The Knitting Experience Blog | The Knitting Experience Café

The Knitting Experience Blog Archive November 2008

Thanksgiving Sale on Friday and Saturday!

Thanksgiving week is upon us! You know what that means - time for the holiday fiber frenzy to begin. Knitting needles and crochet hooks will be flying as we get those gifts and decorations finished. Or, in my case, some of those gifts still need to be cast on. Festive shopping for our fiber friends is underway. Just imagine their smile when the sock knitter in your life unwraps a skein of Malabrigo Sock yarn!

Whether you are knitting up a few surprises, getting ahead on your shopping, or looking for a project to keep you entertained during the parades and football games, we're here to help.

Don't miss our SALE this Friday and Saturday!

All in-stock yarn, patterns, books, and needles will be 10% OFF both in the store and online Friday Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29. Remember, you can shop from home online and have us ship everything to you, or select our in store pick-up option and we'll have everything ready for you the next time you stop by.

**Please note that we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be open for regular hours the rest of the week.**

Help your friends and family by filling out at Holiday Wish List!

Here's how it works: You fill out a card with all your knitting, crocheting, and fibery desires. Then, tell all your family and friends that you have a WIsh List at The Knitting Experience Café. We keep the card and help your loved ones pick out the perfect gift.

Looking for a little inspiration?

Quick knit gift ideas:

Felted mittens using Noro Kochoran

Chunky scarves

Holiday ornaments

Fun hats

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Cozy socks

Gifts for the knitter ideas:

Gift Certificates

Ball winder and swift

Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard

It Itches by Franklin Habit

Darn Pretty Needles

Pretty Cheep Project Bags

GoKnit Pouch

Knitters Little Helper Hand Balm

Kits for cool knits

Lantern Moon Silk Needle Case

Sock yarn and pattern

and so much more... just ask us!

Monday, November 24, 2008

I couldn't resist

There are other projects on the needles that are begging for attention. Gifts that need to be completed soon, samples for the shop that are late in making an appearance, but I still couldn't help myself. I had to try the Malabrigo sock yarn.

It is like silk running through your fingers. The color is deep and rich, and shimmers as you look at it.

To test out the Malabrigo Sock, I decided to use the new Figheadh cabled sock pattern

for two reasons: 1. I wanted to knit these socks, 2. with cables, I can get a sense of the stitch definition of the yarn.

Check out the results:

It is beautiful and I love it. I adore it. I pet it when feeling stressed. Ahhhh....

To justify the new sock project, I finally finished Connor's Harry Potter scarf. Well, almost. All the ends are woven, it just needs fringe.

My Central Park Hoodie is also progressing. A back, two fronts, and the sleeves are underway!

The decision has been made to go with the large collar instead of a hood. I've been debating this for awhile and the sweater finally spoke to me last night. Once I figure out how I'm going to actually make the collar, I'll let you know. In the meantime, I need progress reports! I've seen many CPHs in knitting bags, and even a couple finished sweaters. Time for a KAL update! Let me know where you are. For those still knitting away like me, I'm toying with the idea of a seaming party after the holidays. We'll pick a Saturday, and seam our CPHs together.

I'm not the only one getting things off the needles (and then more on).

Marcia has 10 pairs of felted mittens ready to be gifted.

And a beautiful sweater for her grandson out of Cascade 220:

Joanie finished her very first sweater!!!!! YIPPEE!! This is a huge knitting milestone. As a bonus, the sweater fits like a dream and looks awesome on her.

Another knitter has been felting up a storm:

All gifts! Wow!

Luanne made this adorable berry hat to go with the Swing Coat she was finishing last night:

Now I just need to get a picture of the sweater.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Malabrigo SOCK YARN!

Yes, it is as good as you imagine.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Knitting fever

Wow! What a busy week. Seems that someone let out the secret of how wonderful knitting can be and those new and returning knitters are ready for some fiber therapy. Sorry for the lack of blog updates, but with all these wonderful knitters around, it is hard to make myself break away and sit at the computer.

Check out the impromptu gathering on Saturday -

I neglected to get a good shot of the other side of the room, so I apologize for those who were left out of the picture. Thanks to everyone who came to knit and enjoy a rainy afternoon - it was lovely.

Pam had me in awe with her finished - and blocked! - Seascape shawl. She used Hempathy, which has an incredible drape - something you never would guess from a hemp based yarn.

She has also been whipping out those Christmas gifts. Look at the gorgeous cowls-

Sandy is making a beautiful wrap for her mother out of Cascade's Baby Alpaca Chunky-

And I've been a bit obsessed with the Cabled Ornaments from Knitting Daily. So far, I've made 6.

They are super easy to make (as long as you know how to cable) and make great gifts! The pattern can be found at knittingdaily.com . I used Jo Sharp's DK wool and can get about 3 ornaments from one ball.

Saturday also saw the arrival of patterns from Figheadh Yarnworks. I love the cablework!

Time to head to the shop. I'm hoping that today brings a very special delivery...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Big Box of Cascade

Anyone who has stopped by the shop over the past few days knows that we got a ginormous shipment of Cascade. The Cascade wall is replenished with many vibrant colors including those for your holiday knitting in both 220 and 220 Superwash:

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The 220 Tweed that sold out so quickly is back-

Along with the wildly popular Eco Wool-

When I met with the sales rep, I had my order all planned out, knew just what I wanted, and was sure that I wouldn't be distracted. Ha! By now, I should know better.

He tempted me with this:

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That would be Eco Alpaca. 220 yds per skein of luscious, undyed, worsted weight baby alpaca. Oh. My. God. It is insanely soft. I almost fell over. I get weak in the knees every time I touch it. Now I am in search of the perfect pattern, because I MUST knit with this.

Speaking of knitting... David finished his piratey hat -

How cool is that? Awesome work David! He used Jo Sharp's DK Wool, and skipped the lining as the stranding work makes it plenty warm all on its own.

Huge cheers for Jerri who finished her Mystery Shawl. It is stunning.

After blocking, it is to be gifted to a very lucky person. Wow! She used Cascade's Heritage sock yarn for the shawl, so not only is it so super soft you want to wrap it around you and camp out on the couch all day, it is also washable!

Check out what Amy is making for her son's birthday. I am in trouble if my boys see this:

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Pirates, are of course, exceedingly cool. Combine them with black, and bright oranges, and you have a sweater that you KNOW they will wear.

(Seriously, Amy, what were you thinking? Connor is going to want one of these. And as soon as he wants one, Alec will want one!)

A fabulous knitter brought in this Noro vest - the pattern name escapes me right now - but aren't the colors beautiful?

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Oh, and I finished my Punky Fuchsia baby sweater.

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I love the way the color plays out in this yarn when knit. It is Classy from Dream in Color. I have a couple possible sweaters in mind for myself out of this yarn when the next shipment arrives.

Time to get ready for work. We are open today for your knitting and relaxing needs. Happy Veterans Day everyone!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Spunky delivery

The wonderful Amy of Spunky Eclectic made a surprise delivery yesterday of all kinds of goodies.

First we have a fresh supply of desperately needed Spunky sock yarn. I think we were down to 3 lonely skeins. Check out the colors!

And the Color of the Month - Sumac in Skinny Socks. Each skein will be 15% off for the month of November, or until it's all gone to happy homes.

Perhaps best of all, she brought us a present:

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See that cool cabley hat? Amy designed it as a free pattern to go along with her Biggie Yarn. The pattern is sized from infant through adult large, and every size - except for the large - takes just one skein of Spunky Biggie Yarn. The pattern is free with a purchase of Biggie Yarn.

Another local artist stopped by recently. Amy Boneville, a brilliant photographer, has just introduced a line of beautiful cards.