 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!  All photos courtesy Interweave Knits. DRAWING! (completed) 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! CONGRATULATIONS!  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  One of the reasons I moved to San Francisco was to get involved in HIV prevention and counseling. Back at the end of 2010, I reached that goal, and a short time later was lucky enough to find a paying job with the same amazing organization. Days and weeks and months go by, and it's easy to find comfort in the daily routine. My work allows me to watch the lives of others as they work to become healthy, strong individuals. It also allows me to see the benefits that come from the monies raised in fundraisers like the AIDS Walk. It's for these reasons (and more) that I decided to walk this year.  AIDS Walk, Phoenix AZ, 1991 It's not the first time I've walked and raised money for organizations that work with folks dealing with HIV. Back in 1991 (when I was just 16) I joined forces with my educational teen theater troupe, the Positive Force Players, and we marched through the streets of Phoenix, AZ. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with the NAMES Project as the Quilt made a stop there on its nationwide journey. Today I realize that the organization I work for was providing mental health services to clients all those years ago.  Los Angeles Marathon, 2010 In 2010, with the help of my friends and family, I raised money for AIDS Project Los Angeles and completed the LA Marathon. All those months of training coupled with the exhausting feeling of crossing the finish line has taught me that we really CAN do anything we set our minds to. This time it's not a marathon... but it's certainly still an important event. This time, I'm walking with my friends at Project Open Hand, and the money we raise will help so many incredible organizations that really do change the lives of people in need. (They provide food to seniors and the critically ill in the San Francisco bay area.) The hard part, for me, is asking for donations. Money is always tight, and we are all on budgets... So I decided to provide some prizes as added incentive to give (and to encourage action)! Some generous individuals and companies have provided a number of "thank you" prizes that will be given away in a drawing after the walk. For every $25.00 you donate, your name will be entered once into the drawing. To join in, first make your donation HERE. Then, review the prizes and goodies on my walk page HERE, and fill out the form on that page with your information and you'll be entered to win! What can you win? (I'm so glad you asked!) The grand prize:  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:
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 Back on February 4, 2014 I was the recipient of the Daily Point of Light award! What's funny is I didn't know about it until their office contacted me to get my shipping address! Founded by President George H. W. Bush, the program recognizes people or organizations who work to make a difference in their communities. Most people who know me are aware of my desire to use the fiber arts as a tool to educate and empower others with information about various issues. The project that earned this recognition was Good Deeds, Volume One: Hats, which includes knitting (and crochet!) patterns surrounded by information about breast cancer, and the incredible resource Breast Cancer Connections. 100% of the proceeds from this collection benefits Breast Cancer Connections, and the e-book suggests making hats for a charity.  This honor was unexpected, and I'm humbled by the experience. (Of course, it couldn't have happened without the help of all the contributing designers and models!) In addition to the certificate, I also received this letter on President George H.W. Bush's letterhead:  On the Points of Light website under my date and award number, you'll find this summary: AWARD NUMBER: 5146 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  It has been a while since I posted a tutorial video, and it seems like this is a great place to share with you how to lock floats in knitting. The technique has been explored by a number of people, including Meg Swansen and Joyce Williams in the book Armenian Knitting. One of my sample knitters, Cindy Baily, encouraged me to give it a try and I've been locking floats ever since. I promise you that it becomes really easy with practice. Yes, it slows me down just a touch while working, but it certainly makes the inside of a finished garment so beautiful. Sometimes this technique will cause the floated yarn to "peek" through to the front of the fabric. Yarns with more "spring" work better for this technique, and while I'm swatching I work with different needle sizes to discover the best combination of yarn, needles, and pattern. Here's hoping you are having a beautiful week! Kyle  It's a short and sweet blog post, but I can't contain my happiness!
In addition to a little studio remodeling, I have been working hard on a book proposal, and I am ecstatic to share the news with you that I just signed a contract with Interwave for my first book of knitting patterns (due out Spring, 2016)! Of course, I can't say much about the details of the project... but I can share with you how overwhelmingly wonderful it feels to hear the good news. With this new focus, and a bit of organizing done in the studio, I am ready to dive headfirst into a marathon of design and writing work! Kyle  The inspiration for the Aymara cowl arrived the day I saw Jorge del Carpio's Kickstarter campaign for Fibras Andinas. I read the story of the Chilean herders tending their flocks 11,000 ft above sea level, and learned how the development of this new project would provide an opportunity for the purchase and use of the fiber from the animals. Over the next few months, I exchanged emails with Jorge and learned even more about his passion for helping his community. Once Nicole Snow from Darn Good Yarn joined on as the U.S. distributor, it was decided: I was going to design something special with this yarn. The outside of the cowl is inspired by traditional Aymara weaving patterns, and the inside features round after round of adorable llamas! It's knit on circular needles, and the beginning and end are grafted together hiding all ends and making the entire piece reversible and oh-so-cozy. This project takes two skeins each of 2 colors of sport weight yarn from Royal Llama (available in the United States via Darn Good Yarn). Is it soft, you ask? Most definitely. The fiber is de-haired llama. It's warm, luxurious, amazing to work with, and wearing the finished cowl is like getting a big hug from a long-lost friend. Of course, another benefit is knowing that your purchase of Royal Llama yarn helps support the Chilean llama herders! Skills needed | Provisional cast on, knit, purl, working in the round, stranded color work, Kitchener stitch. You will find the pattern on Ravelry HERE. The pattern will be available in a kit available through Darn Good Yarn and Fibras Andinas.  Aymara is available in English & Spanish as an individual pattern (via the link below): $4.00
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