The Things, 02/08
On making (and making and making, still).
Lately I’ve been hyper-focused on all things craft — especially with regards to fiber. I learned how to knit back in high school, when a friend gifted me a copy of Stitch ‘n Bitch (a knitting book by the co-founder/editor of Bust magazine). I was never particularly talented or prolific, and would often go through significant lulls in my practice. I think I was kind of in awe of the craft without realizing that with some focus and time, I could live my handmade dreams. In recent years, however, I’ve rediscovered my interest in knitting and have been more invested in increasing my skills and making cool things. Currently, I’m very interested in learning about (and working with) different types of fibers and increasing my skillset both in knitting and beyond.
To that end, here’s what I’m thinking about too much these days:
I just grabbed some stunning handspun thick-and-thin kala cotton yarn by 11.11 / eleven eleven to make a few warm-weather accessories; I’m obsessed with the natural and the shibori dyed skeins.
11.11 / eleven eleven also has me hankering for a Charkha spinning wheel for attempting to hand-spin cotton.
I splurged not too long ago on a few balls of this cruelty-free angora and the finished product was so indulgent and beautiful that I want more (this time, in Victorienne, please).
I’ve been dreaming about making knit goods using literally everything from Habu Textiles, but especially:
hinoki cypress/cotton yarn, which I desperately want to sniff
indigo-dyed kibiso silk, made of waste silk(!)
yarn made from the waste of harvesting fiddlehead ferns for food(!!!)
Am eyeing these gorgeous drop spindles made in Vermont, because I want to try spinning my own yarn.
I might need this cassette of knitting doyenne Elizabeth Zimmermann reading autobiographical passages from her book Knitting Around. How charming!
I want to make everything designed by Hélène Magnússon, especially this colorful vest.
Been doing a deep dive into the design work of Patricia Roberts (I’m super into this bobble coat).
See also: Alice Starmore.
Joining this CSA from a local yarn producer is extremely tempting — and a great way for me to support my local fibershed!
Kind of want my next thing to be lacemaking…
Oh, and I may move these bright green beads in various shapes and sizes from my Etsy faves to my Etsy cart – I’m craving bright and light beaded jewelry for spring.
And, for finding more economical (and always interesting!) secondhand supplies, I’m regularly scouring the webstore (and IRL store) of my local creative reuse shop for craft supplies. I’ve also been checking the Arts+Crafts section of both my local Craigslist and those nearby because there are gems to be found, folks!
Thanks for reading! Anything speak to you? Got recommendations? Hit reply; I want to hear from you (and may feature your recommendation in an upcoming newsletter!)