Wild Purls Yarn Shop: Billings, Montana

Log Cabin Foundations

Wild Purls Yarn — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Log Cabin knit along officially began on Saturday the 11th. We had a shop FULL of knitters and crocheters from beginners to advanced in skill level who were eager to lay the foundations of their "cabins" -- blankets to rugs, with fiber choices ranging from Melbourne Cotton to Noro Kureyon and everything in between! It seemed like everybody quickly discovered how easy it is to build a log cabin with yarn.

When Sue was working on samples for the KAL, she picked out three classic colors of Melbourne, thinking that it would be a fun summer pillow......but it grew into a bath mat, due to the terrific texture created with garter stitch and great cotton. Many friends enthusiastically embraced this idea and whipped out their own bath mats before the knit along began. We have all had so much fun helping with color selection and seeing completed rugs. Becky's is finished, and she backed hers with fun fabric from Four Winds Quilting (tip: sewing fabric on the back of it alleviated weaving in yarn ends)!

It was a treat to have the knit along begin so that Sue could start adding to the blanket that she began for her oldest son, Art. When she started it and asked him if he wanted a "color theme", Art said no; however after he saw it a few days later, he said he would like more earth tones. He seems pretty pleased with it so far, but is a bit doubtful that it will be done any time soon. He heads into his Senior Year this fall, so I think I have plenty of time before Graduation in 2014, even with my "many projects on the needles at the same time" habit. Come join us as the knit-a-long continues (May 23, June 1 and 21, July 13 and August 1) We'll keep you updated on Facebook too; it will be so fun to watch them all grow!

Log Cabin Knit Along

Wild Purls Yarn — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

CRAFTERNOON TEA, Saturday, May 11, 1:00 to 3:00pm!

Many think that the log cabin pattern is reserved for quilters only. They do indeed have a rich history with this pattern dating back to the underground railroad. I love the rich stories, particularly Faith Ringgold's children's book, Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky. This tale of Harriet Tubman was a favorite for my girls when they were young. Log cabin quilts were placed outside of safe houses where the slaves fleeing north for freedom could find safe shelter and food. Since reading this book, I have had a a warm place in my heart for log cabin quilts.

These days, my girls are older and the log cabin blankets being made are knit and crocheted. This summer we are

holding a log cabin knit along. What is a knit along, you ask? It is a celebration of building community by knitting and crocheting together. We will all cast on May 11 and let the logs pile up to create many beautiful blankets, bath mats, wash clothes and trivets. The colors will explode along with the fun.

The Log Cabin Knit Along begins Saturday, May 11 from 1 to 3pm. Everyone is welcome to join the class and sip tea. What great fun we will have. Call the shop for your spot in the class. If you already have the perfect pattern, and in our humble opinion our favorite is Mason Dixon Knitting, then stop by for a spot of tea and begin your very own log cabin.

Scared of Steeking (Part 2)

Ashley Chambless — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

When we last visited, I was full of courage! Thanks to Kate Davies, I was ready to give steeking a try and quite confident that I would end up with a perfect little Easter sweater for my daughter! Just for a quick reminder...

Steeking is a shortcut used to knit in the round without interruption for openings until the end. After completing a tube, a straight line is cut along the center of a column of stitches, in order to make room for an opening. The steek itself is a bridge of extra stitches, in which the cut is made, and is usually 6-10 stitches wide.

I attached the sleeves and started the little flower yoke....so far, so good!

See the vertical lines running right down the middle of the yoke? Yeah, that's where the scissors will attack!

But first I had to reinforce the steek. So I crocheted an edging down and back up the sweater which pulled the center stitch apart and left a nice little opening for cutting. I used some wild and crazy Sockapalooza yarn for this part!

Now that things are nice and secure...let the cutting begin!!

This is after the cutting. That crocheted edge REALLY DID hold my stitches. The world isn't falling apart after all!

Next I had to attempt the "steek sandwich." Kate Davies explains this brilliant little containment of stitches in her tutorial. My only tip on this section of steeking is to do it as quickly as you can. The less your manipulate your knitted fabric, the less chance that the pesky color-work will start crawling out from the reinforcement! This particular sweater required an i-cord bind off to close up the "steek sandwich." I think it's lovely.

And here's the final product! Thank you, Kate Davies, for getting me through my first steeked project and for the inspiration that your designs create!

Becky's Wedding Shawl

Wild Purls Yarn — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

I am starting a fancy lace shawl in the new beautiful Luxury Silk yarn that came in at Wild Purls recently. I am intimidated, but eager to take on the challenge. Ann Budd was just here teaching and it was so motivating to see how knowledgeable she is, and how she is still learning and trying new challenges. I love the fact that there seems to be an unlimited amount of new things you can learn in the world of knitting!

Back to my shawl... the yarn is a dk weight, not lace weight, this makes me think I can finish it by the wedding I want to wear it to in August. So...when I came to the "3 into 9" stitch, I was a little confused, but a video on YouTube showed me it wasn't as tricky as I thought. It creates a great flower pattern. I am now cruising and anticipate being finished well before my August wedding. Wish me luck. -Becky

Ann Budd: The Sequel

Wild Purls Yarn — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

We are soooo excited to be hosting Ann Budd for the second time in six months! Ann made such an impact on our knitters, that they literally begged us to bring her back.

They chanted:

"Bring Budd back! Bring Budd back!"

Pretty sure they didn't mean the beer!

Well, Ann is back, and with a VENGEANCE. . .

Only this time she's taming the Top-Down Terrors, and fighting the Fiendish Finishing Anxieties.

Knitting royalty, Ann Budd, will be gracing Wild Purls Yarns, March 20, 21, 22 and 23. She was originally scheduled for just 3 days, but we had such big demand for her classes, we added a Wednesday Top Down Class. It's such enjoyment for us to see our knitters take so much pleasure in learning. It's a big commitment to schedule one, two, and even three days away from home, family and work, so we, and Ann, I'm sure, appreciate the effort it takes to get to these classes. Especially with the unpredictable weather we experience here in Montana. You might think these classes draw a lot of Billings knitters. While that is true, we always have travelers from all over Montana and the surrounding states.

To show our appreciation, we are offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity! And not just to Ann's classes, but to all of Wild Purls friends.

Wild Purls is pleased to announce that on Friday, March 22, 2013, one lucky person will get to have dinner with Ann Budd at her favorite restaurant in the Magic City. Please visit Wild Purls to enter the drawing.* The winner will be chosen on Friday, March 22, 2013 at noon.

*No purchase necessary.

So please stop in, and put your name in the basket any time between now and the 22nd . . . . . .

And this could be you:

The Merry Month of March

Wild Purls Yarn — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Scared of Steeking

Ashley Chambless — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

I don't remember how I found her. I was probably surfing my favorite knitting blogs when I stumbled upon the cutest little designer. I just love all of Kate Davies' designs and knew I had to knit at least one of her projects....soon!

I decided on the junior version of the Blaithin sweater for my daughter's Easter sweater. I'm always up for a challenge, but when I read that this sweater is steeked, I definitely paused. Then again, Easter was over a month away, and I would grab a back-up sweater from Target just in case!

What exactly is steeking? I had to do a little research: Steeking is a shortcut used to knit in the round without interruption for openings until the end. After completing a tube, a straight line is cut along the center of a column of stitches, in order to make room for an opening. The steek itself is a bridge of extra stitches, in which the cut is made, and is usually 6-10 stitches wide.

So, wait a minute. I'm going to knit this sweater in the round and then cut my knitting down the center to make the opening of the cardigan??? Yeah, I was scared. And really, I still am. I'm currently knitting away on the sleeves and will soon start the cute flower yoke, but I know the scissors are waiting....just waiting for their chance to dice my stitches. I will keep you updated on the progress. In the meantime, if you want to take a closer look at steeking and its magic, Kate Davies has great tutorials on her blog. I will be pouring over them from now until Easter!

Here are a few of Kate's other designs. They are all available at Wild Purls through Ravelry!

All photos by Kate Davies Design

A Keeper

Wild Purls Yarn — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Sometimes Valentine's Day comes in all fast and crazy; a dozen roses, chocolates, and sappy cards. Other times it's all but forgotten; a shuffle of the feet in apology and a bent up card some time around midnight. But once in awhile, something comes in like a spring breeze in a snow storm, something wonderful finds its way to your day. My sweetie made me a yarn box and every inch was thought out with me in mind. He recalled every odd comment I made about knitting and yarn and the multitude of ways fiber can be kept. All I can say is, I'm one lucky gal and he's a keeper. (-Glenda)

Kitchy Family Treasures

Sue — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

A friend taught me how to knit; it would be nice to say that the craft was passed along to me by one of many fine craftspeople on my maternal side though! However, I'm happy to say that I have some great examples of their knitting and crochet that have traveled along with me over the years. The little stack in the photo are a few of them, and (of course) here are their stories......

The shades of brown crochet afgan belongs to my husband and comes from the hands of my Grandma Freida, who made one for each grandchild and one for each of their spouses over the years. All were different patterns; Cousin Mike's is red/white and blue because he was born in 1976; mine is pink, green, and white because of sorority colors. The white baby blanket came as a surprise gift when my first baby was born and was made by my Great Aunt Edie, Freida's sister, who gave a hand made white blanket to many families for all their babies to share. The tiny little doilies were given to me by my Great Grandma Alice because of my childhood dollhouse obsession. They were rugs, tablecloths, and the occasional sun hat (cheap ring made a good hat band). I don't know if she had these things tucked away or made them especially for me -- probably a bit of both. Great Grandma also made the little red purse for my mother, and then it was passed along to me. Finally, that knitted 'quilt' was done by Grandma Freida for a doll bed. I treasure these bits of handiwork from Grandmothers and Aunties, and have more to share another time!

Felting for Others

Becky — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

The Famous Felted Slippers are famous for a reason, they are a great project, people love them! I finally made myself a pair last winter and used yarn I had not felted before, but sadly came out too small for me. I promptly offered them to my sister, who loved them. When her daughter saw them the next day and also loved them, she gave them to her for her birthday. I am now working on a new pair for my sister and maybe the next pair will be for me. I predict I will have a pair on the needles for the next little while. I am happy to do it. The Slipper class is just finishing up, but the patterns are available if you want to tackle a pair.

Knit and Nosh Night

Wild Purls Yarn — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Or Knitting and Eating! What a combination of the very best in life! Last night, on a Friday evening, we hosted an extra looonnnnnngggg Happy Hour! Oh, my gosh, it was such fun!

Crowded? Yes! Busy? Yes! Knitting? Yes!

Filling? Yes! Yes! YES!

Of course, we knew our customers were fabulous with their chosen crafts, but they really showed their colors with some fabulous foods, both savory and sweet.

Here's a sampling of what we "noshed" on . . .

First, the SAVORIES!

Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta and Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini

The ever popular Tortilla Spirals with Pimento Cheese. It's not a party without Tortilla Spirals!

Here we have Sue's Spicy Nuts and, yes, Becky's Balls. Don't ask.

But it you want the recipe for Sue's Spicy Nuts, you don't even need to ask, we'll just give it to you!

SUE'S SPICY NUTS

Ingredients

1/2 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. chili powder
1/2 t. curry powder
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/4 t. ground ginger
1/4 t. ground cinnamon
dash salt
2 T. olive oil
2 c. pecan halves
1 T. coarse sea salt

First you must preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Then you should mix the first 8 ingredients in small bowl. Then heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over low heat and add spice mixture. Stir and simmer to mellow the flavors together for 3 to 4 minutes.

Place nuts in mixing bowl, add spice mixture, and toss. Spread nuts in single layer on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven, toss nuts with rubber spatula, sprinkle with coarse salt, and let rest in pan for 2 hours in cool place.

THE SWEETS

Chocolate Caramel Brownies (these also tasted pretty good this morning out of the fridge!)

And as we all know, one can never have enough brownies! Here is Sue's take on Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa's Salted Caramel Brownies. (BTW, Her new cookbook, Foolproof, is just that, foolproof!!

We had no idea just how Wild the Wild Purl Girls could get, but we had so much craziness, we are planning to be Repeat Offenders!

The Little Bit of Everything Linen Scarf

Ashley Chambless — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

My favorite fingerless gloves named after Jo March...the socks I knit for my mom after her hospital visit...my baby girl's mittens...my very first hand-knit sweater...the hat I knit for my friend going through chemo...the blanket for my first-born...the baby sweater for my friend's first grandchild...and on and on we could go, right?

Yards and yards of fiber left from precious skeins we selected for precious people. There they sit in my yarn basket, in my stash drawers, in project bags. I look at these yards and think of the fiber, the weight, the person's face and the reason for the project.

We can't bear to part with these yards, can we? So I set my mind to use them. And I found this lovely little pattern...

The length-wise linen stitch scarf is nothing new, but it gave new life to my leftover yards. The knitting is easy and the stitch looks woven. Colors blend no matter what I use. And in the end I'll wrap a woven story around my neck and have a winter reminder of people I love.

New Year, New Projects

Wild Purls Yarn — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Turning the calendar to a new year brings a sense of a new beginning in our lives.

As far as my knitting and crocheting are concerned, this will be a year of finishing. The sweater I started a while back needs to brought out and finished. That is all there is to it. I want to wear it. I want to be done with it! That also goes for the crochet bag I've been working on for an eternity.

New projects abound. One of the most difficult things about working with and around so much talent is having project attention deficit disorder. Every week, at the least, someone walks through the door with the most fabulous project. I can almost feel my knees weaken, my breathe get a little shallow and my resolutions melt away.

And not to mention the self talk, "I could slip in a quick hat, or that darling pair of mittens in between the projects that I've sworn in blood to finish. But not this year. No, I will finish at least two, yes 2 aforementioned UFO's.

Oh no, the doors opened to the shop. I may go hide in the back room with my knitting bag!

Just Because You can...

Wild Purls Yarn — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

“Dear designer of questionable intent,

Please send me a photo of yourself. Please be wearing the knitted pants that you designed. It's not that I don't believe that there is anyone out there thing enough to wear horizontally stripped trousers knit from chunky wool, it's just that I would like to know whether you are deliberately cruel or whether you are the one woman these would look really great on.”
― Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much

Downton Abbey Mystery Knit-A-Long

Wild Purls Yarn — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Maybe you've heard that Jimmy Beans Wool is hosting A Mystery Knit-a-Long to celebrate the much anticipated third season of Downton Abbey, but what you may not realize is Wild Purls is crashing in on the fun! Yes ma'am's (pronounced to rhyme with hams*) and sirs, the below stairs crew is kicking it in high style with the above stair yarn-ocrats!

We are overjoyed and tickled down to our hand me down knickers (Did you know that most maids received their under garments second or third hand?*) to be a part of this amazing celebration and even more so to share it with you.

On December 31, 2012 Jimmy Beans Wool will reveal all the nitty gritty details on the Jimmy Beans Wool blog so we're ready for the first installment of the KAL which will released on January 6, 2013. As with all relationships between the above and below stairs people, we don't know much about the KAL (as well we shouldn't, where'd the fun be in that???); rumor has it though that 1 skein of Lorna's Laces "Christmas at Downton" in Sportmate will be needed or 2 skeins in Shepherd's Sport which can be purchased at Wild Purls online and our in town store.

If you just can't wait, join in the pre-season fun by visiting Jimmy Beans Wool on Ravelry or Wild Purls on Ravelry and jump in on the discussions.

*Fun facts from "The World Of Downton Abbey; The Secrets and History Unlocked" by Jessica Fellowes.

Holiday Traditions

Wild Purls Yarn — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The season is upon us. Time to make plans.., shop, cook and do all the traditional things.Traditions are part of the glue that hold us together as a family and a culture. These beautiful stockings, made by my mother-in-law many years ago are part of our tradition. They bring back happy memories of Christmas mornings and the loving grandma that made them for us. I wish us all a happy holiday full of old and new traditions.

Downton Abbey? Why yes, we do.

Wild Purls Yarn — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

1 Universe

8 planets

204 countries

809 islands

7 seas

2 places Lorna's Lace

Christmas at Downton yarn

is available

Jimmy Bean's Wool

and

Wild Purls

Knitting and Brain Health

Wild Purls Yarn — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

I come across tidbits that connect crafting and positive mind health fairly regularly: it's time to share a few, because this is the time of year when we all seem to go into overdrive. Since many of us are creating something to gift right now, let's take heart that these stitches are also providing our minds way to relax and calm down.

Robert Maurer, a psychologist who studies creativity states, "When the midbrain is engaged by the repetitive movement involved in many crafts, the temporal lobe is unable to focus on worry or stress".
Betsan Corkhill, a knitter and former physical therapist says, "When concentrating on a pattern, you're required to be so present in the moment ... even physical pain fades into the background".
Turning something fairly ordinary, like yards of yarn, into something beautiful creates a sense of accomplishment, activating "... a pleasure center in the brain known as the nucleus accumbens", says Maurer. These pleasure centers release the happiness-producing neurotransmitter dopamine.

If this is all a bit too "brainy" for you, this one about soldiers during World War I is more succinct: during that war, shell-shocked soldiers were taught to knit as therapy. Keep the needles clicking, fair yarn lovers; you're doing your minds a world of good!

Small Business Saturday

Wild Purls Yarn — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

This Saturday, November 24th is SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY. This movement started just a few years ago and small businesses around the country have jumped on the band wagon to be part of the day. We all know about Black Friday when large, national retailers open at unbelievable hours for sales. This year, some retailers are opening Thanksgiving evening for their outrageous sales.

You won't find Wild Purls open. We will all be home enjoying our families, friends and the glow of turkey day. My family will be busy with it's third or fourth round of charades. My dad will say the title out loud, by mistake, as he does each and every year. My brother will do something completely crazy and the laughter will be heard from miles away, probably even in the lines of rabid early shoppers in front of their favorite box store.

So, black Friday will come and go as it always does. The big day will be on Saturday when small businesses around the country will ask that holiday shoppers remember the local, small businesses in their holiday shopping revelry.

As an added bonus this year, Wild Purls will have a coupon, available in the Billings Gazette, for 20% off your yarn purchase (not the total purchase, only the yarn) when you present your coupon. The add will be run on Thanksgiving day as well as on Saturday. So all we ask is that you bring your coupon with you, and we will reward you with a nice sale for your holiday gifts.

Join the fun and shop small on Saturday!

99 Problems

Wild Purls Yarn — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Never doubt how cool knitters are!

99 Problems *

If you're having fiber problems I feel bad for you ma'am

I got 99 problems but yarn ain't one.

I got the gauge patrol on the double point needle patrol

Dropped stitches that wanna make sure my mittens suck

Knit critics thats says she's outta luck

I'm a Continental knitter, stupid what type of facts are those

If you grew up with Red Heart in your stash

You'd celebrate the minute you was having cash

I'm like darn critics you can kiss my swatch

If you don't like my socks you just watch

Got beef with Ravelry if you don't knit the pattern

They don't post my adaptions, well I don't give a stitch

I don't know what you take me as or understand the intelligence knitters has

I'm acrylic to vicuna

I ain't dumb

I got 99 problems but yarn ain't one

Cast on!

*adapted from Jay Z's "99 Problems"

Holiday Workshops

Wild Purls Yarn — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Santa's elves were quite busy on Saturday in our little corner of the world. Knitters, crocheters, and needle felters left Wild Purls with small, quick hand-made items to give away this season.

Do you have an ornament swapping tradition with a dear friend? A needle felted cookie cutter ornament or a mini-mitten ornament would be the perfect one-of-a-kind treasure.

Have someone on your list who is always on-trend? Make her a knitted headband so she'll look cute even while walking the dog.

Jazz up the ubiquitous gift card with a knitted Itty Bitty Gift Pouch.

Click on over to the Holiday Happenings Workshops section of our website to see even more projects.

If you weren't around to see the elves in action on Saturday, then guess what? You can be an elf yourself on Saturday, December 1. Register here on our website, drop by the store or give us a call. I've heard Mrs. Claus will also be on hand with home-made cookies....she may even share her recipes!

Where's Waldo?

Wild Purls Yarn — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I received a Halloween request two days before the ghoulish holiday. Alice and her work mate, Melissa, decided to be a duo for the costumed holiday. They chose to go incognito and show up in red and white . . .

Waldo and Wenda (correct spelling, by the way!)

But, of course, budgets are tight, so homemade outfits are required . . . . . and procrastination rules! Both Alice and Melissa are baby knitters, slow enough to whip out two Waldo hats in time for Christmas,

but not in time for Halloween!

Alice (Waldo) on the left, Melissa (Wenda) on the right.

Using Cascade Pacific Chunky, held double, knit on a size 13 needle.

Pattern: Perfectly Easie Beanie, modified for the chunky yarn.

Buy 1 Get 8 Free

Wild Purls Yarn — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT

What if a family, in the not so distant future, walked into a thrift shop looking for a deal on warm knit items for the coming winter? And what if that family found a huge basket filled with close fitting caps in an array of colors and fibers; some bright and festive, others demure and some just outright smile worthy. Above the basket a sign would hang, reading 'buy 1 get 8 free'.

I like to imagine the youngest of the family looking at her mom quizzically, wondering what the items are for. They're not very thick, not made to keep heads warm in a snow ball fight nor are they especially useful to keep one dry.

"Oh, honey those are chemo caps. When I was a little girl knitters and crocheters would make them for women who were battling cancer. Thankfully, that's long in the past and we don't need that sort of thing anymore." The mom would say as she scanned the shop for what she needed, paying no further heed to the useless old caps made with love and prayers.

That's my dream and I'm holding tight to that dream.

Wild Purls is collecting chemo caps throughout the month of October for the gals in the trenches, so pick up your needles and hooks dear friends because the fights not over, not by a long shot.

*Author's Note: We should start thinking now about what October should honor when we get this whole cancer thing taken care of...I'm rather fond of 'Awesome Women and Their Yarn awareness month'.

Wordless Wednesday - Chairs

Wild Purls Yarn — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I've had a certain infatuation with chairs all my life. It's a form and function kind of thing.

So here is a pictorial incorporating chairs and fiber.

To find the original sources, please link to my Pinterest page, and clicking on each picture. This will lead you to the original artist and photographers

Aha! Ann Budd Weekend

Wild Purls Yarn — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Ann Budd joined us for 3 days of classes this past weekend at Wild Purls. We had knitters from far and wide attend classes on socks and mittens.

Simple skills that all knitters know were explained in a new way and the "aha's" could be heard throughout the room. Ann paced each class so that everyone was able to see the steps of the day's project just when needed.

Friday was a day of cuff down socks. By the end of the day, the tables filled with darling little socks. Each sock was knit full of techniques to be taken to the knitters next projects. Saturday was mitten filled with a few twists to the right to make each knitterly appetite ready to tackle mittens for the cooler weather approaching.

Sue went home Saturday night and started a pair of mittens using Ann's book, The Handy Book of Knitting Patterns. Her husband couldn't believe that so many women knit all day long without a single adult beverage to get them through the day!

The "aha's" continued Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday's class was Toe Up socks. Socks were created, torn out, started over, and knit with wonderful tricks and tips for a lifetime of sock knitting excitement.

As every sock knitter, or for that matter, every knitter learns at one time or another the Kitchner stitch can be wonderful but it is hard to remember all the steps and each person claims to have the rhyme that works. Most knitters avoid it and are glad when it is done, even though it never looks as good as it should. Ann broke down the steps visually and thoughtfully so that everyone left with a new appreciation for this grafting stitch. Overheard on Sunday from one friend to another, "The Kitchner stitch was worth the price of the entire weekend!"

Barb couldn't wait to show off her Almondine Socks, one of Ann's designs, with great pride.

For all you who didn't attend this series of classes, watch your calendars. We are trying to twist Ann's arm to come again to Wild Purls. The next series of classes will be sweater design! It will be another weekend not to be missed. Thank you Ann and thank you to all the attendees. The weekend was wonderful!

Tales from the Basket

Wild Purls Yarn — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Some might say where I keep my knitting is a colossal mess. I disagree, I like to see it as a metaphor for my life; my past, present, and future all tucked into one rather charming fair trade basket. Not neatly tucked in of course, life is never neat and tidy...it's messy, both bright and dark all at once. Life whispers secrets and tells tales, rather like the contents of my knitting basket...

~ There's a box of 11 year old Harry Potter band aids, because frankly I haven't had a cut worthy of them yet.

~The brown bag on top? Purple and green Cascade Pacific yarn to knit an eggplant. Why? Because there's not nearly enough silliness in the world.

~ Miss Myrna's needle case, because death should never keep a good knitter's needles silent.

~ 2 balls of the softest grey yarn I spun from romney sheep wool. It reminds me of adventures with friends, foggy mountain mornings, and how beautiful simple things can be.

~My mom's metal knitting needles, obviously I've got a thing for well loved needles. I firmly believe they hold their own sort of magic.

~ 2 skeins of the most delightful Lorna's Lace sock yarn in 'Valentine'. It's my hand dyed multi-colored badge of tenacity. 36 times I've attempted to make lace cuffed socks and 36 times I've failed. One day my stubbornness will pay off and I'll have the sassiest pair of socks ever knit. I shall call them the '672 socks'.

~A half finished scarf for my daughter that's growing much slower than she is. I set it aside more often than not, in favor of long walks with her and my son. Scarves can wait, youth never does.

~ A Burt's Bees bag stuffed with pens, pencils, a Swiss Army knife, needle gauges, more stitch markers than God has chickens, Olivia the pig mini Christmas ornaments, and iced tea mix...because life favors the prepared.

~ And like Pandora's box, tucked almost out of sight, is hope. A single skein of Lorna's Lace worsted weight Gentleman's frippery in 'Spats', because I've recently met someone...someone who brings me smiles and Earl Grey tea. He might need something hand made this winter, perhaps a hat to keep him warm.

What tales does your knitting satchel whisper?

Miss Myrna's Needles

Wild Purls Yarn — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A short while ago, I received a parcel in the post from my friend Miss Dolly. She and her husband are retired and are moving to Pennslyvania to be closer to their children. Over the course of the last year they've been going through their belongings; keeping what they love and need and finding good homes for the rest. Imagine my surprise and delight when I became the recipient of a hand sewn knitting needle case with vintage needles and accessories tucked carefully inside. To say I was charmed from tip to toe would be an understatement! It had belonged to Miss Myrna, Miss Dolly's mother, who had passed away in the late 1980's. From everything she's shared with me over the years, her mother was a constant and passionate knitter. She made certain her husband and five children all had hand knits every winter without fail, in fact Miss Dolly didn't even own a store bought knitted item until she was almost 30 and a mother herself!

Enclosed with the needle case was a note explaining why she had sent such a treasure to me; she wanted to make certain that her mother's needles went to someone who would understand that they were more than plastic and metal sticks. She said it made her smile to think that the same needles that her mother fashioned mittens for her and her siblings would be used when I knit for my children. At this point you may be asking yourself why she didn't keep them for herself, well Miss Dolly never did get the hang of knitting, she is how ever the most talented crocheter I've ever met.

I recently read a lovely quote, "...that no one really dies as long as someone remembers, someone who will acknowledge that this person had in spite of everything been here." It made me think of Miss Myrna, a good southern woman who never made it any farther west than the Mississippi River and yet an aspect of her will live on in everything I make with those needles. Her loving spirit will be a part of every stitch that warms my children and loved ones, an old friend I haven't met yet who connects me to a proud and cozy legacy.

Becky's Yarnings

Wild Purls Yarn — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT

You never know where you will find your passions. The summer between 7th & 8th grade, my sisters & I were cruising around our downtown shops, this was before malls existed. We wandered into the local yarn shop and I was in awe. I loved everything I saw and wanted to make something! I went home and begged my mom to buy me some yarn. I started with a vest & skirt "outfit" and granny square purses. I vowed that summer to make a granny square afghan, which eventually happened many years later.

Becky's Yarnings

Wild Purls Yarn — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT

My Rock Island Adventures

Ashley Chambless — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I’m not entirely sure exactly when it happened…my fascination with Jared Flood’s Rock Island Shawl. When I saw the photo released with the pattern and the unbelievable new Lorna’s Laces color Grand Street Ink, I literally could not stop staring at it!

I waited many months until just the right time, then I jumped right into my very first lace shawl. I felt fearless! However, I joined a Rock Island support group on Ravelry just in case.

Lifelines were used. Stitches were counted, re-counted, and counted again. Charts were highlighted and there was plenty of tinking. Once I even got angry at the Rock Island and I ignored it passive-aggressively for a few days. We made up, and on I went. Rows got shorter, and I saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

The finished product was worth the learning curve. Wild Purls can get you this beautiful pattern, and we also have loads of yummy lace weight yarn to choose from. Let us know if you embark on this adventure!

Wild Purls Yarn Shop: Billings, Montana

Log Cabin Foundations

Log Cabin Knit Along

Scared of Steeking (Part 2)

Becky's Wedding Shawl

Ann Budd: The Sequel

The Merry Month of March

Scared of Steeking

A Keeper

Kitchy Family Treasures

Felting for Others

Knit and Nosh Night

The Little Bit of Everything Linen Scarf

New Year, New Projects

Just Because You can...

Downton Abbey Mystery Knit-A-Long

Holiday Traditions

Downton Abbey? Why yes, we do.

1 Universe 8 planets 204 countries 809 islands 7 seas 2 places Lorna's Lace Christmas at Downton yarn is available Jimmy Bean's Wool and Wild Purls

Knitting and Brain Health

Small Business Saturday

99 Problems

Holiday Workshops

Where's Waldo?

Buy 1 Get 8 Free

Wordless Wednesday - Chairs

Aha! Ann Budd Weekend

Tales from the Basket

Miss Myrna's Needles

Becky's Yarnings

Becky's Yarnings

My Rock Island Adventures

1 Universe

8 planets

204 countries

809 islands

7 seas

2 places Lorna's Lace

Christmas at Downton yarn

is available

Jimmy Bean's Wool

and

Wild Purls