{"id":10109,"date":"2013-04-27T09:23:14","date_gmt":"2013-04-27T16:23:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/osbornz.net\/amy\/?p=10109"},"modified":"2013-04-27T09:21:45","modified_gmt":"2013-04-27T16:21:45","slug":"4kcbwday6-knitcompanion-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/osbornz.net\/amy\/?p=10109","title":{"rendered":"4KCBWDAY6: KnitCompanion App"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s topic went like this\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/b><\/p>\n

Day Six (Saturday April 27th): A Tool To Covet<\/b>
\nWrite about your favourite knitting or crochet (or spinning, etc) tool. It can either be a tool directly involved in your craft (knitting needles or crochet hook) or something that makes your craft more pleasurable \u00e2\u20ac\u201c be it a special lamp, or stitch markers.<\/p>\n

Is it an item that you would recommend to others, and if so for which applications\/tasks do you think it is most suited. Conversely, do you have a tool\/accessory that you regret buying? Why does it not work for you?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I have many of the normal knitting\/crochet tools, however it is knitting apps which have affected my knitting the most in recent years. \u00c2\u00a0I have tried various apps on my iPod and iPad, but the one that made the biggest difference is called KnitCompanion<\/a>. \u00c2\u00a0It also holds the record for the most money I’ve ever spent on one app. \u00c2\u00a0But it has definitely been worth the cost and more to me! \u00c2\u00a0 \u00c2\u00a0It is $15.99 Yes, that is a lot. \u00c2\u00a0But I am worth it! \u00c2\u00a0This program does so much I’m afraid my review won’t be able to share it all, but I will try to share my favorite parts.<\/p>\n

Basically, this app allows me to manipulate PDF patterns in any way I want to – without having to print them out. \u00c2\u00a0In the old days, I would print out the patterns, enlarge the charts (if possible) and then I had to keep notes on where I was, tally marks in the sidebar to help me track my repeats and row counter. \u00c2\u00a0If I wanted to knit this item again, I had to print another copy and do it all again. \u00c2\u00a0But now with KnitCompanion, I take some extra time before I start knitting to set up my pattern and I can do all these things in my iPad and still have the pattern available to use again. \u00c2\u00a0Another benefit to setting up my pattern in KnitCompanion is that I really read through my pattern before I knit so I am not surprised by anything in the pattern (that is no fun!)<\/p>\n

KnitCompanion allows me to break down my pattern into sections. \u00c2\u00a0I can add row counters, stitch markers, highlight my size throughout the pattern, make notes (verbal or typed) as needed and so much more. \u00c2\u00a0Also, the creator has made video tutorials for this app that are a HUGE help in learning how to use this app.<\/p>\n

Something new that I haven’t take advantage of yet, is the Designer series. \u00c2\u00a0Patterns from designers like Lucy Neatby<\/a>,\u00c2\u00a0Donna Druchunas<\/a> and the Cooperative Press Collection<\/a> are combined with the app. I believe the patterns are all set up for you so you can instantly start knitting with this awesome tool. \u00c2\u00a0They are priced between $16-20 to date. I’ve got these on my short list for my birthday – ooh, Mother’s Day is coming!! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Another new program is the kClub <\/a>– from their site: \u00c2\u00a0a unique annual club that brings together leading designers, fiber artists and crafters using technology to provide a live and interactive experience before only possible in person. It includes\u00c2\u00a0Designer\u00c2\u00a0Spotlights<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0where four leading designers and fiber artists have created\u00c2\u00a0unique projects\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>for the club to explore during the year. \u00c2\u00a0There are also\u00c2\u00a0KALs<\/strong>,\u00c2\u00a0Special Events<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0and deep-dive\u00c2\u00a0knitCompanion sessions<\/strong>. kClub is an annual subscription and runs April-March. \u00c2\u00a0<\/em>Sounds like fun! \u00c2\u00a0Annual membership is $59.<\/p>\n

If you aren’t techy, this program might be too much for you. \u00c2\u00a0I won’t lie. \u00c2\u00a0But if you have patience and love to learn, you will be so glad you tried this program! \u00c2\u00a0I bought it a year ago thinking I would just use it for lace, but I use it for everything! No more dog-eared, dirty patterns in my knitting bag! Just my iPad, yarn and needles!<\/p>\n

Tech makes me a happy gal! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Observant readers will notice I didn’t post yesterday. \u00c2\u00a0The challenge was to post in a different way. \u00c2\u00a0Suggest options were to vlog, audio blog or wordless. \u00c2\u00a0I simply didn’t have time to explore\/learn something new and I decided not doing one post wouldn’t be the end of the world. \ud83d\ude09<\/h3>\n

*** If you want to read more posts from the Knit & Crochet Blog Week, Day 6, just search for\u00c2\u00a04KCBWDAY6 in the search engine of your choice! ***<\/p>\n

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