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Annie Modesitt: A History on Two Needles

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Smiling woman holding a mustard-colored knitted piece with textured stitches, set against a wooden background.

We have to keep Marly from jumping on the couch like Tom Cruise on Oprah because one of her favorite people is on the show! Annie Modesitt joins us to talk about her new book, History on Two Needles. Annie learned to knit from her college roommate and then spent down time at an early job working on her technique. Though the way she knits might be knitting from other knitters, it is not wrong! Her story is fascinating and Annie does not hold back! Her website, anniemodesitt.com, has links to all of her work, and she blogs at modeknit.com.

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Annie is a big history fan. In her latest book, History on Two Needles, you'll find modern pieces inspired by historical images.  These are not costume pieces! You can purchase the book through Ravelry or Cooperative Press  but if you can also purchase the patterns individually in Ravelry.

Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/review on iTunes to let other know about it!

This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter’s Magazine, Craftsy.com, Fiesta Yarns, Kollage Yarns, Decade by Drew Emborsky, Love of Knitting, Love of Crochet and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Annie Modesitt's new book about?

So here's the thing… Annie's latest book, “History on Two Needles,” features modern knitting patterns inspired by historical images. They aren't costume pieces, but rather contemporary designs with a historical twist!

Where can I buy Annie Modesitt's book or patterns?

Honestly… you can grab the whole book on Ravelry or through Cooperative Press. If you prefer just single patterns, those are available individually on Ravelry too!

Does Annie Modesitt blog or have a website?

Yes! You can find all of Annie's work linked on her website, anniemodesitt.com. Plus, she shares more on her blog at modeknit.com.

What did the podcast listeners think of Annie Modesitt?

So many listeners really connected with Annie! Several mentioned how much they loved hearing her talk and that her story and book sounded perfect for them, especially those who also love history.

Is it okay if my knitting technique is different from others?

Oh goodness, yes! The page mentions that Annie's knitting technique might be different, but it's absolutely not wrong. It's fascinating how we all find our own way to create!

How to Be a Test Knitter or Crocheter

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a test knitter/ crocheter or tech editor?  Today's podcast is chock full of valuable information on how to get into this industry and make money doing what you love!

  • Be proactive!  If there is a designer that you truly love, reach out to them and tell them that you are interested in test knitting/ crocheting or tech editing for them.  Be prepared to show them photos of your work — if you want to test knit socks, show photos of socks you have completed!  Same goes for lace work, cables, anything!
  • Communication is key!  Stay in touch with your designer as you work through their pattern and ask them questions, share your concerns, possible mistakes, alternative techniques, anything!  Your digital camera is your best friend.
  • Time Management is hugely important — stay on top of your deadlines and communicate to your designer if you think you will be late on a deadline.  DON'T accept a job if you can't make the deadline.
  • Be honest about your experience level.  This helps your designer send you projects that are in line with your ability level and may even give you opportunities to learn something new!
  • This is truly work!  It's very different from your casual knitting or crochet projects that you work on in front of the television.  Please remember that you are doing this as a job — your designer has a reputation to uphold and you are creating a name for yourself in an intimate industry.

Special thanks to Gwen and Rohn for sharing their thoughts today!  You can find more information on Gwen through her website, and Rohn can be found on his own website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started as a test knitter?

So here's the thing… a great first step is to join some Ravelry groups like The Testing Pool or the Designers Group. It's a wonderful way to learn the ropes and get your name out there!

I love a specific designer's work… can I just ask them if they need a tester?

Honestly… yes! Be proactive and reach out to designers you admire. Just make sure you're ready to show them photos of your finished projects that match the type of work you want to test knit or crochet.

What's the most important thing for working with a designer?

Communication is key… seriously! Keep in touch with your designer, ask questions, and share any concerns or potential mistakes you find. And don't forget your digital camera – it'll be your best friend!

Is test knitting really a job, or can I just relax while I do it?

It's really work… it's quite different from just knitting or crocheting for fun. Remember, you're doing this as a job, and your designer has a reputation to uphold. Plus, you're building your own name in this industry!

I'm a beginner, can I still be a test knitter?

Yes! Be honest about your experience level. This helps designers match you with projects that fit your abilities and might even offer you chances to learn new things.

Carol Sulcoski

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Two of the biggest knitting trends in recent years are knitting socks and knitting with handpainted yarns.  But what does a knitter do when she's already knit dozens of socks and still has a sizeable stash of sock yarn lying around? And what about the knitter who loves handpainted and other sock yarns, but isn't that crazy about the admittedly-fiddly process of knitting socks?

Book cover featuring colorful yarn balls, diverse knitwear projects, and cozy settings, showcasing patterns for sock yarn.These knitters need some sock alternatives: creative, stylish ways to use sock yarns for things other than socks.  Sock Yarn Studio provides a mix of one-skein, two-skein, and multi-skein projects–from hats and mittens to scarves and wraps, even a few bigger projects like sweaters and afghans–all knit in fingering or sportweight sock yarns.

Cream-colored fitted sweater with ribbed details, worn by a model, featured in a knitting and crochet book.Knitted socks in red and orange hand-painted yarn, showcasing intricate stitch patterns against a sunny background.

Designer, Carol Sulcoski is a former attorney turned knitting designer and handdyer.  She is the author of Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns and co-author of Knit So Fine. Her designs have been published in Vogue Knitting, KnitSimple, St-Denis Magazine, KnitScene, and various other books and magazines, and her technical articles frequently appear in Vogue Knitting.  She is the founder of Black Bunny Fibers, an independent dyeing business known for unique, handpanted yarns and fibers.

Leave a comment on this blog post with the keyword and you will be entered to win a copy of Sock Yarn Studio and yarn from Black Bunny Fibers! To give everyone time to get a chance to listen to  the podcast, a winner will be chosen in about 3 weeks!

  • Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/review on iTunes to let other know about it!
  • Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.
  • Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on facebook at www.facebook.com/marlybird

This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter's Magazine, Craftsy, Fiesta Yarns, Kollage Yarns and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have tons of sock yarn but don't really love knitting socks… help!

Oh, I hear you! Honestly… you're not alone. Carol Sulcoski's book, “Sock Yarn Studio,” is perfect for that! It's packed with projects like hats, mittens, scarves, and even bigger things like sweaters and afghans, all designed to use up that precious sock yarn without having to knit a single sock.

Is Carol Sulcoski a new designer?

Yes! Well, sort of… So here's the thing… Carol used to be a lawyer, can you believe it?! She's now a former attorney who turned into a knitting designer and handdyer. She's written other books too, like “Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns” and “Knit So Fine.”

What's special about Carol's yarn company?

So here's the thing… Carol founded Black Bunny Fibers, and it's known for its unique, hand-painted yarns and fibers. Lots of people in the comments are raving about how beautiful and vibrant the colors are!

How can I win a copy of Sock Yarn Studio and some yarn?

Honestly… you need to leave a comment on the blog post with a specific keyword. The page mentions leaving a comment with the keyword “bunny” to be entered to win a copy of “Sock Yarn Studio” and yarn from Black Bunny Fibers. Good luck!

Can I use hand-painted sock yarn for things other than socks?

Yes! Absolutely… You can totally use those gorgeous hand-painted sock yarns for so many other things. Carol's book, “Sock Yarn Studio,” is all about showing you creative and stylish ways to use sock yarn for projects like hats, scarves, sweaters, and even blankets!

Crochet Scarves

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Who do you think would be a great guest for the show? Drop Marly an email: Marly AT marlybird DOT com

Crochet Scarves Fabulous Fashions Various Techniques by Sharon Hernes Silverman.  Featuring 21 original scarf patterns in a variety of styles, colors, yarns, stitch patterns and techniques, beginning through experienced crocheters will enjoy this book.  Each crochet pattern includes step-by-step instructions for every stitch used in the patterns, easy-to-follow symbol charts, and hundreds of detailed technique photos.

Sharon Silverman is a crocheter, designer, and the author of several books, including Crochet Pillows with Traditional and Tunisian Techniques, Tunisian Crochet and Basic Crocheting.  She is a member of the Crochet Guild of America and a design member of The National NeedleArts Association.  In addition to the books, her private line of patterns are available on Ravelry and a few designs are available through MyCrochetKits.com. You can find out more about Sharon on her website, www.sharonsilverman.com

Pink lace cowl with a distinctive split design, elegantly displayed on a mannequin against a gray background.Listen as Marly and Sharon discuss the choices made of yarn weights, techniques and more this book has to offer! The Swallowtail Cowl, worked in Tunisian honeycomb stitch caught Marly's eye – how about you? Woven yarn is not just for knitters, as shown in the Marabou scarf! Sharon also talks about some of her favorite projects: Crisp Green Apple and the Classic Plaid was a rewarding project and worth all the stitches!

  • Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/review on iTunes to let other know about it!
  • Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.
  • Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marlybird

This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter's Magazine, Craftsy, Fiesta Yarns, Kollage Yarns and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's this book about, really?

So here's the thing… the book “Crochet Scarves Fabulous Fashions Various Techniques” by Sharon Hernes Silverman has 21 original scarf patterns. They're all sorts of styles, colors, yarns, and techniques, so there's something for everyone from beginners to pros!

Are there detailed instructions in the book?

Honestly… yes! Each pattern comes with step-by-step instructions for every single stitch, plus easy-to-follow symbol charts and tons of technique photos. You won't be left hanging, promise!

What kind of cool stuff is in the book?

Oh my goodness, so much! Marly was really taken with the Swallowtail Cowl, which uses a Tunisian honeycomb stitch. And there's a Marabou scarf that uses woven yarn… which I always thought was just for knitters! Plus, Sharon talks about her faves like the Crisp Green Apple and Classic Plaid scarves.

Is Tunisian crochet covered in this book?

Yes! Sharon Silverman is a whiz at Tunisian crochet, and this book includes patterns and techniques for it. Marly even mentions that Jan, a listener, felt inspired to try Tunisian crochet again after listening to their chat.

Where can I find more of Sharon Silverman's designs?

You can find more of Sharon's work on her website, www.sharonsilverman.com. Plus, she has a line of patterns available on Ravelry, and a few are even on MyCrochetKits.com. She's pretty prolific!

Mary Beth Temple: Curvy Girl Crochet

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Crochet book cover featuring a woman in a brown crocheted top with floral embroidery, titled "Curvy Girl Crochet.You know and love her…Mary Beth Temple is back to tell us about her newest book Curvy Girl Crochet! From costume designer to antique dealing, writing The Secret Language of Knitters, designing, and podcasting Getting Loopy, she has done it all, including raising a teenager! There is still more to come – keep an eye out for big announcements a few months down the road.

Curvy Girl Crochet has 25 patterns to fit and flatter, with designs by Mary Beth Temple, Marly Bird, Karen Ratto-Whooley, Andee Graves,  and more! Also included is text about modifying projects to fit you.  If you are going to spend the time working on a project you should be happy with the results.  Crochet does not mean boxy and ill-fitting!

Would you like to win a copy of Curvy Girl Crochet? Please leave a comment telling us something about making garments – don't forget the keyword! A winner will be picked in about 4 weeks!

  • Like this podcast? Be sure to leave a comment/review on iTunes to let other know about it!
  • Stay up to date with the Yarn Thing podcast with the App available on iTunes and for Droid.
  • Find our more about Marly at www.MarlyBird.com or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marlybird
  • This podcast is sponsored by: Knitter's Magazine, Craftsy, Fiesta Yarns, Kollage Yarns and Bijou Basin Ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's this “Curvy Girl Crochet” book all about?

So here's the thing… Mary Beth Temple has a brand new book out called “Curvy Girl Crochet”! It's got 25 patterns designed to fit and flatter, with contributions from some awesome designers like Marly Bird herself. Plus, it includes tips on how to modify projects to fit YOU perfectly!

Can you actually make crochet garments that aren't boxy?

Honestly… yes! The whole point of “Curvy Girl Crochet” is to show that crochet doesn't have to mean shapeless garments. This book is packed with designs that are meant to fit and flatter, so you can make beautiful crochet clothes that you'll love wearing.

I struggle with buttons gaping… is there anything in the book for that?

Yes! Several commenters mentioned struggling with buttons, and one even brought up the idea of decorative buttons to avoid gaping. While the page doesn't go into super specific detail about button solutions within the book, it does highlight that there are patterns to flatter all shapes and sizes, which often includes clever design elements.

Who are some of the designers featured in “Curvy Girl Crochet”?

Well, we know for sure that Mary Beth Temple and Marly Bird are featured designers! Other talented folks like Karen Ratto-Whooley and Andee Graves also contributed designs to this collection. It sounds like a really great group of creatives!

Is there a way to win a copy of the book?

You bet! The post mentions a giveaway where you can win a copy of “Curvy Girl Crochet.” All you need to do is leave a comment telling us something about making garments… and make sure to include the keyword they mentioned. A winner will be picked in about 4 weeks!

Sous Chef to the Ratatouille

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THIS POST HAS BEEN REDIRECTED TO THE NEW SOUS CHEF HAT POST: https://marlybird.com/free-crochet-patterns/free-slouchy-crochet-hat-pattern-sous-chef-crochet-hat/

Teaching beginner knitting at my local yarn shop was something that I enjoyed for 4 years. It is only because of my new travel schedule and my work load that I gave it up.  But there isn't a Monday or Wednesday night that goes by when I don't miss it.  Seeing the light bulb flicker on in the eyes of the students as they became knitters never-got-old.

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When I first started teaching I didn't have a project for the class that really worked.  So, I set out to design something that really encompassed everything that the students learned in class.  The first has was the Gerri Hat, named after the yarn shop owner and my friend.  I used that hat for a year and a half.  Then, I decided that I needed a new hat.

So, I wound up some Cascade 220 wool and began.  I didn't really have a plan.  However, I figured if I made a band (knit flat) for the head the length could be adjusted pretty easily so a new knitter would be guaranteed that it would fit around his/her head.   Then, by picking up stitches along the edge of the band and joining to knitting in the round would help with the problem of twisted cast-on's.  Also, it would make it pretty easy to learn how to knit in the round without having to begin at the very beginning.  After it was all said and done I designed the Ratatouille Hat.

Now, why was it named Ratatouille?  When I finished the hat I put it on my head and asked my kids what they thought.  Immediately my son's and daughter exclaimed, “Mommy! You look like Ratatouille!”  In actuality, I looked like Remy the rat from Ratatouille but I understood what they meant.

From that day on I called the hat Ratatouille and the name stuck. And the hat was a hit! For the rest of the time I taught at Knit Knack I had beginner knitters graduate my class with a Ratatouille of their own.

As I mentioned in the post about STITCHES West, I put an offer out there to the PJ Party participants to knit the Ratatouille hat so we all looked alike at the PJ Party. It was well received.  After the PJ Party many of the knitters gave the hat they made (in some cases several hats) to the wonderful organization Halo's of Hope.

Anyway, after having people make the Ratatouille hat for both STITCHES West and South I finally got around to designing a crochet version of the hat.

Say hello to Sous Chef.  I figured it was the perfect name since it was second in line to the head chef (no pun intended).

This hat is constructed the same way its predecessor only instead of using two needles you use a HOOK!

YAY!  This hat is very customizable.  If you lengthen or shorten the brim to fit your head that is awesome…but make sure you pick up and crochet a multiple of 8 sts along the brim to make the decreases work.  Having said that, you do know that if you change numbers to begin with the final stitch counts at the end of each row will change but I figure if you are good enough to alter the pattern you are good enough to know that 🙂

I have a special deal for you! From now until the end of October 2012, if you use the coupon code “pjparty” at the Ravelry Checkout you will get 50% off this pattern!  What a deal right?

Now, go and favorite it on Ravelry and tell all your friends!

AD-FREE Downloadable PDF
Cozy knitted blanket in shades of blue and gray featuring a textured stitch pattern, draped over a couch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait, where's the pattern for the Ratatouille Hat?

So here's the thing… this post has actually been redirected! You can find the new Sous Chef Hat post with the pattern right here: https://marlybird.com/free-crochet-patterns/free-slouchy-crochet-hat-pattern-sous-chef-crochet-hat/

How did the Ratatouille Hat get its name?

Honestly… it was my kids! When I finished the original knit version, they took one look and said I looked like Ratatouille, or more specifically, Remy the rat from the movie. The name just stuck!

What's the difference between the Ratatouille Hat and the Sous Chef Hat?

Yes! The Sous Chef hat is the crochet version of the original knit Ratatouille Hat. It's constructed the same way, just with a hook instead of needles.

I'm a beginner knitter, can I make this hat?

The original Ratatouille Hat was designed with beginners in mind… The knit version had a flat band that was easy to adjust for fit and picking up stitches to knit in the round helped new knitters get the hang of it without starting from scratch.

Is there a discount on the Sous Chef pattern?

Oh yes! From now until the end of October 2012, you can get 50% off the Sous Chef pattern on Ravelry by using the coupon code “pjparty” at checkout. What a deal!