Hi Sandi. I am a long-time reader and a first-time commenting. I saw your lovely chat with Corey this week. I listened to her all the time as well.
My autopilot knitting is for an international organization called Knitted Knockers. We are Knitters and crocheters who make handcrafted prosthetics for women who have undergone mastectomy. They are size specific. They are FREE And shipped by volunteers and makers like me all over the world. I am a state supplier for North Carolina and New York. By the end of the year, the National organization will have sent 1 million knockers since inception. The need is massive. The disease horrific. Maybe you can feature them in your article. KnittedKnockers.org
Astrid, thank you for mentioning Knitted Knockers. A few years ago I came across the organization in my search for a way to help a young friend of mine who was undergoing chemo and radiation for a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. I made her two pair, not really sure of her size (she lives far away from me). She was delighted to receive them but, thankfully, she wound up not needing them. (By the way, I think she's past the 5-year mark for being free of cancer.) Anyway, thank you for mentioning the organization.
It's lovely to hear from you, Astrid! I hope you're doing well.
Knitted Knockers is a wonderful organization, and I thank you both for shining the spotlight in their direction and for the work you do in support of their efforts.
I can't keep up with all the books you are reading ... lol. By the way, I started listening to Find Me by Anne Frasier. I'm hooked.
For a time, my go-to knitting was shawls. Pretty simple to cast on a few stitches and then just increase every other row. I would play with alternating garter stitch and stockinette, maybe throw in some eyelets. Much would depend on whether I was knitting a variegated yarn or solid color. Other than my husband, I don't have family close enough to me to measure body parts. I have in mind, though, to knit up a bunch of watch caps based on your pattern and send them up north this winter. You know I knitted one for the Knit-a-Thon. It was a lifesaver since we went to the protest at the capitol that day. I wouldn't have been able to get in my 12 hours if it hadn't been for the cap!
I saw you have an article in Farm & Fibers but I haven't gotten to it yet. I guess I could always just use my husband's hands to get a "men's size" and my hand for "women's size." I think we're pretty average ;-)
I'm delighted to hear that your multi-tasking Protest/Knit-A-Thon day went well! And if you and your husband are about average size, then I think it's a pretty good bet that either hats or fingerless mitts would be welcome gifts for your loved ones in northern climes.
I meant to ask you if you've heard about Bad Sheep Yarn. They are based in Pensacola, FL. I just happened to see their ad on Facebook so, of course, I had to click through. They don't say much about where they get their wool. I had to ask and they only said they buy their yarn from "small farms in Peru" and then they dyed the yarn in their studio. They seem like a cool yarn company, and I might sample a skein or two. I was just curious if you had ever come across them.
I haven't heard of Bad Sheep Yarn. I took a look at their website, and they have some beautiful colors. It does surprise me that they don't mention sustainability or environmental responsibility among the company values listed on the "about us" page. But they do have a 100% organic merino, which is nice.
I'll be interested to hear what you think if you buy a skein for a test drive. I looked to see if they would be exhibiting at h+h, the trade show coming up in a couple of weeks, but they aren't listed, so I can't meet them at a booth.
Wow! Great post Sandi! This is like finding one of those Special Crafters Edition mags at check out, that we couldn't keep our hands off of, back in the day! So enjoyed the interview with Cori Eichelberger and learning about your knitting history and achievements. Beautiful collection of your pieces. Very nicely done!
Thank you for the link to Belle De Costa Greene/Morgan Library 100th year celebration. Such an amazing woman and life!!
Sincerely wish that there were more patterns out there written like this! More of a eyeball it, use your own judgement kind of plug and play recipe. I enjoy making wearables but the small quick ones I know are ones I never wear! I rarely throw on a scarf or hat. Mittens? Forget it.
It's more difficult to do for garments where there are more variables in style, proportion, and fit. But if you are interested in this approach, I recommend you look for Knitting in the Old Way: Designs and Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson. It's out of print, but available to purchase on-line through used book sources.
Thank you for this! I was able to get on the hold list for one of the books. I think my library needs to discover Galland, so hoping my request will move them to acquire her books! I'm like you, autopilot for socks, hats, and mittens.
Enjoy! If you have access to Libby through your library, that is where I borrowed the audiobook. My library card includes access to both Libby and Hoopla.
While in Phoenix visiting family, I raved about your column and your fabulous book recommendations. Today I need to call my library to request yet another title they don't have but clearly desperately need. Thank you!
Hi Sandi. I am a long-time reader and a first-time commenting. I saw your lovely chat with Corey this week. I listened to her all the time as well.
My autopilot knitting is for an international organization called Knitted Knockers. We are Knitters and crocheters who make handcrafted prosthetics for women who have undergone mastectomy. They are size specific. They are FREE And shipped by volunteers and makers like me all over the world. I am a state supplier for North Carolina and New York. By the end of the year, the National organization will have sent 1 million knockers since inception. The need is massive. The disease horrific. Maybe you can feature them in your article. KnittedKnockers.org
Astrid, thank you for mentioning Knitted Knockers. A few years ago I came across the organization in my search for a way to help a young friend of mine who was undergoing chemo and radiation for a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. I made her two pair, not really sure of her size (she lives far away from me). She was delighted to receive them but, thankfully, she wound up not needing them. (By the way, I think she's past the 5-year mark for being free of cancer.) Anyway, thank you for mentioning the organization.
It's lovely to hear from you, Astrid! I hope you're doing well.
Knitted Knockers is a wonderful organization, and I thank you both for shining the spotlight in their direction and for the work you do in support of their efforts.
I love your recipe for mitts, and will share. People who buy a stand alone pattern can spring for the issue!
Thank you!
I can't keep up with all the books you are reading ... lol. By the way, I started listening to Find Me by Anne Frasier. I'm hooked.
For a time, my go-to knitting was shawls. Pretty simple to cast on a few stitches and then just increase every other row. I would play with alternating garter stitch and stockinette, maybe throw in some eyelets. Much would depend on whether I was knitting a variegated yarn or solid color. Other than my husband, I don't have family close enough to me to measure body parts. I have in mind, though, to knit up a bunch of watch caps based on your pattern and send them up north this winter. You know I knitted one for the Knit-a-Thon. It was a lifesaver since we went to the protest at the capitol that day. I wouldn't have been able to get in my 12 hours if it hadn't been for the cap!
I saw you have an article in Farm & Fibers but I haven't gotten to it yet. I guess I could always just use my husband's hands to get a "men's size" and my hand for "women's size." I think we're pretty average ;-)
Enjoy Find Me - it really sucked me in.
I'm delighted to hear that your multi-tasking Protest/Knit-A-Thon day went well! And if you and your husband are about average size, then I think it's a pretty good bet that either hats or fingerless mitts would be welcome gifts for your loved ones in northern climes.
I meant to ask you if you've heard about Bad Sheep Yarn. They are based in Pensacola, FL. I just happened to see their ad on Facebook so, of course, I had to click through. They don't say much about where they get their wool. I had to ask and they only said they buy their yarn from "small farms in Peru" and then they dyed the yarn in their studio. They seem like a cool yarn company, and I might sample a skein or two. I was just curious if you had ever come across them.
I haven't heard of Bad Sheep Yarn. I took a look at their website, and they have some beautiful colors. It does surprise me that they don't mention sustainability or environmental responsibility among the company values listed on the "about us" page. But they do have a 100% organic merino, which is nice.
I'll be interested to hear what you think if you buy a skein for a test drive. I looked to see if they would be exhibiting at h+h, the trade show coming up in a couple of weeks, but they aren't listed, so I can't meet them at a booth.
Keep us posted!
Wow! Great post Sandi! This is like finding one of those Special Crafters Edition mags at check out, that we couldn't keep our hands off of, back in the day! So enjoyed the interview with Cori Eichelberger and learning about your knitting history and achievements. Beautiful collection of your pieces. Very nicely done!
Thank you for the link to Belle De Costa Greene/Morgan Library 100th year celebration. Such an amazing woman and life!!
Thank you, Sandy!
Sincerely wish that there were more patterns out there written like this! More of a eyeball it, use your own judgement kind of plug and play recipe. I enjoy making wearables but the small quick ones I know are ones I never wear! I rarely throw on a scarf or hat. Mittens? Forget it.
It's more difficult to do for garments where there are more variables in style, proportion, and fit. But if you are interested in this approach, I recommend you look for Knitting in the Old Way: Designs and Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson. It's out of print, but available to purchase on-line through used book sources.
Ooh, I'll have to check it out, thank you!
Thank you for this! I was able to get on the hold list for one of the books. I think my library needs to discover Galland, so hoping my request will move them to acquire her books! I'm like you, autopilot for socks, hats, and mittens.
Enjoy! If you have access to Libby through your library, that is where I borrowed the audiobook. My library card includes access to both Libby and Hoopla.
While in Phoenix visiting family, I raved about your column and your fabulous book recommendations. Today I need to call my library to request yet another title they don't have but clearly desperately need. Thank you!
Thank you so much! And hooray for libraries!
Thank you for another well written column! You always manage to inform us with knitting
stories and at the same time educate us and stretch our minds and worlds! As I finish the current
column, I find myself looking forward to the next- you are a gifted knittter and writer! Thank you for sharing with us-debbie
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Great post! Thank you
My go-to's are mittens and hats.
Thank you!