StickiNotes

I will no longer be updating this blog because I’ve started a new blog at maggiepace.com. Like stickinotes, maggiepace.com is a how-to site that will teach people everything they need to know about knitting. But it also covers sewing, embroidery, papercrafts, fabric design — any medium that I’m playing around with at the moment. I draw a new “inspiration sketch” each week, then break down how I bring the sketch to reality. I’m still posting how-to video and images, so expect to learn lots of new techniques — and be inspired.

I got an email from my editor at Knitting Today asking if I’d like to create knitted pet toys inspired by these photos. Can you imagine a more fun assignment? I got my knit on and in just two days kicked out the little cuties below.  Look for them in the winter issue of the magazine.

Our producer, Candi Jensen, somehow pulled together Season 4 after working diligently to find us funding. We wrapped taping in Detroit last week,  and now we’ll have new material for the fall! Thanks, everyone who contributed to getting the show on air. I’m really excited about the projects and the techniques I demo-ed. For more info on the show, check out the Knit & Crochet Now website. Click on the photos below for a behind-the-scenes look at the Season 4 taping.

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My latest design; pattern will be available online mid-summer.

I have to admit, I feel bad for the tease of the rose tote posts from last month. If you didn’t read them….check them out. I still don’t have the final photo of the tote and the Knitting Today issue featuring it doesn’t come out ’til fall.  In the meantime…I worked up a similar project for my new Pick Up Sticks line, being released at TNNA June 11-15. I adapted the rose tote into a peony-inspired pillow. And for this one, you WILL get both before and after shots

Check back throughout June for sneak peeks of the new line. All five designs will be available on my website for sale as PDF downloads starting in mid-July.

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Unidentified Flower

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An amazing flower at my Oakland flower shop a few days before we moved.

When I was synching my i-phone tonight I discovered 100s of photos I’ve snapped as inspiration for future knitting, embroidery and fabric projects. The grouping of photos is eclectic, but each was snapped for a reason.

The Dali Rose Tote felted perfectly. I was so shocked, I forgot to document it. After the bag dried, I popped it in the mail and sent it off to my editor without even thinking about photographing it. Where was my head? I’ll post when the story comes out in Knitting Today.

The Dali Rose tote, unfelted.

Could be 35 hours of knitting down the drain; I just don’t know. Will it look like a rose? Or will all the short-row petals and tiers fold in on themselves creating a matted mess? Only 20 minutes in the washing machine will tell…

The design challenge: Create a knit & felted tote inspired by this Dali painting.

Nothing’s better than a box full of yarn and a design problem. I’ve been challenged to knit and felt a modern tote inspired by this Dali painting. The result will be in the next issue of Knitting Today. I’ve  already got the beginnings of the solution on the needles . . . let’s hope it knits up and felts the way I see it in my head.

The beginnings of the design solution.

Enjoying one of spring's first warm days and my newly embellished ballet flats.

Found these shoes at my local discount store. They were originally adorned with U-G-L-Y fabric roses. I removed the rose and went to work with my needle and embroidery thread. The whole project took about an hour and cost $12. Quick and cheap. That’s how I roll.

Many of you know I’m a knitting expert on the PBS show Knit and Crochet Now. We’re just about to tape Season 4, but we are short on money. The producer is trying to raise funds so we can continue bringing you the latest needlearts trends and teaching you useful knit and crochet techniques. Donate by clicking here or on the letter below, then scroll down and press the Donate Here button.

Help Knit and Crochet Now by donating now!