Posted by meexie on 2004-12-27 15:09:47
Post Subject:
You can put the ribbon on a spool (or in a box, with a long knitting needle stuck through it) so that the ribbon unwinds (like toilet paper - sorry, can't think of a better description) and knit very carefully so it won't twist. The results will look like weaving and not knitting. Books that describe this: Principles of Knitting and The Reader's Digest Knitter's Handbook.
A little twisting is fine - most of the patterns for ribbon yarns these days expect that. You could still do the box and needle to keep it from tangling up as you work. To unravel, just hold the yarn close to the stitch and tug very gently. Time-consuming, yes.
If the cast-on is the biggest problem, maybe you could try doing a provisional cast-on with waste yarn, then going back later to loosely bind it off?
Posted by teagrrl on 2005-08-01 22:34:15
Post Subject:
What kind of lace? You can crochet or knit lace, many old crochet or knitting books will have patterns for it (I say "old" because not many of the newer ones have lace patterns), or you could probably find a bunch of patterns online.
Posted by janaka on 2007-06-05 08:31:22
Post Subject:
books i would take with me:
all my isabel allende books, my women's fiction books (the lovely bones, secret life of bees, etc.), my knitting books, my judaica/holocaust books.
all the nancy drews that were my moms and all the little house books and all the little girl classics that i have been schlepping around with me i just sent to my goddaughter. it lightened the load, and i knew that she would enjoy them....when she learns to read.
Posted by Formiga on 2007-03-30 22:40:31
Post Subject:
I got these a few years ago as a gift and love love love them. It''s so nice to know that I can just jump into a project.
I haven''t used straight needles since I got these. Knitting is so much more comfortable with short bendy needles (I have rather short arms). Plus, because they''re plastic, they''re silent which means that I can take them to class/movies/wherever and I don''t bother anyone. I''ve even used these in the place of double sided (although it''s a bit of a hassle).
My only critique is that once you pull all the cords out of the box it''s almost impossible to figure out how to fit them back in again the same way. They should include a diagram with the box. I love that the box fits into a bookcase along with my knitting books. It makes life that much more neat.
I''ve never had a cord come unattached from a needle.
Last time I checked these are the only needles you are allowed to carry on a plane.
After my dog ate a whole bunch of cords I had to order more and the experience couldn''t have been more pleasant. Everything arrived quickly and as ordered.
Posted by ti on 2005-02-14 08:50:03
Post Subject: new SnB - have you seen this?????
Hi y'all:
Not sure if you have seen this! from Debbie Stoller on another forum *blush* but this is my favorite forum ;) and wanted to share!
I thought it was pretty cool since I learned to crochet first ... then learned to knit.
Voulez Vous Crochet Avec Moi? Call for submissions for next SnB book
Hi there -
I'm writing to tell you about my latest Stitch 'n Bitch book project, and to invite you to contribute to it. The subject of this next book is going to be crochet. I know— blasphemy!!—but where I'm from, if you're a needleworker you're a needleworker, and there's no reason not to add more mad skillz to your repertoire. Besides, crochet has it's benefits: It's much easier to do on the beach (I always pick up a few crochet projects over the summer); if you're already a knitter, some of your skills can easily translate over to crochet (especially if you knit left-handed); and crocheting is just plain better at certain things than knitting is. This book will be the perfect crochet primer for both total newbies as well as those with developed knitting skills, and will include special "for knitters only" tips to help you get through the rough spots. Not only that, even if you've never felt the urge to get hooking before, the projects in this book will be so cool, they'll make you want to give it a try.
Speaking of cool projects, that's where you come in: I'm looking for contributions of the funnest, most awesome, hippest crochet projects, using any and all crochet methods (the book will cover it all), from the simple to the more challenging. The projects can range from clothing to accessories to household items to jewelry to baby things and pet items. Whether you're a closet or out-in-the-open crocheter, I'd love you to contribute to the book. Even first-time designers are invited to contribute. If you're familiar with my two knitting books, you know the kinds of things I'm looking for.
But get crackin', because the deadline is March 7th!
To contribute, please send the following:
1) If you have a completed project, please send a few good-quality photos of the item, along with a detailed description of it. Please email your photos and description to me at stitchnbitch@bust.com, and be sure to include your full name, email addresses, daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. You can also mail these to me here: Debbie Stoller, BUST Magazine, 78 Fifth Ave, 5th floor, New York, NY 10011.
OR
2) If you have an idea for a project but have not yet completed it, that's okay too. Just send me a very clear, detailed sketch of your idea, along with a photo of a swatch made in the yarns and stitch pattern you plan to use. This swatch should be rather large: 10" x 10" would be the best, if it's possible (for some types of projects that might not be possible.) Email that to me at stitchnbitch@bust.com, and be sure to include your full name, email addresses, daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. You can also mail these to me here: Debbie Stoller, BUST Magazine, 78 Fifth Ave, 5th floor, New York, NY 10011.
If your project is accepted, you will be provided with the yarn you need to produce a sample, which will be photographed for the book and kept by me (to take on tour, 'natch!). You will also be paid for your submission, and will receive a free copy of the book once it is completed.
If you have any questions about the process, feel free to email me. Thanks in advance, everyone!
xxxooo debbie stoller
Author, "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" and "Stitch 'n Bitch Nation"
http://www.knithappens.com
p.s. Knitters, don't fret. You haven't seen the last of my knitting books yet.
Posted by sugar cookie on 2005-12-28 09:57:37
Post Subject: what are your favorite knitting books?
i am knitting lately, it is a good wintery activity. so, what are your favorite knitting books that help explain techniques or that are fun for patterns?
i like, of course, the stitch and bitch books for teaching, and for fun patterns i like jess hutchison's (www.jesshutch.com) toy book.
Posted by jezze on 2005-09-23 03:20:16
Post Subject:
Most of the knitting patterns you can find online are a bit oldfashioned, but it's the same with knitting books. It's mostly down to how you search, which just takes some practice - try searching 'funky knitting patterns' or 'funfur knitting patterns' or 'hat knitting patterns' or search for a particular yarn. Also helpful is to go to knitting blogs and follow the links other people have found useful. It takes a bit of trawling, but there are some great patterns out there. And even the grannyish ones can be surprisingly useful if you're prepared to modify them.
Oh, and if you find a good pattern, bookmark it.
This site is good:
http://www.girlfromauntie.com/
Posted by redheadedali on 2004-11-16 22:55:32
Post Subject:
I want:
Lots of knitting books
Some crochet books
Seasons of Gilmore Girls and Angel on DVD
A digital camera
The new U2 CD
Gift cards to places that sell books and craft supplies
My two front teeth (hee hee)
Posted by lovechicken on 2005-02-24 15:12:41
Post Subject:
- Coca Cola in glass bottles
- Grapefruit
- Sheepette (new stuffed sheep I hug when I sleep)
- Extreme Makeover - Home Edition
- Ty & Paul on EMHE
- Getting knitting books in mail
- Hem
- 10 days vacation coming in 14 days
- Candy (ALL varieties)
- BUST
- Snow outside my window
- Paint
- Sparkly fingernails
- Coffee
- Creme brulee scented lotion & perfume
Posted by h_pets360 on 2005-05-24 10:14:54
Post Subject:
"stitch n' bitch" "you mean that knitting book"
"yeah, duh!"
the only commercial enterprise i think of when i think of stich n' bitch is "those knitting books" ... and the future crochet one!!!
while i would've thought the "sew fast sew easy" site was alright, they're not particularly crazy innovative or anything, and they definately are heavily influenced by other crafty sources. i think we all are, and it's relatively difficult to come up with something brand spanking completely new.
when i think "stitch n bitch" i think of feminism. i think of reclaiming craftiness from stereotypes, i think of crafting ironically and for fun and pleasure. i think of smashing the corporate and religious and tradition mandatated rigidity of what a girl is and what a girl does. girls getting together and causing a ruckus. making something tangible and wonderful.
damn, i'm a pansy! i'm almost getting misty eyed.
and when i think of "stitch n' bitch" i think of sharing. especially if it's something, like that phrase, that doesn't belong to me in the first place.
i did just get off a 12 hour night shift, so go easy on my typos.
Posted by fishfeet on 2005-02-01 13:28:43
Post Subject: Feminist knitters
Great topic for discussion. I myself am a relatively new knitter, but have crocheted for years. I think it is interesting that you bring up the relationship between knitting (and crafting in general) and feminism. Many of the "younger generation" knitting books address this phenomenom and refer to reclaiming knitting from being considered an anti feminist activity. I think it is also important to reclaim the word feminist, because I know many women (and men) who feel it has a negative conotation. Personally I define feminism as equality between the sexes, both economically and socially. To answer the rest of your questions:
What role does knitting play in a women's life?
- I think that knitting plays the role that any other hobby plays in peoples lives. It is something that interests them, gives them joy, it is a outlet of creativity and allows them to connect with others who enjoy the same activity.
Do most girls today take up knitting with the SnB mentality?
-I don't necessarily believe that girls take up knitting with the idea that it is a feminist thing to do, however I can't speak for most girls so I don't know what their motives are. For myself, as a relatively new knitter and a feminist, I did not take up knitting in order to reclaim the knitting as a feminist activity, I just like to do it.
Why does knitting have such a cult following?
- I definately think that the number of knitters has increased recently. There are many new yarn stores popping up, new books and magazines about the subject, etc. I don't know the exact reason, but I think that our societies wants and needs are cyclical. For example, after years of pre-packaged, preservative laden foods, people are starting to shift back to fresh, organic ingredients, and making their own food from scratch. I think the same is true with hobbies and crafts, people are knitting in order to find a way to cope with the rush rush lifestyle that everyone has grown accustomed to. I don't really know if this answers the question, but it is the only way I know how to explain it.
Why did I start knitting?
I actually learned to knit during a year I spent in a program called Americorps. For 10 months I was working with a group of other people on different volunteer projects. We traveled around the country and our accommodations were sparse. We didn't usually have a tv, and we didn't have access to a vehicle all of the time. In order to pass what little down time we did have many of the people in the program learned to knit and crochet. At the time it was a relatively inexpensive and portable hobby. During that time, I spent more time crocheting, mainly because it was easier for me (my mom had taught me years ago) but I just recently started knitting because of the versatility of the items you can create.
Do I identify as a feminist?
-yes
What does knitting do for me?
-I just really enjoy working with yarn and fibers, as well as the rhythmic motions of knitting and crocheting. It is relaxing as well as a way to do or make something. As a business student, I have very little opportunity throughout my day to actually make something with my hands, knitting gives me an outlet to do this.
Thanks for the discussion, and good luck on your thesis. I hope you get some valuable information that will assist in writing it.
Posted by KnittyMomma on 2005-03-13 16:49:29
Post Subject: "smart" books
I've begun reading zines lately and the authors will reference all these books that I have never even heard of. I started looking at my book collection and realized that the majority of my books are fluff or non-sense books. I have *of course* the whole Harry Potter series to date, the whole Lemony Snickets series", Way too many knitting books for my expertise level, a whole mess of parenting books, and just a couple books I would consider borderline "smart" books including:
Johnny Got A Gun
She's Come Undone
The Girl With The Pearl Earring
a Dean Koontz novel (though not sure which one)
Tommy Knockers
and that's it. I'm ready to read some *adult*(though not erotic) books, fiction or fact. So which ones make you feel smart when reading (or when someone sees you reading it). In other words: which are your favorite books you couldn't understand until late high school/college or later? Or didn't affect you/pertain to you until then?
Posted by jangrl on 2005-05-29 23:59:01
Post Subject:
dang girl you got so much done so quickly! i am so jealous.
i am working on the backgammon bag (with the cardigan rib) and it's taking forever.
i'm also working on corcheting another case for my ipod, and fixing my necklace of turqoise beads (it broke about 2 years ago from overuse and i barely learned to tie on a clasp. yeah it's taking me a while).
my friend just let me borrow a few of her knitting books, including one with these incredible scarf patterns. i'm so tempted to get started but i already have so many projects that are half-done!
i have a list of projects to work on but do you see me working on them? not at all.
Posted by violet13 on 2005-07-21 10:24:13
Post Subject:
Cookbooks are in the kitchen
Knitting books are in the livingroom on an endtable because thats where I knit.
Craft books are my craft room, then ordered by type of craft.
All other books are in a small room we call the library(it just fits the computer & 3 book shelves). They are ordered by subject. The fiction is in 3 subjects of novels, short stories, and poetry.
I keep teasing my soon to be husband that one day I'll come home and all the books will cataloged and have call numbers on the spines. He's toyed with the idea but we really don't have that many books.
Posted by quixotic on 2005-12-01 11:21:02
Post Subject:
the reason why i was so sad about this post in the beginning was because it seemed to be following this mode of thought:
pre-2000: knitting wasn't deemed cool. (by the media)
around 2000: knitting started getting "hip" by the media.
2000-present: knitting is all the place in the media.
2005: knitting has been so over the place about young hip women knitting that people are becoming bored by it (says the media), so why not move to men?
what's wrong with it?
it's all following a mindset that the media is feeding us, and not following our own revelations.
knitting in modernity *is* a political act to me, no matter who does it. because by knitting you are speaking up against a label-culture and creating your own "brand," so to speak. you are reclaiming your wardrobe, which is political in a world where there is so much controversy about where the clothes on our backs originate.
in regards to the "this forum isn't welcome to people like me, you people are all the same" argument, this type of post comes up in every web board, just as it has probably in every town meeting for eons. because it's not a problem if it's different opinions are worded respectfully. the choices we make in our vocabulary do (especially online) dictate the reactions of others, some of which are knee-jerk.
in regards to john's statement of "I'm curious where the idea comes from that knitting is more valued or cooler because men knit," i seriously don't think that knitting is seen as cooler or more valued because men knit. honestly, look at the scores of articles regarding young hip women knitting. there are literally thousands. go to amazon and do a search of upcoming knitting books written by women. hundreds.
in publicizing the fact that men knit, the media is just getting further inches out of the same topic they've been covering so avidly for awhile now. it was only a matter of time before they latched went from young hip women to men in a quest to sell more issues. in weighing what i see on the racks of newsstands and in books that are coming up (98% from women), i don't see a problem with a few articles/books that cater to men knitting.
do i think that they are pioneers? no. but i think that after the press dies down, the media will move to something else (children who learned to knit from either young hip women or men?) and everyone who is knitting for the love of it will keep knitting, regardless of gender.
Posted by elliela on 2004-12-31 12:49:06
Post Subject:
I am doing the same thing as Kitten.
As soon as I read a good book review or someone recommends something, I go right to my library website and reserve it.
In the case of stuff like cookbooks or knitting books, that will determine whether or not I will buy it.
I also love saving a ton of money, since books are so expensive.
Just started, "You Remind Me of Me" by Dan Chaon. I'm early into it, but so far so good.
Posted by Chelsea on 2005-04-14 02:32:43
Post Subject:
Hey, my first post.
I'm reading Death of an Ordinary Man by Glen Duncan - it's written differently than what I usually read, although I've only finished the first chapter. It's disjointed and has a lot of unfinished thoughts - but it fits since the first chapter is the guy realizing he's dead and looking over his family at his own funeral. Hopefully the rest is good.
Also reading a couple of knitting books. I wanted to learn how to knit a year or two ago, but gave up :) But with these I'm getting a little more inspired and motivated to learn how.
Posted by siouxsie_homemaker on 2004-08-20 14:02:32
Post Subject:
Hello Everyone!
My name's Drea, I'm 24 and I live in San Diego.
I'm new, and I love this forum to death! it's exactly what I've been looking for, cool ladies chatting about crafts and ramdomness. the best!
* I knit like a mad woman, and am learning to crochet and make recycled fabric goodies like rugs and quilts.
* can't sew in a straight line, and there's something so un-organic and frustrating about my sewing machine that I've abandoned it for now.
* puppy momma to one spunky little Schiperke dog named Calypso.
* girlfriend/partner of the hottest, most amazing Irishman in the universe.
* wonderful labels like pro-sex third wave punk feminist seem to roll off my tongue when decribing myself.
* when I'm not knitting I am an actress, and am currently working on an indie film here in SD.
* liberal arts school drop-out.
* Listen to everything from Neko Case and Belle and Sebastian to Harum Scarum and Sleater-Kinney. It's either pretty, or it's screaming.
* Ebay seller and kitch/antique addict.
* my bilogical clock is ticking so loudly sometimes I start looking at baby booty patterns in knitting books and then have to catch myself.
* My boyfriend and I are saving up to buy land and build a house in Taos New Mexico.
* Organizer for a local ladies social group. I'm also joining the committy that's putting otgether a Day Of the Dead Festival (that crochet skull pattern is gonna come in handy!). On top of that, I also volunteer for the local pirate radio station on occasion (helping out with promotion and fund-raiser events).
*my posts are generally long-winded.
Posted by KittenHasAWhip on 2004-12-31 15:10:48
Post Subject:
I am doing the same thing as Kitten.
As soon as I read a good book review or someone recommends something, I go right to my library website and reserve it.
In the case of stuff like cookbooks or knitting books, that will determine whether or not I will buy it.
I also love saving a ton of money, since books are so expensive.
Just started, "You Remind Me of Me" by Dan Chaon. I'm early into it, but so far so good.
The only problem I've found with my new system is that I now have something like 23 books checked out from the library. (I should say that a few of them are guidebooks that I only plan on flipping through before I return them after the holiday.) But I have something like 28 more items on hold, 7 of which are currently waiting for me at the library. A few are also DVD's, which is unfortunate since I had planned to watch them in my room while I crafted and my laptop is out getting repaired.
Why can't my books on hold come in one at a time? Instead like five or more of them all arrive at once. Oh well :) Thank goodness for online renewal so I don't forget to do that and for a job that gives me free moments to sit & read (Of course I asked for three of my next four shifts off so we'll see how much reading actually gets done. I usually do quite a bit of reading & writing while I'm at work.)
I'm also lucky. There's a HUGE used bookstore near where I go to school but they're really hit or miss, as I guess most used bookstores are.
And I'm almost done with The Tale of the Rose. Only about 30 more pages to go and I can add it to the stack of books to be returned to the library :) I think I might read The Birth of Venus next.
