Got Buttons?

We do!  We have a terrific selection of beautiful buttons!  From wood to ceramic to cloth, you can personalize your project by adding this unique buttons. 

New Years Resolution

As the New Year approaches I've been thinking about setting some New Years resolutions.  Sometimes I set some that I know that I will fail at, others, I hope I can adapt into my life.  I'm wondering if you make New Years Resolutions?  Here are some knitting/crafting resolutions to think about.
1.  Teach someone to knit/crochet
2.  Take a class and learn something new
3.  Keep a small notebook on all the projects you do, like a swatch, the yarn labels, any changes to the pattern etc. 
4.  Organize your needles
5.  Put all your stash on Ravelry ravelry.com
6.  Take pictures of all your knitting/crocheting projects and put them on Ravelry.
7.  If you are a knitter and don't know how to crochet, learn.  If you are a crocheter and don't know how to knit, learn
8.  Start your Christmas knitting and make a pair of socks for everyone you give gifts to.
9.  Try creating your own pattern.
10.  Enjoy the journey!!!!!

Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head.  If you'd like to learn to knit or crochet look for our beginning classes in knitting and crochet.  Maybe you want to learn to use double point needles, take the beginning sock class.  Maybe you've always wanted to knit a sweater and are afraid to - take either Bett's class or Paula's class.  There is also a class on learning how to use Ravelry coming up.  We are here to help you succeed in whatever knitting/crochet project you choose.  http://www.mainstreetyarn.com/Classes.html

Ewenice and Ewenette wish you the Happiest of New Years.........

Pediboo!

We just received a shipment of Frog Tree's Pediboo.  It is a wonderful yarn for any project.  It's a fingering weight yarn and has 80% Merino and 20% Bamboo.  Frog Tree is a not for profit yarn company, which you can read more about here http://www.frogtreeyarns.com/about-us/. 
It is labeled "sock yarn" but I think it would be absolutely stunning in a shawl or sweater.
This lovely yarn might give you something to knit on over the Holidays (since I know you have nothing else to do).  Take a breather and relax and knit! 

Hello All!  I am stopping by the blog to say hello and to formally introduce myself.  My name is Krista and I teach crochet here at Main Street Yarn.  I will be posting here from time to time.  In addition, I will be moderating our group Ewe Knit at Main Street on Ravelry.  I invite you to join us!  I look forward to using this as a tool to help us interact more with our customers.  Feel free to post questions, share comments and show off your shiny new projects!  We would love to see (and drool) over the beautiful things you make!  If you aren't familiar with Ravelry, I think it would be worth a few minutes to check out.

Now, Id like to share with you one of my new favorite patterns!  This pattern is called the Crocheted Seafarer's Cap and it is available for free here through The Seaman's Church Institute.  What I enjoyed most about this pattern is the no frills look and the ease of construction.  Rather then working in the round, this hat is worked from top to bottom in 'short rows' much like the sections on a pumpkin.  It uses only one skein or about 220 yds of worsted weight yarn and G hook.  It is a fast, fun and uniquely constructed project that will sure climb to the top of your favorite list!  I hope you enjoy!

Thank you for taking the time to read and meet me.  I hope to meet you in the store soon or see you online in our Ravelry group!  

Scarves for Sandy Hook

 

This is a post that Tina found on Facebook after having talked to a customer who told her about it. 

I thought some of you might be interested in knitting or crocheting a scarf for the Sandy Hook children.  This is a tragedy that is so horrific, it boggles the mind.  There is not much any of us can do, but if they want scarves - let's make them scarves!  How about it? 

If you tell us that you are making a scarf for the Sandy Hook children and buy kelly green or white yarn, we will give you a 10% discount.  The scarves need to be 40-50" in length.

You can also bring the scarves here after you are finished and I will make sure they get mailed to the right person.  The scarves will need to be here by the the 9th of January, so they can get mailed in time.

 

Thank you.

 

Here is the post:

 





Calling all knitters and crocheters. Please help me make scarves for the Sandy Hook children. My goal is to collect 600 scarves by the middle of January. Scarves can also be mailed to: Scarves for Sandy Hook 500 Monroe Turnpike Monroe, CT 06468 ... Scarves can be knitted or crocheted, should be kelly green and white or solid green and child sized (40-50 inches in length). Please spread the word and share this on your wall. Drop off sites will be posted as they become available. St Jude School has already offered to put a box in the religious ed office. You can also pm me for my address and mail it to me. Thank you much. Let's do all we can to bring comfort to these beautiful children. Mailing address: 500 Monroe Turnpike Monroe, CT 06468 Deadline for scarves is January 15th. Thank you so much

Great American Afghan!!!

Have you come into the shop and seen the Great American Afghan?  It is a sight to behold and it is chock full of different techniques.  You will be an expert knitter by the time you finish this beautiful afghan.  Betts (one of our wonderful teachers) even designed one of the squares and guest teaches it.  You can join this wonderful class that Claudia teaches.  It meets on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00am-2:00am.  Hope you will come and join this wonderful group!  Look how hard they are concentrating!

Book Club AND Knitting!

We had a terrific meeting for our third Book Club meeting this past Tuesday, December 11th.  We all brought food for a Christmas potluck and had fun discussing Eileen's pick, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.  Our next book was Kim's pick, Swan Song by Robert McCammon.  We will discuss it on Tuesday, February 5th.  Come join us!

Winner of the Yarn Bags!

And the winners are:  Beverly Bynum and Mary Dunaway!!  There are still two more bags to give away, so be the 15th and 20th person to email me at eweknit@mainstreetyarn.com.

Have a wonderful week-end.

New Main Street Yarn Bags

These are our new Main Street Yarn Bags.  They are a nice bag to carry your smaller projects in, use for a lunch sack or any kind of shopping bag.  They would also make a lovely Christmas present by themselves or filled with your loved ones favorite yarns, notions or books.

The 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th person to email me at eweknit@mainstreetyarn.com will receive a bag for free!

I will announce the winners on the Blog, so stay posted.

First Light!

We just recieved Classic Elite Yarns booklet First Light.  It is filled with great patterns using Chesapeake in an array of bright and cheerful colors.  These patterns will be perfect for Spring in Seattle. 

I've got a notion...

Just in!  Tons of notions!!!  Great for gifts or for finishing Christmas gifts!  Come in and check them out!

Hot off the Press!!!!

Hot off the press is Malabrigo Book 4.  We just received it and it's already become a hit with our customers! 
There are 18 patterns created by 11 designers. Most of the Malabrigo's yarns we carry are represented in this book, including Arroyo, Sock, Rasta,Worsted and Lace.  For those of you who have enjoyed Malabrigo Book 3 will surely like this new book, I know I do.                                                       

Ewenice Sporting the Holidays

Thank you Kathy for their beautiful Holiday coats!  Ewenice and Ewenett are wearing them proudly.

Ravelry Anyone?

Krista will now be taking over our Ravelry Account.  If you've never used Ravelry, you can sign up here www.ravelry.com.  Our group is Ewe Knit at Main Street.  You can ask questions, you can have chats with other people in the group, you can look at alot of the projects people have knit that belong to MSY group.  This will be another way to communicate to our knitters and crocheters.  As you probably already know, Krista is a crocheter and a knitter, she's amazing with her stick skills.   Krista will be checking the site every day, so if you post something she should be getting back to you within a day.  
So, speaking of Ravelry, Krista will be having a class on Feb 3rd to teach any of you (us), (me) all the different ways you can use this powerful web site.  I know my way around Ravelry, but I certainly don't know how to use it to it's potential.
Due to computer malfunctions Elaine hasn't been posting on the Blog, but you've probably noticed she is back!!  She will be posting on Mondays and Tuesdays (maybe Saturdays).  It will be fun to have other opinions and a fresh voice on the Blog.

Wishing you all well on this Thursday.......

Oh Sooooo Cute!

One thing I have come to find since having Elya is that it is nearly impossible to find mittens for newborns and yet so many parents would love a pair for their little one.  Voila!  Blue Sky Alpaca has come out with this adorable hat and mittens pattern titled Tiny Empress Set.  This little quick knit makes the perfect gift for all of those newborns on your list and you can pick up a copy at the shop!

Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts CDROM

I was preparing for a book review by trolling our bookshelves and much to my delight I found this wonder!  The Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts Collection from 2006-2011.  This CD ROM contains all of the Holiday Gift issues from 2006 to 2011 and is packed with wonderful, and (may I emphasize) quick ideas and projects.  As much as I try to plan ahead beginning in August for Christmas, I always find this that during this month, I still scramble for a few last minute gift ideas. 

Come celebrate with us!

There is a Santa Parade down Main Street today at 3:30, with a tree lighting at Mill Creek City Hall at 4:30, but the BEST part - Elaine and her husband Dallas are playing Christmas music from 5:00-6:00 at the store.  Hope to see you here!

Tomorrow Night

I just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow night is Charity Knit Night from 6:00 - 8:00.  I hope to see you there!

Book Sale

 

We just finished inventory on our books and decided to put some on sale for 25% off.  We also just put the Mission Falls 1824 Cotton on sale for 25% off.

See you soon

Tis the Season! Gift Ideas for all!

Nothing like a cold, clear day to put you into the Holiday mood!  It was fun on my drive into the shop today to see all of the decorations going up and think about how we are going to decorate to celebrate the season.  During this time of year, I see a lot of your loved ones wandering through the shop looking for the perfect gift for you, their favorite yarn enthusiast!  Well, we have just received the perfect fit for anyone.  Our new Gift Cards!  Merry Creating Everyone!

Who said knitting needles have to be round??

While I was at Cat Bhordi's retreat, Cat had only praises for Kollage Square knitting needles.  When I first saw square needles, I wasn't too impressed and decided I would never knit with square needles.  When Cat highly recommended them, I thought there must be something to this, so I thought I'd try them.  I fell in love with them.

This is what Knitters Review had to say about these needles. http://knittersreview.com

Square knitting needles are marketed as being more ergonomic to hold—rather like those little rubber triangles we used to slip over our pencils in grade school. Knitters with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, it is suggested, will find square needles much more comfortable for long-term knitting.

These are fully functional knitting needles that just happen to be square instead of round. Their square shape gives you more to hold onto, which—depending on how you hold your needles and whether or not your hands tend to cramp or ache after too much knitting—may make your knitting much more comfortable.

It's ultimately a personal choice. You really need to pick up a pair and knit for a while to figure out what you think. You may find that they revolutionize how knitting feels to you. Or you may say, "Hmm, that's interesting," and return to knitting as usual. Or you may fall somewhere in the middle and choose to add a pair or two to your needle collection and pull them out when you crave a little variety.

Knitters are extremely picky about their needles, and these square ones give us another choice.

We have the Kollage Knitting Needles in:
16",24",32",40" circular sizes 5-9
5" & 6" DPN's sizes 5-8
10" straight needles in sizes 5-9
We will soon have Crochet Hooks

 

It's here!!!

Finally - the Madeline Tosh Vintage came in! 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Random thoughts

As I'm fumbling around trying to figure out what I should write about today, I had a few thoughts, but couldn't come up with anything concrete.  I was going to tell you how much fun I had this morning watching my DVD from Interweave (which we now carry).  I then thought I could mention we have gift tags now.  My last thought was to tell you the Madeline Tosh STILL hasn't come in (there is still hope for today though).  I'm busy working on a new class schedule, we have some fun classes coming up.  When I get it finished I will let you know what's new.  Last but not least, I've been wanting to post this picture of my Granddaughter because it's so stinking cute!  She got into Mom's make up (just in case you can't tell). 

That's all I got for today.

Any day now

Any day now - probably not many of you remember the song "Any Day Now" by Ronnie Milsap - I know, most of you don't know who Ronnie Milsap is.  He is a country western singer who made his big hit in the 80's.  Anyway.....any day now we will be getting the Madeline Tosh Vintage.  I only ordered 6 of each of the colors because I didn't know how well the yarn would be received.  It appears that was a big mistake, a lot of people want the Tosh Vintage.
Tosh Vintage is 100% superwash merino wool, 200 yards per skein, worsted weight. Each skein is hand-dyed in small dye lots and machine washable.
The yarn has been shipped we are just waiting for it to be brought to our door.  It might even come today!!!!!!!!!

These are the seven colorways we are getting the yarn in.  If you are interested in the Madeline Tosh Vintage you better come in soon - I don't think it will last long.

 

Hiya Hiya Sock Needle Kits

This Hiya Hiya kit includes three 6" needle sets US# 1, 2, and 3 along with a needle gauge and this beautiful zippered Hiya Hiya Accessory Case. Included in this kit is a Staggered Rib Sox pattern. We just got these in today. Come in and check them out.

Shades of Winter

 

 

 

Ingalill Johansson//Ewa K. Andinsson

 

This is a visually stunning book.  The photography is on location at a famous Icehotel in Sweden.  The pictures are beautiful, the garments are beautiful and the scenery is beautiful. There are 35 projects to choose from.  They range from tops, sweaters, dresses and coats to hats, mittens, scarves and shawls.  The garments range from simple garter stitch and stockinette stitch to more elaborate cables, bobbles, texture and lace patterns.

We received this book on Friday, it's brand new from Interweave.   

 

 

 

I did not get lost

I apologize for having been absent from the Blog, but hopefully I am back.  I was out of town, then I had foot surgery and I'm way behind in my paperwork - I know blah, blah, blah.  I thought I would throw out an excuse though. 

Right now I can't get up to take a picture of the cute little Advent Mittens we are making for Christmas, but here is a picture from the web site.  We should have them up soon, but you can find the pattern on Knit Picks website under Smitten.   We made ours with Cascade 220.  Tina is working on the I-Cord as I am writing this.
Glad to be back, I missed you.

Look who Ewenice brought home

Ewenice wanted to bring this little Alpaca home from Friday Harbor, so what could I say?  She was sooo cute!  Ewenice has two beautiful winter coats (thanks Lisa) and one fall coat (thanks Helen).  She is hankering for a Holiday coat and would like one for her friend (she needs a name).  Anybody who makes a coat for Ewenice and her friend for the Holidays, will receive a free skein of yarn and a free pattern (not necessarily to go together).  The coat for Ewenice should be about 4" long (for her back) and 12" width (to go over her back and hang down the sides.)
Her friend measures 1 1/2 to 2" for her back and 5" to go over her sides. 
By the way, if you can think of a good name for her new friend email me at eweknit@mainstreetyarn.com and I'll put the names on the blog and we'll vote. 

Knit Holiday Gifts

We just got this very cool CD in!  It is the 2006 - 2011 Holiday Collection CD.  It is 6 digital editions of Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts Special Issues exactly as they were originally printed.  This CD has an easy to navigate table of contents, easy to print patterns, and all the tips and techniques that Interweave is known for. 

This CD includes over 200 patterns for holiday knitting, from quick to knit accessories to heirloom quality projects that can be handed down from generation to generation.  This is for knitters of all skill levels. 

See you soon!

Thank you Charity Knitters!

Last night we had a great turn out for our Charity Knit.  Even though these aren't the hats we donate it resembles our gifts to children at Children's Hospital.  These hats mostly go to children who do not have parents to buy hats for them.  The nurses take the children down to where all the donated hats are and either let the child pick or they pick one for them.  The other children who are not in this situation, the hats make them happy, bringing a little cheer to their dreary day.  We can't do much for these children, but we can stitch a little love into our hats.
If you cannot attend our once a month Charity knit (the last Friday of every month), please feel free to bring in any hat you would like to donate or you can come in anytime and ask for yarn to knit a hat to donate.  Remember, these are preemies to 18 year olds.  They all need a little love knit into a hat.

Cat and Ewenice

Ewenice sitting in Cat's lap

Every night Cat tells stories.  We sit around and knit while she tells us stories.  Last night Ewenice was very interested in her stories so she jumped on Cat's lap and asked to have her picture taken.  Who can say no to Ewenice?  Certainly not me, nor Cat. 

I'm getting my sock knitting down.  I'm learning the toe up sock, knit with 2 circs, with a tomato heel.  Phew.  If I can get it settled in my brain, it might become my new favorite method.  I've always been a fan of double points, but I think I'm going to give this a try and if I like it better I'll teach this new method.

I still think when you make your first pair of socks it should be on double points.  It's the only method in my point of view that can really give you a good sense of the structure of a sock.

Tonight is our last night and I'm glad and sad.  Glad because I can start putting together all the new ideas I have learned.  

Sad, because it's such a beautiful relaxing place.  I don't know how long Cat's waiting list is, but I've signed up for next year on Oct 13th - 18th.  It would be splendid if you could join me.

 I believe we received some new Blue Sky Alpaca yarn while I was away, but I'm not sure, so I won't mention the name of the yarn just yet. You'll have to wait until Sunday. 

See you Sunday...



Cat Bhordi Retreat - Day 2

Lakedale Lodge

One of the greatest things about the Northwest is finding places like this in our very beautiful neck of the woods.  This is the lodge we are staying in. 

 

What did I learn today?  I learned that I'm fabulous at making errors that embarrass the living daylights out of me.  For example, yesterday on my Blog I told you I learned that I was making and teaching how to knit two together incorrectly - NOT - when I tested out my new way of knitting two together, I discovered that's how I had always been doing it.  So, not only did I make the error in my head I shared it with all of you.  Oh well....

 

I learned how to do the Cat Bhordi's Sweet Tomato Heel and refreshed my memory of knitting in the round on two circs. 

 

I learned that eating three big meals a day is too much.  It's dinner time and I'm still full from lunch and at lunch I was still full from breakfast. 

 

Mostly I just learned just how many different things I still need to learn.  

 

 



Cat Bhordi Retreat - Day 1

I've learned a lot today already.  I learned how NOT to take a picture with my new I-Pad. I took a picture (or so I thought) of Ewenice having a cookie and Ewenice checking in at the front desk, but turns out I took videos.  Didn't think you wanted to see a minute video of Ewenice just standing there.  These two pictures are from our balcony (Ewenice was enjoying some time with my husband) and  in our room above the fireplace.
I want to apologize to all my students, according to Cat I have taught you how to do an SSK and K2tog wrong.  I guess I've been doing it wrong my whole life and I now have several people doing it wrong because I taught them.  The correct way to do an SSK is when you are slipping the stitches from the left needle to the right needle you slip them as if to knit.  I'm sure some of you already know that and are probably surprised that I don't, but in my defense, I read that you ALWAYS slip as if to purl unless it states otherwise, so I figured that applied to SSK. 
The correct way to knit 2 together is to put your needle in your stitches from left to right instead of right to left.  The left slant is much more visible doing it that way.  I'm so embarrassed.   
For all of you that I have taught the wrong way, if you are in the middle of a project and come across these two stitches, continue to do them the way you started and don't change methods until you have started another project.
My head is spinning from all the information, projects and ideas that Cat has introduced us to.  I will try and absorb as much as I can, but anyone who knows me, knows even if I absorb it, doesn't mean I will remember it.  I have my I-Pad with me to take notes, so that should help.
More tomorrow...................

Ewenice is stylin'!

One of our wonderful customers, Lisa, made Ewenice two new coats for winter (I'll post a picture of the other one later).  Doesn't she look all warm and comfy?
Sunday I am headed off to Friday Harbor to attend a week long workshop with Cat Bhordi.  Ewenice is coming with me (along with my husband), so we will be sending you posts from Friday Harbor.  I'm hoping to learn lots of new things to pass on to you.

Stitch of the day

The Half Brioche Stitch

 

The one thing I have discovered about the Brioche Stitch, whether it be half or whole, there are several different methods of knitting this stitch.  While looking on line for the Half Brioche Stitch, I found several different ways to make it, each with a little different look.

This is a good stitch for just about anything that you want to have texture.  A man's scarf would be lovely in this or something as simple as a washcloth.  How about a fingerless glove?  Use your imagination with this stitch.  Only a 4 row repeat!

 

Row 1: Purl

Row 2 (right side): K1, *K1 in st below, k1; repeat from * to end

Row 3: Purl

Row 4: K1 in st below, *K1, K1 in st below; rep from * to end

Repeat these four rows.

 

This pattern is in Multiples of 2+1.

 

If you don't know how to knit into the stitch below watch this U-Tube video for some instruction or ofcourse you can always come in the store and we would be happy to show you.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8KgeMUwj2E

Jane Austen is back

You'll find lots of good reading as well as some cute patterns in Jane Austen's Fall 2012 magazine.
The Prettyish Wilderness Socks designed by Rachel Coopey is shown in Shibui Sock Yarn (one of our favorites).  "These socks are inspired by the garden surroundings in Pride and Prejudice when Lady Catherine de Bourgh comes to forbid Elizabeth Bennet from marrying Mr. Darcy."
A darling little tunic made from Louet Euroflax Linen.  If you've never knit with linen it's a good time to try.  It washes and wears great and gets softer each time you wash and dry it.  Make sure you knit a swatch, then wash it and dry it to get an accurate gauge. 
Henry Tilney's Brocade vest is shown as being knit with Spud and Chloe fine.   Henry Tilney wore a similar vest while he was in Bath attending a ball or theatre.
In the nineteenth century the military look started influencing feminine fashion.  With the invention of the tape measure and other tailoring methods, the design shifted to a more fitted garment.  Hussars Spencer is a wearable garment for today.  It was knit with Cascade 220 Superwash. 
The Pleated Neck Scarf is darling and made with Rowan Kid Silk Haze.  Did I mention we just got the Kidsilk Haze in self striping colors? 
A double layered Capelet made with Kidsilk Haze and Madeline Tosh Merino, is reversible so you can have the lace side turned out for the evening and the ribbed side turned out for your daily activities.
Whatever pattern you chose to knit, we would be happy to help you with a yarn choice.
Hope to see you soon!

It's T-Shirt Day

We have 3 Main Street Yarn T-shirts to give away today (for bloggers only).  There is 1size large and 2 size mediums.  First people to email me, specifying what size they want will win the size T-shirt they ask for.   First come first serve! eweknit@mainstreetyarn.com 

Red, White and Green

We just received these colors in Cascade 220, Cascade 220 Superwash, Fingering and Superwash Sport.  All the weights you'll need for your Christmas knitting.

Pininterest

I am becoming a  real technical expert, giant, ok, never mind, I hardly know what I am doing, BUT I did start a site, blog, well, I put some pictures up on Pininterest.  It's going very slow and is definitely a work in progress.  I thought you might want to see what we've done so far.  You can get there by clicking on this site http://pinterest.com/mainstreetyarn/.   I'm trying to figure out how to hook, attach,link it to our Facebook account, but haven't had much luck there.  Anyone I've talked to said "Oh, that's so easy" yah, maybe for you. 
To show you how saavy I am, I was having dinner with a friend and I called it Pin-Interest (like two words) - he just looked at me with a smirk and said "No, it's pintrest".  So however you want to say it is fine with me, I'll know what you are talking about. 

Ewenice doesn't want anything to do with it.

Mini Messenger

Namaste Mini Messenger

 

Wouldn't we look great sportin' around with one of these this winter?  They come in great colors, black, eggplant, lime, peacock,  pumpkin spice and red (shown here).  Cross-body design for hands-free function, the Mini Messenger has a padded adjustable shoulder strap, quick access exterior pocket, and lots of individual pockets for ultra organization. This bag is a perfect knitting bag or for someone with an active, busy lifestyle  (I may have to buy two - one for a knitting bag and one for my everyday bag).
The exterior is made from PVC-free animal friendly faux leather and the interior is PET microsued (faux suede made from recycled plastic bottles).
It is 5" W x 12" H x 15" L.
We've sold out of most of the colors, but I will be ordering again soon.  Let me know what color I can order for you.

Want to learn Entrelac?

 

You want to learn Entrelac, but don't have time for a class?  Enjoy learning in your own home with this DVD by Eunny Jang.   Come in and get a copy of this DVD soon!