Continental way of knitting and purling - free video tutorial

I have a confession to make - up until several years ago I didn't know that English way of knitting exists. I know it sounds weird. As a kid  I was taught to knit in continental way and every knitter I knew was a "picker".

When I moved to Canada continental method was considered a bit eccentric in North America but nowadays it becomes more and more popular. Many knitters come to our store to learn this fast and easy way of knitting and purling.

For those of you who can't make it to the store I made this quick video tutorial:

Happy knitting!

First year of running a yarn store

Last Saturday we celebrated the first anniversary of our brick-and-mortar store. On one hand this year went by so fast that we hardly noticed how it happened. On the other hand it seems like we had this store forever. And not a "I-am-so-bored-and-tired" forever but a "wow-I-enjoy-it-so-much" forever.

I do enjoy being a yarn store owner. As you probably know, crafters are the happiest people in the Universe. When our customers-turned-friends come to the store they usually smile. And I smile back. So after this first year of operating the store my face muscles improved a lot due to smiling :-)

These are "the roses". And of course roses do not come alone. More often than not there are also thorns somewhere close. I can't say this first year was really tough but yes we did learn a thing or two. Here are some highlights of our first year experience:

1. Yarn store is not just about yarn. People come to yarn stores for inspiration, help or just for fun. After our first couple months of running a store we added new knitting kits, books and magazines for inspiration, expanded the number of classes, made help sessions an ongoing thing and introduced new shawl pins, funky hand made stitch markers and hand dyed silk in two weights just for fun.

2. Classes should not be complicated. We, knitters, are tireless learners, but not everyone is ready for major upgrade of their knitting skills. Most prefer to learn new techniques one step at a time. That's why our Stitch Pattern of the Week became such a success. In just 1 hour of knitting you can learn a new stitch as well as a few tips and tricks that can improve your general knitting skills. For a fee of just $2 that is a really good deal.

3. Expenses are a retailer's frenemies - they are hard to pay and hard to avoid. Of course, every month we had bills to pay. To pay bills you need to have money, to have money you need to have good sales - that's the basic logic behind retail business.To survive you should either have good sales or fewer expenses (preferably both :-). In the case of our store paying no rent (we own the place) helps A LOT. Minimizing expenses and focusing on sales and customer service helped us emerge from this first year with a smile and tons of plans for next year(s).

First year of running a yarn store was great experience of overcoming different kinds of obstacles. With experience like that we came up with a model of a knitting business that will work for anyone who wants to get additional income part time with minimum cost. Join in and in some time YOU will be celebrating the 1st year of operating your own yarn business.

How to learn to knit the easy way

Quite often people come to our store and ask how they can learn to knit. Usually I set up a session for them right away and they leave the store 2 hours later with some yarn, needles, a small piece of knitted fabric and a smile on their faces.

But what to do if you are not in Mississauga area and can't make it to our store?

Option 1 is YouTube. It's overwhelmed by all kinds of knitting videos. Many of them are very good and clear, but most are not made by professional knitting instructors and are hard to follow and sometimes plain frustrating :-( Besides if you follow this option, you will need to make a trip to a yarn store or any major supermarket selling craft supplies (Walmart, Michaels etc).

Option 2 is getting a book for beginner knitters. You can find it in your local library, visit your local book store or order from Amazon. Good thing about books - they are written by professional instructors and usually double checked by tech editors. You will find clear illustrations for cast on, basic stitches and bind off. But trip to a yarn store (see Option 1) is also a must (sorry, but you cannot knit without yarn and needles)

It is a good idea to combine Options 1 and 2 and find clear videos that demonstrate basic stitches explained in the book.

Option 3. If you are lucky to have a yarn store in your area, go there. Chances are you'll find a good instructor there as well as good variety of yarn, needles and other knitting supplies you will need for your new hobby.

Option 4. If none of the first three options works, get a Learn to Knit kit that has it all - yarn, needles, notions, illustrated pattern and a DVD disc with a complete knit along that will guide you through every step of knitting a cute stripy scarf. Watch the disc any time and mimic the movements you see on the screen. In no time you'll have a Stripy Scarf and then many more knitted items.

Knitting is so much fun, once you learn how to knit, you cannot stop :-)

5 gifts you can knit for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a wonderful holiday when we make our moms, aunts, grandmas and ourselves (because many of us are moms too :-)) feel and look special. And every special celebration deserves a special gift. What can serve this purpose better than a handmade item knit with love? Here are a few ideas for beautiful gifts you can knit in just few hours:

1. The queen (or is it a king?) of quick knit gifts is of course a knit with wire bracelet. It takes only 2-3 hours to make, and it looks chic and stylish. If you've never knit with wire before, don't worry - our new Sacagawea Bracelet kits have a DVD with a complete knit along that will show you every step of the process from the very beginning to the point when you can put the bracelet on. Beads used for making Sacagawea are all natural gemstones and there are 7 colors to choose from.

2. If you want to make something softer and warmer than a bracelet knit with wire, go for a Sweet Stole. You will need only 3 balls of Knitca Delight yarn (choose one of 32 colors) and pattern is easy even for a beginner knitter. To make this stole all you need to know is how to cast on stitches, knit a stitch, make a yarn over and bind off stitches when the stole is finished. It will take you several days to make it, so get started now.


3. Want something more sophisticated and challenging? Make a Cable Bag. Knitca Woolly Warmth yarn knit in an intricate aran design makes this bag an eye-catcher. Line it with fabric in complementing or contrasting color and add a zipper or other closure. The pattern is available for free on our website under Free Knitting Patterns category.

Running out of time? Try these quicker than quickest knits:

Ruffle scarf (color Smoothie)

4. Make a simple Ruffle or Veil scarf. These scarves are so easy to make, you can knit it while watching a movie or TV show. If you are not sure how to work with mesh yarn, watch our video tutorial that demonstrates how to make a perfect Ruffle scarf.

Lacy Jewelry Gift Bag

5. Even if you decided to buy a gift instead of making it, you can add a perfect finishing touch by putting your gift Click here to get the pattern for free.
(if it's a piece of jewelry) into a fancy Lacy Jewelry Gift bag.

Happy knitting!
 

5 beautiful lace stitches for summer knits

We've patiently waited for spring to come and now, when it's here (hooray to warm sunny days :-)) it's time to think about cool knits for hot summer weather. And what can be cooler than lacy wrap / tunic / top / dress? Probably only a can of freezing Coke beats that :-)

Here are 5 most beautiful lacy stitches you can use for your spring / summer projects. Enjoy!

1.  Lacy lace with grape cluster motif – this pattern will make a wonderful summer sweater or shawl. If you use bamboo yarn for your project, you will feel comfortable even in hot weather.

Yarn shown in this swatch: Knitca Lovely 100% bamboo yarn, color 0123 Tangerine

Instructions:
Cast on multiple of 10 + 1 stitches. Add 2 more selvage stitches if you want to make a nice-looking edge.
Row 1 (right side): k2tog, k3, *yo, k1, yo, k3, k3tog, k3*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then yo, k1, yo, k3, k2tog.
Row 2 and every wrong side row: purl all stitches.
Row 3 (right side): k2tog, k2, yo, *k3, yo, k2, k3tog, k2, yo*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, k3, yo, k2, k2tog.
Row 5 (right side): k2tog, k1, yo, k1, *yo, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, k3tog, k1, yo, k1*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then yo, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, k2tog.
Row 7 (right side): k2tog, yo, k2, *k5, yo, k3tog, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then k5, yo, k2tog.
Row 9 (right side): k2, yo, k3tog, *yo, k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k3tog*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then yo, k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k2.
Row 11 (right side): knit all stitches.
Row 13 (right side): k1, yo, k2, *k1, k3tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then k1, k3tog, k3, yo, k1.
Row 15 (right side): k2, yo, k1, *k1, k3tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, k1*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then k1, k3tog, k2, yo, k2.
Row 17 (right side): k2tog, yo, k1, yo, *k1, k3tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k1, yo*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then k1, k3tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k2tog.
Row 19 (right side): k4, *yo, k3tog, yo, k7*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then yo, k3tog, yo, k4.
Row 21 (right side): k1, yo, k3tog, yo, *k3, yo, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, k3tog, yo*, repeat from * to * to last 7 sts, then k3, yo, k3tog, yo, k1.
Row 23 (right side): knit all stitches.
Repeat rows 1-24 till necessary for completing your project.

You can also work according to the chart available at http://www.knitca.com/lace3
All abbreviations are explained in the Key to Chart.


2. Here's a lace with a twist. A simple cable here and there makes this stitch pattern attractive and eye-catching. It's a perfect stitch to decorate your spring / summer knits.

Yarn shown in this swatch:
Knitca Socks 75% superwash merino wool 25% nylon yarn, color 2635 Lilac

Instructions:
Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches. Add 2 selvage stitches if you want to make a nice-looking edge.
Row 1 (right side): *SSK, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 2 and every wrong side row: *p2tog, yo, p2*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 3 (right side): *4 stitches right cable, SSK, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 5 (right side): *SSK, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 7 (right side): *SSK, yo, k2, 4 stitches right cable*, repeat from * to * to end.
Repeat rows 1-8 as necessary for completing your project.

You can also work according to chart available at http://www.knitca.com/lace18
All abbreviations are explained in the Key to Chart.

3. This stitch creates a simple yet cute mesh pattern - perfect if you want to make a light sweater / cardigan / shrug for hot summer days and cool summer nights. This pattern is easy to knit and easy to remember, so you can knit on the go. If you choose bamboo yarn for your project (as I did) you’ll feel comfortable whole summer.

Yarn shown in this swatch: Knitca Lovely 100% bamboo yarn, color 7527 Warm Gray

Instructions:
Cast on an even number of stitches. Add 2 more selvage stitches if you want to make a nice-looking edge.  
Row 1 (right side): *1 yarn over, knit 2 stitches together*, repeat from * to * as necessary.
Row 2 and every wrong side row: purl all stitches.
Row 3 (right side): * knit 2 stitches together, 1 yarn over*, repeat from * to * as necessary.
Repeat rows 1-4 till necessary for completing your project.

You can also work according to the chart  available at http://www.knitca.com/lace5 

4. Perfect stitch pattern for any spring / summer wrap, tunic or cardigan. It's easy to knit and easy to remember, simple but not plain with just enough lace to make it interesting.

Yarn shown in this swatch: Knitca Lovely 100% bamboo yarn, color 0163 Peach

Instructions:

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches. Add 2 selvage stitches if you want to make a nice-looking edge.
Row 1 (right side): *k3, yo, double vertical decrease, yo*, repeat from * to * to end.
Row 2 and every wrong side row: purl all stitches.
Row 3 (right side): *yo, double vertical decrease, yo, k3*, repeat from * to * to end.
Repeat rows 1-4 as necessary for completing your project.

You can also work according to the chart  available at http://www.knitca.com/lace17
All abbreviations are explained in the Key to Chart.

5.  As the weather gets warmer we want to wear something weightless. This semi-transparent stitch pattern will make a perfect top for hot summer. Easy to knit, pleasant to wear. If you use bamboo yarn for your project, you will feel comfortable even in hot weather.

Yarn shown in this swatch: Knitca Lovely 100% bamboo yarn, color 4755 Tan.

Instructions: 

Cast on multiple of 4 + 2 stitches. Add 2 more selvage stitches if you want to make a nice-looking edge.
Row 1 (right side): k1, *SSK, 2yo, k2tog*, repeat from * to * to last stitch, then k1.
Row 2 (wrong side): p1 *p2, k1, p1* repeat from * to * as necessary, then p1.
Repeat rows 1-2 till necessary for completing your project.

You can also work according to the chart  available at http://www.knitca.com/lace4
All abbreviations are explained in the Key to Chart.

Happy knitting :-)


 

Eye catching lacy stitch pattern for spring / summer knits

Here's a lace with a twist. A simple cable here and there makes this stitch pattern attractive and eye-catching. It's a perfect stitch to decorate your spring / summer knits.

Right side of the stitch pattern

Wrong side of the stitch pattern

To knit this beauty cast on a multiple of 8 stitches. Add 2 selvage stitches if you want to make a nice-looking edge.

Row 1 (right side): *SSK, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to end.

Row 2 and every wrong side row: *p2tog, yo, p2*, repeat from * to * to end.

Row 3 (right side): *4 stitches right cable, SSK, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to end.

Row 5 (right side): *SSK, yo, k2*, repeat from * to * to end.

Row 7 (right side): *SSK, yo, k2, 4 stitches right cable*, repeat from * to * to end.

Repeat rows 1-8 as necessary for completing your project.

All abbreviations are explained in the Key to Chart at http://www.knitca.com/lace18

Swatch on the photo is made with Knitca Socks yarn in color 2635 Lilac

Happy knitting!

Getting Inspiration at One of a Kind Show

Visiting craft shows is my secret sinful pleasure. Well, not that secret from my family as they usually tag along and enjoy every show almost as much as I do. Of course we couldn't miss One of a Kind show that took place in Toronto this weekend. It was fun, bright and full of inspiration. It's hard no to get inspired by all the colors, textures and amazing ideas.

I especially loved pieces presented by weavers:

and, of course, knitters:

I first met Olga about a year ago at another craft show. She makes absolutely stunning knits, I love every one of them.

Happy crafting :-)