Hi there,
The response to our first issue of Verena Knitting has been phenomenal!! Here in New York City, it’s difficult to find a remaining copy on a newsstand. Thank you so much for being a part of our exciting international adventure.
I can’t wait until you see the next issue of Verena Knitting. I’ve received scads of beautiful photography from Europe. The designs for fall are absolutely stunning!! I can’t reveal too much right now, but check back on this site in a couple of weeks for a preview of the designs from the Fall 2008 issue. You really won’t be able to live without it—the designs are that exciting. Right now, we’re translating the instructions and having them edited so they’re US knitter-friendly. I’ll let you know when to expect the Fall issue on the newsstand, but I hope you’re considering a subscription.
I know that some of you had to sit on your wallet for an extended period when you saw the premier issue of Verena on the newsstand before receiving the first issue of your subscription. We apologize for the discomfort that must have created and would like to assure you that the problem has been resolved.
TNNA
I attended TNNA (The National NeedleArts Association), a trade show, at the beginning of June. So much beautiful yarn—precious little time. Local yarn shop owners stopped by our booth and were so encouraging. Many said that Verena Knitting is just what they need to inspire their knitters.
Knitting
I’ve been knitting Pattern #43 from the Summer issue. I’m not usually a knitting-needle-No. 3-girl (the size I have to use to get the gauge), but I loved the design so much I decided to take the plunge. (I usually refuse any needle smaller than a No.7.) Surprisingly (to me ), I’m enjoying these delicate needles. I’m using the recommended yarn (Schachenmayr “Micro Bamboo Spray” in a different color: #00256—a light blue-green). The resulting fabric is so light and soft. I love it! So far, I’ve got the back and one sleeve done, and I’m almost finished with the front. As I was making it, I discovered an error in the pattern—horrors!—and posted the correction on this site. (See Corrections on the horizontal menu bar.) Hope I can get this one completed before summer’s over.
Lenguaje
I’m enjoying your comments and questions and try to answer as quickly as I can. One reader wanted to know how to ask for the yarn department or a yarn store in Spanish. I’ve been asking around and the word for “yarn” seems to depend on where you live. Hilo doesn’t seem quite right because it’s the word for “thread.” Estambre is another word that’s sometimes used. Any native speakers who can help us out?
Which brings me to another question: Do you think there would be any interest in a Spanish language version of Verena Knitting here in the US? Any thoughts?
Meet Anna
Also keeping us out of the pool hall is our next new arrival from Europe: Anna. As I mentioned in a previous entry, Anna will include embroidery, cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, home sewing and selected crafts. It’s going to be a very fresh, updated look at the needlearts. With Verena and Anna (sounds like a sisters’ night-club duo, doesn’t it?), all the desires of “the creative and curious multi-crafter” will be fulfilled.
Reading
Right now, I’m reading Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma. I’m using a phrase from his earlier book, In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto, in place of a complicated diet plan: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” It’s good advice indeed for someone who spends most of her time typing, knitting and sitting on her you-know-what.
Verena hopes you’ll get a chance to meet Anna.
All the best,
Val