Letters From The Editors
The scoop from the editors
photo: meA Knitter's Summer?
Where we are, in southern Ontario, the warm weather so far has been unseasonably cool. If you ask me, that's perfect for us knitters and fiber folk...more time to craft and wear cuddly stuff.
But the hot is coming, I've been told, and so we've got an assortment of yums for you to choose from: A few choice sweaters, a handful of socks, some sweet shawls and, of course, an opossum. Off you go, then.
This issue is out a good week late. How come? Because my wallet was stolen and it took that long to get things replaced and get my head back on straight.
As embarrassing as this is to share, I want you to know how it happened so you don't fall prey to the same scam I did (<-- this is a link to a similar story that happened near me). In my case, I was told someone had "hit my car" and as I went to the back to see the non-existent damage, that's when they scoffed it. I have no idea how – I wear a zipped backpack! – and I was oblivious to the theft as it was happening. I'm not 90. But I was fooled, and I suppose it could happen to anyone who doesn't say "bugger off" to someone who seems to be doing something helpful when in fact they're horrible theiving scum. Anyway, just beware, y'all.
Our Kate (Atherley) is taking a short break from her Techniques video column as her life gets busy in other ways. She'll be back. Until then, you can work through her past columns on this handy page.
And this issue, Donna Druchunas introduces us to a different, sheepier side of Beatrix Potter that may be new to you.
We want to send a special thank you to our Patrons who continue to support us and keep us alive and thriving! We absolutely would not be here without their support. Every dollar they contribute helps, and we'd love you to join them. We offer really neat rewards, too, starting at the $5/issue level!
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Amy Singer
[editor, Knitty]
photo: Amy Singer
Craving lightness
It’s summer, my favorite time to play!
In North America the days are long, and the possibilities seem endless. There seems to be enough time to work, rest and play. Time enough to spend long stretches with family and friends.
In the summer, I like to try new techniques, new crafts, to use colors out of my comfort zone. I spend equal amounts of time spinning and swinging in my hammock reading.
I do my best to hang out with my fiber friends too. Sometimes we’ll do a big dye day complete with a potluck, or a stash swap, or a day of drum carding batts out of all of our fiber odds and ends. This summer we might wash fleeces together.
If you are looking for a new color technique to play with, my Knittyspin column this issue spells out the difference between combo spin and combo draft. Both are a great way to use a lot of braids, but the result is very different.
Our Knittyspin pattern is the Bremen Library Bag by Stefanie Johnson. Based on the Brothers Grimm story the Bremen Town Musicians, it’s a pattern that combines the authors favorite folktale with fibers gifted from friends. The bag is beautiful, with wonderful memories attached to it, and sturdy enough to carry a summertime book haul.
I hope you find time to play this summer!
If you have an idea for a project or article for knittyspin write me. Knittyspin submission guidelines are here.
If you have fiber, spindles, books, or other spinny products or tools that you'd like us to review, you'll find information how how to get your products in to the hands of our reviewers here. I love to talk about it all.
Happy Spinning!
Jillian
Moreno
[editor, Knittyspin]