Crazy for Ewe
Knitting is the antidote to fast fashion
Most of you know that I am a huge fan of the handknit wardrobe concept. Creating a capsule collection of garments that fit and flatter us is not only satisfying, it is the antidote to the problem of fast fashion. Fast fashion – cheap clothes worn once and tossed in the trash – is a major issue in the fashion industry. Trends change constantly, and the production of new garments to meet the demand creates staggering textile waste and a huge environmental problem for the planet. Let’s look at how knitting can help.
Read More
Can you use wool yarn for babies
nothing quite like the feeling of snuggling up with a newborn baby. We want them to be cozy and comfortable, which for knitters means seeing them swaddled head to toe in handknit hats, sweaters, booties, and blankets. We just can’t wait to cast on something soft and fabulous.
Babies don’t get much of a say in this matter, but if they did, they would ask for soft merino wool and wool blends.
New parents often shy away from wool though. Many are afraid of allergies to start, and they want easy-care. I mean what new parent has time to hand wash baby clothes???
Sweaters to knit for summer
Summer is a time for sunshine, warm weather, and outdoor activities. That doesn’t mean you can’t knit summer garments. Depending on where you live, summer temperature might drop to downright chilly. Or like me, you may just be uncomfortable in the over-air conditioned indoor world of summer. For those times you need a straight up summer sweater. Heck, I need a parka for most grocery stores,, but that’s just me. Most of us need at least one solid go-to summer sweater. But that’s not the only kind of summer garments you can knit. There are all manner of summer tops, from this season’s trendy bralette to
Read More
Knitting with Cotton Yarn – Tips and Tricks for successful summer sweaters
When we think of warm weather knitting, cotton is the first fiber that comes to mind. It’s soft, absorbent, and comfortable against your skin. But knitting with cotton is a different experience than knitting with wool.
There are lots of different kinds of cotton yarn that will each give their own results. But, armed with an understanding of cotton yarns in general and the different styles of cotton yarn, you can create stunning garments and accessories you’ll love all year long.
Local Yarn Store Day - LYS Day 2023
It's a party!!!
Local Yarn Store Day
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Join us at Crazy for Ewe for a party celebrating Local Yarn Stores, and you, the awesome crafters that support us!
Fun swag, new stuff, free patterns, trunk shows, and prizes!
Agave Knitalong
The Agave knitalong starts this coming weekend - a fun quick knit that's light and cozy and perfect for these last days of winter. As you know, Agave is designed by Georgia Farrell, and I'm absolutely thrilled that she's going to be involved in the knitalong. She'll join us for the kick off Saturday, April 18th and for the last session Saturday, April 8th. The knitalong will be live on YouTube, but also recorded so you can go back and watch it again if you nee
Read More
What is microfiber -- and why is it in my yarn?
Rowan has a new yarn in its line. It’s called Four Seasons. A blend of cotton and microfiber, it is soft and bouncy with a lovely hand and great stitch definition.
The labeling says Cotton and Acrylic. Extremely misleading. Technically correct, but misleading. In the same way that there are different grades of merino yarn, there are all grades of acrylic fiber, and the acrylic in Four Seasons is microfiber and bears about as much resemblance to acrylic as goat hair does to cashmere.
Let’s take a look at what microfiber is and what it does to yarn, because you’re
What is a knitalong?
Knitters, like every other group, have their own language. There’s technical jargon like “M1R, and “10-stitch, 12-row repeat,” and there are cutesy phrases we use just for fun - think frogging and tink*.
We use those words because we assume everyone knows what we mean, and for the most part, everyone does. But newer knitters, or knitters who don’t have
Be a brave knitter
As you know from an earlier post, I was terrified to exhibit at Vogue Knitting Live (VKL), but we did it anyway, and it was amazing. Unlike H+H and other wholesale trade shows we’ve attended, Vogue Knitting Live’s audience is the end consumer. There were classes with famous designers like Georgia Farrell, Joji Locatelli, Shirley Paden, and others. The show floor featured yarn stores like ours, as well as hand dyers, yarn distributors, and other sellers. It’s a cross between a yarn crawl and a fiber festival, all in one convenient NY convention
Read More
Scary things you need to do - knitting and otherwise
Your first trip to the yarn shop can feel exactly like this. So much stuff. How do I figure out what I need and how much? And the voice in the back of our mind
Read More
Georgia Farrell - Rising Design Star
This week I want to talk about Georgia Farrell. She is a rising star among Rowan designers and moving confidently out on her own. Designing professionally since at least 2015, she’s done several excellent collections of really wearable designs.
I first took real notice of Georgia’s work when she did My London, a collection of modern accessories in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK and Alpaca Classic. That was 2020. Really fresh designs that show her love of architecture and how it informs her work.