Dribbles and Drops from the Crazy Girl Shops

Tight Knitting isn't Knitting Tight

2011-05-30T06:29:00.001-07:00

There is a common misconception among many knitters, especially newbees, that knitting tight is a good thing. I'm here to explain why "knitting tight" is NEVER good; but "tight knitting" is often very desirable. Confused? Then please read on.

It's an easy misunderstanding because they sound so alike. Here's my example of how the conversation goes....this happened yesterday:

Leslie to customer: Remember, when you knit this hat, you will want to knit it tight.

Customer to Leslie: Oh, no problem, I'm a tight knitter.

Do you see the error in her thinking?

Being a tight knitter is never good. It means simply that your stitches are tight on the needle and this makes it difficult to knit. (check yours....can you move your stitches back and forth on the needle with very little effort? Or, do they grip the needle and have to be pushed with some effort?) If your hands get sore or tired when knitting, you are probably knitting too tightly. Knitting tightly slows you down and also can cause you to drop more stitches, split more stitches, throw more projects at the wall, and stab your knitting (never a good idea):

If you are a tight knitter, it is not a genetic malformation of your brain. It is happening for a reason, usually easily rectified once you figure out why.

Many people think that if they are a tight knitter the fabric they produce will be better - more even. This is absolutely not true. In fact, the opposite is probably more true. When you can knit relaxed and loose, you will get into a better rythm and begin to knit all of your stitches the same. When you achieve this, you will achieve a more uniform fabric. Fighting every stitch rarely gets you there - dare I say never?

So now lets talk about tight knitting - something completely different. There are many times when you want your knitting to be tight. I don't mean "knitting" the verb, I mean "knitting" the noun; the fabric you are producing. Now here's the tricky part, KNITTING TIGHT DOES NOT PRODUCE TIGHT KNITTING. If you want your knitted fabric to be tight, as you usually do for hats, mittens, and socks, then you need to reduce your needle size, NOT hold your yarn tighter. You see, it is the size of the needle that determinse the tightness of the fabric, not whether or not you have a death grip on the yarn. Likewise, knitting a loose fabric is achieved by increasing your needle size. This is often desirable for scarves, shawls, and blankets.

So to beat this horse a bit, regardless of whether you want your fabric to be tightly knit or loosely knit, you do not want to knit tightly. Get it?

If you are a tight knitter and regularly struggle with dropped stitches, split stitches, tired hands and general fatigue, have heart. You can be helped. Below I will describe some common reasons that people knit too tight. Please read through these and if you are still not sure what your issue is, then stop into the shop and I will help you. Yes, I have an ulterier motive. I want you to be a fast and fearless knitter so that you knit for the rest of your life and spread the joy as you go. Oh ya, and buy a lot of yarn on your way, of course.

Death Grip:
Look at your yarn and your finger holding the yarn as you knit. If the yarn is pulled taught (not relaxed) and if your finger is turning white where the yarn passes over, then you have the ugly death grip thing going on. This may be because you are scared of dropping a stitch and are just holding on too tight. If so, STOP IT. Relax your hands. Hold your yarn and your needles like you are holding a brand new baby chick that you don't want to hurt. Nothing in your hands or your yarn should be tense. Relax. I know that can be hard at first but now that you have the basic stitch down, try to sit back, lower your shoulders, breath, hold your knitting loosely and knit without tensing up. If the yarn still seems tight, try removing one of the wraps around your fingers. You do not need to wrap the yarn around your index finger three times. I use a simple weave through my four fingers and if its a humid day and things seem sticky, I will let the yarn drop from my pinky finger.

FEEDING, PULLING, TUGGING, AND FORM:
As you knit the yarn must feed gently through your fingers. Watch yourself knit for a minute. If you are using some sort of weave through your fingers to hold your yarn, then watch for the point where the yarn feeds through your fingers. Make sure that this happens unencombered. It should happen easily and at the same point every time. Try not to squeeze down here and let the yarn feel more freely. Watch this video for a demo.

If you do not weave the yarn through your fingers but, instead, pick it up every time you make a stitch (by the way, if you do this and are over the age of 7, please come see me - its time to learn to hold the yarn correctly), then watch and see if you are tugging it after every stitch. Many people do this. They knit and tug, knit and tug, knit and tug. STOP this. Do not tug. Let the stitch remain loose on the needle. Remember, a tight stitch does not improve the look of your fabric. I promise. Also, watch the part where you pull the new loop through the old. Make sure that you are pulling the stitch up a bit so as to loosen the loop (and then dont tug!). If you never pull enough yarn through in the first place then that may be your problem.

Finally, look and see if you are knitting really close to the tips of your needles. If you are taking the stitch off the left needle using the tip of the right needle (the part that is smaller), it is like knitting with a smaller needle in your right had. It will make smaller stitches, which will then be tighter as you push them down onto your right needle. To fix this, make bigger motions. Do not knit on the tips. Stick your needle into the stitch further, draw it up further, and push your right needle ALL THE WAY INTO THE NEW STITCH so that there is about an inch of your right needle protruding through the loop BEFORE you remove the stitch from the left needle.

If you have understood this conversation, tried it all, and still knit too tight. Please come in to the shop. We can fix this, it just takes a little one on one knit therapy, which I will gladly provide, gratis. Remember, I have an ulterior motive.

Happy loose knitting and remember to use your knitting power for good. "Just beause you can doesn't mean you should":

Leslie

Knitty Critters

2011-04-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how many of your knitting friends have pets? And not just ANY pets, but S-P-O-I-L-E-D pets! Cedar Falls staffer, Molly Wade, shared this photo of late night knitting with her Cairn/Corgi mix, named Junebug. Molly says, "she can be a real stinker most of the time, but she is a world class snuggler late at night when I have a blankie and some cozy knitting for her to curl up in."

The pattern is Jared Flood's pattern "Girasole," and the quilt was a birthday gift (43!) from Molly's mom.

Now it's your turn! Share your Knitty Critters pics with us!!

Such talent in our midst!

2011-03-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Lisa Jacobs has done it again. She has created two very fun and interesting patterns:

The Lobster Net Scarf.
From the Ravelry pattern page: "Lobster nets and lobster buoys are tangible reminders of Maine’s coastal way of life. Cables along the edges of the Lobster Net Scarf reflect the nets while diamond shaped buoys bob along the center of the scarf between them".

Market Lace Bag
From the Ravelry pattern page: "Whether you are on your way to the market or carrying your lunch for a picnic in a field, the Meadow Lace Bag is at home in any setting. The simple lace body has lots of room to expand
while the sturdy “woven stitch” shoulder strap and bottom provide structure."

Both of these great patterns are now available for purchase from Lisa and Fiber Tree Designs on Ravelry:
Lobster Net Scarf.
Meadow Lace Bag

Check them out!!

Psst... Can you keep a SECRET?

2011-03-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

Gosh, we hope not!!

Tell everyone you know to tell everyone they know that the BOSS IS AWAY and the CRAZY GIRLS ARE READY TO PLAY!!

The "inmates" are in charge of the "asylum," and just wait until you hear about the Crazy Dealz they have in store for you--not just for 24 hours, but for a FULL WEEK and then some!!

A new, different Crazy Dealz offer in the shop every single day, starting Saturday, March 12, 2011, and continuing through Saturday, March 19, 2011.

To get the yarn ball rolling, come in to the shop at either location and receive 20% off any book that we have in stock (only what's on the shelves, no special orders, sorry!)

Then stop by the shop to see what we have in store for the rest of the week.

We are CRAZY about knitting and crocheting, and CRAZY ABOUT YOU!!

--The Crazy Girls

SAVE THE DATE!

2011-03-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Girls just wanna have fun - and Crazy Girls just wanna have CRAZY FUN!!! Join us on May 5 on the parkade in downtown Cedar Falls for GIRLS' NIGHT OUT. Save the date - and watch the blog for details. We promise you'll have a fantastic time!

We've got CLASS!

2011-02-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, so you’ve learned the basics: cast-on, knit, purl, bind-off. You’ve knit everyone you know a scarf or a dishcloth. Now what?!

Take a Crazy Girl CLASS!

We have an ongoing schedule of classes at both locations with something for every skill level from beginner to advanced.

There are new classes starting all the time. All those knits and purls can do amazing things, and we can show you how!

Tired of knitting rectangles and squares? Learn how to knit “in the round” by making a HAT.

Did you totally miss Edward’s abs because you were distracted by BELLA’S MITTENS? We’ll show you how to make them!

Drooling over all the beautiful sock yarn? Take a SOCK class. Cuff-down, toe-up, one at a time, or even TWO AT ONCE! Nip that Second Sock Syndrome in the bud once and for all! (We can show you lots of other ways to use that gorgeous sock yarn, too.)

We’ve got sweaters, shawls, cowls, toys, handbags – ribbing, lace, beading, felting, and charts! There’s even a “knitter’s choice” class where YOU decide what to knit. Bring a project that you’ve been afraid to try and our expert instructors will walk you through it, giving you the courage and support you need to get it going.

We even teach CROCHET!

One stick or Two… We’ve Got a Class for YOU!

Visit our CLASS PAGE to see what’s coming up on the schedule. If you don’t see what you want, let us know! We are always open to suggestions for future classes. If you missed the start date, call us – popular classes are often offered again and again.

And don’t forget about our ongoing FREE events:

Learn to Knit:
Anytime – no appointment necessary!
Any of our store staff will be more than happy to help you pick out needles and yarn and sit down for your first knitting lesson on the spot – go home with a scarf in progress!

Open Knit:
Anytime
We know there are lots of things that keep you from getting any knitting done at home – kids, pets, phones, chores, homework. Pull up a chair and knit with us – we’re glad to have you anytime!

Knit-n-WineThursday nights 6 - 9 PM
Here's your chance to get out of the house and spend a little time doing something YOU want to do - knit! BYOB and enjoy the company of other knitters.

The Knitting Doctor Is In!Stuck on a pattern? Need help with a new technique? Convinced your pattern must be wrong? Our staff is ready and able to help. Think of us as "Knitting Doctors," except that you won't get a bill! Just drop in the shop, plop down at the table, and say "HELP!" Our staff will come to your aid in a hurry.

That's CRAZY!

2011-02-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

Are you getting in on our "Crazy Dealz" yet?

We started it last summer and it's still going strong!

Crazy Dealz are exclusive once-weekly offers via email, usually featuring a designer yarn that we do not yet carry in the shop, available to you at a VERY deep discount - for 24 hours only!

Not getting the Crazy Dealz emails? Call the shop and let us know, or visit our home page: www.crazygirlyarnshop.com and "Join Our E-mail List" at the bottom of the page. Be sure to check the box for "Crazy Dealz." It's just that easy!

And if THAT isn't CRAZY ENOUGH - this week YOU get to choose the deal! Head on over to the Crazy Girl Yarn Shop group in the forum on Ravelry and vote in this week's Crazy Dealz Poll. Then watch your email inbox for the Crazy Dealz!

Knit on!!

Inspiration Corner

2011-02-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Has the "snow-pocalypse" left you feeling like The Groundhog, wanting to hibernate for another six weeks until spring?

Park that snowblower and head on into the shops! We have added a new feature at both locations - an "inspiration corner" where you can feel free to pull up a chair and flip through books, magazines, and binders filled with patterns and techniques. We have created an easy-to-browse book nook where you can find just about anything for anyone, from beginner to knitting know-it-all.

Stop in and browse the collection and always remember, if you don't see it on the shelf - ask us! If we don't have it, we would be very happy to order it for you!

The Crazy Girl loves to find ways to inspire our knitting, crocheting and spinning friends. We strive to create a peaceful atmosphere with vibrant colors, unique textures, expert staff, and cutting edge products and ideas. And we hope that each time you visit the shop you take away with you renewed inspiration, perhaps learn a new technique, or make a new friend. Knit on!!

Sock It To Me!!

2011-01-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Sock yarn. We LOVE sock yarn! We've devoted entire sections of our shops to sock yarn. And it seems we're not the only ones who love it. A quick search of the web turned up over 700 manufacturers of sock yarn. That's a LOT of socks, friends.

"But what if I don't want to knit socks?!"

We've got news for you: Sock yarn isn't just for socks!

Of course you can knit socks with it, but that's only the beginning. Sock yarns are simply fingering weight or sport weight yarns. Finer yarns are becoming more popular all the time, primarily due to their great draping qualities.

One tip to remember is that when you are knitting something other than a sock, consider using a larger needle size than you would use for socks, in order to get some drape for your fabric. Yes, there might be more stitches to make, but many of the finer yarns will have more yardage in the ball or skein, so you may wind up spending less than knitting with a heavier yarn.

Sock yarn is also a terrific way to add color to children's clothes. And if you choose a sock yarn with a little bit of nylon in it, it will help with durability.

If you ARE a sock knitter, and you've wondered what to do with leftover sock yarn, we have found TONS of creative ideas for your scraps:

*Afghan squares
*Market bags
*Fingerless mitts
*Coin purses
*Bookmarks
*Coasters
*One VERY patient person even used it to make I-cord shoelaces!

The possibilities are endless! If you are interested in any of the projects pictured here (all knit by our expert staff!), or if you'd like more non-sock ideas for your sock yarn, drop by the shop - we're ALWAYS happy to help you!

Yarn Tasting

2010-12-27T17:35:00.000-08:00

Now that the holiday rush is winding down, it's time to settle in by the fire with our knitting... and polish off the rest of those holiday snacks before New Year's! Have you made your New Year's resolution yet? We have: WE RESOLVE TO TASTE MORE YARN!

Speaking of new yarn, we have lots. No, really...our cup runneth over with LOTS of new, yummy, tasty yarn. (And a little elf told us that Santa stopped by the shop and loaded up on Crazy Girl gift certificates... so we know some of you got a super nice surprise in your stocking!)

SO... have you picked out a fun new project to while away these long winter nights? Are you looking for just the right yarn? Wishing you could "taste" some of these new fibers before you commit to a large project? Now you can!!

The Crazy Girl is now serving up some tasty little yarn hors d'oeuvre, starting with Kathmandu Aran in select colors. These little snacks come pre-packaged for just under $3.00, and are just the right size to knit a wee little mitten. The pattern is included, all you need is needles. It's the most fun way to swatch!

Update on Addi Lace Clicks

2010-06-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

This news just in from Skacel, distributor of Addi Turbos:

"In an attempt to keep you updated on the status of the Addi Lace Clicks, here is where we stand… Since the release of the 100 prototype sets at the YMN Conference, we have been working hand in hand with our manufacturer to improve on the needles where recommended. Our most difficult feat has been to create a coating on the Lace tips that will prevent them from both tarnishing and interacting with body chemistry. Thus far, we have not found a solution that at the same time, allows for the snag-free join and smooth knitting we have become accustomed to. We have contemplated nickel plating the Lace tips, but have found that a majority of our Lace needle knitters enjoy the “extra bite” that the brass offers, thus have decided not to go in that direction. As it stands right now, we will be producing the Lace Click tips in the same fashion as the circular Lace needles; a brass that is treated to reduce tarnishing, but with no coating. Our intention is to have the sets ready to ship end of summer. We will continue to ensure that you are all kept up-to-date on this situation. We truly thank you all for your continued patience.

On the topic of the Lace needles, we’d like to address the situation with the discoloration of them a little deeper. The Lace needles have hollow brass tips, just like the Turbo needles, except they are not nickel plated. This allows the needles to be a less slick than the Turbo, which can be a blessing when knitting lace patterns. Brass naturally has a tendency to tarnish, and though the tips are treated to help prevent this, they are not coated, thus in some circumstances, they will still tarnish. Conversely, the nice thing about tarnish is, that it can be easily removed with a micro-fiber cloth or a polishing cloth. Although we have been trying to find a solution, we have not found a coating or method that would totally prevent tarnishing and still allow smooth knitting and joins. Until we do so, we are happy to exchange any lace needles your customers are unhappy with, with Turbo or Natura needles. We could replace them with another set of Lace needles, but if they discolored for a customer once, chances are good that it will happen to that customer again.

We will soon be putting a rider on the packaging of the Lace needles stating that they are made of brass, and thus, they may naturally tarnish. However, the tarnish can be removed with a polishing cloth and it will not affect the knitting. Please have patience with us as we try to improve our needles, and know, that although a solution will probably not be found overnight, it is continuously being worked on.

Happy Knitting,

Skacel"

Sock in a Sock...not for me

2010-05-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well the experiment is finished, the socks are done, the yarn leftovers are nicely balled up and put in the mounting pile of colorful suggestions and it's time to review. Knitting a "Sock in a Sock" as per Tolstoy's War and Peace suggests, takes about as much tanacity as reading his famous novel. It had it's high points, I admit. I loved the novelty of it and being able to amaze people with what I was doing. I loved the fact that I didn't have to fight with tangling of the yarns as in some other methods of two sock knitting I've tried. I also loved that it gave me great practice at two handed knitting and I am no longer timid of any Fair Isle project I might decide to tackle. Finally, I loved the cast on I used, of course - since I invented it. But, alas, the negatives still outweigh. There were only two significant negatives, but they were doozies. First, the sock on the outside - the one that is purled the entire time, shows sizeable and quite noticable "ladders". Try though I might, I could not get rid of them. We postulated many theories and experimented with many possible solution, but to no avail...they persisted. Not the end of the world, but not altogether impressive either. But the biggie, the hole in the boat, was the difficulty that ensued everytime a stitch was dropped. Yes, it happens to everyone at some point in time....especially when working with both hands, on slippery needles (because wooden sock needles in a size one are not a good idea, even if you CAN find them). When you drop a stitch normally, it's no big deal...just chase it and pick it up. But when knitting in this style, you have to repair the dropped stitch from the wrong side because you literally cannot get at the stitch from the right side since the other sock is in the way. Fixing errors became a horrendous ordeal; so much so that at one point I actually took the socks completely off the needles, separated them for the repair, and then re-joined them. I DO NOT recommend doing this. The last negative which was really just a slight annoyance, is that you cannot adequately see the socks develop as you knit them because the wrong sides face out. In the case of my friend Ellen, this was a problem because she could not easily see that her yarn was pooling - a situation she would have remedied had she known. So, while I think it's fun to do once, this method, for future sock projects, gets a big "thumbs down" for me. I'm a DPN, one-at-a-time girl, and I guess I always will be.

2010-03-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

GO PANTHERS!!!!

As the Heel Turns. . .

2010-03-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Three cheers for the turning of the heels on this Crazy Tolstoy sock project! Last night's Knit & Wine gathering in Cedar Falls provided the motivation . At this point, if you are knitting these with us, I have a few "pointers" to pass on. First, when you get to the heel turn and it calls for you to "narrow", don't be confused.

"Narrow" is just old world language for "do a double decrease". Now I will admit, at first, when I read their directions, I said "No way, this is ridiculous" because in order to do the decrease you have to get the alternate stitch out of the way...according to their directions, this involves moving one stitch over to the right needle, putting the next off on a cable needle, moving the first one back, and so on till your reaching for the extra strength Advil. But after a few of these I realized it's easy if you do it like you would a cable without a cable needle: Slip one stitch to right needle, stick right needle into front of second stitch on left needle, with right hand, pinch below the two stitches on left needle, slip left needle out of first two stitches, then quickly reinsert into what was the first stitch on the left needle. Then put the other two stitches on your right needle onto the left needle. Now you are ready for two decreases, one for each sock. Okay...looking back, that sounds horrific. But really, it's not, it's just not something I can explain well with the written word. So stop in and I'd love to show you. Maybe I'll do a video. :) Thanks to Molly Wade Photography for the awesome photos!

A New Approach...

2010-03-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Well after four starts on these Tolstoy socks, I needed a new approach. My first pair was too loose. (I learned that an Addi #2 is like a US 2.5. oops. )My second pair I tried to use the same color for both socks. Big mistake. My third pair I used my original two colors but striped them so I would only have to do one pair and have a set of fraternal twins. Unfortunately, while they looked great together in the skein, once they knitted up and the colors separated a bit, I didn't like the striping effect. :( So I had to start again. This many starts made me critically review the way I was casting on. I had been casting all the stitches on to two separate needles and then slipping them alternately onto the working needle. BIG PAIN. So I came up with a new way to cast on that I think is easier and faster and makes you look like a pro. It takes a little practice, much like learning to knit backwards did, but it's worth the effort....check out my youtube video "the Mrs. Adrian cast on" to see how it works. I apologize for the video quality. We're having a little too much fun with a little too little quality. haha. They don't call us Crazy Girl for nothing.

So I'm feeling much better about this approach to knitting socks now. I can't say I quite love it yet but I'm starting to realize the advantages. I think it's winning me over slowly but I won't cast my vote until I pass the heel. Until next time...

Tolstoy Socks

2010-03-04T04:23:00.001-08:00

I am beginning what we have come to call the "Tolstoy Socks" today. This is actually a technique described (albeit briefly) in the latest edition of Knitting Traditions Magazine. We're calling it the Tolstoy sock because it was described by Tolstoy in War and Peace and has been resurrected for the indefatiguably courageous knitter. The method involves knitting two socks at once, one inside the other. If you have ever done "double knitting" the method is similar. The author of the article recommended knitting the ribbing of the two socks separately and then joining them. This didn't feel right to me. Kind of like walking down past the moguls and then putting your skiis on for the rest of the run. So I dove in right at the beginning. Its going pretty well. The cast on was a bit akward. If you are going to try this I would cast on all the stitches on to two separate DPN's and then alternately slip them on to your working needles. Here's my start:

If anyone would like to join us in Coralville we will be knitting these socks as a KAL on Friday afternoons. It's not a class but if I stay a step ahead I should be able to help. That's why I started early.

If you know me, you know that I often say "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." I believe this technique falls into that category. The risk of not being able to separate the socks when you are done is a bit daunting. However, from what I'm seeing so far, I think if you twist the yarns (thereby joining the two socks) it is readily apparant in the next row and can be easily fixed. So if you are intrigued, join us. It will be fun if nothing else.

Knitting should be FUN!

2009-12-29T04:37:00.000-08:00

My son's Dead Fish Hat was a hoot to knit and scored big points in the "FUN" category. Perhaps because of the fact that my son is 15 and he actually wanted me to knit him something? I modified the pattern a bit by using the short row shaping found in the Lizard Ridge Afghan pattern by Knitty, only done in the round, to create the wave pattern. The bumps they create, if you don't block them flat, actually look like fish scales. (Contact me if you want more details on my modification). Danny was a hit on the slopes in Colorado. The operators would yell "Hey Fish Head" as he went by. Good Times, lots of smiles...what more could you ask from a knitting project?

Knitting as art...

2009-11-14T06:21:00.001-08:00

Molly Wade Photography and the Crazy Girl Yarn Shops have teamed up to bring you beautiful examples of hand knit projects, knit by me, Leslie Adrian, modeled by some very hip and trendy UNI students, all photographed at their best by photographer, Molly Wade. It's amazing to me how a beautiful photograph can breath life into your projects. It seems to give them a story. Here are a few examples. To see more photos or for details on the projects, please visit my Ravelry page.

THANKS MOLLY!!

We're in the news...check it out!

2009-10-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Gazette Article on Crazy Girl

Stitches Cache

2009-09-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

You may know that we went to Stitches Midwest in this month and set up a booth. We had a fabulous time and sold a ton of yarn. As we were cleaning up the last day a woman walked by in this cardigan that made us all stop in our tracks and stare. It was so beautiful we couldn't help ourselves.

Well, of course, I had to run up to her and inquire about it. The rest is history and now we would like to introduce our new Rainbow Cardigan Kits by Helen Hamann.

The woman at stitches wore it over a white blouse and let it just hang down in front. It think that way looked even better then what these photos show with it pinned in front. But either way, the colors will stop traffic. Available on our website as a kit. These first ones are in cotton but an Alpaca version will be available soon. We will also have the models available to view in our shop in Cedar Falls in the next few weeks. LOVE IT!

It's All in the Details...

2009-08-10T08:37:00.001-07:00

If I had a nickle for everyone who came into one of my shops and said "I just want to knit something basic, something I can whip out". We all have the occasion for the quick baby blanket or the "gotta have it done by Christmas" hat. I do lots of those kind of projects and I've learned over the years that if you just take that one extra little step and put a cool embellishment on it, it goes from ordinary to extroardinary, in just a few minutes. Take this hat I just did this week in Fixation by Cascade. It's easily knit in two nights. Then an extra hour or two to add the embellishment, and now look at it! The flower is just a 3-stitch I-cord I knit during "Knit and Wine" (means it's easy!), and tacked on with needle and thread. So next time you need to whip out a project, why not add some I-cord, or a tassle or two, maybe a quick flower or braids, something or anything to make it uniquely yours. It's fun, it's quick and we will teach you how if you need help! Here's some more examples where embellishments add a little zip...

Knitting and Wine....What Better Combination?

2009-07-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

Okay, I admit, you have to have an easier project, but we all have at least one of those going, don't we? If not, we'll set you up. So come in and see our new wines from The Eagle City Winery. A local winery specializing in wines made from Iowa grapes. Each different and lovely in its own way - they make great Iowa souvenirs too!

NOW HIRING - CORALVILLE

2009-07-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Staff position open at Crazy Girl Yarn Shop in Coralville! If you are an amazingly talented knitter, have style to burn and can sell snow to an eskimo - well then you are probably over qualified. but if you are just shy of perfect and would like to hang out in a yarn shop all day - give me a call 319-242-1142. WE'RE HIRING!

Part time only, Mon & Wed and some weekends.

It's ART I'm Tellin' You!

2009-07-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

Just back from the framer. Couldn't risk anyone spilling anything on this one! For details check out my project page on Ravelry.

Just off the Needles....the Potato Chip Scarf!

2009-07-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Done in Baby Alpaca Grande from Plymouth. Fun to knit but you need a really long needle or else several needles strung end to end. Pattern, free on Ravelry, called the Ruffled Scarf. I've also seen it called the Potato Chip Scarf.

Stitches Midwest

2009-07-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Are you "doing" Stitches this year? Well WE ARE and in a big way. We planned on doing one booth where we are going to feature only one yarn - Blue Heron's Rayon Metallic. But we got a call today from Cascade and they are going to sponsor us for a second booth packed full of Cascade in all its glory! They have a new book coming out called New Twists on Twined Knitting and we will feature many of the new projects in the book and may even have a book signing! It's gonna be great - you should come!

Reversible Cables, My New Love

2009-07-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how the models in magazines wearing cabled scarves always have them placed, ever so carefully, so that you only see the right side of the scarf? And then when you knit it and wear it like a "real" person, the back shows and it looks terrible? Well, no more. This pattern, free on our "free patterns page" on our website, is reversible and it's awesome!! I loved it so much I turned it into a matching hat. For details on the hat, you'll have to ask. But the scarf pattern is very easy and free. It's from Ravelry originally and called the Palindrome (thanks Ravelry!!)

Give it a shot, you'll never settle for one-sided cabled scarves again!

New Crazy Girl in Cedar Falls!

2009-06-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm Bel. I'm new at the Cedar Falls Store and I'll be hosting the 20/30's knitting night on Friday nights. I am super excited to be working at Crazy Girl. I can think of few places I'd rather spend my time than the yarn shop so to be there and get paid is AWESOME!

Um, a little about me. I'm 27 and a mom to two girls aged 2 and 4. I live in Waverly right now and hope to move to CF later in the year. I have lived in all kinds of places though. If we have any British expats frequenting the shop, I spent almost half of my life in the Midlands and London!

I've been knitting for 3 years and crocheting for 4. I do so every night and I like to think I've gotten pretty good! There's not a lot that stumps me. I don't claim to know all there is to know, but I hope to be able to help and maybe some of you can teach me too!

World Wide Knit in Public Day a success...

2009-06-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well, no one was arrested for public exposure of yarn and much fun was had. Though we do this now and then in Cedar Falls, so I suppose the folks are getting used to seeing us. This one happened to fall on the Cedar Falls sidewalk sale day so there were a lot of people walking by - yes, there were skickers but mostly curiosity and a whole lot of jealousy.

We also knit outside at the Eagle City Winery open house yesterday. Today I'm fixing my knitting but it was fun - great band, lots of sampling and snacks. Thanks Carolyn!

We are thinking of planning another outside Knit for Sturgis Falls weekend in Cedar Falls- let us know if you want to join in.

Road Trip Hits Road Block...news at 11

2009-06-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, we only got 15 people to sign up for the road trip which was not enough to come close to covering the cost of the bus. So, for now, we have to cancel the road trip. But lots of people said they would like to do it in the fall. Based on that, I'm planning to try it again in September. Remember though, Saturday is still World Wide Knit in Public Day and we are still having an HUGE SALE. So come down, knit with us, have some fun, and get some awesome yarn at bargain prices!

Repeat after me... "ROAD TRIP" !!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

It's time to plan a roadtrip - can't you feel it? Don't you want to get out with a bunch of girlfriends and knit and eat and shop and drink wine and have a blast? If so, join us for our first annual "Crazy Girl or Bust" Roadtrip!! June 13, the same day as the World Wide Knit in Public Day, we are renting a coach (so we can pack a bunch of us in) and are going on the road. We will start in Cedar Falls then travel to Muscatine then Coralville. We will spend two hours in each location so we can hang out and shop/knit/eat, then go round robin again to drop everyone off. The schedule is below and it's going to be a blast. The fee to cover the bus expense is at $50 right now. If we get enough people to upgrade to a bigger size then it will come down to $30. So tell a friend or a sister or a co-worker. I expect the bus to fill so stop in or call to make your reservation early - you don't want to be left at the curb. :(

Here's the schedule...
6:45 am: Grap coffee and snacks at Cup of Joe in Cedar Falls and load Bus
7:00 am: Departure from Cedar Falls- while on bus:knit,laugh,eat,knit,drink,have fun
9:00 am: Arrive at Muscatine Crazy Girl Shop, meet Muscatine passengers
9-11 am: Shop,Knit,Frolic,Eat,Drink,Shop,Knit,& Laugh in Muscatine
11:00 am: Depart for Coralville - while on bus...knit,laugh,eat,knit,drink,have fun
12:00 noon: Arrive at Coralville Crazy Girl Shop, meet Coralville passengers
12-2:00 pm: Shop,Knit,Frolic,Eat,Drink,Shop,Knit,& Laugh in Coralville
2:00 pm: Departure from Coralville
3:30 pm: Arrive in Cedar Falls, drop off Cedar Falls passengers
3:30-5:30 pm: Shop,Knit,Frolic,Eat,Drink,Shop,Knit,& Laugh in Cedar Falls
5:30-7:30 pm: Depart for Muscatine-while on bus...knit,laugh,eat,knit,drink,have fun7:30 pm: Arrive at Crazy Girl Yarn Shop Muscatine, drop off Muscatine passengers
7:30-9:30 pm: Shop,Knit,Frolic,Eat,Drink,Shop,Knit,& Laugh in Muscatine
9:30 pm: Depart for Coralville-while on bus...knit,laugh,eat,knit,drink,have fun!
10:30 pm: Arrive in Coralville, drop off Coralville passengers and say good night. :(

Call NOW to make your reservation:
Muscatine 563-263-YARN
Cedar Falls 319-341-YARN
Coralville 319-341-YARN

Crazy Girl "Knit In" at Eagle City Winery

2009-05-20T07:38:00.001-07:00

The Eagle City Winery, regulars at Crazy Girl Yarn Shop Cedar Falls, is having their SPRING OPEN HOUSE the weekend of June 14. Since the World Wide Knit in Public Day is on Saturday we have scheduled a "Knit In" at the winery for Sunday, June 14, 1 - 5 pm. There will be wine tasting (of course), snacks, a band ("Other Band"), and a beautiful environment to hang out and knit with us. Bring your own chair and project - see you there!!

Eagle City Winery
28536 160th Street,
Eagle City, Iowa
www.eaglecitywinery.com
641-648-3669

World Wide Knit in Public Day

2009-05-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! Saturday, June 13 is the 4th annual World Wide Knit in Public Day! Why? Because we should! Crazy Girl will be hosting 3 events - one at each shop, from 10-5pm. For details visit their website at www.wwkipday.com.
All three events will be outside the Crazy Girl Shops where we can be seen!! In case of inclement weather we will still knit - just not quite so "in the public"; we will move inside. Come out of the closet with us - bring your project or get a new one that day (participants will enjoy a special discount during the event). Bring a chair or sit on the ground. Bring a friend or come alone. We don't care - just come!!

It's a REEEAAALLLY big week (spoken ala Ed Sullivan)

2009-05-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

You been stuck inside all winter and waiting for Spring to "spring" so you could get out and do some fun stuff - well it's here! So come on out and have some fun.

TONIGHT, 7PM - downtown Cedar Falls is hosting our semi-annual "Girls Night Out". All the shops will be open late and feature special treats. Crazy Girl will have meat/cheese and cracker trays with a fruity little vino on the side - because snacks are always good! Come on out girls... shop, frolic, kick up your heels...it's SPRING!

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 12-4pm - in honor of MOTHERS DAY Crazy Girl Yarn Shop, Cedar Falls is hosting a special event for mothers. See the post below for more details. Don't forget the special woman in your life. Show her you care and bring her down to the shop for some quality time together. And, of course, there will be snacks!!

Crazy Girl Launches New "Pandemic-Ready Wear" Line...

2009-05-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Stay ahead of the fashion trend, knit your own style Swine Flu mask. Patterns and Yarn available from Crazy Girl Yarn Shops. In the words of Elizabeth Zimmerman, "Knit with confidence and hope through all crises". What better tribute to EZ than to knit flu masks? When the world is panicking, you can take a calm, productive approach. Knit them for your whole family, knit them for the hospitals, the soldiers overseas - everyone needs one! Pick your own color and pattern to reflect your own personal style. Below are three styles to choose from.

Basic white to go with any outfit...

Camouflage for those self-conscience about their mask (added benefit that you can have the lips of your dreams without collagen treatments)...

See...You can hardly see it, can you?

And finally, for that special evening when only a skimpy black dress will do...complete your ensemble with a skimpy black mask...

We recommend you knit these on very small needles as we understand the swine flu virus is quite small. We also would advise you not use a lace pattern because it totally will not work.

Always with your health in mind....Crazy Girl

Entrelac Bag Class Graduation Photo

2009-04-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

This was fun to knit and a good project to practice knitting backwards on. I did mine in Panther colors. See it on my ravelry project page.

Rosewood Needles by Pony

2009-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

We are always trying to find new and better products to offer in the Crazy Girl Shops. We recently demo'd these Rosewood needles by Pony. My take is this...I love that they are super pointy. In fact, they could be dangerous in the wrong hands; but for knitting in tight little stitches, they are great. If you have yarn that tends to split easily, though, the pointy tips might present a problem. The needles are also very flexible. For me that's a negative. I don't like the needles to bend in my hand as I'm trying to force it into a stitch. For one it makes me feel like they are going to break and makes it hard to force the needle where I want it to go. But for folks that don't like stiff needles, these could be a winner. They are very smooth also. If it weren't for the bending thing I would use them.

Mother's Day Event Planned

2009-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Crazy Girl Yarn Shop - Cedar Falls

Give mom what she really wants this year– quality time with you!

Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10
12:00 to 4:00

Cedar Falls Crazy Girl is having a special event just for Mother’s Day! Bring your mom, your grandma, your daughter, whomever you want to spend time with on Mother’s Day. We have special knitting projects that can be started and completed while you’re with us. Pick your favorite (or two!) and knit up something special.

Cases for your camera or iPod, knit bracelets, cozies for your coffee cup or beer can, and more!
We will have snacks too, because snacks are always a good idea!

Call the shop to reserve your spot. See you there!
(319)266-9276

In the beginning...

2009-04-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

...there was white space. Lots of it! I've been encouraged by those I hold dear to start a Crazy Girl Yarn Shop blog - after all, they say, all the other cool shops have one (or three in the case of the overzealous Threadbare folks of whom I am majorly envious). And so here we are with nothing but pages and pages of white space to fill up with whitty, clever, insiteful, enthusiastic, or, at the very least, informational tidbits. It's a tall order and I'll admit, I'm a little intimidated; my education did not prepare me for this. However, forward we charge into the white space, needles brandished. All suggestions for future blog topics highly encouraged and appreciated.

- Crazy Girl