Superhero Masks, Maker Faire, and Shirts

Introducing the Mask Kits!

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I designed these superhero mask kits and the free freeform mask pattern because it’s my not-so-secret plan to dominate the world by making superhero masks into the new sock. I think they’re as fun and addictive as socks, and with less chance of Second Sock Syndrome.

At the Knit and Crochet Show in Portland last week, I launched these adorable masks, to great applause and appreciation (and, I’ll admit, more than a few weird looks). One of my friends is a photographer and brought his camera along to take snapshots of knitters posing as superheroes. Those pictures are available on Flickr for your enjoyment.

The mask kits cost $12 in the Handknit Heroes store, and they come with the yarn, pattern, and red lenses to make the masks. These are really fun masks to make and wear, and they’re also a terrific gift for the superhero-loving knitter or cosplayer in your life. They’re an intermediate knitting pattern; if you know how to pick up stitches, do some basic increases, and knit an icord, you’ll be able to make this mask.

Meanwhile, I’m sad to report that the free Secret Identity Mask pattern as a postcard has been removed from our web store. We discovered that, despite my best efforts in designing it, the post office mangles it so you can’t actually read the pattern. Not to worry, though– Marc and I are working on a redesign for the card that will be available shortly. In the meantime, you can still download the pattern through Ravelry or in the online store.

We’ll be at Maker Faire 09!

Next weekend (May 30-31), I’ll be at Maker Faire, moving one step closer to that world domination plan! I’m presenting a crochet demo on Saturday afternoon at 1 PM in the TNNA booth. My demo teaches how to create a superhero mask in freeform crochet. If you’re in the San Francisco area, come by the San Mateo County Expo Center to learn more. Even if you don’t knit or crochet, come to the fair– it’s fun and you can learn right there on the spot!

T-Shirts: Back in Stock!

The good news is, the T-Shirts are back in stock! I returned from the show with plenty left for you all!

The bad news is, we’re sold out of the plus sizes and almost all of the youth sizes! This is good news for us, but not so great if you’re a little kid or a big grown-up! The XL size is still available– it fits me, and I wear a size 18 top. We’re out of the Youth Small sizes and Youth Large– I recommend going one size up on those and have the kid grow into them. The Youth Large wasn’t much smaller in size than an Adult Small, so you’ll be OK going up a size with those.

New Stores!

While I was in Portland, I signed up a bunch of new shops who now carry Handknit Heroes, including Powell’s Books for Home and Garden! As always, check the Shop Locator page for the store nearest you!

Shout Outs!

Vogue Knitting and Knit.1 both feature Handknit Heroes this month! Wow! I had completely forgotten the Vogue interview until my friend had me look at some patterns in her copy and I fllipped through the pages and said “Wait– I recognize that image!” Thanks a bunch for the media, to both Vogue Knitting and Knit.1!

Babbling Brook posted about attending the show and picking up her copy of Handknit Heroes.

And Joyarna’s boyfriend guest-blogged about Handknit Heroes from a comic book fan’s perspective.