Knit Picky's Blog Spot

Mirasol is here and worth the wait...

2008-10-09T13:44:00.007-05:00

We've loved Mirasol, and The Mirasol Project, every since we heard the story and felt the yarn.

Today, we got our fall shipment from KFI-Euro. New yarns from Mirasol: Chirapa, Qina, Tupa and new colors of Hacho, Miski and Sulka! New pattern books, too.

We also got a splash of refreshing colors in Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool, Hempathy, and Kathmandu Aran (a pretty pinky tweed is one of my favs).

Here are a few pictures, frantically snapped as we ripped thru boxes like it was Christmas morning. Now....here's a carrot for you! If you are the first to read this and post a reply, you'll get 10% off your Mirasol purchase!

Now...back to the red couch for more fondling.

Addi Click Sets on Order (Regular & Lace Addi's are in)

2008-10-07T20:59:00.005-05:00

We don't have our Addi Click sets yet but we did get a box of Addi needles today. But both regular Addi's and Lace Addi's came in today.

We have 10 Addi Click sets ordered. We are taking pre-orders if you know you want a set. Skacel cannot give us an exact ship date but they predict Nov/Dec. Just in time for holiday knitting (fingers crossed).

We're getting a Make-Over!

2008-10-05T11:40:00.005-05:00

What do you think about the make-over to our blog spot?? I thought the first version needed updating and with the assistance of Julianna (knitter, blogger, movie-geek extraordinaire and friend) we've got a whole new look!

The blog was getting a little dusty. I've been posting less and less and I apologize for that. I plan to post more stories about the shop, projects I'm starting and the few I'm finishing, as well as new items and events at KPYS.

So...THANK YOU Juli! And if you are the first one to post a comment about the new look, you'll receive a free gift from us! Even if you're not the first, we'd appreciate your input. Tell us what you'd like to see here. We have so many cute stories about happenings at the business, that I thought it would be fun to share them with you!

Have a wonderful Sunday! By the way....our first ever "Knit Your Fashion" Show was a huge hit yesterday at the Pink Ribbon Talks. I'm waiting on some pictures and I'll post more about it!

Jo

Trunk Show: Fitted Knits!

2008-08-31T09:00:00.004-05:00

Fitted Knits, by Stefanie Japel, has been a favorite of mine since it was published. The cover is pretty, the designs are flattering, and the book is a best seller. I'm tickled pink to have the actual knitwear in the shop!! You gotta see these sweaters. From a short bolero to a long luscious sweater coat, these garments are unique and beautiful. Take a peek at your favorite design!

See photos of sweaters here and, of course, on Ravelry!

The Trunk Show is with us until Friday, Sept 5th, when we'll pack and ship to the next lucky LYS.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!

My Ozark in progress

2008-08-04T09:16:00.004-05:00

Susan and I couldn't keep our paws out of the Ozark! So we picked up 2 skeins and we're each knitting this funky wrap. It knits up in less than 2 hours. I still have the ruffle to add around the edge. So many colors in this yarn that I can't decide on a color for the trim.

Classes starting this week....

2008-08-03T18:22:00.006-05:00

Tiffany's knitted her Hemlock Ring Blanket as a wedding gift and it has been on display in the shop while being blocked. People who saw it stopped in their tracks and stared. It took their breath away. She joked that it looked like a jellyfish before we blocked it (and it kinda did)! But afterwards....wow!

Tiffany starts her class on the Hemlock this coming Tuesday, August 5th. Click for dates/times.

If you're up for something a little smaller, check out KnitPicky/Marette's Original Design ~ The Floating Gems necklace. This class also starts August 5th. Knitting with wire is fun and creates a unique piece of jewelry that looks like a million bucks! Perfect for a gift but you'll need two (one to give, one to keep)!

Our Friday night knitting class in August is on the 8th and features the Swallow Hill Beaded Scarf. Several of you have this kit and we're offering a 'how to get started' session with tips and tricks. As you know, this scarf is jewel-like and will be a beautiful accessory for any holiday party or special event.

Check out our list of August classes for your very own back to school fun! Click to see Knit Picky's class schedule.

To register, use the online form on the website, call us at 768-5599 and you may leave a message, email us at info@knitpickyyarns.com, or come by the shop.

Gardiner Yarn Works Designs

2008-07-21T19:19:00.007-05:00

After meeting Chrissy at market and seeing her designs, I knew we should have her patterns in the shop. The patterns arrived and include lots of sock designs, lace patterns, sweater patterns in regular and plus sizes, and a cute "collegiate style" kid sweater!!

Oooohh...and we're the only NC shop listed as retailers for Chrissy's patterns. Whee!! Check out the whole pattern line here.

Come by the shop and check them out....

Christmas in July

2008-07-11T20:58:00.003-05:00

We have a beautiful display of hand knit Christmas Stockings in the shop. The kits range from $40 to $88 and include a pattern, quality yarn and embelishments. Since opening the shop, I've heard excellent reviews about these kits and I'm very pleased with our first order. Plus, they are a North Carolina company!

I hope you'll stop in and see them. A few of you have expressed an interest in a project class for the stockings since they require colorwork or intarsia. We'd love to do this!

Not exactly on topic...

2008-07-07T20:49:00.003-05:00

What do you get when you mix together rhinestone, blinking tiaras, a couple bottles (or more) of champagne and some of the sexiest knitters around?

Way too much fun, thats what. More photos on Laura's blog.

Mission: Clean the Clutter

2008-07-06T20:12:00.002-05:00

I'll have to say, being closed to clean and reorganize was not that much fun! I missed open knit night. I missed seeing my customer friends. I missed Randy and Marcus delivering those fun brown and blue & white boxes. I'll admit, I'm a pack-rat. Always thinking I might need something later. So I stuff it behind something only to not remember where it is when I DO in fact need it. Or never think of it again (more like it).

Anyhoo....with the help of lots of people (Steve, Susan, Belva, Pat, Zana, Tiffany and Mom) the shop is looking smashing! The sale bin is full, the yarn room has some spaces ready for new arrivals, and the wall of hand-dyed yarn still makes me stop and stare. Really pretty.

I'm trying to create an inviting ambiance in the kitchen so we can spill over on Knit Nights and not feel like we're banished to the kids table. We found a pair of cute white wrought iron chairs, covered in popping pink, that remind me of 50's ice cream parlor chairs. I like them.

So...I can't wait to see all of you. To hear what you've been up to and to show off our new found space. Thanks for understanding and being patient about the closing. Bring in your projects to show off. Remember, Ice Cream Social this Wednesday-bring your favorite topping.

Happy Knitting!!
Jo

My Favorite Summer Shirt

2008-06-30T20:16:00.003-05:00

I know the shop is closed this week, but I just had to show all of you this shirt. I've made a lot of shirts this summer, as you all have seen. But this one is, by far, my favorite. The pattern is Picovoli by Grumperina and the yarn in Waikiki by Crystal Palace Yarns. I had been in love with the colorway for a long time and was searching for what it wanted to be. I'm very happy with the finished project.

Sasha is DONE!

2008-06-13T19:43:00.003-05:00

There are quite of few of you who have seen me working on some part of this skirt. I am very happy to say that Sasha is done and I am thrilled with the result. If you'd like to see it in person, I'll proudly be wearing her at the shop tomorrow as I work all day. Hope you have a great weekend!

Celebrities at Market

2008-06-07T21:24:00.006-05:00

What a day! We've each been starstruck by different knitting celebrities. We're pretending to be best friends. Jo and Louisa, Belva and Cat, Susan and Lily....first name basis!

Today we scanned the yarn market floor and made several terrific purchases for the shop. We are yarn drunk with excitement!! Can't wait for you guys to see the goods which are scheduled to arrive in July, August and September.

Here we are...proud as punch with our new found friends!

Louisa Harding taught a fun and creative class on knitting a summer bag.

Belva, Cat Bordhi and me returning from our luncheon with guest speaker....Stephanie Pearl McPhee!! What a fun girl she is!!

Jo and Melissa Leapman, aka queen of cables, talking together after a clever reversible scarf class.

Last AND least is Maria....visiting shop dog for Knitter's Mercantile here in Columbus. Had to check out the LYS you know!

Now we're off to plan our strategy for tomorrow. By the way....Martini Man still works at the restaurant/bar that Ann Marie and I visited last year. Ann Marie.... he's still pretty cute!

It's Show Time!!

2008-06-04T19:52:00.006-05:00

The girls and I packed up this morning and hit the road. We arrived in sunny Columbus around 4pm after traveling through the beautiful Virginia and West Virginia countryside and battling a couple of thunderstorms.

After checking in to our hotel we promptly screwed the top off of some wine, had a glass in our corner room and relaxed a while before heading out to dinner at The Elevator (thought of you, Ann Marie!!). The Elevator is a unique restaurant here in Columbus. In the early 1900's it served as a pool hall and cigar bar. Above the bar area is a bird cage. Not like Sky Birdie's cage but a second floor balcony which served as a showcase for the ladies of the night! I tried to get a picture but the lights were low and my camera couldn't capture the moment!

My meal was not only delicious it was beautiful! Tuna with sliced almonds and house wasabi and hot sauce. Yummmm!!

Tomorrow we are sleeping in a bit then we'll brew some of Belva's freshly roasted coffee and off we go!! First to register for the Broadway Show of Yarn (TNNA), then off to check out the Columbus LYS's and then....who knows! Classes start Friday and the market opens on Saturday.

Here's to all you fun girls!! Wish you were here!

A Beautiful Bride to be (and yummy-good food)!

2008-05-19T09:29:00.008-05:00

We had a perfect excuse to throw a party at the shop: Laura's wedding shower! So with the help of Belva, Susan, Ann Marie and Kim, we pulled off a good time!

See our yummies?! And fresh cut flowers from Susan's garden.

Beautiful mother and daughter!

Our gift to Laura & Chris....a hand made blanket...perfect for snuggling which is required for a good marriage I think. Do we look proud or what??!!

See more photos on Laura's wedding blog here.

Beading Class

2008-05-05T18:23:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday, I rolled out of bed, had my two cups of coffee and went to the shop on my day off (I love that little shop!) I wanted to take the Knitting with Beads class and knew we had 2 openings. So I did and had a ball! Zana is one of the most creative ladies I know and she's an excellent instructor. Three other fun girls and I learned the beading technique and laughed at how long it took us to string our beads. Instead of choosing random beads, like Zana suggested, we each were thinking too long and hard about choosing just the right, minuscule bead. Enough!! Just pick the beads and go!! I like my golden bracelet but you should see the others: vivid deep blues and water color greens. Maybe we can get a picture of them, too. Anyway, this was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Now I gotta try Knitting with Beads and Wire. Kim and Laura have already done it. Overachievers.

Ribby Shell Pattern Now IN STOCK

2008-04-22T17:03:00.000-05:00

After Kim knit the Ribby Shell (twice!) we promptly sold out of the pattern. Ooops! But don't worry, more have arrived. So now you can knit your own Ribby Shell. If you would like us to hold a copy of the pattern for you, give us a call at 768-5599!

A New Shirt - The Ribby Shell

2008-04-11T17:14:00.004-05:00

Yes, I know I'm obsessed with summer shirts. Here's my next one (actually, this is my 2nd of this design). This is the Chic Knits Ribby Shell. Knit Picky is going to offer a class on this wonderful summer shirt. The options are unlimited. Whether you like solids or a little more color (mine is done in Tye-Dye, this one is a gift). The classes will be on Saturdays - possibly starting the last day of May, so keep your calender open!

Better late than never...

2008-04-10T14:29:00.002-05:00

OK, so sometime back in December I saw Shanna working on her Jaywalkers and I just HAD to do them, too. It is now April 10 and I have the first one done. I have gotten 1 or 2 things done in the meantime, but that's kinda bad - even for me. Hopefully, I get the 2nd done a lil quicker.

Google Maps

2008-04-10T10:30:00.002-05:00

I was listening to a podcast by "Its a Purl Man" today and he was talking about Google Maps. How is this knitting related, you ask? Well, LYS are listed on Google Maps and its one of the main ways that new customers find yarn shops. So I immediately headed over to the site to make sure Knit Picky was listed and all the information was correct-- it was. But there are no reviews. So how are prospective customers supposed to know that we are a GOOD yarn shop, not just any ol' shop? If you have had a good experience at Knit Picky, I encourage you to go over to maps.google.com and search for Knit Picky Yarns (that should be enough for the program to find it). When it pops up you should see a link to "Write a Review". I think you need to have a google account to do this. That way, if knitters are visiting from out of town, recently moved to our area or just took up knitting, they will know that Knit Picky is THE place to come for yarn and knitting notions in our area! Thanks!!

Laura

Fun Girls who Knit (and Crochet)

2008-04-10T06:33:00.003-05:00

It's Thursday morning and I'm thinking again, "What a fun group we have each Wednesday night at the shop". Our group is so unique, talented and diverse. It feels like best friends and family gathering together to share stories and laughter! And although we had a few low-volume moments last night, we often get loud with chatter in every corner of the room!

I am also lucky to have a terrific, yet smaller, group of ladies fill the yarn lounge on Thursday mornings. This quieter, coffee sipping group discusses new grandchildren, travels to far away places, children and jobs, and what's the best way to handle shoulder seams. And we laugh, too. That's a common denominator for both groups and it serves as our release. Release of worries, concerns, frustrations....things we all face in our busy lives.

I am blessed, that's for sure. And I always feel better after attending these two groups. Cheaper than therapy, right?! Thanks to each and every one of you who hop in your car and drive to your favorite knitting group. Knit Picky's success is a reflection of your passion!

Bear hugs to you!
Jo

Welcome Jojoland!

2008-03-30T09:06:00.005-05:00

Melody by Jojoland arrived as expected! Along with two beautiful shop samples: the Swirl Shawl (amazing!) and the Dragon Melody Shawl (exquisite!). I've enjoyed wearing these around the shop this week. Stop by and try them on yourself!!

The good news....the Dragon Melody Shawl may be made for less than $100 (yarn, pattern and needles)!

The Swirl Shawl is constructed in one piece (whew) so there's no sewing small swirls together.

Melody is a 100% superwash wool, variegated in a fingering weight. Perfect for shawls, scarves, wraps and yup...SOCKS! Balls are put up in 50gms, 220 yds and recommended needle size is US 1-3 giving you 7-8 sts per inch. Cost: $6.75 per ball.

Hope you love this yarn as much as I do!

New Yarn Arrivals!

2008-03-18T15:40:00.004-05:00

Two BIG boxes from Plymouth arrived today, full of new yarns perfect for your spring and summer projects!

Linen Isle is a spring yarn using the fiber of the season (that would be linen, of course) blended with cotton. I can see this yarn used for everything from sleeveless tops to skirts to shoulder bags. The colors are all soft and natural to show off the beauty of the linen.

Happy Feet is Plymouth's brand new sock yarn. It looks like a handpaint, but cheaper! Superwash Merino/ Nylon, fingering weight, bold, beautiful colors. Whats not to love?

But the star of the show has got to be Shire Silk. This 100% silk yarn has an incredible tweedy texture that you really need to see in person. So come on over, take a seat on the red couch, and check out all the new goodies!

Erin Rocked her Dye Pot at Knit Picky! And shook a tail feather, too!!

2008-03-14T12:34:00.011-05:00

Erin politely offered to help, so we put her to work right away trying to pull apart a vintage (old) table that was bolted together.

Wow! What fun we had with Erin. Thanks to you, we've decided to dye yarn more often and to hold more classes in our Dye Kitchen.

Whoo Hooo this was fun!

Believe it or not, this actually turned out pretty!

Shanna's "Yarn Cinna-bon". No picture of mine...it was brown and green...looked kinda like the baggies you use after your dog walks!

It's intense....trying to determine your intensity!!

Amazing colorway! Love it.

We did have time to laugh and listed to stories.

Pleased as punch!

Me and E!

So long, MamaE!! We miss you and are looking forward to our Baltimore trip next May.

MamaE Visits Knit Picky Today!

2008-03-07T09:27:00.002-05:00

A yarn celebrity flies into NC today! We have a full workshop and are thrilled to have Erin Taylor Bell visit us. She is packing LOTS of new hand-dyed yarn and designer project bags especially for Knit Picky. These will be available for sale on TUESDAY, March 11th! (You know....the workshop/pajama girls get first dibs on the new goodies but don't worry....she's bringing plenty for all!)

See her WS post here...
www.mamaespot.com