Comprehending Continental Knitting
Continental knitting (aka Pick or German knitting) is a form of Western-style knitting that is more common in Northern Europe. In Continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand, stitches are entered through the front, and yarn is wrapped counter-clockwise.
Sometimes Continental-style knitting is referred to as "left-handed" knitting, but left-handed knitters are equally likely to prefer English or Continental knitting, and most Continental knitters are right-handed. Not everyone who holds the yarn in their left hand is a Continental knitter! Combination knitters, and most Eastern-Uncrossed knitters also hold the yarn in the left hand. (more on those next week)
Pros: The Continental knit stitch has far less motion than English-style knitting, and is often thought to be faster.* Once you're fluent in both knit and purl, Continental knitters usually enjoy patterns such as ribbing and seed stitch more, as there is almost no extra motion involved in moving the yarn from front to back and vice versa. It's also very easy for most right-handed crocheters to learn, since they already hold the yarn in their left hand.
Cons: While learning the Continental knit stitch is quite easy, learning to purl takes way more effort. Because knit and purl are wrapped using different motions, it takes more practice to get knit and purl stitches evenly sized.
Subtypes of Continental knitting are mostly based on different ways to purl - for all, the yarn has to come up in front of the needles, then wrap away from the knitter.
Flick/push purling: one finger of the left-hand (usually index or middle finger) pushes down on the working yarn to hold it down between the needles while the right hand scoots the new stitch out to the back.
Wrap purling: the yarn is wrapped around the tip of the right-hand needle (often looking as if there are two wraps), then held in place with either thumb and pushed out to the back.
Norwegian purling: only the right-hand needle goes behind the working yarn, then enters the stitch purlwise and twists around to the back of the work to wrap the yarn, and comes back to the front before completing the stitch (yes, it's hard to explain, but once you get it, it's not that hard to do).
*There is actually very little difference in knitting speed between English and Continental knitters, though the current world's fastest knitter record holder is a Continental knitter named Miriam Tegels.
Shop News
Featured Pattern & Yarn
Hitofude (pronounced Hit-Oh-Foo-Dey) is one of the most popular patterns of the last few years, and for very good reason! It's super pretty, extremely wearable, and great for every climate! It does feature lace knitting, so it's not a beginner pattern, but it's also not terribly difficult. It's only $2 and available instore or on Ravelry.
Caryn did hers using hand-dyed Euphoria Knits Frenzy in the colorway "Sun Bleached Jeans" (pictured at right) and it's so beautiful! Caryn always makes great notes on her projects, so you may want to check out her project page to get a little help.
Naumann's Angoras Demo - This Saturday from 1-4
Join us for a visit this Saturday from Naumann's Angoras. This Bandera, TX-based ranch raises and shows Angora goats, and produces gorgeous dyed mohair fiber. Bonnie & Dale will start off with a demonstration, while teaching us about their work. Bonnie's solar-dyed fiber will be available for sale afterwards.
2019 Crawl Passport PREORDERS!
We expect to have the actual passports in the shop any day now. Preorder yours so that you won't have to wait! $15 (+tax). Early birds get a bag (we usually run out of bags by late September, preorder a passport to make sure you get your bag too!).
Regular and Upcoming Events
Every Tuesday at 1 pm - Yarnivorphans Meet-up at Panera
1st and 3rd Fridays - Friday Night Cravings here at Yarnivore
Saturday, September 15 - Naumann's Angoras Demo
October 11-20 - 2019 Hill Country Yarn Crawl
EVERY DAY - Open Stitching in our seating area anytime we're open!
HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN!
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The Tip Jar
Working with color? Try to use similar weight and texture of yarn throughout. Sometimes the colors you want aren't all available in the same brand, but as long as you choose yarns of a similar weight, texture, and care requirements, no one will notice if they're not from the same brand. Example: Cascade 200 and Plymouth Galway can be used interchangeably!
Knit and Crochet Workshop with Beate
EVERY Thursday from 1-3 pm, $18 per session
Craft: Knitting
Teacher: Beate
Need help with a project or technique? This 1-session class is a great way to get help and see what others are working on! Beate will help with reading patterns, reinforcing techniques, and building your confidence. Beate can assist with either knitting or crochet projects.
One 2-hour session
Knitting Workshop
Each session is $18
Upcoming sessions,
Sunday, September 15 from noon-2 pm
Sunday, September 29 from 3-5 pm
Sunday, October 6 from 3-5 pm
Thursday, October 24 from 6-8 pm
Craft: Knitting
Teacher: Wendy
You know you love Wendy's tips and hints and wish she could help you with every project! Well, now she can! Bring your projects and we'll all learn together from each other's challenges. Make your knitting look professional and lose all your fears!
One 2-hour session
Knit a Lace Shawl
Thursday, September 19 & 26, & October 3 from 6-8 pm, $48
Craft: Knitting
Teacher: Wendy
Lace knitting is easier than you think! Learn to make a lovely lace shawl, beginning invisibly at the back of the neck. You'll also learn to read a lace chart, and to work with lighter-weight yarns doing left- and right-leaning decreases. Knit some holes! It's fun!
Three 2-hour sessions
Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving
Saturday, September 21 from 10 am-4 pm, $48
Craft: Weaving
Teacher: Debbi
Learn the basics of weaving on a rigid heddle loom. We’ll cover weaving terminology, direct warping, winding and managing shuttles, achieving a balanced weave and basic finishing techniques. As time allows, we’ll discuss weaving drafts, yarn choices for weaving, pattern planning and alternate methods of warping.
One 6-hour session
Seamless Baby Booties
Monday, September 23 & 30 from 6-8 pm, $33
Craft: Knitting
Teacher: Wendy
Learn to make adorable booties that will stay on! No seams to annoy li’l cute feet, either. Make several and have them on hand when your next baby shower invitation arrives!
Two 2-hour sessions
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Contact Us: https://www.yarnivoresa.net/ yarnivoresa@gmail.com 2357 NW Military, 78231 (210)979-8255