Knitters Mercantile Blog

I am afflicted with Knitting ADD (attention deficit disorder). I have a hundred projects started that just never seem to get finished. On a few occasions, it is due to the difficulty of the project. Sometimes I just get busy with life. But more often than not, my affliction rares its ugly head . . .

 This bout of K/ADD is usually brought on by something new I’ve seen at Knitters Mercantile. Right now is a particularly tough time - all the new fall yarns and patterns are coming in. That sweater I started last year has “lost its luster” when compared to the new samples I see hanging in the store. So what’s a girl to do?? I head right back to the source: I take that “old” project with me, curl up on the Knitters Mercantile couch (or sit back at the table), and start knitting again. If I’m at a loss as to my place in the pattern, I know there is someone there that can help me. If I am bored with the project itself, there is someone there to encourage me. And, if I’m frustrated by my lack of progress, I know there is a friend there to pick me up, dust me off, and get my needles clicking again. While web pages, FaceBook accounts, and on-line stores are nice, there is just no substitute for the friends I have for real at Knitters Mercantile.

Just like our kids starting back to school, now is a great time for us to learn something new. Jan will be going to Wisconsin the first part of October for a Color workshop with Meg Swansen. She is really looking forward to learning more about color knitting and steeking. Join us at Knitters Mercantile and take a class. Below are the classes that will be starting in September.

Beginning Knitting: In this four week class you will learn all the basics of knitting: the knit stitch, the purl stitch, cast on and bind off, and increasing and decreasing. The finished project is a beautiful sampler scarf. October classes are from 6–8 PM and begin on Thursday, October 15th. They continue on October 22nd, 29th, and November 5th. Cost: $50.00 plus supplies. Instructor: Barb

Beginning Crochet: This three session class will teach you the basics of the art of crochet. You will learn essential stitches and tips to help you create three wash cloths, perfect for that holiday hostess gift. The history of the art and more advanced techniques will be discussed. This class begins Tuesday, October 13th and continues on the 20th, and 27th. Class is from 6-8 PM. Cost: $40.00 plus supplies. Instructor: Renee

Advanced Beginners: Ready to make a sweater? In this class you will learn the next steps in knitting - reading patterns, checking gauge, knitting with double point needles (dpn), circular needles, and much more. The project is a top-down sweater!! This four week class begins Monday, October 19th and continues October 26th, November 2nd, and 9th from 6-8 PM. Cost: $50.00 plus supplies. Instructor: Barb

Color Wave Scarf: Create a beautiful scarf just in time for a Christmas gift. Class meets Saturday October 3rd 10:30 AM-3:30 PM. Cost $30.00 plus supplies. Instructor: Gerald

Finishing: How many time have you have said, “I can’t finish that!” ? Have you ever avoided doing a garment because it has too many seams? Learn the basic techniques of finishing a sweater. This one session class is Wednesday, October 28th from 6–8 PM. Cost: $20.00. Instructor: Beth

Great American Aran Afghan: This once a month class continues on Wednesday, October 14th, November 11th and December 9th from 6-8 PM. Join us for one class or all of them. Cost: $15.00 per class plus supplies. Instructors: All of us!

Mobius Scarf: Learn the mobius cast on and make a beautiful scarf. Class is Saturday, October 31st and November 7th from 10:30 AM-3:30 PM with an break for lunch. Cost: $40.00 plus supplies. Instructor: Beth

Wet Felting: This felting is different from the technique you are using now. This is done without knitting a stitch. This one time class will meet Wednesday, October 21st from 6-8 PM. Cost: $30.00 plus supplies. (Cost does include cost of the felt needed for class). Instructor: Peggy

School has begun, and the new fall yarns have (mostly) made their way in to the store. It is very hard for me to stay focused on the projects I am working on, when I see so many new things that I want to do! I made myself a deal: don’t start any new BIG projects (sweaters, afghans) and I can “sneak in” new small ones as desired.

I am stil crocheting the Herringbone Mesh Jacket from Vermont Fibers using O-Wool Balance. It is going along pretty well - I have mastered the foundation single crochet stitch (which was new to me) and the double crochet mesh pattern. I have made the right sleeve, the back and right front, and started the left front as a separate piece. The part that has me stumped is joining it to the first part. Good thing I know a great place to go to get help!! Once finished, this will be on display at Knitters Mercantile (no pressure!).

I have also started this cool scarf found in the book “Knitted Gifts” from Interweave. It is a “Felted Mohair Scarf”, and it is made using one skein of Rowan Kidsilk Haze. It is worked at a loose gauge and then hand-felted in a sink. After it is shaped and dried, it will be embellished with embroidery floss in some sort of design (I haven’t decided what just yet.) Although it may seem like a crime to felt this gorgeous yarn, the end product looks really neat. It, too, will be at the shop when finished.

I also still have a sweater out of Savoy on the needles, but it has been put in time out for awhile. There’s a crocheted squares afghan I’ve started using scrap yarn I inherited - haven’t touched it for awhile either! Good thing yarn doesn’t go bad . . .

           Stop by the store and let us know what you’re working on -                   we‘d love to see you!