Knitting Contrisstmas Day Three: Kate Jacobs

I love to read............ there is never enough time to fully indulge myself but when I do you can be sure I enjoy anything by novelist Kate Jacobs who has just published the sequel to "The Friday Night Knitting Club", "Knit Two". I was privileged to run chapter one on the blog some time ago and hope that if you haven't picked up the book to finish it, you will soon. Thanks for joining us Kate!

KC:How do you spend the holidays Kate? Work, Play or both? What do you do that make it that special holiday time?

KJ: I’m not very good at unplugging myself from the computer, so chances are that I will be doing work in some way. A little writing, to be sure. But I always carve out time to be with family – because that is what it’s all about. I look forward to it every year. And I love to wrap presents – I don’t find that a chore at all. Now, my husband I live in California, but our families are elsewhere. So we are often traveling. This year, for example, we’ll all be gathering in Atlanta to be with my husband’s aunts and uncles and cousins and brother. I know, for a fact, that we’ll be eating pierogi; his family has strong Polish-American roots! Then we’ll fly to Canada, which is where I was born, to spend a week skiing and ringing in the New Year with all the Jacobs side: my parents, my sister, and my brothers and their families. That week will be all about the baking and the hot chocolate. If there’s one thing I like about holidays, it’s the delicious food!

KC: When reading “Knit Two” (which I loved)---- I often found myself wishing that all of my favorite Kate Jacobs characters could all be in the same book! Do you have favorite characters in “Knit Two”, and do you take that favored character along a special plot line? (Favorite characters always seem to get the very best!)

KJ: Thanks for your kind words! I love the idea of playing favorites with my characters. But what is a best plotline to you? The happiest…or the juiciest? I am very attached to all of my characters, and find myself liking one best for a little while and then become guilty and then favor someone else. Though my favorite character to write from the knitting books is always Anita, because she has this amazing capacity to be loving. As odd as it may sound, I find that writing Anita makes me try to be more compassionate. My character sets an example for me.

KC: Did you run into Italian knitters while researching in Italy? I should perhaps ask if you took your knitting along for the long hours of travel?

KJ: I did run into Italian knitters, and every time it was just a beautifully spontaneous thing. There’s a scene in Knit Two where Dakota sees a woman knitting in the courtyard of a church. That’s real. It was an amazing visual, as this woman knit intently, framed from behind by this gorgeous architecture, and I just immediately knew the scene that would flow from that moment. I had not written a word of Knit Two at that point and it just felt good, like a sign. As for the plane travel, I tend to nap. I am on so many planes during a book tour that my brain seems to think all travel equals sleeping. I can barely get buckled in before I’m out like a light.

KC: I'm jealous, sleeping on planes has always been futile to me! I do get a lot of knitting or handwork done although it has been quite awhile since I've flown. I've found that when you are knitting or wielding a needle of some sort it is much easier to wrestle for an armrest!

KC: The majority of the blog readers here are knitters, quilters or other creative souls. Do you feel the need to feed your creative side with any regularity? If so, what do you do?

KJ: I write, of course! I like to knit and I like to play around in the kitchen, but my main craft is and has always been writing stories and living in an imaginary world with my characters. It is my great joy and passion, and it is also the hard work that makes up the bulk of my days. I’m lucky that way to be able to do work that I love. And so I’ve written three novels in three years. But that also takes a lot of energy and focus. When I knit I just want my brain to fuzz out!

KC: When you are in the process of writing, do you keep a notebook at hand for things that jump into your mind, a voice recorder, or some other method that helps keep things moving along? Or maybe you don’t use any special tricks to help you keep on task?

KJ: I do keep a yellow notepad around to jot things down. If it’s really important I’ll tack it up to my bulletin board. I have two bulletin boards above my desk, just over my Tim Gunn “Make it Work” bobblehead doll. The other thing I do is nap. It sounds funny but images and ideas come to me in those moments just before falling asleep, and I’ll wake up enough to write them down on that notepad. Plus sometimes I dream about the characters and that can provide sparks for the story. I realize that’s the second time I’ve mentioned sleeping in this interview. Maybe I’m tired! But, seriously, getting enough rest is a crucial part of being creative. Every woman deserves a good night’s sleep. At night, I like to crawl into the covers and either read recipes or savor a chapter in a great book. To just relax and let go of life’s stresses.

KC: Thank you Kate--- happy writing and happy holidays! Did we tell readers that they can find you HERE or at the Friday Night Knit Club website?

On the knitting front here around Casa Contessa I have near to nothing to report. I'll confess to feeling really sniffly about it too! When you've been working on finishing up a plain old knitted dishcloth you know that to be true. I'll be hand-sewing the lining into the finally finished Brea Bag so it will be ready for gift giving today and taking very long overdue photos. And I've decided to choose a new sweater pattern and yarn ready for a new tradition. (It may be a tradition started by me, but still anticipated!) I'm going to cast on for the new project on Christmas Day, if I can get it together perhaps the irritating swatching bit will be completed as well. But, what to knit??? I know I want a cardigan, I think I want some cabled bits and that it needs to be long enough to cover---- stuff. The problem is that I keep changing my mind although I do have two Norah Gaughan's and a Sweater Babe on the short list.

So please----- if you have something in mind that might pique my interest, let me know. At this point all things are open for consideration.

If you are not a visitor of The Happy Zombie's darling quilting blog then perhaps you have not seen THIS. The cutest little project, "Pennie Pockets". Adorable, too cute and rather inspiring little bits of fabric that I have the sudden desire to make, time willing of course. Monica always has completely fabulous things (we won't discuss her Jingle Jolly table runner that has been a project at the top of my make me list FOREVER). If you sew or quilt make sure to see the project............... and even if you don't I think you will enjoy the eye candy and wish you did!

I can't wait for tomorrows Knitting Contrisstmas interview! See you then!

Knitting Contrisstmas Day Two: Jill aka Knitterella!

Welcome Jill, thanks for taking the time to be part of Knitting Contrisstmas--- we all really appreciate it! I know for many readers the name Jill Zielinski may not ring the first bell, but your alternate moniker KNITTERELLA surely will!

Note to KC readers. make sure and check out Jill's website for FABULOUS gift tags, note cards and more!!! I bet if you get right on it she can get you some of your very own for your holiday hand-made's and gift giving! You ARE planning that, right? On a good day, fueled with caffeine and after a good rest we all rise with the very best of giftie intentions!

KC: As the knitterly brains Knitterella you have wonderful creations such as fabulous note cards and gift tags! How did you get started with these really cool items? I love them all!

First I want to thank you for asking me to do this interview. I’m very flattered and honored to be a part of the Holiday '08 group!

KC: The pleasure is entirely mine Jill....... and ultimately ours!

I’m a graphic designer by trade and a knitter by heart. I wanted a way to combine both my passions and that is how Knitterella came to be. I used my graphic design skills to design paper products for Knitters (and crocheters and now crafters too with my general gift tags).

KC: Are you really a Knitterella? Do you knit knit knit???? It is hard not to picture you sitting there while the mice around you take care of the domestic chores!

I wish I had mice around me to take care of the domestic chores! I do knit all the time and I often think, man, if I didn’t knit so much I’d probably have a spotless house and all the laundry done and folded all the time – but that is sure not the case. I am a pretty crazy knitter!

KC: How do you find time to knit? Do you have any great timesaving tips or special ways to free up enough time to relax and work your sticks?

I probably have a little bit of A.D.D. in me because I just can’t sit and not do anything. That is why knitting is great for me. When people ask how I find the time I often ask them what they do in the evenings to wind down. I usually watch a couple hours of t.v. at night and knit while I do it. I Love to watch a good movie and work on an easy, ‘brainless’ knitting project. Gotta always have one of those projects on the needles. Lots of stocking knit is great for that.

KC: Absolutely, I don't think there are many knitters who don't have a lovely mindless project lying about ready for just such a moment!

KC: You have so many great designs, what are your top sellers?

My gift tags are my top sellers. I came up with the idea because love to make handmade gifts for people and want them to know they are handmade and my gift tags do just that. I also have new tags that have a place on the back for Fiber, Size and Care which can be very handy for the person receiving the gift.

KC: LOVE that idea! Especially fiber and care instructions, I can't tell you how many times my own daughter has called me in tears about something I've made from her ending up a felted mess!

KC: Because you are a crazy knitter as well…………what is your favorite thing to knit?

I love knitting baby gifts, especially baby hats. They are so sweet to make, quick and easy knit and these small projects travel well. Plus it’s a gift that is always greatly appreciated.

KC: Time for what will be my most asked question this year! It has become well known that I am the only “throwing” knitter left on the planet these days… Does speed matter?

Well, I did ‘try’ to knit the Continental way but I quickly went back to the English method. Throwing just comes natural to me. I was interested to try knitting the Continental way because I heard you can knit much faster and to me that just meant I could get more projects done. That said, I’m still more comfortable with the original way I learned so I’m going to stick to being a ‘thrower’ for now – plus, I can throw that yarn quite fast!

KC: I'm pretty quick too but still have the apologetic persona that seems to come with the territory!

KC: Are you a part of the Ravelry world, and if so, what is your Ravelry name?

Of course! Love Ravelry. Isn’t it just great?! I can get lost on that site for hours and hours. You can find me there under the name “Knitterella” – stop by and say "HI"!

KC: What else do you do to feed your inner creative muse?

Along with all my crafting that I love to do, I’m also a graphic designer by trade. I work full-time for a wonderful company and I also pick up freelance work whenever I can fit it in. I’m the regular designer for all the Fiber Buzz ads that you may have seen in the knit and crochet magazines, like Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits. I really enjoy taking my passion for graphic design and incorporating my love for knitting. To work on these ads is wonderful because I get to work and meet so many talented people in the fiber world.

• www.jillzielinskidesigns.com

• www.fiberbuzz.com

KC: What do you do during the holidays? Anything special?

Hopefully not doing any crazy last minute knitting for gifts like I’ve done in the past. I can be my own worse enemy sometimes! Really though, just being home with my husband and our families is what it’s all about.

KC: Who is your favorite knit designer? I know, there are a lot of choices out there!

There are so many great designers out there that it is very hard to list them all. I do love Debbie Bliss, Nora Gaughan, Jennifer Hansen, and Katie Himmelberg. I usually love everything that can be found in the Rowan books. I totally love the talented Susan B. Anderson too. Her Itty-Bitty Hats books is my favorite book of baby hat patterns – probably the best investment I’ve made out of all my knitting books.

KC: I have to ask how long you have had www.knitterella.com? I would think that is one HOT URL! I love the name, just love it!

Thanks! I love the name too! I’ve had Knitterella both name and small business since 2003. Wow - five years already! I also have Knitterella registered as a trademark.

KC: Because I love your blog and count it as one of my regular reads, I know you sew too! Your aprons are darling, do you do any quilting?

I’ve made two quilts in my life. Nothing crazy or anything but I have tried. I’d like to try again but I have to say, the binding part scares me!

KC: Nah.......... easy as pie! The whole creative soup of it is wonderful, and very forgiving! I bet you would be a fabulous quilter!

KC: What is coming up next in the world of Knitterella?

I’m working on more product. I’ve got all kinds of ideas rolling around and will be coming out with more designs in 2009.

KC: You can rest assured that we will all be waiting! Happy Holidays!

Knitting Contrisstmas Day One: Cirilia Rose

If it is December 1st that means that it is finally time for Day ONE of Knitting Contrisstmas! For me, very long awaited, I'm so looking forward to an entire month of holiday posts featuring some of the notables from the field of knitting, quilting, cooking and more.

It seems very appropriate to kick off the month with Cirilia Rose, knit designer and blog voice for some time now. She has been the face and one of the voices we came to know from Webs as well as her own blog Skrillaknits. Now in her new position at Berroco, she works on the popular blog, KnitBits, creates patterns and makes a big presence.

One of the 'new' faces of knitting, Cirilia Rose will be making an even bigger splash in the future!

KC: Thanks for kicking off Knitting Contrisstmas Cirilia----- I know you are very busy! Is life crazy right now for you Berroco? I followed your ‘old’ blog when you were ‘merely’ a knit designer and worked at Webs (cool job). But now, there you are, at the elbow of Norah Gaughan (THE Norah Gaughan) and Margery Winter. Do you pinch yourself daily? I am quite sure that I would!

It is indeed pretty incredible to be a part of such a talented team. While I might not be as accomplished a knitter as Norah, I have a similar view of fashion. In real life we're fairly practical dressers--we want ease and interest in the same garment. This is good for styling and designing, we're both tethered to the same goals. Sharing an office with Margery is fantastic. Ever since meeting her at Stitches in 2006 I joked about wanting to be her when I grow up. She reminds me of Miss Prescott from Funny Face! A visionary with a wicked sense of humor and the laugh to match.

KC: How did you land the job at Berroco?

Norah contacted me this spring to invite me to apply for the position. It was insane--she called while I was shooting a Webs catalog. It was a lot easier to smile and pose after that call, let me tell you. The interview process was very thorough and at the end of it I was cautiously excited about the prospect. It was just the push I needed to leave graduate school where I was floundering miserably!

KC: Tell me a little about your job there, we're all curious (and jealous!)

My job entails quite a bit. Just today I was thinking that my desk is really a blogging station. In a lot of ways it feels like I've been hired as a professional blogger, even though I may not post that often. Creating KnitBits utilizes all the blogging muscles.

Yarn development is a great part of the job. Working at Webs really honed the skills needed for this--I feel like I understand what happens between a customer and a ball of yarn. There are so many factors that go into making a yarn that is appealing and serviceable. It's great to see a yarn and just dream of all the possibilities. I'm just tickled that I have a hand in creating the yarns that I will later be asked to design with. It's like cooking with food you've grown yourself.

KC: I know you are a rabid knitter as well…………what is your favorite thing to knit?

My favorite thing to knit is definitely hats. I am big hat wearer, they can save an outfit and a bad hair day. They're fast to knit, they don't take a lot of cash to make and they keep the focus on the yarn. For me it's all about the knitted fabric so I love stockinette maybe with simple stripes. I definitely love stripes! I was just looking at all of the things I've knit so far at Berroco--all striped!

KC: Stripes seem to be all the rage right now in knitting, you can feed our addiction!

KC: One of the returning questions to everyone this season will be about knitting style and speed. So, it has become well known that I am the only "throwing" knitter left on the planet these days. Does speed matter?

Not so! The whole design team knits Continental! (Note from KC: I said the word 'continental' and that is not what I meant! Actually, I meant to say that I am a 'thrower'.) I used to teach classes on it at Webs. Actually, I like to say I'm ambiknitxtrious, I learned English at a young age and made the switch to gain some speed. I think every knitter should at least give it a try, it has such a beautiful economy of movement. I am not a speedy knitter, but I wish I were. I need all of the NGv1: Urban Layers story like, yesterday, but haven't found the time in two years to knit it!

KC: Are you a process or a product knitter?

Definitely process...pre-knitting process, actually! Maybe it has to do with working in the retail environment for so long but I think I like planning projects more than I like knitting them! I love choosing yarns, colors, the perfect stitch markers, etc. I do love to knit, but I have little patience for fiddliness or attention demanding projects so I tend to choose beautiful fibers and simple patterns. Because I really try to improve with each garment I make I often fall out of love with my past sloppier work and donate it.

KC: What knitwear designers most inspire you? (No pressure, such an easy question!)

Well, beside Norah...Gudrun Johnston is a friend of mine who is doing great things. She is from the Shetland Isles and allows that to seep into her knitting often but in a really fresh way. I think Adrian Bizilia of Hello Yarn understands color and the importance and glory of working with the best, most beautifully dyed natural fibers you possibily can.

KC: Is there anything in the world of knitting that you have not done and wish to tackle?

As for knitting, there is a ton I'd like to tackle. I'd love to make a Pacific Northwest shawl and a basic black cardigan or 4. As for working in the industry...hard to say, I've kind of scored my dream position here!

KC: A definite score----- a well deserved dream come true!

KC: What are you up to now? You know we all love your work and wonder what will be coming up next from your wonderful knitter brain!

If you subscribe to KnitBits you'll get a weekly answer to this question =D

KC: I look forward to every single KnitBits! The only problem is that there is too much inspiration and not enough time!

KC: Are you a part of the Ravelry world, and if so, what is your Ravelry name?

Yes, I am, I'm Skrillaknits! I love to check in on my designs there, to see what has worked and what has flopped. I love how very organized it is, organization is a leitmotif for me this year! I especially love that it was created by a very cool pair from Massachusetts, Jess and Casey are the best.

KC: What else do you do to feed your inner creative muse?

Great question! She's really just been let out of the cage so she is still a little wild-eyed. I try to stay healthy with lots of sleep and yoga and veggies but caffeine is an absolute essential! I look at a lot of magazines for styling ideas, I love Nylon and Lula. I get stuck on certain films, I just want to live inside them forever.

KC: I think I am either old or out of touch, or perhaps both because I have no idea who Nylon and Lula are! Geez! I knew you must be a film head from the earlier reference to Margery Winter and Miss Prescott from Funny Face.

There is a bit of graduate school residue in my brain. I'm inspired by big questions about aesthetics, the body, performance of the self, what it means to be a women in the world and what the business of fashion is truly about. The design team can get a little academic but Norah and I definitely have a right brain/left brain thing going on, so it works.

Most of all I make sure that I'm always keeping my eyes wide open. This can be a little manic--"ooh, look at that fat squirrel! Look at that defaced sign! Look, that tree is CHARTREUSE!" The other day I was taking pictures in the ethnic food aisle. The Goya products were all lined up and looking beautiful, it was breathtaking! Actually, grocery stores totally inspire me.

KC: What do you do during the holidays? Anything special?

I get into the holidays but in a non-commercial way. I usually stress myself out making things for people which I never seem to finish, very lame. I'm Italian so it's kind of all about the food and relishing the cold and everything that comes with it. I’m a New England girl through and through!

KC: Cirilia has graciously offered to share one of her great knitting patterns, a wonderful combination of a cowl and a hat she calls the "howl". Thanks Cirilia!

I’d love to include a link to my favorite pattern of the season, a super useful hat/cowl (I call it a Howl):

http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/grylas_howl/grylas_howl.html

Thanks so much Cirilia, we can't wait for your next project! Have a wonderful holiday season!

For the rest of us----Get Knittin! The clock is ticking!

Happy Knitting Contrisstmas Eve!

Tomorrow is December 1st---------- I'm not quite sure how it happened as one of my last memories was mowing the lawn in early spring. But, there you have it, time marches on and the official start to the holidays (here on the KC blog anyway) begins tomorrow. My gift to you dear blitters----- a veritable parade of knitterati, quilterati and cookerati (is that a word???)

May your holiday season be perfection whatever your creative pursuits are, and I hope everyone can find time to create those hand-made gifts your heart dreams of. After all, at the beginning of the season we think we CAN do it all!



Cindy asked what the pattern was for the fingerless mitts. I found one I loved from the endless parade of such on Ravelry and decided on the "Cabled Fingerless Mitts" by Joelene Wiggins and Allison Blevins. It's a freebie from the fine folks at Tangle.

3 Days and a Wake-Up

Why do they call it Black Friday anyway???? Somehow it sounds grim to me and perhaps this year it will be grim to retailers as well. Another reason to be 100% hand-made for the holidays!

With Thanksgiving behind us all now, it must be almost time for Knitting Contrisstmas 2008!!! I am SO excited I can't stand it! SO, three days and a wake-up until December 1st, the kickoff of this years star studded event----- creative 'celebs', a recipe or two, and some great ideas for the holidays.

THE Norah Gaughan returns along with Suzan from Knit Cafe, Martha Sacco from Green Mountain Knitting Bags, Cirilia Rose, Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Kate Gilbert, Marta McCall, Lisa Boyer (Dorky Quilts), Knitterella, Valori Wells, Ivonne from Cream Puffs in Venice, Mrs. Lear from The Runcible Bin, Sylvie from Chez Plum, Cat Bordhi, Iris from ArtYarns, Cindy Taylor Oates, Bari J, Ysolda, Joanna from Fig Tree--- and MORE!

Don't miss a second--------- (like you even would!!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day USA...................... probably my favorite holiday! While the turkey bakes (after finally reaching the thawed state that allows such) and family gathers, please indulge me as I spend a small amount of time to list the things I'm thankful for........... a short list, not nearly complete.

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Let There Be Pie & Chai

Thanksgiving Eve------- the list seems long but as the compulsive that I am, lists have been made and I think I'm ready for the big day tomorrow.

Pie today------ the obligatory pumpkin for me and the request pie of chocolate cream for others who don't do "orange vegetable pie". The fact that there will be more pumpkin pie leftover does not make me sad but only that there will be more for moi. Always a good thing.

The turkey is making progress, it is not like a brick anymore but I think it will benefit from a little time out of the freezer today, just in case. Please do not turn me in to the turkey police over at B*utterball, the outcome surely can't be good.

I'll be up early tomorrow making pumpkin chai tea (recipe to follow) and getting everything ready to go, the turkey needs to hit the oven at 9:30.

And the balance of the day today will be spent knitting. I have the most zen-like and completely brainless project of all-------------- more super simple dishcloths that will be pressed into service in the gift baskets as facecloths. How is it that the simpler the project on the needles the more I dream of the Project After Christmas, the one to be cast on December 26th---- the one that lives in my dreams as more complex, yet still peaceful, the one that shall be serviceable yet lovely?

Happy Thanksgiving Eve----- if you're heading out, travel safely.

For those of you who love chai, or the impossible to find M*ystic Chai, or those like me who mourn deeply the loss of the Borders Pumpkin Chai Latte Mix I bring you my version. Not as good but one that will do the trick.

Contessa Pumpkin Spice Chai

1 cup of Pumpkin Spice Creamer Powder(found at your local grocery store seasonally) * if you can't find this you can substitute regular creamer powder
1 cup of French Vanilla Creamer Powder
1 1/2 cups of instant tea (feel free to go cheapie)
2 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
1 cup of powdered nonfat milk
1 tsp. of cinnamon if using the Pumpkin Spice Creamer OR 2 tsp. if using plain creamer
2 tsp. of ginger
1 tsp. of cardamom (pricey but SO worth it)
1 tsp. of cloves

Toss everything into the food processor with the metal blade and let it buzz for about 4 minutes. Stuff the feed tube with a damp paper towel as the powder loves to escape the tube like messy smoke.

Remove it and place in a zippy bag. Start with 2 tsp for a cup sized serving, more for a mug. I have an insulated travel mug and use a heaping 1/4 cup measure. It is truly to taste.

Enjoy!