Knitting Purls

Contest Prize News

Those of you who've listened to Episode 3 of the Knitting Purls(TM) podcast know that we're having a logo design contest. Knitting Purls needs a logo, and I have no talent in that area. So, I am looking for the designers among you to come up with a logo that can be the identifying mark of the Knitting Purls empire (don't forget my dreams of moguldom).

When I recorded the podcast, I knew there would be a prize for the winning design. But, I didn't know what it would be. Now I do. Zarzuela's FIbers has donated the prize that will go to the designer of the winning logo.  The person who designs the winning logo will receive:

• 4 oz. of superwash or regular merino or BFL fiber dyed in the winner's color choice    

                                                       OR

• 1 skein of sock yarn dyed for the winner in the colorway of their choice.

Winning designs must be submitted to [email protected] no later than November 1, 2008. If you have any questions, please send to that address as well.

Thank you Jessica of Zarzuela's Fibers for your generosity.

Knitting Purls Podcast, Episode 3 Now Available

Yes, Episode 3 of the Knitting Purls podcast is available for your listening pleasure. And it's chockablock with all kinds of information.

Meet the newest member of the Knitting Purls family, Miss Ewenice T. Bunet

Sticky Notes:
    Marthas Vineyard Fiber Farm Learn how you can participate in a new trend of getting yarn to the consumer.
    What do you think of the new Knitting Daily TV show?
    Knit Picks newest needle offerings: Harmony Straights
    New samples on their way to Knitting Purls

Want more heel options? Try Priscilla Wild's No Wrap Heel. Here's a video and instructions.

Do you have an online shop with low traffic? Try these suggestions.

Are you the same knitter you were a few years ago? Probably not. How have you changed--besides getting better? Send your comments to [email protected].

Ever wonder who reads Knitting Purls? Learn what I discovered.

What's in the next issue of Knitting Purls?

Breaking News:

Introducing the Knitting Purls Indie Sock Yarn Club ([email protected]).

Introducing the Knitting Purls Indie Fiber Club ([email protected]).

Interested in a Sweater Club? Let me know ([email protected]).

Announcing the Knitting Purls Logo Contest. Deadline for entries, November 1, 2008. Send to [email protected]

                           Check out Episode 3

A New Podcast--Episode 2

Episode 2 of the Knitting Purls podcast is now available. It's an abbreviated podcast, but I hope you enjoy it. You can listen to it  here . Unfortunately, I am having problems with Feedburner (it says the file is too big, though it's half the size of Episode 1), so I'm not sure when it will be up on iTunes.

You'll hear about Spinning & Dyeing, Carol Anderson's Help Iowa Project, my dyeing escapades, and SWTC's Therapi yarn. You'll also want to visit Dizzy Blonde Studios .

Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for the next episode.

Success Breeds . . .

To say I am happy with the success of Knitting Purls would be a massive understatement. We currently have 400 subscribers. In all honesty, I was satisfied when 10 people subscribed. But, thanks to WendyKnits! and a shout out in Ravelry's weekly newsletter, our numbers continue to grow.
    I quickly began to consider what was next. I have millions of ideas (all right, maybe not millions, but I do have a lot). The problem was trying to decide what specific one to put into action.
    The result: Spinning & Dyeing, an ezine for those who love to spin (professional, amateur; with a spindle or on a wheel) and dye yarn and fiber. The ezine will be available only through e-mail--at least in the beginning. The first issue will be out in December 2008, but you can go ahead and get your name on our subscriber list. Just send me an e-mail. Like Knitting Purls, Spinning & Dyeing is free.
    And please, if there's something you'd like to see in Spinning & Dyeing, let me know. If you'd like to write for Spinning & Dyeing--or Knitting Purls--let me know. Just keep in mind that there is no payment at this time.
Shop Owners:
We will accept advertising in Spinning & Dyeing. Please Note: Advertisers who purchase ad space in the September  and/or November issue of Knitting Purls will receive a free ad in the Spinning & Dyeing launch issue. If you'd like information about advertising in either publication, just drop me an e-mail.
    I am very excited about this new venture, and I hope you'll join me as we learn about spinning and dyeing, the process and the people.

   

Helping Needles

As you might recall, parts of Iowa were devastated by floods early this summer. More than 30,000 people were displaced in Cedar Rapids alone.

Carol Anderson, founder of Cottage Creations and designer of the Wonderful Wallaby, is spearheading a drive to collect mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dishcloths, socks, and sweaters. A card should be attached to each item with the following information: name of item, size (if applicable), and fiber content (if possible, they should be machine washable/dryable). If you'd like, you can include your name and address and well as any words of encouragement.

Carol must have all items no later than November 1. I don't want to post her address here, but just drop me an e-mail, and I'll be happy to send it to you.

This is a wonderful--and effective--way to make a difference in someone's life. If someone has done something to help you through a difficult time, this is a good way to pay that kindness forward.