Never Enough Colorwork

Kassie can't get enough of colorwork!

  One of my most recent FOs: Heartskull Hat by Siouxsie Stitches.

My spooky beanie! :)

  It was a quick knit for me, whipped up in two weekends. :) If you need one before Halloween, but don't know how to do colorwork, I teach a class on how to knit with a color in each hand!

  I knit them both using Kenzie, which is now a Stash-quisition yarn, AND we just got 10 new colors in!!!!
  I've got a bit leftover of the blue and purple, so I've decided to use them up to make another hat. I plan on knitting Clayoquot Toque by tincanknits, which is part of their newest collection, Road Trip. We'll be getting in our copies soon, and hopefully a Trunk Show too!

  Here's the three colors together, Boysenberry, Tekapo, and Glacier, along with my lil doodles to try and choose which colors to put where.

I might have to flip a coin, I think they both look cute!

Kassie's Vacation Knitting

   I'm about to head out on vacation! And of course, I have more than one knitting project planned. I'll be flying on a plane, so I thought I would share some tips for traveling with your knitting, as well as the projects I'll hopefully finish!

   Knitting and crocheting are ideal for long flights. But there's always the fear of your needles being taken away! These are a few of my traveling rules:

Colorful Skies by Jessica Bolof,
using Zauberball #1505

• Bamboo! I always use bamboo, I find it breezes through the security scanner. Sometimes they tend to linger on the metal needles. 

Outlander Cowl by Andee Fagan,
using Schmutzerella Yarns Mondo in "Expelliarmus".

• Regardless if I am knitting in the round or flat, I always try to have at least 1" of the project knitted before I pack it. Then the (bizarre to some) needle and cord has a purpose, instead of a potentially suspicious object.

Stripes Hat, Ribby or Slouchy by Barbara French,
using samplers for my Dyeing Yarn 101 class (coming in August)!

• I always try to travel with circulars. They look less like sticks of doom and more like sticks of wibbly wobbly. I also keep my cord length between 16"-24". If I do travel with double-points, I put them in with pencils or makeup brushes! So sneaky!

Snip-its, Yarn Cutting Pendant, or Addi Mini Scissors may all make "the cut" at security!
The cute notion case is by local artist ChubbyCloud Designs.
I've taken home the toadstool one. :)

• But how do you travel with certain tools? A needle gauge, crochet hooks, fix-a-stitches and tapestry needles are travel essentials. I've never had a problem with blunt tapestry needles or crochet hooks. Scissors are a risk though. Blunt-tipped scissors with a blade 4" or shorter are technically allowed, but a security agent can still take them away.

   Sad to say, your knitting is not guaranteed, even if you use my tips. But I've also heard of knitters having no problems at all, with metal needles or even their interchangeable Addi Click sets!

   Do you have a fun trip planned? What tried-and-true travel methods do you use?

Custom Fit

Custom Fit

Many of you have heard of Custom Fit by Amy Herzog. For those of you that are not familiar with Custom Fit, it is a program to create a pattern to fit YOUR body!!!  It's like having a custom tailor for all of your sweater needs! I am doing a test drive to see how it works.

First comes measuring yourself. We are not talking bust, waist, and hips. Amy has you take 22 different measurements from your body!!! Yes…you heard correct 22!! I highly recommend wearing exercise clothes or something close to the body to get accurate measurements.  I also recommend a friend to assist you. As a Custom Fit yarn shop, we would provide this service to you, to help you get the most accurate measurements and ensure the best fit. 

Secondly, SWATCHING!!  I know most knitters like to skip this step, but the key to a well-fitting garment is knowing the exact final measurements. Amy not only needs you to knit a swatch, it needs to be not 2”, not 4”, but a whopping 6” swatch in the pattern stitch of your choice. 

My Custom Fit dashboard for Swatches!

I chose to knit a swatch out of Zitron’s Patina, a shiny, versatile, single-ply blend of merino and rayon:

I chose classic stockinette stitch plus a garter stitch border around, but you can choose literally any stitch pattern that catches your fancy!

Third, BLOCKING. Amy suggests blocking the swatch the way you are going to care for your sweater.  This is also a critical step to gauge and fit. I put my swatch in my washing machine under the hand wash cycle then pinned it out to dry.

Fourth, designing your very own, custom fit sweater!! I input all my numbers and answer questions about what type of sweater I would like to knit up. Magically a Custom Fit pattern is created for YOUR BODY!!!

My Custom Fit dashboard for Patterns!

So we would like to know if this is a program you would like to see us offer to you, our customer?  Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

I have started my Custom Fit sweater and I will update you on the progress!

Happy Knitting

Liz

Sock Yarn Club Progress

Happy Sunday everyone! Now that summer is officially here, it's time to announce the pattern vote for the Summer 2014 Sock Yarn Club! This time we are featuring a local designer too! The lovely Stick Chick Knits has a great assortment of patterns. Check out the vote in our Ravelry.com Group!

(click photos to view larger)

Still working on your Spring 2014 project? So are we!! Betsey and I are, admittedly, a bit more behind than we'd like to be. But we're confident we'll finish before the Summer installment starts in July!

Remember, a finished shawl or pair of socks, photographed and posted in the FO Thread, might earn you a prize! We're excited to see your finished projects! :)

--Kassie

Knitscene...Accessories 2014

The special issue of Knitscene accessories 2014 is now available.  Our very own Jessica has a design in this issue!!! These are my top five knit accessories.

Number one of course is the beautiful Recursive Shawl, by Jessica Bolof.  I would knit this out of Schoppel-Wolle Gradient. Gradient is 100% virgin wool with a whopping 285 yards. Jessica knit a sample out of Gradient and it only took one skein!!!  One skein check, big needles check, quick knit check = PRICELESS!!

Gradient #1701

Second on my list is the luscious Eva Marie Hat & Cowl, by Susanna IC.  My choice of yarn for this project would be Schoppel-Wolle Cashmere Queen.  Cashmere Queen is 35% cashmere, 45% merino wool, and 20% silk.  The feel and drape of this yarn will work wonderfully with the lace pattern.

Cashmere Queen #9205
Cacao

Third on the list is the Nene Shawl, by Julie LeFrancois.  This shawl is knit out of our Schoppel-Wolle, Zauberball, one of my favorite yarns!!! I just love the color changes.  This shawl has an easy lace pattern, which lets the Zauberball shine!!

Zauberball #1508

Fourth is the Calamus Hat, by Teresa Gregorio.  Calamus is a cute lacey slouchy hat that can be worn year round, easily knit up in Zitron Lifestyle.  Lifestyle is 100% Merino Extra Fine and is superwash.  Lifestyle is a Stash-quisition yarn and comes in 47 wonderful colors.

Lifestyle #89
Fuchsia

Fifth is the Dressel Shawl, by Megi Burc, for those of us that love color work this lovely shawl has Greek motifs.  I believe Kenzie by Hikoo would be the perfect tweed to knit up this gorgeous shawl.  Kenzie is 50% New Zealand Merino, 25% Nylon, 10% Angora and 5% Silk.

Kenzie #1001
Peppered

Kenzie #1011
Tamarilla

I truly love all the designs in this issue. There are plenty of great gift ideas for you to get a head start on your Christmas knitting, birthdays gifts, or just for YOU!!! Come in and get your copy while supplies last.

Happy Knitting! 

Knit.wear

Knit.wear…Spring/Summer 2014

It is here!!!  The Spring/Summer 2014 issue.  Knit.wear is a bi-annual issue so it is packed with beautiful sweaters.  So I have picked my top 4 Favs!!

My first choice is the Folded Lace Tank, by Bristol Ivy.  The simple tee has folded pleats on one shoulder with lace hidden inside the folds.  A beautiful “everyday sweater”. I would use Zitrons, Glanz Punkt, it is 60% Silk and 40% Modal.  The drape and sheen would be gorgeous!!!

Glanz Punkt #8028
Electric Magenta

Second choice is the Gusset Tunic, by Alice Tang.  A simple pullover with an asymmetrical gusset on one side.  The yarn is what makes this simple design beautiful.  I would use Schulana's Macaibo, 51% Cotton and 49% Viscose.  Macaibo has a wonderful drape to it.

 

Macaibo #33

Third on my list is the awesome Short–Row Vest, by Carol Feller.  This vest is knit out of our very own Schoppel Wolle, Leinen Los!!!  I know for sure Sharon cannot wait to knit up this beauty!!  I can see her looking very cute wearing this vest with a pair of her awesome high heels!!!

Leinen Los #0980

Leinen Los #9093

Fourth, but not last, as I LOVE all the sweaters in this issue, is the Pleated Elliptical Cardigan, by Sara Morris.  I would knit it out of Rylie, by Hikoo.  Rylie is 50% Baby Alpaca, 25% Mulberry Silk and 25% Linen.  Boy, not only luxurious but a dream to wear!!  This cardigan has a vintage look of a bed jacket with an updated edge of inverted box pleats and a pretty smocking stitch.

Rylie #090
Driftwood

Come in and pick up your copy of Knit.wear  Spring/Summer 2014 before we run out!!!  What sweaters will be your favorites?

Liz

Interweave Knits

Interweave Knits...Summer 2014!!

Have you seen the Interweave Knits Summer 2014 issue yet?  Soooo many gorgeous garments to knit up.  Sometimes I only like a few garments in a magazine - this issue I love them all!!!  My only problem is not enough time!!  All the designs are classic and what I  like to call “everyday go to sweaters.”   

My top three are the Driftwood Tee, by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark.  Driftwood is a simple tee with a geometric lace panel on both the front and back for interest; easily my go-to sweater!!  Zitron's

Patina would be a beautiful choice to knit up the Driftwood Tee.  Patina is 55% Merino Wool and 45% Rayon.

Patina #5005 Raisin

My second choice is the Estuary Tank, by Amy Christoffers. A simple tank with four seperate pieces, knit in garter and stockinette stitch to create interest. The good news it is knit up with a bulky weight yarn…sooo, it's a quick knit!!!  We will be getting a new yarn by Hikoo called Zumie.  Zumie is a bulky weight yarn that is 50% Acrylic, 30% Wool, 20% Nylon.

Zumie #110 Sky High

My third choice is Farmstand Tee, by Lois S Young, a lacy yoked tee to give a little pop to a simple silhouette!!  Hikoo’s, CoBaSi Plus would be a great yarn to knit up the Farmstand Tee.  The cotton, bamboo and silk combination would make an attractive summer tee.

CoBaSi Plus #063 Amber Waves

If you do not have your copy of the latest issue of Interweave Knits, ours are here! Come and get yourself some yarn, too; you will not be disappointed (and let us know which picks are your top three)!!  Good luck; it won't be an easy choice!

Happy Knitting,

Liz

Color Inspiration for our next KAL!

In anticipation of the arrival of Stephen West and StevenBe, we're hosting a knit-along! I(Kassie) have prepped some fun color combos for different projects.

Zauberball 2134 & Step Classic 1005

I imagine this combo as a Daybreak.

Trekking Maxima 911 & CoBaSi 033

A customer picked out this combo for a Spectra, which I thought was fun!

Alpaca Silk 16 & Kenzie 1007 and 1001.

I've got these three in my stash, I'm planning on making Flagstone.

Zauberball Crazy 2231 & Trekking XXL Tweed 209

Another stashbuster for me, possibly destined to be a Chadwick!

Any Firefly fans? Schmutzerella Yarns on Dude in
"Yeah, but She's Our Witch" and "Two by Two, Hands of Blue"

A fun combo from a local dyer, I'm thinking Rockefeller for this pair.

I hope you've been inspired, and that I get to knit with you after the LYS Tour! Now I have to decide between making that Flagstone or Chadwick. See you soon! :)

Spring Knitting & Crocheting: A Round-Up!

I've known many crocheters and knitters who abandoned their craft during the warmer months. After all, we are, by and large, a wool-loving people (I know I count myself as such; alpaca, anyone?). Who wants to be at the beach or on a road trip with a sweater's worth of merino piled on their lap?

However, I'm here to tell you that the terms "Spring knitting" or "Spring crocheting" are not oxymorons! There's no need to put down your needles and hooks during the warmer months. Allow me to don my "enabler" hat for the moment and share some warm-weather projects, inspired by our shop yarns, that are catching my eye this season.

First off is Hekla, a versatile short-sleeved pullover designed by Skacel Collection's Cirila Rose. Hekla features two of our favorite yarns, Schoppel-Wolle Leinen Los (a yarn that's been flying out of the shop as of late), and Zauberball Starke 6 (available in-store only), the self-striping, DK weight cousin of the ever-popular Zauberball.

Hekla Pullover by Cirilia Rose

For a quicker knit in Leinen Los, try the Blackberry Hat by Malia Mather. This textured, slouchy cap is a great spring accessory, takes just one ball of Leinen Los, and the pattern is available in-store, too.

Blackberry Hat by Malia Mather. Image © Jarrod Duncan

For you shawl knitters out there, there's no time like Spring for whipping out light, airy accessories! CoBaSi, a delightful blend of Cotton, Bamboo, Silk, and a hint of nylon, is a favorite among customers and staff for it's versatility and great stitch definition.

Last year's Spring Knit Purl Hunter KAL, Ridgely, features CoBaSi in 2 colors.

Ridgely by Michelle Hunter. Image © Michelle Hunter

For crocheters, try this sweet, vintage-inspired apron in Patina from our most recent magalog. Motif projects are great when the weather starts to heat up. They only take a little bit of yarn at a time, and don't overwhelm you with piles of fiber to carry around.

Hexagon Apron by Cirilia Rose

Lastly, there's the ever-popular Riff Tunic, knit up in a variety of non-wool yarn choices. We have seen some gorgeous customer-knit versions show up in the shop. Two of my favorites use Kid Paillettes, a jazzy mohair blend that's peppered with sequins, and Merino Cotton 135, a yarn with a broad enough palette that ANYONE can find a color they love. Both yarns are available in-store.

Riff Tunic in Merino Cotton 135

Riff Tunic in Kid Paillettes

Enjoy your Spring & Happy Stitching!

-Sharon

Basic Blocking

Hi friends! Today I'll be showing you the very basics of blocking. A few tips before we get started: don't change the water temperature drastically, agitate too much, or pour water directly on your item. Doing so can cause felting (felting can be fun if it's on purpose!). Always handle wet projects with more care as they are much more delicate. Finally, always support your piece so it won't stretch out. Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather your small item to be blocked, a bowl, some no-rinse wash, and a towel.

Step 2: Add room temperature water to bowl. Drizzle in a tiny squeeze of the no-rinse wash and give it a good swish. 

Step 3: Place your item in the bowl. Push it to the bottom, gently turn over and push it to the bottom again. Let sit for 30 mins to an hour.

Step 4: Lift item out of the bowl while supporting it from underneath without letting it stretch. Gently squeeze excess water out.

Step 5: Place on towel, gently roll away from you.

Step 6: Reposition item on the dry part of towel taking special care to avoid twisting or stretching out ribbing.

- Sample shown is the Hipster hat by TinCan Knits in Reggae Ombre -

To learn more (with some hands on blocking experience) feel free to sign up for my class Project Finishing 101.

Happy blocking!

Jessica

Where’s your favorite place to knit?

At my home I have three favorite places to knit.  Depending on my mood and what project I am working on depends on where I like to knit.  If I want to get away from everyone I retreat to my craft room, turn up the tunes and relax into my purple chaise lounge chair and knit away the stress, ahhhh!!  If I want to hang out with the family, watch a show, and knit, it is the family room leather sofa, of course on the chaise side.  Do I see a trend?  I think I like having my feet up when I knit. Now, when I have serious knitting which involves charts and a lot of thinking the kitchen table is the place to be. I can spread out, have all my charts and pattern sprawled out in front of me.  So you ask, what projects am I knitting on now?  I have numerous projects but the two main ones right now are Champagne, by Baby Cocktails.  Sounds yummy doesn’t it?  Believe it or not this gorgeous vest is for meeee!!  I am knitting it out of Schoppel Wolle Leinen Los, a wonderful yarn that is 70% virgin wool and 30% linen.  

Crunchy, heathered, Schoppel Wolle Leinen Los

I can’t wait to wear this vest; it will be a great layering piece dressed up with a skirt or dressed down with jeans and a tee.  My second project is for the store called Spate, by Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook in their latest book, “Journey”.  A cute textured fingerless mitt knit out of Schoppel Wolle Reggae, 100% virgin wool that is pre-felted and a dream to knit with. Nice and “squishy”, as Sharon would say. Reggae is a Makers' Mercantile exclusive yarn, and the colorways were hand-picked to coordinate with the many brilliant shades of Reggae Ombre.  Here are a few staff favorites:

Reggae Ombre color #1702

Reggae color #4201

Reggae Ombre color #1536

Reggae color #1881

Reggae color #9093

Reggae Ombre #1700

Makers’ Mercantile has a large lounge for you to find your favorite place to knit, we have lots of tables and chairs to spread out, a couple of sofas, leather chairs and a few ottomans if the need to put your feet up arises!!  So come join us for some fun and of course knitting!!!  Don’t forget yummy coffee, tea, and treats at Rylie Cakes!!!  Hope to see you soon!!

Liz