In this issue:
- Focus on: Working Through An Entrelac Shawl
- Free Pattern: To and Fro Lace Scarf
- September Kit of the Month: Berroco Memoirs Maranda Afghan
- Introducing Corners!
- The Sock Corner!
- Just in - New Lang Yarns!
- What I'm working on...
- Classes - Knitting, Crochet, Vests, Felting, Christmas Stockings, Mason Dixon
Click on any highlighted text to view the item in our online store!
Working Through An Entrelac Shawl Directions
With the increasing popularity of self striping and multi-colored yarns, I've been on the lookout for unusual patterns that really show off the color changes. Lately, I'm smitten with one of the Stole patterns in Pam Allen's Scarf Style Book (page 53).
I'd never attempted an Entrelac project before, so when the
Rowan Tapestry
& Lang Mille Colori (shown below) shipments arrived, I just had to get my needles clicking. With the help of our resident guru Allison, I've been creating nothing short of a masterpiece! Below are some of the things that I learned along the way. As a sidelight, I highly recommend using a self striping yarn for your first time knitting this project, as the color changes make it much easier to distinguish one section from another.
Using this pattern as a template, I'm going to walk you through the tricky parts. If you have a different pattern at home, some of the terminology and ideas should be the same.
1. In the cast on, they ask you to use the backward loop method. This seems to be similar to the way we cast on in our article "Casting on at the end of a Row." Although you'll be starting with a slip knot. Note that you can make this Stole much smaller by casting on fewer stitches than they call for - for this pattern, you simply want a multiple of 8.
2. Row 1 of the First Triangle (part of the Base Triangles) reads: (RS) K1, turn. When they ask you to "turn," you really are supposed to flip the work around, so that you're looking at the other side of the work. So in this case, knit 1 stitch & then turn the work around so that you're looking at the purl side (the WS). On row 2 (and all WS rows), the instructions tell you to purl the stitches. They don't tell you to turn the work around this time, because it's implicit that you should - since you just finished working all of the stitches in that group.
3. After Row 15 (and not turning the work), the instructions read to "work six more triangles the same as the first." What that means is to start over with Row 1 (knit 1 stitch and then turn the work), working the next group of stitches from the cast on row.
4. Left Side Triangle. Now that you know what "turn" means, this part should be pretty simple.
5. Tier 1 Rectangles. There are 2 confusing parts of this section: 1. picking up the stitches & 2. slipping the last picked up stitch back to the left needle - and then purling 2 stitches together. We'll walk through each of these steps.
Step 1: Pick up the slipped/selvedge stitches. You will be working from left to right - and picking up each of those Orange loopy looking stitches.
Step 2: to pick up one of those stitches, insert your needle into both loops of the stitch, from the back to the front.
Step 3: Loop the yarn around the needle and bring it back through the orange stitches.
Here's how it looks after picking the specified number of stitches (in this photo, it's 8 & they are hot pink):
Now you're going to slip the leftmost stitch back on the left needle.
Purl those 2 stitches together & then turn your work around again!
The rest of the pattern is pretty self-explanatory, but don't hesitate to let us know if you have other questions & we'll try to incorporate the answers into this article. Thanks for reading & Enjoy!
Posted by Jimmy (Laura) of Jimmy Beans Wool
Free Pattern - To and Fro Lace Scarf
This month, we've decided to add the directions for a
Lace Scarf to our catalog of complimentary patterns. A great introduction to lace work,
you'll finish one of these in no time flat -- and will find yourself wanting to make more!
To create the scarf as shown, you'll need 1 hank of
Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted yarn - a machine washable wool that has dominated the top of our sales list for 4 years strong. Not only is Shepherd Worsted available in over 100 colors, but the solids are created from the same dyes as the variegated - enabling you to get creative in mixing and matching colors.
The color shown is Gold Hill, but is just as gorgeous in all of their colorways.
Kit of the month
Every month we feature a new yarn + pattern combination at a special kit-of-the-month discount...
This month's featured kit is the
Berroco Memoirs Maranda Afghan
regularly $200.00 ... on sale for $170.00!!
Our favorite wave stitch throw is exquisite in a melange of Berocco Memoirs shades.
Memoirs is made of 2 components, one strand of beautiful brushed mohair and one strand of thick and thin wool roving.
Each strand is exquisitely painted, creating 8 individual bouquets of color. You positively can't beat the price of
this yarn, given it's superior quality and to-die-for colors. Hurry up and purchase one of these kits before
the JBW staff devours them all!!
This kit will be available at the sale price through the end of the month (sale ends September 30, 2006).
Introducing Corners
Over the past few years, you have all probably noticed a theme here at www.JimmyBeansWool.com -
when you log onto our site, we want you to feel like you're walking into your favorite knitting store.
That means that you're surrounded by new project ideas, marvelous yarns, inspiring patterns, and the
knitting advice and tools necessary for keeping up with the latest knitting trends, all complimented
by caring and knowledgeable customer service.
In reaching for that goal, we've worked diligently to make the website as helpful as possible:
- When viewing a particular yarn on the site, we show you other products that our customers have purchased with the yarn that you're looking at.
- As new inventory comes into the store, we make sure you know by showing it under the heading "Just Received"!
- On each product category homepage, you'll find that week's best selling books, yarns, patterns, etc.
- Our instructional area provides direction for sometimes complicated knitting techniques & is constantly being updated (by the way, we're always looking for contributing writers, so please contact support@jimmybeanswool.com if you're interested).
- Most recently, we've added various subject-area Corners to the website. Again, with the idea that we're providing services found in a brick and mortar store (like ours in reno and truckee!), we've tried to group together as much information as possible centered around a certain knitting trend or technique.
Over the next few newsletters, we'll provide you with a sneak-peek of the latest corner. This month, we're going to give you a glimpse of the SOCK corner. Since this is the first peek, we'll also use that corner as an example for how you can benefit from these Corners. So, here we go!
The Sock Corner
The purpose of the Sock Corner is to make Socks easier to understand, by bringing together different resources on www.JimmyBeansWool.com for making socks:
Sock Yarns, Sock Kits/Projects, Sock Needles, Sock Accessories, Sock Patterns, Sock Books, & Instructional Articles on Socks.
Socks are the perfect portable project & make wonderful, useful gifts. Although there are a few key techniques to learn, once you get going, they become somewhat mindless & can be the ideal compliment to a more complicated project.
Additionally, I love socks for these reasons:
- I get more wear over time out of these projects than any other garment.
- They make great in-law gifts.... heck, everyone wears socks!
- They are portable and perfect for long car rides or airplane trips.
- I can try new techniques (cables, entrelac) without committing to a huge project.
- They don't have to be perfect - they are on my feet!
In general, you'll want to use machine washable yarn, though I've learned that handwash yarn can be conveniently washed while taking a shower :). Heavier yarns (such as
Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted) make great socks for colder climates - and for wearing in boots, while the fingering weight yarns can be used to create custom dress socks. Either way, you're sure to be pleased.
As far as supplies are concerned, Socks were traditionally knit using 4 or 5 double pointed needles. In the last few years, however, 2 new techniques have been popularized that use longer circular needles. The Magic Loop uses 1 40" needle, whereas the other technique (Socks Soar on 2 Circular Needles) calls for 2 24" circular needles of the same size.
So, when you visit the Sock Corner you'll find useful information like that above & you'll be privy to all
of the yarns and patterns that we think are appropriate for socks. For instance, you'll see that Regia Color 4Ply
is a recommended yarn for knitting socks. Likewise, when you visit the Regia product page, you'll notice a "View Related Corners" link in the upper left hand corner of the page, directing you to the different corners in which Regia Color 4Ply is recommended (you'll notice we also think it's a fun yarn for knitting hats). This internal cross-referencing is true for all of the different tools listed on the Sock Corner page (kits, needles, patterns, etc).
Ok, you might be thinking that this all a little confusing right now. "How does this help me?", you ask?
The bottom line is that when you are taking a look at different yarns or patterns (or books, etc) on our site, take a second to peruse any "Related Corners" that we might have set up. You'll find new uses for that product, as well as other products that could be of interest.
TEAM JIMMY BEANS...MEET DANNETTE
Employee of the Month :: Dannette
Dannette just joined our Truckee team this summer after spending countless hours as a paying customer (we think she just wants the discount :). Always cheerful & never one to back away from a challenge, you can be assured that all of your questions will get answered - one way or another! As an avid knitter, Dannette has created some amazing garments and is always thinking about her next project (now that she has finished the coveted Bobble Bag)!
Just Arrived :: Lang Silk Dream, Pearl, Zoom, Mille Colori and more!
Pearl and
Silk Dream are both soft and silky yarns with a bit of shine.
The Pearl is a machine washable mohair blend yarn with a soft spun look and feel. Light and airy, Pearl features a subtle shine that knits up beautifully.
Silk Dream is a gorgeous silk and merino blend. Also machine washable. Silk Dream's rich silky sheen together with the lightness of merino wool knits up luxurious garments, shawls and scarves.
I'm planning to knit an heirloom baby blanket using this yarn doubled.
Soft Shetland and
Zoom are hard wearing, super soft yarns that are perfect for everyone in the family.
The Soft Shetland is a 100% Shetland wool that is machine washable... tradition meets fashion! A classic wool newly defined: soft touch, super colors.
Zoom is a Merino and Cotton blend that knits at a comfortable (and quick!) 4 sts/inch.
Mille Colori:: This machine washable wool and acrylic yarn changes color, while staying soft and snuggly. One ball with a thousand colors--superlight yarn for gorgeous knitting.
What I'm working on...
As you can tell from the instructional article this month, I've really gotten into knitting these entrelac shawls/scarves.
One of our most creative Reno customers gave me the idea. She produced a fantastic display of color and texture using
Rowan Tapestry yarn and a pattern from
Scarf Style. Once i laid eyes on her project,
i just couldn't wait for the workday to end -- i just HAD to get home and start knitting (does that sound like
a familiar story?).... i even warned my DH that he might be on his own for dinner.
Of course, the pictures below don't do these projects justice, but i'm here to tell you that both of these shawls
are gorgeous - and one of a kind.
Now, I don't know about you, but i simply can't just work on 1 project at a time... and i definitely can't
resist new projects that are hot, hot, hot. That's why i just had (again, 'had' is almost synonymous with the silly 'need'),
to knit and felt the Crystal Palace Carpetbag. And let me tell you, I learned a ton in the process.
This bag wasn't the most difficult to knit, but there were a few techniques that i had never practiced before - such
as the Applied I-Cord. You'll notice that the green i-cord on one side of the bag is much smoother and uniform
than the other. I'd like to say that i did that on purpose, but it really looks that way because I
didn't figure out the proper way to do that I-Cord until the 2nd side & i was too lazy to pull the 1st side out.
The other thing that i learned involved the felting and shaping of this bag. At first, i let it dry outside
with a few 2 liter bottles inside, as you can see from the photo below. Although the bag dried quickly and with a nice
shape, it just wasn't as uniform as i wanted (yes, i realize the irony of that statement considering what i just told
you about the I-Cord!). I rewet my bag in the kitchen sink and tried to shape it again. This time, i stuffed about 30
plastic grocery bags into the body of the carpetbag before letting it dry again. I'm very pleased with the results!
Of course, Crystal Palace just released a new colorway of that kit -- now i'm just going to have to do that one too!
CLASSES - VESTS, FELTING, CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS & MORE!
The following classes will be offered in Reno this Fall. Many thanks to Allison for putting together
this inspiring schedule.
Basic Knitting with Hannah
In this class, you'll learn the following skills & techniques: How to cast-on, knit, purl and bind off. You will also learn 2 different increases and decreases (and why we need these different techniques), changing yarns, washing and blocking methods, how to deal with those pesky seams, pattern reading will be discussed, as well as what information is on a ball band that will allow you to substitute yarns for any given pattern. Hannah will guide you in picking out a project, or help you along with a project of your choice.
Level: Beginner - Advanced Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Materials: A smooth, preferably light-colored yarn and needles appropriate for that yarn to practice on, scissors, Knit Chek stitch gauge, tape measure, stitch markers and other various accessories as needed. If you start a project, you will need the yarn, pattern and needles for that project. Supplies can be obtained before or during the class.
Dates in Reno on Saturdays between 10 - Noon:
Session I: Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
Session II: Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4
Session III: Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2 (this date subject to change because of Thanksgiving)
Cost: $60 for 4 week session. 50% deposit required to reserve your spot. Class size is limited to 8.
Basic Crochet with Hannah
In this class, you'll learn the following skills & techniques: Learn to crochet or brush up on your crochet skills. You will learn several basic crochet stitches, increasing and decreasing, changing yarns, pattern reading and finishing, you will also learn what all those mystery symbols on a ball band mean! Hannah will guide you in picking out a project or help you along with a project of your choice.
Level: Beginner - Advanced Beginner
Prerequisites: None
Materials: A smooth, preferably light-colored yarn and hook appropriate for that yarn to practice on, scissors, Knit Chek stitch gauge, tape measure, stitch markers and other various accessories as needed. If you start a project, you will need the yarn, pattern and hook for that project. Supplies can be obtained before or during the class.
Dates in Reno on Saturdays between 1pm - 3pm:
Session I: Sept 16, 23, 30, Oct 7
Session II: Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4
Session III: Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2 (this date subject to change because of Thanksgiving)
Cost: $60 for 4 week session. 50% deposit required to reserve your spot. Class size is limited to 8.
Simple Vest Project Class with Janet
Learn to knit a simple cardigan vest. You will learn how read a pattern, decide which size to make, which yarn and needles to use, increasing and decreasing, button holes and finishing. We will all be using the same vest pattern, and you will be amazed that with so many choices available, everyone's vest will be different!
Level: Advanced Beginner (know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off)
Materials: Pick up a materials list from the store at the time of sign up.
Dates in Reno on Fridays, from 10:30 - 12:30:
Sept 15 - Oct 6
Cost: $60 for 4 week session. 50% deposit required to reserve your spot. Class size is limited to 8.
Christmas Stocking Project Class with Janet
Make an heirloom for your family while learning new skills. Basic sock construction, plus 2-color knitting. You'll learn to customize with names and motifs.
Level: Advanced Beginner - Intermediate
Materials: Pick up a materials list from the store at the time of sign up.
Dates in Reno on Fridays, from 10:30 - 12:30:
Oct 13 - Nov 3
Cost: $60 for 4 week session. 50% deposit required to reserve your spot. Class size is limited to 8.
Mason Dixon Knitting Project Class with Janet
We'll create a project from this wonderfully funny and informative book. Learn about yarn substitutions, pattern reading, etc. Students receive 10% off the price of the book. Look for more information as class time approaches!
Level: Various, depending on project
Materials: Pick up a materials list from the store at the time of sign up.
Dates in Reno on Fridays, from 10:30 - 12:30:
Nov 10 - Dec 1 (subject to change because of Thanksgiving)
Cost: $60 for 4 week session. 50% deposit required to reserve your spot. Class size is limited to 8.
Beginner's Felted Bag with Connie
Have you seen the latest fashion statement in handbags? YES! Felted bags - they are everywhere and are so much fun to make! Join Connie in learning how to knit while making a wonderfully simple yet unique felted bag. This 3-week class will cover the knit and purl stitch, casting on and binding off, increasing and decreasing, and sewing up. Some discussion of different embellishments will be included as well.
Level: Beginner
Materials: Pick up a materials list from the store at the time of sign up.
Dates in Reno on Wednesdays from 1 - 3pm:
Session I: Sept 20 - Oct 4
Session II: Oct 25 - Nov 8
Session III: Nov 15 - Nov 29
Cost: $50 for 3 week session. 50% deposit required to reserve your spot. Class size is limited to 8.
Color Knitting with Jennifer
In this class you will learn how to use color in Fair Isle (also known as "stranded") knitting and Intarsia. Learn to knit in the round, read and create your own charts, combine colors, cut a steek (and understand what a "steek" is and why cutting one is not for the feint of heart!), and more!
Date: Sunday, October 1st from 11 - 3 (or so) with a short break for lunch.
Level: Advanced beginner - Intermediate
Cost: $50 for 4 hour workshop
Class size is limited - deposit required at time of sign up. Materials list will be provided in advance of class.
Thanks for reading and Happy Knitting!
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