From Head to Toes

I'm shifting gears.  I just buttoned up my book about hats, so now it's time to think about slippers.  Crazy slippers, cozy slippers, cute slippers, surprising slippers.  I'm really excited about this project, for several reasons:

        1.        I'm not a slipper authority.  In fact, I've really only made one kind before, so I get to consume a lot of knitting knowledge in a big hurry to learn.  My best technique writing happens in this kind of situation, because I'm less prone to assume prior experience on the knitters' part.  If I just figured something out myself, I'm less likely to skip explaining a step.

        2.        For the first time ever, I get to work with a publisher and editor I already know.  It might not seem like a big deal, but not having to reinvent the entire process wheel for this project is super luxurious.  It feels a little like I know what will happen.  (Knitting Gods, insert smite here).

        3.        And the biggest deal of all:  This is my fourth book, and I finally have the sample knitting and the season synched up.  For once, I'm going to be knitting cozy projects by the fire, during the winter months, like God intended.  I don't mean to complain, because knitting is good in all seasons.  But it's less enchanting to sit under a giant wool turtleneck in August than in November, no matter when your deadline is.

It's time for me to surf the learning curve, so help a girl out, won't you?  Tell me, Gentle Readers, what's your favorite book, pattern or construction technique for slipper-making?

Here's the Windup

Some people think I'm kidding when I say I  play with string all day.  You, Gentle Readers, know better.  These are the mini-skeins my students get in their kits for "Knitting Behind the Wheel".  They look so beautiful I can hardly stand it.  Each kit contains:

        16g balls of worsted-weight wool in 12 colors, plus black
        Artists' color wheel
        Color Wheel Bag pattern
        Dorset Button form

Over the course of the workshop we learn color theory, how to use the color wheel, tips and tricks for choosing colors without theory or wheels, modular knitting, applied knitted cord, and Dorset button-making.  Whew! 

I'm so excited for class tomorrow.  And there are still 3 spaces available for drop-in students!  Just come to the fairgrounds and visit the registration kiosk before class, which begins at 9.  Whatever you had planned for tomorrow, I promise this is more fun.

Madrona Tree

At last, I've done some knitting I can show you!  

And even better than that, I can give it to you, too!  Click here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/madrona-tree for your FREE download. 

The lovely and talented Suzanne, whose brainchild is the Madrona Winter Retreat, asked me if I would please design a hat to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the retreat.  And who could say no to that?  In fact, once I got going, I couldn't stop until I had two hats.  Sometimes one version just isn't enough.

There's going to be a knitalong, too!  Organized by Madrona's own Daniel H, you can join in here:
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/madrona-fiber-arts-fans--attendees/2703535/1-25#2

I can't wait to see everyone's unique interpretation!