29 October 2010
Don't forget tomorrow's Porch Party. It looks like the weather will be great - cool and sunny, so it will be the perfect time to wear that just finished sweater! We'll have hot tea available and lots of goodies. The party will be all day so come when you wish.
The PJ Party was another success if I do say so. Lisa Myers of Manos del Uruguay was our guest speaker. She had many sweaters to show and all of the lines of Manos. Lisa also spoke about the Manos project and how it was one of the first "Fair Trade" yarn suppliers. Manos employs women in the very rural areas of Uruguay who would otherwise not have any employment at all.
Hunt Country Yarns has carried Manos del Uruguay yarn from the day we opened our doors in 1997. We will continue to supply the finest that Manos has to offer to our customers.
Check out our website for the exciting news about the shop's upcoming trip to Bermuda! This will be a sit back and relax trip to remove the doldrums of winter. This trip is open to stitchers and their partners. There will be plenty to do aboard ship and much to do in Bermuda. Not to worry if you don't pursue the needlearts.
And lastly, a tip:
If you drop a stitch in a fine dark yarn or fuzzy yarn, hold the knitting over a bright source of light (try a lamp on the floor - take care with the hot bulb). It will be much easier to see where the stitches are and probably very easy to see the dropped stitch. Catch the stitch with a safety pin (we have the coilless ones again). Now you can decide to pick-up the dropped stitch or (heaven forbid) ravel back to the error.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
14 October 2010
Well, I think I am ready for the PJ Party - at least I hope I am. I have the chocolate, so I guess I'm ready. If I forget the chocolate I don't think I should show my face.
I have been remiss in not publishing this picture. It is a fanciful tea cozy from Bath, England. It was brought to the shop as an addition to my sheep collection by Susan Anthony who said that she just couldn't resist it when she saw it. It is officially a "Farmyard Crazy Tea Cozy" specifically "Sidney the Sheep".
I think it is just great! It gives me great pleasure every time I look at it.
Thank you Susan!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
13 October 2010
For all of you PJ Party goers, here is a listing of restaurants in Shepherdstown WV. You should call for a Friday night reservation if you will be dining in town.
SHEPHERDSTOWN RESTAURANTS 2010
(Be sure to call first; this is homecoming
weekend at Shepherd U.)
Rumsey Tavern— the Clarion’s own casual pub.
Sebastian’s— the Clarion’s more formal dining room.
The Yellow Brick Bank– Creative American with
house-made breads and desserts, historic bank
building, 201 E. German St., 304-876-2208
Bavarian Inn— Elegant surroundings and fine European
cuisine in main dining rooms, plus casual dining in
the Rathskeller pub, 164 Shepherd Grade Rd., 304-876-2551
The Press Room— Chic new fine-dining Italian, 129 W.
German St., 304-876-8777
Stone Soup Bistro— Casual spot featuring local fresh
and organic produce, eclectic menu, 112 W. German
St., 304-876-8477
Three Onions— Popular global cuisine and martini
lounge, 117 E. German St., 304-879-3502
Blue Moon Café— Natural foods café and pub, soups,
salads, vegetarian. corner of Prince and High St.,
304-876-1920
Kazu— Hearty homestyle Japanese and Thai cuisine, 120
W. German St., 304-876-8798
Betty’s Restaurant— Local old-fashioned small town
favorite, sandwiches, closes early, 112 E. German
St., 304-876-6080
Shaharazade’s Tea Room— Casual Middle
Eastern/Mediterranean and light vegetarian menu, 141
W. German St., 304-876-1000
A-Wok Chinese—Traditional Chinese dishes, Rt. 45,
Maddex Square Shops, 304-876-1088
China Kitchen—Classic Chinese cooking, corner of
German and King Street, 304-876-6620
For all of you PJ Party goers, here is a listing of restaurants in Shepherdstown WV. You should call for a Friday night reservation if you will be dining in town.
SHEPHERDSTOWN RESTAURANTS 2010
(Be sure to call first; this is homecoming
weekend at Shepherd U.)
Rumsey Tavern— the Clarion’s own casual pub.
Sebastian’s— the Clarion’s more formal dining room.
The Yellow Brick Bank– Creative American with
house-made breads and desserts, historic bank
building, 201 E. German St., 304-876-2208
Bavarian Inn— Elegant surroundings and fine European
cuisine in main dining rooms, plus casual dining in
the Rathskeller pub, 164 Shepherd Grade Rd., 304-876-2551
The Press Room— Chic new fine-dining Italian, 129 W.
German St., 304-876-8777
Stone Soup Bistro— Casual spot featuring local fresh
and organic produce, eclectic menu, 112 W. German
St., 304-876-8477
Three Onions— Popular global cuisine and martini
lounge, 117 E. German St., 304-879-3502
Blue Moon Café— Natural foods café and pub, soups,
salads, vegetarian. corner of Prince and High St.,
304-876-1920
Kazu— Hearty homestyle Japanese and Thai cuisine, 120
W. German St., 304-876-8798
Betty’s Restaurant— Local old-fashioned small town
favorite, sandwiches, closes early, 112 E. German
St., 304-876-6080
Shaharazade’s Tea Room— Casual Middle
Eastern/Mediterranean and light vegetarian menu, 141
W. German St., 304-876-1000
A-Wok Chinese—Traditional Chinese dishes, Rt. 45,
Maddex Square Shops, 304-876-1088
China Kitchen—Classic Chinese cooking, corner of
German and King Street, 304-876-6620
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
29 Sept 2010
Did you know that there is no standard US needle size? Surprised? The US needle sizes are similar but not exactly the same. A Boye needle might not be exactly the same as a Bates. This leads to the problem with metric needles that try to approximate the closest US size. You will find that one company's metric to US equivalent is not the same as anothers.
So, if you are using a Boye needle and it is damaged and you need to change needles, don't expect that the Bates needle or a true metric needle (like Addi Tubo) will give you the same gauge.
Another problem with needles is that you can't switch from a wood needle to a metal needle and expect the gauge to be the same. Switching needles mid-knit can cause big problems. It would be safer to do another sample to make sure that the gauge with the different needles matches the gauge of the original.
The older your needles, the more likely that their size will differ amongst the companies. And they older they get the worse it gets. I have some pre-1900 needles that are not even close to the sizes of my 1950s needles.
You will have the same problem with needle gauges. An Addi Turbo needle gauge does not accurately measure US needles. It is a true metric needle gauge.
Now to make you feel better. The newer needles, you will note, have both metric and US sizing numbers. This means that the needle is a metric needle with a close US equivalent. You can breathe easier now.
Did you know that there is no standard US needle size? Surprised? The US needle sizes are similar but not exactly the same. A Boye needle might not be exactly the same as a Bates. This leads to the problem with metric needles that try to approximate the closest US size. You will find that one company's metric to US equivalent is not the same as anothers.
So, if you are using a Boye needle and it is damaged and you need to change needles, don't expect that the Bates needle or a true metric needle (like Addi Tubo) will give you the same gauge.
Another problem with needles is that you can't switch from a wood needle to a metal needle and expect the gauge to be the same. Switching needles mid-knit can cause big problems. It would be safer to do another sample to make sure that the gauge with the different needles matches the gauge of the original.
The older your needles, the more likely that their size will differ amongst the companies. And they older they get the worse it gets. I have some pre-1900 needles that are not even close to the sizes of my 1950s needles.
You will have the same problem with needle gauges. An Addi Turbo needle gauge does not accurately measure US needles. It is a true metric needle gauge.
Now to make you feel better. The newer needles, you will note, have both metric and US sizing numbers. This means that the needle is a metric needle with a close US equivalent. You can breathe easier now.
Friday, September 17, 2010
17 September 2010
I've had several folks come in asking for Addi Turbo Clicks with Lace needles. I called the company and yes, they are making Clicks with the Lace needle. BUT, they have over 4000 orders and the Clicks have not arrived in the US yet. I am in that queue but I don't know where. I will have them in the shop - when they send them to me.
Addi also has the soft "wallets" for the Clicks now. If you got one of the original presentation sets, you might want to think about getting a wallet for your additional needles and cables. Or if you travel, the wallets are more compact and easier to carry.
This past week I have been frustrated trying to help folks who come in looking for more yarn to match what they have. The problem is that the ball band was lost. Usually after a search through my database I can find the lot number and color number, but not always.
Here's a helpful hint if you are not a Ravelry person or a person that logs your yarn stash at home. When you ball your yarn, use the yarn band as a "core" and start wrapping the yarn around the band. Then when you are finished knitting with the ball and need more yarn, the ball band is there right when you need it!
I've had several folks come in asking for Addi Turbo Clicks with Lace needles. I called the company and yes, they are making Clicks with the Lace needle. BUT, they have over 4000 orders and the Clicks have not arrived in the US yet. I am in that queue but I don't know where. I will have them in the shop - when they send them to me.
Addi also has the soft "wallets" for the Clicks now. If you got one of the original presentation sets, you might want to think about getting a wallet for your additional needles and cables. Or if you travel, the wallets are more compact and easier to carry.
This past week I have been frustrated trying to help folks who come in looking for more yarn to match what they have. The problem is that the ball band was lost. Usually after a search through my database I can find the lot number and color number, but not always.
Here's a helpful hint if you are not a Ravelry person or a person that logs your yarn stash at home. When you ball your yarn, use the yarn band as a "core" and start wrapping the yarn around the band. Then when you are finished knitting with the ball and need more yarn, the ball band is there right when you need it!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
9 September 2010
I'm trying to get the shop ready for the cooler weather so the sock yarns have finally started to come in.
Today we just received several of the new Erica Knight Design Line Jazz Color sock yarns. These are wonderful striping colors with just plain fun names: Be-Bop, Color Me Cool, Flamenco Sketch ..... You really need to see these colors to appreciate them.
And not to make matters worse, we just received new Mini Mochi sock yarn. Of course, these have great color combinations too. The names: Brandied Apricots, Spice Market, and Caramel Latte don't even begin to describe these beautifully delicious colors.
If you knit socks, you really need to see these beautiful colors. Your feet will thank you!
I'm trying to get the shop ready for the cooler weather so the sock yarns have finally started to come in.
Today we just received several of the new Erica Knight Design Line Jazz Color sock yarns. These are wonderful striping colors with just plain fun names: Be-Bop, Color Me Cool, Flamenco Sketch ..... You really need to see these colors to appreciate them.
And not to make matters worse, we just received new Mini Mochi sock yarn. Of course, these have great color combinations too. The names: Brandied Apricots, Spice Market, and Caramel Latte don't even begin to describe these beautifully delicious colors.
If you knit socks, you really need to see these beautiful colors. Your feet will thank you!
Friday, September 3, 2010
3 September 2010
We have been knitting away here at the shop. We have two new models on display - a beautiful lace-cashmere tee by Filatura and a beaded-lace cape by Deanna's Vintage Style. The tee is so soft you won't believe your fingertips, and the cape - well it's just beautiful.
We now have in stock "Lovely Jeans" by Filatura. This is a really soft cotton yarn that holds its shape well. The matching pattern book is just chock full of classic sweater designs. Knit one of these and this will be the sweater that you will keep forever - timeless color and timeless designs.
We also just received "Mooreland". This is a super soft wool, alpaca, mohair blend that can be knit anywhere from 5 - 6 sts/inch. The colors, well I think they're gorgeous. These are soft heathers that will compliment anything you wear them with. We're going to knit Oat Couture's "The Seville Jacket" using this yarn.
We have been knitting away here at the shop. We have two new models on display - a beautiful lace-cashmere tee by Filatura and a beaded-lace cape by Deanna's Vintage Style. The tee is so soft you won't believe your fingertips, and the cape - well it's just beautiful.
We now have in stock "Lovely Jeans" by Filatura. This is a really soft cotton yarn that holds its shape well. The matching pattern book is just chock full of classic sweater designs. Knit one of these and this will be the sweater that you will keep forever - timeless color and timeless designs.
We also just received "Mooreland". This is a super soft wool, alpaca, mohair blend that can be knit anywhere from 5 - 6 sts/inch. The colors, well I think they're gorgeous. These are soft heathers that will compliment anything you wear them with. We're going to knit Oat Couture's "The Seville Jacket" using this yarn.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)