What A Knit!
Where creativity & imagination go hand-in-hand...
Monthly Newsletter                                                                                                                   January 2011

Happy New Year!

You are receiving this newsletter because you have either taken one of my classes, placed an order with www.WhataKnit.com or have shown an interest in Knitting or Kumihimo. Both are my passions.

Kumihimo Necklace
Click Photo to See Kumihimo Idea Gallery

 I hope in the New Year that all of you will find time for creative fun. Let's face it, for many of us life is hectic and fast paced. Between work and family and other obligations we often forget to make time for ourselves. And it is so important. When I start feeling out of sorts, I pick up my Kumihimo disk or my knitting needles and it's like magic. I start to breathe and I start to relax. I feel better and the people around me are happier too!

If you haven't tried Kumihimo, you might want to give it a try. It's a Japanese braiding technique that is easy to learn with endless possibilities. From simple to sophisticated, you can make jewelry, embellishments and many other accessories and it combines beautifully with knitting! Kumihimo  is enjoyed by young and old alike. It's lightweight and portable. Over and over again I hear, "I love it", "Kumihimo is so much fun", "This is so simple", "I'm addicted". I encourage you to give it a try!


 
What a Knit ! is the place to come for ideas, inspiration, instruction, knitting patterns and Kumihimo kits & supplies. We have the best collection of Patchwork Knitting Patterns (designed by Irene York), a fun Kumihimo Idea Gallery (loads of ideas) and plenty of fun things to buy at our Knitting and Kumihimo Storefronts.

 

Have fun!

Karen

 

.

 

Border

New Arrivals....

.
 
Satin Kumihimo Cord...

Satin Kumihimo Cord
          Click Photo to
         See All Colors


Made in the U.S.A., this soft, shimmering, vibrant Rayon Satin Cord is a Kumihimo favorite. "Petite" satin cord is approximately 1mm - 1.4mm in size (roughly 1/16 inch or slightly over) and is sometimes referred to as #0 or Bugtail. "Petite" Satin Cord makes a gorgeous 8 strand Kumihimo round braid and pairs perfectly with the 6 mm end caps.
 

 

18 Fantastic Colors: Black, Teal, Turquoise, Mauve*, Light Blue*, Maize*, Emerald*, Mint*, Caramel*, Avocado, Wine, Royal, Antique Gold, Light Beige , Coffee, Red, Purple, and Dark Olive. *Brand NEW colors!

 
Visit the store  to see all colors. 

 

What a Knit Price: $ 3.00 / 10 yards
 
(
These generous 10 yard lengths of Rayon Satin Cord come packaged in re-closable plastic bags labeled with color and length).


.

 

Border
Kumihimo Chart
Try This One!

.

Try This ......  12 Strand Kumihimo Braid !

 

12 Strand, 3 Color Spiral Variation

Colors A, B, C

 

Color A (blue in this example) = 6

Color B (orange in this example) = 4

Color C (green in this example) = 2

 

Arrange thread colors in pairs according to chart. Start with #32 in the"N" position. Position threads evenly around disk. When your tension is even begin braiding - bottom left to top, right top to bottom, clockwise turn to the "next pair" of threads. 

 

 

 

.

Border


Kumihimo Tip of the Day #1:

.

Take Notes! Yes, I said take notes. Someday you will make something you really like and you'll want to remember how you did it (or somebody will). It takes 2 seconds to draw up a chart and note your warp colors and their placement. It also helps to jot down what type of thread you used and whether you used it single ply, double, etc. This comes in handy!

Kumihimo Tip of the Day #2: 
.

Experiment with color and texture! Try embroidery floss. Try Pearl Cotton. Try Kumihimo Satin Cord. Look through your stash and you'll find something. As long as the threads are not too thick for the notches on your Kumihimo Disk and not so fine as to lose tension. Stay away from stretchy yarns but do try ribbon yarns and other "fancies". Have fun.

.
Border


 

Fact: The definition of Knitting is the "act of forming a fabric by looping a continuous yarn". 
The definition of Kumihimo is "the gathering of threads".
I think Knitting and Kumihimo go hand-in-hand.
And so it is with friendship,
we gather and knit (or braid) a
fabric of friendship. 

 

.


Border
.
Whether you are an experienced "Kumihimo-ist" or thinking you better give this a try... head on over to my Kumihimo Shop at www.WhataKnit.com and have a look around. What could be easier? You shop and I ship your order to your doorstep! All orders are thoughtfully filled and sent to you upon receipt. If I anticipate any delay, I will notify you immediately. Most of the time, unless there is a major snow storm, I offer free local delivery. For all orders outside of Truckee, I use USPS First Class Mail. This is the best way to ship lightweight items. I pass this savings along to you. I am happy to accommodate special needs - call me at 530-587-8711 or send me an email at Karen@WhataKnit.com.
Thank you!
 
Kumihimo Classes? Yes, I love to teach. Click link to go to Kumihimo Workshop page.
Border
Join Our Mailing List