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Knitter's Spring has some noteworthy updates. This issue has industry defining icons in a newly designed project information column. The facts stack up.

Just before Knitter's School section you'll find bonus info on the new logos:

• Yarn weights are described objectively. Look for the new yarn weight icons on yarn packaging, and in other publications.
• Fit is defined clearly, including a measurement guide with sizing standards.
• Conversion charts, and more. . .

Did I mention the pattern on page 70? What a wonderfully cool and classy summer knit!

Here's what's happening in the Knitting Universe

Universe (homepage):

• You may be looking for the online, clickable card "A Knitter's Feast" shown in Knitter's Spring, on newsstands now. Look above the button bar on our homepage. Once there links in will direct you to yarnpacks, events and info relating to each element of the card.

Knitter's:

• This is where you choose Knitter's cover. Did you pick the winner?

Stitches Market:

• K70 Yarn packs are up for the picking! That is: Knitter's Magazine #70 (Spring 2003) "kits" are listed on StitchesMarket.com. Click on StitchesMarket to find a pack of yarn to go with your favorite Knitter's pattern.
  
  Yarn packs are also available for XRX Knitting book patterns!
  
  
• Note:StitchesMarket is the Knitter's Mall. Over a dozen vendors are available 24/7 to serve you, each with its own specialties and specials. You can shop them all in one place, have one easy check-out, and receive knitting goodies from all over!
  
  
• The Yarn Lady has Binario, Antico, and Shadow... FREE shipping for all Yarn Lady orders!

Events:

• I'm getting some great candids from you Stitches attendees! If you have any memorable shots from any past Stitches, email me a the photo for use in an ongoing Stitches Web Slide Show.

Community:

• Knitter's Online Swap has grown, but don't be overwhelmed. Use the handy SEARCH button at the bottom of the Knitter's Swap screen. You'll find everything you need, and even more that you never dreamed.

Books:

• Did you know: where you find Knitter's you'll also find Weaver's? XRX publishes not only the finest knitting books, but the finest weaving books. Look for all our great weaving titles here.

Knitter's kids:

• Dear Natalie,
  I just read the latest XRX Insider Newsletter and found the link to the Kids Knitting again. I have been unable to find my way there from the knitting universe home site. I have 2 nieces who I teach long distance and I frequently send them websites to check out, but I couldn't figure out how to direct them to yours.
  Could you please show something on the Knitting Universe to guide people there? Thank you.
  I love Knitters, KnitU, and all the friendly staff. Thanks for a great job.
  
  Carol Gardner
  
  Carol, I would be happy to oblige. On the Knitter's homepage there is now a link to Knitter's Kids. If you have any difficulty the URL is:<http://www.knittinguniverse.com/linkletter/knitkidnew.html>

Athena (goddess of handcrafts and wisdom):

• Send me your workshop information for our calendar.

Downloads:

• Quality patterns available for FREE download. Set your browser preferences to view/download PDF's--easy to view, easy to print. If you have any difficulty let me know.

Seen & Noted on KnitU

[5]
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2003 22:20:11 -0700
From: Joy
Subject: Thoughts on socks

Greetings from Colorado!
I've made socks from several different yarns, and thought my humble opinons might help someone considering trying socks.

I agree with other posters that it's a VERY good idea to try a small sample
sock with worsted weight yarn on size 5 or 6 (3.5 to 4 mm)needles first. Get some help when time comes to turn the heel. No matter whose instructions you use, they will make no sense; you have to SEE it.

I have found that socks made on needles bigger than Size 4 (3.25 mm) are not comfy on my sensitive feet. I can feel the stitch bumps, darn it! Size 4 or smaller makes a dense fabric that is sooo cozy.

I have tried to make socks with worsted weight cotton yarn. (Sugar N Cream) Ugh. No stretch. There is a cotton yarn that is 3% or 7% elastic, which a lot of folks in our area have loved, and I have tried it but if has TOO much stretch for me.

I've made socks from Brown Sheep's superwash wool. They feel great, if made on size 4 needles. Wash these by hand or VERY GENTLE machine. I've also used Brown Sheep's Handpaint on size 4 needles. Luxurious, but a little expensive as it took 5 hanks to make a pair of socks!
I've also used Brown Sheep's Wildfoote, 75%wool 25% nylon. Very nice. Use size 2 needles. Washable in regular laundry with cool water.
No, I don't work for Brown Sheep! I just have always liked their yarns.

Also have tried to make socks using Opal. Lovely stuff, but knitting on size 1 needles just drives me MAD. I'm trying one more time though; they have a cute colorway called Crocodiles that my son just *had* to have.

I think my favorite socks have been made from Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. A little pricey, on size 2 needles, but absolutely fabulous color and comfort.

Also really, REALLY liked working with Merino Gems yarn. (Made by the same folks who make Euroflax Linen yarn.) I knit my DH some socks using that yarn on size 2 needles. Took forever, but boy were they worth it! A normal human being should use size 3 or 4 needles with that yarn. My hubby wanted THICK socks, and he got 'em.

In summary, socks are NOT THAT HARD. If I had known how easy they are, I would have made hundreds of pairs by now, instead of a dozen or so. Don't put it off; find a class or good yarn shop and try it! Warm regards,
Joy in Colorado

You can respond to Joy by posting to KnitU.

___________________

Natalie Sorenson
XRX Web Editor

The previous XRX Insider Linkletter was posted February 25, 2003.