Merry Knitmas!

I posted this wonderful story last year and just had to share it again. It captures the spirit of the holiday in such a beautiful way. Enjoy!

Time for Ugly Christmas and Chanukah Sweaters!




Almost exactly a year ago, I posted this tribute to ugly Christmas and Chanukah sweaters.

Here are some new discoveries. And apologies to anyone who likes any of these!





Okay this is a vest, but it qualifies!






Do you have any of your own? Have you actually knit or crochet any? Please share!

Have a happy weekend! One more before the big day!

Words fail.....

I have been a fan of Alicia Paulson's blog for years. We never met, but had email exchanges over the years.
She had shared rough times and I shared mine with hers and always appreciated our mutual friendship and support.

Now Alicia and her husband Andy, need support themselves.
They had been planning to adopt a baby girl and when her blog was silent recently, I was hoping it was because she was too busy with the baby to update. That was not the case.

Here is Alicia's latest post which tells of the devastating turn of events that led to the adoption falling apart. It's the saddest thing and I can't even begin to imagine how Alicia and Andy are holding up after this.

Think good thoughts for these wonderful people. It will take time for them to heal and every good thought helps.

Oh my poor neglected blog

I cannot believe I haven't been here in so long. I have been devoting my blog time over at the Times-Union, so please check-in over there to see the latest and greatest in the fiber arts world.

All you have to do is click right here.

Thanks!

Just One Stitch


I'm at weird place in my knitting right now. After working really hard on a complicated sweater, I have found myself craving super simple projects. I spend a bit of time on commuter trains, so something portable with little or not pattern also perfectly fits my current knitting state of mind.

Now this isn't a novel idea. Back in 2002, designer Sally Melville wrote The Knit Stitch. Every project from scarves to sweaters to the incredibly popular Einstein Coat, are all made with just the knit stitch.


I even designed a simple scarf for the first Stitch 'N Bitch called Coney Island Fireworks which is all knit stitch but looks way more complicated.

Knitting every row is called garter stitch, when knit flat. There's something very calming to just knit, knit, knit and watch your fabric grow. Different yarns produce very different looks and that's what keeps it interesting for me. Ready to see what's on my needles? Here we go:

This is the Nolita Scarf/Shawl made with Tahki Ripple. It's super fast on 15's.


Soft, sparkly and light as a feather, here's Scaruffle, made with one skein of Art Yarns Silk Cashmere Glitter:


The Super Simple Triangle Shawl made with Mountain Colors Wool Crepe, is one of my sister-in-law's favorite projects. Every time someone sees it, they have to make it. Me, too!


How about you? Do you have a favorite garter stitch project when you need to be knitting, but don't want anything fussy to deal with?

Happy Mother's Day to every maternal person in your lives!

Where have I been?

Wow, has it really been that many months since I've posted here? Guess so!

I'm still a fiber arts blogger and that's why I haven't been around. Been missing my old friend here, though and want to fill this space once again.

In the meantime, if you're a knitter, crocheter, spinner or have any interest in the fiber arts, I'd love your help for a new feature I'm working on called Ask the Fiber Tarts.

It's kind of like a Dear Abby for all things fiber-related, serious and whimsical and everything in between.
This feature appears every Wednesday and it promises to be informative, funny and sometimes controversial.

Please send any questions you'd like us to answer to: fiberartsblog@hotmail.com

Tell your friends, too!

Be back soon.

Thanks For The Calories!

Bye bye scraper. Thinking about all of the cookies, brownies, breads and other fabulous baked goods we've made together over the years.

We were a great team and I'll miss you!

Come On Over

I've been busy blogging elsewhere, so check me out here.

Stop by. Say hi. Leave a comment.

See ya there!

Charity Begins At......

Have you heard of Regretsy? April Winchell started Regretsy which celebrates the scariest items on Etsy and believe me, there is lots to choose from.
I've been a fan of April's for years. I discovered her about nine years ago when I was living in L.A. and recovering from neck surgery. She had a radio show that was so hilarious, but unfortunately didn't last too long.


A few months ago someone sent April a photograph of these horrifically scary ski masks:



It was from a magazine and actually included the knitting patterns for these. April came up with a brilliant idea. I'll let you read the whole story here.

So I volunteered to be one of the knitters and I am so happy to be part of this effort to raise money to help Aidan and his family get through this difficult time.

Want to see my contribution? Follow this link.

I have to say this is the creepiest thing I have ever knit. Actually, it's the only creepy thing I have knit.
Shudder!!

My Fair Faire




World Maker Faire NYC was a week ago!! I can't believe it.

I just got around to blogging about it and you can read all about it here.