Classes at Close Knit

Did you make any knitting resolutions for 2010? A vow to refine your skills, learn some new techniques, or perhaps even learn to knit for the first time? If so, we at Close Knit can help.

We have a full schedule of classes this winter and spring - from absolute beginner to advanced techniques, as well as many options in-between.

Some upcoming classes: Learn to Knit with Ann and Melissa, Learn to Crochet with Melissa, the popular Beginning Knitting and Beyond with Adrienne, the much-anticipated Side Slip Cloche class with Laura Irwin of Boutique Knits fame and the exciting jazzknitting workshop with artist Ilisha Helfman. Check out the Close Knit website for more detailed class information. Then, call or stop by the store to register. We look forward to seeing you at Close Knit!

Rowan Lima

Since we received Rowan’s beautiful Lima yarn earlier this fall, I have been trying to decide what little luxury I need to make for myself. The yarn is mostly alpaca, with a little merino and nylon, giving it more memory and durability than pure alpaca. It is a worsted weight chained yarn, so it looks like knitted cord. It is incredibly soft and squishy, and the color range that we carry makes a lovely, muted rainbow.

We have a sample sweater in the shop from Rowan’s Lima Collection and our customer Melissa created her own version in the beautiful Puna colorway:

This yarn would also be wonderful for a hat or scarf, and it knits up beautifully in cables, lace, and stockinette. Several of our customers have used it for the Side Slip Cloche from the cover of Laura Irwin’s Boutique Knits, since the yarn suggested for the pattern has been discontinued.

Just two skeins would be plenty for a hat, one skein would make a lovely cowl, and four skeins should get you a pretty sizable scarf. If you want to treat yourself, this beautiful ruffled scarf from Sadie and Oliver would take five skeins. I think I will use it for an earwarmer, maybe Knitty’s incredibly popular Calorimetry. Come on in and take a look at this gorgeous yarn.