Knit Along- Know Your Stitches!

Before we all cast on August 1st, here is a list of the stitches you will need to be familiar with for the pattern:

• Long Tail Cast On: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGHhETWoFUM This is my preferred method to casting on as the finished edge looks similar to the bind off edge. Since the pattern is worked from side to side it will make both ends lookends look the same.

• Knit Stitch (k): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLJwpyRubKs

• Purl Stitch (p): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLVPe4zdfqs

• Knit through the Back Loop (ktbl): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1KiHViK160 This stitch is sandwiched on either side of the knit stitch and creates a twisted stitch. This imparts a little more stability to the fabric once the purl stitches begin to drop.

•Yarn Over (yo): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ovNj7ibnhQ OR: Knit in Front and Back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGHZrnPaX98 As you increase up the first side you need to be increasing the stitches. The pattern says use yarn overs, which will leave smallleave small holes on that side of the shawl. If you use the knit front and back (make one) stitch instead, you avoid that problem.

• Knit Two Together (k2tog): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2W1tIMc4ho As you decrease down the other side the pattern calls for knitting two stitches together.

• Cast Off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuE6Wjzq2d8

This pattern will be a challenge for the novice knitter and keeps the interest of the more advanced knitters. If you know how to do the above stitches you’ll be able to complete the knit-along! If you are participating, help is available for this pattern in the shop during normal business hours. All videos are courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn’s YouTube feed: http://www.youtube.com/user/LionBrandYarn

New Late Summer Knit-a-Long

I'm so excited to announce we have a new Knit-a-Long that begins August 1, 2013 and ends October 1, 2013.  This Clapo-Ktus pattern, found here on Ravelry:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clapo-ktus is beginner friendly, but interesting enough for advanced knitters too.  We've provided a video overview of the project on YouTube which you can access here:  http://youtu.be/9Rv3hfayqio.  Updates will be posted to the blog and Facebook regularly. 

Let us know that you're participating and send any questions and frequent pictures of your progress to bellalunaknits@gmail.com .  We'll post your progress on the blog and Facebook and address your questions for all to see.  One on one assistance is also available in the shop.  Just stop in and ask!

Finish the project by October 1st, submit your completed project picture to us and you'll receive a 25% off coupon to use on any yarn, notion, needle or book in the shop.

A completed project is hanging in the shop so you can take a look in person.  We've got an amazing array of yarns at all price points (today's sale means you can participate in this KAL for less than $10) and you can choose from sock, sport, or DK weight and make your project as large or small as you like.  You only need two skeins!

Happy Saturday!  It's our 6 month anniversary and we are so excited to celebrate with you.

Kim