Room with a view
Originally uploaded by plainsight

I’m far from home this week working with together with other fiber writers to discover and share our ideas about writing and producing knitting and crochet books. We’re in a beautiful setting in the San Juan Islands, and while we’re working quite intently, it’s wonderful to be able to stop and take in the surroundings.

Everyone in the group seems excited about and impressed with the new magazine Living Crafts–the second issue came out recently, and has some lovely pieces: an article by Clara Parkes about organic cotton yarn; an essay by Elizabeth Seward about spinning, and its place in modern life; as well as some spring projects for kids to enjoy and make including knitted bunnies, fluffy wool butterflies and knitted flower children.

I spoke with editor Pardis Amirshahi recently about the magazine and it’s focus. She has a very clear vision, and says, “Living Crafts is about classic crafts, things that have a long history and ought to be preserved.” Making things was a natural part of life in Pardis’ family growing up and that history serves as inspiration for the magazine. Pardis focuses on projects that can be made with and for children, and on crafts that involve natural materials.

Room with a view