Archive for June, 2007
Jocelyn and I were among those who attended Saturday’s demonstration of Knitware, Ada Lai’s knitting design software. Many of our customers may recognize Ada from her sock classes, but now she’s very busy at knitting shows where she shows the many great features of her software. Jocelyn bought the Sweaters module on Saturday, and here’s her report on her experience so far.
Some of you may have noticed that I am a little obsessed with the computer. Since I am similarly obsessed with knitting, I had considered buying knitting software several times. I had put it off (mostly because I thought I could figure most things out on my own or I could just come and ask Sudha or Dolores for help). Nonetheless, I was intrigued by Ada’s product, and I came to see the demo. I have to admit that I was pretty well blown away. Here some of the features:
- Comprehensive list of design elements: this is a Chinese menu of sorts. You can pick your sweater style, type of collar, sleeve shape, etc.
- Infinite size options: the program has pre-set standards for a number of common sizes (for men, women, and children), but you can also make custom sizes.
- Yarn estimator: this is perhaps my favorite feature of all. You can make a swatch, weigh it ( we have a scale here at the store that weighs in 1 gram increments), then based on your gauge, and stitch and row count from your swatch, the program tells you how much yarn you will need to complete your project. No more running short or having tons of yarn left over.
My first project was to convert the Knitty pattern Monica into what my daughter wanted – a short-sleeved sweater with a lace border and sleeves and no ruffle. I was able to do that in (way) less than 5 minutes. Next up is doing something with the three skeins of Tilli Thomas Pure & Simple that have been sitting in my stash since Stitches of 2006 (cough, cough). Now I’ll just have to find the stitch pattern I like and create something perfect! I’m sure I’ll be buying the shawls module soon. It does blankets and scarves too. Fantastic.
Both programs are available at the store, so come by to check them out. They are available for the PC only and will run on Vista. Apple does have software that you can buy for Macs that will allow you to run your Windows software on it. At our store the Knitware modules retail for $54 per module.
June 27th, 2007
Earlier this week, Jocelyn interviewed three of our youngest knitters. Emily is 8, her big sister Sam is 11, and Amanda is 9. All three are enthusiastic knitters and quite skilled for their age. Hopefully their interest in knitting will insipre other kids to get involved. Our camps this summer are a great introduction to knitting and are sure to be lots of fun.
When did you learn to knit? Where did you learn?
E: I was four. My Mom taught me at home.
S: I learned at Nine Rubies when I was almost 10.
A: I took a class at another shop when I was 8.
What kinds of things have you knit so far?
E: Scarves, socks and hats.
S: A purse, a hat, scarves and a neck warmer.
A: A sweater, scarves, a drawstring purse and a felted bag.
What’s the most fun thing about knitting?
E: It’s fun to see what different things you can make.
S: It’s cool to see what you’ve made.
A: I love to see people’s reaction when I give them something I’ve made for them.
Have people complimented you on something you’ve knitted? How does it make you feel?
E: Yes. It feels good.
S: Yes. It’s cool that people who don’t knit can’t figure out how I made something.
A: Yes, I like when I get to say that I made something.
Would you recommend knitting to other kids your age?
E: Yes. It’s fun to knit. It’s not boring!
S: Yes. It’s fun to look at yarn and think what you can make with it.
A: Yes. I like to wear what I’ve made and I feel like I’ve accomplished something. It’s great to get compliments! I also really like working with nice yarns.
June 17th, 2007
July 7th is a hugely popular day to get married this year. We don’t want to marry you, but we do want you to come to our Luckiest Day of the Year Sale! You’ve got a couple of weeks to think about all the garments you’ll want to knit this fall or the scarves you’ll be giving as holiday gifts or the felted bag you’re dying to make. Maybe you’re just looking for a good opportunity to enhance your stash? We’re here to help!
All merchandise in the store will be 15% off it’s original price. Sales merchandise will be an additional 10% off. As always members will get an additional 5% discount. Store members can also shop during the week before (starting Monday, July 2nd) and avoid the rush (and get the best selection). We will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, so plan accordingly. We will not be having Social Knitting night on July 4th either, so if you would like to come in on the Thursday, July 5th for late night knitting, please let us know.
*Classes and gift certificates are not eligible for discounts.
*Returns only with receipts.
*Unfortunately, we won’t be able to wind your yarn on sale day. We will be happy to wind it for you on another day.
June 14th, 2007
Are you wondering whether you have enough yarn in your stash to do that project? Are you ready to start designing your own patterns? You like that pattern but want to change the length of the sleeve and make it 6 inches longer?
Then you must come and see Ada Lai when she demonstrates Great Knit Design’s Knitware Software at Nine Rubies Knitting. Ada will be at the store on June 23rd starting at 2 pm demonstrating the software at our store. We are thrilled to be hosting Ada at the store – she is an integral part of the Nine Rubies family – a teacher, a talented knitter & crocheter, and a friend.
Ada will be demonstrating Knitware Sweaters, Knitware Skirts & Shawls, and Knitware Basics for everyone. The software is truly amazing – you knit up a gauge swatch and enter the data into the software. Then you tell the software how many stitches to the inch you’re getting and whether you’d like the sleeves to be longer and the entire sweater 6 inches longer. And the amazing thing is that it generates the pattern and tells you how much yarn you’ll be needing. And did we tell you that it generates patterns for knitting, crochet or even machine knitting? Don’t take my word for it, come and see all the features for yourself.
Ada will be handing out goodies too – she’ll be giving demo CDs for those of you that would like to try it out for a mere $2. We’ll have the full version of Knitware Sweaters and Knitware Skirts & Shawls available at the store for purchase. We’re looking forward to seeing all of you.
June 13th, 2007
Running a small business is always a challenge. Today’s challenge was particularly challenging. When we arrived to open the store this morning, we discovered that the Parking Meters outside on the street were locked up with big red bags over them.
And that’s 10 spaces in front of the store that have these red bags over them promising to tow your car if you parked there.
We apologize for the inconvenience. We know this is going to make shopping here a little less convenient for you. To make this easier there is a parking lot at 2nd and El Camino – and there are additional parking lots behind the building as well. Please consider parking in these lots and walking to the store. Parking can be tricky in downtown – the best times to come are before 12 pm and between 2 and 5 pm in the afternoon. To make this a little easier, we are offering Free Parking at Nine Rubies. Simply present your City Garage Parking ticket and we will refund you up to $2 when you make a purchase of $10 or more at the store. We think this is the least we can do.
Meanwhile of course, we have been calling all the appropriate City, Merchant’s Association and related offices to see what can be done to minimize the impact of the construction that is taking place at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel. We’ll keep you updated.
June 6th, 2007
