Tagged: socks

Dec 30

Crafting resolutions, part 2

OK, more ideas for knit and crochet resolutions. Don’t forget to share yours in the comments!

6. Take a class. Look, first and foremost, knitting and crochet classes are FUN. You sit around for a few hours doing something you love with other people who love the same thing. It’s not algebra class, people. There’s no exam at the end. It’s just a great way to learn something new. And even though these days you could learn to turn a heel by watching an Internet video, you’ll almost always be more successful if someone is standing over your shoulder and helping to guide your needles in the right direction. You can always watch the video when you get home if you need a reminder. We’ve got tons of great classes this winter and spring. Some of them are on basic topics that you might need to improve your work — fixing mistakes, finishing techniques, etc. But some are just classes you can take just for the fun of it — owl mittens, fair isle tam, intarsia, aran knitting. Check out our schedule, and then sign up.

7. Plan your gifting. True, we just came out of the gift-knitting season, and it’s hard to think about it again. But you just might find you enjoy making gifts much more if you start thinking about it well before Thanksgiving. Make a list of all the people you’d like to knit or crochet for next holiday season, as well as other gift-giving occasions, like birthdays, Mother’s Day, etc. That way, you can spread your gift-making throughout the year, instead of doing it all in the span of a few weeks. Or …

8. Give yourself a break from making gifts. My mom (who is also a maker) and I often say that the holidays create a lot of self-imposed stressed for people who like to make gifts. We feel forced to make handmade presents for everyone who crosses our paths, when most likely, very few of them expect it. Decide right now that in 2011, you’ll give yourself a break from making gifts. Or choose one or two worthy recipients, and make really special gifts for them. If you’re feeling guilty, resolve to alternate years — in 2011, you’ll lay off the handmade gifts, and in 2012, you’ll get back to it.

9. Learn to crochet. Yes, it’s a very specific resolution. But it just might be worth doing. I’ve already laid out all my reasons here, so I won’t do it again. This year, we’re adding a new one-session class called Crochet for Knitters. So if you think you’ll never be a full-fledged crocheter, maybe that’s a good one for you. You’ll learn some basic techniques to enhance your knitting, like a provisional cast-on, basic edgings and simple embellishments.

10. Knit socks. Again, very specific, but with good reason. Socks are just plain fun. I taught a socks class earlier this month, and it rejuvenated my love of sock knitting. Socks can be simple, fancy, lacy or cozy. Sock yarns are fun to buy, and don’t take up TOO MUCH space in your stash. And there’s something magical about turning a heel that makes you feel like an absolute knitting genius. Plus, it’s a really good feeling to knit something so useful, something that you or someone you love can wear every day. Take our socks class to get started and you’ll see what I mean.

OK, that’s probably enough to get you started. So tell us, what’s your stitchy resolution for 2011?

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Posted in Chat, Classes

Dec 29

Crafting resolutions, part 1

2011!

Every year around this time, we start hearing much too much about resolutions. Suddenly, commercials for diet plans and fitness equipment are ubiquitous; there’s no escaping the constant drumbeat that seems to say, “Improve yourself. Improve yourself.”

This year, in addition to all those resolutions you’re making about your weight, fitness, friendships or bad habits, why not add one or two that will be really fun to keep? If you truly want to improve your skills as a knitter or crocheter, set a few goals for 2011 that will make it happen.

Last year, I resolved that 2010 would be the year I tackled colorwork. I knit English-style (holding the yarn in my right hand), so I started in January by teaching myself to knit continental-style (that’s holding the yarn in your left hand) so that I could hold one color in each hand. That was slightly painful, almost like learning to knit all over again. But I managed it, and soon, I was knitting stranded colorwork like a pro (almost). Now, it’s safe to say I’m addicted to colorwork, and it was the best year of my knitting life (so far!).

So what will you resolve to do this year, stitch-wise? I’ve come up with a few suggested resolutions (and some ideas for meeting those goals). But I’d love to hear how you’re planning to challenge yourself this year. Please leave a comment with your crafty resolution, and throughout the year, I’ll try to offer suggestions about how to make those goals come true. And don’t forget to check out our new class list — taking a class is one of the fastest and easiest ways to learn a new skill and improve your work.

1. Get organized! I don’t think I’m the only knitter who has multiple WIPs and a stash that is threatening to eat me alive. In January, inventory your in-progress projects and take stock of what you’re working on. Be brutal — are you ever going to finish that lace shawl that you’re knitting on size 1 needles? If you are, great. Put everything you need — yarn, needles, pattern, notions — in one bag and leave it somewhere where you know you’ll pick it up. If not, don’t dwell on it. Frog it and start looking for another project that will use the same yarn. Do this with all your WIPs, putting each in a separate tote so you’ll be able to grab them when you’re headed to a doctor’s appointment or a swim practice. (We’ve got so many cute bags and totes in the shop — come see!) Once you’ve whittled down your projects, you’ll feel much less guilty when you see a new pattern that you MUST cast on for right away!

2. Challenge yourself. No matter where you are on the crafting spectrum — from rookie to super-advanced — there’s always something new to learn. Choose one or two skills that you’ve always wanted to try. For me this year, it was stranded colorwork. For you, it might be lace, double-pointed needles, socks or crochet. Don’t focus so much on choosing a particular pattern right away. Instead, think about the PROCESS — the skill you want to master, instead of the finished product. Once you have that in mind, we can help you make a plan for getting there, whether it’s taking a class or working through a private lesson on your chosen topic.

3. Meet other stitchers. Certainly, knitting and crochet can be solitary hobbies. And that can be a very, very good thing. But there’s also something fun about sharing your passion with others. If you are the only knitter you know, resolve to change that this year. Take a class or join one of the groups at the shop, and at the end, be sure to exchange contact info with at least one person. Make a date to meet for coffee with your needles or hook in hand. Come to the shop not just to grab a skein of yarn and go, but to sit and knit for a while and chat with other customers and staff. Or, if you’re the introverted type, head to Ravelry (or join, if you haven’t already) and join groups based on your interests. Be “friends” with other stitchers whose work your admire. It’s nice to have a forum to chat with other people who are equally interested in whether to use an SSK or SKP decrease.

4. Choose a dream project. Maybe you’ve always wanted to crochet a queen-sized granny square blanket. Or knit a beautiful pair of lacy socks. Or knit an argyle vest for the bookish man in your life. Or create a beautiful heirloom-quality layette set for an important baby (or baby-to-be). This is the year to begin! Choose a project, let us help you select the yarn, and just dive in. If you feel it’s a bit over your head, don’t be afraid to cast on; instead, schedule a private lesson so someone can help you get going. Don’t set a deadline for your project (unless there’s a built-in deadline, like a baby’s arrival!). Deadlines just cause stress, and this project is NOT ABOUT STRESS. It’s about enjoying the process, and anticipating the finished product.

5. Upgrade your tools. If you’ve never worked with a truly beautiful yarn, give it a try this year. It’s not to say you can’t knit amazing projects out of so-so yarn, but you’ll be surprised how even the simplest project shines in a really gorgeous fiber. Walk slowly around the shop and see what yarns seem to call out to you. Even if it’s a fiber you would have never considered before, we can help you find the perfect pattern. Likewise, if you’ve never knit with Addi needles before, treat yourself to a set this year. Or upgrade your project totes from Ziploc bags (guilty!!) to project bags that make you want to pick them up and knit. Invest in a good notions case (the Perfect Notions Case that we carry in the shop is a great one) or a cute measuring tape. Nice tools make your projects more fun, and often, easier and better-looking too.

Hmmm … looks like it’s going to take more than one post to list all my resolution ideas. Check back tomorrow for more suggestions. And don’t forget to leave your resolution in the comments!

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Posted in Chat, Classes

Dec 14

Give the gift of creativity

Are you buying for another knitter or crocheter this year? Come do your holiday shopping at Knit and Stitch! (And if a few extra skeins of yarn happen to slip into your bag, so be it.) And if you’re hoping for a little fiber under your tree this year, why not “accidentally” leave this page open on your screen? Or, if you’re the more direct type, just send this link to someone who loves you.

Kids CrochetFOR THE LITTLE CRAFTER

For a crafty person, there’s nothing better than passing on the love of making things to another person. And when that person is a child, it’s even better. Crochet is a great craft for kids — it is sometimes easier to pick up than knitting, and it’s quite a bit easier to fix mistakes. Pick up a copy of “Kids Crochet,” a wonderful how-to book by Kelli Ronci. I recommend this book to adults to want to learn to crochet too; it’s well-written and clearly illustrated, and contains lots of contemporary, fun projects. Kids can crochet a bulky neckwarmer, a little ball, a cute stuffed cupcake, or even a sweater! (A skein of Rowan Big Wool would be perfect to make that darling neckwarmer on the cover. And pick out a few great buttons while you’re at it!) Let us help you pick out a few skeins of basic wool and some hooks, and you’ve got a gift that will keep a kid busy during winter break.

Brushed Suri MittsFOR THE IMPATIENT KNITTER

If you know a knitter who loves to stitch, but doesn’t have the time to seek out patterns, match yarn and buy new needles, help her out by making up a little kit with all the essentials. She can cast on in minutes if you’ve given her yarn, a pattern and appropriate needles. Of course there are tons of patterns that will do, but I suggest one of our favorites of this season, the Brushed Suri Mitts. These are seriously gorgeous, and seriously simple. (If you know someone who has knit her share of basic scarves and is ready to try something new, this would be a great project.) Blue Sky Alpacas’ Brushed Suri has been flying off the shelves after knitters touch the sample mitt we’ve got in the store. It’s super-soft and cozy, and looks elegant and luxurious. The mitts only take one skein of yarn, so this is an affordable gift, but one that will be so appreciated! BSA does a great job with their patterns — this one comes on a narrow card that fits just right into a small project bag. (Why not buy a small bag to give with the project?) Pick up a skein of Brushed Suri, a pattern card and a set of size 5 double-pointed needles, and you’re all set. (A set of stitch markers or a tape measure would be a nice add-on too.)

Beaver bagFOR THE DISORGANIZED CRAFTER

You’ll rarely find a knitter or crocheter who can’t use another bag, pouch or tote. Fortunately, we’ve got lots of them! If you know a crafter with more WIPs than she can count on both hands, why not give her a stash of project bags in different shapes and sizes? One favorite around the shop is the little beaver tote (at right), which is the perfect size for a small or medium project, and is just so darn cute. It’s sturdy, too, so you don’t have to worry about needles poking through the sides. Add on a small zipper pouch for stitch markers and tapestry needles, or The Perfect Notions Case, which I’ve noticed that several magazines (including Interweave) are calling a “must-have” gift. We’ve also got lots of larger Dick and Janezipper pouches that would be just right for a sock or mitten project. (This Dick and Jane pouch is my favorite!) Stuff a ball of sock yarn in there for a special treat. Or stock it with tons of notions — tapestry needles, a pom-pom maker, cable needles, point protectors, a tape measure, buttons. What knitter can’t use more of those things? We’ve got some fun and unusual notions — come check out our notions wall, to the right of the cash register. We can point you toward some neat little gadgets, or browse and see what catches your eye. (Notions make great stocking stuffers for the crafter in your life!)

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS ADVANCED BEGINNER

For a lot of knitters, socks are the next frontier. Why not help a newer knitter advance to something more challenging? Pick out a few skeins of sock yarn, a selection of DPNs (or long circulars for Magic Loop) and a small project bag. Add a Knit and Stitch gift certificate, and your recipient can take a sock-knitting class with us in the spring. Or we can help you pick out a book or pattern to get her or him started.

FOR THE SPLURGE-WORTHY KNITTER

A few balls of cashmere. Enough said.

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Posted in Shop news

Dec 09

A DPN pep talk


After a socks class, the quick-gifts workshop at the shop and some private lessons this week, I feel like I could teach someone to knit on double-pointed needles in my sleep. And after doing it a dozen times in the past week, I realized I was giving the same pep talk over and over, trying to dispel the myth that knitting on DPNs is an insurmountable task. So I thought I’d record a few words of encouragement here, in hopes that knitters who’ve been eyeing DPNs with suspicion might decide to give them a try.

First, maybe a quick introduction is in order: What are double-pointed needles (DPNs), and why would anyone bother with them? DPNs are just that — knitting needles with points at both ends. They come in sets of four or five; I typically knit with four, as seen in the photo above — three to hold the stitches, and the fourth to knit with.

DPNs are used for small-circumference circular knitting. That is, when you want to knit in the round, but you don’t have enough stitches to fit on a circular needle. You might do an entire project on DPNs, like a sock or a mitten, or you might just do a portion of a project on them, like the top of a hat. You knit all the stitches on one needle, then all the stitches on the next needle, then the next, and so on, constantly working in a circle so there are no seams in your work.

Could you knit for the rest of your life and never use DPNs? Of course. You could knit back-and-forth and seam your projects, or you could learn another method of circular knitting (more on that later). But knitting on DPNs is really not difficult, and quite honestly, I think it makes you feel kind of cool.

So, on to that pep talk …

• Don’t be intimidated by all those needles. At first, it seems like there are needle points everywhere, just waiting to poke you (or your poor Metro seatmate) in the eye. But in reality, you’re only knitting on two needles, just like when you knit your very first scarf on two straight needles. The other two needles are just acting as fancy stitch holders, holding the rest of the stitches until you can get back to them. No, you don’t have four hands, but you’ll find that you don’t even really need to hold all the needles once you get started. Which brings me to …

• Fight through the first few rounds. Even for knitters who’ve been using DPNs for a while, the first few rounds can be a little rough. The needles seem to want to twist every which way, it seems impossible to tell which needle is which, and you can’t imagine how this could possibly turn into anything you’d ever want to wear. But then somewhere around Round 3, everything just seems to come together. The stitches suddenly hold themselves together, the twisting and turning stops, and you can actually see a sock or a mitten or a sleeve appearing out of nowhere. You just have to be patient, and it will happen.

• Don’t twist your cast-on. I try to preach relaxed knitting (though I’m still learning to practice what I preach!). But the one time I advocate being completely Type A about your knitting is when you’re joining cast-on stitches to knit in the round. Because you know what? If you twist that cast-on, you can’t untwist it. And that means frogging your work and starting again. The good news is, once you knit the first stitch of your first round, you’re good to go. If your cast-on isn’t twisted then, all is well. Then you can relax.

• Push your stitches to the middle. If you’ve always knit on straight needles (or circular needles used as straight needles), chances are you haven’t spent a lot of time worrying about your stitches falling off. Yes, it happens, especially when you stick your knitting in a bag or leave it on the couch where it can fall prey to children or pets. But with DPNs, the danger is ever-present. There are suddenly two ends on each needle, which means there are double the chances for stitches to fall off. When you’ve finished knitting the stitches on one needle, push them to the middle of the needle, so they’re not hanging on for dear life near the end.

• Don’t forget about the other options. I do believe that a knitter who wants to improve his or her skills should learn DPNs. BUT I also believe that there shouldn’t be (too much) stress associated with knitting. If you try DPNs and just can’t make them work, that doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to knit a sock or a fingerless mitt or another small circular project. You can learn Magic Loop (that’s small-circumference knitting on one very long circular needle) or you can knit on two circulars. At the shop, we recently started to carry very short circular needles that actually are short enough to accommodate the number of stitches in a sock or other small project. Some of the sock knitters in the shop swear by them.

OK, there’s your pep talk. Now it’s time to pick up some DPNs and figure them out. Come by the shop or watch for our upcoming classes. You’ll see.

WHAT’S ON MY NEEDLES?

See the skein of cotton candy I’m knitting from? (Seriously, isn’t that what it looks like?!) That’s Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri* in Aqua. And I’m using it to knit Brushed Suri Mitts, a BSA pattern that we carry in the shop. We’ve got a sample mitt in the shop, and no one can pass it without petting it. It’s so, so soft. And the pattern is fantastically simple — it is all knit stitches, with a simple thumb gusset. The construction is very basic, because the yarn does all the work. I was afraid I would hate knitting with this yarn, because I tend to knit with very plain wool yarn, but I’m finding it remarkably easy to work with. (Though it does feel a bit like knitting with Muppet fur!) The mitts knit up in no time, and would make a wonderful gift. (Full disclosure: This pair was going to be a gift, but now it’s not. Oops.) AND in addition to all that, you get to beat your mitts with a wooden spoon when they’re finished, to fluff them up a bit. I can’t wait for that part!

Brushed Suri has been flying off the shelves, but we do have a few colors in stock, and this pattern only requires one skein. Come by and grab a skein, the pattern and some DPNs and you’ll be set for some weekend knitting.

* Suri is a type of alpaca fiber. I had to look it up.

P.S.

Our basket of donations for the Original Pancake House project is overflowing! Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed so far — the basket is full of colorful, soft and WARM accessories for those in need. We’ll be collecting items in the shop through Sunday, but if you just can’t finish a project by then, you can drop off donations at one of the restaurant’s locations (Bethesda, Rockville or Falls Church) until Christmas.

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Posted in Chat, Patterns, Techniques

Sep 30

The magic of Magic Loop

When I first heard about the Magic Loop method several years ago, I had just learned to knit socks on double-pointed needles. Frankly, knitting on DPNs made me feel like a total knitting genius, and I couldn’t figure out why someone would want to do it any other way. (Magic Loop is a way to knit small-circumference items in the round on a really long circular needle. It’s hard to explain in words, but the name comes from the loops of cable that stick out on both sides of your knitting.) At the time, I asked someone who was working in a yarn store about Magic Loop, and she said she didn’t know much about the method and preferred DPNs. So basically, I just gave up on it and went back to my DPNs.

Fast-forward to about a year ago, when I decided to really tackle stranded colorwork. I was knitting colorwork mittens, and I didn’t like the way the strands of yarn pulled at the joins in my DPNs. So I set out to learn Magic Loop. And I have to say, I love it for colorwork especially — there are only two joins, so it’s much easier to maneuver two colors of yarn around the “corner.” I still love DPNs, but I also like having an extra trick up my knitting sleeve.

Magic Loop can be used for any kind of circular knitting, but it’s mostly reserved for the small stuff — socks, sleeves, baby hats, mittens, anything that you’d normally knit on DPNs. And one of the cool things about knitting socks with the Magic Loop is that you can knit two socks at a time. Yup, that’s right — you finish both socks at the same time.

Sounds good, right? Learn more at Knit and Stitch, when Melissa Zervos teaches a class on knitting socks two-at-a-time with Magic Loop. The class meets three consecutive Sundays (Oct. 24 and 31, and Nov. 7) from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Call the shop and reserve your spot.

Here, why don’t I let Melissa tell you? She was kind enough to share a few thoughts about the technique, why she likes it, and why you should too.

A pair of Melissa's Magic Loop socks

MELISSA ZERVOS

Ravelry username: MoKnitts

Years knitting? 35

Years crocheting? 25

Favorite kind of project: Depends on my mood. I like learning new techniques, colorwork, reversible cables, reversible colorwork, Magic Loop. I  also like simple things I can carry with me: hats, socks, coffee sleeves.

When and how did you discover the Magic Loop technique? Were you a fan right away, or did it take some time to get used to it?

I think it was about a year, or a year and half ago that I tried the Magic Loop two-at-a-time socks. I had learned socks on two circulars and liked that, but I wanted a new challenge. I think I attempted Magic Loop a year or so before that and had to put it down until I found instructions that worked for me. It did take some time to get used to at the beginning but once I got the hang of it, I loved it.

What do you see as the advantages of Magic Loop? Do you always use the technique for small-circumference circular knitting, or do you switch among other techniques?

With the Magic Loops you don’t have to change needles to decrease a hat for example. I don’t always use ML, sometimes I use two circulars or DPNs, especially for colorwork mittens. It really depends on the project which technique I use.

What about two-at-a-time socks — why should a knitter learn the technique?

I think the title of the techinque  is self explanatory. You finish both your socks at once. It is amazing — when you’re done one, you’re done the other!!!!!

How would you convince someone to take your class, even if they’re devoted to making socks on DPNs?

That is a great question, because there are a few folks I know devoted to their DPNs that I haven’t been able to “convince.”  I think of it as a knitting challenge.

Visit our website for more information about Melissa’s class (and our other great classes!). Or call the shop at (301) 652-8688 and we’ll sign you up.

IN THE SHOP

  • Addi Lace 47-inch needles in sizes 1-3
  • Lots of beautiful sock yarn!
  • A huge selection of great sock patterns, any of which can be knit two-at-a-time using Magic Loop

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    Posted in Classes, Techniques