Tag Archives: knitting

World Wide Knit in Public at Wool and Company

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World Wide Knit In Public aka #wwkip

World Wide Knit in Public at Wool and CompanyThe 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.

Knit One Knit All Elizabeth Zimmermann

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We have been waiting patiently for a couple of boxes to land on our doorstep … not so much the boxes but the contents actually … any way, you will be thrilled to know that we now have Knit One Knit All, Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Garter Stitch Designs.

You have to have this book. It will change the way you look at knitting forever, and as is usual with anything connected with Elizabeth or her daughter Meg, it is full of delightful illustrations, anecdotes and asides. Add to that some wonderful watercolors and drawings by Elizabeth, and the book takes you right into a calm quiet serene world, where you can look around at nature while knitting wonderful garter stitch creations.

Knit One Knit All Elizabeth ZimmermannThis book has updated versions of some of Elizabeth’s most famous designs such as the Baby Surplice sweater, which is a cross-over version of the Baby Surprise, and the Long Collared Jacket, which is a cousin of the famous Tomten Jacket.

Some of the designs are traditional while others, like the 1955 Striped Blouse (pictured) look completely up to the minute while still incorporating all the clever features you would expect from Elizabeth.

There is also a wonderful technique section which clearly illustrates some of the renowned Zimmermann trademark features. We will have some knitalongs as soon as we can, so let us know which of the projects you would like to work on first.

To reiterate my third sentence, you have to have this book!

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011

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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 2011It 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.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Learn 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.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Learn 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.

Register here.

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.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Power 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 2011This 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.

Register here.

Your Basic Bag

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011There 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.

Register here.

Favorite Summer Sweater

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011A 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.

Register here.

 

Best Friend Jacket

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Just 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.

Register here.

Lots of Choices Top

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011How 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.

Register here.

With-a-Twist Turtleneck

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Sleeveless 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.

Register here.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Simple 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.

Register here.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Two-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.

Register here.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Collared 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.

Register here.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Baby 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.

Register here.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Blended 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.

Register here.

Class and Workshop Schedule Summer 2011Classic 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.

Register here.

Sally Melville Meet and Greet in St. Charles

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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

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Sally Melville Classes Attendee InformationFor 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!

Every Other Month Club – Karen Shawl

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Every Other Month Club Karen ShawlFor the next two months our Every Other Month project is the Karen Shawl from our favorite designer Amy Swenson aka indigirl and we have kitted up two versions for you to pick from. Our premium kit is available for $29.75 with gorgeous Baby Boom from Fiesta, and our luxury kit comes with a yummy cashmere blend from Madeline Tosh for $32.75.

They are both fabulous, one just a bit more luxurious than the other. You will get the yarn, the pattern and a nice little clear zippered bag to keep your project clean and safe for the fabulous price of either $29.75 or $32.75.

Once again, send us the picture of your finished project and we will put you in the drawing for the next kit for free.

This is what Amy says about the Karen Shawl:

Every Other Month Club Karen Shawl“Like many knitters, my stash overflows with handpainted sock yarn, usually in 100g skeins. If I knit only socks, I would have yarn to last for several years. Instead, I wanted to design a simply addictive shoulder shawl pattern. One that would be easy enough for knitting on my commute to work, but interesting enough to keep me motivated through the final stitches”.

“With a knit-on garter stitch border, this elegant shawl features many common lace-knitting techniques in an easy to memorize pattern. Named for my mother, I knit hers as a holiday gift”.

Sock Knitter’s Delight – Auction of Yarn

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Sock Knitters Delight Auction of YarnTwo auctions added that will delight all you sock knitters … get some of the best quality German sock yarns at a price that will make your feet sing.

The bidding for both these collections opens at $15 … you could save more than 80% on regular retail.

Click for bidding rules.

Sock Knitters Delight - Auction # 1

Sock Knitters Delight Auction of Yarn

Starting Bid: $15.00

Sock Knitters Delight Auction of Yarn
Going for $46.00 Winning: pamela greenleaf

Description Bid Here Bids Watch

You are bidding on a selection of quality sock yarns from Germany with a regular retail price of $89, as pictured.

Enough yarn to make 5 pairs of socks.

Bidding allowed for registered users only. Register or Log in.

  1. pamela greenleaf bid $46.00 on 2011-03-23 15:38:25
  2. Jeanette W Macon bid $45.00 on 2011-03-23 15:37:52 [auto]
  3. pamela greenleaf bid $45.00 on 2011-03-23 15:37:52
  4. Jeanette W Macon bid $44.00 on 2011-03-23 15:37:16 [auto]
  5. pamela greenleaf bid $43.00 on 2011-03-23 15:37:16
  6. Jeanette W Macon bid $42.00 on 2011-03-23 15:34:58
  7. pamela greenleaf bid $41.00 on 2011-03-22 15:35:29
  8. Jeanette W Macon bid $40.00 on 2011-03-22 13:38:07
  9. pamela greenleaf bid $39.00 on 2011-03-22 11:31:51
  10. jeanette W Macon bid $38.00 on 2011-03-22 11:02:09
  11. Linda Timmons bid $36.00 on 2011-03-22 09:31:31
  12. pamela greenleaf bid $35.00 on 2011-03-22 09:31:09 [auto]
  13. Linda Timmons bid $34.50 on 2011-03-22 09:31:09
  14. pamela greenleaf bid $31.00 on 2011-03-22 07:35:50
  15. Susan Bates bid $30.00 on 2011-03-22 07:35:12 [auto]
  16. pamela greenleaf bid $30.00 on 2011-03-22 07:35:12
  17. Susan Bates bid $28.50 on 2011-03-21 19:33:53
  18. Linda Timmons bid $26.00 on 2011-03-21 13:23:03
  19. Susan Bates bid $25.00 on 2011-03-21 12:08:11 [auto]
  20. Julia Bethune bid $25.00 on 2011-03-21 12:08:11
  21. Susan Bates bid $24.50 on 2011-03-21 12:06:52 [auto]
  22. Julia Bethune bid $24.00 on 2011-03-21 12:06:52
  23. Susan Bates bid $23.50 on 2011-03-21 12:04:42 [auto]
  24. Julia bethune bid $23.00 on 2011-03-21 12:04:42
  25. Susan Bates bid $22.50 on 2011-03-21 12:02:34 [auto]
  26. Julia Bethune bid $22.00 on 2011-03-21 12:02:34
  27. Susan Bates bid $21.50 on 2011-03-21 12:01:58 [auto]
  28. Julia Bethune bid $21.00 on 2011-03-21 12:01:58
  29. Susan Bates bid $20.50 on 2011-03-20 18:21:39
  30. Sally Gradle bid $15.00 on 2011-03-20 15:23:29

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Shipping Details

Shipping: $6.95

From: Illinois, USA

To: US locations via USPS (worldwide extra)

Payment Details

Winner will receive PayPal payment link via email.

 

Creativity with Sally Melville

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Creativity with Sally MelvilleWe have just added an additional Creativity workshop with Sally Melville – Creativity and it starts on Friday 4/15 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Here is what Sally has to say about creativity …

We all use the word ‘creativity,’ but most of us do not know what it means. It seems some ephemeral quality which only others—much loftier folk than us—have an ability to access. But the truth is that it lies within each of us to be creative and that it is a source of joy to access our own powers and abilities.

Once we understand the nature of creativity and feel encouraged to develop our own, we need to appreciate the stages we will encounter. What are they? What happens in each stage? How do we get a running start? Where might we get stuck? How do we move forward once stuck? And finally, where might we end up?

This workshop answers all of these questions, is well illustrated with examples and anecdotes, has participants work through creative exercises of their own, and ends with a discussion of best and worst case scenarios, of what we might have learned, of where we might go from here, and of what a creative act might mean in terms of defining ourselves and our life’s purpose.

Sign up today.

Sally Melville – Malabrigo – Liberty Wool – Brown Sheep – Eco Wool

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Sally Melville Malabrigo Liberty Wool Brown Sheep Eco WoolThe Sally Melville workshops are filling up quickly. Sally is amazing but even I have been surprised at the response so please, don’t be disappointed … sign up today. These workshops have all been designed to appeal to any level of knitter – and if you want to brush up on your skills ahead of time why not try one of our Knitting 101 classes, or maybe sign up for that other Sally Melville favorite – The Einstein?

New Malabrigo has Just Arrived

Sally Melville Malabrigo Liberty Wool Brown Sheep Eco WoolYou waited and waited and waited, and it’s here … in addition to the Merino Worsted and Lace weights we are also introducing Rasta – the newest addition to the Malabrigo catalog; a wonderful super bulky yarn, all dyed in Aquarella colors – and we have the full color pallette.

We also have Malabrigo’s pattern books. Book 1 – written in collaboration with Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton, Book 2 has patterns by Melissa Leapman and Book 3 has patterns from a collection of your favorite designers.

Brown Sheep and Eco Wool

We have received our first spring shipment (yes – we’re thinking Spring!) of Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Worsted and are expecting new stock of the Bulky in the next few days. We also have a new supply of Cascade Eco Wool on the way.

Liberty Wool

You all just love that Liberty Scarf from Classic Elite, and it is one of those yarns we simply cannot get enough of. I have just ordered more Liberty Wool in each color and it should be here mid-week, so be patient. In the meantime, we have plenty in the variegated prints.