Change of Day for Knit Lab at Swerve on Broad St. in Rome, GA

EVERY THURSDAY (EXCEPT THE 3^RD THURS OF THE MONTH) AT SWERVE

PRESENTS

KNIT LAB

AND CROCHET TOO!

EVERY 1^ST, 2^ND, 4^TH, AND 5TH THURS 5:30PM-6:30PM

AT SWERVE: 108 BROAD ST., ROME

LEARN TO KNIT OR CROCHET

Or if you already know how……

BRING YOUR CHALLENGING PROJECTS FOR EXPERT GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTION

 Knittyknitty Chainchain

EVERY WEDNESDAY BEGINNING IN MAY AT SWERVE In Rome, GA

PRESENTS

KNIT LAB

AND CROCHET TOO!

EVERY WEDNESDAY 5:30PM-6:30PM

AT SWERVE: 108 BROAD ST., ROME

LEARN TO KNIT OR CROCHET

Or if you already know how……

BRING YOUR CHALLENGING PROJECTS FOR EXPERT GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTION

No Reservation is necessary.  Just show up.  If you are a new knitter or crocheter wanting to learn, please bring the following supplies with you:  Worsted weight yarn in a light solid color (look for this symbol

   on the yarn label); size 8 straight or circular knitting needles or size H crochet hook.

Each 1 hour session is $10 or sign up for 4 sessions for a discounted price of $35.

Contact: Sandy Huff  sandraphuff@comcast.net

Follow me on Facebook for updates! On Knit Lab and upcoming workshops!

Project Book Review FORMAL JEWELRY BY KAREN MCKENNA

I met crochet designer Karen McKenna at The Knit and Crochet Show a couple of years ago in Concord,NC.  Not only is Karen the friendliest person you'll ever meet, she is also a wonderful designer.  Karen's book, Formal Jewelry, published by Leisure Arts is a jewelry book showcasing projects that use simple crochet stitches.  Even my knitting friends can try these!

 The patterns use mostly chain stitch and basic jewelry techniques. The book includes12 projects that are perfect for learning to crochet with beads and includes wonderful step by step instructions as well as bonus online technique videos. Just look for the camera in the instructions to see the video tutorials!

This lovely bead and crochet formal headband would be lovely at a summer garden party or a more formal event.  Can't you just see this on all of your bridesmaids? Or as an accessory with a beautiful prom dress done to match the dress?

My favorite pieces in the book are the barefoot sandals. By the pool or at a beach wedding, these lovely sandals can add a little boho chic or beachy elegance. I know I'll have to crochet some of these for myself and for my daughter, Angela!  

This double pearl necklace is easy to crochet too!  If you are a bride-to-be, how excited would your bridesmaids be to receive this gift from you? ! The necklace is quick and easy.

I like the triple pearl necklace with the strapless dress for the bride or mother of the bride.

Get the book, or e-book at:
Leisurearts.com or Amazon.com, and get started crocheting your jewelry today!

Follow Karen on her blog ihookdesign and visit her on Ravelry.
And tell her that Sandy sent you!

Other reviews of this book can be found on the following blogs:

January 19th  Amy Shelton from Crochetville  http://crochetville.com/

January 21   Marty Miller  designer, teacher, authorhttp://thecrochetdoctor.blogspot.com/  

January 26   Tammy Hildebrand   designer, author  http://hotlavacrochet.blogspot.com/

January 28   Sharon Silverman    designer, author    http://www.sharonsilverman.com/crochet/

February 2   Jennifer Ryan    designer  http://celticknotcrochet.blogspot.com/

February 5    Gwen Blakely Kinsler  author, founder of Crochet Guild of America  http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/

February 10  Karen Rhatto Whooley  author, designer, teacher    http://www.krwknitwear.com

February 11  Sandy Huff   designer  http://knittyknittychainchain.blogspot.com/

February 16  Linda Dean    designer  http://www.lindadeancrochet.com/blog/

You Gotta See What's On My Needles!

I recently taught a class on Fair Isle knitting for members and others of the North Georgia Knitting Guild.  The class project was designed by Patti Henry and used with her permission. It is a free pattern on Ravelry called the Dots and Stripes Purse. Several participants are on their way to finishing this lovely bag.  Here is a finished purse by Amy:

 

I think a majority of the students used yarn from their stash leftover from other projects.

The Fair Isle technique along with using leftover stash yarn gave me the idea for the project that is currently on my needles.  I purchased a new denim jacket.  I removed the sleeves and I am using the sleeves as a pattern for the knitted sleeves that will take the place of the denim sleeves. 

 

I am working the sleeves two at a time on two circular needles to be sure that my sleeves will be identical.  I had a large stash of Knit Picks Palette yarn in so many different colors.  The motifs are totally random.  Some from a book, some made up. Most likely the sleeves will be sewn in by machine after careful basting.  Stay tuned to see the finished project. If you are not up for a sleeve project, why not add a simple square pocket to your jacket using fair isle or even your favorite stitch pattern.  Let me see what you come up with!!! What are your ideas?

 



Technique Tip Tuesday!!!! Buttonholes and Blocking

 Picture this!  You've knitted the perfect buttonholes on your sweater.
You block your sweater and your buttonholes turn into huge holes.

Solution: Using a contrasting color of yarn, "sew" your buttonhole together so that while you are blocking your buttonhole remains closed.
 



Music Monday!!! "Pardon Me, I Didn't Knit That For You" Sung by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne.

Today's Music Monday is a song uploaded onto youtube in 2008.  The song describes the phenomenon of the "sweater curse", the belief that if a knitter gives a hand-knit sweater to a significant other, it will lead to the recipient breaking up with the knitter.
Kay and Ann can be found on Mason Dixon Knitting where they have been blogging about knitting since 2003. 

Watch the Video here!

These Guys Crack Me Up!!

I was so fortunate to have collided with the Stephen & Steven Tour 2014 while I was in Manchester, NH at the Knit and Crochet Show!  Although there were many great things to do and see at the show, this had to be my favorite!
What a Hoot!!  These two men are so creative and so contagious! They are obviously passionknit about what they do.   I attended their class called "Dynamic Duo".  It was a kind of free-form anything goes kinda class.  A "rules go out the window" kinda class. 
StephenBe is a designer and business owner in Minneapolis with a career worth reading about.
Steven West is a designer, teacher, and author living in Amsterdam, but originally from Tulsa, OK. His designs are very eye-catching and artistic.
 If  you really want to keep up with what is going on and exciting in the knitting world these days, I highly recommend that you check these two guys out.  Fun for sure!!
A picture is worth a thousand words!  Wish I hadn't taken blurry photos!!  Anyway, I think you get the idea.

   Steven West in his knitted shorts.

  Steven West modeling some of his own pieces.

Me and the Ste(ph)(v)ens.  Selfie