fibre space

Ask the “Expert”: Intermediate End-Weaving

Ann — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:09:19 +0000

After my last post, in which I asked you to consider where your yarn is at, I received several requests for explaining end-weaving in more complex patterns. I’ve made a swatch in a simple lace pattern that I’ll use to demonstrate some intermediate-level end-weaving.

Here’s the right side of my swatch:

And here’s the wrong side, where I’ll weave in the ends.

Once again, I’m using a contrasting color as my end so you can see how I trace the path of my yarn through the stitch pattern. Note that it’s easiest to start your end-weaving in the most solid Stockinette or garter stitch portion of your work; in some patterns, you have enough space to weave in your ends without venturing into the increases and decreases. Take advantage of this!

For the sake of this demonstration, I’m going to start at a more inconvenient point. First, I follow two regular knit stitches, but then I hit a yarn over. Let’s look at where my yarn is at.

This is the path my yarn takes. It looks more confusing in this photo than it does when you’re able to kind of pull the stitches to examine them from different angles.

The brown lines show the visible stitches my yarn takes. The blue lines show where the yarn goes behind the visible stitches. If you pull the visible stitches apart a bit with your fingers, you’ll be able to see the entire yarn path. For example, here’s a closeup of the area circled in red on the photo above. You can see that the yarn makes two full loops in this section; you want to follow these loops when you reach this point.

Here we go: Step 1

Step 2: Moving right along

Step 3: I’ve established how my yarn travels through the yarn overs and the decreases by now, so this is getting easier.

Here’s what my end looks like after following the path. It might look a little sloppy, but this is bulky yarn and I’m using a contrasting color for this demonstration. Yours will look much nicer.

I finish up my end-weaving in a patch of Stockinette stitch.

And now: Here’s the right side of my swatch.

Where’s the green yarn? You can barely see it, right?

If you want to learn these techniques hands-on, check out my finishing techniques class, coming in June!

Just Landed! New yarn from Miss Babs

Sarah Belcher — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:37:06 +0000

We recently received a giant shipment from one of our favorite independent hand-dyers, Miss Babs of Mountain City, TN! Many of us know her yarns and colorways quite well, and covet those beautiful “Babettes” — one-of-a-kind batches of artistry that are different every time (marked with a pink sticker). We love ‘em!

Well, amongst the Yowza, Yummy 2-ply and other goodies, we found a brand new fingering weight yarn! Tarte is a sturdy merino/nylon/tencel blend (15% nylon/10% tencel), that is just perfect for socks. Hermione’s Everyday Socks, a free pattern on Ravelry, feature a simple pattern repeat that would really allow these gorgeous variegated colors to shine.

Squash Blossom!

With 500 yards per skein (4.3 oz/ 457 m / 122 g), it’s also ideal for a summery shawlette. Holden is my go-to beach/road trip knit, with a (not overly-difficult) lacy border that is easy to lengthen based on yardage available and size desired. It’s a pattern many of us at the shop have revisited and recommended more than once!

Of course, if you’re up for something a bit bigger, Tarte’s 4-ply construction will certainly make a very fine and long-lasting sweater. Maybe a Summer Plum?

Tarte: 500 yards/4.3 oz (457 m/ 122 g); 75% superwash Merino wool, 15% nylon, 10% tencel; fingering weight/7-8 sts per inch on US #1-3; machine washable. $26

So that happened

Danielle — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:49:34 +0000

I think sometime last week a moving company showed up and put all of our store into a truck and moved it into another store. And then in about two days we unpacked and set up and reopened. I am not sure because most of the last month is a complete blurr. Our contractor had only 7 days to do what needed to be done and somehow managed to get it all finished. He is here installing some floating shelves today. I am exhausted and can’t wait for it to be completely finished so that I can go home and put my feet up and be pregnant. Haven’t had a chance to do that yet.

Here are some shots of the new place, in case you haven’t been by to see it yet:

New library area featuring a table of class inspirations!

We have a new space for children to play – complete with a desk and chairs!

In addition to the seating in our library, the new lounge has comfy seating.

Our new needle wall features a vintage mail sorter and easy to navigate slots for each needle size.

We also have a sample of every type of needle that we stock so that you can test them all out before you buy!

Our help bar is ready for your questions! Grab a stool and get some hands on assistance.

This is a total Ikea hack. I built our new cash register and help bar with kitchen cabinets and media cabinets from Ikea. The countertops are espresso silestone. Did you notice that we now have TWO registers??

Here is our new large bathroom!

Classes starting next week

Sarah Belcher — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:57:43 +0000

We have great classes at all levels starting next week. Come learn something new, and make yourself at home in our new location!

Introduction to Cabling: Wednesday, May 22, 6-9pm w/ Micah; $50  This quick crash course will show you how to cable like a pro, while learning a classic aran design, Dryad by Brooklyn Tweed. Ability to knit & purl is required. One three-hour class. It’s never too early to get started on a beautiful fall/winter scarf — this one is fun to knit and watch those cables take form.

Fixing Mistakes: Wednesday, May 22, 7-9pm w/ Sam; $40
Learn how to fix those “oops!” situations in your knitting. Ability to knit & purl is required. One two-hour class. You’ll bring a swatch or a problem project you have on needles and learn such invaluable skills as unknitting, picking up dropped stitches, how to fix too-tight bind-offs and how to correct a wrong stitch from a previous row.

First Hat – Beret or Men’s Cap: Thursdays, May 23 & 30th, 7-9pm w/ Sam; $65
Take your basic skills to the next level with this women’s beret or men’s cap project. Ability to knit & purl is all you need! Two two-hour classes. You’ll refresh your knowledge of casting on, learn how to join to work in the round and decrease onto double-pointed needles.

Lace Leaf Beret: Thursdays, May 23 & 30, 7-9pm w/ Lesley; $65
A “rockin” hat class where you will learn to work a hat from the top down and master double pointed needles or the magic loop method. Ability to knit & purl and experience working in the round or increasing/decreasing is required. Two two-hour classes. Pattern is the Springtime in Philadelphia beret by The Fibre Co.

Darn Those Knits: Saturday, May 25, 12-3pm w/ Jennifer; $50
You made it, you love it — learn how to repair it! Class is rated “uberchic” – advanced techniques for knitters with several projects under their belts. One 3-hour class. You will learn many ways of darning, including: patches, duplicate stitch, grafting and needle-felting.

Ravelry 101: Saturday, May 25, 3:30-5:30pm w/ Jennifer; $40
Learn how to use the Ravelry website to its fullest potential. No previous experience required! Great for knitters/crocheters of all levels. One 2-hour class.

Shop late in Old Town

Christen Green — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:50:07 +0000

It’s tough to find a moment of indulgent (or necessary!) shopping when you work full-time. But now you can stay Up Late with Old Town. Every Thursday in May and June, participating stores of Old Town Boutique District will be open until 8 PM! That’s right, they’re staying open to help accommodate those who can’t make it out during the week and want to stay away from the weekend crowds. We hope to see you on Thursday!

Wool People 5

Kel — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:51:30 +0000

The cool weather we’ve had this spring has been great for knitting – and spring just got a whole lot cooler with the release of Wool People 5.

Jared Flood says:

Back in August when I began mapping out the concepts and art direction for this collection, I thought it would be fun to do a sort of “shawl challenge” – since spring always seems to be the time when my own lace bug reawakens, hungry for a new project. Lace is perfect for outdoor knitting and travel, two things that many of us will do often in the coming months. I love how something as lightweight and portable as an in-progress shawl packs so much value in terms of both knitting time and mental satisfaction.

There are definitely some great shawls to choose from in this collection – check out the already-hot-on-Ravelry Bolt with its tonal stripes, textural Tilt, and lacy Moon & Stars for a start. (Quick! Somebody get Danielle to do a knitalong!)

Don’t worry, there’s plenty for sweater lovers too! Reverb is making a lot of noise on Rav right now – or maybe you’d rather cuddle some cables with Hitch or lounge with lace in Asilomar.

With 16 patterns to choose from using Loft and Shelter, you’re sure to find something to knit this spring and summer! (Which is your favorite?)

Check out the lookbook online here, or download it for happy browsing on your tablet or mobile.

Boutiques Give Back

Christen Green — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:49:57 +0000

Love to shop? Want to give back? Well, on Saturday, May 18th, you’ll have the chance to do both here in Old Town. You’re probably already familiar with our partnership with Project Knitwell. On May 18th, we will donate 20% of our sales to the organization in support of their mission to bring the healing properties of knitting to those who most need it, but 38 other stores are contributing to other worthy organizations as well! In fact, Boutiques Give Back is the largest small business-charity collaboration in the DC Metro area.

Each boutique has chosen an organization to honor with up to 20% of sales reached that day. You also have the opportunity to select a charity of your choice (all 501c3 organizations are applicable).

Be a part of something great. Participate in Boutiques Give Back!

Fresh coat of paint changes everything!

Danielle — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:40:03 +0000

The new store space is moving along very quickly. My amazing contractor has been working lots and lots of hours with his team to get everything done in just a week. Here is some progress:

The marble fireplace in the lounge area looks so much better with a nice blue accent wall around it. Now to add that classy “be-sweatered” deer head…

This is the new classroom space, with its skylights and peak through windows into the rest of the store. Yay for brick walls!

The new flooring is being mapped out…

So here is a before shot of the bathroom…scary green!!!

Classes starting soon

Sarah Belcher — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:38:15 +0000

Here’s what we’ve got starting up in the next couple of weeks… Even though the shop will be closed on Monday & Tuesday for the big move (pssst — there’s a sale, too!), these Tuesday, 5/14 classes will go on in the new space.

Introduction to Crochet w/ Lesley: Tuesdays, May 14, 21 & 28, 7-8:30pm; $75

You’ll learn how to chain, single and double crochet in this 3 week series, while you begin your own Tiramisu blanket. Taking this class will help you meet the requirements to move onto our “funky” offerings!

Crochet Queen Anne’s Lace Scarf w/ Nicole: Tuesday, May 14th, 7-9pm; $40

Speaking of “funky,” this quick scarf with an interesting interlocking motif will teach you to read intermediate crochet patterns, while you work up an enviable accessory. Knowledge of single and double crochet is all that’s required.

Beanie Hat w/ Micah: Wednesday, May 15th, 6-9pm; $50

This is your perfect “next step” knitting class. One 3-hour session will teach you how to join and knit in the round, plus decrease and work on double-pointed needles! Ability to knit and purl is all you need.

Fixing Mistakes w/ Sam: Wednesday, May 22nd, 7-9pm; $40

Learn how to fix those “Oops!” situations in your knitting. You’l learn “unknitting,” picking up dropped stitches, how to fix too-tight bind-offs and more!

New store space – some teasers

Danielle — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:39:36 +0000

So given that we recently sold off our sofas and chair, we have had some..lets say..anxious customers wondering what in the world they will be sitting on in the new space. I promise that it will all be ok. Yes, the orange chair is going away. But it will be ok!

Our new lounge space features a marble fireplace that just begged for some new sleek furniture.

Marble fireplace at the store space (currently occupied by Bizim Collection)

Here is a glimpse of some of the items going into that room:

New light fixture for the center of the front room

We are getting these modern sofas in chocolate brown!

Look out for a couple of these fun rockers, which are kinda perfect for stitching. I have one at home!