Encore is on Sale!

Now Announcing!...   Our Encore is 20% off!  It is a great time to pick up a bunch of Encore for any blankets you have been planning to make.  Come in and check out our great selection of colors including Tweeds and Colorspun!

Girls' Cardi - Project #4

I'm knitting this for my Granddaughter who lives in New Orleans.  It's from a Knitsimple Magazine from Winter 2007/2008 (yes, I have magazine's that go back that far that I still look at).
I'm making it out of Blue Sky Organic Cotton and it's working up wonderfully.

I have started the left sleeve (pictured below) and as you can see from the pattern picture it is knit in one piece. 

I don't think I've ever knit anything from side to side before and I'm kind of liking it. 

My Granddaughter has beautiful red hair and I think this color will look so cute on her and because it is made with cotton, she should be able to wear it at least for 4 months of the year down there.

New Vogue!

Come on in and pick up your edition of the latest Vogue!  We just got it in!

Pinwheel Afghan

Pinwheel Afghan



Here is one of my WIP - as you know (from previous posts) I usually have about 9 projects going at the same time.  This is one of my 9.  I think it's going to be a shop sample, but we'll see how it turns out.  What I mean by that is I'm not really sure I picked the right colors, but I had my husband help me and well, you know, if it doesn't work out I think it might be all his fault (this is where I would put a smiley face, but apparently my Blog doesn't have that option, or I can't see it [which is most likely]). 

This pattern is a Pinwheel Afghan from Oat Couture.  I'm having a great time knitting it, it is not boring or monotonous like some knitting can be.  Changing colors, working the edge and doing short rows is what is keeping it interesting, plus it's going pretty fast, being on a size 8 needle.

I finished my mink scarf.  I soaked it yesterday and now it's in our closet drying.  The closet was the only space I could find long enough to stretch this scarf out.  I'm looking forward to being able to wear it when the weather gets cooler. 

That's it for now - see you soon.

Knit-A-Long

Judy, Jeri ,Pam (mannequin stand in), Claudia, Ann and Barb

 

There were many more of us who did this Holden Shawl Knit-A-Long, but these were the people who came to get their picture taken. 

 

 

Consider doing our current Knit-A-Long which is a Hexagonal Market Bag, it is a free pattern on Ravelry, www.ravelry.com.  Tina made one and has already used hers!  The Knit-A-Long is held on Thursday evenings from 6:00- 7:30.  Come and join us for this informal social gathering.  This Knit-A-Long will be until July 18th.  There will be a drawing for a prize for those who finish their Knit-A-Long's by the 18th of July.  It's an easy knit, so come get started!

 

 

 



Ultra Pima Cotton!

Check out this terrific yarn we just got in!  Ultra Pima Cotton is made up of 100% Pima Cotton and comes in 220 yard hanks.  It knits up at 22-24 stitches for 4 inches on a 5-6 US needle and is a wonderful yarn for the Summer!

Oh, What a Beautiful Sweater

This is an Entrelac sweater that Lisa made.  Isn't it beautiful?  It was made from Noro, so of course all the colors look beautiful together.
When I first came to Main Street, Lisa was just learning how to knit - she's been working hard at it since and look what she created!  Congratulations, Lisa, in your knitting progress.

Mink Scarf WIP

Since I talked about my WIP (Work in Progress) projects, I thought I might share some of them with you. 

This is my Mink Scarf which is a very simple pattern.  I plan on wearing it just like it shows in the picture (above) so I had to make it a bit longer than a normal scarf.  The length will be about 85" and is taking approx. 750 yards of the  fingering weight yarn (2 skeins of the mink).  This is the kind of scarf you could make with any yarn and any weight.  It's basically a seed stitch scarf.  Half way through the scarf I cast off 5 stitches on each side to make the neck slimmer, working in garter stitch, just for the neck.  That way when I fold the scarf in half and put the remainder of the scarf through the loop, the neck won't be so bulky.

 

I am very, very close to being finished with this project.  The ends have not been sewn in and of course it hasn't been blocked, but I think it will be one of my favorite scarves when I am done. 

 

 

Can there be too many projects?

I was in the yarn guest room yesterday to get the room ready for my son who will be here on Wednesday.  Well, there seemed to be some yarn, books and magazines hanging around.  I got all those organized, but then as I was looking in the closet, I noticed quite a few bags with partially done projects.  I'm trying to figure out how they got there.  I mean, right now I am currently working on 8 projects at one time (which is just right for me), but how did those other ones sneak into the closet?  They are all projects I want to complete, I just haven't.  For instance, I have a pair of socks that I knit on Magic Loop that just need to be bound off.  Really?  Three more pairs of socks, one sweater, 1 scarf, 1 stole and I can't remember the rest but I'm sure there are more.  What happened to them that I apparently disregarded them with little thought.  I can't finish them now because I have 8 different projects going, so I'll try and finish them when I get some of these projects done, however, once I get a project done, I'm excited to start a new one....and so it goes.  Sigh....

New Summer Hours!

Here are our new Summer hours!

Monday:        10:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday:        10:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday:   10:00am-5:00pm
Thursday:       12:00pm-8:00pm
Friday:           10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday:       10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday:         11:00am-4:00pm

See you soon!

Yarn Tasting Update!

For those of you planning to attend the Yarn Tasting, we just wanted to let you know that it is going to be cancelled.  We will still be taking part in the Art Walk and would love to see you! 

Oh What a Purl!

Hi all!  Its been a while since Ive posted here... So many things going on since Spring arrived!!

I wanted to share with you my loathing avoidance of purl rows.  Im sure I am not alone when I say purling is not my favorite.  It takes so long, its a less natural motion for my hands, and did I mention it TAKES SO LONG! 

Behold my secret!  Portuguese Style Knitting!!  I have discovered the beauty of the Portuguese Purl Stitch.  I actually enjoy it SO much, that the Wingspan I recently finished for the shop was made ENTIRELY from purling! 

So if Garter Stitch for days or Stockinette Stitch for miles with its pesky purl rows puts you off, check out our Portuguese Knitting Workshop!  There are two times available for this 2 hour class.  You can chose Sunday August 11th from 2-4 OR Sunday August 18th from 2-4.  Space is limited so if youre interested sign up now!

Teaching my Granddaughter to knit

Odessa

I was just visiting my Granddaughter in New Orleans and she informed me she wants to learn to knit.  She will be here for a month in less than 2 weeks, so I've been thinking the best approach to teach her how to knit.  I thought of the old fashion way, of sitting with her quietly, in a subdued setting where she will sit (stand?) still to learn to knit.  Like illustrated in the top picture.

Even though the picture of Odessa looks like she is an angel with wings, I know I'm for certain not the patient, subdued woman in the picture.

Then I ran across this video.  We get a fair amount of people requesting instructions on how to teach very young people to knit. 

This is what Amazon reviews have to say about the video.  "This DVD features a proven method of teaching kids skills that will help them for life. It helps kids to concentrate, increases motor skills, develop hand-eye coordination and it is also a great confidence builder! For ages 5+. Dr. Elizabeth Seward entertains kids with a unique animated story while teaching them to knit and make their own knitting needles. Kids teaching kids-every kid will be inspired watching 7 year old Ryan Anderson as he teaches the basics of knitting. Knitting instructor and producer Marcy Levitas Hamilton teaches the kids how to make fun and easy knitted balls and toys with Stitch-Along instructions. There is also a visit to The Alpaca Ranch to learn how yarn is made."

The video is 90 minutes long, so I'm not sure we will get through it all in one setting, and she may lose interest along the way, but I have two more Granddaughters who I can teach.  I WILL MAKE ONE OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS KNITTERS!

A great deal for a Spinning Wheel!

Spinning is a terrific way to customize the yarn you work with!  We have an Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel on Sale for $385.00.  That is an incredible price for this wheel.  Come in and take a look!  We even have a terrific teacher on staff who can get you on your way.

Stay quenched!

We have the perfect way to stay quenched while you do your Summer knitting and support your favorite knitting store!  These great bottles are easy to throw in your knitting bag for all of those outdoor knitting locations you frequent and they are great looking too!

A Project for all our favorite movies? Are you kidding me?

 

This book has 30, yes 30 projects from some of our favorite movies such as, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, To Kill A Mockingbird, Anne of Greene Gables, Moby Dick, Little House on the Prairie, Anna Karenina, Pride and Prejudice and Lord of the Rings.  This is just a few of the great movies that are listed in this book.  Not only do they each have a project that resembles a fashion from the movie, they also have very detailed instructions.  There are knitted projects for men, women and children. 
This is a must for your library, I know it's found it's way into mine!

Hope to see you soon.

Perfect for Summer time

We just got Litoral by Aslan Trends in and look how beautifully it knits up!  On a size 10.5 or 11 needle, this yarn knits up quickly!  Come in and check out the great colors and pick up a skein to make each of your friends this lovely scarf!

We have another winner!

Sherri Brown is the winner of the 2nd LYS bag!  I'm all out of bags, but keep posted, you never know what kind of contest is coming up.

We have Malabrigo Worsted on Sale for 20% off until Tuesday.  Come in to see all the beautiful and bright colors. 

It's pretty quiet here today, so I'm hoping that you are all out camping, fishing or whatever fun things you want to do on Memorial Day.  Please remember our Soldiers who have so graciously served our country. 

 

By the way we have water bottles now!



The Bag Contest was so much fun...let's do it Again!!!

I have one more LYS bag to give away!  If you are the 12th person to email me at eweknit@mainstreetyarn.com you will win an LYS 2013 bag!

By the way, have you heard we are having 20% off all our Malabrigo worsted until the end of the day Tuesday?

Hope to see you soon.

We have a winner and "Classic Knits"

First to the important part.  We have a winner from our contest yesterday - Deb Jensen was the 2nd person to email me after the post.  Congratulations Deb!

As I was looking for a book to review, I opened up this one and became quickly enthralled.  There are 100 different patterns to make and only a few stinkers.  They recommend a lot of my favorite yarns.  Some of the different yarns they use are Rowan Wool Cotton 4-ply, Rowan Wool Cotton DK, Cotton Classic, Lambs Pride Bulky, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, Ultra Alpaca by Berroco, Cascade Ultra Pima, Cascade 128, Kidsilk Haze, Baby Bamboo, Zara, Noro Silk Garden Socks, Felted Tweed and Rowan Handknit Cotton.  We carry all of these yarns in our store.

Not only are there 100 patterns, there is a plethora of information.  Some of the subjects are yarn weights, learning to follow patterns, reading yarn labels, choosing the right size for you, gauge symbols, charts, abbreviations, different cast on and cast offs and correcting mistakes (I know you won't need that information, but thought I would let you know......just in case).

I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist.  I don't always have time to look through all the books we get, but I'm so glad I looked through this one.  It will may find it's way to my house...don't worry, I'll save a copy for you.

Win a LYS 2013 bag

This is the "official" LYS Bag for the 2013 tour.  We had a great tour and we enjoyed seeing all the people that came out to say Hi, pick up a pattern and get a stamp.  It was a fun 4 days for us.

If you are the 2nd person to email me at eweknit@mainstreetyarn.com you can win this bag.  Let the emailing begin!

Hope to see you soon.

The rainy day knitting aid!

What is the thing that goes best with Knitting and Crocheting?

CHOCOLATE!!!!  Especially on a rainy day like this one!  We have Organic Lavendar Chocolate by Pelindaba in White, Dark, and Milk.  Come in, pick up some yarn, needles, a cute pattern, and some of this terrific Chocolate by Pelindaba and you will be set for a day of knitting and relaxing.

Elya's Butterfly Poncho

Here is a little something I knit up for Elya.  The pattern will soon be available in sizes 2 years to 7 years. 

The Big Reveal!!!!

Pediboo and Silky Wool

OH NO! I BOUND OFF TOO TIGHT!

As I was blocking my square this morning, for the Aran Afghan, I noticed one end was too tight and would not block out to the full 12 inches.  Bummer.....

I went on line to see how I could have bound off differently so this wouldn't have happened.  I am going to share with you what I learned.  This is called the Knitted Lace Bind Off.

First you knit two stitches, with the left hand needle point capture the 2 stitches through the front of the right hand needle, then knit into the back of the stitch. 

If you need more clarification, please feel free to come in and ask me. 

 

 

Hope to see you this week-end for the LYS tour!

We're getting ready!

Just got a huge shipment of our yarn for the tour!  So excited!  It is beautiful!  Patterns are printed and ready to go!  Are you ready?  Tour begins in less than 2 days!

Its Coming!!!

It is LYS week!  We are looking forward to seeing you on the tour!  What a great way to celebrate Local businesses!  If you don't already have your passports, we have plenty.  You can either pick your up in advance to plan your route or you can just pick it up at your first stop.  This year, the patterns use two skeins!  You won't believe the beautiful patterns that have been created for you!  Also remember, that all of the patterns are FREE and you get a discount on the yarn that supports the pattern. 

                                                              www.lystour.com

The Anatomy of a Sock

This is one of the best pictures I've seen that illustrates the anatomy of a sock.   I used to always get the anatomy mixed up.  I'd get the instep and gusset mixed up, the heel flap and heel turning mixed up.  Seeing it on this picture it's pretty embarrassing that I could mix those up, sigh...  I borrowed this picture from Melissa Morgan-Oakes from "2-at-a-time socks".

A quote from Melissa's book "Knitting socks is like a giant swatch".  I use socks often to test patterns.  You can put just about any pattern you want on your sock and guess what?  No one can see them unless you want them to, yet you can get plenty of use out of them. 

I think there are some people who think sock knitting it hard, and really it isn't.  It's basically knitting and purling.  You can use any size yarn, as long as you get the gauge you want for your pattern. 

"Knitting should not be about deadlines, obsessive detail or any form of stress.  The only limit is the one you place on yourself." A very true statement from Melissa Morgan-Oakes.

Hope to see you soon

Do you have your passport yet?

LYS Tour, May 16 - 19th

Four Days of Fiber Fun!

Welcome to the 2013 Northwest LYS Tour!
 

Thanks so much for your support all through the year, and for joining us on this Eighth Annual Tour.  Since the last tour, all of the stores have been preparing for your visit - designing our tour-specific FREE patterns, stocking up on our secret yarns and sprucing up our shops in anticipation of the long, exciting weekend, May 16 - 19th.  We hope you can drop by and see each and every one of us!

Sincerely,
Your Local Yarn Shops in the Pacific Northwest
New Grand Prize Format!
Visit 8 shops and enter to win.
Visit 16 shops and enter to win even more prizes.
Visit 24 and enter to win the biggest prizes.
The more shops you visit, the more chances you'll have to win grand prizes worth $1,500.00.
Extended Hours
Thursday & Friday,  10am to 8pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10am to 6pm
Don't Miss the Fun
See shop details, photos and updated info at, http://www.lystour.com
May 16th - 19th
24 Local Yarn Shops!
FREE patterns, yarn discounts and dailey drawings.

Mother's Day is Sunday

If you are a Mother, if you have a Mother, if you like yarn, come in and buy yourself or someone else a gift of yarn.  Maybe for Mother's Day you might like a little break so we will be open Sunday May 12th from 11 - 5.  Amy and Krista have the day off to spend with their families, but my husband Vern and I will be here, so stop in!

Happy Mothers Day and I hope to see you soon!

Ribbing & Knitting with the Color Guys

I'm sure you are all familiar with ribbing and the aspect of ribbing.  The most common is 1x1 ribbing (K1, P1) or 2x2 ribbing (K2,P2).  When you are making your next sweater, socks or any project that uses ribbing, consider doing something a little different.  Try a 2x3 (K2, P3) or 3x2 (K3,P2) or a 3x1 ribbing.  You probably don't want to make the ribbing to be more than a combination of 6 (K3,P3) or (K4,P2) and remember that the number of stitches you have must be divisible by the number of stitches in the pattern.  Such as if you choose to do a K3,P2 ribbing, the amount of stitches must be divisible by 5, or K2,P2, must be divisible by four and so on.......
Elizabeth Zimmerman says that the 2x2 rib is the rib that has the most stretch, so you might want to take that into consideration when you are planning which ribbing to use.

We just got in yesterday "Knitting With The Color Guys" by Kaffe Fassett & Brandon Mably.  For those of you who have always admired Kaffe Fassett's color sense, he really breaks it down in this book and shows you how to put the colors together.  It's a wonderful and colorful book with lots of fun patterns. 

Keeping Count?

We have oodles of ultra-cute stitch markers!  Come check them out and add them to your collection!

Spring is in the air!

It is time for outdoor knitting!  The sun is shining and the weather is great!  We have a number of terrific bags to help you transport your projects to your favorite outdoor knitting venue! 

Spring is in the air!

Wondering what to knit as the weather turns warmer?  Chickens!  These adorable chickens are knit from Blue Sky Alpaca's Organic Cotton.  Turn out your own little flock!

A bag for every project

We have Della Q project bags!  They come in bright colors and have cute phrases and they are inexpensive enough that you can have one for every project you are working on!  Unless you are like me, who has 557 unfinished projects...  approximately...

Ah the wonder of Noro Silk Garden in DK!

We have always had Silk Garden but now we have Silk Garden...LITE! It is comprised of 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, and 10% Wool.  Come and check out all the wonderful colors we have in stock.

MINNOWKNITS ON SALE

MINNOWKNIT patterns are on sale for 50% off until May 15th.  These patterns are designed by Jil Eaton and feature handknitting patterns for children's wear.  This collection includes charming sweaters, coats, dresses, jumpers, pantaloons and hats.  All patterns and techniques are clear and easy to use. 
After the 15th we will no longer be carrying MINNOWKNITS, so now is the time to come in and buy!  These patterns are great for  your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, great grandchildren and future kids to come. 

Sunflower #186

Baaaa!!!

We just got these adorable miniature sheep!  They fit in the palm of your hand and make a great gift for any wool enthusiast!  We also received some super cute coin purses, bags, and umbrellas!  Come in and check out these latest additions to our flock!

Tea Cozies

As I look outside I have to say, it looks a little more like November than April, but that's the way it is in the NW.  The pay off of course is when we have beautiful days, they are beautiful!

I thought because the weather so gloomy that I would share with you a book that we received not too long ago called "Tea Cozies" 3.  Today seems like a perfect day to have a spot of tea.

 

There are 30 different tea cozy designs, I think my favorite is the one on the cover called Devon Violets.  Come and see for yourself, maybe you'll find a favorite to give as a gift or keep for your own tea pot.