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.

Next Pattern:

The other day I saw a post from Pinterest about trends for summer and it said one of them was “cultivating whimsy.”

Well, I don’t know where Pinterest has been all this time, but we’ve been cultivating whimsy here at Craft Gossip for a long time. I love sharing projects that are a little different, things that make you smile when you see them, and will make you smile when you knit them and wear them or use them.

Such it is with the Tutti Frutti tee knitting pattern from Bea Creative Knits.

This cute little baby tee is worked top down in the round with contiguous shoulder construction to shape the sleeve caps. There are short rows for the neckline and folded hems with picot edging at the hemline, neckline and edges of the sleeves.

All of this would be great on its own, but then there’s the addition of a super cute fruit icon, which is added with duplicate stitch. There are a lot of options, including strawberry, banana, orange, cherries, watermelon, lemon, blueberries, kiwi, peach, dragon fruit, apple and pear, so it’s likely you can add on your favorite fruit.

It is offered in eight sizes, to fit a bust measurement ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The design is meant to be worn with around 6.3 inches/16 cm of negative ease, but you can choose the fit you prefer. There’s also optional bust and waist shaping included in the pattern if you want to make it even curvier.

This is considered an advanced beginner or intermediate project because of all the skills involved, but it’s sure to be a lot of fun even if some of these techniques are new to you.

Grab a copy of the pattern for yourself form Bea Creative Knits on Etsy.

[Photo: Bea Creative Knits]

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