Techno-geddon

Readers may be perplexed by the fact that this post is dated to Feb. 9th, but only just appeared today, Feb. 11.  This is because we have been facing our very own Techno-geddon.  Hardware, software and even web hosting turned against us for a couple of days there, but we emerged victorious.  If you tried to visit the website yesterday and, well, couldn't, that was due to our (and our web server's) Techno-geddon.  We're back, though, and have a lot to show you!

First, is the collection of projects Sandra brought in to share.  On the top is a Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf, made with 3 skeins of KPPPM:

Below that, in the lower left corner, is her Annabella's Cowl.  Made with the yarns originally used by the designer in the color "Mighty Redwood".  At the very bottom of the pile is her in progress Wavy Scarf, using Schaefer Helene in the color "Renata Tibaldi".  Sandra is definitely going to have a warm and stylish neck this year.

Let's see, what else has been happening in the midst of Techno-geddon?  Well, have you seen that we now have FREE SHIPPING?! 

It's true.  Get free Priority Mail shipping with a domestic order over $75.  If you'd like to read all the specifics, see our Online Ordering FAQ's page.

Next, we have to admit to some excitement over the arrival of a special edition release from Interweave Press - Knitting Traditions magazine:

"Indulge your passion for knitting with Knitting Traditions! This 148-page special publication from PieceWork magazine presents more than 40 projects—socks, shawls and scarves, items for baby, a variety of hand coverings, hats,  squares and edgings, and finger puppets—each with a story that provides historical context." - Interweave Press

Admittedly, we are a little geeky here (hence our staff obsession with Knitting: 19th Century Sources).  But this magazine is absolutely packed with traditional and historic patterns from around the world.  We just received 15 copies (for all you other knitting geeks out there!) and, well, 3 have already been reserved by staff members and Marj is even talking about using one of the patterns within as her Knitting Olympics challenge.

And, while on the topic of the Knitting Olympics, are any of our blogfans participating?  I'm slowly managing to convince my co-conspirators coworkers to try it this year.  I'm thinking of making the attempt. What about you?  Are you interested?  If so, what're you going to make?

While you ponder that, you might want to check out our New Arrivals page - we've just put up EIGHT new yarns from Rowan, Noro, and Habu Textiles.  The Revive, IMHO, is absolutely scrumptious:

But we'll let you make that determination for yourself.  Until next time, barring another Techno-geddon, happy knitting!  And look out this afternoon for another edition of Fashionknitsta.

How we overcome the chill

At this exact moment, iGoogle claims that the temperature outside is 32F (or 0C for you metric knitters), making Portland quite frosty right now. Working in a building that dates to the Shanghai Tunnels (seriously, we're connected via our basement) means that our heating system is older than most grandparents and not the most efficient machinery on the planet. But that's not a problem for knitters!

In the past week we've seen some creative (and often elaborate) ways Portlanders have developed to keep warm when the wind chill causes the temperature to drop into the negatives. One of which was an awesome Chain Link Scarf (pattern by Teva Durham); but, alas, I have no knitter to credit. Blame Kristin, she forgot to get the now Anonymous knitter's info.

Our knitter (I am told) was also wearing handknit mittens and multiple layers. Notice the sweater over a shirt over another shirt. The scarf, if you're into that sort of thing (chances are that, as a knitter, you might be), was made with the new Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed Chunky. Soft, thick and quick. Ideal for sudden forecast changes.

My 0wn coping method involves layering multiple handknits. Right now I'm madly in love with my recently finished Sapphire Sabine:

At 65% baby alpaca, this light little cardigan is surprisingly warm (okay, maybe not that surprising if you know that alpaca is 3 - 7x warmer than wool!). But, darns, people, it is nice and toasty in a frigidly cold basement. All I need are wrist warmers and I'm set. I thought my coworkers were going to strangle me when I said that.

And, before the questions pour in, the pattern is Sabine, by CoCo Knits. The yarn was Road To China Light, in the color "Sapphire". The pattern said I'd need 7 skeins, but I think it could have been done with 6. If you're making the XL size, you probably can get away with a little less yarn than suggested. But don't quote me on that. The Knitting Fates will strike me down.

Next on the list of toasty ideas is our Handknits For Hard Knock Kids clothing drive. Knitters across the PDX area are getting the warm fuzzies after donating their handknit and store bought clothing:

Knit a hat, or buy some mittens, or clear out your closet and you'll stay toasty all winter long!

Our donations box is almost full after a week, which means we'll have to get another box because we're not stopping anytime soon. We have a week and a half left for donors to qualify for one (or more!) of our fantabulous prizes, but will continue to collect donations through the New Year. So, if you want to earn an inner glow and possibly win a skein of handpainted yarn, bring in some clothing to donate!

In less toasty news, we do have some fun events coming up in the next few days:

1. The Holiday Happy Hour #5: Danger Crafts Toy! is scheduled for tomorrow night. I'll be helping Sandy Kay teach students how to create jogless stripes as well as join two in-the-round projects (such as legs) into one. It's gonna be great, and I'm going to endeavor to bring my IP Sammie the Sock Monster with me.
2. a very cool eCard (with preview!) that features one of CoCo Knits' new patterns! Perfect for layering, Tessa is one of those garments that can be worn year-round.
   

Of course, right now I'm thinking I want one made out of Madelinetosh Merino. Just think how warm and soft it'd beee... And it'd only take, like, 4 - 7 skeins. Now there's an idea. A dangerous one, I'll admit, but it does have the potential for greatness.

Now, before I go back to data entry, I have a couple of updates:

1. Have you seen our facebook page? We'd love it if you became a fan or friended us!
2. Our limited edition Super Sock in "Opal Creek Winter" is going to be back in stock shortly. If you read the most recent Newsletter and just missed out on a skein of your own, now is the time to place a preorder before these next 25 skeins are gone for good.
   

With that, we've covered everything. So, until next week, stay warm and keep knitting (or crocheting)!

Fashionknitsta Thursday: 11/19/09

Happy Thursday, everyone! Hope everyone has been having a wonderful week and is ready to enjoy the upcoming weekend. With how chilly it's been I'm really looking forward to some knitting in front of the fire. Originally I had a different post in mind today, but I was so excited when I got in this morning to see that we had received TWO brand new CoCo Knits Patterns, Gretel and Tessa, that I just can't help myself.

First, let's look at Gretel. Gretel is a beautiful light-weight tank with a cowl neck, perfect for spring and summer layering.

The sample is done in Habu Cotton Gima, it takes just 2 skeins for the small and medium (that's only $14.50), and only 4 (that's still only $29!) for the largest size making this a seriously affordable and fun project. The cowl neck detail really makes this pattern, I would definitely wear this with a camisole and jeans, or make it a bit more work appropriate with a nicer blouse.

Now let's move onto Tessa. Tessa is a really chic vest/top that is also wonderful for layering, but probably a little more appropriate for the temperatures we are experiencing currently. The neck detail makes this just a little more special, but it could definitely be worn by a range of ages and body types.

This beautiful piece can be worn open or closed (though I think I prefer closed) and I think, like Gretel, that it would be really easy to dress up or down. It could also be really versatile based on your yarn choice. The sample is done in Mirasole Tupa, a 50/50 Merino Silk Blend which makes me think of this as kind of more of a fall and winter pattern. They suggest Habu Shoshenshi Paper (100% linen) as an alternate yarn which brings a whole new tone to Tessa for me. While both of the suggest yarns are lovely, I think if and when I knit this pattern I would like to see it done in Rowan Wool Cotton. It has definite potential to be a big part of my winter and holiday wardrobe.

Sadly as both of these patterns are brand new they are not up on our site yet. I have been assured it will be soon, but until then they are available in the store.

My next pattern to share comes courtesy of past employee I'm sure many of you remember from in the store and her many blog appearances, Liz, who sadly left us for the tundra of Alaska. While innocently stalking her on Ravelry, I happened upon this pattern that she had recently favorited for the Carnaby Street Pullover by Melissa Wehrle from the Fall 09 issue of Knitscene (the Berkshire Doleman Sweater in that issue from the same designer is also really cute).

Lately I have seen a big comeback of military inspired cuts and details on clothing in stores, but I hadn't seen very many new patterns with that feel. The button detail on this pullover really hits that trend and gives it enough of that edge without taking it too far. The pattern calls for Brown Sheep Lanaloft Sport, and conveniently this is just about the same gauge as the Joseph Galler Prime Alpaca, which would be my choice for this lovely sweater.

During the same round of Ravelry-ing I found a pleathora of projects inspired by this scarf from Anthropologie:

None of those that I saw quite captured it exactly, but there is a free pattern available from Isager that I think is really close. The Cherry Scarf (available free with purchase of the yarn from Knit Purl) is done in Isager Alpaca 2 and Tvinni, and its a pattern I have been considering making for a while.

The Alpaca 2 is the majority of the scarf and the Tvinni is used for the accent colors. With 20+ colors of the Alpaca 2 available 30+ colors of Tvinni, the possibilities for this scarf are almost endless. A few customers have come in with theirs, and we recently got a shop sample of this and everyone I have seen has been different. I think its really fun to make a project truly your own like that and because this isn't just your average scarf it's a great project to make for yourself, or as a gift. I don't think too many people would complain about having their neck swathed in alpaca all day.

With that I will leave you for today. In light of the Thanksgiving holiday next week there will be no Fashionknitsta, but check back the week after for a new post.

Until then, stay chic, blogfans!
-Lindsay

We like the fuscia here.

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):

Using ShibuiKnits Merino Worsted in "Peony".

Are you sensing a strange trend here? It's a bit weird, actually. All of a sudden, our projects match. It must be something in the water.

But at least I also have this, my natural white cashmere lace:

(Evelyn Clark's Cocoon Lace Scarf or Wrap and Cashmere 1)

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.

Skif-a-long

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)
• Habu Silk Stainless in color 16
• Habu Tsumugi Silk in color 67
• Shibui Silk Cloud in Peony
• Isager Tvinni in colors 17 and 17s (coming soon to our website)
• Isager Viscolin in Wine

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!

I was able to wrangle Sara to get an idea of what she is pondering for her June, which right now is Habu Tsumugi Silk, Habu Cotton Linen Spiral, and Isager Viscolin. I can hardly wait to see what color family she is thinking!

And now onto a couple non-Skif related things.

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!

Until next time blogfans!
-Lindsay

In which a request was granted.

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!

Made with Kauni Effektgarn in W-EG (the pinks and violets) and Kauni Solid in W-RR7.

Second was my own recently finished Girasole shawl, modeled by Lindsay:

...and folded in half (the way it probably will be worn!):

Quick specs... Yarn: Isager Hojlandsgarn. Pattern: brooklyntweed's Girasole shawl.

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...

Hello blog fans!

This post is coming to you from Lindsay, the resident web girl. We are all so excited about the new website, but the beauty does not come without hard work; which has unfortunately cut into valuable blogging time lately. So, from now on I'll be contributing to hopefully bring all of you a more-often updated blog.

So first we have a round up of some staff and customer WIP's:

This is my Soft Kid Bubble from Boutique Knits by Laura Irwin. I'm using the Isager Alpaca 2 in color 18 and I am absolutely loving working with this yarn. I'm 7 inches in and already planning my next project with it.


Next we have a blanket Brook is making with her own pattern out of Handmaiden's Big Blue in color Moss which is turning out lovely.


Now onto Sandy Kay's Sea Tangles inspired scarf done in a brand new color (coming soon to Knit Purl! ) of Habu Silk Stainless Steel pictured with one of the brand new SplitYarn bags we are carrying. I don't think these bags have quite made it onto the website yet but they are available in the store for purchase.

and a detail shot:

Now onto a finished project from Roz. This is her first crochet project, a cat from the book Kyuuto! Amigurumi. This adorable kitty is a gift for her two-year-old granddaughter and it's made with Sublime's Superfine Merino DK and Joseph Galler's Belangor angora.

(Sara M. says "squee!")

Until next time, I hope everyone has a great weekend, and look for a newsletter tomorrow featuring our Twitterific Sock Contest!

Did that just happen?

The last week has been more than a little crazy. If you follow us on twitter, you'll know that we were bombarded at both our booth and in the store during the Sock Summit. Moreover, the website transition could have gone a lot smoother (a fact that we lament this ourselves, quite a bit). But it's done and mostly working, so we're grateful for our small victories.

If you were left wondering where the heck the promised Newsletter was, over the past weekend, well that's a good question. In fact, due to some of the wrinkles in the transition, we couldn't get it out until Wednesday. In the future, however, it looks like sending our Newsletters will be easier than ever (I may have just cursed us, oh... dear). Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Also, while on the topic of Newsletters (and eCards), it seems that the color PDX (in happiest girl! Sock) sold out within a half hour of the latest mailing (check your inbox). But we do have the KnitPods (some) and a few other treats.

Now, moving on to blog-worthiness, we have some really sweet goodies this time. First, Farrah brought in her finished Hidcote Shawl last night and I even managed to corner her into modeling it:

The pattern? Miriam Felton's Hidcote Garden Shawl. Knit with Suri Blue in "Smoke", by FarrahW (on ravelry). Isn't it just gorgeous? And the yarn is magnificent (we have it on order!). Yum, yum. Go on, go to ravelry and fav it. (You know you want to!)

And while I had Farrah cornered, I made her model the Cherry Blossom Shawl she knit for us as a store sample:

The one you can see on Anne Hanson's blog (knitspot). Made with 3 skeins of ShibuiKnits Silk Cloud, this thing is just plain dangerous. The sheer number of people I've seen petting it does not bode well for it's safety! Of course, if you want to participate in the Cherry Blossom KAL, we've been helping people out with their questions and getting started.

While Farrah was been subjected to the Nikon, everyone at JoAnn's birthday party last night was shouting advice to her (how to stand, how to hold her arms, etc); so I returned the favor and took a couple of shots of the group:

Which they didn't much like, but fair's fair. Some of the quicker knitters managed to dash out of the frame before the shutter clicked (which is why you can see abandoned projects in chairs). I'll get them next time, mwahaha.

And, finally, just because, I managed to get a shot of the Birthday Girl:

Who tried (and almost succeeded) to hide behind her sock in progress. The sock, it should be mentioned, is being knit with our fantastically popular limited edition colorway "City of Roses" (which has sold out, sorry!). So pretty.

Let's see... Other news? We-ell, Franklin Habit of the Panopticon has agreed to visit the store and teach/ lecture in late September. Mark it in your calendars! We'll post registration information on the website/ blog/ calendar sometime in the next fortnight or so.

Also, the Fall 2008 issues of Marianne Isager and Amimono are back in stock. Grab 'em while you can!

And, last but not least, the Habu Trunkshow is up and will continue to be on display through the end of August. Drop by (or give us a call) to find out what unusual yarns and fibers we have in stock!