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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I know knitting a dress sounds like a major time commitment. And that’s before I even tell you that this particular dress, the Sixth Ave Skater Dress by Briana Luppino, is worked in light fingering weight yarn.

But would you just take a moment to look at it and tell me if it doesn’t look like it would be worth all the time you would spend knitting it? And it’s miles of stockinette stitch so it’s actually beginner friendly and a great semi-mindless knit you can take with you on your travels this summer and wear when it is done.

The dress is worked from the top down with tank straps, a scoop neck, waist shaping and a flowy skirt for a fun and comfortable fit.

The pattern has 10 sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 28 to 64 inches, or 71.5 to 163 cm. The sample shown was worked with 4 inches/10 cm of negative ease at the bust, and the designer says most people like between 2 and 6 inches/5 to 15 cm of negative ease in the bust and around 10 inches/25.4 cm positive ease in the hips.

(To refresh your memory, negative ease means the measurement of the garment is smaller than your actual body measurement, while positive ease is bigger than your body.)

To pick a size you’d work from the bust measurement because you can always add more or fewer decreases as you need to get your desired fit at the waist and hips. And because it’s worked from the top down you can try it on as often as you like to make sure it’s the perfect fit.

The I-cord edgings give the dress a super casual feel, and I think this would be a great one to add to your summer rotation. (Yes, even with a wool blend yarn.)

You can see lots of cute finished versions and grab a copy of the pattern for yourself on Ravelry.

[Photo: Briana Luppino]

Book Review – Knitted Tanks and Tunics

How to Knit a Simple Sweater Dress

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Have you read?