17

May

Cotton Classic is here

Posted by Shannon in New Product, Yarn

It’s a summery yarn kind of month here at Twisted World HQ. Already this month, we’ve added two gorgeous Lang yarns for the summer (Seta Tweed and Sol Degrade), Cotton Fleece from Brown Sheep Company, and now this: Cotton Classic from Takhi Stacey Charles.

Cotton Classic is a 100% mercerized cotton yarn, DK-weight, and the colors are pretty amazing. We’ve got 24 colors to start, and we’re super excited to see what you all come up with. There are over 8400 projects on Ravelry, ranging from sweaters to bags to dishcloths to dresses, to…you name it, someone has likely made it in Cotton Classic. Baby and kids garments seem to be particularly popular. All in all, it’s a stellar cotton yarn. But, don’t take our word for it – come on in and see for yourself. Start making those summer projects, folks – it’s really, truly, kind of, almost here!


16

May

Baby Surprise Jacket

Posted by Shannon in Classes

Time to knit a little something for a wee tiny? Perhaps you’d like to push yourself to try something truly original and adorable at the same time?

Baby Surprise Jacket Class

Baby Surprise Jacket


Knitting Goddess Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic one-piece pattern. There’s a good description of it at Knit Wiki. The construction is non-traditional, clever, practical and all around entertaining. Plus, there’s an adult version that this class can serve as a warm-up for. One of the few patterns you’ll ever follow that asks, “are you still with me?” Top photo from Knit Wiki. Bottom photo of Emily and Astrid in the BSJ Em knit for her!

Level: Advanced Beginner
Sundays, May 27, June 3 & 10. 12:00 – 2:00 pm.
with Parna Mehrbani
$60
Materials: DK (for 6 month size) or worsted (for 1 year size) weight yarn, needles needed to achieve gauge, five buttons. Did you know you get 10% off all materials when you take a class here?
Includes: Baby Surprise Jacket pattern.

Interested? Email us at class@twistedpdx.com or call 503-922-1150. See all our classes here.


15

May

Learn to Crochet!

Posted by Rachel in Classes

Our upcoming Learn to Crochet class show you how to make granny squares. Not just for granny’s, these squares are quick and perfect for quilting together into a blanket.

We here at Twisted recently learned this technique and were hooked. Get it? Hooked. Ha.

No prior crochet knowledge needed! Class project is granny squares. Granny Squares are great elements for making afghans, or for adding to other projects as embellishment. After learning basic crochet stitches, we will practice them while making Granny Squares. We will talk about ways to join the squares up so you will have the skills to make a larger project from the squares.
Sat, May 26, 2pm – 5pm
$30 with Elaine Marcus
Materials – either bring your own or before/during class get 20% off on: Size H Susan Bates Quicksilver crochet hook.
Includes: Yarn for project, hand out
Skills learned: Chain, single crochet, double crochet

Interested? Email us at class@twistedpdx.com or give us a buzz at 503-922-1150.


15

May

The Zig and the Zag

Posted by Emily in New Product, Patterns

Designed by Shannon Squire. This pattern was originally published as part of Twisted’s Head to Toe Club in February 2012. Now you, too, can share the love. Get a hard copy in our shop or on our webstore, or an electronic version via Ravelry.

Zig and zag your way through this fun project. This hat is a little bit slouchy and a lot bit fun to knit. The added bonus is that it’s completely reversible – the reverse- stockinette look is the one you are actually knitting. It only uses about 200 yards of a heavy sport to DK-weight yarn, and looks great with a highly variegated skein.


Yarn: Approx. 200 yards DK weight yarn. Samples shown in one skein of madelinetosh tosh dk, (100% Superwash Merino Wool, 225 yds/100g), colorway Filigree (green) and Malabrigo Arroyo (100% Superwash Merino Wool, 335 yds/100g), colorway Arco Iris. We also recommend Malabrigo Silky Merino and Hazel Knits DK Lively.
Gauge: 22 sts & 28 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette st.
Needles: US #5/3.75mm needles (or size YOU need to get gauge), for your preferred method of circular knitting, and a needle one size smaller.
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle.
Skill level: Intermediate.
Size/Finished measurements: One size fits most. It’s meant to be a bit slouchy.


14

May

I-cord Wonders

Posted by Alex in Classes

Ah, wonderful I-cords. Elizabeth Zimmermann said that the “I” stands for “idiot”, because even an idiot can do it! (Not one to mince words, that E.Z.) Traditionally i-cords turn up in a lot of drawstrings and tassles, but they are so much more! Come let Daniel show you what an i-cord can do!

I cord necklace


photo by Jody Rogac

I-cord Wonders
$20        with Daniel Yuhas

Put simply, I-cord is a rope-like tube of knitting made without turning the needles. But it’s so much more than just an overgrown string. In this class we’ll learn how to use I-cord as a cast-on, a side-to-side edging, and a bind-off. And we’ll leave plenty of time for play and discovery as we explore the wonderful, freeing, and easy-to-create shapes we can make from this unassuming little tube.

Date/Time – Monday, May 21, 6-8pm

Materials – either bring your own or before/during class get 20% off on: Smooth Worsted or Bulky weight yarn in a 2 solid colors, 1 skein of each. A set of four or five double pointed needles, made of wood, bamboo, or plastic, size 9 or 10.

Want to learn to work that i-cord like a pro? Give us a call at 503-922-1150 to register, or email us at class@twistedpdx.com.


10

May

Peekaboots + Sock it to Me Socks

Posted by Shannon in Local Products, New Product

lesleyWe’ve got a quick-and-easy cure for the rain-inspired doldrums you may be experiencing. Fantastic knee-high socks from Sock it to Me, combined with everyone’s favorite see-through rain boots, Peek-a-Boots. A match made in crafty-gal heaven, we think.

We just started carrying both of these products, and they are the perfect compliment to each other. Sure, the ideal is a pair of lovingly hand-knit socks to wear under your newly-acquired Peek-a-Boots (much like Lesley, our winner, is sporting). But, in a pinch, Sock it to Me Socks are the next-best things.



9

May

Cotton Fleece from Brown Sheep

Posted by Shannon in Knitting, New Product, Yarn

You know what I’m getting sick of? My East-Coast friends and family bragging about the gorgeous weather they’re experiencing, while we all find ourselves trying on new rain boots (not that these aren’t the coolest rain boots the world has ever seen, but come on, Mother Nature, give us a BREAK!)…The bright side? It’s been absolute perfect crafting weather. No hot laps from knitting or crocheting with wool here in the Pacific NW.

But, anyway, nice weather will be here soon-ish, and Twisted is getting ready for it by bringing in warm-weather yarns. One of our recent additions is yet another great work-horse yarn from Brown Sheep Company, Cotton Fleece. This year-round, DK to light worsted-weight yarn is a blend of crisp cotton for comfort and merino wool for softness and elasticity. Cotton Fleece produces garments that retain their shape, and is available in a wide range of colors.

Fiber: 80% pima cotton 20% merino wool
Weight: Dk to Light Worsted
Gauge: 5 sts/1″
Needles: US 6-8
Weight: 100 grams
Length: 215 yards (197 meters)
Care: Hand wash. Dry Flat.
Price: $9.75

We’ve got a great sample in the shop in this yarn, too. The Effortless Cardigan from Hannah Fettig, knit by the mastress of sample knitting, Sarah P.


8

May

Singing in the Rain Shawl

Posted by Emily in New Product, Patterns

Designed by Shannon Squire.

This pattern was originally released as part of Twisted’s Mad About Tosh Club in February 2012. Now you can get it as a hard copy either in the shop or from our webstore, or electronically via Ravelry.

Portland can be a bit… damp in the winter. Knitting shawlettes helps me laugh at those clouds, and keep that sun in my heart. It’s a glorious feeling when you’ve got a shawlette like this to wear. The short rows add both knitting interest and give the finished piece a great shape – it hugs you as you wear it, just like good knitting should.


Yarn: 380 yards fingering or sport weight yarn. Sample shown in one skein of Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% superwash merino wool; 440yds per skein), colorway Shanily.
Gauge: 24 sts = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch.
Needles: US #4 (3.25 mm) straight or 24” circular needle – or size to get gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle.
Skill level: Advanced beginner.
Size/Finished measurements: One size fits most. Inside edge: 45”. Outside edge: 100” Center: approx. 80”. 12”deep at center back. Measured after blocking.


7

May

Holy felted crowns, batman

Posted by Emily in Knitting

You’re going to have to forgive me for a moment. I have fallen in love with a customer’s project. And her. And her daughter.

Katje knit these insanely awesome felted crowns for every wee one attending her daughter, Vivian’s, third birthday party. Luckiest little girl in the whole world! And the most adorable model you could imagine for these stunning crowns from a free pattern on Ravelry, knit in Brown Sheep Lanaloft Worsted and Bulky, and decorated with felted baubles (our favorite new little crafty notion!) and lots of creativity.

Thanks so much to Katje and Vivian for taking the time for our photo shoot! Guest appearances by Carat and Nugget, who Vivian calls “the Pig Dogs”. She’s as smart as she is cute, folks.



6

May

Silver Bling!

Posted by Rachel in Classes

Looking for that special finishing touch on your hand knit project? Come design and create some hand crafted bling for your your string. Use the simple process of molds and stamps to create your one of a kind gem with pure silver clay. Pieces are dried and then fired in the kiln at the end of the class. Call us or stop by to register! 503.922.1150

bling

$20         with Karie Galvin
Date/Times: Saturday, May 12, 5:30-7:30pm

Materials – $20 material fee payable to teacher includes use of over 135 design stamps, pure silver clay and allows you to create one of the following: 1 large piece, 2 medium peices, 4 small pieces, or 1 medium and 2 small pieces.

Skills learned:  Working with precious metal clay.