BLOCKED_8_FINAL

STRANDED KNITTING • POSITIVE EASE • PROCRASTINATORY KNITTER
ISSUE 8
KITCHENER SINK DRAMA • GERMAN SHORT ROWS • KNITTING REFERENCE SOURCES

Unless otherwise indicated the information,
articles, artwork, patterns and photography
published in BLOCKED Magazine are subject
to copyright ©2023 BLOCKED Magazine.
All rights reserved.
BLOCKED Magazine permits the online
distribution of the magazine in its entirety.
Distribution of any of the contents of this
magazine are for purposes of sale or resale
is strictly prohibited.
Editor
Neil of Uknitted Kingdom
For all enquiries:
blockedmagazine@gmx.com
Cover Illustration
Uknitted Kingdom
Illustrations
Uknitted Kingdom
Contributors:
Khgknits
Denise Pettus
Land O’Lakes Girl
The Laziest Knitter
Uknitted Kingdom
Patterns:
Uknitted Kingdom
Proofers:
Cézanne Pellett
Laura Neubauer
Denise Pettus
Design and layouts:
BS Studio

Dear Readers,
This issue is a little late, which isn’t entirely accidental. I deliberately
wanted to avoid an April Fool’s release date. The “K” Word article
alone would never be taken seriously if released on April 1st!
You’ll notice there are no patterns in this issue (except for the dishident). Never fear; we have
4 hats, 2 cowls, and a crochet blanket, amongst others, all waiting in the wings and almost
ready to publish in issue 9. Testing has been completed and we’re just awaiting photos and a
couple of edits.
You’ll find the list of affiliate testers has been removed. You can read about why and how
to remain a Blocked test knitter/crocheter in “The Truth Will Set You Free.”
So, what has been happening behind the scenes? I was interviewed by Maree on Reality
Check Radio (RCR) https://realitycheck.radio/ (this may have been aired by the time you
read this issue) and I attended Keri Smith’s Deprogrammed birthday episode
https://www.youtube.com/live/IUGByHY8z44?feature=share where I met some interesting
people who I’m hoping to invite onto the Blocked Magazine YouTube channel.
Tabitha (Murderknits) and I held a livestream to talk about the 1997 Louise Woodward trial
(more livestreams coming soon). You can watch all 17 episodes currently on YouTube here
https://www.youtube.com/@blockedmagazine2859/streams or on Rumble here
https://rumble.com/c/c-2235334
I’ve also been kept busy studying Japanese knitting patterns for an upcoming project.
Watch this space for more details.
All that’s left to say is enjoy this issue!
Yours faithfully,
Neil
3

The Lazy Knitter’s Guide to
Stranded Knitting
by the Laziest Knitter
There are few knitting skills that have the wow-factor
that stranded knitting can have. When you combine a
thoughtful palette with beautiful arrangements of patterns
in skillful hands, the result can be breathtaking.
However, if you have ever attempted a Fair Isle sweater
and ended up with a muddy mess of wonky stitches that
is 5 sizes smaller than you meant, you are not the only
one.
With stranded knitting, you must consider many
things all at once. Color placement and contrast will
make or break the outcome as much as your tension
and technique. Yarn management
and hold can affect the way the
stitches appear and dictate how
tight your floats are across the
back of the work. If you’ve been
struggling to produce stranded
knitting that looks like it could
have stepped off the pages of an
Alice Starmore book, perhaps the
following tips and tricks can get
you there. A bit of footwork up
front can save you heartache later.
Fair Isle or Stranded Knitting?
If you are going to dive deep into the stranded knitting
rabbit hole, it’s best to get the lingo straight. While
many knitters use “Fair Isle” and “stranded” knitting interchangeably,
knitting purists will let you know that
there is a distinct difference between the two. Stranded
knitting refers to colorwork knitting that is created by
carrying different colored yarn along a row of knit
stitches. The carried yarn creates strands or floats along
the back, hence the name “stranded” knitting. Fair Isle
knitting refers to a style of stranded knitting that originates
from the island of Fair Isle that lies north of Scotland.
Fair Isle uses only 2 colors of yarn per row of
knitting, has short floats, and uses high contrast yarns
with a recognizable set of Fair Isle patterns. To be safe, I
refer to most of my stranded knitting as stranded knitting
and avoid calling it Fair Isle unless I know for sure
that the pattern I’m using originated from the region,
lest I be shamed for some sort of “appropriation.”
4
Start Strong
The first place where
stranded knitting can go
horribly wrong is in yarn
selection. In order to be able to
see the pattern, contrast between
colors is required. While high contrast
of value (lightness/darkness)
is the easiest way to make a pattern
discernible, contrast in color
can also be effective. Entire books
have been written about color
theory and color palettes, but a
beautiful and harmonious color
selection will be lost if there isn’t
enough contrast and your pattern
isn’t readable.
It gets even trickier when you
start reaching for those variegated
and speckled yarns. The variance
in the yarns can blend the edges
of the motif into the background
color. Selecting variegated and speckled hanks that are
mostly all dark or all light and of one color family will
help your pattern’s visibility.
If you are unsure about the contrast in your yarn selections,
take a photo and turn the saturation all the way
down. The resulting image will give you the exact
amount of value contrast that you have.
Continued on next page...

Lazy Knitter Continued...
Loosen Up
Many of my first stranded knitting projects had tight
floats leaving the fabric puckered and the garment far
too small. With regular knitting, it’s considered good
practice to have tight(ish) tension and any loose floats
between stitches are considered ugly ladders. But with
stranded knitting, you must overcome this tendency
and let the strands that occur when you drop a color
and then pick it back up float loosely across the stitches
of another color. Try to get a feel for exactly how loose
to leave the floats. In my experience, it’s difficult to
leave them too loose.
It helps to spread the stitches apart at the color and
not pull the first stitch of the color change tight. Pulling
this stitch tight acts like a drawstring and puckers the
fabric. It takes some practice to get a feel for how loose
you need to leave the strands and stitches.
Starting with small projects like a hat or mittens is a
great way to get familiar with the correct tension of
stranded knitting. If you continue having difficulties
with tight floats, you can try knitting the piece inside
out. This helps keep the floats longer as they are skimming
the outer circumference of the piece. You could
also try using larger needles than usual, so some of the
slack in the stitches gets pulled into the floats when
you put on the garment.
With stranded knitting, blocking does help even
out tension and relax some puckering. However, blocking
cannot overcome super short floats.
Color Dominance
To add to the complexity of stranded knitting, the
way you carry the yarns influences the way the stitches
appear. One color will usually appear a bit more prominent
than the other (called color dominance.) As you
are knitting along, take a look at the back of your work.
You will notice that one color has floats that sit on top
of the floats of the other color. The color with the top
floats appears a bit smaller than the other from the
front. It’s a subtle difference but one worth your attention.
It’s best to have the main color in the dominant
position and the contrast or background color in the
secondary position. The hold you have on the yarns
dictates the dominance of the colors.
2 handed hold:
The yarn in the left hand
will be the dominant color.
Side note: This hold produces
the most even tension as the
uptake difference between the
colors does not affect tension
since they are separated. One
yarn doesn’t tug the other
yarn along through friction.
1 handed hold:
The yarn held to the left
will be the dominant color regardless
of whether the yarn is
carried on the right hand or
the left. Side note: This hold
can create tension issues if
there are long stretches of one
color because of the uptake
difference in the yarns. The
yarn that is most used tugs along the other yarn when
they are kept in the same hand.
Drop and pick up hold:
The ball of yarn set to the left of the other will be
the dominant color. It’s easy with this hold to move the
yarns back and forth which could result in neither yarn
dominating throughout the piece.
Fake It ‘til You Make It
If carrying 2 yarns along your work seems too difficult
for you at the moment, but you are in love with the
look of stranded knitting, you could consider mosaic
knitting. With this technique, you knit only one color at
a time, slipping the stitches of the other color. You ultimately
must knit each row twice (once for each color)
to produce your pattern, but some people find it easier
to do this than manage 2 strands of yarn at a time.
As with all new things, practice makes perfect. My
history with stranded knitting started with tangled
yarns, puckered fabric and unreadable designs. However,
it evolved into being able to carry 3 yarns and
producing beautiful patterned flat fabric. Learning results
where there is discomfort and even failure. Getting
comfortable with being uncomfortable is how we
find success.
5

By Denise Pettus
Positive Ease
We all love our real time friends who knit - talking
about patterns, new skills, yarns, and notions, and knitting
together while we share stories of our lives. For
those of us who live in rural areas or locations where
the nearest LYS is an hour’s drive, finding one friend
who knits makes that one knitter a cherished jewel.
When I eagerly registered last spring for the Knitty
McPurly Cozy Mountain Retreat, I envisioned making
new knitting friends at the event. But I had no idea of
the camaraderie, kindness, enthusiasm, and friendships
that would develop among 87 knitters over the threeday
weekend at Lake Junaluska’s historic Lambeth Inn
in the North Carolina (USA) mountains.
The retreat was Jan. 26-29, and from beginning to
end it was filled with smiles, laughter, encouragement,
help, and learning.
Devin Ventre, designer/indie dyer and creator of
Knitty McPurly, initially pitched the retreat idea in the
winter of 2022 on her popular YouTube podcast. She
envisioned a retreat where those who taught the
classes also were attendees of the event instead of
being “knitting royalty.” And that’s what
she pulled off at her retreat - those who
taught the classes were the same
people you sat with to learn in other
classes, the same ones you knit with in
the hotel lobby area, and sat with at
breakfast, lunch and dinner. Devin herself
circulated the three-day event - dining
with various new friend groups,
admiring the plethora of colorwork
sweaters (many her own designs), attending
mass, and chatting in the
rooms designated for shopping
the vendors.
To say that new friends were
made is an understatement - this was an event where
everyone was your friend. If you were alone, there was
no hesitation in approaching a group who sat chatting
and knitting in the lobby. You were one of them, and
you were welcome. To say that the retreat accomplished
what Devin envisioned doesn’t do it justice -
because it accomplished that and so very much more.
The retreat drew attendees
from Florida,
Texas, Washington, Illinois,
Georgia, Wisconsin,
Ohio, West Virginia,
Virginia, and Colorado
to name a few. It was
amazing to see so many
people from different
areas of the country
come together
over a love for their craft, exchange ideas, and
develop friendships.
Devin built a three-hour block of time into
the retreat schedule for attendees to make their
way down the highway to visit Black Mountain
Yarn Shop - a shop that has gained a global following
as it hosts events with some prolific designers
such as Stephen West and Andrea
Mowry, who had been at the shop the previous
weekend.
Continued on next page...
6

Positive Ease Continued...
Each class lasted 1:30-2 hours and included:
- Brioche by Cheryl Beckeridge of https://www.wiseowlknits.com
- Altering Patterns to Fit Your Needs taught by Holly
Armstrong of Mystery Mouse Yarn Co. (she has an awesome
Etsy shop)
- Intarsia 101 taught by Anne Pinkava, co-host of Politically
Incorrect Knitters on YouTube
- Sweater Design by Devin Ventre of https://knittymcpurly.com
- Freeform Art Weaving with Karista Low
of https://sweetmountaincrafts.com
I must admit - learning intarsia and doing
freeform art weaving weren’t very high on
the list of skills I wanted to learn. Thanks to
Anne’s instruction, I now have my eye on
some intarsia throw pillow patterns. Thanks
to Karista giving the class permission to
make the weavings their own, I look around
my craft room and see fibers, ribbons, and
cloth that can one day be used to help my
grandchildren make their own freeform weaving. Thanks
to Holly’s class, I’m not afraid to include stripes in a solid
sweater pattern, split the hem or make other pattern alterations
to get the desired garment. Since taking Cheryl’s
class, I have no fear of choosing a project that
includes the mysterious brioche. But I must apologize to
Devin - because I probably will never be brave enough to
pick a favorite shirt from my closet and attempt to design
a sweater in the same style. I have 53 years of knitting behind
me, and that isn’t enough for me to undertake designing
a garment!
Let me share that as an empty nester and introvert
who lives very rural and has only one real time friend who
knits, in the days leading up the retreat I was met with
some emotions - anxiousness and fear of acceptance,
questioning my ability to socially interact, and doubting
my skill and decision to attend.
When I travel to Washington I can reconnect with Rachel
and Carissa; in Georgia I can catch up with Susan; in
Florida I can make new memories with Sandra; in Chicago
I can count on Beth. All of my fears were unfounded
in the days preceding the retreat. Thanks to Devin and
the Knitty McPurly Cozy Mountain retreat, I have 87 new
best friends who knit. And I look forward to getting together
with them again for the next retreat.
7

By Land O’Lakes Girl
The Procrastinatory Knitter
Every now and then I haul out part of my yarn
stash to admire and caress it. The skeins lay there in a
twisted heap waiting to be turned into something
magical, but I usually just put them all back after a
while. “Another day, my lovelies,” I think to myself as I
shut off the light and walk away.
This weekend, I pulled out a bit of my extensive
yarn collection and admired it. I really do have lots of
great skeins. Some are from independent dyers, some
are from craft stores, but they are all deserving of
being used in something wonderful.
When admiring time was over, everything was
carefully put back in boxes and bins, stacked in the
closet, and left in the dark. The closet doors were
closed, the room exited, and I wondered, “What in the
world am I going to knit next?”
We have all been there, excitement building over
our new purchases, bought with the best of intentions,
only to be stumped once that fluff mail actually
arrives. I really do admire people who buy with purpose.
They know exactly what they are going to do
with nearly every purchase before they swipe that
credit card. They see a pattern and say, “I am going to
knit this item,” buy the correct number of skeins, then
set to work. The finished product doesn’t always work
- perhaps the yarn is too busy for the stitch pattern,
but they complete it. They choose, they work, they accomplish!
They are already deciding what to knit once
the current project is completed. They have no creative
slumps. If they do, they hide it well because their
social media pages are always brimming with beautiful
things.
My admiration extends to those who create patterns,
too. My brain does not think that
way, and I don’t have the patience or
attention span to work things out, so
my hat is off to everyone who has
created a pattern because I certainly
never could, and I don’t need to reinvent
the wheel. I’ll leave that to those
who are best suited and will honor
them by knitting their items. Eventually.
Some of us are collapsing under
the avalanche of our beautiful fibers, but
don’t know what to do with any of it. There
are so many fantastic options, how does a person
choose? How do we decide what needs to be created
next, especially when we enjoy the fine art of procrastination?
And why worry about it right now? The beautiful
fiber will still be there tomorrow, right where we left it.
Who says it needs to be knitted right now? This indecision
and putting off can lead to a creative doldrum,
to which I fall prey more often than I should
ever really admit.
Part of the problem with my chronic creative funks
is that I live in an area where it’s not really practical to
wear knitted items. Too hot in summer, too wet and
windy in winter (wet wool is so dreadfully smelly), and
the lovely spring and fall weather where these items
would be perfect only last about two weeks each.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and I don’t
really have need of knitted items because of the
weather in my region. Why create what isn’t needed?
I dearly love English period pieces and it seems
everyone dons a shawl to go collecting eggs, or to
traipse three miles to the nearest neighbor’s house for
tea, and I sometimes set about maybe knitting
another shawl I’ll never wear. They always look so
pretty on TV while I’m sitting on the couch in sweatpants
with my stinky dog, a pastry, and a cuppa! Unless
it’s summer, then I’m either in the pool or feeling
too hot to knit much of anything. Hot flashes do not
create a desire to knit! They also do not bring about a
desire to wear knitted accessories or garments.
Maybe I should begin traipsing to random
houses for tea while wearing a shawl
in order to have a reason to wear one
more frequently? It would feel less intrusive
and more proper if I went to call on
people while draped in a shawl. I could
knock on the door, “Hello, I’m your neighbor
from the next hamlet—I mean, next
door—might I come in for some tea? Yes, I
know we have never made one another’s
8

Procrastinatory Continued...
acquaintance, but I’m wearing this
beautiful shawl and I walked ever
so far to get here...” Perhaps the
sight of me withering and melting
on their porches would elicit sympathy and they would
invite me in so I could collect eggs from their refrigerators.
Another issue is that my motto is, “Why put off until
tomorrow what you can put off today?” It doesn’t make
sense to anyone who can’t relate to the procrastination
lifestyle. It’s not that I don’t want to choose my next knitting
project, so much as I’d rather just choose it later.
The yarn is sitting in bins getting old, but right now there
is tea with English period pieces, and everyone is serving
cakes and clotted cream while dressed in glorious
costumes.
Like most people, I have other interests besides knitting,
and there just aren’t enough hours in the day for
everything. My leisure time is
after dinner, and there are other
things that need attention at that
time so that means there are
days, sometimes even months,
that go by without my having knit
a single stitch. These other activities
can prolong the creative dry
spell, so what is to be done?
How does a person choose the
next big knitting project when
one is too preoccupied to really
think about it?
thinking about someone who is knitworthy.
What could that person use
right now? Well, in my case, what
could that person use in a few
months? It can take several months for me to finish a hat,
which means if I begin one in January, it might be completed
just in time for 90° weather. Better to just put it off
a bit longer. Perhaps it would be a good project for fall?
Probably the best way to get ideas on what to create
next is to ask trusted friends. They always seem to know
things about us and our craft that we don’t realize, and
their input can be like a soothing balm that heals the
crusted-over wound where the creativity normally
springs forth. They help keep the area supple so the
ideas can flow more easily so that when a chronic procrastinator
is finally ready to begin, getting it off the
ground is that much easier.
When I’m stuck in the doldrums
of knitting, I just let it go a while.
This appeals to my procrastinatory
nature, plus forcing the
issue can only make the dry spell
worse due to the added pressure.
It isn’t like we are required
to knit a certain number of objects
per year. The day will come
when the right thing comes together.
The right yarn and the
right project will present themselves.
Another way I get a feel for
what to do next is to spend time
9

By Uknitted Kingdom
GERMAN SHORT ROWS
HAVE WE BEEN DOING THEM INCORRECTLY ALL ALONG?!
Early into my knitting life I chose the so-called German method as my preferred short row technique. I had tried
wrap and turn, shadow wraps, the mother/daughter technique, and the Japanese style. However, the German
method seemed easier, less cumbersome, and resulted in a neater (yet far from perfect) finish.
If my memory serves, I believe it was Roxanne Richardson who claims to have made the German Short Row
technique popular after seeing it described in a German knitting pattern. I don’t recall Roxanne ever claiming to
have invented the technique nor am I certain if the technique was widely known and used in English speaking
countries before she wrote her article about it. However, a recent video on Nimble Needles Youtube channel has
changed my understanding of German Short Rows forever! https://youtu.be/i_F8A5Lyz88
Whether Norman of Nimble Needles devised this amended technique himself or if he learned it elsewhere isn’t
particularly important. Either way Norman’s version results in a much neater fabric!
Basic comparison
In his video Norman explains that using a combination of the two methods is preferable to get the neatest results.
When creating the double stitch on the knit side use Norman’s version.
When creating the double stitch on the purl side use the traditional method.
This will avoid visible twisted stitches in your project.
However, when knitting a short row sock heel (or any project with short rows on consecutive stitches) Norman
suggests doing the opposite so that the double stitches appear twisted to create a tighter heel turn.
If you’re keen to improve the look of your German Short Rows I recommend knitting, you guessed it, a swatch!
You might find you prefer the traditional method or, hopefully, a long sought after solution to loose or twisted stitches
at those turning points.
Thank you, Norman!
10

y Yelena of Scythia
11

DISHIDENT #10
Pattern
recommended
for ages
18+
by UKnitted Kingdom
PATTERN DESCRIPTION
Each issue of Blocked will contain a ‘secret’ pattern. The design
will only be revealed as you knit. The
instructions might uncover an image; a design, or a
word/message.
When using cotton these secret squares make
excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each square in
wool or acrylic they can be seamed together at the end of
the year to make a small Afghan or lap blanket.
GAUGE & MATERIALS
Each dishident uses approximately 41 to 43g of
worsted weight 100% cotton. Follow the yarn
manufacturer’s recommended needle size.
DIRECTIONS
CO45
← Row 1 [RS]: k45
→ Row 2 [WS]: k45
← Row 3 [RS]: k45
→ Row 4 [WS]: k45
← Row 5 [RS]: k45
→ Row 6 [WS]: k45
← Row 7 [RS]: k45
→ Row 8 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 9 [RS]: k45
→ Row 10 [WS]: k4, p4, k9, p2, k3, p7, (k3, p3) 2X, k4
← Row 11 [RS]: k45
→ Row 12 [WS]: k4, p4, k9, p2, k3, p7, (k3, p3) 2X, k4
← Row 13 [RS]: k45
→ Row 14 [WS]: k4, p4, k3, p8, k3, p3, k1, p3, k3, p9, k4
← Row 15 [RS]: k45
→ Row 16 [WS]: k4, p4, k3, p8, (k3, p2) 2X, (k3, p3) 2X, k4
← Row 17 [RS]: k45
→ Row 18 [WS]: k4, p4, k8, p3, k3, p1, k5, p1, (k3, p3) 2X, k4
← Row 19 [RS]: k45
→ Row 20 [WS]: k4, p4, k8, p3, k13, p3, k3, p3, k4
← Row 21 [RS]: k45
→ Row 22 [WS]: k4, p4, k3, p8, k6, p1, k6, p3, k3, p3, k4
← Row 23 [RS]: k45
→ Row 24 [WS]: k4, p4, k3, p8, k5, p3, k5, p3, k3, p3, k4
← Row 25 [RS]: k45
→ Row 26 [WS]: k4, p4, k9, p2, k4, p5, k4, p3, k3, p3, k4
← Row 27 [RS]: k45
12

→ Row 28 [WS]: k4, p4, k9, p2, k3, p7, (k3, p3) 2X, k4
← Row 29 [RS]: k45
→ Row 30 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 31 [RS]: k37, p3, k5
→ Row 32 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 33 [RS]: k9, p25, k2, p3, k6
→ Row 34 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 35 [RS]: k7, p25, k3, p3, k7
→ Row 36 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 37 [RS]: k45
→ Row 38 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 39 [RS]: k45
→ Row 40 [WS]: k4, p4, k2, p6, k5, p3, k5, p2, (k2, p3) 2X, k4
← Row 41 [RS]: k13, p1, k31
→ Row 42 [WS]: k4, p4, k2, p5, (k7, p1) 2X, k2, p2, k2, p4, k4
← Row 43 [RS]: k45
→ Row 44 [WS]: k4, p4, k2, p5, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, (k2, p1)
2X, k2, p5, k4
← Row 45 [RS]: k45
→ Row 46 [WS]: k4, p4, k5, p2, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, (p6, k4) 2X
← Row 47 [RS]: k45
→ Row 48 [WS]: k4, p4, k5, p2, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, (p6, k4) 2X
← Row 49 [RS]: k45
→ Row 50 [WS]: k4, p4, k2, p5, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, (k2, p1)
2X, k2, p5, k4
← Row 51 [RS]: k45
→ Row 52 [WS]: k4, p4, k6, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k7, p1, k2, p2,
k2, p4, k4
← Row 53 [RS]: k45
→ Row 54 [WS]: k4, p4, k6, p1, k2, p3, k2, p2, k5, p2, k2, p3,
k2, p3, k4
← Row 55 [RS]: k45
→ Row 56 [WS]: k4, p37, k4
← Row 57 [RS]: k45
→ Row 58 [WS]: k45
← Row 59 [RS]: k45
→ Row 60 [WS]: k45
← Row 61 [RS]: k45
→ Row 62 [WS]: k45
Bind Off
ABBREVIATIONS
CO Cast on
k Knit
p Purl
TIPS
If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to create a
neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately after knitting a
stitch; pull the excess yarn out of the purl stitch before knitting or
purling on. This helps to reduce loose/baggy knit stitches.
NOTES
Occasionally a dishident or secret square might not be suitable for
children and ‘polite company’. Where this is the case it will be
made clear.
If you would like to receive notifications of our next issue!
Check out our Patreon!
www.patreon.com/join/BlockedMagazine
13

I Asked....
I recently asked my online knitting friends what their husbands/significant
others think about knitting/crocheting/yarn. Here are their responses.
“It’s a lot”-Tom
"I don't care. It's your hobby. We have a deal
- you don't ask me about tools, I don't ask
you about yarn."
– Terry
“It’s normal. I don’t notice it being weird.”
– Scot
David doesn’t fuss about my yarn. He took
me to Hobby Lobby yesterday and when I
came out, he said, “That’s all you got?” I said,
“Yup, Broke Because of Biden.” ??
Mine doesn't ask and I don't talk about
how much gun stuff we have. Granted some
of the gun stuff is mine but most of it is his
and my son's.
“Does everyone have a pile of F.O.s they
never wear?”
– Mark,
to a salesperson
this weekend.
“Can you say fingering with a straight face?”
– Tom
David just said when I asked him, “I like it.
It gives you something to do and if you like
it, why wouldn’t I?” Awwww
“I don’t want to know about ‘woman stuff’.”
“You have too much.”
“I’m a knitting widow” – Bob
Wife: “What do I do that annoys you?”
Husband: “Yarn too much. You can’t watch
a movie without yarn.”
Here is my comeback when he asks how
much am I spending on yarn: How much are
you spending on Beer?, his reply is that beer
is a food group. It is a twice a month
conversation!
"That's nice" – Jason (without even looking)
“Are you watching someone knit
while you knit?”
"That's fingering weight.
Shit why do I know that!?"
– Andrew
What does your significant other think?
14

By Uknitted Kingdom
Dropped STitch
The Truth Will Set You Free.
In recent weeks, friends and contributors of
Blocked Magazine have yet again been harassed online.
This latest round of attacks was prompted by an
anonymous Craftsnarker sharing the ‘Dear Knitfluencer’
open letter that I wrote and first published in
January 2022.
A murder of crows pecked and flapped themselves
into a blood frenzy peaking with some of the
most bizarre comments and accusations I’ve received
to date.
Lie upon lie about Blocked has been built upon
speculation, cemented with rumor, and painted with
slander. I was accused of publishing child sexual material,
of inciting violence and planning an English civil
war (seriously!), and of being (paradoxically) both a
dangerous sexual sadist and an incel (involuntarily celibate).
There have been a myriad of accusations, some
silly, some bizarre, and some downright criminal.
When did all this bizarre nonsense begin?
In January 2022 Gary Boston
(@gary_knits_gary_rides), Dina Marconi (@veggieknitmama),
and Adrian Beorchia (@aceknits) publishing
slanderous videos about Blocked Magazine BEFORE
it was published. The smear campaign was instigated
by Jamie Colvin (@iamjimmythemodel) of Lolabean
Yarn Co. https://youtu.be/9RIaMYDCWiM
Presumably Jamie wanted to prevent people
reading the transcript of his wife Adella’s cruel and vicious
attack against the Youtuber Kristy Glass (see
issue 1).
Soon after issue 1 was published Hannah Mackie
(HeyJay Yarn) made her own slanderous video.
https://youtu.be/2nt_ba2cIYk
Where Mackie’s video differed from those before
is that she claimed to have “receipts” and evidence of
her accusations. She then promptly hid the so-called
‘evidence’ behind her so the viewer couldn’t see exactly
what was being referenced. This was a cunning
and disingenuous way to perpetuate her lies whilst
appearing, at least to those less informed, to provide
solid proof. Mackie also lavishly buttered her lies with
plenty of ad hominem attacks.
Other videos were published by ‘influencers’ in
Germany and New Zealand, chasing the hate-train in
the hope of gaining followers.
Meanwhile, Kissy Boyer (@myrainbowrobot) led a
malicious campaign to get Blocked permanently removed
from every platform. She and her friends temporarily
succeeded in taking Blocked down from
Yumpu/iMag and Linktree, then, after relaunching on
new platforms, Boyer succeeded in getting Blocked
suspended from Paperturn and Linkin.bio. Boyer’s intention
wasn’t just to smear Blocked, her intention was
to burn it down and salt the earth.
Before initiating their hate-campaign against me
and the magazine contributors, I had never heard of
Boston, Marconi, Beorchia, Mackie, or Boyer. These
five took it upon themselves to attack us, unprovoked,
and without any justifiable reason.
Hundreds of phishing emails have been sent to
the Blocked email account. These are designed to
hack into my computer. The emails contain an innocuous
looking weblink that, if opened, sends the phisher
all the information needed to remotely access my
hardware and network. I have suspicions as to who is
behind these attacks. Perhaps coincidentally Jamie
Colvin was a cybersecurity specialist in the US Army
and later worked for VMware, Carbon Black, and Red
Canary as a cybersecurity trainer. Perhaps I should ask
him for his professional advice.
When their attempts to permanently destroy the
magazine failed they changed tactics. Now they project
their own actions onto me. Fatimah Hinds (@disturbingthefleece)
and Gaye Glasspie (@ggmadeit)
instigated a persisting rumor that I had harassed
Continued on next page...
15

Dropped Stitch - Continued From page 15
them. Both Hinds and Glasspie invited me to talk to
them “to my face”. In Glasspie’s case she invited me
FIVE times. I sent them a very polite Instagram message
offering each a right to reply to the articles mentioning
them. Predicting that they would twist my
words and lie, I shared the messages publicly.
As part of her charade Glasspie feigned an emotional
breakdown at being harassed by someone she
has to block time and time again (I messaged her
from my account – she hadn’t blocked me). Hinds
dedicated an entire hour of one of her ‘learning lives’
to being abusive about me and claimed to be shining
light onto the darkness (I guess I’m the Prince of darkness
now!). Hinds stated (without any evidence) that I
was antisemitic, racist, and even speculated that I
abused puppies! She also asserted that my cats
needed to be removed from my care.
A friend of mine took some photographs for the
‘knitting for crocheters’ article in issue 2. Someone
went to the trouble of stalking him online, finding his
employer, and then sent an email in the hope of getting
him fired. He was called into HR and the accusation
was that he was working for a racist, white
supremacist magazine. He showed them the magazine.
They read it and in the absence of racist white supremacy
found the whole thing ridiculous. He said HR
couldn’t believe that the knitting world was so nasty.
The HR manager said he was going to telephone his
grandmother (a knitter) to check she was okay!
One follower of my Instagram, a reader of the
magazine, works at a library. An email was sent in an
attempt to have her fired. The reason? She had liked
some of my Instagram comments. The result? She received
a promotion!
I’ve forgotten much of what has happened but
those were just some of the key moments.
Returning to the Craftsnarkers I mentioned earlier.
If you read through the 500+ comments in the “Is this
satire?” thread, you will find several anonymous accounts
that exist only to post about me and/or
Blocked Magazine. When you look at their comment
history there’s no mention of anyone or anything else.
That level of obsession is impressive in a tragic ‘don’t
you have any friends?’ kind of way!
https://www.reddit.com/r/craftsnark/comments/11
6ilc1/is_this_satire/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
In a separate thread craftsnarkers openly admit to
circulating the Blocked test knitters and Podcasters
and Vloggers lists with malicious intent. In the end the
moderators had to put a warning on the thread to
stop people harassing those on the list.
https://www.reddit.com/r/craftsnark/comments/11
9ld3g/please_delete_if_not_allowed_but_blocked_kn
own/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&cont
ext=3
As a direct result of Craftsnarkers circulating this
list a family member of one contributor was stalked
online and outed as LGBT. I would hope even
Blocked’s most dyed-in-the-wool haters must acknowledge
this is a shitty move. It’s telling that our detractors
think that being LGB or T is a bad thing, a
state of being that can be weaponised against the individual
and the individual’s family.
Another contributor had her home address published
multiple times on the forum. Thankfully, after
she complained to Reddit, most, but not all, instances
of the address were removed. Despite being anonymous
the perpetrator was eventually barred from Reddit.
This week a friend of mine, who works at a school,
was accused (by email) of being associated with me
(ironically most of the school staff know me so are also
associated with me!), and by knowing me, she was inciting
violence and child sexual abuse. The emailer
went on to say that no child in the school could ever
feel safe if she was permitted to remain working there.
No evidence was provided. HR weren’t interested in
investigating as it was clear the sender was acting out
of malice.
Attacking our families and friends, people who in
the main are not connected to the knitting world, political
world, nor any dispute with our critics, is despicable.
Potentially this could cause actual harm to
completely innocent people.
It’s perfectly fine to criticise our words, our products,
and our services. However, this isn’t what is
happening.
The level of harassment has reached such a point
that I felt I had no choice but to contact the UK police.
Putting the friends and family of Blocked contributors
into actual danger is not acceptable to me.
The UK police take online harassment and malicious
communication very seriously. Both CRIMES
16
Continued on next page...

Dropped Stitch - Continued From page 16
carry a potential prison sentence of 5 years and 2 years respectively.
It was interesting to note that when the Craftsnarkers
heard about this they mostly mocked. Except for
the British snarkers. They went silent and crawled back
under their rocks. Brits understand exactly how seriously
the police take online harassment. If anything the police
take it too seriously and regularly cross the line where freedom
of speech meets malicious harassment.
It’s important to differentiate crime from reasonable critique.
For example, writing an article that criticises a yarn
dyer for bullying is not harassment. Inviting black women to
reply to criticisms of their business practices is not harassment.
Saying my cats are ugly and my font choices are
childlike is not harassment. However, sharing someone’s
address, private medical details, details of school friends
from 40 years ago, outing someone as LGBT, and the other
things mentioned earlier IS harassment.
As a result of these actions against us I’ve taken the
decision to remove the affiliate testers list. Sadly, the damage
has already been done but at least no new testers will
be subjected to the hatred. Instead I’ve created a discord
channel. Email blockedmagazine@gmail.com for an invite
link. If I don’t know you already, you will be asked to confirm
your Instagram or social media account so I can verify
you. At this stage we need to be hyper aware of how nasty,
malicious, and depraved some of these anonymous cowards
are.
In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who supports
Blocked by reading, contributing, and/or donating. It takes
bravery to contribute, to follow on social media, and to stay
the course. These devious, random, and unprovoked attacks
are designed to make supporters feel too afraid to be
associated with me or the magazine.
For those that may feel troubled/conflicted after
reading, fear not! Remember you can always create a pseudonym
to follow and/or contribute. Many supporters and
contributors already use pseudonyms so they don’t get
harassed, cancelled, and attacked. I’ve never revealed the
identities of any of them, and I never will.
One last thing, if HR calls you into the office to discuss
your association with ‘he who shall not be named’ remember
that the UK police, the platforms Blocked uses,
three separate HR departments in three separate cities
around the world, have not found any racism, white supremacy,
homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, misogyny,
or any other type of bigotry within the virtual pages of
Blocked. Let that be all the evidence one needs.
The truth will set you free.
Online Bullies
For having nothing better to
do with their lives other than to
bully people who
disagree with their political
ideologies.
17

Knitting Patterns, Hand-Dyed Yarns,
Tools, Notions & More!
www.knittymcpurly.com
Hand-dyed yarns, Opal yarns, patterns, tools, and notions.
https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/AnnaKnitterYarns
New Zealand yarn store.
Ships worldwide.
www.skeinz.com
Knitting Patterns
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/liz-clothier
Anne Pinkava
Knitting Patterns
www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/fdba7e1e-93b6-4b6f-9f82-06ef18d0ec8c
Knitting Patterns
https://galilee-life.com/vendor/deplorable-knitter/
18

Amigurumi/Crochet Patterns
http://www.yankeerose.etsy.com/
Wise Owl Knits
Knitting Patterns and Tutorials
www.wiseowlknits.com
Karen Juliano
Blogger
& Knitter
Fabrics, Sewing Patterns,
and Tutorials
littleragamuffin.com
Knitting Patterns:
https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/647c869e-a568-4b05-8fb4-b8f868600ec4
Knitting Patterns and Tutorials
https://www.ravelry.com/stores/birdie-beanie
Love Stitched
https://galilee-life.com/vendor/love-stitched/
19

By Uknitted Kingdom
20
KITCHENER SINK DRAMA
Field Marshal Horatio Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl
Kitchener (1850 – 1916) was a senior officer in the British
Army.
He is most famous for his roles in the 2nd Boer War
(1899 – 1902) and WWI (1914 – 1918). Kitchener died in
1916, two years before the war ended.
As war broke out in 1914, the British prime minister,
Asquith, appointed Kitchener to the position of Secretary
of State for War. Kitchener accurately predicted the
war would last several years, and lead to the deaths of
many millions of Britons. As a result of his projections a
massive recruitment campaign began. Kitchener was
the face of the campaign, and a
poster was circulated based upon the
“London Opinion” magazine cover
published 5 September 1914.
This image has prevailed long
beyond most people’s memory of the
man. When recruiting for war, almost
every country has subsequently used
a variation of Kitchener’s poster (including
the USA’s Uncle Sam). The
image has been pastiched and parodied
innumerable times since.
For knitters he has been commemorated
as the inspiration behind
“The Kitchener Stitch.” The Kitchener
Stitch is a method of grafting two sets
of live stitches together with a seamless,
invisible finish.
But why name a knitting technique
after a field marshal? It was all
about socks.
At the beginning of WWI Kitchener approached
Queen Mary and asked her to lead a movement of
knitters to make 30,000 pairs of socks for the young
men fighting in the trenches. It is unknown how many
pairs of socks were sent to the front line from British
knitters, but we do know that Australian knitters sent
over 1.3 million pairs of socks to troops in the trenches.
https://theconversation.com/one-million-pairs-of-socksknitting-for-victory-in-the-first-world-war-30149
When the socks started to be worn, it became apparent
that many had uncomfortable toe seams that
Duffus Bros, platinum print/NPG P403.
Horatio Herbert Kitchener, 1st Earl
Kitchener of Khartoum, 1901
caused severe irritation for those men suffering from
trench foot (a painful condition that, if untreated, leads
to tissue dying and falling off). A solution was found in
the form of educating knitters about grafting.
Although it is now believed that this method of
grafting existed prior to WWI it is likely that when
Vogue Magazine first named the technique in 1918 it
was in honor of Kitchener who had been killed when
HMS Hampshire struck a German mine two years prior.
I find it sad and deeply disrespectful when modern
knitters, such as Kate Atherley, besmirch the memory of
a man who played a pivotal role in keeping the world
free of tyranny.
It’s naïve and simplistic to
criticize his methods and his
decisions now, especially during
a time when we live pampered
and charmed lives compared to
those that lived during his lifetime.
It’s important to note that
Kitchener was loved and admired
by the British public. Upon
hearing news of his death, a man
in Yorkshire committed suicide.
An army sergeant was heard
shouting, “Now we’ve lost the
war! Now we’ve lost the war!”
His death was a huge blow to
the nation’s morale.
The issue Atherley has with
saying his name is based on
poor historical knowledge and
poor research on her part. Atherley claims in a recent
“Digits & Threads” article that, during the 2nd Boer War,
Kitchener invented concentration camps to intern the
Boer (white Dutch settlers to South Africa) which were
later replicated by the Nazis in WWII. https://www.digitsandthreads.ca/why-we-call-it-grafting-not-that-mansname/
This is not quite true.
The strategies Atherley attributes to Kitchener in
the 2nd Boer War were actually devised and implemented
by Lord Roberts. In 1899, at the start of the war,

Kitchner Drama - Continued from page 20
Kitchener was Roberts’ Chief of Staff.
Roberts created concentration camps and
instigated the burning of farms. The conditions in the
camps were atrocious and led to the deaths of 26,370
women and children.
In 1900 Roberts also authorized the use of civilian
Boer hostages to prevent Boer guerrilla units from
attacking trains. However, for all intents and purposes,
Kitchener did not take command until after these
events.
“With the Boer republics' main towns occupied,
and the war apparently effectively over, on 12
December 1900 Roberts handed over command
to Lord Kitchener.”
Pakenham, Thomas (1991). The Scramble for
Africa. Abacus. ISBN 978-0349104492. p. 575 and
Heathcote, Tony (1999). The British Field Marshals
1736–1997. Pen & Sword Books Ltd. ISBN 0-85052-
696-5. p. 249
To be clear, Kitchener did not invent the
concentration camp.
It’s disingenuous to compare 19th Century Britain
with 21st Century global cultural and societal norms.
By all means, compare 19th Century Britain to other
cultures and societies of the 19th Century. You’ll find
that Britain was by far the fairest, most civilized nation
of that era.
So, no Kate, we will not stop using the “K” word.
The Kitchener stitch is a very specific graft which is
immediately identifiable from others by its name.
The Kitchener Stitch:
• Front needle: knit off, purl on.
• Back needle: purl off, knit on.
5 September 1914 London
Opinion magazine cover by Leete
21

22

Bloggers
& Vloggers
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Adventures With Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFHj9k5Uxc44g1pnlgiQjg
For all the latest drama in the fibre world – Fun, quirky, and full of energy.
Anna Knitter - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkE2h6s400fRkasl6zyX_jg
A podcast about knitting and crocheting with glimpses of a roman-catholic life.
Blocked Magazine - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAY880IYHF8gJ8b-UdEWAxQ
For all the latest drama in the fibre world – including what didn’t make it into the magazine!
Deprogrammed - https://www.youtube.com/c/KeriSmithDeprogrammed/featured
Interviews intended to better understand and make sense of her old belief system, Social Justice ideology. Including those in the crafting community.
Herd knitunity - https://herdknitunity.locals.com/
Shepherd and ‘woolfluencer’, a sheep to sweater kinda gal.
Knitty McPurly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyIInmPUQGqoohNgUj0Zmow
A virtual saint!
Little Ragamuffin - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaogzXKmOJ9FO8fsjurrEcw/videos
Sewing tutorials of both slow paced and quick speed styles, fun random sewing oddities, Ragamuffin news, and problematic interviews & conversations.
Murder Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbrSeXmJuT0_BglI_pzi1jg
If your children watch, they'll become serial killers!
Politically Incorrect Knitters - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8CME6h72cFfQ7ZBNGCj5w
Topical, informative, and fun!
Skeinz Diaries - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCswGNOSxnHlPZsQMCC2YHxQ
Take off your ‘gummies’, put your feet up and prepare for a ‘tiki tour’ of yarny goodness!
High Fiber Diet - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4cCawQzD6RDfwLhlZ0hQ/featured
Thick skinned with no “F’s Given!”
Two Sisters & Some Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoSistersAndSomeYarn
Two sisters and some yarn – is exactly what it says on the tin!
Wise Owl Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8N6NhDdKf44_HigLiP4Ug
Knitting Tutorials
ShaunaStitches - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOfV6wkBgB6288iVQ1V9Ww/videos
Knitting, spinning, crochet, quilting, and many other crafts are shown and discussed.
AStitchInTheSky - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCxq6HphzSbjU2lb7t8c6Ww/videos
Knitting, sewing and all the things in between!
Texas Peach Knits - https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC1zKQy-8XU8stQfmIzqe92w
Knitting, crochet, sewing and all the things in between!
Short Story Long - https://karensshortstorylong.blogspot.com/search/label/Knitting
Knitting, photography, gardening, quilting, life.
23

By Kathleen Gerwien, aka Katie, khgknits
KNITTING REFERENCE SOURCES
& Book Review
I have been knitting, on and off, for 56 years.
Throughout these years, the availability and sources for
obtaining assistance and learning new techniques has
grown exponentially. In 2023, we have books, magazines,
yarn stores with classes and assistance, fiber festivals
with classes and seminars, and the wide, wild world
of the internet, including YouTube tutorials, to assist us
with information, patterns and guidance for techniques.
I will outline my knitting journey and how I gained knitting
knowledge and give a review of the books I use
now as my knitting reference books.
When I was learning to knit at age 5, my only resource
was my maternal grandmother
and that was limited to when
we were visiting. She taught me the
basics of casting on, binding off knitting
and purling. I remember making
a scarf for one of my dolls, and I suspect
I tried my hand at a few other
scarves as well. At age 10, I wanted to
continue knitting, so my mother took
me to the only local yarn store in
Tidewater, Virginia. The associates assisted
me in following the pattern I
selected for a vest. This was 1970,
and I remember pattern books published
by yarn companies, but, from
what I remember, there was not a lot of instruction on
knitting techniques in the pattern books. Along the way,
I learned how to crochet from an aunt and a magazine. I
learned needlepoint, cross-stitch and sewing as well,
sewing most of my garments throughout high school
and college.
In college I knit again. I knit gloves, mittens, and a
cabled throw for my dorm room. I still have the throw as
I used Brunswick’s Germantown wool and have taken
good care of it. I don’t remember how I learned to knit
cables, but somehow, I did. After college graduation in
1983, I worked as a sales representative in a yarn store
for almost a year. I picked up some additional techniques
as we often helped customers with their knitting
questions. We sold pattern books and several of Elizabeth
Zimmerman’s books and Barbara Walker’s pattern
guides. We offered how-to-knit classes teaching the basics,
but nothing beyond. By that point, I was knitting
garments, particularly cardigans and pullovers to wear
to work. Once my father explained the need for me to
obtain health insurance, I found a “real job” in cubicle
land.
Fast forward to 2006, in preparation for marriage, I
was clearing closet space for my husband-to-be. I came
across a Rubbermaid bucket of yarn, patterns, and a
few UFOs I had not touched since the early 90s. In
1991, I bought my first home, a fixerupper.
I quickly put down the knitting
needles and picked up paint
brushes, hardware tools, etc. to fix
up the house. In addition, I had a
demanding career at that time, thus
knitting moved into the Rubbermaid
bucket. When I found the bucket of
yarn, patterns and UFOs in 2006, I
was not ready to throw the items
away. I gave a lot of the yarn to a
friend who was an avid knitter. I
completed a UFO, which, to my surprise,
fit me! From there, I started
knitting in earnest. I joined a local
knitting guild, and a new world of knitting opened for
me through the monthly technique tutorials and seminars
the guild sponsored.
I found my way to knitting blogs, where in the late
2000s, I read articles about knitters’ projects and
learned new techniques. Eventually I found my way to
podcasts and YouTube. Imagine if in 1966 my mother
could have placed me in front of our black and white
television so I could watch video tutorials on how to
knit? Likely, we would have needed to adjust the rabbit
ear antennas to receive the YouTube signal!
Also, since my return to knitting in 2006, I have
taken classes from well-known knitting instructors at
several yarn festivals. I always learn quite a bit from the
24

Knitting References - Continued from page 24
instructor’s perspective, as well as from student input. I
find in-person learning always inspiring as I get to talk
amongst my people, other knitters. This summer, as a
retirement present to myself, I took courses in an online
knitting retreat. I was surprised at how much I
learned from these online classes. The knitting instructors
were able to demonstrate their concepts and techniques
and were adept at including student
participation and interaction. We were able to practice
the techniques and ask questions during the online
classes.
Along the way, I have acquired several books I use
as my primary resources. The books are “The Knitter’s
Book of Yarn,” “The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques,”
“Complete Guide to Needlework,” and
“Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book, Completely
Revised and Updated.” I listed information at
the bottom of the article on the publisher, date of publication,
and links to where these books may be purchased.
In late 2007 or early 2008, I attended my local
guild’s seminar led by Clara Parkes, who had just published
“The Knitter’s Book of Yarn.” After reading and
rereading sections of this book, I understand why the
type of yarn used in a project dramatically influences
the result. Clara transfers the knowledge she gained
from researching all aspects of yarn, from the fiber
sources and production methods used to create the
yarn and explains how these elements influence the
final product, a yarn you may be considering to use in
a project. She explains how the properties of the yarn
influence the knit structure and drape when knitted
into fabric. The book includes several patterns as well.
Clara Parkes has a charming voice in her written word. I
have read every book Clara has published regarding
yarn. Not all her books are what I call resource books,
yet all of them provide an enjoyable read and further
my knowledge of yarn production and the world of
knitting.
I access Nancie Wiseman’s, “The Knitter’s Book of
Finishing Techniques” frequently. This is a small book,
which I find quite useful for making a quick decision on
what technique to use for casting on, binding off, buttonholes,
borders, seams, increases, decreases and a
few other topics. She provides several techniques for
each topic, the advantages and disadvantages of each
technique, and directions, with photos, for how to execute
them. I like this book because it is streamlined.
There is no need to study a multitude of different
methods to find an answer. She gives several triedand-true
methods. I also like the ease of the binder
spine, so the pages lie flat.
For an overall reference of knitting and other types
of needlecrafts, I use the Reader’s Digest’s “Complete
Guide to Needlework.” This book covers embroidery,
needlepoint, knitting, appliqué, quilting, patchwork,
macrame, crochet, rug-making, and lacework. The
book provides good details on each type of needlecraft
listed above. For knitters, it contains sections on
techniques, a small, practical stitch dictionary, how to
read knitting instructions, how to knit a garment, assembling
and finishing techniques, as well as several
patterns. I use the crochet section as well, particularly if
I want to add a crochet border or finishing to a knitting
project.
Finally, “Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting
Book, Completely Revised and Updated” provides additional
information when Wiseman’s “The Knitter’s
Book of Finishing Techniques” does not provide the
answer or guidance I need. “Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate
Knitting Book” is what the title says it is! The
chapter titles are, “Yarns and Supplies,” “Basic Techniques,”
“Cables,” “Color Knitting,” “Lace,” “Circular
Knitting,” “Directional Knitting,” “Advanced Techniques,”
“Understand Instructions,” “Correction Errors,”
“Finishing,” “Designing Sweaters,” “Designing Shawls,”
“Designing Accessories,” “Embellishments,” and “Caring
for Knitwear.” In addition, there is a section of
knitter’s graph paper at the end of the book in various
gauges to use for sketching potential patterns or pattern
adjustments. I use this book as my deep-dive
book when I need to think through what technique to
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25

By Uknitted Kingdom
use and why and how to execute it. It is a large book;
thus, it is not as portable as Wiseman’s “The Knitter’s
Book of Finishing Techniques,” yet the paper quality
and overall graphic design is quite pleasing. I owned
June Hemmons Hiatt’s, “The Principles of Knitting,” second
edition. I sold this book to our local resale bookstore
as soon as I bought the Vogue Knitting book as I
found Hiatt’s book confusing and overwhelming. Hiatt
uses her own terminology for knitting techniques and
stitches versus the commonly used terms. In addition,
while Hiatt takes a very scholarly approach to her writing,
I found the information in the book was written to
such detail that I got lost in the explanations. Others
may find this book approachable and helpful but for
me, it was not a good fit.
You may see Richard Rutt’s “A History of Hand Knitting”
in my knitting reference book photo. I purchased
this book in the early 1990s and thought I would enjoy
reading it. I have tried to read it several times and got
lost in the early chapters. Rutt, like Hiatt, goes into significant
detail. I have found it more useful and interesting
to read in sections. If I am interested in a specific
time frame, I read that section, versus trying to read the
book from cover to cover. I have not discarded this
book, as on occasion I like to read through sections, as
well as look through the photographs in the center of
the book.
While this review is not a comprehensive review of
all knitting reference books in publication currently,
these are the books I have used and find helpful, and I
hope others may find them so as well. I have found it
helpful to review a book first through my local library
before making a purchase, if possible. In addition, I
have had good luck buying used books online to reduce
the acquisition cost. I wish you the best in your
knitting journey and your search for useful knitting technique
resources.
The Knitter’s Book of Yarn, Clara Parkes, Potter Craft,
2007, https://claraparkes.com/books/;
https://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Yarn-Ultimate-
Choosing/dp/0307352161/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y4P6TM
GYRQH5&keywords=the+knitters+book+of+yarn&qid
=1676401775&s=books&sprefix=the+knitters+book+o
f+yarn,stripbooks,73&sr=1-1 $29.52 hardcover from
Amazon, used copies available
The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques, Nancie
M. Wiseman, Martingale & Company, 2002
https://www.amazon.com/dp/156477452X?tag=ty
pepad0c2-20. $109.00 paperback; $44.34 spiral bound
and used copies
Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework,
The Reader’s Digest Association, 1979
The Knitter’s Book of Yarn, Clara Parkes, Potter Craft,
2007, https://claraparkes.com/books/; $29.52 hardcover
from Amazon, used copies as well
Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book, SOHO
Publishing, 2018
Vogue Knitting, The Ultimate Knitting Book, SOHO
Publishing, 2018
https://store.vogueknitting.com/product/vogueknitting-the-ultimate-knitting-book-completely-revisedand-updated/
$27.96
https://www.amazon.com/Vogue®-Knitting-Ultimate-Book-Completely/dp/1942021690,
$31.99, used
copies available
A History of Hand Knitting, Richard Putt, Interweave
Press, 1987
https://www.amazon.com/History-Hand-Knitting-
Richard-Rutt/dp/0979607345. $70.92 hard cover; used
copies available. Could not find a website specific to
Richard Rutt
26

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