Knitters Mercantile Blog

Have you signed up for our Sock Club yet?

 The deadline for signing up is January 15th.  Don’t miss out! It’s going to be way cool.

It’s raining and dreary out. Perfect time to curl up with a book or a movie and your knitting. But it’s damp and there’s a definite chill in the air. How can you be all nice and toasty and warm?

 Do not fear as I have the answer. It’s a hot water bottle wrapped in a cozy. And it’s a magical thing.

Rachel’s ISBN Cabled Hot Water Bottle Cozy has two versions included in the pattern. There is a super cute striped version or a classic cabled version.

Lamb’s Pride Worsted is the perfect yarn for this. And so many colors to choose from too!

Get the pattern here.

Happy Friday, happy knitting, and happy New Year!

I’m not going to comment on the holidays being, um, here. I’m not going to comment on procrastination. I’m not going to comment on time crunches.

I am just going to present you with this - the Wink Scarf.

This scarf uses gigantic yarn (Berroco Link) and needles. It is ridiculously quick to make. Super bulky knits are so in this year.

You have time to make this. Really. Deep breath. You got this.

Get Link here.

Get the free pattern here.

 Happy Friday, happy knitting, and happy holidays!

Super exciting news…..we’re doing a Sock Club!

 Knitters Mercantile’s Sock Club 2012 will be an adventure in knitting with unique yarns, available first to club members, that have been specifically chosen to fit interesting new sock patterns. You will experience firsthand how a yarn’s fiber content, ply and weight can create beautiful, long lasting socks. We will be knitting 6 socks from Clara Parkes’ The Knitter’s Book of Socks, one new pattern every other month. Club members will experience various sock construction techniques, stitch patterns, and knitting in the round methods. Please join us for a year of fun “sockventures.”

Included in the Sock Club 2012:

6 unique sock yarns
Clara Parkes’ The Knitter’s Book of Socks
members only Sock Club knit along

The complete Sock Club is $225. Ask us about the additional fancy schmancy luxury month featuring Artyarns cashmere!

Stop by the shop or give us a call at (614) 888 - 8551 to sign up for this fabulous club. The Sock Club 2012 starts in February so sign up soon!

Just to let you know, our holiday hours are as follows.

December 24:

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

December 25:

Closed

December 31:

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

January 1:

Closed.

We hope you have very merry holidays! But we’ll see you before then, right?

This week’s Free Pattern Friday has been moved to Free Pattern Saturday. On Friday there was an protracted fight with Microsoft Excel. And Excel won. Grrrrr.

This week’s free pattern involves a little knitterly Christmas tradition that I have created for myself. The holidays are always super chaotic. Lots of running around with errands, visiting friends and family, cooking, shopping…..you know the drill. By the time Christmas Eve and Christmas Day actually come around I really look forward to the bit of down time that comes with no work and the “to do” list being done. Or at least the “to do” list  is called done because if it ain’t done by Christmas Eve, it ain’t getting done. And by that point I am totally fine with that.

With my Christmas time downtime, I pick out a project just for myself. It isn’t a gift and it doesn’t serve a particularly useful purpose. It is something to be knitted that is purely for the love of doing it. For me, this project always takes the form of a scarf because scarves for me are usually no think projects that I can enjoy knitting while spending time at my in laws’ house with a glass of wine.

This year I have decided that my Christmas project is A Little Ruffle.

I continually find myself being drawn to designs that are simple and feminine without being fussy. This scarf fits the bill for me.

I think I will be knitting this up in Ultra Alpaca Light. It would also be very lovely in Manos Silk Blend. For a fun and colorful twist, it could even be done with Noro Silk Garden Light.

Get A Little Ruffle pattern here.

What knitting or crocheting Christmas traditions have you made for yourself?

And now for something completely different. It’s the February class list! 

Basic Socks: Learn to knit socks on dpns (double point needles) using DK or worsted weight yarn.  You will learn the art of “turning the heel” and grafting the toe.  See how easy and simple and fun it can be. 
• Fridays, February 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 12-2 PM
• Cost:  $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Kathryn

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.
• Tuesdays, February, 7, 14, and 21 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $40.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Kathryn
 

 Beginning Knitting:  In this four week class you will learn all the basics of knitting – the knit stitch, cast on, bind off, increasing, decreasing and more. 
• Mondays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6-8 PM Kathryn
• Tuesdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 12-2 PM Janet
• Cost: $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor: Varies

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 two different squares each month for 10 months, with one additional class for finishing techniques. Your afghan will be completed in time for Christmas 2012. Come every month or drop in as you can. 
• Wednesday, February 8, February 22 from 12-2 PM or 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $15.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

Crochet Boot Camp: If you want to fast track learning how to crochet, this is the workshop for you. No matter if you’ve never worked a stitch in your life, or if you would like to brush up on unused crochet skills, or if you are a knitter who would like to add crochet to your arsenal of finishing techniques, this is the class for you. During this all day workshop, you will learn basic crochet stitches, increasing and decreasing, gauge and crochet, crochet motifs, and how to read patterns and crochet symbols. You will leave this class knowing how to negotiate the world of crochet.
• Wednesdays, February 15 and 29 from 12-2 PM or 6-8 PM
• Saturdays, February 4 and 11 from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Cost:  $30.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

Felted Festival Bag:  Ever want to take your felted bags one step further and finish it with lining and special touches? This class will guide you through the knitting, felting and finishing of a shoulder bag perfect to wear when attending festivals and fairs, while keeping your hands free to browse or hold someone’s hand.
• Mondays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 6-8PM
• Cost:  $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Andrea

Lace Shawl – Intermediate:  Did you take the beginner lace class and ready to move forward to create a triangular shawl?  In this class, students will create Ishbel, which is the perfect start to more complicated lace patterns.
• Thursdays, February 16, 23, and March 1 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $40.00 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 class is for you. Learn what common mistakes we all make while knitting and, more importantly, how to fix them. 
• Thursdays, February 2 and 9 from 6-8 PM
• Saturday February 18 from 10:30-3:30 PM (with an hour for lunch)
• Cost:  $30.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

That’s February! We are now busy planning March and April classes.

Now I ask you - what classes would YOU like to take in March and/or April?

Our January and February class schedules are done!

We have some old favorites, like Basic Socks and Top Down Sweater. We have some brand new classes, like ChainReaction Crochet Afghan and Design a Hat, that we think you will love.

Have a look see at the January schedule…..

“Oh So Fine” 2 Socks at Once on 2 Circular Needles (picture coming soon): This beautifully delicate sock requires toe-up construction in order for the lace pattern to work. You will learn to knit two socks at a time, toe up, on two circular needles. This class will also teach you lace and three-stitch cable techniques. We will be fitting your socks as we go along. The sock pattern is included in class fee.
• Mondays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

Basic Socks: Learn to knit socks on dpns (double point needles) using DK or worsted weight yarn.  You will learn the art of “turning the heel” and grafting the toe.  See how easy and simple and fun it can be. 
• Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $50.00 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.
• Saturdays. January 21 and 28 from 10:30-1:30 PM
• Cost:  $30.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Andrea

Beginners Handwarmers: One of the hottest trends for this year is a fingerless glove or handwarmer. Learn to cable and knit in the round using double pointed needles (dpn’s) while making a stylish pair of handwarmers.
• Wednesdays, January 18 and 25 from 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $30.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Andrea

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 and connect stitches in the round and learn to decrease and finish off the top of the hat.
• Tuesdays, January 3 and 10 from 6-8PM
• Cost:  $30.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Janet

Beginners Needle Felting: Learn the basics of dimensional needle felting by making a lovely rose pin that you can embellish or accessorize your wardrobe with.
• Saturday, January 7 from 10:30-1:30 PM
• Cost:  $25.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Andrea

Beginning Knitting:  In this four week class you will learn all the basics of knitting – the knit stitch, cast on, bind off, increasing, decreasing and more. 
• Thursdays, January 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6-8 PM Ruth
• Fridays, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 12-2 PM Andrea
• Cost: $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor: Varies

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 two different squares each month for 10 months, with one additional class for finishing techniques. Your afghan will be completed in time for Christmas 2012. Come every month or drop in as you can. 
• Wednesday, January 11 and January 25 from 12-2 PM or 6-8 PM
• Cost:  $15.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Ruth

Design a Hat:  Would you like to take a stab at designing? Well, this is a perfect class for an introduction to making your own patterns. Not for the faint of heart, you will be using your math and vast knitting knowledge to design your own cabled hat. We will start with a “vanilla” pattern and add your choice of cable(s) pattern(s) to make a unique creation of your very own.
• Tuesdays, January 17, 24, and 31 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $40.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Andrea

February Baby Sweater: Need an adorable little sweater for a new baby? This lacy little cardigan pattern by Elizabeth Zimmerman is a favorite! In this 3 session class, we’ll walk through the yoke increases, buttonholes, dividing for the sleeves, and knitting the sweater body. The original pattern uses a sweet Gull lace pattern. We will also discuss substituting other stitch patterns in the sweater body to change the overall look of the sweater, including more gender neutral stitch patterns.

• Mondays, January 9, 23 and 30 from 6-8 PM
• Cost: $40.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Kathryn

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. 
• Wednesdays, January 11 from 6-8PM
• Cost $15.00 per class plus supplies.  Instructor:  All of us

Kimono Sweater:  Take this easy to make and wear sweater class to learn about gauge, swatching, picking up stitches and sewing pieces together.
• Thursdays, January 5, 19, February 2, and 16 from 12-2 PM
• Cost $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Janet and Anna

Noro Necklace:  This hip accessory is a fast knit and a one skein project! The 6 icords take advantage of Noro’s long self striping colors. In this class students will learn provisional cast on, icords, knitting in the round, and kitchener stitch.
• Wednesdays, January 18 and 25 from 12-2 PM
• Cost:  $30.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Kathryn

Top Down Sweater (Formerly Advanced Beginners):  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, January 26, February 9, 23, and March 8 from 12-2PM
• Cost:  $50.00 plus supplies.  Instructor:  Janet

Stop by the shop or call us at (614) 888-8551 to sign up for classes!

Restock alert! This just in and on the shelf.

Berroco Vintage. Note the brand new pastel colors of Vintage. Perfect for baby items!

Berroco Vintage Colors. This is brand spanking new! Lovely variegated colors.

Berroco Vintage DK.

Berroco Comfort DK. This is a small selection of what we have just received, including some brand new subtle variegated colorways. But SHHHHHH! Don’t tell Ruth that I snuck her in on this picture. She is blissfully unaware.

Gratuitous yarn winding picture.

All of these yarns are machine washable! They are great for garments, color work, kids items, and more! Stop by the shop to see all of these lovelies in person.

HOLY COW THERE ARE ONLY 15 DAYS LEFT UNTIL CHRISTMAS AND I HAVEN’T EVEN STARTED MY HUSBAND’S CHRISTMAS SOCKS YET.

Ok, ok, I’m good. I’m not panicked. Not at all. Nope, not me. I can totally finish a pair of socks in 2 weeks, right? Looks like he’s getting worsted weight socks.

 So, how are all of your holiday projects going? Good? I hope so. Hang in there knitters and crocheters!

In the vein of scrambling for last minute holiday knitting, here is today’s free pattern - Owl Puffs.

Just look at them. Aren’t they adorable?

Any worsted weight yarn will do for these little guys. You only need 15 yards of a main color and 10 yards of a contrasting color. So quick! So little yarn! Fantastic for a quick holiday knit.

Plymouth Encore, Berroco Vintage, Rowan Pure Wool Aran, Classic Elite Liberty Wool….the possibilities are endless.

Get your Owl Puffs here.

Happy Friday and happy knitting!