close knit: the neighborhood yarn shop


Thursday, August 31, 2017

Swans Island Inspiration

I was poking around Ravelry recently, and I came upon a slew of patterns for the beautiful Swans Island All American Collection sport weight yarn that has been gracing our shelves for some time. I know we had a trunk show at one point, but I don't think we had all of these gorgeous sweaters. Take a look at the awesome colors we have in stock and the amazing designs!
The one up top is Bridget, and then Erika, Ingrid, Simone, Sonja, and Ella.
 



If you love colorwork, these beauties might be calling your name. We are happy to help you buy the patterns when you come into the shop to see us. We have a great range of colors right now, so pop in and see what inspires you!

All pics borrowed from the Ravelry pattern pages.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Eye Candy

Looks like we have some more warm weather ahead of us, but we just want to remind you that winter is coming. Eventually you will need a wooly sweater! This little human is excited about her Tea With Jam and Bread in Cascade 220. Looks like I need to finish some sleeves!

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Fall 2017 Interweave


I mentioned my new favorite sweater design last week...let's take a look at the rest of the Fall Interweave Knits. There are so many pretty things.

















There is also a great article on how to do set in sleeve caps without seaming. This article can help you convert any pattern to use this method. And it works!


This is one of the best issues we've seen in a long time! Let us know what you think of these gorgeous designs.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Eye Candy

The tub is full of Bumblebirch! Come and get it!

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Black Cat Custom Yarn

We have a new hand-dyed sock yarn in the shop! And the logo is adorable. Black Cat Custom Yarn joins us from British Columbia. Take a look at Kim's gorgeous colorways.
I have a particular crush on Jigglypuff, the white/pink blend at the top, and Overwatch, the grey/white/gold mix below. But they are all gorgeous. Just pop in and have a look.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Eye Candy

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page because my photos were too grainy!
How about a beautiful design for this Monday morning? This is the Angelina Pullover from the newest Interweave Knits. This issue is full of pretty things. More soon! Look at this gorgeous hem in the meantime.
Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Plump! And Some Great Free Patterns

Plump has been in the shop for a while, but I don't think we've ever talked about it. I recently stumbled upon a set of free patterns from Churchmouse that use Plump Superchunky and Plump DK, so it seems like the right time! Even if it is August.
We have some pretty shades of the big stuff left in the shop (mixed in here with some Big Rad Bulky), and a nice full range of the DK.
These patterns from Churchmouse Yarn and Teas are free and available on their site. The have a great Fisherman's Rib Beanie, a Fisherman's Rib Cowl, and a Fisherman's Rib Muffler.
Pic borrowed from shop Ravelry page.
Pic borrowed from shop Ravelry page.
Pic borrowed from shop Ravelry page.
The great thing about these patterns, aside from being super simple and classic designs, is that they are all written for four gauges! You can knit the beanie if the DK and a big ol' scarf in the superchunky, and they will be matchy, if that's your thing.

If you've never tried fisherman's rib, I promise that it's fun and easy. The resulting fabric is extra squishy and thick, making it the perfect thing for the cold weather that will eventually return to Portland.

Churchmouse also offers this sweet Garter Stripe Scarf, and Mrs. Moon, the manufacturers of Plump, offer several patterns for sale using their yarns.

Friday, August 11, 2017

More Wonder Woman Ideas

Borrowed from the designer's Ravelry page.

That Wonder Woman wrap is pretty amazing, right? And a freebie on Ravelry? Thank you to the designer Carissa Browning! (She has a whole bunch of patterns for sale, too, including a book of shawls inspired by dinosaurs. My nerdy knitter heart loves that kind of thing. There's also a Death Star for the geeky among us.)

I pulled together a few other ideas from the sock wall and beyond for you. It was really fun. 
 

 


I highly recommend wandering around the shop looking for your favorite colors or for colors that really complement each other. I haven't done that in a while, and it was a great way to get the creative juices flowing.

Monday, August 7, 2017

Eye Candy

Just dreaming about a Wonder Woman wrap in Willow Sock from The Farmer's Daughter. so many color combinations, but this one is calling my name. I have more ideas...stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Knit the Heat Away

Serengeti Sun pattern on Ravelry!
I know knitting is not the first thing on most of our minds when the temperature passes 100F, but we have air conditioning and some lovely spots to hang out and knit! Not to mention all of the beautiful yarn. If the heat has you melting, grab your knitting and a cool drink, and come sit at the shop for a bit! We would love to see you.