Episode 8- Coast, Cake & Crafts

Thanks for tuning in for Episode 8!

On the Needles

Heirloom- by Madeline Tosh
Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fettig

Off the Needles

Abyssal Shawl by Karen and Karyn

This shawl might end up back on the needles (or frogged) at some point. I ran out of yarn well before I would have been finished properly. Totally my fault. We'll see what happens with this, but for now its finished.

Brainstorming

Spent some time this week searching Ravelry for quick gifts to knit up for Christmas gifts.

Odd Ends Pattern by Carina Spencer (free!)
Echo Flower Shawl
with these mods by Rav user- elven

Keyhole Sand Dollar Wash cloths

Crafty Adventures

I started sanding the cabinets that go in my studio!

I’ve received a few new additions for my collage wall as birthday gifts from friends:

Life in Focus

Part II of Tips for Better Photographs of your Knitwear
Focus this week is on point and shoot cameras:
What I used for some testing for this segment- Nikon CoolPix  S51
Usually use a Canon Powershot SD4000 IS or my Canon Revel xti

{Double Click on Images to see a larger version}

Started with no plan in mind. No set-up, indoor lighting, poor arrangement of the knitted item.

This is my favorite of this series of 3. Try a few settings on your camera to see what works best.

Get some close-up shots, so you can draw attention to the pattern, the stitches, the yarn, the texture.

Other tips:

• Take a bunch of photos!!
• Don’t trust what you see in the LCD display on the back of your camera. It can be difficult to see what it really looks like until you get it on your computer.
• If you can do a self portrait try it- or learn how to set your timer and try it that way. Of course this can be harder with a garment than with an accessory but if you put that much time into knitting a sweater, find a friend and ask them to take your picture- its worth the few extra minutes.

Photography Podcasts

• I have listened to some but haven't been in love with any yet.
• There's one I listened to only one episode of (New to Photo Podcast), whose website looked promising. More of a review on the next episode.

From the Armchair:  Knitty - First Fall

There were a couple patterns I really enjoy in this issue and I thought I’d share.
The Political Process- fingerless mitts


Portlander- fingerless mitts with option to do a full mitten
There is also a book featured in the reviews section called: The Crafter’s Guide to Taking Great Photos: The Best Techniques for Showcasing Your Handmade Creations by Heidi Adnum

In My Travels

Summer vacation is coming up!

Ravelympics
July 27 - Aug 12, 201

NY Sheep and Wool in Rhinebeck  
October 15 & 16
Workshop Schedule is posted!


Stitches East
October 11-14
Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT
(Not sure if I'll be attending since its so close to Rhinebeck on the calendar).

On a Happy Note

I had a great birthday weekend!


Spent part of Saturday June 9th at Nantasket Beach for World Wide Knit in Public Day.

My Abyssal Shawl in progress


At Nantasket Beach- home of the old Paragon Park.

Sunday night I went to the Company Theater's Gala to raise money for their upcoming Paragon Park musical based on the story of the old Paragon Park and its beautiful carousel at Nantasket Beach in Hull, MA.

Kris, Me

Gram, Mom, Gail

Contest

Congratulations to our 6 contest winners! Tune in to see if you've won!


Special thanks to Alana Dakos for sponsoring these amazing prizes!!

Quote of the Week

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade. - Gertrude Jekyll