Eco Cloud Knitting

Every season, we try out a few new yarns.  Some become old favorites like Blue Sky Worsted and other are more like summer flings, fun for the season but not a lasting affair.  I think I may have found another favorite for seasons to come... Cascade Eco Cloud.

When the first shipment of Eco Cloud arrived, we were busy making swatches for a baby blanket made with Blue Sky Cotton.  I think we caught the blanket fever and thought a swatch blanket knit with four colors of the Eco Cloud would be a lovely and distinctively mature option for a baby blanket for the store.  Maureen jumped at the opportunity to start knitting. 

Maureen gets to knit and I promised to sew all the swatches together.  We'll be all set for another chilly winter. 

a good day for painting yarns

it's beautiful outside so i'm going to paint some more yarns in the courtyard today.  here is a sample of what I did yesterday with Maureen. 

The yarn is superwash merino 4, !sock yarn!, 378 yards.  One skein makes a pair of socks.  Look forward to having a full shelve of our house painted yarns to show off this weekend. 

Thinking about color names?  What do you think?  the theme has been Beatles songs so far so I'm thinking Baby's In Black.  Comments/Suggestions? 

Kid Slippers -- Free Pattern

So I was so anxious to knit with the new Dia Duit Yarns.   I chose "Across The Universe".  Really bright colors and lots of them!  Here is the finished slipper.  I hope to get a picture with Oonagh wearing them (still working on this one.  she moves quick!)

Materials:

Dia Duit Yarns  DK Hand Painted Superwash Merino (available exclusively at Stitch DC)

US 3 24" circular needle

darning needle

markers (suggested but not required)

Size: 5 inches long from toe to heel

7 inches around center foot.

These fit Oonagh who is wearing a size 6-7 shoe and is 18 months old.

Gauge:

7 stitches = 1 inch in stockinette stitch

Notes:

1.  I used the magic loop method for knitting these slippers. 

2.  To make larger, simply make more toe increase to fit, then work until 2 inches shorter than foot.  You may have to adjust how many short rows you do for heel but make a small set first and you'll quickly feel the rhythm of turning the heel.

3.  I use Yarn Overs (YOs) instead of wraps.

4. You may also choose to put some puffy glue on the bottom of these slippers so baby can walk safely around in them.

5. You will have tons left over from the smallest size. so make a pair and give away a second pair!



Abbreviations:
YO: yarn over
K2tog: knit next two stitches together
 

INSTRUCTIONS:  (make 2 for a pair)

Cast on 20 stitches using the turkish cast on method.

Knit 2 rounds.

Start toe increases as follows:

Round 1: * k1, m1, k8, m1, k1 repeat from * across round.

Round 2:  knit all stitches

Repeat last two rows increasing the number of stitches to knit in the middle by 2 each repeat. (i.e. ROW 4: *k1, m1, k10, m1, k1 repeat from * and Row 6: *k1, m1, k12, m1, k1) until total 48 stitches.

Continue knitting in the round even (no more increases) until foot measures 3 1/2" long.

Turn the Heel as follows

Row 1: Knit 23, turn

Row 2: Yo, purl to last stitch on first needle, turn

Row 3: Yo, knit to last stitch before the previous yarn over, turn

Row 4: Yo, purl to last stitch before the previous yarn over, turn

repeat last two rows until you have 10 stitches remaining in the center.  You will have 9 yo/stitch couples on either side.

Next row:  knit to the first yo, knit the yarn over and the next stitch together, turn

Next row: Yo, purl to the first yo, purl the yarn over and the next stitch together, turn

Next row, Yo, knit to the next yo, knit the 2 YOs and the next stitch together, turn
Next row: YO, purl to next yo, purl the 2 YOs and the next stitch together, turn
repeat the last two rows until all the stitches are worked.
Return to knitting in the round.  Knit one row and bind off.

Weave in ends. 

More Dia Duit Yarns

here are some more colors in stock... two favorites...

"Here Comes the Sun"
 

"Across the Universe"

Dyeing workshop at Stitch DC

Spend a Saturday Afternoon getting a little messy and learning to dye your own yarns. You may never look at your stash the same way again!


During this session, we will review color theory and then get down to business with painting your own yarns. Class materials will be provided and include one skein each of worsted merino and lace weight mohair that you will transform into your dream yarn as well as all yarn dyes.

July 31 / 12 to 2 pm / $100 (includes materials for class) Register online

Fall in Love With....

LOVE YARNS

Another local artist... now available at Stitch DC Capitol Hill. We have "Charlotte Bronte Worsted" in many colorways. This yarn is "Incredibly luxurious and plush" plus it "boasts a certified organic label". 100% merino wool.

Why wait til Valentine's Day. Give yourself a little love today!

New Yarns and New Patterns

Some of you may have seen me knitting these items last Fall, but now I can officially announce these new patterns that I designed and a brand new yarn for the store...

Tahki Terra Baby Collection.... "Create something special for the precious baby in your life - modern garments and accessories in supersoft and eco-friendly yarns from Tahki's Terra Collection."

The yarns are beautiful eco-friendly cottons in soft fashion forward colors. Check out the booklets and yarns at both locations.

Here are the other patterns from the booklet

Blue Skys Arrived Again

No, I'm not going to try to figure out the weather. Snow on Wednesday; 70 degrees on Saturday; who knows!

I'm talking Blue Sky Cotton. One of my most favorite yarns have been restocked at both Capitol Hill and Georgetown.

I used this yarn plenty in my book, The Expectant Knitter. The book arrives 11/11 and look for news about Launch Party Spectacular scheduled for 11/15.

Here is a tease of one of the items made with Blue Sky Cotton. Knitted washcloths from the Third Trimester because at that point all you can focus on are easy knit and purl stitches. I remember knitting these washcloths for the photo shoot with my Mom. She fell in love with the cotton. Maybe I should make a few for holiday gifts this year.

P.S. If you are interested in reserving a copy before the party, please email me at Marie@expectantknitter.com

New Yarn and A Free Pattern

Just in at both stores -- Loop-D-Loop Yarns by Tahki Stacy Charles and the fabulous knitwear designer Teva Durham. We were lucky enough to have Teva visit our store when her first book came out. Now we have her yarns in stock.

And I found a few free patterns to tempt you!

1. Argyle hat and scarf pattern from Tahki Stacy Charles website

2. Teva Durham's Cabled Capelet from knittingdaily.com

Bellamoden

"Bella, beautiful. Moden, of the hands. Things made by hand. My hands. Thank you so much for supporting the bellamoden dream of providing luscious works of fiber art for your stitching pleasure!" -- Rebecca of Bellamoden.

A new indie dyer available at Capitol Hill. We got a partial shipment today.

Cabled Scarf

For the newbie cabler or seasoned veteran, a fun quick (maybe holiday) free project. If you like this project or want to learn more about how you can join the cabling craze, join us for our All Things Cabled this Saturday from 1-3. The free event will include cabling demonstrations, pattern reading, cable designing and more. Saturday, September 13 / 1-3 pm/ Stitch DC Capitol Hill / This event is free, come and enjoy good company and learn or improve a few knitting skills!

MEGA CABLED SCARF

designed by Marie Connolly

Materials: 1 skein Cascade Magnum, US 19 Knitting Needle, Cable Needle, Darning Needle and Large Pom-Pom Maker.

With large needle, cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: Knit

Row 3: CF8 (slip 4 stitches on cable holder, hold in front, knit 4 stitches from left hand needle, k4 from cable holder), K4

Row 4: Purl

Row 5: Knit

Row 6: Purl

Row 7: Knit

Row 8: Purl

Row 9: K4, CB8 (slip 4 stitches onto cable needle, hold in back, knit 4 stitches from left hand needle, k4 from cable needle)

Row 10: Purl

Row 11: Knit

Row 12: Purl

Row 13: Knit

Row 14: Purl

Repeat from row 3 to row 14 until desired length.

To Finish, work row 3, 4, and 5 and bind off.

Cinch cast on and cast off edges and attach large pom-pom.

Weave in ends and Enjoy.

New Yarn Preview

Always looking for new stuff, introducing Stitch DC's latest acquisition....

Merisoft Hand Painted from Punta Yarns in Uruguay. We received our first order yesterday and it's flying off the shelves. It knits at 16 stitches =4". I'd recommended US 8 - US 10. My swatch is worked on a US 10 and I'm spot-on with 16 stitches =4".

I also heard whispers of suggested projects yesterday including Norah Gaughan's Ram's Horn Jacket from Knitting Nature and a Rib Warmer from Elizabeth Zimmerman. I think I might make a couple of quick sweaters for the kids or a pretty beret.

Looking forward to see what project ideas you may have. I'm always inspired by customer ideas.

The yarns are available at Capitol Hill right now. The second order is scheduled for delivery in Georgetown soon.

Wednesday Wools

Back in stock by popular demand FEZA Cyprus Mohair. As you can see from this store sample, it has long color repeats that lends itself beautifully to Entrelac projects.

Fair Isle Along at Stitch DC Capitol Hill

A few crafters from Capitol Hill's Late night have convinced me to do a fair Isle Knit along in the store.... Some brave crafters wanted to learn fair isle knitting, knitting in the round, perhaps continental knitting (either way is okay with me) and steeking. This will be a 2 month class starting the second week of June (Sundays -- i think)(free as long as project materials are bought in the store). We will meet bi-weekly to answer questions and keep pace with our Stitch DC custom fair isle sweater.

For the class, I'm designing with Tilli Tomas Milan yarns (a yummy blend of silk, cashmere and merino -- wonderful fibers!) a custom tunic length Fair Isle yoke sweater. The great part of the sweater is that the fair isle sections are working in a multi-hued yarn. Some lucky late nighters got to preview a baby version of the sweater.

If you are interested please contact me about the yarn selection -- we will be working with Tilli Tomas Milan-- a solid and a multi. I've place my initial order of Milan and can order more.

Note -- this is not the only class for the season. I'm busy working out the rest of the schedule but

Crazy Eight Sale at Stitch DC

Happy Birthday Nora!

Nora Emily turns 8 years old this weekend. I have crazy eights on the brain, so I'm doing our first ever crazy eight sale at the store.

What is Crazy Eights?
This weekend only starting Friday at Capitol Hill, we start with a super sale -- 28% off sale everything (FRIDAY ONLY at Capitol Hill).
Then for the rest of the weekend, everything at all three stores will be between 18% and 68% off. See the trend -- we are crazy for eights!

Also this weekend...
At Chevy Chase, Grace is teaching a baby sweater class and she will be using US 8 needles. We still have space available. Call to sign up.

At Capitol Hill, this Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 is our 2008 Blanket Class. It's free. I'm sure the stitch pattern will have an 8 in it. First month joining, just ask for previous month patterns.

Sale of the Week at Chevy Chase

Pehuen: -- regularly $16.50 / sale price: $7.00This hand painted textured cotton yarn in a bright and happy pallete creates an eye-catching, light and comfortable fabric - a very versatile yarn that can be used for garments and accessories for the whole family. Each hand knit piece becomes a family heirloom. It knits up to a light 4.5 stitches to the inch on a US 7 needle, and contains a generous 131 yards per 100g.

Magallenes -- regular price: $12.50 / sale price: $6.25
This 100% hand-painted thick and thin wool in multi-colors knits up into a wonderfull delicatelly textured fabric. It is also a great felting yarn for those special projects. It knits up 4.5 stitches to the inch on a US 7 needle, contains a generous 198 yards per 100g.

as always, these sale items are at our Chevy Chase store. All sale items are final sales.

Thursday Discounts at Chevy Chase

Visit "Off StitchDC" in Chevy Chase. We have been shopping for new yarns and found some great deals. So I want to share these deals with you! Each week, I will highlight new yarns on deep discount at Chevy Chase.

This week....at least 40 PERCENT OFF...
Niji regular price: 11.95... this week $7.17
45% Wool, 25% Silk, 25% Kid Mohair, 5% Nylon Yardage: 96 Stitches: 5 Needle size: 7

Silk Mountain regular price: $12.50... this week: $6.50

Fiber: 65% Wool, 25% Silk, 10% Kid Mohair Yardage: 55 Stitches: 3 Needle size: 10

Just remember a little fine print ... quantities are limited (but we have sweater quanitities now) and the sale is only at Chevy Chase. We can hold prepaid orders only. And as always, all discounted items are final sales.

New Yarns Unpacked

Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Saturday and Sunday. The boxes are now all unpacked and I can tell you what is now on the shelves...
at Capitol Hill --
* Sublime DK Organic -- pretty soft organic colors. Great for babies and summer projects.
* Sirdar Baby Bamboo -- this was a hit this weekend. Merino and Bamboo blend. Thanks to Suzanne we have a pretty pink swatch. I had a few crafters pick this up for spring and summer projects.
* Patagonia Cottons -- Kettle Dyed and Delicious. A new version this year is extra soft and bumpy. I'm coveting the cotton for another Easy Yoke Sweater sized up for Nora.
* Fortissima and Trekking Sock Yarns -- We received tons for the Hot Sox Contest and have spread the love around to all the stores.
* Hand Jives Fingering and Lace Silk/Merino
* New Linen

at Chevy Chase...
* Ella Rae Baby Cotton
* Debbie Bliss Prima (wool and bamboo... yummy yummy)
* More sock yarns

at Georgetown...
* Sublime Organic Cotton
* O-wool Classic
* Debbie Bliss Donegal Tweed
* Dream in Color Classy -- dreamy worsted weight yarns!

Listing out the new yarns, I haven't had a chance to mention our Koigu, FarmHouse and Lorna's Laces deliveries that arrived early last week.
Come by and see all the new yarns!

We need more swatches so if you stop by for our Wednesday evening late night ask to swatch a new yarn.

Exclusively at Stitch DC...

JUST IN...

Tilli Tomas Beaded Silk Lace Yarn in three exclusive colors just for Stitch DC.

Equality (blue with silver beads), Freedom (red with gold beads) and Peace (white with clear beads).

Great Concepts and Beautiful Yarns!

Available at Stitch DC Capitol Hill

100% Silk with Petite Beads / 50gm / 168 yards.

I'm stashing a skein or two to knit a beautiful beaded shawl during the summer.

Quantities are limited so call to reserve your skeins.

Better than flowers

My Valentine's Day Bouquet.... Shibui sock yarn and silk mohair. New in the Capitol Hill store.

Just remember, Wednesday is crafting night. We are open late on Capitol Hill ('til 8:30). Come and create. And with Valentine's Day tomorrow, I'm sure we'll have chocolates!