My first visit to Lithuania (& England)
On my first trip to Europe, I went to England and Lithuania. This post is about how those two places connected for me. I had a fabulous time in England, but Lithuania had a much bigger impact on me. All of these trips have fed into the depth of Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions, even though not all of.. read more →
Countdown to Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions
On April 15th, I am opening the pre-orders on my newest book, Lithuanian Knitting Continuing Traditions on Pubslush, a crowdfunding platform for books. I’ll also be offering a free preview of the book including three patterns. To celebrate the completion of this eight-year-long project, I am going to be reposting some of my favorite blog posts about.. read more →
The DNA of families and socks
I’m writing an essay about DNA and sock techniques — how you can learn about history and culture from looking at the way a traditional sock has been made. I started this essay as an exploration of the history of cuff-down and toe-up socks and it has turned into so much more. It’s got bits.. read more →
Simple Socks
When it comes to socks, I like the simplest ones best. Yes, like you, I’m attracted to beautiful designs with colorwork, lace, cables, and unusual heel and toe shapes. I knit all of these socks for fun. But the socks I wear are simple socks with ribbing and stockinette stitch and an easy heel and toe… read more →
Want to Design Lace? Join me in September!
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED. One of my favorite classes I teach is Design Your Own Lace Stitches. I’m teaching a special 2-day version of this class at Fiber College of Maine on September 3rd and 4th, and there are still openings! Sign up today! In this class we cover both the artistic and technical.. read more →
Knitting Collections in Russia
I’ve been to Lithuania many times and have had wonderful opportunities to see knitting collections in large and small museums. A few years ago, at the Mile High Lace Knitting Conference in Denver, I was talking to Galina Khmeleva, author of Gossamer Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and expert on Russian lace knitting, and.. read more →
Art History and Knitting: Marc Chagall
In Stories In Stitches 3, I tried a new experiment. I included a bit of art history! One of the projects, the Flying Fish Knee High Socks, were inspired by a pair of socks made in Belarus in the early 20th century, with colors inspired by the artwork of Marc Chagall, an artist who was born.. read more →
1000 paper cranes
On the packaging for Stories In Stitches 3, I stamped a crane and the word “Peace” in Japanese. If you ordered one of the limited edition copies, you’ll find an envelope tucked in your book with origami paper and an origami crane. This is my wish for peace in the world. The crane is sacred in Japan.. read more →
Knitting a in WWII POW Camp
This is based on one of my first articles for Piecework magazine. I thought about putting it into Stories In Stitches 3, but decided to keep my stories focused on my own family history. But this story is too amazing not to share again, so here it is. Knitting with Pot Handles Isn’t for Sissies Add.. read more →
My Artist Profile
Want to know what makes me tick? Here’s an interview with Fiber College of Maine, where I’ll be teaching this fall. Can you imagine being able to combine your many passions — knitting, history, travel, writing, and teaching — to custom-make a perfect career for yourself? Meet Donna Druchunas; she’s done it her way!.. read more →
