Today, I’m starting up a new feature called: “Tuesday Tips & Tidbits.” Over the years, I’ve received many useful tips and tricks from designers and knitters and some of these, I’ve  also collected myself. I thought it was time to share them with you, here on this blog.

Today’s Tip: If you enjoy creating garments in the round, it’s important to create your gauge swatch the same way. I know the idea of working a gauge swatch in the round can seem like a tedious process, but there’s a solution: work a flat, “in the round” swatch. Here’s how you do it:

Cast on the desired number of stitches, then knit across the row. When you get to the end, *DO NOT TURN. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, then move the work back to the beginning of the needle. Rejoin your yarn and knit across the row. Repeat from * until you the desired number of rows.

This swatch “simulates” a gauge swatch made in the round because you are knitting every row. By avoiding the need to turn your work to purl on the opposite side, (which changes your tension) you are working similar to the way you would when creating your final garment.

If you would like to share your tip or tidbit, I’d love to hear from you! Contact me at: editor@creativeknittingmagazine.com

Sifa Cotton from Knit Outta the Box

In ancient times, these metals were known for their healing properties and were considered to have tremendous physical benefits to those who came in contact with them.

Copper is supposed to help you look and feel younger and boost your body’s circulatory system.  It is said to improve the elasticity of the skin, reduce wrinkles and even stop or reverse the process of hair turning gray.  Forget the Fountain of Youth—pour me a drink from a copper goblet!

Gold is said to increase happiness and bring you to the point of complete relaxation, while at the same time increasing your IQ by 35 percent!  Now the crowns of gold make perfect sense, don’t they?

Silver was thought an excellent metal for overall good health.  Some consider it the most effective natural healing agent known to man.

Given all of this, imagine my enthusiasm when I discovered an amazing cotton yarn that is spun with pure silver!  The yarn is produced in Turkey by KB Yarns and is called, Sifa (pronounced SIF-FUH) Silver Cotton.  Cool in summer and warm in winter, it makes the ideal year-round yarn.  Sifa actually means “healing” in Turkish, and the story goes that this yarn was created for the spinner’s mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and swore that every time she wore the socks she knit with it, her feet felt better.

While I can’t make any claim that this yarn will cure all that ails you, prevent your hair from turning gray or make you smarter, I will say that every time I wear the socks or fingerless gloves that I knit out of Sifa Silver Cotton, consisting of 90% Turkish cotton and 10% pure silver, my hands and feet feel great.  Is it all in my head? I don’t know.  But I do know that a dear friend of mine currently going through chemotherapy treatment tells me that she wears the Double Twist Turban that I knit for her all the time—even to bed—because when she wears it she “just feels better.”

Double Twist Turban, made with Sifa Cotton by Knit Outta the Box.

Click image above to view video!

Double Twist Turban Video Demo Video from Knit Outta the Box.

Click image above to view video!

Sifa, A Yarn That Feels So GOOD!

Knit Outta the Box, is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Sifa Silver Cotton.  Why not try it out for yourself using this free knitting pattern for Kara’s Fingerless Gloves, as shown in our fun little video above.

Laurie Gonyea is the founder and owner of Knit Outta the Box. She lives in Washington DC, but grew up in Michigan. She has two beautiful daughters, and a wonderful husband. As Laurie says, “Life is good!”

It’s not often that I’m able to carve out moments for myself to generate new ideas and recharge. Creating a little haven for myself gives me the opportunity to step away, if just for a few minutes to have that “me time” that I so crave.

The light was so exquisite in this spot this morning. Wish you could have seen it.

What would I do without olive oil and garlic?

This little guy gives me an instant smiley face.

I try so hard to remind myself that unless I’m able to nurture the important parts of me, it is literally impossible to give to others. So take the time when you can!

I hope you find time to get in touch with your deepest self this Sunday!

I am thrilled to be asked back to Creative Knitting magazine’s Splendid Sticks blog to talk with you more about my passion for knitting with beads and to also share some tips and tricks when it comes to knitting with beads.  Have you seen Little Knitted Jewels yet?  I am so honored that my Trio Necklace & Earrings were chosen for this cover spot!

The Trio set is surprisingly easy to work.  Beads are pre-strung onto your yarn in a set pattern, as shown in my Butin Collar, and then slipped up in between stitches as they are needed.  The necklace is shaped with short rows so that it is narrower at the back of the neck, creating a graceful arc. The earrings echo the motif of the necklace, while maintaining a flattering teardrop shape.

Sometimes students ask me why beads need to be pre-strung, and if they can skip that step and place the beads with a crochet hook instead.  Placing beads with a crochet hook is a lovely look, but what it does is “lock” your bead into place on a stitch.  For the Trio pattern, I wanted the beads to “float” in between the stitches, which means they need to be pre strung so that they are on the yarn and available to slip up.  I love the appearance of movement that this technique creates.

"Trio" Earrings from the new Annie's book: Little Knitted Jewels.

I pre-string my beads with a dental floss threader. If you haven’t tried this before, check out my short video tutorial showing you just how easy this technique is:

Click above to view video

For more information about Little Knitted Jewels, visit AnniesCatalog.com.

Knitwear designer Laura Nelkin teaches workshops all over the country. For more information about her classes, or if you have a question about knitting with beads, stop by her website Nelkin Designs.

This past weekend, I was searching for a fun craft involving yarn (of course) for my 3-year old son, and I came across finger knitting. When I performed a google search, I was amazed at the vast number of information available on this technique. Click here for a great explanation of how to get started right now.

The result of finger knitting is one big I-cord! Grab some chunky yarn and within minutes, you can make a funky little scarf. Give it a try!

Socks to Knit for Those You Love by Edie Eckman

If you’ve been thinking of tackling some new socks in the coming months, I suggest taking a closer look at Socks to Knit for Those You Love, from expert knitwear teacher and designer Edie Eckman. This book contains 18 family-friendly designs that offer a variety for the insatiable sock knitter. Projects range from casual yoga socks to something a little fancier; there are booties for the little ones, socks for tweens and teens, and designs for him too.

What I really like about this book is its layout. The fonts and charts are easy to read and the full-color photos clearly show the important aspects of the designs. The yarns are labeled generically and range from super-fine to lightweight, making it easy to adapt the yarns to your own personal preference. Edie’s approach to pattern writing will encourage even novice sock knitters to pick up this book and work through the patterns with confidence.

Leaf Socks

In this book, you can test your skills with simple lace, garter slip-stitch, colorwork, cables and ribbing. The patterns are made using either the cuff-down or toe-up method and all 18 projects require the use of double-point needles.

Garter Slip Stitch-Socks

Edie prepares you for your sock-making journey by showing you how to accurately measure your foot and obtain correct gauge, along with other essential techniques, such as: working the cable cast-on, how to use double-point needles ad how to read charts. Also included is a generous assortment of knitting illustrations demonstrating the basic stitches used throughout the book. Additionally, you’ll be presented with basic finishing techniques, such as grafting and picking up stitches.

Braided Cable Socks

To learn more about Edie and when she’ll be teaching in your area, visit: EdieEckman.com

Last week, I embarked on my long- anticipated ”road trip” to visit St. Louis area yarn shops. The highlight of my trip was my stop at Kirkwood Knittery where I was asked to speak during a special “Meet & Greet” from 7-9 pm on the March 15th.

The idea for my trip was first conceived over a year ago by Brooke Nico and Robyn Schrager, owners of the shop. After several conversations, we firmed up our plans over dinner in New York this past January to make the event a reality.

During my visit, I was asked to talk about Creative Knitting, and to share some insight about what goes on behind-the-scenes. I was encouraged that many posed questions regarding the design selection process and were curious about how we choose color, decided upon themes, and other production details.

The Knit Night bunch at Kirkwood Knittery.

Designer and co-owner of Kirkwood Knittery, Brooke Nico designed these pieces for the March 2012 issue of Creative Knitting, which were on display during the event.

Me with Brooke Nico, co-owner of Kirkwood Knittery posing for a quick photo opp.

I’d like to quickly give a shout out to Brooke and Robyn to say thanks so much for inviting me to your awesome shop. St. Louis was a blast and I can’t wait for my next visit!

May 2012 Creative Knitting magazine

I’m especially excited about the May 2012 issue of Creative Knitting magazine, because as you can see, we’ve given our cover a face lift!  In this issue, you’ll find 29 projects perfect for warm-weather knitting. We’ve carefully selected yarns that will keep you cool all spring and summer long.

Serenity Pillow Trio

Simple Springtime Jumper & Kerchief

Sunny Bucket Hat

Given the fact that spring is officially here, you have my permission to get busy knitting right now!

I love feedback, so please send me your comments, and let me know what you think of the May 2012 issue of Creative Knitting, and what your plans are for knitting this summer. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Just a quick update on my trip– if you live in the St. Louis area, I’d love to meet you! I’m getting ready to kick of a little yarn shop hop tomorrow, Wednesday 3/14, with the finale at Kirkwood Knittery for a meet & greet Thursday 3/15 from 7-9pm. I’ll be there to answer questions, talk about the March issue of Creative Knitting magazine, and show off some projects!

Click image to view video

Shop hop schedule:

Wednesday, 3/14:

Knit and Caboodle

423 South Main Street

St.Charles, MO. 63301

(636) 916-0060

Hearthstone Knits

11429 Concord Village Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63123

(314) 849-9276

Ewe Knit Yarns

7967 Big Bend Blvd.

Webster Groves, MO 63119

(314) 961-6933

Thursday, 3/14:

Knitorius

3268 Watson Rd.

St. Louis, MO 63139

(314) 646-8276

Kirkwood Knittery, Meet & Greet 7-9pm

10724 Manchester Road

Kirkwood, MO. 63122

(314) 822-7222