarns look alike? They're all either a bouncy two-ply or a smooth three- or four-ply, with very little variation. But this week I show you something different, a multi-strand superwash Merino sock yarn from Alchemy. It flew in under the radar and definitely deserves a second look.

May 14, 2009: Toe-Up on Tiptoe

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Polls can be curious things. I recently asked whether you preferred to knit your socks from the top down or from the toe up, and only 12 percent of you voted for the toe-up option. Yet, since its release, Wendy Johnson's book Socks from the Toe Up has knocked Cookie A's top-down sock book off its Amazon pedestal. We check out Wendy's book to see what sparked the battle for sock supremacy.

May 7, 2009: Mighty Maryland

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Always the first weekend in may, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is arguably the largest and most important fiber festival in the United States. Should that weekend be declared High Holy Days for knitters? Fresh from this year's festival, Wild Fibers Magazine editor and publisher Linda Cortright explores that question in a special editorial.

April 30, 2009: Malabrigo Chunky

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

When I say Malabrigo, you probably think of the single-ply, worsted-weight Merino yarn for which the company is famous. But Malabrigo produces several yarns, all of which share the same vivid, mouth-watering colors. This week I take a closer look at the quick-knitting three-ply Malabrigo Chunky to see if its instant gratification on the needles can be matched by longer wear in the garment.

April 23, 2009: Finding Foxfire

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

Fiber festivals can be overwhelming. With so much yarn available, how do you know what's good and what's to be avoided? I can't guide you through each festival, but I can point you toward one special yarn that you'll likely see on the New England festival circuit this summer. It comes from an equally special vendor who raises sheep in western Massachusetts. The yarn is called Upland Wool and Alpaca from Foxfire Fiber.

April 16, 2009: Finding Festivals

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

In just a few short weeks, the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival will kick off the summer 2009 fiber festival season. If you've never been to a fiber festival, Joanne Seiff's new book Fiber Gathering is a perfect introduction. She takes you on an armchair journey to 10 major festivals across the United States, also showing a sheep being shorn, teaching how to hand-dye a multicolored yarn, and giving the recipe for a perfect apple crisp. The book is almost as good as the real thing, but with no parking hassles and far fewer calories.

April 9, 2009: Seriously Seaweed

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 8 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

For those of you who don't yet know that last week's newsletter was an April Fool's spoof, let me reassure you that there is no yarn made from recycled kitty litter. Not yet, anyway. But we do have some pretty strange substances in our yarns-which is why some readers initially believed the review. The grandmother of all strange materials would have to be seaweed, so that's where we turn this week, with a real review of a real yarn with seaweed in it.

April 1, 2009: Leap into Litter

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

Our appetite for exotic fibers knows no bounds. It brought corn, soy, bamboo, and it introduced qiviut, yak, and American bison to our knitting baskets. And it gave us yarns made from jade, laced with copper, and fortified with seaweed extracts. So it should come as no surprise this week when I tell you about a new company that is taking fiber innovation to a whole new level by producing a spinnable form of recycled kitty litter.

March 26, 2009: Signature Sticks

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST

Are knitting needles merely a means to an end, pointy sticks that help us turn yarn into fabric? To some, maybe. But needles are integral to our craft. This week I show you some masterpieces of high-performance, high-precision knitting needle engineering. They're the DPNs from Signature Needle Arts.

March 19, 2009: Beautiful Blocking

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST

Did you know that the most crucial step in lace knitting has nothing to do with knitting at all? In fact, it doesn't happen until you've cast off your last stitch. I'm talking about blocking, and this week we look at how it's done and how HandWorks Dressing Wires can make it a lot easier.

March 12, 2009: The Perfect Pouch

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST

I've reviewed a lot of things over the past nine years: notable yarns, tools, books, and such. Some things have come and gone from my life, like ships passing in the night. But a few have stuck around and become integral parts of my own private knitting world. This week we revisit the most portable, functional product for yarn management that I have yet to find. It's called the GoKnit pouch. Two years after my review, this bag still goes with me everywhere.

March 5, 2009: Cookie Takes Off

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 4 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST

I have been waiting for Cookie A's sock book for a long, long time. In fact, ever since I first spotted her phenomenally popular Pomatomus and Monkey patterns in Knitty. Her designs combine ingenuity and grace in a way that makes me want to drop everything and cast on immediately. Which might explain why, when I finally received an advanced copy of Cookie's book, I dropped everything and began this week's review.

February 26, 2009: A Noro Knockoff

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

You can't mistake the distinct variegation and colorways of Noro Kureyon and Silk Garden. Or can you? This week we test a convincingly good Noro knockoff called Boku, which comes from Plymouth Yarns at half the price of Silk Garden.

February 19, 2009: Finding Answers

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

Lofty marketing claims bring out the cynic in me. When a product asserts that it is the best, the ultimate, the only anything, I immediately set about to prove it true or false. Which is why the cover of Margaret Radcliffe's The Knitting Answer Book set me in motion. It claims to offer solutions to every problem I'll ever face, answers to every question I'll ever ask. True? Let's find out.

February 12, 2009: Tales from Turkey

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

Last week's review proved that animal, vegetable, and mineral fibers alike can happily coexist in the same yarn. Guess what? There's more. This week I show you Mermaid, an intriguing worsted-weight alternative that's spun in Turkey.

February 5, 2009: A Coveted Blend

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

Some yarns are simple. The label says Wool or Cotton and that's pretty much it. But this week I present a yarn whose fibers defy easy categorization, each having been carefully manipulated to create a unique result. And one of those fibers comes from just one farm in North America, making this yarn a collector's item before it ever hits your LYS shelves. Join me for a closer look at the exquisite new lace-weight Paco Vicunas yarn from Louet.

January 29, 2009: Playing with Possum

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST

Earlier this week it was -15 degrees. Today we're being pelted with ice and snow. Winter is not being easy this year. My plan of attack? Wear the warmest fibers I can find. That would be cashmere, qiviut, and, conscience permitting, the extremely insulating fibers of a marsupial pest from New Zealand. I'm talking Possum, and that's where we go this week.

January 22, 2009: Down But Not Out at TNNA

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST

San Diego hosted the National Needlearts Association's semiannual trade show last weekend. I went not knowing what I'd find, given the tough economic conditions. Know what? I'm glad to report that we're actually doing OK. This week I give my top five personal takeaways from the show.

January 15, 2009: Estonian Lace

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST

We're always on the lookout for the new and unusual when we travel. So was Nancy Bush when she first ventured to Estonia in 1995, picking up several handknitted lace shawls as gifts for her mother. The more she studied those shawls, the more intrigued she became. After a decade of research, Nancy Bush has assembled a comprehensive tribute to these shawls in her book, Knitted Lace of Estonia, which I review this week.

January 8, 2009: Fresh from Finland

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 7 Jan 2009 22:00:00 EST

A core principle behind Slow Stashing is to rid your stash of unhappy yarns and only surround yourself with those yarns that make you happy. For the rest of this year I will show you yarns that make me happy, worthwhile yarns from hard-working people in interesting places around the world, yarns that I hope might make you happy too. I begin this week with Riihivilla, an exciting yarn discovery from Finland. Spun from the lustrous and resilient Finnsheep wool, it's offered au naturel or in earthy hand-dyed colors obtained from plants and mushrooms.

January 1, 2009: Happy New Year!

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:00:00 EST

Happy New Year! By the time you read this, I should be swimming in a sea of yarn while my cat sits nearby with a bemused expression on his face. The sea of yarn in question is my entire stash, much of which hasn't seen sunlight in at least a decade. It's shameful, it's gluttonous, and I'm taking advantage of this first day of 2009 to bring this stash back to sanity. If your stash feels out of control, join me in taking your first steps toward slow stashing.

December 18, 2008: The Year in Review

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:00:00 EST

This is it! We've reached the very last Knitter's Review of 2008. Before we leap into the New Year, let's take a look back at the knitterly notables that marked the past year, from funny cartoons and propaganda yarns to British breeds and socially conscious stashing. And in the Forums, we''re discussing those people who like to repeat projects, and those who like to say "good riddance" and never look back.

December 11, 2008: Addi Clicks

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:00:00 EST

Buying an interchangeable knitting needle set is like investing in a good set of pots and pans. It takes a sizable up-front investment and usually includes a few needle sizes you don't think you'll ever use. But once you have it, you're set for life. Addi Turbo has long been the All-Clad of the circular knitting needle world, and the company is now making its foray into the interchangeable needle market. This week I give you a sneak peek at the much-anticipated Addi Click interchangables.

December 4, 2008: Gifts and Gatherings

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 3 Dec 2008 22:00:00 EST

"I would've brought you back some yarn," the story usually goes, "but I figured you already had some." If I had a dime for every time someone returned from a yarn-friendly locale and gave me that sad news, I'd have enough money to travel to that locale and buy myself a skein of yarn. I don't know why it's so hard for non-knitters to pick gifts for knitters, but it is. Which is why I've put together an extra long list of ideal gifts for knitters. Print it out, pass it around, or, better yet, bypass the middle man and just buy yourself a nice gift right now. You deserve it. And in other news, didn't I have a big knitting retreat last week? Yes! And I have a full report!

November 20, 2008: Swatching Smooshy

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST

Dream in Color is on a roll. Yarn stores can't keep their yarns in stock -- which is especially interesting when you consider that they only have four yarns. This week I swatch their Smooshy Sock Yarn to figure out what the appeal is. Meanwhile in the Forums we're talking blocking. And on Twitter I'll be posting regular updates all weekend from the Knitter's Review Retreat in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

November 13, 2008: Playing Favorites

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST

You know you've got a yarn problem when someone asks what your favorite yarn is and you happen to have two skeins of it with you. Of course I was teaching a class about yarn at WEBS at the time, but still. In honor of that question, and my reply, I return this week to to one of my all-time special yarns. It comes to us from Colorado by way of a very smart woman named Elsa. And in the Forums, we're sharing all our dirty knitting secrets.

November 6, 2008: Coming Together

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 5 Nov 2008 22:00:00 EST

My mother taught me never to talk about religion or politics in mixed company, and I'm certainly not about to start now. But talk of politics did creep into our knitting community this election season, and it sometimes threatened to divide us. I say it's time to come together again and celebrate all those common (and sometimes completely peculiar) traits that we do share as knitters -- which is exactly what we do this week. And in the Forum, can you help MaryBeth mix two shades of Koigu in the same shawl?

October 30, 2008: Square Circulars?

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST

Can a knitting needle be both square and circular at the same time? If it's the new needles from Kollage, which I review this week, then the answer is yes. But are they anything other than a crafty marketing ploy? That part, my friends, will be decided by your hands. In the Forums, do we really need ball winders and umbrella swifts?

October 23, 2008: Angora Tweed Returns

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST

Nothing breaks a knitter's heart quite like hearing that their favorite yarn has been discontinued. I feared that Garnstudio Angora-Tweed was gone forever, but it has recently been given a new lease on life -- and at a surprisingly lower retail price than before. This week I check out a new skein to see if they've changed the yarn at all. And in the Forums, Ceil wants to know how many unstarted projects you have.

October 9, 2008: Isager Arrives

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:26:00 EST

It's been 10 months since I first set eyes on Isager Yarn at the winter TNNA trade show. It's been a long wait, but this week I have skeins of all three yarns in the Isager line - named after its creator, the brilliant Danish designer Marianne Isager. If you like finer gauges, you might want to sit down and take a few deep breaths before reading the review. And in the Forums, we're talking about diving into the stash for this year's holiday gifts.

October 2, 2008: Fluffy Fresco

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:26:00 EST

The 10 percent angora in Classic Elite's new Fresco is just enough to remind you what you're missing by not having more. But after the baby alpaca kicks in and the wool picks up any remaining slack, you quickly realize that Fresco is still one good yarn. Or at least I did when I reviewed it this week. And in the Forums, what's the most elastic bind-off?

September 25, 2008: Seven Things

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:26:00 EST

Margaret Fisher has seen a lot of sweaters in her time as co-chair of TKGA's Master Hand Knitting Committee. And over the years, she has determined that seven very specific, very tangible things often cause problems with sweaters. She hits them all in her brand new self-published book, Seven Things that can 'Make or Break' a Sweater. We see what those seven things are. And in the Forums, a fellow knitter needs help frogging a much-labored project.

September 18, 2008: A Canadian Classic

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:26:00 EST

What's got Stephanie Pearl-McPhee using words like 'flaccid' and 'pudgy'? Stephanie graciously steps in as guest reviewer this week to tell us all about the qualities that make Patons Classic Merino such a favorite yarn, especially among Canadians. And in the Forums, we're questioning if and when it's appropriate to give up on a project.

September 11, 2008: Connecting Threads

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST

Seven years ago today a lot of us turned to knitting for solace. The world hasn't slowed down much since then. The faster it spins, the more I seek yarns that bring me closer to people and places, yarns that make me feel part of something greater than myself. I know I'm not alone. Even large yarn companies are catching on. This week we look at the earthy and robust yarns from Rowan's new Purelife British Sheep Breeds collection, which tell the story of British hill farmers and Yorkshire mills, of a centuries-old textile tradition that is threatened by an increasingly global economy. And in the Forums, Ceil wants to know which stitch dictionary she should buy. Any advice?

September 4, 2008: Sunday Knits

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST

Carol Sunday represents a new breed of entrepreneurs who are redefining what a yarn company is. She's an artist and knitwear designer with no sales reps, no distributors. She took her creative ideals to the mills in Italy and developed her own yarns, which she sells only through her Web site. It may take the "L" out of "LYS," but if you're at all fond of finer gauges, you'll definitely want to take a look. In the Forums, did you know that some people enjoy knitting the second sock more than the first? Are you one of them?

August 28, 2008: Rub a Dub Dub

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

Since this is the last (gasp!) newsletter of August, I thought it appropriate to start thinking about fall. It's almost time to wake our woolens from their summer hibernation and give them a good washing to get rid of any stray moth larvae. To help with the task, I put a biodegradable, earth-friendly woolwash and rinse to the test. In the Forums, you know when you spend hours knitting and end up with less than when you started? That's what Sara Sue is experiencing lately, and she needs a morale boost.

August 21, 2008: Wellspring Woolens

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

This week's yarn was love at first sight. It comes from a farm called Wellspring Woolens, where Icelandic sheep graze not too far from the banks of the Minnesota River. The fibers are sent to a small mill in New Mexico for processing and spinning, and then they return to Minnesota for the final hand-dyeing by the same woman who tends the flock. Join me for a test-knit of this special yarn. And in the Forums, what are your favorite mitten patterns?

August 14, 2008: The Beef with Bags

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

According to last week's poll, more than 75 percent of you consider any bag to be a knitting bag. What the poll didn't say, though, was just how many bags the average knitter has. Why do we need them so, why do we love them so, and why do we have so many? I explore the answers in my Knitting Bag Primer. And in the Forum, one lucky member is headed out for a two-week cruise and needs suggestions for a pretty scarf to knit. What are your favorites?

August 7, 2008: The Knitter's Secret Handshake

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST

Ever wish you could quietly identify other knitters in a crowd without our all having to wear giant banners and yell "I'm a knitter!" to the world? Della Q sent me her latest creation, a snazzy messenger bag with her telltale silk striped fabric on the flap, and I got an idea. This bag, which I review this week, is a perfect example of a product that acts as a sort of secret knitter's handshake when we carry it out into the world. And it's cute too. In other big news, Knitter's Review Retreat registration opens up this Friday at 12 noon EST!

July 24, 2008: The Eclectic Sole

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST

When Stephanie Pearl-McPhee blogged about the Rivendell socks this spring, it was the perfect kick in the pants for Janel Laidman to finish her book of sock patterns (of which Rivendell was one) and get it to press. She did, and she proudly handed out the finished results - called The Eclectic Sole - at TNNA in June. And by the end of that show it was already obvious that Janel would be headed back to the printer's for a second printing. This week we look at what makes this self-published sock book special. And in the Forums, we're seeking an inspiration boost by peeking at the accomplishments of others in the Hooray It's Finished section.

July 17, 2008: Toasty Toes in Iceland

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST

Before L.L. Bean, before Ugg boots, and before Gore-Tex waterproofing, humans needed some way to keep their feet warm and dry in the winter. In Iceland, they used to knit colorful little shoe inserts. Helene Magnusson wrote a book about these little inserts, adding contemporary garments based on the traditional motifs that were used. Until recently, this book was only available in Icelandic. On the occasion of its release in English, Lela Nargi gives us a full review of the book. And in the Forums, it's confession time. Do you swatch?

July 10, 2008: Fearless Color

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST

Lucy Neatby is not afraid of color. She surrounds herself with it, and she creates it on her knitting needles. One of her favorite techniques is intarsia, something she knows makes many of us quake with fear. So she created two in-depth DVDs to help us over the bridge. We review both. Plus, retreat news and something fun happening in the forums through August.

June 26, 2008: Colors that Quake

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST

Tina Newton may have made a name for herself with Socks That Rock, but that's just one of the yarns she dyes under her Blue Moon Fiber Arts label. This week I show you what could be considered the polar opposite of Socks That Rock -- a luscious single-ply silk and Merino that could give Manos or Malabrigo a run for their money.

June 19, 2008: Meet Mooi

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST

What happens when you take a super-smooth dyed bamboo fiber and mix it with the short, delicate, undyed downy undercoats of bison and cashmere goats? You end up with Mooi, the new yarn from Louet that was the buzz of the summer TNNA show two weeks ago. Two very special skeins accompanied me home in my carry-on bag, and they've been begging to get on the needles ever since. Care to join me for a swatch?

June 12, 2008: Cooling it in Columbus

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST

Sweltering temperatures and humidity aren't exactly conducive to knitting, but thousands of us managed to make do quite nicely this week as we took over the Columbus Convention Center for the summer TNNA trade show. I went, I saw, and I took loads of notes (and legal pictures outside the show floor) just for you. And in the forums, we're discussing those few projects that ended up being a complete waste of time.

June 5, 2008: Gadgets for Gauge

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST

No matter how hard I try to maintain order over my needles, they always end up in a big jumble. Pulling two matching needles from the pile can take a while, especially since most needles tend to lose their size markings over time. And if you're using DPNs and have to find four or even five matching needles, well, you might as well make yourself a cup of tea and get comfortable. To determine the size of a needle, we use needlesizers. This week I've discovered an adorable little metal sizer that doubles as jewelry or even a keychain. In the forums, we're sharing stories about who taught us to knit and how knitting has changed since we first started.

May 22, 2008: Heavenly Haiku

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

I've decided that all knitters should carry around little emergency packs with snippets of yarn, like smelling salts, to revive us when our spirits lag. My emergency pack would definitely contain at least one skein of this week's yarn. Haiku is an ethereal lace-weight brushed mohair/silk blend from our friends at Alchemy Yarns. The yarn itself is wonderful, but it's the color that really makes my heart go pitter pat. And in the Forums, we're discussing whether or not we take into account the seasons when we choose our projects.

May 15, 2008: Creativity Loves Company

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Last week's talk of theft sparked a larger discussion about our knitting culture and code of ethics. A relatively new book from husband-wife duo Larissa and Martin John Brown explores the cultural side of things further, focusing on our age-old quest for connectedness through our stitches. The book is called Knitalong, and I review it this week. And in the Forums, is $20 outrageous for a pair of knitted socks? Do you have any less expensive yarn suggestions?

May 8, 2008: Bum Wrap

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

There were sheep, yarns, tools, and people everywhere during the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival last weekend. Unfortunately, there were also some sticky fingers - and not the kind you get from fried dough or fresh lemonade. We take a closer look at the 2008 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and the police records it left behind. And in the Forums, how can you revive lagging knitting mojo?

May 1, 2008: Beyond Bling

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 09:22:00 EST

Sometimes a yarn's carbon footprint isn't the only thing to consider. Take this week's yarn from Tilli Tomas as an example. Yes, this succulent blend of Merino, cashmere and silk was spun and dyed in India before being shipped to the U.S.A. But Tilli Tomas has also used some of its proceeds to establish several safe houses in India to help impoverished women learn skills and achieve financial independence. That's what I'd call a karmic footprint, and it's pretty good. In the forum we're forcing ourselves to examine our knitting strengths. What a concept!

April 24, 2008: Denise Goes Soft

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:22:00 EST

If I had to come up with one thing I didn't particularly like about the Denise Intechangeable Needles, it'd be their plastic case. Yes, I know the needles are also plastic. And I know that the Denise case is organizationally perfect. It's just not very cuddly. All that has changed with The Denise Organizer. Sold separately, it's a cloth case made entirely in the U.S.A. I review the highly portable, flexible, and huggable case this week. And in the Forums, we're talking about (gasp) how many knitting bags we have.

April 17, 2008: A New Twist on Lace

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:22:00 EST

When you dye yarns naturally, introducing new fibers to the mix isn't always easy. But Darlene Hayes has done just that with the addition of her new Nature's Palette Silk and Wool Lace-Weight. But this isn't just your ordinary hand-dyed two-ply lace-weight yarn -- it has a different twist composition that makes a world of difference. And in the Forums, we're talking about yarn diets and spring-induced startitis.

April 10, 2008: Lessons from the Harlot

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:25:00 EST

Master storyteller Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is back with yet another collection of witty essays drawing observations from the life lessons knitting has taught her. And in true Stephanie style, the conversation goes all over the place -- from cognitive psychology to miniature cows and a woman who actually gave up birth control for a month so she could afford yarn.

April 3, 2008: Signature Single-Points

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:05:00 EST

If the KR polls are any indication, not a ton of knitters use single-pointed straight needles. So why do people continue to make them? Because some knitters really, really love using these needles, that's why. And this week I introduce a sleek new customizable aluminum needle that may draw some circular converts too. In the forums, we're discussing our dream yarn storage setup. And in the KR Boutique, all the T-shirts are on closeout and priced to go, go, go!

March 27, 2008: Revisiting Montana Mountain

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EST

Two years ago I told you about a guy in Montana who made wooden knitting needles for his wife's yarn store. Not only is Sam Bolton still turning his wooden needles, but he's improved upon the needle tip and added a whole series of exotic woods to his repertoire. This week I take a closer look at Sam's latest batch of needles.

March 20, 2008: Liking Linen

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EST

I'm not all that fond of knitting with linen because the fiber can be a bit firm and unyielding. Mind you, I love the finished results -- just not the knitting process. For that reason, I didn't expect to like the yarn I reviewed this week. Almost equal parts linen, alpaca, and wool, the yarn is called Soft Linen and it's designed to get you through those transitional months when Mother Nature can't make up her mind.

March 13, 2008: The Lure of Fuzz

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:05:00 EST

I have a certain weakness for angora -- almost as much as I do for cashmere and qiviut. Last weekend I taught a class about yarn at Halcyon Yarn in Bath, Maine, and that's where I fell prey to a particularly alluring angora/merino blend they had on display. Its name? Sublime. And this week I sacrifice a skein to the swatch gods and goddesses to see if it really lives up to that name.

March 6, 2008: Kureyon for Socks

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:11:00 EST

If you told me you wanted to knit socks out of a fine single-ply yarn, I'd check your temperature and ask if you were feeling ok. Socks are like yarn-torture machines, and most traditional single-ply yarns just won't hack it. But the folks at Noro did a few things to fortify their new fingering-weight version of Kureyon. And to erase any doubts about the yarn's purpose, they named it Kureyon Sock. We give it a swatch to see how it fares.

February 28, 2008: Se Habla Knittish?

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST

When knitters talk to one another, non-knitters in the vicinity may think we're talking gibberish. What's this about frogging and tinking and the LYS? But of course we know what we're talking about, at least most of the time. This week I look at two books that explore the language of knitting and knitters. And in the Forums, is it ok to tie the occasional knot?

February 21, 2008: Superwash Socks

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:30:00 EST

Sock knitters, I have another yarn for you! It's a superwash three-ply worsted wool from Uruguay that comes in giant skeins, tons of colors, and costs less than $20. And in the forums, does it really matter how fast you knit?

February 14, 2008: Magical Magnets

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST

You're halfway through a 28-row lace pattern when the phone rings. You put down your knitting and go to the phone for a nice long chat with a friend. Only after you hang up the phone do you realize that you forgot to mark where you were in the chart. Was it row 14? Or row 16? You slowly study the stitches you just worked to try and reconstruct where you were before the phone rang--and you curse yourself for not having a better system in place. Well, this week I show you a very simple tool that almost guarantees you'll never lose your place in a chart or pattern again, no matter how many times the phone rings.

February 7, 2008: Meet the Buffalo Gal

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST

Following right on the heels (or hooves?) of last week's Buffalo Gold yarn review, in which we met the buffalo guys Ron and Cecil Miskin, I present a splendid new bison/Merino blend from a buffalo gal and legendary fiber artist Judith MacKenzie McCuin. Its name? Why, Buffalo Gals Yarn of course! And in the Forums, did you even know you could turn a cable without a needle?

January 31, 2008: Git Along Little Bisons

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

What's a reviewer to do when she likes the people who make a product, but she really isn't all that crazy about the product? She holds her tongue, bides her time, and hopes that the product will get better. Which wasn't very hard to do, because the Buffalo Gold guys are constantly working to improve their yarn. Finally, with the release of the unimaginatively named "#11" we have ourselves an exceptionally review-worthy yarn, which I review this week. And in the Forums, Lauren needs some recommendations for a durable superwash wool for kids.

January 24, 2008: Going Green

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

When Beth Casey bought Lorna's Laces some five years ago, I was skeptical. Who was this newcomer, and how could she possibly maintain what Lorna Miser had created? Today I stand corrected. Not only has Beth nurtured and expanded the business, but she has added her own unique mark -- most recently with the release of her Green Line yarns. They're so new that you won't find them at your LYS yet, so I take you on a virtual test-knit instead. And in the Forums, we're talking about those yarns that get better and better with wear.

January 17, 2008: California Dreaming

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

I just returned from the winter TNNA trade show in Long Beach, California, where I was surrounded by yarn for three solid days. Join me for a look behind the closed doors at what was bought, sold, signed, and talked about--and what may be headed to your LYS in the near future. And in the Forums we're discussing the number of works-in-progress in our stashes and the chances of our ever finishign them.

January 10, 2008: The Swiss Surprise

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

I've never reviewed a yarn from Switzerland before. But then again, this week's featured yarn was only SPUN in Switzerland. The other half of its life comes from the dyepots of Hand Maiden in Nova Scotia. And quite frankly, the resulting yarn -- which I review this week -- has given me a severe case of the vapors. In the Forum we're discussing the accuracy of weighing finished garments to finish out how much yarn you used for them. Does a kitchen scale really work?

January 3, 2008: Spinnery Socks

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:28:00 EST

Happy New Year! It's good to be back. I spent my time off nursing a cold and, what else? Playing with yarn. I couldn't help it, though. This yarn was a gorgeous new sock yarn from Green Mountain Spinnery -- and it's the focus of this week's review. In the Forums, we share tips and advice for making the most of our magazine archives.

December 20, 2007: The Year in Review

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:28:00 EST

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Well maybe not exactly, but 2007 was quite a year wasn't it? Because this is our last newsletter of the year (I'll be off next week visiting family and playing with yarn), join me aboard the U.S.S. Nostalgia for a look back at the year we've just shared. And in the Forums, Pat is knitting her very first sock and wants to know how long it takes, on average, to make a normal pair of socks. Shall we warn her about Second Sock Syndrome or just let her figure it out for herself?

December 13, 2007: Knitter's Block

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:28:00 EST

Is your bed tired of being used as a makeshift blocking board? Does your carpet tremble every time you approach it with a new finished product and your sharpest blocking pins? Then read on. This week I introduce not just a new blocking product but a whole concept for blocking that takes you away from the rectangle and allows you to create the shape of whatever you're blocking. Within reason, of course. And in the Forums, we have a cold-weather knitter suddenly faced with the prospect of moving to a warm climate and terrified that she'll never want to knit again. Warm-weather knitters, she needs your reassurance!

December 6, 2007: The Gift List

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 08:28:00 EST

Every year I try to fool myself into believing I'll knit everyone their gifts for the holidays. And every year, I reach this week and realize that it isn't going to happen. For the knitters on my list -- and on yours -- I offer this year's selection of 10 great knitterly gifts. And in the Forums, tell us who's on your do-not-knit list!

November 29, 2007: A Well-Stuffed Stocking

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

Welcome back! I have a special treat for you this week. Cat Bordhi has just designed her grandson;apos;s very first Christmas stocking, and she shares the pattern with us. Even if stockings don't float your boat, check out the "disproportionate waste yarn technique" she uses in the pattern -- and which she illustrates with two special videos on Youtube. In the Forums, we're talking about our very favorite super-soft and colorful scarf yarns.

November 15, 2007: Back from Paradise

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

Last weekend I was joined by 90 knitters from Maine to Florida, Oregon and California. We came together for the sixth-annual Knitter's Review Retreat. It's our time to get away from it all and play with yarn -- with people who love yarn as much as we do -- for three solid days. For those who could only be with us in spirit, I've brought back many pictures and stories from the weekend. And in the Forums this week we're talking about what it's like to knit among non-knitters.

November 8, 2007: What's Your Handle?

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:28:00 EST

I love knitted bags, but I don't always love the handles out there. I mean really, how many different ways can you use fake bamboo handles on a purse, anyway? But this week I present an elegant leather alternative from a two-person company called Homestead Heirlooms. Speaking of home, this week in the Forum we're talking about having a space of our own for our knitting stuff. Do you have one?

November 1, 2007: Heading into Winter

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

I'm a serial scarf knitter. Scarves happen when I fall in love with a yarn and can't stop swatching. Hats don't come as easily, though. Many knitting books offer instructions for gorgeous and elaborate hat concoctions, but sometimes I just want simple, basic, flexible hat instructions to follow as I embark upon my own creative journey. This week I sit down with Sarah Bradberry's >The Any Yarn, Any Size Knit Hat Book to find out if she fills the void. And in the Forum, let's get Antonia out of her knitting funk!

October 25th, 2007: Rhinebeck Revelry

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

Last Saturday, some 12,000 people packed the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. The next day, many more followed suit. What drew these people? Promises of fame and fortune? Were the Rolling Stones giving a free concert? Nope. It was the 35th annual New York State Sheep and Wool Festival. I was there and took pictures for you. And in the Forum, one distraught member wonders if she's the only knitter on the planet who frequently has to frog her work. Let's reassure her, shall we?

October 18th, 2007: A Silver Anniversary for SOAR

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

Interweave's annual Spin-Off Autumn Retreat turned 25 this year. That's a mighty big number, and SOAR is a mighty special event. I liken it to the MIT of fiber gatherings. It's seriously geeky but in an energizing and totally inspiring sort of way. I traveled to Michigan last weekend for the first half of the event and share photos and stories with you this week. And in the Forums, we're talking about the knitting catalogs we love and hate to receive in the mail.

October 11th, 2007: The Big Book

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

It's so close I can almost touch it! And on October 16th, you too will be able to touch my new book, The Knitter's Book of Yarn. This week I celebrate this milestone by sharing the delightfully simple and suitably named Maine Morning Mitts pattern from the book. They beg to be knit in La Lana, Noro, or any other stunning multicolor single--although they also look great in other yarns too. For those who enjoy peeking behind the scenes, I also offer a more personal under-the-covers look at why and how this book came to be. And in the Forums, believe it or not we're already discussing holiday projects! Any recommendations for sure-fire winners?

October 4th, 2007: Cormo Chameleon

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 08:28:00 EST

Remember those TV ads where Mr. Whipple was endlessly trying to stop people from squeezing the Charmin? Well, this week I have the yarn version of Mr. Whipple's ward. It's called Cormo Alpaca Classic, and it comes to us from a 220-acre sheep farm in western Massachusetts. And yes, you'll want to squeeze it. In the Forums, join in our discussion of where to get the best buttons.

September 27th, 2007: Como se Llama?

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Poor llamas. While their glitzy cousins the alpaca, vicuna, and guanaco elicit endless oohs and aahs, the llama usually ends up serving security duty out in the field. But did you know that llamas can grow fibers as soft as alpaca, and in some cases even softer? This week I prove the point when I take a closer look at Royal Llama Silk, a brand new release from Plymouth Yarn. In the Forums, we're discussing post-project depression and ways to overcome it.

September 20th, 2007: Knitting Out Loud

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Kathy Goldner works at warp speed. In April, she was inspired to start a knitting audiobook company. And just three days ago, she handed me two complete audiobooks--Melanie Falick's America Knits and Lela Nargi's Knitting Memories. I introduce Kathy, her business, and those books this week. And in the Forums, we're pondering the forces behind projects we finish and those we don't.

September 13th, 2007: Missed Milestones and an Organic Experience

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:28:00 EST

Last week's newsletter marked the seventh anniversary of Knitter's Review--and I didn't even think of it until after I pushed the "send" button. This milestone is even more meaningful for me this year because, in just one month, my very own book about yarn will hit the shelves. It has been quite an adventure, and I look forward to sharing seven more years of it with you. Speaking of adventures, this week's review has a little something in common with a chance encounter I had two years ago with a flock of sheep in the mountains west of Taos. Finally, am I the only one who gets a serious case of startitis in the fall? We're discussing this phenomenon in the Forums.

September 6th, 2007: Taming the Triangle

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:28:00 EST

Evelyn Clark is the mistress of triangular lace shawl designs. Her Flower Basket, Shoalwater, and Leaf Lace shawls (all distributed by Fiber Trends) are among the most popular patterns ever designed, and certainly among my favorites. Recently she published a little booklet called Knitting Lace Triangles. Being a huge fan of Evelyn's work, I eagerly snatched up a copy to see if she finally reveals her triangle trade secrets -- and offer this review.

August 30th, 2007: Self-Made Semisolids

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:28:00 EST

Instead of waiting and waiting for your favorite hand-dyer to release her latest batch of semisolid yarns, only to have them all sold out from under you within a matter of minutes, why not dye the yarn yourself? I tried it this week using Louet's Hand-Dyed Sock Kit and file a full report with tips, warnings, and loads of pictures.

August 23rd, 2007: Semisolid Hand-Dyeds and the Hedgerow Sock Pattern

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:39:00 EST

Several of the smaller, boutique hand-dyers are turning their attention to semisolid colors--those beautiful shades built upon layers of shadow, nuance, and subtle saturation differences. Many of these boutique hand-dyers are also, alas, too small to feature in a standalone yarn review. So this week we do something a little special: Jane Cochran has designed a sock pattern that you can use with almost any semisolid sock yarn you find. I give you some of my favorite sources, too.

August 16th, 2007: Socks That Sparkle

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:20:00 EST

We show you a brand new yarn named Sterling. Guess what precious metal it contains? In the Forums, we're sharing our favorite tips for easier knitting. And last but not least, we've got details about the 2007 Knitter's Review Retreat!

August 9th, 2007: Socks Soar Again

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST

Cat Bordhi's long-awaited new sock book, our favorite lace shawl yarns and patterns, and Stitches Midwest

August 2nd, 2007: Four Books for Feet

editor@knittersreview.com (Clara Parkes) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:58:00 EST

Four sock books that float, preparing grab-and-go project bags, and the Maine Fiberarts Open Studio and Farm Weekend