Knit Happens

Deciding what kind of needles to use is an important step in starting a new project. The more you knit, the more you’ll find that you prefer one type of needles over another for specific fibers and techniques. For most projects, especially stockinette and cables, I almost always work on Addi Turbo circulars, because the slick coating allows my stitches to really fly. For color work and socks, I almost always use wooden needles for the additional cling; it keeps my tension more even and snugs up the stitches. Plastic and resin coated needles, like the ones on the bottom of this picture are excellent for anyone who finds wooden needles too slippery for color work or silk and synthetic blends.

If you’re looking for a slick-quick needle, try metal first. Addi Turbos are considered the fastest needles available- they have a slippery coating on the metal that allows your stitches to slide easily and quickly. Point protectors are important to keep your stitches from sliding off the needle when you’re not knitting.

If you’re planning to do color work or prefer a warmer, more flexible needle, wood is the best bet. Addi Naturas are a excellent option and Lantern Moon’s gorgeous ebony and rosewood needles combine the slickness of metal with the organic warmth of wood. Wooden needles are considered “slower” than metal needles because fibers tend to cling slightly to the needle, making wooden needles great for knitters looking to learn new skills.

If you want the stitch control of wooden needles with the firmness of metal needles, plastic are a great intermediate step. Plastic or resin coated needles, like Pony Pearls or Inox, have the same stitch control of wooden needles but also have the firmness of metal needles, making them great in the smaller sizes or for traveling projects that go into purses, diaper bags and backpacks.

Deciding what needles to use a great time to swatch, because your gauge can change significantly on different types of needles, even if they’re the same size. Happy knitting!

We often get asked which needles we prefer and the answer is “It depends!” The best way to find out what kind of needles you prefer is to swatch with a number of different types to learn what yarns work best on what needles for you. If you’re in a rush, though, here’s a quick run down of needle types and their advantages.

Straight versus Circular:

Straight needles are elegant, traditional and good for working back and forth in rows. They are available in wood, metal, plastic and some antique needles come in glass, ivory, tortoise shell and walrus tusk, among other exotic materials. We stock beautiful, handmade exotic wood straights made in Vietnam by a women’s cooperative called Lantern Moon, as well as birch, bamboo and plastic straights that are great for learning and giving.

Circular needles are portable, comfortable and good for working in the round and in rows. They are available in the same materials as straights, but are connected by a cable, joining the two needles together. Many people prefer circular needles even when working in rows but this is a preference and not a rule! We carry the famous Addi Turbos, Naturas and their new Turbo Lace needles, as well as other beautiful options, including Lantern Moon and Pony Pearl.

Coming Tomorrow: Wood, Metal and Plastic: Oh My!

When it’s so hot outside, it’s easy to forget how amazing warm garments can be. Here are some of my favorite sources of inspiration, just right for browsing in the comfort of your air conditioner.

The Textile Museum in Washington D.C.- a great museum if you’ve got five minutes or five hours
Nim P’ot- a lovely, English website with beautiful photographs of Guatemalan textiles
The Textile Society of America- a super clearinghouse of information and exhibitions. Worth checking at least once a week! They have a fantastic link section here.
Latin American Textiles at the Field Museum- beautiful pictures of unusual artifacts you’ll never see anywhere else
Inca Weaving and Textile Arts- the site can be cumbersome but a little digging yields beautiful stuff!
Middle Eastern Textiles Throughout History- scroll down!
Traditional Dress- a compendium of links from all over the world.
Textiles As Art- a private, beautiful collection with almost daily updates. Check out the Chinese section!
Google Images- is great for a quick hit of eye candy

ps: that dress I’m wearing? It’s a beduoin woman’s dress from the Siwa Oasis nearly 100 years ago! I love antique textiles!

Good morning, friends!

At the shop, we get a lot of questions about sock knitting. Some people ask if it’s as fun as they’ve heard: the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Other people ask if it’s as difficult as it looks: no way! Socks are a great way to try out a new technique, like lace, cables or short rows and an inexpensive way to use luxurious yarns in gorgeous colors. Right now, we’ve got a great selection of Koigu and Lorna’s Laces as well as lovely, lesser known local yarns and even some great boy-sock-yarn to tempt you into learning a new skill. (Photo by Amy Swenson. Click on the link to see the fab pattern the photo belongs to!)

If you’ve never knit socks before, taking a class is a great way to dip your toes in! Holly, our resident sock mistress, is teaching several introductory classes this term, including socks on double pointed needles and on two circular needles- call the shop at 703.836.0039 for more information and to register.

If you’re a sock regular, there are great patterns all over the web, including the ever popular Knitty. Interweave just published a gorgeous collection of sock patterns called Favorite Socks and the Online Store has several sock pattern books, like Vogue Knitting Socks and Vogue Knitting Socks Two.

I am currently studying for the bar exam, which is deeply unpleasant. So instead of dwelling on my own misery, I thought I would share something that always is the high point of my week – Late Night!

What is “Late Night?”

Each and every Wednesday, the shop is open LATE at NIGHT – until 8:00 pm. “Late Night” refers to the casual (and always fun) gathering of people who take advantage of the extended hours to stop by after work and chat, knit, browse, and generally have a great time.

Who can Come?

Anyone! We’ve had knitters, crocheters, beginners, experts, non-knitters (GASP!), significant others, kittens, dogs, puppies, out-of-town guests, regulars… just pull up a chair, introduce yourself, and join the fun!

Do I Have to Sign Up or Something?

Nope! Just stop by any Wednesday, and pull up a chair!

Just on Wednesdays?

You’re in luck if you can’t come on a Wednesday – you are ALWAYS welcome to stop by and hang out at the back table (unless there’s a class, in which case grab a chair up front)!

And the first Friday of every month is Knit n’ Nosh from 5-7pm at Knit Happens. So come on down for some knitting and crocheting, snacks, and a good time!

Good morning, friends!

Almost every day, we get phone calls and drop ins asking if we teach classes. This term, we’ve got a great line up of classes, featuring beginner classes taught by the ever patient Holly, technique classes including socks (on double points and two circulars!), lace knitting and fair isle and a new class called “Knit Your Perfect Sweater,” taught by me! Check out our newsletter (.pdf), join our email list on the front page of this here blog (we never, ever sell your name) or call the shop for more information at 703.836.0039. As always, if you ever have a question or want a private lesson, we’re here to help!

Good morning, friends!

With so many vacations and road trips coming up, now is the perfect time to get a jump start on your Holiday knitting; think how great it would be to polish off all your gifts before Labor Day! Not to strike fear into your heart, but there are only 185 days left until Christmas…

With a birthday and holiday list that’s already growing (I think everyone I’ve ever met has a birthday in the next two months!) I try to keep an eye out for fast, fun patterns. One of my favorites is Charmed Knits author Alison Hansel’s Orange Bliss Scarf- it’s a quick, easy way to use a delicious yarn for a project your friends are sure to love. If you’re feeling extra generous, the wonderful Kate Gilbert has a super pattern for mittens: Gifted. Combined with the scarf, this chunky gauge set will keep your loved ones warm and cozy!

ps: there’s still a ton of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Super Chunky at rock bottom prices at the Online Store… This entire set takes only four skeins!

Hi, it’s Kel, the person responsible for all those thumping sounds from the back of the shop as I obsessively organize the yarn and books (in between my guest appearances in the front window).

I know it’s a little hard to find the in-stock items at the online store hidden in between the sold out yarns, so I did a little inventory this afternoon… there are some GREAT DEALS still available! Get them before they’re gone… I’ll race you to the Lorna’s Laces!

Check out: Artyarns, Blue Sky, Classic Elite, Crystal Palace, Debbie Bliss, Fiesta, Gedifra, GGH, Karabella, Katia, K1C2, KFI, Lorna’s Laces, Magallanes, Mission Falls, Muench, Nashua, Noro, OnLine, Regia, and Shepherd. (I made a whole itemized list that you can see on my blog if you want…)

Hello, friends!

I’m delighted to write my first post for the Knit Happens blog- can you believe it’s already the first day of summer? I feel like I was wearing my biggest wool sweaters just a few weeks ago. Since packing those away, though, I’ve been having a great time with all the newest yarns. I hope you’ll drop by to visit, chat and enjoy them! Right now, I’m knitting with Kollage’s funky Cornucopia, a 100% corn that’s as easy on the hands as it is on the eyes. Get a load of the gorgeous, saturated color!

Knitting up at just over 4 stitches to the inch, this wonderful, drapey yarn is going to grow up to be cute Coachella from the fun new summer Knitty! Have you seen all the fun patterns and great yarns from this issue? It makes me want a whole stash full bright, summery shades.

Stop in and see a finished Coachella soon!

That’s right, I said a newsletter. Head on over to the store and check it out. (If links from here aren’t working for some reason, go to the site, click on “Info”, scroll down to the bottom and click on “Summer 2007 Newsletter”. You’ll need Adobe Reader to see it.) Aimee and I have written all about TNNA, the new stuff we’re bringing in, and, of course classes!

If you just want to see the classes (and read the newsletter later, of course!) then click here. I’ve turned on the Class Descriptions on the website – so handy! We still can’t take class registrations online, but just give us a call at the shop and we’ll take your registration over the phone.