KTOG BLOG

Salvage Pricing & Teacher Locations

2007-03-01T06:08:00.000-05:00

We have started Salvage Pricing at Knit Together's quitting business sale!

All yarn, all notions, all patterns & all the best of the rest are at fire sale prices. The end is near and we must vacate as soon as possible!

This may be your last chance for inspiration.

With our closing, the reservoir of patterns will be gone forever.
Stock up!
Now $ .49 if regularly less than $6.
Now $ .99 if regularly $6 to $12.00.
Now $1.49 if regularly more than $12.

Our quitting business sale will continue to be open Mon - Fri 10-6; Sat 10-4.
Happy Knitting!

CASH and CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED (No Checks Please)
All Sales Final!

Pam's New Location
Starting Tuesday, March 13th, I'll be working at Sticks and Strings in Scarsdale, NY on Tuesdays from 2-8pm and alternating weekend days.

Sticks and Strings has a beautiful and varied selection of yarns displayed in a way to inspire creativity.

The store is open 7 days a week and Tuesday and Thursday until 8pm.

We are a short drive from Stamford and centrally located for our Westchester customers.

I look forward to seeing some familiar faces at Sticks and Strings!
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Dee's New Location

It's official, our Crochet Stitch'nChat gatherings at Knitting Central, located in Westport, will start this Thursday, March 1st at 11:00 AM.

The cost is the same as it was at KT; $25 for 2 hrs.

To register, please stop by the store, or call them at 203-454-4300; preregisteration will ensure Cynthia does not cancel the session.

A sad goodbye from John and Joy

2007-02-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends

As many of you are now aware, we are closing Knit Together for good. For us, as for you, this is a very sad thing.

I want to stress that YOU (our customers and friends) are not the reason. Rather, the lack of ENOUGH customers, combined with too much space and thus too much overhead, is what finally is forcing us to close. Over the last 15 months or so, we have seen both the number of people coming in and the amount they are spending, drop by a combined 55%, while our rent continues to climb. This is just untenable, and our accountant told us so in no uncertain terms.

We have loved having you in the store, and particularly how so many of you have taken us under your wings. You have been real friends and we are better for having known you.

Joy and I hope that someone (soon!) will want to pick up the torch and start their own version of Knit Together. We will be glad to offer any help we can. You can reach me by email at johnATknittogetherDOTcom or johnATktogDOTcom for the forseeable future.

All our love and best wishes,

John and Joy

Quitting Business Sale!

2007-01-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, it’s sad but true! KNIT TOGETHER is going out of business!
All inventory must sell immediately regardless of cost!

BUT

Before we advertise to the public, we are having a

PRIVATE SALE for customers on our email list

Starting at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 31

Shop early for best selection!

Hours: Mon - Fri 10-6; Sat 10-4; Sun 12-4

CASH and CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED (No Checks Please) All Sales Final!

Look Who's Been Horsing Around!

2007-01-22T12:16:00.000-05:00

This past Tuesday KT patron, Duckie, showed off her latest fiber creations ... her horse ...

and her bear ... They are just adorable!!

~Dee Stanziano
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher

New Year Explorations

2007-01-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

Ah, a new year brings new possibilitites of fiberliciously new projects to create! Twelve new months to explore new stitches, and new fibers! I love it!

Speaking of which, at yesterdays "Crochet Stitch'n Chat" we had quite the Show & Tell:

Olga showed off her new cardigan ... one of the Ann Norling patterns KT offers .. only Olga jazzed her version up by using the "Crochet & Weave" technique. It's a real stunner!

Madeline showed off another sweater (AND THE BUTTONS TOO!) she designed for her grandson. "He wasn't too happy I took it back from him," she said, "so I could show it to you all today." We're glad you brought it in, Madeline -- it looks fantastic!

Haley was recently given a crochet challenge too. She and her young son had "hat day" at school where they were challenged to create their own hat.

He wanted to be a knight; so after they were done creating the hat, her son turned to her and requested she magically create the "mesh" that goes under it. As any good Mom would, she dove into her yarn stash, found just the right yarn (& color shade!), grabbed a crochet hook and custom designed the mesh to complete the ensemble. Haley reports that he was one happy boy!

The sad part of this class was in saying "goodbye" to Haley as she's moving to a new "castle" over an hour away from KT. Haley has been coming to my classes since the store first opened and she will be greatly missed. Hopefully she'll be able to pop in for a visit now & then.

So what about A New Year of Explorations I mentioned earlier? We're in the process of exploring the wonderful world of Tunisian stitches -- where crocheters can Knit & Purl just like Knitters do, only it's done with a long crochet hook. Lori is busy trying one of Doris Chan's patterns, Madeline is working on a reversible hat pattern I designed, and Olga -- well, she says, "Just you wait, I'll have something to show you next week." We can't wait!

If it seems being in class is a lot of fun, you're absolutely right! Come, join in on the fun and, while you're at it, learn something new about the fiber art you love!

Until next time,
~Dee
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher

December Finished Projects

2006-12-11T07:49:00.000-05:00

We've had customers drop by with the most creative finished projects lately....

Amy designed this Christmas stocking and it's charming.

Joanne finished her demi-shawl and it's fantastic. She's looking forward to other Jane Elliott designs. I love the black and white combinations.

Ann created her own dog sweater design using Tessin yarn (1 1/2 skeins). It's adorable!

Jill has been creating wonderfully creative scarves combining Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande and novelty yarns like Dune. The scarf on the left inspired me to make my own combination using purple Baby Alpaca Grande and Dune. I love how she puts the contrast yarn at the bottom so you enjoy the softness of the yarn around your neck and the color statement of the combination of yarns at the bottom.

Ducky made this scarf out of buffalo yarn, yes, buffalo yarn! It's very soft.

Doris Chan's Visit to KT

2006-12-10T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon KnitTogether was delighted to host designer Doris Chan's visit for her first book signing in Connecticut. Doris, who resides in Pennsylvania, brought with her many of the amazing garments featured in her new book, "Amazing Crochet Lace; New Fashions Inspired by Old-Fashioned Lace" and charmed all those that visited with her. For those she autographed books for she also held a drawing -- someone won enough S. Charles' "Ritratto" to crochet the heavenly soft "Allegheny Moon Mobius" that is featured on page 40 in her book. {{Congratulations to the winner!}}

She discussed with us how she combines ideas of yesterday's fashions -- from stitches & motifs with everything in-between -- which she draws inspiration from, to create her modern fashions that have graced many magazine publications of today.

To the delight of all those in attendance yesterday, Doris also demonstrated her "base chain single crochet" technique and explained why she loves it so much. "The mere fact that it instantly provides a finished edge," she said, "make it worth using it. And because it's not as rigid as a starting chain it adds to it's value." Everyone who gave the technique a try instantly realized it's potential!

Everyone enjoyed Doris visiting the shop ... and what's this? Doris will have another new book out in the fall of 2007? We're looking forward to seeing her latest creations!

~Dee
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher

Changing the Relationship of Foundations

2006-12-01T18:09:00.000-05:00

It is said that all great relationships are built on great foundations, but what is one to do when the foundation is too tight? At this week's Crochet Stitch'n Chat session, this very topic was discussed: "Dee, what do I do? My foundation chain has no give! It's too tight! Do you have any suggestions?"

Perhaps coincidentally, we were also discussing the new crochet book, "Amazing Crochet Lace; New Fashions Inspired by Old-Fashioned Lace" by Doris Chan -- excitedly too, as Doris will be visiting the shop on Saturday, December 9th. Doris, you see, is a big fan of the "base chain single crochet." It is a technique also known as the "double chain stitch," and as the "foundation stitch." And in Doris' new book, this is the technique she strongly urges crocheters to use. (* Some may also refer to this chain/stitch combo as "sc chain," or "dc chain" depending upon the stitch used.)

So what is the big deal about this technique? In the world of crochet there are rules to follow ... and where there are rules there are people looking for ways to break free from them. This is one of those times! All crocheters know, since their very first crocheting experience, that the crochet chain is used for the foundation of nearly all crochet projects (there are always exceptions!), and it is this chain that has no give. It is rigid!

Oh sure, we can change it's characteristics by playing with our tension, or by changing our crochet hooks -- but there is no changing the rule of it's inability to provide give & take! This means if we crochet a foundation chain for a neckline and later discover it's too tight, its game over. It's time to frog the entire project, or to adorn a teddy bear with our creations.

...that is, until the "foundationless" frontier opened up. It seems someone, long ago, figured out how to combine creating the chain and the single crochet stitches together at the same time! It's beautiful -- oh the give & take the foundationless combo offers is just fantastic!

So, this is what we excitedly discussed this week. This is what we explored and experimented with. That, and oggling over Doris' new book and the sample I worked up (see image above) and brought in with me!

Now, if you missed this Stitch'n Chat session and want to learn this foundationless technique, then by all means, sign up for a class and I'd be delighted to teach it to you. Once you learn it you'll wonder how you ever managed to crochet without it! :)

And if you'd like to meet the ever-wonderful Doris Chan, then come to the shop on Saturday, December 9th from Noon -2:00 PM! There will be copies of her book available for purchase -- and for autographing! {{Now that makes for a great holiday gift!!}}

See you on Tuesday and on Saturday, the 9th!
~Dee
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher

From the Crochet Stitch & Chat

2006-11-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

Shelly's sweater came out great!

Dee's latest and greatest crocheted creations! The treasure bags are awesome.

Shelly is wearing an ipod/cell phone case.

Come, Get Hooked on Stitch'n Chats!

2006-11-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

As I sit at my PC today, with a hot cup of coffee (and with eight delicious balls of Classic Elite's "Bazic Wool" yarn in a beautiful barn red that I purchased from the store on Tuesday, along with an assortment of crochet hooks beside me), I find my thoughts returning to this past Tuesday morning. Oh what a fun morning it was! Actually, every Tuesday morning is a fun time for me ...

On Tuesday mornings we have our Stitch'n Chat session for the happy hookers, er, crocheters. This is a time when crocheters gather to share not only in their projects, but also in their experiences. And usually, because puns are enjoyed, laughter is a constant. For instance, what would you think if I said Shelley went "bar hopping"? Yes, she actually did on this particular Tuesday morning -- this means she learned a crochet technique called "Tunisian" that requires the use of a long crochet hook and many, many loops -- almost like knitting. The pun is based upon how and where she picks up the loops to create her stitches. Of course that's not all Shelley has been doing! She's been in the "construction business" too: she finished a purse and is working on a series of Modular sweaters!

And what about Maddy bringing along her WIP and showing it off? Oh it wasn't an actual WIP; it was a Work in Progress. She is in the process of designing a custom sweater for her handsome 16 month old grandson and came in to get help with the sleeves.

Olga was there too! She is just as cute as a button and is working on adding some finishing touches to a purse she knit (in fact, next week she's going to learn how to crochet a button that will make a perfect match for her knitted purse!). Plus she's crocheting a sweater for herself. We got to discussing the Crochet'nWeave technique so everyone is interested in what her end results will look like when her project is complete.

To add to the fun, I brought in an antique crochet hook that has a cork handle and interchangeable hooks. (On Halloween I brought in the "headless crochet hook;" that was a howl!)

The Stitch'n Chat classes are great for sharing, for learning, getting help, and for enjoying the company of others who enjoy the same needle art as you -- come, get hooked! ... just remember to sign up early to ensure there's a seat for you!

See you on Tuesday!
~Dee
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher

Question of the month

2006-10-20T06:51:00.000-04:00

How many works in process do you have and why?

Jane Elliott Demi-Shawl Workshop

2006-10-20T06:31:00.000-04:00

Jane Elliott is as nice as she is talented. We thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. There was a wonderful exchange of creative ideas. Jane shared her expertise, samples of her amazing designs and the stories behind some of those designs.

Liz and Kathy

Above: Carol, Jane (center), and Claire get help starting their shawls. Right: Mary

Jane brought many of her amazing designs to share with us.

The two sweaters above are the same design. Jane often works one in different colors and textures, the other in one color. It's a completely different effect.

Left: Joanne.
Above and to the right: Mary and Kathy model two of Jane's designs.
Below are pictures of the shawls on the second day.

Booties

2006-10-09T08:10:00.000-04:00

Here is an excert from a customer's email...

"I was in recently getting yarn for booties and a blanket for a shower. Liz kindly helped me with yarn substitutions. The booties were addictive.To display them I put them on a feather tree. Here are pictures of the outcomes. Thanks for the help. Maria McCabe."

Vintage Buttons Trunk Show - Saturday, September 30

2006-09-22T07:06:00.000-04:00

Vintage Buttons Trunk Show

with Elaine Klausman

Saturday, September 30

Elaine Klausman is bringing us her collection of beautiful and unusual buttons for one day only.
She has been involved in the fashion industry for over 30 years. As a vintage clothing dealer, she travels the world looking for great treasures to buy and sell. She also exhibits in major clothing and textile shows around the country. Vintage buttons have always been a passion. As she says, "Nothing can add more to a fabulous sweater than one fabulous button". Come and find that one special button for your project!

Update on the Wednesday night Knit-a-long

2006-09-19T21:34:00.000-04:00

Wednesdays 6 - 8pm Begins September 27

knit-a-long n. 1 come to the store and spend a couple of hours with friendswhile working on the same project 2 a continuous weekly gathering, free of charge.

A member of our staff will be available to help. There is no formal instruction during these gatherings.

For Knit Together's first-ever knit-a-long, the featured project will be the cover sweater from the Fall '06 Vogue Knitting Magazine. This sweater is a Michael Kors design. It is not for the "faint of knit". There is a rich assortment of textured stitches. We've compiled a list of appropriate yarns that will work for the required gauge (wool as well as cotton) including Tahki Zara, Classic Elite Miracle, and Plymouth Wildflower yarns among other. Ask staff for more details.

If you like the idea of the knit-a-long, and would like us to recommend a more manageable project or if you prefer to bring your own WIP (Work In Progress),please feel free to join us!

More Felted Bags!

2006-09-19T20:56:00.000-04:00

During the sale, a customer brought in several bags she had felted.
She experimented with beads and novelty yarns.

She knit a row with the beads and after it felted ran a ribbon underneath it. It was a very cool effect. I'd never seen anything like it.

Finished Projects

2006-09-19T06:59:00.000-04:00

We've been super busy at the store between the sale and bringing out all the winter yarns. Over the past couple of weeks I've taken many pictures of finished projects by our customers as well as our staff.

One of our customers made these charming sweaters in a variation of red, blue, and white combinations. The brown sweater was made with Tahki New New Tweed. The Tahki New New Tweed knits up very soft. We saw an adult sweater made in the same yarn (and color!) today.

Beth has been very busy experimenting with felting different colors and textures of yarns as well as different bag styles.

I love how vividly the striped bags came out and the modular bag is really unique.

This is a bag from the Summer Felting Class. Theresa did a great job with this bag. It's inspiring. The trouble with chronicling all these projects is that I want to make them all! I love how the grommets look with the mini i-cord running through it.

Elizabeth made this blanket and don't the initials look amazing?

Here are two bags I made. The smaller of the two (with the straps) is the medium sized Noni carpet bag. I striped Nature's Chunky Green Wool alternately with a variegated yarn. My kids told me it looked l like a jungle bag! The second bag is in between the medium Noni carpet bag and the huge carpet bag. I held a strand of Kureyon Silk Garden with a strand of Cascade 220 throughout. Then I made the Noni Camelia flower. Now I'm in search of the right handles. The summer bag with flowers is from the Pursenalities book. I liked it so much, I decided to line it.

This drop stitch scarf was made using two skeins of Trendsetter Checkmate yarn.

Join our first-ever Knit-a-long

2006-09-05T06:32:00.000-04:00

Wednesdays 6 - 8pm
Begins September 27

This is a time for those who knit to meet and enjoy the company of others. The featured project will be the cover sweater from the Fall '06 Vogue Knitting Magazine. A member of our staff will be there to help out.

This is a continuous gathering, free of charge. There is no formal instruction during these gatherings. Order yarn by 9/15. We've compiled a list of appropriate yarn substitutions that will work for the gauge (wool as well as cotton). Ask staff for more details.

Jane Elliott Demi-Shawl Workshop

2006-09-05T06:22:00.000-04:00

Meet Jane Elliot, designer

"Not Just Plain Jane Knits, Knitting Patterns for the unabashed knitter"

Saturday, October 7, 3-7 pm

Sunday, October 8, 12-4 pm

Whether you are a seasoned knitter or a novice, you're going to have some serious fun making garments so unusual and eye-catching that you are sure to reap compliments. You can start out with one or two yarns that really excite you and work from there to find the ultimate combination. Pam has made this pattern twice and loves that it allows her to use yarns from her stash and odd balls left over from other projects. See link on right sidebar for a picture trail of Jane's designs.

Felting Books

2006-08-29T08:41:00.000-04:00

Pursenalities: 20 Great Knitted And Felted Bags by Eva Wiechmann

Pursenality Plus: 20 New Felted Bags by Eva Wiechmann

These are my two favorite books right now. They have a wide range of patterns that accomodate beginners and seasoned knitters. We also have a binder dedicated to felting patterns. There are new patterns for "Noni Bags" that are very unique. Both the books by Eva Wiechmann and the Noni patterns call for Cascade 220 doubled. Several of our customers (and I) are working on several Noni bag patterns. Check the blog for pictures.

Noni Felted Carpet Bags Pattern

Noni Two Versions of Two Felted Evening Bags Pattern

Noni Felted Cell Phone or MP3 Player Mini Bag Pattern

Books for Kid's Knit Club

2006-08-29T08:04:00.000-04:00

Here are some books we like:

For the Kid's Knit Club:

Knitgrrl: Learn to Knit With 15 Fun and Funky Projects by Shannon Okey, Kathleen Jacques, Shannon Fagan, and Christine Okey.

Knitgrrl 2: Learn to Knit with 16 All-New Patterns by Shannon Okey, Kathleen Jacques.

Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick

Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit Some Cool Stuffby Jennifer Wenger, Carol Abrams, and Maureen Lasher

Wednesday, August 23rd Stitch & Chat

2006-08-27T20:33:00.000-04:00

We had a very productive morning. It's really wonderful to see people complete their projects, they're so happy. I know I feel that way! It also gets us excited for what we can make next.

Michelle P. finished her first "beyond scarf" project. A wonderful toddler poncho in Berroco Lullaby yarn. She was very excited to finish it. She's started a newborn cap for the "Caps to Capital" campaign (see link on right hand sidebar).

Michelle G. finished her first baby sweater, also in Berroco Lullaby. She used a variegated color for the ribbing and a solid color for the body & sleeves. It came out just right. She's started making the felted lamb's pride tote bag. She and Michelle W. played around with colors till the combination clicked. When it's right, it's right!

Michelle W. and I are working on finding the right pattern for a yarn we both have. I think we're nearing a decision on a waterfall pattern from the book, Poncho's & Wraps, A Knitter's Dozen by XRX Books. It's knit completely in garter and on the last row, you drop 2 stitches down to the border following the cast on edge.

Michelle finished her Noro top in Daria, no pix yet, she has a little finishing to go. We were looking at patterns for Fall projects! It was very inspiring. We're leaning toward ponchos and vests.

By the way, I didn't make a typo in names, all three women were named Michelle today!

News from the Craft Yarn Council of America

2006-08-23T15:54:00.000-04:00

Doggie Idol Fashion Show

We’re prowling for the cutest knitted and crocheted canine outfits to feature at the September 17th New York City Knit-Out & Crochet 2006 in Union Square Park. The winning entry will be determined by the New York Knit-Out audience, and there will be prizes for the winning sweater and, of course, for the owner’s dog.

The number of entries must be limited so we need to hear from interested dog owners no later than September 5th. Here are the guidelines:

• The sweater must be an original pattern.

• E-mail* a digital photo of your dog wearing the sweater along with descriptive copy about the sweater, your contact information, both e-mail and daytime phone contact.
E-mail to: cmcommunic@aol.com
Or
Snail mail to: Mary Colucci, 333 E. 69th St. #7J, New York, NY 10021

• The owner and his or her dog do not have to be present to win. If you would like to submit your dog sweater but you and your dog would not be able to model it at Knit-Out, please send us exact sweater dimensions so that we can arrange for another dog to wear the sweater. If you are in the New York area and would like to have your dog model his or her sweater, please let us know. If you are considering this, we stress that your dog must be comfortable in crowds!

• All entrants will be contacted by September 7th about whether their dog sweater was selected for the Knit-Out Doggie Idol Fashion Show. Unfortunately, the number of entries must be limited.

Join us: It should be a howl!

Blue Ribbon Stitching ... A Reflection

2006-08-20T20:47:00.000-04:00

I think we have a pretty terrific staff at KT as everyone loves to help & encourage each other and especially our patrons.

Remember that blog entry I wrote back in July about "Blue Ribbon Stitching?" I had taught my young daughter how to crochet awhile ago, but now with her looking to expand her fiber experiences -- and since knitting is not my forte -- I had to seek the pros to teach her how! About two months ago Liz took time out to teach my daughter how to knit, and since that day I've gotten used to the clickity-click sounds her needles make (crocheting doesn't make any sounds) as she practiced and practiced. I bought yarn for her; more yarn, and more. Thankfully KT had some great sales!

This past weekend she entered her first knitted item, a scarf, into a local fair, along with a crocheted purse into the Junior Division. The result of her hours of practice paid off! Tonight she clutches in one hand a Red Ribbon (2nd Place) for her knitting, and in the other a Trophy & Blue Ribbon (1st Place) for her crochet. She's a pretty happy kid!

And what about your stitch work? Have you entered yours into competition already? Tell us; we'd love to root for you!
~Dee Stanziano
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher

KOC2: Scarf Challenge

2006-08-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've seen them -- the yellow flyers in the front of the store announcing the annual "Knit Out & Crochet Too" event that will take place in Union Square Park in New York City on Sunday, September 17th.

It's a pretty fantastic event and one well worth attending! Along with getting a sneak-peek at some of the latest books coming out on the market (& getting them autographed!) there are Fashion Shows, demonstrations & more. In fact, I'll be one of the demonstrating teachers, so do come
& see me while you're there!

As I see it, our patrons have generous hearts as big as ours. So I'd like to challenge everyone planning on attending this great event to create at least one original scarf to donate to the Orphan Foundation. Along with doing a good deed, you might also win a prize sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council of America! For more details on the Scarf Challenge visit my personal crochet blog. And if you need assistance in creating your original scarf, we have classes to get you going -- and of course, lots of delicious fibers!

~Dee Stanziano
KT's Certified Crochet Teacher