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In March we rejoice in
all things Irish...
especially Irish knits originating from the Aran Isles.
So during this month when everyone thinks of enjoying a bit of blarney, why are we featuring a picture of Elizabeth Zimmermann, a Brit by birth, married to a German, who spent most of her adult life in the midwestern USA? Read on.
Dateline 1957: Elizabeth Zimmerman's Aran Knit pattern appears in issue of "Vogue Patterns".
And it was this sweater that was the first Aran style ever presented in a U.S. magazine. In 1957! It's hard to imagine - these patterns that seem as timeless as the sea and wind that encouraged their development were so  long in coming to our North American shores. E.Z. knit that first sweater from cryptic written instructions with no photo to guide her. Link here to read more about this amazing innovator of our craft.
How lucky we are today that so many wonderful companies from all over the world have developed exquisite patterns that marry style, beauty and fine work into cable patterns that we love to make and share with each other.
Well whatever your persuasion and ancestry, here's to the month when we can all raise a Guinness and build up the courage to tackle a cable or two. (See Cable tips throughout this newsletter to help you on your way.) |
WE WELCOME 2 NEW NORO YARNS
 Look at these colours! And now, available in a great summer yarn. Aya is a terrific blend of cotton/silk and wool that is wonderful to feel and beautiful to wear.
SEKKU is a stunningly beautiful lace weight from NORO that will be sure to catch the hand and eye of all lace knitters.
BOTH YARNS ARE IN STOCK NOW!
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Debbie Bliss spring magazine.
 Whether you're looking for a way to gently introduce yourself to the beauty of cables or want to tackle a gorgeous fashion designer sweater, Debbie Bliss' Spring magazine is a great place to start.
This gorgeous afghan is as simple yet as classically beautiful as they come. But the Spring Issue also includes a baby blanket that uses cables in Entrelac- (what a concept!) and no less than 7 sweater patterns that use cables as major design features or as simple embellishments.
As usual for a Debbie Bliss magazine there is an eclectic mix of information to keep us entertained and a peak into the life and insights of the artist that Debbie has become, including a terrific recipe for raspberry shortbread - which is just what we need to remind us that summer is still part of our annual cycle and not an eternity away as it can sometimes feel. |
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BOOKS FOR The Irish in all of us.
I say this honestly: cables and Aran style knitting in general is one of the easiest ways to get the WOW factor into your knitting. It always looks great if you follow a few simple rules, and many patterns can be memorized within the first few rows. Here are some of my all time favourite books that incorporate those wonderful Irish stitches for all levels of knitting experience.
THE GREAT AMERICAN ARAN AFGHAN is a collection of 24  gorgeous Aran squares, each from the clever knitting brains of a different North American designer, including our own Sue Atkinson from Ottawa, who has been a great friend of WOOL-TYME Kingston. This book is a great way to introduce yourself to different techniques, a little bit at a time. The final resulting sampler afghan is stunning!
ARANS AND CELTS is a collection of exquisite sweaters designed and featured in Knitters Magazine over the years. These garment patterns marry the beauty of the stitch texture with trendy designs and great fitting garments.
HARMONY GUIDES - CABLES AND ARANS is just the thing for the adventurous knitter who wants to combine their own favourite Aran textures and stitches, by offering a selection of patterns that can be incorporated into your own designs. The ultimate resource book for the cable fan.
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NEW BOOKS
NATURE'S WRAPTURE is a well timed publication, to answer the call for stylish and interesting wraps of all sorts. Link to the site then click on the picture of the book to see all 21 designs. A wealth of timeless patterns!
Have you heard of a SOCK CLUB? It's a terrific way to connect with other knitters on line who love to be challenged by innovative designs in knitted socks. Charlene Schurch (my favourite sock lady) and Beth Parrott have brought together a lovely collection of 23 patterns for every skill level with particular attention to the use of those gorgeous soft dyed colours that we all love. And best yet, anyone can make them, even if you aren't particularly social in cyberspace. |
KNITTING ON THE NET
 
Headgear that incorporates ears must be the latest fashion trend. I cannot imagine a cat sitting still to have this picture taken. The woman below however,is a different story as she is being paid for her time - this is a picture for the Globe and Mail fashion section last week. Fashion is interesting!
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Knitting Tip of the Month :
Tips for cables.
Idiosyncrasies of the cable knitted fabric:
1- It has a right side and a wrong side, so it's not great  for projects where that really matters i.e. a scarf.
2. Because cables are usually incorporated in a surface that combines columns of knits/purls, the fabric often curls making it only "okay" for things like afghans, unless it will be flat on a bed all the time.
3. The gauge of the fabric is always smaller when you incorporate a cable into a flat piece of knitting such as stocking stitch. In other words...it takes more stitches to get the same size if you use cables in your fabric.
4. Cables are beautiful, fun to learn, fun to invent and although they take a bit more time than straight knitting, stitches don't have to be twisted on every row so it's only now and then that you have to invest the extra time.
Most important tools:
1. A chart that you create, using graph paper that lays out each row so that you don't have to keep referring to your written pattern. Consider taking a class within the Never Ending Knitting Class to learn how to set it up. It is the most important tool I know for keeping track of any pattern that can seem confusing.
2. A good cable needle that you're comfortable with. Some people like the small straight ones, others prefer the U shape or still others just use any double pointed needle that they can lay their hands on. MY PREFERENCE: the bamboo cable needles from Brittany that we sell at the store. They are small enough to keep in my little notions bag, yet sturdy enough to stay in the work without slipping out.
My favourite tip so as not to lose your cable needle:
When you have slipped the necessary stitches onto the cable needle. place it at the back or front as indicated in the pattern then put the nose of the needle through your knitting to keep it from falling out from its stitches. When you're finished with your cable needle, slide it through the knitted fabric that you're working on. It will be there ready for you for the next time that you need it. |
 FASTER AND EASIER CABLES
without a cable needle A word of warning: This is a great trick for experienced cablers to try, but you'll just discourage yourself if you're new to cable patterns ...It involves removing the needle from stitches and letting them sit untended for a moment or two. It's not the end of the world, but can be a bit scary. |
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Crocheters, knitters needed!  The Get Well Gang, our friends from Gananoque whose mission it is to warm both the heads and the hearts of patients undergoing cancer treatment, are having a difficult time finding people who are able to knit or crochet hats for this great cause. If you have some spare time and average crochet/knitting skills, please contact Gretchen to see how you can help out. | |
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What's on Anne's Needles?
 I've had a great few weeks working on my Olympics knitting project which just so happens to be a Aran style sweater - fitting into this month's Celtic theme. This is the first of 2 sleeves that I finished during the extra designated time of television watching. I'd forgotten how much fun cable knitting is, and how it seems to go quickly, spurring you on to "... just finish this next section."
But at this point in the development of the sweater, the more important thing to me is the actual picture of the sleeve. I took a class in digitally photographing one's art and it was a really helpful exercise. The more I look at it, the more realistic the colours are in the photo. And although it's lovely to have a nice photo of a piece, it's kind of important that the picture accurately reflect the actual piece that is being captured.
And yes, the yarns do go from light to dark, it's not bad lighting. And I love the shots of rich green and brown; perfect for my brother who loves to spend his weekends in the B.C. forests on Vancouver Island. |
 MARCH'S COMING EVENTS
CLASSES
SWEATER BOOT CAMP, Part 1- Fri. March 12th and Sat March 13th. If you can Knit and Purl, Part 1 of this great class will get you well on your way to creating this baby jacket in just 2 weeks and will give you a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to all future sweater projects. Sign up soon! only a few spots left. Our ever popular SOCK-IN-A-DAY class for March 13th is full BUT for those of you who want to get in on the next one, sign up early for Sat. June 12th.
GET-TOGETHERS
March. 10th and 24th will have the rug hookers meeting at the WOOL-TYME Kingston store from 6:30-8:30pm. All are welcome.
KNIT AND CHAT at WOOL-TYME Kingston, every Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30. Everyone is welcome.
Kingston Knitting Circle meets at Chapters Community room on Tuesday, March 15th from 7-9pm. It's a great chance to meet other knitters and have some quiet time with some Starbucks tea and scan the sale books on the way out. The perfect girls' night out. |
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HEY THERE, YOU PROUD OWNERS OF ADDI CLICKS!
Important information...(and thank heavens that it's not a Safety Recall alert!)
Just wanted you to know that extra cables are now available for the Click set. They come in packs of 3 and include a connector for $29.999/set.
The great thing is that you can get a multi pack which includes 1 each of 24", 32" and 40" or you can get a 3 pack of any of those sizes. Individual connectors are also available for $15.99 ea.
Please feel free to call the store and place your order. |
How lucky we are to be part of such a terrific artistic culture here in the Kingston area.
And this month is a veritable explosion of possibilities to see what some of WOOL-TYME Kingston friends and customers are up to.
Top: Kim Ondaatje is exhibiting photographs and prints at Kingston FrameWorks at 198 Princess St until March 21st.
Middle: The Kingston Fibre Artists are presenting "Inspiration and Exploration, a show of their latest works from March 7th to 30th at the central branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library.
Bottom: Andrea Graham, felt artist extraordinaire, is exhibiting from March 4th to 31st at the John M. Parrot Art Gallery, at the Belleville Public Library at 254 Pinnacle St.
SEE SOME ART!
What a terrific way to chase away the slush blues! | |
Kingston Newsletter
