This week the staff at WEBS is buzzing about their last minute Holiday gifts!

(Left) A couple of years ago, I decided that for our holiday photo, I was going to knit my four children elf hats. I used Brown Sheep Bulky because time was running out . I had pictured happy elves but the best picture was all of them with their arms crossed and grumpy. It is one of my favorite holiday cards and they still pull out the hats every year and wear them to school. The pattern is lossly based on the cover of More Last Minute Hats. > Amy S.

(Right) One of the best things about working at Webs is being able to make and wear festive knits around people who appreciate them. I made the candy cane striped boot toppers last year and could hardly wait to wear them again this holiday season! I also wore them to a holiday party where they were first “knitnapped” by a two year old who would not give them back until I promised to knit her some and then by the host of the party who wore them as arm warmers. These might be my “go to” gifts next year.  They are knit out of Berroco Vintage DK in red and white. I used some left over green from my stash to crochet the jingle bells on after I was done knitting. > Amy S.

My daughter in law saw this pattern on Pinterest and asked me to make it for my granddaughter. It’s called the Burton Bear Cowl and it is  super fast and easy to knit in a super bulky weight yarn. I used Rowan Big Wool and Berkshire Bulky. The pattern comes in sizes from baby to adult and is easily modified. My grandson wanted one when he saw it but he wants his in the UVM colors of green and yellow (he’s 5 mind you). > Linda B.

I knit this basic cable bag using Valley Yarns Berkshire in color #44 Tan Heather. For the asymmetrical cable, I knit Berkshire with FDC Gioiello in color #61 Foliage. I took my project to the new Beehive Sewing Studio on Pleasant Street in Northampton. The owner Tess Poe helped me create a beautiful lining for my purse, complete with two zippered pockets and a third pocket with a button closure. We ironed interfacing onto the lining to give the purse additional structure. > Heidi R.

My three year old granddaughter Beatrice is taking ballet. For Chanukah I knit this mouse with Northampton Sport. The pattern is Mousie by Ysolda. Like all of her patterns, it was well written and easy to follow. I put on the little tutu because I am also giving her the book Angelia Ballerina with it. > Marion H.

I made the High Plains Drifter shawl as a wedding present for my sister. I used Anzula Squishy in Denim and it’s amazingly soft. I loved working with the yarn and the project just flew off the needles. It’s so soft, and the garter stitch makes it nice and warm. > Grace H.

Have you ever tried knitting entrelac? It’s an absolutely beautiful technique that can be a little cumbersome to work. It involves knitting a few stitches at a time, turning your work, and purling back these few stitches. When I was knitting the Autum Shawl, flipping my work constantly started to get really frustrating and even difficult as the shawl got larger.

Knitting backwards, or it’s also referred to as reverse knitting, eliminates the need to flip your work. Take your left needle and put it into the back of the stitch on your right needle. Yarn over, and pull the the stitch through. The stitch will end up on your left needle. You’ll see that you really are knitting backwards, creating knit stitches by working left to right.

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Guest: Kathy and Kate talk about the history of Twist Collective; they’ll be celebrating 5 years next summer!

Kate explains the process of choosing patterns, yarns and colors as well as the clothing to be worn with the new designs, and styling the models for the photo shoots.

They also discuss the painstaking tech-editing process each pattern goes through to provide the highest quality patterns.

The Winter 2012 Issue is live now and features 2 designs using Valley Yarns. North Wind knit in Valley Yarns Northampton and Esme knit in Valley Yarns Northfield.

Horatio and Oren mittens knit in Valley Yarns Huntington or Northfield, from the Fall 2012 issue of Twist Collective. 

Steve’s Yarn Picks

• Lotus Yarns Sunset
• Lotus Yarns Mimi
• Prism Yarns Layers Stuff
• Blue Ridge Yarns Footlights
• UKI 20/2 Mercerized Cotton cones – Closeout

Tomorrow team WEBS will once again be walking(while knitting!) and running in the Annual Hot Chocolate Run to benefit Safe Passage. Last year we raised $6000 dollars and we’d love to raise even more this year. If you’d like to help out, please visit our donation page. Kathy and Steve will be matching all donations made through till the start of the Race tomorrow morning!

WEBS is open Sundays through 12/23, from 12 to 5PM EST, for your holiday shopping convenience.

Upcoming Events:
Thursday Dec 20th, Event with Bruce Weinstein and his new book, Boyfriend Sweaters.

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There’s still plenty of time knit or crochet a few fantastic items for those special people in your life.

Valley Yarns Pattern #503 Hearts of Oak Stocking knit in Valley Yarns Northampton would not only make a great gift for a new baby or a newly married couple but 5% of the proceeds from the pattern sales benefit the Stitch Red campaign.

The traditional Fair Isle motifs and colors of the  Valley Yarns Pattern #504 Holly and Ivy Tam knit in Valley Yarns Northampton Sport really evoke the winter holidays.

The skillfully curved armholes and neckline of Valley Yarns Pattern #507 Linda’s Vest crocheted in Valley Yarns Northampton Sport, as well as the ribbed trim give this simple granny stitch vest an edge of style and sophistication.

With a classic knitted on edge and textured eyelet stitch pattern throughout Valley Yarns Pattern #487 Dappled Shawlette knit in Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed is the perfect showpiece for gorgeous hand-dyed yarns.

We love that Valley Yarns Pattern #363 Pincushion Moss Shawl crocheted in Valley Yarns Southwick is an easy, lacy shawl that grows from the neck down letting you crochet to the size you desire.

Valley Yarns Pattern #286 Shale Pleated Scarf  has a great architectural stitch pattern that makes it perfect for men or women and when knit in Valley Yarns Berkshire it’s like being wrapped in a hug each time they wear it.

What projects are you excited to be working on this week?

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about gifts! We’re busy getting our gifts ready for the holidays; only a few weeks left!

( Left) I made the hedgehog wool pet as a gift for my girlfriend. The instructions were easy to follow and the pictures demonstrated every step. After I made the body, I used the finished picture as a guide for the nose, ears and coat pattern. I’d recommend wool pets for anyone looking for a fun and creative gift! > Kyle C.

(Right) I’m making several pairs of socks as gifts this year, and I’m in love with the Karbonz needles. They have the nice, sharp points I love from the Novas, but the carbon fiber has a little grip to it. The joins between the different materials are smooth, and I know I don’t have to worry about my yarn snagging. Definitely a plus when working with thinner yarns! > Jackie V.

I don’t do a ton of holiday knitting, but every year my Grandma Gen is at the top of my list to receive a handmade gift. This year I wanted to go with something beautiful but fast. The Kid Cozy Throw was exactly what I needed; a combination Berroco Boboli and Berroco Cirrus yarns knit on a large needle to make quick work. Plus, I think I like it so much that I’ll have to make one for myself! > Greta S.

When my girls were much younger I made them each Ganomy Hats and a pair of Mitered Mittens from Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitter’s Almanac using Noro Silk Garden. They have outgrown them now but my youngest daughter asked for a new set this year. I let her dig through my stash for yarn and she chose the new Noro Kirara, color #11. She’s thrilled with how it’s turning out and can’t wait to start wearing it. > Sara D.

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Guest: Kathy and Leslie Ann talk about a variety of Holiday gift giving ideas.

Quick and easy Knits
HATS
Valley Yarns Pattern 445: Little Whiskers Hat

                          Pictured here knit in Valley Yarns Buckland and Berroco Quasar

Quarters Cap by Kristin Nicholas would be great knit in Color by Kristin or Valley Yarns Buckland.

HANDS
Swans Island Blackberry Mitts would look wonderful knit in Madeline Tosh Vintage or Valley Yarns Northampton.

FEET
Fiber Trends Felted Clogs – Adult sizes, Children sizes knit up beautifully in Valley Yarns Northampton or Berkshire and don’t forget the suede slipper bottoms!

Pictured: Amy’s clogs with embelishment and suede slipper bottoms

FOR THE HOME

Valley Yarns Pattern Stars 509 Knit Stars knit in Valley Yarns Northampton Sport can be used to decorate your home in almost countless ways!

Quick and Easy Crochet
Valley Yarns Pattern #392 Math for Kathy crochets quickly and with beautiful drape when you use Valley Yarns Charlemont in Solids, Kettle Dyed or Hand Dyed colors.

Great Gift Items

NEEDLES
Knitters Pride Dreamz, Nova and Cubics Interchangeable Needle Sets

Knitters Pride Dreamz Crochet Hook and Tunisian Interchangeable Hook Sets

Addi Turbo, Bamboo, and Lace click sets

BAGS
Hadaki French Market Tote, Herdy Bags, Namaste Boardwalk Backpack,  Atenti Betty, as well as lots of great choices from Della-Q and Lantern Moon.

Blocking Boards and Ball Winder/Swift combos

Schacht Cricket Loom

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

This angler fish was a very special birthday present for a dear friend’s six year old.  He loves deep sea creatures and saw an angler fish that my oldest daughter knit and loved it.  This was really fun to knit and put together.  The pattern is from Amigurumi Knits.  The book is full of all sorts of sea creatures, food and other knit animals.  The yarn I used was Valley Yarns Berkshire, for the fins and “lips”, and Cascade 220 for everything else.  He also needed a card to go with it, so I painted a miniature version of his knit angler fish.  His mother says he loves it! > Amy S.

I saw this scarf as a sample in the store, and had to make one for myself.  It’s feather light, but warm!  The yarn is Superior by Filatura di Crosa, and the pattern is Modera Mesh Scarf which was adapted from a Barbara Walker lace motif. It looks like an intricate spider web.  There’s a P5 repeat in there that I had to do with a pin, since the Superior is so fine that it was difficult to pick it up with regular needles. > Andrea V.

I recently knit the Arctic Circle Cowl from the Tundra Collection from The Fibre Company. For starters, the yarn itself, Tundra, is heavenly. It is soft and luxurious and the color is tonally rich, almost iridescent. I loved the feeling of it in my hands as I knit! The pattern was well-written and easy and because the yarn is bulky, it was a quick knit. The stitch pattern gives it some nice texture and it’s just the right size for a sweet, cozy cowl.  > Leslie Ann B.

(Left) Schacht Flip Trap – A perfect addition to either the Flip Rigid Heddle Loom or floor looms from Schacht. Use the sling to put shuttles and bobbins that you’re not using when you’re weaving. Great gift for the weaver in your life. > Gail C.

(Right) These wrist warmers are for a friend who loves just cuffs to keep her hands warm while she is working. The pattern is the Sokkelo half mitts and cuffs designed by Anna Nilsson. I chose some Madelinetosh Sock in the Tart colorway.  I knit them on our new Karbonz needles, which were a dream to knit with.  Great needles, great yarn!  One Holiday knit down, one hundred to go! > Amy S.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about doggie sweaters, Halloween treats and more!

Little Penny Sweater from Doggie Knits by Corinne Niessner; modeled by Juke the Miniature Pinscher – Let me just say up front that I am not the most experienced knitter here at WEBS but this was a quick knit even for me. Super easy pattern to follow and the ribbing even stretches over Juke’s harness to keep him warm on walks. The pattern called for worsted weight yarn but as Juke has little fur and gets cold easily, I wanted a bulky sweater and this pattern adapted beautifully. Just knit a sample swatch ahead of time! I wanted something machine washable so I went with Berroco Comfort Chunky due to the ease in care. I had a bit of difficulty with the yarn splitting due to so many plies. And knitting in the dark was out of the question since I had to keep an eye on what I was doing. It was also my first time working with yarn that I could not spit splice, so weaving in the ends was a bit of a challenge, but they are all on the inside now and he won’t care. I plan on knitting it again in Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted next time to keep him warm through the New England winter. > Malea R.

(Left) Here at WEBS I work packing orders for shipment. When I saw this pattern come across my desk, I had to have it! I made the bag (with lots of help from one of the lovely ladies at the store) for my son to go trick or treating. It is a simple stockinette stitch that I made in Cascade 220 in Burnt Orange and Black. You can find the pattern here. > Jenny D.
(Right) I have a thing about felted bowls.  Every season I seem to come up with some reason to need a bowl.  It’s really just an excuse to try new things with knitting and felting.  These bowls were inspired by Autumn.  After a plain bowl is felted, it’s like a blank canvas.   On the pumpkin bowl with the lid, I used the “mistake” of pulling the embroidery thread too tight to my advantage.  It puckers the felt and makes it look more natural.  All the bowls were made with a closeout yarn that is long gone but could easily be made with Cascade 220 or Valley yarns Northampton held double. > Amy S.

I made this shawl to wear on my wedding day in mid-October - to keep my shoulders warm, as the ceremony was outdoors on a Berkshire hillside. The pattern is Purity by Sharon Miller and I used two skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Cream.  As written, the pattern has a “frill” on both ends, but I omitted the second one because I wanted a simpler look.  Knitting with Kidsilk Haze requires a bit more attentiveness, as the stitches can blend together - I was off on stitch count a couple of times in the lace section, but the lace section is so forgiving that I can’t tell where the mistakes are. I love this shawl, it’s so light & airy but still very warm! > Andrea V.

(Left) When I decided to knit my sister a blanket, she and I briefly argued about fiber content and yarn weight before we compromised on Spud & Chloe Sweater.  The yarn is so soft and has such great stitch definition that I want to use it for everything.  And it’s machine washable so I know I don’t have to worry about the finished project getting ruined. I didn’t use a pattern; instead I just cast on 180 stitches and knit feather & fan until it was as big as I wanted it! > Jackie V.
(Right) The first time I saw the Fibranatura Cobblestone was when I was putting it on the shelves for Stitches East.  I knew it would be perfect for children and babies.  The colors are great and it’s 100% superwash merino.  I grabbed a skein and quickly knit up the Ear Cozies hat for a friends’ two year old.  I had enough left over to knit a matching one for her baby that’s due in March.  I think I’m going to grab some more for “last-minute, I need a baby present” projects. > Amy S.

When knitting stripes in the round, a jog is created at the color changes (bottom arrow). This is because knitting in the round is actually knitting in a spiral. One row is not neatly stacked on top of the other, but instead a spiraling continuation of the previous row.

To avoid the jog created by changing colors during striping:

1. Knit a row of your new color normally

2. On the next round, slip the first stitch of the round as if to purl, then continue knitting normally. This slipped stitch is elongated and pulls the entire row up higher to hide the jog created when changing colors.

The top arrow shows a stripe created using the slipped stitch method. The slipped stitch blends in with the other stitches for an almost invisible join.

This week, the staff at WEBS is buzzing about…

Jeff’s mother, Lise, made him yet another fantastic hat for winter. Windschief by Stephen West was knit out of Jade Sapphire Brigadoon to create this hat. Jeff says it’s so soft, “It feels like my head is surrounded by puppy ears!”

I was looking for a fun and colorful scarf to brighten up my winter. This pattern (Mister Hannah from the CEY Color By Kristin Book 2) was easy to follow and the colors really zing! I used the “Color by Kristin” yarns called for; Raspberry, Spring Green, Geranium, Turquoise Sea and Aubergine. The contrast stitching and tassels really make it work! > Suzette J.

I love seasonal accessories. Luckily, I work at Webs. I have access to the best raw materials and after I’m done, I can wear my crazy knitwear around people who will appreciate it. These arm warmers and boot toppers were inspired by my favorite seasonal candy, Candy Corn. I started to see all sorts of knitted things based on Candy Corn all over the internet. I thought I would make my own. These were made with some yarn off our bargain shelf, but could easily be made with Cascade 220 fingering in Burnt Orange, Goldenrod, and White. They were quick to knit up and have already been stolen by my 13 year old! > Amy S.

The Spring Ribbed Cardi by Hannah Fettig was a lot of fun to knit! While being fairly easy to knit I love the free and easy look of the finished cardigan. I used a discontinued yarn to knit mine, but some great substitutes would be Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, Madelinetosh Sport, or (if you want something really luxurious) Madelinetosh Pashmina. > Greta S.

With a birthday coming faster than I realized and loving the challenge of a new pattern I decided that would take one of my workhorse yarns, Berroco Comfort on a recent trip with my husband. I heard for years about The Wonderful Wallaby pattern yet had not taken the time to research and make it. It was such a wonderful knit and I loved the process so much that not only did I make Luke his for his first birthday but also one for Hannah for her first day of preschool. > Lise G.