Return from Sock Summit 2011

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Neil

So we are back from Sock Summit, and a very good time was had by all. We urge everyone to save their pennies in a jar from now until 2013 … rumor has it that there will be a Sock Summit 3, and you really should be there!

Not only is the class schedule wonderful, the market is fabulous and the organized events like the Fleece to Foot competition and the Flash Mob are a hoot. Spinners and knitters danced with socks and competed to complete a pair of socks from a fleece in the fastest time. The videos are worth watching – you can be the judge.

Introducing Hoodwinked at Sock Summit

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Neil

We have just arrived in glorious Portland with all our wares in tow and are getting prepared to have our collective minds blown by all the wonderful classes, yarns, booths of all kinds of knitting goodies, knit celebs and glitterati attending Sock Summit 2011.

While we’re here we’re introducing our new exclusive colorway of Lorna’s Laces Solemate – “Hoodwinked“. Hoodwinked reflects the grey majesty of a snow capped Mount Hood, dotted with firs under the Oregon sky, and having just driven through miles and miles of Oregon, I can say that the the colors are just perfect.

Solemate (with Outlast) helps you stay cooler in summer and warmer winter. Especially useful for ladies of a certain age!

You can see the magnificent sock that Gretl designed especially to highlight the yarn … called Cornice, the pattern is available as soon as we get back.

Not attending the sock summit? Don’t worry you can order your Hoodwinked and Cornice here and we’ll ship it when we return from Portland.

World Wide Knit in Public at Wool and Company

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Neil

World Wide Knit In Public aka #wwkip

World Wide Knit in Public at Wool and Company The weather was great if a little windy … the threatened storms did not materialize and we all had fun at our World Wide Knit in Public Day aka #wwkip.

There were some drawings, some races, some knitting challenges and word games and then some more knitting challenges.

It was good to see you all come and do your thing on the Plaza, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.

If you couldn’t come, watch this space for news of our Annual Cruisette, When you can enjoy the lovely scenery of the Fox River and the company of your fellow knitters and crocheters.

We will be posting details in the next couple of weeks and you will not want to miss it.

Photo by Kate Kaplan.

St. Charles Fine Art Show This Weekend

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Neil

Award Winning Fine Art Show

Summer is almost here and that means festivals, food and fun. And we have the first event of the season with the St. Charles Fine Art Show this Memorial Day weekend. Come out and enjoy high-quality art, live music and on-site demonstrations during this fabulous two-day event. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We will have our Super Sample Sale with some beautiful model garments available for you to buy, as well as some other great bargains.

St. Charles Fine Art Show This Weekend Also come by the plaza on Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. and we will show you how to make a Dorset Button, so that you can always have a button to match your project. You can also use these to make glorious pendants or bracelets.

The Fine Art Show includes the juried work of over 100 artists in various mediums including watercolor, oil, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, wood, and glass, which are exhibited and available for sale during the event.

Art Around the Corner

St. Charles Fine Art Show This Weekend Starting today, our very own Kate Kaplan will have her artwork on display at Wool and Co. as part of the Fine Arts Show. Come see her photography as well as some ceramic pieces and leather wrap bracelets for sale. You can also enter now to win a bracelet from Kate … click here for details.

Read more about the Fine Art Show and our summer schedule of classes and workshops for all levels of knitter and crocheter. If you are a lace knitter and a fan of Jared Flood you can also find out how to get the Lorna’s Laces Grand Street Ink that he uses in his Rock Island Shawl design.

While you’re at it why not sign up for our newsletter to stay up on the latest news at Wool and Company.

Overachievers Sock Club

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Neil

You know that making socks can be addictive? Well take a look out the output from a recent sock class – and our newly formed Overachievers Sock Club.

Gretl was astounded when her students came back after a couple weeks. Not too much struggling here. Participants had just dived right in with their sock knitting, even modifying our standard “beginner” pattern to include cables and other fancy bits!

If you want to learn to knit socks we’ve got several classes starting over the summer. A pair for every member of your family for the holidays!

And you know that you’ll always be welcome in the overachievers’ sock club.

Oh! By the way … you see the picture (click on it for a bigger view) that has the needles pointing like the hands of a clock … at about 5 o’clock there’s soft pink, cream and lavender sock? Well that’s made with the Lorna’s Laces sock yarn in a colorway that is exclusive to Wool and Company – it’s called “Little England”. We worked with Beth and the nice folks at Lorna’s to design that color.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Neil

Our classes provide a great setting in which you can start your knitting adventure.

You will learn all the fundamental skills and techniques here.

Learn to Knit

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 It all starts here, Learning to Knit also known as Knitting 101 – no previous experience is needed.

At Wool and Company, we have been teaching people how to knit for more than 10 years in the intimacy of a small group setting. Not only do you learn knitting but you’ll make new friends with whom you can share your creativity. Our Learn to Knit has been designed to get the absolute beginner up to speed and to refresh the skills of those who are returning to knitting after a layoff.

We go beyond the basics. You will learn everything from starting your knitting (casting on) to finishing it (binding off). In between we’ll teach you the knit stitch, the purl stitch. We’ll teach you how to read a pattern, and how to fix common mistakes. You’ll learn about all the fabulous modern fibers that you can use to make knitted pieces, whether from sheep, goat, alpaca, possum (yes!) or man-made acrylics and nylons. You’ll learn what fiber is best for what type of knitted article – for example, baby clothes usually need to be easily washed and dried!

Oh! and along the way we’ll have a little fun in our classroom while you complete several projects including a sampler scarf. Register here.

Learn to Crochet

Our Learn to Crochet class runs for three weeks.

We will get you started on a crochet adventure, learn the basics and beyond (slip stitch, chain stitch, foundation chain, single crochet, double crochet, shell stitch and much more). You’ll learn enough to start your first project and pick up the skills needed to complement your knitting. You’ll make squares, washcloths and learn how to do edging. Register here.

Learn to Knit Lace

Do the letters ssk s1 k1 psso k2togtbl send shivers up your spine?

If you would like to get to grips with the basics of lace making, join us for this two week session. We will take the terror out of some of the symbols, charts and letters that can confuse you before you even begin and learn some of the hints and tips that will make your lace life so much more enjoyable.

We will use the techniques you learn to knit the Bessie Cowl.

Learn to Knit Socks – The Joy of Sox

Learn to knit beautiful socks the traditional way using double point needles. The techniques that you learn in this class will be invaluable for almost any other knitting project that you will undertake. Register here.

Crochet Shawl

This exclusive Wool and Company design uses a selection of fine variegated yarn. Crocheted into a shawl that is stunning with its kaleidoscopic color changes. Register here.

Power Hour

Want to learn a few new knitting skills so you can spend more time on the creative side?

We”ll cover a variety of topics: Common Mistakes and Fixes, Cast Ons, Bind Offs, Increase Decrease, Blocking, I-CORD, Seaming, Charts, Duplicate Stitch, Edges and Hems. Call for details.

Kids Camp 2011

July 11th – July 14th 2011. 9am – 10:30 am.

Suitable for children of 8 years or older (no exceptions). Weather permitting we will use the 1st Street Plaza area for fun fiber activities. Wet felting, loom knitting, kool-aid dying. Register here.

Projects! Projects! Projects!

The Sally Melville Series

We were so inspired by Sally Melville when she recently visited Saint Charles and taught some workshops for us that we have put together a series of classes and workshops that focus on her superb designs.

Sally has written several books including The Knit Stitch, The Purl Stitch and Warm Knits, Cool Gifts. Not only do these books provide you with all knowledge you need to harness your skills and indulge in the coolest hobby in town, but Sally also shares meditations and insights from the knitting she has done and the students she has taught — learn how “Knitting Can Change Your Life”, or how to “Develop an Aesthetic”.

Read on to view the classes and workshops that we will be offering in the coming months, some of which are based on Sally’s designs.

Shape It! Scarf

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 This scarf combines a little shallow triangle and a regular scarf, to give you a perfect garment that will cover your neck and flatter you whenever you wear it.

This is a quick and fun knit (no purling) that can serve as a beginner’s first project.

Your Basic Bag

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 There is some pretty spectacular knitting that you can do just by taking advantage of the relationship of stitches to rows.

This Basic Bag introduces you to the techniques of knitting in all directions, it is easy to make (no purling) and requires some simple finishing techniques.

Use the skills that you learn here to tackle larger projects – The Einstein Coat for example.

Favorite Summer Sweater

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 A great standby sweater that is light and cool to wear.

This hip-clearing sweater is meant to be fun and oversized and it’s made for warm weather. Garments that hang free from the body are much cooler to wear.

This sweater is very easy to make (no purling), but teaches some simple shaping and finishing.

Best Friend Jacket

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 Just like a best friend this jacket will always make you feel and look good, and it will come through for you whenever you’re not quite sure what to wear.

The jacket is knit from side-to-side with front and back of differing lengths to give a slight asymmetry. The pattern can also be adapted if you prefer a shorter style.

The jacket is easy to make (no purling) with minimal shaping and finishing using a bulky weight yarn.

Lots of Choices Top

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 How about a vest that is reversible? Here’s what Sally says about the Lots of Choices top.

“I clearly had decisions that I had to make about this garment. Is it a top or a vest? Is it a V-neck or a round neck?”

She refused to make those decision and designed it so that it could be worn either way with both a neck styles and buttons both front and back.

An easy-intermediate project (no purling), the top requires mid level shaping with minimal finishing using a repetitive stitch pattern.

With-a-Twist Turtleneck

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011 Sleeveless with a turtle-neck, as popularized by Sharon Stone, this top uses bulky weight yarn for a quick and versatile top.

Choose a from regular turtle neck (pictured) to finish or use a möbius strip (a piece that is twisted and attached to itself) which gives a nice alternative to a standard turtleneck.

An intermediate knit using a bulky weight yarn and a repetitive stitch pattern with mid-level shaping and simple finishing.

Simple and Sleeveless

A versatile sleeveless top that can worn casual or dressy. Dress up and wear it with a taffeta skirt, or maybe more casual and with blue jeans.

A very easy knit with simple shaping and minimal finishing.

Two-Tone Top

The back and front of this garment are the same – meaning that there is no neck shaping involved.

It is easy to knit a a medium weight yarn and requires some simple shaping and finishing.

Collared Wrap

It’s a wrap and a shawl. When it wraps around the neck it produces a shawl collar.

This is an easy knit with a repetitive pattern and some finishing.

Baby Overalls

The baby overall has been re-invented! These stylish overalls provide a stylish alternative to the onsie. nit these cute baby overalls in one of three sizes: 3-6 months; 6-9 months; 9-12 months.

Blended Baby Blanket

The baby deserves the best – an heirloom, but that would typically mean months of knitting using an intricate pattern!

Sally Melville simplifies this without compromising any of the heirloom qualities and has created this design to make a baby blanket that is soft, easy, and lovely – and something to be treasured across generations.

Classic Ribbed Pullover

This is one of those classics that you go to whenever you want something that is easy and comfortable to wear.

Make it with either a crossover V-neck or a basic turtleneck. It’s a great boyfriend sweater.

Yarn Bombs

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Neil

Not sure what all the fuss is about “yarn bombs”, check out the adventures of Captain Hook and you’ll soon get the idea.

Some of the world’s biggest street artists gathered in Los Angeles in April for the opening of the Art In The Streets show at the Museum of Contemporary Arts. Mingling in the crowd might have been street art legends such as Shepard Fairey or even the ever-mysterious Banksy.

But not “Captain Hook.” She’s part of an international movement of so-called “yarn bombers” … read more.

Crochet On A Bear Statue from Jennifer Sharpe on Vimeo.

Sally Melville Meet and Greet in St. Charles

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Neil

We’re so excited that Sally is here, she is just brimming with ideas and information, not just about knitting, but about everything. If you would love to meet her and find out more about who she is, we have added a Meet and Greet on Thursday evening at the store between 6:30 and 8pm. Come along, meet Sally, buy her books and get them signed, look at some of her wonderful models, and get inspired for your next knitting journey. Don’t miss out! Buy her books now and we’ll have them ready for you when you arrive.

If you have things you have knitted from designs in her books bring them too, the more the merrier.

We also have a couple of spaces left on Friday morning for the Creativity Workshop, so sign up now if you would like to come.

Sally Melville Classes – Attendee Information

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Neil

For those who have registered for one of our Sally Melville workshops that start next week, we wanted to give you a little information to help you get the most out of your time in Saint Charles, including how to prepare, the location and where to park. Make sure to check out the attendee information – read more.

Oh! We still have a few spaces left in “Creativity“. Spend the morning with Sally Melville, step away from the mundane and pay attention to your creative side.

Sally will help us discover the creativity that lies within us all in this workshop – it starts Friday April 15th 9am-12pm. Fee $75. Sign up now!

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