Show #135 Notes - 11/13/09
Yarns
- Discontinued Colors Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino
- Classic Elite Renaissance Closeout
- Classic Elite Desert Closeout
- Opal Kathe Kruse
Now in the Store - Blue Moon Fiber Arts. In the store ONLY.
FREE PATTERN
Valley Yarns #293 Herringbone Scarf in 2/10 Merino Tencel
WEBS Bamboo Interchangeable Needle Set parts have arrived!
Gifts for Kids
- Harrisville Designs Easy Weaver
- Harrisville Designs Potholder Loom
- Jil Eaton Learn to Knit Pom Pom Scarf
Cast Ons and Bind Offs
These cast ons can be found in a good finishing book, like Nancie Wiseman's Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques. Many are also online with videos. Just do a search for them.
- Single/Backwards Loop Cast On - Easy to learn, but difficult to knit on.
- Long-Tail Cast On - Most versatile, and most common cast on. Maintaining tension on long-tail can take some practice. Can be used with any weight of yarn.
- Knitted Cast On - Can be used to start any project, or you can add stitches midway through a project- ex. adding earflaps to a hat. You start by knitting into your slip-knot. This is a looser cast on, so you'll want to be careful on your first row, possibly even knitting through the back loop on the first row.
- Cable Cast On - Isn't very elastic, but can be used to add stitches midway through the project too. Works well with all weights of yarn.
- Alternate Cast On - Great for ribbing.
- Picot Cast On - Elastic, decorative, works great with ribbing and garter stitch. Works best with light to medium weight yarns. Don't put the picots too close together. Use a needle two sizes smaller to cast on.
- Chained Cast On - "Bind off cast on" Used to create a temporary cast on. This uses a crochet hook.
- Tubular Cast On - Great for ribbing at the hips because it's so elastic. Can be used with many patterns. You'll always have an odd number of stitches. Do not use with bulky yarns.
More to come next week....
Show #151 Notes - 10/31/09
Our Holiday Gift Guide is now viewable (and shopable!) on our website!
Yarn
- Lorna's Laces Swirl DK Closeout
- Gedifra Angora Merino
- Schachenmayr Ego Tweed
- Gedifra Akona
- Regia 4 Ply Cotton Java Colors
Guest: Kristin Nicholas, author of Color by Kristin, and creator of Nashua Handknits Julia yarn, now available at WEBS.
We also have kits available for all of the projects in Kristin's latest book! Be sure you check these out. Kristin's Julia yarn is used exclusively in these projects and the yarn is super and the finished projects are spectacular!
- Over-the-Top Shawl
- On-the-Go Knitter's Tote
- Best Friend's Sweaters - Bridget
Best Friend's Sweaters - Julia
Show #150 Notes - 10/24/09
Yarn
- Schachenmayr Ecologico Closeout
- Schachenmayr Silenzio Closeout
- Regia Sierra Color Closeout (limited stock!)
- New Magazines
- Knitters Fall 09 Magazine
- Interweave Holiday Gifts
- Knitting Matters Kiyo
Guest: Lexie Barnes - creator of Lexie Barnes bags and Twist Fair.
Check out Lexie's new designs on our site here.
KAL with Pixie: We finish the Chesapeake Three-Button Jacket
Show #149 Notes - 10/17/09
Yarn
- Wisdom Yarns Marathon Socks Los Angeles
- Opal Yarns Schafpte
- Jade Sapphire Cashmere Scarf for Her Kits
Great Gift Ideas
- WEBS Interchangeable Needle Set
- Namaste Zumma
- Namaste Hermosa
- Namaste Malibu
- Namste Newport
- Judy's Colors Stocking Kits
Remember you can use the Wish List on our website!!
New Valley Yarns Patterns
- Soft Cables Afghan - knit in Amherst
- Hampshire Tweed Cardigan in Williamstown
- Thetis Pullover in Colrain
KAL with Pixie: Chesapeake Three-Button Jacket