The Modern Natural Dyer by Kristine Vejar, photography by Sara Remington, pub. STC Craft, 2015. This very thoughtful guide to natural dyeing captured my heart and my imagination. It explores various dyestuffs and encourages experimentation. It includes knitting and sewing projects as well as ready-made items. And it presents everything in an easy-to-use format without excessive page turning and cross-referencing. The author is Kristine Vejar, of A Verb for Keeping Warm. She has worked in Washington, D.C.'s Textile Museum and traveled to India on a Fulbright to study natural dyeing. The first chapter includes a glorious gallery of natural dyestuffs in various forms and used on various materials. A short paragraph describes each one, what it looks like and the range of colors it produces. Sara Remington's photography is sumptuous, and Alessandra Mortola's choices, styling, and backgrounds all work together perfectly. The accompanying text is succinct yet informative, including tips on where to find plants and how to extract the dye. Then comes a brief overview on choosing fiber. It covers animal, silk, bast, seed, and fibers manufactured from natural materials. Chapter 3 is the heart of the book: Dyeing 101. The steps are outlined, as well as features of indoor and outdoor workspaces, recommended and optional tools, and the value of a dye journal (as well as what to record in yours). Then each step is detailed, with supplementary photos. Natural dyeing seems a little like making tea . . . in an extraordinarily large pot! The "Dyeing With Whole Dyestuffs" chapter includes several fetching projects including an adorable and useful sewing kit done with "eco printing." This involves rolling whole flowers up in the fabric before simmering. The "Dyeing with Extracts" chapter features a couple of shade cards (one for protein-based and one for cellulose-based fibers) and volume-to-weight conversion charts. There are also eight projects including the useful Wanderlust Bags and the beautiful Sandstone Shawl (below). Each project clearly states a list of skills you will learn as you work. The next chapter explores indigo dyeing, an intriguing process which is different from other natural dyes. The final chapter covers surface design: painting and resist dyeing. Resist dyeing interests me the most. It uses thread, yarn, and even wooden blocks to create color patterns. Kristine includes a resource list, bibliography, and glossary, as well as an index. But this inspiring book is full of interesting trivia and gorgeous photography, even if you never put dyestuff to pot. I recommend this book for lovers of color everywhere, as well as those interested in natural dyes. Disclosure: The publisher sent Kangath a review copy of this book. Kangath was not otherwise compensated for the preceding review. All opinions expressed in Kangath's reviews are her own.
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The winners of my last giveaway, chosen by random number generator, are Chris D. Wareaglemom and Lucia. Congratulations! You have each won a ball of Daily DK from Willow Yarns---more than enough to knit the Faux Bow Baby Hat, featured in 101 One-Skein Wonders for Babies. Lucia---I'm sorry, the way my blog comments are stored changed without warning and I no longer have your email address! Please send me a way to contact you by October 30. Here's the entire list of sites on the blog tour. Feel free to take a belated tour! The bus will wait as long as you want. . . . Date Name, Project Name, Website 9/14/2015 Robin Allen Happy Hat, 151 https://atexasgirlknits.wordpress.com/ 9/15/2015 Joan Beebe Pop-Top Mittens, 184 http://ssknits.com/category/general/ 9/16/2015 Lindsay Lewchuk Ruffle Bumpkin, 108 www.knitecochic.com 9/17/2015 Gail Gelin Sleeveless Baby Thermals, 50 www.knocturnalknitter.blogspot.com 9/18/2015 Kim Whelan Monarch, 212 http://www.bskg.blogspot.com/2015/09/bskg-1st-guest-post.... 9/19/2015 Sarah Gomez Friendly Lizard, 234 http://www.alittlebittoknit.com/blog/new-pattern-friendly... 9/20/2015 Ranee Mueller Saint Catherine’s Cache-Coeur, 68 http://arabianknits.blogspot.com 9/21/2015 Rachel Henry Octopus Toy/Lovey, 232 http://remilyknits.com/2015/09/21/one-skein-wonders-for-b... 9/22/2015 Stana Dosova A Pair of Penguins, 218 http://stana-critters-etc.blogspot.com/2015/09/pair-of-pe... 9/23/2015 Debbie Haymark Lizzy Jane and The Perfect Baby Bib, 198 http://www.ipurl.blogspot.com/2015/09/one-skein-wonders-f... 9/24/2015 Kendra Knitta Best Friend Water Hot Water Bottle Cover, 257 http://missknitta.com/2015/09/24/a-childs-best-friend/ 9/25/2015 Faith Schmidt Lace Edged Baby Bibs, 193 http://distractedknits.weebly.com/blog/one-skein-wonders-... 9/26/2015 Angela Myers Poseidon Mitts, 182 http://ramblingsofacraftaholic.blogspot.com/2015/09/here-... 9/27/2015 Terry Morris Smocked Lace Toddler Hat & Mittens, 10, Folded Lace Cuff Baby Socks, 176 and Scallops & Ribbing Baby Socks & Cap, 18 www.sailingknitter.blogspot.com 9/28/2015 Melissa Morgan-Oakes Wee Britches, 116, and Birthday Baby, 46 http://melissa-knits.blogspot.com/2015/09/babies-babies-b... 9/29/2015 Tonia Barry Tutti Frutti Bib, 200 http://blog.classiceliteyarns.com/2015/09/one-skein-wonde... 9/30/2015 Jenny Snedeker Diamond Vest, 59 http://cutiepiefashions.com/post/130199381598/one-skein-w... 10/1/2015 Jenise Hope Baby Crown Tee, 53, Screw Top, 138, and Seams Toque, 144 http://www.knitfitch.com/blog/designer-spotlight-jenise-h... 10/2/2015 Janice Bye Sail Away with Me, 71 http://www.ravelry.com/designers/janice-bye 10/3/2015 Sarah Grieve Claire - A Baby Hat, 163, and Elizabeth - A Springtime Cardi, 91 asarahgrieveproduction.com 10/4/2015 Karen Marlatt Claredon Baby Vest & Hat, 21 http://takeeachdayonestitchatatime.blogspot.ca/ 10/5/2015 Carol Sorsdahl Lace Baby Top, 62, Confetti & Lace, 124 http://junebugknits.bravejournal.com/ 10/6/2015 Ruth Roland Faux Bow Hat, 156 http://kangathknits.weebly.com 10/7/2015 Mone Drager Little Sweetheart Sleeping Sack, 259 http://www.ravelry.com/designers/mone-drager 10/8/2015 Reyna Lorele Tuck Me In, 202 www.yarninyarnout.blogspot.com 10/9/2015 Lisa Chemery Entrechat Shrug, 65 http://frogginette.wordpress.com 10/10/2015 Noel Margaret Toot the Bunny, 220 www.noelmargaret.com 10/11/2015 Pam Sluter Welcome Baby Layette, 28 http://pamsluterdesigns.com/ 10/12/2015 Andrea Wong Daisy Hat, 153, Japanese Sideway Socks, 170 and Easy Baby Booties, 175 https://andreawongknits.wordpress.com/ 10/13/2015 Jessica Miller Fat kitty , 248 http://hillvintageandknits.com/?tag=jessica-miller 10/14/2015 Cathy Campbell Cabeled Baby Hat, 148, Circus Rings Baby Hat, 164, Circus Balls, 235 crystal palace yarns website (link to come) 10/15/2015 Ellen Harvey Warm Heart Baby Vest, 56, and Into the Woods Baby Poncho, 104 http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ellen-harvey 10/16/2015 Gina House Snowbaby Legwarmers, 189 www.ginahouse.net 10/17/2015 Grace Akhrem Little Ballerina, 179 http://graceakhrem.com/ 10/18/2015 Anna Smegal Half-Pint Hootenanny Hat of Owls, 159 www.aersknits.wordpress.com 10/19/2015 Ouchi Izumi Baby Atelier Pants, 110 www.izumiknittingdesign.jimdo.com 10/20/2015 Diana Foster Old School Baby Soaker, 112, Katarina’s Angora Mitts, 186, kitty Kat’s Leg Warmers, 188, Pretty in Pink Bath Set, 253 http://www.designsbydianafoster.com/AboutUs.asp 10/21/2015 Julia Swart Graphic kitty , 224 weesheepknits.com 10/22/2015 Myrna Stahman Falling Leaves Blankie, 203 http://www.myrnaaistahman.com/ 10/23/2015 Lynn Wilson Baby Rattles, 237 and Blue Sky Cotton Baby Bib, 195 www.lwilsondesigns.com 10/24/2015 Evelyn Uyemura Greenleaf Hat, 141 www.lostthethread.blogspot.com 10/25/2015 Katherine (not a contributor) http://katherinemisegades.wordpress.com/ One-Skein Wonders for Babies, edited by Judith Durant, photograph by Geneve Hoffman, pub. Storey Publishing, 2015. This is charming book has 10 chapters: Little Ensembles, Little Tops, Little Bottoms, Little Dresses, Little Hats, Little Socks & Bootees, Little Accessories, Little Blankets, Little Toys, and Little Miscellany. That last chapter includes "Mom's Stress Reducer", an eye mask to wear while Little One naps. The others cover practically anything you might want to knit for an infant or toddler. All 101 patterns are thoroughly tech edited by Edie Eckman, so you can knit them with confidence! I love Cathy Campbell's Circus Rings Baby Hat shown in the top right corner of the cover. It uses a long-stripe variegated yarn to achieve stripes of horizontal ribbing. The Elephant Blanket Buddy by Gwen Steege (also on the cover) is one of three adorable blanket toys included in the book. It might be my favorite, because of the trunk which is good for holding onto or sucking. The Sail Away with Me top (at left) by Janice Bye has a delightful sailboat detail in purl stitches on the front. The water ripples are echoed in the sleeves. As is common in this book, the pattern is only given in one size. I imagine this is because of the one skein constraint. Sidebars such as "Babies and Lace" and "Toy Safety" encourage crafting which is mindful of the intended user (and therefore more likely to be used!). Vicki Byram's Vertical Lace Baby Cardigan (at right), Jenny Snedeker's Diamond Vest, Evelyn Uyemura's Greenleaf Baby Hat, Lindsay Lewchuk's Ruffle Bumpkin, Sarah Gomez's Friendly Lizard, and Andrea Wong's Easy Baby Booties were a few of the patterns that caught my eye. But it was extremely difficult to choose just a few! Nearly all the patterns attracted my interest---and that very seldom happens. Another design of note is my own Faux Bow Baby Hat (below). The bow "loops" are double-knit, and the ties are I-cord. And now for the giveaway: Leave a comment by October 20 saying to whom you would give a Faux Bow Baby Hat. This could be an existing or expected baby, a charity, or something else! I'll choose two random entries and send them each a ball of Willow Daily DK courtesy of the folks at Willow Yarns. That's enough for a hat plus some! The pink hat is Willow Daily; the other hat is the buttery Green Sheep Sport in the Tide Pool colorway. Lastly, a few more patterns from the book: Ingenious rattles by Lynn Wilson, each featuring a different knitting technique; Debbie Haymark's take on Mary Jane shoes ("Lizzie Janes"), and Ann Faith's Montana Moccasins. I recommend this book for anyone who's knitting for babies or toddlers, or just wanting a quick project. There's a wonderful mix of cute, clever, and sophisticated designs! Disclosure: The publisher sent Kangath a free copy of this book. Kangath was not compensated for the preceding review. All opinions expressed in Kangath's reviews are her own. Gertie's New Fashion Sketchbook by Gretchen Hirsch, illustrated by Sun Young Park, pub. STC Craft, 2015. This sketchbook's subtitle is "Indispensible Figure Templates for Body-Positive Design." In other words, if you want to create clothing that looks good on different body types, you can't do without this book. Gertie supplied the inspiration for this book, nine pages of introductory material, and a band of designer and sewing friends to try out Sun's drawings. These drawings are made up of several lines "nested" like the different sizes in sewing patterns. They are very pale so you can choose the size you want, trace just those lines, and when you photocopy the sketch the other lines will disappear! For instance, I have slender shoulders and generous hips. I can trace the narrowest lines on top and the broader ones at the hips. The only direction these croquis aren't customizable is height. Sun provided several poses, including two of my most wanted: rear view, and arm extended. Though no size is quite as large as the "plus-size" figure I usually use, the proportions are the main focus of this book. Of the introductory material, I especially enjoyed the "Styles That Have Endured" section which lists design components and sample ways to combine them. But the "Sketching Pointers" were useless to me. Terms like "softer edges" don't translate to my pencil. Luckily, the "Recommended Reading and Research" section had a couple promising books listed. I highly recommend this book for professional and amateur designers who aren't comfortable drawing their own models. Disclosure: The publisher sent Kangath a review copy of this book. Kangath was not otherwise compensated for the preceding review. All opinions expressed in Kangath's reviews are her own. I've been busy updating my website's look. Hope you like it! Next up: reorganizing the book reviews page. Coming soon: new designs, including this fetching ruffle scarf in Malabrigo Sock. One of my recent designs is for a stole made up of lace blocks which use a variety of techniques. I use this cast on to make one of the centers. It is a simple way to start a circular project from the center out. 1. Make a loop with the yarn with the working yarn on top of the yarn tail. Hold the needle in your other hand. The yarn tail should trail off toward the hand holding the needle. 2. Insert the needle through the loop from front to back. 3. Catch a strand of the working yarn and knit up one stitch. 4. Yarn over. 5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you have the desired number of stitches, ending with Step 3 for an odd number.
If desired, wrap the yarn tail around the loop and knit through the tail and the loop, as shown above. This provides a firmer circle with less tail to weave in. You can pull on the tail after a few rounds to close the center as much or as little as you like. Keep your fingers in the center to keep the hole open. For a center that results in a very large hole, stay tuned for the Chain Beginning (in a future post). Sometimes when I'm away from a technique for a while I need a reminder of how it goes. I don't have time for a 15-minute video. I'd like a nice photo tutorial where I can see at a glance the part I'm unsure of. Well, here's a photo tutorial for a stretchy cast on that I like to use for socks and mittens. It produces in a decorative and elastic edge. This is a little different from the other photo tutorials I have seen. I hope it helps! 1. Make a long tail---3 or 4 times as long as the completed cast-on edge. I use 4 times for a shortish cast-on. For long cast-ons like the lower edge of a sweater or crescent shawl, I measure out 3 times as long, then add another couple arm lengths. 3 times is standard, but I find for my knitting it's often not quite enough. Put the yarn over your needle with the long tail in back. 4. Turn your palm so it faces up. (This is a little like playing Cat's Cradle.) ...grab the strand draped over the index finger... ...and bring it back through the thumb circle. 7. Let go of the thumb circle.... ...and prepare to start again at Step 3. Repeat Steps 3 - 7 until you have the desired number of stitches. That's it! Fun, practical, and attractive. Happy knitting!
My daughter often does't have time to eat lunch in middle school. You spend five years teaching your baby how to chew, then send them off to school. Their twenty-minute lunch is whittled down to five minutes by the time they get out of class late, stand in line to wash their hands, wait for everyone else to go through the lunch line.... She realized this, and wisely asked me to pack energy bars for those days she can't eat her sandwich fast enough. She then eats her lunch after she gets home. I've been experimenting with making cheaper, healthier energy bars than are available in stores. Snack Girl posted a recipe for Cereal Bars which are made in muffin cups and seem very un-bar like. Later she posted a recipe that uses pumpkin and maple syrup instead of banana. But I found that using sweet potato eliminates the need for added sweetener. I call my version Powerballs. They weren't a big hit with my daughter, but my son and his high school buddies love them. I do, too!
Coarsely chop nuts and dried fruit by hand or in food processor. Stir together tahini and sweet potato, then add nuts, fruit, oats, and spices. Spoon into muffin tin, greased or lined with muffin papers, and bake at 350F for 30 - 35 minutes or until browned. Makes 48 balls. I fill a 24-cup mini muffin tin twice. The balls really only just sit on top of the cups, so I fill the same tin twice without washing in between and have never had any problems with sticking. These balls are much bigger than mini muffins, but it works to make them in the little tin. I usually make half the batter into balls, then add 3 Tablespoons fair trade cocoa (list at lower right) to the other half. It's nice to have different flavors. The cocoa makes the batter firm enough to roll into little balls (Powerball Minis), roll in cocoa (like truffles) and bake on a cookie sheet. If you want a chocolate-free way to make firmer batter, try protein powder, oat flour, or nutritional yeast. (Don't add too much protein powder if these are going to be eaten by children.) Spirulina (above) is another lovely possibility, but it turns everything a bright teal color. My kids (and husband) refused to eat it, saying it "looked weird". I thought I would tone it down with a little cocoa, but the color only dimmed. I guess it's impossible to sneak blue-green algae into anything! Powerballs go straight in the freezer at our house, but when our power went out they lasted a week at room temperature in humid Louisiana (and may have lasted longer if there had been any left...). Enjoy! The winner of the yarn to make the Vytis gloves is the first commenter, Ted, who wrote: "I work a Renaissance Festival and we start rehearsals in February, those would keep my hands nice and toasty, and go with the period look as well." This comment was chosen by random number generator. Congratulations, Ted! I'll be contacting you soon. |
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