Once upon a time there were three pigs–siblings, as it happened–who went forth from the security of their mother’s straw-filled pen to seek their fortunes. The first little pig, Wilma, was elegant and neat as a new pin. She loved arranging things tidily in rows: shoes, books, other pigs. She loved pleasant journeys that began…

‘Tis the season for Ugly Christmas Sweater parties at offices & homes around the country. This silly tradition has blossomed in the last few years. Numerous websites boast the ‘ugliest’ sweaters of all, with categories like ‘3D’ and ‘Naughty’. There’s also the inviting ‘Sweater Customizer’ so you can wear your heart on your sleeve (and…

Writer, illustrator, and knitter Franklin Habit joins us for his monthly column featuring humor and insights into a yarncrafter’s life. I will have you know, ladies and gentleman, that my life–the life of the professional knitter–is not the yarn-addled conga line of joy you perhaps envision. True, I am not digging ditches in the pouring…

Continued from Jack and the Yarnstalk: A Slightly Longer Yarn Jack proudly presented his mother with the stolen sheep. Her delight was, at best, moderate. “She’s a nice enough little thing,” said his mother. “But we have no ram, and I have no spinning wheel; so I shall sell her come next market day and she…

As a new knitter I remember being confused not only by patterns, but by trying to read through online forums where more experienced knitters were chatting. Had I “spoken” up I’m sure I would have received guidance, however, I was too shy for that and silently tried to interpret the lingo they were slinging around.

Writer, illustrator, and knitter Franklin Habit joins us for his monthly column featuring humor and insights into a yarncrafter’s life. Once upon a time there was a little girl who was called Goldilocks. Mind you, her birth certificate said Charlene; but as a mere tot she grew so enamored of her long, curly yellow hair…

Writer, illustrator, and knitter Franklin Habit joins us for his monthly column featuring humor and insights into a yarncrafter’s life. If you are of a romantic turn of mind (I am) and a history buff (ditto), at some time in your armchair travels back in time you will have encountered an obsolete variety of social…

Writer, illustrator, and knitter Franklin Habit joins us for his monthly column featuring humor and insights into a yarncrafter’s life. “Now then, Little Red Knitting Hood,” said Mother, “You must be a brave girl and take this basket of beautiful yarn to your grandmother who lives on the other side of the forest. Alas, she…

Writer, illustrator, and knitter Franklin Habit joins us for his monthly column featuring humor and insights into a yarncrafter’s life. I was sitting in an airline lounge, waiting for a flight home from a teaching trip, when a complete stranger got up from his laptop and gin and came over to look at my knitting.…

Writer, illustrator, and knitter Franklin Habit joins us for his monthly column featuring humor and insights into a yarncrafter’s life. I am sick. Oh, how sick I am. I type this to you feebly, feverishly; lying prone on a bed that I feel sure by now is half-composed of used tissues. When I breathe out,…