President Obama & the Pittsburgh Steelers

I found a new group in Ravelry that asked the question "What can one person accomplish in 100 days? " This is based on the President's first 100 days in office. What would you like to accomplish in the next 100 days? Is there something new you want to learn? Unfinished projects that you would like to finish? Please let us know!


I found this pattern to create a sweater with President Obama on it. Check it out at http://www.laurabirek.com/pattern-downloads.php. Even if you don't want to make the sweater, you could use the chart to put his picture on any other knit item.



In honor of our Steelers making it to the Super Bowl here is a pattern for your very own knitted terrible towel. http://poopshebear.typepad.com/poopshe_bears/2008/11/steelers-towel---published.html





Marybeth made this hat a few months back for the store. It is done in Steeler colors.


It is from the book Filatura Di Grosa Fall/Winter 2008 Collection.

Both the book and the yarn are available at the store.










Claudia Handpainted Yarns makes great sock yarn. It looks like Steeler colors!

We want to know what you think!!

I have created a new survey for Knit One. Please take a minute to complete it and you will be enetered into a drawing for a knitting related prize. Here is the link: http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=28eweepsjrgbzp0536707







This is Rachael's first hat. She just finished it when I came into the store today and was willing to model it for the blog. The pattern is from Ann Norling.

Quote contributed by Jude: "Hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Another quote contributed by Dawne: "Friendship is a sheltering tree." Author Unknown

Hello! Hope everyone is staying warm.

As promised from the last blog, here are the pictures of the Girasoles that Jayme, Marybeth and myself made. This pattern is a Jared Flood original.

Jayme's is the one that is the blue/green color. She used Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Mine is the brown one and I too used Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Marybeth did the other two. Her red Girasole is done in Cascade Pastaza (which if you haven't yet tried this yarn, you should!). She also did the yellow one which was done from yarn in her stash.

Go Steelers! Look at the Steeler hats Jude made. It is called the Fake Isle hat and here is the link to the free pattern:
http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/pattern_fakeisle.htm

New Yarns
I was at the Mars store on Wednesday and Stacey delivered some beautiful Cascade Alpaca Lace yarn.

Here is a free pattern that would be lovely in the new Cascade lace yarn:
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTbranchingout.html

You can also make it in a dk weight yarn and is a great first time lace project.

Knitting Just For Fun: Check out this pattern: http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/05/07/putting-the-art-back-in-pop-tarts/

It is a cell phone case that looks like a poptart. I bet your kids would love it!

Crochet:
For the crocheter, I found a pattern to make the covers for your swiffer. Instead of using the ones you have to buy, you could crochet your own. When it gets dirty, you simply wash it. Here is the link to the pattern: http://gherkinsbucket.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/biffershrug.pdf

We have some great yarns in both stores and also online. To find our online store, select search products from the Knit One homepage at http://www.knitone.biz/

Why does holding yarn and two knitting needles seems to make it so much safer to sit, talk and share? Come in and find out!

Good Morning! Great Steeler game yesterday. My hubby wants to go to the game against the Ravens this Sunday but my thought was how much knitting I could get done from home (not to mention being warm). All during the game, I worked on my Girasole by Jared Flood. This is a beautiful blanket that I am making in Berroco Ultra Alpaca which I bought at Knit One North. Jayme is making her blanket in Berroco Ultra Alpaca also. Mary Beth chose to use the yarn recommended by Jared Flood - Cascade Pastaza. Next blog I will get pictures of all of ours to show you.

Don't forget to check out Knit One's online store. I just added this Be Sweet Bag. The bag is a hooked rug tote made from recycled t-shirt material . You could also get the matching clutch.

I found this really cool sock pattern that is crochet! Check out these Origami Turkish Socks http://cerdeb.googlepages.com/OrigamiTurkishSocksPattern.pdf. I want to make these so if any of you out there that crochet are interested, please call the shop and we can make them together!

Since it is going to be so cold this week, we have found a mitten pattern that you can make in 45 minutes. Here is the link: http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com/2006/12/45-minute-mittens.html


This is the cutest little bag I have seen http://dtuttle.com/debiknits/suzzanes_purse.pdf by Debi Tuttle and it is made with Cascade 220 and even uses beads!

** Email at rceleste40@yahoo.com with your knitting pictures, knitting projects, ideas, etc. and I will include it in the next installment of the blog!**

This recipe for Date Nut Oatmeal Bars is courtesy of Pam from Knit One North's Wednesday group. They are wonderful!
1 3/4 c. oats
3/4 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 sticks of butter softened

Mix with fingers and pat half of mixture in a 9x13 pan sprayed with Pam.

Cook on stove the following until thick (about 5 minutes)
1 bag chopped dates
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. water

Spread in pan and then add the other 1/2 of dry mixture. Pat down and bake at 400 for 25 minutes.

Quote of the Blog given to me by our very own Jude (author unkown):
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day, saying... I will try again tomorrow.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We want to know what projects you have planned for 2009. Let us know because we could do it together.

Speaking of working projects together, there is a group at Squirrel Hill who is starting their Sylvi Red Coat project from Twist Collectives. They are starting it on Monday, January 12th. It is available as a kit at the Squirrel Hill Knit One. Isn't it beautiful!

If you are interested call them at 412-421-6666 and let them know you want to participate.

This is the second installment of the takeover of the blog by the ladies at the Knit One store in Mars.

Welcome back.

First off, I began making my Christmas stocking a few weeks back with one skein each of red and white Cascade 220 yarn. I got a few inches into my project and decided I would absolutely love a stocking from the Cascade Pastaza. I was ready to tear the stocking out when my brilliant co-manager Dawne suggested turning it into a baby hat. It worked out great. Here is the picture of the baby hat.

I had so much of both skeins left that
when I saw Isobel I asked her if there was something she could do with all of the yarn that was left over. In only a few days she turned out all of these baby hats. She only added a little black Cascade and a little orange Cascade to the original two skeins. Two of these hats are an original Isobel pattern. Can you guess which ones?






Here is my finished Christmas stocking done in Cascade Pastaza.




I found this pattern through Ravelry.
Jennifer Hoel designed the free pattern and here is the link: http://jenniferhoel.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/falling_snow_stocking.pdf

New Yarns



This week we received a delivery of some new yarn. We now have Kathmandu Aran yarn in 9 great colors. Along with the yarn came the Queensland Collection and the Queensland Collection Book 5.








Market Squares Bag Knit-Along
We had the kick off last week for the market squares bag. There are a few of us that work at the store that are participating in the knit-along and we know how our progress is going but we want to know how you are doing. Please feel free to stop in the store anytime and update us on how you are doing with your bag. You and your bag might even make the next blog. We also have set aside time every week on Fridays at 1:oo pm and Saturdays at 11:00 am to get together and work on our bags.

Jayme's Swallowtail Shawl Knit-Along
The kickoff for Jayme's swallowtail shawl is today, Thursday, November 20th from 5:00-8:00pm. We will meet weekly every Thursday evening and work on our shawls together. We have had a lot of interest in this shawl and hope that the weather and the Steeler game won't affect our turnout. If you can't make this weeks knit-along group please don't be discouraged. You can start on your own and join us next Thursday!

Charity Knitting Chemo Caps at Knit One North
We will be knitting chemo caps every Sunday from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. We supply the yarn and the pattern, you supply the needles and the willingness. We are collecting caps for the Race for the Cure next year but we will be making donations to cancer centers throughout the area all year long. If you would like to help us in our efforts, join us on Sundays or feel free to knit one at home and bring it in. If you need yarn, let us know and we will be happy to supply some for you.

Recipe
This weeks recipe is a favorite of Karen's and the ladies in the Wednesday knitting group. It is Extra Spicy Gingersnaps. The link is http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gale-gand/extra-spicy-gingersnaps-recipe/index.html. The Wednesday group always has plenty of baked goods for visitors so please join us!

See you next week when all of the ladies of Knit One North update you on their current projects! Let us know any classes you would like to see offered or any yarns you would like us to carry! Hope to see you soon and remember that if you can't make it into the store, please check out our online store.

Celeste

Monday, November 9, 2008

Knit One's new store has taken over this blog (at least for now)!

We wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to our new store that is located at

637 Rt. 228 in Mars.
Our phone number is 724-625-6667.

Knit One North'sMarket Squares Bag

Knit Along

Please join the North "Bag Ladies" in our first ever knit along. For our first project, we selected the spectacular Market Squares Bag which is from the book "Bags - a Knitters Dozen". This is a sample of the market bag that Connie was nice enough to let us borrow. The bag is on display at the shop.




The kick off - Friday November 14 and Saturday November 15.



For the market bag, Dr. Stacey ordered us so many wonderful colors of Cascade that we are not sure what colors to choose. If you want help selecting your colors for your bag why not try the Knitting Universe Paintbox page? Paint your bag in the colors that call to you, we are sure that you will find colors in Cascade that will help you create the market bag of your dreams.







Come and pick your yarn colors (so many colorways of Cascade 220 we can't count them all), go over the pattern and cast on. If you can't make either of these dates, no need to worry you can come in at your convenience and pick up the yarn and the book. We are offering a 10% discount on the yarn you purchase for the KAL.

Sock Yarns!!

A wall of luscious Koigu, Hand Maiden, and Malabrigo, the colours are amazing and the feel of the silks, camels, and cashmere fibers irresistible. Socks are an easy project for any knitter to take with them. Most knitters have a pair on the go for those extra moments at the dentist, doctor, ballet lesson, or soccer match. Today's market yarn manufactures are producing wonderfully soft and durable sock yarns that allow the sock knitter to create a lovely and meaningful gift. Alpaca Sox Hand Dyes and Solids treat your feet to exquisite fibers in fabulous colors. The luxurious combination of fibers in Alpaca Sox gives you the resource to create one-of-a-kind socks. From dressy to special everyday, you now have another alternative for hand knit socks. Wrap your feet up in warmth this season! This yarn is 60% Alpaca, 20% Merino Wool, 20% Nylon, each skein is 450 yards enough yarn to create a pair of socks.

Colinette Jitterbug

Got the JitterBug? When your feet can't stop tapping a beat you know that you have to move to that tune. Fun, funky colours, super soft feel and no hand washing in site. Jitterbug is something you are just going to have to put on your feet, and if you do you might just find a real spring in your step. And for those at the back who are missing this beat and feeling a little on the 'sluggish side', Colinette will help you on your feet by giving you a free sock pattern with every hank of JitterBug yarn; which by the way will go all the way to making the ultimate pair of socks. Jitterbug is 290 yards of 100% merino wool.

Who says that you have to use sock yarn just for socks. Jayme has created the beautiful Interweave Swallowtail Shawl from one skein of Noro Sock Yarn. To truly really appreciate the color and loveliness of this shawl stop by the shop and have a look. After the holidays, we are going to start a knit along for this shawl. Please let us know if you are interested.

So how was our first blog for the north store?

Please stop in and visit. We have wonderful groups that meet in our store. The Wednesday group meets from 11-3 and these ladies even bring homemade desserts in with them. Next week, we will put in the recipe for Pam's bars that she made last week - just in time for holiday baking. She even says they are healthy for you!! The ladies on Thursday night have a great time too! They meet from 5-8pm.



For this weeks pattern link, we came across this cute Christmas stocking pattern from Classic Elite. Check it out free pattern.


This weeks recipe:
Butter Spritz Cookies
1 1/2 cups of butter softened
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 cup of sugar
3 1/2 cups of flour
Sprinkles (optional)

Mix butter until creamy. Add vanilla, egg & sugar. Mix well. Add flour slowly & continue to mix. Fill dough in a cookie press. Drop onto cookie sheet 1" apart. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Bake @ 375 for 10 minutes. Yield 6 dozen.




Let us know any classes you would like to see offered or any yarns you would like us to carry! Hope to see you soon and remember that if you can't make it into the store, please check out our online store.

Hi All,

We are so thrilled to be having Lucy Neatby at our shop in a couple of weeks. I thought I would post the description of her classes for your information.

She will be conducting a six hour workshop each day. On Tuesday her class is on Intarsia and Wednesday will be Scarf Trio, where the class will learn different techniques to make scarves. Below are the class descriptions. Cost for each workshop is $85. Feel free to check with us to determine skill levels. Please sign up early. Class size is limited!
Please click on the link to find out more information about the workshops and the supplies needed for the classes

Lucy Neatby
Lucy Neatby is the author of two books, Cool Socks Warm Feet, and Taking the Chequered Flag: Finishing in Style, a boatload of knitting DVDs, and has written numerous patterns and articles for knitting magazines. Lucy, a former Merchant Naval Officer, is the owner of a mail-order company called Tradewind Knitwear Designs (www.tradewindknits.com) specializing in selling Canadian yarns (including her own Celestial Merino) and her own patterns. Lucy's warm personality and original teaching style make her one of the most popular teachers in North America. Lucy is a popular teacher with Windy City Knitting guild so we encourage you to register immediately because we believe these workshops will fill to capacity fast.

*****************

Scarf Trio - Mirror Mirror, Sea Lettuce or Falling Leaves

6 hours. Intermediate.
Pick one three great scarf patterns designed by Lucy (or sample all three)!
Mirror Mirror uses double-knitting to combine contrasting yarns in a reversible chequerboard pattern;
Falling Leaves is an elegant design based on a repeating texture pattern;
Sea Lettuce uses short-rows to create a stylish ruffled scarf edged with picots.
Over the course of the day, Lucy will guide you through yarn and needle selection for each project and then give instruction in the many and various techniques involved in each and launch you on your chosen project.
Techniques covered will include: I-cord cast-on, elegant increases, Modified Conventional Bind-off, picots, short-rows, working from the right needle to the left (aka knitting-back backwards), Provisional Crochet cast-on, two-colour double knitting and more!

Supply List
These scarves will all work in any weight of yarn.
Bring circular or straight needles in a size to suit your preferred yarn weight. For Mirror Mirror, bring somewhat larger needles in the range 6 - 7mm (US# 10 - 11).
Scissors, crochet hook, blunt darning needles and usual knitting paraphernalia.
Bring yarn for your project (if already chosen) and a small quantity of play yarn to experiment with.

*****************************

The Cinderella of Knitting Techniques - Intarsia Explored!

6 hour class. Intermediate upwards - some small amount of intarsia experience necessary.
An exploration of intarsia from the basics on up. Whilst working on a sampler swatch we'll explore
pre knitting planning and preparation - the key to serene working. Pattern analysis, identifying easy or challenging intarsia, (to each their own!) and design considerations. Use and simplification of charts.
Preparing a symbol, shade and information card. Low tech hints for yarn management. Tackling tangles. Use of measured lengths of yarn. Bobbins v yarn butterflies.
Getting the first row right. The intarsia join. Knitting backwards. Darning in, tricks and tips. Knitting in ends - in both directions. Awkward shapes and beginning with one stitch. Ragged first stitches - the causes. Handling horizontal colour jumps without needing to plan ahead.
Adding that little extra to your intarsia; blending yarn textures and colours, fancy stitch patterns, stranded knitting, cables, stripes and use of variegated yarns. Surgical replacement of things you don't like!

Supply List

- Darning needles; blunt and semi-sharp; a pair of needles US 5-6 (3.75 - 4mm) Scissors. A bag of part balls of yarn, in six or more colours (preferably wool and wool blends), in mainly DK/Sport (6st per inch) weight. Small amount of fingering / 4 ply weight yarn in two colours. Odds and ends of variegated yarns, mohair scraps. Markers or coloured pencils (optional). Ruler or sticky notes and usual knitting paraphernalia.
Homework -With any of your yarns, cast on 22 sts, knit 3 rows (garter st). Leave 2m/yds of yarn attached to your work.

Maryland Sheep & Wool Happening
We had a wonderful time at the Festival and actually everything went without a hitch. Some people were saying that they wished we could have stayed overnight. Marg was kind enough to have brought a video camera with her and actually published it (is this the right term?) on YouTube.
If you would like to see us on YouTube, click on this link.
Maryland Trip
Here are some photos that I took highlighting our journey.
These are the "goody bags" of snacks for the trip.
Our Journey Begins
This is at 6:30 am. We are half awake.
And not so half awake
Some of us are industrious

We have arrived!
A new friend is made
What a Beauty!
I would have loved to shear this darling!
A new play group is formed
Do you remember in the old days when you would measure applause by putting your hand slightly above the person's head.

****************
Book Discussion Anyone?
Our enthusiastic sock knitter, Nancy, paid us a high complement. She brought us a mystery book, Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton. The shop in the book reminded her of Knit One. A nice complement! If anyone wants to do a community read and pick a time to discuss the book, let us know. There are even some patterns and a recipe! Thanks, Nancy.
************************************************

Race for the Cure
Don't forget to join us at the Race on Sunday, May 11. We will be giving out chemo caps at the Gazebo near the Registration tables.

*******************
Special Promotion
We want to expand our "closely knit community."
Bring in a friend to Knit One who has never been here before, and we will give both you and the "newbie" a 10% discount on purchases made that day. Sound like fun? We think so.

*******
Save the Dates
June 17 & 18.
and register by calling or coming in to the shop
Lucy Neadby comes to Knit One!!!

*****************
Kathryn Alexander was in town this weekend and she joined us on our trip to Maryland with her dear friend Carol. I begged Carol to let me sit next to Kathryn on the bus to get some knitting tips, but alas, my pleading fell on deaf ears. Kathryn is considered to be one of the top knitting designers and artists in the country. You can see her work in such books as America Knits (link) and Scarf Style (link) to name just a few. We had her kits in the shop and even though they are pricey, they are so exquisite that they sell immediately. She dyes her own yarn in colors that are amazing. As I have said too many times, my photos do not do justice to these works. We will be carrying these kits in the store. This fingerless glove is new for Kathryn and we have a sample for you to see and feel.(Kathryn is in the middle)

These are the fingerless gloves that we will have in the store.

Some of her kits were on display at the Festival. Is this hat amazing! This is not a one night project but once completed, you could almost hang it on a wall!
The sock that rocks!


And rocks!
This vest is beyond words! I have to say that in person the colors are much richer but check out the detail and cratsmanship. Kaffe Fasset...look out!

*************************
Nancy and her Neat Stuff

Nancy knit a gorgeous shawl using Neat Stuff from Prism. Pretty neat!

Cindy's Lacy Shawl

Cindy knit this festive shawl using Sakura from Noro and a Knit One pattern



Wee Knits Vest
Love this adorable vest which Jane made from the Wee Knits pattern booklet. She knit with Mission Falls cotton. Love the texture!
Be Sweet Magic Shawl
Try Some Be Sweet Baby Mohair and make that Shawl.
It is oh so soft and not itchy!



Girls' Night Out!!!

Don't we all need one...or two...or??
Bring a friend, make a friend!
Learn the secret of making socks through this fun spa sock (see below)- fast, fun luxurious!
Limited space, so reserve now.
Advanced Beginner
$45 includes 3 hour class, pattern, wine, refreshments, a special gift, and a Discount!
May 12 6-9pm

Crochet Classes on Sundays
Join Pam for two hours of crochet lessons.
Bring that crochet project you've been dying to start but don't know where to begin.If you don't have a project in mind, come learn the basics and start a granny square pillow. Choose a date: May 10, May 25, or June 1
1-3pm
$25
***************************************Anyone interested in learning how to knit and felt this bag?
Peggy purchased this bag at the Festival and we loved it so much that we thought, "great class." If you are interested, let us know.*****************************************
Judy Pascale's cell phone case
I saw this really cool cell phone case that someone was wearing. I recognized the yarn immediately - Tilli Tomas - so of course I had to ask all about it. Turns out it belonged to knitter designer Judy Pascale. I am getting the recipe so if you would like a little class on how to make this, let us know.

**************************Knitting or Crocheting with Linda
Beginners Welcome!!!
These classes meet students where they are in their knitting or crochet lives. New knitters who need a jump start on an existing or new project, people who wish to add to their repertoire of skills, design their own projects or need help following patterns: all are welcome.

Emphasis is on becoming independent minded knitters/crocheters through the support of a class. Bring your enthusiasm and sense of humor and join this interesting group!

All Levels $25
May 13 6-8pm
Private instruction available.

Bead day at Knit One!!
Saturdy May 10 12:00-4:00 pm

Come for another bead day event at Knit One. Meet Adina, our bead lady and see demonstrations on various beading techniques. See how to combine your beads into your knitting, or string them alone for fabulous jewelry. You'll also learn about our beading classes, and bead party events for all ages.

Plus, get 10% of all the beading supplies you purchase that day!

I found this pattern and I thought it was simple and cute for the Spring and Summer. We have a new shipment of this yarn in the shop with several colors to choose. Top using Linen from Berocco

These gloves are adorable with the ruffles- it is a great gift for someone or of course, who better than yourself. fingerless gloves

I know we are not in the right season, but these mittens would be fun to make for the winter.mittens
These are fast, quick socks to knit and perfect for a beginner!! kureyon socks
This is a lovely sweater. Wear a camisole underneath and you are good to go. sweater

No charge-----No pressure-----No hassleTons of fun, tons of great conversation, tons of laughter. Groups are just generally people who love to knit, others try to get like-minded people together. It's a great place to make friends, show off your work and your skills, or get a friendly bit of advice. Everyone is welcome!!!
Spinning GroupCome spin with the spinners and/or go for a test drive on our new wheel from LouetGroup meets the 3rd Saturday every month at 1 pm

Charity Knitting & CrochetingWe have charity knitting and crocheting every Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm. We supply the yarn, you supply the needles and the willingness. We are currently knitting and crocheting chemo caps.Unfortunately, there is a large need for these and Knit One is trying to show cancer sufferers that we care.Our caps are donated to those who need them and we need all we can get.We are collecting caps for the Race For The Cure next year but we will also be making donations to cancer centers throughout the area all year long.Please help us in our efforts.If you can't join us on Sundays feel free to knit or crochet one at home and bring in your caps.And if you need yarn just let us know and we will be happy to supply some for you.
Tuesdays Are For Knitting

We currently have a very active group that meets on Tuesdays from 1-5pm. All they ask is you bring your knitting or crocheting and your sense of humor. These ladies love to laugh!
Wednesday Knitters Group

Wednesday afternoons at 1pm. Come, share, learn and have fun.
New Mother's Group

Thursday mornings at 10am. Drop the little darlings at preschool or daycare and come have some adult time

Spinning Group

Come spin with the spinners and/or go for a test drive on our new wheel from LouetGroup meets the 3rd Saturday every month so join us on February 16.
Thursday Evening Knitting Group 6-8pm

Join knitters and crocheters every Thursday for knitting, crocheting, chatting.
Julie is new to the shop but brings her talent with knitting, colors, and creative design.


Happy Knitting, Crocheting, Spinning, and/or BeadingStacey and the Staff of Knit One

We are so thrilled to welcome Lucy Neatby to Knit One on Tuesday, June 17, and Wednesday June 18, from 10am-4pm. She will be conducting a six hour workshop each day. On Tuesday her class is on Intarsia and Wednesday the class is employing different techniques to make a scarf. Below are the class descriptions. Cost for each workshop is $85. Feel free to check with us to determine skill levels. Please sign up early. Class size is limited!

Lucy Neatby is the author of two books, Cool Socks Warm Feet, and Taking the Chequered Flag: Finishing in Style, a boatload of knitting DVDs, and has written numerous patterns and articles for knitting magazines. Lucy, a former Merchant Naval Officer, is the owner of a mail-order company called Tradewind Knitwear Designs (www.tradewindknits.com) specializing in selling Canadian yarns (including her own Celestial Merino) and her own patterns. Lucy's warm personality and original teaching style make her one of the most popular teachers in North America.

*****************
The Cinderella of Knitting Techniques - Intarsia Explored!
Tuesday June 17 10-4pm

6 hour class. Intermediate upwards - some small amount of intarsia experience necessary.
An exploration of intarsia from the basics on up. Whilst working on a sampler swatch we'll explore
pre knitting planning and preparation - the key to serene working. Pattern analysis, identifying easy or challenging intarsia, (to each their own!) and design considerations. Use and simplification of charts.
Preparing a symbol, shade and information card. Low tech hints for yarn management. Tackling tangles. Use of measured lengths of yarn. Bobbins v yarn butterflies.
Getting the first row right. The intarsia join. Knitting backwards. Darning in, tricks and tips. Knitting in ends - in both directions. Awkward shapes and beginning with one stitch. Ragged first stitches - the causes. Handling horizontal colour jumps without needing to plan ahead.
Adding that little extra to your intarsia; blending yarn textures and colours, fancy stitch patterns, stranded knitting, cables, stripes and use of variegated yarns. Surgical replacement of things you don't like!
Supplies - Darning needles; blunt and semi-sharp; a pair of needles US 5-6 (3.75 - 4mm) Scissors. A bag of part balls of yarn, in six or more colours (preferably wool and wool blends), in mainly DK/Sport (6st per inch) weight. Small amount of fingering / 4 ply weight yarn in two colours. Odds and ends of variegated yarns, mohair scraps. Markers or coloured pencils (optional). Ruler or sticky notes and usual knitting paraphernalia.Homework -With any of your yarns, cast on 22 sts, knit 3 rows (garter st). Leave 2m/yds of yarn attached to your work.

**********************

Scarf Trio - Mirror Mirror, Sea Lettuce or Falling LeavesWednesday June 18 10-4pm

6 hours. Intermediate.
Pick one three great scarf patterns designed by Lucy (or sample all three)!
Mirror Mirror uses double-knitting to combine contrasting yarns in a reversible chequerboard pattern;
Falling Leaves is an elegant design based on a repeating texture pattern;
Sea Lettuce uses short-rows to create a stylish ruffled scarf edged with picots.
Over the course of the day, Lucy will guide you through yarn and needle selection for each project and then give instruction in the many and various techniques involved in each and launch you on your chosen project.
Techniques covered will include: I-cord cast-on, elegant increases, Modified Conventional Bind-off, picots, short-rows, working from the right needle to the left (aka knitting-back backwards), Provisional Crochet cast-on, two-colour double knitting and more!
Supply List
These scarves will all work in any weight of yarn.
Bring circular or straight needles in a size to suit your preferred yarn weight. For Mirror Mirror, bring somewhat larger needles in the range 6 - 7mm (US# 10 - 11).
Scissors, crochet hook, blunt darning needles and usual knitting paraphernalia.
Bring yarn for your project (if already chosen) and a small quantity of play yarn to experiment with.

Back again. There are so many new things happening at Knit One that it is a little overwhelming. Just to update you about our bus trip to the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, we are leaving promptly at 6am. We will be leaving from the Community Day School which is at the corner of Forward and Beechwood Boulevard. There is a parking lot there with plenty of room. One tip I can share based on my previous experience at the festival is to pack a lunch. The lines were very long at lunch time and if you are like me, If I am hungry and can't wait in line, I snack and eat junk and then feel lousy afterwards. If that is not like you, you will have a blast.

On Mother's Day the chemo cap group from Knit One will be distributing free chemo caps at the Gazebo at the Race for the Cure. Please stop by and see us. Our goal is to make 1000 caps and we are definitely going to reach our goal, especially if you want to help. Call us at the store for details. We are giving out free yarn for this project.

Join us for Spa Day at Knit One on Friday night, May 16 at 6pm. We will be having a "girls" night out and make yummy slippers that evening. There will be wine and cheese, too. More details will follow in the newsletter but think of it as a mini slumber party with lots of treats!

And of course Lucy Neatby is coming in June on the 17th and 18th.. She will be here for 2 days of workshop classes, one on intarsia and the other making a scarf which uses a number of new skills and techniques.

I know, I know....it has been forever since I blogged. But, I have to tell you that I have felt so guilty about it that I was reluctant to even start blogging again. I realize that does not make sense but have you ever wanted to do something so much but just couldn't because it was just hard to get into it again. Well, if that has not happened to you, you are lucky. In any case, I'M Back!!!

So, what is new? Well, first off, we are so excited about going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. We have a busload of 55 able knitters, crocheters, spinners, dyers, all ready to shop until we drop and have a great time. I am as much excited for the festival as I am for the bus trip. It is an all day adventure.

Next, on my list of what is new is that we are so fortunate after a 2 year wait list to have Lucy Neatby come to Knit One in June. Lucy will be there for 2 days of workshops. Plans are to have one day of Intarsia and the other (we don't know yet).

That is it for now. I promise I will be back soon.

Best,

Stacey

It is difficult for me to keep up with this blog because now I am writing the newsletter every two weeks for the shop. From my perspective, it is like writing a short story. You try to describe the happenings at the shop, present a few twists or come-ons, show pictures, and tell people what they shouldn't miss. Maybe it is really not a short story but a soap opera, not the nasty kind of course. Oh better yet, I think it is a journal. Well, enough of my obsessing, call it whatever you want. I am going to stick with diary(couldn't resist adding another one).



We are so excited about our upcoming Birthday party which is September 8. We have been planning it for quite a while and will have several trunk shows including Lorna's Laces, an exciting fashion show where everyone is a winner and there will be one grand prize winner, so please enter your garment. Of course there will be cake and refreshments and a sale on novelty yarns. More important, at least from my perspective, is that you will get to chat with fellow knitters and have fun.



New subject...Linda has been working with Sharon who owns Yoga Matrika in Squirrel Hill. They have been doing yoga/knitting workshops and apparently they are a big hit. Check it out at www.yogamatrika.com.

Until next time

It has been a while since I have wriiten anything on this blog, but there has been a lot happening at the store and I have taken on the awesome task of writing the newsletter. I hope that you liked the most recent one. I tried to add more photos and free patterns to make it more interesting and usable. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

We are gearing up for our 2nd Anniversary party on September 8. There will be a fashion show with prizes for everyone participating and one grand prize. So, if you have knit up anything using yarn bought from Knit One, please think about entering. There are flyers at the store. What I waam hoping is that someone would knit a sweater for their dog so that the dog could be in the show. There will be refreshments, a sale on selected yarns, and lots of yarn to touch, feel, and oogle.

Ok, are you ready for a funny story. A young woman came in and bought some Smile yarn. The next day she returned it. That same day another woman came in and bought the same yarn that the other woman had just returned. Now, here is the funny part. This same woman came back a week later and returned the yarn and while she was returning it at the desk, another woman said she loved it and would buy it. Maybe you would have to be there to appreciate this story but I thought there was something pretty amazing about that Smile yarn. By the way, the yarn has not been returned. And, I can't wait to see the finished product. I am trying to convince that woman to wear it in the fashion show but maybe after she reads this she won't do it. If you are reading this....pleaseeeee!

Until next time

I just wanted to thank everyone for shopping in the store this weekend to support Annie Modesitt and her family. I will be sending a donation to Annie given by the "closely knit community" of Knit One. When we hear about crises happening in other peoples' lives it always makes you stop and think "my problems are just not so bad." The challenge is to keep that thought in the front of our head rather than in the back. Annie and her family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Until next time,

The coolest thin happened at the store today. Two women were shopping in the store and all of a sudden they looked at each other and they both screamed in unison. They had not seen each other since 1986 when they had been in high school together in Erie. Here they are:

They had so much fun at the store together it was a pleasure to see. Of course when I begged them to let me take their picture for the blog, one wanted to change her clothes, the other wanted to add a little makeup. I thought they looked beautiful just the way they were. How could anyone look bad with all that happiness all over their faces!

So what is new at the store. I don't know what your feelings are about machine knitting. I have never been interested in it except I have always thought it would be great to use the machine to knit sleeves. I hate knitting them because they seem tedious. One is no problem but the second seems daunting. Funny how it is not the same with socks. Maybe that's because the amount of time it takes to knit a sock is a heck of a lot shorter than the time it takes to knit a front and back of a sweater. Well, the good news is that Steven, one of our instructors, teaches knitting on a machine. Here is a picture of Steven teaching two students to knit on their Brother machine.

I hope the picture is clear enough so that you can see the machine. But Steven and his students certainly look happy and I can't wait to see the finished result.

This weekend we are donating a percentage of our sales to Annie Modesitt and her family. Her husband has a very serious illness and is very ill and in a lot of pain. They do not have health insurance. If you would like to read more about it please go to her website http://www.modeknit.com/

Until next time,

I know it has been a while since I last posted, but I have been away on vacation trying hard to stay away from computers and emails. I succeeded! But here I am back in the real world staring at boxes and boxes of yarn, needles, bags, books, patterns. It seemed like everything began to arrive when I left. I have to admit that I have a lot more fun opening a couple of boxes rather than ten. Why you may ask? It is because the excitement and thrill of seeing what is in every box gets diluted by the 4th or 5th one. It is sort of like eating too much chocolate if that is possible. After about the 4th or 5th piece the flavor just isn't there anymore, at least for me.

So, what was in those boxes? Every single color of Cascade 220 known to man I think. Colorful new sock yarn from Plymouth; Boho that looks like Noro from Plymouth; Dale of Norway, Schaeffer, and I think I should stop here and keep to my principle of less is more. But I did receive these beautiful Chinese inscribed wooden boxes containing sets of bamboo crochet hooks and needles from Chicagoo. They are new this year and would be a wonderful gift for yourself or someone special. Unfrotunately, the crochet hooks flew out the door the minute I opened the box but I still have some of the straight needles left. Why does a yarn store owner say "unfortunately?" It is because I like to savour new things that I receive. I like to look at it , touch it, stare at it, take it all in. Oh well...And last but not least, we received more yarn from Artyarns. The beaded yarns lasted for about a minute. People just gobbled them up. There are silks, mohairs in some funky colors, silk and mohair, and merino wool. Knitters are making everything from scarves to shawls to tops to socks with the yarns. I know you want to see pictures...they will be coming soon.

This is my mini update. I hope it is not too boring to read without pictures. I was just feeling guilty that I had not blogged for a while.
Until nest time...

I am thrilled to announce that we finally received our felting machine. The good news is that it arrived undamaged and the bad news is that we have not taken it out of the box...yet. So, for all you felters who have been afraid to use your washing machines because a/ you don't own one; b/ you are afraid that you will overshrink your garment; c/ you need to felt with friends rather than solo...Come On Down! As soon as we get it up and running, I will let you know. Carla already has a class in the works using the machine.
My second announcement is that I took the plunge and signed on to Plymouth yarn. So, for all of you who have been suffering from Encore withdrawal, your wait is over. I received 4 huge boxes of Plymouth yarn today.
The other yarn that I am thrilled about is Artyarns. I received their wool, silk, beaded silk and mohair yarns. The colors are phenomenal. The hand is luscious and you will just have to drop by and check it out. I have some fabulous patterns to go with the yarn, too. Check out www.artyarns.com. Iris Schreier is the owner and she has written the new book Lacy Little Knits and the modular knits book. In fact, she is planning to come to Knit One in the Fall. I wish I could tell you the date now but her publisher is organizing the tour.

If you are one of those unfortunate knitters who don't receive Carla's newsletter, don't forget to sign up on this site. I have received rave reviews about it because it is so well written, informative, and the photos are picture perfect. Kudos to Carla!

Until next time
Stacey

I know I should probably wait until I have something more substantial to say, so this is just a tiny note but in large letters. We received the Colinette Trunk Show today by accident. We were supposed to get it in one month but OOPS it came early and the "powers that be" have allowed me to keep it. There are some adorable sweaters for him and her, kids sweaters, adult vest, socks, shawl, cute cardigan and a lacy mohair sort of evening style wrap. I liked the wrap because it has sleeves but is very open so that if you would like to wear something sleeveless under it and you want to cover up your extremities, this is the coverup for you. Hope that makes sense but if it does not, more reason to come into the store to check it out.

Until later,

These pre-summer days have been absolutely gorgeous...perfect weather for knitting something with silk, bamboo or cotton. Check out this one skein Alchemy scarf made with silk. The photo here does not do it justice so you will just have to come to the store and check it out. There is a pattern and it is a quick and easy project. Next time I take one of these photos I will have someone wear the garment. I think it will show up better.

Exciting things are happening in the store. First, we did have a fantastic sale. People were gathering in front of the shop at 7am. I think all who came were very pleased with their purchases. That is the good news. The bad news is that the staff are plodding along doing our inventory. If anybody wants to volunteer to help, and we do have volunteers since we all love to look, feel, touch the yarn, feel free to join us.

Carla who is the editor, writer, creator of our newsletter is hard at work designing new and innovative classes for the summer and fall. I do have to say that Carla has one of the most fabulous classes around-knitting on 2 circular needles. I have always knit socks on double point needles. I don't mind the needles, but I always ended up losing one and they are a little cumbersome for me. Then, Carla showed me how to knit socks using 2 circulars-I am in love. Not only is it easier for me to knit but I believe that it is faster. Maybe that is becasue I am enjoying it so much. Who knows, but at least you should try it. And Linda is starting a breakfast group that meets in the morning. Besides learning new skills you get to chat, have bagels and meet new people. For all of you teachers out there, this is the place to be. Check out the website for Carla's and Linda's classes.

If we don't teach the class, let us know and we will design it.

I can't believe it but our anniversay is coming up in September-2 years!! This year we are going to have a fashion show with prizes, entertainment, food. The garments have to be knit using Knit One yarn but you can use your own pattern or design. More to come later but get those needles moving!

I would love feedback regarding my blog- is it too newsy-dull-repetitive. Just don't tell me that I need to be able to take better pictures or my grammar would never get me a job as a writer-I know that.

Until next time.

HUGE INVENTORY SALE

SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 7AM-7PM

ALL YARN IN THE STORE IS BETWEEN 25-40% OFF

RETAIL PRICE

So....I have to do inventory this year. I was supposed to do it last year but oops...I was having too much fun in the store and doing inventory seemed like such a tedious thing to do. Big Mistake! My accountant has been mad with me ever since because she says you have to do inventory to find out if you are making a profit or loss and to apply the correct figures to your income tax. So, the thought of counting every single skein of yarn semed too daunting. The lightbulb goes off in my head and I thought what can make the job less stressful? Less yarn of course. I think you have the picture. The other incentive was that I was going to the Trade Show in Columbus and I thought well, with more shelf space more yarn to buy, like the new yarn made from corn. Great for socks. And, of course I would not accept deliveries until after the inventory was completed. So, I hope you will be there early and stay late. I can guarantee that you will get terrific bargains like Lorna's Laces, Colinette, Fiesta, Noro, Mountain Colours, Alchemy, Rowan...etc.

In my next entry I am going to share with you pictures from the fashion show at the trade show. Most of the companies knit up something spectacular and the models walk the runway. I am just going to give you a preview by showing you one of my favorite skirts from Claudia Handpaints.
This pattern will be available later. The top is very cute too. I hope you can enlarge it on your computer.