2007 has been a great year. We moved across the street, we started our shop's blog, we joined Ravelry, we have contributed knitted items to The Red Scarf Project and Covenant House. Our classes expanded to include crochet and fair isle. Most importantly, we have met many knitters and crocheters.
We look forward to 2008 and wish everyone a happy new year!
We have a new yarn by Aslan Trends called Del Sur. This bulky yarn knits at 10 stitches over 4 inches and each hank comes has 87 yards. For this thick and thin yarn a size 13 or 15 US needle is recommended.
Besides a simple garter stitch scarf, you can knit a drop stitch scarf, or pair it with a very thin yarn and make a Scribble scarf.
You may know me from my books, Curious George Learns to Count 1 to 100, Curious George's First Day of School, and New Adventures of Curious George, as well as my movie Curious George. Lately, I left the man with the yellow hat to hang out with Fran. Fran has some trolls that live in her car but she's really cool. Here I am in her bag.
You may have noticed that when I was with the man with the yellow hat, I never had clothes. Since Fran is an avid knitter she made me this and I quote "top down raglan" out of "sock yarn".
It's snazzy. Since I am originally from a warmer climate, this sweater is perfect for me. Anyways, I just wanted to say it was nice hanging out Thursday night and you must have known I was coming because the banana cream pie was yummy!
Sincerely,
Curious George
Carol finished her top down cable pattern sweater that she improvised. It is truly beautiful.
Remi picked up her Einstein Coat which has been hibernating for a few months.
Patty is on a mitten kick.
Fran and her friend Lorraine were in deep discussion about mirroring a hat pattern.
Debra was working on a project which I have been prohibited from photographing until it is completely done. But, I can type that the project will be revealed in due time.
There was a visit from an adorable dog named Maya.
There was baked goods from Patty's mom, Banana Cream Pie, and Italian chocolates brought by Shelly.
This time of the year always reminds us of chilly weather, snow, and a fireplace to snuggle near while relaxing with hot cocoa. We wish everyone health, happiness, and good tidings during this holiday season.
Eric and Mary Ellen also stopped by to practice new skills. Attention: to all our Thursday Knit Night Regulars: Eric has learned to knit! Eric is a fabulous crocheter who you might remember improvises his own patterns. His friend taught him to knit (yesterday). Mary Ellen who is demonstrating a knit stitch was practicing her Magic Loop skills.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we are open from 10-3pm in case there are friends, family, or significant others who may need to pick up that emergency gift. Speaking of emergency gifts, only two employees were working on ribbed cowls in Misti Alpaca Chunky and were finishing in a day.
Alpalite is a gorgeous yarn from Filatura di Crosa made of Alpaca and Polyester. The yarn knits at 3-4 stitches per inch and each skein has 82 yards. The pattern is free with purchase of yarn at the shop.
Mary is almost done with her Library Wrap in Berroco's Keltic yarn. This project shows off the variation in colors perfectly.
Ellen finished the Baby Soft Cardigan from Clara Parkes' new book The Knitter's Book of Yarn. Actually, Ellen like Remi, was picking buttons for this project.
The largest project of the night came from Mary Beth (who is actually holding the blanket up) which she started in the 1990's.
The Trolls stopped by this Thursday to wish everyone warm wishes during this holiday season. They came dressed up in their best attire and brought their friend the badger who is sporting his new hoodie.
Kathy and Carol stopped by with their famous Peppermint Chocolate Bark. Here's a photo of this yumminess after Patty unwrapped and rewrapped it so I could snap a photo.
The night ended with a nice surprise from Fran-ti-claus who handed out mini Raw Shea Butter as demonstrated below...
Mary Ellen, Ellen, and Jamie were giddy about the surprise.
Tomorrow, I will post photos of knitted items.
Notice the grin, that's because she finished her Sheep Shop scarf in the shop. Look at the splashes of color!
Someone finished a Noni bag for someone else. That is all that can be revealed for now.
Well, today, those items were picked up by Jeanette and her one of her Covenant House co-workers (see below) to whisk them away to the appropriate folks.
They were so happy to pick up the scarves and they were a pleasure to meet. More importantly, we were so happy these items will go to someone for this holiday. To all those who have contributed to this project and other charitable knitting events at the shop, we say, "Thank You".
Holiday Hours
Tue- 12/18- 10AM-5PM
Wed-12/19-10AM-8PM - We will stay open until 8PM
Thu- 12/20-10AM-9PM
Fri 12/21-10AM-6PM- We will stay open until 6PM
Sat- 12/22-10AM-5PM
Sun- 12/23-Noon-5PM
Mon-12/24-10-3PM -We will be open for last minute shopping!
Tue- 12/25- Closed
Wed-12/26-12PM-7PM
Thu-12/27-12PM-9PM
Fri -12/28-11AM-6PM
Sat- 12/29-10AM-5PM
Sun-12/30-Noon-5PM
Monday 12/31- Closed
Tues- New Years Day- Closed
Please leave us a comment and let us know what you think of the new hours.
Around 2-3 skeins makes a luscious scarf and such a quick knit.
If you are in need of that quick knit project stop by quickly as this yarn has been leaving the store as we put it on the shelf.
Isn't it pretty?
Left to Right:
Yarn Mugs
Decorative stitch markers (two sets shown, large one is cute phrases with container and smaller one is a bead)
Harmony Stitch Dictionaries : crochet (green), knit and purl (purple), lace and eyelet (pink)
Lantern Moon project bag
Lantern Moon needles
Bryspun Rosewood Needles
Interweave Knitting Companion
Stitch n' Bitch audiotape
Handmade wood shawl closure
Crochet Perpetual Calendar
Knitters have a tendency to want to share their zeal and love of knitting by giving holidays gifts that involve their favorite craft. Sometimes, this leads to our downfall. One of our customers in her first year of knitting gave friends and family each a handmade scarf (it totalled around 18). When we imagine giving all these gifts we can sometimes forget all the time the gifts may require and thus the birth of marathon knitting sessions.
If you knit for a whole day and for some people an afternoon then you are marathon knitting. Marathon knitting can lead to physical pain in your fingers, wrists, or hands which over long periods of time can lead to carpal tunnel.
We want to highlight preventitive measures:
Avoid marathon knitting/crocheting sessions.
Take frequent breaks.
Debra recommends taking a break every 30 minutes and stretching your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Click here to see exercises recommended by Berroco. When you take your break, don't forget to stretch your hands.
Sunday recommends working on several projects. The projects should be in a different gauge or different size needle. The variety will be good for your hands.
Sit in a comfortable chair where good lighting is available (take care of your eyes).
A few of us at stix oftentimes recommend circular needles and one of the reasons is that they take the weight and bulk off your hands and wrists (the weight of the project will fall on your lap).
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The shop is closed due to the weather. In case you don't have a window it is not pretty outside. We want everyone to be safe and warm (and in your zen space for knitting). We will see you next week!
From top going clockwise:
The Secret Language of Knitters
Lantern Moon Bee tape measure
Sheep Post Its
Kitchener Stitch Dog Tag
American Flag tape measure
Watermelon tape measure
Snip-it Scissors
Mini Knitting Needles
Bamboo Needles
Mini Sock Blocker Keychain with Mini Sock Pattern
Della Q project bag in brown and blue floral print
Itty Witty Knitty cards
And-but of course- YARN!
As well, Ann showed off her felted crown. Granted the crown is a gift for someone else, look at how cute !
Jill also stopped by with a beautiful wrap which still needs some final finishing. Hopefully, she will bring the wrap again to the shop so we can get a picture.
Lucy completed this smooshy pink scarf. It is very soft. Tis' the season for scarves!
Lastly, we wanted to take this moment to wish the best to Heather. Pictured below, Heather is in the center, Sherri is on the right, and their friend (who I was not introduced, so sorry no name for the sake of this post) stopped by after a going away dinner. Heather will be leaving the Garden State to study for four years in Singapore.
Heather is wearing the Gryffindor scarf she knit and is sporting a stylish new hair style (the bob is in!). Heather has to finish her dad's sweater which she is knitting in Louet Gems in a crisp navy blue (she brought him to the store during the moving sale on a Thursday night, I was so impressed he had such a great sense of humor). Anyways, we just want to wish Heather a safe trip, best wishes in her studies, and definitely stop by to see us when you visit!
