knitting

When casting-on socks from the cuff-down, it's important to have a stretchy cast-on so the socks fit over your calves. We're covering four ways to cast-on socks from the cuff-down, including a brand-new method – Kelley's Tubular Cast-On! 

Socks are a lot of fun to knit – but getting them started can be tricky. With these four toe-up sock cast-on methods, you're sure to find one that works best for you! In no time at all you'll be knitting up socks for the entire family. 

The Nurmilintu Lace Shawl by Heidi Alander is the perfect one-skein project for beginner lace knitters. In this post, Kelley shares tips for knitting this free pattern and how to add some unique finishing touches.

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.

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.

That's great you are interested in learning to knit. If you like to learn by watching videos, be sure to check out our quick How To Knit videos here.

Why Learn To Knit?

There's a host of reason but here are few! 

• Knitting is relaxing and relieves stress
• Knitting is a social activity you can enjoy with others
• Knitting allows you to user your brain and could help in the prevention of alzheimer's and dementia
• Knitting allows you to be creative

Theseaddi Sock Rocket circular needles have the silky smooth nickel-plated finish that is so well-known on theaddi Turbos. If you haven’t tried addi Turbos they allow the stitches to slide along the needles at incredible speeds. Some folks may find them a little too slippery but I am all about speed when it comes to knitting socks so these work great for me

I had a great time making the Golden Hour Shawl by Andrea Mowry. This is using slip-stitch mosaic knitting. I made mine out of Hikoo Kenzie.This pattern uses three colors and is a fun, relatively easy pattern.

Stitch Markers allow you to keep track of your knitting and crochet, allow you knit faster, prevent errors, and keep you on track with your pattern. 
Kelley discussed locking stitch markers and loop stitch markers. She shares knitting tips on how to transfer the stitch marker to your other needle and use it to mark transitions in your pattern.

Knitting is a rewarding hobby and a great skill to master. But, getting started with something new can be overwhelming. There’s new terminology to learn and you don’t understand what all these numbers and abbreviations mean.  Take a deep breath. You can do it. We’re here to help learn how to knit.  If you prefer videos be sure to watch these free videos to learn the basic stitches.