#knitchat Saturdays: 12/31 Launching Selfish Knitting Month

The New Year is almost here, but some of us may have started “Selfish Knitting” after the Holiday gift-giving a little bit early. In this knitchat we’ll start thinking or planning what we want to knit in January. Don’t forget to vote for the Knit-a-long (see link below):

#KNITCHAT QUESTIONS:

Q1) Do you have plans for Selfish Knitting Month? What do you really want to knit? Patterns? How does it feel to be “done?”

Q2) What skills do you want to learn this year? (Note we will also use this time to share resources like books, videos, websites, & information with each other)

Q3) Have you voted for the #knitchat Knit-a-long (KAL) pattern on Ravelry? http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/knitchat/1949519 Do you plan to participate?

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: UK/US – December 31, 2011 – Saturday 8:00 AM PST / 4:00 PM London time.
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed. Some Twitter aps actually automatically shorten the links for you.

Image from the Morguefile

UK #knitchat 12/10 – Our First Transatlantic Chat

Hello everyone!

This is our first chance to chat with each other via a #knitchat on Twitter and I’m looking forward to it. Everyone grab a cup of tea and a pastry, biscuit or cake. Since this the first UK/US knitchat I thought we’d keep the discussion fairly simple and focus mainly on introductions and what we’re excited about learning (knitting-wise).

Please note I’m toying with the idea of hosting a Google Hangout instead of a Twitter chat in the same time slot (Saturday 8:00 AM PST) either the end of December or the beginning of January. If you are interested in participating in this or any other Twitter chats please follow me on Twitter. I am @cloudynatknit.

If you need a primer on how #knitchat works on Twitter please refer to the “DETAILS… DETAILS” section below. I’m not sure how many folks will join but there are a lot of folks the stream of tweets could get fast. It’s okay. Sometimes even I cannot keep up, but I do read the tweets the following day using Storify or http://hashtags.org/knitchat

#knitchat discussion questions:

Q1) Introductions: Name, Location, Ravelry ID (or nickname), Website, blog, podcast, etc.
Q2) What’s currently on your needles or hook right now?
Q3) What are you excited about learning (knitting-wise)? Anything you’d like to master?

 

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: UK/US – December 10, 2011 – Saturday 8:00 AM PST / 4:00 PM London time.
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed. Some Twitter aps actually automatically shorten the links for you.

#knitchat 12/8 Travel knitting

Traveling with your knitting isn’t always easy when you have a difficult time trying to decide which project or projects to bring with you. Also if you’re traveling by plane you often wonder what’s safe to bring with you. The TSA has officially noted that you can bring your knitting needles on the plane with you, cutting devices however, are another story. This knitchat will be dedicated to knitting on the go.

Knitchat questions for discussion:

Q1) Any general suggestions for travel knitting this Holiday season?

Q2) What types of patterns do you like to knit when you travel? Any pattern suggestions?

Q3) What sorts of tools do you bring with you during travel? How do you transport your projects?

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: Thursdays on the date listed above at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST (1 hour)
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed.

From Marmota's Dress Diaries

#knitchat 10/27/11 – Knitting on a Budget

Piggy Bank Knitting

Today we’re talking about knitting on a budget. Many of us are struggling to keep our households together and many are doing so on a shoestring. This discussion we’ll devote to sharing suggestions and tips for those who have make the most of their knitting 🙂

 

Questions for #knitchat are here:

Q1) What is your favorite strategy for knitting on a budget? Any incentives you give yourself?

Q2) Have you recycled yarn from other projects or store-bought sweaters? Lessons learned? Tips?

Q3) Any ideas or suggestions for buying yarn on a budget? Places you go?

 

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: Thursdays on the date listed above at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST (1 hour)
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed.

 

Holiday Cowl Workshop – Free Class Offer

Quick cowls make great holiday gifts

Need to make Holiday gifts and fast?

Or are you knitting for your several members of your family? Here’s a lovely Christmas gift that is both simple but stylish and elegant, but best of all this project is FAST! Natalie Laderas will teach this Saturday class at 10:30 on November 12 and a 2nd class on December 3. This special offer class is offered at a fee of $15 which includes the pattern. If you purchase your yarn and supplies at the Naked Sheep Knit Shop (North Portland, 2142 N. Killingsworth, 503-283-2004) the class is free! Skills featured in this class are using provisional cast on & kitchner stitch.

Sign up soon as class space is limited.

Materials needed

Version 1:

• 2 skeins Paloma any color (150 yds any extra bulky or polar weight yarn)
• 1 size 15 US circular needles 16” or size 15 US straight needles

Version 2:

• 2 skeins Di’Ve Autunno any color (180 yards bulky weight yarn)
• 1 size 11 US circular needles 16” or size 15 US straight needles

All projects require:

• Waste yarn
• Large darning needle
• Cable needle (DPN in the appropriate size will work too)

I will bring crochet hooks for those who do not have them.

Pre-requisite skills

You must be able to cast on, knit and purl. You must also be able to make a crochet chain.

#knitchat 9/15 – Vintage Knitting

 

Serviceable Jacket pattern from the early 1900's

Sometimes everything old does become new again. I’m fascinated by the history of knitting. Though to be frank I’ve been fascinated by the history of most things from and early age, and as I young child, I often thought I’d become an archaeologist.  There’s definitely something reassuring about being connected to traditions and practices of the past while you’re crafting in the present.

This week’s #knitchat is all about vintage knitting. If you are a big fan of vintage pieces or techniques or if you’re just curious and want to learn more, come join us.

Thank you @ookat01 on Twitter for coming up with the great idea for this chat 🙂

#knitchat Questions:

• Q1: Do u use or yearn to use vintage patterns or even add vintage touches to modern patterns? What attracts u to vintage looks? What era? Patterns?
• Q2: Do you use traditional materials, i.e. only natural fibers or only naturally colored yarns? If so what is your reason? Historical accuracy?
• Q3:  What vintage tools do you like to or long to use? Do you have a fantasy list? Or have you actually inherited or come by them? Tell us more.
• Q3a: Vintage tools can include sock machines, knitting sheaths, knitting belts, old needles etc.

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: Thursdays on the date listed above at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST (1 hour)
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed.

 

 

#knitchat 9/1: The Knitting Bucket List

Actually, the term “Bucket List” bothers me… just a little. This is perhaps because it is a reminder of our own mortality. Maybe I should think of this as more of my list of challenges I want to overcome while the rest of my life occurs. There I go candy-coating things again. On my “list” is knitting an incredibly intricate Estonian or Shetland lace shawl. On a larger scale, I’d like to knit some curtains.

Here are the #knitchat questions:

Q1) What skills (kniting, crochet or fibercraft-wise) are on your “Bucket List?” #knitchat

Q2) Any sweaters or projects on your Bucket List? Any epic dream projects? #knitchat

Q3) When you want to learn or accomplish a new skill what motivates you or keeps you going? #knitchat

 

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: Thursdays on the date listed above at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST (1 hour)
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed.

 

 

Crown Prince Shawl by Nancy Bush

 

 

#knitchat 8/18: Lace Q & A with Donna Druchunas

This next #knitchat we will have a very special guest moderating: Donna Druchunas of Artic Lace fame. Donna a knit designer and author of some pretty fascinating books about knitting and specifically lace including Arctic Lace and Successful Lace Knitting: Celebrating the Work of Dorothy Reade.  What I love about her books and explorations is she delves into the origins of patterns and techniques. In the Dorothy Reade book she took a close look at an inspiring past leader in the lace knitting community who investigated and shared what she learned about the ethnic lace.

Donna is going to hold a Question and Answer session during 8/18’s #knitchat. Come to the chat prepared with a question or two about lace and lace knitting. Donna will share her expertise with us, the #knitchat community. Are you excited to learn more about knitting lace? I am especially if Donna is teaching.

You can follow Donna on twitter as: @Druchunas

You can visit and read her riveting blog Sheep to Shawl

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: Thursdays on the date listed above at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST (1 hour)
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed.

#knitchat what makes a great social knitting experience?

I would not be the knitter I am today without the circle of people I’ve knit with in the past and present. This circle has become part of my ‘crafting family.’ During this knitchat we’ll talk about our experiences with social knitting.

Q1) Do you participate in a knitting circle or knit night? What’s you’re strongest motivation for joining in? If not, why not? Convenience? Distance or some other reasons?

Q2) Tell us what your social knitting experiences are like. What have you learned from social knitting. What makes a good social knitting experience?

Q3) Give a shout out to your local knit night or circle.

 

DETAILS… DETAILS… If you want to know more about what #knitchat is and how it works

• Where: Twitter (follow the #knitchat hashtag)
• When: Thursdays on the date listed above at 6:30 PM PST/9:30 PM EST (1 hour)
• Who: Me you and other Twitter Knitters/Crocheters & Fiber-crafters
• How: Need a primer on Twitter Chat… check this out: What does this Twitter chat thing look like?
• How: to post photos – 5 ways to share photos on Twitter
• How: to shorten your links. Simply paste your link into the field in http://bit.ly/ and shorten it. Copy and paste this link into the twitter feed.

Sock Summit – Natknit’s mini #pdx tour Part 2: Mississippi Avenue & North Portland

Hi there,

I love in North Portland or No Po as we affectionately call it. I love sharing all about my neighborhood with folks from out of town. Since you’re all knitters you’re doubly cool house guests. Also if you’re from Portland already and just want to hang out with some cool knitters then come along. If you’re not able to make it on Friday, just use the directions here and do the tour on your own. Do some of your own research to get comfortable with the Max System and the Google Map of the area as well. Here’s a link to the train schedule.

I’m sketching out more details of this plan. Right now I’m planning for Friday only. 

2:30 -2:45ish PM We’ll meet outside of the Convention Area near the “Big Bell” I’ll probably be there earlier just hanging out. I’m not sure how hot it will be so make sure you bring a water bottle or hotweather drink just in case. Anzen (Japanese grocery) across from the Convention Center sells beverages and so does the Starbucks inside.

2:45 We’ll walk down to catch the 3:09 Max Yellow line train (schedule). It’s not that far but I want to give us enough time to accommodate anyone who is a ‘leisurely’ walker and give us time to purchase our train tickets. If you purchase a whole day ticket you won’t have to worry about paying for one on the way back.

We’ll get off at N. Killingsworth. It takes roughly 15-20 minutes to make the trip on the train. Walk 4 blocks to the Naked Sheep Knit Shop near Killingsworth & Gay. I timed it and it’s about an 8-10 minute walk and I drag my feet.

Hang around the Naked Sheep for a bit, then walk back to the Killingsworth station. Take the train back one stop to the The N. Prescott stop and walk down Skidmore to Mississippi Ave 3 blocks.

My hope is that we’ll get done around dinner time. I plan to eat at the Carts at Mississippi Ave.  get a brewski at Probst Gastrobpub and then head to the Amnesia Brewery for more local beer. YES, we like BEER as much as we love coffee in Portland. Anything goes after that. If you’re interested in trying out one of the many places to eat on Mississippi it’s up to you. If a few people are interested in hanging around we can stay at Amnesia or go to any of the other lovely establishments on the street. 

This is very Portland, you see… just hanging out letting things develop as they will.

To get back to the convention center, you’d just walk to Failing st. from Mississippi Avenue. Take a right on Failing and walk to Failing Street Pedestrian Bridge. Walk over the bridge and straight to N. Interstate. Take a left and walk to the Max Station at Overlook Park.