Quick Gift

One skein, a crochet hook and 15 minutes and you have a fun fashionable scarf.

Yarn used is Rozetti Cocoon Multi, Candy Floss Color 151 21.  See yarn in our online catalog at The Fiber Closet online catalog


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January 2011 Sock Pattern

Several knitters have asked to do a KAL with Cookie A's Twinkle Toes sock pattern.  Cookie A knitted this sock on a episode of Knitty Gritty.  The pattern knits from the toe up with a neat lace pattern.  This pattern uses a sport weight yarn.  You will need about 350 yards and Size 4 needles.    I am knitting my pair with Brown Sheep Naturespun Sport Weight.   Here is a link to Twinkle Toes Sock Pattern by Cookie A  The pattern starts with a figure-8 cast on.   This cast on results in a nice rounded toe.  Here are links to figure-8 tutorials--Figure-8 Cast on with 2 Circulars   Figure-8 Cast On with Double Points    Figure-8 Cast On with Magic Loop (One long circular)  I think the best Figure-8 Cast on with double points is by Cookie A when she was on Knitty Gritty.    Of course, you can do whatever cast on you wish, but I think you should give this one a try.  It was before the Judy's Magic Cast On.

Also, some of you have asked for the link to the hat that Sharon has been knitting.   The pattern is free may be found on Ravelry at Knot Cap

The snow has stopped and it just keeps getting colder and colder here in Rockville.

New Book Arrivals

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Just arrived at The Fiber Closet. Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac, The Commemorative Edition of the Best Selling Classic.  The book celebrates the 100th year of Elizabeth's birth and the 50th year of the founding of her company.  Introduction by The Yarn Harlot who tells of how many copies of  the classic Almanac she wore out or lost since she was a youth. The Almanac is a must have for any knitter.  The Fiber Closet plans to knit along with the almanac starting in Januray 2011.   The Fiber Closet price is 25% off of the SRP of $24.95 or $18.71.  I will be ordering more of this book.








Also, just arrived at The Fiber Closet in limited quantities.  One of our favorite series of books has just shown us that sock yarn is not just for socks.  There are caps, gloves, cuffs, scarves, shawls, shrugs, bonnets, booties, bags and, of course, socks.  It, too, may be ordered using the link at the right. SRP is $18.95 and the Fiber Closet price is $14.21.









On the back of it's cover, this book it says, "Diamonds are a Knitter's Best Friend."
The full name of this book is:  "Entrelac:  The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting." 
It contains more than 65 unique pattern stitches and over 25 beautiful fashion and home decor designs.  SRP if $24.95 and the Fiber Closet price is $18.71.  Notice that Amazon is starting out above the SRP. 









I have very limited number of these books currently in the shop but  will order more books.  You can always order through my Amazon link.  Comparison shopping is the name of the game.  That is why I listed both my price and you can see what the Amazon prices are.  Sometimes I am cheaper and sometimes they are.  Don't forget to consider shipping charges.  If you pick up your copy at the shop, of course, there aren't any shipping charges.  If you order from Fiber Closet online shipping charges vary depending on total amount of the order. 

Vicki Square on the handmade life of arts, crafts, and knitting

How many of you have multiple knitting projects and have lots of knitting needles but they are all in projects? Guess what? Vicki does, too. She now has a DVD as a companion to The Knitter's Companion.   You can preorder the Deluxe Edition by clicking on the the Amazon link.  I will have a few copies available for purchase in the shop and   on our online catalog

Rigid Heddle Weaving at The Fiber Closet

Just received "the weaver's idea book" by Jane Patrick.  Our Thursday weaver's have decided that we are going to use it as a workbook and weave our way through the book.  The shop has a few copies left or you can order from Amazon by clicking on the Buy from Amazon link.

If you have not seen this book, I think it is outstanding.  In her Introduction, Jane says that she too had discounted rigid heddle weaving as "inferior" and not "real" weaving.  I started out with a rigid heddle weaving many years ago and quickly moved on to a Baby Wolf and Wolf  Pup plus several rug looms.  But, rigid heddle weaving gives one a quick sense of accomplishment that I have rarely experienced with my other fiber crafts.  A scarf and be warped and woven in less than 4 hours and I am not talking about a short, skinny scarf.  Yes, you can use the loom as a stash buster but most of us are always looking for that special yarn with which  to weave our next project.

I would like to invite all of you to come join us at The Fiber Closet every Thursday, 1-3 PM, and explore all the possibilities of rigid heddle weaving.  No weaving experience or loom needed.

Our weaving group has been weaving on Schacht's Cricket loom.  

Super Scarves for Super Bowl XLVI

Thanks to Gina'a determination, The Fiber Closet received word that woven scarves are OK for this project. Gina wove a beautiful scarf and sent it to the Super Bowl Host Committee. The Committee accepted the scarf and asked that we spread the word that woven scarves are acceptable following the same yarn guidelines for knit or crochet scarves.

Gina used Cascade 220 yarn--Color 8505 White and Color Heathers 9457 Blue

The Fiber Closet has received two woven scarves:  another one from Gina and one from Cathy.  The Fiber Closet has received several knitted scarves.

Weaving at The Fiber Closet

Our Thursday weaving group has been moving at "warp" speed.  Gina has completed numerous projects. Gina's Projects.  Gina, Cathy and myself have all completed spa cloths on our Cricket Looms.

Last Tuesday, I presented how to direct warp a rigid heddle loom to the Hoosier Heritage Spinners and Weavers Guild.  I warped the loom at the meeting and later that evening I finished weaving the scarf.  I have yet to tie the fringe and full the scarf.

After the meeting, Mary Kay purchased a Cricket Loom.  I can't wait to see what she weaves.  You may know her from Ravelery--Mary Kay.  Check out her beautiful toys she has knit for her grandchild and the many other projects she has knitted.

Back to Normal

June has been a really busy month for The Fiber Closet.  First, we participated in the Hoosier Hills Fiberarts Festival in Franklin, Indiana, and then, we were off to TNNA in Columbus.

The first weekend, Cathy, Mike and I had a really great time at the HHFF in Franklin.  We renewed acquaintances and enjoyed many new friends.   Cathy and I demonstrated both the Hazel Rose looms, Carol Leigh's triangle looms and the Kumi Looms.  There seems to be a  wave of enthusiasm starting towards weaving.  We also met Andrea Wong, the Portuguese Knitter.

The next weekend, Mike and I attended TNNA at Columbus.  We drove over on Friday and stayed through Sunday.  On Friday, I attended the Sample-It.  This is where store owners get to try out various vendor's new products without having to buy a large volume.  Be sure and stop in to see what all I purchased.  On Saturday morning, I  took a weaving class taught by Liz Gipson of Knitting Daily and Schacht Spindle fame.  I met a lot of people that I have always talked with over the phone or seen in magazines, books or on TV.  I met Lily Chin and received an autographed copy of her new book on cables.

I ordered several new notions for the shop, knitting looms (sock looms),  some new yarn lines, new patterns and more.  

This last Saturday, I participated in Worldwide Knit in Public Day at the local Village Farm Market.  Lady, my dog,  went with me and we had a great walk and I think she enjoyed the knitters.  One of the bonuses of living right downtown is that I can walk almost everywhere I need to go.  Lady almost dragged me to the Depot.  Lady has made such great progress.

Our UFO group met last Thursday.   We had two completed UFO's. The mother/daughter duo of Gina and Em were unable to attend but sent pictures of their completed items.  I should say that most of the UFO knitters only had a few more rows to complete.

The next sock challenge will be a Christmas stocking.  I will pass out the pattern the first week of July.

On July 10, The Fiber Closet will be attending the annual Spinners & Weavers Day at Forest Glen, Gannett Center; 10 am - 3 pm; Free    

September 11, The Fiber Closet will be at the Woolkeepers Hook-in, Camby, IN, 9:30 am-4:00 pm.  For more info, contact Bev Stewart at mailto:cas13ie@aol.com%20

Knitting UFOs

On May 20th, the Fiber Closet knitter's completed their Knitting UFOs commitment cards.

Rules are simple:

The 3rd Thursday of every month, the knitter will list one Knitting UFO to have completed by the next commitment day. Failure to complete the Knitting UFO by the next commitment day may result in banishment to the outer space yarn ball wall of shame.

Just received the first notice of a finished Knitting UFO by Knitting Cadet Emily. It has been a little over a year ago that Emily wanted to learn to knit socks. I started her on my "Cheryl's Favorite Sock" pattern. She learned the basics but never finished the sock because her knitting scientific mind went wild with knitting enthusiasm. She has been designing her own patterns and knitting other socks and scarves and writing her own blog . Oh, and let's not forget the important neuro research she is doing at the university in California. Here is a picture of her completed Knitting UFO:

Check her blog out for more of her projects.

Hey knitters, don't let Emily leave you in the space dust.

This Knitting UFOs group is open to all knitters. Just send me an e-mail with your commitment and a photo of your finished project.

EVENTS

Hoosier Hills Fiber Arts Festival, June 4 and 5.

The Fiber Closet will be closing at noon on Wednesday, June 2nd, and will reopen at 10 AM on Monday, June 7. Come visit our booth at this great festival.

Sanibel Island

Mike and I just celebrated our one-year anniversary at Casino Aztar. My sister and brother-in-law went with us. We all had fun at the Casino. Sonny Geraci & the Outsiders were the entertainment. In case you aren't familiar with them, here is a You Tube of them Sonny. Mike had him autograph their CD for me.

I just received an e-mail that Intuit will be dropping their website integration next March. What this means to me is that I will no longer be able to synch my inventory with my website. I will be looking for new POS integration. Any suggestions?

Today, is my sister, Marlene's, birthday. Click on the title of this blog to check out her new website for her Pointe Santo condo rentals.

The Knit Kit

The new Knit Kit has arrived. The Knit Kit was featured on the Martha Stewart Show March 9as one of Martha's Finds.

The Knit Kit 2010 is turquoise and has two added new features. A double sided crochet hook, especially for sock knitters and a darning needle for finishing work. The Knit Kit has whatever you need for knitting on the go. Great for traveling by car, boat, train or plane. The Knit Kit 2010 is turquoise and has two added new features. A double sided crochet hook, especially for sock knitters and a darning needle for finishing work. The Knit Kit has whatever you need for knitting on the go. Great for traveling by car, boat, train or plane.

New Hours at The Fiber Closet

NEW FIBER CLOSET HOURS

Monday-Wednesday: 10 AM-3 PM

Thursday: 10 AM-6 PM

Friday and Saturday: 10 AM-3 PM

Sunday: CLOSED

New weekly group times:

Tuesday:

Spinning: 10 AM-12 PM

Rug Hooking: 1 PM-3 PM

Thursday:

Crochet: 10 AM-12 PM

Weaving: 1 PM-3 PM

Knitting: 3 PM-6 PM

Fiber Closet Updates

Received:
Kollage Yarns-square circulars and double points, Delicious and 1/2 N 1/2 yarn and freeform bag kits.

Hazel Rose looms-2", 4", 6" and 2" x 4" multi- looms. Weave 3 different weaves with these looms, including the weave-it method.

Cherry burl shawl pins.

Schacht Spindle-Cricket looms.

Don't forget that The Fiber Event is this Friday and Saturday at Greencastle. We will be in our usual booth.

The Fiber Closet hours. We will be closed this Thursday the 8th thru Wednesday the 14th.




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Handi Tool has Arrived

The Fiber Closet received only 30 Handi Tools in today's mail. I know several of you have been waiting on them. I still have 90 on backorder.

Don't forget that if you want to insure you get one of these, you can follow the Title Link and purchase one. Just show "Will Pick Up" on the order form where it asks for shipping method and I will hold yours for you. No shipping charges are incurred on "Will Pick Up".

Thursday schedule has changed:

Crochet group--We have changed Thursday from 10 AM-12 PM to a crochet group. Feel free to come crochet with us every Thursday morning. Then 1 PM-3 PM is rug hooking and, of course, 3 PM until ???? is the Knit Group.

Miscellaneous Musings

The Fiber Closet attended two very successful shows: Kokomo and Portland. We met a lot of great people. The Kokomo show was very special because it was held in two great historic homes. Although it was primarily a rug hooking show, we found a lot of knitters, spinners and weavers. There also was some gorgeous jewelry and baskets. We demonstrated kumihimo and tri-loom weaving. At Portland, one Friday, school children attended. Most of us vendors demonstrated different fiber arts. There was sheep shearing and a petting zoo. Saturday was vendor day. Both days were chocked full of classes that were well attended. Some of the fiberarts represented were: basket making, colonial rug hooking, blending and carding of fibers, dyeing, knitting, spinning, lots of various types of weaving--rigid heddle, floor loom, rug weaving, tri-loom, inkle loom, and card weaving--jewelry making. We deomonstrated kumihimo and tri-loom. There was great food available at both events. My husband, Mike, helped at both events and plans to attend more events. After the Portland show, we visited his sisters and brother-in-law in Delphos, Ohio.

Our next event is the Fiber Event at Greencastle on April 9th and 10th.

Jay County Fiber Fest and Spin-In

Just a quick reminder that The Fiber Closet will be CLOSED March 11-13 so that we can participate in the Jay County Fiber Fest and Spin-in in Portland, Indiana.

The Fiber Closet will re-open at 10 AM on Monday.

We will NOT have knitting or rug hooking on Thursday, March 11th.

Sock Yarn on Clearance

Making room for more yarns. Sockotta sock yarn NOW ON SALE at $5.99 for 50 gram ball. Quantities limited. Color 18 is only $5.39 and there are just 2 balls of it.

Sockotta Sock Yarn
from the Plymouth Brand Italian Collection Collection
Yarn Content: 45% Cotton, 40% Superwash Wool, 15% Nylon
Yarn Gauge: 7 sts = 1"/US2 needle
Yarn Length: 414 yds/100g ball

Some of the yarn has a Fair Isle effect, some stripes, some jacquard and some are mutli-color effect.

Follow this link to see the yarns:

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/CLear1/-strse-Closeouts/searchpath/56373462/start/46/total/72/Categories.bok

Super Bowl XLVI's Scarf

The Fiber Closet is looking for knitters to help the 2012 Super Bowl committee achieve their goal of 8,000 knitted scarves.

We will be ordering the appropriate Cascade Yarn for the project. If you would like to participate, please let me know.

More details can be found by clicking on this post's title.

Changes at The Fiber Closet

Soon you will be seeing more of me at The Fiber Closet. Starting February 15th, I will be full-time in the shop. Shop hours will remain the same--Monday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm. All groups will remain on the same schedule.

Cathy and Barbara have been a big help to me in The Fiber Closet and have been greatly appreciated. Plans are that they will remain involved in teaching and demonstrating in the shop. They just won't be employees.

A lot of things went into this tough decision--insurance requirements, payroll expenses, etc.

Kumihimo

My first braiding attempt.



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