Interweave just released a new book by Amy Christoffers, called New American Knits!

The designs are beautiful, and would be proudly worn to work, school, or out on the town. The book has a thoughtful mix of techniques, and I am confident that almost anyone will find a project in this book they might want to make.


My one criticism? There are no designs for men in the collection. There's one or two hats that guys would love, and while I see the reasoning behind not adding a third model to the book (cost/etc.) it's worth noting that there's a lack of brotherly love in this book.


But... what is here is beautiful. I have a couple favorite pieces to share. First, I really like the Tanner cowl because of its bold lace pattern.

...now some people might disagree, but I think this cowl would be great on a guy. It's just enough lace to make it interesting, and the nice solid color of the yarn keeps

I have a copy of New American Knits to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, simply post a comment on this post by midnight, Monday, July 28, 2014. I'll do a drawing on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 and announce the winner!

The house has felt empty since Wink was put to sleep. I made the decision to have her cremated so that I could hold her memory in an urn in my home. I knew that at some point during the next week or so the phone would ring and I’d be notified her cremains are waiting for me at the vet’s office.

On Tuesday, that happened.

The next day, I went back and forth trying to determine when I would go pick up her cremains [this is the correct term for cremated remains, often called ashes], and today, I decided it was time. I made a plan (take public transportation to the park, and then enjoy a walk through the neighborhood to the Vet). There was something comforting about the idea of having her cremains and being able to bring my Wink back home.

I walked into the lobby of the vet and waited my turn to be greeted. It’s just after 11 in the morning, and little worried pets surrounded me, along with their concerned parents… I studied the bulletin board full of community pet-related activities and looked at the collection of photos until it was my turn at the desk:

“I’m here to pick up Wink.”

“Wink?” A look of confusion…

“Yes. Wink’s ashes.” A moment of silence happened here where she processed the fact that I was picking up the remains of my dead pet…

“Oh. Just a minute.”

She went to the back and returned a few minutes later with a little wood box and a small heart shaped ornament. The ornament had Wink’s paw print, and her name stamped on it. These items were placed in front of me.

As I looked at the box and this little ornament (which she was now explaining to me) I asked “are the cremains in a bag inside the box?” She said she thought so, but hadn’t ever opened one of these boxes before. “Let’s do it” I said… and we proceeded to unhook the latch and lift the lid.

Inside was a small clear plastic bag filled with ashes and a little piece of paper that said:  Name: Claude

“Claude”, not “Wink”. Confused.

“Who is Claude?” I asked.

She glanced at the little note, gently closed the box, and said “I’ll be right back.” A few minutes later, she returned, explaining to me that Wink’s cremains were returned to the facility so that they could correct the spelling of my name on the box. After apologizing for the mix-up, she let me know that they’d be in touch in the next day or so to let me know when they were ready to pick up.

Now, I realize mistakes happen, and that things can be mixed up. I also know that this will get sorted out. The people who provide these services are obviously careful with the remains (exemplified by the name of the pet being included in the bag), and in time it’ll get sorted out.

What I don’t understand is why someone didn’t call to tell me there was going to be a delay in my being able to pick up the cremains because a mistake had been made in the spelling of my name. The service I ordered was a private cremation (which results in the delivery of your own pet’s cremains), and the encounter left me confused and unsure of what pet’s cremains will find their way home with me. I just have to believe that my name really was spelled wrong on the box, and that it’s a simple mix-up that will be easily resolved. I did a little research and found that the pet cemetery allows in-person cremation, meaning the actual cremation can be attended. Now this might be a bit morbid, but it seems to me the only way to be 100% certain that the cremains you get are of your beloved pet.

But beyond the mix-up and sadness and shock of losing her, I know that Wink had an incredibly wonderful life and gave so much love and laughter to me and my family. I was able to be with her in her last moments, and was able to hold her paw, kiss her head, and tell her goodbye in the very moment she passed.

Do I miss Wink? Yes. Every second. My heart breaks knowing she’s gone. But as time moves forward, I find myself smiling; knowing that she shared 9 love-filled years with me. I’m lucky to have had her in my life and the cremains that I receive (eventually) will take residence in the urn that will be used to remember and honor her life.

A new book by Andrea Jurgrau is out, featuring a collection of lovely lace inspired by knits of the past. More than patterns, she takes the time to guide the reader through her design process; explaining how she interprets an antique pattern into something new, different, and oh-so-lovely.

New Vintage Lace is available now from Interweave, and features shawls, scarves, wraps, and hats that Andrea designed based on original lace doily patterns. 

A nurse and wonderful lace designer, Andrea has a structured way of working that I find inspiring. The book is beautiful, and the projects timeless. I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea as I explored the pages of her book. 

Read through the interview, and then find out how you can win your very own copy of New Vintage Lace!

[KW]:    If you could have a retreat weekend with 3 knitters/fiber artists (living or dead), who would you invite, and what about their work inspires you to learn more from them?
[AJ]:    Only three? That is tough.  Elizabeth Zimmermann would be right up there. How about Herbert Neibling? Maybe Marianne Kinzel? But I would also love to chat with Hazel Carter and Evelyn Clark.  EZ was the knitting author I first found as a teenager and I loved her approached.  No spoon feeding. Knitting is for thinking people.  She taught me that there are no rules knitters have to follow.  I would love to chat with Mr. Neibling about his design process and charting.  But if I think more about it I could continue on with the list of knitters I want to meet! 

[KW]:    How do you store/catalog your vintage patterns?
[AJ]:    I keep them in binders on a shelf, but have started to scan them and have many stored on my computer/CDs now.  I have them in folders by style and or probable designer. 

[KW]:    Any plans for another book?
[AJ]:    Indeed.  I already have more than half of the pieces knit and out with  test knitter!  Say no more!

[KW]:    Is there a "purl of wisdom" that you'd like to share with other knitter/crocheters out there? 

[AJ]:    I like to remind people that knitting is a pleasure.  I knit as the "zen" in my otherwise hectic and often emotionally draining professional life as a healthcare provider.  Knitting is about the process for me.  I also spin yarn, for the same pleasure.  Try not to get hung up on the product and live more in the process.  It works for me!

I have a copy of New Vintage Lace to give away to one lucky reader! To enter, simply post a comment on this post by midnight, July 1, 2014. I'll do a drawing on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 to announce the winner!

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment about Andrea's book! There were 10 comments before the deadline for the drawing, and the random number generator chose #8 as the winner!

Congratulations, Sara Greer - you're the winner!

I sent you an email to get your mailing address so that I c

Over the past few weeks I have been talking about AIDS Walk SF, and wanted to share a video about Project Open Hand (the recipient of my fundraising efforts). Putting the impact into words isn't always easy. Please take a few minutes and watch this video for an example of how making a donation can really make a difference:

...and for those who really want to hear what's going on in the fiber/knit/designing world, the unfortunate thing is I can't say much about the book. I CAN tell you a lot of really amazing yarn has found its way to my studio, and a number of pieces are either complete, or nearing completion. Writing a book is certainly a labor of love, and I can't wait to share its story with you!

As always, thank you for your support and for sharing and talking about the fundraiser with your friends. Together, I'm confident we'll be able to reach my goal and that money will make a real difference in the lives of others.

Here's hoping the rest of your week is amazing!

KW

Sharks can be scary... but not this one!

OK, The fundraiser for AIDS Walk SF is going wonderfully. There are a LOT of fantastic prizes up for grabs as incentive and a way to say "thank you" for those who donate.

Yesterday, Pamela Haschke, the Executive Director of Halos of Hope donated a custom, hand knit shark hat as a prize! She says the winner may choose the traditional "Great White" (pictured here) or the San Jose Sharks colors.

Pam is going to knit the hat for the winner, so the prize will take about 30 days to be shipped once it's accepted.

In addition to this, there are a LOT of other really great prizes, and more will be added.... included other really lovely handmade items. Everyone who donates and signs up for the drawing is eligible for all the prizes... and each $25.00 you donate earns you another chance.

My goal is to raise $10,000.00 for all the deserving HIV nonprofits that benefit from the Walk. Together we have raised $2,200.00 as of this morning, and I'm confident that number will continue to go up.

THANK YOU for your donations, for your "likes" and "shares" on Facebook... for talking with your knitting groups and yarn shop owners about the fundraiser (and the chance to win all these prizes)

To see the current list of prizes, and for the donation link, visit here: http://www.kylewilliam.com/aids-walk-sf.html

Thanks!

KW

Yes, seriously. a Sidekick. The most amazing, incredible, fantastic wheel you'll ever put fluff in! It's up for grabs, brand spanking new, and will end up in the arms of some charitable giver! In addition, the good folks at Purlescence Yarns donated a prize pack AND lessons to get you started!

Other amazing prizes include:

• 21 skeins of Cascade 220, courtesy Cascade Yarns
• Autographed copy of The Knitster, courtesy Robbie Dulaney
• Autographed copy of The Embellished Sock, courtesy Charles Gandy
• Darn Good Yarn Prize Pack, courtesy Darn Good Yarn
• The entire Really Clear Designs Pattern library, courtesy Cynthia Spencer
• Hand crafted creature, courtesy Cee Cee and Belinda Creech
• $45.00 gift certificate to BeesyBee Fibers

More prizes are to be added. (Visit my website to see the complete list, along with images)

One more way you can help: Share this blog post with your friends. We are raising money for amazing programs, and at the same time, we are reminding people that it's important (and often free!) to get tested for HIV. Knowing your status and communicating with others is one of the best ways to help.

From the bottom of my heart, I have to thank you for taking time to read, share, and give.

Head on over, to the donation page HERE and secure some chances for these incredible prizes!

Thank you for your support!

KW

Thank you to those who nominated me, and thank you to everyone who takes time out of their day to do good for others!


-KW

I knew right away what yarn I wanted to use for this vest. Zauberball Starke 6 by Shoppel-Wolle (distributed in the United States by Skacel) slowly changes color (and you know how I love color changing yarn!).

The original proposal included the patterned front, just as it looks. I had imagined a solid stockinette back that would make the project feel more approachable (finish the patterned front, and the back will be super easy knitting!)

Folks who design for magazines (or books, or other publications) are always on a short deadline. This project had about 4 weeks from the date it was accepted to the date the finished sample and pattern had to be delivered to the publisher.

Well, I knit the patterned front to the armholes, and then cast on and knit the back to the armholes, only to realize that it was WAYYYYY too wide. (See? Even designers have to rip things out.)

So, I went down a needle size (of COURSE... that will get me the correct gauge, right?   wrong.) It still was not quite right. So I talked with another knitter friend and he suggested I do some sort of different pattern for the back. As I was ripping out the second back attempt I saw the beauty in this suggestion. It'll make the front the same weight as the back... and the back will be really easy to knit because it'll be the same row of patterning over and over and over!

So, thank you to Bill for your suggestion. I couldn't be happier with the back on this piece, and really, I think it could be an alternate design for a vest front!

Besides the basic knitting skills you'd imagine are needed for this project, it's helpful to know how to lock the floating yarn every other stitch. This technique creates a beautifully finished interior and it also keeps the tension even in two-color knitting.

There's a tutorial HERE that demonstrates the technique.

Other good news about this pattern is it made the COVER of Cast On! It's my first cover, and I am really proud of the way this one looks.

Cast On Magazine, the educational journal for knitters, is included in your membership to TKGA (The Knitting Guild Association). More information about the organization and the magazine can be viewed on their website HERE.

Have a great weekend!

-Kyle

The other night at work after a meeting, there was a bunch of leftover pizza. After everyone left, there were still a few pieces wrapped up. At first, I thought I'd treat myself and have a slice on my way home, but after walking out the door I decided I really wasn't hungry. I had just had a big dinner, and it was already after 9pm... so best to just head home. My first thought was to leave the wrapped up piece of pizza on top of one of the trash cans on the way to the MUNI stop... but was walking with a friend and our conversation distracted me. I thought about that piece of pizza in my bag a few minutes later while underground waiting for the train.

Then it was time to make my connection. I leave the underground station and transfer to a bus which takes me home. It has started to mist outside, and it's chilly and the bus takes a while to arrive. When I finally do get on the bus, I find a seat near the back. Public transportation is full of all kinds of folks, especially in San Francisco. The different people, languages, and mental states are fascinating. Sitting next to me are two guys who are talking about traveling out of state on the company's dime, and about how the skate parks in Chicago are really awesome. Someone near the front of the bus is playing reggae music on their phone. Two elderly Chinese ladies laugh and talk a few rows up. Across from me, there's an African American woman, probably in her 60s, and when I looked at her she smiled at me. I smiled back as the bus reached its next stop. This time, most of the people leave the bus, and as we pulled away, she stood up and stepped towards the door, as if she was  about to leave as well... but then turned around and returned to her seat. She looked at the floor and noticed a sucker, still wrapped in its plastic. Moving around, she reached for the floor as the bus climbed another steep hill, and she held the red treat up and examined it. As I watch her I realize she was going to eat it.

Then I remember what I'm carrying. I ask her, "would you like a piece of pizza?" She nods yes and looks at me hopefully (but with a bit of reservation since I don't actually have a "to go" box with me!) I get the piece of pizza out of my bag and hand it to her. She takes it, says "thank you... I guess you could tell I was hungry!"

As she eats, I talk with her a little about the availability of food and shelter services in the city, and ask if she knows about them. "You can't get food after 6pm" she tells me. "I'm too late".

Then she says "This is the only food I have eaten today." We talked a little more and she shared a bit about her life. She's alone in this city. When I reached my stop, it was time for me to leave. The only thing I could think to say to her was something my grandmother always told me: "Tomorrow is a brand new day." - If she can make it through tonight, there's a new start with the sunrise.

What did I have to offer her? A slice of pizza and a few kind words... nothing to keep her warm for the night, or fed tomorrow.

What did I learn from this? Heading home, walking up the big hill to my street (the rain just starting to turn from mist to sprinkling) I realized that when we head into the world, we bring with us "baggage" -- feelings, emotions, fears or excitement about something that's happening... and those things we carry with us are the tools and gifts we have to share with others.

In a good mood? Notice how that good mood spreads to others around you? Imagine the impact it has on people you don't even notice.

In a bad mood? Notice how that bad mood sometimes resonates and can affect those around you. Imagine the impact it has that you don't even notice.

Have a little extra (like that piece of pizza I carried on my way home)? See the good that comes from observing your surroundings and giving when you can. Imagine the impact it has on everyone (including you!)

Here's to brand new days.

KW