close knit: the neighborhood yarn shop


Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Crochet Time at Close Knit

Our gal Melissa is going to teach you how to crochet. It's going to be great. A few short hours on Sunday afternoons, and you will be on your way. She is starting her class this Sunday, April 3 at 4:30PM.

Crochet is having a resurgence these days. It's a perfect choice for home dec projects like pillows and blankets. I'm sort of excited about the Granny Stripe Blanket from Purl Bee. This project has been in the back of my brain for quite awhile.

Do any of you have a crochet project in your brains itching to become a reality? Stop in and sign up this week!

Monday, March 28, 2016

Monday, March 21, 2016

Eye Candy Monday

The Blue Sky Alpacas trunk show is still with us! Come and see these sweet little faces in person.
The tiny human clothes are killing me. That little dress/romper is adorable. The pants have butt gussets to accommodate a diaper booty. It's all so cute!

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

New Della Q Bags

We have a really classy supply of Della Q bags and needle cases right now.
Some of the needle cases are made from a very quality pinstriped men's suiting fabric and some are made from a rich natural linen. 
You could be so organized using these! Look at all those labels and pockets.
There are also some cool little hang-on-the-wrist sort of bags made from striped shirting and chambray.
I am constantly wishing I had more places to stash my projects, so these little guys are just perfect. We have some of the bright and beautiful drawstring and tote styles as well.
These bags make perfect little gifts for yourself or your favorite knitter. Or both. Pop in and choose the one you like best!

Monday, March 14, 2016

Eye Candy Monday

Say it with me...Mechitaaaaaaaa. Fingering weight, hand-dyed single ply in a wide range of variegateds and semi-solids. Think Tosh Merino Light, but in Malabrigo colors. They know the way to our hearts.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Shibui Knits Rain

The stunning trunk show featuring Shibui Knits Rain is still in the shop this week, and these pieces are really inspiring.
Rain is a chained cotton, so the yarn itself looks a bit like a knitted cord. This gives it particularly lovely drape and movement. You can see the interesting construction in the close up of the Brick shade, one of my favorites.
Between the drape, the sheen, and the always-classy Shibui Knits colorways, you really cannot go wrong. If you have a sensitivity to animal fibers or would like to work with a cotton for the warmer months, this is a truly luxurious choice.

I'm not sure how long we will have the trunk show, but the yarn will be with us all summer. Pop in and take a look at these pieces, and start thinking about warm weather knits!

All photos from Shibui Knits.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Eye Candy Monday



Watch Emily knit an entire hat! She and her friend made this promotional video for the Library of Things at the Hillsboro Public Library, where you can check out all kinds of stuff from knitting kits to ukuleles. Fair warning: the song will get stuck in your head.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Final Day of RCYC

Look at all the fun we are having at the Rose City Yarn Crawl this weekend!
Our gals have been posting photos of the passport finishers and much more on our Instagram page (@closeknitpdx). Lots of good stuff to see.

Sarah from Bumblebirch is joining us again today, and we so happy to have her and her gorgeous yarns on the big table. The crawl ends today at 6PM, so there is still plenty of time to come in and join the fun!

Friday, March 4, 2016

Still Yarn Crawling!

 
Today we are so excited to see our table COVERED in gorgeous yarn from Ami of Lakes Yarn and Fiber. She has been working hard to bring us all of this incredible yarn.
Yesterday we saw Brooke of Sincere Sheep and her beautiful colors, and she restocked our dwindling supply of her fabulous wares. Thank you Brooke!
Kate from Ruby Peak Farms will be here this afternoon. Keep an eye on our Instagram page to see pictures!

Thursday, March 3, 2016

The Rose City Yarn Crawl Begins!

The RCYC is in full swing starting today, Thursday March 3 at 10AM. Shops all over Portland will be participating with free patterns, door prizes, raffles, and all kinds of special events.
 
We are thrilled to host local designer Lisa Carney-Fenton who is showcasing many of her beautiful designs today. Stop in and say hello!
We are hoping to see Brooke Sinnes, founder and master dyer at Sincere Sheep, at any moment. She will be visiting from Napa with an inspiring spread of her naturally-dyed yarn.
And come back Friday to see Ami Volz of Lakes Yarn and Fiber. Holy cow, her stuff is stunning. Sally used her gorgeous Lochsa DK to design our shop knitting pattern, the Doug Fir Cowl, free with the purchase of the yarn during the crawl.

We will also get to meet Kate from Ruby Peak Farms in Lostine, Oregon. Her wool has never left Oregon! The ranch is located in eastern Oregon near Joseph, and the wool is processed in Salem before it makes its way to our little shop in Portland.

Come in Thursday. Come in Friday. Just come and say hi and join in the festivities!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Trunk Shows: Shibui and Harrisville

Part of the yarn crawl fun each year involves trunk shows from some of our favorite designers. The shop is packed with pieces from Shibui Knits and Harrisville Designs. First up, the Shibui extravaganza, featuring modern pieces with eye-catching details and unusual silhouettes.
The items from Harrisville Designs are classic and timeless. I am in love with this pullover and will be making one for myself.

Whether you prefer the modern look of Shibui or the more traditional designs from Harrisville, pop in and try on some sweaters!