New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

TricotE — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:34:14 GMT

Interesting use of color and closures makes these designs unusual. It's too bad they are so BOXY, otherwise I might strongly consider buying the book.

I really deslike boxy shapes and dropped shoulders. And although those aspects are not "un-fixable", I am not one to spend my money on designs that have to be recalculated, in order for them to look good to my eye.

I'm sure a lot of knitters like these designs as they are (and that is fine), and also that making the designs a bit more shapely would make the the instructions a little more complex - but I think that would make the difference to transform them into awsomeness.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

DiannaR — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:50:33 GMT

I looked around for more by Mary Scott Huff and found a lovely free pattern called Faery Ring. Truly a work of art. I would put the link here but I am not sure yet what is allowed on this site.

I will be taking a close look at this book.

Hugs to Kathleen

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

KaityBlaesing — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:32:41 GMT

Kathleen, I hope you are not taking any of these negative comments personally. You are obviously a good person who cares about the quality of your work and relationships. When the KD email came across I did not even notice the grandmother reference. After reading the comments it has been on my mind.

Each of us should take an honest look at why the Not Your Granny's knitting reference is offensive. I think, as much as we do not like it, it is the truth of it that truly bothers us. Too often the patterns (current or not) ARE fuddy-duddy. Something we would not wear and are embarrassed to even have associated with knitting since we have tied oursel;ves (part of our identity) to the knitting craft. How many times have I experienced looking through the latest issue of a knitting magazine and felt embarrassed by the styles inside. Finding one or perhaps two things you would consider making is the best you can hope for. And let's not forget the items that we actually made having envisioned something other than the unwearable result.

This is one of the greatest things about the online knitting community. We are able to see other, more exciting sides of knitting. Stylish knitting and knitting as art. This is the knitting world we want to inhabit and be seen in by non-knitters. We want the whole fuddy-duddy side of knitting to disappear. Unfortunately that will not happen by eliminating the grandmother stereotype.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

PjD — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:05:42 GMT

I agree with Jenipurr!!!!!!!!!

Again the ageist remarks!!! You reinforce this monthly by not using older or even women/men over 40! Perhaps you should give consideration to your readership. Surely, you can't believe that all are in their 20's!! What about the "grannys" that have been supporting you since you began!!!

Thank about it!!

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

NicoleZ — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:01:00 GMT

Wow!!! I learned to knit and crochet at my grandmother's knee. She was also a kick butt tatter as well. They are memories that I hold very dear and hope to pass on to someone close to me as well. Having said that, I never in any way felt offended by the "not your grandmother's..." reference. It NEVER entered my head that Kathleen meant any offense.

I don't mean to belittle anyones feelings on this subject, but it seems that even the knitting community is no longer immune to the hyper-sensitivity that has permeated our society as a whole. I am truly saddened that almost every post on KD seems to be subject to this kind of criticism (everything from garment size to advertising IP products). I have come to simply expect it; and it has not really bothered me since we all have a right to our opinions. However, some of the responses here are, to be very blunt, shrill and uncalled for. It was the final straw for me and I felt the need to speak my mind.

I adore both Sandi and Kathleen who have worked hard on this FREE service. KD is supposed to be a community, and the majority of the people here are wonderful. Let's not let negativity spoil a great time together. If you see a garment that doesn't suit you, think of the person who it will suit. If you think that IP is doing too much free advertising here, think of the person who may have kept their job because of it.

Let's not forget what brings us here: We take a long length of string, put it on two pointy things, and make it sing!!!! Let's keep the focus on our craft and truly honor our grandmothers.

Much Love,

Nicole

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

elovesheehan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:27:22 GMT

Holy WOW! I am new to Knitting Daily, and I am shocked and saddened to read the kinds of things that bloggers feel okay about sending to the Editor! I sincerely hope she doesn't take some of these comments to heart, especially by those that talk about leaving KD. We should all be mindful of the fact that a big change has occured here, and Kathleen needs time to find her own voice, and express it well.

I am reminded by some of the more caustic comments that the safety of blogging has allowed us not to practice good manners. I'm sorry, Kathleen - I enjoyed your post and will hope that I, as a new member of KD will also enjoy seeing and learning lots of new things. I also hope to enjoy this new blogging community as I have never been involved in blogging before, and hope that I can learn a lot from my fellows as we teach each other kindly and respectfully.

Thanks again,

elizabeth

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

KathyC — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:47:47 GMT

Here, here @NancyN@5!! You echo my sentiments entirely!

This has led me to not renew my IK subscription. There has not been anything in the last year that has even interested me in knitting.

The departure of Sandy W has also been a great disappointment to me. She had a fresh approach to knitting and I was constantly learning something new from her.

Now, KD has become a vehicle for the constant barrage of items for sale from Interweave. It is getting very old!

No offense, Kathleen, I do hope your knitting skills improve, but I find KD to be a forum that has taken a direction that is turning off readers. From the galleries that were a joke with this latest publication to the pathetic selection of designs that leave much to be desired.

Unfortunately, what you and Interweave Press forget is that it is generally the "more seasoned" knitter who spends more money on what he or she wants to knit.

It does need a new editor and soon.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

Jayannell — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:50:03 GMT

I was about to comment on my disappointment with your choice of phrase but then realize that most commenters have already chastised you for it. Think before you write, Kathleen. And pay attention. These knitters all have an important message for you and Interweave Press. It might be a good idea to write a column about what you've learned from this...not just another sales pitch.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

CarolineB@11 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:57:38 GMT

I truly wish everyone would stop using the expression "not your mother's knitting" or "crochet" or "your grandmother's knitting or crochet". This has been way overused and an insult to every mother and grandmother. Let's get up to date. Caroline

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

Karen Frisa — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:38:39 GMT

I just downloaded the pattern and glanced through it. For the purse, I think the eyelet round is supposed to read: k3, *k2tog, yo, k5; rep from * around, end last rep k2 (like the eyelet round is for the hat).

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

RebeccaH@16 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:04:29 GMT

While I do find the patterns intriguing, I personally do not like this vest. The band at the bottom is so very different than the body--it looks to me like she's wearing a fancy knitted cummerbund. The photo doesn't help--there is a line of shadow just on the left side at the join. I think it would be a better bet to show several projects from a book, especially one like this that has (by the preview) quite a variety of patterns. From this post I would never buy this; however, I love the child's frog vest and the kjersten jacket shown in the preview.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

Marimoms8 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:56:04 GMT

What does "skeet" mean?

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

GwynethO — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:04:15 GMT

I too am disappointed that Interweave has indulged in the Grandmother bashing marketing. The Yarn Harlot has gone on the record eloquently about how sexist and insulting the 'not your grandmother, mother" is to knitters and the rich history of needlework and womens participation in needle arts. I expect better of Interweave publishing. I think a written apology on this blog is in order.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

Frithgowan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:49 GMT

Hm. I don't think this is my grandmother's knitting. She would not have found these designs flattering. Neither do I. Maybe the insult to older women put me in a negative frame of mind, but I find this stuff dowdy.

re: New Stranded Colorwork: Take Your Colorwork to a New Level

Gauss — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:01:54 GMT

The post title might have been changed, but the link still shows "not-your-granny-s-stranded-sweater-patterns" . I am offended by this insult to grandmothers and women, as well as the implication that all colorwork before this book has been boring. We have long moved beyond reindeer and snowflakes, Kathleen.