In-Depth Review of Knitting Yarn

Knitter's Review
November 5, 2009

Sweet Fern mitts and aunt Judy's dogwood

Perched in the Atlantic ocean six miles off the coast of Maine's Mt. Desert Island, Swan's Island has a year-round population of 350 people, no Starbuck's, no stores, and no real source of entertainment except its stunningly beautiful natural surroundings.

In the early 1990s, two burnt-out Boston lawyers named John and Carolyn Grace moved to the island in pursuit of a quieter, more genuine life. They set up a small weaving studio using local wool, perfected their trade, and by 1996 their Swans Island Blankets won a Smithsonian Blue Ribbon for Craft.

Ten years later, the company took on new partners and relocated its operations to a 1780 farmhouse in the coastal town of Northport. Change has not dimmed the museum-quality of each blanket produced, but it has brought new possibilities for those of us who like to make our own blankets. Meet Swans Island Certified Organic Merino yarn.

A London Yarnbombing
What happens when writer Mark Thomas joins the London Guerrilla Knitters for a midnight yarnstorming mission in the London Docklands? I'll give you a hint: the next morning, William Pye's shiny metal sculpture The Curlicue was far less shiny and much more colorful. You can read all about his adventure in The Observer.

In the Forum: Touching Base
Remember way back in January when we were making bold knitting declarations for the New Year? Well, it's November now. How are those resolutions holding up?

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As always, I thank you for your readership and your support.

Happy knitting, and I'll see you in the Forums!