I spend a good chunk of my days answering questions and giving advise, (knitting advise, that is), and sometimes people aren't thrilled with my answers.  Nothing makes people sigh, grumble, or roll their eyes more than when I mention gauge.  But really...I'm going to say it again...gauge is important, especially if you want what you're making to actually fit. 

Being the gauge-nag that I am, I thought I'd wow you with my mathematical expertise to show you an example of why...(more)

from Kollage Yarns

Check it out: this yarn is made of 100% recycled blue jeans! Like your favorite jeans, it gets softer the more you wash it, and it's machine washable just like your jeans. I can see a Riveting top in my granddaughters' future.  Check out the cowl I knit with it below in the Fresh Off The Needles section...nice. 

Knit Happy Stuff

We've got a few new Knit Happy items for the summer:  tote bags, notions bags, water bottles, purse (and knitting bag) hooks, as well as our old favorite sticky note holders. 

Never Not Knitting Patterns

Sometimes (i.e. usually) I think I have way too many patterns on the pattern table, but I just couldn't pass these up.  Never Not Knitting Patterns are gorgeous, easy to read, well-written, printed in full color with several views of each project.  If you enjoy knitting podcasts & blogs, you'll want to check out Alana's here.   

Options Interchangeable Needles from Knit Picks

We've recently started carrying the popular Options needles from Knit Picks.  We're all stocked up with their super-slick nickel plated needles, as well as their colorful Harmony wood needles:  we've got the complete sets, lots of extra cables, and tips in every size.  We've also got the double pointed needles in sets of sizes 0 - 3 or individually.  We also have some of their popular notions, such as their Chart Keeper.  Now you don't need to wait for them to come to you - you can pop in and get them here! 

Malabrigo

Last week we received our semi-annual shipment from Malabrigo, so we're all restocked!  Rasta, Merino Worsted, Twist, Rios, and Sock.  I just love it when the Malabrigo arrives!

Yarn:  Cotton Chenille from Crystal Palace Yarns

Pattern:  Cotton Chenille Wash Cloth #1

Needles:  US 6

Comments:  This is a plush, soft wash cloth.  Paired with a bar of soap, it would make a really nice hostess gift, or maybe knit up a few for a baby shower gift - nice for washing tender a baby skin.  There are three stitch patterns available, and you can get two cloths from one ball of Cotton Chenille, or five cloths from two balls. 

Yarn:  Riveting, 1 skein

Pattern:  My Kind of Saturday

Needles:  US 5

Comments:  This is my first project with the new yarn I mentioned earlier, Riveting, but I strongly doubt it'll be my last.  I wasnt sure how I'd like knitting with a fine, cotton yarn, but I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

 Terri's Sweater  

Yarn:  Taria Tweed from Plymouth Yarns

Pattern:   Plymouth Pattern 2003

Comments:  Customer show & tell time!  Sometime last December, Terri's Mom made her annual call from Milwaukee to order a gift certificate.  Somehow  Terri knew it was coming, and she had the pattern and yarn picked out looooong before she actually got the gift.  This lovely sweater is the result.  The pattern was written to use just one color, but Terri changed it (of course she did - shes Terri!) into a two-color pattern, with very nice results.

Yarn:  Bunny Hop, 1 skein each of two contrasting/coordinating colors (color A & B).  I chose one solid and one variegated color.

Needles:  16 circular size 6, DPN's size 6

Gauge:  5.5 stitches per inch

Sizes:  14"/0-3 months, 16"/3-6 months, 18"/12-18 months

The smallest size will be shown first, with the larger sizes in parentheses.

Instructions

Using color A, cast on 75 (85/100) stitches onto circular needle.  Join to knit in the round, place marker.  Knit 6 rounds.

Begin stripe pattern:  knit two rounds of color B, knit two rounds of color A.  Continue knitting every round, changing colors every two rounds until hat measures 5.5" (6", 6.5"). 

Begin decreasing for the top of the hat as follows, changing to double pointed needless when necessary, and continuing to change colors every two rows:

Round 1:  *k3, k2tog*  Repeat to end of round.

Rounds 2, 4, and 6:  Knit

Round 3:  *k2, k2tog*  Repeat to end of round.

Round 5:  *k1, k2tog*  Repeat to end of round.

Round 7 and 8:  *k2tog*  Repeat to end of round.

Break yarn, leaving a 6" tail.  Thread tail into a tapestry needle, and pull yarn through the stitches, removing them from the needles.  Gently but firmly pull to close yole.  Weave in ends.

Curly Topper - using color A:

Row 1:   Using knitted cast on, cast on 10 stitches

Row 2, 4 and 6:  Bind off all stitches until one remains on needle.

Row 3:  Using knitted cast on, cast on 15 stitches.

Row 5:  Using knitted cast on, cast on 20 stitches.

Change to color B, joining it to the same piece, repeat rows 1-6 , finishing off the last stitch after row 6.

Roll base of piece and secure to top of hat.  Weave in ends.  Cute!

We had a lot of fun at WWKIP Day again this year (June 11th).  Beautiful weather - sunny, but not too hot, sitting in the parking lot in the sunshine, waving at the friendly passers-by, chatting, laughing, and knitting...the perfect day, I think.

There were lots of tasty treats too, but I just had to share this one.  It turns out Cary R. has another hobby besides knitting:  cake decorating.  And she's really good at it!  She wow'ed us with this creation:

WWKIP Day 2011 Cake by Cary R.

One of the super cute sheep Cary made   by hand

So make a mental note: next year, put Knit in Public day on your calendar, and don't miss out.

For our current classes, please visit our website. 

Workshop Style Classes

We have several workshop-style classes running this summer.  In these classes, each student works at their own level on any project they like, and we're there to help if you get stuck or to teach you a new technique.  You can see the details on our website linked above.  These are all "pay as you go" type classes,  meaning you only pay for the sessions you attend - perfect for the summer months or your busy schedule!  Also, they are ongoing classes, with no start or end date - jump in whenever you like.  The times are:

Knitter's Choice with Judy:  Tuesday mornings, 10:30 - 12:30

The Workshop with Kelly:  Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - 12:30

Knit Along with Ann:  Wednesday afternoons, 1:30 - 3:30

Knitter's Choice with Kelly:  Thursday afternoons, 4:00 - 6:00

This month's Knittervention! will be July 15th.  Knittervention is our once-a-month, Friday-night-potluck-get-together.  For the whole scoop, click here. 

Oh, and even though we call it Knittervention, of course crocheters are welcome, too.  "Crochetervention" just sounded funny, and "Friday Night hookers"...well...that doesn't sound quite right, either. ;) 

Join us for a fun social time while working on whatever you want.  No registration required - just show up.  We have three times a week you can join us:

• Tuesday evenings, 5:00 - 8:00
• Friday afternoons, 1:30 - 4:30
• Saturdays, 9:00 - noon

 Please note:  Open Knitting isn't a class.  Although I'm always happy to answer questions as time permits, sometimes it gets a bit hectic.  For more dedicated help, consider coming to one of our Knitter's Choice, Knit Along with Ann or The Workshop classes.  Details one these classes can be found here.