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!

Times Square KAL: Day 1

Did you start your Times Square today?  We had fun starting ours at Stash!  If you are knitting along with us at home here are a few tips:

1.  Knit a gauge swatch and wet block it to get correct gauge!

2.  The pattern refers to using a fancy "alternate cable cast on"  I chose to use this one, if you choose to use your good ole stand by, the long tail, it will be just fine!

3.  We also found it easier to keep track of your pattern by placing stitch markers on Row 1 (after the ten rows of garter) as follows:  (P1, K1) 7 times total (or 14 sts) p1, place marker here, knit recommended sts, place marker here,  continue in pattern.

It's fun to see the many ways people knit, the colors and yarn they choose, and the accessories they need.  I managed to remember to take a few pictures of our KAL at Stash

I'm a little old school, I like to use the paper pattern and write notes all over it, I also need my stitch markers ready.  Kate on the other hand seems to be very minimalistic, just her project and IPad.  Margaret, like me, has all her supplies at the ready.  

Times Square KAL

Times Square Knit-a-Long starting September 2nd!

This sweater will be your absolute go-to piece for the season and maybe for the rest of your life!  It has timeless style, great fit, and is knit with the most amazing yarn!  Times Square is worked in one piece form the bottom of the back to the bottom of the front.  There is minimal seaming and no picking up stitches.

Join us in person at Stash 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

or Knit-along with us on our blog where we will be posting our progress and tips!

knitting my swatch for the times square KAL

My swatch is knit and ready to go!  Do you have your swatch done yet?  We can help you with that!  Swatching is one of the most important things you should do before you start any project.  The next most important thing is to block that swatch!  Read all about the importance of blocking from Courtney and Kate of Kelbourne Woolens on their blog.

times square by norah gaughan
knit with knightsbridge beaverden

times square knit by kate
with knightsbridge poole

For more information visit our web site: www.stashcastlerock.com

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!

Build Your Knitting Skills with the Building Blocks Workshop

We will meet the first Sunday of the month: August 2, September 13*, October 4, November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 6, April3, May 1, June 5, July 10* 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

*September and July will meet the second Sunday due to holidays

$15.00 per session (pay as you go rate)or $150 for all 12 sessions

This will be an on going workshop.  You can join in at any time.  Take one class or take them all!  You can  take individual classes depending on your skill needs.  This workshop is sure to help you gain the comfidence you need to become a better knitter!

Supplies:  Multi-color afghan will need 12 skiens of SimpliWorsted.  One-color Afghan will need 10 skeins of SimpliWorsted.  If you choose to make the one-color afghan, you will need to order the yarn in advance to ensure matching dye lots.  24" US 10 circular needle, and Building Blocks Pattern Book.  All supplies are 10% off!

Every pattern in the "Building Blocks" book focuses on the development of a skill while knitting a lovely square. Each square, or block, builds upon the skills learned in the previous patterns, giving knitters more confidence, knowledge and skill.   You will master each technique before moving to a more advanced concept.  At the completion of the series, the reward is an abundance of knitting know-how along with 12 gorgeous blocks to assemble into a sampler afghan.  This could be the year you will blossom from a beginner knitter to a confident knitter!

This is a skill building workshop.  Students need to know how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off

Scoreboard KAL

Join Stash in the 2015 Scoreboard KAL!

We will be meeting Mondays 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm during the football season to catch up on our scoring knitting, do a little bragging, or for moral support!  The first regular season game is Thursday, Sept 10^th, our KAL will begin Monday, Sept 14th

Sign up and purchase your team colors by August 20^th.  The first ten to sign up and purchase/order yarn will receive a prize!

Supplies: Hikoo Simplicity: 6 skeins MC for home scores, 6 skeins CC for opponent scores, 1 skein CC1 for end of game (this skein is optional), US 7 16” circular

I will be knitting with Denver Bronco colors, blue to represent the Broncos and orange to represent the opposing team.  Color card available at Stash!  Click here for the Denver schedule.

Hitchhiker Shawl KAL!

I think everyone I know who is a knitter has this project in their favorites or in their queue on Ravlery.  I know I do!  It's time we cast on the Hitchhiker Shawl.  What better way to do it, than to do it together!  We will meet Wednesdays in July on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.

July 8th: part 1, we will meet, get yarn/needles/pattern, CO project and get started! Pattern available at Stash!

July 15th: part 2, we will meet to work further on the shawl and encourage each other to keep going so we will finish!

July 22nd: part 3, we will discuss BO options and hopefully BO our project so we can enjoy our shawl for when we need it for those cool Autumn evenings!

hitchhiker shawl
picture by designer taken from ravelry

Rose City Rollers Sock KAL!

The perfect summer project: Sporty, Shorty, Sweet Summer socks!  I guess everybody is doing them, are you?  I’m knitting up the Rose City Roller Socks right now and am having so much fun!  But I am famous for having one-sock-syndrome, so I think you should join me for knit-a-long.  Maybe I’ll have at least one pair but I’m hoping to have a few done before summer is over! 

the heel flap of my Rose City Rollers Sock

Fridays in June, starting June 5^th, 1-3 pm at Stash.  No need to RSVP, just show up!   You can hop in at any time during the KAL and start your very own pair of Rose City Roller Socks!  We have some really great sock yarn for you to choose to make your pair.  The pattern is free on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rose-city-rollers

Rose City Roller Sock pic from designer Mara Catherine Bryner

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.

Knitter's Pride Needle Tasting

Stash is having a Knitter's Pride 

Needle Tasting!

Saturday, May 16th 10 am - 4 pm

and

Sunday, May 17th Noon - 4 pm

It was so much fun the last two years so Stash is having a Knitter's Pride Needle Tasting again this year!

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

We will have refreshments and door prizes too!

Mother's Day is May 10th!

Gift ideas from Stash!

Mother's Day is May 10th! Stash has the perfect gift for your fiber lovin' Momma! If she has more yarn than she can knit/crochet in a lifetime, how about a project bag to carry all that awesomeness:)

How about some nifty notions to go inside that cute little bag, or a pendant showing her favorite hobby. We also have Stash Gift Cards available for any amount!

If your mom just can't get enough yarn, we have beautiful skeins of hand dyed and handspun yarn from artists both local and national!