Eye Candy Monday (and a reminder)

Have you all had a chance to take a look at our new window display? Our beloved Melissa took over this daunting task when Jenni moved back to Montana, and it looks like she is having a lot of fun with it.

Don't worry, the friendly sheep is still hiding in there somewhere.

As for the little reminder...the Rose City Yarn Crawl starts Thursday! We have so much going on in our little shop. There are door prizes, trunk shows, visitors from far off lands, free patterns, enormous prize baskets, and more. It all starts Thursday, and all shops are open from 10AM to 6PM Thursday through Sunday. Stop in to see all the goodies and enter yourself in the prize basket raffle. And maybe bring us some coffee and treats. We are going to be exhausted by Sunday evening!

Earth and Sea

Holst Noble and Coast have been gaining a fair bit of attention in the shop, but we have been lacking a sample! Emily to the rescue. Using a mix of the two yarns in some very appropriate colors, she is creating the Terre et Mer shawl. The lovely triangular shawl design is the perfect use for these light and lofty yarns.

This is going to be an ideal piece to wrap up under a jacket in the spring when our weather goes from chilly to balmy in the course of just a few hours. She will add the navy blue as the final color, and I can't wait to see this all blocked out and draped over one of our shop ladies. Look at all that crunchy texture.

Many folks comment on our inspiring and unusual samples when they come through our space. I agree with them! We do a great job of choosing stylish, wearable items that you might not be seeing in every other shop. Thank you to our sample knitters for having such wonderful taste!

Eye Candy Monday

Good Morning, Knitted Whit Worsted! If this doesn't wake you up, I'm not sure what else to do. Stay tuned for more pics of this pretty stuff. It's not all neon, by the way.

Freia in the Sunshine

I would like you to notice that the yarn above has been photographed outdoors. On a bench. In Portland. In February. Thank you to Natalie for the reminder that this was possible earlier this week.

Now. This is the lovely Freia Ombre Sport. We have a smattering of Freia Ombre Lace in the shop as well, which many of you know and love from the Bateaux Mouches Scarf pattern. I would bet that 90% of you have knit. It's a winner, I promise.

We have used the Ombre Sport for many lovely things as well, including Lisa's cool hat, still available in the shop for free with the purchase of the yarn.

This gorgeous cowl really shows off the color gradient of the Freia, as well. This is the Slip Sliding Infinity Scarf, and I really appreciate the all-over texture. Normally, I would not suggest a strong color situation with highly textured stitches, but this all works together so well. The dimensions and the knitted fabric are just right.

Photo borrowed from designer's Ravelry page

I can truly appreciate the brilliance of the Zuzu's Petals lace shawl/cowl. The style of a pretty lacey shawlette with the practicality of a cowl that actually stays on your neck. Yes! The Freia sport would be perfect for this one.

Come say hello to the bright and beautiful yarn as we all dream of spring and more outdoor yarn photo shoots!

Eye Candy Monday

Here's a shelf full of Holst Coast and Noble to get your color inspiration going. Coast is a merino/cotton blend, and Noble is lovely wool with a touch of cashmere. Look at all those beauties! These yarns are very popular with European knitters, and it's easy to see why. Vivid colors, amazing yardage, great price, quality yarn. Yes, please.

Intagram...Finally and Again

We at Close Knit tend to embrace the slower, simpler things in life. Sticks and strings and the deliberate process of creation. So I hope you will forgive us for being so very late to the game in terms of social media and whatnot. We started an Instagram page forever and a day ago, but it languished for nearly two years.

Well now, it seems that a few of our Close Knit elves have infused the page with new life and new energy! We are @closeknitpdx, and we hope that you will come see us there and find inspiration in our photos and work. And please hashtag the heck out of your knitting and crocheting and fibering photos on Instagram as well with #closeknitpdx. Then we can see what you have made using the sticks and string from our little shop. Welcome to the modern age, Close Knit!

Eye Candy Monday

Is there a navy cashmere/possum/silk watchcap in my future? I think so. Zealana Air is back in the shop in navy and grey.

Effects

Cascade has been trying out some interesting new stuff with their classic yarns. We talked a bit about the 220 SW Aran Splatter and the Heritage Prints sock yarn back in November. Now we have 220 Superwash Effects, which knits up with a really pretty faded denimy sort of look.

They all look cool in the skein, and then they work up into an even cooler mottled fabric. Some are more subtle and some are more pronounced, but I like them all. Take a look at the Cascade site to see all of the colors knitted up into swatches. The purple one, Lightening Storm, is one of the more variegated ones.

We have the full range of options at the shop now, and Sally is working up a hat sample in the Pinks shade. A surprising color choice for her, but I like it.

I appreciate that Cascade is trying out a few new things with their old standby yarns. Let's hope they keep this one around for a bit!

Fixing and Finishing in February

Does the sight of a dropped stitch send you into a panic? Does a misplaced knit or purl five rows back make you run to Close Knit for help? Does the idea of picking up stitches make you itchy? While we are always more than happy to see you, Emily wants to teach you our ways! 

This coming Saturday evening, February 6, she will walk you through all the basics in her Fixing Mistakes class. You will intentionally make mistakes on a swatch and learn how to fix them in class. You are also encouraged to bring in that languishing project with a few little issues. 

In her Finishing class on February 20, you will have the chance to learn some professional techniques. Emily will teach you about mattress stitch, picking up stitches, weaving in ends, and the mysterious (but all-important) blocking. Again, you will practice on swatches, and Emily will send you home ready to tackle just about anything.

Grab some tea, yarn, needles, and those injured or abandoned WIPS and spend a few Saturdays with Emily! Give us a call or stop by the shop to sign up.

Eye Candy Monday

Amirisu is in the shop. (The squirrel is pronounced as an r, by the way.) We currently have Fall 2015 Issue 8 and Winter 2015 Issue 9 of this coveted Japanese magazine. There will be more soon. Stop on by and take a look. They are stunning. Issue 9 even mentions our little shop!