Saturday, November 14, 2009

Introducing The Abbey Collection

They say that when his mother died, her spirit entered into him, and he was suddenly blessed with artistic talent he'd never had before. He started to work with pastels -- something very new to him -- and discovered that he could create the most beautiful drawings. Steeples. Abbeys. Trees. The sea. All the things he loved.

We were so drawn to the artistry of this monk that we purchased every one of his works that were available and we proudly displayed them here in our offices of Yarnmarket. Then, we were struck with an idea. What if we created a line of yarns based on this monk's pastel works...and we donated money to the Abbey for every skein we sold?

It felt like the right thing to do.

It took us well over a year to determine which of his pastel drawings to use, and then to work with various artists to see which fibers and which colors worked best. We wanted to be sure the quality of the yarn was superior and that the color combinations captured the tones and spirit of the monk's original works. And we wanted to develop patterns for garments and accessories that, we think, do justice to the monk's beautiful color palette.

Now, I'm delighted to announce the launch of The Abbey Collection with patterns available at no cost on Yarnmarket.

Designed by Iris Schreier of Artyarns fame, this line of yarns currently features merino wool inspired by six different pastels: Bronze Church, French Abbey, Moonlight Chapel, Reflection, Lavender Hills and Sunset Chapel.

We'll be adding new pastels, yarns, solid colors and patterns to expand the collection -- and to help increase our donation. Out of respect for the wishes of the monks, we are not publicizing the name of the artist or his monastery.

We hope you enjoy this new Abbey Collection at Yarnmarket. We are ecstatic that we're able to present this inspirational new line to our knitters.

111 comments:

Debbie said...

What inspires me to knit; I like to knit for my friends and family. I look for colors and patterns that match their personality. I usually don't know which color or pattern I'll use until I actually see it there.

Asia said...

What inspires me to knit? Well, I'm a fine artist by trade, so simply being able to take materials and use them to create a useful, beautiful product are probably the primary drives for me to do any sort of creative activity, be it with fiber or other supplies.

Specifically for knitting, I suppose my biggest inspiration is being able to create comfort, either for myself with stylish, unique items and accessories, or to give others a physical, tangible expression of caring or love.

Anonymous said...

Ok, this might be cheesy or cliche, but my children inspire me to knit. I taught myself to knit when I was pregnant with my second son. ( I have 4 boys: Ryan is 6, Ethan is 3, Noah is 2 and Joshua is 4 months.) I was too miserable to go out but still bored sitting around my last month waiting to deliver. I bought a "How-to" book at a local buy, sell or trade book shop and knitted him a blanket. I haven't been brave enough for clothing yet, but my boys have plenty of hand knit teddy bears to keep me in practice!

Yankee Knitter said...

Color is what inspires me to knit...I love the colors in nature and yarn is just the perfect forum for being able to "wrap myself in color!". I love making just the right thing for family and friends with beautiful color. My best match to date was mittens made from tofu yarn for a dear friend who skis and is vegetarian! Thanks

kidzemoworld said...

I like to knit for my friend and family. I like any color inspires me for knitting for that person special for me. I like to knit scarf with diferent color and stich. Wend I finish a project that person will be happy for the present that a give them.

Humbirdblue said...

I have always been moved & inspired by rich and vibrant colors as well as the feel of the yarn and the feeling it brings to me. Sometimes it may bring a memory of my mother when she was knitting for me or teaching me to knit or paint with water colors. Other times my Grandmother in the garden with her "Dinner Plate Dahlias" and Iris. Rich, Warm, Bright colors were a constant and always bring me wonderful memories of my Mother & Grandmother. Thank You

SwetPMnkyGrl said...

My inspiration to knit comes from seeing and feeling yarn. A beautiful colorway and soft fibers pull me in everytime as they beg to be knit into something loving and cozy.

Robin said...

What inspires me to knit is to keep an old art and past time alive in our younger generations.What a shame it would be if we did not show them how to knit,quilt,cook,cross stitch. Theses pieces of art and pleasure would be lost forever in the modern world.

Kris said...

I'm inspired to knit by several things.

I love to knit for myself, my family and a few close friends; seeing what others are knitting or have knit also inspires me; and certain yarns inspire me to knit as well.

Debbie said...

Beautiful yarns and patterns inspire me to knit!!!! I love the process of creating.

Anonymous said...

Hello! I'm here fron Let's knit togheter!
Gorgeous yarn...
What inspired me to knit is to create my own life around me... I leave some joy and some pain in my projects... I drawn with my needles and yarn is my color... To knit is to live more intensively!

Hugs
Milouson

Lisaci said...

Texture and color are the two main ingredients that motivate me to choose a yarn. Soft, touchable, warm tones are inspirational.
I knit for the process - it's relaxing and I enjoy passing on the things I make. Handmade is best!

Donna said...

My family is usually my inspiration ... oftentimes I'll see something that will just say "Mom" or "Katie" - it could be a color or a texture or the drape of a knitted fabric. More often than not it's a color - we're a very visual family!

Five Ferns Fibreholic said...

It is the colours of nature and the texture of the yarn which inspire me to knit.

Jeanne in Nevada City said...

I love to knit for myself & family & friends. I'm inspired by really yummy yarns and the hope of a nice finished product to share.

Debra said...

What inspires me to knit? Pretty much life in general. Sometimes it's a big thing a nd sometimes it's something little (once it was grass growing out of a crack in my driveway). I think the knitting is just there and it doesn't take much to get it out of me.

Pam said...

What gets me knitting is the combination of loved ones + the warmth (sometimes literally) of a handmade gift + the fun of knitting. All the other stuff - creativity, beautiful yarn, great patterns - are extra.

ayarnsnackaday said...

Beautiful yarns inspire me to knit, I love the feel of beautiful wool and the look of something I've just created with it. It's fascinating for me to watch my own hands doing this complicated thing and creating something for someone I love.

suehb said...

I knit because its like an adrenalin rush when I see a pattern and yarn. I love giving hand made items as gifts with the intention of the person saying "can you show me how to knit that", so of course, I have my needles and yarn to hand.

Nicole said...

Learning new techniques or patterns inspire me to knit. In addition to perfecting old ones. I also love working with beautiful yarns and have an appreciation of where they came from. Enjoying the product of what I'm producing with two "sticks" and yarn is also fascinating.

Heather said...

Other knitters inspire me to knit! I'm also inspired by beautiful yarns and the deep satisfaction I get from creating something beautiful with my own hands.

Unknown said...

The words of famous medieval churchwoman Julian of Norwich, who wrote, "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." That is exactly how I feel when I knit, and it perfectly describes the soul-deep satisfaction of creating order (the [relatively] complex finished piece) from seeming chaos (the simple string-like yarn).

Deborah Knight said...

I've never before heard of Julian of Norwich. What a great quote! I looked her up on Wikipedia and now have a new mystic to learn about.

Quinn said...

Color and texture inspire me to knit. Brilliant knitters - including favorite knitters featured in knit2together - inspire me to knit particular things :)

Stacy Steube said...

Learning new things inspire me to knit and the pleasure from making something by hand inspire me. I love being able to wear something I made and when my family and friends wear things I made.

heleneharris said...

What inspires me to knit is the process. I love to take a "string" and make it into something that does something more - keep me or someone else warm (a shawl, scarf, booties), make me or someone else feel more beautiful (a sweater or vest), protect something (a laptop cover). The added bonus, the yarn is so pretty, or delicate, or colorful. And to look at it afterward and be able to say - I made that! it's the icing on the cake.

Thanks for asking!

Unknown said...

Beautiful yarns, wonderful patterns, & loving friends & families who appreciate all the work that goes into it!

Cristina said...

Interesting designs and beautiful yarns inspire me most.

Zach said...

What inspires me to knit is the fact that if I didn't I'd probably go crazy.:) I get so bored just sitting around and watching TV, even the most interesting of shows becomes boring. My hands need to be constantly moving, so what better way to fullfill that need than to make something?! Also, I love the mathematical possibilities of knitting. Such as immersions of 4 dimensional objects, shuffle-inspired stripes, fibbonacci-inspired stripes, moebius knitting, and all the other fascinating things out there. But most of all, I love the feeling of knowing that I can create something that is needed and useful, and that someone will usually appreciate it.

Me again said...

I'm just a beginner. but knitting, spinning, felting, etc is a creative outlet for this stay at home mom.

Yarns inspire me. colors and they way they are combined. Also, the texture of yarns.

Pinkskatinggirl said...

The potential for delicious color combinations and the possibility of making a fabulous garment inspire me to knit.

RevLinda said...

What inspires me to knit? The chaos of my life and the calm center that I find in the midst of my knitting. It has become my prayer practice and I would be lost without it.

Frances said...

What inspires me to knit? Gosh, such a difficult question. I always have a project or 2 with me; it's like my blankie. Even at the office where I know I won't have a second to think about fiber, I have my knitting with me "just in case". So what inspires me most is probably the tactile characteristic wedded with color that makes me happy.

Karla said...

What inspires me is taking beautiful colors and making them into beautiful useful items. For me it is all about the colors.

annie said...

What inspires me, I have found, is that I can't not knit.

natsnice2 said...

I'm not so much inspired to knit as compelled to knit. When my biological clock is ticking too loudly picking up a knitting project sooths my soul. Knitting is also an organic form of Prozac -keeps me calm.

Julie said...

What inspires me to knit?
Knitting really relaxes me. After a hard week at work, it gives me something to look forward to. I know that I can always count on getting together with friends and the exchange is so enriching. I also can't keep still. I always need to be creating.

yarnaholic said...

Seeing photos in knitting books and magazines inspires me to knit! I love working with different colors but also enjoy monochormatic textures, espcially cables!

Anonymous said...

hello!
where can i find out more about this Monk & his art?
i love them!
thanx
peace&blessings
mary

fugu-san said...

What inspires me to knit? I just like to knit. I've only started knitting since march 2009 and am loving it.

Kris said...

I'm inspired by my environment. The pretty fall leafs have me in search of the perfect shade of orange. My chaotic commute by train has me in search of the peaceful rhythms of knits and purls. My daughters enthusiastic reactions to the purple sweater make me fall in love with knitting all over again.

gurunam said...

I'm inspired to knit by beautiful natural fiber. I love the whole concept that I can tak a two dimensional object (yarn) and make a three dimensional object. I lvoe to feel the history and tradition of all the knitters throughout time. I love being able to make gifts for my loved ones that are imbued with my prayers for them one stitch at a time.

Deborah Knight said...

Mary, I'm so glad you like the pastels. I promised the monastery I would not use their name in any marketing materials, so could you please send me a note to deborah@yarnmarket.com? In the meantime, I've sent a note to the monastery to see if I am permitted to reveal the information on a person-by-person basis. I can understand the monastery not wanting to be part of a marketing program, so I'm being very, very cautious to obey the guidelines I've been provided.

Jcoop said...

What inspires me to knit is the weather. As it turns crisp in the fall I obsess over making something
fall-leafish to keep me or someone else warm.
When the spring comes, bright but still chilly and prone to muddy earth all around, I crave crocus colors of yarn to cheer me up while keeping warm. In the summer when it's hot and and all I want to do is clean or shop for locally grown veggies, I become re-anamoured of washcloths and market bags.

Thanks for sponsoring Let's Knit Together, Yarn Market. I really enjoy getting to watch a pod cast as well as listen to it. It's much better than a lot of tv!

Anonymous said...

What inspires me to knit:

The thought of creating with my hands, using beautiful colors and making a legacy that will outlast me. I have quilts and knitted items from my grandmother that I treasure and fondly remember her with.

KimW said...

So many things inspire me to knit (it doesn't take much to make me pull out some wool and needles!) -- it might be someone in the family mentioning their hands were cold on the way to work or school, or wanting to use a special souvenir ball of yarn, or just pulling out a seasonal color to make something useful for a holiday season.

MichelleinCO said...

Thanks yarnmarket! I'm inspired to knit by the sensory experience. I love the colors especially, and the beautiful feel of yarn is an added benefit. I'm also a die-hard do-it-yourselfer, so making something great all by myself is what drives me to finish my many projects!

Savannagal said...

What inspires me to knit is the pure joy of creating. The continuous learning experience, gorgeous colors and wonderful textures are simply the icing on the cake.

Unknown said...

What inspires me to knit? It calms and centers me and also comforts me; gives me pleasure in color, texture, and design; warms me while I knit and afterwards; and allows me to create original and personal gifts of myself. It is one of the few activities I have that gives me something tangible at the end, that is not eaten up or require re-doing. It is a connection to the past and to my wonderful Aunt Doris, who helped me learn after I taught myself on two pencils. And it gives me a little bridge to the haut couture that is wearable, even if the haut opportunities in rural Ohio are, um, few.

Anonymous said...

When I first started I was going thru a divorce and getting away,,relaxing and being with friends inspired me to get back to knitting. They helped get my life back. Knitting was a way to zone out and do something creative and make something instead of thinking of my problems. Now I make my own yarn and I'm still knitting/felting. It truly is a life changing craft and always in a great way. Rowena rphilbeck@archmail.tamu.edu

Anonymous said...

Barbara H. Orem, Ut.I taught myself to knit when I was in my 50's. I started by making dish cloths and then I learned to knit socks. I now make socks and all kinds of items for family and friends. I love seeing a prodject come together. I obsese over small details and celebrate when all works out as planned. I hope we will be able to knit in heaven because I will never be able to do all that I want here on earth.

Knit One Pound said...

What inspires me to knit is watching "LetsKnit2gother" videos also going to the local "Borders or Barnes & Nobles" and immersing myself in the latest issues of any and every knitting magazine on the rack whiles sipping some calorie killing hot yummie! Then I get knitting fever and run home to dive into my stash!

Lynn R said...

What inspires me to knit is the yarn. I love the feel of soft merino, the fuzz of mohair, the shine and slickness of silk. I'm a fiber junkie.

Biddywink said...

Beautiful patterns, knitwear, and yarn inspire me to knit.

Sarah said...

A better question might be: what does not inspire me to knit? Seeing my favorite needles and yarn inspires me, as does looking through books or magazines or websites about knitting, spinning, or anything relating the the fiber arts. Stress also inspires me to knit, to feel the satisfaction of creating something with my hands. And seeing other people knit definitely inspires me to knit as well.

Pam said...

Wht inspires me to knit? The concept that in my knitting, I am creating something unique, and that within itself is like water to me. I feel all human beings have the desire to create something - whether its a business deal, a comfortable home... for me, I create lovely pieces, usually for others. The fact that I have used my creativity means that I don't always feel bound to own the item, most times, I give it to someone I love.

Knitter Jack said...

What inspires me to knit? My 15 month old daughter. I watch her grow with every thing I knit for her, not just in clothing either. This week she picked up my purse and wore it on her shoulder and I realized she was old enough for a pocketbook of her own. Out come the knitting needles to make one just her size.
Thanks YarnMarket for supporting LetsKnit2gether.

rosemaryschild said...

What inspires me to knit? As a small girl I admired so many of my mother's and father's creations. As a result, I get so excited to see the end result of the pattern I am knitting, and thank both of them for teaching me how.

Erica said...

I live in warm weather Florida which requires different inspiration than if I lived in cold Canada or chilly Chicago. Once upon a time, I had all this yarn and no one to knit for...until my friend Kristin told me about her upcoming trip to Alaska! She gave me knitting-purpose! I asked her if I could knit her a scarf and she happily agreed. So, I double stranded some super-soft, chocolate-fudge worsted weight yarn and started garter stitching to my heart's content. This was very exciting for a beginning knitter, after all, she was going to Alaska and she needed a warm scarf there (despite the fact that she'd be visiting Alaska in August!). I finished the scarf and made her model it for me. Perfect! It was really more of a long, skinny afghan than a scarf - it was that heavy - LOL! But Kristin, as usual, graciously accepted her scarf and was able to wear it to Minnesota and to Alaska. Filling a need for a friend inspired me that time. I'm lucky and blessed with friends that humor me. :o)

LB said...

I was originally inspired to knit by my
Great Aunt who taught me to knit while I was laid up in bed for months with a broken leg. I was 10 at the time and was biting my nails out of boredom! I soon learned to enjoy the colors, the rhythm, the created textures, and the sense of achievement.

Erik Bohlin said...

What inspires me to knit is that I am learning something new. I am 4 months old at this and was surprised, terribly surprised, in fact how fun, exciting, artistic, relaxing and stress relieving it is. And, you end up with something to show for it that you can wear. I was in the Seattle Pike Place market this summer and walked by accident into a yarn shop (before my knitting days) and said, the colors are pretty, but this is kind of boring. Little did I realize that just a month later, I would be buying my first skein of yarn and knitting a hat. Now, I can't go anywhere without checking out the knitting community. It shows you that you never know what could happen next. One last thing, I think it has made my wife and family think of me in new way. Little did they thought that this new found craft would entertain me so and they could benefit from my stress relieving activity at night. It is better than eating corn chips.

TeresaRRoberts said...

What inspires me to knit? To make something beautiful with my hands that I can give to someone I love.

alejandro Ponce said...

well i think what inspires me to knit is seeing all these beautiful knitted items online. seeing these beautiful amazing things makes me want to pursue a wide array knitting experiences! i really enjoy seeing all the garments that come form skeins of yarn. i mean the ideas are almost limitless! the ideas are big thing that inspire me to knit! that and i'm also a 13 year boy from southern california!

Robyn.Becker@comcast.net said...

What Inspires Me to Knit? The inspiration is three-fold. Knitting is my link to the past - to my grandmother who taught me, as well as the link to my children's growing up - each garmet a remembrance of a time when..... . Knitting is also my link to the present - to the women in my knitting group and to the joy and serenity my current projects bring me. Lastly, it is a link to the future - to the gifts and projects still to be made - to the dreaming of them and to the wonderful fabrics that will come pouring from the efforts of two sticks and a wooly companion.

Unknown said...

I would have to say that the Yarn itself inspires me to knit. The many different kinds, colors and textures. It is very dangerous for my pocketbook to walk into a yarn shop. :) I want to buy everything based on either color or touch/feel.

Jen said...

I am inspired by beautiful newly discovered patterns. So many talented designers out there!! I'm also inspired by rich colors that remind me of things. I like to knit for others as well as myself.

Jen

The Oracle said...

I am inspired to knit by the emotions that the texture and colors of the yarn stir up in me. When I examine a yarn, I close my eyes and touch it, I look at how tightly, or loosely wound it is, how much fuzz there is, shine, color variation, or color uniformity...I 'experience' the yarn and I pay attention to how it makes me feel. Some yarns are cozy, some whimsical, some sophisticated! I love the process and I knit accordingly.

grammynan said...

Both of my grandmothers and my mother have left behind piecework of different types that inspire me.
I do feel a link to the past when I knit . I also feel a link to the future when I knit love into pieces for my 4 little grandchildren. I must also say how much I really enjoyed the interview with Kay and Ann of Mason Dixon Knitting. Thank You.

LDupuis said...

What inspires me to knit is the peace and contentment I have received from knitting over the years. There is nothing a beautiful ball of yarn and a pair of needles can't help you get through.

Anonymous said...

What inspires me to knit is all the beautiful yarns and patterns that are available in so many places these days! I have also found myself a lot more obcessed as I have "found" so many fellow knitters and general yarn crazies on the 'net and in podcasts. The enthusiasm of others for this lifestyle has encouraged me to really dive in and love every second of it.
Skamper1@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

What inspires me to knit is the wonderful yarn I use for a project and the outcome of what I knit. Once I start a new project, I can't wait to see the final outcome!

Ruth Peterson said...

I am mostly inspired by curiousity -- to see how a yarn knits up, to see what a pattern looks like on my favorite people, and to see how people will react to getting something handknit!

Deb W said...

I am inspired to knit by family, frends, yarn stores, books, patterns, blogs, Ravelry, "Let's Knit Together", yarn itself, color, seasons. Ok let's be honest. EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING is a knitting inspiration. Thank you for being a part of my knitting! Gotta go knit.....

Marcia said...

Wonderful yarn in beautiful colors always inspire me to knit. And patterns of course.

MaryjoO said...

What inspires me to knit is traditional Scandinavian/Baltic/Norwegian/Fair Isle patterns ... and color!

These yarns look beautiful!

MicheleStitches said...

Texture, color and pattern all inspire me to knit. The tactile nature of knitting gives me immense pleasure. I enjoy the process and challenge of learning new techniques too. And on top of all that, I have a deep desire to create as well as a hard time just sitting. Keeping my hands busy and productive with a knitting project enables me to take a few moments from the busy-ness of my life as a wife and mother and relax.

Anonymous said...

Knitting is calming for me, and a very good thing to kill time (even if it doesn't need to be killed), my inspiration comes from all of the knitted items that I see in stores and online, among other places... Thinking to myself I can make that! The satisfaction is wonderful.

Parker said...

Im inspired by all the wonderful colors and patterns at my LYS, The Woolie Ewe. The fibers are amazing!(especially mohair). I am a young knitter(11yrs) I got hooked on knitting in 2nd grade and now I cant stop!

Acadia said...

I am inspired by the myriad of choices a knitter may make. The fibers, the colors and the tools are a feast for the eyes.

Stefaine said...

My inspiration comes from my Mother & Daughter. They learned how to knit together. I was determined not to pick up another hobby, but I got drawn in by the beauty of the fibers & the opportunity to spend time together. It's an amazing gift that three generations can share something incommon and all be passionate about it. We are truly blessed.

knitannepurl said...

What inspires me to knit is the wonderful yarn I use for a project and the outcome of what I knit. Once I start a new project, I can't wait to see the final outcome!

Stephanie said...

I am inspired by my friends and family who I love to knit for, and also by all of the beautiful patterns that I find in books and online. It's hard not to get lost looking at all of the gorgeous patterns on ravelry that I would love to knit.

Feride ErbaÅŸar said...

Freda says,

What inspires me to knit?

I am crazy about yarn. I am fascinated with yarn. I am passionate and sometimes lust after yarn, and you could say it is my drug. I dream about the textures, of running my fingers over and through a ball of yarn, of feeling the roughness like the bark on a tree, or something unbelievably soft and silky, leaving me in awe of how could this be! I fondle it, smell it, and hold it to my cheek, it is the epitome of pleasure. The colors are soft and romantic, even peaceful, or elegantly exploding in vibrant energetic tones, all echoing the beauty of nature. The yarns are thick and mysterious,

This is the biggest reason I get inspired to knit to create something that is unique with this beauty. While I am knitting I feel like I am knitting, my thoughts my feelings, everything that is inside of me coming out. The more I knit the more I feel relaxed.

BrownBerry said...

I'm inspired to knit by pictures of finished items and by the stories that knitters tell about them.

This collection is gorgeous!

Laura said...

What inspires me to knit.
I like to make things for family and friends. I also have a web store where I sell some handknit items.
I absolutly love this colection!

Suzanne said...

My family inspires me to knit. My grandmother taught me and now I knit in hopes of passing down this gift to my children. My daughters (16 & 9) both knit now! I love feeling that my grandmother's craft has not been abandoned.

leslie said...

I am inspired to knit by many forces - gift giving is probably the main force, but being able to learn or use a new technique also inspires me.

SusanB said...

What inspires me to knit? Seeing items others have knit (in catalogs, on the web, in books and magazines), seeing beautiful yarns, the satisfaction of seeing a project come to shape from my needles. It's like magic to begin with sticks and string and end up with something someone will wear or use, and maybe even treasure for years!

camphillpeaches said...

Bright colors really inspire me to knit. I enjoy knitting and crocheting for family and friends. I enjoy making them things that are not only bright but yummy to touch!!

Susana said...

What inspired me to knit was seeing my friends at work knit and talk on the phones at the same time. I dreaded working in customer service but now I can enjoy it because I can knit and talk on the phone at the same time.

Anonymous said...

The biggest knitting inspiration for me is some beautiful shawls that my great-great grandmother made while the family was still living in Scotland. The amount of work that went into them is just flabbergasting... My long (long, long) term goal is to be able to knit lace that light, beautiful and lasting.

Unknown said...

The biggest knitting inspiration for me is some beautiful shawls that my great-great grandmother made while the family was still living in Scotland. The amount of work that went into them is just flabbergasting... My long (long, long) term goal is to be able to knit lace that light, beautiful and lasting.

Anonymous said...

I am inspired to knit by the yarn. The feel and colorways of the yarn excite me!

SockPixie said...

When I knit, the person that I am knitting for is actually my inspiration.

lifgrenj said...

Beautiful yarns, the colors, the textures, the softness. Incredible knitting designers. If there is a new technique, I must acquire the skill. Then there is the inner need to knit, and see a project take form. Just too many reasons to knit. There will never be enough time to do it all.

galstudio said...

I am inspired to knit when I see all that wonderful yarn in beautiful colors.

Lauren Thompson said...

I am inspired by many people, places, and things. The crafters I see online inspire me to try new and interesting techniques and ideas. My family and friends inspire me to keep them warm. The farms where I live inspire me to sit outside and enjoy the warm sun while I create a lace shawl. My college dorm inspires me to create thick wool blankets. And, of course, the beautiful yarn inspires me to make beautiful projects

Unknown said...

My knitting inspiration comes from all directions, and then once in a while from none. But fortunately, the latter is rare and short-lived.

My biggest inspiration comes from seeing and touching great yarn. It can be a gorgeous lace weight or my most recent lust - a discontinued super bulky called Duotones by Big Sky Alpacas. I bought that yarn on sale online, and it came in a box with a bunch of other stuff, so I never really had the chance to explore it. Recently I picked it up and then literally could not put it down. I kept the hank by the side of my bed. I'd pet it as I watched TV. And it is the perfect yarn to knit a Twinkle hat that I've had my eye on for quite some time. I think my yardage of this one fantastic skein is a bit short, but I shall make it work!

The other inspiration for my knitting is wanting to give people I love something that I love. While this is perhaps the more noble inspiration, the other one makes a better story, doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

what inspires me to knit is all the colorful yarns and wonderful patterns. When I see really beautiful yarn it makes me want to knit something with it.

Jean said...

What inspires me to knit? Looking at all the patterns on Ravelry and looking at and petting all the beautiful yarn out there.

Jean in Maine(Rav ID)

ps.Thanks for sponsoring the LetsKnit2gether podcast.

Deborah Knight said...

We're really delighted to be sponsoring Let's Knit2Gether!

Nancy said...

I'm inspired to knit by other people's projects. Seeing things they've knit on Ravelry makes me want to pick up my needles and knit one for myself.

Thanks for sponsoring Lets Knit2gether. We watch for each episode to come out.

Aizome (Rav ID)

katerina said...

What inspires me to knit?

I think it's all the creative and beautiful patterns and yarns - I see something so wonderful and just want to replicate it!

Then it's learning and conquering a new skill - that's always exciting to me - makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something great :)

BTW, The Abbey Yarn shown on KL2Tog is just beautiful! Love the colorway!

Lisa said...

What inspires me to knit?
I find knitting to be a source of personal empowerment and improvement; I love learning about the knitting process, the techniques, all the varieties of yarn and patterns and the relationships between them. I love starting with a single continuous piece of string and ending up with a scarf that will keep a college student warm for the colder months of the year, or a pair of mittens for a loved one or a pair of socks to keep my toes toasty. I love watching the expressions of those who receive my knitted gifts as they say, “You made this? For me?” I find knitting to be a venue in which I can learn about myself, my abilities and creative processes and push myself beyond what is comfortable to a new and exciting level of expertise. I love learning about the language, the culture and the science of knitting. I’m intrigued by the history of knitting…I’m inspired by the generational connections made by knitting. I love sharing what little I know with others and inspiring them to learn to knit or to pick it up again. I'm inspired by others who knit, wanting to be like them. I’m inspired by the fact that knitting is different things to many different people.

Jen W said...

I'm often inspired by the enthusiasm another knitter had for a particular project. I'm also inspired to knit for another person because of a struggle they may be encountering. I find that when I knit for others, I end up constantly thinking of that person as the stitches flow off the needles--it become meditative and therefore (to me) inspiration in itself.

Anonymous said...

I am oten inspired by the fiber. Not only am I knitter but also a spinner so I first am drawn to the color and feel of the fiber, in eithr yarn or spinning roving or even on the sheeps back.I love the colors ways.

Michelle Wiser said...

The thing that really inspires me to knit or make any other handmade gift is being able to make something so special for someone that suits their likes and personality that they can actually use in every day life. I have never had a lot money to spend on gifts for family members, but my handmade items are always one of the biggest successes around the holidays. It's nice to know that it really is the thought that counts and knowing that you know someone well enough to make something they will really love.

PurlingOpeth said...

What inspires me to knit is seeing other people knit. Sometimes when life is stressful or depressing I forget how relaxing and enhancing knitting really is, and it takes a bit of a boost for me to remember.

beccagp said...

I'm a preschool teacher. I teach two to three year olds at an art and play based learning center. My kids inspire me to knit all the time. With my kids it's all about the process, and the product is just the by product of it. I see them in their constant, natural creative state and it inspires me to go to my natural creative state. I see them learning new things and it inspires me to learn new techniques and try new patterns.

~yolanda said...

I am inspired by the finished product and by the therapy that knitting provides for me. There are not many things that leave me with such a calm. I am also inpsired by the joy on the face of the recipient.

Tyler Bean said...

I am inspired to knit because i love to knit for people that really need the clothing i.e. the poor, homeless, etc. When I look at Cats videos I just love to knit along with her as she talks cause i live hearing her voice.