Confession: I'd rather burn a book than our flag.

This may very well be the most controversial blog post I have ever written.

Contrary to what most people assume, I do not hold books sacred.  Working in a library for years has cured me of that ailment.  In fact, I believe some of them should be thown out or recycled periodically.

Now that you've closed your dropped jaw and picked yourself up off of the floor and before you start citing Farenheit 451, let me explain.  I love knowledge, exploration, and stories.  But I do not hold every printed and bound piece of these ideals dear simply because it exists as a book.  Many outdated, dusty, moldy books exist on our bookshelves, and I am not merely referring to their physical condition.  It is not our responsibility to be the custodian of all books, but to maintain and share the best most relevant books, just as only the most accurate scientific theories stand the test of time.  That is why I loved the following blog entry from a school librarian.  She provides a much more comprehensive and eloquent perspective than mine as she reponds to the perennial exclamation: "I Can't Believe You're Throwing Out Books!"

Pattern Release: Waffling Hat

Finally, a new pattern!  The Waffling Hat was released into the wild today.  It is always gratifying to finish a project as involved and detail oriented as releasing a self-published knitting pattern, but even more so when the design holds sentimental value.  Sentimental value may be taking it a bit far, but this hat embodies my first design inspiration from almost exactly two years ago.  Since the idea's inception, I have tweaked, enhanced, and improved the design a lot, and I am very proud to present the finished product.



Sizes: S/M (to fit 19-20.5” head), (M/L (to fit a 20.5-22” head), L/XL (to fit a 22.5-24” head))

Gauge: 16 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in thermal pattern
Skills needed to knit this pattern: knit, purl, work in the round, Kf&b, k2tog, p2tog, pick up stitches (optional based on brim style choice), yo (optional based on brim style choice)
Materials:
1 (1, 2) skeins of Malabrigo Yarn Worsted Merino (210yd/192m to 100g/3.53 oz.) or 150 (180, 230) yards of worsted weight yarn.
US 6 16” (4 mm 40 cm ) circular needle or needle about two sizes smaller than size needed to obtain gauge
US 8 16 “ (5 mm 40 cm) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge
US 8 (5 mm) dpns or size needed to obtain gauge

1 stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round

1 safety pin or removable stitch marker (optional)
1 button approx. 1” in diameter (optional based on brim choice)
tapestry needle
Waste yarn (optional based on brim choice)




It's hard for me to choose a favorite element of this design.  Is it the button? 



Is it the squooshy* yet organic texture of the waffle stitch? 



Is it the customizable brim? 

It would be delightful to hear what you love about the design.  Comment here or on ravelry to let me know!

Math4Knitters Podcast and a Sneak Peak

It has been way too long since I last blogged.  I've been very busy with work, friends and family, and moving.  I guess it's just life in general, but I've let it consume me and I've spent decidedly less time knitting and zero time blogging.  However, now I have some fun and exciting news to report.  This past week I was interviewed by Lara of the podcast Math4Knitters.  We chatted about my burgeoning designing, specifically Hestia and its unique sizing and construction.  The show will air on Sunday February 27, so you can catch it then or anytime after that on Lara's website.  Lara was lovely to chat with, and it was so very flattering for my designs to be noticed.

Knitting-wise, I've been in a gift knitting and finishing fog lately, and I couldn't find the brainpower to write up or properly photograph my newest design. Luckily something clicked last weekend and I am in the groove again.  Here's a sneak peak at what I'm working on now:

It's hard to tell from this sneaky shot, but this is a beret in a cozy thermal or waffle stitch.  Yes, eagle-eyed knitters, that is a buttonhole in the brim!  This design will be the perfect opportunity to showcase a special button, so break out the stash and get ready!

I'm also working up a beanie and a slouch version of this hat, as well as coordinating mitts and an infinty scarf.  If all goes well these patterns will be available both individually and as an e-book in the next 4 weeks.