Say What? For those of you who do not knit, DPNS may be a new word. It’s actually an anacronym for Double Pointed NeedleS. These are knitting needles which have points on both ends (instead of just one end) and are only about 8″ long. I LOVE working on DPNS!
They are used for knitting in the round, meaning that you work around in a circle, rather than back and forth on a flat, rectangular piece. They allow you to create hats, tubular scarves, sweaters and sleeves without seaming, handbags and all kinds of other rounded shapes. My recent craze is knitting these awesome bird’s nests and eggs:
Aren’t they fun?? I can’t decide which I love most…the PROCESS of making them or the END RESULT! Both are de-light-ful!! Being a crocheter as well, I’ve often thought that it was only in crochet where you could begin in the middle of a circle and work your way out. BUT NO! These eggs and nests have showed me how simple it is to start at one “end” of an egg, increase to the desired circumference, and then decrease to the other end. All in one piece! Then the nest is really the same concept! You just squash one half of the “egg” shape down into the other half and voila! You have a nest! So, so fun to make.
If any of you are knitters and you want to make this, click here for the FREE pattern from Purl Soho. It is off of their blog, the Purl Bee, which is one of my absolute favorite spots for inspiration and patterns (both free and for purchase) for knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, etc. It is visually one of the most beautiful craft blogs on the web! As an artist, I adore feasting my eyes on how they have photographed the creations and the type of projects they seem to choose are wonderful.
Oh my…in linking you to The Purl Bee, I see a Big Cuddly Bunny I’ve just gotta make for Maddie! And I have THIS PATTERN on order for more bunnies…so full of character, I just can’t resist!! Drawings and photos forthcoming!!!!!
As someone who totally and completely lacks any creative/artistic ability whatsoever, I am amazed and impressed at people who can do things like this! Glad we have artists in the world. Beautiful work, Jennifer! 🙂
Thank you Amanda! That is a lovely compliment I will take with me all day today! Can’t wait to see Elijah soooonnn!!!
I love that drawing! Awesome. 🙂
The eggs are too cute, but it looks likes the kind of project that I would never finish! I can’t stand knitting more than once.
Love DPNS!
And these eggs.
Love the lingo lesson 🙂 And your drawing is really cool! Those eggs are amazing!!! 🙂 So fun for Easter!
There is also, “Theater In The Round”.
I love to knit, too, and these eggs and nests are very sweet! nancy
Love the composition and the colors! Details are awesome too
Love the painting and I admire your knitting talents!
I am a circular needle person myself, but oh my gosh, I love your drawing of the DPNs in action … they confuse the heck out of me in real life and I cannot imagine how you captured exactly how they look plus the yarn too. The eggs are such fun, I will be checking out the pattern. Will let you know how they work on circs!
Ah, I’m so glad you defined dpns! I thought maybe it was short for ‘Depends’ or something! LOL…anyway, lovely sketch as usual!
wonderful composition, love all those strong lines – very exciting illustration.