beginning knitting

How to Avoid Rolled Edges With Your Knitting Projects

by Meg Bateman September 17, 2020 2 min read

It's a problem as old as knitting itself – curling and rolled edges on stockinette or lace!Kelley decided to experiment and see what finishing edges she could use to prevent the curling without altering the look of her knitting project. These tricks for preventing rolled edges in knits will work for almost any knit project!

How to Knit German Short-Rows

by Kathleen Cubley October 22, 2019 1 min read

Kelley Hobart from Alpaca Direct shows you how to knit German Short-Rows, also known as the double-stitch short-row. These are excellent for sock heels or anytime you need to use short-rows. We love them because they are nearly invisible on the finished project, and they're so easy to work.

How to Choose Circular Knitting Needles

by Kathleen Cubley April 18, 2019 5 min read

I use circular needles pretty much exclusively, and all my knitting friends do, too. There are a few reasons for this, not the least of which is that circular needles are more readily available these days than straight needles. They're also easier to knit with than straight needles because they don't hit the table or your lap while you're knitting (does this happen to anyone else?) and you won't lose one of them!

There are many things to consider when choosing circular needles, and I'm going to compare materials and brands like Addi, Chiaogoo, Knitter's Pride and more, as well as talk a little about the interchangeable sets we offer. Whether you prefer metal, wood, or bamboo, we've got circular needles for you.

Knitter's Pride Karbonz Circular Needles Review

by Kelley Hobart February 28, 2019 2 min read

We are excited to be carrying the Karbonz circular needles made by Knitter's Pride.

I am using sock yarn, Karbonz circular needles in size US #1 40 inch, and a pattern called Isabella D’Este found in The Knitter’s Book of Socks which I have checked out from our local library.

Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off

by AD Staff February 20, 2019 1 min read

In this video tutorial Kelley shows you how to create this super stretchy, springy, and satisfying bind-off for the top of your socks. This cuff will keep your socks from being too tight and leaves you with a very clean, finished edge.

Sock Knitting: Learn A Better Way to Graft the Toe

by Kelley Hobart April 07, 2017 2 min read 12 Comments

Lose the "donkey ears" on your knit socks! We all love our gorgeous sock yarn, and we want our sock knitting patterns to look great. Here's a better way to graft the toe of a knitted sock, which results in a smooth finish.

Knitting Tutorial: How To Fix A Split Stitch With a Duplicate Stitch

by Kelley Hobart March 29, 2017 3 min read 8 Comments

Twin Sweaters and Booties with Madelinetosh Yarn

by 6 March 19, 2014 1 min read

Finish Free Baby Jane Booties

by Kelley Hobart October 25, 2013 1 min read 11 Comments

Get the Finish Free Baby Janes Pattern (Click Here)! Our wonderful accountant Melanie was just blessed with a new Grand Baby. Addison was a 10 pound bundle of Joy! Grandma has been knitting fast and furious trying to knit her grand baby a wonderful reversible baby blanket from 100% Superwash merino wool.