The Fiber Forum

Interweave Knitting Lab Announces Two Locations in 2012

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:27:39 GMT

Interweave Knitting Lab, a national knitting event from the publishers of Interweave Knits magazine, has announced its return to San Mateo, Calif. next November 1-4. This premiere event was such a success—with sold-out workshops and lectures and incredible attendance at the Knitters’ Market—that Interweave has decided to add a second location on the East Coast in Manchester, N.H., October 4-7, 2012.

Interweave Knitting Lab offers knitters opportunities to learn from knitting legends and experts in small, intimate class settings—alongside new friends who share their passion for knitting. This premiere event was created especially for passionate knitters who want to take their knitting skills to new heights. It offers innovative, immersive workshops and project-based classes, lectures, enticing panel discussions and other special evening sessions, plus three days of shopping opportunities at the Knitters’ Market.

The 2012 Interweave Knitting Lab event locations and dates are:

Interweave Knitting Lab New England, October 4-7, 2012: The Radisson Hotel Manchester, in scenic New Hampshire, located just one hour north of Boston, Massachusetts in a fun downtown area. Registration for Interweave Knitting Lab in New Hampshire opens in mid-April.

Interweave Knitting Lab San Mateo, November 1-4, 2012: Interweave Knitting Lab returns to Marriott San Mateo, a beautiful hotel located on 11 acres and just minutes from downtown San Francisco. Registration for Interweave Knitting Lab in California opens in early May.

Classes at Interweave Knitting Lab range from rarely-offered classes on unique regional, ethnic, and historical techniques, to studio classes that apply new design and technique skills to original creations. There are classes in sock knitting, lace knitting, cables, sweater construction, knitwear design, color theory, mosaic knitting, intarsia, Fair Isle, and much more.

Interweave Knitting Lab New England will focus on modern inspiration for thinking knitters: A program of in-depth classes on authentic and personal knitting design, working with color and line, and manipulating fabrics and fibers. The curriculum will explore the intersection of handknitting technique and inspiration, with forays into the larger textile industry and the art world.

In its second year, Interweave Knitting Lab San Mateo will continue to focus on handknitting techniques and traditions, with classes on subjects ranging from ethnic knitting history to complex cutting-edge techniques.

Review of Sticks, Hooks & Mobius

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:03:53 GMT

Earlier this month, the show Sticks, Hooks & Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral opened at Lafayette College. I was honored to have four pieces accepted for inclusion in the show. I went to the opening and was excited to not only meet other fiber artists, but to see the amazing creativity that was part of the exhibit!

When you first pull up tot he Lafayette College campus, you see the organized yarn bombing event. The exhibit kicks off with a “yarn bombing” at noon on Sunday, Jan. 8 led by guest curator Susan Huxley of Easton. Huxley has been collecting afghans from thrift shops for the past six months. Members of the Lafayette and Easton communities are invited to help attach the afghans to the handrail of the staircase that links North Third Street to Lafayette’s campus as a symbol of unity. The colorful afghans will also add beauty to a stark urban landscape, a primary goal of the worldwide “yarn bombing/knit graffiti” phenomenon.

The exhibit itself shows the amazing creativity of those who work with hooks and needles. I certainly enjoyed wandering the exhibit and looking at all the different works that were accepted into the show.

One of the most amazing pieces is a lap-blanket-size Albert Einstein. When you look it at straight, it looks just like a brown and off-white blanket. However, when you look at it on an angle, you see Mr. Einstein. I have no idea how that works, but it is amazing!

Of all the pieces I had accepted, I think my favorite is my motherboard. Someone once described me as a "digital personality with analog hobbies." While I never liked the person who told me that, the description definitely fits. My motherboard allowed me to artistically combine my two sides.

I am in complete awe of the pieces that are a part of this show. Guest Curator Susan Huxley has done an amazing job pulling this show all together. All the photos I took at the show can be found at my Facebook page. The show is open until February 5th. I hope you consider going to see all the amazing creative pieces that are a part of the show.

Sticks, Hooks, and the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:31:09 GMT

On Sunday, January 8th, an interesting exhibit opens at the Williams Center Gallery on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, PA.

Sticks, Hooks, and the Mobius: Knit and Crochet Go Cerebral will begin with a "yarn bombing event" at noon and then the exhibit opens at 2:00 p.m. I am very excited about this exhibit, as this is my first juried exhibit! I have four pieces that will be on display.

My wonderful husband Glenn and I will be attending the exhibit opening on Sunday and I will be posting photos afterward. If you have time to check out the exhibition, I hope you do! The exhibition will be open until February 5th.

My New Year's Resolution

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:09:20 GMT

OK, I am going to admit it. I did an absolutely terrible job keeping the blog up to date. So one of my New Year's resolutions is to do a MUCH better job posting useful and interesting information here for my readership.

So, stay tuned. It is going to be a great year!

Cleaning out the Stash: Giveaway Number One!

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:28:11 GMT

OK, we are are familiar with the term SABLE (Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy) when it comes to our yarn and fiber. Chances are you are also a bibliophile as well, as we all love to collect books on our favorite fiber art subjects!

Well, I am going to (gasp) clean out some of my book stash. Yes, I know, it's tough. But I feel much better knowing that I am going to make sure my loyal readership gets in on the fun!

Different publishers send me their books for my review here on The Fiber Forum. I am now going to pass these amazing books on to you!

The first book is Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania, Iceland, and Ireland. For the post on the Fiber Forum about this book, I was lucky enough to have the author, Donna Druchunas, provide a guest post all about the book and her knitting inspiration!

OK, so here are the rules. Leave a comment here about what you would do with the book and that will get you one entry. If you "like" my Facebook page, you'll get a second entry! Follow me on Twitter and you'll get a third entry! If you take part in these other entry opportunities, make sure you note that in your comment here on the blog. On Friday, August 26th, Every entry will get a number and I'll use random.org to pick a winner!

About a week after, I'll put another book up for the winning!

Good luck!

All About...About.com

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:18:09 GMT

Over the years I have tried to share useful websites and other interesting fiber-art-related information. Well today I have an announcement I am very excited to share. I am now an official contributor to the crochet section of About.com!

For those of you not familiar with About.com, they provide great information on a wide variety of topics - including crochet and knitting. The crochet guide for About.com is Amy Solovay and I am excited and humbled she has asked me to be a part of such a great source of information for crocheters of all levels.

My two latest articles review two different bamboo crochet hooks: the ChiaoGoo bamboo crochet hook and the Clover Takumi bamboo crochet hook.

I hope you will check out all About.com has to offer and I look forward to hearing your feedback on my articles!

Book Review: The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:17:39 GMT

Several years ago, a discussion group I belonged to decided to do a "study" of different breeds. Each member picked a breed, did research on its history, purchased raw fiber, spun some up and sent everything to another member with a small amount of money ($10-$20 if I remember). That good soul took all the information, printed it out, added a small amount of fiber to each page, created complete binders and shipped them back to each member that participated. It was a huge undertaking, but it has been an invaluable resource, as there was really nothing like is available in print...until now.

The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook: More Than 200 Fibers, from Animal to Spun Yarn from Storey Publishing is an amazing resource! This book has information about over 200 different breeds that can be used for crochet, spinning, knitting, and weaving. Its photos are amazing and I know this is going to be an invaluable resource in my fiber arts library for years to come.

The authors are certainly not new to the fiber arts industry. Deborah Robson is the former editor of Spin-Off and Carol Ekarius is the author of multiple books on livestock farming. Both Deborah and Carol live in Colorado.

I expected a hardcover reference book like this to have a list price of $50-$60; but I was pleasantly surprised to find it has a list price of $35! Storey publishing certainly kept pricing in mind, making this an easier purchase for fiber fanatics during this tough economy.

I will definitely be using this book often and will probably wind up reading it cover to cover, as I am finding all the information provided very interesting! It is definitely worth a look if you are a fellow fiber fan!

The Passing of an Icon: Jean Leinhauser

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:41:12 GMT

It is with great sadness I must report the passing of an icon - Jean Leinhauser. Jean was recovering from several pelvic fractures that occurred recently when she suffered a major heart attack.

She leaves behind a legacy in the fiber arts world that may only be rivaled by her long time partner, Rita Weiss.

Whether you may know it or not, you learned from Jean. She founded Leisure Arts, which became the largest independent needlework book publisher. Later she founded the American School of Needlework (ASN Publishing). She was Editor and Publisher of CROCHET! magazine for two years, and created and wrote the internet newsletter, TALKING CROCHET! We are all better fiber artists because of Jean. She was one of the "partners" of Creative Partners.

I had the pleasure to meet Jean a few years ago at the CGOA convention in New Hampshire. She was incredibly gracious and was very open with suggestions on how to proceed as I started to develop pattern designs.

Following Jean's wishes, she has been cremated and her ashes will be strewn over the water.

She was a great dog lover, especially rescue dogs, so family and friends are asking people who would like, to consider making a donation to to their local dog rescue group in her memory.

You will certainly be missed Jean...

Patriotic Crochet

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sun, 29 May 2011 16:46:18 GMT

As many of us celebrate the unofficial start to summer this weekend, it is important to remember what this weekend is really about - remembering those who serve and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so we may live in a free and great country!

There are many ways you can show your patriotism this weekend in your crochet. For example, a great simple project you can work up quickly and wear today and tomorrow is the Red and Blue Metallic Beaded Crochet Bracelet.

Lion Brand Yarn has a few great patriotic water bottle patterns that are not only functional, but will show off your love of country. Maggie Weldon has a great free pattern for a stars and stripes dish towel that can double as a trivet during your picnic or bbq.

If you are planning on heading to the beach or a friends house and need to carry a lot with you, then consider this great beach tote. I may have to make one of these. I really like this pattern! Sugar and Cream is a nice strong cotton, so I have no doubt this would make a great sturdy tote.

Most importantly this weekend, remember our troops and if you see a service member, make sure to thank them for keeping us free!

The Great Sock Project: Turning the Heel...and the Corner

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:06:00 GMT

First, I want to apologize for my lack of activity the last few weeks. I have been experiencing ongoing Internet connection issues recently. As a result, I haven't been able to post my latest activity on my Great Sock Project. The long of the short of it? I have turned the heel...and a corner.

Now, I will say I can't remember a project so challenging for me. I have been learning new stitching (some fun, some not so much), watching my sock skills improve, and frogging more than I care to admit. As I reminder, I am doing what is considered the "basic" pattern in Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns. I will say after I completed the heel turn and the gusset, it is starting to click. I am ready to move on to the foot and toe shaping and hope to have that complete this upcoming week.

What I have noticed in this pattern is that there are some issues with the stitches and directions in the book. For example, I needed some help with the lssc, because I had a hard time making sense of the diagram in the book. I could find a "split single crochet" and I could find a "long single crochet," but I couldn't find a "long split single crochet." So, I watched some videos of the two different stitches on YouTube and then merged them together. For what it is worth, I am not a fan of doing the split single crochet, but it does have a nice look.

Next up...foot and toe. Stay tuned!

March is National Crochet Month

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:16:00 GMT

So if you haven't been getting your RDA of crochet, now is the time to pick up that hook! March is National Crochet Month. Many wonder what they could do to mark the occasion? Here are a few suggestions.

Plan a "Stitch and Bitch"
Crochet and being social go hand-in-hand. Plan a get together at a local coffee shop, book store, library or even your home and enjoy sharing each other projects and future crochet plans.

Teach a child to Crochet
Today kids are bombarded with "high tech" products like MP3 players, video games and cell phones. Teach a child to appreciate a "low tech" and creative process like crochet.

Donate Projects to Charity
There are plenty of charities out there that ask for crocheted items. From chemo caps to baby blankets to pet blankets, reach out to a local or favorite charity to see if they are in need. If you aren't sure where to donate, call your local pet shelter, hospital or cancer center to see if they accept crocheted items for those they care for on a daily basis. I will be making chemo caps to donate to a local cancer center.

Start a New Project
Try making something you have never made before. A perfect example is my sock project . I have tried several times in the past to crochet socks with zero success. I am doing a long-distance sock crochet along with my buddy Tonya and it is going very well! We are able to help each other when we get stuck and discuss our progress. It is great fun!

These are just a few different ways you can celebrate National Crochet Month. So pick up that hook and get stitchin'!

The Great Crochet Sock Project...Continued

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:55:00 GMT

So, I have been working on my first pair of crocheted socks and I would say so far, it has been, well, OK.

The "Easy Does It" pattern in the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns calls for a double crochet foundation. I have only used this method one or two times and I had great notes on how to do it, but of course, I couldn't find them. I didn't find the directions in the book very user friendly, so I headed to the 'net and my Twitter buddies and one of my Twitter followers (thanks Rebecca!) pointed me to a great set of directions on Crochet Me. After a little bit of practice, I was on my way.

Now, in order to not loose interest, I planned ahead and purchased two skeins of yarn so I could do each step simultaneously. This way I don't complete one sock and then not want to start over again. Well, so much for best laid plans. I purchased two skeins of Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn in razzle dazzle when I actually wanted to skeins of Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn-Green Envy. Unfortunately, one of the skeins was mis-marked, I didn't realize the color names were wrong. So I had to go ahead with one sock while I get another skein in the correct color. Normally, I would be furious, however, since this is a variegated yarn and will not be connected to each other, I'm not that upset.

So far, I think the project has gone well, other than those two small issues. Next, I will be moving on the probably the toughest parts - the heel and the gusset. Stay tuned...

Sock Measurements and Gauge Swatch

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:50:00 GMT

I have moved forward with my sock project for the "Easy Does It" sock pattern in the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns. For better or for worse, here is my progress...

So I read through all the directions for measuring my calf and foot for my socks and made my gauge swatch. The first thing I noticed is that my calf measurement was completely off the chart. Thinking I did something wrong, I followed the directions and measured again. I came up with the same measurement. So, I am just going to go with it. I felt slightly better when I heard my "sock buddy" Tonya had a large calf measurement as well. Confusion loves company.

Here are my foot measurements:

Foot circumference: nine inches (wide)

Leg circumference: 12 1/2 inches

Heel-to-toe: 11 inches

Toe-to-ankle: eight inches

My final sock measurements:

Leg circumference: 12 1/2 inches

Foot circumference: 8 1/2 inches

Heel-to-toe: 11 1/4 inches

Toe-to-ankle: eight inches

Easy Does It Pattern:

Leg circumference: 9 1/4 inches

Foot circumference: 9 1/4 inches

I followed the directions for the gauge swatch and I have decided I should've paid more attention in math class. I think my gauge swatch turned out OK, but I am honestly not sure. I am going to press forward and try on my sock as I progress. I will also continue to take notes on any corrections or adjustments I need to make as I proceed.

Stay tuned...

Making Crocheted Socks

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:01:15 GMT

As I mentioned previously, one of my fiber goals for 2011 was to actually complete a pair of crocheted socks. So my friend and crochet buddy, Tonya, and I will be doing a long-distance crochet along making a pair of socks. She used to live in New Jersey, but she is now in Tennessee, so we are making sure to plan this out carefully.

We have decided on we are going to the "Easy Does It" pattern from the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns. I am using Red Heart Heart & Sole Yarn in Razzle Dazzle.

Our first assignment is to do our gauge swatch, which will be done this week. I plan to do a blog post on each step and report on our progress.

Wish us luck!

Somerset Fly Fishing Show: The Ultimate in Creativity!

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:14:00 GMT

This weekend is the annual Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ . Now, why would I bring this up on a fiber-arts blog? Well, a few different reasons.

First, as many of you know, I am an avid fly angler. My husband and I are the owners of Reel Simple Fly Fishing . We attend the show each year to demonstrate fly tying techniques, lecture about fly fishing for still water species and sell our book, Ten Flies, Simple Ties.

OK, so if you aren't into fly fishing, you may be asking why would you want to go? Well, many of the materials used in fly tying can be directly applied to fiber arts! For example, Glenn and I use wool, alpaca, various yarns and more in fly tying. So, a fly fishing show is a great place to stretch your creativity!

If you decide to check out the Fly Fishing Show this weekend, please stop by and say hi. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Knitting Daily Goes High-Tech

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:52:00 GMT

This week, Interweave announced that Knitting Daily, has officially gone high-tech! The magazine now has an official app that can be found at the Apple Store. It is available for both the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The app will also work on the iPad.

This new (and free!) app will allow loyal Knitting Daily readers the option to access their great web content remotely. The app includes knitting lessons, tips, knitting and interviews. It keeps you full of knitting goodness!

“We are excited to have yet another platform that brings our dynamic content to life. The iPhone application allows us to bring knitting enthusiasts a unique combination of editorial content and video,” said Senior Vice President and Publisher John Bolton. “It’s a whole new way to experience Knitting Daily.”

You can also look up knitting terms and has options for sharing favorite items on Facebook, Twitter, or via e-mail.

Sadly, I do not have an iPhone or iPod Touch, so I can't check it out first-hand. If you do and decide to download it, make sure to share your thoughts!

What are Your Fiber Art Goals for 2011?

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:06:00 GMT

As 2010 draws to a close, many of us start to make goals for the next year. Along with the usual wants like "lose weight" or "exercise more," I think about what fiber arts goals I would like for 2011.

So what are my goals? I want to find more time to spin as well as improve my spinning skills. This year I haven't had anywhere near enough time to spin, so that is right at the top of my list.

Next, I want to actually crochet (and finish!) a pair of socks. Yes, I know this sounds a tad silly, but I can't tell you how many socks that start out, well, as socks and end up as wrist warmers!

I want to spend more time being creative. That means developing more patterns, focusing on my free form and felting and writing more fiber-focused articles.

So, I would say those are my three main fiber goals for 2011. What are your 2011 fiber goals?

2010 Christmas Bazaar, Saturday December 4

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:07:00 GMT

This weekend I am happy to again take part in the second annual Christmas Bazaar at the Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Christian Church on Beach Street in Rockaway, NJ, Saturday, December 4. This is a great event with a wide variety of crafters and artisans that is very well run. You will definitely find unique items to fulfill every gift-giving need! This is a cozy show that brings in a great group of artistic individuals directly from the community.

Additionally, the food for sale is great! Looking for wonderful ethnic goodies like pierogies, halushki, holupki, kielbasi & kraut sandwiches, and other baked goods? This is definitely the place! I am definitely looking forward to a few snacks!

The bazaar will open at 9:00 a.m. to the public and will end at 3:00 p.m., so there is still plenty of time in the afternoon to get your tree!

I hope to see you there!

My Ultimate Fiber Christmas List

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:54:00 GMT

It is the time of year when everyone makes their lists. So, here is my ultimate fiber Christmas list.

While at the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival this year, I saw the original Pocket Wheel. This wheel has a great feel and spins like a dream. This is on the top of my ultimate fiber list!

To go with the pocket wheel, I'll need to get some fiber. That means getting fiber from Laurie's Lambs! Additionally, Susan's Fiber Shop and The Woolery have great fiber options.

To go with my new wheel and fiber, I of course need to add a new spindle to the list. This is easy. I have always wanted a Moosie spindle from Journey Wheel. These amazing spindles are made from Moose antler sheds. While we are talking about spindles, Golding spindles are always just beautiful and spin like a dream! I have always wanted the "Midnight Sky" spindle." Team Golding is incredibly talented and should be seriously considered when looking for that special spindle.

At the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this year, I treated myself to a mini glass crochet hook from Michael and Shelia Ernst . Well, on my ultimate fiber Christmas list, I want the full one! They are just gorgeous. The Turquesa model, please. Also while at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this past May, I won a Weavette in an auction. These are incredibly tough to find. I would love to get a few more in different sizes.

Fiber arts and books always go hand-in-hand. That means, I have lots of books on my list! First and foremost, Creative Crochet Lace: A Freeform Look at Classic Crochet by Myra Wood is at the top! Myra is a wonderfully talented artist and an even better friend.

During the past year, I have been fascinated by hyperbolic crochet. That means I have to add Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes to my list. If you have seen hyperbolic crochet, I highly recommend you check it out!

Along with crochet and spinning, I also love to felt and enjoy reading the history of fiber arts. That means I have to add Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times, The Art of Felt: Inspirational Designs, Textures, and Surfaces and In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool to my list.

Last, but certainly not least, I have to add a felting machine. I currently do needle felting, but would love to try it on a machine. Janome makes some great machines, but I hear the Singer felting machine is just as good and less expensive. I also saw a mini felting machine somewhere once; that would be perfect!

So there you have it. My ultimate fiber Christmas list. What's yours?

Make the Handmade Pledge this Holiday Season

Andrea Lyn Van Benschoten — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:29:00 GMT

More and more are starting their shopping for the holiday season earlier each year to have the best selection sot he perfect gift can be found. Well, each year I work to buy handmade items and I hope you will too.

There are a number of great reasons to buy handmade items. First, each item is unique so you are providing a gift that no one else will have. You will be supporting artists, which is always a wonderful way to ensure the arts are available for future generations by spreading the word about how great it is to give and receive handmade items.

Some may wonder where they can find handmade items. Well I am here to tell you, it is easy! There are always plenty of local craft sales where you can find great items and support those right in your community. You can find great items online at sites such as ArtFire and Etsy.

So I encourage you to take the handmade pledge and give truly unique gifts made with love!