Knitting with Company » fun

Pook Toque

Neil — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:36:44 +0000

Just arrived – the Pook Toque™ is the most fashionable and unique winter toque you will find anywhere. From skiing the slopes, walking the dog on a brisk winter night, keeping warm in a cottage, or attending your daily business meeting, you want to be seen wearing the Pook Toque™! One size fits most…5 to adult.

Not only is the Pook Toque™ the most stylish winter toque around, it is also 2 toques in 1, can be made into limitless styles, and it has surrounded itself with great company.

Also available are the Pook Dukes™, Pookle Toquie™, and Pook Boots™.

Knitting Cruise or Cruisette on the Fox River

Neil — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:29:19 +0000

Our annual Knitting Cruise (really a Cruisette) is filling up, so don’t leave it much longer to sign up. We will enjoy desserts, wine and drinks and lots of inspiration from your fellow knitters as you wander around the boat and see what everyone is working on. If you want to just enjoy the ride and watch the world go by this is the event for you, but if you want to join in the fun, we will be playing a round or two of Last Knitter Standing .. so be prepared for antics!

Absolutely Fabulous – AbFab – Darling

Neil — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:14:55 +0000

It’s an AbFab weekend and Patsy and Edina are on the edge of their seats.

We have two very exciting (British) things to tell you about today, even though it is an American Holiday Weekend.

The first thing, September 5th to 11th is Wool Week and the Campaign for Wool is making a big splash in the UK. There are activities, celebrations and shows going on around the world. Take a look at all the wonderful designers and companies who are making a stand for wool.

How exciting is it to have all these big names get behind the campaign, which is chaired by Prince Charles? Sign up to support them and get their emails and let’s spread the word on the Fabulousity of Wool.

And speaking of fabulous, thing number two …

Not sure when it will air here but you can bet we will glued to the telly, Bolly in hand, when the award-winning Absolutely Fabulous returns to BBC America later this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

AbFab Throws

And guess what we’ll be doing while we’re watching? Yes we’ll be knitting an AbFab Throw!!!

Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley will reprise their roles as Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone, together with original cast members Julia Sawalha as Saffy, June Whitfield as Mother and Jane Horrocks as Bubble.

Which Lady of AbFab are you? Well, you could be a nagging wet blanket, a marshmallow-brained assistant, or an overbearing, kleptomaniac mum. Take the Which Lady of AbFab Are You? Quiz to find out if you’re a Patsy, an Edina, a Saffy, a Bubble, or a Mother.

Win A Knitter’s Gift Basket Valued at $250 in the Yarn Crawl

Neil — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:10:57 +0000

It’s Yarn Crawl time … so get your running shoes out. Stop in at any of the participating stores to pick up a passport and get it stamped for a chance to win three grand prize raffle baskets – check out the Chicagoland Yarn Crawl Website for full details.

We have the passports and we will be handing them out and stamping them starting at 10am tomorrow, Friday August 19th.

The the first 10 people to pick them up will get a free skein of yarn!

On Yarn Crawl Saturday August 20 we have breakfast for you … between 9 and 11 or until it is gone, Neil and Christie are making yummy crêpes for your delight, and we will have other delicacies to give you strength for the crawl.

We also have our own great prize basket valued at $250. It includes two signed books, yarn, glass needles, among other thing. And we will be adding things to it throughout the crawl, so you simply have to come by and and pick up a passport to get your name in the drawing.

On Wednesday at 3:30 PM & 6 PM our friend and wonderknitter Nan Palmer will be leading a yoga for knitters session outside on the plaza … don’t worry, we wont be lying down or wearing skimpy clothing (unless of course you want to).

Then at around 6:30 PM we will go next door to McNally’s for something yummy to eat and a pint. Wednesday night is also Karaoke Night starting at 9 PM, so if you are brave and/or drunk you can stay for that!

We hope to see you during yarn crawl week.

Return from Sock Summit 2011

Neil — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:38:38 +0000

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.

World Wide Knit in Public at Wool and Company

Neil — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:22:46 +0000

World Wide Knit In Public aka #wwkip

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.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011

Neil — Wed, 11 May 2011 18:25:22 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neil — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:13:37 +0000

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.

Wedding Bells – Closing Early Saturday

Neil — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:45:31 +0000

We will be closing early at 3:00pm tomorrow, Saturday April 9th and we’ll open as normal at 11am on Sunday.

Everyone at Wool and Company will be celebrating the marriage of our very own Christie Stotko and Joe.

Congratulations Christie and Joe.