When many knitters are asked what knitter taught them to be more fearless about their knitting, to go their own way and figure things out on their own no matter what a pattern or knitting instructor might tell them to do, they'd probably mention Elizabeth Zimmermann as being that trailblazer for them.

But I'd wager a fair number mention Annie Modesitt, too, and her book Confessions of a Knitting Heretic, which aims to teach knitters that there is no one right way to knit; so long as you get a fabric you like in the end, you made it the right way.

That's a lesson that can be very liberating for knitters, and it certainly was for Modesitt, though it was a hard-won lesson learned only after taking years away from knitting in discouragement. Thank goodness for the rest of us she took it back up and wrote this handy book to remind us that knitting is supposed to be fun, that we're smarter than we know and that there are always new techniques to try (many of which she shares in her book).

This week's poll comes from another great post from the Make and Meaning blog about being comfortable when you craft. The author says she can't really be creative if she's dressed up, and she'd prefer not to be wearing shoes, makeup or jewelry when she's deep into a project.

I would always prefer to be without shoes, and since I do most of my knitting and other creative work at home, I usually am without shoes (and also in comfortable clothes) when I'm creating. But I've never given much thought to whether I work better, more creatively or more efficiently when I'm dressed a certain way. Maybe because I'm never dressed any other way these days.

How about you? I know a lot of people take their knitting to work; do you find you're more or less able to focus and do good work when you're dressed in officewear compared to, say, your pajamas? Or does it make no difference at all?

Let me know, and if you'd like to share your ideal crafting outfit, do so in the comments (mine would probably be flannel pajamas or my fleece yoga pants and a big long-sleeved T-shirt).

The mobius, or "infinity scarf," as the fashionable seem to call it, is a big fashion statement this winter, and with the cold weather seeming like it's going to hang around for a long time to come, there's still plenty of time to knit yourself one of these cool warmers.

The only trick to my Knit Mobius Scarf is making sure you twist the stitches on the circular needle when you join the work in the round, contrary to what you'd do any other time you're working with circular knitting.

This adds a twist to the knitting such that you can't tell which side is the front and which is the back, or where one ends and the other begins. It's a fun, quick knit and a nice look that will also keep you plenty warm if knit in a bulky wool like the one pictured. Stay warm out there, everyone!

Some of this week's book reviews are stepping into the wayback machine a bit, for books that have been on my shelf way too long or classic books that were written long before I started working on this website but are still very much worth a read.


Today's book, Suss Design Essentials, may be a little difficult to find these days (I found resale copies on Amazon and you can also buy direct from the author) but it's well worth it for fans of this designer known for her ready-to-wear designs.


The book includes 30 of her favorite or most popular patterns and has sweaters, tops, skirts, dresses, coats, capes and accessories. The finished projects often look rather simple but include design details that elevate the patterns to the intermediate or advanced skill levels. Knitters are sure to enjoy working these patterns and wearing the classic designs for years to come.