Read, Knit and Hang Out with CraftLit

Do you know about CraftLit? It’s a really fun podcast that’s all about the intersection of crafting and reading. Or, as the show’s tagline puts it “stick a book in your ear” because ” you might want to use your hands for something else.”

The podcasts combine readings of classic literature with crafty chatting (the current selection includes a knitalong) and background information that makes the books easier for modern “readers” to understand and relate to.

The podcast is currently at work on Jane Eyre, and podcast host Heather Ordover is planning her first-ever CraftLit Google Hangout for June 5 to allow people to meet face to face and take part in an hour-long book club style discussion.

The hangouts will take place at 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. There are three options because the Hangouts can only accommodate nine people, and that way more people can join in the fun.

For $39 you can take part in the Hangout, get a recording of the “book club” to watch later, receive an “enhanced edition” ebook of Jane Eye that includes the text with links to audio from CraftLit and discussion questions to fuel your own bookish chats.

If you take part I’d love to hear a report on how it goes!

Looking for more Easter themed Knitting patterns? Check out these Knitting patterns we found over on Etsy.

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Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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