Finished Object Friday

or as Jane calls it FO Friday. As the weather gets colder we are seeing quite a few Finished objects this week.

We had a Girl Scout troop in finishing their hats. I even got my knitting badge, which I LOVE. Thanks to all the moms and kids who keep the arts and crafts going.

Both hats are done out of a thick bulky weight yarn on size 13 needles. The top is Twinkle Soft Chunky, a lovely bulky weight, super soft, great colored yarn. We will be using this yarn for one of our upcoming FREE thanksgiving classes. I'll post more about this project next week. The bottom one is a lovely hand painted. We've got about a half dozen colors of this soft hand-dyed yarn on the back wall.

Next up, Marilyn, or as we call her Marilyn Marilyn, you know because we have Triplet Marilyn, finished this beautiful Modular Square Vest out of Jarbo Garn Duo. It's a lovely striping 100% Acrylic, Machine Washable, Super soft yarn. Better yet there are 343 yards on one skein and 3.5 sts on a 10.5 needle. We've had quite a few people buy this yarn for all types of projects. Scarves, hats, baby sweaters, men and women's sweaters, jackets and even afghans. We've got more coming again, it's almost sold out twice, but we still have plenty in stock for many different projects.

Sue D, one of my funniest customers, has become a master at knitting 2 socks at the same time, after taking our 2 at a time Sock Class. She finished matching Knee high socks out of the lovely Tofutsies for her nieces, and is making a pair Harry Potter socks for their Dad. I believe the color she used was Hedwig. He has a size 14 shoe, so if that isn't love, I don't know what it is. She's a wiz at turning the heel 2 at a time, which is the hardest part of the whole process. We've got plenty of both yarns in the shop, use them for socks, for scarves or even for the side to side baby sweater that Sara finished last week. Beautiful.

I've got plenty more to show, but that's all the time I've got. So, if you've got some Finished Objects, bring them into the shop, let me snap a picture, and we'll put you on our wall of fame next FO Friday.

See you soon!

Come Knit/Crochet and Nosh with us this Friday!

It seems late this month, but this Friday, is our monthly Knit and Nosh. We'd love for you to come join us, out of the rain (it's supposed to rain on Friday) how cool is that. Start working on your Christmas gifts, or finish some of those projects that are just hanging around your neck. Also, you'll get to see a sample of one of the FREE classes for Thanksgiving weekend. It's beautiful, it's gorgeous, and would make a perfect gift for someone you love.

Whatever your reason, come join us for the laughter, the fun, and the food, we'd love to see your faces, and your projects.

Last night was late night at Knitique. We had a table full of people with all types of projects. Jane as promised brought her chocolate. She cracked them up, put them on the table and we sampled, gave our feedback and yes, sampled a few more. Most favorite was the Dark Chocolate, second favorite I believe was the hazel nut. You'll have to check out Jane's blog to see how each fared.

See you Friday!

Late Night on Wednesday

This Wednesday is our late night. With the change in weather, and the rainy skies, it makes me want to curl up with a good movie, and a knitting project. We've got lots of samples in the shop of all types of fun projects to make. Some quick, some not. Some lacey and some cabley. So, if you are looking for a little inspiration, come on by, we'll get you hooked up in no time.

Jane's said she'll be bring in some chocolate so we can do a chocolate tasting plus you'll get to see the samples from some of the classes we will be teaching this month.

While off with the inlaws I worked on some projects that I will be teaching for the annual Free Classes weekend, Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. This year I've structured the classes around quick Christmas gifts. I know you'll love the variety.

See you then!

Finished Object Friday

Everyday we have customers that come in with their finished projects. I normally take a picture, print it and put the picture in the album we have for the shop. I thought every Friday, I'd show you all just a few of the wonderful projects our customers have knit. We have a talented group of people both men and women, and I hope you get inspired just like I do each and every day.

Sara just finished the Sideways Baby Sweater from a class that Paula taught in the shop. This is a perfect example of how to use sock yarn to the most of it's potential. Check back soon for the next class Paula will be teaching.

Well I've got many more to share, but it looks like the computer won't recognize the pictures. So many, many more to come next week on Finished Object Friday.

Family

As many of you know, I'm currently in Virginia while my father in law, Dean Sr, as I call him, is having brain surgery.

Here's a picture of him hamming it up before the surgery at the largest Bass Pro Shop I've ever been to.

My mother in law, mentioned that Dean loved beanies, and before you could say Knit 2, Purl 2 we were off to a yarn shop in Richmond. Much to their surprise, I whipped out Jared Flood's Turn a Square Hat that night. Melanie was kind enough to print out the pattern as the inlaws don't have a printer. This is the second time I've used his pattern. The first was for my son, and I did a hat in the school colors. This time I used the fabulous Mission Falls worsted weight and it was a wonderful knitting experience. He loved it and wore it every morning while walking the dog. He loves bright colors so the next will be wild and crazy, and I thought I'd pick up the cast on stitches and knit it again so it will be a double thick reversible hat.

So, thanks for all the love, thoughts and prayers that were pointed in my families' direction the past few weeks. He came through surgery great. He's swollen, bruised and a little crabby but he can see. So, as he says, "you don't need to taste to play golf."

I'll see everyone on Sunday, when I'll be back in the shop with lots of knitted projects to show you all.

Just for laughs I'll show you my monkey boy hamming it up at a fabulous toy store in Careytown, Richmond, VA.

Late Night Knitting

Come on in and join us for late knitting. You have to come in and see the new Vogue Holiday 2008 edition. There are several gorgeous sweaters, hats, and an incredible vase using Artyarns Mohair with Beads and Sequins. I just spoke with Iris of Artyarns and she's going to send a bunch of color 272, so we can all make the vase. it's gorgeous, and would be perfect for a gift or even for yourself.

I'll be here tonight, can't wait to see all my late night people who I've missed seeing while Susan's worked most of the Wednesday nights.

Come on in, take a seat, and knit your stresses away.

Knit and Nosh Tonight

Come one, Come All, Join us for Knit and Nosh Tonight

We've got plenty of food, fun, yarn, and people. Enjoy the first day in 6 months where we can knit in the cool rainy weather.

We'd love to see you!

Love those Limited Editions

We love seeing Trip and seeing what exciting yarns are in the boxes. We've been lucky enough this week to receive several Limited Editions Yarn.

Tofutsies

One ball is enough yarn for a pair of socks!

Content: 50% Superwash Wool/25% SOYSILK® brand fiber/22.5% Cotton/2.5% Chitin

Gauge: 8 sts = 1" US 1 Put Up: 100g/425m ball Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry

Opal Harry Potter Sock Yarn

I'm so excited to be one of the few stores that was picked to carry the Limited Edition Opal Harry Potter Sock Yarn This yarn is due in to us in limited quantities in the beginning of October 2008, and more in November of 2008. .

Stitches: 8 Needle: 1-2Content: 75% superwash wool 25% nylonYardage: 450 Care: Machine WashCategory: Fingering Weight Sock Yarn

Come on in, check it out and join us for Knit and Nosh this Friday!

Does it get any better than this?

We just received a new yarn in the shop. Brand New to Southwest Trading Company.

Drum Roll Please..........Introducing:

What I love about this yarn: It isn't often that you find a bulky weight wool that in completely machine-washable. The softness of the fiber makes it hard to believe that it's machine washable but I've knit and washed a scarf and it is extremely lovely. This is a single plyed yarn that has the softness of Malabrigo.

Specs: 100% Super wash Merino Wool Approximately 100g/120meters (132 yards) Machine or Hand Wash 3.5 sts = US 10

Even better, South West Trading Company has compiled a 4 patterns, and they are free with a purchase of the yarn.

Baby Evan's Hat

Quick and Easy Scarf

Quick Sprite Cabled Hoodie

Scribble Scarf

Come on in and test drive a skein today!

What happens at Late Night stays at Late Night

Thank you to all of you who come and experience the Night Life at Knitique. We had such a great time last night. Lots of delicious food was brought, Cora even made a delicious green salad that had Strawberries, nectarines and cucumbers in it. It was from the Bob Green cookbook. Delicious, Delicious, Delicious!

As Kristen calls me "The Local Crack Dealer" more new books have been coming in.

One of my favorites that came in "Seven things that can make or Break a Sweater". We will be starting a class next month, that will be 1 class a month, where we will master the skill and will create a child's sweater at the same time. This way, it won't interfere with all your other projects.

A continuation of the extremely popular Series Simply Shetland. This book never seems to disappoint. Click Here for a preview of the book. We've ordered a lot the first time around and should have plenty to last the weekend. Come on in and grab your copy of the newest addition to your Knitting Library.

Another new books which is based on a form of felting is called Shibori Knits.

Here's what a few of the "experts" in our field are saying about this new book.

“An inspired and thoughtfully assembled collection of projects that redefine our entire notion of ‘felt,’ combining the fluid and firm, sculptural and wearable. The results are, indeed, exquisite.”—Clara Parkes, author of The Knitter’s Book of Yarn and Editor of knittersreview.com

“With Shibori Knits Gina has cast her unique creative genius to the exciting and innovative fusion of knitting with the ancient craft of shibori and she has created knitting gold.” —Erika Knight, author of Classic Knits at Home and Glamour Knits at Home

“The colors of Alchemy’s yarns vibrate in their own glory throughout this charming, elegant, and intriguing book that explores new frontiers in knitting.”—Brandon Mably, Kaffe Fassett studio

Skein for Skein is not just another knitting book. Sure, it's got patterns - 16 of them - great pictures, and easy instructions. But the real focus on Skein for Skein is yarn substitution.
Not all yarn is created equal. You may knit a lace scarf that you love, and knit the same scarf in a different fiber - even if it is the same weight - and have it turn out completely different. And not good-different. Each pattern lists what the sample is knit in, and lists at least one alternative yarn selection. It also shows a "not-so-good" choice, and explains why it is not a good yarn to use. I found this extremely interesting. Some were obvious, like not to use a marled yarn for a busy patterned knit. Others were things I had never thought about, like not all lace patterns should be knit with lace weight yarn.

So come on in out of heat, bring your knitting, your reading glasses, and kick your feet up and browse through all the new books, and see the some of the new Fall yarns that are arriving.

Love to Knit

Now that the weather is starting to get cooler (yea, right!) you might want to join us tomorrow night for a night, of knitting, crocheting, community and friendship. Did I mention FOOD! Tomorrow night is this months Knit and Nosh. If you haven't seen us for the summer, and want to get started on your Christmas Presents, it's not a moment too soon! Do you know we only have I believe 111 days until Christmas. Seems like a lot, but you know, that life gets in the way of all those tempting little projects. I'd love to show you some of the new yarns that are arriving for Fall, plus all the books that have come in. We've had 3 shipments of books this week. All the new ones, plus we have plenty on order. One of the most popular is Debbie Bliss' new book Essential Knits for Kids. Debbie has once again outdone her self in this beautiful book with tons of pictures, patterns and lots of tips and tricks. Come on in and see what we've got with your name on it.

No Time to Knit

Trish, one of our most prolific knitters is clearing out her hope chest of some of the baby items she's knit. She's charging $.20 cents a yard and the cost of the yarn.

Tulip sweater
Dream in Color size 6-9 months

Yarn Used: Dream in Color Classy which is a Super wash, Veil dyed Yarn. Perfect because there is no pooling or striping.

Dress that special little one in your life for only: $104.00

Beribboned Baby Sweater

Cash Vero Sized 12-18 months

Yarn Used: Cascade Cash Vero This yarn is absolutely luscious. It's a blend of Wool, Microfiber and Cashmere. To top it all off it's machine washable.

Surprise your pregnant friend with a hand knit gift $88.00

Springtime Flowers Dress

Cascade Cotton Rich Size 2

Yarn Used: Cotton Rich 64% Cotton 36% Nylon Machine Wash Lay flat to dry

Perfect for the summer, and then as your child gets bigger it becomes a top. $137.00

New Olympic Event announced Knitting

Did you have any doubt we’d participate in this? We will be having an Opening Ceremony Kick off at Knitique Friday, August 8th 5-9pm. We will be having a Potluck, so if you are able bring something to share. Be sure to join us for what will be a fun filled 17 days of Monogamy, love, and crazy fast knitting. We’ve got a ton of people planning on the
February Lady Sweater, using Dream in Color Classy (another shipment will hit the store either today or tomorrow) So come join the fun, stretch yourself, and see what you can really accomplish in 17 days. Once you've finished your original garmet, additional tickets will be given for any other project you finish with yarn purchased here at Knitique. So now's the time to go through your projects and finish up all the WIP's. Be sure to sign up for WIP's Wrestling.

Here's just some of the events you can join in.

EVENT VENUES
Afghan Marathon
Amigurumi-n-Toys Toss
Baby Dressage
Bag-n-Tote
Backstroke Balance Beads
Cable Steeplechase
Colorwork Cross-Country
Cowl Jump
Designers Discus
Fantasy DecKnitathalon
Felted Freestyle Free-For-All
Freestyle Fleece to Finished
Fencing Glove Decathlon
Gift Knits Pentathlon
Hand-Dyed Hurdles Handspun Heptathalon
Hat Dash
Holiday Handball
Home-Stuff Hammerthrow
Itsy Bitsy Bikini Breaststroke
Laceweight Long Jump
Mitten Medley
Pets Pommel Horse
Scarf Stroke
Shawl Relay
Sock Put
Sweater Sprint
Synchronized Flirty Skirts
Vest Vault
WIPs Wrestling

An Example:
Danielle B Sweater Sprint Yarn: Artyarns Cashmere 5 (Custom dyed pink) Pattern: Hey Teach! Project 2 as time allows WIPs Wrestling: Cashvero DK Pattern: Tangled Yoke. I’ve got the 2 sleeves and top section to do.

If you are interested in joining send an email to knitique @hotmail.com post on our group at Ravelry Knitique Addicts, or post a comment right here on the Blog. Be sure to include: Name: Event Entering: Yarn Used: Pattern:

We will be having prizes lots of prizes for those who finish the project they have commited too. I will be posting later today, the prizes that many Fabulous Companies have generously donated. See Knitique on Friday for all the official rules.

Come Knit and Nosh with us this Friday

Come join us this Friday for our monthly event, Knit and Nosh. We've got plenty of food to share, knitting stories to share, and olympic goals to make.



Bring a friend.

Oh MAMMA MIA!!!

As most of you know the new movie has come out. I've heard lots of rave reviews about it. So we decided to have a girls night out and go out on the town. Our first movie was Sex and the City which was great but not altogether appropriate. As my son would say "Awkward". Anywho, we are going to the movies, this Saturday, July 26th after the shop closes. Most of the music is from Abba. Sharon W. loved it so much she rushed right out to buy the soundtrack.

So give us a call at Knitique 916.714.7719 and let us know if you'll be going us. We can't wait to see you there.

It is Hot, Hot, Hot!

We are in the middle of the summer and we probably have a good 6-8 weeks of nice warm weather. I got a sneak preview of the Fall Vogue and Fall Interweave Knits. I think once again they have done a fabulous job once again.

To me Fall is the time that I'm drooling over all the wools, new yarns and new patterns. I love that we get previews so I can start the process of picking out what's going to be next on my plate.

So make sure to click on the links and see what's next up to bat at your local Knitting Boutique, Knitique.

Friday Night on the Town

Hi everyone, since Jennings has closed we are still on the look out for a new Friday night meeting place. This month we thought we'd try Kintaro's which is an incredibly delicious Sushi restaurant that happens to be in the same shopping center as Jennings. One of my favorites and Reardon's is a roll called Zig Zag. I will be out of town, darn it, though looking at the incredible Pacific Ocean is almost worth missing a fun event, but I know plenty of girls are still planning to attend. Call the shop today and speak to Paula, 916 714 7719. We want to make sure to get a head count. Have a great time.

More delectable Dream in Color

Trip delivered a HUGE box of Dream in Color today. We've ordered almost 2 dozen colors all in sweater quantities. The purchasing was fast and furious but we've still got more left, and another order should be hear sometime next week, fingers crossed.

What's everybody making with it.... a September Knitalong I was almost done with it and realized I'd put the buttonholes on the wrong side and I'd forgotten to slip a stitch which bugged me. So out it came. Trish finished her's and I'll post a picture soon.

And the Rockets Red Glare

Can you believe that tomorrow is already July 4th? I think this year is just flying by. I've enjoyed the beautiful weather we've had this year. I was telling D that it seems like we are living in Southern California this year, we've had such mild weather. This Friday is Independence Day - it's also the first Friday of the month. We will be closed Friday so that we can all enjoy the picnics and fireworks and reopen at 10:30am on Saturday. Knit and Nosh is going to be postponed to the next Friday - July 11th. We have a treat for you! We will be having a Meet and Greet as well as a Trunk Show with Designer Terri Morris from Liann Originals. Terri will be here at Knitique for Knit and Nosh and will have examples of all her garments and projects as well as patterns to sell and will even autograph them. Be sure to check out her Sailing Adventures on her Blog.

Here's just one picture of her Gorgeous, incredibly Well Written Patterns.

So come join the fun, be sure to come early for a good seat, and if you'd like we'd love if you'd bring a little something, something to share. See you soon!

Classes, Classes, and even more classes

This month we start our kick off for projects that you can make for Christmas. One of our most requested classes 2 socks at the same time will be starting on Tuesday, July 15th from 6-8pm. If you've ever suffered from the dreaded 2nd sock sydrome this class is for you. I will post more pictures and descriptions of the classes later this week.

Come join us and hear what the buzz is about. We've got Fabulous classes perfect for what you want to make most. As always we love suggestions, so if you don't see the class that you'd like, drop us an email at knitique@hotmail.com and I will do my best to get your class in the line up.



Thanks again for all your support. Our 3rd Anniversary Sale was a resounding success. Be sure to come in this month and see the new lines and companies arriving weekly in the store.