Hats for Months

So it looks like winter is here...threats of snow, frosty mornings, cold ears. Time for more hats, I think, either for yourself or the people around you.

I want to knit all of these hats now. I keep giving my hats away whenever people compliment them, so I think it's justified that I cast on a few more over these chilly months.

These are all from Kelbourne Woolens Year of Hats experience. The patterns are free, and we have the substantial Aran weight Germantown yarn for you to choose from.

If today seems like a day that you'd like to get out of the house and maybe support a few small businesses around town, we certainly appreciate seeing you! Plus, I bet your head is cold, so you obviously need more hats.

Closed Thursday

Fiber Friends! We will be closing up at 6PM on Wednesday (no Open Knit Night) and closed Thursday this week, so come in and get all of your knitting supplies on Wednesday if you can. Back to our regular hours on Friday, opening at 10AM for all of the yarn shopping. We hope you are all enjoying these windy days!

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

If you are looking for a cool project, maybe this Flaked Hat from Amy Miller in Blue Sky Fibers Eco Cashmere. Who could possibly refuse?

Eye Candy

Malabrigo Sock

Sock tubes! 

Arne and Carlos

I bought sock yarn not too long ago, and then I ask the Side Hustle Sock friends to make tubes for me. Now all I need to do is make heels, toes, and cuffs. 

Jawoll Color Superwash

I love the way these yarns knit up, and I think the recipient of these cozy socks is going to be shocked and amazed that I made this happen so quickly. (Thanks to some little sock tube-winding elves.)

Distitch?

What is this, you ask?

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page

Apparently this is a new thing called distitch, which leaves you with a clean I-cord-like selvedge and I want to try it! The free pattern on Ravelry called the Distitch Edge Scarf is written for worsted weight yarn, but I think you could make this technique work with any weight. There's a whole book about it with scarves, hats, headbands, and coasters. Has anyone tried this? Tell me what you think!

Eye Candy

All the Malabrigo, please. Especially this new shade of Worsted.

Oh no...

Oh no. My yarn stash has been busting at the seams for some time now, and I fear it's about to get a little more strained. What am I supposed to do when Sally brings in these gorgeous shades of Arranmore Light from The Fibre Co?

This DK marled tweed it pretty much all of my favorite things. And think about how nicely all of those shades of blue would play together. I'm envisioning an ombre sort of pullover or maybe a huge wrap using one of each.

I'm also in love with williesmom's January Gansey and tdickey's Cranberry Gose. Go take a peek to see what I mean. I'm thinking I might need to make Amy Christoffer's Ryder Pullover...love that funnel neck and sophisticated fit.

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

Okay. At least four skeins of this classic yarn might just need to come home with me this week. I'm sure we will make room.

Rafa's Hat and Targhee Worsted

Sometimes a pattern and a yarn are just meant to be together, and this combination seems to be one of those times. The free Rafa's Hat pattern (thank you, Joji) and the soft and supple Targhee Worsted from Knitted Wit are a match made in knitting heaven.

The design is all about ribbing, but with a little interest so you don't get bored. The all-over rib also means that it will fit a range of head sizes, so it's great for gifts if that's a thing you do.

This yarn is truly soft and bouncy, but it's also hefty enough that it will stand up to some long-term use. We have a range of beautiful semi-solids, as well as some lovely variegated shades. It's definitely hat season for me, and it might even be gift knitting season. I hope this prefect combination inspires you to cast on!

Eye Candy

The two new shades of Harrisville nightshades are on the shelves. Each colorway has a black base with a subtle color added in, creating a moody and beautiful tonal yarn. On the left is Stiletto, pink on black, and on the right is Vinyl, black on black. Here they are in full sun below. They are really best appreciated in person, so come on down to the shop for a look.

The Annual Blanket

We love being able to offer classes in our little shop. Classes offer us a way to help you all expand your skills, but it also reinforces the inclusive community that we have fostered over the years. One class that keeps bringing people back for more is Adrienne's Annual Blanket class.

For the last several years, the class has helped knitters of all skill levels complete a handknit blanket over the course of a year. We have adapted the class to make it easier to afford in installments, we have added multiple evenings a week, and we have offered advanced classes for folks who want to level up.

This year's 2020 Blanket class offers all of the good stuff! Adrienne is offering the class Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 PM, and you can sign up for 3 months at a time for added flexibility.

In addition to all of that, you will be able to choose from a variety of squares each month, depending on the technical level you'd like to try. Having a crazy month and need a mindless square? Choose an easier one! Want to challenge yourself one month? Choose the more difficult square like the cool designs below!

These blankets are really heirloom quality items. Adrienne will help you seam your finished squares to create a cozy blanket to keep for yourself or to give as a gift. I think we are on our fifth year for this wonderful class. It's the perfect time to join the blanket class community at Close Knit! Give us a call or stop in to sign up for the first session beginning in January.

Making No. 8

It's always a happy surprise to walk into the shop and see a new issue of one of my favorites on the big white table. Making No. 8 Forest is FULL of stitching, sewing, knitting, rug hooking, weaving, felting, and all kinds of other fabulously craft fun. Let's have a peek.

 

 

That's a lot of crafting, friends! These magazines make excellent gifts, too. I find them to be inspiring and fulfilling, even if I don't intent to make all of the projects in the magazine. It's still so nice to read and peruse!

Malabrigo Sock

The Malabrigo Sock pulled me in again. This stuff is so cool. It's entirely possible that I purchased a skein of the dark and moody speckled one on the right for holiday gift socks.

It's also very likely that I sent it off to the Side Hustle Socks friends to create a tube so I can add heels and toes and cuffs and feel super accomplished because I don't have time to knit all the things before the holidays!

Eye Candy

The Concept Cotton Merino has a bright and colorful cousin in the shop, Concept Merino Craft. These sweet and cheerful colorways are so pretty!

Concept Cotton Merino

We restocked the Concept Cotton Merino, and it's so cool. The yarn knits up into an unusual fabric with a painterly variegated sort of look. The silvery black was my favorite, but hello lemony chartreuse! And also denim blue. And creamy camel.

I ran across this cute Lighthouse Hat that uses Concept Cotton Merino and a silk mohair together to make a light and fluffy cap. 

Pic borrowed from Rav pattern page.

We have a batch of Lang Lace in some beautiful solids that would play nicely with these shades. It's time for hats! It's chilly out!