Knitting with Company » socks

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.

Introducing Hoodwinked at Sock Summit

Neil — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:16:34 +0000

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.

Kauni Effektgarn Just Arrived

Neil — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:43:03 +0000

Just arrived – it’s new to us, we just got in some Kauni Effektgarn … and some wonderful double knitting patterns that make the very best of it.

We’ve got more new stuff coming and there’s a survey that you can answer.

Read more about Lesley’s recent trip to the TNNA Convention in Columbus in our recent newsletter.

Overachievers Sock Club

Neil — Sat, 14 May 2011 01:00:34 +0000

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

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.

Sock Knitter’s Delight – Auction of Yarn

Neil — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:58:53 +0000

Two 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

Starting Bid: $15.00

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.

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

Enter your email below to get notifications of new bids placed on the above item.

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.

Ovarian Cancer Sock Kit

Neil — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:39:34 +0000

Help to make women aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer while also helping to subsidize research into finding an early detection test for the disease.

To help make that happen, in conjunction with Skacel, we are very proud to introduce the “Egg-stra” Special Sock Kit. This sock pattern was designed by Rosemary “Chappy” Chapman, this time in honor of Susanne Skacel, a three-year survivor of ovarian cancer. The Teal color of Trekking in this kit is the official color designated to ovarian cancer, and has been specially dyed just for this cause. Every design aspect of this sock, from the cuff to the toe, is a reminder to us that ovarian cancer can be beaten if we, as women, unite.

All the proceeds from the sale of these kits will be donated to the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research (marsharivkin.org).

Flying Saucers Sighted Over Geneva

Neil — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:33:41 +0000

Just in case you don’t know what Fliegende Untertasse means, it is German for Flying Saucer (or literally “flying under-cup”), and that is exactly what landed in the store on Tuesday. These super colorful disks of yarn are created so that you put a piece of yarn or string through the center, hang them on a doorknob or something similar, and then you can unroll TWO STRANDS AT A TIME of the same space dyed yarn, thus making identical socks! Fun, Fun, Fun … Christie started a pair at the store yesterday so come and see them and grab your Flying Saucer while we still have them … they are literally flying out.

Socks 101 Project Complete

Neil — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:50:55 +0000

We love it when we get updates from our customers.

So Lori just sent us this …

Here are the socks that I started at the April/May “Socks 101″ class. This was my first class at Wool and Company and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ll be in for more yarn soon!

We think she did an awesome job, how about you?

Send us your updates on projects and classes.

If you’d like to sign up for one of our classes you can also do that online.