I’m still pretty jumbled up from our west coast trip.  It’s been a whirlwind since we got back and although it’s been a productive week, I’m still feeling like I’m chasing butterflies.

For those of you who read Knitting Daily, you know this week has been all about the new French Girl Knits book by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes.  I had the absolute pleasure to meet Kristeen 3 or 4 years ago at TNNA.  Our Rowan rep suggested we check out her patterns since she was exclusively using Rowan yarns.  It was a great suggestion as I fell in love with her patterns immediately.

 Since then Kristeen has done a great job of staying true to herself, her love of yarn, flirty, feminine designs and all things French.  You can learn a lot more about Kristeen on this week’s podcast.  We had a lovely chat and probably could have gone on for hours.

Her design premise is two-fold.  First, it’s all about being girly and secondly, it’s all about seamless construction.  Although her roots are in sewing, she’s all about creating beautiful garments without the pressure of finishing.  As someone without an ounce of sewing savvy, I can so appreciate where she’s coming from.  How many of us have knit our little hearts out on a garment, only to do it no justice with the finishing?  Or better yet, let it languish in a project bag in our closet in pieces? I fully belong in both categories and somehow I don’t think I’m alone. 

That’s not to say top-down or side-to-side construction are the end-all be-all, but there is something to be said to be finished when the knitting is done.  Knitting Daily featured two great posts about seamless knitting, including one with valuable tips and tricks!  Be sure to check them out!

Normally, I would include a bunch of photos from the book and offer my color commentary, but the folks at Interweave put together a fabulous video narrated by Kristeen herself.  I will let her do the honors:

Have any of you ever knit one of Kristeen’s patterns?  Is one of her new designs inspiring you?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Also, don’t miss out on Kristeen’s free pattern, Vienne, being offered on Knitting Daily.  It’s really lovely.  Be sure to also listen to my interview with Kristeen on this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit!

Enjoy!

Kathy

I think I simply wore Blogger out last night in trying to upload these videos. Sorry to have left you with the middle of the Oreo missing, but here we go.

All set and ready for the knitters!

Here is a quick tour of the Berroco section of our booth. In particular, check out the Babettes (Andra’s and Pixie’s) and the beautiful Assemblage Sweater. I “heart” Assemblage. There are three lovely versions for you to see!

I have some regular camera shots from the show that still need to be posted, so stay tuned for those.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Remember, our retail store will be CLOSED Sunday (as always) and Monday in observance of the holiday! You can always order anytime at www.yarn.com!

Kathy