Somewhere along the way, I realized that we did not have easily accessible pictures of the samples for our Introductory Weaving class. The idea of the Introductory class is to get a taste for weaving – this is aimed primarily at knitters and crocheters who are used to knitting yarns. The first sample that we created for this class was a simple woven scarf in Plymouth Grande Glow – Baby Alpaca. This yarn has a subtle sparkle to it and is in solid colors. The resulting scarf is soft:
Worn by the model in our store:
Our second sample for this class was created when people attending this class asked for a non-animal fiber in their yarn. The yarn we used for this was a 100% cotton tape called Lang Sol Degrade.
This yarn has a slow color change and every scarf made in it is different and comes out astonishingly beautiful. It has become the more popular sample for our introductory class.
Check out the lovely fringe on this scarf. This is taught in the first class and is created using a nifty little device called the Fringe Twister.
Interested in this fun class? The details are all on our website. If you have more questions, give us a call at the store at 650-685-6205.
February 14th, 2012
Snowflakes and reindeers and Douglas firs and ugly sweaters and holiday cards sent from halfway around the world – it’s Christmas time again! You know the drill: these are some of the store favorites for Christmas celebrations.
Ornaments
Christmas Bauble by Greedy for Colour
This pattern has blown-up on the internet! It’s like every craft blog worth its salt has featured this tutorial at some point and some have even posted some creative variations. Greedy for Colour’s knit ornaments look sweet, easy, and perfect for your leftover yarn stash.
Paperclip Ice Skate Ornament by Suzie’s Stuff
We at Nine Rubies think these ornaments are super creative. They look pretty simple to make, and the paperclip blade makes them unique.
Yarn Basket Ornament by Red Heart
Red Heart hit the nail on the head with this ornament pattern – it’s perfect to give to your fellow crafters or to the friends who tease you for your yarn obsession.
If you have some blah glass or metal ornaments laying around, try dressing them up with some ornament cozies:
Ornament Cozy by Knit Darling
Stockings
These stocking patterns are pretty classic. Who knows, they could end up being family heirlooms after this Christmas.
Paige’s Christmas Stocking by Jennifer Hoel
Tis the Season Stocking by Pennies per Hour of Pleasure
Christmas Tree Christmas Stocking by Lion Brand Yarn
(psst, this one is crochet!)
Bunting and Garlands
A key part of the holiday season is tacky decorations, not that these garlands are tacky! Actually, they’re pretty cute and I could be convinced to leave them up all year (or at least all winter).
Snowflake Garland by One Sheepish Girl
Smitten by Emily Ivey
Advent Garland by Frankie Brown
The last one is the best Christmas garland I’ve found yet! How cute is this? You could even use all the separate parts for Christmas ornaments.
Gift Wrappings
Embroidered Gift Tags by Craftyminx
Yarn has so much potential, especially with gift wrapping. Embellish your presents with crochet flowers, novelty yarn ties, and sweet handmade gift tags. The possibilities are endless.
December 17th, 2011
I love Christmas. I love the cheesy music and the sugar cookies. I love making ornaments and hanging them on my family’s plastic “vegetarian” Christmas tree. I love the horrible matching sweaters and the reindeer socks I can buy at Target for a dollar. What I don’t love is scrambling for gifts.
It usually happens, at least once a holiday season, that there is some friend I forgot to go shopping for. They’re usually family friends, that girl who dog-sitted for us once, or the son of my mother’s aunt’s nephew. Either way, they’re on their way over and I don’t have any sort of holiday present for them. Enter Nadya’s Fantastic and Wonderful Grab- Bag of Knitted Goodies.
This isn’t an original idea, I know, but it’s still super handy for December; basically, I use up my yarn stash by making chunky knit scarves, fingerless mittens, and unisex hats that I can then give to whoever visits during the holidays. This way I get my yarn box nice and empty for the new year, I keep myself busy with short two hour projects (which is all I have the attention span for during Christmas break), and I’m ready and prepared for the unplanned houseguests.
You’re probably saying “But wait! Gifts like that can’t nearly be personal enough!” And you’re right. But remember the basic tenet of elementary school: everyone loves a handmade gift. It works even better if your handmade gifts are warm, usable, well-made, and not a macaroni necklace. The holiday season is a trying and hectic time full of last-minute shopping trips and little kids underfoot. Make your own grab-bag and let things get a little easier.
Here are the ones I’m doing right now:
Scarves
Chunky Circle Scarf by People Webs
This scarf is easy to crochet and turns out pretty cute. I like it because it uses up a whole bunch of yarn – either you can double up some worsted weight or you can use chunky yarn. Either way, expect to be down a few skeins in no time at all!
Scarf of Many Colors by Sand and Sky
This scarf was made for your stash! You can use up all the little leftovers from your other projects to make this gorgeous mix of color. Also, the stitches are super simple – this scarf is a relatively mindless project.
Luxe Cowl by Nutty Irishman Knits
Can you tell I have a thing for cowls? This one is also great to use up the odds-and-ends of your yarn stash. If the color flurry is unappealing, it’s equally gorgeous in single color worsted weight. This simple design means it will be appealing to most, so you can’t go wrong!
Annie by Jane Richmond
If you want something a little harder, try Annie by Jane Richmond. It’s done on smaller needles than the rest and the texture is so pretty. Another mindless scarf project, but the results are super chic!
Honeycomb Cowl by Courtney Spainhower
I really like the texture on this one. Use self-striping or basic colors to make something pretty and cozy.
Mittens
Emerald Green Handwarmers by Creative Yarn
These are the easiest things in the world to make! They’re each knit as a rectangle and then sewn up the sides with a hole left for the thumb. You could even supplement the moss and double moss stitches with your favorite stitch.
Camp Out Fingerless Mitts by Tante Ehm
These are so cozy. I especially like the coloring effects the designer used. Worsted weight should work just as well if you don’t have any Noro laying around.
Mock Cable Fingerless Mittens by Naomi Adams
Mock cables are faster than actual cables and the effect is neat. I like these because they work well as a small gift or stocking stuffer.
Hats
Rikke Hat by Sarah Young
This hat looks so European and comfy, I’ve even made one for myself. DK weight and relatively small needles, the Rikke Hat is more delicate looking than some of the other patterns listed here.
Twistin’ the Night Away by Susan Menashe
You probably know some teenage girls who would flip for this turban-like headband. Susan Menashe’s pattern takes not time at all and uses up your chunky yarn to boot.
What are your favorite quick knits?
December 16th, 2011
Here in the Bay, it’s getting a little bit chillier. The wind is blowing a little harder and leaves are changing colors. I think I can officially say this is football weather!
I’ve heard it said that the best thing to knit along to is a football game. Use the time-outs for counting your stitches or reconsulting your pattern, while you make use of the exciting game-play to get through the repetitive stockinette stitch portions of your project!
So, as you cozy up on the couch with the game and all that stash yarn you need to get rid of before next year, try some of our favorite football-inspired knitting and crochet patterns.
Football Hat by Susan B. Anderson
This is the latest pattern that has made waves (scored?) at the Nine Rubies store. From Anderson’s book Itty-Bitty Hats, this is actually the real inspiration for this blogpost. We just love the little bobble on top!
Football Helmet Winter Hat by Tracey Rediker
This pattern must be purchased, but you have to admit – it’s completely adorable! Change the colors to your favorite team’s or just to your favorites. Even the adult fan would enjoy wearing this hat on game day.
Football Mosaic Scarf by Sarah Burton
How great is this design? I mean, again, it’s easily adaptable to any team’s colors, but I also think it just looks cool. You could even give to a non-football fan – it could be like subliminal messaging.
Football Cocoon and Hat Set by Tupelo Honey’s
Here’s one for the crocheters out there! This little football-shaped cocoon blanket and little hat are so adorable it’ll make you choke on the guacamole!
If you would like to make up your own design, or use a more basic pattern that could be worn year-round, this blog has a list of Cascade 220 colors than sync up nicely with NFL team colors. Or, if you’d rather use a different yarn, use this list of all the team colors of every team in the NFL since 1922.
To get you started, try using this basic Harry Potter Scarf pattern or Mae’s Striped Team of House Hat. Switch the colors out to your liking, and wear proudly.
Well, that’s all from us! Be sure to tell us how the football season goes for you – for both your favorite football team and knitting projects.
- Nadya the Intern
October 15th, 2011
Almost HERE, as in San Mateo, the home of Nine Rubies! We are hustling and bustling, getting together what we need for our booth, as well as scheduling a special designers’ night at the store! Let me give you the run down!
1. Nine Rubies will be one of the only retail stores setting up a booth at the Interweave Knitting Lab Knitter’s Market. This market is free to attend and open to the public:
- Thursday, November 3: 5 – 9 p.m
- Friday, November 4: Noon – 9 p.m
- Saturday, November 5: 9 – 3 p.m
We will be carrying a whole lotta Shepherd’s Wool in a whole lotta colors (that’s 50, if you want exact numbers)! In addition, we have been winding yarn for weeks now to create enough Dipped Infinity Scarf Kits for the event! There will be more, lots more, and you’ll only know what if you come on down to visit us at our booth (but here’s a hint: sock yarn, Noni accessories…I’ve said too much)!
2. On Friday evening, from 5pm – 7pm, we will also be hosting a special Local Designers’ Night! Carrie Sullivan aka Irish Girlie Knits, and Hilary Smith Callis (of the Citron Shawl and Ceres Scarf fame) will be coming by to show off their newest patterns! RSVP on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/events/local-designers-night
October 13th, 2011
A scene from last year's double knitting workshop
Come on over to Nine Rubies for our free staff-led workshops! A great addition to this year’s line-up is a reprise workshop on Thursdays during the afternoon – great for those customers of ours who can’t get out of the house on evenings.
The following is our schedule as we have it now, although it is subject to change (this will be the place where we will change it, so bookmark this post if you like). All Wednesday workshops occur from 7pm-8pm, and Thursday workshops will be held from 2pm-3pm. Stop on by and learn a new skill and catch up with fellow knitters!
October 12, 2011: Lace Squares
You’ll be learning a simple lace pattern suitable to beginners and creating a square for the Palo Alto Veteran’s Hospital Charity Blanket. Bring US 7 needles and about 100 yards of Worsted Weight yarn.
October 19th & 20th: Splicing Yarn
Need to join a new ball of yarn to a project in process? Learn various methods of splicing yarn with Christina. Bring scrap wool yarn, sharp tapestry needle, and scissors.
October 26th & 27th: Multiple Cast On Methods
Learn a variety of casting on methods for every occasion with Christina. Bring 2 contrasting colors of smooth worsted weight yarn and size US 7, 8 or 9 needles.
November 2nd & 3rd: Hexapuffs
Everyone is crazy about the Beekeeper’s Quilt by Tiny Owl! It’s a great way to use up leftover bits of sock yarn and you end up with a warm and cozy quilt for the winter. You’ll be addicted in no time! Get started with Saloni. Participants should buy the pattern beforehand, or we’ll help you buy it via Ravelry at the shop. Bring fingering weight yarn and US 4 double-pointed needles.
November 9th & 10th: 3-Needle Bindoff Once you learn this technique, you’ll be using it for everything. It’s a great way to join two pieces of knitting invisibly! Learn with Saloni. Bring two stitch swatches still on the needles and a third needle of the same size or slightly larger.
November 16th & 17th: Introduction to Toy Knitting
We will be knitting a ball and stuffing it to learn the basics of toy knitting.
October 11th, 2011
Scott Hamilton’s breathtaking mohair pagoda’s are up in the Nine Rubies storefront! They will be on display until October 15th. You must see these in person!
October 6th, 2011
We’re pleased to announce a great addition to the Yarnbombing talk and booksigning coming up Saturday, October 8th: Scott Hamilton’s beautiful fiber creations will be on display.
Scott creates large pillars made of mohair that are meant to be hung from ceilings and walls. These pillars look light-as-air, and allow sunlight and shadows to pass through them, creating a piece that is constantly changing. Ten to Fifteen of these pillars will be on display in the Nine Rubies window. We hope you stop by to support a local artist and see these gorgeous creations in person! The artist’s reception will be from 6-8pm on Saturday night, but if you are really dying to get the first glimpse, the installation will be up on October 5th, and will stick around until October 19th. The artworks will also be available for sale. We will have the artist’s contact information at the store if you are interested.
October 1st, 2011
Crocheted Bow Tie by Linda Permann
As a joke, I recently asked my brother if he would wear a knitted tie if I made one for him. I assure you it was a joke and not a test to see how much he loved me. His eyes got bigger and he started grinning madly, “Totally!” I got so excited I promised him seven handmade ties. I also found out that he was planning to wear one for his first day of his senior year of high school (I am a little unsure if he is doing this to demonstrate his “power” as a senior, able to wear whatever he likes, or because he actually likes the tie that much). This whole experience got me thinking – what is it like to knit for guys?
Obviously, my brother is a good sport and he would happily put on whatever I made for him (provided it was not completely hideous or pink). And the guy friends who were lucky enough to receive a lopsided hat or hastily made mittens from me knew better than to criticize my creations. My dad, on the other hand, maintains a general distaste for knitted goods and would rather leave the house with just a t-shirt than put on an itchy wool sweater. Are guys with overwhelming older sisters or female friends the ones that do not mind a nice scarf?
I mean, it seems that all guys are different in their views on yarn handicraft. Think about the “boyfriend sweater” curse, for instance. On nearly every knitting blog, in nearly every cheeky knitting book, and on the lips of seasoned knitters is the warning “DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT KNIT A SWEATER FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT PUT A RING ON YOUR FINGER (children and close relatives excluded).” There is truth in this warning, of course – why go through all the pain and suffering of making a sweater for someone who has not committed? There are stories of knitters who, during their breakup, are confused as to who should keep the sweater – the maker or the receiver. There are stories, even, of the sweater causing the breakup (“You didn’t even bother to consider if I’d like this color,” etc.). Mittens and scarves are fine for boyfriends, but sweaters are for husbands. Fair enough. But I’m still confused on what to make exactly that would be the universal man-friendly knitted gift.
Some guys wear scarves. Some wear gloves. Most wear hats when it’s cold. Few wear sweaters, opting, instead, for sweatshirts or jackets. And here I am, with all this yarn, no money, and a growing Christmas gift list. What to do?
No seriously, do you guys have any suggestions?
September 26th, 2011
This has just come in, and we just LOVE this stuff! 100% merino wool, worsted weight, 250yds/skein, 20 wonderful colors…what more can you ask for? This is one of the softest 100% wool yarns you will touch. Each color is very subtly heathered, which adds a nice touch to all projects created from it.
Debbie McDermott is the woman behind this small company. Located in northern lower Michigan, Stonehedge Fiber Mills operates out of a 150 year old farm. They do all their animal raising, carding, spinning, and dying. We love supporting small fiber businesses – especially those with stunning, high quality products like those that Ms. McDermott puts out.
Now, whatever shall you do with this yarn once you fall in love with it, take a bunch of skeins home, without an idea of a project in mind? We’re here to help! The following are some suggestions that will really show off the Shepherd’s Wool:
Escher’s Oriental Poppy Cowl will really show the yarn off! This cowl is really stunning in person, and it’s great fun to knit, too!
Try the French Press Felted Slippers, a cute design by Melynda Bernardi. The Shepherd’s Wool felts beautifully, and many people on Ravelry have already had the fantastic idea of using this yarn with this pattern!
How about going for a full-blown sweater with the Shepherd’s Wool? Girl Friday by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark is a tried and true (free!) pattern from Knitty! This will be great for a fall sweater (or all-year outerwear, if you live in the Bay Area)!
September 20th, 2011
Previous Posts
