My heart will go on with knitting: Review on Tulip's stitch markers in HEART SHAPE

Hi Knitters,

Recently I had a few trips to Asia.  It was great to explore the world and found out what knitters from the other side of the earth are up to.

When I went back to my home city Hong Kong, I went to a local yarn store in called Cheer Wool Co. Ltd in Wan Chai and got this:

Yes! Jumbo stitch markers in heart shape!!!!!!!!

Are they just lovely?  There are totally 6 of these stitch markers in the package.  They are made by Tulip, a celebrated Japanese brand that is famous for it's crochet hooks and other knitting accessories.  Elastic.  Made of polyethylene as indicated on the package.

I used two of the markers to finished a hood that was originally designed by me as a snood.  That's Op. 24.  Opus twenty-four.  

The snood was knitted with US #10 needles.  The usage of the markers were actually optional.  It was just easier to distinguish the borders on both sides and the subtle heart shape pattern in the center of the rows with the help of the markers. It was not especially easily or difficult to use the markers.  Nothing special about it except the appearance.  Yeah, you don't have to own them.  But I bet when you see them you'll just go crazy like me.  

These markers are pretty big.  You shouldn't have problem using them on needles even in US size 15 (10.0mm).  (I tested it)  Anyhow, details and pattern of Op. 24 will be blogged.  Stay tuned.  

Happy knitting!

Souvenirs from Japan

Hi knitters,

A few months ago I went to Tokyo, Japan and had a pleasant vacation there.  It was summer and of course nobody was wearing knits of wool.  Anyhow, I went to Kichijoji and shop in a mega craft store called Yazawaya.  And here is the official website of the store: http://www.yuzawaya.co.jp/

You can find not only knitting and crochet stuff, but fabrics, buttons and even books.  However, the proportion for animono is rather small.  I could not even find needles of one brand in all sizes.

Still, I found something very interesting like this one.

This is actually a Tunisian crochet hook with a clip and string that are used as attachment.  I have not tried the set.  

Below is a crochet hook of the brand Misasa.  Made in Japan and made of wood from India.  I tested it by crocheting some simple double stitch and it worked quite well.  The weight is much lighter than I had expected.  It's a Japanese size 7 hook.  And as you can see, it's a beautiful design.  Hopefully I can spend some time crocheting.

Well, as I was short of travelling expense, I did not buy any yarn.  Still, I managed to spend almost two hours there browsing around.  There're some used books for sale as well.  Anyhow, next time when I go to Japan, I would like to check out another yarn store.  If you have any tips for me or recommendation, please feel free to comment.

Happy knitting and crocheting

Shopping in Piedmont Yarn & Apparel and Getting 7 balls of yarn

Hello knitters,

Today I went to Piedmont to visit a local store.  It's called Piedmont Yarn and Apparel.  It was a local store with sufficient supply of yarn.

In the front of the store, there were some seats for knitters to try things out.  Then there were display area for the yarn selection and knitting supplies.  The yarn needles were well organized by sizes and located in some basket.  On top of each shelf, there're display that demonstrate the beauty of yarn the the craftsmanship of the staff.  

In the back, there is a small room where a knitting class was being held while I was shopping.  I really don't like to be rushed while I am shopping.  I was pleased that no one disturbed me while I was craving and touching the yarn.  The two sale representatives were both very polite and helpful.  

The prices of the yarn are reasonable, I got 5 balls of Schachenmayr's Leana (in 2 colorways) and 2 balls of Suri Brushed by Frog Tree for a total of $61.30. .   Not bad at all.  It is my first time purchasing these brands of yarn.  Will tell you more about them later.  In sum, Piedmont Yarn and Apparel is a lovely store. If I ever go to Piedmont, I will certainly go to this store again.  It's a matter of transportation.  Piedmont locals, go go go!!!

I tried to upload a "what's in my shopping bag video" and failed.  If interested, you can go to my Instagram account and take a preview.

Anyhow, stay tuned.  I will tell you about my recent project (s)...

HAPPY KNITTING

P.S. Just found out on Ravelry that it's Suri Brushed has been discontinued.

Yarn spinning service saves all my trouble ~ another visit to Nine Rubies

Hi knitters,

A few days ago I went to San Mateo for some sushi.  Then I walked to the very nice local yarn store, Nine Rubies, to pay a visit.

At that time there were a few ladies crocheting.  They were having so much fun knitting and gossiping.  I browsed around and picked up totally five skeins of yarn.  I knew I hated making yarn ball by myself, but...

The sales representative asked me if I wanted her to make the yarn ball for me.  She said, "it's out of courtesy."  What do you think I would have said?

She placed the first skein of yarn on an umbrella-like stand which was made of wood.  Then she pulled one end of the yarn to the other side.  That is the magical machine that saved all my troubles.  Once the sale representative (oh, I forgot to ask for her name) turn on the button of the machine, It started spinning.

It was fun watching the operation of it.  Totally it took about 18 minutes for making five balls of yarn.

If you wanna know what I bought this time, stay tuned and

HAPPY KNITTING

Finally I got the Turbo Click!

Hi Knitters,

How's your day?  Today is exceptionally hot in San Francisco.  Unbelievable.  Everybody goes out.  Me too.

I got a call earlier from a yarn store.  The sales representative informed me that the addi Turbo Click set has been restocked!  Hurrah!!!  

I then went to the yarn shop.  After Comparing the original Turbo and the Lace sets  I made up my mind and bought the Turbo.  Why?  Because it's always out of stock.  So I guess, only guess, that the turbo performs better. And also because the needles of the Lace set are too short.  Well, you may ask me, "why didn't you get the Lace Long Tip in the other store a few days earlier?"   Hmmm...that's because I like the tip of the needles of smaller sizes better.  (US #4-7)   What do you think?  And how do you like the Click Lace Long Tip set?  

I have a cirucular turbo in US #5.  That works very well.  And I've heard a lot of compliement about Turbo Click.  Well, actually I did try to connect the cord and the needles.  I didn't hear any click from this German set.  Hahaha.  Here is the official description of the Click Turbo:

The addi Turbo® Click system provides 10 different sizes of addi Turbo® tips (3.5mm, 3.75mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, and 10.0mm), three different lengths of our new, extremely pliable blue cord (24”, 32” and 40”), and one connector piece which helps to either store stitches or combine your cords. 

I bought this expensive set (yes, it's EXPENSIVE) also because of the lifetime warranty.  Someday I will have a chance to see how good the customer services (as I heard) is.   Will try these needles with my next project.  Then of course I will blog about it!

Enjoy your weekend and
HAPPY KNITTING

Among Incredible Knits: Trip to Nine Rubies in San Mateo Area

Hi Knitters,

It's now Fall.  And winter is coming.  Ready for buying yarn without limit?  Well, I just got a few balls of yarn.  Op. 16 is gonna be something in purple.  Stay tuned if you wanna see how it will turn out.

A few days ago, I called Nine Rubies in San Mateo and asked the receptionist if they do carry Addi Turbo set.  She said yes and we drove all the way down there.  It turned out they only carried the Long Lace set.  I was 'tricked'.  To be honest with you, I was a bit pissed that I wasted some gas and couldn't get the product I was promised.   Well, maybe the receptionist was too new (As I overheard).  Anyhow, I stayed there pondering if I should just have bought that set and took a few minutes browsing around.  

I won't say their selection was hug.   But everything was displayed in good order and there were a lot of goodies.   What made Nine Rubies unique was their beautiful samples.  They are all neatly made by skillful knitters.  The gauges were even, stitches were beautiful...perfect!!!! It just made me wonder the incredibility of the knitter!!! 

Also, the tidiness of Nine Rubies made it high class and comfy.  It was designed to be a studio instead of a store.  Well thought.  And there was even a rectangular table for people to sit around and knit.  

Oh! How clean! How bourgeois! I love the setup of this store!  

At the end, I got one ball of Noro yarn.  No needles.  While I was paying, I asked the receptionist for permission to take photos.  She kindly agreed.  Thank you. 

Will I come back to Nine Rubies?  Yes.  There are many good restaurants around B street.  Will just drop in and pick  up something nice.  

Anyway, hope you find a nice local yarns store and

HAPPY KNITTING

Labor Day Yarn Review on Cascade's Longwood

Hi Knitters,

How's your Labor Day weekend?  Mine's quite boring.  Really hope to do something outdoor.  But before I step out of my door,  allow me to make one announcement and review on the yarn Op. 15 is made of.

Labor Day weekend special.  Everything is on sale on both Ravelry and Etsy. Price already changed for you.  No need for coupon.  Hope you find something right for you.

All right, review time.  About the Cascade Longwood.  It's a new release this year.  So soft to touch as it's made of100% superwashed merino.  And the color way #12 was exactly that i was looking for.  Longwood is made in China, and it is not cheap in terms of price.

Inspired by an outfit of Brown Eyed Girl in their MV "Kill Bill,  I originally planned to knit a poncho with four balls of it.  And I casted on two hundred something stitches.  As the label of the yarn suggested, I used US #8 needles.  I guess Longwood just doesn't get along too well with needles in that size.  The gauges doesn't look too good to me.   It should go with smaller needles.   And that's why I later switched to #6 and #7 Cubics while I did Op. 15.  

Moreover, I felt much more comfortable knitting Longwood with bamboo and wooden needles.  Perhaps it's not too slippery on those needles?  

One thing I do like to point out: you'd better not make any mistake while needle with Longwood.  I had undone the would-be-a-poncho and found it quite difficult to knit with the same yarn again.  It's not impossible.  It was just not a pleasant experience.   I always had my needles insert "inside" the yarn.  See the ply....  So loose........I mean it happens to some other yarns too.  It's just a shame: poor manufacturing with very nice material.

Anyhow, I managed to finish Op. 15 with a skein of Cascade's Longwood.  It is wonderful to wear the hat on.  Speaking as the wearer, it's  super comfy.  But Longwood is just not my favorite new yarn of this season.  I have returned the remaining three balls which I didn't use at all to the yarn shop and got some store credit refunded.  Wanna know what I got?  Stay tuned and 

HAPPY KNITTING

Yarn Store on Divisadero

Hi Knitters,

Curious as usual, I wandered in the city and found another local yarn store in San Francisco.  Hahaha.  Aterlier it is called.

Compared to the one in Castro district, Aterlier is a rather tiny store.  The yarn collection is selective but all in good quality.   Although the store is not in a great size, they do carry needles in more than 3 brands and knitting accessories in an abundant amount.   

As a customer-friendly store, they even have needles in the counter and let their potential customers try to knit with them.  If I wasn't have something on my mind already, I would probably buy a pair of  Lantern Moon.  Maybe next time.

I understand that Aterlier, like many other local yarn store, offers knitting classes.  Residents in Bay Area, you may find this helpful:  http://atelieryarns.com
Anyway,

Happy Knitting



  

Local Yarn Store

Yesterday I went to a local yarn store to buy a set of save-my-life #6 needles and "accidentally", I got some yarns too.

Yes, now you know I live in area code (415) area....

Anyway, this lovely neighborhood store does not only sell a huge collection of yarn and quite a comprehensive collection of knitting-related products, for which requires space of two regular stores; they provide compostable bags too, for only10 cent.

(too bad I'm still not used to bring my own shopping bag) For their eco-friendly conscience, I will surely come back soon. 

It's winter time. I hope everybody stay cozy.  

And don't forget to support local business.

HAPPY KNITTING

Happy Halloween!!!

Hello everyone!!!

Happy Halloween!!!  Good luck in trick or treat!!!

If I may make a Halloween wish, I would ask for a new pair of 7" US#6 set of double point needles in order to finish my hat.  Also, unlimited time for knitting.  Also, less back pain. Also... you name it.

Eventually, for granting my own wish, I will go to a local yarn store tomorrow for the needles.  Thinking about getting either Knit Picks, as it would always be nice to try something NEW, getting new experience.  Or perhaps,  I might get Clover Velvet as I've tried a pair of US#8 circular which impressed me unbelievably.  Let's see if anything surprising will be available too.

Again, 

HAVE FUN********