INSIDE: Discovering your library, our new pattern, technique trials, the first stop on my Sydney yarn tour, book recs + more.
Our local libraries are great for crafters. Why? Let me show you:
Most have a dedicated section for books on crafting. Next time you’re there, have a browse and see what you discover.
Many offer digital access to magazines and books too. Some may have other online resources like courses, instructional videos, and workshop recordings.
Who else loves listening to an audiobook while crafting? Thanks to my local library and their partnership with Borrowbox, I have lots of options.
If they don’t have what you’re looking for, ask your librarian. They might be able to purchase it for you or order it in from another library.
They aren't just about books, though. Have you ever attended a workshop or joined a crafting group there? It's a wonderful space to learn, share, and meet fellow crafters. They’ll often have a list on their website or the notice board about upcoming events.
And let's not forget about the broader range of art and design books. From color theory to fashion design and different cultures' crafting traditions and histories, these resources are treasure troves of inspiration.
Some libraries even lend crafting tools or have places called “Makerspaces” where you can use them.
Need advice on where to start? Just ask the librarians - they’ll be able to help.
So! Why not plan a visit this week and see what you can find?
And another question for you: What have you discovered at your local library? I’d love to hear about what yours has to offer.
Our New T-Shirt Design
My youngest has created another design for you… It’s all you knit is love!
Get it on your favorite item of clothing, a notebook for your projects, a magnet for your fridge, or a pin for your bag… There’s lots to choose from.
Our New Christmas Crochet Pattern!
My youngest has another creation for you. This time, it’s not a design, but a crochet pattern for a Mini Christmas Bauble!
It’s great for using up scrap yarn and it’ll make a lovely mini decoration.
You can get on Ravelry here. The normal price is $5, but as a thank you for being a subscriber, you can get it from us here for $3!
And if you’re a Fiber Insider, you can download the pattern free of charge.
I’ve been testing out the SSK (slip slip knit) cast-off method.
I wanted to see how it compares with my usual method of knitting in pattern and passing the stitch over to bind off.
Why? Because it was time for the twisted rib cast off for my True Nature Tee! And I wanted to give it the best possible finish.
In my SSK method test, it turned out sloppy (on the left of the photo above.) The cast-off edge is visible on the front of the fabric, and I didn’t want that.
I tested my knitting in pattern and passing over method. It was neater and the cast-off edge sat at the bottom of the ribbing, which I much prefer (on the right.)
Now it’s on to the sleeves, and the end is in sight. It’s exciting!
Unfortunately, though, I always struggle with sleeves. Invariably, I get holes between either side of the picked up underarm stitches and the stitches that were held on the scrap yarn.
I use the magic loop method for knitting sleeves. I’m wondering if I’d be better with DPNs? No chance of finding out this time, as I don’t have DPNs on hand.
I’ll sew up the holes when I’ve finished the sleeve.
I’m waiting until I’m finished my True Nature Tee to do any more for my next project, the Flow Tee. It’ll be lovely to start something new.
My son has continued to knit bookmarks to use up the scrap yarn he’s found. Soon he’ll have quite the collection!
While he’s happy with the results, he’s still struggling with his tension and getting neat edges. He’ll have to keep practicing.
A trip down memory lane…
First stop on my Sydney Yarn Tour was… Morris & Sons in the CBD! Earlier this year, I interviewed the current owner, Joseph, for my blog, Knit Like Granny.
Such a spacious and delightful yarn store with plenty to choose from including their own range of yarns.
I’d visited the Morris and Sons yarn store in Melbourne a couple of years ago. Now having been to both, I highly recommend going to either.
The staff were so friendly. Katherine, who I first approached to introduce myself, was kind enough to take some photos of me amongst their beautiful yarns.
There’s nothing quite like being able to touch and feel fiber. It’s so squishy, soft and comforting!
Morris and Sons carry many well-known brands and two I was drawn to were Rowan Felted Tweed and Manos del Uruguay. I’ve heard wonderful things about Rowan Felted Tweed but am yet to knit with it. The colors of the hand dyed yarns of Manos del Uruguay make my colorful knitting heart happy!
The original ceramic yarn bowls caught my eye, particularly the pineapple one. Such fun!
There were tables and chairs for classes, and I imagine sitting down amongst all that yarn would lead to falling in love with something.
The range of Regia sock yarns was extensive, and they’d knitted up samples in many of the colorways.
They stock:
Knit Pro (Knitter’s Pride in North America) winders and swifts.
Knitting needles and hooks from Knit Pro.
Crochet hooks by Clover and Prym.
Blocking mats and pins.
Gorgeous cases and project bags.
Supplies for embroidery, patchwork and sewing too.
It’s lovely and bright and there are many project suggestions, swatches of the yarns, and pattern books on display.
I really enjoyed my exploration. It’s in the heart of the shopping district of Sydney’s center and well worth a visit.
Come back next week for the next shop on my tour!
What I’ve loved this week: reads, listens, visuals and gratitudes…
Reads
A book I’d like to highlight is Vintage Knits: 25 Classic Patterns For Modern Knitters. They’ve collected 25 Australian knitting patterns from the 30s, 40s, and 50s and given them a modern twist.
What I love about the book is how accessible the patterns are.
The book also includes a guide on knitting with vintage patterns, and interspersed between the instructions for each design are fascinating sidebars on the history and modern aspects of knitting culture, including a special focus on Australia. The first wool mill was created in Australia in 1801!
Your state or national library could be a wealth of information on vintage knitting or crochet patterns. Have a search of their digital collections.
And, if you’re going to get a knitting reference book, don’t settle for something average. Get something great like Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book!
It’s super comprehensive, so it must be a bestseller for a reason.
Listens
I’m keenly interested in Menopause. In the last year, I’ve been experiencing symptoms of what I understand to be perimenopause.
Menopause and perimenopause are being discussed more. In Australia, TV documentaries and podcasts have covered the topic with perspectives from people’s personal experience and the medical profession.
I’m seeing more people sharing their experiences on social media and here on Substack, which is wonderful!
I listened to an interview with General Practitioner Dr Louise Newson on the Imperfects podcast. Dr Newson is a specialist who is campaigning for better menopause care for all women.
I really appreciated her sharing her own experiences, and I was surprised that she didn’t pick up her own perimenopausal symptoms! It informed me about the current Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and the benefits of this treatment.
The changes in hormones can bring about many things for different people. Dr Newson talked about rage and insomnia, which I resonated with.
I was reflecting on how wonderful I felt during pregnancy because of changes in my hormones. Then the loss of those hormones and how dreadful I felt after my babies were born. I would have loved those hormones to stay around, particularly in those first few months!
Visuals
While in Sydney and visiting the Sydney Harbour, we walked through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Did you know it’s next to the harbor? It’s stunning there! So many plants and trees among the 74 acres of garden.
You could spend at least a couple of days exploring it all.
I just adore seeing the flowers. So many pretty shapes and colors.
Gratitudes
I’m grateful for the wealth of resources on learning to craft available both in libraries and online. Experts are so generous with their knowledge and skills, and we’re all the better for it.
A thought for you to ponder this coming week…
My knitting has been frustrating.
Here’s a mantra I use when I get flustered: “I’m aware of breathing in, I’m aware of breathing out. In, out.” I also try practicing loving kindness towards myself.
So, may you be kind to yourself and allow your breath to slow and take on a gentle rhythm to help in times of frustration.
How’s your crafting going? Leave a comment or press reply!
(Disclosure: Any purchases made through links may earn me a commission.)
Before you go…
Glorious yarns and flowers! Our library also has an app that gives us access to several knitting magazines! (Libby)
I never miss a chance to check out the craft/art section of local libraries. Sometimes you find a real gems of a book by less-known authors. A library is useful for so many great connections in so many different ways.