the name is the game

We have so much happening at the store right now. Probably the least important on the list, but the best photographed, is my finished Ana Bandana:

Which, incidentally, I managed to harass a visiting Liz into modeling...

In "Burgundy". Knit on size 9's ('cause I can't read, clearly), but still wearable. The entire project (folds and all) took about a day and a half. I should mention that I had to rip back after taking it to the Quantum of Solace and, being completely distracted, managed to knit 6 extra inches onto it. Oy. So, all things considered, it'd probably take the average knitter a weekend day to knit.

And, it's a lot of fun to wear and keeps my ears warm, so it might have a fraternal twin soon.

Next on the list: 'tis the season. When you stop in, check out our itty-bitty Christmas tree:

Bedecked with the prettiest hand-turned wooden needlecases you've ever seen. Made locally out of exotic woods, these little one-of-a-kind beauties are just treasures for your knitting kit. At the moment, we have six in stock. Also on our little tree are the too-popular-for-their-own-good Knit Purl Christmas ornaments. I swear they'll be back in stock soon. I hope so, anyway.

On the subject of the holidays, have you donated to our OFB Food Drive yet? Aside from being good karma, we also have a collection of prizes for donors. Stop by the store, or check our Events page for more information.

And finally, the subject of our post, the KnitPurlzi. Well, sort of. Made by our favorite local woodworker (see above), we have the prototype for a new Knit Purl accessory:

A traveling, hand-turned wooden dpn/wip case. And, yes, it's loosely based off of the Knitzi - which unfortunately does not offer wholesale accounts at the moment (believe me, we asked). Leading us to commission our own interpretation of the concept. The tube is made of Black Walnut, the cap is Maple. I've been told the next version will have some notching and creative turning. Can't wait to see it.

And since I was told by the craftsmen to give it a workout, I took it with me on work errands this afternoon. Here is our little prototype saying "hi!" to the streetcar:

Now, here's the problem - we don't have a name for this fantastic gadget. Until we do, I'm jokingly calling it the KnitPurlzi. This connundrum has led to our new game: Name That Gizmo.

Submit your name by 12pm on Thursday, December 4th for entry. All the submissions will be put into a poll, which will be hosted off of the blog. The winner of the contest will win 2 skeins of ShibuiKnits Sock in the color(s) of his/ her choosing. Submit your name by commenting on this post or emailing us at info(at)knit-purl(dot)com, subject line: blog gizmo contest.

This should be interesting.

True Plies: Needle-lessly Cool

Our Very Special Yarn column is on hiatus until the project I'm knitting with it is done. Sorry, I'm a slower knitter than expected...

True Plies: MY Top 5 (Coolest & Most) Essential Tools of the Trade

Aside from yarn and needles, there are a few items any knitter will need to keep on stitching away blissfully. Ignoring the standards, like tape measurers and needle gauges, let's look at some other less known but extremely useful bits and bobs created to save our collective sanity. Some may argue with the products I chose, but this is my column and we all know I'm right anyway.

1. The KA Mini Cro-Hook

I love this thing with a deep and abiding devotion. Only 2" long and perfectly useful for a million tasks (picking up stitches, crocheting edges, seaming, etc), this is THE SPIFFIEST new knitting tool I've found. It also comes with it's own plastic pouch, to protect it from nicks and suchlike. Since it's so teeny-tiny, it can fit in any project bag and won't take up room better used to store yarn.

2. Clover lock-ring stitch markers

O', little plastic locking stitch markers, how I love thee. Let me count the ways. For thou art:

1. fantastic stitch markers for any project.


2. perfect to identify other important project details - pattern repeats, rows, shaping, you name it.


3. invaluable in placing buttons.


4. also be useful in lieu of buttons (just guess how I figured that one out).


5. wonderfully contained in a sturdy pouch.

Truly, thou art the epitome of stitch-markerdom.

3. Boxy Project Bags

I used to be one of Those knitters. Unhappy with my traveling projects because I was constantly losing DPNs, pulling out tangled birds' nests from my backpack, and just having a Bad Time of it. Then I discovered project bags. Put your knitting and toys in a bag within your purse/ messenger bag/ backpack and voila! No more snares, missing needles or puncture marks in your Physics homework. After a couple of years worth of experimenting I have found:

• Boxy is better - more space and it's trendy to boot.


• Closed is essential, an open bag (without zipper or snaps) will end in the same trauma as having no bag at all.


• Snaps or buttons are less hassle than zippers, but all are better than none (see above).


• A wrist-strap is priceless. Aside from giving you the option of knitting while walking/ jogging/ chasing sheep, it also offers something to grab.


• Less is more. Honestly, are you really going to want a project bag big enough for a sweater? Remember, your project bag has to be able to fit inside your purse/ messenger bag/ backpack.

My own preferences are to the Lantern Moon Diamon-Drop bags and the Misocrafty wrist bags - both are large enough to carry a small to medium sized project (socks, hat, scarf) and fulfil all my realistic* project bag needs.

4. SnipIt Scissors

Many knitters (and knitting-product reviewers) prefer the Clover Yarn Cutter Pendant, but I'm an old-fashioned stickler to scissors. Aside from appreciating such a purely human feat of engineering, they're more adaptable to different jobs - good luck steeking with that pendant. And these scissors fold up to prevent snaring or poking holes in anything nearby.

5. The Clover Chibi

Chibi means "little one" in Japanese. Just like the KA mini cro-hook, this is a small, affordable and completely indispensable tool. Or toy, depending on how you look at it. I store all types of needles in mine - sewing needles for buttons, various embroidery needles, and the standard tapestry needles for knitting. Once you get one of these, you'll get attached to how functional and, well, cute it is!

So those are my Top 5 toys to keep any knitter sane. Try 'em out and prove me wrong, I have a hard time imagining anyone not loving one of these products!

*Yes, I do have a secret wish for Hermione Granger's magical ability to store anything and everything in a handbag.