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Welcome to 2011!

Yarns

• Berroco Flicker
• Debbie Bliss Angel
• Gedifra Riana Big Closeout
• Gedifra Videra Closeout
• Nashua Natural Focus Ecologie Wool Closeout
• Nashua Shenandoah Closeout

Guest: Carol Sulcoski chats about 2010 in review. Kathy and Carol discuss the economy’s effect of the industry, plus sock yarn and what to do with it. After the break they discuss the impact of social media on the industry, and patterns and books that are self-published and/or downloadable.

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Yarns

• Dream in Color Everlasting Sock
• Dream in Color Everlasting DK
• Plymouth Haciendo
• Blue Heron Rayon Metallic
• Briggs & Little Heritage
• Trendsetter Yarns Zoe
• Opal Sport
• Tulip Crochet Hooks
• WEBS Gift Card
• Jade Sapphire Cashmere Scarf Kits

Guest: Cathy Carron, author of Cowl Girls. Kathy and Cathy chat about the book and all of the great projects in the book. They also chat about how Cathy got started and how she ended up where she is now.

KAL with LA

Hood

When starting the hood, the pattern has you place the held stitches from front and back onto needles and then knit the first row with some increases. I found there to be too big of a gap between the front and back stitches so I followed a suggestion from Connie. What I did instead was to pick up some extra stitches – the number will vary depending on what size you are knitting – between the front neck sts and the back neck sts. You want enough to close the gap but not too many. Then in the next couple rows work some decreases to get rid of the extra stitches.

Make sure you are maintaining the ribbing pattern. And be sure to place a marker to mark the center of the hood.

On the 5^th row you will begin the hood increases at the center marker. You are working a double increase at this point. I kept it simple and worked ‘knit into front and back of stitch’ on the next two stitches on either side of the marker. You want to maintain your ribbing pattern as you add stitches – after you have added 4 purls, the next added stitch will be a knit.

Work until the hood is 11 ¾”, ending with a wrong side row. Then you will split the left and right sides of the hood, work some short rows to shape it and finish it by doing a 3-needle bind off.

That’s it! You’re done (well, don’t forget to weave in the ends). I blocked the sweater one more time so the sleeves and hood would get their turn at being blocked and the sweater would look whole.

WEBS is open 12/26 11:00am-5:00pm.

We’ll be closing at 4:00pm on 12/24.

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Make sure you enter our 200th episode giveaway!

Yarns

• Katia Rizos
• Katia Triana
• Nashua Creative Focus Cotton DK
• Nashua Creative Focus Cotton
• Queensland Bamboo Cotton
• Bristol Yarn Gallery Buckingham

Guest: Gudrun Johnston, The Shetland Trader. Gudrun explains where the name The Shetland Trader comes from and she talks about her beautiful new collection of patterns. She tells us where she got the names of the patterns included in the book.

If you’re local, make sure you stop by on December 2nd to meet Gudrun!

KAL with Leslie Ann: This week LA discusses the woven section. You’ll be knitting with two strands of yarn AND the smaller needle. Work first two rows of woven pattern, work across front, bind off for underarm, and work across then turn to complete the back. Once the woven section is completed, you’ll drop the extra strand and go back to alternating strands if you are doing that.

Shaping the shoulders – work across the neckline stitches then place them on the holder after knitting them. You’ll begin short row shaping after this. Don’t be afraid of this! The instructions are super clear in the pattern.

Hi Everyone

I have a couple of industry tidbits to share with you all today.

First up is some exciting news from Artyarns.  Owners Iris & Eliot.  They were selected by American Express to participate in a brand makeover that was video taped.  There are three episodes that have been posted on Amex’s OpenForum and are described as follows:

“This video is part of our Project RE:Brand web series in which small businesses undergo brand makeovers from design experts. “

Below is the link to episode 1 of 3.  The other two are shown as thumbnails to immediately to the right – just click on them to see them as well:

http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/marketing/video/understanding-the-brand

As someone who has and MBA in Marketing and has spent the better part of 20 years in the field one way or another, I was completely intrigued by this.  Iris & Eliot recently visited and shared the link along with many aspects of the project.  They had mentioned this to us at TNNA but we really didn’t “get” what the project was about.  The insight from the design team they received along with the collateral materials are amazing.  What a tremendous opportunity for them.  Check out the videos and watch the process and learn more about Artyarns!  Also, be sure to check out Iris’ new blog at www.irisschreier.com.   There you will find out about her latest designs and escapades.  Plus there are a bunch of great FREE Patterns!  Congratulations again to them and we couldn’t be happier to carry their gorgeous, luxury yarns!

Next up, I received a link to Amazon’s “Best Books of 2010: Crafts:

http://tinyurl.com/3xrbw93

First and foremost, let’s all give our very own Gail Callahan, a.k.a. The Kangaroo Dyer a HUGE round of applause!  Her book, “Hand Dyeing Fleece & Yarn” was ranked #3!!!  Way to go Gail!  We all knew her book would be tremendously awesome, even when she was doubting the book.  Although it’s her baby, we are a proud group of aunties & uncles at WEBS!

What is even more exciting is that Gail is in very good company!  Congratulations also go out to:

Kari Chapin author of “The Handmade Marketplace“.  This is a great book.  We were fortunate enough to host a book signing with Kari and we are just tickled that she came in at #1!

Fellow shop owner Joelle Hoverson checks in at #4 with her much anticipated follow up to “Last Minute Knitted Gifts” with “More Last Minute Knitted Gifts“.  We all loved the first book and we all love the second just as much!

In at #7 is “Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders” from Judith Durant and the lovely folks at Storey Publishing.  We love the entire One Skein series particularly because there are many designs across the series that were submitted by members of our faboo staff!

Rounding out the list at #10 is Julie Turjoman’s acclaimed “Brave New Knits“.  Another fabulous author that we had the pleasure of hosting, Julie’s book has been a great hit!

We are thrilled for all of these authors and the success they have enjoyed this year.  Any of these books would make great holiday gifts.  Don’t forget that books count towards the WEBS discount!

Enjoy!

Kathy

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Less than 50 days until Christmas! And less than 30 until Hanukkah!

Yarns

• Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK
• Berroco Ultra Alpaca Tonal
• Cascade Heritage 150 Paints
• Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light
• Regia 4 Ply Jazz Color
• Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 2 Ply
• Penguins & Polar Bears
• Turkey

Guest: Lexie Barnes – Lexie talks about the new products coming out in her line, and also Twist Fair which is taking place in Northampton November 12th and 13th. At this year’s Twist Fair, there will also be a special vendor on Saturday made up of several kids who have created some fantastic projects for sale. They will be donating a portion of their proceeds to the National Arthritis Foundation to assist children diagnosed with arthritis.

Lexie also has a second book coming out soon. But, you don’t want to miss her newest collection of bags – Glitterati! Many of us at WEBS, including Kathy, love sparkle and these bags don’t disappoint. Two new bags are making their debut – Foxy and Queen B, plus a new notion bag, Pearl. They’ll be available in December.

KAL: Austin Hoodie by Connie Chang Chinchio knit in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light

When you’re looking at sizing, Leslie Ann recommends no negative ease, so you’ll want to go for body size, or a bit of ease. She knit hers shorter, and is also going to shorten the sleeves a bit, so that’s something you want to think about.

3-5 skeins depending on what size you want. Leslie Ann made the largest size, and had yarn left. Our store sample was knit in the smallest size and used every bit of yarn. Make sure you purchase enough yarn, especially with a hand dyed yarn like this. The worst thing to happen would be that you have a skein left over. Better than not having enough!

Leslie Ann recommends you alternate skeins if using a hand dyed yarn like this. Knit 2 rows with one skein and 2 rows. Make the switch along one of the side “seams.” You simply wrap the yarns around each other so you don’t end up with a hole, and drop one and pick the other up. You’ll be very pleased that you did it so the colors will blend.

What You’ll Need:

• US5 and US6 needles. LA used a 40″ circular and a 16″ circular and DPNs (for the sleeves)
• Tapestry Needle
• Stitch Holders, or spare yarn to hold stitches

Make sure you knit your swatch AND block it BEFORE you measure it because the yarn does bloom a bit.

The sleeves are worked from the top down with short rows, but make sure that you don’t let that scare you off. We’ll have lots of information on that, and it’s explained very well in the pattern.

Our 200th Episode is coming up, so stay tuned for details on the celebration we have planned for that!

Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook was released in 2004, a few years after I taught myself to knit with a terrible book from the craft store. If this book had been out when I started my knitting quest, it would have been so much easier and more clear. The latest offering from Debbie Stoller is Stitch ‘n Bitch Super Star Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics and it picks up where the first and second books left off with more advanced techniques and the same, clear instructions and illustrations.

When the book first appeared in the office I was skeptical, but then I started flipping through it and kept saying thinks like “oh!” and “that’s brilliant!” and I quickly realized that this book needs to be added to my library.

It is broken into three parts – ‘The Stitches,’ ‘How to Create Your Own Sweater,’ and ‘The Patterns.’ The first part is a wealth of beyond-the-basics tips, tricks, and techniques. It covers everything from decreases and increases (and which ones slant in what direction – something I have trouble remembering) to Fair Isle, and those much-feared steeks. There were so many ideas in this first section that made me say “Wow!” and the illustrations, pictures, and descriptions were incredibly clear.

Part 2 centers around designing your own sweater, including comprehensive information on sleeve types. Even if you’re not interested in designing your own garments, this section in super helpful, because you can take the information and work with the pattern you want to knit so it fits you perfectly.

The final part includes 41 original patterns from different designers that use the techniques discussed in the book. They are worth the price of the book on their own, even without the wonderful information in the first two parts. Each pattern also includes a little peek at the design process.

There are patterns for babies, children, and adults, and I want to knit most of them! This is just a small preview of some of the great projects in the book. The Coco sweater has sequins, and I can’t resist a little sparkle! In Bloom, the felted bag, is truly stunning. I love the little sheep on the Sheepy Time cardigan, and even though I’m not a huge fan of toe socks, the stripes on Tiptoes are very appealing!

The project on the top of my to-knit list is Bookish.

It has just enough argyle for me to have a little taste of it without being over the entire garment. I love cardigans, and I have yarn in my stash with this cardigan’s name written all over it. It’s on the cast-on list for the very near future (maybe even this weekend).

Stitch ‘n Bitch Superstar Knits is definitely one of those books you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again because of all of the useful information.

Mary

I learned to knit almost 6 years ago, about the same time Joelle Hoverson’s book Last-Minute Knitted Gifts came out.  This was one of my first knitting books and I’ve poured over the pages countless times looking for gift ideas and inspiration.  I was super excited when her latest book More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts came across my desk.  It’s another great collection of quick knits for the whole family and home.

I’m always looking for new gift ideas for babies and toddlers and these two stood out for me.  The Easy Baby Cardigan is knit in one of my favorite yarns, The Fibre Company Terra.  I love knitting cardigans for babies—easier to get on them than a pullover, and fun to find just the right buttons.  The Nesting Squares Blanket is the kind of pattern perfect for color improvisation.  Knit from the center out, you can change colors when you want—play around with the width of the stripes and striping pattern.  Or knit the whole blanket in a great hand-dyed color.

Probably the best thing about scarves and cowls as gifts is that you don’t need to worry about sizes.  The Movie Star Scarf, Soft as a Cloud Cowl, and Very Pretty Lace Scarf are excellent examples of simple shapes and patterns that let special yarns shine.  I have 1 skein of Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere that has been waiting for just the right pattern to come along like this cowl.  And one hank of Louet Mooi will make 5 Movie Star Scarves!

Other accessories include cool Sideways Fingerless Gloves, Cabled Fingerless Gloves, and Beret and Ribbed Hat patterns with directions for multiple gauges.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with containers.  So the Soft Baskets knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Cotton caught my eye.  The Cozy Coasters in Blue Sky Alpacas Melange would be the perfect addition to a gift of special hot chocolate or teas.

I may never find enough time to make a fingering weight sweater as a gift for someone, but Leah’s Lovely Cardigan would be a special treat for me someday.

Happy gift knitting!

Dena

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If you’re in the area, make sure you check out Paradise City Arts Festival this weekend!

Yarns

• Wisdom Yarns Marathon Socks North Pole
• Mirasol Ushya
• Manos Cotton Stria Closeout
• Malabrigo Rios
• Classic Elite Liberty Wool Solid
• Classic Elite Liberty Wool Print

KAL with Kirsten

This week, we discuss the edging. The lace edging is knit sideways onto the body of the shawl. This is a fairly easy edging. At the end of you shawl, you case on a few stitches, and as you meet with the body of the shawl, you knit a stitch or two from the shawl to attach it. Kirsten suggests Barbara Abbey’s Knitting Lace. She also suggests that you find an edging without too many rows. You could also add a crocheted edging to this shawl.

Guest: Sally Melville, author of the new Warm Knits, Cool Gifts, which she wrote with her daughter Caddy Melville Leadbetter. The projects in this book are truly stunning. This is a must-add to your library! Sally shares a little with how they came up with the concept for the book. Check out Sally’s website for images from the book and to see if she’ll be near you.

Note: There will be no podcast next week.

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Yarns

• Viking of Norway Balder
• Balder Pattern Book
• Viking of Norway Naturgarn
• Naturgarn Pattern Book
• Queensland Mist
• Queensland Sandstone

KAL with Kirsten

Materials

• laceweight/fingering weight/sock weight yarn – if you want to do something with more complicated lace, it would be better to go with a more semi-solid yarn. Kirsten used Kangaroo Dyer Semi-Solid Sock Yarn
• US 6 circular needles recommended, but it can be done on straights if you prefer
• Valley Yarns Basics B-6

Kirsten uses a regular cast on for this, but you could do a provisional cast-on if you like.

Follow the directions in the pattern and increase 4 stitches every right side row. If you want to add lace, make sure you keep the increases and decreases even in the middle and at the edges.

For next week: Consider where you would like to end your shawl, what kind of edging you’d like to do, if you do not want to use what is in the pattern.

Guest: Stitchy McYarnpants and Caro Sheridan, authors of the new book Knitting It Old School. The book re-envisions vintage looks and patterns from the 1940s-1970s in both knitting and crochet. Stitchy and Caro discuss how the book came to be and share a bit of what they went through creating it.

One of our amazing customers, Cheryl Burke has a hat in this book too! A few projects in the book are even knit in our own Valley Yarns.

Stitchy and Caro will be at the store with us Saturday, October 9th 11:00am-2:00pm to sign books and show off the fantastic garments that are in the book.

Hi Everyone

As I posted previously, I had the opportunity to talk with Gwen Bortner on last week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit.  I’ve been very forthcoming both on the podcast and here on the blog that I adore Gwen.  She’s one of those people you just want to be around because she has such awesome energy, is crazy smart and lovely to the core.  I’ve had her at as a teacher during TNNA and she is among the best.  So I guess if you want to consider this post about her new book Entree to Entrelac biased, I’m okay with that.

I’ve never been a fan of the entrelac technique.  As I mentioned on the podcast, entrelac is often given a bad rap.  Knitters think that garments knit using entrelac will be bulky and shapeless, much the way crochet garments often come under fire (although I think there are many designers out there that have really turned the tide with crochet).  We’ve had store samples sent to us that have fallen into this exact category.  When I opened Gwen’s book my preconceived notions about entrelac were quickly erased.  Then I got to page 56:

This coat speaks to me on so many levels.  It’s the complete antithesis of what many people think of entrelac.  It’s just beautiful.  Knit using four colors of Malabrigo Lace the smallest size uses 11 skeins and the largest size requires 16 skeins.  Yes, it’s a lot of yarn and a lot of knitting but this is one of those pieces that will be timeless.

One of the other garments Gwen and I discussed was the Morning, Noon & Night series.  It is a compilation of 3 garments that follow the same pattern but offer different sleeve lengths and fit options.  Each is knit in a distinctively different yarn.

This long sleeve version offers a standard fit and was knit using Prism Yarns Neat Stuff:

The three quarter sleeve also offers a standard fit but due to the yarn choice, it has a different look:

The short sleeve version is dressy partially due to the yarn choice (Touch Me by Muench) but also because it’s knit with less ease than the other two garments resulting in a closer fit:

For those of you who agree that these are all great garments but have never tried entrelac before, Gwen provides a complete tutorial at the beginning of the book and there are plenty of easy, first time projects.  One that I particularly like is the Joined Points Hat:

These hats are knit using Brown Sheep Lanaloft but truly you could use any medium weight yarn you have in your stash that gets you a gauge of 18 st & 26 rows over 4″ in stockinette stitch.

If I haven’t tempted you enough, here’s an added bonus!  The lovely folks at XRX, the publisher of Gwen’s book and Knitters magazine, have generously given me access to one of the patterns in the book that I can offer to all of you for FREE!

Gwen designed the Market Scarf specifically for those of you who have never tried entrelac before.  It only utilizes rectangles. It was knit using just 2 skeins of Malabrigo  Worsted.  You can opt to use 200 yards of 2 different colors or 400 yards of 1 color (yardage for Malabrigo Worsed is 215/hank).    Even if you are an entrelac pro, this is a great scarf that someone on your holiday list will love!

What are your thoughts on entrelac?  Love the technique?  Willing to give it a try?  Still not a believer?

Kathy

P.S.  All photos were taken by Alexis Xenakis for XRX.

P.P.S.  One small note: the final photo of the Market Scarf is the garter stitch version, which was made with Skacel/Zitron Opus 1, not Malabrigo Worsted. The stockinette versions are made with Malabrigo (red-orange, on the download.  My apologies for the mistake!