More Great Gift Ideas!

We now have 2+ weeks to get our hand knits and crochet projects finished!  We can do it!  If you need some inspiration, here are a few of my favorite quick knit and crochet projects.  They are all fast projects that are fun to make and wear! 

farmhouse slippers

Farmhouse Slippers, by Andrea Mowry. I'm in love with the Mukluks and these are on the top of my list! They knit up surprisingly fast, which makes them a great last minute gift.  You hold two strands of sport weight yarn which delivers a beautiful marled effect, or you can grab a heavy worsted weight yarn in a natural color for a rustic slipper.  With sizes from toddler to adult, you can have your whole family relaxing in comfort!  Yarn and pattern available at Stash!

nina hat

Nina Hat, This is a basic ribbed hat made interesting by the lovely texture of chunky Manos Franca yarn and the addition of a moss stitch yoke.  It is very simple and quick to knit and uses just one skein, which makes it perfect for beginners and for gifts!  The pattern is free and the yarn is available at Stash!

apple crisp cowl

Apple Crisp Cowl  by designer Little Monkeys Crochet. The Apple Crisp Cowl is the perfect accessory. It can cozy up a white t-shirt and jeans ensemble, and its non-bulky front lets you add it underneath your coat with ease. The pattern is free and yarn is available at Stash!

silver and spice hood

Silver and Spice Hood by designer Salena Baca.  Girls of all ages will be warm for the holidays with this festive hood! Available in sizes toddler to adult.  The chunky yarn crochets up quick, and the simple texture adds a fashionable look that you can enjoy for years to come!  The pattern is free and yarn is available at Stash!

Don't forget about yourself!  Stop by Stash and fill out a "Wish List"  so you can get what you really, really want!   Your friends and family can then bring the list to Stash and we will help them shop for the perfect gift, like that yarn you've been lusting after, a new set of needles, or a blocking kit so all your projects will be perfectly finished.   

gifts for you or your favorite fiber lover!

Great Gift Ideas!

It's that time of year.  We all know it's coming, but yet it sneaks up on us every time!  Here are a few of my favorite quick knit and crochet projects.  They are all fast projects that are fun to make and wear! 

arika cowl

Arika Cowl, by Jane Richmond. This one skein cowl is fast and fun to knit and absolutely effortless to wear.  Using just one skein of Hikoo Kenzington, it pairs beautifully with a denim top and looks just as fabulous worn over a tank in the summer making it a very versatile accessory for year-round wear. It is an ideal gift knit or instant gratification knit for yourself!  The pattern and yarn are available at Stash!

 

kingsley hat

Kingsley Hat  The Kingsley is a great unisex hat pattern with sizing for either a more traditional fitted look, or a more relaxed slouchy fit.  Our hat was knit using the newest yarn in the Manos line up, Gloria, which is an amazing worsted weight, machine-washable, super soft yarn available in gorgeous colors. What more is there to want?  The pattern and are are available at Stash!

audrey boots

Audrey Boots  by designer Mamachee.  These super comfy slipper boots are sure to become a staple for anyone on your list!  Grab your favorite bulky yarn and big hooks.  I bet you can't make just one pair!  The pattern and yarn are available at Stash!

dewey decimal cowl

Dewey Decimal Cowl by designer Heather Walpole of Ewe Ewe Yarns.  Crochet in a Stash favorite, Wool Worsted, this cowl will keep you warm and stylish while you are reading your favorite book or making your next handmade project!  Did you notice the Granny Square pattern?  Granny squares are my favorite!  The yarn is available at Stash, the pattern is free on Ravelry or on theEwe Ewe web site!

Don't forget about yourself!  Stop by Stash and fill out a "Wish List"  so you can get what you really, really want!   Your friends and family can then bring the list to Stash and we will help them shop for the perfect gift, like that yarn you've been lusting after, a new set of needles, or a blocking kit so all your projects will be perfectly finished.   

The Art of Blocking

There are a few different ways to block your project once it's finished.  The two most common are wet-blocking and steaming.  Occasionally I will steam block, but  I prefer wet blocking and do this about 99% of the time.  

Learn how I wet block at the end of this post!  

I often am asked if blocking is really necessary.  My answer is always "ABSOLUTELY!" it's the finishing touch on your project.  Wet blocking is immersing your project in water and wool wash (we love Kookaburra), which opens the fibers making them bloom.  They become softer and smoother.  

Another reason I believe wet blocking is important: wet blocking = washing.  Think of all the places your project has been while you were working on it: in the car, at the doctor/dentist office, used as a dog pillow, on an air plane, etc.  We'd be fools not to wash it!

Blocking also evens out your stitches, which is especially true for stitch patterns such as lace and stranded color work which need wet blocking to smooth out the stitches to show the true nature of the pattern.  

Here are a few tools available at Stash to help with blocking:

Knitter's Block  The Knitter’s Block is a set of 12” square blocking tiles that snap together like pieces of a puzzle. The Original Knitter's Block kit contains 9 tiles, an instruction pamphlet, 30 t-pins, and 36" × 36" 100% cotton pressing cloth

Sweater Care Kit  The Sweater Care Kit contains everything you need for handwashing and blocking your hand-knit items and all of your fine hand-washables. The kit is perfect for blocking seamless sweaters or accessories which do not require pinning.  Kit contains: two fine mesh, zippered laundry bags (small: 8" × 12 × 8", large: 8" × 22" × 8"), one large super-absorbent towel, one super-absorbent grid towel, inches and centimeters on opposite sides, one mesh pop-up dryer, a bottle of unscented Eucalan wash, and the jute bag

Knitter's Keep  A silicone slap bracelet fits any size wrist and sports a brushed steel-plated magnet. Nickel-plated accessories attach to the magnet to keep what you need where you need it most.  Like T-pins used in blocking!  Kit includes: One silicone slap bracelet, 10 large round stitch markers,10 small round stitch markers,10 opening stitch markers, 2 cable needles, 2 curved-tip tapestry needles.  T-pins not included, but you can get them at Stash!

How to Wet block:

You will need: 1 towel, wool wash (we love kookaburra), a blocking surface (we use the Knitter's Block kit) or a large towel will work, stainless steel pins, and a tape measure

Directions:

1. Fill sink with cool/cold water and add wool wash.  Soak project for 10 - 15 minutes to get the fiber saturated.  Do not fuss with the project too much, you don't want it to felt!

2. Remove item from the sink and gently squeeze out as much water as you can.  Do not twist or ring.

3. Lay a clean, dry towel on the floor and lay your project on it.  Roll the towel up into a tube and press down on it to get as much excess water out.  I like to step on the towel to really get as much water out as I can.

4. Unroll the towel and set aside.  Begin blocking by laying out the piece in the general shape and size it should be.  Use any given measurements in the pattern as a guide for sizing

5. Once pinned i place, let it dry completely.  Once dry, unpin your piece, finish any weaving in of ends, or other finishing work, and wear or gift with pride!

We Love Gradient Packs!

knerd string and wonderland gradient packs

Gradient Kits make me swoon, but I often wonder "what do I make with this?"  I've heard the same form many of you, so I've come up with a few ideas for us to knit or crochet!

my antarktis shawl using
wonderland yarns gradient kit

Knit: Antarktis Shawl, Gradient Mitts, Ombre Waves Shawl, Easy Shawl

Crochet: Augusta Shawl, Perfect Darkness, Crochet Striped Wrist Warmers

augusta shawl crochet by
Manos dul Uruguay yarns

Stash is Celebrating SIX Years!

Stash is Celebrating SIX Years!

  

Saturday, August 1st 10 am - 5 pm

Join us Saturday, August 1st, and help us celebrate SIX years of Stash!  There will be treats and refreshments as well as goodies and prizes!

Can you believe it's already been six years? Neither can we, our growth wouldn't have been possible without you! As we look back on the past six years, it is all happiness, love and the most amazing people in the world, YOU!  We are so thankful for each and every one of you, and we know that this amazing community would not be possible without each of you! If you have not visited our new space at 360 Perry Street, this is the perfect time to do it!  Thank you for being a part of Stash, and here's to another spectacular year, CHEERS!

Summer Sale of the Week is Back at Stash!

Summer Sale of the Week!

It's time again for the  Summer Sale of the Week at Stash!

This week until Saturday, June 6th

All yarn with Alpaca are 20% off!

if it has Alpaca in the "ingredients" it's on sale!

During the months of June and July you will save 20% off select merchandise! 

*Sale limited to stock on hand - no special orders, does not include clearance items, classes, or gift certificates.  May not be combined with other discounts or coupons. No returns or exchanges on sale purchases.

Surprise Sunday is Back!

This Sunday, May 3rd, is our first Surprise Sunday of 2015!

Stash will be open Noon - 4pm

The first 10 customers will receive a special surprise!

Great Gifts for the Last Minute!

holy cowl

A FREE pattern from Ewe Ewe Yarns!  " Here is a fun little project just right for knitting on the go.  Holy Cowl knites up easily in the round on size 10 needles and is nice and light with the unique hole stitch pattern."

non felted slippers

A FREE pattern on Ravelry!  The non felted slippers knit up in an evening or two.  This is the non-sewing version and in knit totally in the round (no seaming)  which saves some time!  Here is the original version of the pattern knit back and forth and sewed at the sole and heel.

dewey decicowl

A FREE pattern from Ewe Ewe Yarns!  This is a  super cute, super fast cowl that can be worn with or without the button tab!

Great Gift Ideas for Last Minute!

crochet candy ornaments

Enjoy this FREE pattern from The Purl Bee.  These sweet candy inspired ornaments will make a great gift!  Use them as a gift tag, or make plenty for multiple gift giving for your co-workers, teachers, and friends.  They crochet up really quick and the stripes are super easy using just a back stitch between the rows!

jolly wee elf

"This little fellow will look just right on your holiday tea table, tree, or gift packages. Or make a choir of carolers to deck the mantel or peek out of stockings come Christmas morning." Churchmouse offers this pattern for FREE!  I will be making few of these cute little elves today, sitting by the fire while the snow falls outside :)

pictures borrowed from designers from ravelry.com

Great Gifts for Last Minute!

sparrow mitts

"Fashionably reach for your wallet or your keys with our Sparrow Mitts. Pretty enough to wear out to tea, these Sparrow Mitts are feminine and functional. The interesting all over cable pattern reminds us of the tracks of a little bird. Combine Sparrow Mitts with the Timberline Hat for a matching set."  Pattern is available for purchase at Stash!

timberline hat

"The Timberline Hat has a wonderful allover cable texture that resembles the lines of evergreen trees growing at the top or our favorite local mountain. Combine the Timberline Hat with the Sparrow Mitts for a matching set."  Pattern and yarn available at Stash!

wearever wrap

The Wearever Wrap by Ewe Ewe yarns is awesome!  You will love crocheting this retro-inspired accessory that will go with any outfit!  Granny squares are super fast to crochet, you may make one for a gift then start one for yourself! Pattern and yarn available to purchase at Stash!

Great Gifts for the Last Minute!

crochet! in bloom beret or cap

Enjoy this Free crochet pattern, by Brittney Waterhouse, on Ravelry! Make this cute cap style or the beret style in no time. I bet you make more than one!

wabi mitts

I love these Wabi Mitts by Fringe Association, another FREE pattern on Ravelry!  I can see many mitts made with The Fibre Co.'s Meadow yarn. This is a great pattern for any guy or gal on your knit-list!

olivia cowl

This Olivia Cowl is AWESOME!  Again, a FREE pattern on Ravelry, from Swan's Island Yarns.  This cowl uses just one skein of Swan's Island Worsted and is the perfect pattern for this yarn. Knit on the bias using the basket weave stitch, it looks like you put more work into it than you did.  You may have good intentions of making this as a gift, but you may just end up giving it to yourself!

all pictures from the designers used on ravlery.com

Great Gift Ideas for Last Minute!

Seriously folks!  It's getting to be crunch time.  If you are anything like me you have about (oh who's counting!) gifts to make and only 24 days to do them!  I've been searching for great last minute gift ideas and I would like to share them with you. These are great gift ideas for the last minute crafter like myself:

snow on the laurel

"These pretty Arm Warmers feature an eye catching center cable surrounded by Reverse Stockinette to help showcase the delicate leaf pattern

For easier knitting the pattern is written worked inside out so you’re knitting mostly in Stockinette while the center cable stitches are created on the Purl side of the work. Simply turn the warmer right side out when completed to reveal the cables. Viola! Fun, simple, and oh so pretty. Since there is no thumb hole, you can also wear these as leg warmers."

Can you say no thumb gusset shaping = quick knit, even if you have to make two :)

This pattern is free for now on Ravlery until Christmas, so hurry over there and download it now~

peaked hat

Another FREE pattern on Ravlery the crocheted Peaked Hat is the perfect go to hat for the season!  Pick out a couple of you favorite buttons to show and start hooking!

Keep checking back here, I have many more projects to share!

Manos del Uruguay's Alegria

In Spanish Alegria means Joy.  I have to say when you knit with this hand-painted sock yarn from Manos del Uruguay all you feel is joy!  The colors alone are enough to brighten any grey day, then there is the softness of the superwash merino.  Alegria is the perfect choice for any fingering weight project, from socks to shawls and even baby projects.  I've knit a couple shawls and love them, I've seen socks knit with it and they are amazing!  If you are not into the super bights above, you can try a more subdue palette like the skeins below, which I think are perfect Autumn colors!

New Books That Are Must Haves!

I'm in love with these books!  Huge Huggable Mochimochi is filled with 20 super sized lovable projects perfect for gift giving.  If supersized sounds a like too much to knit, check out 50 Yards of Fun you can knit a colony of delightful critters using only 50 yarns of  yarn, can you say stash buster!  Make a mini version of yourself, your friends, and celebrities too with AmiguruMe.  You will learn everything you need to depict the face of the person you are designing to getting the clothes, hair, and accessories just perfect!  The possibilities are endless!  Monster Knits for Little Monsters is seriously about the cutest book I have ever seen.  You will be knitting little critter hats for kiddos everywhere!  There are patterns for cute cuddly bears, owl, dinosaurs, aliens and more, there are patterns to make matching mitten paws and socks too!  Put a bird on it!  Knits of a Feather has 20 beautiful hat, cowl, shawl, sweater, and household patterns inspired by birds in nature.  Mollie Makes Crochet is full of 20 cute projects for the home plus tips and tricks for crochet.  If you ever wanted an excuse to learn to crochet, this is it!  Projects include blankets, placemats, napkins, potholders and coasters, and toys and gifts.

Knitter's Pride Needle Tasting

Knitter's Pride Needle Tasting

June 28 and 29  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Stash is having a Knitter's Pride Needle Tasting!

Come and try out all the different kinds of needles and hooks Knitter's Pride has to offer.  If you find a new favorite, we will be taking special orders!

We will have refreshments and door prizes too!

Summer Sale of the Week!

June 24th - June 29th

All Manos Yarns are 20% off!!

Experience Manos this week and see why it is one of our favorite yarns to knit and crochet with!  Every skein of Manos yarn is lovingly created by the women of Hands on Uruguay, a not-for-profit artisan cooperative. 

Doing good aside, it's just plain gorgeous yarn!

yarns included in sale: lace, fino, alegria, serena, silk blend, maxima, classica    

During the months of June and July you will save 20% off select merchandise! 

Sale limited to stock on hand - no special orders. May not be combined with other discounts or coupons. No returns or exchanges on sale purchases.

BOGO Classes and Sale of the Week!

BOGO Classes

feather and fan Sign up for a class in June and/or July and get one free! Or sign yourself up for a class and bring a friend for FREE!   *the free class will be the lesser value of the classes signed up for.  Classes must be taken in the months of June and July.   Knitting Classes Beginning Knit Basic Knit Hat Drop Stitch Scarf Feather and Fan Scarf Honey Cowl Learn Cables Brioche Baby Blanket Oruga Scarf Fix Mistakes Finishing Techniques Knit to Fit  granny garland Crochet Classes Beginning Crochet Granny Square Granny Garland Crochet Stash Bag  Tunisian Crochet For more information on class schedules and prices visit the web site: www.fystash.com

____________________________________________________ Sale of the Week (SOTW) During the months of June and July you will save 20% off select merchandise! Today marks the official beginning of Summer, at least according to Stash that is! What that means for you is an entire Summer of exciting Sales of the Week! Every week, from June 1st to July 31st, we will offer one product or group of products at a discount of 20% off to you, our loyal customers and fans. And, we're starting with 20% off Berroco yarns! First SOTW:  ALL Berroco Yarns are 20% off! June 1st - June 8th *Sale limited to stock on hand - no special orders. May not be combined with other discounts or coupons. No returns or exchanges on sale purchases.