REVIEW: Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!

Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!
by Judith Durant
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Storey Publishing (November 13, 2010)

I think that nearly every knitter I know has an obsession with sock yarn.  Whether it's because you actually love to knit socks, you're mesmerized by the beautiful hand-dyed colorways or simply because it's so easy to accumulate (after all, what's one more skein of yarn, right?)... chances are you've got quite a few hanks of sock yarn at home, as do I.  

Fortunately for those of us who claim know that "sock yarn doesn't count as stash," Judith Durant is back with the latest edition to her wonderful One-Skein Wonders series, Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!

As yarn shops are devoting more and more space to sock yarns and independent dyers across the nation work their magic, our stashes are growing faster than we can say "cashmere socks!"  The possibilities of sock yarn seem endless and best of all, it's relatively inexpensive to bring a hank home here and there.  After all, you only need just one skein.  As those skeins continue to pile up, you've probably decided to explore your options of just what else you can knit with sock yarn... right?  Shawls, scarfs, fingerless mitts, baby hats -- you know you've reached for sock yarn to knit one recently! 

The patterns Judith Durant has chosen for Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders include baby clothes, mittens, scarves, hats, jewelry, cozies, bags, a dog sweater, a lamp shade and yes, even a few pairs of socks!  As with the past One-Skein Wonders books, all of the patterns were contributed by yarn shops and designers throughout North America. Knitters of every skill level will quickly find favorites... some knit up in fewer than three hours, others make creative use of sock yarn leftovers, and several make heirloom-worthy gifts.

Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders features an updated, easy-to-browse layout.  The full color photos are now placed with the pattern instructions, which are easy to follow. The patterns have been categorized into 4 sections: From Head to Toe (and Fingers, Too), It's a Wrap!, Knits for Kids and Bag It and More. 

This is a must add book to any sock yarn hoarder's collection!  Don't be shy... you know that's you!  Put Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders on your holiday wish list or scroll down to find out how you can win a copy!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gina House, who designed The Ericka Scarf for Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders. I'm proud to call Gina a friend and honored to knit her designs!

Lapdog Creations: Tell us about the inspiration behind your gorgeous pattern, The Ericka Scarf.

Gina: The inspiration for this scarf came about from boredom, actually. I was fiddling around with the Noro Kureyon sock yarn and one of Barbara Walker's stitch pattern books one day when I was totally sick of what I was knitting. I loved the look of the sock yarn, but didn't think I wanted to make socks. When I saw an interesting mesh pattern in the book, I thought, "Hey, this combination might look amazing together!" And I thought it did ;)

Lapdog Creations: Do you tend to seek out one-skein patterns?

Gina: It's funny - I don't usually look for one-skein patterns for my own knitting (and, in fact, I tend to love patterns that use WAY more luxurious yarn than I can afford!), but I almost always use only one (or very few) skeins of yarn for my designs. I think it's because I love hearing about someone who knit one of my designs over a weekend and say, "That was so quick and fun. I love instant gratification projects!" So, I try to use really great, yummy yarns in small amounts for the accessories I design.

Lapdog Creations: OK, someone just gave you a gorgeous skein of hand-dyed sock yarn that you absolutely can NOT wait to cast on with... What type of pattern do you reach for first - socks or something else?

Gina: Hmmm...that's a good question! I seem to have grown out of my sock-knitting-frenzy phase and now I'm into my knitting-something-cozy-and-comfortable phase. If I had a gorgeous skein of hand-dyed sock yarn, I would probably start either a simple lace shawl design (to show off the awesome colors) or fingerless mitts. I also have to admit that I tend to horde my hand-dyed sock yarns. I have a number of skeins of Blue Moon Fiber Arts "Socks that Rock," Sereknity "Perfect" and Spunky Eclectic sock yarn that I just can't get myself to unskein. I have a mini-shrine (as one of my friends calls it) to this kind of lovely yarn and I just look at it and smile. Crazy, huh?

Lapdog Creations: Is there anything that you would like to add about your pattern, the book or sock yarn in general?

 

Gina: I would have to say that, although I've loved all of the One-Skein Wonders books, this is my absolute favorite - and not just because my pattern is in it! LOL! This book has a new layout that I really like and the full color pages make this book very attractive. It's also convenient that every single pattern uses the same weight yarn! Barely any thinking involved at all.

I've looked through the book almost every day since I've gotten it and I'm constantly finding new projects that I want to start. Such adorable patterns in here! I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to talk to Judith Durant and some of the other designers from the book at a book signing in Nashua, NH and I must say that I'm thrilled to have my pattern in a book with such talent.

 

Thank you Gina for taking the time to chat about everyone's favorite obsession, sock yarn!  For those who want to learn more about Mrs. House, jump back to my September, 2009 interview and review of The Joy of Socks book and be sure to check out Gina's wonderful patterns on Ravelry or via her blog!

GIVEAWAY! How would you like to win your very own copy of Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks!? To enter:

1) Follow Lapdog Creations publicly (see "Followers" on the right hand side bar).

2) Leave a comment here telling me what your all time favorite sock yarn is and why!

To get an extra entry, send your friends here to enter and be sure to have them mention your name.... blog, Tweet, Facebook and text away

Winner will be selected by random number generator and must be a public follower of Lapdog Creations in order to win.

Deadline for entries is Tuesday, December 7 at midnight.

REVIEW: 3 AM Enchantments Bags

3 AM Enchantments Petite KIP Bag
Where to Find: 3 AM Enchantments

Search "knitting bag" or "sock project bag" on Etsy and you're sure to come up with hundreds of options. What's the problem, you ask? They all start to look the same, as most are just knock-offs of other knock-offs. Some are those high quality bags that you'll love for years to come, while others... not so much. With all of the choices available, it's tough to tell which you're going to get when you place your order, making all of us much more likely to stick with our tried and true favorites, rather then venturing out on a limb for something new. Well, time to branch out... 3 AM Enchantments bags are that limb you'll want to grab!

When shopping for a project bag, you want something that not only looks good, but is functional and will stand up to the abuse we knitters will surely put it through. After all, we're always on the go (multi-taskers!) and certainly do not have time to fuss over ill-working project bags when we could be stitching!

Handmade by Keri in Missouri, 3 AM Enchantments bags are beautifully crafted from high quality fabrics. The details are key... each one is lined in a coordinating fabric and everything from the zipper to handle are made to match. If you shop at The Loopy Ewe, you may have already "wish-listed" several 3 AM Enchantments bags, as I had. Much to my surprise, Keri stalked me to find that I had wished for an Earth Batik fabric bag that is no longer available. So she surprised me with a Petite KIP Bag in the gorgeous limited edition Batik fabric you see in these photos... the very last one leftover from a special Loopy Ewe kit! I heart it.

The Petite KIP Bag is the perfect size for a sock-in-progress. However, I'll be the first to admit that looks can be deceiving! Measuring in at just 6" long x 4.5" wide x 4" tall, at first you might think it's too small. That is, until you shove your yarn cake and DPNs (or circular needles) inside!

The Petite KIP Bag is great for on the go - tuck it inside your tote bag or purse and your sock project will be ready at a moment't notice. My favorite detail is that the zipper is not only the full length of the top, but actually extends over the sides, making it a breeze to get your needles and project in or out. This is definitely my perfect little sock bag.

If the Petite KIP Bag is a bit smaller than you'd prefer, check out it's sister, the KIP Bag which measures 10" long x 3.5" wide x 3.5" tall. Also available is the Emily Lace Bag, a sack style bag that stands up on its own and the new Notions Bag, perfect for all of your favorite tools.

Keri was nice enough to answer a few of my nosey questions... enjoy!

Lapdog Creations: Tell us about 3 AM Enchantments and how you got started. Where did the name come from?

3 AM Enchantments: I started 3 AM Enchantments as a way to pay for my burgeoning yarn habit. I picked up knitting after a bad breakup - the relationship suffered from the Quilt Curse, so I really needed to step away from the cotton fabric and pick up something new for a while. I made up a few sample bags for Sheri (The Loopy Ewe) and the rest is history. The name was born from a brainstorming session with a friend of mine. I was looking for something unique and memorable while being inoffensive. After batting around numerous "maybes," I settled on 3 AM Enchantments because all crafters know that 3 AM is the magic hour for a work in progress - hopefully by implying it is enchanted, I give you a bit of good luck towards having things go well when you are looking at that last minute push!

Lapdog Creations: Which is your favorite of the 3 AM bag styles? Do you use your own bags?

3 AM Enchantments: I use my own project bags almost exclusively, unless they are all full (then I use a ziploc until I have a chance to make myself a new one, or empty an old one). Making your own bags is a blessing and a curse - I always fall in love with my bags, and want to keep "just one" of each fabric. Combine this with my tendency to cast on new projects just to have something to put in the bags, well it could spell disaster. Thankfully, I managed to get over the impulse to keep "just one" fairly early on, so my own collection is kept at about a dozen bags of various styles. My current favorite is the deluxe notions bag that I have from last year's Tempted @ 3 AM club. I've covered it in buttons with various knitting related (or smart alec) mottos. It makes me happy just to look at it! (This is a fairly new style and was just added for sale this week at The Loopy Ewe!)

Lapdog Creations: How do you choose your fabrics?

3 AM Enchantments: I solicit feedback and theme ideas from my Ravelry group, friends, and Plurk buddies. I am very lucky that my best customer loves to shop for fabric, so I usually have a list to choose from. For myself, I know that I have a comfort zone but I try really hard to extend myself past it. Since partnering with Eric, I have been letting him pick fabrics as well. It's a lot of fun for us to go to a quilt shop because we really are drawn to different things!

Lapdog Creations: You're one crafty chick... you knit, crochet, quilt, and of course, sew. What is your favorite thing to do and why? Do you find that sewing is more 'work' than fun these days?

3 AM Enchantments: My favorite hobby right this moment is knitting, mostly because I am still doing it "just" for fun. This is sure to change as we expand in to yarn as I will have to start knitting samples, which will not be "just" for fun anymore. Sewing can still be fun for me; it really depends on what I am working on. Sewing in 250 zippers is never a good time, but working on a new design or putting the last few seams in to an order can be! I do still sew for myself sometimes, and that is always fun. As soon as the machine is back from the spa, I need to get to work on a set of Christmas stockings for my sister and her family. That will be fun - I just hope I get to deliver them in person to appreciate the reactions!

Lapdog Creations: You mentioned your new partnership with Eric... tell us more!

3 AM Enchantments: I reached the point where I either needed to seriously expand, or get a "real" job. I decided to get a real job, and scale back on the bags. The real job, however, was tantamount to torture for a variety of reasons (first of which is the fact that administering urine analysis tests to federal felons is not "clerical" work on the planet I come from). So in swoops a very good friend of mine, Eric, who decides that I should go big - with his help. Four short months later, I've moved from Missouri (back) to Minnesota and 3 AM has become a partnership. I call him my Cabana Boy, but he's really closer to my fabric cutting slave, Starbucks fetcher and sanity saver. So far everything is going exceedingly well, and we're going to be getting our fingers wet (and probably turning them interesting colors) as we expand in to yarn over the next month or so.

Lapdog Creations: Yarn? Tell us more... please!

3 AM Enchantments: Yes, yarn - and lots of it! We're working on a new bag design as well - the handle is being a bit difficult but I have faith we'll solve the issue within a few weeks. We really have more ideas than there are hours in the day at this point - not a bad thing at all, but mildly frustrating that we can't implement everything at once! In the long, long term, the business goal is to eventually expand into hand crafted wood items as well, as that is where Eric's real passion lies. In the meantime, keep an eye on 3amenchantments.com for more information!

Thank you Keri... we'll be stalking, er, keeping an eye on you too! Can't wait to see what is in store with the yarn division of 3 AM Enchantments!

Lola gives her official sniff-of-approval...

REVIEW: The Joy of Sox

The Joy of Sox
by Linda Kopp
Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Lark Books (October 6, 2009)

If you're totally obsessed with knitting socks and think that SOX ROCK, then The Joy of Sox: 30+ Must-Knit Designs is for you! Linda Kopp has brought together 28 amazing designers who put their best foot forward with beyond-the-basic sock patterns that include some wonderful examples of cable, lace and colorwork.

The Joy of Sox combines patterns with fun stories, trivia and useful tips straight from the designers themselves - all in a very flirtatiously, fresh package. Crazy Aunt Purl even shares her first time sock knitting experience.

Aimed at the experienced sock knitter, The Joy of Sox delivers on its name. With their tantalizing cables, intricate lacework, and intriguing color work, the patterns represent the very best in sock design. Some patterns of note include:

~ Snow Bunny, a pair of heart motif knee-highs in hot pink and black

~ Last of the Red Hot Lovers, with a heart cable running up the front

~ Breakfast in Bed, a gorgeous example of colorwork, complete with lovebirds

~ Chick Flick, a delicate lily stitch is paired with a saucy scallop for a pair of stunning lace socks

The Joy of Sox is a hardcover book with spiral binding, making it easy to follow along on a page while knitting. The photography throughout is beautiful and really plays up the flirty innuendo theme. If you are a sock-knitta, you will definitely want to add this book to your shelf!

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the designers from The Joy of Sox, Gina House. Gina, whom I'm also proud to call a friend, has 2 beautiful designs featured in the book; A Roll in the Hay and Rock-a-Bye.

Lapdog Creations: First off, let me start by saying congratulations for having not one, but two of your patterns included in The Joy of Sox! You've published several patterns in the past, but these were the first to be included in a book - how does that feel? What has the experience been like for you?

Gina: The experience was wonderful! It was a lot more work than I thought it would be (lots of editing and adding/subtracting details) and it required a lot of patience, which is (sadly) not my strong suit. LOL! I wrote the patterns almost 2 years ago and had to wait a year and a half for the book to come out, so it has been a long journey. It's truly been worth it, though. I mean, seeing The Joy of Sox on the shelves and flipping through the book to see my patterns is amazing! And, it's not even MY book - it's just filled with so many very talented designers that I'm extremely proud and honored to be part of it all.

Lapdog Creations: When did you first start knitting socks and what was your first sock experience like? Did you become a sock addict right away?

Gina: I first started knitting socks about 5 1/2 years ago. I've been knitting for 7 years (mostly scarves and little, easy knits) and then found the Barnes & Noble knitting group on Meetup.com. They were very welcoming and also really inspiring! They were "veteran knitters" and I was a beginner knitter at the time. They told me about "real yarn stores" (not just craft stores where you could get yarn) and gave me the confidence to start knitting socks.

I'm not sure you could say that I became a sock addict right away. I started with toe-up socks and that probably wasn't the best idea. I had NO idea how to do short rows at the time and was just learning how to knit in the round on DPNs. So, it was a terribly frustrating experience at the time. Once I got it, I was so excited that I'd knit something practical and, more importantly, the sock fit my foot! Since then, I've knit many, many socks and I think I enjoy designing them more than knitting them. If it were up to me, I think I might just design socks and have a drawer full of singles! But, luckily, I'm a bit obsessive and that makes me feel like I ought to finish the pair. So, I do.

Lapdog Creations: What is your preferred sock method - DPNs; Circs; Magic Loop; One or Two at a time - and why?

Gina: I started off knitting in the round with DPNs, progressed onto 2 Circs (love that Cat Bordhi!) and now I'm using the Magic Loop method. I don't think I'm really set on any particular method, though I must say that the Magic Loop is pretty convenient -especially since you truly only need 1 needle to make socks, hats, mittens, sweaters, etc. But, I like to switch things up now and then. DPNs are better in some situations and 2 Circs also have their place. So... I'm flexible!

Lapdog Creations (special thanks to Chan for the question): How do you pair yarn and pattern? Do you pick up a skein of yarn and then design a pattern, or start a design first?

Gina: Well, that's tricky. Sometimes, I have a super idea in mind for a stitch pattern and a particular yarn and then it totally doesn't work out. And I'm disappointed. Other times, something that I don't really think will work out comes out AMAZING! There's a lot of trial and error in designing. And it really takes more time than people think. It seems like you can just pick out a stitch pattern, some yarn and grab your needles...and then you magically have a great design. But it, sadly, doesn't work that way. I've had these ideas in my head that still won't translate into workable patterns (at least not yet) and it's a slow process.

Writing out exactly how to knit something is also WAY more tedious than you'd think, too. At times, I've thought my finished pattern was perfect and went over it several times on my own and with my hubby (a non-knitter) and I've had friends find mistake after mistake.... little things, but still something. I might leave something out or add something in or the count may not be right. There's a LOT of ways to mess things up. And, surprisingly, sometimes knitters are brutal when a pattern that you've designed has errors! They're ready to burn you at the stake for writing a "ssk" instead of a "k2tog"! It's a little scary! I've learned to do my best in a pattern, get it edited by a number of people and hope for the best. If I find an error (or someone else does), I try my best to fix the error and report the errata as soon as I can. Designers are only human, too! But, I love designing and I only wish I had more time to do it.

Lapdog Creations: If you had to give advice to someone who has never knit socks before, what would be your key points?

Gina: Advice...hmmm... Well, first I would say to make sure that the pattern you are knitting is something in your skill range. Something a little bit more difficult shouldn't be too bad, but sometimes brand new sock knitters will try a very difficult pattern and become so frustrated that they won't try knitting socks for a LONG time. Which is bad! If there's something you really want to try and it IS out of your experience level, then I'd recommend taking a class where you can get help, but still be able to finish it.

Also, make sure to do a gauge swatch. So many people scoff at this or make fun of it, but then when their finished socks are too tight, too loose or won't stay on their feet, they start yelling at how much they hate the pattern or the yarn. If you take the time to knit up a swatch with the yarn, needles and pattern you want to use, it's SO worth it and you'll be happy you took that extra half hour or so to check. And you'll have socks that will last for a long time - and ones you enjoy!

Lastly, for first time/beginner sock knitters, I recommend a very easy pattern (say 2x2 rib for the cuff, stockinette for the leg and foot and simple toe/heel) and either DK or worsted weight yarn. These won't be socks that you can wear in your shoes (well, clogs maybe), but you will be able to knit the pair up quickly, get a real sense of how the sock is constructed and have a sense of accomplishment and confidence to start on a more advanced pattern next time.

Lapdog Creations: Tell us - does sock yarn count as stash?!?!?

Gina: LOL! Yes, I do count sock yarn as stash. At one time, I bought sock yarn like it was candy (in many colors and fibers) because it was inexpensive, an easy project to carry around and, yes, easy to hide from my hubby if needed ;-)

Now that I've got so much yarn (a walk-in closet full, which I'm trying to reduce!), I'm trying to be more selective in what I buy... and, with my employee discount at the yarn store (Lapdog's sidenote: Gina also works at The Yarn & Fiber, my favorite LYS!), it's even more tempting to just buy everything.

Right now, my favorite sock yarns are: Sereknity, Ivy Brambles, Socks That Rock, Mountain Colors Bearfoot, Katia Mississipppi 3, Regia and Trekking. I have others that I've bought recently, but haven't tried out yet.

Lapdog Creations: Anything you would like to add about the book, your two patterns, the yarn you used or anything else related to sock knitting?

Gina: Let's see... Well, on the SleepyHeads group on Ravelry, we'll be starting a Joy of Sox Knit-A-Long focusing on my two patterns, A Roll in the Hay and Rock-a-Bye. If anyone would like to join in, please join the group and begin with us the first week in October.

I also want to add that, even if my sock designs weren't in the book, I'd love this book. I love the hardcover/spiral binding, the amount of photos for each sock (with several different views and positions of the socks), the sexy innuendo, the tips and hints scattered throughout the book to help make knitting the socks more enjoyable and the amazing quality of the designs that are included. If I had to have only one sock book, this is the one I'd keep. Really! ;-)

Thank you Gina for the wonderful interview! Be sure to check out more of Gina's wonderful patterns on Ravelry or via her own blog and don't forget to snag yourself a copy of The Joy of Sox!

*Please note that Gina has posted errata for A Roll in The Hay here.

REVIEW: Guardians of Being

Guardians of Being
by Eckhart Tolle (author), Patrick McDonnell (illustrator)
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: New World Library (October 1, 2009)

Guardians of Being is a unique collaboration between two bestselling authors - Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the acclaimed comic strip MUTTS. More than your typical collection of witty words and charming illustrations, Guardians of Being provokes thought and induces smiles & laughter with each turn of the page. Eckhart's words and Patrick's art are if they were always meant to be together.

Guardians of Being is a must have book for any animal lover. Whether you leave it on your nightstand, coffee table or desk, I bet you'll find yourself reaching for it often, turning to a favorite page. I find myself chuckling with one of those big smiles on my face every time I flip through. One of my favorites is "Dogs off the precious opportunity, even to people who are trapped in their egos, of loving and being loved unconditionally." Want to see an illustration that will make every single dog parent laugh... out loud? Grab the book and open to page 51!

I could go on and on about how I think you need to add this book to your collection or purchase a few for gifts this holiday season, but instead I would like to take this opportunity to share an interesting talk with Patrick, provided by the publisher. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

A Talk With Patrick McDonnell on Guardians of Being

Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA.

How did Guardians of Being come to be?

This book is a collaboration of Eckhart’s teachings and my MUTTS cartoon illustrations. As does all of Eckhart Tolle’s work, Guardians of Being teaches us about finding inner peace by living in the now, the transformation of our consciousness, and the arising of a more enlightened humanity. The primary signposts in this new book are all of nature and, in particular, our beloved dogs and cats.

Guardians of Being reminds us why we love our companion animals. It illuminates for us their divine purpose. While we are lost in our thoughts and busyness of everyday life, they have become the key to the present moment, our guardians of being.

How did you become aware of Eckhart’s teachings?

In 1999, while traveling in Los Angeles and visiting one of my favorite bookstores (The Bodhi Tree), I saw The Power of Now on their new arrival shelf. I was compelled to bring that book home; it moved me with its directness, simplicity, and place of deep truth. As it has done for millions, The Power of Now changed my life. Since then, I have continued to follow Eckhart’s work. His teachings inspires MUTTS, and many strips have a direct connection to them.

How is it that a spiritual teacher and a cartoonist collaborated?

Eckhart speaks often that true happiness is found in simple things, but you need to be present. He says that animals and all of nature can teach us that presence. That same teaching is at the heart of MUTTS. Seeing a photo of Eckhart with his new dog, Maya gave me the impetus to pursue this project. I thought combining my art with Eckhart’s teachings on how animals and nature can bring us into the present moment could be a good entry point ‘into the Now’ for some people.

I created a proposal for the book and Eckhart graciously agreed to collaborate. He edited quotes I selected from his prior talks, interviews and books, and wrote new material for what was to become Guardians of Being. He created a passionate, humorous, enlightening meditation on the power and grace that animals can bring into our lives.

Why is it important to connect with animals?

Animals are our link back to nature. Walking a dog, petting a cat or simply watching birds outside a window, all can take you outside yourself and into the bigger picture.

Our companion animals remind us of the responsibility we have in the stewardship of our planet and all its creatures. The simple everyday choices we make – like what we eat, wear, recycle, think, and how we treat each other – can help make the world a better, friendlier place.

You have won numerous awards, not only for cartooning but for your work surrounding animal protection issues. Can you speak about how your animal and earth-friendly philosophy influences your work?

Animals are one with life and can be our link back to nature. In MUTTS I try to keep the animals animal-like. In trying to see the world through their eyes, I have become more aware of and empathic to their situation.

I’ve been on the board of directors of The Humane Society of the United States for nine years. The mission of The HSUS is to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. Through education, advocacy and public policy reform, the organization works to prevent animal cruelty, exploitation, and neglect, as well as to protect wild habitats and the entire community of life. But at the core there is just one problem, unconsciousness. We no longer feel connected to nature, to the life force. In Guardians of Being, Eckhart shows us the reconnect: “When you are present you can sense the spirit, the one consciousness, in every creature and love it as yourself.”

You’re a friend to the environment as well as animals. Why is this important to you? Why is it important for animals?

Doing a strip about animals reminds me that all life on this planet is fragile. More and more I became an environmentalist, and it was natural that I would create Mutts themes centered on the same. We all need to be more responsible when it comes to our environment.

When did you decide to become a cartoonist?

I wanted to be a cartoonist as far back as I can remember. I’ve always loved the simplicity, immediacy, intimacy and absurdity of the comic strip medium. From the start, I was enchanted by how a few simple pen-and-ink lines can come to life on the page, which is, for me, the magic of cartooning. Many great comic strips (such as Peanuts and Krazy Kat) spoke to me directly and I always wanted to give back some of the joy and comfort I found there. And, at its best, the humor and truth of a comic strip go beyond the obvious.

MUTTS, my comic strip about a dog, Earl, and his unlikely friend, a cat named Mooch, started in 1994. MUTTS focuses on experiencing the natural world (gentle rain, quiet flurries, full moons…) and that special bond that forms between companion animals and their guardians. My own Jack Russell Terrier, Earl, was my inspiration. Earl was my teacher; he constantly celebrated life. I tried my best to convey his joie de vivre and good-hearted spirit in my strip.

How does your work on books compare to your process producing a daily comic?

Books and comic strips are different mediums, but my books are in some ways similar to my comic strip. I’m still telling stories with words and pictures. But books allow me to expand artistically and to tell a longer, more formal, story.

Walk us through your creative process?

Making art can be a form of meditation. I start my day in the early morning by reading a passage or two from a spiritual book to keep my head and heart open. When it’s time to develop ideas, I sit in my drawing room with a sketch pad. The secret is to just get out of the way and let the ideas come. I really know my characters, so they tend to just write themselves to a certain extent. I know how they act. I put them in different situations and they usually come through for me. I am very fond of Mooch and Earl.

What was your initial inspiration for “Mutts”? Does that inspiration endure?

MUTTS is about my love for the art form of the comic strip, and it is also about my love for animals. I wanted to be a cartoonist since I was a child. In choosing this profession, I hoped to give back some of the happiness I experienced from reading my favorite strips (Peanuts, Krazy Kat, Popeye…).

My main inspiration for MUTTS was my own dog Earl, a Jack Russell Terrier. I’ve always felt that, if I could capture any of his joyful spirit on paper, I was doing my job.

Not only have my inspirations endured, but my love for both animals and the comic strip medium have grown exponentially since I started the strip.

Is there a life lesson we can take from all the animals we encounter?

Animals are living in the here and now. Our companion animals are not judging us, they are simply being with us. And they want to be with us. I think that’s what we refer to when we say “unconditional love.” If we ourselves could stop judging, and just be in the moment, we could all be at peace. Animals can be the portal.

About the Authors: Patrick McDonnell is the award-winning creator of the MUTTS comic strip, which appears in over 700 newspapers in 20 countries and has an estimated daily readership of 50 million, as well as the author and illustrator of the picture books The Gift of Nothing, Hug Time, and the upcoming October release, Wag! (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). He lives in New Jersey. His website is www.muttscomics.com

Eckhart Tolle is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Now (3 million copies sold) and A New Earth, the fastest-selling Oprah Book Club selection ever (5 million copies sold). He speaks and teaches extensively throughout the world. He lives in Vancouver, Canada and his website is www.eckharttolle.com

Contest Winner! The winner of the Namaste Cozy from a previous review is scubagirl! Congratulations and please email me your mailing information so I can get this to you!

REVIEW: KnittyKnitterton's AwesomeSock Yarn

KnittyKnitterton's AwesomeSock Yarn
Where to Find: KnittyKnitterton's House of Awesome

Knitty Knitterton's House of Awesome is relatively new to the ever growing hand-dyed yarn world and offers up five different sock yarns, as well as lace, DK and worsted weights. I was recently asked to review a skein of SlutSock in the Mini's Damn Vampires colorway. This plied sock yarn comes in 3 ounce skeins, which yields 440 yards of fingering weight.

My first reaction when I opened the package? I heart this purpley-red-black colorway... oh so deep and dark, and dare I say, sexy! I wanted to cast on something quick so I could see how the colorway knit up and after a quick Ravelry search, came up with this "Not Pedestrian Peds" pattern and my very own Vampy Peds.

I love the subtle variations in the yarn, which is knitting up beautifully. It would have probably been a better idea to user lighter colored needles, but my Lantern Moon sox sticks were what I grabbed. They are working just fine though, as the stitches just glide across the needles.

Miss Knitty Knitterton herself, Bobbie, gave me a peak inside her awesome yarn dyeing world, which she started by simply dyeing yarn for her own projects.

LapdogCreations: So tell me, where do you get your inspiration for colorways?
Bobbie: Inspiration for my colorways comes from all over. Mostly, I will see a picture I like or some colors that I like the looks of and try to recreate them. My friend Heather asked me once to dye a special colorway to match her dogs fur. It was fun to try to get the colors to match.

LapdogCreations: How do you come up with such unique names for your colorways?
Bobbie: Sometimes the names of colorways come to me because the colors remind me of someone....or sometimes it will remind me of a place. Sometimes I hold little contests in my group on Ravelry - a name that skein contest. The Mini's Damn Vampires came about when I was playing with some colors. I held it up after a final wash in black. I laughed and said it's a vampire colorway. Since my friend had been reading the Twilight books and wouldn't shut up about the damn vampires, I named the vampire colorway after her.

LapdogCreations: What made you first start dyeing yarn for yourself? Was it because you couldn't find colorways you wanted or did you just want to venture into something new?
Bobbie: I started dyeing the yarn for myself and for friends because I saw all the beautiful hand dyed yarns online and I thought, "I could do that." So I read up on how to dye yarn and started dyeing yarn that my friends and I would like.

LapdogCreations: Now that you are dyeing yarn as a business, what comes first? Knitting time or dyeing time?
Bobbie: Knitting time usually comes first. I never want the dyeing to become like a job. I hate it when I feel like I have to finish this chore of dyeing yarn to get it all up in the shop. I'm trying to brace myself for dyeing all my installments for the Mean Girl's Yarn Club. My friend, La from Dizzy Blonde Studios and I formed the Mean Girl's Yarn Club. We take turns on the installments and I've got 60 some odd skeins of yarn going out soon... I'm not looking forward to the assembly line type work it's going to require. But I'm super excited to hear the reactions from the club members when they get their yarn. It will make the work worth it!

LapdogCreations: Where do you see KnittyKnitterton's House of Awesome in a year?
Bobbie: In a year? I hope House of Awesome will still be around. La and I are already talking about next year's Mean Girl's Club and how much bigger we want to make it. I've got some fun projects coming up this year and I hope to work with more people next year and do more projects. Angela Tennant and I have teamed up for a fun project for the new Harry Potter movie. Those types of projects are fun and interesting. I hope to be doing more in the coming years. I'd like for my shop to stay kind of small, I'd hate to lose the fun of dyeing the colors I want in small batches and then moving on to the next thing.

LapdogCreations: Anything else you would like to add?
Bobbie: I can be found on etsy at KnittyKnitterton's House of Awesome or on Ravelry as KnittyKnitterton. Stop by my group on Ravelry, House of Awesome and say hi, help me think up colorways and name them. We have lots of fun there. Be sure to bring your sense of humor, we're an ood lot.

Thank you for the interview Bobbie... and for offering us your awesomely dyed yarns (who's going to beat me over to your etsy shop this week??)! Zeus heard you mention that you dyed yarn to match your friend's dog and thought he could provide some inspiration or perhaps be a model for you...