Which has nothing to do with Franklin's talk (see further below), but it certainly makes sense in terms of current staff projects. Like, oh, Marjorie's Skif Heart (IP):
Currently being knit with over a dozen different yarns that are nearly all in the hot pink to purple-pink range. Even the marigold and orange you see there comes from a painted yarn that has, you guessed it, pink and purple as well.
Next, we have Kristin's Mystery Sweater (also IP), that I cannot find on ravelry (and it's Kristin's weekend right now...), but clearly it's a shade of purpley-pink:
And, finally, we have the Children's Bolero I am making for my niece, Tegan, (IP):
Which I somehow convinced Franklin (yes, that Franklin) to hold in lieu of a traveling sock :
He's such a good sport. And hilariously funny. If you missed his lecture last night, well... I don't have to words to describe such a side-splitting experience. I did manage to snap a shot before the event really started...
But completely forgot to take any photos during or after. Yes, I know. Bad blogger, no cookie.
If you did miss it, I suppose I shouldn't mention the trivia and prizes (knitting cartoon totes!), or silly photos, or Victorian patterns or... never mind. It would be cruel to go on. In the end, we had two seats left (not bad with 35 chairs squeezed in the room with a projector and screen), which you can see right there. Next time (yes, Franklin's promised to visit us again, apparently we aren't that odd), we're thinking a bigger venue would be quite lovely.
And, lastly, to prove we like all the colors of the rainbow* (not just the purpley-pink ones):
I have a basket of samples for my upcoming Kitchen-Safe Dyeing workshop. I wouldn't have mentioned it at all, but I've been nagged by several coworkers. So, there, I've mentioned it and even put out samples on the coffee table. Make what you will of it.
Until next time, stay colorful!
*Although, it may be fair to say we like some colors more than others.
It's Thursday, which means this is the first post in what will be a weekly column focusing on discovering some great fashion-forward knit designs and finding realistic ways to make them yourself. I'm not exactly sure yet what shape this blog will ultimately take, but I can promise it will be fun.
So to begin, the leaves are changing and the temperatures are cooling, which means fall is upon us and, I don't know about you, but this season I'm seriously obsessed with knee socks.
All summer I have been noticing them on some of my favorite style blogs and, with the Portland climate, these socks are so practical. Under boots, with flats, all the time. I think dresses are coming back in a big big way and this trend works out so perfectly with my new favorite accessory. Ever since the first time I laid eyes on Cookie A's Milicent Sock pattern I have been in love with it and I think now is the perfect time to take it on.
I'm definitely going to do them in Shibui Sock, (although wouldn't they be amazing in Isager Alpaca 2?) but now the problem is color. Mulberry? Midnight? Keep it classic with Ivory? Oh, how to choose?! I suppose it's good that Cookie A's Rhiannon Pattern is also pretty irresistible.
Another piece I'm loving for fall is the peplum sweater. I've seen some really cute ones out there like this one from Marc by Marc Jacobs:
And now for the DIY version. I love this pattern Beatrix from Kim Hargreaves book Thrown Together, done in Rowan Felted Tweed (a yarn I just so happen to have been itching to work with):
We just got this book back in stock, though unfortunately I don't think it's made it to the website yet.
Another version I love is The Ballerina Wrap Jacket by Mari Lynn Patrick in the Fall 09 issue of Vogue Knitting. It's a little trendier, a little less equestrian, but I really love the length. This one is done with Koigu Merino Kersti, but I would absolutely love to see it in ShibuiKnits Baby Alpaca DK.
I could spend all day doing this, but there are orders to attend to, so one last piece. I saw this necklace by Muntedkowhai on a blog, and I think it is such a great idea and it would be so easy to make your own. It is very reminiscent of the jewelry in Knot (which we are currently out of, but I wish would finally arrive from Japan). I think, well, any Habu yarn really would be wonderful for these but I'm itching to try it in the Cotton Gima or the Konyaku Root Sizing Silk:
and detail shot:
I found this pattern for a bookmark by Crochetroo (free on Ravelry), which I think would be amazing adapted into a necklace:
All of them. A lot. Which is why we've set up our newest display:
And just might be planning some wicked Fair Isle treats over the next few weeks. Oh, yes, indeedy. Along those lines, Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting is BACK IN STOCK!
Get your copy while we still have them. I know I (and several other staff members) have. This is THE reference to have on the art of Fair Isle. Really, honestly, and truly. It has pages and pages of detailed diagrams, pictures and instructions on everything from technique to designing your own sweater. If you're a knitting tech-phile, this is the book for you.
Anyway, that's what I think.
Moving on... Frances kindly brought in her newly finished Girasole:
No, it hasn't been blocked. But it's still gorgeous! In fact, I had a hard time taking a photo that didn't have someone or another's hand on it, petting. The finished "cloth" is just sublime - due entirely to the high quality of Catherine Lowe's Silk Mohair 1. And Frances has promised to bring it in after she blocked it, so keep an eye out for that!
Lastly, we sent out the very first Sock Club 2010 packages this afternoon! Excitement abounds. We can't wait to see (and hear) your reactions, o loyal Sock Club members, so please let us know what you think. Until next time, blogfans, start planning those Fair Isle projects...
We are pleased to announce the winner of our Twitterific Sock Contest and recipient of a 09/10 Sock Club Membership is 3894! Congratulations Helen, enjoy a lovely year of socks.
Next on the agenda: New products! We have just received some lovely handpainted yarns from Schaefer and roving from Abstract Fiber that we just can't wait to share with everyone. Pictured left is Schaefer Helene, a beautiful 50% Merino, 50% Cultivated Silk blend. The colorway pictured is Gertrude Erdele. On the right we have Abstract Fiber's Alpaca Silk blend roving in colorway Chocolate Rainbow. I can't get over how gorgeous both of these are, I especially like how well they work next to each other. These are both available in the store and will be available on the web shortly!
Now onto my favorite new toy, we have recently received some of these absolutely beautiful Traveluxe clutches by Offhand Designs. They come in such gorgeous fabrics and they are perfectly (in my opinion) laid out to accomodate straight needles, DPNs, and circulars, PLUS they have a zippered notions pocket. I snatched up the one on the left and am completely obsessed with it. This is definitely made worse, of course, by the fact that it so conveniently fits in my purse.
an interior view:
We also got a few of the Offhand Designs handbags but unfortunately all but one were snagged before I could get pictures. The size of this bag makes it so functional: large enough to be a great project or an overnight bag, but still not too large to be an everyday bag.
So that is what is new with us, stay tuned next week for an update on Marjorie's Skif and some more customer and staff projects. Until then blogfans!
If you've been paying attention to our Twitterific Sock Contest poll (like we have... with baited breath), you know that the race is getting really, really close! If you haven't, now is the time to vote as the poll closes tonight at midnight (PT). So far, it's a tight race between gldelx and 3894:
Really close race, actually. So get in there and vote, if you haven't already!
Next, on my list of topics to cover... Fall Classes!
And, howdy!, do we have a bunch of 'em. Now, admittedly not all of them are up on the website yet (including Fall-Inspired Felted, all of our Christmas Ornaments classes, Kitchen-Safe Dyeing and Intermediate Spinning Techniques), but many of the hot topic classes are, if you want to register early.
Personally, I really want to get into Franklin's Tomten Jacket class - especially because of all the finishing techniques and jacquard garter stitch techniques that will be covered. It sounds fascinating, but first I have to find out if I'm working that day or not...
Anyway. Have you noticed that blogger finally managed to transfer all the posts from the previous blog to this one? (Though the Archive feature is acting fairly strange...)
And that Gratis Knits is back on the sidebar? We're catching up! Lindsay and Sandy Kay and I are already talking about reviving Gratis Knits. What would it take, o' faithful blog readers? It seems that people actually knit the patterns, but knitters don't seem to keen on submitting... Any suggestions?
I think Sara hit the nail on the head with thinking the Knitting Fates were paying attention. It's barely noon (well, it was when I started this!) and we already have a huge amount of staff and customer projects to share with all of you.
We'll begin with Dana's lovely Rosamund's Cardigan (pattern by Andrea Pomernatz) from Interweave Fall 2009. Dana knit this cardigan with Joseph Galler's Peruvian Tweed in color 105 and it took her less than 3 weeks! I am loving the choice of alpaca for this short-sleeved cardigan, it really makes it the perfect layering piece for this late summer-early fall weather we are having. Thanks for sharing with us Dana!
Now onto a round up of some staff projects. Kevin was so kind to share with me a sweater of his own design, his annual summer sweater project which is turning out just lovely. He wanted to make a heavy winter sweater and so is working with Shibui Highland Wool Alpaca in Ivory held with Joseph Galler Peruvian Tweed color 117. The surprise contrast pockets are the Shibui Highland Wool and Malabrigo Chunky in Olive. Great choices for a winter sweater and I love the color palette, especially those pockets! I am such a sucker for green anything.
Thousand apologies for the horrid picture quality. I have now learned my lesson taking pictures in the basement.
Continuing on with Marjorie's beautiful Heart Skif. Her materials list is just absolutely drool worthy:
Habu Silk Tweed Kasuri (coming soon to Knit Purl!)
Habu Root Sizing Silk in colors 1 and 5 (coming soon to our website)
Wow. She is also contemplating doing the top in Art Yarns Silk Rhapsody color 251, talk about luxurious. I think we should all do our best to convince her this is a great idea. This was a fun project even to photograph, I can't wait until she finishes it!
and a detail shot
So, if you've noticed the title of this blog you would guess this post would include multiple Skifs and you would be right. Sara and the Sandy's are also in the early Skif planning stages which is very exciting especially since Knit Purl going to host a Skif KAL beginning October 1st!
If you've ever been interested in dyeing your own yarn and roving but never wanted to ruin your good pots or deal with harsh chemicals your wish has been granted! Coming this November Sara is going to be teaching a class on Kitchen-Safe Dyeing.
Here is a preview of some of her test samples which came out quite beautifully, I really want to see these spun and knit up. The class (which will be available for registration online or over the phone soon) will be held here at the store on November 7th from 1-5pm. Two skeins of yarn will be provided and a crockpot is the only material you are required to bring.
Just in case any of you missed our e-Card on Friday, we are getting into the end of summer spirit with a WoodSock special. All Noro Silk Garden Sock and Kureyon Sock as well as Sheep Shop's Sheep Feet are 15% off through the 14th of September. I must warn anyone interested in this to jump on it fast, these are going quicker than we anticipated!
As long as we're talking socks we should remind all the sock knitters out there about the opportunity to win a year's membership in our Sock Club through our Twitterific Sock Contest. Entries need to be submitted by midnight tonight, September 4th so if you're interested grab your camera!
You know, it's so nice to know that (out there, somewhere) people/ the Knitting Fates have been paying attention. Remember the last post, in which there was much lamentation over the lack of customer and staff projects?
Well, not today! Clearly, some of you lovely blog readers decided to take it upon yourselves and bring your beautiful handknits in. And, wow, beautiful is definitely the word today!
First, Gillian came in modeling her recently finished Silk French Vest (Habu Textiles Kit #68):
(and back)
Lovely. Can't find it on ravelry to fav it, though. We'll just have to admire from afar.
Then, Virginia came in to show off her Flutter Scarf:
Made with Isager's Alpaca 2 in color 100. Yumyumyum. I think Sandy Kay wanted to run off with this one, actually.
She also brought her French mystery shawl/ wrap/ thing:
and a close-up...
A mystery because Virginia bought the pattern in France but her husband was in such a hurry she didn't have time to get yarn or more information. Sooo... all we know is that it was made with Alpaca 2 (and only because she bought it from us)(colors: 16, 22, 19 & 2105). It's gorgeous, though, right? Personally, I would have run off with it, given the chance. I wish we knew what the pattern was.
Oh, well.
This morning Lindsay, Marjorie and I went 'round the corner to take some quick photos of a new store sample and two staff FO's. First, we have our sample Summer Shawl by Ruth Sorensen:
and back
and side
and a close-up
Sorry for the blurriness of the photos. I took the point-and-shoot and really regret it. Anyway. However blurry the photo, the shawl is still gorgeous. Knit by nonsie, this particular shop sample took almost four months to make. Talk about perseverance!
And, finally, we have Darcy's most adorable and funky Yves:
Playing the piano. Clearly. (big 'Thank You!' you Michelle's for lending us the baby grand)
Project specs? Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (3 colors). The pattern is from The Knitted Odd-bod Bunch, a book that will very soon be up on the web. Honest.
And that might just be everything. Whew! Keep it up, guys! We love seeing your finished projects. Keep your fingers crossed that the flood will continue into Thursday's post...
