Hi. I’m back…[Update: changed FO picture display]

July 19, 2013July 18, 2013 by Meg

Did you miss us last week? Sorry about that. We’ve been getting some really great new things in the shop and we got so caught up in unpacking and setting up that the blog was shifted to the back seat temporarily. But have no fear, we will show you what you missed.

First up…

… check out our Christmas wall. Isn’t it awesome… and fabulous? We knew you would like it. You should come in and see it in person.

Next…

… new canvases have arrived.

Click on an image to enlarge it.

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And look at these cute key fobs

Some new Needle and Scissor Bling

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Some new fun stuff for knitters…

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Saturday Snacks and Skills

This Saturday is the Santa class. It’s too late for you to come, but we will post pictures next week of the fun you missed.

It’s not too late to join the Stranded Knitting class. It’s August 17th and will cost $20 plus supplies. We will be doing fingerless gloves.

Don’t be intimidated. You can do this. Come learn something new. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is.

Reading Your Canvas. September 7. We rely very heavily on our dear Leona to guide us in choosing what stitches will look good on various parts of a canvas. In this class, she will show how to choose stitches for ourselves.

The French Knot is now a knitCompanion Affiliate.

knitCompanion is an amazing iPad app that transforms your PDF patterns into highly interactive knitting instructions (iPhone and iPod Touch too). It is a complex app that allows you to easily read charts, count rows, and make notes. Check it out here. Since we’ve discovered it, we have been singing its praises to all who will listen.

knitCompanion also offers kClub. kClub is an annual club where members can interact with designers, fiber artists and crafters. There are Designer Spotlights, KALs, Special Events and special knitCompanion training sessions. Read more about it here.

The French Knot is now a knitCompanion affiliate. We are very excited about this partnership and hope to soon be knitCompanion instructors, and offer formal, detailed classes on the many features of knitCompanion.

Check out knitCompanion if you haven’t already. If you already have knitCompanion, consider joining kClub. Stop by for a chat (or email, or call) if you have any questions.

Ravelry pattern sales

You can now purchase patterns available on Ravelry through The French Knot.

… Ravelry has a huge database of patterns by thousands of designers. Many are free, some are not. For various reasons someone may not be able to purchase directly through Ravelry. Now a large number of those patterns are available to purchase through The French Knot. This is a great service and we are very excited to be able to offer it.

Georgie’s Santa Update.

Georgie is making great progress on her Amanda Lawford Santa.

Are you ready for some Finished Objects?

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$Dee\'s socks$

$Dee\'s whatever$

$Georgie\'s Baby Hat$

$Marie\'s Books$

$Michelle\'s socks$

$Stacy\'s other socks$

$Stacy\'s socks$

Some Stuff to Celebrate!

July 3, 2013 by Meg

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Happy 4th of July.

We have a few exciting announcements…

The French Knot is now a knitCompanion Affiliate.

“What is knitCompanion?” you ask. knitCompanion is an amazing iPad app that transforms your PDF patterns into highly interactive knitting instructions (iPhone and iPod Touch too). It is a complex app that allows you to easily read charts, count rows, and make notes. Check it out here. Since we’ve discovered it, we have been singing its praises to all who will listen.

Well now it gets even better. knitCompanion has expanded their offerings to the new kClub. kClub is an annual club where members can interact with designers, fiber artists and crafters. There are Designer Spotlights, KALs, Special Events and special knitCompanion training sessions. Read more about it here.

Check out knitCompanion if you haven’t already. If you already have knitCompanion, consider joining kClub. Stop by for a chat (or email, or call) if you have any questions.

Another exciting announcement is… drumroll please…

Ravelry pattern sales

You can now purchase patterns available on Ravelry through The French Knot. If you don’t know about Ravelry, you should check it out. Take a moment, we can wait for you…

Remember how I told you about Meg, Leona and Georgie going to market?

It wasn’t all work and no play…

Here are some of the suppliers they ordered from. I know I’m excited. You should be, too.

New needlepoint canvases from…

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Leigh

Little Shoppe of Stitches

The Princess and Me

Strictly Christmas

Raymond Crawford Designs

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A Collection of Designs

Associated Talents

Labors of Love

Kirk & Bradley

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New for Knitters

Karribean Kotton new kits and restocking

Needle Felting kits from Lorna’s Wool

Scrumptious 4-ply

Appalachian Baby Design kits and organic cotton

Aurora Yarns

Madelinetosh

Sweet Georgia

Accessories for everyone.

Baskets from Honeycomb Enterprises

Bags from Chica

Books from Unicorn Books

Yarn Bowls from Pawley Studios

A few things have already started showing up… watch our little slideshow to see a few of the goodies that have already arrived.

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Of course we mustn’t forget about the book signing on August 21st or the Saturday Snacks and Skills classes coming up. Needlepoint Santa on July 20 and Stranded Knitting on August 17. See more details here.

Finished Objects

Another slideshow for you…

$Brennan\'s Sweater$

$Harper\'s Dress$

$Stacy\'s Hat$

$Stacy\'s Shawl$

$The Back of Brennan\'s Sweater$

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There Was a Little Party

June 28, 2013June 27, 2013 by Meg

***Updated to add video***

Sometimes when you want to show your love and appreciation, only a surprise party will do. There is a group of crazy knitters who banded together to do just that for Leona. It was two months in the planning and execution, but it was all worth it. She had no idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RThRe7S_pt8

There is a backstory involving unicorns and their untimely demise at the hands of our lovely Leona. Ask her about it next time you come in.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blog….

The Big News

Meg, Leona and Georgie made the trek to Market. I heard that they ordered some great stuff. We will keep you posted as things begin to arrive. Stay tuned.

A Book Signing.

Terri DuLong will be here on Wednesday, August 21st from 1-3 pm to sign her latest book, Postcards from Cedar Key. The books are here and they cost $15. Call to reserve your copy before they are all gone. The Knotty Knitters book club is planning to read it for July.

Swoon in June Sale!!!

Only three days left. Saturday is that last day of the sale.

25% off needlepoint canvases

(excludes full sized stockings, mini stockings with stuffers, New Orleans and select Halloween)

25% off most yarn (there are a few exclusions).

Saturday Snacks and Skills Classes

July 20– Santa Class. Cost is $150 ($75 due at registration), which includes the canvas, threads, stitch guide, instruction and of course some snacks. There are three spots left in the class. When it becomes necessary, we will start a waiting list. To be put on the waiting list, you will need to put down a refundable $75 deposit.

Here are the Santa canvases left to choose from.

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The Santas on the left are approximately 6 inches tall, the ones on the right are approximately 9 inches.

August 17 — Stranded Knitting. That is not a class about what to knit when you are stranded. It is a class on color-work. Here is an example of stranded knitting. Cost is $20 plus supplies.

Georgie’s Santa Update.

Georgie says she had more important things to do this week than work on Santa. It may have had something to do with a trip to Market and a new baby. I say she needs to stop making excuses and get busy. What say you?

A Quick Update

June 19, 2013June 19, 2013 by Meg

A Book Signing.

Swoon in June Sale!!!

June is more than half done. It will be July before you know it, and then the sale is over.

25% off needlepoint canvases

(excludes full sized stockings, mini stockings with stuffers, New Orleans and select Halloween)

25% off most yarn (there are a few exclusions).

Saturday Snacks and Skills Classes

July 20– Santa Class. Cost is $150 ($75 due at registration), which includes the canvas, threads, stitch guide, instruction and of course some snacks. Here are the Santa canvases to choose from.

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August 17 — Stranded Knitting. That is not a class about what to knit when you are stranded. It is a class on color-work. Here is an example of stranded knitting. Cost is $20 plus supplies.

Georgie’s Santa Update.

She is making progress on her Amanda Lawford canvas. Although Georgie has been offered the whopping sum of $150 for her Santa, she refuses to give him up. Imagine that!

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Here’s a close-up of the beadwork on Santa’s cloak.

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Finished Objects

It looks like Christmas around here.

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This ‘n That

June 13, 2013 by Meg

Today I hope to inspire you to finish those projects you’ve started and to whet your appetite for something new. So here goes… enjoy.

We start with inspiration…

The Georgie Santa Update.

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This is after two weeks. I know, we hate her, but we love her, right?

If you would like to stitch one of these Amanda Lawford designs, we can order one for you. Of course, you can choose a smaller.

And check out these finished needlepoint projects.

Leona’s Owl Ornaments. OMG!!! I’m in love! I wonder if she would notice if they disappeared.

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We showed you these pillows a few weeks ago before they went home, but they look so much better here.

Next up a couple of reminders…

Swoon in June Sale!!!

25% off needlepoint canvases

(excludes full sized stockings, mini stockings with stuffers, New Orleans and select Halloween)

25% off most yarn (there are a few exclusions).

And

Saturday Snacks and Skills Classes

June 15 — Dealing with Borders (needlepoint). You can bring in a canvas you are currently working on, or has been neglected because you just don’t know what to do with the edge, or you can take advantage of the sale and pick a new canvas. The class is $20 and you will be treated to some munchies while you learn. You can peruse our canvases here.

July 20– Santa Class. Cost is $150 ($75 due at registration), which includes the canvas, threads, stitch guide, instruction and of course some snacks. Here are the Santa canvases to choose from.

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August 17 — Stranded Knitting. That is not a class about what to knit when you are stranded. It is a class on color-work. Here is an example of stranded knitting. Cost is $20 plus supplies.

Guess what else is happening soon.

A Book Signing.

Terri DuLong will be here on Wednesday, August 21st, 1-3 pm to sign her latest book, Postcards from Cedar Key. The books are ordered and will be here soon. You can call the shop to reserve your copy. The Knotty Knitters book club is planning to read it for July.

Now here’s something new.

A circular needle case. This one is currently holding 26 pairs of needles from size US 0-11. It’s quite handy and cute, too!

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And to finish up we have a few finished objects to share with you.

Jami’s blanket

and Leona’s dragon

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Some Things I Hope You’ll Find Interesting

June 6, 2013 by Meg

The Swoon in June Sale

25% off needlepoint canvases

(excludes full sized stockings, mini stockings with stuffers, New Orleans and select Halloween)

25% off most yarn (there are a few exclusions).

Saturday Snacks and Skills Classes

July 20– Santa Class. Cost is $150 ($75 due at registration), which includes the canvas, threads, stitch guide, instruction and of course some snacks. Here are the Santa canvases to choose from.

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August 17 — Stranded Knitting. That is not a class about what to knit when you are stranded. It is a class on color-work. Here is an example of stranded knitting. Cost is $20 plus supplies.

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Progress report

I’m sure you are all interested in Georgie’s Santa progress. I know I am. So far it is looking pretty amazing.

We’ve restocked some popular books

As well as the ever popular Welcoming Home Baby.

Are there any spinners out there?

Stacey brought her drum carder on Tuesday and our Knotty Knitters had fun trying their hand at something new. She led us through the process of carding wool. Olivia just happened in at the right time and got in on the fun. She was very enthusiastic.

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A Recipe

Apple Casserole

Cream together: 1 stick oleo and 1 cup sugar

Add 1/2# Velveeta cheese, 3/4 cup flour

Spread 1 can sliced apples (packed in water) in buttered dish. Spread cheese mixture on top

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Finished Objects

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Things to Like About June

May 30, 2013May 30, 2013 by Meg

Georgie will finally get a grandDAUGHTER (who happens to be due to arrive on Deanne’s birthday).

Graduations.

Vacations.

It’s easy to spell.

Market.

A sale at your favorite needlepoint and knitting store.

Oh, that one caught your eye, did it? Well I suppose you want the particulars. Here you go…

25% off needlepoint canvases

(excludes full sized stockings, mini stockings with stuffers, New Orleans and select Halloween)

25% off most yarn (there are a few exclusions).

Another thing to like about June is the Saturday Snacks and Skills class. It is on June 15 and is Dealing with Borders (needlepoint). You can bring in a canvas you are currently working on, or has been neglected because you just don’t know what to do with the edge, or you can take advantage of the sale and pick a new canvas. The class is $20 and you will be treated to some munchies while you learn. You can peruse our canvases here.

While we are discussing Saturday Snacks and Skills, let me remind you of more upcoming classes.

July is the Santa Class. This one is $150 ($75 due at registration), which includes the canvas, threads, stitch guide, instruction and of course some snacks. Here are the Santa canvases to choose from.

August will be Stranded Knitting. That is not a class about what to knit when you are stranded. It is a class on colorwork knitting. Here is an example of stranded knitting. August 17, cost is $20 plus supplies.

We want to see your finished objects.

Here is some needlepoint.

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This ‘n That

May 23, 2013 by Meg

This week on the blog, we have a post full of reminders.

First up is Saturday Snacks and Skills.

On June 15 we have Dealing with Borders, a needlepoint class. The cost for the class is $20. Bring a canvas with you, or we can help you pick one out to work on.

July 20 is another needlepoint class. This time, it’s Santas. There is a nice variety of sizes and styles to choose from.

These canvases can be finished as stand-ups, ornaments, pillows, candle holders or framed. There are lots of options.

Of course if you are an overachiever like Georgie, you might go even bigger.

This class is $150 which covers the canvas, threads, stitch guide and class. A $75 deposit is due when you register and choose your Santa.

Speaking of Santas, did you know that Christmas is right around the corner? I know, I know. It’s not actually right around the corner, but if you plan to give a needlepoint or knitted gift, you need to be planning and working now. You can look at our Christmas canvases right here. Needlepointers especially need to plan ahead, since it takes time to get things back from the finishers. You can see the finishing deadlines here.

My final reminder for this week is about our clubs. We have two. The Finishing Club and The Birthday Club. Send 10 items to be finished through us and the 11th is free. Send us your birthday and email address, and you will receive an invitation to save 20% off of one purchase during your birthday month.

And no blog post is complete without some finished objects. This week we have a few finished needlepoint projects to show you.

Rhyme Time

May 15, 2013 by Meg

It’s time again for another rhyme,

I hope you will indulge me,

As I wax poetic about this place,

Where we feed our creativity.

I’ll start this poem off with new needlepoint,

For Christmas, to spruce up your place,

A wide variety of Minis and Santas,

Will put a big smile on your face.

Next up I’ll show you all new yarn,

To whet your appetite,

For something new to be casting on,

And keeping you up at night.

You may have seen, we moved some yarn,

To keep you on your toes,

This wall will now, for awhile at least,

Be where the sale yarn goes.

So now I’m on to the finished stuff,

That’s made by you and us,

We are so proud of all your work,

So we like to make a fuss.

To finish off this French Knot verse,

Snacks and Skills on Saturdays,

June 15 at 10 am,

Canvas borders in many ways.

You Need Some Sunshine Today…

May 2, 2013 by Meg

Since it’s raining and feels like it will never stop, I have a few new things to share with you that should brighten up your day.

Now don’t you feel better? Those are happy and bright, aren’t they? The top picture is a bunch of tape measures. From the top and going clockwise you see an owl, a chicken, a turtle, a black sheep, a brown sheep, a sock monkey, a bunny, a queen bee (she has crown even!). In the middle is a pig, and a bear.

And those stitch markers… OMG, right? From left to right you see sheep, lady bugs, bees and Scotty dogs.

You’re welcome.

We also have some little stuff keepers. The bags on the left come in a set of three. On the right you see a collection of ort containers. Leona tells me that ort means scraps.

Now how about some yarn? This is Scrumptious DK/Worsted. It is 45% silk and 55% merino, and a 241 yard skein costs $22. It feels so good, you want to snuggle with it. I was imagining the feel of it on my head as a hat…mmmmm. I may have to cast one on with apologies to my darling husband for another excuse to neglect his sweater.

And here we have some special yarn hand dyed by Ann K. You can take home some of this beautiful yarn for yourself. Come in and see the colors in person.

Some new books and patterns came in this week as well…

Upcoming Saturday Snacks and Skills Classes…

This weekend, May 4 is the Cable Without a Cable Needle class. We will be making a washcloth. You don’t need to know how to knit cables to take this class. $20 (includes yarn)

June 15 will be a needlepoint class. Dealing With Borders. Bring a project you are already working on. $20

It’s time for some finished objects…

Margie is one prolific knitter, and she designs some of what she knits herself. Here Deanne models a few of her most recent accomplishments.

Leona did some knitting this week.

And she managed to finish these owls, too. She hasn’t decided yet how they will be finished, but she has eight more to finish before she has to make a decision.

Georgie finished this sweater for her grandson.

What did you finish recently?