Holiday Hours

Holiday Hours at Knitique

Christmas Eve 1030-4pm
Christmas Day Closed

New Year’s Eve 1030-4pm
New Year’s Day 6am-12pm
(Our New Year’s Day Sale Event)

Knit and Nosh will be on Friday, January 9th 6-9pm next month.

From our Family to yours we wish you an incredible holiday filled with lots of laughter, love, and fun this holiday season.

Come to the movies

Come one, come all and join us tomorrow night at to see this movie. The movie has received mixed reviews but from those I know who've seen it, they thought it was a good movie. You can buy your tickets online here. Or if you are like me and want to save the surcharge fees, you can go a little early and purchase your ticket at the box office.

In other news, I just want to say thank you to all those who joined us for our FREE classes this past weekend. As one of the teachers, it fills me with joy to see people understand something new, or get that sense of accomplishment when they realize it isn't as hard as it seems. I know I always say most things are easy, but that's because I know that not only I but everyone on the staff at Knitique is more then capable of helping you through any problems you may encounter on the way. It is one of the aspects of our job that we truly enjoy.

I just wanted to say at Thanksgiving time, I am grateful for each and everyone of Knitique's customers. Without you, our shop wouldn't be quite the shop it is, nor would we have the wonderful reputation we have. It is a wonderful community that we have created together, we are truly blessed.

And YES, the schedule is at the shop and now online. (look up to the right) Susan and I are VERY happy with a full schedule of classes for you and your family and friends. We think we've got a perfect mixture of levels and projects. We always are looking for feedback so please feel free and drop us a line on what you'd like to see in the next schedule line up. Inquiring minds want to know.

And the Signups Keep Coming

Remember the Gorgeous Shirred Scarf? One of the projects for the FREE Thanksgiving weekend classes? Well so far we've filled 3 classes worth. I feel bad that not everyone has had an opportunity to sign up, so I've created one more class for those who still want to take it. It will be THIS THURSDAY, November 20th from 9-1030am. I know it's before the shop opens, and I know it's before Thanksgiving weekend. But honestly, y'all, it's the only time slot I had open without kids, and before I have to make a bunch of food for Thanksgiving. You still need to call and reserve a spot at 916-714-7719. We've got about 4 spots available. All you need to know is how to easily cast on, knit, purl, and k2tog, I'll teach you the rest. Can't wait to see you!

P.S. Shout outs to Ann and JoAnn. I hope you both are having a GREAT time. Can't wait to hear about it when you come back.

Pay it Forward

On Friday, while unpacking a jam packed box full of Classic Elite Watercolor, for one of our FREE Thanksgiving weekend classes, I came across a flyer explaining that the company is having a sale this month on two of their most popular lines, Duchess and Princess. On Saturday, Beth my fellow partner in crime was in the shop teaching a class on the Clapotis when I slipped her the flyer on all the details. After the class we pondered what could be made with this great yarn. We looked through our short list, we looked through our long list.

We found several great ideas in the new book Classic Elite Knits. I'll be using Princess to make this gorgeous sweater by Bonne Marie of Chic Knits. I'll be doing the lace version to add a little pep to my step. I love stockinette stitch, but too much can be a little booooorrrriiiinnnnggggg. For my size it takes just under 10 skeins so it will be perfect for this yarn. Not in love with that pattern? Try this one, this one and even this one. With it being a worsted weight, there are a kazillion patterns out there that will be perfect for this yarn.

Princess

Princess is the lighter version of the cashmere blend family. Garments in this gauge make great every-day wearables, or layer it with heavier items in Duchess for the latest look. The great hand and matching colors that coordinate with Duchess are great for every knitter. Product
Description
40% Merino, 28% Viscose, 10 Cashmere, 7% Angora, 15% Nylon
Handling: handwash cold, dry flat
Colorways 29: Check them out HERE
Gauge :5 sts/ inch on #7 needles
Skeins/Garment :7/LS
Put up :ball
Skein Weight :50 grams
Skein Yardage :150

Duchess

Duchess is the bulkier version of our cashmere blend yarn. It can be used on its own or paired with its partner, Princess. Use for layering, combining, or by itself. The beautiful range of colors, not to mention the great hand in this cashmere blend makes it a yarn that you're going to love.

Description
40% Merino, 28% Viscose, 10% Cashmere, 7% Angora, 15% Nylon
Handling :handwash cold, dry flat
Colorways: 29 Check the out HERE
Gauge :3½ sts/inch on #10½ needles
Skeins/Garment :10/LS
Put up :ball
Skein Weight :50 grams
Skein Yardage :75

We even found a few sweaters to do out of Duchess. Check out this one and that one. I'll be making the latter. Since it's a bulkier yarn, I don't want too much stitch pattern to detract from my curves.

So in honor of the movie "Pay it Forward" I'm doing just that. Order a full bag of Princess or Duchess and get either for $88.00/bag which is equivalent to $8.80/skein. I will be placing the order with Classic Elite on Friday so be sure to come in, or call in to order your bags today. Don't live in our local area? Don't worry, you can order the sale yarn too, and I'll ship it to you for only $5.00/bag. Order more and we'll combine shipping. Give us a call at 916 947 1463. Our store hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 1030-6, Wednesday 1030-8 and Sunday 12-4. Classic Elite says stock is limited to what's onhand, so I want to strike while the iron is hot, or the shelves are full of yarn.

Now for the small print: All orders must be paid in full at time of ordering, All special orders are Final Sale, and no additional discounts or signature on the Insatiable Knitter's Card will be given on these yarns.

FO Friday

* Danger Will Robinson, this post is laden with pictures. For those using dial up, or have a slow computer, I'm so sorry, but the pictures are worth every moment of uploading*

First up, I forgot to mention yesterday, our FREE washcloth class this Saturday, November 15th from 3-5pm. Be sure to give us a call at 916 947 1463 to save your spot, as space is limited. I've taken a variegated Cotton Yarn, and combined it with a stitch that has movement. In this free class you'll learn, what a multiple of the stitch means, as well as how to take the washcloth pattern and turn it into a baby blanket, or even an adult size blanket. Come one, come all, and enjoy the fun of washcloths. It's a perfect gift paired with Handmade soap available at Knitique, perfect for just a little something for a co-worker, family friend, or even for yourself.

Next on the line up, we've got some GORGEOUS finished objects. Jeannie has been very prolific making baby hats for her sister's new granddaughter, or great granddaughter, I'm not sure which it is.

All three of these hats were created mostly with a new yarn in our shop. To say it's a popular yarn is an understatement. What's lovely about Berroco Comfort, is it's made out of synthetic fibers (I can't believe I'm say it's lovely. You all know I'm a natural fiber girl) but it's a super soft acrylic -nylon blend, which gets even more soft when you wash it. It has No wool in it, which makes it perfect for those who have skin allergies, or for a gift for someone you aren't sure of. To top it all off, it's machine washable and dryable. I've got another shipment of it coming in Tuesday. Apparently, it's been so successful that Berroco is having a hard time keeping it in stock. They are expecting a major refill of colors mid December, but we are bringing in all that they have in the meantime.

The top hat is based on Ann Norling's Fruit and Veggie hat. I love the attention to detail that Jeannie has. The i-cord worm looks perfect with his glass bead. What boy wouldn't like a worm attached to his hat?

The second and third hats are adorable adjustable hats.
In our All Skills class, every Wednesday from 12-2 Jeannie has been learning to wrestle her crochet skills into shape and has started to create the beautiful flowers that adorn these hats. It's amazing how a little accessories can stretch a long way.

Did you know that Knitique is a full service shop. What does that mean for you? Don't want to knit, or don't have time, we've got a lovely group of women who knit for hire. Do you like knitting, but hate to sew everything together? We've got someone who would love to do that for you. Need your projects blocked? We've got two people on our team who can block like nobodies business. No matter what your needs are we are here to serve you, to make you happy and to have customers and friends for life.

Our resident, super-fast, super-talented knit4hire extraordinaire, Annette whipped this Christmas Stocking out for a customer, for her last grandchild, Chris. Again, this is made out of Berroco Comfort.

And remember Sue, from last week? She not only finished her Sideways Baby Cardigan for a beautiful baby (ok, she still has cute blue truck buttons to sew on) she finished those ginormous socks for her nephew, Big Foot. The Blue Baby Cardigan was out of a lovely self striping sock yarn we regularly carry at the shop. At the moment, the name escapes me but, I'll fill in the details when I get to the shop.
As a comparison, I've place the large socks, next to my not-so-delicate size 7 sock. Not much of a difference, eh. See what I mean when I said it was a labor of love? The large manly socks were made of of Opals Harry Potter, Half Blood Prince Collection, Hedwig Colorway. You've got to come in to see how BEAUTIFUL, this self-patterning yarn is.

and last but not least Knitting Daily has finally come to Sacramento. Check out Lisette's blog for all the details. Make sure to look around and explore her blog, she's got lots of good tidbits of information, and of course I love that she loves all things British, and French.

Get Down and Dirty!

What a time of year it is. I know I'm pulled in a million different directions. This year the theme for the Thanksgiving Weekend Free Class Extravaganza is Fast and Fabulous! I'm sure like me, most of you want to give those on your shopping list, a wonderful handmade gift. Unfortunately, I'm sure you all are like me, and there just isn't enough hours in the day to knit something for everyone. Well that's about to change, have I got some projects for you.

First up, a beautiful, simple yet classic design that would be perfect for either a man or a woman. It's up to you to choose the yarn that will make this scarf either dressy or a nice comfortable scarf for those who live in the cool weather, or those of us in California who get to travel to the cool weather. Make it out of Rayon, or cotton and you'll have a scarf year round for the balmy weather folks.

We've filled 2 classes so far, and I've opened up another section on Saturday, November 29th from 6-7:30pm. In this class you'll learn all the basics to finishing this scarf. Come on in today, touch it, look at it, or (if you are like me) even smell it. Give us a call at 916-947-1463 to sign up. We've got a few spots left in the third class. You'll be glad you've signed up for this class. When you sign up, I'll give you a list of supplies, plus I'll show you some of the beautiful yarns, that will be just perfect for this beautiful scarf. Come on in while the selection is still hot, hot, hot!

Late Night This Wednesday

Alright, everyone, it's rolled around to Wednesday again. Come join us tomorrow night from 6-8pm for Late Night Knitting and Crocheting. Bring your projects, problems and woes and we will be sure to get you up and running. Need a little inspiration? Come look at the fabulous samples we've got all over the shop. It's a finished object paradise.

I'll be posting picture of the 1st free class for Thanksgiving weekend. We've filled 2 classes so far and I've opened up a 3rd free class on Saturday night from 6-730. Tomorrow I'll post picture of project number 2 and sign ups will be available immediately. Be sure to tell a friend. The fine print, you must already know how to comfortably knit, purl, and cast on, plus all materials must be purchased at Knitique. We've brought in a lot of yarn for this fun filled knitting weekend.

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!