Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Anatomy of a Kit

Some kits, like the Oregon Tweed socks above, are pretty straightforward. The yarn from PicoAccuardi Dyeworks is a no-brainer for me as are the LaurelHill needles. I love introducing folks to both of these companies and we use their stuff in our kits because they're just my favorite materials to work with. The pattern in this case is mine so it creates a simple kit to put together, test and get to market!

As you can see by all the bits and bobs here, the Snowflake Bookmark is another one of our kits, but it takes a bit more to come together. This is a kit that's truly inspired by the first "counted" needlepoint kit I ever purchased in Scotland, so many years ago. We wind off just the right amount of each color, plus a little, cut the canvas, backing and give you a couple of needles. Then there's the pattern. I love to graph my patterns for needlework and knitting in Knit Visualizer.

The draw to kits for me is straight from my childhood. I remember ripping open a box, counting all the pieces, the strands, the parts of a needlework kit and diving in. It's still that way for me. About 6 months ago I found the original 1950's loom that I learned in, boxed and waiting for me on Ebay. It was not to be! Heartbroken but still searching for that memorabilia to add to my collection, I am trying to create kits for others that inspire.

Tell me about your first kit love!