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Guest: Kathy talks with Meta about the 3rd Annual I-91 Shop-Hop happening June 27th – 30th, Thursday through Sunday.

Meta owns and runs Metaphor Yarns in Shellburne, MA., set just across the road from a beautiful New England dairy farm with lots of space for classes and knitting groups as well as a great selection of small local yarns.

Meta will have demonstrations happening all weekend in knitting, weaving, tatting and more, hoppers will also get a goody bag. Each store will have a daily raffle. Get your passports stamped at each shop, once you’ve gotten a stamp from each shop you can enter into the drawing for the grand prize. Buy your passports now!

Our Thanks to everyone who came out for the Tent Sale and to the Vendors who participated in our Fleece Market. Thanks to our phenomenal team! You did an awesome job!

Steve’s Yarn Picks

39th Anniversary Sale:  May sale highlights

This is the last week of the Sale! Our 39th Anniversary sale ends Friday May 31st at 11pm EDT

• Knitter’s Pride Dreamz Interchangeable Circular Chunky Set
• Knitter’s Pride Nova Special Interchangeable Circular Set
• Knitter’s Pride Symfonie Rose Interchangeable Circular Deluxe Set

Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash, and Plymouth Encore

• Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk
• Lang Jawoll Magic Degrade
• Valley Yarns Southwick

• Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham Quartz
• Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham Moss
• Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham Birch
• Filatura di Crosa Gioiello – Discontinued Colors
• Ella Rea Lace Merino – Discontinued Colors
• Ella Rae Lace Merino Worsted – Closeout
• Schoppel Woll Zauberball Starke 6

Amy Herzog will be here June 6th to celebrate the release of her new book, Knit to Flatter.

The New England Weavers Seminar (NEWS) is happening July 11-14, on the Smith College campus.

 

Local and regional Fiber Fairs can be wonderful places to discover new yarns and Indie Dyers that you won’t find at Big Box stores, or your local yarn stores.

While the knitting world has embraced hand-dyed yarns crocheters seems to be a bit hesitant. I say go for it! Hand dyed yarns are perfect for crochet. Where knitters can sometimes run into issues of color pooling, with the short colors sections of these yarns, the very nature of crochet stitches takes advantage of these color changes.

There are plenty of wonderful patterns out there that would be perfect for a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind skein of  yarn picked up at a fair. Mary Beth Temple’s  Arches Cowl would be perfect as it can be worked till you run out of yarn. Sometimes you get lucky and find a hand-dyed bulky weight yarn; the Berme pattern from Berroco could help you turn that into a quick and perfect sweater.

And don’t forget socks, there are so many hand-dyed choices in sock yarn it can make your head spin, but it’s not just for socks. Linda Permann’s Stellar Beret and our own Iris Shawl can be made with sock weight yarns.

This weekend is the annual Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair, I’ll be there looking for yarns that inspire me to crochet. For a list of Fairs in your area check the Knitter’s Review calendar of upcoming events.

So choose a few patterns, check the yardage you’ll need, and hit the fairs!

This week, Greta shows us exactly what it means when a pattern says, “Block over a plate.” Now you’ll be able to block your berets and slouchy hats perfectly!

Have you ever knitted a slouchy hat pattern and reached the finishing instructions only to find this strange little tidbit, “Block over a plate”? Now, I absolutely love knitting slouchy hats and berets, but when I saw this for the first time I was a little confused. After trying this blocking technique many times, I finally got it down and thought I would share what I’ve learned.

Materials:
A dinner plate (about 10” in diameter)
A bowl or pitcher, something that balances nicely
About 1 yard smooth scrap yarn
A tapestry needle

Step 1: Using some smooth scrap yarn (about 1 yard) and a tapestry needle, thread the scrap yarn loosely around the brim of your hat getting as close to the edge as you can manage. Technically this step is optional, but I like it because it gives the brim a more finished look and helps open up any lace work in your hat.

Step 2: Block as usual. I wet blocked my hat to soften the fibers and really let those stitches bloom.

Step 3: Place the hat around and over the dinner plate. I arrange it so the crown of the hat is over the bottom center of the plate.

Step 4: Gently and evenly tighten the scrap yarn and tie it in a slip knot. Make sure everything is arranged nice and evenly on the plate.

Step 5: Place the plate brim-side down on an upturned bowl. This keeps your project from getting dirty and helps it dry faster.

Once the hat is dry you are good to go! Wear that slouchy hat with a smile knowing both you and it look awesome!

(Pattern is Crooked Paths by Melissa LaBarre; Yarn is Madelinetosh Vintage in Flashdance)

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Jamie lasted about a month of working at WEBS before diving in to knitting. Learning has been a combination of taking classes here, asking questions of patient co-workers and getting help from books and online videos. It’s never easy to learn a new skill, but Jamie jumped right in with the perfect attitude. “I have no problem trying something new and failing. I’m always trying to learn new things. I’m a lifelong learner. You just have to recognize that you can try something and not be good at it, and that’s okay.”
(Above) Bandana Cowl knit in Tosh Chunky in Amber Trinket.

How long have you been knitting? Do you do any other fiber arts?
I started learning to knit this past September (2012) by taking Knitting I and Knitting II here at WEBS. I’ve also had a lot of help from my wonderful and talented office-mates! I haven’t picked up any other fiber arts yet, but I’m hoping to take Crochet I in the near future.

What is your favorite yarn to work with?
I haven’t worked with that many yarns yet, but I have a not-so-secret fondness for Madelinetosh yarns. I really love the subtle variations in some of their greyed-out colorways like Opaline.

(Left) Eternity Scarf, by Michele Wang (published by Brooklyn Tweed). Knit in Rowan Felted Tweed Aran in Pebble.
(Right) Romney Kerchief, by Jared Flood (published by Brooklyn Tweed). Knit in Tosh DK in Antique Lace.

What is your favorite fiber project?
So far it’s really been that my favorite project is whichever one (or three) I’m working on at that moment. I try to pick a project that’s exciting to me, whether because of the color and fiber of the yarn, or new techniques I have to learn or how great the finished object looks. I’m really happy with a Romney Kerchief, designed by Jared Flood, that I made with Tosh DK (above right). I had to learn a Provisional Cast On, Kitchener Stitch and Elizabeth Zimmermann Sewn Bind-Off to complete it, and I love how simple but elegant the design is.

(Left) Greta’s Neon Cowl pattern knit in Manos del Uruguay Alegria in Locura Fluo.
(Right) Irving Hat, by Melissa LaBarre knit in Tosh Vintage in Nassau Blue

What fiber project are you working on right now?
Currently I’m working on a super-bright cowl using Manos del Uruguay Alegria sock yarn. WEBS’ own Greta Shaver designed a nifty little cowl pattern using a neon colorway of Alegria (above left). I think it’s a loud, silly and awesome accessory, and I’m making it for a loud, silly and awesome friend! I’m also working on an Irving Hat, designed by Melissa Labarre (above right). I love her hat patterns, and so far it’s been really helpful for me to get experience doing a more complicated lace motif with an easier-to-handle worsted weight yarn.

One of the first beds Jamie made himself.

How else do you express yourself artistically? 
I majored in Visual Art at a relatively small college, so while I mainly focused on photography, I studied a bit of everything, including painting, drawing and sculpture. Before coming to work at WEBS, I worked for a small hardwood furniture manufacturer. As a result, over the past three years I’ve spent less time making images and a lot of my free time learning woodworking (and now knitting). Making images continues to be important to me though, and I always keep a sketchbook where I’m working on or planning prints, paintings and photographs.

Do you have a favorite non fiber related project you’ve completed?
My wife, Elena, is a printmaker and painter, and this past September we worked together to make a large (6’ x 3’) woodblock print for BIG INK, a large-scale woodblock printing public art event put on for Northampton’s Arts Night Out. The print shows a scene from family friends’ blueberry farm in Maine. (above)

How do you like to spend your free time?
What’s free time? When not working on arts/crafts projects, I really enjoy spending time outside with Elena and our dog, Ginger. We like to go for day hikes up Mt. Skinner, Mt. Toby and Mt. Tom. I find exercise to be a great way to unwind and oscillate between running and playing ultimate Frisbee. Right now I’m training to do some triathlons this summer! While I do love to exercise, the secret reason I do it is so that I can bake and eat as many scones and muffins as possible.

When I asked Jamie what his dream job was, he had a hard time coming up with an answer. “I really like working here so don’t really spend any time thinking about it.”

“My absolute dream job would be working in Nick Offerman’s woodshop. He plays Ron Swanson on Parks & Recreation and seems like a really cool dude. He has a woodworking studio in L.A that makes really beautiful stuff. I’m not actually experienced or talented enough at woodworking, but that’s why it’s a dream job, right?”

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Steve is live at the Tent Sale!

Steve fills us in on all of the great stuff that we have at the Tent Sale. We have 20% of spinning wheels, fiber, and accessories this weekend in the store only.

Sara tells us about the vendors we have here at the Fleece Market. If you couldn’t make it this year, there’s always next year!

• Sojourner Design (and Bud!)
• Stitched by JessaLu
• Kristin Nicholas from Leyden Glen Farm
• From Fiber to Fashion
• Artemesia Ink
• Celadon Studio
• Whispering Winds Alpacas
• Galloping Jester
• Red Barn Alpacas
• Rag Hill Farm
• Wild June Berry Farm
• Winterberry Farm
• Barberic Farm
• Moonshine Designs

Tina hops in on our live show to share information about upcoming classes and events. Make sure you visit the Classes and Events page on website.

Ann Budd will be here teaching Sweater Basics and Finishing Basics July 13th and 14th. You’ll also want to check out the Knitter’s Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements.

Amy Herzog, author of the new book, Knit to Flatter, will be here for a book signing June 6th. Please register here.

Stephen West will be teaching two classes (sign up for the waiting list) and he’ll be doing a free event June 13th. Register here, so we know how many people are coming.

Jason Collingwood is coming to do an Introduction to Rug Weaving class June 15th-17th.

Fiber Camp is happening again for kids ages 8-12. They’ll take place the 3rd and 4th weeks of July.

Check out the selection of Rigid Heddle classes where we go beyond the basics. Rigid Heddle is a great way to use up your yarn stash in a beautiful, useful way.

Broomstick Lace Crochet

Math for Knitters – you don’t need to be intimidated!

NEWS – New England Weavers Seminar in July at Smith College. Beginning weaving is offered as a class at NEWS.

Steve’s Yarn Picks – only at the Tent Sale!

• Overstock Madelinetosh Vintage and Merino Light
• Random Grab Bags ($5-$25)
• Jojoland Baritone
• SMC Northern Worsted with Wool
• Valley Yarns Greenwich
• Valley Yarns Cold Spring
• Noro Hitsuji
• Cascade 220 Quatro
• Atenti Bags

Steve’s Picks for Everyone

• New Madelinetosh Colors
• Filatura di Crosa Superior Discontinued Colors
• Elsebeth Lavold ViSilk
• Laines du Nord Baby Milk
• Sublime Tussah Silk DK
• Viking of Norway Baby Ull
• Louisa Harding Grace Wool Silk Hand Dyed Discontinued Colors

Best of luck to Karen, our Store Manager who is moving on to open her own store in Freeport, ME.

Our Anniversary Sale continues until May 31st.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

I have been frantically knitting another supply of these Ruffle Washcloths for thank you gifts, Mother’s day and end of the year Teacher gifts. I knit a bunch every year and every year they are out the door as quickly as I can knit them!  They pair nicely with a fun bar of soap and pretty ribbon. I have found that they knit up nicely in almost any cotton but I think they would be beautiful in Bristol Yarn Bradford, Classic Elite Seedling, or Rowan Handknit Cotton. Back to washcloth knitting! > Amy S.

The Spinner’s Book of Yarn Designs by Sarah Anderson – This fantastic compendium of spinning delights began to excite and inspire me as soon as I cracked it open. I sat down with it recently, began poring over its well organized chapters, and then immediately dove into my stash of handspinning scraps and started to combine them in new ways. The book is beautifully photographed and thoughtfully designed for easy reference. It includes a set of handy cards that can be used right at the spinning wheel to check your work during spinning, like the angle of twist or the structure of a multi-stranded yarn. This is a must have smorgasbord of inspiration and juicy tidbits of information that will bring new textures and dimensions to your handspun yarns! > Ashley F.

The inviting aroma of lavender drew me in to the Milk and Honey Lotion Bars as I walked by them in the warehouse one day. I had to buy one! Molded into decorative cakes, these all natural lotion bars are a compact alternative to liquid lotion bottles. Made from beeswax and infused almond oil, they not only moisturize your skin, but leave a heavenly lasting fragrance. I love the calming scent of lavender, and use this lotion at my desk whenever I need a little pick-me-up. The lotion bars are great to toss in your project bag, as some fibers will dry out your hands when you work with them. Snagging yarn on dry cuticles is the worst! A little does go a long way, your body heat will melt the oils and absorb into your skin. This lotion bar doesn’t leave my side! > Deb S.

We’re in for a crazy weekend here at WEBS! Our annual Tent Sale is this Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th, and our Fleece Market takes place Saturday in the parking lot. If you’re within driving distance, you don’t wan to miss it (and if you’re not, make travel plans for next year)!

The craziness is totally worth it. We set up a huge tent in our parking lot and Steve fills it with yarn at incredible prices. Plus, there are special discounts on yarn, accessories, and patterns in the store in addition to the Anniversary Sale yarns. Need another reason? All in-stock spinning wheels, fiber, and accessories are 20% off in the store all weekend!

Need yet another reason? On Saturday, we hold our Fleece Market in the parking lot. Local vendors come sell fiber, yarn, and more. Great fiber-y goodies from Sojourner Design, Kama Suutra Fiber Arts, and many other great vendors will tempt you. What’s this “more”? Well, we have Stitched by JessaLu and her amazing project bags (I always need new project bags!), Kristin Nicholas will be here with lamb, and that barely scratches the surface. Check out the list of vendors here.

So, will you be coming this weekend? Have you been before? What’s your favorite part?

This week’s tip comes from Amy G, one of our store staff team members. She finds you can take the 2-at-a-Time skill generally used for socks, and apply it to other projects too, like the sleeves of a sweater.

“I often find the sleeves to be the most boring part of knitting a sweater, so I do them at the same time on a circular needle using two balls of yarn. Of course it only works for set-in sleeves, not sleeves picked up and knit from the shoulders, but it helps me finish my project instead of getting distracted and starting something new!”

Dena, our Ecommerce Marketing Manager, loves this technique. It can definitely get a little confusing though, so she adds a locking stitch marker to join the two pieces together. She finds this helps keep her from turning her work too soon.

Do you have any tricks to keep yourself from leaving a project half finished?

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Guest: Kathy talks with Brandy about her new book, Just Like Me Knits.

Brandy was living in north, rural Georgia and began to fill some of her time by learning to knit and crochet. She co-founded the online knitting magazine Petite Purls based on her interest in designing for her children.  The new book expands that to include matching designs for that special doll.

Katie Garter Jacket knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Multi Cotton

Steve’s Yarn Picks

Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash, and Plymouth Encore remain on sale through May 31st!

• Classic Elite Firefly
• Debbie Bliss Bella
• Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy
• Valley Yarns Southwick
• Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk

• Louisa Harding Colline
• Malabrigo Mecha
• On Line Tasco

• Zealana Willow DK
• Zealana Eco Possum DK

Amy Herzog will be here June 6th to celebrate the release of her new book, Knit to Flatter.

The Third Annual I-91 Shop Hop is happening June 27-30th.

The New England Weavers Seminar (NEWS) is happening July 11-14, on the Smith College campus.

 

When Amy Herzog was here to teach her Fit to Flatter class back in January 2011 (was it really that long ago?), I had the pleasure of taking the class. If you get the change, I urge you to take it, and check out her online class on Craftsy. Both are amazing! Amy’s new book Knit to Flatter is an amazing resource that’s full of information and patterns to make you look your best. We’re all shaped differently and Amy shows you how you can flatter your shape.

The first section has you use a picture of yourself to figure out your body shape – top-heavy, bottom-heavy, or proportional. You’ll find great pictures illustrating the different body shapes and clear directions on how you can determine yours. You may even be surprised where you fall. (I know I was!) In this section, as well as throughout the book, you’ll find tips on the best ways to flatter your shape.

The patterns are divided by body shape, but each pattern has modification tips for the other shapes, so you’re not limited to just what’s in your section. Patterns are merely a jumping off point to creating a garment that fits and flatters YOU perfectly. The modifications section is chockfull of helpful information on darts, bust shaping, short rows, and more to make the most out of your project. This book deserves a prominent place in your library.

I also love that the book uses women of all different sizes to show off the gorgeous patterns. I don’t think there’s one pattern in here that I wouldn’t want to knit and wear! The projects all have very generous size options as well. Many start at a 28″ chest measurement and go up to a 53″ or higher.

Are you in the area? Amy will be here for a book-signing to celebrate this new release on Thursday, June 6th from 6:00pm to 7:30 pm. Please join us, stop by, say hi, and have your book signed.