Yes, CloseKnit Quality Yarns is turning 2! We would like to thank all of our customers for making this possible. We certainly couldn't have done it without you. Please drop by the shop on Friday, February 3rd or Saturday, February 4th as we are giving away a Brittany Shawl Pin with a minimum purchase (before tax) of $20. Or if you would prefer, you may have your choice of a set of handmade stitch markers by Aimee. They are very cute. And while you're in the shop, fill out a form for a draw - we are giving away a very funky bag - Zuma - by Namaste. Hope to see you then.

Janette & Kathy.

We're having a sale! But only for a few days - December 27th to 31st. Almost everything in the shop will be 15% off, and if you have a CloseKnit membership, you can take 20% off. We're even discounting some of our sale yarns! Open from 10:00 to 5:00 every day except Saturday, when we are closing at 3:00.

Janette & Kathy.

Yes, there is still time to make some fun, fast and easy presents. Here are a couple of great ideas that wouldn't take you very long at all. The first one is by a young designer from the West Coast - Jane Richmond. The pattern is called Mitten Cuffs and uses just one skein of Vintage Chunky (only $6.95). Add a couple of funky buttons (these are from Perl Grey - beautiful pewter from the East Coast) and voila ~ done in a couple of nights..... The other pattern is a simple cowl made with 3 skeins of Sirdar Big Softie - on 10.00 mm needles you'll have this done up in no time - and the best part is that it won't cost you a fortune ~ 3 skeins of Big Softie are only $14.85 pus tax. Or, you could buy one here. We have both of these patterns and the yarn in the shop.

Janette & Kathy.

CloseKnit is on the Victorian Christmas Trail. Christmas shopping in Stratford is festive and fun! Stroll through our garland-hung, sparkling Victorian-era shopping district decorated with fresh cedar boughs, red bows and twinkling lights. The Victorian Christmas Trail event is a perfect way to see our unique shops filled with great gift ideas. Purchase your Holiday Pass on-line or in person at the Stratford Tourism Office ~ 47 Downie Street. The $20 (+HST) pass entitles you to choose 8 gifts from 16 shops along the self-guided shopping tour. At CloseKnit, our gift to you is a crocheted sweater Christmas tree ornament. Check out the Stratford Tourism website at VisitStratford.ca/christmastrail to get your pass or for more details.

Kathy & Janette.

We have just come back from a great sale and, as usual, we like to pass those savings on to our customers. We were able to pick up some really nice products, including some of the Noro Line ~ Kureyon Sock, Yuzen and Retro. There are yarns from Araucania, Mirasol and Lana Gatto along with some more sock yarns ~ and they're ALL on sale ~ but they won't last long.....

Janette & Kathy.

I have just cast off a beautiful sweater in a design by Louisa Harding called Reef (more on that later). The pattern has a boat-neck and you finish the sweater by knitting up from the underarm on one circular needle. And here was my dilemma - the inevitable gap that occurs between the first stitch bound off and the last stitch bound off. As I was casting off on the neck edge, I knew that this could be quite noticeable and for me, not acceptable. What to do....well, I went back to a blog that I came across a while ago to see if I could get any help and voilà - a total of 3 methods to eliminate this gap (I ended up using #2) and you cannot tell where I started the cast off and where I ended it - no gap at all! And the blog - TECHknitting - "TECH-niques to turn home made knitting into handmade knitting". There are lots of tips and tricks for those finishing touches. I continually use her method for joining a new ball of yarn in the same colour - simple and invisible. She has a Unified Index of Tips, listed in alphabetical order which makes it easy to find helpful information on your knitting challenges. Check her out - she's good.

Janette.

Well, it is that time of year - cooler weather is here and it is time to get working on those projects - the tough part may be deciding which one! If you are interested in Learning to Knit or Crochet, or perhaps doing a quick refresher course or even learning a new technique, we are happy to announce that we're working with the talented Robyn Gallimore of Red Bird Knits, located right here in Stratford. Robyn, who is a knitter/designer, has outlined her classes here or you can pop into the store for more information. If you ever need some one-on-one time we are happy to help you with your questions and projects ~ just stop by the shop and we'll try our best to get it sorted out for you.

Janette & Kathy

While you're in town, why not pop by the by shop. We are having a wee sidewalk sale and as usual, there is always a great selection of yarns in the back sale room.

We just love seeing finished objects from our customers. Loopygolfer (yes, it is her Ravelry alias) was kind enough to send along a picture of this beautiful shawl. A pattern by Ilga Leja (also one of our favourite designers) called Open Waters. She used a variety of different yarns to get the very pretty striped effect and even added some beads to the frindge. You can check it out some more on Ravelry (here). Thanks M!

Janette & Kathy.

I've been getting back into crocheting lately and I found this great little one-skein project at http://craftypants.wordpress.com/category/free-patterns/ called Noro Plaid. I opted to use a Schoeller & Stahl self-patterning yarn that we had in our sale room for a more "tweedy" look but you could use any of the fingering weight, variegated or self-patterning yarns that we have at the shop. It was a really fun project as there is more to it than simply crocheting as you have to weave in vertical strands of yarn to create a kind of faux plaid. I love it! And for the knitter in you, I'm certain that this pattern can be easily adapted to knitting by using the "yo k2tog, k the next row" pattern which would create the holes to weave your strands of yarn through.

Kathy

Janette and I knitted similar style cardigans...one for the intermediate knitter and one for the advanced beginner. Janette's Transverse Cardigan, the tan coloured one, would be more for the intermediate knitter. It is knitted all in one piece, side to side with only 2 seams to sew together.  This cardigan is made from Berroco, Blackstone Tweed which is a worsted weight yarn that is a super soft mix of 65% wool, 25% mohair and 10% angora. A medium sized cardigan took 6 balls of yarn for a cost of $65.70. The green cardigan that I knit, would be for the advanced beginner and it has a back, two front pieces and two drop shoulder sleeves. I knit a small size and used O-Wool Legacy DK (100% organic wool at 305 yards/skein). It took just 3 skeins to make the small, for a very reasonable cost of $38.85. A medium or large would use 4 skeins for a cost of $51.80. We have the patterns for both of these lovely cardigans in our shop.

Kathy

Yes, it's the 170th Stratford Fall Fair and it is going on from September 22nd to the 25th. Started in 1841 it is one of the longest running fairs in Ontario. While looking through the Homecraft Prize List Booklet, we came upon a Knitting Category and there are lots of different sections to enter your knitted items - from stuffed toys, slippers, hats, socks, sweaters, vests to even one for a tea cozy! There are prizes to be won - not to mention the fun of just entering the competition. If you want more information on this you can check out their website at: http://www.stratfordfairgrounds.com/fallfair.html
So start digging through those knitted items (we know there are quite a few of them out there) and picking out your best for the show!

Janette and Kathy.

Whenever I go on vacation my knitting goes with me. As usual, I want to take my entire collection of knitting stuff, but realistically that is just not possible. So, enter the Knit Kit - everything you really need all in one handy package.
Some knitter did some serious thinking about putting this thing together and even if you are not traveling, it is great to have everything you need in one place. It is really quite amazing that all of these products can be fit into one very well designed case. Perfect to toss into your knitting bag when you are on the move. The other item I came across is called the Gleener - with 3 different blades, plus a lint brush, it really is The Ultimate Fuzz Remover taking those pesky pills off everything from T-shirts to heavy sweaters. Kathy did a test run on an old pilled sweater using the middle blade. We couldn't believe the job it did - the sweater looked like new. What I love are the 3 different blades - designed to be used on different products from bulky woolens to fine, silk blends. We have both the Knit Kit and the Gleener available at the shop.

Janette.

It's official! Stratford is having a Yarn Bombing!! What a great way to show off your work and use up your stash. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like - the only thing is that is should somehow be related to food! So, mark you calendar ~ it is going to happen starting on September 24th in conjunction with Savour Stratford. To find out more about this event and to get involved ~ or if you need some help, ideas or inspiration... ~ check out this website.
http://www.perthartsconnect.ca/community-news.php?sid=10

I loved knitting this scarf and watching the swirls form. It's a fast knit ~ all done in garter stitch and the best part of this scarf, is that it can be done in any type and any weight of yarn - just increase or decrease the number of stitches that you cast on. For a DK weight yarn, I cast on 30 stitches. You will have certainly perfected the wrap & turn, by the time you finish this one!

Janette.

These pictures were just sent to us from one of our customers. The pattern is called the Parachute Top and was made out of Sea Silk by Handmaiden in the colourway moss. She found the pattern on the web and it's free - you can download it from here! What a great summer top. She used just over one skein of the Sea Silk, cast on 140 stitches with 4.50 mm needles and did 64 rows to get the length she wanted. This would be a great project for a number of the lovely Handmaiden skeins. And with the remainder of the Sea Silk - a beautiful, summer scarf. Thanks so much W!

We just got back from a great yarn sale which means that our back sale room is overflowing. Some amazing yarns from Lana Gatto - Camel Hair, Feeling (a beautiful blend of wool, silk and cashmere), Kashmir Baby from Louisa Harding, some Silk Garden and Yuzen from Noro, lots of new sock yarns and more. The best news is that it is all on sale, but we don't think it will last long....

Janette & Kathy

We are so excited to now carry the Namaste line of knitting bags and accessories. They are beautiful - stylish, functional and durable - true quality. Made from PVC-free, animal friendly faux leather in a great array of colours. Check them out - and if there is something you want that we don't currently have

in stock, we'd be happy to order it in for you!

Janette & Kathy

My husband asked me to make him a cowl (yes, I was a bit surprised about that) and after some searching on Ravelry, I found this free pattern - called The Guy Next Door. It is a simple, no fuss - no muss cowl that got instant approval. Slightly less than one skein of Malabrigo worsted in VAA - and a few nights of knitting and voila! He is very pleased with the outcome. I think I may be making some more manly cowls for the other men in my life - they don't know what they've been missing!

Janette.

We thought that the Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine would work great as a sock yarn given it's nylon content ~ 50% Peruvian Wool and 20% Superfine Alpaca with 30% Nylon. The gauge is 30 stitches to 4" on a 3.0 mm needle. At 400 meters (433 yards) per skein, it is perfect for a pair of socks and even better, the cost is only $11.95 which is a great price for a nice pair of hand knitted socks! I used a free pattern from Ravelry called Path To The Heart by Abby Mroczenski and it is very pretty indeed! They're a delicate and soft, lightweight sock. So drop by the shop soon and see all of the pretty colours we have in the Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine.

Kathy

This charming little lacy tank is called Soleil by Alexandra Vergeil and is a free download from knitty.com. Soleil means sun in French and this top is perfect for a warm, sunny day. Knitted from breathable Sirdar Calico, a cotton/acrylic blend, it was quite a pleasure to knit. Because of the acrylic, the fabric had memory and stretch and, unlike some cotton, the yarn didn't split. Less is more when you see the simplicity of the body with just the right amount of lace. Thanks C for being our model!
 
Kathy

In order to make room for some new summer yarns, we are having a select sale on some of our current stock.
Louet Riverstone Bulky Weight 100% wool - 165 yards - was $7.49 - now just $4.95.

O-Wool Legacy DK 100% Organic Merino - 305 yards - was $16.50 - now $13.95.

And finally, Misti Alpaca Lace - 437 yards - was $7.95 - now $6.35.

Janette & Kathy.

I have been wanting to knit this top for quite some time and felt like getting something light and summery in my hands. It has been a long, hard winter and this made me think of warmer days. I love linen - I love the way it looks and feels as it just keeps getting softer and softer - the more it is washed and worn. This top was made with 2 skeins of Euroflax from Louet. Okay - knitting with it isn't the best knit I've had - but no worse than cotton. This is a really easy pattern - all stockinette (well, except for the couple of eyelet rows), and I did change it a bit - there's very few patterns that I don't. I even had enough yarn left over to make a lacy summer scarf.

Janette.

This is my first Lacy Baktus - oh, how I love this scarf! Fun, fast, funky and easy. Even long enough to tie in the front. Can be made from any weight of yarn and will look great. And it is completely reversible. This one is made from Misti Alpaca - Hand Painted Sock Yarn - just one skein. The hardest part was determining when to start my decreases as I wanted to make sure that I had enough yarn to finish. A good postal scale came in handy. My next one is from Manos del Uruguay - the Silk Blend - and this will take take 2 skeins, which will be easy - start your decreases when you start the second skein. Thinking it could also make a great summer accent scarf - in a lighter yarn, with some nice drape to it - mmmm, now which yarn to use......

Janette.

We're one year old already!! And to thank all of our customers, we are having a sale! There is 10% off everything in the store (well, there are a few exceptions - like any products that are already on sale) and if you are a CloseKnit Member, you get another 10% off. In addition, we are giving you a further 10% off in CloseKnit dollars for any future purchase that you make. If you've been thinking about getting started on a project - now is the time!

Please join us on Saturday, January 29th and Saturday, February 5th at the shop for some edible goodies and a great sale. We will be open from 10:00 until 5:00 on both days. And whatever you buy, you'll receive a gift, to thank you for your support.

Janette & Kathy.

Yes, we're having a sale! For only 4 days - December 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st. We will be offering discounts on the following yarns ~

Manos Wool Clasica
Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino & Cashmerino Aran
Berroco Blackstone Tweed
Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool
O-Wool Balance & Legacy DK
Misti Alpca Lace
Opal Sock Yarn
Louet Euroflax
Jil Eaton CottonTail

You might just find something for your stash or for some winter projects. We will be open from 10 until 6 every day except for the 31st, when we will close early (at 3:00) for New Year's Celebrations.

Janette & Kathy

I was stuck at the farm for 6 days during our recent storm and well, what do you do - KNIT, of course. Found this great hat called Hurricane and thought it was so fitting. One skein of any worsted weight yarn and some 4.5 mm needles is all it takes. You can find the link to this pattern under our Project Tab - Hats & Mitts - H17 if you want to make your own.

Janette.

This was a great knit - quite easy to do and looks very elegant. I think it looks good as either a shawl or a wrap. The pattern and yarn are very local - from Alpaca Acres just outside of Stratford and it is available at the shop as a Knit Kit. All natural colours of yarn - beautiful browns and natural blacks - buttons are included in the kit.

Janette.

Easy and fast to knit - often one skein of yarn and you can have a different one for every day of the week! Kathy knit the cabled headband in Blackstone Tweed and I knit the garter stitch, cabled headband in Mission Falls 136.

Both patterns are available at the shop and both took just one ball of yarn each. Great for a last minute gift - knit up in a night.

Janette & Kathy

A good friend and customer knitted this smart sweater jacket using our own CloseKnit yarn. Our friend's pattern comes from the Rowan "Knitting for Him" book. The yarn is a real outdoors, rugged kind of yarn with oodles of lanolin that will be incredibly warm as well as providing protection from both water and wind - ideal for those fall & winter days. This yarn would also make a stunning Aran or Guernsey sweater that would last for years.

Kathy & Janette.

Starting October 21st, we are offering 25% OFF all of our Riverstone Bulky/Chunky weight yarn by Louet. This yarns come in 100 gram skeins with 150 metres (165 yards) per skein and a gauge of 8 to 12 stitches over 4" (10 cm) on 6.00 mm needles. We have a great selection of colours and this yarn is wonderful to both knit with and felt with - as you can see from the Garnet Sweater and the Laptop Bag - both made with the Riverstone. At $5.62 per skein - it won't last long!

Janette & Kathy

I'm getting quite enamored with felting - just finished this project and it still needs a button (or two), but I'll get that figured out. Fits my little Macbook perfectly. Of course, there are a few things I would change for my next one - isn't there always? Knit in the round - only a few seams to sew - big needles, fast knitting and I have a great new
laptop bag!

Janette.

This pretty little fitted, cropped sweater is called "Garnet" and is by designer Jean Moss. The pattern calls for Manos del Uruguay Classica which is a chunky weight, 100% wool, and we do carry it in the store, but I decided to use Louet's Riverstone Chunky, a 100% wool in the Island Moss colourway, a yarn that we also carry and have many beautiful colours to choose from. There's a bit of lace to this pattern in the hemline, at the cuffs and in the ribbed effect...a nice cozy sweater with a feminine touch.

Kathy

LanaKnits Designs has some great patterns - and I just love her hemp yarn, but this time I thought I would try one of her patterns, but using some O-Wool Legacy DK. Great yarn, yardage and value - and really nice to knit with. I picked this tank pattern as I figured I can wear it in almost every season. Also looks great with a white shirt underneath - for winter time wear. Took 2 skeins - all done in the round - hardly any finishing - just a quick stitch on the shoulder seams - gotta love that!

Janette.

In the shop, we often hear lovely stories about knitting and this one is so delightful, I just had to share it. We had a customer, herself a sock knitter, in the store recently who proudly took off one of her shoes to show me the socks that she was wearing. She proceeded to tell me that her Mom had knitted them for her when she was 15...she is now 75. She has kept those lovingly hand-knitted woolen socks for 60 years. She told me that they've been worn and washed a million times. I saw them and, structurally, they are as perfect as the day she was given them, if just a little thinner. So, keep knitting those socks and passing them down!

Kathy

I just can't resist knitting up something for friends who are having a baby. Came across this pattern for the jacket and hat and both are free! The jacket is called Inca-Dinkadoo and the hat is called Fixation (both are free Ravelry downloads). The yarn - well, as new a new Mum will tell you - it is so much better if you can throw it in the washer & dryer. Sometimes a bit tricky, but this yarn can handle both washer and dryer and it is incredibly soft. It is by Louet and it is called Gems, 100% Merino. Only two skeins and you have both the hat and the jacket.

Janette.

Just finished this shrug and am thinking it would be just perfect for those cooler evenings. Really easy pattern available through Ravelry - and even better - it is free! You can go to the download here. Couldn't figure out what I would do for the top closure so did a quick google and found this neat way to do a button loop. This knit up so quickly and it only took 2 skeins of the Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend.

Janette.

Just had to share these two beautiful shawls that were knit by a customer of ours. The very lacy, grey shawl is from a Hand Maiden kit called Storm Water using Sea Silk in Silver. Silk always seems so luxurious and has such a nice drape. This yarn is 70% Silk with 30% Seacell and a good 400 metres per skein.

The light blue shawl was knit from a pattern called Emma's Paris Shawl (the pattern is a free download at Ravelry) and the customer used Fleece Artist - Merino 2/6 in the Salt Spray colourway. A really versatile yarn that is 100% washable merino. Well done!

Here's one of those gorgeous summer fibres I was talking about in our last post. I used a version of the classic Feather and Fan pattern, 4.5 mm needles, 40 stitches & 1 skein (246 metres) to knit this scarf from Louet's Euroflax Sport Weight 100% wet spun linen. The colourway is Willow and it has that very crisp feel that linen has but will get softer the more it is washed. And the good news is, Euroflax is machine washable and dryable. One of our customers purchased it in the Pewter colourway to knit the "Diaphaneity" top in this summer's issue of Interweave Knits magazine.

Kathy

Ah, summer...hot days, cool clothes, especially clothes knitted out of cotton! This cotton tank was made out of Elesbeth Lavold Cotton Patiné and the pattern is the Sleevless Shell from the Sublime 611 Pattern Book. But don't just think Cotton Patiné...think organic cotton, hemp, linen, silk...all beautiful, natural, breathable fibres for these hot, sultry summer days. We have them all and lots of pretty summer top patterns too!

Kathy

Not being that experienced with felting (okay, I've only ever felted one thing - but it turned out really well), I was a bit hesitant to take these on. But, I am now ready to do the final sewing and then into the washing machine! Really easy and fast to knit up - used 9.0 mm circs and only took 1 night per slipper - one night for sewing and we're almost there. I will have a pair of felted clogs in less than a week (although, right now they look like they would fit an elephant!) The pattern has good instructions and is quite easy to follow. We have been able to get in a few kits for these (includes the pattern & all of the yarn). We have also ordered in some of the patterns (they are being shipped out today) and there are a number of yarns in the shop that would work well for this project. First ones are mine, but I think that they would also make a really nice present.

Janette.

Came across this pattern and thought it would be just ideal for my husband, who can be a bit fussy when it comes to knitted hats. But, he loved it and also kindly agreed to pose for the pic. Only takes 1 skein of the Berroco Vintage and was a fast and easy knit. This is the actual pattern from the 1940's ~ the Classic WW II Watch Cap. It can be knit on circulars or straights and there are now several of his friends who are waiting....would make a great gift for Father's Day!

Janette.

Help us celebrate Moms everywhere by joining us Mother's Day weekend, May 8th and 9th for some delicious home-made scones and 10% savings on skeins. For Saturday and Sunday only, we are offering 10% off retail on all of our yarns ( a few exceptions ~ Alpaca Acres yarn, sale yarns and kits). If you're wondering what to get your Mom for Mother's Day, we've put together this beautiful kit of 2 facecloths and a soap sack made with 1 skein of the Allhemp6 ~ a fast and easy knitted lace. Hemp is grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides and is naturally mold resistant. This 100% Hemp yarn can go in the washing machine & dryer. The more it is washed, the softer it will become, yet it will not shrink, stretch, fade or pill. If your Mom is a knitter, it makes a great present and if not, you could knit it up for her!

Janette & Kathy

This beautiful hand dyed yarn from Nova Scotia (80% Merino/20% Nylon) is most often used to make socks. But this time I chose to crochet a scarf in a shell pattern and selected the Lion Brand Crochet Stitch: Shell Pattern 1 which I obtained through Crochet Pattern Central, a free pattern site on the internet. You may need to register at the Lion Brand site in order to access the pattern, but registration is free. I used a size 4.0 mm hook and chained 39 sts. It is a variegated yarn but the colours, when crocheted, appear more solid in their patterning. The colourway is Morgana and its dark browns, vibrant reds, bright yellows and dark greens are reminiscent of an Autumn forest. Stunning!

Kathy

Finally got around to blocking this scarf as I have been waiting for our blocking kits to arrive. What a difference that makes to any knitted project - especially lace - it just comes to life. The blocking kits contain 8 - 36" rigid blockers, 4 - 18" rigid blockers, 2 - 27" flexible blockers (great for sleeves or anything with a curve to it), 30 stainless steel T-pins and 1 yardstick. The yarn and pattern are from an earlier post on the Alpaca Scarf and it looks just great after blocking - better feel and drape. I did use a wet blocking method - soaked the scarf in Eucalan and cool water for about an hour or so before I started. I have just been using my ironing board, but it makes me think that I really need some kind of blocking board - especially for any bigger projects - shawls, sweaters....

Janette

Who doesn't know about Elizabeth Zimmerman's very clever BSJ (Baby Surprize Jacket). This adorable jacket is knitted in one piece and simply sewn at the shoulders. Janette and I knitted ours using O-Wool Balance Certified Organic yarn which is a 50% Merino and 50% Cotton blend...so soft and great to knit with. Janette's is in the Malachite colourway and mine is in the Lapis colourway. A word of caution...it looks very strange on the needles but hang in there, we promise you that when you bind off, you will have a sweet little sweater that will be a family heirloom for many years to come.

Kathy and Janette

A great pair of fingerless gloves - the pattern is called Fetching - free at Knitty.com. I used Blackstone Tweed on 5.0 mm needles. This stuff is so soft - and I've always loved a tweed. Only takes 1 skein to make a pair - finished in a weekend and a good spring/fall accessory. The pattern actually calls for Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran - my next pair.

Janette

Yes, it's true, we are starting to offer knitting & crocheting classes! You can get more information and register at our website.

Just finished this shawl - took 2 skeins of the Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend and a set of 5.50 mm circulars. Would make a great spring/fall piece and if you want to try your first lace, there are a couple of great, really easy and free patterns! This one is the Kevat-Shawl (Kevat means spring in Finnish). There is also a .pdf link for this pattern on the Ravelry website. Another pattern that would work with 2 skeins of the Manos Silk Blend is the Eyelet Shawl which can also be found on the Ravelry website. It is good for variegated yarns as well as solid colours. The Eyelet Shawl uses the "yo, k2tog" as the basic stitch pattern.

Janette

We have just received a shipment of new products and needed to rearrange the store to fit them all in! Some beautiful hand dyed, silk blend, DK yarns which would be perfect for a summer shawl or tank. Some great chunky weight yarns in an extensive colour range - both 100% wool which is great for felting and sweaters and some 100% merino that can be put in the washer and dryer! The lace weight yarns in baby alpaca have arrived for knitting beautiful shawls and scarves and we've topped up on our supply of baby yarns and sock yarns. There is still more to come....

Further to an earlier posting from Janette about the hempforknitting, here's the crocheted beanie in the Aubergine colourway. Only took one skein to make. I also enjoyed crocheting witht the hemp and I did soak my skein first in warm water and hair conditioner. It was lovely and soft to work with. If you're looking for a fun & easy crochet pattern for a summer hat that's hip to wear - we've got the hemp and the pattern here at CloseKnit.

Kathy.

Never had this type of yarn in my hands before - quite enjoyable. Took only 1 skein - and it is from Alpaca Acres - I could walk there...
Yes - it needs to be blocked - will do that and post on it later - the before and after pic. Feels beautiful - but like all lace patterns, it will get even better with blocking.
I used 4.50 mm DPN's and a free pattern from Nicole Hindes called Strangling Vine. Should be noted that if you do use this pattern, you are expect to do a RAOK - Random Act of Kindness - which you can read more about in her post. There is also the link to the .pdf of the pattern from this site. Easy to knit - SSK, K2tog and yo's...nothing complicated.

Janette

CloseKnit has hemp! This product comes from Lana Hames, founder/owner/designer of Lanaknits Designs hempforknitting. Well, why hemp? The more hemp is put into the washing machine and dryer, the softer it gets - and it will not shrink, stretch, fade or pill! You've got to like that. It is a bit stiff to work with and Lana suggests that if you find that it is, soak the skein in hot water and hair conditioner - and let it dry - don't rinse it. I was going to try this as it took 2 skeins to make the market bag - thought I would knit with one of the skeins as it was and the other I would try the conditioner on - but once I started knitting with it, I didn't think it was too much of a problem (certainly no worse than cotton). She has amazing patterns and we did get in a good selection. The hemp that arrived is the allhemp6, 100% hemp in a DK weight. I tried my regular Addi Turbo's first, then went to my lace Addi Turbo's and then ended up with my bamboo Addi's - which worked perfectly. Kathy has also been crocheting with it - did a great beanie in the Aubergine colourway - will get a pic of this shortly...

Janette

Just wanted to share a great pair of socks that one of our first customers made for her Valentine. Used the Berroco Vintage on 3 mm needles and she thought it was just wonderful to work with. It took 2 skeins of the Vintage to make a pair of Size 11 mens. A few more pics and info at her site on Ravel ~
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kreze/marks-socks

Janette

I have today off from the CloseKnit shop and Janette's working. So what do I do? Naturally, I knit! The weather in Stratford, as all over the Province, has been snowy and blowy but I've been inside, tucked under a throw, with Ruby the cat on my lap, the fire going, a nice cup of tea, homemade cranberry/apricot scone and a terrific knitting project!! I'm knitting Kilt Hose from our own label 100% wool, sport weight in a gorgeous oatmeal colourway. All this, and then I get to go back to the CloseKnit shop tomorrow. Yipee!

Kathy

First of all, we would like thank everyone that made it out to our Grand Opening! We were overcome with the number of people, their support and the excitement of having a LYS back in Stratford. It felt so good.

We are going to start sharing our enthusiasm by posting our yarns, projects and contributions.

Janette & Kathy