Donna Druchunas's Blog

I have moved my blog and website into one site. Please visit the main domain at sheeptoshawl.com

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I hope you will think that I have as well. I just got my advance copy of Successful Lace Knitting, published by Martingale & Company. This book, more than any of my others, is the work of a team. Whereas fabulous designers like NIcki Epstein may have assistant researchers help them with the background information for their books, my strengths lie in the research and the writing. I am an adequate, but not a phenomenally talented designer. (No, I'm not begging for flattery; I'm being brutally honest.) So for this book, I had over twenty of today's most talented designers create an array of projects that blew me away when I saw the finished pieces. Each designer received a chart from one of Dorothy Reade's original lace stitches and let their imaginations run wild. The resulting collection includes socks, shawls and stoles, sweaters, home decor items, and more.

My tech editor, the book and cover designer, the illustrator, and the photographer also contributed to the beauty of this book. I am always completely surprised to see how my manuscript and sloppy sketches are transformed into a gorgeous book, and in this case I am more surprised than ever. I could not be happier with the results.

What makes this book even more special to me, is the fact that it is a tribute to a designer whose amazing work and contribution to American knitting history is often overlooked. The subtitle of the book "celebrating the work of Dorothy Reade" tells it all. Before the projects are presented, I have included a short biography of Dorothy Reade, focusing on her accomplishments as a knitter and spinner. I've also included excerpts from her written works, so she can share her knitting philosophy and techniques with you directly.

There's more from both Dorothy Reade and the designers that will be coming up on my website soon, too!

For now, here's a quick peek at what's inside: You can see all of the projects on my facebook fan page and soon on Ravelry as well.

Can you even believe it's already April, and the month is slipping away as we watch? Before you know it, I'll be in Europe again! (In 2 months and 3 days, to be precise, I will be back on Greenwich Mean Time.)

I'm teaching a few workshops at the end of April at the 4th Annual Denver Fiber Fiesta, and if you want to get into the classes, now's the time to sign up.



I'm teaching Big Needle Lace, Lithuanian Sock Heels & Toes, and Lithuanian Beaded Wristers. More info below the fold. I hope to see you there!

Pre-order Successful Lace Knitting

Twenty-five percent of all of my profits from pre-sales of Successful Lace Knitting will be donated to help The Musk Ox Farm in Alaska. Get your signed copy today and help a good cause! The book will be out in mid-May.

This book presents not only a beautiful collection of patterns but also a fascinating biography of Dorothy Reade, arguably the mother of modern lace knitting. It’s a must-have for any knitter who appreciates lace! Discover techniques and patterns developed by Reade in the 1960s as you create gorgeous projects featuring completely modern designs.

Offers more than 20 exquisite patterns for everything from scarves and stoles to sweaters and socks to items for home decor

Features a wide range of styles from top designers such as Annie Modesitt, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, and Evelyn A. Clark

Presents a “now I get it” approach to using charts and knitting lace

Look inside the book.

Learn more about the farm.

I recently found this on Ravelry:

Dear Ravelry Community,

I am the Granddaughter of John Teal Jr, the man who domesticated the Musk Oxen and started a market for its amazing and exotic wool, Qiviut.

Our non-profit farm in Palmer Alaska is in great danger of being sold and dissolved, and I am doing everything in my power to keep it going as a sustainable and viable operation.

But I need help. I have to raise funds to prevent the sale, to keep the grazing land of our herd of 55 Musk Oxen, and to prove to the board that our project is valuable to the greater community. The knitting and fiber community is an important part of our support network.

Please help save the farm and make a donation today!

Any amount will make a difference.

Thank you!

Quill Teal-Sullivan
Granddaughter of John Teal Jr.