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Date Night at Gran Sasso
It was almost pitch black out, there wasn’t a single house in sight. The mountains were reduced to hulking shadows that shifted around us as we made our way back down from the peak of Gran Sasso. We were blasting “Locked Outta Heaven” in the car and were both belting out the lyrics. I love […]
A New Adventure
After eight torturous months of recovery from a spinal injury and complications from my rheumatoid arthritis, I find myself thousands of miles from the bed to which I had been confined for so long. The clean scent of damp stone is wafting into the kitchen through the open doors of the terrace while rain pours down […]
New Lace Design!
The knitting machine and I had been getting along better after my last project, there had been significantly less screaming and cursing. Of course I immediately began to miss the drama and couldn’t take all my newfound tranquility. So I did what I always do in these situations, design something much more difficult. One night […]
A Foray Into Lingerie
So my design ADD has kicked in again and I am now obsessed with idea of knit lingerie. I wanted to make stuff that is a little more comfy and sturdy while still being sexy so that you could actually sleep in it if you wanted to. So, I went about the task of studying […]
Blood, Sweat, Tears…and Lace
There is a common misconception about machine knitting. Most hand knitters think that it’s “cheating” and that the machine does most of the work for you. I’ll admit that I felt the same way until my arthritis forced me to try it. You know what I have found? The machine does not do most of […]
How to Line a Hand Knit or Crochet Bag
I got a request on Instagram to write a tutorial on how I line my hand knit and crochet bags, so here it is! I know everyone hates fussy finishing techniques but I highly recommend lining your bags. The lining will make your project look much more professional and will prevent it from stretching out […]
The Sparkle List #4
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy this holiday-themed edition of the Sparkle List! 1. These adorable knit pumpkins make a great Thanksgiving meal centerpiece. 2. The highly anticipated Black Friday shopping at Amazon.com includes this Isotoner knit beanie, available for only $15.75. 3. Part of Thanksgiving is to appreciate what you have in life, but it […]
The Sparkle List #2
The sudden turn to chilly weather has brought images of cozy and chunky knits to mind. This week’s list is devoted to the thick and plush yarns and the warm knitted creations that make brilliant use of of them. 1. Loving the glamorous combination of a luxurious and bold knit with fur. 2.This adorable […]
Fair Isle Charity Hat Pattern
I’ve been gone for a while but I come bearing gifts – a free hat pattern! So, they are having a charity drive at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio to collect donations for Hats 4 the Homeless. I was inspired to donate but of course with me being me I couldn’t just use any pattern, […]
The Sparkle List #1
This very first installment of the Sparkle List is all about cables. One of the most popular and unique stitches in knitting, cables have had a major role in the history and culture of knitwear. From Aran fisherman sweaters to the Fall 2013 Dior couture show, this stitch has shown its tried and true sense […]