Wool & The Gang - Fearless Cardigan

I've had this obsession with Wool & The Gang ever since I came across their website. I finally treated myself to one of their projects - this gorgeous Fearless Cardigan

This project is perfect for beginners. I knit this and did the finishing all in one day.
No joke. Just one day.

If you want a sweater to impress and you want it fast- knit this!

Cable Knit Headband Pattern

Just finished adding this new pattern to my Etsy site. These headbands are one of my favorite projects. They are fast and easy with just the perfect amount of difficulty to keep you entertained. I can whip up one of these beauties within an hour. If you love fast and adorable projects, then this is certainly for you!

You can purchase the pattern here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/253703898/cable-knit

My Favorite Things

Tea, knitting, journaling, flowers, and sunshine

Sock Knitting

I've finally gotten around to knitting socks...and now I can't stop! I knit a pair in 3 days and I've already started another.

Isn't this blue/green yarn gorgeous! They are my birthday present to myself.

Current Knitting Projects

Here's what I'm currently working on! I've gotten a bit tired of knitting pumpkins (I've knit bunches of them!) so I've had some fun this weekend working on brand new projects. I just finished knitting a pretty red washcloth with a lovely stitch pattern. I'm also working on knitting mittens for the first time! I'm hoping them turn out well...I'll keep you updated! 

Tips for Knitters: Knitting on the Go

If you're anything like me, you hate taking a whole week off from knitting. I feel the need to be creative every day- even when I'm on the go! Here are some tips for those who love to travel and want to take their knitting projects along for the ride!

1) Try to take the minimum amount of supplies needed

I always try to keep my knitting supplies at a minimum when I'm traveling. I try to only take what I know I will use. If I'm knitting a shirt but I know I'll only be able to finish part of it, I'll leave the rest of my yarn at home.

2) Take supplies that won't easily get lost

When I'm traveling, I tend to leave my projects that involve four or five double pointed needles at home. Instead, I often bring my chunky round needles; they are connected and big so they won't easily get lost. I also don't bring any projects that'll need sewing.

You can buy round knitting needles here: TrickyKnits

3) Bring simpler projects 

I always bring simpler projects when I'm on the go. The best are ones that you don't need a pattern for. But if you do need a pattern, write it on a small piece of paper and keep it with your supplies.

4) Have a specific bag just for your knitting

You should have a specific bag just for knitting supplies when you travel. If I try to pack supplies amidst other things, I always lose something or my yarn gets all tangled (not pleasant). I know people who have even knitted themselves a knitting bag!

Here's a store on Etsy that has the cutest knitting bags: KellyConnorDesigns

5) Use a hair tie to keep your yarn together. 

Whenever I have a ball of yarn that keeps coming undone and getting tangled, I tend to put a hairband around it. This way it all stays together while your moving about. I'm pretty sure there's nothing worse than trying to untangle a bunch of yarn. (You could also use a rubber-band)

6) Invest in a pair of small folding scissors

This little pair of scissors has been extremely handy when I'm traveling. They fold up so you don't have to worry about them poking anything and they are small so they take up little space.

You can purchase them here: www.campbound.com

7) Knit while you're getting to where you're going

If you aren't the one driving, then you can always knit in the car. I always do this on long car rides. If you're on a plane or train (and you aren't afraid to knit in public) then you can knit there too.

8) Treat your knitting like a book

I often treat my knitting projects like a book. We all know those people (or are those people) who constantly have a book with them and no matter where they are, they'll read it. Do the same with your knitting. This way, you'll get lots done while you're away from home.

I hope these tips will help you know what supplies to take when you travel, how to travel with your supplies, and how to get the most done while on the move!

Tips for Knitters: Knitting Photography Tips

Ever since I started knitting, I've loved taking pictures of all my projects. Over the years I've learned more about photography and I've come up with a great list of tips. 

I hope this post will encourage you knitters to share what you knit with the world through photography!

1) Convey Texture

Try to accurately convey the texture of your yarn/knitting project in your photography! I want the viewer to look at the yarn and imagine how it feels. One way to really achieve this, is to sharpen your pictures while editing them. Sharpening the pics will make the texture stand out. Also try taking some close-ups! 

I use Aperture to edit my pics but if you want a free editing website go here: http://www.picmonkey.com

www.purlbee.com is a beautiful craft blog with amazing knitting photography. There are many close ups of the knitting projects so you really can imagine the texture of the yarn.

2) Get the Perfect Lighting

Lighting is very important...for ALL photography! When it comes to photographing my knitting projects, I try to have nice, natural lighting. Make sure you experiment with different light. 

http://brooklyntweed.net/blog has lots of knitting photography. In this blog post, you'll see how they used the lighting to really accentuate a lovely lace shawl.

3) Model Your Knitted Items

If your knitted item is wearable (I would say most are!), then one way to portray it is by using a model. Use someone that would actually wear your item. Even model it yourself, if you dare! By modeling an item rather than photographing it flat, you get a sense of it's shape and size.

http://goodnightday.ca/collection  has stunning photography with gorgeous models.
I also love brooklyntweed's photography. Their models seem like everyday people and their knitting projects are beautiful, yet practical.

4) Use Simple Backgrounds and Matching Props

When you photograph your knitting project, try to use simple backgrounds so people can focus on the knitting. You can also use props while photographing your knitting. Try to use props that match your knitting projects (ex. blue yarn with a blue tea cup).

On this blog, onesheepishgirl.blogspot.com, Meredith takes pictures of her crocheted and knitted items. Her pictures are very eye-catching and she uses lots of props. She has an inspiring style that you should check out!

5) Try Different Angles

Try different angles while photographing your knitted item/project. Try getting a close up or a view from above. Experiment until your item is portrayed in a unique way that you prefer.

 http://studiomeez.blogspot.com, is a creative blog with bunches of photographs of knitting projects. They are taken at many different angles and the lighting is perfect.

6) Take Pictures of Your Knitting Supplies

One things I like to do before I begin to knit something (that I plan to take pictures of), is photograph all the supplies I'm going to use. Arrange the yarn, needles, scissors, buttons, or anything else you'll use and take pictures of them. I love to see how a pile of things later becomes a beautiful knitted item like a sweater of a scarf!

This blog post by Knit & Style Diary has some great pictures of yarn and knitting supplies.

7) Show Your Knitting In Action

I love looking at pictures of projects as they are in the process of being knit. I often take pictures of my projects partially finished. I also take pictures of myself knitting.

I absolutely adore the photography on http://blog.woolandthegang.com. They take pictures of their projects while they are being knit. I love to see knitting in action!

8) Find You Own Personal Style

If you haven't already, try to find your own personal photography style. I'm not saying all your pictures have to look alike, but you can make sure they reflect your style. If you plan to share the pictures on your blog or on Pinterest, you will attract more people if it's eye catching and unique. Also, make sure to edit your pictures. 

Here is an inspiring Pinterest board full of knitting photos: http://pinterest.com/anetsund/knitting/
You can also follow my Knitting Pinterest board here: http://pinterest.com/lexaklop/knitting-is-cool/




  Keep these tips in mind while you photograph your item/project and I'm sure that your pictures will be inspiring!