Let's visit the weird, wacky and wonderful world of knitting!
We'd like to introduce you to innovative groups we come across, interesting knitting art, new techniques and yes, weird knitting. Alice in Stitches would like to foster all textile and fiber arts and this lens will focus on the knitting world.
Please visit us at Alice in Stitches for unique and art-focused knitting, quilting and needle art supplies.
The process of knitting on knitting boards was originated in the 1500's in the mountain villages of Europe. The technique was passed down through the families, generation to generation. However, when the knitting machine was introduced, knitting boards all but disappeared.
Today, Kim and Pat, a mother/daughter team at The Knitting Board Company, have brought the technique back to a new generation of knitters.
This fun and unique method of knitting also makes it possible for someone who has lost the use of an arm, to continue the craft. The board can easily be bolted down to a surface and used one-handed.
Knitting Boards are available in kits, in different lengths and with DVD instruction.
Give it a try - you might like it!
Alpaca Shearing - Your yarn journey begins!
A look at a day in the life of an Alpaca rancher
Every wonder how they go about shearing an Alpaca? Here's the video for you!
Do you know what makes Alpaca fiber special (and perfect for your knitted garments)?
~ Fiber Diameter - an Alpaca's fiber ranges from between 15 to 30 microns - one of the finest in the world.
~ Hypoallergenic - Many people are sensitive to the lanolin in a sheep's wool. This is not present in Alpaca. Also, dyes are generally not necessary, as Alpaca comes in 22 natural colors.
~ Water Repellant - An Alpaca's coat has adapted to it's harsh environment with a water repellancy. This feature carries over to garments made with Alpaca fiber. Also, the smell often associated with "wet sheep" is not present in Alpaca.
~ Warm - Again, because of their mountain lifestyle, Alpacas have developed fiber that will keep them warm. Each shaft of hair is hollow, creating extra insulative air pockets. Alpaca fiber is said to be 8 times warmer than sheep's wool.
~ Soft - Finished Alpaca garments are much softer to the touch than sheep's wool garments. The prickle of wool is not present in Alpaca fiber. A sheep's wool has little barbs down the shaft of each hair, whereas an Alpaca hair is smooth down the shaft.
Give felting a try with these fun and creative kits
We've just discovered a fun new company called "Pick Up Sticks". They sell kits and patterns for knitting and felting.
How about a sushi wallet kit, packaged in a sushi tray? The kits are creative and perfect for gift giving. Maybe you'd prefer felting a daffodil ~ it's packaged like a garden bulb.
If hats, pillows and purses are more your style, we've got those, too. These cute kits come creatively packaged and ready for gift giving. Come and check them out at Alice in Stitches - Felting kits.
Thanks for visiting!
Great knitting supplies on Amazon
A few of the knitting supplies offered by Alice in Stitches on Amazon.
The Basic II Plus DVD takes you beyond basic knitt more...1 point
The Basic II Plus DVD takes you beyond basic knitting board techniques. You will find 90 minutes of more advanced techniques.
Covered in this DVD are the seven most popular stitches, finishing touches such as fringe, pom-poms, button holes, placket edges and more, and multi-color designs. Create colors in your knit with stripes and multi-color design. Learn to graph your designs.
These visual instructions, up close and in detail, will teach anyone to create professionally finished pieces.1 point
The Bagsmith Project Bag features a folding metal more...1 point
The Bagsmith Project Bag features a folding metal frame that keeps your bag upright when you're ready to work. When it's time to go, fold up your frame and carry by removable shoulder strap or bag handles. This bag features 17 clear vinyl pockets so you can easily find your supplies.
The bag is roomy and would work well for all kinds of crafts including knitting, quilting, needlework and more.1 point
The Knitting Board uses a centuries old technique more...0 points
The Knitting Board uses a centuries old technique to create beautifully knitted projects without struggling with needles.
The knitting boards are made of solid kiln dried hardwood by master craftsmen, and sanded to a smooth finish. The knitting needles are steel pins with small ball tips spaced 3/8" apart, and steel hardware securing the boards. Create many different looks with one board using fine to bulky yarns. One board is all you need to create small projects to large sweaters.
The Bagsmith Yarn Catcher is a great way to keep y more...0 points
The Bagsmith Yarn Catcher is a great way to keep your yarn from rolling away or getting dirty while knitting. The 12" size is large enough to hold all the yarn for your project.
The cube collapses flat for easy storage. This crafts container is great for other crafts projects as well.0 points
The Knitting Board Scarf kit includes a 10" k more...0 points
The Knitting Board Scarf kit includes a 10" knitting board and hook, grey 100% Peruvian Alpaca Yarn, a scarf pattern and a How-To DVD.
The knitting boards are made of solid kiln dried hardwood by master craftsmen, and sanded to a smooth finish. The knitting needles are steel pins with small ball tips, spaced 3/8" apart, and steel hardware securing the boards. Create many different looks with one board using fine and bulky yarns.
The knitting board has adjustable wood spacers with...0 points
The Denise Interchangeable knitting needles provid more...0 points
The Denise Interchangeable knitting needles provide you with a complete set of 10 different needle sizes, all packaged in a compact, airline safe box. When your gauge calls for a size smaller or larger, you'll always have the needle you need. These needles have a unique connector - just insert the correct cord or part, twist 1/4 turn and lock in.
The pink set of needles donates a portion of each sale to breast cancer research.
knit-based art. self_2004.jpg · self, 2004. A spe more...1 point
knit-based art. self_2004.jpg · self, 2004. A speaker wire dress with sound installation. I spent the fall of 2004 on strict knitting hiatus in order...1 point
Forget scarves, baby booties and cabled sweaters. more...1 point
Forget scarves, baby booties and cabled sweaters. For artist Annette Streyl, knitting is about expression and architecture rather than clothes. DW-WOR...1 point
The key to knitting for gifts is to keep things si more...1 point
The key to knitting for gifts is to keep things simple, use quality materials, and, if you want to knit several gifts, consider using one pattern mult...1 point
An exhibition at the Crafts Council Gallery in Lon more...0 points
An exhibition at the Crafts Council Gallery in London next month will show that knitting - long belittled as the preserve of elderly ladies declining...0 points
A free community site for men who knit comprised o more...0 points
A free community site for men who knit comprised of blogs, discussion forums, and links to provide support, encouragement, and inspiration to men retu...0 points
Noro yarn is known for it's rich colors and beautiful textures. This special yarn is perfect for garments of all kinds. The Noro yarn is carefully hand spun and dyed with the highest quality dyes.
Posted by smariek at 6/21/2007 04:35:00 PM 3 comme more...0 points
Posted by smariek at 6/21/2007 04:35:00 PM 3 comments Links to this post. Labels: 2007 Finished Objects, chapeaux, charité, Free Patterns, Mindless Kn...0 points
A German born Yankee living under Carolina Blue, k more...0 points
A German born Yankee living under Carolina Blue, knitting, crafting, ... http://www.3gcs.com/adcock/free%20patterns/handmade_knitting_needles.htm ...0 points
Knit with matching yarn of fingerless mittens (wor more...0 points
Knit with matching yarn of fingerless mittens (worsted weight wool), ... Extra simple to knit! Knit flat, and sewn (or grafted) into circle when done....0 points
Kids Knitting is my #1 favorite -- a must-have for more...0 points
Kids Knitting is my #1 favorite -- a must-have for children and their "teachers ... http://www.3gcs.com/adcock/free%20patterns/handmade_knitting_...0 points
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Knit for the Cure
Products donating a percent of their sales to Breast Cancer Research
We're always on the lookout for products that donate a portion of their proceeds to charity. We have found two companies in the knitting community that are helping to support Breast Cancer Research.
The first is the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle Company, who has a complete knitting needle set in pink, along with it's accessories. The owner of the company struggled herself with this disease, has overcome and moved on to help others. The Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles sets are packaged in travel box - complete with 10 needle sizes, 6 circular cords, extenders and end buttons.
The next is the Lantern Moon Company, a family run company creating totes and knitting needles in Vietnam. They have a Tote for the Cure bag that is black on the outside with a pink and black checked interior. Just the thing to tote around all your supplies.
Random knitting blogs from Google
Check them out - you never know what you'll learn!