We seriously need shipping elves. In the meantime, Sara is unavailable until she prints, folds, staples, stuffs, wraps, addresses and ships all of these packages singlehandedly with a little help from her friends. Which means no bloggy goodness today for all of you. :(
So much to do, so much to say. And never enough time.
But, in terms of imminence, there are 3 noteworthy announcements:
All Noni patterns from the Noni Knits Trunkshow will be 40% off for the next couple of weeks. Check out the sale area and see what's available at a discount.
Alas, we must bid the Skif Trunkshow farewell. We've had it for several months now (to the exclusion of others) and need to send it along to another funky LYS. If you really want to try one of the sweaters on, now is the time to do it. They ship out next week.
The November Sock Club kit is going into the mail this week. It will be available to local members on November 3rd, so they'll get their kits at the same time as out-of-state members. Incidentally, the 3rd is also a "No Mean Feet!" night, if you're feeling the need to cast on your kit immediately with people who will understand your addiction.
In less imminent news (#4 on our list)... I finished my Seraphim Shawl!! It's so exciting to have it done in time for Miriam Felton's visit. I can't wait for her Introduction to Lace Design workshop (I am so signed up for that), since I already have my shawl sketched out. Which means, if you count me and the other 2 students in the class, there are only 5 spots left, since both workshops are capped at a maximum of 8 students.
But, for your viewing (and my preening) pleasure, we brought the shawl along to a photoshoot this afternoon. 3M is nicely OCD about the good photography and I was hardput to choose just one photo, so here are three:
: Knit Purl's The Natural Collection, hand-dyed with natural dyes by Abundant Yarn & Dyeworks just for us. Used just over 2 skeins. And now I really wish we had more of this yarn, since it was sooo nice to work with.
And, if you want more artistic photos (or more specs), here's the set. Or it on ravelry. Can you totally tell I am beside myself for finishing this?
Finally, last but not least (#5), the Sock the Vote yarn is here! I wish I had a photo (might be on the list for Thurday's post) to prove it, but it is officially for sale. Behind the scenes, we have an unofficial bet going on which color will sell out first. I think it's going to be a toss-up between Michelle and Hillary, but I could be wrong. I guess we'll find out soon.
I'm sorry, time is short again, this will be a brief post.
First on the list: silk lace yarn.
Silk Hues.
Hand-dyed for Knit Purl. It's 100% silk with 440 yards per 50g skein and it's available in about a gazillion colors. Niiice stuff. Sandy Kay is knitting Anne Hanson's Gust with a skein of it:
... in Barbie™ Pink.
To each their own, I guess. It's actually a lovely color, honestly. Just pink. Very pink.
And, finally, we've got roving:
Lots of it. All hand-dyed by Abstract Fiber of Portland. This will be on the website (next week-ish) for those of you far away. We have 10 colorways in 3 fibers: Blue-faced Leicester Superwash, Alpaca/ Merino/ Silk, and Silk/ Cashmere. All are just gorgeous and terribly tempting. I just know I'm going to walk out of here with a looot of roving very soon.
Ooh! We're also supposed to receive a shipment of spindles tomorrow. Our handspinning section is growing quite steadily. Drop by on Saturday to see it in it's inaugural beauty.
Meriwether came in today with her finished Obama sweater:
Maybe a month ago, I helped her pick colors of Cascade 220 Superwash and ShibuiKnits Worsted Merino that matched one of his political posters. How awesome is that? Senator Obama's face is done entirely with intarsia in FIVE colors!
Okay, so it's awesome in a slightly crazy way. But we can get behind the slightly crazy here. If you'd like more information on how she knit it, you can check her ravelry notebook (she's promised to update it) or see her YouTube video: Obama knitter girl.
(And, seriously, if any of our readers are working on a McCain sweater (or hat, whatever), we'd be glad to feature it - Knit Purl is nonpartisan.)
Moving on to less inflammatory topics, we were visited by baby Kandyce last Thursday for our weekly Sip 'n' Stitch:
At 2 months and almost 10 lbs, she got passed around by Mommy's coworkers a lot. She also was very patient with 3M, who had never held a baby before. I wish I could have gotten a picture of her eyebrows - they are so expressive! Just adorable.
I would plotz more over her cuteness, but I just looked at the clock and time is running short. We just receive an update from Farrah, who is knitting us a sample Icarus Shawl in Isager's laceweight wool:
And a close-up:
Aside from us lacking some serious lace samples, we're also putting together a Miriam Felton display, for those of you who might be interested in her upcoming workshops but are still wary of the lace. It's gonna be awesome. I'm hoping we (Farrah and I) get our respective shawls done in time for Miriam's visit.
And, finally, we just received our first shipment of Happiest Girl sock yarn:
Dyed by Happiest Girl Dyeworks, in Portland, these are fantastic colors that you won't forget in a hurry. And, very especially, we have 4 (oops, now 3!) skeins of Halloween sock yarn, named Icabod. Grab it while you can.
That's it for now. I have some loooovely silk lace yarn for you on Thursday. And a swatch, too. It'll be nummy. Until then, happy knitting or crocheting!
Sizes: Woman’s M, 8” foot circumference (Man’s M, 9” foot circumference)
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM – 1 (2) skein(s) each in P143D (MC) and 1170 (CC)
Needles: Set of 5 2.00mm/ US 0 DPNs, or size to get gauge
Gauge: 8 sts = 1”
Notions:
row counter
stitch markers
scissors
darning needle
Notes:
If substituting colors, select a semi-solid shade that is echoed as one of the colors in the multi skein. This will help to blend the stripes for the intended effect.
Do not cut yarn when changing colors. Carry the unused color up the inside of the sock and catch it on the first stitch of the fourth round of the current color. Knit the first few stitches after the color changes very tightly to prevent holes, being careful not to pucker the work.
Abbreviations:
CO - cast on CC - contrast color k - knit k2tog - knit 2 together MC - main color p - purl p/u & k - pick up and knit p2tog - purl 2 together PM - place marker Rnd - round(s) sl - slip SM - slip marker ssk - slip, slip, knit st(s) - stitch(es)
“K2, p2 rib”: (in the rnd) Every rnd: *k2, p2* around.
Cuff: Using MC, CO 64 (72) sts. Join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist. Work in “k2, p2 rib” for 10 (12) rnds.
Leg: Attach CC and work in Stockinette with [2 rnds CC, 6 rnds MC] 5 (6) times for a total of 40 (48) rnds. Knit 32 (36) with CC.
Heel flap: Worked over 32 (36) sts with CC as follows: Row 1 (RS): sl 1, k0 (2), [k1, sl 1, k2 , p1] 6 times, end k1 (3). Row 2 (WS): sl 1, p1 (3), k1, [p4, k1] 5 times, end p4 (6). Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 32 (36) rows.
Turn heel: Row 1: with CC, sl 1, k17 (19), ssk, k1. Turn. Row 2: Sl 1, p5, p2tog, p1. Turn. Subsequent two rows: *Sl 1, k to 1 st before gap, ssk, k1. Turn. Sl 1, p to 1 st before gap, p2tog, p1, turn.* Repeat between * until all sts have been worked: 18 (20) sts total.
Gussets: With CC: p/u & k 18 (20) sts along first side of heel flap [16 (18) sl sts + 1 st on either side to prevent gaping], PM, k 32 (36) sts across top of foot, PM, p/u & k 18 (20) sts along other side of heel flap, k 9 (10) sts across bottom of heel. PM to indicate beginning of round.
Work set-up rnd: k 9 (10) remaining sts across bottom of heel, k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, SM k across top of foot, SM, k1, ssk, k to end of rnd. Work remainder of foot in stripe pattern as follows (starting at the top):
1 row CC 5 rows MC 3 rows CC 5 rows MC 4 rows CC 4 rows MC 4 rows CC 4 rows MC 5 rows CC 3 rows MC 5 rows CC 3 rows MC 6 rows CC 2 rows MC 6 rows CC 2 rows MC work remaining rows in CC
Continue gussets: Rnd 1: k all sts. Rnd 2: k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, SM, k across top of foot, SM, k1, ssk, k to end of rnd. Repeat Rnds 1 and 2 until 64 (72) sts remain.
Foot: continue in Stockinette until sock is 2” shorter than desired foot length, while continuing to follow the stripe pattern.
Toe: Rnd 1: *k to 3 sts before marker, ssk, k2, k2tog, repeat once from *, k to end of round. Rnd 2: k all sts. Repeat rnds 1 and 2 until 20 (28) sts remain. Graft toe using Kitchener Stitch.
Finishing: Cut yarn and weave in ends. Wear and be merry!
Let's see, let's see, let's see. A lot has been happening today. We received a shipment of Judy's Colors stocking kits for all the enterprising knitters who want to knit something very special this Christmas. We also received another shipment of Malabrigo. This one included several colors of Gruesa and Chunky that were out of stock.
And, most especially (but not most recently), we received a huge box from Norway this week. Containing the Oleana Fall Line:
Which is, quite simply, awesome. I truly hate to sound like a blond Californian surfer-dude, but it is. And I am clearly not the only person to think so, because our selection has been steadily diminishing since it went on display.
And, while on the topic of displays, I've been cornered* into showing off my handspinning display:
There it is. Done.
... no?
Okay, it's my tiny collection of handspun yarn and handspun-handknit garments (that I could find, anyway), to encourage enrollment for our upcoming Introduction to Handspinning class. Honestly, I don't know what terrifies me more - having too many students or too few. At the moment, the class isn't empty, which gives me some comfort. And, conversely, increasing terror.
At least it's three weeks away, so I have less time to be neurotic about it, which is a small blessing, however fleeting.
That's everything blog-worthy for now - look for a latest Newsletter in your email tomorrow afternoon!
*Proving that I lack the initiative to pimp my own skills out... or something.
Over the past 10 days, we've had the pleasure of being visited by Catherine Lowe. Aside entertaining us with several days of fantastic Couture Knitting workshops and a wicked sense of humor, Catherine also taught a mini-workshop on blocking garments with blocking wires:
It was a bit of a shame that so few people could make it, but I know everyone on staff learned a lot of new tips a tricks. I certainly did, anyway. Catherine's suggestion for using foam board from an art store is going to be a space saver on so many levels.
Above is Catherine's sleeve slowly being blocked into shape. And below is a closeup of the edge of the sleeve, once it was pinned in place:
The graph paper beneath the sleeve was used to sketch out a template of the finished dimensions, so it wouldn't end up too large or small. Neat trick, right?
Now, because I know this'll come up, the sleeve is part of a design for Catherine's next Simple Couture collection of patterns. Just like Simple Couture 4.01, it will be exclusive to Knit Purl. It should be available by the end of winter, I believe. But we will announce it in our Newsletter when it's available, for those of you who are enjoying 4.01.
That covers the "wires" portion of our post today, onto the glass...
We're a very Portland-centric store (hence the Sock Club's focus), which gives me the excuse to show you this:
A fully-functional glass spinning wheel, made by Portland native Andy Paiko. I saw it on display at the Museum of Contemporary Craft recently and just had to blog about it. It even has handspun wool yarn on the bobbin! And here's a video of it being used.
Only in Portland.
I'm afraid that's everything, for now. We've got another Newsletter coming out this Friday, so 3M and I are rather narrowly focused at the moment. Look for it in your inbox at the end of the week!
I bet you think we've got a new breed of fiber-producing animal lined up for your knitting pleasure. Alas, no. We do have, however, a fantastic new window display for the holidays. LeBrie Rich, felter extraordinaire, spent all of yesterday setting this lovely nonperishable holiday feast:
If you live in town, you really must come by and see this - even the salt and pepper and the candles in the chandelier are felted! It's just delightful. And if you're now thinking, "Ooh, I'd like to felt some mashed potatoes!", we are hosting several workshops with LeBrie this fall. Just check out the class list for more information.
On the subject of bags (long-time patrons know that we're a little bag-crazy here), we've got two new ones for you. Now, neither of these are on the website (yet!), but if you simply must have one now, drop by or phone and we'll hook you up.
Not only can it store your needles and notions, it also has space enough to carry a project or two. It's the perfect traveling knitting bag. And it comes in three colors. Of course, since it's by Namaste, I doubt we'll keep it in stock for long. Remember when we had to start a waiting list for the Malibu?
Oy.
Moving past that trauma, we've got a revamped Lantern Moon project bag for your knitting pleasure:
The new and improved Maya. And, let me tell you, it is improved. Better, more durable (and attractive!) fabric and exterior pockets make this perfect for small projects like socks and baby garments. This will be another one that'll fly off the shelves, easily.
Of course, we just got the preview for the Winter line of new Lantern Moon products, and I cannot wait to start showing those off to all y'all. Mm mm mmm.
Well, the knitting world, anyway. Aside from a truly exceptional "No Mean Feet!" last night (record turnout!), we've just got word of a new limited edition series from Schaefer Yarns, Sock The Vote...
If you're not allergic to mohair, you can get a skein (or two!) of sock yarn dyed for your favorite politician/ politician's wife in the Presidential race. I'm not bitter that it only comes in Anne, no, not at all. Grr.
If we're lucky, this yarn will be in stock soon (it's on order).
But, back to "No Mean Feet!", we got pictures proving that sock knitters are indeed on the rise. We had to enlarge our knitting circle twice last night - welcoming several new visitors:
It was, as always, lots of fun. I wish I could go add more to this post, but a Newsletter went out on Friday and we are just drowning in web orders. Until Thursday, happy knitting!
Ooor... more accurately, for our purposes, Lindsay and Isager.
Lindsay is our newest staffer and a recent grad of the U of O (Go Ducks!). I cornered her in front of the ShibuiKnits Wall (I'm evil, yes, I know) so all y'all will be able to identify her when you come in and need help or a yarn fix or whatever...
(above: Jenni's pick)
...aaand mine*.
Lindsay is also our newest resident crochet expert. So, if you have a problem with a project, she might just be able to help you (unlike the rest of us). She also weaves, but that probably won't come up as an advice issue any time soon.
Please play nice, we'd like to keep her.
Moving on. We've got more new yarn! In a yarn store, I'm sure this isn't anything surprising. Except, well, it's an entirely new company. And oh-so-pretty. Introducing Isager, yarns by Marianne Isager:
At the moment, we have the Isager Wool 1 (a.k.a. Spinni), which is a lace-weight 100% wool yarn and Isager Alpaca 2, a fingering 50/50 alpaca/wool blend that is just plain sumptuous and perfect for color-work. They've being flying off of their respective shelves and hooks, so drop by soon if you'd like to try some.
