Knitch News Blog

Stretch Your Skills Club: April & May Instructional Videos

2011-06-14T21:56:00.013-04:00

Our Stretch Your Skills Yarn Club combines two months so that the cabled band you'll learn to make in the April shipment can be immediately followed up with the May shipment where you'll learn how to pick up stitches and make a hat attached to that fancy band.

(Sock Yarn Lovers Club and Luxury Yarn Lovers Club members -- here's where you'll find the E-Loop Cast On video!)

Below, you'll find instructional videos by Nell to help with the finer points of both shipments:
1) The E-Loop Cast On
2) Making Cables using CF3 and CB3
3) Joining the Knitted Cable Band Ends Together
4) Picking Stitches Up Along a Knitted Edge

The pattern calls for an e-loop cast on, the preferred cast on of the beloved knitting maven Elizabeth Zimmerman. It's a great technique for beginning knitters as well and it produces a thin, loose edge. Nell loves it too - her grandmother taught her when she was a little girl -- and will show you here how it's done!

The e-loop cast on

In this video, Nell interprets the instructions she wrote on how to make cables using a j-hook. You'll learn the meaning of CF3 (cable front three) and CB3 (cable back three) and you'll be turning out cables in no time.

Making Cables using CF3 and CB3

Here we'll look at joining the cast on edge of the cable band onto the needle edge (live stitches) of the knitted cable to close the band into a circle. Once this is done, you'll pick up the stitches on the knitted edge of the band to knit your hat.

Joining the Knitted Cable Band Ends Together

Next, see how to pick up stitches along a knitted edge for a smooth transition to the next section of your project -- in this case, the knitting of the hat.

Picking Stitches Up Along a Knitted Edge

Habu's Takako comes to Knitch!

2011-04-14T17:13:00.008-04:00

Nell and Takako

We had the great pleasure and treat of a visit from Takako of Habu Textiles fame. She taught two sold-out workshops on Wednesday to knitters eager to learn the tricks of reading Japanese knitting patterns (not so hard, really, once you know the drill!) as well as ways of tailoring the garments to fit well. She brought along lots of treasures for her trunk show too.

Attendees got to see and try on garments made from Takako's brilliant patterns and fibers as well as other designers' takes on what to do with the amazing yarns that come from Habu. How we love them!

Takako held the rapt attention of all the knitters with her whimsical smile and astute understanding of how best to show off the Habu fibers. Thanks for visiting Knitch Takako! We can't wait to see you again.

Get Ahead of the Holidays, March Videos

2011-03-23T15:25:00.003-04:00

These videos by Nell will assist those of you in the heart-felt Get Ahead of the Holidays Club for March. Here we'll cover Provisional Cast On, SKP (Slip/Knit/Pass) English/American and Continental versions, PSSO (pass slipped stitch over), and How to Pick Up from the Provisional Cast On. These are useful skills for any knitter to know!

A Provisional Cast On, or Open Cast On, is meant to be removed while the knitting project is in progress, or as part of the finishing steps. Use a contrasting color for your waste yarn to make it easy to see. In this video, Nell shows you how to do a Provisional Cast On using a crochet hook.

Provisional Cast On (Crocheted)

Next we'll do a decrease using SKP (Slip/Knit/Pass) in two ways -- English/American and Continental.

SKP (Slip/Knit/Pass) - English/American Style

SKP (Slip/Knit/Pass) - Continental Style

At the heart of this month's project, there's a heart. When you arrive at the point at the bottom of each heart the instructions tell you to slip one, K2tog, PSSO. Here's how it's done -- in both the English/American and Continental styles:

Sl1, K2tog, PSSO - A pointed decrease for the bottom of your heart.

This video shows you how to pick up your stitches from the Provisional Cast On. You'll be working from the "wrong" or reverse stockinette side. You'll see why having a contrasting color for your waste yarn is so very helpful.

Picking Up Stitches (PU) from Provisional Cast On

So, how'd you like the part where you zip out the Provisional Cast On? We love that . . . it's always fun! Oh the joys of knitting!

Skills-Building Videos

2011-02-06T20:41:00.020-05:00

Here are your videos, Skills Building Club members!

K3P3-Combining Knitting & Purling
to Make Rib Pattern

In this video, Nell shows you how to make a nice wide rib pattern, combining knitting and purling. Using this as a basis, you can create any size rib you want from K1P1 to K10P10 and beyond!

K3P3 - Combining Knits & Purls to make a Rib

K2tog, YO, K1P1
Knit 2 Together, Yarn Over, Knit3 Purl3

Here Nell shows you how to create an eyelet (aka an intentional hole) by decreasing (K2tog) and
increasing (YO) in a rib pattern. Note: You can do this in any pattern.

K2tog, YO, K1P1

K1, YO, SKP
Knit 1, Yarn Over, Slip/Knit/Pass

Here is another method of creating an eyelet (a hole on a mission) using an increase (YO) and a decrease (SKP).

K1, YO, SKP

Binding Off in Pattern . . . or Not:
The Right Way and the Other Way

When your instructions call for binding off in pattern, there's a good reason for it. Binding off in pattern creates a pleasing edge and the proper amount of elasticity in your finished piece. Here Nell shows you how to do it and also show what happens when you justdo a straight bind off, regardless of the pattern. Granted, you might choose to do it that way for the design it produces, but you'll want to know the difference so you can make the choice that best suits you and your project.

Binding Off in Pattern . . . Or Not

Long Tail Cast On - Two Methods:
With Slip Knot and Without
Nell demonstrates the basic cast on, the one most of us learn starting out. There are lots of ways to cast on and we'll get into more at a later date. This is one you'll want to know. We'll also show you a clever alternative cast on just below this that is fast becoming our go-to cast on.

Long Tail Cast On With Slip Knot

Long Tail Cast On Without Slip Knot

Wrapping up a wonderful year

2010-12-28T16:51:00.006-05:00

How time has flown! We see it especially in the changes in our Knitch baby, Sully, from newborn to robust, happy, full-of-personality almost 10-month-old. We see it in our new digs on a charming little stretch of Virginia Avenue (North East!), very close to the bustling center of Virginia-Highland and just far enough away. We see it in bare trees and patches of snow on the ground (highly unusual in these parts!)

We're celebrating it all with a perfect project to welcome the new year: our Artyarns Silk Rhapsody Hug. Some are making it with Silk Rhapsody, some with Silk Rhapsody Glitter and some with Silk Rhapsody with Beads and Sequins. It's truly gorgeous, such fun to make and a great treat to wear as the chilly weather sets in for awhile. Do let us see your creation!

Sully and the Quince

2010-12-09T16:17:00.010-05:00

yarn is great, but very hungry caterpillars
are more interesting for some people . . .

Sully was in the house for our Quince & Co. trunk show on Wednesday, so happy under his new Kelpie Cap, knit from Quince & Co. Osprey by his mama the night before.

yes? you wanted something? . . .

okay. back to work . . .

Come by and see the yummy samples and revel in the yarn from Quince & Co. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet Mr. Sully.

Over the River Mitts: Comfort & Joy, with a Video!

2010-12-06T17:45:00.017-05:00

Oh comfort and joy! We just got in a new shipment of Jade Sapphire Cashmere. It's the perfect thing for making these super warm and cozy fingerless one-skein mitts. The only hard part is choosing just one color! Tough decision, made easier if you decide to make several! We'll leave that to you and, once you've decided, we'll send you the complimentary pattern with your purchase of the yarn.

In the meantime, we've put together a 3.5 minute video that unravels the mystery of increasing with Make 1 Right and Make 1 Left (M1R and M1L) -- something you'll need to know to make the thumb gussets in these mitts. Here Nell shows you exactly how it's done, using a nice bulky yarn so it's very easy to see all the detail. Watch it through a time or two and you'll have this clever (and easy!) technique down!

All you need to make these delicious mitts is one skein of Jade Sapphire 6-ply plus US size 7 needles and a darning needle. Then you're good to go!

Beautiful detailing!

A Video How-To for our Sweet Ruffled Scarf

2010-11-23T14:02:00.009-05:00

Our Sweet Ruffled Scarf is a satisfying quick knit, especially when you understand the ins and outs of picking up stitches for the ruffle. Nell shows you how simple it is to do in our video.

To make this soft, feminine scarf, you'll need two skeins of Malabrigo Worsted, a pair of US 7 needles and a pair of 47" - 60" US 8 circular needles. The pattern is free with your purchase of the yarn at Knitch.

A Quick Knit for Holiday Gift-Giving - The Lightning Cowl!

2010-11-23T13:52:00.003-05:00

We call it Lightning Cowl because it's so quick to knit. And the results are astonishing. You'll just need one skein of Malabrigo Rasta, a 24" US 17 circular needle and some stitch markers. Oh, and the pattern, of course, which we will throw in with your purchase of the yarn! Make one for each of your best buddies and one for yourself. You've got the time -- we've got the yarn!

Overwhelmed (in a really good way) and VERY grateful!

2010-11-04T12:35:00.006-04:00

There are so many of you to thank for your big response to our 100 Hats in 100 Days Project! You brought them in on your bikes; you brought them in on your walks. You sent them from far away; you knit them at our farm table. We just received at box of ten from Texas! And not long ago hats arrived from Portland, Oregon. There are several en route from Sweden. You are fabulous and you are spreading caring to many people this winter, who will be warmer for your loving efforts. In this season of thanksgiving, we thank you so very much -- every one!

Curly Girly Kasumi

2010-10-28T14:53:00.010-04:00

One thing we love about our Knitch pattern, Curly Girly Boa, is the way it can be made in all sorts of clever combinations, limited only by your imagination. But this was the first time we ever saw it done in Shepherds Wool and Habu Kasumi.

Susan Crawley has a distinct eye for things creative and artistic it's true, being the curator for Folk Art at Atlanta's High Museum of Art. And she also has a lot of patience. That comes in handy when binding off 2400 stitches of Kasumi!

Are there any more interesting approaches to Curly Girly Boa out there? We would love to see what you are doing!

A Lovely Homeless Hat Project Story

2010-10-14T14:02:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, a lady wandered into the shop, attracted by our window display for 100 Hats in 100 Days for the Homeless (see column to the left). She insisted that it would be impossible for anyone to teach her to knit. She was quite certain about that. But she wanted to participate in our project. She asked if she might purchase some yarn to give to a knitter to make a hat . . . or two. As luck would have it, a busy, happy group of knitters was gathered around the table. Jane was the first to speak up and say she'd be happy to do it. The lady thanked her and disappeared, only to return moments later with a gift -- a lovely porcelain platter full of crackers and artichoke spread from our neighbors, Bella Cucina. Now we had a table of busy and even happier knitters! The lady left, having never revealed her name, with a contented smile on her face, knowing she had contributed to a worthy cause -- on a couple of levels!

Our goal of 100 Hats in 100 Days needs a burst of activity from everyone to make the November 1 deadline. So keep those hats coming -- whether you knit them yourself or not! And thank you, mysterious lady, and Jane. You are both inspirations.

And speaking of hats, our Knitch bird sported an Atlanta Braves cap for a couple of weeks as excitement grew about our home team going into the MLB post-season. Alas, it's all over now, but not due to any lack of spirit on behalf of our bird!

Oh Happy Day...Brooklyn Tweed SHELTER has arrived at Knitch!

2010-10-01T12:04:00.029-04:00

It's been really hard to keep this secret....we knew you'd love this yarn and we've been itching to tell all the Knitch Knitters about SHELTER from Brooklyn Tweed for months. This secret was worth keeping though, because the yarn is even better than we had imagined and we're thrilled to be able to unveil it!

Available in 17 over the top beautiful colors - each one sweater worthy for sure - this yarn begs to jump on your needles and fly!

From Brooklyn Tweed himself:

In September 2009 , Jared began researching answers to very specific questions he had been asking myself for some time: With such a rich textile history and an abundance of fiber and resources, why is there such a tangible absence of commercial American yarns available to the broader hand knitting community? Is it possible to develop 100% American sourced, spun & designed yarns and present them in a competitive & compelling way in the current market? What would a yarn look like that was designed from the ground up by a single designer? The desire to answer these questions sparked the beginning of a year-long journey that has allowed me to pursue a personal dream of developing my own line of wool yarn. The result of this process is SHELTER, an artisanal American Wool with a wonderful story and unique identity.

Before making steps towards the realization of SHELTER, Jared made a list of the qualities that he desired in his own ideal yarn for hand knitting. The list below served as a road map to making the search a reality.
• A woolen-spun 2-ply wool with extremely light and lofty hand
• A light worsted weight gauge that is fluid enough to create a variety of fabrics
• A yarn that allowed easy visualization of stitch architecture without creating heavy or dense fabrics.
• A rich palette of deep autumnal hues and natural greys and browns
• Fleece-dyed fiber for sophisticated heathers and tweeds
• All wools sourced and grown on American soil
• Locating American sheep breeds whose inherent qualities include both softness and structure.
• All labor and milling completed on American soil
• A high-quality and aesthetically beautiful finished product that brings with it a rich and meaningful story
• Give consumers the opportunity to support the once-great American Textile Industry through the purchase of high-quality, artisanal wool.

SHELTER is constructed from 100% wool from the Targhee-Columbia cross breed. Both Targhee and Columbia were developed as American sheep breeds in the early 20th century and have rich farming histories in the West. Both breeds have specific qualities that create wonderful wool for handknitting. Targhee is considered a Fine Wool (21-25 microns), bringing softness, while Columbia is a Medium Wool (24-31 microns) that brings an element of structure and strength.

A cross between these breeds brings together the sometimes disparate qualities of both wearability and durability, creating a yarn that is uniquely suited for the needs of handknitters and wool-wearers alike.

This yarn is inspiring!

We just have to add that the colors remind us of all that is wonderful about Autumn . . . with evocative names like Long Johns, Wool Socks, Faded Quilt, Woodsmoke, Embers, Almanac, Nest, Hayloft, Homemade Jam, Sweatshirt, Pumpernickel, Fossil, Tent, Sap, Thistle . . . even Button Jar and Soot.

SHELTER comes in a beautiful 50 gram hank with a clean, center-wrap ball band in recyclable natural brown paper.

Because of its light, woolen preparation, SHELTER sports very generous yardage for a worsted weight yarn. Each 50g hank packs approximately 140 yards. An average adult sweater (1100 yards) requires only 6 skeins and the price per skein is only 12.50 -- approximately 8.3 cents per yard, a price that is directly comparable to many commercial wools of the same weight.

There are 8 wonderful patterns available . . . all drool worthy . . . and here are four of them: Guernsey Wrap, Terra Shawl, Habitat Cabled Beanie, and Woodruff Mittens.

We hope you've enjoyed drooling over the photos..and now you really must come and visit this special yarn! We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, we're all rolling around in wooly wonderfulness!

Knitting as a Two-Person Job!

2010-09-21T14:18:00.005-04:00

We caught Carol and Christian knitting together with the biggest needles we've ever seen -- (what d'ya think . . . size 10,000? U.S., that is). They worked out a good rhythm together and were heard to say they were just glad no cables or bobbles were involved.

Somehow we missed the part where they wound that huge ball of yarn on the swift/ball winder. (okay, maybe that didn't happen . . . )

Their efforts are for our October window display. Be sure to come by and see it. You can tell anyone who asks, "Yes! That really was hand knit on giant needles!"

. . . or maybe they are normal needles and the knitters were teeny tiny Lilliputians . . .

Kim (Norman) and Carol admire the finished product,

thinking about easy, quick possible curtain ideas.

Hats Across the Nation

2010-09-09T16:23:00.006-04:00

Haley, Nell and Olivia sport our newest hats
-- all the way from Oregon!

Our friend Tracie in Oregon, 3,000 miles from here, sent us three soft, warm hats for our hat drive this week. It's exciting to see a response from such a distance, making us feel connected in a very special way. Now we're wondering if there may be more hats coming from even further afield?! Europe anyone? Antarctica?

Shop Hop Dates for 2010 Announced!

2010-08-25T11:14:00.012-04:00

Rev up those needles and get your hoppin' shoes on! Atlanta Shop Hop dates for 2010 are Saturday, Sept 25th through Sunday, Oct 3rd. This year promises to be the best yet! The Grand Prize is $1,000 in yarn shop gift certificates and there are 30 other fantastic prizes as well! Passports go on sale ($1.00) September 2nd and we hope you'll get yours at Knitch!

Here's how it works: you get your Passport and visit as many of the ten participating area knit shops as possible in 9 days, make a $10.00 minimum purchase at each shop, and have your passport stamped. If you fill your passport you are eligible for the grand prize of a $100.00 gift certificate from each shop. Yes, that is $1,000.00 to the Grand Prize winner and it could be you! (ooooh the cashmere! . . . just imagine!)

You can visit as many shops as you wish and still be eligible for prizes. And your purchase entitles you to a free original pattern from each shop you visit. Click here for the Shop Hop blog where you'll find all the details including participating shops and prior years' results.

Here's Nell wearing last year's free
Knitch Shop Hop Pattern. It was a huge hit!

Off the Needles at Knitch

2010-08-19T18:10:00.007-04:00

Today Regan brought in her blocked-and-ready-to-ship 6-feet-long Myrtle Leaf Shawl -- a gift for her mother's big birthday. The pattern comes from Victorian Lace Today and she made it from Rowan Kidsilk Haze. Lots of it! It's impressive indeed, and everyone wants to know how long it took her. She figures it was about 16 months, with a long break in the middle. We love how, finished and blocked, the pattern reminds us of so many lipstick kisses. An abundance of kisses for a very much loved (and lucky) mom.

Keith also has a much loved and lucky mom! He made this February Lady's Sweater in Nell's class and it is a beauty. He used Shepherd’s Wool on US size 8 needles. Word has it that he was the cause of many a dropped stitch in that class with his hilarious comments and stories. He also "forced" everyone in the class to try the sweater on for him as he went along. That's what they tell us. And they didn't mind at all! Group knitting certainly has its pluses! Keith went straight from this masterpiece to working on a doggie sweater for his sister's pooch. Who's going to model that?

Jane's Ulmus Shawl (a Ravelry pattern) looks lovely draped around her shoulders. She wasn't so sure as she was working it, whether it would really work for her. But it does! And how!!

Blue Moon Has Arrived!

2010-08-12T15:37:00.002-04:00

We're always happy to see Terrance, our UPS man, come in the door with his electric smile and sunny disposition. But when he's wheeling in big boxes from Blue Moon and we know there's Socks That Rock as well as Icelandic Chunky inside, well, we're just dancin' a jig. It won't be here long, folks, so come in or give us a call and we'll help you step into Blue Moon heaven!

Happy Birthday Elizabeth Zimmerman!

2010-08-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

As Hubble is to the deep-space telescope, so is Elizabeth Zimmerman to our favorite craft. Born August 9, 1910, today would have been the 100th birthday of the innovator, mathematician, engineer, sage, philosopher and teacher. So let's light a candle, have some yummy cake, cast on something fabulous and share our love for all things E.Z.

Send us photos of your zimmerinspired projects. We'll start with one of our own faves:

Nell's Baby Surprise of the Cute Collar

Follow this thread!

2010-08-05T19:52:00.005-04:00

We find these adorable little buns of colorful, silky thread from Valdani completely irresistible. And from the reactions of folks strolling into the shop, we are not alone!

The pearl cotton, hand-dyed and colorfast jewels, as well as the beautiful assortment of Sullivan (naturally!) embroidery floss skeins, are meant for embroidering your what-have-yous: pillows, maybe (we have some pillow cases just for that), or dish towels and napkins (yep, we've got those too!), aprons, children's hats and clothing. Endless possibilities.

We have embroidery hoops (very modern, really cool plastic and metal ones), embroidery kits and patterns from Sublime Stitching. The proverbial icing on our proverbial embroidery-offerings-cake is DMC metallic thread in shimmering gold and silver.

Can't wait to see what all you creative souls do with these treasures!

Gisela's in the House

2010-07-29T15:26:00.006-04:00

We just received this beautifully rendered sample of the Gisela jacket by CocoKnits and now, having seen it and tried it on, we're even more excited about it. Because we can't all have Michelle Obama's fabulous arms, we love having found something to knit that will, shall we say, camouflage our upper arms while not making us swelter. Knit out of Habu Cotton Gima, the breezes (anybody felt any breezes lately??) flow through, unimpeded by too much fabric, making us cool -- well, that could be a stretch in these dog days! let's say, not as hot! -- calm and just a tad elegant. Come in and see for yourself. It's a quick knit too, so there'll be plenty of time yet this season to enjoy it. We also have the CocoKnits pattern for the Gretel tank with the flattering cowl neckline, which by itself is lovely, and when paired with the Gisela jacket makes a splendid "sweater set".

Graham and the growing sweater

2010-07-22T20:35:00.008-04:00

It's been a big day for fabulous projects walking in the shop! We have a nice backlog of delightful things to show you over the next few weeks. But we had to begin with this work in progress. Moving progress! Graham, 15 month old son of Carey Huffman, has been in the shop for hours with nary a squeak or objection about anything. Mom Carey, who designs whimsical knitted things, followed him around, holding onto her ball of Rowan Calmer, attached to the sweater-in-the-making on her fun-loving boy.

mmmm . . . yummy addi's

the rear view!

We're excited that we'll soon be selling Carey's patterns. Check out her blog at fulloffluff.com

Joy Written All Over Her Face!

2010-07-15T16:04:00.007-04:00

Amanda Thwaits is feeling pretty darned pleased with herself, as well she should! This Daphne and Delilah Momma and Baby Monster from a pattern by Danger Crafts is her first-ever project from a pattern. And we're all so proud of her -- Megan, Kim, Christian, Olivia, Brad, to name a few, all helped her out with navigating the mysterious world of pattern-speak. Amanda's five-year-old son picked out the colors. It really does take a village and we're awfully happy that we have our own lovely, fun, little hamlet right here on N. Highland Ave. Bringing joy to the world -- one happy knitter at a time!

Be Sweet, while you can!

2010-06-24T14:11:00.005-04:00

We just got some neat Be Sweet Special Knobby balls in. Each is unique, made as it is from recycled mohair bits and knobs. We've got just a few and are envisioning fall sweaters, edged in this beautiful stuff. We predict these won't be here for long!

World Wide Knit in Public Day Saturday June 12

2010-06-07T16:22:00.004-04:00

They'll be casting on in Copenhagen and all across Canada, Finland, Hungary and France. Needles will be flying in Killarney and Dublin, Ireland too. They'll be stitching and schmoozing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, New Zealand and South Africa. Binding off in Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and all over Britain.

And here in the ATL, Knitch is thrilled to be sponsoring the gathering of all you knitters at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park from noon on . . .

Come experience the synergy of it all with us, rain or shine (we can move inside if it's wet). But if you can't join our WWKIP, tell us where you'll be knitting this weekend!

Summer's here! Can Fall be far behind?

2010-06-02T22:42:00.008-04:00

We think summer's a great time to get going on those fall projects. Brad, here, is ready for the first sound of crunchy leaves -- and has time to make a few more for his friends! He combined Kureyon Sock Yarn with Shepherd's Wool in the One-Row Scarf, made famous by Stephanie Pearl McPhee.

Stephanie suggests donning this scarf and wandering around your favorite neighborhood veggie market, pretending to buy veggies, while waiting for someone(s) to ask you, "Where did you get that gorgeous scarf?"

The hat Brad just made up, mathematical whiz that he is.

Julie's All About Color!

2010-05-13T12:36:00.003-04:00

Julie O'Neal is excited about her latest WIP (Work In Progress). It's a scarf of colorful stripes, designed by Nell Ziroli, made from Cornelia Hamilton's Heaven's Hand Wool Classic yarns. Now that the heat and humidity have come to town, you're going to have to wait a few months to wear it, Julie. But what a fun thing to look forward to!

Becky Knits Up Luxurious

2010-04-26T19:49:00.003-04:00

We got to watch Becky Douville slip on her luxurious Jade Sapphire Handspun Cashmere pullover for the first time. She knitted every stitch and then brought it in to Nell for finishing. Check out that smile! She's hoping for a long, cool spring. It's that or crank up the air conditioning. This sweater must be worn. And often! Becky followed a pattern by Ann Budd.

Back in the House!

2010-03-24T12:49:00.005-04:00

Kim and Sully stopped in the shop recently on their first neighborhood stroll. So good to see Kim back among the yarn! And wonderful too to have Sully here, getting used to what will fast become a very familiar place for him. We're wondering when he'll start knitting?!

Stash Busters and Cashmere Socks

2010-03-15T14:11:00.010-04:00

Pam made her Kaffe Fassett diamond cardigan
a few years ago and calls it the ultimate" stash buster!"

Knitch customer, Pam Cornutt, arrived the other day, decked out in her Kaffe Fassett Diamond Sweater, and with warm feet, compliments of the Jade Sapphire Cashmere socks she had just finished. This was her first wearing of said socks and she was basking in the luxurious comfort and the very fine work she had done.

Fabulously luxurious Jade Sapphire Cashmere 2-ply socks
from the pattern Cascadia from the Socks that Rock Club.
It's a pattern that won't be available to us mortals until next year.

She wanted to show us her finished afghan, made with Kaffe Fassett Colourscape wool. Spectacular!

He just had to finish that last row . . .

2010-03-05T22:34:00.004-05:00

And now -- at last -- he's here! We are thrilled to let you know that Sullivan Roth Nickels arrived today, March 5, 2010 at 5:29pm. 9 lbs. 5.5 oz and 22in. Mom, baby and Dad are happy, healthy and exhausted.

Any day now . . .

2010-02-25T15:22:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday, Kim, finally able to be up and around after several months on bed rest, came into the shop where we presented her with a blanket for her soon-to-arrive baby boy. Squares were lovingly knit by shop staff and friends of Knitch and sewn together and bordered by Nell. So now we are all ready and Baby Boy Nickels, sometimes known as "Pumper", seems to be in no hurry at all! What's for sure is that when he does make his grand entrance, he will have a huge entourage of "aunts", "uncles" and "cousins" eager to welcome him and share in the joy.

Shawlettes Galore

2010-02-11T16:30:00.001-05:00

Crackerjack knitter, Cissy Rosenberg, stopped in to show us her latest creations, both made of Malabrigo. Kim Norman and Lois Wolf, great sports both, agreed to do the modeling. Kim is wearing the Citron by Hilary Smith Callis (pattern available at knitty.com), a semi-circular shawlette replete with ruffles and ruching. Lois is all wrapped up in Ysolde Teague's Damson made from Malabrigo Lace weight.

Join our Knitch Winter Games 2010

2010-01-28T15:23:00.012-05:00

We're all excited about the coming of the winter games (what dyed-in-the-wool knitter wouldn't be?) and we love the idea of Stephanie Pearl McPhee's Knitting Olympics as well as Ravelry's Ravelympics 2010. (See Stephanie's blog for hilarious explanation.) We are too late to enter our Knitch selves as a team, so let's do our own version right here on N. Highland Avenue, aka "Whistler Mountain of the South".

Choose a project that's a challenge to you to begin at the time of the Opening Ceremonies (Friday, February 12, 9 pm Atlanta time) and complete by Closing Ceremonies (Sunday, February 28, 8:30 pm Atlanta time). Sign up at the shop and, with your commitment, we'll give you an hour of help (no charge) on any Thursday night during the Olympics, on your Olympic project, if you need it. We'll take pictures of our Knitch Olympians with their Personal Best projects to post on our blog. (You'll be famous.) Everyone who finishes is golden!

Adapting a Grownup Pattern for a Wee One

2010-01-28T13:00:00.001-05:00

Amy Mattingly joined Nell's Project Class (three Thursday mornings each month) for support, conviviality -- and that yummy coffee -- while she makes her way through the Grownup Bonnet from Knit 2 Together (by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark), adapting it to fit her 5-year-old daughter. She's working with Rowan Little Big Wool in pink, of course. (Debbie Bliss Como would work well too.) As for that extraordinary sweater/coat Amy is wearing, and the inevitable question, no she didn't . . . but she could have!

Bitten by the Knitting Bug

2010-01-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

Janet Hinerfeld just took up knitting in November. She made this lovely scarf from Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn and Rowan Lima. It perfectly complements her Bakelite flower brooch -- just one in her collection. Janet likes to take the remnants of her yarn projects and wind them into little balls as reminders of her work. Arranged in a basket, they are there for her grandchildren, the better to know the sensibilities and tastes of their creative grandmother. Long after her scarves, hats and sweaters have been worn out, these little balls will stand as reminders of and tributes to long-ago lovingly made things. What a sweet idea!

She Learned to Knit Six Days Ago!

2010-01-21T15:49:00.004-05:00

Vickie Hunter was in Nell's Projects Class this morning, wearing the 11th Hour Cowl that she made and getting to work on the Big Wool Shrug, both made with Rowan Big Wool. She learned to knit last week! A mere six days ago!! Let her be an inspiration to anyone who has had any hesitation about learning to knit. And, for those of you who think you'll never get beyond scarves -- nothing against scarves, mind you! -- well, Vickie is here to prove there's a big, bold world out there knitting-wise, even for fresh-out-of-the-oven beginners!

A Winter's Day, a Warm Knitch

2010-01-08T11:18:00.004-05:00

Atlanta is cold. Really cold. And we got some snow last night that makes it awfully pretty. Most everything around here is closed, but we're not! There's a fresh pot of hot coffee awaiting. Come on in and let's keep warm together. We will probably close around 5 today since the streets promise to get icier as they thaw a little and refreeze. Be safe. Stay Warm. Knit!

Feeding the addi addiction

2009-12-08T19:12:00.004-05:00

We got in a bunch of new addi Click sets -- the interchangeable needle sets that are a dream come true. Now they come in a great leather case which fits easily into our knitting bags. They are now listed on our website along with individual needle tips (2 to a pack) and cord packs (3 to a pack). While we were getting them put up on the web we ran across an ad for addi that we find hilarious and thought you would enjoy too!

Click here to see the addi ad that has us in . . . well . . . stitches!

The Fabric of Our Knitch Lives

2009-11-19T13:54:00.006-05:00

Sara shoulders a stash of Amy Butler's fun fabrics

We've moved our beautiful fabric offerings to their own bright spot right in front of our new shop. No more climbing of the dreaded circular stair to find these treasures from Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, Tina Givens, Jay McCarroll, Jennifer Paganelli and Anna Maria Horner. They are great for lining your knitting projects or creating projects in their own right. We have some wonderful pattern books too for jiggling your imagination.

The fabric niche at Knitch!

Blue Moon Is In the House!

2009-11-12T14:51:00.009-05:00

We had to show you our wonderful assortment of Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarns on display. We don't sell it online, so you'll want to come into the shop and have at it!

Here's some of our Icelandic 100% Australian wool, hand-dyed and gorgeous. The Think Big Cowl on the mannequin is a quick knit from Vogue Knitting International, the Holiday 2009 issue.

Above is pictured just one spectrum of colors we have in shimmery Silk Loops, a blend of 54% Kidmo (mohair/nylon), 26% silk, 15% wool and 5% nylon. If texture is what you're looking for, you'll be thrilled with this. We love it combined with ThickieThin (see below) for the ultimate in textural contrast.

Above: ThickieThin, 100% wool ultra-slubby yarn
and one of a trio of Family Hats that Nell whipped up
to show off this fun fiber.

Below: Luscious Single Silk, a 50/50 blend of Merino and Silk
is a single strand of soft worsted weight, spun just enough to make it yarn.

Friends and Family Pot-Luck Thanksgiving

2009-11-05T15:46:00.007-05:00

The incredible colors outside remind us that our favorite holiday is just around the corner. We have so much to be thankful for and look forward to celebrating with Knitch friends and family on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving, November 22, in our new home on N. Highland from noon on. Starting tonight, Thursday evening, we'll have a sign-up sheet available at the shop so you can let us know that you are coming and what yummies you plan to bring to share with our knitting community. Or if you prefer, you can give us a call and we'll make sure you and your culinary contribution are on the list.

Kim has ordered the turkey, stuffing and squash casserole. Everything else is up for grabs!

Since our new shop does not have a kitchen, we'll be using paper goods this year. Please remember to bring serving utensils and understand that we will not have the capacity to reheat/keep warm or to wash any dishes prior to your leaving. So bring a container to transport the dirty dishes home (nothing can be left for others to enjoy this year - when you go, your dish goes!). We are looking forward to seeing you at our third Thanksgiving at the shop!

Fabulous First Days at 1044 N. Highland

2009-11-01T11:22:00.018-05:00

Kim with Jared Flood, aka Brooklyn Tweed, who inaugurated
our new store in a big way with three fantastic, fascinating workshops.

We are amazed, exhausted and exhilarated! To think we were open for business on St. Charles on Tuesday and by Thursday we were welcoming folks to our new store on N. Highland . . . well . . . it leaves our heads spinning. Our staff and loyal friends worked way beyond the call of duty to make it happen. Good spirits were overwhelmingly evident the whole time; any weariness was trumped by the thrill of creating this vibrant space.

Not only did we open on Thursday, we also welcomed Jared Flood that evening for the first of three workshops in our new space, which we found very versatile and accommodating to the twenty eager participants. Here are some more photos from our first couple of days.

Marina was the very first to pull up a chair at the farm table.
She loves all the light which makes it that much easier to see
what she is doing and to appreciate the colors she's working with.

Becky Douville proudly showed us a
just-finished sock she made from Handmaiden Casbah.

Baby Tucker Belle (with Dad) models our Happy First Birthday
hat -- so appropriate on our first day!

Charles Gandy was with us all day, knitting
away while waiting for Jared Flood's workshop.

Suddenly we have this bright and welcoming corner
in the front of the store for knitting and visiting with friends.
Haley is enjoying a gelato from the shop next door.

Joy and satisfaction are clearly evident in
the smiles of Donny, Stephanie, Nell and Kim.

Kim introduces Jared Flood for the first of three fascinating workshops.

Jared greeted every participant personally,
winning hearts as well as minds.

Jared shows a swatch to illustrate a point.

Jared, Jane and Nell exult in a day well-spent!

We've moved!!

2009-10-28T22:26:00.009-04:00

Our move has been under wraps,
and now the wraps are off!

We are thrilled with our new shop at 1044 N. Highland Avenue, a few blocks north of our original store. Just across the street from George's Restaurant and Highland Woodworking, our new space is light, bright and all on one floor. (We don't think anyone will miss the spiral stair too awfully much!) Easy access, plenty of parking and right in the middle of what we think is the coolest neighborhood in the city, we're very excited and eager to open on Thursday morning.

Nell and Kim (yes, she is . . . and due in February!)
are getting ready for opening day.

You'll find all the yarns you know and love as well as new ones for fall, needles, knitting bags, books, fabrics, and, best of all, as ever, plenty of inspiration and encouragement. Our farm table is ready and eager to gather knitters; classes and groups will meet as always. We look forward to seeing all our friends and welcoming new ones. Come see us!

Nell is a Grammy!

2009-10-15T12:41:00.011-04:00

We were getting set to tell you about Nell's having saved the day for young Miles, whose sweet, well-loved knitted cat "Bubbles" was in need of repair, whose loving grandmother, Grammy Lynda from New Jersey, looked to Nell to work her magic on dear, irreplaceable Bubbles.

While we were preparing the photos, Nell got a call from her daughter Melissa in Virginia who has just now -- 30 minutes ago -- given birth to Corbin Michael Jenkins, weighing in at 8 pounds 15 ounces, thus making Nell, officially, a Grammy!

It's a very happy day!

Miles and Bubbles have been joyfully reunited now that he has been pulled back together and decorated with colorful knitted circles -- Bubbles, that is!

And baby Corbin has Nell for a grandmother. . . and Haley for an aunt. What a lucky baby!

Insouciance Makes an Appearance at Knitch and Hopefully Never Leaves

2009-10-06T16:42:00.005-04:00

"Insouciance" is defined by Cat Bordhi as "that cheerful feeling you have when nothing is bothering you." That was the feeling that came over us last weekend when Ms. Bordhi came to call and offered two enlightening workshops at Knitch. With her newest book, Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters as our guide, we were able to cast off the resistance to sock knitting, knowing that, armed with Cat's clues, we could knit socks that would fit us, be comfortable and not cause us to go loony. With Cat's guidance, it's all about ease. What a concept!

Cat also offered a workshop called Finding the Fountain of Fresh Knitting Ideas that truly stimulated our creative spirits. The concepts can apply in many areas of life and, once again, we confirmed that knitting is a metaphor for so much more than the obvious!

We used a pair of toddler pants and divided it up into 15 sections. An array of technique names were in a bin that we drew from to randomly determine how each of those sections would be approached: intarsia? entrelac? lace? moss stitch? The result was to work out of the mold of patterns and precision, to design backwards, if you will. Generating so many ideas in this way meant we could back off of ideas that didn't particularly ring our bells -- a much more satisfying direction to work than starting with a blank slate and going forward. This approach to problem solving felt fresh, exciting and new, not to mention liberating!

If you were there, we'd love for you to share any of your thoughts, lightbulb moments and memories with the rest of us. And if you weren't there, we missed you! We have a stack of Cat's new book, freshly autographed, which will give you a taste of what a great workshop experience this was. We can't wait for the next one.

Iraqi Bundles of Love - An Idea Whose Time Has Come . . . And Almost GONE!!

2009-09-03T15:33:00.014-04:00

We just found out about this wonderful project (thanks, Schaune!) and we're going to give you the abbreviated version, with links, because time is short!

The idea is to send all those things you have stashed (yarn, needles, notions, fabrics, etc, etc) that you're likely never going to use and send them, in sweetly arranged bundles, to a US soldier, stationed in Iraq. Said soldier, Art La Flamme, has seen a tremendous need by local people for materials with which they can make something beautiful, clothe their children and themselves, and generally get on with their lives. As a result of his observation, caring, and willingness to act, IBOL was born. We want to get in on it and encourage you to do so as well.

The thing is this: all packages have to be in the mail no later than September 8 so they can reach Art and his unit during Ramadan and before they depart from Iraq. The most pertinent links are listed below, in an effort to streamline things for you. If you do decide to participate, please remember the deadline and we'd love to hear all about your experience.

Iraqi Bundles of Love - This is the main website for the project.
The Intro - Click on this one to get the basic story
What to Send - here's what to put in your bundle
Building a Bundle - step by step how to do it, including the brilliant idea of using a flat-rate USPS box that will set you back around $12 in postage, no matter the weight of the contents. (Never mind a few misspellings!)
Sew, Mama, Sew - a blogger's thoughts on the project, put beautifully. (We would do our own, but, like we said, the clock is ticking and we're working on our boxes!)
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Other links - We Googled the project and came up with 20,100 results. The news is spreading!

Note: How do you know where to send your box? It says to leave a comment anywhere on the IBOL site and you'll be contacted with the mailing address. Or you can leave a request and your email in a Comment on this Knitch blog, and we'll send you the information right away. Don't worry, your email address will not be posted to our blog - we have ways of keeping such things private!

Art La Flamme with just a few of the many
Bundles of Love coming his way.

Haley's Work in Progress -- Fair Isle Bird Mittens

2009-08-27T12:29:00.005-04:00

Nell's adorable daughter Haley is working on these almost-as-adorable Fair Isle mittens, using a free pattern from Ravelry called Bird in the Hand. She's using Louet Gems (machine washable and dryable merino wool). To keep things interesting, she's planning to do the second mitten in one of the other available patterns -- probably a cat, just to keep a little tension going! We have to tell you -- she started this project just yesterday!

Who knew you could improve on the Baby Surprise?

2009-08-19T17:30:00.003-04:00

Nell will be teaching the beloved Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman in three meetings: October 7, 14 and 21 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. She'll be including modifications you can make to the already fantastic design, such as this collar. Who knew the BSJ could get even better?

Julie's Work in Progress

2009-08-17T22:41:00.006-04:00

Julie is working away on this precious baby blanket. We're falling in love with it, wishing we were that lucky baby! She is using Artyarns Cashmere Sock yarn in a garter stitch with size 6 needles. Nine skeins is what it takes.

By the way, if that's too much yarn to buy at the moment, we do have a kit that comes with six skeins of Artyarns Cashmere Sock yarn with an open pattern and bigger needles.

What's so fantastic is that this 67% cashmere yarn is machine washable, which opens a whole new world of possibilities for scrumptious baby things. The other 33% is one ply of wool/nylon twist. But it feels 100% like cashmere. So soft. When are they going to make it possible to feel something via the computer?

Like we said . . . lucky baby! Beautiful work, Julie!!

The Marina Cashmere Wrap, aka My Next Project

2009-08-16T16:25:00.002-04:00

Nell designed and whipped out a fabulous scarf pattern that looks much more complicated than it actually is -- which is not at all complicated! Marina (pictured above) was her inspiration and so she named it for her. It's made with 3 skeins of Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere (yummmmmm . . .) and feels so good. Hey, if it feels this good in August, imagine how it will feel when the winds of November come!

We have already bundled some of the Jade Sapphire 2-Ply Cashmere (drool below) in anticipation of your wanting to get going right away on your own Marina Scarf. We'll throw in the pattern with your purchase of the yarn.

Marina made her version out of 3 skeins of Noro Silk Garden (see below), which lends itself beautifully to the pattern as well. You could concoct your own combination of fibers. We're eager to do it with cashmere and add some sparkly Tilli Tomas something to the mix . . . ohhh, or maybe some of that Artyarns beaded and sequined fabulousness . . .

Beautifully done, Marina! You look marvelous.

The Chicken Whisperer -- and the People -- Have Spoken . . . And We Have Our Winners!

2009-07-14T09:08:00.022-04:00

We first want to send out an Extra Large, no, a JUMBO size thank you to everyone who participated. You all put in many hours and so much imagination and skill to create chickens beyond our imagining. Not a paltry poultry among them! We know the children at Egleston will be thrilled when they see these masterpieces in the next few weeks. Read on for the results of the decision of Andy the Chicken Whisperer and our People's Choice Award.

Just as one can't rush that first egg laid by one's chickens (Kim is STILL waiting for Egg-ero Uno from her girls), one must be patient for the sensibilities of the Chicken Whisperer to manifest. After long and very difficult deliberation, Andy has arrived at his decision.

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE
KNITCH KNIT-A-CHICKEN-FOR-CHARITY CONTEST IS:
(drum roll please) . . .

Sally Eggstein and Her Offspring
by Gay Lynn Barson

As those of you who have seen all of these egg-straordinary creations can appreciate, and as fabulous as Sally Eggstein certainly is, the decision was a grueling one to make. So Andy insisted that he had to name four runners-up as well. They are, in alphabetical order:

Call Me Chicken
by a Friend in California

Chicken a la King!
by Diana Thomas

Chicken of the Sea
by Kate Jordan

Polly Pull-it
by Charles Gandy

The Grand Prize winner, Gay Lynn Barson, receives a $25 per month credit at Knitch for a year! Runners-up, you have a Special Prize awaiting you at the shop.

AND NOW FOR THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
(another drum roll please):

Chicken of the Sea
by Kate Jordan

Congratulations Kate! You've won a $50 Knitch Gift Card.

Knit Chicken Gallery

2009-07-02T16:16:00.002-04:00

We've put all the chickens in one coop so you can see them all together. You can even watch in a slide show format! The big announcement will be coming soon . . . .
Click here!

Camp Rocks . . . Felted Rocks!

2009-06-29T11:26:00.003-04:00

You take a rock, see, any rock, and then you felt around it and, voila!, a fabulous objet d'art or paper weight! Cate continues to concoct fun and merriment for our Knitch campers. From left: Margaret, Emma, Henry, Cate, Maddie, Hope, Mary and Lauren.

Fun Times at Kids Fiber Camp

2009-06-20T15:51:00.005-04:00

Natanya, Emma and Annie are having a grand time at Knitch's Kid's Fiber Camp this summer. Here they are proudly posing with dolls they created with fabric and varioius baubles. In the photo below they are joined in cuddles by their fabulous teacher and counselor, Cate Stuart-Hodges.

Below Natanya shows us the knitting
needle tops she made in Fiber Camp. Great work!

Soup-er Chicken with Amazing Healing Powers and Her Sidekick, Dinky the Wonder Chick

2009-06-15T22:12:00.007-04:00

Faster than a speeding pullet! Susan Powell's blue and red hero wears a crimson cape with a big blue "C". When she's not out being amazing, she's happy in her alfalfa nest with her trusty sidekick, Dinky, the Wonder Chick, a chick who gives new meaning to the "which came first" conundrum. Both are ready to give comfort and bring their healing powers to their new Egg-leston friend, whoever he or she may be.

Here's a verse, in case you forgot, from the Super Chicken Theme Song (from the show produced by Jay Ward and Bill Scott back in the 1960's):

When you find yourself in danger, when you're threatened by a stranger, when it looks like you will take a lickin' (puk, puk, puk, puk)
There is someone waiting who will hurry up and rescue you, just call for Super Chicken (puk, ack!)

Here's how Dinky the Wonder Chick morphs from egg to chicken and back again at will. But which comes first????

Polly Pull-it; Poultry in Motion!

2009-06-15T21:48:00.004-04:00

Polly's a pull-toy with a secret! You can tell by the twinkle in her eye . . .

If you egg her on a little, perhaps she'll show you her golden egg!

Charles Gandy, you're a wizard!

Sally Eggstein & Her Offspring: Birds of a Feather

2009-06-15T21:22:00.008-04:00

Gorgeous Sally Eggstein, the imaginative work of Gay Lynn Barson, is the proud mother of three impressively scientifically successful -- not to mention adorable -- chicklets: Eggbert Einstein, Clara E. Carton and Marie Cure-it.

Strut those pretty tail-feathers, Sally!

Egg-specting!

2009-06-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Annie D'Agostino is expecting her third child later this summer. So it's no wonder that she was inspired to create Egg-specting, a pink and blue (to cover all the bases) cutie-pie who "lays" eggs. Three to be exact.

Dorothy Lay-more, the Knittin' Chicken

2009-06-15T20:21:00.004-04:00

We'd cross any road for this chicken by Doug Iberg.

Sitting in her knitted nest, wearing pearls and a lovely intarsia collar, holding her wee knitting bag with felted appliqué and a scarf-in-progress, she wears an expression many knitters are familiar with -- the dreaded dropped stitch perhaps? Switched directions in the middle of a row?? She won't be "fowled" up for long, we're sure.

Chicken à la KING has left the building!

2009-06-15T20:06:00.005-04:00

Diana Thomas' Las Vegas Elvis Chicken (the "King", of course) bears an uncanny resemblance to the man himself. We love this one tender(s)!

Slumchick Millionaire (aka Chick-Chick Masala)

2009-06-15T19:56:00.002-04:00

Johanna Norry created this tribute to the blockbuster movie of a similar name, complete with a little red Bindi and flashing golden earrings. Her mane of shiny black hair is tossed to one side and, if she only had legs, we know she'd be dancing the "Jai Ho" with great pluck.

A Dolphin-Safe Chicken of the Sea

2009-06-15T18:10:00.003-04:00

Swimming in fresh spring water, this Albacore-Chicken is Dolphin Safe and extraordinarily hug-able, thanks to the creative hands of Nancy McCullough.

A Hippy Chick Flower Child Chicken

2009-06-15T18:05:00.002-04:00

With her heart-shaped granny glasses, her Knit for Peas and Love Bugs signs, this sweetie takes us back in time. She sits serenely in her own psychedelic sewn nest and is the inspiration of Pat McMahon.

I'm Chick-quita Banana and I've come to say . . .

2009-06-14T23:55:00.006-04:00

She's so a-peel-ing! Thanks to Nancy McCullough.

Count Cluck-ula

2009-06-14T23:49:00.006-04:00

With his black cape and droplets of blood, we're sure the Count
feels fierce, but we know he's just a soft, adorable, cuddly chicken.
Another fabulous creation by Carolyn Johnson.

Chicken of the Sea

2009-06-11T15:38:00.004-04:00

Kate Jordan's Mer-chicken, so elegant in her sparkling spangles (each one attached with a crochet stitch!), wears a lovely glass star around her neck. Some child at "Egg-leston" is going to be thrilled!

Hippie Chick

2009-06-11T15:21:00.007-04:00

The chickens just keep on truckin' . . . this time a psychedelic "Hippie Chick" has taken up residence in our roost, er . . . our pad, along with a de rigueur stick of patchouli incense and a cloud-like nest. Could she be Lucy in the Sky . . .?

News of the Day: Egg Beater Cooped; Jail Bird Free Roams

2009-06-11T14:28:00.005-04:00

Our Eyewitness Team reports that Egg Beater has been cooped! Jail Bird is still roaming free and behaving herself. Chicks everywhere are breathing easier.

Call Me Chicken

2009-06-04T13:48:00.005-04:00

This lovely, a Japanese Silky Bantam, complete with nest, babies and a hand-bound book, arrived by mail today. She is inspired by the story in the little book entitled "Call Me Chicken" by L. Joseph Tauer, which tells a tale about a very brave and courageous chicken, a tale that, after reading, makes it hard to look at chickens the same way ever again.

How . . . egg-xactly . . . can we say how fabulous these chickens are?

2009-06-01T10:35:00.004-04:00

Over the weekend, three more chickens hopped and pecked their way into our hearts. We are thrilled with the cleverness of you people! Meet our newest flock-members:

"Chicken Pox", by Nancy McCullough

Mary "Egg"-elbreit, by Kate Jordan

Lilly "Pullet"-zer, by Kate Jordan

More Egg-scrutiatingly Cute Chickens for our Knit-A-Chicken for Charity Contest!

2009-05-28T18:48:00.005-04:00

Meet Old McDonald with a "straw" hat, embroidered
on one side with "Old McDonald had a Yarn" and, "E I E I YOLK" on the other . . .

. . . and the "Jail Bird" who, we have noticed, is Cage Free!

Carolyn Johnson, you sLAY us!

Knitch Chicks Take Up Residence in Knit-a-Chicken for Charity Contest

2009-05-21T17:43:00.007-04:00

Here's Jane Donofrio's interpretation of our own Kim and Nell as chickens. Pretty cute, huh? They are nesting in their own color-coordinated boxes and have already produced some great looking sock yarn eggs. Hopefully, Kim's chickens at home will take the hint. Jane is among the first five entries and is expecting eggs, so Heneth Paltrow, Eggshell Obama and pals need to get busy!

Jane Donofrio with "Nell" and "Kim"

Nice eggs, ladies!

Kathleen's Felted Rug

2009-05-20T18:05:00.003-04:00

Kathleen Hartz popped in today with her newly finished and altogether gorgeous rug, inspired by Leigh Radford's AlterKnit Felts. She used blankets she had lying around along with our Stonehedge Fiber Mill Yarn Shepherd's Wool for the button hole stitch along the edge and the reverse applique whip running stitch around the cut-outs.

Beautiful work, Kathleen!

Luscious Louet Linen in Cones!

2009-05-12T11:27:00.006-04:00

We've received Louet Euroflax cones wound with copious amounts of washable, dryable linen (650 yards, to be exact) in a rainbow of colors. Almost instantaneously, Nell came up with and knit (how does she do it?) a lovely, breezy cap-sleeve raglan top to show off this luscious fiber. Here's the link to our new pattern. For now, the yarn is available in the store or by phone.

Stephanie is trying to decide which of the
glorious colors she'll choose for herself!

First Chicken "Egg Beater" Comes Home to Roost!

2009-05-11T20:10:00.011-04:00

Carolyn Johnson arrived at the shop today with the very first entry in our Knit-a- Chicken Contest . . "Egg Beater"! Why "Egg Beater" you ask? Take a closer look . . .

A mullet hairdo and a number 3 (For Dale Earnhardt) tattooed on one wing. Stains on his t-shirt, drippings from a greasy burger, no doubt. MOM tattooed on his other wing, holding a can of "Bud".
Despite his tough trappings, "Egg Beater" is soft and cuddly and will make some child a most welcomed friend (minus the can of Bud!). Thanks Carolyn! We understand you've got more in the works and we can't wait to see what you'll come up with next.

Inspiration anyone? Bring on those chickens, folks!

Tilli Tomas Mega Hanks

2009-05-07T14:30:00.012-04:00

Johanna's all wrapped up in Tilli Tomas and loving it!

Kim came up with two fun patterns the minute these amazing skeins of Tilli waltzed into the shop. You may have seen this wonderful stuff at Stitches South. Made from a variety of Tilli Tomas yarns, each is unique and full of surprises like silk, ribbons, beads and sequins. Each skein is double-strand, 150 yards, and sells for $45.50. Come in to see the collection and choose your favorite (if you can choose just one!) You'll find the free patterns -- one for the Mega Hank Funky Scarf (shown here) and one for the Mega Hank Drop Stitch Scarf (coming soon!)-- in the Free Patterns section of our website.

Tilli Tomas Mega Hank

Some of the color possibilities . . .

The patterns make a nice long scarf
that you can wrap several times . . . or not!

Enter Our Egg-citing Knitch Knit-a-Chicken for Charity Contest!

2009-04-30T13:39:00.012-04:00

If you think contests are for the birds, this one's for you!

Pick up Blue Sky Alpacas' Knit Chickens Pattern and some fabulous Knitch yarn* and let your imagination go free range. Submit as many wacky chickens as you like by the June 15, 2009 deadline.

We'll have the whole flock of entries on display at Knitch until we announce the Grand Prize winner, who will receive $25 Knitch credit every month for 1 full year, during our Lucky Duck Sale in June. And, yes, we will post photos of all the entries.

The first 5 entries will each be rewarded with a half dozen eggs from Kim's chickens . . . as soon as they start producing . . . which should be any minute now.

Once the contest ends, and the judges have done their crowing, we'll donate all of them (chickens, not judges) to the children's hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, otherwise known as EGGleston (ok, really it's Egleston, but we can't help ourselves!) We know they will all bring comfort and delight to children undergoing treatment.

Create a theme or put together a flock of friends to do a group theme. The cockamamier the better! Entries will be judged on originality of theme, creativity and execution. There are no restrictions on size or numbers of contributors, contributions or additional materials. *We only require that you use yarn from Knitch (new or stash) to make your basic chickens.

So get those ideas hatching . . . and good cluck to you!!

Egg Watch: Meet the Chickens!

2009-04-29T13:54:00.000-04:00

Kim and Scott have feathered their nest with a new addition to the family - six additions actually: chickens! Meet Egg Ryan, Heneth Poultrow, Yolko Ono, Layla, Oprah Henfrey and Eggshell Obama. They have a snazzy, roomy house in the backyard and seem quite happy with their surroundings. Olive and Tank (Italian Greyhounds) and Tucker (the hound dog) are making peace with their new sisters and seem to find the clucking and cooing rather hypnotic. The egg watch begins in earnest around the first of June.

Noni Trunk Show

2009-04-26T23:42:00.011-04:00

Thanks to those of you who came in to see us during the Stitches South weekend. We enjoyed your company. If you were here, you likely saw our Noni Patterns Trunk Show, full of exciting new ideas from the inimitable Nora J. Bellows, but you probably didn't get to see Haley modeling the Froggie Hoodie Towel. Here's your chance! It's clearly very stretchy and plenty big for serious post-bath wrap-ups. We think we'll make it a little shorter for small tykes.

If you didn't get in over the weekend, be sure to drop in soon to see the Froggie Hoodie Towel and more. As pretty as the pictures are, there's nothing like seeing, feeling . . . and trying on . . . the actual pieces themselves. Ribbit.

Comments are Open for Business!

2009-04-17T09:32:00.002-04:00

Our comments feature is now up and running! Please join in with your thoughts, ideas, stories and projects. We are eager to hear from you at this, our virtual farm table.

Adventures in Lumpy Bumpy Land

2009-04-16T17:53:00.006-04:00

Lois says that wearing this crazy fun Worm Scarf, a pattern that we found at Cocoknits, designed by Julie Weisenberger, makes her feel all the happier. And she's pretty happy to begin with! Make it with any of our madcap color choices in Lumpy Bumpy Yarn by Charlene from Farmhouse Yarns. Click here for the pattern.

The Perfect Transitional Piece

2009-03-19T16:01:00.000-04:00

She's done it again, that Nell. Here's her latest inspiration, brought on, no doubt, by our crazy Atlanta weather. We had snow -- LOTS of snow (for us!) on a Sunday. By Wednesday, it was 70 degrees. This vest is just the thing for transitional weather. Made with Rowan Felted Tweed, it's not too hot and not too cool. Yeah. It's just right! The pattern will soon be available for sale, but for now, come in and we'll give it to you free with your purchase of the yarn you'll need to make it.

A New Spin on Roving

2009-03-10T17:56:00.000-04:00

We found this "wish-I'd thought-of-that!" application for our gorgeous roving collection in the March 2009 issue of Vogue. With apologies to photographer Annie Leibovitz, we just had to show you. Never have a bad hair day again!

A Mountain of Manos

2009-02-26T17:47:00.000-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment from Manos del Uruguay that includes their gorgeous Wool Clasica Naturals (yep, that's how they spell it). They are simply spilling out, eager to dance with your needles.

Jumping for joy would be entirely appropriate at this juncture!

One of our most favorite patterns for Manos is Opening Night -- a swirl of a spiral with a generous shawl collar. This is the perfect season straddling piece. You can find this pattern in Manos's book Collection 8: Metropolitan Diary.

Kim is wearing hers today, fashioned in a cheery red, held closed with one of our lovely shawl pins.

Love the swirl in the back!

We have a beautiful collection of shawl pins, if we do say so!

Now We All Want to Knit This

2009-02-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

Lois arrived at the shop wearing her newest completed project and drew wows and raves from everyone, including the UPS guy.

So that we can spare her all the inevitable questions . . . here's the skinny (or the bulky, in this case!): The pattern -- a fun case of swirling cables with bobbles -- is by Mary Burr and was found on Knitty.com. Known as Aibhlinn (pronounced "ave - leen") it's shown on Knitty as a cowl, but Lois likes it as a shrug (although it is still cowl-able!). She knit it with 1 skein of Blue Moon Icelandic (available in our shop or as a phone order, but not from our website) and 1 skein of Rowan Kidsilk Haze using size 13 needles. That combination of fibers makes it feel like bulky cashmere, by the way. Lois cast on 84 stitches and the rest, as they say . . .

We'd love to see what you come up with using our yarns!

We Rock!

2009-02-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

Yep. The Chickens Have Come Home to Roost and we mean that in a GOOD way!)

At last we have Blue Moon Fibers! This includes Socks That Rock (in medium & heavy weights and including the very sought-after Raven Series that is overlaid in black), Icelandic (chunky weight), Laci (lace weight) and Luscious Silk (DK weight.) We're loving it for all kinds of things including combining the Icelandic with Rowan Kidsilk Haze for a cashmere-like feel.

You may not know it, so we have to tell you: this is HUGE! Tina has blessed us! There aren't many LYSs that have the privilege of carrying these amazing hand-dyed yarns from Oregon. In fact, we are one of 10 shops in the whole wide world!! It took some doing (see our entries from 11/14/2007 and 09/04/2008 -- which will also explain the chicken reference), but it was so worth it.

Come into the shop to see, feel and purchase it -- or call on the phone and shop that way -- because we can't put it on our web site.

We received our first shipment at the beginning of the holiday rush and didn't have a minute to tell you about it. But now you know! Come in and check it out.

Mini Sale! December 15th Only!

2008-12-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

Knitch is having a MINI SALE! All regularly priced cashmere, silk and sock yarn is 20% off tomorrow, Monday December 15th ONLY! Treat yourself and your loved ones to a bit of luxury at great prices....ONE DAY ONLY! (cashmere and silk content should be 50% or greater to receive the discount. discount does not apply to prior purchases, in-stock items only!) Online orders simply put the words ONE DAY SALE in the comments section and your discount will be applied at shipping! See you tomorrow!

New Numma Numma lands at Knitch!

2008-12-08T18:02:00.000-05:00

We received a great shipment of new yarns from Numma Numma today...The Usual, The Special and The Regular in all kinds of fantastic new colors! We'll write more later once we've tagged it and received it! In the meantime, Judith is taking photos of all this phenomenal yarn and they'll be up and available to you on the site in a few hours! Stay tuned!

Wow . . . What a Friday

2008-12-05T18:03:00.000-05:00

13 Huge (yes, huge) boxes just arrived from Blue Moon Fiber Arts....Socks that Rock in all weights and lots of other yarns. Yippee! Come and get 'em before they are gone! They're SO PRETTY!

Remember Those Chickens?

2008-09-04T18:03:00.000-04:00

Some of you remember those chickens we sent to Blue Moon Fiber Arts... well, the "results" will soon be in...and I'm not saying any more...except that we're expecting three weights plus lace and, the fabu Tina picked the colors herself. Here's what the UPS site said just a moment ago: PORTLAND, OR, US 09/03/2008 2:16 P.M. PICKUP SCAN US 09/02/2008 5:49 P.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED they have a scheduled delivery date of 9/10 at this time. email color requests to kim at knitchknitting.com....please don't call the shop, we'll simply be overwhelmed! Damn I love my job!

It Only Happens Once a Year . . .

2008-07-23T18:04:00.000-04:00

We know you've been waiting...the time is here! Announcing the Knitch SECOND ANNUAL LUCKY DUCK SALE! It only happens ONCE A YEAR and it's happening THIS Saturday July 26th and Sunday July 27th! Here's how it works...stop by the shop, select your treasures, then pick out your lucky rubber duck from the baby pool. Each duck sports a discount from (at least) 10% up to 100% (We're not kidding..you really could get your pile for NOTHING!) So...good duck oh, we mean...good luck! Online shoppers: just put "Lucky Duck" in the comments section when you check out and your trusty friend June will select a great duck for you and apply the discount. We're not holding anything back! This is the time to stock up on all the yarn, needles and accessories you've been not-so-secretly longing for at great prices! And, we've also loaded more than 100 "mystery grab bags" with lots of neat surprises at amazing prices. For those of you who experienced last years Lucky Duck sale, you know what a fantasticly fun yarn frenzy Knitch sale days are...so, wear comfy shoes, bring your friends and line up early for the best selection! (We recommend American Roadhouse on Highland for those seeking breakfast to fortify themselves!) We'll be open from 11:00 to 5:00PM Saturday and Sunday! Happy Stashing! The Team at Knitch The sale does not apply to items purchased before sale day i.e no adjustments, special orders or holds, gift certificates, classes, events or finishing. No exceptions, please.

Happy Birthday, Knitch!

2008-07-15T18:04:00.000-04:00

Two Years Ago today, a little yarn shop was born in Atlanta, Georgia. This little shop's mission was to provide a place for the Atlanta Knitting Community to meet, grow, laugh and..KNIT, to stock the most amazing yarns with the friendliest, most knowledgeable staff...and, to have A LOT of fun! We hope we've added a little sunshine to your life over the past 2 years! Today we're celebrating our birthday with cake and champagne...and, the fabulous Allen from Numma Numma has dyed two exclusive colorways JUST FOR US...AVAILABLE JUST FOR TODAY...one colorway is distinctly Knitch and is called Knitch Turns Two and the other, well, it is appropriate for the beverage we're celebrating with today...VERY LIMITED and Available only while supplies last! Happy Birthday Knitch!

SAFF Plans Finalized

2008-05-03T18:05:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that we're already planning for October but, we're excited to announce our 2008 trip to the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in Asheville, NC. We've booked the ENTIRE Inn on Church Street in Historic Hendersonville, NC. The Inn is 12 minutes from the SAFF site and it a lovely refuge for a fantastic fiber weekend.

Packages include a great room at the Inn, Delicious Family Style Meal on Friday Night, Gourmet Full Breakfast each morning, A tasty boxed lunch for SAFF on Saturday (SAFF is NOT known for its food!), and a special Knitch SAFF tote bag with exclusive goodies!

Package Prices: Doubles are 300. and Singles are 460.

Secure your spot by placing your 50% deposit now. We'll charge the remainder on August 15th. (Note, If you reserve your spot online, you'll see the entire amount in your cart...never fear, we'll only charge half as a deposit!)

See you at SAFF!

Link to SINGLE:

Link to DOUBLE

Knitting On YouTube

2008-01-27T18:06:00.000-05:00

Who says Knitting isn't cool? check out these knitting related videos from YouTube!

Turn your volume down a bit for this one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z564GUIK7s

For those of you who love Ramen Noodles...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNl8MMAr0lM

Or how about scary knitting (we're thinking this is more photoshop than knitting, but.....)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUpyFcK5Ea4

This is my favorite....we love male knitters....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfYpBqMgol4

You've probably seen this one but its truly amazing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ZjMWLqJvM

Uh oh, i just found multiple videos about cat sweaters...I'd finish this but after watching, I really must go call the aspca.

Enjoy!

Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn Has Arrived

2007-12-10T18:06:00.000-05:00

We love the UPS Man....really we do... today brown did a lot for us...he brought us lots and lots of Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn!
Yippee! You can barely see June here....

We received all twelve fabulous colors and we've spent the morning filling our pre-orders...
If you reserved yours in advance, they are on the way or at the shop for you! We think this yarn will not only make fabulous socks but also shawls, scarves, etc.

Click HERE for the vital statistics! Enjoy!

2007 Shop Hop Winners Announced!

2007-11-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

The first Annual Atlanta Shop Hop was a lot of fun! Ten stores participated and it looks like it will become an annual event. Our hoppers were very enthusiastic and we loved seeing so many new faces! We received a lot of completed passports...many more than expected!

If you visited us for the first time during the hop, we look forward to seeing you again. Knitch is the center of a wonderful knitting community and we really hope you'll return time after time to sit and knit with us! And, if you're a Knitch Regular, just know that we appreciate you!

The winners of the Shop Hop Drawing are below. The grand prize will be mailed to the winner on Monday, November 27th. All other prizes should be picked up at the shop who donated the prize. Pleae note that prizes are not returnable, exchangeable or transferable.

Here are the winners of the 2007 Greater Atlanta Yarn Shop Hop!

Grand Prize - $1000 in Yarn Shop Gift Certificates
($100 from each paticipating shop) was won by Beth
Winter from Marietta, GA.

A $100 Knitch Gift Certificate was won by Colleen
Strickland from Duluth, GA.

a Bag of Rowan Pure Wool Aran valued at $129.50 donated
by Knitch was won by Bonnie Wright of Hampton, Georgia

A Knitch Dye Class was won by Amy Ratcliffe from
Atlanta, Georgia

A skein of Toasty Boo hand dyed sock yarn valued at
$25. donated by Needle Nook was won by Tina Fagan of
Roswell, Georgia

A Bag of Malabrigo Kettled Dyed Wool valued at $120.
donated by Needle Nook was won by Sally Winter of
Atlanta

A Berocco Kit including a Norah Gaughan Book and 5
skeins of Ultra Alpaca Light Yarn valued at $48.
donated by Needle Nook was won by Ann Yeary of Duluth

A Skein of Trendsetter Lanal Borgosesia valued at $35.
donated by Needle Nook was won by Nicole Grand of
Cumming, Georgia

A Pick Up Sticks Autumn Bouquet Felting Kit valued at
$40. donated by All That Yarn was won by Traci White
of Atlanta

A pair of Addi Turbo Knitting Needles donated by All
That Yarn was won by Kelly Meyer of Marietta, GA

A Sock Class valued at $65. donated by All That Yarn
was won by Nancy Burley of Brooks, Georgia

A Bag of Boho Colors Yarn valued at $105. donated by
Nease's Needle Work was won by Karen Morris

A Felted Crochet Hook Case valued at $25. donated by
Nease's Needlework was won by Rachel Morris of
Marietta

A Year of Afghans Book valued at $10.50 donated by
Nease's Needlework was won by Rachel Skinner of
Moreland, Georgia

4 Balls of Skye Tweed valued at $32. was won by Lynn
Pfaff from Atlanta, Georgia

A Kricket Knits felted bag valued at $8.50 donated by
Nease's Needlework was won by Heather Exum of
Watkinsville, Georgia

A Blooms Felted Bracelet Kit valued at $14. donated by
Why Knot Knit was won by Lisa Heerman of Suwanee

Sweater Soap valued at $12. donated by Why Knot Knit
was won by Mernie Williams from Atlanta

A beaded eyeglass chain valued at $21.80 donated by
Why Knot Knit was won by Elisa Herrera of Atlanta,
Georgia

A Lantern Moon Cow Tape Measure valued at $9.20
donated by Why Knot Knit was won by Kathleen Stamm
from Atlanta

1 lb hand dyed wool quarters valued at $64. donated by
Main Street Yarns and Fibers was won by Anne Luou of
Atlanta, Georgia

A Bagsmith Knitting Tote valued at $36. donated by
Main Street Yarns and Fibers was won by Melody Moran
of Fayetteville, Georgia

A Pink Denise Knitting Needle Set valued at $50
donated by Main Street Yarns and Fibers was won by
Angela Steed of Monroe, Georgia

3 books in the new Harmony Guides Series valued at
$66. donated by Main Street Yarns and Fibers was won
by Marietta Slemp of Tucker, Georgia

Three Skeins of Sheep Shop #3 valued at $78.00 donated
by Only Ewe and Cotton Too was won by Kathy Kilpatrick
of Atlanta, Georgia

Lantern Moon Needle Case valued at $36.00 donated by
Only Ewe and Cotton Too was won by Ginger gidden of
Decatur, Georgia

The Materials to Make the Only Ewe Shop Hop Pattern
valued at $48. (donated by Only Ewe and Cotton Too)
was won by Leslie Kelley of Roswell, Georgia

Gift Certificate for a Class valued at $40 donated by
The Whole Nine Yarns was won by Margaret Glenn of
Decatur, Georgia

Lovely Handmade Glass Knitting Needles valued at $60.
donated by The Whole Nine Yarns was won by Emily
Redwine of Atlanta, Georgia

Knitting Bag with a skein of Aslun Del Sur Yarn valued
at $40. donated by The Whole Nine Yarns was won by
Cinda Raines of Cumming, Georgia

A Rhinestone Knitting Pin valued at $45. donated by
Strings and Strands was won by Martha Taylor of
Atlanta, Georgia

A "Desperate Knitter" Knitting Tshirt valued at $26.
donated by Strings and Strands was won by Maie
Johansen of Alpharetta, Georgia

A Bagsmith Knitting Bag valued at $35. donated by
Strings and Strands was won by Sarah Baugh of
Watkinsville, Georgia

A Lantern Moon Fish Messenger Bag valued at $45
donated by Strings and Strands was won by Becky
Whitmire of Gainesville, Georgia

Three additional prizes from Cast On Cottage will be posted asap! so, check back!

Thanks to all who hopped! We look forward to seeing
you again in the shop soon!

How 'bout some Toasty with your morning coffee?

2007-11-20T21:02:00.000-05:00

In our ever present mission to introduce daily fiber into your diet, we're pleased to introduce Toasty, ToastyBOO and Saucy!

These "Things You'd put on Toast" and "Sauce" inspired colors are A-mazing!

Here are the stats for those of you taking the test....

Toasty...100% Super smooshy superwash merino wool available in 10 lovely toast inspired colors. 475 yards per skein

ToastyBoo...A yummy blend of Merino, Bamboo and Nylon available in 6 colors. 370 yards per skein.

And...drum roll please...

Saucy...100% super smooshy superwash merino in 10 EXCLUSIVE KNITCH COLORS! 550 yards per skein!

We're getting hungry just thinking about it!

We're on a Chicken Mission!

2007-11-14T21:19:00.000-05:00

The Chicken Mission began with Cat Bordhi. While at dinner on Cat's recent visit to Knitch, we were lamenting over a certain sock yarn company and their highly selective distribution practices.

Cat suggested (brilliant!) that the owner of said sock yarn company has an affinity for chickens...

So, the chicken mission was born! You can read more about the mission here on our friend Debbie's blog.

This morning Jay (we like him...he makes the web work!)and I wrapped a Napa Cabbage with packing tape, applied roving, a plastic bag and put it in the fabulous felting machine...in an atttempt to make a felted egg (well, really a chicken mothership for our pending chicken shipment to Oregon).

Attempt #1 was thwarted by the fact that we (ok, I) forgot to check the label...well, the roving was superwash...

We quickly got smart (coffee is an amazing thing in the early morning hours!) and applied corriedale which felts like a charm...

Egg-cept (sorry!) that the egg wanted to float..oops...

eventually we got it right...notice the opening for chicken insertion!

EGGSELLENT, Aint it? We think so...

Next step, The Thursday Night Knitters are knitting chickens tomorrow night to go inside the incredible egg and off it goes to Oregon to convince Tina that we MUST HAVE YARN! Join in if you can!

We'll keep you posted on our progress!

Kureyon Sock Yarn

2007-11-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

This morning we received a really nice surprise...

Sample balls of Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn!

Needless to say, we were pretty excited! All twelve colors are really beautiful...just what you'd expect from Noro. And, with a generous 462 yards off lovely colorful wool and 30% nylon for longevity, there's plenty to love about this yarn.

Pre-order yours now...and, if you reserve a box of all twelve fabulous colors (a year of noro socks!), you'll receive a 10% discount.

Here's the link to order yours online! Hurry and get yours while they last!

http://www.shopknitch.com/yarn3.php?p=3249&m=51

Yum!