So maybe you're just starting out as a knitter and you're dropping stitches like they're hot. You've got holes in your fabric and it's giving you heartburn! First, on a practical note, this tutorial on dropped stitches will help you out. Second, the glitch movement will make you feel better! Japanese artist and musician Nukeme has hacked a knitting machine to intentionally create holes in ... keep reading >>
Knitting in Movies: Enough Said
In honour of the Oscars this Sunday, I bring you not one but two Knitting Movie Moments this week! And boy, is this film rife with them! Enough Said has everything you'd want in a good rom-com. It's funny, sweet, smart and features an irresistible couple in the form of Julia Louis-Dreyfus (aka. Elaine from Seinfeld) and James Gandolfini, who plays so opposite to type you'll have a hard time ... keep reading >>
Knitting in Movies: Frances Ha
I love films and I love knitting, so when the two merge I get so excited I lose all my senses. In a darkened movie theatre I'll shout, "Oh my gosh! She's knitting!" My fellow movie-goers will then shush me or turn around in their seats to frown disapprovingly. But I can't be bothered because I've found a Knitting Movie Moment. Aww yeah! Finding a Knitting Movie Moment is like stumbling across a ... keep reading >>
Fall 2014 Style Trends: Oversized Sweaters & Sensible Shoes
I'm a creature of comfort, and I'm also from the Pacific Northwest, so, naturally, I love hoodies, polar fleece and rain boots. Yeah, it's a stereotype, but in my case it's 100% true! But despite this, I still love fashion. How to reconcile the two? Well, the fashion stars seem to be aligning in 2014. Deborah Needleman of the NY Times Style Magazine points out a few style trends at NY Fashion ... keep reading >>
How Did You Learn to Knit?
When I was 14, my mom's friend, an older auntie*, sat me on a chair in her living room and taught me how to knit. I don't remember if I had requested to learn or if she had decided it was a necessary skill for young girl like me. Either way, I found myself on a Saturday afternoon, trying with little luck to pick up some dropped stitches. All the while auntie reclined on her loveseat and chatted ... keep reading >>
The History of Knitting Pt 2: Madonnas, Stockings and Guilds, Oh My!
In Part 1 of “The History of Knitting,” you learned that knitting most likely began in Egypt at around 1000 AD. From Egypt, knitting spread into Spain - carried over by Arabs during the Islamic Conquest or brought back by Spaniards during the Crusades - before exploding into the rest of Europe. What we know about early European knitting is that it was mostly confined to the very rich, very royal ... keep reading >>
The History of Knitting Pt 1: Mysterious Origins
Who invented knitting? Was it a sage or a shaman who one day picked up two sticks, some string, and began the incredible act of knitting? Was this ancient genius filled with divine inspiration or dark magic? Could it have been a lucky accident? When I began researching the history of knitting, I expected legends and myths and maybe a few charming fairy tales. What fun it would be to discover ... keep reading >>