Knitting in Massachusetts

Boston Knit-Out

Oddly enough, I seem to have neglected to write anything about the Boston Knit Out (& Crochet), coming up on Sept. 12 on the Boston Common.

The Boston Knit-Out web site is in the process of being updated, so here’s a little bit about the event. Rather than re-invent the wheel, I’ll paraphrase a post that one of the Knit-Out volunteers, Christine, put on the Stitch ’n’ Bitch-Boston message board.

The Boston Knit Out & Crochet 2004 is an event where knitters, crocheters, and spinners, from all over New England can get together and connect. It will take place from noon until 4:00 p.m. near the Gazebo on the Boston Common, rain or shine.

It’s a chance to learn more about knitting and crochet if you’re new to the craft, take a free lesson, see yarns and completed projects that will inspire you, learn a new technique or two, and meet other knitters, crocheters, and spinners as well as shop owners and members of local craft guilds or community groups.

There will be exhibits by local yarn shops, a preview of new fall yarns, a fashion show, show and share, lessons in knitting and crochet for people new to the craft, an area for kids knitting and crochet, technique demonstrations in knitting and crochet, spinning demonstrations, speed knitting and crochet contests, musical performances by Wren Ross, a drop-off point for knitted charity donations, and door prizes. It’s a nonprofit event, so the yarn shops won’t be selling anything at the Knit-Out, but you can get an idea of some of the yarn stores that are out there and what they offer.

The last Boston Knit Out, in 2002, was attended by more than 1000 people. I helped design the web site for the 2002 Knit-Out, which gives a general idea of what the event is all about.

If you want to get in touch with the group that’s working on putting the Knit Out together, email bostonknitout@yahoogroups.com.

The folks who are organizing the Knit-Out have made available on the web 2004 Boston Knit-Out merchandise, including t-shirts, baseball jersies, hoodies, sweatshirts, mugs, bumper stickers, buttons, mugs, messenger bags, etc. Sales of this merchandise will help pay for the event.

At the event itself there will be a limited selection girlie style shirts and regular boy-style t-shirts (in blue only) and tote bags, so if you want anything else, or other t-shirt styles/colors, ordering from Cafe Press is the way to go. (The messenger bag is on sale right now for $26.99.)

Sale—and Tax Break!—This Saturday (Aug. 14) at The Knitting Room

A knitter named Katie passed this along, from the e-mail newsletter of The Knitting Room in Arlington:

End of the Season Sale
We’ll be hosting our End of the Season Sale this Saturday, August 14th. Selected cotton, cotton-blend, discontinued wool and novelty yarns will be discounted 20%-50%. This day also coincides with the statewide Sales Tax Holiday, so you'll save on books, needles, and accessories, too!

Other stuff from the Knitting Room’s newsletter:

They’re now carrying Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle Sets.

Upcoming classes include:

• Beginning Knitting for Kids (starting Aug. 11);


• Parent/Child: Learn the Knit Stitch and Parent/Child: Learn the Purl Stitch (both meet one day only, Aug. 14.);


• Hat Knitting For Kids (2 classes—first meeting is Aug. 11);


• Crochet for beginners (starts Sept. 21);


• Crochet Workshop (starts Oct. 12)


• Beginning Knitting (day and evening classes offered; daytime classes are on Tuesdays start ing Sept. 14; evening classes are on Wednesdays, starting Sept. 22);


• Next Steps for Beginners (three Thursdays, starting Sept. 2);


• Learn to Knit Cables (meets one Tuesday, Sept. 14;


• Do-it-Yourself Ponchos (three Thursdays, starting Sept. 23);


• Knitting Clinic (for help if you’re stuck on a project (meets one Saturday, Sept. 25);


• Knit Fruit Caps (two Saturdays, starting Sept. 11);


• Fixing Knitting Mistakes (one meeting, Sunday, Aug. 15);


• I Never Learned To… (a refresher on some of the basic knitting skills—meets one Saturday, Sept. 18.);


• Color Knitting (meets one Saturday, Oct. 16);


• Finishing Knitted Garments (meets one Saturday, Oct. 2);


• Socks (meets two Thursdays, starting Aug. 19);


• Hats (meets one Sunday, Aug. 22);


• Mittens (meets two Tuesdays, starting Aug. 31);

The full details on all these classes are on their web site.

The Knitting Room
2 Lake Street
Arlington, MA 02474
781-483-3442
www.knitroomboston.com
knitroomboston@verizon.net

Knitting Bags

I got this email and am posting it. I had never heard of this company before, nor have I seen their merchandise in person. The company sells handmade knitting bags.

“Thought you might be interested in a Massachusetts small business that sells knitting bags, totes & needle cases to yarn and knitting stores throughout the U.S. and on it web site:

URL: www.bettzdesigns.com
Title: Accessories by Bettz Designs
Description: Handcrafted knitting bags, totes and needlecases and many other style bags in tapestry, chenille, velvet, damask, bark cloth and other fabrics.

“Regards,
George
Bettz Designs”