ChrisRKnits

LHYarn2011LaceChallenge Finale

2011-06-30T19:39:00.002-05:00

LHYarn2011LaceChallenge, a set on Flickr.

We really had a great time with the lace challenge. Even if your name wasn't drawn from the magical pumpkin during the awards ceremony you should be very proud of your creations. I'm certainly glad I didn't have to do any judging!
Some Highlights
Two people turned in three projects each. J. and L.
Several of you had two entries.
There were 18 projects turned in for the prize drawing. Several of you finished items but had form-fill-in failure. And a couple of you missed the deadline by only a couple days.
S.'s lace shawl of her own design had the most yarnovers in a single entry until ten minutes before the final deadline.
There was only one crochet entry. It's a really lovely use of striping yarn.
There were only two of you entered in the accessory category.
The entries added up to 16,386.5 yards of knitting. That's 37.24 quarter miles or 9.3 miles. This is approximately the distance on the bike path around lakes Harriet, Calhoun and Isles combined. : )
There were 69,523 yarnovers knit for the challenge. That's a whole lotta holes!
M's pullover has 16,490 yarnovers. That's 13.51 holes per yard for the project.
If I was a betting girl, I wouldn't have bet on the winner of the drawing based on yardage. There were two other people with six chances at winning each. The winner, P.V., only had four chances. I love this aspect of the challenge - that element of chance just for participating.

TBC

Beautiful new shawl for N.

2011-05-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

May72010_3
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

About nine months in the making, N. 's Christel Seyforth Desert Rose shawl is quite lovely. She substituted green Jamison 2-ply for the Black that was originally supplied for the border trim. We think this was a wonderful substitution. At first glance, one may think this piece is knit using intarsia technique, but this is not so. Fair Isle stranding with lots of yarn wrapping keep the back side floats in check and make for quite a smooth fabric after blocking. Each maker winds up with a unique piece since the knitter decides when the color changes will occur. N's came out with a wonderful ombre color pattern.

The Spring Lace Challenge

2011-05-05T20:08:00.001-05:00

April292011_9
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

R. stopped by with her lace challenge entry. Pictures do not do this stunning piece justice. For this work of art she used Claudia Handpaints 100% silk. Breathtaking.

Yogi Elizabeth Bear

2011-04-29T15:36:00.001-05:00

Yogi Elizabeth Bear
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

K.'s Yogi Elizabeth Bear dropped in the shop to demonstrate Lotus pose. Namaste

Skulls & Picots & Lace?

2011-03-23T15:51:00.001-05:00

23march2010_1
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Who needs hearts when you can make skulls? This cute number is a lace challenge entry done up quick on Rowan's chunky weight Cocoon. Man, I love a sense of humor.

Lots of firsts this week!

2011-03-16T14:52:00.002-05:00

I just love seeing people wearing the garments they've made. This week I photographed three knitters wearing first-of-a-kind projects that are real successes. They were all beaming!

We try to help everyone be successful with their projects and want nothing more than for them to succeed. If Jan or I are both busy, there is usually someone else hanging around that will offer help. We have expert knitter customers that love to support others in their quest to become fellow experts.

And there was a first for me. I won a prize for my shawl at the Minnesota Knitters Guild meeting this past Tuesday. Yeah!

Spring 2011 Lace Challenge Update

2011-03-07T17:19:00.001-06:00

5march20111
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

L finished her first project for the Lace Challenge already! And she's cast on for another and itchy to win ; ) One lovely garment on a lovely person wishing for a lovely spring.

I had better hurry up and get the entry form designed. This is turning out to be a really fun challenge.

Someone else has told me they are finished with a lace project, but I've not yet photographed the proof. If anyone needs help getting their projects input into Ravelry, I'm more than will to help. Just come to the shop when I'm around. Don't forget to bring your Ravelry name and password so we can access your account. I'll even take a photo for you to use.

Amimono Shawl

2011-02-25T17:29:00.002-06:00

feb252011_2
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

My shawl is finally complete with ties and tassels. Really enjoyed making this all garter stitch piece. Started with seven stitches and built out from the center. The trim is knit and attached to the live stitches. We might have to have tassel class since these seem to be a big hit!

Voodoodolly

2011-02-22T17:23:00.001-06:00

Voodoodolly
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Meet Miss Purl Three Throughthebackloop, shop voodoo priestess. She brought along her magical stick pin for stabbing those difficult stitches into submission. Thanks for introducing us, L.B.

The Lace Challenge

2011-02-09T18:04:00.001-06:00

Why a lace challenge?
Fudwick likes holes.
It's all about negative space.
It's about time we had another challenge.
Jan said we could.

Some Rules which we reserve the right to change, but for now these look pretty inclusive.

0. We're including crochet in this one for all those hookers out there. Not sure how we're going to count up the holes/yarnovers, but I'll figure something out and post it here later.
1. You need to have purchased your yarn for your projects at Linden Hills Yarn.
2. February 4, 2011 was the start date, so your project cannot have been started before then. Swatching is ok and if you have a project you really, really, really want to get in the challenge, you are welcome to frog it and start over ; ).
3. The final day for submissions will be the last day of Spring June 20, 2011. You will need to bring in your project to be photographed and fill out your entry sheet for each entry on or before that date. If you are nice, Chris might help you count up your holes.
4. We'll be holding the prize drawings on the First Day of Summer June 21, 2011.

Behold the Holey Prize Matrix of Gift Certificates to be awarded and Redeemed at Linden Hills Yarn.

Categories:

Adult Garment or shawl > 50% lace. One entry for each project of this type you complete. $30 by random drawing of all the entries.

Adult Garment or shawl < 50% lace. One entry for each project of this type you complete. $20 by random drawing of all the entries.

Accessory, Non Wearable & Children's wearable (i.e. hats, socks, chair cushion, dolly dress, lamp shade, etc.). One entry for each project of this type you complete. $10 by random drawing of all the entries.

Mileage. From cobweb weight to super chunky, for each 1/4 mile (440 yards) of yarn knit in your lace projects entered, you'll receive one chance in the random drawing. So if your total yards knitted in all your entered projects is ten miles you'll have 40 chances at winning. Hence, the more you knit for the challenge, the better your chances will be at winning this prize. $30

Most holes. This prize will be awarded to the individual with the largest cumulative total of Holes/YarnOvers in their work. You'll also get to count each nupp as a YarnOver even though it's not a hole. Why? Because Kathy W. wanted extra credit. If you want to make nupps in your lace then by all means make nupps!
$40 and the title "Holey Dominator of Lace"

We have nothing 'round here if not a sense of humor!

2011-01-11T14:24:00.002-06:00

2011Jan113
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Last year I made a hat for the DH using this nature graphic we affectionately know as the "fornicating reindeer chart." At that time K. said he just had to do a sweater. And bygosh bygolly this year he did! Hilarious and a big hit this holiday season.

For more fun with this chart, check out this link.

amimono2010bookcover

2011-01-03T10:01:00.001-06:00

amimono2010bookcover
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

This beautiful new publication from Helga Isager, daughter of Marianne Isager. I admire and adore the designs, although I don't particularly care for the uberthin models she chooses for her photo shoots.

This booklet includes some wonderful garments for children and we've added the luscious multicolor kid mohair used in the cover photo to our stock.

I've already started the great Chamomile shawl pattern using the Alpaca1 and Highland wool stranded together. Shawls will be the theme for the MKG's display at the Textile Center this spring. If I finish by February, I'll be putting this one on display.

Sparkle! Just a wee bit of bling.

2010-12-21T08:35:00.003-06:00

12202010_3
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

And the sequins took off like a rocket! This was a product placement lesson if I ever saw one. I made the sequined hat (photo below) four or more years ago. It was displayed in the front window on a mannequin head for a couple of winters. We occasionally dug out sequins to sell over the years. A couple of weeks ago I did a little rearranging of the shop samples and put my version of the hat back on display in a different location than before and WHAMO. The desire for sequins decimated our supply and we ordered more! P. said of her version of the hat (photo right) that whenever she wears it she gets a positive comment, without fail. And it is sooooooooo easy to make.

Cocoon Hat from Cherished

2010-12-16T11:41:00.002-06:00

dec162010_6
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

This lovely hat in Cocoon is from the Cherised collection by Kim Hargreaves. I knit it within 24 hours time and blocked it over a dinner plate. I'd like to make this in a lighter color next time to really show off the lace. There is enough of the second skein remaining to make some fingerless mitts to match. The only mod here was that the pattern was written for back and forth knitting and I did mine in the round. Cool, Quick, and Slouchy!

Elf Cap from Simple Chic

2010-12-14T14:55:00.001-06:00

Elf Cap from Simple Chic
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

What do you do when you have two hours and a baby gift to be made? I made this hat.

Used one ball of Big Wool and some size US13 needles and the Elf Cap pattern by Jill Eaton from Simple Chic.

cherishedcover

2010-12-13T09:41:00.003-06:00

cherishedcover
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

This is full of great designs. If you like Kim's other work, you will not want to pass this up. If you need inspiring and quickly knit caps for gifts this has two wonderful hats. Several Big Wool sweaters for surviving the below zero temps appear. And if big and quick isn't your style, there are plenty of other designs.
I'm already starting one of the hats (Moon done in Cocoon) as a gift.

Kim Hargreaves Touching Elegance

2010-11-30T09:32:00.002-06:00

touchingelegancecover
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

For those of you who are Kim Hargreaves devotees, 15 copies of Touching Elegance arrived in the shop yesterday! An easy intarsia jacket out of Cocoon and a cuff-to-cuff snuggley piece in Drift are a couple of the highlights in this release. She's also created a garment or two for the men.

Superyak Superlace Supervest Finished : )

2010-11-23T15:33:00.002-06:00

23Nov2010_6
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Finally sewed on the Vintage clasp (from Becky Lyon) for a closure on my Montague Vest. It's double strand of Karabella Superyak knit really quickly on size 13 Turbo Needles. I made some changes to the pattern for fit so that the center front would hang vertically on me and eliminated the bottom band which was to be picked up after sewing the side seams.

Rowan has caught my eye once again!

2010-11-23T08:23:00.001-06:00

purelifeautumncablecardi
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

I might have to make this cardigan. The patterns in this book use chunky yarn and this looks like a warm classic with a modern twist in that the bottom half is knit side to side. I'll need to check for waist/hip shaping in that area if I decide to move forward.

Hello! My name is . . .

2010-11-09T09:28:00.002-06:00

sept2010_9
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Kip Tblwyif (prononced kip ti-bel-wif)
He no longer wanted to be referred to as "that sock monkey." His creator used the Mister Ben pattern by Two Old Bags which is available in the shop. Kip is made from self striping sock weight yarn but the pattern is written for multiple gauges of yarn.
A link to his Ravelry Friends

SuperYak Superlace

2010-11-03T19:13:00.001-05:00

nov32010_1
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

The Montague vest is another project from the book New England Knits. I'm subsituting Karabella SuperYak Doubled to get gauge. This yellow ocher color is smashing! On size 13 needles it should go pretty quick. SuperYak is a super soft 50/50 blend of Merino and Yak fiber from Karabella Yarns.

Second Skin Finished

2010-11-02T08:42:00.002-05:00

nov1_20109
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

I've finished this in near record time and I never want to take this garment off. It is incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. The great pattern is from New England Knits. The yarn is Classic Elite's Kumara which is a Merino & Baby Camel Blend. The buttons are from Becky Lyon. I'm quite pleased.

Rios Hat knit by M

2010-10-30T09:48:00.001-05:00

Rios Hat knit by M
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

M. knit this cap in record speed from the new Malabrigo Rios. This is a plied superwash worsted weight in all the same colorways of the original Malabrigo worsted. M. felt this absolutely wonderful to knit with and can't stop raving. The hat pattern is from the book New England Knits which has turned out to be full of great projects. Nice job M.

Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Worsted

2010-10-29T09:02:00.001-05:00

Malabrigo Rios Superwash Merino Worsted
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

We've put this beautiful Malabrigo creation in the shop for fall. It's their new plied superwash merino strikingly dyed in the same colorways as their original yarns. These are just five of my favorite colorways. We added many others to the inventory with some semi-solids in the mix as well.

Second Skin Kumara pullover

2010-10-28T10:51:00.002-05:00

Second Skin Kumara pullover
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Chris's Kumara for fall is well underway. New England knits is a new publication for fall and has quite a few great looking projects. So far this pattern is quite good. I am making my torso a bit longer than what is called out. I'm speed knitting this - can't wait to wear it next to my skin! I've been working on it a little over a week and the second sleeve is nearly finished!
Find it on Ravelry

Berroco Borealis

2010-10-28T10:02:00.001-05:00

Berroco Borealis
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Well, this has turned out to be quite popular. The colors are vibrant yet sophistocated. And it knits up quickly. Berroco sequins are back in stock as well, so if you've spied my Starry Nightcap in the shop or on Ravelry this combo would be a great cap with added twinkling visibility for those winter darkness hours ahead.

Cradle Button Detail

2010-10-26T09:06:00.001-05:00

sept2010_7
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

A detail shot of the buttons.

Cradle by Marie Wallin from Drift in Big Wool

2010-10-26T08:54:00.001-05:00

sept2010_6
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

My new fall jacket is finished and I may get to wear it this week depending on the temps. The fabulous buttons are from Becky "The Button Lady" Lyon. Really enjoyed making this quick knit garment on US15 needles. Of course I modified slightly. Rather than use the three needle bind off for the sleeve seem, I chose to graft the front and back sleeves together which added less bulk.

Fudwick Pillwinkle at Ghome

2010-10-26T08:42:00.002-05:00

fudwickathome
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

One of many friends. I'm making him a Blaze Orange cap for hunting season.

You too can friend him on Facebook.

2010-06-15T07:48:00.004-05:00

WWKIP day 2010

This is a view of the hill where Ravelers PurplePurlGirl and I (ChrisRKnits) plan to host the WorldWideKnitInPublic Event on June 20, 2010. From 2:30 to 5:00 we want as many knitters as possible to meet up for an afternoon of knitting in the park. We'll be trying to make a huge collaborative piece of knitted art by having everyone knit in the round on the same project.
You are invited to bring along 2 circular needles at least 24 inches long and some scrap yarn. Maybe we should call this the Knit-Round-About. You will want to have casted on enough stitches to fill up your circular needle's cable when the stitches are relaxed. Make yourself a marker with your name and home city or neighborhood on it to keep on your section of the knitted piece. This could be as simple as a scrap of paper with a safety pin attached.

How it is all joined together

At the end of your row of knitting on your first needle, you will drop your first needle and pick up your second needle. Then, take hold of the yarn from the person on your right (sorry lefties - oh wait - you can just turn around and face the other direction and take the yarn from the knitter on your left (at this point I feel brilliant)) and knit across your needle one stitches with your neighbor's yarn and your needle number two.

Rowan Retrospective at The Textile Center in Minneapolis & Linden Hills Yarn

2010-01-28T10:02:00.007-06:00

Jan has been a stockist for Rowan since book 4 and Linden Hills Yarn will be having our own show in the shop during the month of March. Jan has knit a whopping 39 Rowan designs over the years starting with book four. We will be hanging ALL of them in the shop for the Month of March 2010.

The following list shows the book number or title, the garment name and the designer's initials.
I linked to Ravelry those designs that have pictures there. This will be my opportunity to fill in some holes I have in the "Jan's Needles" section of my flickr pics for the shop.

4 Tapestry Rose by A.F.
4 Turkish Leaves by J.S.
8 Magyar by K.F.
9 Penants by K.F.
9 Masks by K.H.
10 Dominos by K.F.
11 Indian Summer by K.H.
12 Tartary by A.F.
13 Antique Carpet by K.H.
14 Russian Jacket by L.H.
16 Ruby by L.H.
16 Cactus Patch by K.F.
17 Petal by S.D.
17 La Scala by L.H.
19 Flamingo by L. H.
19 Chinese Lanterns by K.F.
20 Celtic Coat by K.F.
21 Old Tile by B.M.
22 African Wall by K.F.
23 Bella by K.H.
24 Carmen by K.H.
25 Puzzle (Loo) by K.F.
26 Laurel Leaf by K.H.
28 Stone Circles by K.F.
28 China Clouds by K.F.
29 Essence by K.H.
30 Maypole by B.M.
30 Jungle by K.F.
31 Smoulder by K.F.
33 Mambo Jambo by K.F.
38 Brocade by K.F.
37 African Rope by K.F.
39 Warrior by B.M.
40 Dotty by K.F.
40 Furrow by M.W.

Flower Book Forget-me-not by S.K.
Kaffe's Colorbook Icon by K.F.
Kaffe's Colorbook Mosaic by K.F.
Kaliediscope Sweater Kit by K.F.

Cable Challenge Recap

2010-01-06T15:13:00.005-06:00

First off let me thank you all for participating. It was loads of fun for me and I hope for you as well. Some knock-out projects were created for this challenge. Some of you amazed us further by finishing multiple knock-out projects!

The clear yarn of choice was Karabella Merino Silk DK with about 10 pushpins of potential and quite a few finishes. This was followed closely by Rowan Lima & Karabella Aurora 8 potential projects. Lima had more finished projects but Aurora 8 is a yarn that everyone seems to love knitting.

Marie had statistics in her favor when it came to drawing for prizes having turned in 3 hats, a pair of socks, a pullover and the only baby garment entered. None of these entries were easy knitting either.

Nancy amazed us by making 2 pullovers, a shawl, and a cardigan. Again, none of these were easy knitting either. Amazing.

December 26, 2009 we held the drawings for the prizes at the shop.

May I have the envelopes please.

$10 for the Hat, Mitten, Scarf et. al. goes to Sandra for

$10 for Pair of Socks goes to Marie for

$10 for Child's Garment goes to Marie for
$10 for Shawl Afghan or Seat Cover goes to Nancy for her Aurora 8 shawl which I've seen and is lovely but unfortunately do not as yet have a picture.
$10 for Yarn group other goes to Marie $20 for Yarn Group 3 Pullover goes to Lorri for $25 for Yarn Group 3 Cardigan goes to Shawn for $20 for Yarn Group 2 Pullover goes to Pam for $20 for Yarn Group 1 Pullover goes to Erin for $25 for Yarn Group 2 Cardigan goes to Nancy for This also won the $45 grand prize for most cables in a single garment with a whopping 2280 +. And she's already started making another. Unbelievable.

Here is a link to see all the entries for which I took photos.

Prize Matrix for the 2009 Cable Challenge

2009-09-11T09:31:00.006-05:00

Unless you have the eyesight of a bald eagle and can read that tiny type, click on the jpg above to enlarge.

In addition to the $195 worth of prizes listed in the matrix, we also have a $45 Gift Certificate to be awarded for the single project including the most cables.

The way to count cables for this challenge is the following: Every instance the cable needle is required to manipulate stitches in a project (3 or more stitches involved) counts as one. So that great hat Marie made [my design for Simply Shetland ; ) ] counted up to 812.

Linden Hills Yarn presents The Cable Challenge

2009-08-22T11:45:00.003-05:00

You know I love a challenge. As soon as the last Linden Hills Yarn challenge ended, people began asking about the next. So here it is. With this challenge, we wanted to energize non-cablers to expand their skill set. We also have fabulous new yarns and patterns to be used for cable projects. The prize structure is intended to entice you to try new yarns, but this is not a requirement. There is a time limit on finishing the project for this challenge. This may help you with goal setting and achievement if are making seasonal gifts.

Cables are a great way to add texture and interest to a knitted object. They are not difficult. We can teach you to knit a cable in about two minutes if you wish to learn. We can not only teach you to read cable charts but also give you tips to make the charts even easier to follow and show you fixes for common cabling mistakes. Consider cables for your next project and join in all the twisted fun!

A few rules to follow:

To enter your project in the challenge, your work must be completed and brought to the shop to be photographed for inclusion on the Linden Hills Yarn website no later than December 25, 2009. Why December 25? Because, it is Chris’s birthday.

You are welcome to enter as many projects as you wish, but you may enter each project only once. Prizes will be awarded by random drawing from all entries in a category. There are several categories which I will expand upon later.

To qualify as a cable for this challenge the crossed stitches in question must contain at least but is not limited to three stitches. For a chance at winning the grand prize you must provide a count of the total number of cables executed in your project.

The yarn must have been purchased at Linden Hills Yarn. If you have a huge stash and are not sure, pick something else. You know you’ve got something. We don’t feel this is too much to ask, do you? ; )

If you choose the Yarn Group Other category, then you cannot have made more than a gauge swatch or two (or four) prior to August 15, 2009. We know you had the best intentions when you purchased that yarn. Maybe now is the time to follow through!

A Grand Prize of one Forty-five Dollar Gift Certificate will be awarded for the single project including the most cables (3 or more stitches as described above.)

Details of the Prize Matrix

sicknesskneesocks & The Tradeshow

2009-06-24T11:14:00.007-05:00

Well, Jan and I conquered another TNNA trade show or succombed to the beauty of new yarn. I'm not sure which. The whole thing was fabulous!

We began with a class taught by Marianne Isager. She is such a lovely person and is passionate about her work. She began serendipitously in the business nearly 30 years ago by taking over a yarn business from an ailing mentor/friend. She still loves the yarns (with good reason) and creates her exquisite garments by hand.

Samples of the children's garments from her upcoming book based on Hans Christian Andersen fables were available for us to see and touch. If you don't have a child to knit for in your life, I suggest finding one now. You will want to knit these. We also received handouts and practiced swatching some of the texture and color patterns from this book. Jan learned to double-knit!

We were able to flip through her daughter Helga's book which will be coming out in the coming year as well.

We've purchased a wide array of DK to worsted weight yarns for fall. Hand dyed, eco friendly, and Made in the U.S.A. will all make their mark on our inventory in the coming months. Pattern support is on its way as well. We combed through several independent pattern companies' stock to select just the right designs to go with the new yarns. Jan went crazy over hand dyed lace weight silk and we both drooled over Tonos - a new yarn from Misti International.

If I ever get over the sickness I picked up on the plane on the way back from the show I have some work cut out for me. I'll be rearranging the inventory to move the wool stock to be more by gauge. And I've begun building a new system for organizing the leaflet patterns.

And the sickness sock is nearly complete. I started it on the plane during my return flight. I didn't know it would be a knee sock. I adore Opal's Hundertwasser colors and started with a toe up sock from my head. As I spent more and more time in bed recovering from this horrid cough, the sock got longer and longer and I really like knee socks in the winter and wouldn't they look cute over the tops of the Pliner boots I acquired last season and the nylon in the sock yarn will keep them from wearing out too soon and I should really plan on a nice foldover at the top . . .

Toe up socks are cool because you can try them on and experiment as you go. I added shaping at the calf and about 4 inches of tighter ribbing at the top for a good supportive foldover. I don't think I'll use the same colorway for the second sock. Why should I when there are so many others out there from which to choose?

Not only knitting, but Crochet help as well.

2009-04-03T09:47:00.002-05:00

I once crocheted a bikini for the shop window. I added a beach ball and my husband made a sign reading NAUGHTICA in the same font as a major fashion design company. The thing turned out to be ginormous and the aha moment ensued. British & American terms for crochet stitches are not all equal. And I was using a British pattern with my Midwest American knowledge.

All this experience comes in handy when a customer calls up with a slight panic in their voice. After a jog of my withering memory, I recall the customer and the project in question. It was to be a wild crocheted baby hat for a photo op. The pattern to be used looked like it had been around for a couple decades and the yarn used was elusive. So, we took a small chance on a substitute yarn. Small because I had an educated hunch it would work. The minute she said the piece turned out way too tall, I asked about the pattern's publication location. She scoured the copy to find out that indeed it had been published in Britain. Per my instruction, crocheted conversions from British to American were googled and obtained. Rework occurred, and I received this way too funny picture of the successful outcome. I love a challenge.

Here is a handy link to a conversion chart.

Connections

2009-03-19T10:03:00.002-05:00

N. came in the shop a few months back speaking very little English and a lot of Japanese. She is on an extended stay in the states as her husband is in school. Knowing knitting basics, she decided to fill some of her time here with the craft. Jan helped her through her first cabled scarf and hooked her up with another of our regular customers which she knew spoke Japanese. R. gets to work on her Japanese while helping N. with her English and knitting.

She has become a regular at the shop and is quite proud of her first garment. She should be. It looks great on her. So great that I had trouble choosing which of the many photos I shot to include in flickr.

Connections like this are made all the time at the shop. When you get to know your customers not only can you make educated suggestions for their knitting but hook them up with other people as well. We've had people get recommendations for getting into grad school as well as find employment. Opera students have found teachers and patients have found doctors. Mothers have found babysitters and artists have found buyers. It gives me warm fuzzies when I think of all the wonderful people that have come in to my life through Linden Hills Yarn.

Fair Isle Challenge Finals

2009-03-18T09:38:00.003-05:00

In case you are wondering about the winners of the Fair Isle Challenge gift certificate drawings, here they be:

having knitted has won the $25 gift certificate for the closest guess without going over of the weight of Jan's fair isle sweaters of which there were eight in the shop.

having finished knitting had probability in her favor when her name was drawn for the fifty dollar gift certificate. K is very gracious and actually had the closest guess for the guess the weight challenge but resigned her second prize to the gentleman that was next in line.

If you look closely at the photos of the work you will see that although they chose to use different yarns, they are both knitting from same pattern.

The whole challenge was a blast! Thank you to all who participated. Especially those of you who climbed out on a limb and learned a new skill. If you didn't get a chance to participate but want to learn to knit with color the door is always open at Linden Hills Yarn for you to learn for free.

People began asking about the next challenge before the previous challenge was even over. I'm in the planning stages and will announce it in early April. If you have any bright ideas or requests for me to consider, please leave me a comment here on the blog.

Fair Isle Challenge Update

2009-02-16T10:42:00.007-06:00

Another prize has been added to the Fair Isle Challenge pot! Those entering the challenge at the weigh-ins will have another chance to win. Jan is bringing in all of the fair isle sweaters she has knitted and still has in her possession. You will need to guess the total weight of all these garments. The closest guess to the weight without going over will be the winner of a $25 gift certificate!

The Fair Isle Challenge is On!

2008-12-17T10:32:00.003-06:00

I’ve been challenged to a Fair Isle Duel!

Jessica is the culprit. The conversation included something like, “I don’t see you doing any fair isle.”

My DH once told me I wouldn’t be able to run the rototiller. I tore up the yard. He probably knew he’d get out of it by telling me this.

And so it begins.

I’ve got a fair isle started. The front has been finished for a year. And how many has Jan made in that time? Too many to be mortal.

So here is the challenge:

Finish some Fair Isle by the end of February and you can enter the drawing to win a fabulous prize! Your entry can be a new project or one that has been stashed. An entire sweater, a hat, a pair of mittens or anything else as long as it contains some Fair Isle work.

Maybe you’ve not yet attempted this technique and need a push to get started. We can teach you! For Free!

Some Rules and Information:

The majority of the yarn for the project needs to have been purchased at Linden Hills Yarn. We don’t say all here because we know damn well we don’t have everything!
The masterminds got together and decided finishing is extreme. Therefore, we will have weigh-ins which will determine your chances of winning. You will be asked to bring the knitted portion of your Fair Isle project to the shop (finished or not) to be weighed. The more you have finished, the more chances you will have to win. No, your funky lead needles will not be included in the total weight. Weigh-ins will take place February 23, 2009 - March 7, 2009 during normal business hours.
So far, the prizes include a fifty dollar gift certificate.

Special Fair Isle Challenge gathering dates and times to be announced shortly.

A long awaited update. And lead into The Fair Isle Challenge.

2008-12-17T09:55:00.005-06:00

Fall and early winter is by far the busiest season in the yarn shop. Let me point out the obvious reasons why. First, there is that cold weather making layering, knit garments and throws essential to one's safe and comfortable existence. Second, we are in the retail business and they call it "black" Friday for a reason.

But, for those of us addicted to the craft, knitting is not seasonal but necessary. We knit whether the temperature outside is -14F or 104F. We knit outside in the Adirondack Chairs pausing only to slap at a mosquito or glance at the opening flower-bud's progress. We knit inside next to the space heater (or roaring fireplace) covered head to toe in last season's accomplishments. Some of the smarter knitters begin the winter garments in summer and the summer garments in winter so they are actually finished by the intended season. Others opt for the larger needle sizes and chunkier yarns aimed at beginning and finishing a project within the current season. Then, there are the projects begun in one year with full knowledge that it will be the next or even several years before completion. All knitting and all good as far as I'm concerned.

Tooling Around

2008-06-30T07:56:00.005-05:00

HiyaHiya circular sock needles are a try before you buy item. Jan likes using them. Me? Not so much. We have a sock set up for test knitting in the store. Only 9 inches long from tip to tip, these come in both metal and bamboo.

We have also added to our inventory HiyaHiya's straight double point bamboo needles in small sock sizes.

Do the Math

2008-06-27T11:21:00.004-05:00

Designing knits sometimes requires it. For me, that means nearly always. Being able to understand this arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry also comes in quite handy when helping customers decipher directions. Especially when they've been poorly translated from another language to knitspeak.

Example
The pattern calls for "dec for sleeve shaping 1 st alt on every 2nd and 4th row 13 times."

There are 3 ways this has been interpreted -

Decrease on rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26
Decrease on rows 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50
Decrease on rows 2, 6, 8, 12, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26, 30, 32, 36, 38

Lets say for the purposes of the example we have a gauge of 5 sts and 7 rows per inch.

The decrease of 13 stitches = 2.6 inches
One can see from the final row number for the decreases that the height of the piece for each option is different.

26 rows = 3.7 inches
50 rows = 7.1 inches
38 rows = 5.4 inches

This also affects the slope and the length of the line of the armhole. These directions were actually for a tank top with a higher neckline. I'm guessing that the third option is the correct one. The neckline in the picture looks too high for option one. The armhole for a tank needs to be higher than a sleeved garment in order to cover up the bra. This eliminates option two for me since there are further directions for straps that would make this armhole way too large an opening. Option three seems just right.

That is enough of this. I'll not bore you with further details on the geometry and trigonometry one could involve. Instead, let's have RECESS!

Value of a Shop Sample

2008-06-23T10:57:00.003-05:00

The white cardigan pictured here is a sample garment (we didn't knit it) from Gedifra made from Top Soft. This is the third season I've been raving about this yarn that feels like butter and knits up quickly with a US 8 or 9 needle. It is now flying off the shelf!

Book 081 has a picture of this design which does not do it justice. Rather than the standard side shaping for the feminine figure, this garment has shaping incorporated throughout the body by varying the with of the ribs from bottom to top. This allows the fabric to drape gracefully over the hips giving a pleasing appearance to everyone that has tried it on for size. I'm suggesting a buttonhole and a focal button be incorporated into the cable at the neckline. Here are some additional views of this lovely garment.

Our customers are always welcome to try any of the garments in the store. All they simply need to do is ask.

Let the games begin!

2008-05-08T10:02:00.005-05:00

Some of our KnowItAllDivas have chosen an official yarn for the Linden Hills Yarn Shop. I suggested a knit-along. Kathleen selected an arbitrary date to end the "contest" and this whole thing has snowballed!

Austrian painter, sculptor and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser created his painting "Die StraBe zum Sozialismus" in 1982. He "rejected the straight line and embraced bold color, organic forms and humans in harmony with nature." He loved experiencing the heightened colors found during rainy days and often painted in the buff.

ZwergerGarn is a German yarn company which produces a spectacular line of sock weight yarns by the name of Opal. The rainforest, insects, birds and Hundertwasser's paintings have been used as inspiration for their colorways over the years. We've had the Hundertwasser 1 sock series in the store for a while and are excited to report that Hundertwasser 2 will be available this fall.

The labels on these products are a mix of German and English text. All it took was for one of our brilliant customers to point out that the name of this particular colorway of yarn is translated as "The Road to Socialism" (and she of course used it to make something for her uber-conservative niece) in order for Jan to start selling it like capitalism might end tomorrow. I believe it was the Saturday morning KIADs that adopted it as the "Official" yarn of the store. Then serendipitously, although not suprisingly, Claudia was over at her mother's place and noticed on her shelf a small book about Hundertwasser and his paintings which she brought into the store.

I'm always up for a promotion and decided we should have a knit-along using this sock yarn. However, we will not bring down the hammer and sickle requiring the participants to make socks. Make whatever you want using your yarn. Hats, sweaters, comrade cozies. Just bring your finished project into the shop before the ending ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics and in addition to a brotherly pat on the back, you will be eligible to put your name in a drawing to win more Opal yarn!

M. already finished one sock.

Hat Phactory Sighting

2008-04-15T08:58:00.004-05:00

So I'm at REI trying on new hiking shoes. I look over to the wall of footwear and spot a beautiful head of red hair. On top of this hair is a great gifted project made by P., a.k.a Hat Phactory, which I modeled for this photo. How cool is that?

"SALE SALE SALE"

2008-04-11T10:04:00.003-05:00

Jan and I decided to have a Spring SALE. I decided we needed a big SALE sign. After three stops looking to purchase a sign that said merely SALE, I did what any Missouri Mule would do and made it myself. If you come by the shop to marvel at my "artwork" you might notice the sign tagged Old School Products by cmrieffer. One should really have a ventilated area when applying that much Sharpie. My father would be proud of my sign crafting ability ;)

What's in a steek? or You're cutting my sweater!

2008-04-08T08:46:00.004-05:00

For those of you not in the know, a steek is a group of extra stitches made when knitting a garment in the round for which the sole purpose is to provide a selvage edge around a cut opening.

Pictured here (click for more) is one of my many side jobs. We provide this service for a fee to our customers at Linden Hills Yarn. Sometimes the customer only needs the machine reinforcing stitches. In this instance, the whole process was desired. This involves machine stitching around the armhole, seaming the shoulder, seaming the armhole and covering the steek selvage with the binding which was knit as part of the top of the sleeve. This customer did an outstanding job on her traditional Norwegian pullover. Thus making my job easier and minimizing her cost for this service.

New Yarn at the Shop

2008-04-01T11:11:00.004-05:00

New stock is always fun. There is the challenge of figuring out where to put it. Looking at the new designs and imagining which customer will look fabulous in which garment. Sometimes we just know who will go gaga over what. Similar to knowing who in your book club will like which book.

I've photographed the new yarns from Misti International and Berroco.

The Little Leaf scarf from Classic Elite is knit out of Soft Linen. Sadly, we only have one color available at the present time. More should arrive any day. This yarn has a great feel.

This is not a joke!

2008-04-01T11:01:00.004-05:00

Mother nature provided us with mounds of the beautiful but heavy & hard to shovel white stuff as an April Fools "gift."

In other news, I love my newly finished sweater!

The 10 Fingers Scarf

2008-03-21T10:32:00.005-05:00

L. created this wonderful scarf from my 10 Fingers pattern and some Malabrigo Worsted in the Mariposa colorway. She took a great looking photo. I hope she pops in the shop to show it off soon.

Frogging for the Cause

2008-03-14T10:26:00.003-05:00

L was running out of Malabrigo Gruesa for her cute shawl and only had a couple rows to go. Her father brought her by to purchase more of the yarn. Sadly, we didn't have any more on the shelf.

I spotted some of the same colorway which had been knit into a swatch for the shop. The swatch was happily frogged for the cause. L will have enough to finish up her shawl which she designed herself.

I must say that this is truly the perfect color for her. This young knitter just glows. I hope we see more of her and her creations in the future.

Vintage button show and sale a huge success!

2008-03-13T14:31:00.010-05:00

This event was fantastic! We adore Becky, and having her in the shop was a real treat. The turnout was wonderful and to paraphrase C. D., there was a rather large cool people per hour factor. Thank you to everyone who stopped in to say hello. I even got to meet some fellow Ravelers.

Look for this event to happen again in the fall. Just in time to pick buttons for your winter garments and gifts.

Here's a link to some additional photos of the event.

Sleeves for a quadrapus.

2008-03-04T12:54:00.003-06:00

I'm making this pullover out of Laseta (like butter). The first sleeve made my arm look enormous. The newly designed second sleeve was too tight. The third sleeve is just about right. So I'm planning to start the fouth sleeve today. It should match sleeve three. Size 11 needles rock.

March brings new yarn to the shop.

2008-03-04T12:45:00.003-06:00

I went to the shop to do some cleaning before the start of our big button sale this weekend. While I was there, the lovely new pattern booklets from Classic Elite and Berrocco arrived.
Some new colors of Summerset and a few packages of the new CottonBamboo yarn came as well. Perhaps the remainder of our order will show up prior to Friday. Tomorrow I'll take some pictures of the new stock.

Sales Rep Visit and Hat Pattern Update

2008-02-21T10:56:00.007-06:00

Jan, Kathleen and I ordered fantastic new yans from Classic Elite yesterday. Pam Allen formerly of Interweave Knits is their new design director and has taken this company in a fabulous new direction in my humble opinion. The designs are fresh and the photography and pattern layout top notch. Look for good things this spring.

Berroco has a couple good looking new yarns (Lumina and Seduce) we are adding and we've decided to expand our color range in the Bonsai bamboo blend. There will also be more pattern support for Bonsai as well as the new yarns.

Personnally, I'm heading out of my grey phase and into dark teal blue phase with a little lavender and dark coral thrown into the mix. And you know I always favor a good green and orange.

Jan is knitting socks like mad due to the nature of the current political season. More Mountain Colors sock yarn coming.

In addition, I sold a hat pattern to the guys at Simly Shetland for their upcoming fall publication. It is done out of their new Lambswool Cashmere blend yarn. Now if I can just not lose the sample hat prior to the photo shoot.

Knit Out Adventure at MOA

2008-02-21T10:30:00.009-06:00

Wow! The crowds, the lines, the celebs were all great.

Steven, Cis and I rocked the TNNA & Stitch n Pitch booth. We had lots of items for people to touch and feel.

I handed out 300 pretty postcards on Saturday to promote our Vintage Button Show and Sale scheduled for March 7 & 8, 2008. That was all the cards I had, so I printed 300 flyers of the card to hand out on Sunday. 250 more of the full color cards are being printed and should be here early next week.

Out of Town

2008-02-07T14:50:00.000-06:00

I'll be way up north at Bearskin Lodge near Grand Marais defying winter with my DH and a bunch of DFs until February 14. Yeah!

Becky and the Button Event

2008-02-04T10:13:00.002-06:00

DH and I finished putting together a postcard to distribute for the Biggest Vintage Button Event This Side of the Lake. It looks fabulous and so far we haven't noticed any typos. It's printing today and should be available Thursday.

New Opal sock yarn shipment at the shop.

2008-02-04T09:57:00.000-06:00

I'm working today so I'll have to take some photos to add to the site. They are offering their yarn in solid colors but, Jan and I both think we'll pass. The spacedyed self-patterning is so much more fun! They've also sent a pattern book containing some darling mittens and gloves.

My life and the screen.

2008-02-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

The video for Linden Hills Yarn made possible by Dale aired for the first time on Cable Access Channel six last night. Where did we put that 20 inch tele?

And I've been spending much of my time this week updating the aforementioned website, flickr, blog, ravelry . . . Can't I just knit?

In the beginning . . .

2008-01-31T11:06:00.000-06:00

I've finally been anointed by the ravelry gods.