Knitting in Massachusetts

Cory's Country Primitives in Sandwich

I got this e-mail from the owner of the store:

My Name is Sam Block and I read with interest your listing of Massachusetts yarn shops. … My yarn shop is located at 184 route 6A in Sandwich, Mass. I also carry country primitives [Ed. note: I'm not sure what country primitives are — I guess country-style art and/or decorative tchotckes?] and I find the two mix very well. The atmosphere in my shop is very homey. I have wood ceilings and wide plank floors. All my yarn is displayed in wooden bookcases that have individual wood cubbies which makes the yarn very easy to see and is very organized.

I carry many novelty yarns and have many different patterns knitted with some of these yarns. I also carry the basic worsted wools and wool blends. I also have many of these yarns knitted up into sweaters, hats and ponchos.

I have a growing selection of patterns and am growing a library of free Internet patterns that my customers can receive with yarn purchases.

Knitting classes are a big draw to help people get back into knitting and for teaching beginners the joy of knitting. These classes are held in the comfort of my kitchen and we have fun sitting around drinking coffee or tea. Many people just need some assistance in following a pattern and new knitters usually leave after a session well on their way to making a scarf.

Some of the yarns I carry are Plymouth, Berroco, Adirondack, Trendsetter, Crystal Palace, [and] Knitting Fever. I am expanding my yarn all the time and am happy to help a customer order a certain color and find a yarn that they would like to knit with.

Please feel free to drop by anytime and talk yarn. The best part of my business is meeting people. I am open Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 12 to 5. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10 to 5, and Sundays 11 to 5. Mondays are a catch-me-if-you-can-day, so please call before making a trip. My number is 508-888-6497. You may always leave a message. …

The classes at the store are only $5 per two-hour session. They're held on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00-3:00. You can drop by any Tuesday, but they recommend that you call ahead. A Thursday evening class time may be added soon.

Cory's Country Primitives
184 Route 6A
Sandwich, MA 02563
(508) 888-6497

See the entire list of yarn shops in Massachusetts.

KnittingHelp.com

KnittingHelp.com is a web site that offers more than 150 video clips demonstrating different knitting techniques—from basic to advanced—that you can watch for free online. That's more free knitting videos than I've seen on any other web site.

It's maintained as a hobby by knitter Amy Finlay, who made the videos herself, but the volume and quality of information on the site are much more than you might expect. In fact, it compares quite well to such sites as StitchGuide.com. (The latter site does cover other needle crafts besides knitting, though.)

In fact, KnittingHelp.com offers video clips of eight different cast-on methods alone (vs. one cast-on method on StitchGuide.com). The accompanying text for each method points out that method's pros and cons, along with when and why you might want to use that particular cast-on.

Other useful features on KnittingHelp.com:

• There are videos showing both continental (marked with pink video icons) and English versions (blue icons) of the each technique, where applicable.


• The techniques are demonstrated nice and s-l-o-w-l-y (and generally repeated a few times), so it's generally pretty easy to catch on after watching a clip just once.


• I found that the pages on KnittingHelp.com loaded faster than those on StitchGuide—though of course that can depend on a variety of factors, such as the volume of site traffic.

The site also includes

• free patterns (most designed by Amy),


• a discussion forum where you can post pictures of projects or get answers to knitting questions from other posters,


• an explanation of knitting-pattern abbreviations—which, very usefully, includes links to the videos that illustrate many of the techniques—and


• tips for beginning knitters.

I definitely recommend this site.

Fair Isle, Finishing Workshops

Mind's Eye Yarns is having these two workshops:

Fair Isle Workshop
Sunday, Nov. 7, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Learn to do two-color work carrying one color in each hand. You will also learn the trick of wrapping the yarns on the back to avoid long carries and puckering.
Taught by Kimberly O’Keeffe
Cost: $40

Handmade, Not Homemade
Sunday, Dec. 5, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Love to knit but less than happy with your finishing skills? Learn to pick yarn, work shaping, and sew seams to make your projects look truly professional.
Taught by Kimberly O’Keeffe
Cost: $40

Mind's Eye Yarns
22 White Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-7253
lucy@mindseyeyarns.com

Crafts Studio Slated to Open in Davis Square, Somerville

Expected opening is in October; crafts instructors needed.

I received this e-mail recently from Jan Stephenson, who is opening this business with her friend Amy Appleyard. I don’t know either Jan or Amy—they sent the information for possible posting to the Stitch ’n’ Bitch-Boston message board—but the studio sounds like a nice idea so I am passing the information along:

Spark Craft Studios Inc. is an exciting new business opening in Davis Square (Somerville, MA) in October 2004. Spark provides a stylish and social environment and the resources needed to make creativity an easy and fun part of everyday life. We offer our customers:

• Fresh ideas for handmade accessories, home décor, gifts, and weddings
• A comfortable and attractive crafts studio workspace
• Instruction and events scheduled to fit busy lifestyles
• Access to tools and equipment
• Expert assistance with crafts projects
• An idea-generating resource center with magazines, books, and samples
• Social events catered to new moms, young professionals and brides-to-be
• Lockers to store works-in-progress
• A retail boutique providing crafts supplies and handmade crafts
• A simple café offering tea, coffee and snacks

Spark is now accepting resumes for Crafts Instructors responsible for teaching classes within their area of expertise on a part-time, contract basis. Compensation commensurate with experience and expertise. We seek individuals with demonstrated teaching experience in the following areas:

• Bead jewelry making
• Scrapbooking
• Rubber stamping
• Card making
• Calligraphy
• Journal making
• Cake decorating
• Flower arranging
• Unique wedding favors
• Knitting
• Crochet
• Interior design made easy
• Basic sewing (mending)
• Mosaics
• Sewing for fashion and home décor
• Other crafts will also be considered.

We are looking for friendly, customer-focused instructors with a passion for helping others express their individual sense of style through crafts. Crafts Instructors design their own courses, select materials needed by class participants to complete class projects, and help Spark identify high-quality tools, equipment and resources (books, magazines, websites) of use to our studio members and drop-in guests. Instructors with a flair for incorporating today’s fashions into crafts projects for accessories, gifts, home décor and weddings preferred.

Crafts Instructors will be contracted to teach 1-2 hour classes and to remain in the studio for an hour following class to answer questions and assist class participants and studio members with crafts projects related to the Crafts Instructor’s area of expertise.

To apply for this position, send us an email with your cover letter, resume, and full contact information to: jobs@sparkcrafts.com. Please specify which crafts you would like to teach and at which levels—beginner, intermediate, or advanced—and indicate your experience teaching such classes. Thank you.

Knit-Out Web Site Updated!

For a few weeks there was no news on the official 2004 Boston Knit-Out web site.

But that’s all changed now.

Christine Q. and I finally got access to the site so we could update it. Christine did a great job making improvements to the template and adding more content to the site.

There will be further updates over the next week, leading up to the actual event on Sept. 12—and after the event, too.

Ergonomics for Knitters Workshop Coming Up Nov. 2

If you have problems with repetitive strain injuries or pain when knitting, you might be interested in this:

A woman named Ann Marie Turo is teaching a workshop on Ergonomics for Knitters at the South End Center for Adult Education (SECAE) on Nov. 2 (yes, that’s Election Day), from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The cost is $20.00. According to the SECAE web site, Turo is a board-certified occupational therapist.

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

Sale, Knitting Nights, Classes at Black Sheep Knitting Co. in Needham

Black Sheep Knitting Co. in Needham is having a sale June 23. Here’s the info:

Join us for our First Anniversary Sale!
Wednesday, June 23 2004
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

15% off all in stock Merchandise.

Special orders excluded.

May not be combined with any other offer.

Frequent Baaa-er Card may not be redeemed on sale merchandise.

Also, they are starting “Open Knit Knights” on the fourth Thursday of every month:

Stop in for an evening of knitting, chatting, and cool refreshments…..these are social evenings and instruction will not be offered. The Fourth Thursday of every Month. June 24 & July 22 & August 26

And, finally, here is a list of their upcoming spring and summer workshops:

Finishing
Sunday, May 23 1:00 – 2:30 $30.00

Have you ever worked so hard on a garment and then not FINISH it? This workshop will teach you how to sew seams, set in sleeves, make button bands, buttonholes, and collars. Your garment will have that professional look.

Scarves..Scarves..Scarves…
Saturday, June 26 10:00 – 12:00 $25.00

You’ve finished all of your winter scarves and now it’s time to be inspired for SUMMER SCARVES!!!! Come and be inspired with all of the summer fibers and colors…cotton, mohair, linen, and don’t forget all of our novelty yarns…and that ever-present eyelash. Learn new stitches and use your imagination!!!

Crochet Beaded Bracelets…
Thursday, July 1 7:00 – 9:00 $30.00

Come and spend an evening with Jan and Susan and learn to create those beaded bracelets, swirls and spirals with beautiful glistening beads. You don’t even need to know how to crochet! We will provide all the materials, but, there is some prep work…ask about it…we will explain…A fantastic summer project to do while sitting on your front porch…get ready for holiday gifts…

Make the Leap from Scarves to Sweaters…
Saturdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7, 14 10:00 – 11:30 $40.00
(attend 4 out of 6 sessions)

We will give you the courage to make the leap from scarves to a baby sweater…everybody knows someone who is having a baby…maybe it’s you. Take our suggestion about the pattern choices and join this 4-week class.

Sox…Sox…Sox
Thursdays, July 15 & 29 August 5 & 12 7:00 – 9:00 $40.00

Have fun with Jane and Le Anne while they unfold the mysteries of making socks. It is so very exciting to “turn a heel.” Sox are great portable projects and they make great gifts.

Black Sheep Knitting Company
1500 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
781-444-0694

Lily Chin Workshops, Book Signing June 25-27 at Woolcott

Woolcott & Company in Harvard Square still has space in three workshops that will be taught by knitwear designer Lily Chin.

There are two half-day workshops on Saturday, June 26: one on how to knit reversible cables and another called “Tips, Tricks, and Hints.”

On Sunday, June 27, there’s an all-day workshop on how to custom-fit existing patterns.

All three workshops include lunch with Lily.

The workshops should definitely be worthwhile. Lily Chin is known for her technical knitting expertise. I went to some workshops with her that Woolcott had a year or two ago and I learned a lot.

Besides teaching the workshops, Lily Chin will be at Woolcott on Friday, June 25, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., to sign copies of her books. She has a new book out called Knit and Crochet with Beads.

For more information on the workshops and book signing, go to www.woolcottandcompany.com/sallylily.html.