Arcadia Knitting

2009-07-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

More parking & other good news

Okay I know most of us are a little frustrated with Mayor Daley's new parking regime. I think we may be one of the few places to benefit from this new system. We have expanded from 3 to 4 pay for parking spots. That space by the alley that you have all snuck into is part of the new pay for parking spot.

BUT...BUT even better news: two free spots!!! They moved the bus stop from west of Ashland to east of Ashland. They put the no parking sign, pointing east, on the same pole where the bus stop sign was. The sign for pay for parking is two spots west of the no parking sign at Ashland & Lawrence. So there is kind of two "free spots" if you interpret the pay for parking sign as the spot where you have to start paying for parking.

So, more parking!!!!

We have dollar coins in the shop to put in the meter.

Disclaimer: I don't know if it is true that where the pay for parking sign indicates the spaces where you have to pay for parking. But it has to be open for interpretation.

Plus what you really want to know: Yarn!!! Great new yarn!!! Come see it & touch it.

2009-06-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Sweaters for Summer

Do you work in an over air conditioned office? Are you working on a winter sweater that you usually put aside in the summer because you will never wear it? Well, I've got one of those. Made from the bottom up to the yoke where all pieces are joined and finished as one piece. Usually I would have put it away by now but my new office is freezing. I need this wool & cashmere sweater for the summer!

Very cute, btw, from the spring Verena. I have to admit I was a bit put off by the styling in the Verena magazines when I first saw it. But every issue has something I want to make. The directions for this sweater were very nice. Somehow European magazines manage to write shorter pattern directions than many in the US and I don't see much difference in the outcome.

Kathy

2009-04-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Letting Go

I've been away for awhile. Tons of things going on at the shop. A little surprise is coming your way. Tell your stash that it's days are numbered.

On the knitting front, I had to give up the Rowan #7 sweater. I COULD NOT GET THE LACE PATTERN. ONLY 2 ROWS IN THE PATTERN. ONLY 9 STITCHES IN THE REPEAT. I blame seasonal affective disorder. My mind was too muddled with the hell that was this winter. Eventually I moved on to a cardigan in the spring/summer 2009 Verena Magazine. It's a cardigan with a very basic 4 st cable on the body and sleeves and the yoke is a lacey pattern. It is worked from the bottom up and joined in one piece from the neck. I opted to make the bottom all in one piece. The pattern has short rows on the front and back before you join all pieces for the yoke. A very interesting thing to do which will make it fit better. The grey yarn looks great. I expect to be wearing this sweater for the next thirty years. Very classic.

Off topic but on all of our minds...THE WEATHER. For Pete's sake people it's 70, it snows, it's 60 , it rains, it's 40 and windy. That all happened in 1 1/2 days! Every morning this week I had to look at my coats and make a decision. I had three or four ways to go: heavier coat, lighter scarf, lighter coat, heavier scarf, umbrella yes/no, boots yes/no, gloves yes/no. Thankfully my new morning routine is yoga and green tea or I would be giant ball of stress before leaving the house.

2009-04-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Disturbing Trend

I try to keep positive when I see knitting magazines and patterns and see all the hits and misses. There are things out there not to my taste. It is not my job to tell other people that it is ugly. I think about what a hampster wheel it is to finish one issue and have to go onto the next. But there is something else that I have begun to notice that I have to come out and say is wrong. I have seen lately in a number of magazines and books cardigan sweaters on models where the button band pulls and is gap-ey. Button bands are supposed to lie flat, not pull, not gap.

How do you prevent that? I would say in the case of the publications - use a model that fits in the sweater.

In the case of the individual knitter, here's a few tips:

Measure, measure, measure. Are you making the right size? Look at the finished bust. If the cardigan fits snugly on the model and the button band is gap-ey then there is no ease in the sweater. If you make a sweater with ease of 3 to 5 inches then it should not be too tight to button. Measure a sweater that fits the way you want this sweater to fit.

Is your front bigger than your back? Do you need to add on a few inches on the front? Sometimes you can make the front a size bigger than the back. You will have to fiddle on the shoulder but as long as your front isn't inches different than your back you can usually ease in an inch or so.

Look at how they have made the button band. Some button bands are knit as you go and others are added afterward. Garter stitch is not very firm. Going down a needle size or two or three will produce a much firmer fabric. If you can do a rib with twisted stitches that is very firm. If you can do a double thickness band, that is firmer. Or remember when people put a grosgrain ribbon on the back or front of the band? That was the function of the ribbon.

Kathy

2009-02-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Big Plans Brought Low

I finished my Kinetic scarf from Fall 08 Knitty and it is love pure and simple. I held a lace weight mohair together with Karabella's DK Silk Merino and it is the softest, most luxuriant thing I have knit in a long time. I will definitely be making more things from the Karabella Silk Merino. It comes in a lace weight, too. Maybe a very lacey sweater for summer office wear in the frigid air conditioning.? A pale, icey blue?

With one project finished I could start another with head held high. A sweater for me from Rowan #7. Yes, Rowan #7. It was an era of shoulder pads, high-waisted pleated trousers, and most especially the models skipped and gambolled through the shoot. The models are happy in their knitwear, as it should be.

It is a cardigan with a very large ribbed border and then the top is lace. I have started and ripped back the lace pattern 4 times. I know it is always hard at the beginning of a lace pattern to get it all set up. It takes awhile to get it in your head. But this is a 9 stitch, 2 row repeat. Do you know how row 3 is different that row 1? It is offset by one stitch. So it is the same 9 stitches in row 1 and row 3. The beginning of the row is fine. I get to the end of row 3 or on my second repeat of row 1 and something is off. This is my tv watching project. It has to be easy. Sigh.

And so, to begin again.

Kathy

2009-02-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

It's so warm!

Let's do a little project review of what I'm working on right now:

Habu Sweater - kind of stalled

Kinetic Scarf by Norah Gaughan from Fall 2008 Knitty - deciding to go on and make it longer or stop now. Pros & Cons: if I stop then I am done with a project and therefore can start something else with a clear conscience, but it may be too short, but if I go longer it may be to big too wear as often as I think I want to wear it, but I love working with the yarn - Karabella MerinoSilk DK & Neighborhood Yarns Loft lace weight mohair & silk. The Karabella is to die for and I will be making a number of things in that yarn.

2 1/2 inch crocheted squares out of alpaca to eventually make an afghan for our bed. I have done the math. I need about 900 squares. If I make 10 squares a week I will be done in about 2 years. But they are very portable. I can fit everything I need in a Glad snack bag. This is repurposed yarn from an earlier afghan project. I think this is a better plan.

Knit Along Scarf - A simple looking lace pattern that I invariably f*** up after 2 inches. Very close but very frustrated.

Crochet Cardigan out of scraps - Done on the fly. I need to revisit.

Arty Farty Sweater out of Merino Frappe Stripes - Done on the fly late at night in a burst of inspiration that left me once I had to make my experiment look like a sweater that a sane person would wear.

I want to start a cardigan from a very old Rowan. Rowan #7! I have some lovely grey wool & cashmere from Simply Shetland in a dk weight. However I don't trust myself to pick the right pattern that will flatter me. Sharon is helping me with some ideas of how to adapt the pattern.

I love to start. I love to knit. But when I hit a roadblock or get bored I want to move on to the next thing. I think my adrenaline rush comes at the beginning of the project or when I have mastered something. It does not come at completion. I enjoy wearing what I have made but at the point I have worn something for years what I went through to knit it is just a fog.

How do you get yourself to the end of the project? Any games or tricks?

Kathy

2009-01-10T10:23:00.001-08:00

Scenes from a Yarn Shop

Scene: Yarn shop interior, day. Table & chairs where women are knitting.

Sharon: Knitting. Looks at needles. Frowns. Puts down knitting. Picks up Knit Check needle sizing gizmo and puts one needle through one of the holes. Puts down needle and puts needle with knitting on it in Knit Check sizing gizmo. Needle does not fit in same hole as previous needle. Needle does not fit in hole next to the hole for the first needle. Needle fits in hole two holes away from first needle's size. Sharon sighs heavily. She says: "Size 3 or size 5? I need to pick one and stick to it."

Kathy

2009-01-10T10:13:00.001-08:00

What I wore when it was sub-zero

Undies & bra - natch
tights
silk footie socks
1 pair socks made from Soxie
1 pair of socks made from Bearfoot
skirt
shirt
sweater
cashmere vest on top of sweater
shawl
scarf
coat
mittens
hat
another hat

I'm just saying that we're blessed when this weather comes along because we are prepared.

Kathy

2008-12-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

I Need More Sweaters!

When and how did this happen? Somehow, I don't have enough sweaters or the right sweaters. Every morning I go through my collection and some how there are too many pullovers, too big of a gauge, not the right style, not the right color. Huh?

It's winter, heat is expensive, and I own a yarn store so I actively promote the wearing of sweaters by being a shining example. But I feel as if I have fallen down on the job.

I certainly knit a lot. I produce things. Where are they? Let's take a little inventory of past projects. My body has changed in the last few years and what used to work on me no longer does. That was reflected in a few completed sweaters that somehow look great on Sharon. Some of my production goes to shop models. Before the store all production was about me all the time. The projects I do now are much more varied: lace shawls, socks, hats, crochet, etc.

I don't follow patterns a lot and when I do results vary. Ask me about my swallowtail lace shawl. It looks like none other. Patterns for me are just a jumping off point which leads to a lot of stops and starts. Lots of knitting, lots of ripping.

I was working on a sweater from a kit but when I finished the back and sleeves it was obvious that there was not enough yarn. The yarn came on cones so I couldn't do my old trick of weighing finished pieces versus yarn remaining to guesstimate whether I would finish or not. So, I went up a needle size, re-worked the pattern and I hope found a way to get it done.

So, it's an early New Year's Resolution to get back in there and make some sweaters!

2008-12-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yak Yarn - Knit, Worn, Tested and Approved

We have pure yak down yarn. It is extremely soft. I knit a pair of mittens and hat for myself. The yarn was a dream to knit with. Very soft and bouncey. By bouncey I mean it had some squishiness, some give to it. It was just a joy to knit with. I may make a sweater, hmm. Slippers for the house would be very nice, too.

Wearing the yak is lovely, too. No scratchiness. My hands are warm and not clammy. It blocks the wind. Rain, snow and sleet don't penetrate the fabric. I cleaned the snow off the car this morning and the snow just evaporated.

The only downside of the mittens is that people can't see you flip them off when you are driving. And I mean you lady - when I pull over for the ambulance that is not your opportunity to swing past me and keep on going - see, you almost hit the ambulance head on - yeah you, ma'am.

2008-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Utility & Beauty

Knitting brings many joys. I love the pain and agony of searching for a new project and matching yarn to a project and vice versa. Should I look at my wardrobe and see what I am missing? Should I just find something beautiful and make what I love?

When I start I love the feel of the yarn. Right now I am testing a soon to be free pattern for Sharon using the new Mooi from Louet. Oh my word this stuff is luscious: 15% bison, 15% cashmere and 70% bamboo. It has a sheen to it. I am a sucker for sheen. The hand is so soft and butter. There is a slight loft. That is another joy: the tactile joy.

Finally, use brings joy. I love that my feet are warm, my head is dry, and my neck feels no draft. These beautiful objects that have brought me such joy in selecting and making also are part of my day to day life. They will be part of my memories: I was wearing my Jitterbug shawl when this happened, I was wearing my Arianne when that happened. Many joys.

I hope that it is the same for you.

Kathy

2008-10-20T14:12:00.001-07:00

MMMMMemories, like the corners of my mind.....

Okay, I started a new sweater from a Habu kit that we had been selling a few years ago. I had it at home and was saving it for a special day. Well, I guess we can say that that special day was when I finished a number of other things I had to finish.

I swatched and was on gauge. I started and after a few moments got a funny feeling. The yarn while not at all like anything I had worked with before was knitting up to look kind of like a yarn I had made a sweater out of in 1986. 22 years ago.

The style is not the same at all. In 1986 the style was very much a Chanel look. I think the pattern was from Pinguoin. Now that's a name that takes my mind back to leggings and big sweaters and big jewelry. Ooooops, that's what you have on now? Well, good for you!

So what's the point? I liked that old sweater. I'll like this new sweater. Pattern magazines come and go, yarn comes and goes, but it is nice to think that sometimes you can have a little bit of the past made new in your hands.

Bye the bye, great new yarns in stock! Lovely, and I mean lovely dk wool/silk blend from Karabella.

Kathy

2008-10-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

Franklin is Coming!!!

Fresh off his major success at Rhinebeck Franklin Habit will be at Arcadia Knitting on Sunday, October 26th. Visit the website for details. Call the store if you want to reserve a copy of his fabulous book "It Itches".

Come join in the merriment!

2008-09-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

What you missed when you didn't come to Friday Night BYOP

Other than getting a great preview of the new yarns we just got in before the weekend hordes descend, you missed this:

Kathy, on phone to husband: "Wash the chicken, pat it dry, go into the cavity and pull out and extra globs of chicken fat."

Husband: Like the sound Linus's teacher Miss Othmar from the Peanuts cartoon.

Kathy: "Look on the inside. There is usually a glob of fat."

Husband: Same as above.

Kathy: "Salt and pepper the inside & outside. Roll the lemons on the counter to soften them up. Poke holes in the lemon with a fork or knife."

Husband: Same as above.

Kathy: "About twelve holes. Go into the pulp. No, not all the way to the other side."

Husband: Same as above.

Kathy: "Tie the legs. Bend back the wings. Square pan. Blue square pan. In the cabinet next to the stove. Okay, how about the white round pan over the stove. Okay, how about the blue glass pan. Anything that fits the chicken will work. Okay, fine."

Husband: Same as above.

Kathy: "Breast side down. If you put it in the pan and you poke the top is it boney or fleshy? Are the knees pointing up or down? The knees should be pointing down. The wings should be on top. Yes, knees down, wings on top, boney on top, fleshy on the bottom."

Husband: Same as above.

Kathy: "Oh, the lemons are falling out. Use a toothpick to close the opening. Yes, fold the flaps over and poke the toothpick through. No, I don't see how you can hurt yourself. No, I can't imagine you'd have to go to the emergency room."

Husband: Same as above.

Kathy: "Love you, too. I'll take care of the brussell sprouts when I get home."

Actually it went on much longer.

Kathy

2008-09-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

When pretty and soft meet it's called Shepherds Wool by Stonehedge Fiber Mill

I found Shepherds Wool by Stonehedge Fiber Mill at TNNA and fell in love. I bought the softer colors that have flecks of color for a subtle tweedy look. Very subtle but lovely. The hand is incredible. The wool is all kinds of soft and squishy and lovely.

It's a worsted weight, 250 yards and $11.50 per skein. Please come in and buy it before I take it all home.

2008-09-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Finishing Up & Moving On

I got ahead of myself and started too many projects so now I have to buckle down and finish things. I am finally sewing together a green cardigan that I started over a year ago. I got stuck, put it away and just didn't pick it up until a few weeks ago. I would have been done much sooner if: I had had an equal number of stitches in the sleeves, if I hadn't forgotten a buttonhole, if I hadn't been inconsistent in integrating the pattern into the raglan decreases, if I hadn't realized there wasn't enough yarn and I had to rip back and decrease faster in order to have enough yarn to finish. Now I have one sleeve to sew up and I have to pick some buttons. I may have to go back and do the collar again.

You know what else? It's too long for me. I finished another sweater a few weeks ago that looked horrible on me...but looked great on Sharon. How much do you want to bet this one will look good on her, too.

But I still enjoyed myself. I still have an endless stream of things I want to do.

Kathy

2008-08-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hi - We're back

Sorry for the long silence but Stitch N' Pitch took a lot of time. Great success: over 300 people at the park, a spot on NBC Chicago morning news, a piece with Gionafer Fields of WBEZ/NPR, and finally, wonderfully a committee to work with. While I know everyone who goes loves to see each other at the park and have fun, the real purpose of this event is to raise awareness for the needlearts. I think we may be getting close to fulfilling that goal.

In other news, it's the start of fall and things should be coming in now. Exciting new things. For you eco-conscious people some very exciting things. I found some wonderful yarns at TNNA that I just loved.

About my projects, I have been tackling some iconic projects that have just been getting the better of me. I have been trying to make a final push on an Arianne cardi by ChicKnits but keep f*^$ing up and having to frog. Multiple mistakes, multiple frogs. I am at the point where all the pieces are joined and I am decreasing the raglan sleeves. Forgot to do the buttonhole, frog, didn't stop doing the yarn over at the same time across the row, frog, forgot a decrease, frog.

I am also working on the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark. I just realized that I am likely reading the chart wrong. Thankfully this means less of the horrible & beautiful nups. We just got Addi Lace Needles in the shop and I will switch to those to see if I can see the difference. Yes, I know, those needles have been out for a awhile and we just got them in? Sharon doesn't buy beta. Also, after a certain point no one asked for them. And looking at them I can't see much of a difference in the tip. I will try and test and see if they solve my problems.

Kathy

2008-07-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

YAK! YAK! YAK!

Yak yarn is here! It's super soft and repels water. It's a perfect little luxury to wear in the cold days coming up. Riding the CTA involves waiting and shivering and big gusts of wind, snow, sleet and ick. So we ordered CTA colors! Red line, blue line, green line, brown line and purple line! We have a perfect hat and mitten pattern so make yourself a set for winter. Also makes a great gift!

I am working on a mitten and hat set. Watch for details.

Kathy

2008-07-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hi!!! It's been awhile. But we've been busy. I went to TNNA and found some great stuff for winter. Things will be arriving in August and every week or so will mean new goodies until Christmas. I can't tell you exactly when things will arrive because some of the vendors are not dependable.

Best quote of the week? Sharon, natch.

"I've been knitting in the round on these size 0 needles forever...and I still have two inches to go!"

Note, an hour later she had and inch and a half to go.

2008-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Knitting Flowers & Crocheting Flowers

These are two great classes coming up. If you are looking for ways to add interest to your projects learning to make flowers is a great thing.

If you have always wanted to try crochet learning to crochet flowers is a great introduction. If you're a knitter who wants to dip your toe in to crochet but doesn't want to fully embrace the hook learning to make flowers is a great way to embellish your other great works.

For both classes a book is included in the price. For the Knitted Flowers the book in Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments. It has been out awhile but it still one of the books I refer to all the time for inspiration. The book included with the Crochet Flower is Sasha Kagan's "Crochet Inspiration". This book is new and is the best crochet book I have seen in a long time. First, the design is so gorgeous it can be a coffee table book. Second, the layout is fabulous. The pictures of the stitch samples are big, bright and in focus! The stitch patterns range from the most basic singles and doubles to filet crochet of scottie dogs and a maple leaf that is just astounding. The book has written directions as well as schematics. As I have crocheted more I rely on schematics more and more. If you are a committed knitter check this book out to see how gorgeous crochet can be. It has inspired me.

2008-05-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Icelandic Fleece in Stock

Smitty the mailman just walked in with a big box and Sharon & I both squealed: FLUFF! Five pounds of Icelandic roving has arrived in five colors. It is from a small flock in Wisconsin. We even have pictures of the sheep it came from. WEE!

In other news, Sharon has been knitting shawls. She admits that she took 3 hours to cast off one shawl, had a snack and started another one. Go Sharon!

Kathy

2008-04-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

What I am working on now

People are always interested in what the knit shop ladies are knitting.

Here is what I am working on:

Baby Surprise Jacket in Regia 6 fadig, a dk weight multi. The color is great in the Baby Surprise.

Crocheted shawl out of Jitterbug by Colinette. I am using 5 different colors of the Jitterbug, another sock yarn that shall not be named, and some Lurex for fun. I am using a very simple pattern and trading off colors frequently. It is gorgeous and rich looking. I hope to have it finished to wear to an upcoming bat mitzvah.

What is on the needles but I kind of abandoned:

A summer sweater in Bali by Tahki. Bali is great bamboo tape. I love the grey color I chose but somehow I lost steam. I may frog and move on to a vest.

A Arianne by Bonne Marie of Chic Knits in RYC Cashsoft Aran. I have joined for the sleeves and my stitch count is off and I should just go back to where I joined but...

A Kaffe Fasset pattern pillow that I need to sew up and another that would be done in a few hours if I just sat down and did it.

Granny Square coasters. I make two granny squares and then put an old 3 inch floppy between them & join them with a slip stitch and voila! re-cycled kitschy coaster!

Kathy

P.S. I had to go into Sharon's apartment to look for something. She has a lot of yarn up there.

2008-04-28T09:48:00.001-07:00

Cripes! It's cold!

It is April 28th and I am freezing. Thankfully, there are shawls. I am not the best crocheter in the world but I can crank out a nice rectangular shawl pretty fast. These are not the most technically difficult stitches but great yarn makes them special. Right now I am working on one with a woven stitch in a variety of colors of Jitterbug. It will be stunning when it is done. I always get compliments. If you are a knitter and don't think you ever want to crochet, re-consider. I did and I'm very happy.

All I want to do today is drink hot coffee, nibble on chocolate croissants, and knit. Really I have to put together some books and yarn orders and work on Stitch N Pitch.

Kathy

2008-04-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

No Tugging

Sharon & I have very few hard and fast rules for knitting. We teach people British or Continental style. If you look at ten people knitting, no one has the same motion. She's a rightie and I am a leftie and we both knit Continental. My left hand is more dominant while her right hand is more dominant. When students say that they are left-handed and so will be reversing everything we point out that one of us is a rightie and the other is the leftie yet we both knit the same and that knitting takes two hands.

Our rules: put the needle in the right spot and wrap the yarn this way. For beginners we recommend that in the first week or two you have more or less the same number of stitches.

We never tell people to tug. So why do they do it? It stretches the yarn and the yarn just snaps back. It's an extra, wasted movement. No book or expert is going to tell you to tug. When the stitch is done, the stitch is done.

If you want a firmer fabric, use a smaller needle. Tugging won't get you firmer fabric.

So, why people, why?

2008-04-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

And that's why they call it Baby Surprise

We just finished up a class on the Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman. We used the directions at the back of the Knitting Workshop book. We had a very good mix of new and experienced knitters. I hadn't made one in years so it was a journey of re-discovery for me, too.

This is what we learned:

Don't stop doing it until she says so.
Do the math for the decreases and the increases to help you figure out how many ridges you will have.
If you are a stitch or two off, a row or two off, no worries.
In fact, if you keep your markers in the right spot don't take the time to count stitches.
No, there is no gauge. She assumes you will find a baby to fit the jacket, not the other way around.

I described her directions as elliptical.

Everyone used some self striping dk weight yarn and everything looked great. I have had a great time making one and see how it is a go to baby gift for the generations.

2008-04-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

Between the Brisket and the Chicken....

Passover is just days away and it is once again time for a special tradition at Arcadia Knitting. It seems that on Passover we always get a couple of people escaping the kitchen between when the brisket comes out and the chicken has to go in. We were raised Catholic and it took us awhile to realize what was happening. In the past few years on Passover we have waited and watched and lo and behold every year people walk through the door and say: "We're just taking a break from the kitchen, not really here to shop." Sometimes they just need a break after starting the chopped liver at 6 am because that's when Aunt Rose does it and if they don't learn soon the recipe will die with Aunt Rose. Note, there is a suspicion that Aunt Rose is holding something back. Sometimes it's your nephew's wife making you nuts. Once, the brisket just fell apart and she couldn't face it. This year Sharon and I are ready. We have some macaroons and Sharon will try her hand at honey cake. So please stop by between the brisket and the chicken.

Kathy

2008-04-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Bobmas - another day, another party

It seems as is we have been having a lot of parties lately. Tomorrow is Bobmas which is a celebration of Ravelry. Thursday is also Sweater Club Night. You are all invited. We will sit and knit together and then head down to Garcia's for food and margaritas.

Kathy

2008-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Della Q Arrivals!

We just got in a box of drawstring bags, needlecases and project bags from Della Q. Scrumptious colors.

Sharon just took my picture to post on our website and as always had to tell me: don't use the evil Kewpie Doll smile. I can't help it! Check out the website for a picture of a few things.

Kathy

2008-03-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

The everyday thrill of owning a yarn store

I know people think owning a yarn store is all about the knitting when it really is running a small business. I would say our atmosphere and surroundings are much nicer than the guys at the Shell or the cell phone guys on the corner but my day is probably a lot like theirs.

So, here's a little look into an average day:

10:30 - get to shop, place orders, dust some stuff
11:30 - give Smitty, our mailman, the outgoing mail
12 noon - open door, sell yarn
12:30 - check email, respond to stuff, sell yarn
1:30 - answer phone call from woman in California trying to track down a yarn I have never heard of or carried, hop on the internet while explaining to her that it's going to be very tough because that brand has changed distributors twice in the past 2 years, on the internet I find a shop in Vancouver, Canada that has the yarn and I realize that the Canadian distributor hasn't changed in the past two years and so she should concentrate her search to Canada
2:00 - open boxes and check in inventory, review new books, since I can't see many of the books before I order it's kind of a crap shoot, this time most everything is good, Sharon finds copy of "Selbuvotter" which is all about Selbu mittens, she will be lost in it for the next hour, how much you wanna bet she comes to work tomorrow with a half a mitten?
3:00 - eat lunch
3:30 - help Sylvia finish her vest: we pick up some stitches around the neck
4:00 - try to figure out why the Malabrigo bill matches nothing we have in the computer, email Tobias, answer comes back: we're both wrong!
4:30 - start researching email marketing services on line, ugh, I am not a techie but these days I have to be able to do this, realizing that my business depends more on being able to do this well than my knowledge of Japanese short row techniques, must keep at this long after I am bored and my eyes go wonky from the buzz words
5:00 - rearrange misfiled needles on needle wall, cripes - where did all the #5, 6 inch dpns go? didn't we open a box three days ago?
5:30 - go online to find interesting roving for the spinners, end out 20 email to small breeders around the country, Sharon wants Icelandic roving
6:00 - snack, read Bloomberg to see what the market did, hmmm
6:30 - see how we're doing saleswise for the day - hey - who sold $180 of Riverstone? where was I when that happened?
7:00 - class comes in, Sharon goes over unknitting and relieves anxieties, I check inventory in the computer vs. what is on the shelves, luckily no big surprises
8:03 - lock the door, close the cash register, try to put the right numbers in the checkbook, go home.

PS - Sharon did come to work with half a mitten the next day. She is so happy with that book.
PPS - a week later some very special yarn arrives from Simply Shetland and Sharon is mitten mad.

Kathy

2008-03-15T10:31:00.001-07:00

If you are a reader of "Panopticon" by Franklin Habit

Tom is real and not a figment of Franklin's imagination. Tall & handsome & nice.

Kathy

2008-03-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

March is Crochet Month

The Crochet Guild of America has designated March as Crochet Month.

We have a number of crochet classes on the schedule. Every Sunday at 12 pm we will be doing an amigurumi demonstration. If you don't know what amigurumi is go to flikr and look it up. You will not be sorry.

On Sunday March 30th starting at 1 pm we will have an amigurumi tea party to celebrate all the amigurumi we have made.

If you already know how to crochet we have some new books in stock that are quite nice.

Kathy

2008-03-10T13:31:00.001-07:00

Sharon sold her own project

One of the funnest things about owning a yarn shop with a sibling is the ability to know what yarn they want to use on their next project.....and sell it out from under them. We learned this game very early - when we were still in the basement on Clark and Berwyn. And for almost 8 years we still get lots of fun selling the yarn to a customer while to other one just ran out for lunch. Good times.

Well, last week Sharon sold her own project to someone else. She had ordered Mountain Colors Mountain Goat is a new colorway - Chinook. She was going to make a Myrna Stahman shawl. But even before we unpacked the box someone came in a grabbed four for a Clapotis. Sharon felt that at the age of forty she can't bust out with "MINE!" and so let the woman buy it.

So, Sharon called and re-ordered four more for herself.

Also in that box: 10 glorious colorways of Bearfoot from Mountain Colors.

Kathy

2008-02-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

SALE - FEB 29TH TO MARCH 3RD!

10% off everything in the store. More off on other things, too. I can't be specific right now because I haven't told Sharon what they are and it's her store, too.

This includes everything in the store. We will have some spring yarns in stock so you can get a winter project and a summer project. We have a lot of sock yarn, too.

No other discounts apply.

2008-02-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Pretty Yarn! Pretty Yarn!

After 8 years of buying yarn I am still surprised by how big my heart is that I can fall in love with yarn all the time. Same goes for Sharon.

We got a fill-in order from Karabella Yarns of Aurora 8. Aurora 8 is the greatest worsted merino on the planet. They were out of cream so I ordered a color very much like it. I opened the box and oooooooooooooooh. It isn't yellow like a cream it is more of an oatmeal. White, merino - the most basic of yarns and I fell in love.

Sharon opened new color cards from Lorna's Laces. Had to have the the new butternut color. Luckily, Amanda from Lorna's called at just that minute and Sharon was able to put her request in: one bag bulky. She jumped up and down with joy, okay, more of a bouncing motion. She knows exactly what she is doing.

A bog box of Jitterbug sock yarn arrived, too. 35 colors. 34 great colors, one so-so. I'm sure someone will like that one color that I think is so-so.

Come in and check it out. We know it is really cold but come on in, the wool is warm.

Kathy

2008-02-17T14:14:00.001-08:00

"No, she's just wrong"

Fern came into today and is working on a very pretty jacket. She read ahead in the pattern and did the math for the increases. And when she did the math it didn't add up. Fern said "I just don't get that."

Sharon said "You don't get it because the pattern is wrong".

Lesson: Go through the numbers in a pattern. If it doesn't add up it is most likely not you who has made the mistake. It is more likely that the pattern is wrong.

If it is from a book, magazine or on-line pattern, check for corrections on line.

Kathy

2008-02-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

Has your special someone showed you some fiber love?

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Has your special someone shown you some fiber love? Flowers wither and fade, yarn is forever. You can give them some simple words to remember: sock yarn, alpaca, Noro to help guide them. If they are unsure of what to do, a gift certificate is a safe choice. They still have time to stop by and pick one up. We're open until 8!

Kathy

2008-02-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FAT SUPERTUESDAY!!!

Whatever you celebrate today - voting, beginning of Lent, or beads and wicked rum drinks - have fun. Don't stay up too late and if you are going to overindulge, please overindulge in fiber. Sock yarn is good. Or a rich mohair for a lacey spring scarf.

Kathy

2008-01-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

Heads Up Sock Knitters!

XRX is sponsoring a sock design contest. Details will be announced at Stitches West. We are still learning the details but it will be big and fabulous.

Put your sock hats on and get thinking. Watch here or our website for more details.

Kathy

2008-01-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

Gauge Swatches

This has come up twice in the past week so I think it is important. When making a gauge swatch if you don't get the gauge on one needle you can't just assume you can go up or down one needle size and get the gauge without actually doing the gauge.

Here is the situation as it happened. Someone was doing a gauge for a sweater on size 5 needles. Here gauge was too tight, e.g., she got 25 stitches over 4 inches instead of 24 stitches over 4 inches. She assumed that she could just start the project with one size larger needle and she would be okay. NOOOOO! You have to do the gauge swatch on the needle you are using for the project. No assumptions.

I know how hard it is to take the time for a gauge swatch when the pretty, soft yarn is there and the pattern is winking. I know. But believe me, do the gauge swatch.

Kathy

2008-01-14T10:22:00.001-08:00

Hi -

I came down with a severe case of Sockitus.  This is how the illness works.
I see a new sock yarn and fall in love. I put the hank of yarn on the table
and stare at it waiting for it to speak to me.  I search madly for the perfect pattern.
Once I have found the pattern, I knit feverishly for days. 
Once I have finished the first sock,  I cast on the second sock and begin the ribbing.
But then it happens - a new sock pattern comes in and I fall in love with it
and I have to find the perfect yarn for the pattern. 
When I have found the perfect yarn,  I knit feverishly for days.
Once I have finished the first sock,  I cast on the second sock and begin the ribbing.
And then a new yarn comes in ....  

So I have one entrelac knee high in rainbow colors,
one and a half cable and seed stitch socks in Jitterbug,
and one and a half brown socks from Christmas two years ago.  
Maybe there should be club for those of us with "Sock Incompetes".

In other news, I got a yoga DVD from Netflix.
Get in the pose and breath for five breaths.
I tried to do it at regular speed but got bored. 
I hit scan forward and that speed seemed ideal to me.
Is there something about yoga I am missing?  

If I can get myself to do yoga at regular speed,
will I have the self control to make the second sock?
Are these two phenomena related?  hmm.    

We have a lot of great sock yarn, needles, patterns, and books in stock. 
Come in and check them out. 

Kathy

2008-01-14T10:18:00.001-08:00

Hi -

Happy New Year!! The new class schedule is up. Check it out.  We have a
wide variety of classes that combine fun with skills building.  All the
classes teach pattern reading.  Sign up with a friend.

A lot of yarn has just arrived, too.  Lorna's Laces. Malabrigo,  a
great tweed yarn from Plymouth,  a great suri alpaca/merino mix from
Plymouth, too.

We have just unpacked two big boxes of books.  Have you seen "Knitting
the New Scarves"?  WOW.  Not just rectangles and triangles but really
great shapes and twists on scarves.

Kathy

2008-01-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Good Books

A number of books have recently come out that you should consider for your
knitting library:

The Book of Yarn - All about fibers, construction and care.
A must have if you often substitute yarns.
Plus great patterns that make the most of the fibers.

Knitting in America - Wow.  A great coffee table book full of history, pictures,
patterns and more.  For all those scholars and librarians out there this is the
book you have been waiting for.
Knitting the New Scarves - Another wow. A really great
exploration of geometry and shaping.
Not just variations on garter stitch, truly a revolutionary twist on scarves.


Pattern Books for Men

Books of men's patterns are hard to find.  People try so hard and
sometimes they just don't hit the right note. However, that seems to be
changing.  There are now a number of books we have in stock that have a
great variety of patterns for men.

Men Who Knit and the Dogs Who Love Them

It's been out for a awhile but it has great refreshing patterns for men
& dogs.  There is a size chart in the book that groups dogs by breed
and then gives sizing.  Each dog pattern comes in eight sizes.  So if
you can't measure the dog all you have to know is that is an average
size beagle and you are good to go.  The patterns are easy to read and
the yarns choices are unusual.
The Knitting Manual

The book has a wide variety of patterns.  Sweaters, hats, mittens,
vests, socks, balaclava, etc.  The designs are a good mix of simple and
advanced. The styles are traditional with a twist making the styles timeless.
The patterns are clear and there are a lot of good "how to" pictures.
The sweater sizes range from 40" to 53".  I am currently making
the house slippers for my husband and will probably make a pair
for myself and then some more as gifts. 

Son of Stitch N Bitch

As usual, a fresh and sassy take on menswear from our heroine, Debbie Stoller. 
Lot's of patterns:  sweaters, vests, socks, hats, messenger bags, ties! 
My only caution is that the yardage requirements for larger sizes are very low. 
If you are making any of the larger size sweaters check yardage
requirements against "Knitter's Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements"
before you make a purchase.
Knitting for Him by Martin Storey

A lovely book using Rowan yarn from one of Rowan's top designers.  Very
traditional designs with some updated details.  The models are a hoot -
they look like fishermen and in one shot you see some very British
teeth.  If your guy wants very traditional styles, this is it.  If you
also want a book that is for the both of you, this would be it.  These
are the sweaters I want to see my husband in but I know from
experience he wants something completely different.

Come in and check them out.

Kathy

2007-12-06T13:10:00.001-08:00

Gift Ideas

Your family wants to be good to you but still doesn't understand the ins & outs of your hobby. Give them some very clear guidance. Here are some ideas:

A gift certificate to your favorite yarn store. Stop in or call. We can mail them out. They come in any denomination.

Books. How about some great stitch books or reference books? Stitchionary, Barbara Walker, Elizabeth Zimmerman, etc.

Notions: stitch markers, stitch holders, etc.

One great skein of sock yarn: Jitterbug, Opal, Trekking, etc.

Needle cases. We have some very pretty cases from DellaQ.

Denise Needle Kit.

Kathy

2007-12-06T13:02:00.000-08:00

Seasonal Ramblings

I am always happy to have wool socks I made in this weather. I always vow to make more in the summer but fail.

I'm ready for my close up. Today Sharon took pictures of some free patterns we have at the shop as well as samples for the upcoming classes. Check the website in three or four days for the patterns and the schedule. There are some great, quick, scarf patterns. We're really excited about the classes we have coming up. Sign up with a friend to make it more fun.

Don't forget we have project clean up night on Wednesdays. There are 2 more evenings left before Christmas.

New yarns are coming in all the time. We now have Malabrigo lace weight. We are waiting on Misti worsted hand paint. Gorgeous. We have started to see spring and summer yarn line from our sales reps, too.

2007-11-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

FRESH YARN!

Three big boxes of Malabrigo: worsted, thick & thin chunky, and lace weight!

Plus, great new Jitterbug colors!

Come n get it!

Kathy

2007-11-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

You didn't make a mistake - the pattern is wrong

When you're having problems with a pattern don't assume you're the problem. Most likely, it's the pattern. With the growth in demand for knitting patterns, designers and publishers are having a hard time keeping up. Mistakes happen a lot.

So here are some basic hints. Check the publishers website for corrections. Check an online community like Knitty, Knitter's Review or Ravelry and see if others had the same problem.

My most memorable pattern issue was with a pattern from Scarf Style. Some one just couldn't get past row 5. Count wasn't working. I made three passes at it and I couldn't get anywhere. Finally, the knitter (a librarian who knows how to get and use information) called the designer and asked her. The designer swore there was no problem - if - if - you realized that to make that double decrease you would have to steal one stitch from outside the repeat line.

Okay. If there is a line that marks the repeat, I respect that. I would never have thought to steal a stitch.

So, it's not you, it's the pattern.

Kathy

2007-11-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Tip: Knitting with two circs, & Lace row counters

These tips are courtesy of Robbi Eklow, genius.

Denise Needles has come out with needle sets with pink cords. If you have an
old set of Denise Needles and the new pink cord set use one set each of
the pink and grey when using two circs in the round. One color designates the beginning of the round.

If you're a beader, hang beads from rings. Make one ring with one bead to indicate row one, two beads from the next ring to indicate row 2, 3 for row 3, etc. The rings are strung together and you hang the proper ring on each row.

Kathy

2007-11-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

Netflix and socks go together. I don't ride public trans so I don't have that time to work on socks. But I have found that socks and Netflix go together perfectly. I can pop in a disc and knit along.

Right now I making a version of the Annetralac socks from Interweave Knits 2007 Holiday issue. I am mixing three yarns: Interlacements Tiny Toes, Regia Kaffe Fassett and Dale Baby Ull. Every row of entrelac is a different yarn. It is a very loud combination that I will wear when I run away to follow the Greatful Dead...I mean Phish...oh, whoever.

I decided from the get go that I was not going to turn the socks around to purl. Instead I have been knitting backward and it goes so much faster that way.

If you are interested in seeing or learning the technique, drop in the store.

Kathy

2007-09-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Genius Stash Hiding Spot

I just heard this today. It is genius. To hide her growing stash, one woman told me when she buys shoes for her children she uses those boxes to hide her stash. She writes very light, small script on the outside of the box what the yarn is. She says she loves going shoe shopping with her children.

I have been busy getting ready for fall and have not had time to post but I promise I will be more active!

Kathy

2007-08-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

We have Tulip Kits

Made famous by the Stephanie Pearl McPhee, the Yarn Harlot and Franklin of the Panopticon, we now have four different colorways of the Tulip Kit in stock. $32.50 plus shipping of $5.50.

Get them now before they are all gone.

Kathy

2007-08-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yarn Swap was fabulous

We had a great time yesterday swapping old yarn for other people's old yarn. And we have tons left for charity knitting. We will be donating some to the Crochet Coral Reef and then to some women's shelters.

Watch the website for the date of a Crochet the Coral Reef put together. We're coordinating that now.

Mark your calendar for Oct 6 & 7th for Brandon Mably's color workshop and Kaffe Fassett's creativity lecture. The color workshop is about creativity, not technique. It is a workshop people take again and again.

Kaffe Fassett's lecture will be an inspiration for all kinds of needlework: knitting, quilting, needlepoint and more. Kaffe will be signing his new book: "Kaffe Knits Again".

Our new class schedule is available online, too.

Visit for details.

Kathy

2007-08-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Prayer Socks and I Coulda Been Done Already

It appears that the Cubbies have a shot at playing post season.
How about cheering them along with some prayer socks?
Just like a prayer shawl, but socks. Stitch and pray for homers, strikeouts, and stolen bases.
We have some Lorna's Laces in sport and sock weight
in Cub colors as well as some Louet Gems in the right colors.
Just an idea. One of our customers is doing
it and swears that the 10 - 1 victory was due to her knitting.
Go Cubbies.

I am making this:

http://www.tahkistacycharles.com/dyn_prod.php?p=TEV07&k=75883

This is from the Teva Durham pattern book from Tahki/Stacy
Charles. I started Thursday but am still not done because I never did a
gauge swatch and I used the wrong size needles twice.
It uses three yarns held together for a big stitch but it is still very light.
So many big knits are soooo heavy and stiff.
This is very drapey and soft.
I will finish today or tomorrow.

My colors are orange, mustard and brown. Sharon picked them out after
every combo I showed her produced this reply: "Are you still going to
have the same hair color? That does not go with your hair."
It really is a great combination.
I have a great vintage button picked out, too.

I love these patterns from Teva Durham and am looking
at doing something else out of the book.

Kathy

2007-08-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

Brandon Mably: "Concentrating on Color & Design"

Are you afraid of color? Do you find yourself choosing green, again? Do you see paintings in your head that you want to knit? Are you over lace and counting all the time? Do you want to break free and break some rules?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you need to take this workshop with Brandon Mably. He has worked with Kaffa Fasset for years and is a regular contributor to Rowan Magazines. Brandon has a knack for pushing and challenging students to see more and do more.

Brandon's teaching style is very much in the Tim Gunn/Project Runway mode. Plus, Brandon has an adorable accent that makes the comments so much sweeter.

Visit www.arcadiaknitting.com for dates, times and registration information.

2007-08-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

EXCITING YARN ARRIVALS

Teva Durham's luscious yarns have arrived as well as her outstanding book of patterns. She has large projects - ankle length duster, anyone - or small projects - tiny shrugs. The colors are very fashion forward and will coordinate well with many of the hot fall colors: browns, a blue green, rich eggplant, grey, cream, and raspberry.

Another great arrival is the Superior from Filatura di Crossa. Superior got a superior review from Knitter's Review. It is a brushed cashmere with silk. Superior substitutes for Kid Silk Haze. It has great yardage, too: 329 yds per ball. One ball will make a lovely lace scarf. Four can make a sweater. It is under $30 per ball. For cashmere and that yardage, it is a good deal.

Last but not least, Sublime. We have two yarns in the Sublime line of yarns. A DK made of cashmere, silk and merino and lovely mohair. The colors are rich and subtle. Come quickly it has been flying off the shelves.

2007-07-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Stitch N Pitch

Don't forget the deadline for tickets is July 25th. Go to our website, www.arcadiaknitting.com for a flyer to fax, mail or call in.

Thanks

2007-07-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

1000 Knitters & Franklin of the Panopticon

Last Saturday, July 14th,
Franklin did his first photo shoot for his 1000 Knitters project. We
had a great day. People flowed in and by the afternoon the joint was a
buzz.

It was the best day I have ever had in the shop. Thank you to everyone who came, especially the woman from Rhode Island driving to Seattle who stopped by. I went home exhausted but a little high.

He will be doing other shoots over time. Watch his blog for info.

Kathy

2007-07-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Why can't I link? Here's the page:

http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com

2007-07-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

Franklin, 1000 Knitters, be here Saturday, July 14th, 9 - 6 pm

On Saturday we are doing this:
The Panopticon

See you here!

Kathy

2007-07-07T13:49:00.002-07:00

Stitch N Pitch

Stitch N Pitch is on!!!!

August 11, Saturday, 6:05 pm, Chicago White Sox versus the Seattle Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field.

Go to our website: www.arcadiaknitting.com for more details.

2007-07-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Up to our knees in sock yarn

Okay, Sharon & I usually cycle our stock of sock yarn: a little Lorna's Laces, Jawoll, Baby Ull, Cherry Tree Hill, Wildefoote, etc. We like to keep it fresh.

Well somehow a whole lotta sock yarn has arrived: Smooshy from Dream in Color, Tiny Toes from Interlacements, Aktion from Lang/Jawoll. And more!

It is all too pretty to be believed. Please come and get some before I take it all home.

Kathy

2007-06-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Four Boxes of Louet and the sale bin is full

We just got in four boxes of Louet yarns: Riverstone Bulky and Gems Fine/Sport. They are great yarns. The Riverstone is a champ at felting. It is a chunky. Patterns that use Brown Sheep Bulky, Manos, or any worsted weight held double would be right for Riverstone.

On it's own, Riverstone is very nice. I have to say that when we first got it I looked at the price and thought it would be horrible. But when I knit the swatch it was really nice. Soft, nice, springy.

The Gems feels like a new yarn. It is sooooooo soft. I havve always been a big fans of Gems because you can put it in the washer and the dryer (15 mins, tops).

Four boxes means things have to come off the shelf. The sale bin is full. Come clean it out people.

Kathy

2007-06-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Crochet a Chicago Reef

Come on Thursday, June 28th at 6:30 pm to meet Margaret Wertheim
of The Institute for Figuring, www.theiff.org, as she talks about her
project to crochet coral reefs in order to make people aware of the
threat global warming and pollution present to the existence of the Great Barrier Reef.

Visit www.arcadiaknitting.com for more info.

2007-06-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Our Sister Won a First Place and a Second Place at the County Fair!

Our sister Peg moved to San Diego in the winter. We miss her a lot. Even though Sharon & I have knit since high school, Peg just learned two years ago. She took to it like a duck to water. She didn't want to make a scarf as her first project, she wanted to make socks. And so she did. Her first sock was a little wonky but from there she was amazing. By the third pair of socks, she was designing her own.

She doesn't really follow patterns. She does a gauge swatch. She calls Sharon and talks about what kind of sweater she wants to make. Sharon tells her how many stitches to cast on and then we don't hear from Peg until it's time to make the collar.

She won a blue ribbon for a hat & sweater set for Zydeco, one of her Cabbage Patch dolls, and a second place for a pair of socks. When we get pictures, we will post.

What is funny about all this is how Sharon and I help people sort out the gravity of mistakes they have made in a project. How often we have said: "It doesn't ruin the integrity of the knitting. You have to know it's there to see it. Only rip it out if you are planning on entering it in the state fair."

2007-06-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Suddenly it's all crochet.

Sharon got food poisoning from the eggs in an undercooked pancake. It was a banana stuffed pancake and I think that fooled her.

After this instance, she has taken to crochet. In the past 18 hours she has made two hats and has two more started. Note, that she did sleep some of those 18 hours.

Since coming back from TNNA I have been obsessed with the Koigu scraps they gave me. I am crocheting as big of a shawl as I can with them.

What is it? Is it something about summer coming on? Is it just that is so quick?

Kathy

2007-06-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Worldwide Knit in Public Day, June 9th

We will be there!!

Noon to 4pm, Millenium Park, east of the face fountain art.

I know the secret password to nice bathrooms.

Kathy

2007-06-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

We went to TNNA, I got Koigu and Sharon got food poisoning

Last weekend Sharon & I went to the TNNA trade show in Columbus, Ohio. It was a 2 1/2 mile walk to walk the entire floor. We probably covered 5 miles.

I came home really excited about the new fall lines. Sooo many good yarns and designs out there. Sharon & I have some very hard decisions to make. We did pick up some exciting things:

Sublime - an absolute hit in the UK
Noro
Koigu
Teva Durham's line from Tahki/Stacy Charles
Sock yarn designed by Kaffe Fassett
A great new handpaint yarn from Washington, D. C.

I was going to put in links to sites where you can see these great products but evidently they are all too new.

Yes, after 7 years in business, we have finally taken the plunge and ordered Koigu. It will be here in a year. Also, in the past we shied away from Noro but we came to decision that if you wanted it, we could suck it up. We were told that delivery is very spotty. So let's see what we get.

And on Monday, the last day, Sharon met a bad pancake. A very bad pancake.

Thanks,

Kathy

2007-05-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

We're going to the yarn show in Columbus. It's always a treat to see the new yarns. It's always fun to see people in our industry. We'll be open over the weekend. We'll be closed on Monday, June 4th.

We have had some previews and I will tell you that I really see some great things coming for fall. I'm really excited.

P. S. The new class schedule is here: http://www.arcadiaknitting.com/

2007-05-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Big Prize

For our 7th Birthday we filled a jar with point protectors. Whoever correctly guesses the actual number of point protectors gets the Grand Prize.

The Grand Prize is a stash minder (a big canvas bin on legs to store projects and supplies) full of great stuff. Over a $300 dollar value.

There will also be other prizes at Sunday's party.

What do you have to do to win? Come in by or on Sunday and make a guess.

Everyday has a special gift with purchase. Come on in.

2007-04-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

How to Stuff a Pinata

Sharon is organized and task driven. I'm a little more chaotic.

Today we stuffed the pinata for our 7th birthday party on Sunday: candy and other goodies.

We had to re-think our plans when we saw how small the hole was versus the
rigidity of the things we were planning on putting in there. I ran
around and found other stuff that would fit. Here's a hint: needles
tend to be rigid, yarn is squishy.

Kathy

2007-04-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Birthday Greetings:

In seven years Arcadia Knitting has sold over 130,000 skeins of yarn, 70,000
stitch markers, 14,000 point protectors and 4,000 pairs of size 8 needles. We've had plenty of visitors: Debbie Stoller, Stephanie Pearl McPhee, Shannon Oakey, Perri Klass, and Annie Modisett.

Kathy and Sharon Kelly are very excited to be celebrating Seven Years in business. So from Tuesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 6 we are having fun and offering gift with purchase specials and other sale items.

Starting Tuesday, May 1 and all through the week enter our "Guess how many
point protectors in the jar" contest. Winner receives a Stash Minder packed
with goodies. All entries in the contest will be entered in a drawing for
other special gifts and prizes.

The Party starts Tuesday May 1st with Point Protectors Day.

Wednesday, May 2nd is Spinning Day, roving for everyone. Visit Windy City
Handspinning Guild for more information on locals who spin.

Thursday, May 3rd, Knit Check Day. AND Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan Trunk
Show Arrives. Watch Kathy and Sharon un-pack and display 20 items from Norah
Gaughan's hit book, Knitting Nature. Need to know more about Norah's philosophy?

Friday, May 4th, Book Day - Book Plates Day. Super Special - Books from 10% to
30% off. Free Knitting and Crochet lessons all day long.

Saturday, May 5th - Stitch Holders and Sharon's Sweater Collection. See
Sharon's famous "rainbow" of color, from cream to roasted coffee. The entire
collection will be on display.

Sunday, May 6th Cake, Piñata and drawings for more prizes from 1 - 3 pm. Plus
we name the winner of the "Guess the Number of Point Protectors in the Jar"
Contest.

2007-04-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Customers complain a lot about yarn taking over their homes. Yarn in the living room, yarn in the bedroom, yarn in the garage. And that's just the sock yarn.

Me, I have no problem with that. I have a lovely set of pull out drawers, silver mesh, with special trays for needles, accessories, and patterns. Organized. All my yarn is in there.

Last night I was driving home from the shop and saw a ball of red alpaca in the spot where we usually keep change for tolls. What kind of toll takes red alpaca? I wanted to listen to a CD, I looked in the glove compartment. No CD's. However, there was one skein of Classic Elite La Gran Mohair in fuchsia, from the 90's by the look of the label, a scrap of a cream yarn I used to make myself a sweater, should keep track of that for repairs, and some nameless brown yarn. Then I remembered a recent trip where we had to change a flat tire by the side of the road and I had such a hard time getting the jack out of the trunk because it was caught on a skein of Jaeger Extra Fine Merino. Hmm.

Are things out of control?

Where I really have yarn:

In the bookcase, 3 skeins of RYC Cashsoft Aran for Chic Knits' Arianne Sweater, put there when we were "cleaning up"
The Chic Knits Arianne sweater on the needles in the ottoman put there when we were "cleaning up" after it sat on the other ottoman for months
In the end table
In three baskets in the living room
In a trunk in the sun room
In three baskets in the bedroom

Found at the store:
Materials for samples for entrelac pillow class
one bag of yarn I just had to have six months ago
samples of my first spinning experiments

NO YARN
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bathroom

2006-12-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits! And we're doing our first Knit Along!

We had a great time on Sunday launching the Chic Knits patterns. Bonne Marie Burns came to the shop with 5 patterns printed up. Her sweater designs are great and her design for the printed patterns outstanding. Come into the store to see some of her designs.

We are starting a knit along of the newest pattern, Ariann. We'll be doing it on-line and in the store. Post a comment and we'll link to your blog. Official launch of the Knit Along is Sunday, December 17th. We will meet every other week on Sundays, too.

So, let's get going.

2006-12-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

Don't forget:

Bonne Marie Burns, Sunday,Dec 10th, 2 -4 pm: A trunk show of some of her most famous sweaters plus she will share tips & tricks to great fitting sweaters.

Bonne Marie is one of the best sweater designers. She consistently produces great designs that are fashionable and timeless. Sweaters you knit last much longer than store bought sweaters because hand-knitting yarn is sooooo much better than the yarn used in store bought sweaters . Having a sweater for ten years is nothing, fifteen years is common, and twenty years is not unheard of. So, making sweaters that make you look hot and happening today as well as years from now is important. Bonne Marie's designs do just that.

On Sunday, December 10th, 2 - 4 pm she will be talking about design and sharing with us tips & techniques to make a sweater and finish it well. Please come join us. Your gift knitting should be winding down. Take some time for yourself.

Kathy

2006-11-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

Traditions

It's the time of year when we all have traditions we like to celebrate. One of my favorite traditions at Arcadia Knitting is the telling of the holiday stories. We have been with you all as you have worked so hard on all the fabulous gifts for all your loved ones. And we love to hear how they reacted. Were they speechless? Were they overjoyed? Or, something else entirely.

For instance, some one worked very hard on a Christmas stocking for her brother-in-law. There were multiple consultations on the color of the reindeer. The stocking was finished in plenty of time for the holidays. She was full of anticipation when she got the her parents' house to see how her brother-in-law liked the stocking. But he wasn't there. Neither was her sister. Her sister was in Bermuda without her husband, intended recipient of the stocking, because she was divorcing him. So, how long had her sister let her work on the stocking knowing there was no need for it?

Come in after the holidays and tell us a story. If it's good, you'll get a a treat.

2006-11-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

More great stuff has arrived!

We just got a box from Frabjous Fibers full of Sari Silk yarn, a very basic cotton yarn and for you vegans - a yarn named Vegan made of recycled cotton. Plus we got really great felted needle cases and accessories pouches. And bookplates, too. These are beyond adorable. The prices are very fair.

If you are a spinner, we also got pure silk thrums from Frabjous. Check out our other fibers: merino, cormo, cormo mixes, and superwash merino. Most are hand-dyed.

Other great boxes have arrived this weekend so there is plenty of yarn to choose from. Sock yarn, sure alpaca, sweater kits from Habu. And we have more surprises on the way. Keep an eye on this space.

Sharon & I are working on the class schedule. If you have any requests, send us an e-mail.

Kathy

2006-11-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

Quick Projects for the Holidays

We have learned over the years that our customers use Thanksgiving to learn the colors of their relatives winter coats. So take special notice what Uncle Walt is wearing and come in and find the perfect color. A new box of Chunky Alpaca from Misti Alpacas just arrived.

We have looked around the store and found some great quick knits for last minute presents.

1. Big House Sock

I just made a sock out of Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted. I used size 9 needles and it took me three hours to make one sock. It is a perfect around the house sock for winter. If you have a long car ride or plane ride coming up, this is a great project. The pattern is free. Two skeins make the pair.

2. Aunt Kay's Scarf

This is a great neck warmer that takes about 200 yards of worsted weight yarn. The scarf has a ribbed tube to pull the ends through each other and to snug the scarf around your neck. It is warm without being bulky. It looks great in plain or variegated yarns. One skein of Malabrigo worsted gets it done. The pattern is free.

3. A Crocheted Scarf

Blue Sky Alpaca has a gorgeous pattern for crocheters. It is lacey and ruffley. The pattern is surprisingly easy. It has one trick to learn and then it is smooth sailing. Ask Kathy for the secret. You can use any of three Blue Sky Alpaca yarns: Alpaca & Silk, Alpaca Sport, or their super luxurious Royal Alpaca.

All these projects make great gifts for special people and the most special person of all, you.

Kathy

2006-11-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

We have ordered spring yarn - already

Yes, yesterday we ordered yarns for spring. It's not even Thanksgiving. This is not the first rep who called to see us. We have put off other reps who wanted to see us EARLIER saying it was too early.

For spring, so far, I think we are really looking at alternate fibers like bamboo and soy.

We also have some exciting new fall stuff coming late November and early December. If you need inspiration for winter projects, there should be new yarns here.

And more roving. I looked at the Louet cards and saw some fibers that looked really great and that I think are not your run of the mill Corriedale or Merino. Super De-Haired Baby Llama, anyone?

2006-11-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

Shannon Okey ROCKS!

We had Shannon Okey, author of "Spin to Knit" and "Knitgrrl" here on Saturday. It was fun, fun. Shannon is all energy. She gave a great class on spinning with alternative fiber. She is a total enabler. She roped in a woman visiting from New York and another woman who was here working on a sweater and taught them to spin.

She just knows so much and loves what she does so much. She brought great energy to the shop on a cold Saturday.

See pics here: http://www.knitgrrl.com/

We want her to come back in the worst way. We'll keep you posted

2006-10-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

More Roving!

We got even more roving, this time from Pear Tree. It is 100% Australian Merino. We have 6 colors plus natural white. I spun some up on the wheel and on my spindle. It is very slippery. I did a much better job on the wheel versus the spindle.

I spun some of the cormo on both the wheel and the spindle. It went much better on the spindle than the wheel.

I gauge my success on how thin I can get the yarn and how consistent my yarn is. The cormo has tons of crimp so I can draft with a heavy hand and get the yarn I want. The merino is so much smoother so my heavy handed drafting causes problems.

The dyed roving from Pear Tree is beautiful. The shades are pale, not saturated. Lovely. The dyed cormo has much more vibrant shades. The variegated has both low contrast and high contrast colorways.

Stop in and see it.

Kathy

2006-10-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE ROVING!!!

It's here! The cormo! And it is all dyed and pretty. I have to weigh it and price it and then I can start spinning.

What we have: dyed cormo, about 12 color, variegated. About 4 - 5 ozs per colors. I may be making up some sampler packs.

Kathy

2006-10-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

Special events!!!

Saturday, November 4th, Shannon Okey, author of "Knit to Spin" is coming to the store. We have the whole day!!! She'll be signing books at noon. At 1 pm is a class in spinning alternative fiber such as bamboo, soy and more. At 4 pm we're going upstairs to Sharon's apartment for dishwasher dyeing. Who knew you could do more with that machine. I may have to get one now.

Sunday, December 10th, Bonne Marie Burns of ChicKnits, will show her sweaters and offer a Tips & Techniques clinic. If you've made a Chic Knits sweater, wear it and show off. If you have one still on the needles or in pieces, bring it in for some help because "The Doctor Is In." We will also start a knit along of Bonne Marie's latest pattern: Ariann.

Want more details? Visit www.arcadiaknitting.com for event details. Visit www.knitgrrl.com to learn about Shannon. Visit www.chicknits.com to learn about Bonne Marie. These ladies are active!

2006-10-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

We're spinning with excitement here. Shannon Okey, knitgrrl, is coming here on November 4th. She will sign her new book: "Spin to Knit", and gvie two classes. One class in spinnig and another in dyeing. See www.arcadiaknitting.com for more info.

2006-10-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

More Yarn!

I just went out to run errands. I came back. Guess what? More yarn! This time the one and only great stuff: Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran and the new Jo Sharp Pattern Book. Great yarn and great patterns. And another box of Malabrigo.

Kathy

2006-10-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi -

The yarn is here! The yarn is here! We have Misty Chunky Alpaca, Malabrigo worsted and their two new yarns: Aquarella and Gruesa. We got a huge box of Blue Sky Alpaca: worsted, cotton, silk & alpaca mix, bulky, plus the superlucious Suri Alpaca. We've got Gems Opal from Louet, and lots and lots of RYC Cashsoft DK. Plus the traditional Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride in Bulky & Worsted. Boxes arriving everyday. There will be even more when you visit.

Need ideas? We have plenty of books and patterns to chose from.

So come on in. We have yarn and lots of it. For gifts or for yourself.

Kathy

2006-09-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

New yarn! New Yarn! More every day!

I was pricing the KidLin from Louet, formerly known as KidLin Pixie, and was very sad that I haven't had time to make anything out of it. It is sooo pretty: a strand of lace weight linen and a strand of lace weight mohair wound together. Not plyed, just together, living in perfect harmony. The mohair is in a soft color and the linen is in the same shade, maybe a tone or two off, but gorgeous together. Where is the 25th hour of my day that I can make something with this yarn?

The colors we have eight great colors to choose from. It makes great lace patterns. It would make a great shawl. With the right color of yarn to hold with it, it would make a great afghan.

Yesterday a Mom was in with her boys. They were told not to take off thier coats because it was going to be a short stop. The 3 year-old took off his coat. Mom replied "Okay, but don't take off anything else." There must be a story in that.

Kathy

2006-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

I had a zen moment on my socks. (Soxie by Great Adirondack, IK Embossed Leaves Pattern, Winter 2006.) I had a moment where it wasn't about the sock and how warm it would be on the el platform in February. For a moment it was just about that row and those stitches.

We are not having a lot of Zen moments in the shop now. We have gone wireless and got a new camera and our computers are not responding well to change. I think its like when you bring a new kitty in the house expecting the old kitty to love it immediately. But to old kitty, it's sibling rivalry. So the old is having problems with the new.

Classes are really going well. If you are thinking about signing up, do so. Amigurumi is closed. Cable hat is full. Others are filling up.

2006-09-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I LOVE ULTRA ALPACA FROM BERROCO!

I'm working on a Nora Gaughan sweater from the Fall Interweave Knits: Supernova Pullover, page 88. I'm using the Ultra Alpaca and one ball lasted for 11 inches before it was time to join a new ball. 11 inches by 20 inches wide!! Wohoo.

The Ultra Alpaca is also very soft and springy. It has a great feel. The colors are great: we have mostly the heathers in the shop. So far I have re-ordered this yarn twice. People love it.

What else am I working on right now?

Socks from another Interweave Knits pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks, Winter 2006, page 96. I'm using the Soxie from Great Adirondack. Lovely yarn and the coloring is great: reds, navy, toast, and some purple. It's just a great colorway for fall socks. I'm experimenting and knitting with 2 circular needles. One needle is an Addi, the other is Crystal Palace. The yarn does not go over the Crystal Palace join as well as the Addi. The Addi is a little slippery. Neither needle is perfect but they are both doing the job.

A vest of Suri Brushed Alpaca & Alpaca & Silk from Blue Sky Alpacas. Very close to being done. I just have to get the shoulders done when I have a long block of quiet time.

I have pulled the yarn for a jacket from the S. Charles Fall 2006 booklet. It will be a crocheted jacket out of Trina from Adrienne Vittadini. They show the jacket in high contrasting yarns. I'm going to go tone on tone and do reds, purples, pinks, and oranges. I can't start it until I finish the vest.

Kathy

2006-08-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Honey - Don't touch the yarn - it's hot!

Wednesday night I tried out Louet's new sock dying kit. It was fun. I made mistakes and the yarn still turned out. The kit contains three 50 gm skeins of yarn, 3 jars of dye, a squeeze bottle, wool wash, directions for dying and a sock pattern.

I mixed the dye with too much water. I read the numbers on Sharon's electric teapot as ounces not cups or whatever those numbers meant on the side of the pot. Sharon says the pot is from Norway and she has never thought about those numbers. So who knows. I probably used three times more water needed to mix the dye.

The entire process took less than an hour and a half. Soak the yarn for half an hour in wool wash to prepare it for dying. The actual dying time was about 30 minutes and then the yarn goes in the microwave for two 4 minute "bakes". Then it dries, gets washed, dries again, and gets knit.

The squeeze bottle is not an exact instrument. The squeeze bottle urped dye unexpectedly. Your ability to target and control the dye placement is limited. The wet dye does travel/seep into the yarn.

I am not a zen, contemplative person making an artistic statement in an altered state. I did not have a master plan for these skeins. I made some stripes and some dots. So, your time to dye may take longer if you are more into the process.

I will post a picture of my results. I used the brown color ways. The kits come in brown, blues, reds, pinks and greens. They are in stock at Arcadia Knitting.

The title is what I said as I brought home the skeins fresh from the microwave to dry in the bathroom: "Honey - Don't touch the yarn - it's hot!"

Kathy

2006-08-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Magazine shops guide just came out and we're in it again. I can't believe we've been in business for over six years. It was just days ago .... wait, wait ....years ago that I called the magazine and really pitched them about urban crafters are important shoppers and the magazine would be ahead of the curve if it included yarn stores, bead stores, etc. The section has grown in depth and breadth. Yeah!! We're a recognized market to be served.

It's a thrill to be in print. I am validated by my husband, family, my business and the guys at the bank almost every day. But every now and then black ink on white paper helps.

2006-08-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

We've got photos up on a Flickr page from our Knit Blogger Meetup!

Don't forget - this Saturday is Yarn Swap! Check out our website for more details.

2006-08-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

Andorra alerted me to a crocheted sweater by Michael Kors in Saks on Michigan Avenue. (third floor, by the east escalator) I went to see it this morning. Camel colored, 100% cashmere yarn from Italy and made in China. Unlined. Price: $1265.

Now, let me tell you what it really is: a very simple stitch and a very simple shape ..... with patch pockets. The stitch is nothing more than a *2 dc in next st, skip 1 st* repeat. The workmanship is exquisite and the yarn feels great. But if you think knitting and crochet are expensive hobbies, you can save yourself oodles of money by making it yourself. Arcadia Knitting has patterns that are very similar, or if you're the type who likes to go for it, take your measurements and go!

I can think of a number of yarns in the shop that would be great for this - the Margrite from Karabella, a cashmere/merino blend, Ultra Alpaca from Berroco, alpaca & wool, and Bel Air from GGH Muench. Cost of the wool would be from $120 - $300 depending on what you choose. The Michael Kors sweater comes only in camel. I don't look good in camel. Another benefit of do-it-yourself: pick your own color.

You can make great things for yourself. This is a classic look and you can wear it for years.

2006-08-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Arcadia Knitting blog! What better way to kick things off than to talk about our blogger meet-up that we hosted on Monday, July 31st? On one of the hottest days of the year people showed up to meet the bloggers they read and meet their readers. New friends were made, old friends met face to face. We gossiped a little, ate and drank a little... and of course, we knit and crocheted, too!

Corrine from Lucky Penny Handmade brought some of her fabulous doggie knits (and some of her fabulous doggie models) to share with everyone. Franklin showed us a fantastic poetry mitten pattern in the latest issue of Piecework and also gifted us with our very own Franklin Habit signed original for the shop. Dee, Gail and Lynette - who collectively run the new pattern website The Island of Misfit Patterns - stopped by; so did Aidon, Christine, Lucia, Elisabeth, Angela, Mary Beth, Katy, Samantha, Marsha, Rachel, Esther, Julie, Macarena, Arissa, Lisa and lots more.

We also had our first sneak peek of new fall yarns:

Ultra Alpaca - by Berroco, Alpaca and wool, super soft, great quality,
215 yards, 5/sts per inch

Brushed Suri Alpaca - by Blue Sky Alpacas, Suri Alpaca, super soft, a
great deal, 142 yards, from 2.5 - 5 sts/per inch

Bel Air - by GGH Muench, Wool and nylon, super soft, 147 yards, 4 -
4.5 sts per inch. A very light weight yarn at a bigger gauge.

Plus some new Lorna's Shepherd Worsted. Super soft, too. Four hanks
make a baby blanket. It's washable!

We had snacks, we had prizes and everyone went home with a goody bag.

Elisabeth walked away with our grand prize for her most embarrassing tale of email woe. She won two skeins of Lorna's Shepherd Worsted in Bittersweet, a sparkly Skacel crochet hook, a signed copy of SnB Happy Hooker, a fabulous signed illustration by Franklin and a gift certificate to Arcadia. You can read Elisabeth's winning tale here.

Pictures from the event are coming. Got a great one from Monday night you want to share? Send us a copy and we'll post it.

Thanks to everyone that came out to our blogger meet-up! We hope to do it again sometime in the future. Want an invite to our next one? Make sure to sign up on our mailing list to get the details about this and future Arcadia events.

Our blog is born!