Hello.

I have this friend that is an awesome crochet person. She has a handknit sweater. The collar was just a tad to open and the shoulder length just a tad to long. She asked me to help this beautiful sweater fit her just so. Of course I said YES!.
This sweater was done in a cotton blend and was worked from the top down.

Marked and ready to go in for surgery

So to tackle this problem I suggested to her to measure and try on the sweater and mark where the best start for the collar to start so it fits her. She has marked with the white thread.  So the game plan on this fix was to cut off the collar down to where she marked it and then knit the collar back up to the length she wanted. Do you see the problem? Yes. I can’t get the same cable that has been worked from neck down to look the same being worked neck up. Easy fix on that one, she is ok with a ribbed collar.

The next issue occurred when I started looking as to where to actually pick up the stitches. Her thread was on all different rows. I picked the one that was the least amount away from the beginning on the original collar because I figured I could always take more off  more easily than putting more on.

In went the needle, out came the scissors.

I put my needle (same size used in the pattern) through a few stitches and started to cut….

Cut sweater. Sorry for the blurry image.

I continued around the entire collar; cutting, ripping and picking up stitches. It was actually fun, Joe helped!

The sweater is back on the needles!

If you have ever picked up and went the other way knitting, you notice that the stitches are half a stitch off. This was not a huge deal at all because I finished the collar all in a 1X1 rib.

I don’t have a final image because I finished with her next to me (I wanted her to try it on before I knit the collar) and just handed it off! Hopefully she will enjoy many years with her sweater.

Onto the next “fix” putting together an asymmetrical sweater and also a tutorial on how I added different colored cables onto a pair of baby pants!

See you in the shop.

Jolene

We had a surprise delivery of more of our Yarn of the Month, Rock Creek Yarn - silk lace weight!  It is 100% Spun Mulberry Silk and 1030 yards.  We only have five total skeins but it’s beautiful colorways make it worth mentioning.  As with the Rock Creek sock yarn, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase of this lace weight and a portion of the proceeds will be given to Doctors Without Borders.  This lovely yarn would be perfect for several shawl patterns we have in the shop but we’d think it would be absolutely amazing for the Fiber Trends Shoalwater Shawl.

I also thought it was worth noting that several colorways of the Rock Creek Super Soft Sock Yarn will glow under a black light!  Now I imagine that you’re asking “Why would I want or need yarn that will glow under a black light?”  Our answer, why wouldn’t you?  We think this would add an amusing aspect to any pair of socks you’re working on.  When you come to check it out make sure you bring the black light you’ve hung on to for all these years!

Jolene is getting ready to post a new list of classes for you to take!

Did you miss my Magic Loop sock class? Another chance for you to take it is on its way! I will also be teaching a class on a this cute crocheted beret

Is there something specific you want to learn how to do? A particular class you’d be interested in taking? Why not throw us some ideas? Maybe we’ll have a class based on your idea.

And remember, if you can’t find a class that fits your needs or schedule, we will happily arrange for you to take a private lesson. You could even gather a group of friends together and have a private group lesson.

Learn something new!

I’ve been trying for days now to write an exciting blog post about fun adventures at the shop or what I’ve been furiously working on BUT I’ve been away from the shop for a few weeks (I am thrilled to be returning on Saturday to see what I’ve missed) and I’m in a knitting rut.  I’ve got a small project I was working on but I can’t figure out why I have absolutely no interest in finishing it when it would take me no time at all.  I am referring to the lovely Three Irish Girls baby sweater I posted about a few weeks ago.  I’ve made it up to the arm pit but just can’t bring myself to finish.  My post is short and sweet as I simply want to pose a questions to you, our readers.

How do you return to knitting when can’t muster up the energy/desire/courage/concentration to do so?

With the hope that you’re happily knitting away,
Risha

PS:  I am reading a wonderful book now entitled The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil.  The tales of the “Stitch and Bitch” group in the book reminds me so much of our Sunday Sit and Knit group!  If you’ve never dropped by on Sundays from 2-4pm you really should.  I guarantee you’ll have a good time and maybe even a cookie or two!