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The case for swatching (and why it’s not just about “getting gauge”)
Mention gauge swatches to most knitters and you’ll get a groan. Some knitters view it as a necessary but unpleasant step toward getting to sweater that fits, and some avoid it at all cost. But swatching is about so much more than getting gauge. As a designer, swatching is essential to my process. I think…
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Knitpicks Modish Merino – What is Easywash Wool?
My interest is always piqued when I learn about new types of yarn, and especially innovations in sustainability. So when I learned about Knitpicks’ new ‘easywash’ wool yarn, Modish Merino, I had to try it out. According to the Knitpicks website, the easywash process uses enzymes rather than chlorinated chemicals to smooth the wool’s surface…
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Crafteaze by Valari Pillow Review
Valari, maker of craft and gaming support pillows, recently reached out to me and offered to send me one of their pillows to try out. I have a long history of neck and shoulder pain, and with a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, it seemed like a perfect opportunity. Suffice to say, I want to…
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3 Ways to Use Your Yarn Stash
There is a lot of interest from knitters (and crocheters) right now in creating projects from stash yarns. Using what you already have can be a great way to knit sustainably and save money (not to mention make space for new yarns!). It also can inspire creativity. Some of my favorite projects have been made…
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Sampling Wooldreamers Manchega Yarns
Normally when I sample a new sheep breed, I like to purchase spinning fiber. But Manchega wool spinning fiber is not something I’ve come across as yet, and I was inspired by Sandi Rosner’s comparison of Wooldreamers’ Manchelopis yarn with plötulopi to try it out. Plötulopi is unspun roving made from both the undercoat and…
