The Stitchery - Sherwood Park, Alberta
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Tag: yarn

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I think every day should be buy local day and not just for yarn. When I started building up my personal stash of yarn (not on purpose by any means but it just kind of happens as you all know), I purchased most of my yarn from Michael’s with the occasional treat from a LYS (local yarn store) if I needed something particular. I then got in the habit of buying a skein of yarn from the cities I travel to as a souvenir rather than having another magnet or teddy bear or what not. I love going into the independent shops in my travels and chatting with the owners and I fully expect to pay double or triple for some sock yarn (compared to Michael’s shopping where I never go without at least a 40% off coupon).

When I started crocheting, I got hooked (pun intended) on CALs (crochet-alongs). The CALs typically recommend a kit from a company such as Rowan, Scheepjes, Stylecraft, etc. Because I couldn’t just walk into a Michael’s to buy the kits (or even a ball of this coveted yarn), I started to look online. That is when I discovered the big online retailers. I could order the kit from a big online store and get it shipped to me in a reasonable amount of time for a reasonable price. Great … until I started to feel guilty.

My family eats at locally owned restaurants whenever possible and we try to buy from farmers’ markets and other local retailers so it seemed hypocritical to be ordering a box of yarn from the UK or the US. I did a little research and found The Knotty House in Calgary! Calgary is about 3 hours from me which, by Canadian standards, makes it a local shop! Of course I would rather buy from there! I immediately hopped on the website and picked the kit and clicked add to cart and I’m ready to check out … and then shipping is added to my total and it’s a full stop for me. I realize shipping from Calgary is more than double than from the big UK retailer. I abandon my order and proceed to start ordering from the UK to save about $7 (on about $150 of yarn to put it into context). Then, I get an email from The Knotty House saying I’ve left something in my cart and do I want to complete my transaction? If not, why not? I email back stating I’m sorry but I can get the product for the same price from the UK and the shipping is cheaper. As I’m typing I realize how ridiculous this is. If I can afford $150 of yarn, I can put my money where my mouth is and pay the extra 5% or so to buy it from the shop in Calgary!

Long story short (it never is with me haha), I now buy all of my Scheepjes yarn from The Knotty House in Calgary and the lovely owner Laura has been an amazing mentor to me as I opened my online shop!

While shopping local is the right decision for me (whenever possible), I’m not at all saying people should not shop at Wal-Mart. I’m simply asking that you look at what options are out there and decide what’s the right decision for you.

Every sale I make, means something to me as I didn’t open a yarn shop to be on the Forbes list – I love yarn and making things and want to share that passion with others. I’ve already met so many lovely folks through yarn, knitting and crocheting and I’m excited to meet more of you! If anyone wants to give a shout out to a local business of any kind in their area, please leave a comment below.

As a thank you for supporting my local shop, until midnight MST on April 21, you will get 15% off your purchase using the coupon code LYSDAY (cannot be combined with other discounts but free shipping still applies on orders > $100).

~ Monika ~

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In News
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It’s April and it certainly doesn’t feel like spring yet where we are in Alberta! There is still plenty of snow on the ground and subzero temperatures. I’m not too upset about it though as it’s a great excuse for knitting and I’m excited to make up a pair of socks with the new yarn that just arrived.

Spring Socks

I have 8 awesome graffiti inspired colours of German-made Supersocke. Supersocke is a 4 ply Superwash virgin wool blend (25% polyamide to give you stretch and durability). This wool is perfect for gorgeous socks that you don’t have to be afraid to wear because you can toss them in the washing machine.

If you’re a sock knitter and haven’t tried the fish kissed lips heel yet, I urge you to give it a go. I just recently found out about it and decided to give it a try and I will never make a regular heel again. It is so easy to remember the pattern and there are great YouTube videos and photos to walk you through the steps if you’re more of a visual learner. Get the pattern Ravelry for $1.00 USD. It is definitely the best dollar I have ever spent! Thanks to Sox Therapist for changing my life as a sock knitter.

Spring Baby Knits

New in stock for baby is the budget-friendly but still soft and durable Jack & Jill Little Darlings and the luxurious super soft Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk.

The Baby Cashmere isn’t just for babies and kiddos though, there’s nothing wrong with knitting yourself a lovely cardi or top with this luxurious wool. You will definitely know why it’s sublime when you get your hands on it.

On-The-Go Knitting

If you’re anything like me, you have a knitting project with you everywhere you go – car rides, plane trips, doctor’s appointments, kids’ sporting events, coffee with friends …

One of my favourite finds and must have accessories is the Sidekick Bag. The Sidekick Bags are sewn by women in Pakistan with supplies provided to them by Diamond Yarn. The women sew these lovely, durable project bags which allows them to become self-sufficient to support their families. The bag is completed with a draw string close and has a snap loop to allow you to attach it to another bag, purse strap, stroller, etc.

Toss your yarn and your needles or hook in one of these colourful bags and you’re ready to take your project on the road while supporting hard-working women and their families in Pakistan.

Happy Spring,

~ Monika ~

 

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Sock knitting is becoming more popular than ever! There are so many amazing sock yarns available now from the large companies as well as independent dyers that it’s hard to choose. If you want your socks to hold up for wearing, it is important to choose the correct yarn. Merino blends are amazing as they are soft and luxurious feeling while holding up well to frequent wash and wear.  The Cascade Heritage 150 Prints (currently on sale!) is a self-striping merino/acrylic blend which works up beautifully.

Coming soon to The Stichery is Supersocke in eight fun graffiti colourways! Supersocke is a wool/acrylic blend which washes and wears well.

We currently stock some great knitting needles to get you going. Whether you choose a set of double pointed (DPNs) or the very popular red lace circular, we have just the right size for sock knitting!

Once you’ve decided on your yarn and picked your needles, these socks aren’t going to knit themselves! The good news is there are great sock knitting tutorials online – many even with videos – and there are great knitting instructors offering classes.  My favourite knitting tutorial (via blog) can be found at Winwick Mum.  Christine from Winwick Mum covers all the sock knitting basics and even provides a free pattern!

Stitchery owner Monika recently completed these super easy socks using Cascade Heritage 150 prints following the basic pattern from Winwick Mum. As you can see, the Cascade 150 works up into a fancy patterned stripe making even a novice sock knitter look like a pro. 

If you are in the Edmonton area, drop us a line if you would like to be invited to future knitting classes. Even if you’re not in the area, we would love to hear from you and see some of your fabulous socks. If you are an indie yarn dyer, feel free to leave a shameless plug in the comments.

~ Happy Knitting ~

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