Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

Giveaway! Knitting Daily Series 400 DVD

by

Continuing on with telling you about these awesome dvds….

Show #404 features finishing techniques from seaming and washing to underarm shaping and raglans.

Show #405 explores different yarns used in different patterns. Natural fibers, different breeds of sheep and the different patterns and locations traditional to each breed are discussed as is processing these natural fibers.

Show #406 introduces an age old knitting tool, the nostapin. I actually have one of these but had no idea what it was for, or why it would have even been. Winding yarns, using dpns instead of circs and knitting technology is presented.

Show #407 shows knitting with pencil roving. Clara Parkes explains different characteristics of different sheep and different ways of working with them.

Show #408 just gets better and better as cottons are explored. Different techniques to reduce sagging, and the Pittman Program is introduced.

Show #409 is about scarves, and choosing your stitches to match your project ideas. Making your own yarn from cast off clothing demonstrates a “green” way of knitting.

Show #410 demonstrates different techniques for cables in both knitting and crochetting.

Show #412 explores edgings and different cast on techniques, and last but definitely not least, this best series yet show  #413 ends up with tips and techniques from today’s top designers.

Leave me a comment telling me which technique or project is the most lucrative to you. This giveaway ends next Friday, March 19, 2010.

As always, if you’ve read this blog long enough, while my home is definitely smoke-free, it isn’t, nor will ever be pet-free.

Ready….Set….Go!

Next Pattern:

Comments

  3. I’m most interested in learning more about working with cotton yarns. I’ve a lot on hand that came in mixed bags from thrift shops and such, but really don’t know what I want to do with it, or the best ways to work with it.

  4. I am most interested in 413. I have ventured into designing my own knitwear and it would be interesting to hear tips from accomplished designers.

  6. Cast on-s and edgings will get my vote. I always cast on the same old long tail way and have been thinking for ages that I should learn some other ways. This would be perfect nudge to finally do it!

  8. I would love to see the tips on sagging cotton, but most of all I would just like to see the series. Our PBS channel does not carry it so I have never seen a full episode.

  9. It would be impossible not to learn something from every show, but the design tips and show 405 on the types of fibers sound particularly interesting.

  10. #405 (I’m sure it’s loaded with good-to-know stuff for spinners) and #412 for the edgings (I’m having a hard time with the edgings on a sweater I’m designing), though I think they all would be chock full of *wonderful* information.

  12. 404, 408, and 412. I need to learn how to prevent sagging, need help with my washing, and want finishing tips. Basically, this whole set would be useful!

  13. Finishing! 404! I could always use more tips on finishing, and I find seeing them visually demonstrated helps me out way more than static pictures and text.

  14. Recycling #409! I can’t always buy enough yarn for a larger project. I have enjoyed being able to felt old sweaters to get a nice gift from, however, this doesn’t satisfy my need to actually knit a project. Recycling yarn from a favorite sweater that may not fit anymore is a wonderful idea!!

  15. 405 is intriguing- my husband wants some kind of livestock (vetoed alpaca), and this would be a joint activity! Also,413 would be helpful, as one can always improve!

  16. All of those topics sound interesting, but if I had to pick one I’d say I’d really like to learn about different cast-on techniques!

  20. I am most interesting in finishing techniques because I have the hardest time finishing stuff (seaming, blocking, etc.)

  21. I would like #409 the most. Love making scarves with different yarns, but I don’t vary the patterns much. Thanks for a great giveaway!

  22. I’ve just taught myself to knit and now can’t stop! I’d like either #409 or #410. #409 because scarves don’t take too much time and can be used to showcase interesting stitches or patterns with an almost infinite variety of yarns and colors; and I’d love to give them as gifts. #410 because I’ve just attempted cables and they didn’t look too good. Thanks for the giveaways.

  23. I’ve wanted to see this show and keep checking to see if it is in the area. We get 3 PBS stations here and you’d think ONE of them would carry it! I have a nostapin and would love to learn how to use it. Also, I’ve been trying to learn new cast ons and having a video would be so much better than books. Every one of these episodes would be chock full of things to learn!

  24. I’m interested in the underarm shaping in 404 & the nostapin in 406… I’ve never heard of it! Sadly my cable programming doesn’t include this show so I don’t get to watch it 🙁 A perfect excuse to win!!

  27. Well, I’m not sure whether cables in #410 or edgings in #412 would be my favourite, but I would love to win something – I’ve been trying for 63 years now, LOL. They say there is a first time for everything!

  28. I help teach teens basic knitting and crocheting at a local HS. They are thrilled with the handicrafts their moms have never done. Some have Grandmas that did but didn’t teach them how. All these would be a great help in expanding their workking knowledge of the basics along with helping the beginners.

  31. #409: I have been trying to incorporate more environmental ideas into my crafting and learning how to make/use yarn from old clothing would be a fabulous idea!

  32. I am still nurturing a start in knitting so #409 caught my eye immediately though #410 might help me get over my fear of doing cables.

  34. hi i would be happy to recieve any of the dvds but #409 sounds interesting because of the recycle element.

  35. Definitely #404. The weakest part of all my projects is the finishing. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks for doing this.

  37. I don’t get this show and would love to see some of them. 405 and 407 particularly intrigue me because they cover working with different kinds of wool. I have some pencil roving and haven’t succeeded in knitting with it yet. This would be helpful. Thank you!

  38. It’s hard to pick, but I think episode 413 would be the most fun to watch! I’d find 404 especially useful and think it could really improve my finished pieces.

  39. 407 sounds really interesting. I’ve seen folks do this and I’ve always wanted to try it!

  40. Right now I am a rank beginner to knitting but I am trying to learn all I can. Eventually I will be up to the 400 level and want to learn all the techniquees

  41. I really want to know how to keep cotton from stretching & sagging. This has been a chronic problem.

  42. #409 – choosing your stitches to match your project ideas and 412 – cast on stitches. They both sound great, but as a beginning knitter, I’m sure that I would learn a lot from all the shows!

Have you read?

What’s Next for Joann?

Now that all the Joann stores have closed, a mysterious message has appeared on the company’s website:

For generations, Joann has been honored to be part of your creativity: your quilts, costumes, school projects, and handmade moments of love. It has been our joy to serve markers and dreamers across the country.

We’re stitching up something new behind the scenes and we can’t wait to share what’s next.

Stay tuned for exciting news about the future of Joann.

To quickly recap, Joann filed for bankruptcy in January for the second time in less than a year. In February, in the hope of making the company more attractive to potential buyers, it petitioned the court for permission to close about 500 of its 800 stores. The company was put up for auction, with Gordon Brothers set to buy the company, sell its assets and close all the stores if no other buyer materialized.

In the end the winning bidder was GA Group, but the result was the same: all stores were to be closed by the end of May if not sooner.

Once store closure sales started the company quickly stopped selling on its website, and now all that remains is this jpeg image hinting at new ventures.

I’m sure there will be a tone of speculation in the coming days and weeks (or as long as it takes for them to announce the meaning of the message) as to what sorts of plans Joann could be cooking up.

My theory based on nothing but my gut is that they will transition to an online only storefront, probably with much reduced inventory, sort of like Herrschners (which had previously announced that it will be carrying Big Twist yarn, the beloved private label yarn brand sold at Joann). I also think they will use whatever retail sales they do to support CreativeBug, the digital learning platform that Joann purchased in 2017. That could mean producing kits for projects that already have classes, or developing classes based on products they want to sell, or both.

As of this writing the CreativeBug website seems to still be functional and there’s a full slate of new classes planned for June. I’ve got my eye on both the Joann website and the Joann restructuring website and will let you know as soon as I see changes.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your speculation as to what the next chapter might be for Joann.