WEBS Yarn Store Blog

2019 Capstone Graduation Wrap-Up

Amy G. — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 19:23:46 +0000

June is graduation month, and the knitting world is no different from the rest of the world. WEBS Expert Knitter Certification Program celebrated six new graduates as they proudly displayed their Capstone sweaters. Since the blog world isn’t able to be at ALL of our events, here is a recap of the beauty of that night.

Katie Carr knit an extraordinary cropped pullover, inspired by a family heirloom sweater that has been loved for generations. Her all-over eyelet pattern on the back, complemented by the King Charles Brocade element on the front neckline made this delicious fingering weight cashmere yarn sing. Knit in Valley Yarns Greylock, Katie’s attention to detail was sharp and constant, and it shows.

Rachel Vigderman’s sweater also was inspired by a vintage piece she owned many years ago as a Bergdorf Goodman employee. She remembered it clearly and even found an old picture of it (after it was already knit!) and the resemblance was remarkable. Knit in Plymouth Homestead Tweed, it’s comfy and figure-flattering, with beautiful details that include a collar with a contrasting facing and lined pockets.

Eileen Foley created a traditional textured long cardigan with a thoughtful stand-up collar that can be buttoned up to the neck in case of a Big Chill, or unbuttoned to lay flat, using a reversible stitch pattern. Genius! From the intricate cables, to the saddle shoulders, to the hi-lo hem with cabled vents, this sweater was a work of art.

Nicole Chapman had a very simple proposal for a V-neck pullover, keeping in mind the caveat that if you don’t put in too many elements, there’s less to go wrong…but her yarn took her in a different direction. Classic Elite Arietta (sadly, discontinued since Classic Elite went out of business) is such a dreamy soft fiber that she decided to put in 2 ombre color changes, and to highlight the neckline with a solid contrasting color. It was well-thought-out and fits her personality (and her!) perfectly.

Melissa Holland-Peters also went with the “Keep It Simple” narrative, but let her yarn do the talking. Madeline Tosh Farm Twist in a pearly pink shade complements her coloring so well, and the yarn itself was sturdy enough to support her banded collar and button band in an eye-catching seed stitch. Melissa played by the rules of variegated yarn by switching skeins every other row to make sure her colors didn’t pool or make stripes and her diligence paid off.

Beth Phelps wins the “comes from farthest away” award, as she treks in for classes from Williamstown, where she runs a yarn shop and tends to her flock of alpacas. You can see her love of fiber in the striped sweater she knit in Blue Sky Fiber Woolstok, using a Fibonacci sequence for her striping. She even calculated the Fibonacci to sleeve proportions, which was a leap of faith!

All of our new grads have been given their place on the WEKP Plaque, proudly displayed in our classroom. Congratulations to everyone, and I hope we’ll see you next year!

Yarn, Needle and Gauge Choices with Guest Author Jody Richards of Knotions!

Marykate — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 12:55:19 +0000

Yarn, Needle and Gauge Choices

Picking these three things is the holy grail of knitting! We have lots of options, but it shouldn’t paralyze you into not making any choice. Or, worse yet, just throwing your hands up in the air and “choosing” to just use what’s on the ball band.

Yarn Choices

This is probably the easiest of the three. Are you attracted to a specific color? Or maybe, you’ve used the yarn before, so you already know what to expect.

Don’t limit your choices just to what you know and have used before. There are SO MANY great options available – different colorways, unusual spins/plies and even branching out into other fibers. Haven’t tried a chainette ply before? Or, maybe that one cotton you used really hurt your hands so you swore it off. For me, I used a single yarn way back in the day and didn’t like it, so I swore off all singles after that. Fortunately, I tried it again because I LOVE LOVE LOVE singles and the way they take the dye. I’m so happy I tried it again because I learned just how much I love them.

If you’re curious to read more about yarns, fibers and how to evaluate if one yarn is good when another was recommended, the Knotions post on substituting yarns can be a great tool for you to use.

Needle Choices

You probably have your favorite brand of needles, tip type and material choice (for me, it’s metal ChiaoGoo Needles) but that doesn’t stop me from keeping other needles in my stash. I use them when they fit the bill.

A couple things to consider

Your Own Way of Knitting – Do you tend to knit tightly? More loosely? This is probably something you adjust for without even thinking about it and you probably say something like this to yourself “well, they suggest a US#8, but I know that’ll be a US#6 for me”. If you do something like this, then you’re well on your way!
Material – Do you want the grip of a wood? Or maybe, you need the slickness of metal. They both have their uses (and I even have several pairs of DPNs even though I don’t ever use them in the “traditional” way for small-circumference knitting.
Size – Are you looking to work the yarn at a “regular” gauge? Or maybe, you want to make it tighter (often, this is the case with socks). Or possibly, you’re making a lace piece and you want a bigger needle so it’s airy and light. All these options can make sense!

Gauge Choices

The gauge on the ball band is really just a suggestion and isn’t meant to be an “all other gauges are subpar” kind of statement.

What does this mean for me?

Gauge is such a personal thing, and I really don’t think you can make a good decision until you’ve worked up a few gauge swatches to see. The same yarn can be worked in a variety of gauges, and, depending on the application – EVERY ONE OF THEM is worthwhile and valuable.

This is just another way of saying to respect your thoughts, respect your impressions and take into account how you expect the piece to be worn and laundered afterwards.

Final Thoughts

Yarn, needle and gauge don’t have to be a mystery! In fact, at this point in my knitting journey I can often see a yarn and think “I’ll use these needles and this gauge”, but there are times when even I just don’t know. And in those times, working a gauge swatch is really my only answer.

The important thing is – don’t be limited by what the ball band says. Use it as a guide – but only as a guide. It can tell you important things, just don’t treat it like it’s written in stone and is never to be strayed from because you’ll miss out on some great options!

About the Author – Jody Richards is the founder of Knotions Magazine and has been an avid knitter and crocheter for almost 40 years. Her mission is to make sure that people don’t put garter stitch edges on their gauge swatches (read more about them in this post) and she thinks that both knitting and crochet are viable crafts.

Ready Set Knit! Show 549: Kathy’s Year End Review With Carol Sulcoski and Our Last Episode!

Marykate — Sat, 15 Dec 2018 12:17:53 +0000

This week is our very last episode of Ready, Set, Knit! While it’s bittersweet for us here at WEBS, as we will miss sharing our yarn picks each week and chatting with guests about the goings on in the store and the fiber community, we’re so excited to move on to other things and are soooo looking forward to a bright and yarn filled 2019!

Listen to hear Kathy talk with Carol Sulcoski all about knitting trends from the past year, and to hear more about what to expect from the fiber industry in 2019! Thank you for listening to the past 549 episodes with us!

Our Holiday 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click HERE to check it out!

Upcoming Events

WEBS is open on Sundays for the holiday season this year! We’ll be here from 12-5 for all of your holiday shopping needs! Our last Sunday opening is Sunday, December 23rd, so if you’re going to be in Northampton, don’t forget to stop by and say hi!

WEBS is having adding a SPRING RETREAT to our roster for 2019!!! For more information, check out the info on our site here. Sign-ups will take place January 17, 2019 at 12:00pm EST

Reminders

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 548: Kathy Talks With Amy Greeman About The WEBS Spring Retreat

Mary — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 14:00:29 +0000

This week, Kathy is talking with our Education Manager, Amy Greeman about our 2019 Spring Retreat! A brand new event for us. Teachers include Patty Lyons, Nicky Epstein, Susan B. Anderson, Michelle Hunter (KnitPurlHunter), Julia Farwell-Clay, Fiona Ellis. You don’t want to miss out on this one!

For more information, check out the info on our site here.

Sign-ups will take place January 17, 2019 at 12:00pm EST

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Holiday 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click HERE to check it out!

Upcoming Events

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 547: Kathy Talks With Trisha Malcolm

Marykate — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 12:37:26 +0000

This week, Kathy is talking with one of our dear friends, Trisha Malcolm of Vogue Knitting, all about their latest issue for Holiday 2018! Hear all about what’s hot for the holiday season this year, and to hear some special news from Trisha about a podcast Vogue Knitting is developing in 2019! And don’t forget – WEBS and String will be at Vogue Knitting Live in New York City in January, and we couldn’t be more excited!

To get your own copy of Vogue Knitting, click here!

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Holiday 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click HERE to check it out!

Upcoming Events

WEBS will be having a SPRING RETREAT in addition to our popular Fall retreat! Click here to check out more information! Signups begin on January 17th at 1pm! Don’t miss out!!

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 546: Kathy Talks With Barry Klein

Marykate — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 12:00:16 +0000

This week, Kathy is chatting with Barry Klein, one of the founders of Trendsetter Yarns, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year! Listen to hear more about one of the most iconic companies in our industry!

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Holiday 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click HERE to check it out!

Upcoming Events

On Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th, WEBS will be participating in Northampton’s Bag Day – one of our favorite town traditions! Get a bag from the Daily Hampshire Gazette (located right across the street from us!) and stop by the store to get 20% off of your largest non-discountable item in your purchase. This includes wheels, looms, needle sets – whatever you choose!

Also – Sunday the 18th of November marks the first Sunday that WEBS will be open for the holiday season this year! We’ll be here from 12-5 for all of your holiday shopping needs!

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 545: Kathy Talks With Amy Herzog

Marykate — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 11:08:44 +0000

This week, we’re delighted to have Amy Herzog back on the show! Amy has just published another fantastic book: Amy Herzog’s Ultimate Sweater Book! This book contains gorgeous patterns, ways to work with different yarn gauges to fit your size, and tons of inspiration! You’ll definitely want to add this one to your list this fall!

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Holiday 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click HERE to check it out!

Upcoming Events

Also – Sunday the 18th of November marks the first Sunday that WEBS will be open for the holiday season this year! We’ll be here from 12-5 for all of your holiday shopping needs!

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 544: Kathy Talks With Michelle MacDonald

Marykate — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 11:11:11 +0000

This week, Kathy is chatting with Michelle MacDonald of Sugar Bush Yarns all about their offerings at WEBS! Sugar Bush’s Chill and Bliss have quickly become two of our favorites for fall and winter 2018! With gorgeous design support, natural fiber content, and beautiful colorways, yarns from Sugar Bush are sure to become some of your favorites, too!

ALSO – check out our Instagram page, @websyarn from TODAY through MONDAY to enter a contest to win a gorgeous gift basket from Sugar Bush Yarns! To enter, simply go to the WEBS instagram page and leave a comment on the image with what your go-to handmade holiday gift is! One winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday! Good luck!

Sugar Bush Bliss

Utterly . . . Blissful pattern collection

Sugar Bush Chill

Baby, It’s Cold Outside pattern collection

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Holiday 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click HERE to check it out!

Upcoming Events

Looking for something to do this fall? Check out the full list of WEBS class offerings over here!

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 543: Kathy Talks With Benjamin Levisay

Marykate — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 17:28:53 +0000

This week, Kathy is chatting with Benjamin Levisay of XRX! Listen to hear them talk about Stitches SoCal, one of the newest shows in the Stitches family, which will be taking place in Pasadena, California from November 1st through November 4th. This year, there are a ton of great classes being taught by fantastic fiber artists and friends of WEBS – sign up soon so you don’t miss out! Sadly, we won’t be at SoCal, but we WILL be at Stitches West, happening in February.

To check out class offerings, click here!

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Fall 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click here to view

Upcoming Events

On October 28th, WEBS is hosting an evening with knitting superstar Sam Barsky! We’ll be hosting a lecture with cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres , and you’ll be able to see over 100 different sweaters that Sam has made over the years. For more information, click here!

There’s still some room at the WEBS Spinning Summit happening at the store! For more information and to sign up, click here!

Looking for something to do this fall? Check out the full list of WEBS class offerings over here!

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.

Ready, Set, Knit! Show 542: Kathy Talks With Alice and Lisa Hoffman

Marykate — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 11:34:40 +0000

This week, Kathy is chatting with cousins and co-authors, Alice and Lisa Hoffman, all about their new book, Faerie Knitting: 14 Tales of Love and Magic. This publication includes patterns with corresponding stories, and features gorgeous photography to tie it all together. To get a copy of your own, click here!

Steve’s Yarn Picks of the Week:

Our Fall 2018 catalog is LIVE! Click here to view

Upcoming Events

There’s still some room at the WEBS Spinning Summit happening at the store! For more information and to sign up, click here!

Looking for something to do this fall? Check out the full list of WEBS class offerings over here!

Reminders

Do you have a crafting resolution for 2018? We sure do! Tag your posts #WEBSfiberfollowthrough for a chance to be featured!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of great new products, contests and fun!

Check out all of our upcoming Events here.