Thursday, December 12, 2013

Member Highlight - Lorna Miser


CCS Member and author Lorna Miser discusses her new book, Knit Pink, 25 Patterns to Knit for Comfort, Gratitude, and Charity.



Lorna’s book was just released and I asked her about her process of designing and knitting the projects in the book.  What you may not know is many times publishers dictate what yarns they want used and what kind of projects need to be included, but Lorna reports that her publisher, Martingale, did not put those restrictions on her so she was free to choose the yarns and projects herself.  There is a wide variety of patterns to choose from featuring quality luxury yarns from many different labels.  The projects include: cowls, scarves, pillows, hats, mittens and gloves, blankets, purses and totes, shawls, shawlettes and shrugs, socks, a vest, some slippers, and even washcloths.  Something for every knitter.  And the featured yarns run the gamut from superwash wool, wool/silk blends, acrylic blends, handpainted wool, angora, cotton, alpaca, and bamboo.



The project pictures are clear, close-up, and include photos of the backside of many of the projects which is something I think they should make mandatory for all pattern photos.  The lace patterns have both charts and written instructions so you can practice your chart reading if that is new to you.  And there is a very detailed back section on knitting techniques including how to use double point needles, increases and decreases, icord, kitchener stitch, how to do a mattress seam, put in a zipper and how to felt.  Everything you would need to know to do any of the projects is included.  I think this book, some needles and some of the featured yarn would be a great gift for anyone you know who’s got a lot of downtime due to medical treatments and doctor’s appointments, and for anyone who wants easy access to quick-to-knit accessories.  Lorna wanted to emphasize that the book is designed to inspire knitters to give in their own way.  It is not connected with any particular fund raising organization or charity. There’s an interesting list in the front of the book of all of the “colors” associated with different cancer awareness campaigns.  Did you know that the ribbon for male breast cancer, which occurs more than you’d expect, is half pink and half blue? 

Lorna will be our guest of honor at the January 16th Guild meeting and will treat us to her “trunk show” of all the knitted garments from the book before they go on national tour to knit shops across the country.  We’re first!  Refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase.  And some of our own guild members were knitters for Lorna so you’ll be able to see which projects they knit for the book.



Look for Lorna soon on Daily Craft TV http://www.dailycrafttv.com/ where she’ll have 6 segments of classes featuring her fused lining purse class, lace edges, zippers, and knit flowers.  And if you’re feeling a little left out because you crochet, check out Crochet Pink by Janet Rehfeldt and you’ll feel right at home.  Congratulations, Lorna, on your wonderful new book.