Tips, Tricks, & Tutorials

So, by now, you may have seen our Provisional Cast On tutorial.  If not, check it out, since it seems that Sandy Kay and I are odd ducks (well, you knew that already) and we do it differently than anyone else.  And, as you never know when the odd technique will come in handy, we've decided to start documenting our own unique tips and tricks.  Expect to see about one a week - hopefully every week.

The first tip/ trick thing came about because I just started a Ruffled & Ruched Scarf and, in a pique of curiosity, checked other Provisional Cast On methods online.  And, d'ya know, I didn't find anything like ours.  Weird.  But, in any case, we'll be writing up tutorials as we come across techniques in our own staff projects that warrant attention. 

Shown above is my IP scarf.  Say 'hi' to Eva in the background.  Next week we're hoping I'll be along enough to demonstrate how to pick up a Provisional Cast On.  I'd better get knitting, eh?

Moving on.  We just have to share with you the cutest little baby sweater.  Several of us staffers here helped Lynne translate the British knitting terminology from the pattern (it's a Debbie Bliss) and all feel that it was completely worth the time and effort:

It's so schweeet!  The pattern is the Hooded Jacket from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby book.  It's not a hard pattern, by any means, just a little different for American knitters.  Lynne certainly seemed to think it was worth the effort, too.

Next, I have two staff projects that will also feature into upcoming tutorials (so exciting!).  The first is Darcy's Thursday vest:

Being knit with Habu Textiles Superfine Merino A-177 in Charcoal/ #6 and Habu Textiles Ramie Cork A-166 in Black/ #10.  When Darcy finishes the knitting, we'll do a quick tutorial on handsewing handknits - i.e. creating the "dorsal fin" cowl on the front.

Then we have Sandy Kay's February shrug, which is actually a modified Skif June:

(It's the red-orange shrug on the pattern)

This one is going to be a doozy.  Sandy choose to combine Habu Textiles XS-55 Linen Lace (yum) and Tsumugi Fine N-76 in #39.  The hand is unbelievable, and the color?  Just magnificent. 

She's currently at the arm increases and making rapid progress.  This thing is going to be gorgeous.  And when Sandy finishes knitting, we'll do a quick tutorial on sewing handknits with a sewing machine!  Sandy Kay is planning to bring in her Bernina.  That'll be interesting.

Now, lastly, do you know about the upcoming Portland Yarn Crawl?  You probably do, since we've mentioned it twice in two newsletters and on the blog, on twitter, and on ravelry.  But, just in case this is the first you've heard of it...

• See the website.
• We'll be participating from March 5 - March 7th
• There will be a yarn crawl raffle - win a prize basket from the organizers, or one of many, many prizes from us!
• We will be hosting THREE amazing trunkshows this weekend - CoCo Knits, Ori Ami Knits, and Habu Textiles.
• There will be a Portland Yarn Crawl scavenger hunt and, yes, we have one of the pieces.
• Another session of Reading Japanese Patterns has been scheduled on Saturday, March 6th.
• We'd compiled a list of easy parking suggestions, just because:

• • We validate for ALL Smart Park garages with purchases over $25
  • Street parking is $1.60/ hr (free after 7pm and on Sunday)
  • Weekday parking at the nearby Presbyterian Church is $3/ hr in their secure, underground garage
  • Weekend parking at the nearby Presbyterian Church is $2.55/ all-day before 5 pm. After 5 pm, it’s $4.

  The Presbyterian Church is located on the corner of SW 12th and Alder - just 1 block from us (and the Streetcar) and 2 - 3 blocks from the MAX!

• There will be all sorts of prizes and other fun special events at the store - but you have to show up to find out!

We'll hope to see you here this weekend!

Challenging ourselves.

The Knitting Olympics are more than halfway over (can you feel the pressure mounting?), but we refuse to be overwhelmed... yet.  Lindsay and I are making merry progress (as you shall soon see) and, well, everyone else are being very nice by not mocking.  Sandy Kay is almost participating in that she's trying to knit up a Skif sweater in record time (don't ask) and has been going a little swatching crazy.

Now, normally, we wouldn't share swatches (who'd care, right?), but these are special little squares of handknit curiosity.  They're each an experiment in the field of yarn chemistry.  If you, like so many of us, have been intrigued by assemblage's beauteous Thursday vest and Paper Crane cardigan patterns, this next bit might just interest you. 

Skif Swatches All together	Punta Yarns Montoya Beach Held single, knit on 4mm/ US 6's
Habu XS-55 Linen & A-177 Merino One strand each, knit on 5mm/ US 8's	Habu XS-55 Linen & N-76 Tsumugi Silk One strand each, knit on 5mm/ US 8's
Habu XS-55 Linen (double) Knit on 5mm/ US 8's	Habu XS-55 Linen (single) Knit on 5mm/ US 8's

If you want to drop by the store and feel them, we'll have them (and many more Habu swatches) on hand for fondling.  Not in Portland?  Well, each photo has a mini review attached.  Just click on it for more information!

Next, on our list of staff doings, we have Eva's cashmere/ silk mitts:

(or, well, mitt)

Yarn?  The delicious and decadent Swiss Mountain Cashmere & Silk by Handmaiden, in the color "Ocean".  Eva is following the Ayanna Mitts pattern but (be warned) had to go down two needle sizes (to US 1's) to get gauge - this yarn has got bounce.  It'll be worth it, though, as the finished mitts are going to be gorgeous. 

Now, onto the Olympian knitting!  While Lindsay and I might be the only staffers crazy enough to attempt the Games, we're at least making progress.  Lindsay's Vintage Baby Cardigan is actually starting to look like a cardigan!

She's certain that she'll be able to finish be the Feb 28th deadline and still manage to make a set of matching booties (Ysolda's Tiny Shoes) as well.  It's gonna be awesome.

I, myself, am not quite so far ahead as Lindsay, but am dutifully trucking along.  My Gansey Vest (self-designed pattern, sorry) is coming along:

Though I am not to the half-way point as I would like.  Soon, though.  This might turn into a slightly different project to make my deadline.  It was going to have a hood, but that's looking less likely right now...

And while I am on the subject of my Knitting Olympics project, I simply must share with you the best cable needle EVAH:

Lantern Moon's rosewood (or ebony) cable needle set.  I, in all honesty, didn't did not like using cable needles and would just go needle-less - until I tried these.  They are just perfect.  Smooth but not slippery.  And, to hold your stitches in place, there are these clever little grooves in the middle that make sure the cable needle doesn't slip out, even if it's smaller than the working needle.  They are just AWESOME and easily win a 10 out of 10 from me.

I had to share that.  Surely there are many knitters out there who have suffered from escapee cable needles (shudder) or from ones that are too sticky and stretch out your knitting (grr) and are either: a) constantly trying new cable needles and being disappointed or, b) trying to go needle-less (which doesn't really work when you get to cabling more than 2 sts).  These Lantern Moon cable needles are the solution and everyone should try them.

In other Knitting Olympics, or would it be Olympic Knitting?, news - have you seen this?  The Peruvian Alpine Skiing uniform:

 

Which features traditional knitting motifs (including Llamas!) in honor of Peru's rich knitting tradition.  Read the article (and see the close-up!) here.

Lastly, we have some Store News to share...

• Wanted: Sample Knitters.  See here for details.
• Finishing 101 is tomorrow night.  Taught by me.  I'll be covering picking up stitches along a straight seem (along both garter stitch and stockinette edges) and a curved seam.  Swatches are required.  See the class description for details.  It's only $15 and you get to learn several new techniques!

 And that is everything.  Check back on Thursday for another fantabulous issue of Fashionknitsta!

Techno-geddon

Readers may be perplexed by the fact that this post is dated to Feb. 9th, but only just appeared today, Feb. 11.  This is because we have been facing our very own Techno-geddon.  Hardware, software and even web hosting turned against us for a couple of days there, but we emerged victorious.  If you tried to visit the website yesterday and, well, couldn't, that was due to our (and our web server's) Techno-geddon.  We're back, though, and have a lot to show you!

First, is the collection of projects Sandra brought in to share.  On the top is a Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf, made with 3 skeins of KPPPM:

Below that, in the lower left corner, is her Annabella's Cowl.  Made with the yarns originally used by the designer in the color "Mighty Redwood".  At the very bottom of the pile is her in progress Wavy Scarf, using Schaefer Helene in the color "Renata Tibaldi".  Sandra is definitely going to have a warm and stylish neck this year.

Let's see, what else has been happening in the midst of Techno-geddon?  Well, have you seen that we now have FREE SHIPPING?! 

It's true.  Get free Priority Mail shipping with a domestic order over $75.  If you'd like to read all the specifics, see our Online Ordering FAQ's page.

Next, we have to admit to some excitement over the arrival of a special edition release from Interweave Press - Knitting Traditions magazine:

"Indulge your passion for knitting with Knitting Traditions! This 148-page special publication from PieceWork magazine presents more than 40 projects—socks, shawls and scarves, items for baby, a variety of hand coverings, hats,  squares and edgings, and finger puppets—each with a story that provides historical context." - Interweave Press

Admittedly, we are a little geeky here (hence our staff obsession with Knitting: 19th Century Sources).  But this magazine is absolutely packed with traditional and historic patterns from around the world.  We just received 15 copies (for all you other knitting geeks out there!) and, well, 3 have already been reserved by staff members and Marj is even talking about using one of the patterns within as her Knitting Olympics challenge.

And, while on the topic of the Knitting Olympics, are any of our blogfans participating?  I'm slowly managing to convince my co-conspirators coworkers to try it this year.  I'm thinking of making the attempt. What about you?  Are you interested?  If so, what're you going to make?

While you ponder that, you might want to check out our New Arrivals page - we've just put up EIGHT new yarns from Rowan, Noro, and Habu Textiles.  The Revive, IMHO, is absolutely scrumptious:

But we'll let you make that determination for yourself.  Until next time, barring another Techno-geddon, happy knitting!  And look out this afternoon for another edition of Fashionknitsta.

Just forget Death by Chocolate

We've got the new way to overdose through decadence with the new Staccato, by ShibuiKnits. Can I just say, "Yum!"? 

Is that a technical term? 'Cause it really should be.  I mean, look at it:

No, wait, you should touch it.  The fiber content, just FYI, is 65% Superwash Merino, 30% Silk, 5% Nylon.  I played with a skein and made an a-MAZE-ing sock with it in the Ivory...

Which, unfortunately, I cannot show you just yet.  Patience, though, shall be rewarded.  I did, however, buy two skeins of Staccato in Cotton Candy last night...

For some fun and flirty socks.  There might be a few discreet ruffles involved.  It's tempting me to go ultra-fem.  Must be the combination of the pink and the silk.

But don't be limited by my madness.  Take a minute and imagine the possibilities.  Like, oh, Connie Chang Chinchio's new Geodesic Cardigan:

(from the latest KnitScene)

Or, how about Hannah Fettig's best-selling Featherweight Cardigan?

I know I'm tempted, anyway.  They'd be fantastic Spring knits and would only take 5 - 10 skeins of Staccato. 

Shop talk.  My goodness, lots has been happening around here.  We have quite a few new yarn lines in (see above, below, and the last post!), several new patterns and, well, a flurry of activity.  Just wait for the next Newsletter, it's gonna be a doozy.

Anyway.  Onto vicarious knitting.  I convinced Jenny (our graphic designer) to share her in-progress Man Glove (remember her New Year's Resolution?), which is nearing completion:

For the inquiring mind, the yarn is Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca in "Mist Grey".  The pattern is vintage, which vintage we don't know, but I'd guess the 40's.  It's lookin' good, right?  We're trying to encourage Jenny, so feel free to leave comments!  We'll make sure she gets them.

Next, well, this also involves another New Year's Resolution.  Amazingly, Lindsay is managing to both fulfill and break her resolution in one go.  Lindsay is taking Judy Wilcox's Two Socks on Two Circulars class and has fallen mad in love with the technique.  In fact, she just bought another skein of sock yarn, Madelinetosh Glazed Sock in "Violin", to cast on another pair...

Which she plans to have to the heel (along with the green pair above - Shibui Sock in Seaweed) by the next class on Sunday.  I see a wicked addiction in the making.  But, call me callous, I'm sick of being the only sock addict on staff, so I'm not saying anything. 

Oh, alright, I did tease her a bit.  Feel free to leave comments, she'll definitely see them!

Lastly, we have an overwhelmingly huge new selection of Rowan yarns in the store.  They're not on the web yet, but they will be soon.  The additions include new colors of Denim, Summer Tweed and All Seasons Cottons.  Also in the photography box is the new Purelife Revive, which is an awesome thing (recycled silk, recycled cotton, and recycled rayon).

Expect to see these beauties on the website in a couple of weeks.

And, before I go, here's a super-cute Jake & Co. photo:

Just because.

30 minutes to go...

until Fearless Leader and I teach this week's Happy Hour class: The European Divide.  I've been practicing my English knitting (I still have some area for improvement) and the Norwegian Purl, which is a cake-walk.  If you're looking for something to do this evening, this class is looking quite worthwhile.

In other news, I managed to corner some customers during last week's Sip 'n' Stitch:

Literally, corner.  But, at least I have some customer projects for all y'all!  First, we have Jay's newest in-progress design:

I don't have a name for it... yet.  We'll have to wait and see.  Next, I also have Lew's in-progress "Dad's Sweater"...

From The Knitting Man(ual).  Unfortunately, I can't really read Lew's (or is it Lindsay's??) handwriting and am drawing a blank on the yarn being used.  Ah, well.  I'll try and get a FO photo and info when the time comes.

Lastly (in terms of projects), we have a Monster for Tika!  Meet Penelope the Empathetic Monster:

(she was feeling naked without her bow, so we lent her some eyebobs!)

{I'll get her a bow soon, promise!}

For those of you interested, Penelope was knit with one ball of Rowan All Seasons Cotton (not the three expected!) in each of Jacuzzi (honest) and Wisteria.  She was really easy and fun to knit (I feel a Danger Crafts! obsession coming on), so expect to see many more monsters around.


Wow, doing well with twenty minutes to go!  Next, I thought I might mention that we're having an Oleana sale - all Oleana products are 40% off (while supplies last). 

If you don't live in the area, give us a call (868-656-5648) for a list of the garments and colors in stock.

And, lastly, we have new Rowan yarns!  Oooh, the yummies...

Expect to see Rowan Lima and Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds DK (that is a mouth keyboard-full!) in the next Newsletter.  Lindsay and Marjorie and I are seriously coveting the PBSB DK in the Bluefaced Leicester colors.  Just think of the gorgeous knit-and-purl patterns and cables one could make! 

But that is everything.  For now.  Check back tomorrow for another edition of Fashionknitsta Thursday!  Until next week, happy knitting!

-Sara

Drive-by blogging

Wow, what a week we've had!  Including (but not limited to) yarn crawlers (in crazy Classical hats, no less)...

E tu, Medusā?
(I tried to fit "Spartacus" in there, but it just doesn't decline right.)

Workshops like Kitchen-Safe Dyeing (lots of fun)...

Really. Honest.

Yarn Chop Suey, anyone?

And an amazing Sock Club kit that is getting rave reviews on ravelry.  (Say that three times fast)

Plus, we have a (small) Handknits for Tika progress report:

Yes, Penelope is looking a bit poorly right now (sans ears and arms and, uh, legs), but she should be finished by next week.  I'm making her out of Rowan All Seasons Cotton in colors #239 ("Jacuzzi" - I wouldn't make this up!) and #229 ("Wisteria").  And, yes, for those of you paying attention, Penelope is not Sammie, as previously discussed.  I lost my copy of the pattern and we're sold out.  Darn it. 

Also, Penelope is wearing Tika's "The Republic" chemo cap, knit with ShibuiKnits Merino Worsted in "Peony".  The (completely awesome) buttons were found down the street at the Button Emporium.

Hopefully, by next Tuesday, we'll have a finished stuffie (plus ears and arms and, uh, legs), blankie square, hospital bed socks and hat to give Tika.  If you're interested in contributing (even a 6" x 6" square will help!), please let us know and we'll put you on the list.  There might even be prizes involved.

Next, we have an exciting stock update.  Remember those lovely and exotic shawl pins that literally sprinted out the door in November?  Well, they're BACK IN STOCK!

We're down to three of the Black Pearl Shawl Sticks, so I suggest that (should you have been coveting one of these beauties... like moi), run (don't walk) to the Accessories section of our web site and get yours before we have to wait another two months for the next shipment.

Last, but definitely not least, be sure to tune in tomorrow for another fantastic edition of FashionknitstaThursday (trust me, I get to proof each article in advance) and check your inbox on Friday for a jam-packed Newsletter with new yarns, new books and the winner of our Cable Limerick Contest!

Brace yourself.

It's a New Year and the time for new opportunities and to make new resolutions. And, boy, have we got some resolutions this year. I took a little sampling of our staff's goals for 2010 and, I have to say, I'm not too surprised that we're really pushing ourselves:

• Lindsay: to cut wips by down 50%, and learn to knit Continental and to knit two socks at one time.
  
• Marjorie: to learn to knit two socks at one time and how to knit lace.
  
• Mine: to master Fair Isle.
  
• Darcy: to finish her Habu sweater and learn to knit Fair Isle holding both yarns in one hand.
  
• Eva: to make her first sweater.
• Jenny: to finish her boyfriend's Christmas present (gloves); which, incidentally, is her first knitting project.
  

Do you have a knitting New Year's resolution? We'd love to hear it!

On top of setting (slightly unreasonable) goals for ourselves, we've also got some great store updates to share:

1. We have collected 47lbs of clothing for Oregon Foster Care children! We'll continue collecting through the 18th, too. So keep on bringing those handknits and hand-me-downs in. Questions about what to donate? See our Handknits for Hard Knock Kids post.
   
2. We DID have Malabrigo Twist in stock... for about 5 minutes. I'm really sorry, blogfans, but it sold before I could get it on the web (or even photographed). And, before you complain, I swear we ordered two bags of every color. People just really like this yarn. But, don't worry!, we have some scheduled to arrive next week and I SWEAR it will go up on the web and be featured in the Newsletter.
3. We're looking for a new Gratis Knits pattern and have decided to increase the gratuity to $100 in store credit. That's right. Get your pattern up and in view of over 11,000 knitters and get a $100 gift card as an additional reward. See our updated Submission Guidelines (or the upcoming Newsletter) for more information!
   

Let's see what else we've got... A couple of weeks ago (while I was sick and not posting), Andrea sent us photos of two cushions she had finished for Christmas gifts:

The pattern is the Cable & Twist Pillow from Interweave's recently released Knitted Gifts. The yarn is (was) ShibuiKnits Merino Kid in Pagoda and Seaweed, held double to get the correct bulky gauge. Andrea also posted these lovelies on her ravelry journal, if you want more information about the project.

I, however, have not been that conscientious. Sorry. In lieu of other staff projects (my coworkers claim that they have none on their persons. I think they LIE.), I present my current traveling sock (and knitpod):

Which is currently traveling a lot back and forth between home and work. The yarn is Handmaiden's luscious Casbah (love, love, love) in the color "Fleur" which was a new release at Sock Summit (I think). We don't carry the color currently, but I think we have it on order. I also just finished a pair of mitts and a WhatsIt (see below for both), since we're so low on projects to share today (hint. hint. hint.*):

And, because it was a rainy day (like we really need an excuse), Lindsay and Eva and I might have gotten a little carried away taking photos for the blog this afternoon...

Sometimes seriousness is way overrated. See our how silly we can be set on flickr if you need a quick giggle.

That seems like everything, but I feel like I'm forgetting something. What could it be?

Oh, wait. It might just be our upcoming KAL, the details of which are still under wraps. Check your inbox this Friday for an awesome Newsletter that will include some breathtakingly beautiful yarn, a limerick contest and a lot more! Until then, stay dry**, blogfans!

*Don't make me pull out the pointy stick, guys.
**If you're not in the PNW, maybe that should be "stay warm"!

More than 3 things.

Normally, on a Friday, I'd be frantically writing & coding a Newsletter. But, because of the impeding holiday (Thanksgiving) and some interesting staffing schedules, we decided to send it out a day early (i.e. last night). So now I have the time to catch up the blog (which is sorely behind due to a second influenza mishap). The way I see it, we have 3 things to cover today:

1. Customer Projects
2. New In The Store
3. What We've Been Doing

Except, there are more than three things to talk about, but it sounded good. Because there's so much to catch up, I'd better get started now.

1. Customer Projects

A little over a week ago, Catherine wore in the loveliest shell:

Which, it turned out, she had knit herself! And designed, too, incidentally. She knit it with ShibuiKnits Sock and Silk Cloud held together, both in the color "Dragonfly". The pattern was inspired by a stitch pattern in one of the books in Barbara Walker's fabulous Treasury of Knitting Patterns series. She insisted, though, that I not picture her face. But I'm sure knitters will be able to identify her from the awesome handknit garment(s) she's wearing.

The second customer project we have is Sarah's Koolhaas scarf. She took the stitch pattern from Jared Flood's Koolhaas Hat and used it to make a truly scrumptious scarf:

and a closeup:

Made with Catherine Lowe Couture Yarns Merino 5 in the color "Moss". And, OMG, this thing felt amazing. It was sooo soft and sqooshy and lofty and amazing. We passed it around so everyone could touch it. It really made me want to make something with the Merino 5. A lot. I wish I could remember how many balls she needed...

Oh, well. Moving on.

2. New In The Store.

we have the coolest tool from M.W. Woodworks - darning eggs.

Based off of traditional (read: antique) darning eggs, each is hand-turned and has a handle for easier maneuverability. They're currently available in Maple and Black Walnut/ Ash, and are just gorgeous. They feel really nice in your hand, too. M.W. always does the most beautiful work.

And, while he was visiting this week, he dropped off a new shipment of KnitPods (in Black Walnut, Maple, and Cherry), one of which I am desperately coveting. Which is ridiculous, since I own two. Well, three now. M.W. also brought in the prototype for the 7-8" KnitPod (for longer DPNs), that I am currently test driving. So far, I'm loving it and think it's going to be a great for a variety of projects.

3. What We've Been Up To.

Oh, so much. If you've visited the store lately, you might have seen droves of us running around like madwomen. Well, it's all for a purpose. One of our biggest success stories this week was our Holiday Happy Hour class #3 -

We had eight students (which is a high number for a weekday class). Students either started a Challah Infinity Scarf:

Or a pair of Malabrigo Loafers/ Prairie Boots:

It was really exciting for Sandy Kay and I to see so many students making progress in a single hour, too.

One of my students had finished the sole of one slipper, and two others were nearly ready to braid their first section of the Challah Scarf.

And, lastly, I've been working on a What'sIt (so we'll have a sample for the pattern!):

Please pardon the desk photo. The yarn is Handmaiden's glorious Cashmere & Silk in the color "Pansy". It's just blissful to work on. In fact, I'm already designing another one skein project, just for this yarn! Oo0h, decadent.

And that's everything of note. Sandy Kay and I are still working out the details of the Handknits For Hard Knock Kids clothing drive, so expect to see that next Tuesday. We already have a collection of amazing prizes for donors and are working our a rewards system for knitters who knit their donations. But that's for later. Until then, have a happy weekend!