Monday

Sockupied Spring 2012

by Joanna

The end of my Twitter bio states, "I also do bits and pieces at Interweave." I don't suppose I could have been more vague, could I? So I thought that I would share with you some of the things that I contributed to the most recent edition of Sockupied. In addition to working with the editor early on to brainstorm some concepts for the issue, I also wrote a few articles for this knitting eMag. 

In this issue, I review some absolutely stunning naturally dyed sock yarns, from the likes of A Verb For Keeping Warm, The Natural Dye Studio, and Swan's Island, to name a few. I never grow tired of exploring new yarns, especially ones that are crafted by hand like these are. I also included reviews of favorite knitting tools and notions from some of the designers who have patterns in this issue, such as Cat Bordhi, Deborah Newton, Donna Druchunas, and Lorilee Beltman. It was great to unlock a bit of their design style by hearing what they can't live without while developing a new pattern. (By the way, Lorilee's design, Our Paths Cross, which you see on the cover, has me diving into my sock yarn stash for the perfect colors. The argyles are worked in a vertical stranding technique, which I can't wait to try.)

Well, there you have it, a bit and a piece, for now. I have a lot of other things in the works, so there will be more soon!

Saturday

Phoebe's Birthday Trunk Show is at TNNA, and why we aren't at TNNA.

by Joanna

The trunk show of knitting patterns from our upcoming book, Phoebe's Birthday, is on display at the Brown Sheep booth at TNNA in Phoenix this weekend. The knits are there, but I'm not. 

I would have enjoyed going to TNNA this winter, but it just wasn't the right time for us. We are enjoying a quiet weekend at home, spending time with the children (we have three) and working on projects around the house and on the book.


I love hand work. Hand knitting, embroidery, and hand quilting. I love sharing this with children and families. I can't tell you how pleased I am that our new book will include a quilt pattern. Amy Butler has provided some amazing fabric for me to work with. It is stunning. I haven't done a lot of quilting over the last three years, and it feels great to slip on my old thimble again.


Eric and I "take turns" at home and in our studios, juggling family and life in general. Our books are a creative conversation that we pass back and forth through days and nights of borrowed time. We are really eager to share this new one with you. But it will take some time before it is done. And we are okay with that. We are enjoying the ride, and hope you will like what we have made once it is all done!

Fancy Tiger gets fancier

by Joanna

photo courtesy of Fancy Tiger

Eric spent a few days between Christmas and the New Year at one of my favorite places- Fancy Tiger Crafts. The store was in the process of moving into a (much) larger location, and was in need of some "old-time" advertisements to decorate the new space. You can read all about their new space here on their blog.

We have been making some crafty plans with Fancy Tiger which we will reveal in the coming months... so stay tuned to see what we are working on!