i think the knitters out there would agree, knitting and winter go especially well together. i know that when it starts getting colder is usually the time i start thinking about new knitting projects. and, it seems there might even be snow falling in kyoto this weekend!
like most things related to crafts, knitting books in japan are especially cute, filled with good patterns and interesting-looking projects. i have to admit that since i got into making felt several years ago, i haven't been knitting as much. but recently i've become inspired especially by the combination of cold weather and great new knitting books.
and i am happy to say that i've finally added these knitting books to the
shop. they have both japanese and english written instructions, so i am betting that they will be the perfect introduction to using japanese knitting books. and, the projects are awesome! they are all from nordic countries, and are very clever, seemingly simple with with very unique results. ok, so i should admit here that i am kind of a lazy knitter. i like big yarn, on big needles, not only because i can finish a project faster, but let's be honest, that's a consideration. also, i tend to make simple projects (hats, scarves, mostly a single color with a simple rib) that don't involve much surface design at all. but i really want to try some of these patterns,
maybe these armwarmers will be first...
although i also love this mobius scarf
and this crown hat would be great for a kid!
i also love this frilly scarf
and someday i might even be inspired to try socks (but probably not this year;-)
you can see all the photos from these books in my flickr
knit and crochet books collection.
i also found this book that has explanations of all the common knitting stitches, including the symbols using in japanese knitting charts (it's in the shop).
and, last week i found some great yarn/ scarf kit, that i'd love to pass on to any reader of this blog who's interested:
each kit has 5 balls of 100% wool yarn (very soft, not sure about what kind of wool it is), each ball is 50 grams, and 100 meters. the kit also includes 2 knitting needles. with the rib 2 pattern included (in japanese) each kit should make a scarf that is 17 cm wide and 160 cm long.
i picked up one of each color: red, dark blue, and blue and brown.
if anyone would like one of these kits, they are $20, plus shipping. since i only have 1 of each, i am not going to put them in the shop, but just make them available to the first folks who send me an email to feltcafe@gmail.com. or maybe i will just knit with them myself, we will see...
happy knitting!
nani iro fuccra double gauze, in blue, and eggplant.
ok, this fabric was released earlier this year, from the wonderful nani iro line from kokka. but i just got around to finally putting it in the shop. it's the cotton double gauze we have come to expect, with whimsical, abtract, pretty patterns. every time i see it, i am consumed with thoughts of what i would like to sew with it. for myself!
a similar thing happens every time i visit the inspiring simply iro flickr group, where i saw this great project from filminthefridge (lovely blog by the way!).
actually, i am the very excited and proud owner of a new sewing machine! and my first project that i started is a shirt using this fuwari fuwari nani iro double gauze. it's a little girly compared to what i usually wear, but i've been in japan for a while now, and that sure brings out the cute and girly in anyone. it is not, however, the first project that i have finished; in fact, it's gone a bit astray...for sure because i thought i would just wing it. so that project is on hold until i redo the collar.
but as a new sewing machine owner, i picked up a couple books for inspriration, inlcuding this one, also for nani iro (or other) double gauze. the title is "made of soft gauze." isbn 978-4141878872.
here are a few clothing patterns, but it has more household objects/gifts.
and of course this nani iro book is still one of my favorites to leaf through and be inspired.
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