I was a quilter long before I became a knitter, so now I'm totally hooked on the idea of sort of combining the two. Well, thanks to you! And yes, even without kids, we are a home of simple and practical rather than elegant and knick-knacky. Now, must go find that book. Good luck with your project, can't wait to see what you do there.

Now I have to have that book! Thanks for bringing it to our attention. I agree, there is just something very compelling about blankets. I can't stop making them either.

I don't think tulle would keep the teapot very warm, but I still want to make it!

You're right, Lindsey, it's not even practical and I want to make it!! :D

Sounds like a classic teapot should be your Valentine's Day present this year! I like the looks of the Knight book, too. I am not a ruffly, lacy person and most of the books go for that vantage point.

I love that throw on the cover too! Is it made from Rowan Denim? I tried finding that book from the KnitPicks site so that I can see more pictures ... but they don't have it yet! But it would be worth just buying it for that throw!

Hmm hey we reviewed the same book today!! I loved it too! Already made one project!!

I love that blanket also. I think that it is a natural progression, toys and clothes to blankets...they are all functional. That is what we need, as Mama's to young children. If it's not functional, it will be destroyed very quickly :)

am i the only person who does not understand the purpose of a tea cozy? really...what does it do? does it keep the pot warm? or does it just make the pot look like it's in a dress?

Love that quilt. If you do make it you must share pictures, and how hard it is (or isn't). I'm a new knitter and I love it. I'd also really like to sew but haven't gotten brave enough yet!!

hey there!!

Do you know when round 5 for sockopolooza will start?? juuuuuuuuuuuust wonderin'

Oh, I've been dying to make a hexagon quilt too! I *think* there may be a way to piece hexagons by machine rather than by hand... The knitted hexagon blanket is beautiful. You have a good eye!

You could make the beautiful tea cozy and put it on a crappy teapot and voila -- beautiful teapot. But make it out of washable fabric.

As for why a tea cozy -- yes, it keeps the tea hot longer. I almost always use one as at Colorado's altitude hot water boils at a lower temp and cools off much quicker than at sea level. Admittedly I use a commercial cozy (bad knitter) but I have the yarn to make the wonderful modern tea cozy in Knit: Handmade Style by Diana Crossing. That counts, right?

I'll have to check out Erika Knight's Classic Knits at Home -- I love her Classic Knits:15 timeless designs.

That tea cozy cracks me up! I think that would probably shrivel up and melt away of its own accord if it were exposed to the level of testosterone in this house (husband, brother, three boys...and me). Do you suppose there's a pattern for a leather one in that book? With studs, if at all possible.

I love that tea cozy. I have a few beautiful tea pots that I could display, but they are on the highest shelf (where no one can see them). All of the not-completely-functional is hidden, so there is just no point in gussying it up.

Your'e right that quilt is gorgeous!!! Can't wait to see what you come up with...

We sophists think too much.

Just embrace the urge, Alison.

With all that functionality there's the frivolous side just screaming to get out.

Set her free, Alison, set her free.

Hey, if you're gonna make a hexagon quilt, you might want to consider "quilt Patis". I saw them demonstrated on "Simply Quilts". I bought a few packs and have a grandmother's flower garden well underway. It's perfect hand work.

I like the idea of felting some sweaters and cutting some hexagons. That would make the project go a whole lot faster, and make it a lot more interesting.I do make pillows because they always come in handy.We never have enough blankets and throws.

I picked up another Erika Knight book 'Simple Knits with a Twist' at a local discount store and it's got some really neat patterns. There's one for a patchwork blanket that I've been meaning to get to, but now I think I like the hexagon one better. I'm never going to be 'finished' knitting if these designers keep making new projects! Anyway, in the book I have, there are a lot of patterns combining commercial fabrics and hand-knit ones. There are also quite a few patterns using unusual materials, like wire (for bowls and napkin rings) and tulle (for a purse) and even cut-up shopping bags. Very funky, very cool, very fun.

I'll have to check that one out, Jess. Thanks for the tip that there's some cool fabric/knit combos in there!

I´ll have to check out Classic knits at home. I have her Simple Crochet book and it is great. It should be called Elegant crochet. It´s all about making classic pieces for you home/kitchen with just simple crochet stitches. Plus, she uses alternative string, like craft supply stuff, leather and hemp.