 |
by Stacey on May 25, 2010
So for my first ever blog post here, I thought I’d share some of my experiences at Sock Summit! I hope you are not all bored by all the Sock Summit posts yet – it was such a once in a lifetime experience and it happened in our own back yard! I got to meet and take a class from Charlene Schurch! A little back story: When I decided to start knitting socks a little over 4 years ago, I just couldn’t wrap my head around how to it. (you should see my first attempts. Scary stuff.) I was so frustrated I threw the poor misshapen sock across the room and ignored it for months at a time. But I really love wearing funky socks & was determine to learn how to make my own. I researched a few books and finally picked up Sensational Knitted Socks. Working on the Class Sock, ... |
Category Archives: Inspiration
|
by Kelley on May 25, 2010
I am in a swoon from my exhausting weekend at Sock Summit. Well, with the exception of my fingers which are twitching in anticipation of all the incredible socks I will be knitting. I’ ve taken down all my Barbara Walker and Nancy Bush books as resources for my new sock plans. Yes, I did take photos and I have a lot to say but I’m going to combine my photos and this week’s blogpost. That’s going to take a couple of days. Rest today, work tomorrow and share on Wednesday. Let me just say that Sock Summit was absolutely fantastic!! < |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on May 25, 2010
Have you seen the new Fall issue of Interweave Knits yet? There are a lot of gorgeous patterns in this issue, but four of them really stood out for us because they would look especially fantastic in our new heavier weights of Gloss. If you haven’t knit with Gloss yet, you should really give it a try. The silk takes dye beautifully which results in deep, rich colors with a slight sheen that gives you incredible stitch definition. Please excuse my gushing, this is a really special yarn- one that we think you need to see for yourself in person to truly appreciate. On that note, we’ve decided to take these 4 patterns from Interweave, pick 4 Knitting Community members at random, and send them enough Gloss in the colors of their choice to knit the pattern for free! Here are the patterns you can choose ... |
|
by Knit Picks Staff on May 25, 2010
I snuck out of the office for a couple of hours this morning to go check out the Sock Summit marketplace with Alison and Kate. It was very educational. At the sock museum I learned the difference between a gusset and a short row heel. This is a gusset. Who knew!? I also touched A LOT of yarn. It was kind of like a petting zoo without any animals. I petted llama, baby camel, bison, yak, buffalo, angora bunny, mohair and cashmere goats, silk (and silk cocoons!), and a bunch of different kinds of sheep fiber. I thought the bison was especially pretty. I learned I like the long color repeats and transitions in Malabrigo and Mini Mochi. And I was especially attracted to blue yarn today. I saw the Yarn Harlot in person, but I didn’t kinnear her. We also ran into Stephanie Bryant from Handknit ... |
 |
by Knit Picks Staff on May 25, 2010
I was so excited to be almost finished with my Essential Tank when I realized something……..in the partial lace pattern repeat on each armhole side, I’d been making the two increases, but only one corresponding decrease, so my armhole edge slowly curved back out – aargh! I was hoping it wouldn’t be too bad so I went ahead and blocked the tank to see what it looked like. Frog time. < |
|
by Knit Picks Staff on May 25, 2010
Last week, OPB gave me a call to ask if Knit Picks would be willing to participate in a live conversation on the radio about the knitting industry, and Bob was more than happy to comply. The show aired this morning, and our whole staff camped out in the conference room to hear what Bob had to say. Cat Bordhi and Jo Hartman, the owner of a local Portland yarn shop- the Yarn Garden, were also guests on the show. Bob did a great job (of course!). You can download an MP3 of the show and take part in a discussion about the current state of the knitting industry here on OPB’s site– http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/joy-knitting/. < |
|
by Kelley on May 25, 2010
Seriously, I have great hopes for Classic Lines Cardigan Tuesdays but there are going to be legitimate distractions that cannot be ignored. Sock Summit begins on Thursday and I am so excited! I also need to finish prepping for my classes. I don’t actually have homework but I do need to gather up my supplies. Here is my schedule for Sock Summit Wednesday Afternoon Drop by the Convention Center and pick up my Registration Packet Thursday 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm — Hizsocks Class 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm — Student Only Marketplace 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm — Opening Reception Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm — Wander Marketplace 2:00 pm – 6:30 — Restorative Nap at home 7:00 pm – 11:00 — Sock Hop Party in Portland Saturday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm — Bavarian Stockings class Sunday 9:00 am – 1:30 pm — Marketplace Wandering 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm — Luminary Panel Whew!!! I’ll be on a high for weeks!! ... |
|
by Kelley on May 25, 2010
I am ridiculously excited about our announcement of the Zephyr needles. This time last year I was traveling in Ireland happily knitting on my Aran Cardigan using the first samples. The light weight, sharp points and slight flexibility made working the cables an absolute joy! The hard part was taking care not to show the “sample” needle tips in my photos. I’ve been using the “second draft” samples for my Moderne Baby Blanket knitting. Finally, we have been able to share them with you. I know we have had many orders but I don’t think any needles have actually arrived at their new homes. Once you receive your Zephyr needles, could you do me a favor? Add a comment to this post and let me know your first impressions. That would help ease my anxiety quite a bit. 🙂 Thanks! ... |
|
by Kelley on May 25, 2010
See, here I am helping Kate at work. We were setting up the new sock KAL . It’s really fun, you can get free patterns and show off the socks you’ve knit. And there are lots of knitters who’ve made many, many pairs of socks in the KAL, so if you run into trouble, there’s probably someone who can help. I don’t wear socks, but if I did, I’d join. I’m also helping Mom with a special project she’s working on for Knitters for Knockers PDX. See all that pink yarn? She obviously needed my expert opinion to help her narrow it down to just one or two favorites. It would be even harder to pick just one now that we introduced all the new fall colors! Did you see all the new colors in Palette? There are 7 new pinks!! ... |
|
by Alison on May 25, 2010
We did a quick video of Angela, Nina, and Brett trying out the new Zephyr needles (with a brief cameo by Melissa). They’re all such good sports! < |
