Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Block n Roll from The BagSmith is perfect for my MaggiKnits project!

I was sitting around the office minding my own business when Alex yelled out, "Hey, call Becca!" Being the very obedient wife I am, I did. Well, not really because I'm obedient -- because I only pretend to be obedient while I do exactly what I want to do (just like every other wife I know). But I wanted to call Becca because I really like her a lot...and I sure do wish I had that great pair of eyeglasses she bought for herself in Paris.

Anyway, Becca said she'll be in LA for the VK Live Event which is great because I'll have a chance to stop by her booth to say hi, and then she reminded me about her newest product The Block n Roll.

Now, if you're like me and you've been using your living room floor as a blocking surface, you're in for a big treat. (The answer is yes...I have been known to melt carpet with my iron. If you've done the same you MUST read on.)

The Block n Roll is a terrific new blocking tool that has a huge, soft, Teflon-coated surface that rolls up when you aren't using it. Isn't that great? You can stuff it anywhere out of sight.

But when you are using it, it's got grid lines to help you ensure your project is straight and a terrific surface for steaming or ironing.

Whether you're a knitter or a crocheter or a quilter or scrap-booker, you're going to really love this handy tool. I know that it's going to make a heck of a difference when I block my beautiful new MaggiKnits Trellis Tweed Scarf!

I think you ought to get one of these right away from Yarnmarket. Sure, I could recommend you buy it someplace else, but that's the one thing Alex tells me never to do...and I obey him just because he's the boss.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My MaggiKnits Kit is almost finished!

I've been working away on my very first MaggiKnits Kit and am happy to report that I finished knitting it last night. I've been pretty pleased with how well it's worked out...even if I did make a few mistakes here and there. But in the inimitable words of Maggie Jackson, "The world will not stop if there is an extra stitch OR we are 1/2" over supposed length!!!"

I love that attitude.

Later today I'll be writing an article about Maggie for Knit 'n Style. Do any of you have questions you'd like to pose for her?

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sure...it's easy for Maggie Jackson!

You know, when you ask a designer about any of her patterns, the immediate response is, "Oh! It's simple!"

It doesn't matter who you ask -- Nicky Epstein, Iris Schrier, Maggie Jackson. They all say the same thing. This is because they're the best in the industry and, to them, nothing is difficult.

As you know, I love Maggie Jackson's MaggiKnits kits and patterns. They can transform an extraordinarily dull person (me) into someone who looks like they might have a bit of style (everyone else on the planet).

A couple of weeks ago, when Alex and I were getting ready for our flight to Scotland, I decided the plane trip would be the ideal time to begin my MaggiKnits Trellis Tweed Scarf.

Alex was kind enough to be my yarn swift in the airport, much to the amusement of a little girl who had never seen anyone wind a ball of wool, and by the time we got onto our flight I was casting on.

Now, I'm happy to report that the pattern isn't at all as difficult as anyone would imagine. I'm sure it's relatively straightforward for a normal knitter. But I don't happen to be a normal knitter. I'm left-handed and have a heck of a time sorting out what's supposed to be right side or wrong side to a right-handed knitter. And, worst of all, I've become ambidextrous so if I've got to do a stocking stitch, I knit a row one way, and then knit a row the other way -- switching from left-handed to right-handed. But I'm not sure which one is which. (If I'm moving the stitches to the left needle, am I knitting left-handed or right-handed? I really don't know anymore.)

When you combine my goofy knitting method with my tiredness on the plane...well, so what if I was supposed to change yarns at a particular but forgot to do it? Maggie says anything goes!

Today when I brought my uncompleted project into the office, the ladies agreed that it really didn't matter. The piece looks terrific even if the part that's supposed to be in Linen is in Tweed. I'll make up for it later in the piece, I guess.

Anyway, I'm having a lot of fun with my MaggiKnits kit and I just know that when I complete it and put it on, I'm going to look just like the pretty little blonde who's wearing it in the photo!