LYS (Local Yarn Store) & WIP (Work In Progress)

LYS

Every knitter has a favorite LYS and mine just happens to be Hilltop Yarn on the top of Queen Anne! Their old location (across the street from their current location) was just amazing. It was an old house converted into the perfect little yarn shop. Their new location isnt quite as quaint but the fabulousness is just the same. First, let's talk window decorations. They are ALWAYS amazing. Thanksgiving featured knitted turkeys. Yes, you read that right. Halloween was a spider knitting as seen below.

I have never entered this knitters mecca without a warm greeting and an outstretched helping hand. Their yarn stock will leave you well equipped for any project but if they don't have what you want they will order it and call you when it gets in. They have a knit night every Wednesday until 9pm & offer several classes for all types of knitters! Visit Hilltop for your daily dose of fiber! http://www.hilltopyarn.com/

WIP

I have finally started working on the first project that I will sell on my New Year's Resolution aka my future knits site! I have knitted a few pairs of fingerless gloves and have only followed a pattern once. So far they have all come out pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself! So here I go! I am using some of my most favorite yarn that I have ever knitting with. Knit One, Crochet too's Recycled Cotton yarn in "Earth". Needles: US 5 dpns

I will post when I finish my 1st mitten to start drumming up excitement for the my online knitting shop!

Knit on,

Jen

Mark it in my baby book! It's my first sweater!

Well, folks! This is it. My very first sweater. Success! Here are the details for you to peruse:

Pattern: Rogers-esque Cardigan Jacket I found it on one of my favorite knitting websites: Ravelry. More on that in another post, I am sure.

Yarn: Black Cascade 220, using a little over 7 skeins

Needles: US #5 & US#3

I started this back in..ha, I don't remember! Yes, it took me a while but there were a few times that the pattern got confusing and I had to figure out the next step myself. Other than that the pattern was written fairly well. Add to that the nerves of messing up a sweater after you have spent SO many hours. There is a good possibility you will make a small misstep that will force you to start over again. Yes, a knitters WORST nightmare. OH, THE FEAR!

Now that I have successfully finished it I am looking to the future in my knitting! Like I posted before I am going to have an event in February with some friends and some newbies where I am going to teach knitting to newbies. I have only taught one person and not a group so fingers crossed for me. If you are in Seattle and would like to come here are the details: http://twtvite.com/aizbsq. I am also going to start working on getting things knit for my site. You, dear friends, will know when you can buy my knits once it is all set and ready to go.

Approximately 2.5 hours after completion of sweater and Nate and I are not broken up. ;) To find out more about this "knitter's curse" click here: Knitter's Addiction

My suggestions for your knitters that are shaking in your boots every time your man mentions that he is cold every time you whip out your needles:

1- Sit together and pick out the pattern! If he has no idea where to start go through and pick out a handful you know you will be able to knit and have him pick from them! Keep it simple. Unless you are dating Bill Cosby I assume your guy isn't into a pattern that is puddling-lickin' crazy.

2- Bring him to the yarn shop with you! Let him touch the yarn so he knows that it will feel like on him. If it is too scratchy you know he will never wear it. And if he does he will whine all the way and who wants to have to deal with that?

3- Make a pinky promise. Pinky promise that he will be HONEST with you every step of the way. If he thinks the sleeves will be too short, it ends up being itchy etc... Make sure he is honest with you. With that, tell him you will always be honest with him when it comes to this expedition.

So, woop there it is.

Stoked,

Jen

How I learned to knit!

About 3 years ago I decided that I wanted to learn how to knit. I wanted to make my own hats, gloves, scarves...OH MY! I wanted to have something to create while Nathan (www.nthnart.com) created beautiful art. Come on! I am creative too!

On that faithful day (when I decided I was ready) I wandered into Stitches http://www.stitchesseattle.com/ and purchased my first needles and yarn. She also suggested that I purchase "Stitch 'n Bitch - The Knitter's Handbook" by Debbie Stoller.

Even to this day I refer back to this book! It is amazing. With titles of chapters like "You Ain't Shit if You Don't Knit" this book is not only SO informative, it is funny and interesting! Want to learn? This takes you step by step. Just like New Kids on the Block...Oh baby! Seriously. Just. Buy. It.

Tips for new knitters:

-Sign up for www.ravelry.com. This site is like the social media mecca for knitters. It offers a plethora of patterns, groups, and even a place to take pictures and organize all of your creations!

-Ask your local knit shop for suggestions! I started on size 10 straight needles with burnt orange, worsted weight yarn (Still my favorite scarf...to this day!).

-Once you get the hang of it by knitting a few sample squares, knit several scarves just to practice your stitch! Don't need that many scarves? Keep them for the holiday and give them to friends!

Knitting is not only relaxing but you then get the pleasure of making some pretty cool stuff. If you have been thinking of learning to knit and live in the Seattle area check out this knit night I set up: http://twtvite.com/aizbsq

It is for knitters and newbies! Anyone who wants to learn or already knows how!

Knit on!

Jen