Book Signing At The Tangled Web

The Tangled Web was thrilled to host a book signing event for Adrienne Martini, author of "Sweater Quest-My Year of Knitting Dangerously". Adrienne chronicled a year long endeavor to knit "the Holy Grail of sweaters-her own Mary Tudor". The group was enthralled by Martini's discussion and reading, which guided us through her adventure from initial color choices to the final steps of steeking. For those who might be unfamiliar with the term, steeking is a technique in which you cut, yes cut, your finished knitting. It is also an idea that makes some of us reach for our smelling salts.

By the end of the event we all felt like very close friends. Adrienne was warm and welcoming and was happy to jot special notes in each persons book and answer questions about her adventure.

A great big thanks to Adrienne for making the event possible and to all those who came out to support her and The Tangled Web.

If you were unable to attend the event it's not too late as we still have several signed copies available for purchase. Here are a few photos of the event and Adrienne's finished masterpiece.

Lunch and Learn Success Story

Check out these adorable "Big Fish - Little Fish" vests knit by Susan Spangler for some lucky little boys in her life. She was very excited to tell me that she used a three needle bind off to join the shoulders, duplicate stitch to embroider the fishies and invisible seaming to join the side seams. All of these techniques were new to Susan but she has been a faithful participant in our Wednesday, "Lunch and Learn" series and was able to use all her new found skills in creating these wonderful vests.

Way to go, Susan!

Lunch and Learn sessions are held every Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:30. Call the shop for details and upcoming topics.

Sundress for Lauren

Hot off the press. Whew! And just in time for 90 degree weather.

I have been promising Lauren something knitted for much too long. Second child syndrome, you know. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to knit her a tank top (short and sweet, job done) Well then the tank top turned into a dress. Not so short but very, very sweet.

Lauren just loves it. She's actually a little annoyed with me because I stole her dress from the closet to photograph and put on display for a time.

Any tank top pattern will do. This one took 2 skeins of Cotton Classic and only a yard of cotton fabric. Catherine from Fabrics on the Hill was so helpful in choosing the fabric. Thanks Catherine. The biggest investment was time which I forgot all about the minute that Lauren tried it on.

Book Signing at The Tangled Web

"Sweater Quest - My Year of Knitting Dangerously"
By Adrienne Martini

For Adrienne Martini, and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters-her own Mary Tudor, whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experienced knitters.

The sweater, Martini explains, "is a knitter's Mount Everest, our curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you."

And so she took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband-without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle. A wooly Julie and Julia, this epic yarn celebrates the profound joys of creating-and aspiring to-remarkable achievements.

Join us in welcoming Adrienne Martini to The Tangled Web on Wednesday, May 26th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.