Thursday, June 28, 2012

Interview with Theresa Gaffey - One of the Authors of Wearwithall and a Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome Theresa Gaffey to the blog. Theresa is one of the five author team which just self-published the new Wearwithall - Knits for Your Life. I learned about the book from my friend Gale Zucker who flew to Minnesota to photograph this new book. It is a lovely collection of very wearable knitted projects designed by a group of designers who love to knit and appreciate making easy projects with a twist. I thank Theresa for spending time with us today and for making a copy of Wearwithall available to one of my lucky readers. You can see a slide show of all the projects for Wearwithall here.


KN: Theresa - you and I have known each other a long time. I think I met you back in the 1980's when you were Editor of Handmade Magazine. Tell my readers a little about how you got your start in the yarn biz.
TG: I admit it, I just lucked out. In 1982, I'd  just graduated from business school and couldn't get a job during an economic slump. I finally landed a job as a shipping clerk at a craft publishing company in Asheville, North Carolina. A few months later, I was one of the editors of Handmade magazine. That job combined my two loves: knitting and editing. 
 
Theresa knitting and having a cup of joe.
KN: Oh, I remember that economic slump. I got out of grad school at the exact same time. It was an awful time to get out of school but it sure did work out for you. Funny how taking a job that you may deem awful can turn out so well. Theresa, tell us how this book came about. Why did the five of you decide to write a book together?  
TG: Doing a book has been in the back of my mind for a long time. I've written articles for Vogue Knitting, Threads, and Piecework. I've had designs in a number of books. I produce my own line of patterns. But I had never done a book from start to finish. Why not? I have a full-time job managing web content for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. In my spare time, I co-manage the Yarnery in St. Paul, Minnesota, and teach weaving, knitting, and crochet at the shop. I couldn't imagine where I'd find the time or energy to do a book by myself. 

Then early in 2011, Shelly, Scott, Mary Lou, Sarah, and I started talking about doing a book together. We all work at the shop (The Yarnery) and each of us just happened to have publishing experience: Scott in book production, Sarah in graphic design, Shelly in finance, Mary Lou in publicity, and I in editing and pattern writing. It was the perfect storm of talent and energy. Most importantly, we all shared a vision of what the book should be. Gale Zucker has a Minnesota connection and came on board early on. 

Everything just fell into place, though that's not to say that it wasn't a tremendous amount of work.  I was recently filing away the final galleys that I'd proofed. One of my handwritten notes caught my eye: "It's 3 o'clock in the f---ing morning. I have to go to work at 7!"  
 
Theresa's gorgeous Fair Isle Mittens
KN: I totally know how you feel. You get an idea and think, oh, this will be easy and then the project morphs into months of work and effort and you say to yourself "What was I thinking?" But it is worth it when you hold the book in your hands. Tell me what was the most fun for you as you worked on the project?
TG: The photo shoot with Gale, hands down. It was exhausting and intense and it was sleeting outside. But the energy and professionalism Gale brought to the project was amazing. We were crammed into Scott's beautiful (but small) apartment at times with three 4 year olds, a couple of toddlers, and a baby. But we laughed so much and had so much fun. And we could finally see our vision for the book coming together through Gale's camera lens. Thank you, Gale. 
 
KN: Gale really is an amazing photographer and such a kind person. She is smart and funny and I can imagine the photo shoot was a lot of fun in a work kind of way. You are in good company considering she photographed Kay and Ann's books. What was the biggest challenge of all of you working together?
TG: I thought the biggest challenge was going to be communicating, being honest about our ideas. The five of us all have such very different personalities. But luckily(?) we are all pretty opinionated, so communicating our ideas was easier than I thought it would be. The hardest part was actually setting up the flow of the work. It's a little like a relay race; the hand-offs are critical. We got really good at making sure we all knew what the next step was and who would do it.
 
KN: You have been living in Minnesota now for a long time after a stint down south. How does living in Minnesota influence your choice of yarns and what projects you knit.
TG: I've always loved natural fibers--cotton, wool, and especially linen. But let's face it, you can die in Minnesota winters. Here, warm weather lasts about 3 months (okay, maybe 4) and warm woolies are a necessity most of the rest of the year. So of course, I find myself using more wool than I did when I lived in the South. That's why I loved knitting the baby blanket out of Rowan's Handknit cotton. The colors are fabulous and the yarn is a pleasure to work with and lasts forever.  For the next book, I'm eyeing Shibui's linen. 
 
Theresa's classic ribbed socks
KN: Tell us about your favorite project from the book.....
TG: My favorite project is the stole I designed. It's my idea of the perfect knitting project: unusual colors juxtaposed with an easy stitch pattern and a beautiful yarn. The drape of Alpaca 2 I used in that stole is so luxurious. I also love to play with color. Classic Elite has a terrific color pallette, and I can't wait to play with your new yarn, Kristin. I loved working with it in its previous incarnation.
 
(Here is the shawl Theresa mentioned on the Wearwithall blog.) 

My life is complicated in many ways right now; I like to balance that craziness with easy knitting. Maybe after my son graduates from high school and is off to college, I'll get back into the complicated lace and aran patterns I used to do...but maybe not. There is something zen-like about knitting plain stockinette stitch or a simple knit-purl pattern.
 
Theresa's baby blanket made of triangles
KN: So true - sometimes garter stitch or a simple rib is all I can handle. There are times for both difficult stitches and times you really just need the needles to relax with. I think so many knitters really just want to knit or purl and make a square without any shaping. I know you are a longtime employee at The Yarnery, one of the U.S.'s longtime fabulous independent yarnstores. How does working in a yarnstore inform your designing?
 TG: Wow, great question. The Yarnery celebrates its 40th anniversary this fall; I've been there for 20 of those years. Over that time, I've seen sock knitting just explode, the scarf craze come and go, the shawlette turn into the next must-do project. Now there's a huge range of knitting projects on the web, from exquisite lace to simple hats. 

Yet with all that out there, what our customers often ask for is something simple, something easy to knit. I hear them say, "I just need a simple baby sweater pattern. My niece is having her first baby." or "I just need a simple shawl pattern. My husband is in the hospital and I need to keep my hands occupied." That's the niche I love to fill. Simple patterns, things people will knit and wear for a long time.  
 
The baby blanket a little bigger!
KN: You all have done just that Theresa. It is a great book full of very knittable projects that are timeless. Congratulations to you and your team and I can't wait for the next one! Thanks for your time Theresa!

Here's the good news for one of you lucky readers.....
One of you will win a copy of Wearwithall. Here's all you need to do to enter. Answer Theresa's question below in the comments section. As always, please leave an easy way to get a hold of you - e-mail, Ravelry or Blogger ID. Thanks.

From Theresa:  "When you are not knitting something to wear, what are you knitting?"

Contest ends Monday July 2nd, 2012. Good luck everyone!

88 comments:

Bonnie said...

My mom taught me to knit, and she believed everyone should start with a washcloth. (Scarves took too long.) I've stuck with that idea when I've taught people to knit, and she's right! Washcloths are great gifts! In fact, I have one on the needles now to give to a friend as part of a housewarming gift.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Bonnie - washcloths are my go-to for teaching new knitters because they're useful and quick. With a washcloth you can learn how to cast on, knit and bind off in no time and then you can develop knit and purl stitches and combinations on a small piece of fabric similar to a swatch but functional!

I also knit blankets and toys when not knitting wearables :)

Ravelry ID: SillyLittleLady

Snickers said...

Kristin,
Thank you so much for being...your blog keeps me going many days.

My answer to the Question of the Day is: When I am knitting it is always something for someone to wear, whether a hat, mittens, socks, shawls or scarves...or even afghans...someone will wear it. I may not always know the WHO will wear it, but I know that someone will. I would really put a copy of Wearwithall to good use. Thanks too for the opportunity to win a copy.

Gerri said...

When I am not knitting something to wear, I'm not knitting! I knit one pillow cover 40 years ago. I have never knit a washcloth (sorry-don't tell the folks at MDK). For table runners, etc, I weave.

Gerri
greenboatgb@netscape.net

mamaross said...

I really enjoyed reading this interview; the projects in the book look great.

I am almost always knitting something wearable. On the few occasions that I stray from that, I have knit monsters (very recently) and bags, with the occasional washcloth thrown in.

Adrienne said...

During football season, I am working on a log cabin blanket for my daughter, the rest of the year, it would probably be a dishcloth. Daughter is a senior in HS this year, need to finish it during her brother's football season this year!

Anonymous said...

When I am not knitting something to wear, I am knitting a bag or bowl to felt for a gift. One year I made 10 small felted bowls, one for each of my staff, and filled them with homemade cookies....could you have a nicer boss!?!?!?!?!
sreed@maine.rr.com

Charlene (on Ravelry) said...

Dishcloths!

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is hard to answer, i always have mulitple projects right now I have a crocheting prayer shawl, a knitted sweater, a knitted shawl, and am about to start a knitted blanket. (unless i change to crocheting it). I keep my WIP in different places so no matter where I am, car, work, visiting mom, I have something to keep me busy. I am more apt to be making a baby blanket if I'm not working on something to wear.

Fracksmom on Ravelry

and your blanket will be one of them, but I do have some Julia yarn looking for a project and that shawl would be great....

Kathleen C. said...

So far, the only things I've ever knitted that weren't garments or accesories (like bags) have been some throws. I did a Girasole and a lizard ridge most recently.
I do want to do some throw pillows though...

Jo M. said...

I was having trouble coming up with an answer until seeing the words Lizard Ridge on another comment. I knit Lizard Ridge and an occasional baby blanket.

Chantelle said...

99% of the time, it is something to wear, but I did recently make a cabled, cotton bath mat for my Mum.

I'm brighidgreen on Ravelry

D said...

It is usually hand towels or washcloths for me when I'm not knitting garments!

Joyce said...

I am always knitting baby blankets, booties, sweaters, - - - baby stuff when not knitting things to wear (or at least for me to wear!) Good thing it's so fun to knit baby things!

Suzanne said...

I'm usually knitting something wearable but will knit Washcloths a few times a year. A few for my mother's church fair and with the leftovers, one for me.

Anonymous said...

I think I knit stuffed animals more than anything else! My sister and brother both have small children and most of my friends are starting to have babies as well. There is nothing like a handmade gift to welcome a little one into the world!

Email: monicajoybarnett at gmail

Val said...

When I'm not knitting something to wear - it's afghans! - for wedding presents, baby gifts, highschool/college graduation gifts for the grandchildren, and one or two a year for various fundraisers.

Warshcloths fill the void when "quick and dirty production" is required to fill the need to see a finish - fast!

Email:
witsend@embarqmail.com

Sheila said...

Something felted - a bowl, some coasters, right now I'm thinking about starting a felted bag.

sarah k walker said...

Hey, it's Sarah – one of the authors and designers of Wearwithall . Thanks so much for doing this give-a-way!! Theresa is zoo right, working on this book with these guys has been a blast!! And when I'm not knitting wearables, I'm knitting anything else I can get my hands on! Please don't enter me in the drawing – I think I already have the book, lol ; )

Anonymous said...

Good question and for me, the answer is dishcloths. Thanks for the interesting article and a chance in your giveaway.
LynnIL on ravelry

Daisy said...

This Spring I knit some Easter eggs and their basket, and my next non-wearable project is a toy owl!

I am Daisy at daisygirl12us@yahoo.com

Carol Perecman said...

Hi, Kristin,

So happy to hear that your yarn is coming back!

For the giveaway: I knit blankets, hats and scarves for my kids and my grandchildren. I always have multiple projects going, keeps me from getting bored!

Carol (Ceejay on Rav)

Anonymous said...

Kristin, love my vicarious sheep at your farm :) Thanks for sharing!
I have set aside an amazing Priscilla Gibson-Roberts curtain pattern for the day when I don't want to knit things to wear or carry :) It's awesome (and probably a 10yr project!)
Ann (rav MNR_T)

Diana said...

I knit washcloths. I've always got some on the needles, simple natural-colored cotton garter stitch cloths with color stripes at each end.

Changing the subject ... I was at Hub Mills today in Billerica and got to fondle your new yarn. It's gorgeous! I'm plotting my next stranded colorwork project for it. :-)

phaedra96 said...

Right now I am working on a Star Bright baby blanket, a shawl for a granddaughter, a cable sweater for me. I am bonnieanne on rav.

Auntie Shan said...

After a 40-year lull, I took up Knitting again last Summer. - I've been [and *still* am] a DIEHARD *CROCHETER* during those years, working with Cotton yarn for the most part. But, when I came across a great little Yarn Shop downtown and was lured in by all of the "Lux" natural-fiber yarns on Their "Sale"-Table, I was hooked!

They've since relocated OUT of Town, much to my dismay. However, I have let *that* little "setback" stop me... OR, the fact that I still can't "read" a Pattern - Knit OR Crochet - I've just been "designing" and knitting up Hats to Sell... I save the larger projects like Blankets to my Crocheting - it's *much* faster!

Anyway, after I "send" THIS, I have my own Blog-Post to do and THEN, to get back to Knitting the Lastest HAT!

:-D

Anonymous said...

Washcloths and toys! Rav is JodeJ

Pork with Bones said...

My most recent non-wearable knit was a blanket for my son. Nor a baby blanket, mind -- I never did make him one of those, due to wrist pain during and after my pregnancy. He is eight now. No, I made him a handknit patchwork blanket, using three strands (and I have no idea how many skeins!) of dishcloth-weight cotton. It's big enough for a queen bed, I think, though he only has a twin. That thing is heavy, which was the point. He needed a heavy summer blanket so he'd willingly give up his too-hot heavy blanket in the spring. It should last him at least until he is grown up, I believe.

Robin V said...

Hmmm... I guess I'd say dishcloths; blankets; and toys. I made a few felted bowls as well.

RobinV on Ravelry

Elaine said...

I like knitting washcloths for a quick pick-me-up-and-go project to keep in my purse.

nancy said...

I'm also a dishcloth knitter. Very portable & people just love getting them. The seasonal patterns are great. Sooo glad Julia yarn is coming back. Now I can finish my purse!

Lisa said...

Lovely interview, great book! When not knitting something to wear you can usually find me knitting a toy, dish/wash cloths or a market bag. I've also knit little mp3 player holders, but it has been awhile. I've several blanket patterns I'd like to try, especially the one in your book. :) Thank you for this opportunity, Lisa.
Rav: llmcguire

Susan said...

I am actually working on an afghan for my family room right now!

Anonymous said...

When I'm not making yet another attempt to create a sweater that fits, I'm usually making a comfort shawl for someone that needs a little extra hug. Seem to be at that point in life...

bookboxer @ ravelry

Diane said...

When I'm not knitting something to wear or stalking the next pattern for a wearable, I'm knitting afghans, washcloths or cat toys! Many thanks for a fabulous interview and the chance to win an outstanding book.
d
www.yarnsista.com

amyroz said...

I enjoy making bags or purses. Also with a grandaughter who likes dolls i want to knit more doll clothes. amyroz@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I knit washcloths and baby hats
for charity to use up odds and
ends of yarn, Both are ready-
to-travel projects and provide
instant gratification.
Leda

Cherie said...

I like to knit throws and scarves. Thers is no shaping and patterns are easy to memorize. Most of all, though, they make great gifts. Everyone I know enjoys wrapping themselves in some soft cozy yarn - whether a throw at home or a scarf for out and about. The slide show for the book looks great. I have already ordered a copy. Were I lucky enough to win this one I would donate it to our local library so others could also enjoy. Thanks for the work needed to produce it.

rubysgran (on Ravelry) said...

The trouble with washcloths is that once you give one to someone, they want to be supplied for life! So I join the legions of knitters who almost always have one on the needle.
Thanks Kristin, for a wonderful blog.

Ana said...

Kristin,
Lately....it's washcloths! I thought I'd NEVER knit those! But short row wedges sewn into a circle with hard cotton is completely addicting! And then the fun of changing colors! Nice summer knitting.
Hope to win this book...love that baby blanket...
Ana
anahuron@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

When I'm not knitting something to wear, I knit a variety of items I can use at home - afghans, pillows (a favorite to knit) or curtains. I just picked up the materials to make a cat pillow and I'm lokoing forward to doing that!

Sue
sdsmith@ntcnet.com

Anonymous said...

Lately I have been knitting all different kinds of shawls and scarves because they are form-fitted to all body types and always look great. These items are so versatile and are always highly appreciated by my friends and family.

Theresa
Lern5@comcast.net

Mimi said...

I have a great number of knitting patterns of non wearable objects like bowls, covers, bags, etc. that I've collected over the years. But whenever I get the urge to cast on a new project, it's always something wearable -- pullovers, cardis, hats, socks, shawls, mitts..... too many things waiting to be worn. I did knit the rug in my home office, however.

Marcia said...

Baby afghans -- there is always a new baby seems like!
Or even big afghans -- I'm always looking for another afghan project!

Cathy G. said...

When non-wearables beckon, it's miniatures, miniatures, miniatures! Wee people, tiny fruits and vegetables, dollhouse decorative arts- almost anything that captures my large-scaled-for-small-scaled-items imagination! I have always loved creating items to scale and knitting provides one more means of doing that. Thanks for asking the question I have been wanting to answer...

Cathy Gronewold (cwgeewhiz on Ravelry)

Casey said...

I have to say Baby Blankets. The pattern is one I received from a 89 year old friend, she received it from a friend when she was a young mother, it's a circular blanket. I also love to give new Moms baby wash cloths, in nice soft cottons.
Casey
ashefamily@yahoo.com
P.S. I learned to knit at The Yarnery 28 years ago!

barb said...

When I am not knitting something to wear, I am knitting a toy for one of the 6 little ones I daycare for.
Thank you for this lovely giveaway.

Robin said...

I mostly knit wearable items. When I'm not, I like to knit or crochet flowers, most of which are felted!!

This was a really fun post to read. The Yarnery is my favorite yarn shop and has been ever since I moved to Minneapolis. Also, I've taken classes from Theresa. In fact, I learned to crochet in one of her classes.

Anonymous said...

When not knitting socks... I'm usually knitting dish towels.

vivianos3@aol.com

Susie said...

This book looks terrific!

I've been knitting felted bowls and planters. Mostly I knit wearables.

Debbie said...

I make e-book covers, dishcloths & coffee cup cozies. Thanks!
gussek at hotmail dot com

Denise said...

I'm a super-slow knitter. (How do I become faster like you guys?) I only ever knit scarves or sweaters.

flgirl1987 AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

I find myself knitting lace shawl after lace shawl. The more detail the better.
Imler_sharon@verizon.net

knitting08816 said...

When I am not knitting socks and shawls I am doing baby things, especially blankets, for future grandkids. I have 2 boxes full waiting for the arrival of grandchild #3. I love that the children's garments in the book are unisex. Perfect! And I love the triangle blanket. Might have to cast on for that soon.
Leslie

Jessica L'Heureux said...

If not socks, shawls, hats, scarves, etc., you'll find me knitting face clothes or bags - usually things of use. I'm not a fan of knitting toys - just too fussy and bitty for me. Someday soon I hope to work on an afghan.

technikat on ravelry said...

I make baby blankets - lots of new babies in the family and among friends.

I also enjoy knitting afghans.

My first knitting project ever was a scarf. My second was an aran style afghan.

Biddywink said...

When I am not knitting something to wear, I knit baby blankets for the beautiful babies my family and friends keep having--I am so lucky!

dianenorth@aim.com said...

Some good ideas above!! My son has TONS of friends who have gotten married, I ran out of gift ideas, so started making each couple an afghan..the possibilities are endless..they do seem to be appreciated.

bookagent said...

I'll join the washcloth brigade. I also knit kitchen scrunchies, just as useful as the washcloths. Thanks for the giveaway!

Pam
phopkin1@rochester.rr.com

Dianne@sheepdreams said...

I have done washcloths, bags, throws, but now it is mostly bowls to felt and some (Susan Anderson designed) toys.

Sharon Abbott Cowan said...

If I am not knitting something for someone to wear then I am knitting blankets for charity. I do memory blankets for a local birthing center, as well as baby blankets for Choose Life of North AL, and lapghans for a local VA nursing home.
s.cowan4738@hotmail.com is my e-mail.

Winsome said...

I guess it would be knitted toys. I have had a run on these lately due to friends having babies. Thanks Kristin for this great giveaway!
Rav ID: winnythepu

Anonymous said...

Hello Kristin,

What a lovely interview; the two of you sound like the most best of friends! I have not yet knitted anything non-wearable, but my mother-in-law knits dishcloths when on summer vacation, so I think that will be my next project! Please consider me for this beautiful book and find me on Ravelry as "mousekin!"

Thanks!

sally said...

Most everything I knit is an experiment, and usually wearable. The mention of Minneapolis brings back great memories of the wonderful fiber arts community there.

Carol said...

I love knitting afghans, blankets, throws-any of those in garter stitch with bright colors!

Carol said...

Many times I'm knitting Christmas stockings! I have made them for everyone in my family and now I'm making them for the grandchildren as they come along. Also, they are a fun gift for friends - I love Annie's Woolen's patterns - everyone likes getting one!

Anonymous said...

~ What great knitting inspiration to read about with the morning coffee ~
Thank you Kristin for the interview and congrats to Theresa & all for a wonderful book. Upon looking at the slideshow of patterns, I especially loVe the women's cardigan & the children's argyle-like vest. I have had double mastectomies due to cancer and am choosing not to have reconstruction & it is hard to find patterns that are classic, and without all kinds of weird gather points that look awkward on me. I need easy-peasy knitting after all my illness stuff to be able to focus. (Although I do have two of your books Kristin, and I aspire to knit one of those sweater beauties one day)
I knit original toys when I am not making anything to wear. I've designed a hedgehog pattern and then gave the hedgehogs to Waldorf kindergarten children all year as birthday gifts. I also created a Mrs.Tiggy Winkle hedgehog doll-puppet for a storytelling play at our school. Just yesterday, I rescued a vintage toy sock monkey doll, wearing a bright orange handmade dress. I hope I can rescue the knitting. I also like to knit & felt flowers, using and inspired by Kristin's patterns. Flowers are perfect gifts for many ages. I made them for a friend's outdoor wildflower themed wedding. They were tied all over with long ribbons ~ beautiful.
Thank you for a chance to win this wonderful book. It will go on my wish list. I like many-many of the patterns & the yarn colors are splendid & yummie !!!
Best,
Shell ~
YarnSoup@yahoo.com

slmiller8 said...

Recently,I really haven't knit anything that isn't wearable. In the past I have made a couple of knitted and felted bags and (very) occasionally a dishcloth. High on my list of "next" projects is an afghan of some sort-Log cabin or Fussy cuts. But those sweaters keep jumping the queue!

Cami said...

I've knit wash cloths, Christmas ornaments and baby blankets. I love knitting anything, really!

Mirjam said...

non-wearables are mainly lots of stuffed animals, soft babyballs (with a swirl!) and the occasional receiving blanket.
Right now I feel that gorgeous ribbed stole calling...

ravelry name: TLK said...

When I am not knitting items to wear, I am usually knitting things for the kitchen - cotton towels to button onto the oven handle, felted tea cozies, etc.

The patterns in Wearwithall look fabulous!

tea4too0 said...

I like the quick of the dishcloths, and I love the delighted looks the stuffed animals get. tstites66@yahoo.com
Great interview,btw.

Susan said...

When I'm not knitting something to wear, it's items for the house, especially blankets. I've got some Noro yarn just waiting for me to make a blanket sized version of the Lady Eleanor entrelac shawl - and entrelac is so addictive. Great interview!

Nancy G said...

When not knitting something to wear, I make baby blankets and afghan squares for charity, and pot holders and wash/dish cloths for friends and family.

Nancy G, vvrmm on Ravelry

barb :0) said...

Hi Kristin,
This looks SO Wonderful !!!! I LOVE the triangle blanket !!!! It would be so hard to decide what to knit first !!!!
I LOVE Susan B. Anderson's toys ..... that is what I knit when not knitting baby items :0)
Thank You for this Great give-away !!!!!

Anonymous said...

Almost everything I knit is something to wear. I just realized that my non wearable knitting has been small soft figures or animals. I did a shepherd, his sheep dog, and a sheep to herd for a good friend but that was years ago. However, I have a book with all sorts of wonderful creatures to knit that I got several years ago so I clearly want to knit more critters.
gnlmutti at gmail dot com

Acadia said...

I have knit and felted mice to stuff with catnip for the cats in my life. I do not enjoy knitting with cotton, but in spite of this I have knit three dish clothes. My spinning group is knitting squares for a afghan. I have completed 2.5 squares thus far. Most of my knitting has been sweaters, hats, mittens, shawls and socks.

RubyC said...

I enjoy knitting things for other people, be it shawls, scarves, afghans, dishcloths, cup cozies, felted bags. Getting ready to do a sweater and some socks for someone.

Cate said...

I haven't knit much that wasn't a "wearable," except a few washcloths and dishcloths. I'm finding myself drawn to knitted blankets, however, and might start feeding that urge with a baby blanket.

This was a fun interview!
-- Cate

Karen (woolyminded on Rav) said...

I'm mostly knitting wearable, but have in the past knitted stuffed toys, tea cozies, baby blankets, and tote bags. I'm currently working on my first adult-sized throw (in 40 years of knitting)!

Tobie said...

Most of the time I knit wearables-either for my family and friends or newborns. I also knit toys for my grandkids and some cat toys for the Humane Society.

Bay Area Knitter said...

Well, when I'm not knitting hats (which is all I've been knitting lately) you can find me knitting either dishcloths or the occasional "stufty" toy for my little ones! My Ravelry ID is needle2needle or you can email me at hopeknitlove at gmail dot com!

Laura S. said...

I'd be knitting a bag or a cat toy!

Maryanne & Duke said...

If I'm not knitting something for someone to wear, I can be found knitting blankets, toys, washcloths, or recently, cat beds.

wil4ds on Ravelry

Bonnie said...

Wash clothes and felted bags!
Always in brillant colors.

KBUCKINGHAM@carolina.rr.com

Anonymous said...

I,too, love to knit just for relaxation with simple projects. When I am not knitting something to wear, I love to knit tote bags and washcloths. Pretty colors in a simple face cloth wrapped around a piece of handmade soap makes such a great gifts for my crafty friends or someone in the hospital.
Love the interview and want the book for sure!
Thanks!
Ruby

M Griffin said...

When I am not knitting something wearable I love to knit wool bags for felting. I bought Kristen's PDF pattern for lined zippered tote bags, and they are just fun to make! Thank you for the chance to win, I love the fair-isle mittens!

MGknits4 on Ravelry

cllcraft said...

You are so right about simple stitches being Zen. After a marathon summer of baby items for two expectant moms, I've been working on a garter stitch diagonal throw (starting from a corner point of 5 stitches) for my son. I'm using his favorite colors of worsted weight yarn (some leftover skeins too), and just knit until I come within a quarter of the way to the end of the skein. I then alternate two rows of the old and new color until the old color is gone, then continue with the new color. It's been one of the most enjoyable, and relaxing knitting projects I've ever done. The throw (soon to be a blanket now) is about 52" across so far. I'll do an additional 10" or so to get to a big guy size before I start the decrease side of the square. I love how a project so simple can be so rewarding.

Kristin Is Now Writing Over on Substack

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