Knitting Cafe

On a recent trip to the MFA store, I picked up a new knitting book called Knitalong. I could not resist the pattern of the felted origami crane. In between the knitting patterns, the book is about knitting traditions, and the thread of crafting together as it has spun out over time - from quilting bees to crafting get-togethers.

The book also describes the emergence of a relatively new phenomenon - the knitting cafe.

So on a recent visit to NYC, I sought out and visited a knitting cafe called Knit New York. The sign out front contained one of the most evil marketing messages I have ever seen: "Knit for Free". Wow. Yes, knitting is free, but the yarn, the needles, the bags, the stitch counters, tape measures, and on and on, are not. Joy!

Inside, they have cute little tables with flowers on them. They have these fabulous yarn storage shelves - look like something from Imelda Marcos's closet of dreams.


The staff was very friendly, but there was something about the place that did not tempt me to linger -- not what I expected to find. Also, the espresso machine definitely had the look of something that has been unused for quite a while.

I guess I had my hopes up after reading Knitalong. Does anyone have any good knitting cafe's to recommend?

New Year Relief

The end of 2008 was a 'challenge', but as we are in the new year, let's leave all that behind and hope for something better in 2009.

Now that the holidays are over with, I can post some fun photos of some of what kept me busy and prevented me from working on my WIPs over the last two months.

Here is a photo of some of the Jayne hat recipients from this holiday knitting mania.

Thanks for sharing your photo, Jason, CC and Joseph - looks too warm there in Dali, China for them, alas! Jealous here in chilly Boston....


And here is the belated holiday gift still on my needles for my sister - should be great if I ever get them done!


Can you guess what this will be?

Robot Finished!

Finished! Hubby has put in a vote for no felting... so guess I will have to knit another for the great felting experiment. Yay!

To felt or not to felt, that is the question...

Finally, a new robot design! This little guy has been floating around in my head for the last 6 months.


Thinking I am going to felt him and see what happens... after I sew on the other arm, of course.






Before I go into the fiery furnace that will forge my strength, shall I contemplate the color blue?

Rounding third base, headed for home

Sleeve #1 is done, and #2 is well on its way. Watching the Red Sox and trying to get this summer sweater done. Just in time for the winter.

Also, stopped into the Vermont Yarn Co. and picked up another kitting project (bad, bad, bad). An adorable felted purse from Cabin Fever - will be making it with a soy-based blended yarn (first time knitting with soy) and using a Sandra Lance handmade porcelain button as an embelishment. Yummy.

I'm a Ravthlete! Feel the <3

The Beijing Olympics have come to a close, and so too have the Ravelympics. Though I did not complete all the 'events' I signed up for, participating was a lot of fun. Or at least it was fun to have an excuse for knitting in some odd-ball situations, including while having a pedicure, and while attending a friend's band's gig (love out to One Happy Island)

Here is the project I did finish -- a laptop case made out of yarn I bought to knit myself a robot (#4 in waiting). I have not decided yet whether or not to cut the handles into the bag. We'll see how it goes...



Now, back to the tab button jacket... maybe....

Tab Button Jacket: Update

Finished the second front section, now on to the sleeves. 4 skeins of yarn left, so I think I'll be fine (fingers still crossed). :-)