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

Mrs. Wobbles the Easter Bunny

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Hi friends I made a Bunny Nugget! Isn't she darling? Her name is Mrs. Wobbles. One of our young knitters named her that because she has no legs! Mrs. Wobbles is made in one of the many colors of Simpliworsted and whips up in no time!

Next to Mrs. Wobbles is a nest (all nests are 50% off!) filled with felt eggs that are only 3 for $1! It's not  too late to make an adorable Easter basket with our many eeBoo and Streamline products.

Happy Easter everyone!!!

P.S. We will be closed this Sunday but we will be back on Monday (the bakery will reopen on Tuesday)

~*~

Summer Class Survey

We are working on our summer class schedule and we want to hear your opinions! Please take the survey and/or shoot us an email with an idea.

We are looking forward to your responses!

Spring 2014: Outfit Inspiration

Effortless Lace Tank: Spring 2014 by colorfulpurls 

John Lewis sleeveless tank, / J.Crew cuffed shorts / Keds plimsoll sneaker / Oasis white face watch / 14 karat gold ring / Kohl jewelry / Blue jewelry / Leighton Denny nail polish / Effortless Lace Tank / Kimono20 Colors / Kimono20 Colors / Kimono20 Colors / Kimono20 Colors

[Ahh spring is here] We've been experiencing a few warm days around the Seattle area, and it almost feels like summer (well, at least before the next day when it's cold again). Regardless I'm thinking ahead to lightweight knits and crochet that I can wear when the weather heats up. One of my favorite designs is the Effortless Lace Tank. So named because the lace pattern is easy to memorize. It can be easily dressed up for a night on the town with sleek jeans and boots (throw on a sheer cardi for brunch with the gals), over a fitted maxi dress with summer wedges, or paired comfortably while still being chic as shown above.

[Colors] Visions of an orange/tan PNW sunset near the cool blue water and gray rocks inspired this outfit. These cool neutrals are offset with a bright pop of Celosia Orange with a relaxed pair of shoes and a bauble necklace or a striking watch.

Speaking of colors, have you seen Pantone's Spring 2014 Color Report? It's so fun to find yarn that matches around the shop!

[Trends] I'm seeing for spring and summer: Oversized tops with drape and lacy or sheer, mesh/simple lace, sheer layers, white garments edged with a pop of color like Radiant Orchid, Cayenne, or Dazzling Blue.

What are YOU making for the warmer season? Lightweight garments? Featherweight shawls? Or perhaps you continue making for cooler weather?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Jessica

How to Sew an Elastic Waisted Skirt [it's so easy!]

I am dreaming of spring. Lacy shawls, cardigans knitted with lightweight yarn, flowers blooming, birds chirping, and sewing super simple skirts! You can whip up a few for less than their commercial counterparts while you decide on all of the fun details. Are skirts too short at the stores? Sew a skirt! Want to choose your own fabrics? Sew a skirt! How about thread color? Sew a skirt! Pockets? Sew a skirt! 

Ok I think by now you will know what my answer will be to any question on this post :) So what are you waiting for? Stop into the shop today and we will help you find your perfect skirt fabric (and perhaps some embellishments!)

Supplies needed:

• A sewing machine
• 3" wide elastic
• Lightweight cotton fabric (we have so many choices at the shop!)
• High quality polyester thread (we have a rainbow's worth of colors!)
• Quilting pins (they are easier to see)
• Seam ripper
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Cutting board or rotary cutting mat
• Lint roller (optional but handy)

1. Designing skirt: Determine how full you would like your skirt and if you would like it at your natural waist or hips. For this XS skirt I chose for the elastic to sit at the waist to fit well on the mannequin. I measured the mannequin's waist and cut the elastic 1" less for a snug fit (2" less total after seam allowance).
2. Determining fabric width: To determine your needed width you can stretch the elastic as far as it will go + 1", or take your elastic's measurement and multiply it by 1.5 to 1.75.
3. Determining fabric depth: To determine the depth of your fabric take the desired length skirt length + elastic width - 1 1/2-2" seam allowance. Cut your fabric to desired measurements.
4. Seam elastic: Thread your machine with your sewing thread. Zig-zag or serge short ends of elastic. Place short ends of elastic together and sew together. Sew seams 1/2" unless otherwise stated.
5. Sewing skirt: Zig-zag or serge long edges of your fabric piece. Place right sides (the fun side with the print) together matching up the short ends, pin the short ends together. Sew short ends together and then zig-zag or serge.
6. Gathering: Thread your machine with a contrasting thread color. Select the longest stitch length on your machine, leaving long ends, sew without backstitching around the top edge just under the zig-zag all the way around, leave long ends before cutting. Pull your gathering sts until waist same size as the elastic. Pin the right sides of the elastic and fabric together.
7. Putting it all together: Re-thread machine with your sewing thread. Sew elastic and fabric waistband together pulling the elastic taut and removing pins as you go using a slight zig-zag stitch if you have it on your machine. Using the seam ripper remove the gathering thread. Now you will see why I wanted you to use a different color :)
8. Hemming: Try on skirt to help determine your hem length. Fold hem inward once (I turned mine about 1"), iron the hem, pin, and sew.
9. Finishing: Trim any loose threads, brush with a lint roller, and give yourself a hand for making a skirt!

xoxo,

Jessica

P.S. If you are making a 23" or less deep skirt you cut the fabric widthwise to get twice the amount of skirts! For example if you wanted a skirt with a hem circumference of 54" buy 1 1/2 yards of fabric, cut it widthwise and you can sew two skirts!

P.P.S. Did you know Makers' sewing studio is coming soon? You'll be able to book studio time and join us for guidance on all of your skirt-making (or other sewing) needs!

A Handmade Tea Party in Patina

Ah tea parties. What a wonderful way to gather with friends!

We have several varieties of organic tea (caffeine free to medium caffeine) that pair nicely with our many gluten free treats from RylieCakes!

Have you seen the new Magalog yet? It's the first ever home issue and I fell in love with this darling crocheted hostess apron! It's made in Patina, a single ply merino cotton yarn that comes in 24 colors! You can go with the colorway provided or experiment as the apron uses 7-8 different colors. Come on down to the shop to see what your options are!

xoxo
Jessica

Step by Step Guide to Posting a Ravelry.com Project!

How to add a project on Ravelry.com

A step by step guide!

So you have this amazing project that you can't wait to share with the world, knitting group, or friends. Maybe it will be gifted away and you would like proof to show your doubting friends that you had a real reason to skip out on going to the movies.

Regardless of your reason the steps are the same. Alright, here we go!

Click on "my notebook",  then "add project".

Name your project, select how you made it, and where it was from.

After you fill out your info click on "Continue".

Search and link for your pattern. When you find the correct pattern click on "choose this pattern".

On this page you can fill out your details for your project. Don't forget your status, description, and pictures!

To link to a yarn simply type in the yarn name and click on the link (chains) button to bring down the drop down menu. 

When you are done click on "Save changes" before moving on to the pictures!

Here's the picture from my phone, let's get it on the project page shall we?

Click on the right side "add photos" tab. Click on "Choose files" to select your photo. Click on "upload". Be patient while it takes seconds to upload. Maybe do a few pushups? Oh wait it's uploaded, I guess there's no time to do pushups. Oh darn.

Ok you are done! If you like you can share your project in groups that you are a member of on the right!

Easy Ready-to-gift Ideas!

Fans of foxes rejoice! We have a gift idea just for you!

Waste Not Fox Kit $14 | Wool Buddy Finished Fox $18 | Slipped Stitch Notions Pouch $18

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Have a chef in your life? They will sure appreciate your wonderful gift-giving abilities with this collection! We have a tumbler into which you can make a drink recipe from one of our tea towels.  While your friend is sipping her drink, she can cook a delicious meal with the gourmet seasonings, and when your you ask for the recipe, she can easily write it down on the handy recipe cards!

Kitsch on the Rocks $10 | Family Recipe Box $14 | Seattle Seasonings 3-pack Sampler $20-24 | Bread & Badger Pint Glass $15

~*~

Who! Who! This assortment of owls ranges from practical to whimsical!

Wool Buddy Finished Owl $30 | Owl Keychain $7 | Felt Owl Ornament $8.50 | Glass Owl Ornament $3.95 | Fabric Owl Ornament $5.50 | Needle Gauge Owl $10 | Pin Peddler Charm $5 | Slipped Stitch Studio Stitch Markers $12 

~*~

Dream of summer with some stylish and organic iced tea!

Numi Teas $10 each | Paper Straws $6 | Mason Sippers $4 each

What will you gift? If you are still undecided we can help you. Stop by the shop  today!

Cozy Hats for Blustery Days

Hi friends!

I don't know about you, but I've been cold lately and when I'm cold I turn to yarn! All of these hats work up quickly and we have samples at the shop for you to try on! 5 of the hats are knitted and 2 are crocheted and all are fun to make :)

From the top left: Gilbert's Hat in Kenzie, & Hunter in Mistral.
From the middle left: Hipster Hat in Reggae Ombre, Venture in Luxair, & Tall Dark and Handsome in Gradient.
From the bottom left: Bon Bon Toque in Simpliworsted, & Maid Marion in Kenzie.


I also have a bit of outfit inspiration for you too! I personally love wearing color when the weather turns gray and cold. It's such a cheery contrast to the lack of vitamin D (as I type I'm wearing high-waisted blue jeans with polka dots and a white sweater!).

Hipster Hat by makers-mercantile 

Uniqlo merino v neck sweater / Uniqlo jeans / Flat shoes / ASOS blue handbag / Liz Claiborne stone jewelry / Accessorize navy blue shawl / Uniqlo thin belt

I love the bold yet tied-together look of this ensemble. The colors are pulled from the hat with the most dramatic being the colored jeans. If the look is too much for you try switching the pants for something more neutral.

Gilbert's Hat: Explore by makers-mercantile 

Antigua jacket / Adidas sneaker / Sandqvist messenger bag / Puma black steel watch / Cashmere scarve / Eyebobs plastic glasses / Banana Republic Slim Fit Diamond Print Shirt - Canopy green / Hat

I haven't forgot about you men! I put this outfit for the adventurer who takes his crochet on the go.



Until next time,

Jessica

Poplar Bark Cowl Outfits

Hello lovely crafters!

Have you seen the ever talented Kassie's Poplar Bark Cowl? It's perfect for this chilly weather! The cowl only takes 1 skein of InSilk or Alpaka Queen. Since cool grays are one of my favorite colors I decided to do some outfit planning with some brights thrown in.

Poplar Bark Loop: Kelly Green & Grays by makers-mercantile featuring wedding hair accessories

// Mini dress / Uniqlo tight / Flat shoes / ALDO silver jewelry / Wedding hair accessory / Poplar Bark Loop / Allrounder SFifties / Alpaka Queen10 Colors //

This outfit is great to wear all day with the cozy tights, flats, and dress with a generous skirt. There's a lot of textures that tie into the cowl: the plaited look of the shoes, the curves of the flower hairpiece, and the twists of the ring. The Reisenthel bag has plenty of room for your knitting and other everyday essentials.

I like to feel cozy but polished enough so I don't look like I'm hibernating for the winter!

[~*~]

Poplar Bark Loop: Berries w/ grays by makers-mercantile featuring skinny jeans

// Vero Moda long sleeve open front cardigan, $27 / River Island top, $11 / Eddie Bauer skinny jeans / TOMS slip on shoes, $40 / Jeffrey Campbell earrings / Poplar Bark Loop / Alpaka Queen10 Colors //

This outfit was inspired by something Kassie might actually wear. Her style is a fun mix of saturated color and neutrals like deep black, and various grays. The brightly colored skinny jeans, checkered Toms shoes, and throw on cardigan make for a great on the go combo!

By mixing with textures and colors you can go knitter incognito, and you just might get the revered compliment, where did you buy that?

[~*~]

Need help with the cowl or to stay motivated? Never fear, Kassie will be here! There's 2 classes in November and one in December.

Until next time,
Jessica

Charli Lace Hat in Kenzie

[Hello fiber friends!]

Do you feel the chill in the air? 

The crunchy leaves under your boots? Your delicious warm drink?

Fall has arrived here in Kent and it's my favorite season! It's the season for all things cozy, warm, and robust. I love making gluten free soup to enjoy with friends and family. Sugar and spice is always nice! Like RylieCakes' wonderful Chai Pumpkin Sandwiches, or a hot coconut chai tea.

[~*~]

My favorite part about Fall is the rustic looking, soft, squishy, and tweedy wools that just beg to be knit into something! Have you tried Kenzie? Regulars at the shop know we are crazy for it and we just got 10 new colors in! 

I'm drooling over Boysenberry, it is so vibrant, saturated, and gorgeous. 

My new pattern Charli Lace Hat uses just 1 skein of Kenzie and works up so quick to keep your head nice and toasty!

[~*~]

Would you like to knit with a group and have some help? I will be teaching a class on this hat Friday December 6th & 13th from 4:30 - 5:30pm.

Yarn photo: Makers' Mercantile | All other photos: Sweet River Photography

Meet Makers' Staff: Jessica

Hi crafty friends!

My name is Jessica Bolof, aka Colorfulpurls online.

Here I am modeling my latest design, Charli Lace Pullover as part of my collection featuring Kenzie yarn. The pattern and yarn are available at the shop, ready for you to cast on!

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I love to knit, crochet, spin, sew, bead, cook, develop gluten free recipes, bake, can jam, doodle, make miniature clay cupcakes, and other assorted crafts! When I'm not at work, designing, blogging on my personal blog, or crafting, I'm probably spending time with my awesome hubby who listens to me talk yarn all day.

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You can find many of my patterns and samples around the shop!

I love teaching classes:
Tackle a sweater with My First Sweater: Lightning Shrug, gather "oohs" and "ahhs" at your next baby shower with Baby Bomber Jacket, add to your wardrobe fast with Sew a Skirt!, whip out a few hats for your loved ones with Gift Knitting: Wander Hats, get the kids involved with Kids' Club: Beginning Knitting, unsure how to put a project together? I can help in Project Finishing 101.

See you soon and happy crafting!
Jessica