knitting people together

Stitch n Pitch

2011-08-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Giants Stitch N Pitch. It's a long drive for me--about 2 1/2 hours so I made arrangements to spend the night in SF (oh darn!) The game was sold out, packed! Wall to wall knitters everywhere. Unfortunately, I did not have seats near any knitting friends. In fact, my seats were in the nosebleed section where the wind whipped through and chilled us to the core. Since the Giants were losing, we left at the 7th inning stretch. Brrrrrr!

Lorna on TV (local, very local)

2011-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

This morning, very early, I went to Jackson, CA about an hour from my home in Folsom. The small, local tv station had invited me to come talk about my career, my books and my upcoming event at the Amador County Library.

I don't know if my 6 minute segment will be on their web site or not. It's called TSPNTV.

Navy knitting?

2010-12-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

My daughter graduated from Navy Basic Training 2 days ago so I've been in Chicago for this during a huge snow storm. The Navy issues thin white acrylic scarves to the recruits for one of their uniforms! I need to find out if it's possible to knit her a soft wool one that meets regulation.

She was annoyed with me for snapping a photo of her with nothing but her eyes showing, but I still say it's an accurate memory of our day walking around snowy Chicago! Here's her professional shot:

Thank you Grace for serving our country. Your Mommy is so proud!

Happy Thanksgiving .....and the winner!

2010-11-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you for signing up to win the shawl kit. You have all downloaded the shawl pattern, right?!

I'm celebrating Thanksgiving in Chandler, AZ with relatives of my sweetheart Wayne. Our wonderful hosts are Glenn and Sharon and I asked them to each give me a number...yes, I'm drawing TWO WINNERS!

And so, the two winners are Lynn (posted 11/16/10) and Lost in the 50's (posted 11/19/10). I'm glad you like purple! Ladies, please e-mail me asap so I can ship this yarn to you.

lornaknits@yahoo.com

Congratulations ladies. I wish I had yarn for everyone. Please enjoy the yarn!

Lorna

Lorna's Purple Mustang--Win a kit!

2010-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is a shawl on the cover of my pretty purple convertible. Why?

To celebrate the release of my book "The Knitter's Guide to Hand Dyed and Variegated Yarns" tomorrow!

Lorna's Laces has graciously and skillfully dyed a custom color to help me celebrate! Be sure to wish Beth a happy birthday when you place your order for "Lorna's Purple Mustang" colorway.

And as my own addition to the celebration, I'm offering the shawl pattern for free. Please visit my website to download your copy!
I have enough yarn left for someone to knit their own shawl using this colorway. Write a comment and I'll draw a name on Thanksgiving Day for a winner of the kit!

Recyle, Reknit, Recreate

2010-11-11T20:57:00.001-08:00

I'm busy making samples for a new class. This class revolves around making old sweaters, felted or not into something new. Or using an UFO (unfinished object) and turning it into an FO (finished object). Today's quicky project for the class is a pretty, knit, storage box. I've made the corners so they can be opened to lay flat. This would look so cute full of a knit project or a few magazines!

No sewing, no knitting actually either, I used parts from 2 silk/wool sweaters. Check my website for places I'll be teaching this workshop. The class is not listed on the workshop page yet, that page needs a bit of work.

Preparing for the Big Book Release Day

2010-11-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

I am preparing for the exciting day. My second book releases November 16th. Many review copies have been sent out and I've started to see reviews on bloggers' sites and in podcasts. All reviews have been super fab so far! Whew!

If you live anywhere near Folsom, CA, please consider coming to the book release party. You can see all the projects from the book, all the swatches too. We'll have cake and knitting and discussion.

100 Moon Circle, Folsom, CA

Noon - 4pm

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

no need to RSVP, just bring your knitting!

Lila and Claudine's

2010-09-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here's what I picked up at the this stop in Minnesota:

Lila and Claudine were Kirsten and Polly's grandmothers. They were very different as are these sisters. (I only met Kirsten). One is very practical, sensible, logical. The other is very creative, wild, maybe even a little weird. Both are very smart, fun and very creative. Both admire each other's traits and love each other.

So they created a very unique yarn shop named after their grandmas. It's in a basement in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. But it feels like being in a Mary Engelbreit induced Disneyland with yarn, jewelry, funkiness, colors and inspiration everywhere. I know that in one hour I didn't touch the surface of all this shop offers. Oh how I wish I lived closer (except in the winter, I don't think I could handle the winters!)

I'll be dreaming of this shop for awhile!

Heading for my Minnesota roots!

2010-08-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

My cousin Heather in Minnesota is getting married. So it seems like a perfect time to see all my Minnesota relatives including my 93 year old, smart, fun, youthful, healthy Grandma Betty. She's my hero! Isn't she cute?

While I'm in town, I'm going to visit three yarn shops! If you live near the twin cities, please come see me and say HI!

I will bring my book “Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting” to share as well as all of the projects from that book to show. Get your autographed copy of the book too.

I will also have the projects from my book “The Knitter’s Guide to Hand Dyed and Variegated Yarns” which comes out in November. Be the first knitters in the country to preview the book and the projects.

No admission charge, just good knitting entertainment!

Thursday 9/2: The Yarnery 6-8pm

Friday 9/3: Borealis Yarns 1-3pm

Saturday 9/4: Amazing Threads 10am-1pm

See you in a few days!

Upcycle, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle...

2010-08-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

Whatever you want to call it, I've again taken someone else's rejected knitting and turned it into a purse. Actually I turned this scratchy-but-beautiful mohair entrelac scarf into two purse!

I've started selling my purses and more on my web site (which is inconvenient to update because I can't do it from my mac) and also at the Second Saturday Art Walk in Folsom, CA. If you live locally, come to Sutter Street on Saturday afternoon, 8/14/10. I'm in the lobby of the Sutter Steak House with several painters.

Monkeying Around...

2010-07-17T01:04:00.000-07:00

Monkey see, monkey do! My friend Sheila made a fun sock monkey awhile ago. She's had fun dressing her up, giving her a tattoo and a different name every week. So I was inspired! But I didn't want to be a complete "copy cat" so I made my socks into a kitty!

Late Breaking News!

2010-07-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

Big Knitting Party and Trunk Show

In Folsom, at 100 Moon Circle.

Friday 10 am - 3 pm, Saturday 10 am - 1 pm

Models from Hand Painted Knitting Yarns.

Fun, silly, useful products from Knit Happy.

Beautiful, quality suede stuff from Somerset Designs.

And most of all, the most fun, entertaining, best knitting people in the world will be there! Including you if you can!

Let me know if you need more info, otherwise, just come with your knitting, your lunch and some laughs!

mmmm, nice yarn

2010-05-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

I recently finished a yummy cardigan for Farmhouse Yarns. Carol Martin is the dyer and owner. What a lovely collection of yarns and colors she creates. I wish this was "touch-ability" because you wouldn't believe the silky softness of this bamboo yarn. Contact Farmhouse Yarns if you like the pattern.

The Temptations of a Good Stash

2010-04-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have a big stash of the following:

yarn (tons and tons of it!)

swatches (yes already knit...for design ideas, trying new yarns and even gauge checking!)

trims (ribbons, braids, etc.)

buttons (wholesale accounts help, also making my own)

purse handles (fancy, cheap, strapping, used, etc.)

fabrics (mostly quilting fabrics)

I wish my stash was more orderly looking for display purposes but I refuse to hide my stash in cupboards or drawers or under beds. I like to see it all and have it speak to me. Today some of the multi-textiles in my stash jumped out and SHOUTED to me! I set out four assortments of fabric, swatches, trims and more that loved each other and within a couple of hours I'd transformed one of the piles into a purse. I've made a bunch of totes and purses so I thought I'd try pillows for some variety. I think it's a very creative fun outlet!

Two Announcements

2010-04-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

For all knitters in the Sacramento/Amador/El Dorado areas:

In Folsom:

I will be offering my SILVER LININGS class in Folsom on Sunday April 25th from 1-4. Learn how to line your knitting to make purses and totes that are stable, strong and hold their shape. No sewing machine required. This changes everything about making hand knit bags. No need to felt or use feltable yarns. See my web site for samples and ideas. Class is $40. Contact me to sign up.

In Jackson:

I will be signing books and showing the projects from "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting" at the Amador County Library on Monday, May 10th from 10:30-11:30 am. I will have books available there. Come see the projects in real life and hear the stories behind them. Ask me questions! Hear about my next book coming soon!

2010-03-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Back to my book that's coming out later this year. The release date is NOVEMBER 16th, 2010. Just in time for Christmas! In fact if you e-mail me or send a message on my blog, I will autograph one and mail it to you! And for fun, amazing, coincidental date facts, ponder this: the release date is the birthday of my Sweetheart Wayne...and of Beth Casey, owner of Lorna's Laces! Isn't that great?!

Team Colors

2010-03-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

I recently designed a hat for Cascade Yarns which they used at a knitting promotion for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here is the hat:

Here is the blog about it and some other photos! Pretty cool. You can download the pattern there also.

Presenting (drum roll...) my 2nd book!

2010-03-10T16:21:00.001-08:00

I'm reviewing the loose pages now. According to Amazon it will be available November 16, 2010.

Deanna's First Birthday

2010-03-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

My happy little granddaughter turned ONE this week and so I whipped up a girly little sweater. The yarn is self-patterning. I used some pretty cotton lace edging instead of a cast on edge. I think it turned out very cute. I'll find out this weekend if it fits and if her mommy likes it. Sweet!

Valentine's knitting

2010-02-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

I've made a couple pair of fingerless gloves recently and Wayne (my Honey) has tried them on each time, so I had an idea of what would fit him. I thought these would be handy for him. They're made of Brown Sheep Superwash Wool Worsted so they'll be warm yet washable, an important feature for a man! Happy Valentine's Day Honey!

Fun Knitting

2010-02-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Our knitting guild does a challenge every month, something to encourage us to do something new, different, out of our routine. Our February challenge was to knit something with a heart. So although I have plenty of "work" knitting, I took about a day and a half to play and knit a quick little toddler sweater. It's a bulky cotton yarn and I knit a very simple pullover in seed stitch.

Then I found some washable, polyester felt and cut out a heart. I attached it to the front of the sweater and embroidered it on.

This will be for my granddaughter Elly who is 2 1/2. I haven't decided when to give it to her. It's plenty big and her little sister is the one with a birthday coming up. So watch for more baby knitting here soon!

This is a 7" square I made for charity. Our guild is going to combine squares and donate the finished blankets to Project Linus.

Quick little Christmas gift idea

2009-12-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

I did a little experiment the other day, needing a quickie proposal for a magazine. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I do like this as a quick gift idea so I hope it inspires you too.

All I did is knit a rectangle the same size as a hardback book. I used fabric to make a full lining and sewed pockets to make flaps for the cover. Then I fused the entire lining to the wrong side of the knitting. Quick, cool, clever, right? Oh, and be sure to notice the title of the book! lol

2009-12-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Stockinettes Knitting Guild Holiday Party

This was Thursday night. Sheila, Michele and myself d

ida lot of work organizing, buying, packaging, planning.

There were lots of other wonderful

helpers too. We had quite a fun time!

These fun ladies are Jude'

and Doris aka Lucy and Ethel. They are a hoot.

I intend to grow older having as much fun as they do.

They were both founding members of our guild, now 20 years old.

They told us some stories about the guild's beginnings.

Busy week!

2009-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Let the holidays begin!

First, I have the knitting guild Holiday Party on Thursday night. The goodie bags are ready for those 75 attendees and the raffle prizes need a little "beautifying".

Next, my friend Monica

is showing her line of Premier Designs Jewelry at a Purple Party at my house. Call me if you're interested! The more, the merrier. That's Friday evening.

Then, on Saturday I'm teaching at Babetta's Yarn and Gifts in Fair Oaks. One class is how to design your own sweater by using the measurements off of a favorite, existing garment. The other class is how to create your own baby sweater design using a template. I'm sure there's still room for YOU, so give her a call!

Other than that, I'm just dealing with Normal Life: computer problems, babysitting grandkids, bike riding, knitting deadlines, book edits...all good!

YARN AND CRAFTS SUPPLIES SALE

2009-11-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be in the Folsom, CA area on Friday November 20th, come spend some time and money at my house! I'm cleaning out my unwanted yarns, fabrics, rubber stamps and finished projects. Lots of unused, name brand yarns at bargain prices. Fabric bits and yardage, rubber stamps in every topic and theme and size imaginable, books, patterns, notions finished hats, sweaters, blankets and other crafts.

Come look around, buy stuff and / or just sit and knit with us.

Moon Circle, Folsom, CA

come to the Clubhouse next to the swimming pool

8 am to 4 pm

For more information call or e-mail me:

530-409-1775 or lornaknits@yahoo.com

Time to knit for fun!

2009-10-28T20:39:00.001-07:00

1. Book Manuscript turned in. Check.
2. Knit N Style article and project written and designed. Check.
3. Sweater from previous post for Creative Knitting Magazine done. Check.

Hooray! Time for some fun knitting!

First I made this quick hat. The yarn is a soft wool ribbon tape. The ribbon was from the packaging around some sheets I bought. lol The hat has been mailed to a relative with breast cancer. Her nose is smaller than mine--this angle seems to accentuate my schnoz.

Then I whipped up a little baby shrug for my littlest grand-daughter Deanna. I used a pattern from Debbie Bliss' book Simply Baby. The yarn is Plymouth Baby Bunny. It is sooo soft! Cotton, modal and angora yet still machine washable.

Oh! Another one. This is a small, shoulder size version of Grandma Helen's shawl from my book, "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting". I'll be using this as a class. It will also be a pattern in my upcoming Knit N Style article. I used some hand dyed silk wool blend from Lisa Souza.

The Next Project

2009-10-06T06:48:00.001-07:00

My next knitting project is a sweater for Creative Knitting Magazine. I chose Crystal Palace Yarns' Panda Silk. It feels so silky and soft; bamboo, merino and silk. I have two weights of it, thinking I'll use the fingering (sock) weight for the sleeve ruffles and peplum. I'll know more once I swatch.

Right now I'm finishing the article and project for Knit N Style. That's not due for 3 more days! lol

My Antique Show Find Today!

2009-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Not many know that I am (was?) a violin player. Classical violin from the age of 7. I passionately love violin, fiddle, any kind of string music. I can't play it well anymore, in fact my violin and mandolin are currently hanging as livingroom decorations. They are a part of my life even if not something I do in this chapter of life.

My son Dan is a very talented musician. His instrument is guitar although I've seen him pick up many an instrument and make good sounds come from it the first time he touches it. His son Joe wants to be just like Daddy. He is trying to play guitar at the age of 3. Playing my violin was more important than cartoons when he came to visit me.

So I was at the Farmers Market and Antique Sale in Old Folsom this morning and I stumble across the cutest little violin. It is a 1/2 size, made for children. It's a bit big for 3 year old Joe, but still better than my full size (4/4). I can't wait to show it to him and his Daddy! Here is the little German made violin for Joe:
And here it is sitting next to my violin on the left. It's a precious miniature. It's not valuable or rare, but I got a screaming deal on it, the bow and the case, only $40. I kept my cool and pretended I didn't want it much when the guy asked $50. He quickly dropped to $40 because I wasn't super excited at his offer. lol

Lorna creates

2009-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Last week at our regular knitting guild meeting, we had our annual Vendor Night. I brought my books although most people had already bought them.
I'd also been busy crafting, just for fun. Sometimes painting silly things is a fun outlet for me. These are some little wall hangings I made, knitting related. These are $8 each. And these are the tile coasters I painted on and put felt backing on. I still have quite a few left! $5 each

As Paul Harvey would say....

2009-08-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

....and the REST of the story....

The latest issue of Creative Knitting magazine (September 2009) has a couple of articles that have something to do with me. Here are some little stories behind those stories.

BarbBettegnies is the editor of this magazine. She and I met in person last fall when I was in Indiana teaching at Knitting Today. I had the pleasure of teaching at Lea-Ann's retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana last summer. When I found myself passing through her neighborhood again in the fall I called and asked if she'd like to throw together a workshop with little notice. She loved the idea and sent out an e-mail blast to her customers. Barb lives several hours away but was one of the people to sign up for my spontaneous class.

The workshop was on how to design your own baby sweater. Barb bought some cute jungle animal buttons and swatched and did the math to begin her own little creation. This is how her own design came to be in this issue:

Cute little thing, isn't it?

Then in June this year I went back to Indiana yet again to do more teaching. I taught at Mass Ave Knits as well as for the Indianapolis Knitting Guild. Barb was there, fun as ever. She also served as my chauffeur for the several hour drive to TNNA in Columbus. We had lots of time together and discussed every topic under the sun. In spite of that, she had nothing but kind words to say about me! Be sure to read the article.

No Knitting Content--But Big Sunshine News!

2009-07-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

If you know me or have ever met me, you know I like purple. I like it and take it to the extreme, I admit it.

You may also know that for 7 years I've been driving a 65 convertible mustang (some say a 64-1/2). Her name is Sunshine.

Yesterday, the purple and Sunshine combined. I picked up Sunshine from Maaco where they had cleaned her up, removed her dents and gave her a beautiful makeover. The color is a deep rich eggplant purple (which looks brighter in the bright daylight photo). She also has shiny new chrome bumpers. Lorna is a happy girl! So is Sunshine! Watch for us driving by--be sure to honk or wave!

Knitting Event At Borders in Folsom

2009-07-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

This is who and what greeted you when you entered Borders yesterday:

That's me on the left and Sheila on the right. She's the mitten story in the book and also my test knitter and good friend. Be sure to see the story written about the event and the video at NewsBlaze.com

Thanks to all of the enthusiastic knitters who came to knit, have fun and show support. We made a splash in Folsom!

Knitting Together at Borders in Folsom!

2009-07-05T21:11:00.001-07:00

I've been invited by Borders in Folsom to do a book signing! It's next Saturday, July 11th, from 1-3pm. The fun news is that any and all knitters are invited to join me! I think it would be awesome to overwhelm them with knitters, so bring a chair and your knitting.

The fun will include:

* Getting to see all of the projects from the book up close and in person

* Getting to hear some of the stories from the book or the stories behind the stories and ask questions

* Getting to meet other fun and fabulous knitters from Folsom and the Sacramento area

* Showing Folsom that all knitters are not old "grannies", that we're cool and fun!

* Getting your copy of "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting" autographed by Lorna and meeting me. (ok, big deal, but we ARE trying to sell books! lol)

See you there. No RSVP needed. Just be there or be square!

Yippee!

Borders is at 2765 E Bidwell Street, just about 1/2 a mile from the Hwy 50 exit, on the left.

2009-06-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hello from Indianapolis! I'm excited to be here to teach my Meets In the Middle design that I designed for Aurora Yarns. The class will be knitting a doll or animal size version in class tonight, but learning all of the techniques, fitting, construction, etc for an adult sized version. My sheep came with me, her name is Lamborghini and she looks good in purple too!

It will be fun to be on the "other" side of things at a knitting guild. At home, I'm the president and run the meetings, tonight I'm the featured guest and teacher. I can sure appreciate how much work the Indianapolis Knitting Guild put into my visit and I appreciate it!

Grandma Helen: my knitting heritage

2009-05-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

In my book "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting", the first chapter, story and pattern is about my Grandma Helen. Quite honestly this story doesn't fit the rest of the book. All of the stories are about people who came into my life because of knitting. Grandma Helen is the exception. Knitting came into my life because of Grandma Helen! (For the record, my mother Vera also is a fabulous knitter!)
This is a photo of a friend modeling the Grandma Helen lace shawl:
This is a photo of my Grandma Helen. She was about 13 years old when this was taken, about 1919 we think.

This photo is probably the 50's sometime. Grandma is wearing a skirt and top that she knit on very small needles. She seems quite proud of it! You go Grandma!

Grandma lived in Iowa and I grew up in San Jose, CA. But she came to visit now and then. She taught me to knit when I was 6. It didn't stick then. I didn't get madly involved in knitting until I was 21.

A few years later, same Grandma Helen (wearing a wig!) She's knitting lace, her favorite passtime.

I love that I can see my dad's 1964 Malibu Chevy convertible out in the driveway through the window! I loved that car!

When Grandma turned 80 in 1986, I knit this lace shawl for her. She loved it. I now have it back and think of her when I see it.

And so, here is the shawl I designed to honor my Grandma Helen and her lace knitting legacy:

Fibra Natura Book 1: The Natura Collection

2009-05-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

Last fall I designed 6 garments for Universal Yarn. They put the designs into their first exclusive designer booklet with my name on it. It was a big hit at TNNA in January and in their many ads. But apparently, it's just barely hitting the shelves now.

Well I got a big shipment of them so that I'll have them on my book signing tour. Nice. Here are the designs!

VirtueRadioNetwork.com Interview

2009-05-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed by Judy Norman for her on line radio program. She's a sweet lady with amazing ideas. Have a listen:

VirtueRadioNetwork.com

Mostly Natural Fabrics and Yarns

2009-05-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my book signing event in Diamond Springs, CA. Where is that? Well, it's up in the foothills near Placerville, which is about half way between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. It's right in my old neighborhood.
Lenore is the owner of Mostly Natural and she does have beautiful things, great quality, very nice. This is me and Lenore.

I was quite tempted to get back into sewing, the roots of my designing career, but then I remembered that my next book deadline is in two months. So no big projects right now but I did try a little experiment:
Lenore had several baby blankets made from soft fabric then trimmed with crochet. I've tried this before but she gave me some tips. For one thing, crochet into the fabric only every 1/2 inch or so (she uses her thumb as a measuring guide, lol). Like I said, I can't start a large project right now, but a little experiment will hold me over. I sewed two 6" flannel squares right sides together, turned and top stitched it. Then I poked small holes all the way around. I single crocheted into each hole and worked 3 chains in between (2 at corners). The next round I single crocheted into the chains and worked a picot into the sc's. A 6" square took me about an hour. It would make a cute, quick baby gift to work around a large 45" square. Or maybe make 20 small squares and crochet them together? I love getting to play in the craft loft!

Stitch n Pitch

2009-05-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Rivercats had Stitch n Pitch Tuesday night. They gave over 150 knitters some cute backpacks with the Stitch n Pitch logo on them. They (Marketing manager Melanie Levy) wanted to include a free pattern so I designed a premie and babie hat pattern: a kitty hat!

They were so appreciative of my donation that they asked me to come promote my book at the front gate. I donated one for a raffle too.

Then the biggest surprise was being asked to throw out the first ball. There are actually three "firsts". Lily went first, she won a drawing from the Stitch n Bitch knitting group, then me, then Smokey Bear (his middle name is not "the"). It was so fun going down the tunnel and being on the field. I covered a baseball with lavender yarn and threw a pretty darn good pitch although the catcher dropped it. lol

A Knit Affair and Tanglewood Fibers--Wonderful People, Wonderful Yarn

2009-05-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the last two days in sunny Southern California at a shop called A Knit Affair. Torey is the owner there. Every moment we spent together was fun. Her shop is clearly full of friendships and loyal knitters. They bake for each other, they know each other's families, knitting projects and lives.

I signed books on Friday night and taught a class on Saturday. Trish from Tanglewood Fibers was there also selling her incredibly luxurious handspun yarn. There is nothing comparable to it on the planet! Trish spun the yarns that I needed for several angora projects in my book. I was blessed to bring home with me a BIG skein of her 100% cashmere. Oh yummy!

Another skein of yarn that insisted on coming home with me was this Be Sweet 100% bamboo. The colors transition so gradually from deep to pale. I chose a rich burgundy, the closest thing I could find to purple. Wine anyone?

Helping Others

2009-04-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Campbell, CA for several events at Green Planet Yarn. The owner Beth is creative, smart and a very nice lady whom I consider a friend. I enjoy trips to her shop because we both like to share ideas about marketing, knitting and friendships. She's always willing to work with me so that our interactions are a "win-win". Here is a photo of Beth and I. Obviously I was there to promote my book!

I recently heard about a fun way to offer help to people who need or want something. It's called Wish Upon a Hero. People post their desire and you can search by location or descriptions if you would like to help. I have lots of strange craft supplies, yarn leftovers, sewing supplies and even old sweaters that I would like to go to someone who really needs or wants them (rather than to Goodwill). I plan on getting a few things out of my crowded garage soon and searching this web site to see who want them! It's kinda fun!

The Link

2009-04-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many have asked if the infamous knitting segment can be seen on line.
Well, YES IT CAN!

Here it is:
Good Day Sacramento The Knitting Expert

Lorna Miser on Good Day Sacramento tv!

2009-04-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Today was the big television debut for me. Getting up at 4:45 am to fix my hair and face really wasn't so difficult since I was too excited/nervous to sleep well anyway! Thank goodness that my friend Sheila Igoe came with me. She's a lifesaver (and a blast)...even if her beauty surpasses mine. Oh well, it's worth it to hang out with her.
So, there really IS a green room people! Not the kind of green that calms your nerves and is gentle to your senses, no, this is the kind of green that SCREAMS at you and makes you energetic. All of the staff at Good Day Sac was just so warm and kind to us.
Here we are in the green room:

There is a wall in the green room that all the guests sign. First, I signed it....

Lorna Miser Famous Knitter....then Sheila signed it....

and her sidekick Sheila, Knitting Knanas Rock!

Here I am in front of the two tvs in the green room, waiting to go on the air. More about that to follow soon.....

Here is a shot of Sheila and I with the two Good Day reporters, Kelly and Cody:

Lorna to appear on local television!!!

2009-04-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be on Good Day Sacramento this Saturday (April 18th) sometime between 7 am and 10am. Set your DVR or Tivo or VCR. Or you can watch on line if you live away from Sac.

I'm bringing my good friend Sheila with me. She's more than moral support, she's FUN! We're bound to be more interesting together especially since she's a story in the book (the mitten chapter). She also is a great knitter who made many of the projects in the book for me.

On Tuesday the 21st, I'll be up at Sierra Knitting Co. in Cameron Park. Get your autographed copy of the book and enjoy a sunny afternoon up the hill. Deb's the owner there and she's friendly and terrific!

Each One of Us Can Make a Difference!

2009-04-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

This seems like something that I can do. Maybe you can too? It even makes sense. I'm going to make the choice to shop more often at the small Mom & Pop Shops at least for a few things.

Read this and maybe make the commitment also:

The 3/50 Project

Guild Knitting

2009-04-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Each month my knitting guild offers a challenge and a workshop or knit-along. Last month I wasn't going to participate in either one. And I'm the PRESIDENT! lol (shame on me, I know!) In my defense, I have to knit for a living so give me a break! However, I don't need a defense because I did end up making both projects and I'm glad I did. They only delayed me for a day or two and they really got my creative, fun juices flowing! It's good to be encouraged to think outside your normal "box".

For example. I am not a felter. I can't stand felting. You get one chance. If you don't like the way it turned out, tough luck or start over. And it's so um, primitive looking....

Well, our project was a felted, birdhouse purse. Yes. Amazing cute and a great design but not too wearable and ...I DON'T FELT! So I made one anyway. Sort of. Mine is not a birdhouse nor is it a purse. It is a felted Princess Castle. And I did not needle felt the decorations on, I used fabric glue and rhinestones and fabric glitter paint. And I had so much fun! Here it is (after all that build-up!)

Our challenge of the month was knit cupcakes. Those I fought less and made two:

Easter Knitting

2009-04-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

So anyone can put together an Easter Basket of sugary stuff and buy chocolate bunnies, right? But only a knitter can make cute bunny things for Grandbabies to wear! Here's what I made for my little Joe and Ellie:
And here's what newborn Deanna gets:

All were quick and fun projects. Of course I tweaked existing patterns a little--quicker than designing from scratch but still customized. I'll see the babies on Sunday!

Edit:

Oh dear! I forgot tails! Here are the new improved bunny butts:

Local Folsom News

2009-03-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the big-deal-opening of a new bridge in Folsom, the Folsom Lake Crossing. Folsom is on the outskirts of and across the American River from Sacramento. We have all the conveniences and fun of a city but the loyalty and charm of a small town. This bridge opening was a very important event for many commuters whose trip got detoured after the Federal government shut down the Folsom Dam Road to traffic (dang terrorists got us all worried).
Anyway, we've all been watching the progress of this bridge for years and yesterday was the ribbon cutting and fun ceremony. Here are my photos of the event:
This man politely held a sign showing the name he (and many) wanted for the bridge. Afterall, Johnny Cash made Folsom famous and the bridge now named Folsom Lake Crossing does not cross Folsom Lake (duh!)

Crowds.

Mayor Mikos.
Folsom Dam.
Folsom High School Band.

Former Congressman Doolittle.
Big crowd (cattle?) crossing for the first time!
Color Guard (love the uniforms!)

New Workshops

2009-03-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

As a result of a new website overhaul and my book's release in 17 days, I've had several requests to come teach at some wonderful shops! To tie things together, I've added a couple of new workshops:

Two Hearts become One Sachet Pillow (6 hours)

Learn to knit the heart pillow from "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting", but in a smaller sachet size. The shape begins similar to a mitered square, then shapes into a heart. The border lace is knit on to join the front and back together.

Multidirectional Socks (3 hours)

Learn to knit these socks featured in "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting". We will make the small, baby size in class but the same techniques apply to the adult version. The leg is knit sideways and the foot is knit downward from that.

Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting

2009-03-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

My book. My first book comes out March 31, 2009. A few advance copies have started circulating and everyone loves it. Some typos and errata have been spotted (to my disappointment), but I know these things happen. Until I can get them onto my official web site I'll post them here:

On page 16, cross out Rows 1 - 6 and rows 7 - 12 at the top left corner. The leaf lace pattern begins on Row 1: *Yo, k4, ssk, k5: repeat from *.

On page 48, change the yarn quantities for CC3 Turquoise to 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8) skeins, then on page 50, at the top of the 2nd column, Do not cut CC3, do cut MC. Next rnd: With CC3.....

That's all I know about so far. I hope no more are found, but it was created by humans, so I'll just be diligent to share the errata here.

Purse nut

2009-02-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

After getting quite a bit of work done on my, well, "work projects", I took a little time off to play. Sometimes the most energizing thing I can do is to cut and sew and glue and knit and create. No rules, no failures, just trying ideas out that have been jumping into my head for weeks. Or finally getting to use some of those purse handles I bought months ago.

Oh I had fun! I can't wait to wear these purses at Stitches West next week!

A weekend at Green Planet Yarns

2009-02-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

Well, my knitters,

I've just spent a weekend teaching and making friends in Campbell. What a sweet little town and what an incredible, beautiful yarn shop! The knitters in my classes were so kind, so talented and just terrific! I want to live near them and hang out there!

I taught "Knitting with hand-dyed yarns"...such a fun and easy class for me, considering my history. LOL

I just loved the whole weekend with all the women who came to my classes. And Beth, the owner of Green Planet Yarns, wow, what a wonder woman. I'm just so impressed by her. I'm lucky to be going back there in April. I can't wait!

Getting started

2009-02-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

For two years, give or take, I've been working on a book. It's part knitting and part stories about the relationships that happen because of knitting. I got my hands on the first copy of it a couple weeks ago at TNNA. It's beautiful! I can say that because I didn't have anything to do with the beautiful photography, colors and layout. I feel just honored and thrilled to have so many talented people make MY stuff look great.

The book is called "Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting". I will be posting my teaching and book signing schedule soon.