Kelly Gilliam's Blog
Posted by Kelly Gilliam
In historical span of knitting and crochet, the idea of freeform is still a relatively new idea, with it's roots beginning in the 1970's. In fact, there's still little information about freeform knitting and crochet compared to the masses of free online information, books, magazines, and now TV shows. If you are searching for some books on the subject, here's a recommended reading list. Books marked with (*) are out of print and will need to be searched.
The most recent books are Freeform Knitting and Crochet and is written by the author Jenny Dowde (published 2004), Freeform: Serendipitous Design Techniques for Knitting & Crochet by Prudence Mapstone (published 2002)
Other (older) books, which may be slightly difficult to find include Crochet Discovery and Design* by Del Pitt Feldman (published 1972), Creative Crochet* by Nicki Hitz Edson & Arlene Stimmel (published 1973).
If you have a book you know of that has to do with freeform knitting or crochet, please send me the info by emailing me.
Knot Just Knitting - A gallery with tips for freeform knitting and crochet.
Freeform crochet and knitting demo
Freeform Knitting & Crochet online discussion group
International Freeform Crochet Guild
If you have any further online sources, please email them to me.
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited
Posted by Kelly Gilliam
A new Knitty to me is always a good day. No matter what else I've done, if there's a new Knitty Magazine up, I'm a happy girl. It's getting to be fall around my parts, the leaves are going, the days are a lot shorter than they used to be, the nights are definitely cooler, and all of this has left me wanting to start the next big project (okay, despite the fact I have one little summer project still in fact not finished).
Knitty never fails to disappoint, a lot of other online magazines do disappoint me, but there's always at least a handful of knitted garments that go on the "to knit" list (which unfortunately is growing to a ridiculously large size).
Immediately the first pattern I fell in love with was Serrano. It first caught my eye because it's bright red and named after one of my favourite peppers, but after I got a look at it more closely, I knew I had to knit this item for fall - it's been officially moved to #1 on the list.
Keeping with my theme of "too many sock patterns to knit" I clicked on Red Herring, a wonderful sock made of, you guessed it, herringbone done by the fabulous sock designer, Cookie A. It's herringbone, it's a sock. I don't see how you can go wrong.
Next up was Ivy, a beautifully simple wrap cardigan with dozens of little cables worked as an edging. I am a huge fan of wrap-style cardigans, and despite my previous disasters with other patterns, I have a good feeling about this one, and will attempt it. It'll also be a great exercise for me in cables, something I do not do nearly enough.
Tamarah is another beautiful lace pattern that I will have to attempt, and I think I have the perfect yarn to do it. I love the unconventional way it's been constructed, which I think will give experienced knitters something to devote our focus to.
Other patterns of note are cable net, sox on 2 stix, and diamante - three sock patterns with interesting details (beware: only for more experienced knitters. Hats, sweaters, bags, and even an afghan grace Knitty this fall, assuring that there'll be something for everybody in this issue.
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Posted by Kelly Gilliam
Here is a listing of upcoming secret pal swaps for knitters, crocheters, and spinners that you can join listed in chorological order. If you're interested in joining one please make sure to read the rules carefully before signing up as they all vary quite a bit. All have time restrictions and others will also have a monetary restriction.
If you know of any other upcoming secret pal swaps, or you're hosting a secret pal swap and would like it listed here, please email me and I'll list it.
International Tote Exchange II - A knit, crochet, or felt a tote and exchange it. Sign up by August 25th.
Sockret Pal - Exchange sock making supplies and one hand knit pair of socks to be made over three months. Sign ups happening now and until October 1st.
Secret Pal 9 - A Swap mainly geared at knitters, but also encompasses crocheters and spinners. They take the time to really pair you up well! Takes place over approximately three months. Sign ups start September 1st.
Spin To Knit Swap - Spin two handspun skeins and send them to your pal over two months. Sign ups start mid-September so check the site often!
Crochetville Secret Pal - ongoing since 2004, exchange crocheted goodies with your secret pal. The next sign up is for February 15th, 2007.
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Posted by Kelly Gilliam
Here is a list of some well deserving charities looking for knit and crocheted items to be donated to them. Click the links to find out how you can help, and if you have any charities you wish to share please don't hesitate to start a new discussion.
I've included some individual charities, as well as other online listings of charities as well.
afghans for Afghans - Creating hand knit and crocheted blankets and clothing for the people of Afghanistan.
Hugs for homeless animals - Creating blankets for orphaned pets.
Hats for the homeless - Takes hats, scarves, and mittens and donates them to the homeless in NYC.
Socks for soldiers - Reminiscent of the old red cross sock drives for the world wars, here you can knit socks for soldiers currently serving in the middle east.
Warmth around the world - knitting child garments for children around the world currently living in orphanages.
Blankets for Canada Society - Knitting blankets for Canadians in need. *
Operation Warm A Sole - knitting slippers for Canadian armed forces overseas. *
Cuddle Bear Program - Knit or crochet a teddy bear to those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. *
* Denotes a Canadian charity.
More lists of charities around the world that will take all kinds of knitted donations:
Wool Works: Knitting For Charity - Offers an extensive list of American charities in need of knitted and crocheted items. Most places will take donations from all over the world.
Knitting For Charity - A website devoted completely to knitting for charity. Offers a blog and information.
Stitch Witch Knit For Charity - offers a small list of charities.
Canadian Knitwear Designers & Artisans - Information on knitting charities in Canada
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Posted by Kelly Gilliam
When I first came upon this book, honestly I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't quite sure how knitting and nature would be combined in this book of 39 patterns, but I was eager to find out. Norah Gaughan, the design director for Berocco Yarns, took all of her inspiration for this book based on six natural design motifs found in nature: hexagons, pentagons, spirals, phyllotaxis, fractals, and waves. I was intrigued to see how Gaughan has utilized natural design motifs to not only design stitch patterns but also the garments themselves.
I have to admit, at first I found the book a little daunting. The patterns seemed to be complex, albeit beautiful and they appeared to be works of art before garments. Two out of three isn't bad: they definitely are beautiful and absolutely are works of art (that just happen to be garments), and although the patterns aren't for a beginning knitter they are not beyond the grasp of the average knitter.
Each of the six designs found in nature each have their own chapter, and one of the things I loved best about this book was the introductions to each chapter. On the first page Gaughan discusses not only the natural form of the chapter, but also the mathematic and scientific reasons for it occurring in nature and her inspirations behind that. Math isn't my subject but the scientific and mathematical reasons behind the biology are fascinating, and the recommended reading list at the end of the book points you exactly into that direction (I know it's a list I'll be going over at my library).
This truly is a book inspired by nature, and one that inspires the knitter as well. The symmetry (and sometimes asymmetry) in nature is wonderfully captured in these patterns that range from ornate to brilliantly simple. I highly recommend this book to any knitter that is looking for something different, something besides the average shaping of a top one might find in most patterns.
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images, 2006. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
