Knitters Mercantile Blog

Yesterday evening, we had ourselves a little party. It was a Duct Tape Mannequin party!

Duct tape mannequins are a great way to get a custom mannequin of yourself for WAY CHEAPER than an actual mannequin. Also, you get to have a pretty good laugh with your friends while you wrap each other in duct tape.

Here’s what you do. Get rolls of duct tape. We really only used about one 60 yard roll per person. Get a t shirt that you are willing to sacrifice to the cause. Get stuffing. Newspaper works. Plastic bags work. Toy stuffing works. If you get toy stuffing, get at least 2 big bags.

Put on your sacrificial t shirt.

Start by wrapping below the bust, in one continuous motion, all the way down to the hips. It’s easiest to have the person being wrapped stand still and the person doing the wrapping circle around with the duct tape. Tip #1: the wrapper will get dizzy. Stop every once in awhile before the dizziness gets to your head.

Then cut off long strips and place them on the bust then over the back. Tip #2: it’s much less awkward if you have the person being wrapped smooth down the duct tape bits in the front.

Move on to the arms next. With each arm outstretched (instead of next to the body), wrap the arms loosely. Tip #3: be sure to only wrap the t shirt and not the skin. Duct tape on skin hurts.

Make sure there are no visible parts of your shirt and that your whole torso is covered in duct tape.

Once your entire torso is covered in duct tape, do the robot. This is easy to do because you cannot move your torso at all.

You are now ready to cut through the duct tape and the t shirt all the way up the back. Tip#4: try to pull the form away from the body as much as you can when cutting. Try not to poke the person wrapped in duct tape in the back with scissors.

You are free!

Now take that duct tape form and tape it closed again. Now stuff it.

Add lots and lots of stuffing. Really make sure that it is firmly packed with the stuffing of your choice. Andrea even added cardboard to the bottom of her form so that it will stay straight and flat when on a table.

Voila! Done! 

You can even add super cool tape on top to really spruce up your form.

Now take that custom mannequin and put something on it. Admire how well it fits.

Thanks to everybody who came to our duct tape mannequin party! We had a blast!

Have you been watching the new BBC series Sherlock? Season 2 is currently running on PBS as part of Masterpiece Mystery and it’s fantastic.

This week’s free pattern is dedicated to Sherlock, or more precisely, to Dr. Watson.

Dr. Watson is a character that doesn’t always get a lot of respect. He’s in the shadow of Sherlock Holmes. Even though he is very clever in his own right, he can’t keep up with Sherlock, though in his defense, who can? But Watson is very honest and loyal and wears fabulous sweaters.

Watson wore this particular gem in season 1.

You know that whenever knitters see an awesome knitted item in a movie and they have to knit it or something very like it, right? Behold the Elementary Watson Socks.

These socks have a stitch pattern inspired by the original sweater and will take a whole lot less time to knit  than an entire sweater.

This is a toe up sock pattern that uses fingering weight yarn. Marion Foale in Cream and Malabrigo Sock in Natural are fabulous yarn options for this sock.

If you haven’t seen the new series of Sherlock, it is streaming on the PBS website. I believe season 1 is still available instantly on Netflix. Seriously, go watch it. You won’t be disappointed.  Fair warning - you may not want to be knitting anything complicated when you do watch it for the first time because it is completely engrossing. Just sayin’.

Get the free pattern here.

Happy Friday and happy knitting!

I am a big fan of Kate Davies. She is one of my favorite designers. Have you seen the Owls sweater? That’s her.

Kate Davies designs classic pieces that will can be worn season after season. It’s my favorite style of design, which I think of as feminine but not fussy.

Manu

Kate also does a lot of fair isle work and really endearing fair isle work at that. She frequently features animals and flowers as well as more geometric designs.

Rams and Yowes

One of the techniques that tends to arise when you do a lot of fair isle work is steeking. What happens with steeks is that you knit fair isle in the round with additional stitches not part of the pattern. You reinforce those stitches. You then cut a vertical line straight up through those stitches and your once circular item is now transformed into a flat piece of knitting.

I gasped very loudly the first time of heard of steeking. You want me to what?!? CUT MY STITCHES?! Are you nuts?!?

No, it’s not nuts. It’s actually quite clever. Knitting fair isle pieces in the round is preferable to working fair isle back and forth for several reasons.

1. You don’t have to purl.
2. It is easier to maintain even tension of stitches throughout.
3. You don’t have to purl.

Yes, I mentioned not purling twice because for me that is a big selling feature.

Steeking is found by many knitters, myself included, to be a frightening thing. But now it can be way less frightening because Kate Davies has written a fabulous series of blog posts on steeking.

Steeks 1: Introduction

Steeks 2: Reinforcing and Cutting

Steeks 3: The Sandwich

Steeks 4: Your Questions Answered

In these posts, she provides lots of pictures and clear, descriptive language that makes steeking seem not just possible, but totally do-able.

So, thanks Kate Davies for being awesome! And I am thinking an Owls sweater class in the shop would be really fun this Fall. What do you think?

What to knit when it is super hot outside? It is an eternal question. I am one of those bonkers people that loves to knit with wool anytime of the year. But I recognize that not everybody feels the same way. Switching to cotton is a great way to cool down your knitting. And what is better in cotton than dishcloths!

Dishcloths are great for so many reasons. They are practical and useful. They are usually (depending on how big you make them) one skein projects. They make great gifts. They can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make them.

We’ve all seen the classic square shaped, textured dishcloth. Let’s check out some that play a bit with shape and form.

Leafy Washcloth is a totally charming leaf shape. It’s reversible and would be a great project for a beginner looking to go beyond a simple square.

The Mitered Hanging Towel would be a great housewarming gift. The hanging tab is perfect for hanging it on a hook in the kitchen or on the oven door.

Hey Dr. Who fans! Whip yourself up an EXFOLIATE! Dalek Cloth. Those bobbles are a perfect way to keep you (or your dishes) clean while showing your love for Dalek.

Another great thing about dishcloths is that gauge really doesn’t matter. Sure, substituting a yarn might change the finished overall size of your object but who cares? It’s a dishcloth. Let yourself fall in love with a yarn to use for your dishcloths.

We have so many great cottons to use for dishcloths! Debbie Bliss Eco Cotton and Eco Baby are two great organic options. Rowan Handknit Cotton is a great soft option with a wonderful range of colors. Plymouth Fantasy Naturale is our most popular mercerized cotton and comes in solids and variegated shades! Tahki Cotton Classic is the original and, as the name says, the classic cotton yarn.

Happy Friday and happy warm weather knitting!

Come knit Wingspan with us on Tuesday afternoons in May from 3 - 5 p.m. 

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted the Wingspan shawl for Free Pattern Friday? Well, we love this pattern so much that we are doing a Wingspan knit along!

There are lots of yarns that would look great with in this shawl. Noro Taiyo Sock, Kauni Effektgarn, Noro Shiraito, Queensland Pima Lino are great fingering weight options. You could even go for a larger, more dramatic shawl and use a heavier yarn like Noro Silk Garden Lite or even Classic Elite Liberty Wool. Hey, it’s a shawl. You have options.

Oh, and Wingspan is a free download on Ravelry.

So come hang out with us on Tuesday afternoons in May and knit Wingspan!

We’ve had some great people come in and share their projects with us recently. Check out the ones that we managed to snag pictures of below.

Violeta brought in her Henry the Hedgehog. I am happy to say that he served very successfully as mascot for the Top Down Sweater class this past Saturday morning. Also, if you look in the background you can see part of Violeta’s beautiful circular shawl in Kraemer Sterling.

Our friend Scotty showed us his wonderful slouchy hat in Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy. Doesn’t it look like such a great summer hat?

The last Customer Project Roundup I did, I posted a picture of a really sweet boy and girl doll but, GULP, could not remember the name of the lady who made them. Well, this fabulous lady came back in and set me straight. Hi Ruth Ann!

Oh, and while Ruth Ann was in the shop, she showed us her newest doll creation. Great work!

 We have a final scarf project as part of our Beginning Knitting classes here called the Eyelet Pleats scarf. We teach beginner students all the skills they need for the scarf then ask that they combine everything they have learned (knit, purl, increases, decreases, reading patterns, and reading your knitting) into this scarf. It can be a struggle at first but I think it really helps newer knitters gain confidence in their new skills.  

Here is Paula’s beautiful Eyelet Pleats Scarf. Looks great, Paula! Awesome job!

There is something particularly special about watching the evolution of somebody who has never picked up yarn and needles before, observing them struggle, then seeing the lightbulb go off inside their brains. That is just what happened to Melissa. There were some moments of, I think, extreme frustration during the initial learning process. But holy Toledo, look at her now!

Melissa took Beginning Knitting in February and look at all those fabulous scarves! I am really floored by all the great knitting she has done, not to mention the great stick-to-it-iness that she has shown. I think we may have the makings of a Knitter (with a capital K).

We got Madelinetosh in not long ago and I’m not the least bit self conscious to say that I am TOTALLY GEEKING OUT over the colors that we got. In particular, I am madly in love with Glazed Pecan in Tosh Vintage.

I’m always on the prowl for new and interesting patterns so imagine my delight when I came across this beauty which features Tosh Vintage in Glazed Pecan!

Check out Apis Dorsata.

What on earth does “Apis Dorsata” mean, you ask? Per the designer -

Apis Dorsata Laboriosa (a.k.a. the Himalayan honey bee) dwells in the mountains of Bhutan, Nepal, China, and India. These giant bees build large yellow and golden honeycombs that hang down from the cliffs. This scarf is inspired by the workmanship of the bees.

The pattern can be done with Tosh Vintage, which is worsted weight, or it can be done with a fingering weight yarn. We just received some gorgeous Malabrigo Sock in that would make a beautiful drapey and squishy shawl.

Get the free pattern here.

Happy Friday and happy knitting!

Ah, Spring. Spring is a wonderous time with warmer weather, longer days, chirping birds, and blooming plants that make me sneeze. Things really lighten up in Spring.

Speaking of lightening up, Spring is also a great time to lightening up your knitting. Using plant fibers, finer weight yarns, and keeping the projects airy and light are all great ways to make your knitting projects great in warmer weather.

In that vein, here is this week’s free pattern: the Ilene Bag.

As the designer says, “This is a very stretchy bag, with a comfortable wide strap that won’t dig into your shoulder when you’ve got a big load of fruit or yarn or rocks.”

This would be a fabulous bag for Farmers’ Markets. You could even just keep it in the car or in your purse so you have a bag ready whenever you need it.

The pattern calls for Louet Euroflax Sport. This yarn is a classic. With a great color selection and a cool feel, it is a great choice for this market bag. It’s also a great choice for summer garments and accessories too!

Get the free pattern here.

Happy Friday and happy knitting!

June and July classes are listed below! Stop by the shop or call us at (614) 888 - 8551 to sign up. Remember, class space is limited so if you see something you would like to take go ahead and reserve your spot! 

Basic Brioche: Have you ever wanted to learn the brioche stitch? Now is your chance! In this class students will learn the basics of brioche. We will tackle plain brioche stitch, two color brioche stitch, Italian Cast On and Italian Bind Off in sample swatches then move on to a beautiful two color brioche stitch scarf.
• Thursdays, July 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Kathryn

Basic Mittens: If you want to learn to make mittens, then this is the class for you! In this class students will learn how to knit in the round on double points, decreases for the top of the mitten, and forming the thumb.
• Mondays, July 9 & 16 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $30 plus supplies. Instructor: Kathryn

 Beginners Felted Tote:  In this class you will make a felted tote while learning the basics of knitting in the round, picking up stitches and I-cord bind off.  This is the perfect class for the Beginners Class graduate.
• Mondays, June 4, 11, and 18 from 6-8 PM. Instructor: Andrea
• Tuesdays, July 10, 17, and 24 from 12-2 PM. Instructor:  Kathryn
• Cost:  $40.00 plus supplies.

Beginners Hat: This class is designed to give students a chance to knit in the round with circular needles and double point needles. Students will learn to cast on, connect stitches in the round, decrease to shape the crown, and finish the top of the hat.
• Tuesdays, June 5 & 12 from 6-8 PM. Instructor: Andrea
• Wednesdays, July 18 & 25 from 12-2 PM. Instructor: Andrea
• Cost: $30.00 plus supplies.

 Beginning Knitted Lace: In this class you will learn the basics of knitted lace while making a lovely lace scarf. You will learn how to read a basic chart and follow the written instructions. This is a perfect first step to go on to more complex knitted lace patterns.
• Mondays, July 9, 16, and 30 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $40 plus supplies. Instructor: Andrea

Beginning Knitting: In four week class you will learn all the basics of knitting – the knit stitch, cast on, bind off, increasing, decreasing and more.
• Mondays, June 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 6-8 PM. Instructor: Kathryn
• Fridays, July 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 12-2 PM. Instructor: Andrea
• Cost: $50.00 plus supplies.

 ChainReaction Crochet Afghan: The ChainReaction class teaches you an array of new crochet techniques and chart reading needed to make the 20 squares of this unique and beautiful afghan. This class teaches one square each month, with one additional class for finishing techniques. Come every month or drop in as you can. 
• Wednesday, June 13 and July 11 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $15.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

 Great American Aran Afghan:  The Great American Aran Afghan class teaches chart reading, how to cable, make bobbles, and techniques needed to make the various squares.  This class is offered once a month.  You can come every month or pick one or two months. Upcoming squares are Kathleen T Carty on pgs 10-11 (May), Barbara Selesnick on pgs 16-17 (June), and Marian Tabler on pgs 6-7 (July).
• Wednesdays June 13 and July 11 from 6-8 PM
• Cost $15.00 per class plus supplies.  Instructor:  All of us

 Introduction to Finishing: Have all the knitting done but stuck on the making up?  Learn to give your knitting the finish you (and it) deserve.  We’ll cover weaving in ends, blocking, seams, and more.  Students are encouraged to bring in their own projects to finish so we can be sure to focus on the specific techniques each student needs.
• Saturdays, June 2 & 9 from 2-4 PM
• Cost: $30 plus supplies. Instructor: Martha.

 Noni Flowers: Noni Flowers is a brand new book from Nora Bellows. Her knitted and felted flowers are truly stunning. In this class we will feature a different flower from the book each week. Students will learn the various techniques to knit, felt, and finish the flowers. You can take one class or all four!
• Saturdays, July 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 10:30-12:30 PM
• Cost: $20 per class plus supplies.  Instructor: Varies.

Nomad Bag: Have fun learning how to felt, pick up stitches, and put a zipper in this slouchy, hobo style bag. This Noni bag comes in 3 different sizes and features a Jul bag handle.
• Tuesdays, July 10, 17, and 24 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $40 plus supplies. Instructor: Andrea

 Preventing and Fixing Mistakes: Ever get to the end of a row and find you are short a stitch or two, or that you have too many stitches, or that holes have inexplicably appeared in your knitting? Maybe your stitches are looking a little wonky and you just don’t know how to fix them. Then this is the class for you. Learn what common mistakes we all make while knitting and, more importantly, how to fix them.
• Saturdays, July 21 & 28 from 2-4 PM
• Cost: $30 plus supplies. Instructor: Ruth

The May, June, and July classes are up and ready for your viewing pleasure! Click here to see the entire list on our website.

Check out our May classes below.

Basic Finishing: Frustrated by instructions like “Set in sleeve.” or “Sew up seams.” or worst of all, “Finish?”  Then bring your pieces and projects and join us as we learn the techniques for the finishing touches you and your knitting deserve.  We’ll start with weaving in ends, blocking and seaming and move on from there.  Kitchener stitch, button bands, buttonholes, edgings, and embellishments are all on the menu…choices will depend on your needs and interests.  We’ll also address those last-minute issues that come up so often, like wishing the wrist fit more snugly, or needing a pocket.  We’ll be sure to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each technique so you can make the best choices for your fiber and project.
• Wednesdays, May 2, 9, and 16 from 12-2 PM
• Cost: $40 plus supplies. Instructor: Martha

Beginners Hat: This class is designed to give students a chance to knit in the round with circular needles and double point needles. Students will learn to cast on, connect stitches in the round, decrease to shape the crown, and finish the top of the hat.
• Mondays, May 7 & 14 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $30.00 plus supplies. Instructor: Kathryn

Beginning Knitting: In four week class you will learn all the basics of knitting – the knit stitch, cast on, bind off, increasing, decreasing and more.
• Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 6-8 PM. Instructor: Andrea
• Thursdays, May 17, 24, and 31 and June 7 from 12-2 PM. Instructor: Kathryn
• Cost: $50.00 plus supplies.

ChainReaction Crochet Afghan: The ChainReaction class teaches you an array of new crochet techniques and chart reading needed to make the 20 squares of this unique and beautiful afghan. This class teaches one square each month, with one additional class for finishing techniques. Come every month or drop in as you can. 
• Wednesday, May 9 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $15.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

Great American Aran Afghan:  The Great American Aran Afghan class teaches chart reading, how to cable, make bobbles, and techniques needed to make the various squares.  This class is offered once a month.  You can come every month or pick one or two months. Upcoming squares are Kathleen T Carty on pgs 10-11 (May), Barbara Selesnick on pgs 16-17 (June), and Marian Tabler on pgs 6-7 (July).
• Wednesdays, May 9 from 6-8 PM
• Cost $15.00 per class plus supplies.  Instructor:  All of us

Magic Loop Handwarmers: A perfect gift or just for yourself when the weather turns cooler, these hand warmers a sure to please. Learn how to cable using a slip stitch method and without a cable needle and magic loop.
• Mondays, May 7 & 14 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $30 plus supplies. Instructor: Andrea.

Preventing and Fixing Mistakes: Ever get to the end of a row and find you are short a stitch or two, or that you have too many stitches, or that holes have inexplicably appeared in your knitting? Maybe your stitches are looking a little wonky and you just don’t know how to fix them. Then this is the class for you. Learn what common mistakes we all make while knitting and, more importantly, how to fix them.
• Wednesdays, May 23 & 30 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $30 plus supplies. Instructor: Ruth

Skill Building:  These one session classes are designed to build your knitting skills. Want to tackle cables for the first time? Ready to learn Magic Loop? Then these classes are designed for you.
• Wednesday, May 23 from 6-8 PM Skill: Cables.  Instructor: Kathryn
• Wednesday, May 30 from 6-8 PM Skill: Magic Loop.  Instructor: Andrea
• Cost:  $20.00 plus supplies. 

Top Down Sweater:  Are you ready to make your first sweater?  In this class you will learn to read patterns, check gauge, how to knit with double pointed needles and circular needles, plus some increasing and decreasing of stitches.
• Thursdays, May 24 & 31 and June 14 & 28 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor: Andrea

Remember, class space is limited so sign up today! Stop by the shop or call us at (614) 888 - 8551 to sign up for classes.