Knitting

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Knitters make personal statement about peace, justice

I have found that our fellow needle enthusiasts are far from quiet when it comes to politics.

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Recuperation unleashes a pent-up passion to knit

Toward the end of March, I became a casualty of winter's icy streets when I took a spill, landing hard on my right hand.

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Russian knitter to share beauty of Orenburg shawls

Alaska has a unique heritage that combines the diverse cultures of North America and those of Russia and Asia.

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Alaska home to one of nation's top crochet instructors

March seems to be the time of year when all the stored-up winter energy spills out into a frenzy of activity. I can certainly feel my creative juices thawing out, and after viewing the fabulous wearable art at the Alaska Fiber Festival last weekend, I am full of ideas to knit and crochet.

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Knitting Grounds yarn shop offers a cozy setting for fiber artists

It's exciting that we have so many talented fiber folks in Alaska.

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March will host nine-day fiber festival, high-caliber workshops

March is synonymous with famous wintertime events in Alaska. The start of the Iditarod in Anchorage is perhaps the most anticipated of all of them. But did you know that the fiber community has its own extravaganza?

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Put knitting, crocheting talent to good use this winter

Winter in Alaska offers the average knitter so many opportunities that it's hard to choose. But there is something for almost everyone.

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See Canadian Rockies by rail as you enhance knitting skills

Whether you travel for more fun in the snow or to escape the cold altogether, winter is a time of year when many Alaskans get cabin fever and begin to dream about going on vacation.

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Needleworkers can help warm our newborns in need

Many people immigrating to Alaska settle in the Anchorage area. These immigrants include families from around the globe: American Samoa, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Argentina, Egypt, Africa, Central America, Puerto Rica, Cuba, Eastern Europe and Mexico. While Anchorage is having an international population boom, some of these newcomers aren't even born yet.

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Love of knitting pushed Kay Smith into business

Alaskans are fortunate to have many wonderful yarn stores. I hope to continue over the next few months to introduce you to shops in the Anchorage area and throughout the state.

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Make new start by creatively hiding your knitting stash

January is the time to make your New Year's resolutions and to get organized. Maybe this is the time to finally try to make sense of your knitting stash too.

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If you want something warm, consider Buffalo fiber

Happy New Year! I have been reflecting over recent winter days about the past and wondering how folks kept warm before we had polar fleece and synthetic fibers. One picture that comes to mind is that of hearty mountain men dressed up in bison hides or buffalo robes. Did you know you could wear buffalo fur and knit it too.

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Natural and organic yarns healthful -- and make lovely garments too

This holiday season there is a lot of green to be found, and I don't mean Christmas tree branches. Green means healthier products that are good for the environment.

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Treat yourself, loved ones to something sweet for feet

It's the holiday season, and the stockings are hung. Maybe you are thinking about knitting socks for yourself or for gifts.

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Package knitted gifts with loving care

At a few local yarn shops this week, I got to check out Christmas projects that can be gifts for family members, friends and even strangers. The recipients will be lucky to receive your labors of love -- hats, mittens, scarves and sweaters ---- under the

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Let's celebrate and support our local yarn stores

I try to keep up on the bigger picture of what's happening in the knitting world, so I read the fiber trade publications, including Yarn Market News. I am always impressed by the business people featured in its articles.

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Incorporate 'old ways' into projects

Every year I try to get something going that requires me to learn one or two new knitting tricks, and I have the very thing to get you interested too. Donna Druchunas has just released a new book, "Ethnic Knitting: Discovery" (Nomad Press, $21.9

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Help make military families feel warm, welcome

November is the month when we honor veterans. Anchorage needleworkers demonstrate a little of this spirit by supporting our troops.

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Needleworkers share Bioneer spirit

I have been reflecting about how extraordinary our city and state are. There is a strong sense of community here, and it often goes unnoticed while our media focus on the violence of a few. I witnessed this wonderful, warm spirit of caring during the Bion

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Knit Out lets kids join needlework fun

Got kids? How about grandchildren? I have a good suggestion for how to keep them busy indoors this winter. Teach them to knit or crochet.

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Join a local needlework guild for fun and education

Traditionally, fiber artists begin to focus on needle arts when the weather turns brisk. To encourage the traditional skills associated with knitting and crochet, September and October are designated knit and crochet months by many organizations, includin