OK, so someone on Flickr has made knit dolls recreating scenes from the cult classic Dawn of the Dead. Of course they’re very cool.

But what’s even cooler? BoingBoing–the place to get linked if you’re anybody in blogland has a post about the dolls and their creator. I love to see fiber art noticed in the mainstream press. Thanks BoingBoing! (Oh, and it was my non-knitting brother who turned me onto the knit zombies–John is my resource for what’s on the technological cutting edge.) John says today BoingBoing linked to knitty’s article about making your own breast prosthesis (or “tit bits”) Maybe boingboing’s getting crafty! (John says it’s because knitting has “geek chic.”)

In other news, I have a new pattern published in the brand new MenKnit magazine! It’s a hip new publication for and about men who knit. While I don’t think it’s any harder for men to knit than women (and therefore no more remarkable) there is a clear absence of fashionable patterns out there for men to knit or wear, and MenKnit has set out to correct that problem–they’ve got lots of cool patterns including some great socks; an update on the classic “muscle tank” and a cool shadow knit scarf. The zine is published in PDF form. I love that because the patterns are formatted for printing. I don’t know about you, but I don’t usually knit in front of the computer. You can download the zine here.

Technorati Tags: knitting pattern bicycle dawn of the dead
flickr

When it comes to knitting needles, bamboo are usually my first choice. They’re lightweight, smooth, easy to use and more affordable (and I assume more of a renewable resource) than hardwood. When it comes to crochet, however, I’ve not been as happy with bamboo. It’s true, they’re lightweight, and they have a nice, warm feel. But, I’m used to the indentation that aluminum, steel and even plastic needles have.

So, after hearing me fuss about this forever, James grabbed my bamboo hook and his file and made me a nice little indentation on each side. It’s a great improvement and only took him about five minutes! (I’d post a picture, but it’s almost impossible to see the difference)

I’d love to hear what you’re favorite hooks are–when I’m not using my newly modified bamboo hooks, I like the Crystallites the best because they’re lightweight and “softer” than metal. (Not to mention the cool colors!)

Just a quick note–the latest issue of crochet me is out (with a slick new site design). I have an article called “Refresh Your Wardrobe” about transforming ready-to-wear garments with crochet. (For instance, I turned an old pair of jeans belonging to my daughter into a skort.)

Let me know if you try this project–if you send me a picture, I’ll post it here on the blog.

Stripe, the new fall contribution from Trendsetter Yarns is a generous 100g ball of chunky 100% wool. The stripes in question come in earthy hues and appear at varying widths througout the yarn. Stripe comes in seven colorways–my favorite, 1661, is an earthy rainbow combining tones from all the other colors.

The yarn knits quickly and easily on US10 needles. It looks beautiful in stockinette–but the stripes also do very interesting things when worked in garter stitch or crocheted.

Trendsetter has so far produced six patterns for the yarn, and it retails for about $17.00–online you can find it at Yarn Lady or Great Yarns.

Care instructions specify hand-wash, so I’m assuming the yarn will felt. After making Jay’s baby hat, there’s plenty left over, so I’ll probably make mittens to match.