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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The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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