knit-one-one

The Morphing of the knit-one-one studio

2011-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

We have decided to phase out the class portion of the knit-one-one business. But......we will continue to stage craft sales, host knitting parties, and plot magical, mysterious, guerrilla knitting projects!

Our next Craft Sale will be Saturday December 17th. Mark your calendars.

And we want to say a big huge thank you to all of the many people who have supported our classes. You were all fabulous and fantastic and we want you to continue spreading the crafty gospel. We also know that one of the reasons you took classes was the shortbread. Below is the recipe so you won't feel pangs of shortbread deprivation!

Sile's Shortbread

Ingredients:

---1 Lb butter
---1 Cup sugar
---1/4 teaspoon salt
---1/4 teaspoon baking powder
---2 teaspoons vanilla
---4 cups flour approximately

Method:

1 Preheat oven to 325
2 Cream butter
3 Gradually add in sugar
4 Beat in salt, baking powder, and vanilla
5 Gradually beat in the flour until the mixture is dry but not crumbly
6 Put the dough onto a cookie sheet which is 16” by 12”
7 Pat the dough down with your hand so that it is spread evenly over the cookie sheet
8 Prick the mixture all over with a fork
9 Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 60 minutes----until it is nicely brown all over. Note: I usually check it after 20 minutes and rotate the pan
10 Remove from the oven and cut into little squares immediately. (Shortbread freezes well)

Another arty yarn bomb

2011-08-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

The amount of work that went into this is mind boggling. And I love how it looks.

Yarn bombs as art

2011-07-29T18:17:00.001-07:00

Now I am finding that there are a lot of Yarn Bombs that are actually in fact more of an artistic statement. But I think of yarn bombing more as guerilla knitting. Something that happens somewhat spontaneously and covertly, is fun, a tongue in cheek statement and a total surprise to onlookers. An added bonus is of course if the piece makes a statement.

However, I love the tree in this picture--the red, the hanging balls, the scale, the bicycles underneath. Everything. I could find out neither who created this piece nor where it was created.

A cool Yarn Bomb in Brooklyn

2011-07-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

As I was walking out of my Business Speaking class yesterday, I heard the always welcome ting of my Iphone signaling a new text. And....it was that picture of the shopping cart. Daughter Nora espied it in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and had the presence of mind to quickly snap a pic. And being somewhat speedy is important in these matters. Apparently not everyone looks upon these wonderfully quirky projects with the same fondness as I do. Our beloved T Cozy stayed up (or should that be on?) for longer than most only because it got some much press that the city of Berkeley did not snip it off as it had threatened. I do hope this shopping cart cozy has a similar long life

We are Bay Area Originals....

2011-07-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

The T with its wonderful cozy

And the poor naked T

SF Gate and the SF Chronicle think that the knit one one guerilla knitters are cool. They included us in spot #16 in their listings of Bay Area originals. We are very happy, excited and honored!

And the ever wonderful BerkeleySide also featured the knit one one guerilla knitters. We are feeling every so chuffed. And shhh....we are planning our next foray and as always are open to suggestions

Cool Portland Oregon finds

2011-07-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Lynn Everett Read

Victoria Christen

Jason Russell

I came back a week ago from Portland. And of course people have asked --Maine or Oregon? Obviously I have a west coast bias because I just assumed everyone would knot it was Portland Oregon!

Above are pics from 3 great crafters whose wares I admired. Tootle on over to the knit one one site to see more pics and get more info. Have fun.

My students in the Sr Internship Program

2011-06-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Senior Internship Students

This is a photo of my students who are currently doing a one month internship in local East Bay Senior Centers. They go to a Sr Center every morning and then twice a week--sometimes more--they have class with me. This class is organized by the great English Studies Institute in Berkeley

They are a group of 6 Japanese students and one Mongolian. They are all students at Ryukoku University . And they are all terrific!

One of the things they have had to do is to give presentations about Japan to various groups of seniors. Can you imagine how hard it is to do this in a foreign language--- to a group of strangers? ( I knew this would give you the shivers!) But they all rose to the occasion and did a superb job. One thing that kind of threw them was that they were peppered with questions during their presentations. I knew they were taken aback but I doubt that the audience did since the students kept smiling, answered the questions, and then continued with the presentation. What aplomb. And in a foreign language too.

To read more about their adventures, you can read their blogs--and yes--they are in English!

--Oka

--Tomoko

--Sayaka

--Yuri

--Naoki

--Yuuka

--Rika

Mothers' Day Sale at k11

2011-03-31T19:30:00.001-07:00

Gifts from the Fire

Bubbles and Boo

Corvidae Glass

By Nieves

Hue Sculpture

WildWood Yarn

Jeannie's Artisan Jams

Casa Murriguez

Koide

Bag It Designs 2

Lulu's Room

Abyssinia

Alankarshilpa

Angelina Paloma

Girl on the Rocks

Sephone Designs

I get giddy when I see all the pictures of our crafters. It is incredibly exciting to see them all together. Hope you can come!

What: The k11 Mother's Day Sale

When: Saturday May 7th, 10 to 4

Where: 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 (lots of free parking and close to Ashby BART) Map

Who: These incredibly fine local crafters

---Gifts from the Fire

---Bubbles and Boo

---Corvidae Glass

---By Nieves

---Hue Sculpture

---WildWood Yarn

---Jeannie's Artisan Jams

---Casa Murriguez

---Koide Studio

---Bag It Designs 2

---Lulu's Room

---Abyssinia

---Alankarshilpa

---Angelina Paloma

---Girl On The Rocks

---Sephone Designs

The k11 March 5 Craft Sale

2011-02-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Bird Mafia

Slainte Bags

Gail Splaver

Moriah 726

Dab Chick Vintage Gems

Marie Kelzer Designs

The Briare Patch

MetaLight

Nosh This

Jessica Niello

Shama

---Bug Under Glass

The first of the 2011 k11 Sales is about to happen on March 5. Woo hoo. You see it took me a while to recover from the 3 sales in December and for the various fabulous crafters to build up their inventory. But here we are. We have our usual terrific line up. And as usual I get little frissons of excitement just imagining all that yummy stuff in the studio.

The basics:

When: Saturday March 5, 10 to 4

Where: the knit one one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703. Map

Who: the fabulous people listed below

---Bug Under Glass

---Slainte Bags

---Gail Splaver

---Moriah726

---Dab Chick Vintage Gems

---Marie Kelzer Designs

---Metalight

---Nosh This

---Jessica Niello

---Bird Mafia

---The Briare Patch

---Shama

To apply to be a vendor at the k11 May 7 sale

Meet Katie Vardijan

2011-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

We have Kate. We have Kate Casolaro. And now we have KatIE. Very handy having so many of the same name as it doesn't tax the memory too much!

KatIE and I met last year when she was running a sewing group in the studio. And I have wanted her to teach a sewing class ever since. The stars and schedules have finally magically aligned so that she can teach our March Sewing 101 Class. Yes! Ms Katie is also a milliner and guess what she and I will be talking about soon. If you have ever wanted to make a hat, watch this space....

More on Katie:

-- Always has cheese in her refrigerator. No cheese = catastrophe. Seriously.

--Listens to music she can sing along to when at home working.

--Started sewing in the 7th grade and hasn't stopped.

--When not sewing she runs around in historical costumes--made by herself of course

--One of her absolute favorite fabrics...crisp, white linen. "I love the way it looks when you starch the heck out of it."

--Her current project: an 18th century outfit with a pirate theme

--Her other crafty adventures? Read about them in her blog

--Teaching experience? Loads! She has taught at: Sew Your Own, JoAnn Fabrics, Costume College and Costume Academy and ---get this---travels around the US as an Independent Educator for Elna and Janome.

Kate Casolaro and Jewelry Making at knit-one-one

2011-01-11T16:35:00.001-08:00

Meet KateCasolaro. Yes. We have to call her KateCasolaro. Because you see we have the other Kate--Kate Freeman. Not to mention all the Kates who come and take classes. Kate. A wonderful name. And KateCasolaro and Kate are both wonderful teachers too.

Carrie V introduced Kate C to the studio. Thank you Carrie. And Carrie has been saying for ages now "Sile we should ask Kate C to teach a class". I did. She agreed. She is not only teaching one class but we have a whole series set up. How cool is that. And Kate C has been a vendor at a Craft Sale too. Very popular she was. Her first class at the studio was on February 12. Her next class---Briolette Bead Earrings was on March 19.

Her next class---Knotted Pearl Necklace is on April 13

Some deets about Kate C:

--Moved to Berkeley CA from Somerville Mass. Just for fun

--In another life she does PR

--And in another life has her jewelry business

--Applying to business school

--Taught jewelry making at Sparks Craft Studios in Somerville Mass for 4 years

--Loves to eat all manner of fresh stuff

--Dabbles in everything crafty

The K11 Dec 15th Holiday Sale

2010-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Coci Bolca Soy Candles

Nosh This

Fist of Flour Pizza

Limey Tees

Mara's Maples

rosemary dudley designs

Heliotrope SF

Angel Made Eco Spa

Beth Hooper

This Humble Abode

Speechless Studios

Katherine J Lee

HoneyComb Jewelry

Party time at the k11 Dec 15th sale. It's a Wednesday. It's in the evening. And it will be fun. We have Fist of Flour pizza selling outside. Complimentary Sangria inside. And.....lots of fabulous goodies for your shopping pleasure!

When: Wednesday December 15, 5:00 to 9:00

Where: the knitoneone studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 Map

Cost: Free

Who: These incredibly talented local peeps

--Cochi Bolca Soy Candles

--Nosh This

--Fist of Flour Pizza

--Limey Tees

--Mara's Maples

--rosemary dudley designsns

--Heliotrope SF

--Angel Made Eco Spa

--This Humble Abode

--Speechless Studios

--Katherine J Lee

--HoneyComb Jewelry

The K11 Dec 11 Holiday Sale

2010-11-23T14:01:00.001-08:00

Pat Nicholson

Koide Studio

Bead Origami

Lisette's Bears

Sew Smashing

Julie Makes Jewelry

Jeannie's Jams

Little Paper Monkeys

Erick Damso

Vintage Fusion

Weaver Kate

The second of our three Holiday Sales. A totally different line-up of crafters. But.... all are local. All are terrific.

What: The k11 Dec 11 Holiday Sale

When: Dec 11th from 10 to 4

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley, Map

Who: These fabulously talented local crafty peeps

The SF Chronicle thinks our sales are Hot Stuff!

---DesignsCo

---Koide Studio

---Bead Origami

---Sew Smashing

---Julie Makes Jewelry

---Jeannie's Jams

---Little Paper Monkeys

---Erick Damaso

---Vintage Fusion

---Weaver Kate

The k11 Dec 4 Holiday Sale

2010-11-08T17:08:00.001-08:00

Indie Cakes

Almitas

Rosie Dudley

Melinda Mae

By Nieves

Hairphernalia

Lariatz

Tiny Sparks

Casa Murriguez

Francesca Mackie

The Girl and Rhino

What: The k11 Dec 4 Holiday Sale

When: Dec 4th from 10 to 4

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley, Map

Who: These fabulously talented local crafty peeps

The SF Chronicle thinks our sales are Hot Stuff!

---Roseanne Smith Photography

---Indie Cakes

---Almitas

---Rosemary Dudley Designs

---Melinda Mae

---By Nieves

---Hairphernalia

---Lariatz

---Tiny Sparks Design

---Casa Murriguez

---The Girl and Rhino

The k11 November Craft Sale

2010-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

A stellar line-up for the k11 monthly craft sale. CCMade is coming back. Great news to many of you I know.

To read what the San Francisco Chronicle says about the sale

When: the first Saturday of the month: Saturday November 6

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00pm

Where: 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703.Free parking. Near public transportation Map

Who: These fabulous local crafty peeps

---Ezme Designs

---K Larson Photos

---CCMade

---Angel Made

---Sincere Sheep

---Bennett Millinery

---Inklore Design

---Lucid Designs

---Nerdjerk

---Kate Casolaro Designs

---Ichi-V Handbags

---Shaya Durbin Jewelry

Holiday Sale Dates: Saturday Dec 4, 11, 10 to 4. Wednesday December 15, 5 to 9

Oliver

2010-10-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Oliver is a one year old male cockapoo who is neutered and up to date on all of his shots.

Everyone who meets Oliver instantly falls in love with him - he is extremely lovable and wants to cuddle more than anything in the world. His tail is constantly wagging, and he loves giving kisses out to strangers.

Oliver does well at the dog park too - he enjoys romping around with other dogs, and can chase and fetch his ball over and over again. He needs work on greeting other dogs when he's on his leash - he is not aggressive, but has not learned how to say an enthusiastic hello without barking.

Around the house, Oliver is content to sleep at the foot of the couch, or tug on his rope. He likes being in the same room as people, but can be quite self sufficient. The poodle part of him means he has hair and not fur, and does not shed.

Oliver doesn't love being left alone for long periods of time, but he will eventually settle down and sleep. He has occasional accidents around the house, usually when he's stressed.

An ideal home for Oliver is one with someone working from home, or a family with kids who respect dogs.

It is with a heavy heart that Oliver's foster is giving him up, but he will do the best in a home where someone is around for more hours during the day. He is an exceptional dog already, and with a little training and consistent love, he will be even more perfect.

Here is a video of Oliver taken by his doggie daycare (sorry it's so long): Playtime with Comet

He was found in Oakland in May, spent a few days in the shelter, and has been in San Francisco for the summer.

For more information please email eoin.bullock@gmail.com.

The k11 October Craft Sale

2010-09-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

What: The k11 October Craft Sale

When: Saturday October 2, 10 to 4

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 Map

Who: These fabulous crafters:

--Koide Studio

--Jen Hewett Studio

--Hairphernalia

--Fresh On Mondays

--Clarine's Florentines

--HoneyComb Jewelry

--Heathered

--King Bag Company

--Reware

--Tinted Mint

--Peanoonies

--Tiny Sparks Design

Wet Felting with Clasheen (from Ireland)

2010-09-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

We are so happy that in October we will have a workshop with Nicola Brown aka Clasheen coming to us from home---that would be Ireland. A few weeks ago I got an e-mail from Nancy of Nuno Felt Designsasking if we would be interested in a guest teacher from Ireland. Well you can imagine what my response was. Something like "Heck, yes" Then I did a little research on Clasheen only to find out that she is famous. Famous I tell you. "Nicola is probably the best felting teacher around today, since she even does it in her sleep!" In her sleep....maybe I need to have a bed set up in the studio too.

And here is the best thing about the workshop. No prior experience needed. Any old eejit can do it. (Just practicing my Irish expressions) Really.

When: Friday October 1, 6 to 10

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360, Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703. Map

Cost: $80

To register: www.knitoneone.com

The k11 Jumpin' July Sale (July 10)

2010-06-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

I was in NYC recently and went to the famous Brooklyn Flea expecting to get some tips for our K11 sales. But.....here's the thing. I didn't see anything that I wanted to buy. At our sales I want to buy everything! (And for the record, I manage to restrain myself most of the time)

Our Jumpin' July sale is no exception. As I was uploading the pics, I was oohing and aahing to myself with excitement. And I know you will be delighted too. Check our their websites below and come ready to pounce on all the fabulous stuff.

What: The k11 Jumpin' July Sale

When: Saturday July 10, 10 to 4

Where: 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 Map

Who: See below

---Karen's Monsters

---Mangosteen Oakland

---Layla JaneDesigns

---Mangosteen Jewelry

---FoodPainter

---Nneka

---Noteify

---By Nieves

---Hope Johnson Ceramics

---Wool Buddy

---DeLaLucha

---VSC83

The k11 Jazzy June Craft Sale (June 5)

2010-05-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I get so excited after I have uploaded all the pictures for the craft sales. I keep talking to myself and saying.---Wow that looks great! I am happy that Kofi (poodle) is usually the only one to actually hear my exclamations of wonder and delight. June is the month of graduations and Fathers' day. I guarantee that you will find the perfect gift at the sale.

What: The k11 Jazzy June Craft Sale

When: Saturday June 5th, 10 to 4

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 Map

Who: The following fabulous, creative, crafters!

---LeftBankShop

---MamasMagicStudio

---MediumsToMasses

---GirlOnTheRocks

---TheBriarePatch

---Blissful

---BirdMafia

---BlockHeadPress

---BirdVsBird

---MuddiPuppy

---CutThroatSewing

---SocolaChocolates

Knitta Berkeley's latest project: A "T" cosy

2010-05-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

The k11 May Magic Craft Sale (Just in time for Mother's Day)

2010-04-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

We have our usual great line-up for May 1st. And I know some of you are already smacking your lips at the thought of CC Made's divine goodies! The May Magic Sale has been craftily scheduled (ha) so that it is before Mother's Day. As you admire all the crafty goodness, be assured that you will find the perfect item for your mother or any other special person in your life. Not forgetting your sweet self of course. This is what Nancy L had to say about our April Antics sale: "fantastic sale, Sile! I scored gifts for boys for Easter and a few things to put away for a rainy gift day. Your sales make me happy!! :>)"

What: The k11 May Magic Craft Sale (one week before Mother's Day)

When: May 1st, 10 to 4:00pm

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 Map

Who: the following fab crafty peeps

---CCMade

---Lemonade Handmade

---The Girl and Rhino

---Bubbles and Boo

---Estudio Martita

---AllieBeans

---Twisted Sunshine Designs

---AmaniWorks

---ErikaLipkes

--- 1 by Liz

---Super Sugar Ray Ray

---GooseberryPress

This blog has moved

2010-04-06T15:49:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://knitoneone.blogspot.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://knitoneone.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

April Antics Craft Sale

2010-03-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

What: April Antics Craft Sale

When: Saturday April 3, 10 to 4

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley Map
Lots of free parking and near the Ashby BART Station

Who: These fabulous local Bay Area Crafty Peeps

---AllieBeans

---Ciuccio

---DanaBeigelDesign

---CrookedSister

---DaisyWares

---KoideStudio

---ChristinaWilliamsDesigns

---TheFudgeGuy

---Juror2

---MarasMaples

---KendraReneeJewelry

--LisetteRuane

the K11 March Madness Craft Sale

2010-02-11T16:34:00.001-08:00

What: Our March Madness Craft Sale. A fabulous venue, great crafters---the place to find nifty, unusual gorgeous goodies. Sale is curated by the queenbee herself!

When:The first Saturday of the month.

Next Sale: Saturday March 6, 10 to 4:00 pm

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street Berkeley, CA, 94703 (near Ashby BART and Sweet Adeline Bakery) Lots of FREE parking
Map

Who:

PhydeauxDesigns

SpunMonkey

BeadOrigami

Panoply

Eristotle

KimonoMomo

PapaVerVert

ZabeBent

PeaNoonies

MateoAndIsabel

ASliceOfDelight

ErickDamaso

The K11 Feb 6 Craft Sale

2010-01-16T18:33:00.000-08:00

What: the knit-one-one monthly Craft Sale

When: Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am to 4:00pm

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley, (lots of FREE parking and near the Ashby BART Station) Directions

Who: The following fabulous vendors!

--LeftBankShop

--ByNieves

--BirdVersusBird

--CCMade

--RosemaryDudleyDesigns

---BirdMafia

--WeaverKate

--Almitas

--BlockheadPress

--BonBonBrittle

--JSGlass

--AviaryPress

You are invited to a reading

2009-12-31T13:59:00.000-08:00

Please Join us for a Reading

Dates: Saturday February 20, 7:30 p.m.

What: Knitting writers Jesse Loesberg and Danica Wyatt will be joined by non-knitter Peggy Kass for an evening of reading, questions and chit chat.

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street Berkeley CA 94703. Map

Note: We had scheduled a reading in November 2008 but Jesse couldn't come. Why? Because the twins, Molly and Sam--- in the pic---- decided to come that evening. (Pretty good excuse for a no-show, huh!)

About the Writers:

Peggy Kass wrote poetry in high school, most of it bad, as she recalls, and none of it having survived decades of travel and focusing on other parts of life. In 1997 she entered Dominican College’s degree completion program and graduated in 2000. She worked as an editor, got an MA in Composition and Rhetoric with an emphasis on teaching in 2004, set up a writing program for faculty at a state university then packed it all away to travel and write full time. She works primarily in memoir and poetry because, she says, “I don’t have enough imagination to write fiction.”

Jesse Loesberg's poems have appeared in The Café Review, The Santa Barbara Review, and on the web site of Poets Against War. His essays have been published the San Francisco Chronicle and as part of the Perspectives series on KQED-FM, and his short fiction has appeared in Whistling Shade. His life as a knitter began in the cold, wet, early spring of 2001, when he couldn't stand being in the northeast for another second. He blogs about all things knitted at yarnboy.com.

Danica Wyatt attributes her skills as a knitwear designer to bad weather. She taught herself to knit during one long and snowy winter while she was a physics grad student in Ithaca, NY. She spent the next year in Northern Germany where yarn is cheap and a persistent grey drizzle starts in October and lingers until May. She has been living in the Bay Area since 2006 and has recently started machine knitting. She loves the thrill of knitting huge things out of tiny yarn at alarming speed. She owes her love for writing to a summer camp for teenage writers in her home state of Wyoming. She attended five summers as a student and returned as a teacher for three more. She primarily writes short fiction and is also working on a novel.

The k11 Dec. 19th Craft Sale

2009-12-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

What: the k11 Dec 19 Craft Sale

When: Saturday Dec 19, 10 to 4--last chance for some great shopping!

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street Berkeley CA 94703 (lots of FREE parking and near the Ashby BART station) Directions

Who

Meet artist Yarra McClure whose wonderful paintings are in the studio and buy nifty wares from the fab local crafters below

--Chicks & Frogs

--Emily Jan/FlickGlass

--WenIfNotNow

--FracescaMackie

--HoneyCombJewelry

--StolenPlatePress

--SugarCoatItStudio

--VoltaPress

--SonyaPhilip

--YarraStudio

--Almitas

--K Larson Photos

--Jen's Fiber Goodies

The k11 Dec. 12th Craft Sale

2009-12-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

We had a great time at the sale on Saturday Dec 5th. Lots of cool stuff. Lots of great people. Lots of cute kids. And the banner got hung by Jim and Ralph on the morning of. (Nate had put it up on Friday but the we realised that we couldn't close our gate, so we had to take it down!) We won't try that again. But thank you to Nate, Jim, Ralph and David for being a great set up and break down crew.

Here is the fab line-up for December 12 (isn't it great to not have to brave a department store to do your holiday shopping?)

What: The k11 Dec 12 Craft Sale, 10 to 4

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 (Near Ashby BART and loads of all-day free parking outside the studio) Directions

Who: See below!

--Blue Chair Fruit Company

--Erick Damaso

--Erika Lipkes

--DesignsByRomi

--FlockHome

--SnickleFritzYarns

--KoideStudio

--JenHewettStudio

--BeadOrigami

--JaffeJewels

--Linda R and her Calendar

The k11 December 5th Craft Sale

2009-11-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

The studio looks fabulous right now---well I know it always looks good. But......we have our newly clad windows which are eliciting giggles and gasps from passers by---and it is fun to be in the studio and hear them. A huge thank you to our designer Kyoko for all the work, energy and creativity she puts into the windows. And it is very difficult to take a picture because of the glare. If any of you are experts (Chris, come back from NYC!), we would love love love some new pics.

Then yesterday, Yarra Mc CLure hung her fabulous paintings in the studio and it and they look incredibly wonderful. You have to come by and see them.

And as if that weren't enough, on Saturday we have the first of our 3 holiday craft sales. As many of you who are reading this know, I can be very picky--usually in the design area. All of the vendors at each sale have been chosen by me because I like their aesthetic. I like their wares. I like the crafters themselves. And I think that you will like them too! (A huge thank you to all of you who point me towards fabulous crafters---keep the suggestions coming) Here is the line-up for December 5th.

What: The knit-one-one December 5 Craft Sale

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley (close to the Ashby BART station, and Sweet Adeline Bakery) Lots of free parking outside. Directions

When: 10 to 4

Who:

--RosemaryDudleyDesigns

---Alliebeans

--EmilyEps

--Almitas

--Peggy Vincent, author of Baby Catcher

--SuperSugarRayRay

--Conlan tees

---KLM Prints

--the Girl and Rhino

--Faerie Mountain Fibers

--DaisyWares

November 21 Craft Sale line-up @ the knit-one studio

2009-11-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

KnitWhits

Reverie Patisserie

Koide Studio

Bubbles and Boo

Lemonade Handmade Jewelry

CC Star

Spirit Joy Desings

Zelaya

Tactile Fiber Arts

WenIfNotNow

Rachel M has asked me a gazillion times---well maybe not a gazillion but lots of times!--- when WenIfNotNow tees was coming back. And the answer is......November 21st. WenIfNotNow came to our sale in March and honestly I have been trying to get her back every flipping month since then. I am so happy she will be in the studio on November 21 and she in turn is probably mightily relieved not to be getting so many pleas from me. Almitas---the cute felted pigs, Tactile--yummy yarn, and KoideStudio--smashing ceramics are all returning vendors. (Vocab lesson: Smashing=terrific)

Predictably we are thrilled with the line-up. Zelaya--great clothes, and Spirit Joy Designs--incredible jewelry-- are both here at the suggestion of Sharon J. I have been on the trail of Lemonade Handmade Jewelry, Bubbles and Boo bags and CC Star for months now. And I tasted Tortoise and Hare chocolate at my local Arizmendi and knew I had to have him--the chocolate that is--not Nick, the owner.

WHAT: the knit-one-one November Craft Sale

WHEN: Saturday, November 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

WHERE: the knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 (near the Ashby BART Station)

WHO: See below

--KnitWhits

--Reverie Patisserie

--WenIfNotNow t's

--Tactile Fiber Arts

--Zelaya

--SpiritJoyDesign

--CC Star

--Lemonade Handmade Jewelry

--Bubbles and Boo

--KoideStudio

Pics from the last 24 hours in the k11 studio

2009-10-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hats from the "beginning" knitters

ghosts from the Magical Mystery Knitting Party

Prototype ghost from Kate

Shortbread from the Shortbread class---just a fraction!

At the Magical Mystery Party last night we made those very cute little ghosts. Janice O was the one who guessed. This morning Kate and I were back in the studio---Kate with the beginning knitters. Although when you see those hats, I don't think we can call them beginners anymore. Welcome to the world of knitting Vicki, Katya and Charise.

I was doing a shortbread class and a very fun, yummy time was had by all. The pics show a small fraction of what we baked. The kitchen worked really well for this class and I am sure it will be a great venue for the Jam class next week too. This will be a great fun too----taught by Jen Hewett of Jen Hewett Studio and Jen and Jake fame!

October Delight Craft Sale

2009-10-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Anzula

FrancesReid

designs by romi

francesreid

FlamingFool

Saving Miss Oliver's

AmyJoKarn

SuperSugarRayRay

BonBonBrittle

KatandCat

WilowBranchJewelry

Alliebeans

I have a confession. I really don't like the Fall. And the reason is that I adore the summer and so resist with all my might saying goodbye to it. That's why we haven't changed our windows at knit-one-one. Silly. I know.

Now once winter has arrived, I am fine with it. Well not exactly fine but at least I give in gracefully.

By the time The October Craft Sale arrives, I will have adjusted and even if I haven't, I will still be smiling! Because I love the craft sales. I enjoy finding the crafters, love meeting them, and getting to know them---and their wares. I am thrilled when they all show up and their great stuff fills the studio. And then you arrive and it gets even better!

The October sale has some returning vendors and some new finds. I can't wait to taste Bon Bon Brittle's ---duh--brittle. And Bridget Dolfi is debuting her children's line of clothing----FrancesReid----the cuteness factor is off the charts. My Anzula yarn is coming to us via Petra, And if you look at AmyJoKarn's etsy site her dog portraits are a delight to dog lovers and to the non-dog obsessed too. My friend Steve Davenport has written a fabulous novel and will be on hand to sell it to us. Our returning vendors are back by popular demand---and this is the truth. People liked them so much that they asked me to ask them to come back. And I did.

Details:

What: The knit-one-one October Delight Craft Sale

When: Saturday October 24, 10 to 4

Where: The knit-one-one studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94603 (near Ashby BART) Directions

Cost: Free:

Who: The fabulous crafters below

francesreid--vintage inspired clothing for children

KatandCat--handmade textile crafts

WillowBranch--handmade jewelry

DesignsByRomi--shawl and scarf pins

AmyJoKarn--pet portraits, cards

SuperSugarRAyRay--accessories for men and women

AlllieBeans--pencil cases, pouches and more

FlamingFool--glass work

Saving Miss Oliver's--author Steve Davenport

BonBonBrittle--artisan brittle candy

Janyce Engan---hand embroidered linens

Anzula---hand dyed yarns

September 26 Craft Sale: And how we find them--the crafters

2009-09-18T13:50:00.001-07:00

Kira K Designs

JulieMakesJewelry

Snicklefritz

Tomorrow's Sky

Nieves

LuLu's Room

Koide Studio

Jen Hewett Studio

Girl on the Rocks

Our next Craft Sale is on Saturday September 26---10 to 4 at the knit-one-one studio, 3360, Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94704

---- and as usual I am incredibly excited about our line-up of vendors. Honestly it is really fun finding these talented people. A lot of you have asked how I find these terrific vendors and I will tell you. Well just one or 2 examples. I know you don't want a treatise.

Let's take Julie Makes Jewelry. You see Julie has a dog and a long time ago she took a dog sweater class with our Kate. Fast forward and I get an e-mail from Julie telling me that she has been taken over with a beading passion and to think of her for one of our sales. I did. She came. And you loved her. So she is coming back. Jen of JenHewett Studio is friend of hers and ......well you can see where this going!

You know I could go on and on. And if you ask me to, I will. But do come on Saturday September 26. Because of the wedding etc, I feel as if it has been ages since I saw a lot of you. And I know I am exaggerating---who me?---but still I would like to see you all.

THE line-up for Saturday September 26:

---Kira K Designs: patterns, stitch markers

---Jen Hewett Studio: Cards, notebooks, paper and more

---EmilyEps: Silver Jewelry

---JulieMakesJewelry: Beaded ear-rings, necklaces and more

---Snicklefritz: hand-dyed yarns

---Nieves: Body Products

---LuLu's Room: Hair pieces, pillows and more

---Tomrrow'sSky: tee, bags, buttons and more

---KoideStudio: Ceramics

--- GirlOnTheRocks: Stitch markers, needle gauges, roving and more

Felting...wow

2009-09-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

At knit-one-one we have a Wet Felting Technique Class this coming weekend----Saturday September 12. The Cooper-Hewitt museum in NY has an exhibition ---closing tomorrow alas----called Fashioning Felt. My swim-mate Pat S. lent me the catalog and we have been totally in in awe of the felt items produced. The photos above are meant to inspire. Our wet felting class will just be the beginning of your new crafting obsession!

Strawberries: of the knitting variety!

2009-08-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

This was our latest Magical Mystery Knitting Party project. Kate is brilliant at finding the perfect project. Not an easy task.

It has to be cute---the most important element. But of course.

Able to be done in 2.5 hours.

Suitable for a wide variety of skills

Teach something new.

See what I mean---not easy. Not at all!

Jumpin' July Craft sale--July 25

2009-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Boy the months go by quickly. Here we are, all set for the Saturday July 25 sale. And what a sale. I am thrilled beyond belief with the line-up. I have been trying to months to pin down these vendors. And I mean months. I was very persistent---I know that will shock you!--but they are terrific and I knew would be a great fit for knit-one-one. We will not be having an August sale--Nora and Ainate's wedding about which I have been blabbing for a while. So come with your gift list to the studio --that's what Robbie, Kate's mom, always does. Talk about one stop shopping.

When: Saturday July 25

Time: 10:00 am to 4:00pm

Where: the k11 studio, 3360, Adeline Street, Berkeley (2 blocks from Ashby BART)l
for directions

Who: See Below!

---AmeFaust

---A verb for Keeping Warm

---Alliebeans

---Yellowheart

---MediumsToMasses

---Romi

---ccmade

---RecoverYourThoughts

---Caye Jewelry

look what those girls produced!

2009-07-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of some of the finished bags in the sewing knitting camp---aren't they amazing. The girls are fabulous. Most of them are continuing next week---can't wait to see what they will produce. We have one or two spots left---and don't believe our site---we have not strictly enforced the 12 to 14 year old age limit> Click below for more info and to register.

Summer Knitting and Sewing Workshop!

busy busy knit-one-one studio in the last week!

2009-07-13T10:48:00.001-07:00

Our teen camp has been terrific--a fabulous group of girls. So smart. So funny. So able. So creative. Led by the incomparable Kira. So clear. So patient. So creative. And Carrie. A big thank you for being the snack chief and for stepping in when Kira lost her voice----literally! And Gabby. She takes over---with Juniper---for the second week. Thank you.

The teen camp will be a "go" for Session B----one week. Click below for more info. We have room for one or two young people. (We are fairly flexible about the definition of the term "young"!)

SUMMER Sewing and Knitting Workshop

And for the weekend we had guest Jacey Boggs--Insubordiknit. What a delight. She is charming, funny and a gifted teacher. Everyone was so enthralled that they were begging her to come back again. (She and I have already started talking...watch this space)

Jazzy June: A great line-up for this month's sale

2009-06-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Finding great crafty talent is so much fun. And I am thrilled with this month's line-up. Gaze at the pics, click through to the listed sites and come visit us on Saturday:

Jazzy June--monthly knit-one-one craft sale

SATURDAY JUNE 27, 10 to 4

3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94603 (2 blocks from Ashby BART, lots of free parking.

--- Snicklefritz Yarns---
fab yarns from an Indie dyer

---KapWeBags
---great, colorful all-purpose bags--

Tomorrowssky----vegan clothing to make you feel good--

---Flaming Fool--handmade glass beads, baubles, lamps

---Honeycomb Jewelry--whimsical pieces using glass, lucite, sliver, brass-

---Roska---unique, handmade, recycled, notebooks

---SwankySwell --handprinted fabric and pillows--

---Ticklefight Panties
--fun, irreverent ,handmade, unders

--Joy Clothing---cute, comfortable skirts

--Jaffee Jewelry---unique ear-rings and neck pieces

2009-06-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Kyoko and Eoin: Yes, the same Kyoko who did the fab k11 windows

wet felting

WWKIP day 2008

Kyoko's cake---made by Sweet Adeline's

Cocoknits cuff class

Basket Class

I am just posting pics of this and that

The all-day Basket Workshop with special guest instructor Carol Grant was a huge success. So much so that the budding basketeers persuaded Carol to come back in November. And they chose the basket they want to make. I'll make sure to let the rest of you in on the secret too! When the details are worked out.

I am sitting in the studio while Kira is teaching the Summer Dress Class and she reminded me to remind you that WWKIP Day is coming up. Actually Saturday June 13. We had a great time last year so we look forward to seeing you. (And if you have a sewing project that you want to work on---on Tuesday nights--- e-mail me: knitoneone@gmail.com Kira says she is happy to multi-task!

For more details on WWKIP Day click here

HERE and scroll down

The afternoon of June 13 we also have guest instructor Joy Lily here teaching Wet Felting. My swimming friend, Pat S, lent the studio the Catalog from the Cooper Hewitt Felt exhibition. And it is really inspiring. Makes me want to felt and felt and felt. Come to this class to see what all the fuss is about!

Click below for more info:

Wet Felting

Saturday May 23: May Magic Craft Fair at the studio

2009-05-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to be having this sale on Saturday. Eoin has assembled a fabulous line up of vendors and we can't wait to have them and their wonderful wares in the studio.

What: The knit-one-one monthly Craft Fair: May Magic

When: Saturday May 23

Time: 10:00am to 4:00 pm

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 2260 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 (1.5 blocks south of Alcatraz Ave and near the Ashby BART station)

Vendors--a partial list:

---K Larson Photos

---Juror 2

---Girl on the Rocks

---The Makery

---Willow Branch Jewelry

---Flickglass

---Kat and Cat

---Emilyeps

---Olaitan

Basket Weaving Workshop with guest Carol Grant Hart

2009-04-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

We are so pleased that renowned basket maker Carol Grant Hart is coming to teach Basket Weaving at the knit-one-one studio on:

Saturday May 9, 10 to 4:30 pm

3360, Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703 (1.5 blocks south of Alcatraz, a 7 minute walk from the Ashby BART station)

This will be our first basket weaving class and we are very excited.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

Carol is coming to knit-one-one because of Peggy Vincent. It turns out that Carol is a friend of Peggy’s tattoo artist, Marie Wadman, of Diving Swallow, in Oakland. Carol lives on the east coast but comes out here to visit family and to do the occasional workshop. Peggy mentioned the possibility of a Basket Weaving Workshop in the Lady February Sweater Class. Everyone jumped at the idea and the workshop was born. Lucky us.

CELTIC HOOP AND RIB BASKET
Join us for a one day workshop in which we will fashion a small hoop and rib basket, also known as an Appalachian Egg Basket. Learn about the Celtic origins, and numerous variations of this style of basket, now made in many places around the world. Our baskets will be small, due to our limited class time, but you will learn what you need to make a larger version suitable as a knitting or garden basket. We will use commercially available reed for our little basket. Gathering and processing local wild and garden materials which can be used in this type of basket will also be discussed.

Fee: $89.00 (there will be a $15.00 materials’ fee, payable on the day of class)

Note: Snacks will be provided but bring your own lunch or you can hop down to Sweet Adeline’s,3 doors away!

About Carol Grant Hart:
Carol is the author of Natural Basketry and has curated many major exhibits on International Baskets, techniques, and materials. She conducts workshops throughout the country and over the years has taught how to create 53 different types of baskets. She exhibits regularly. Locally her baskets can be seen at the Larkspur and Tiburon libraries in Marin County during the month of May 2009.
(To view other baskets by Carol Grant Hart, contact George Massey: geomassey@yahoo.com)

Adeline Animal Life Update

2009-04-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Pin created by Almitas in honour of our birds! (see PS below)

a little sheep

Nora and Finn have a snuggle

One of our birds having fallen out of the nest

One of our birds---out of the nest---voluntarily!

The baby humming birds left the nest yesterday evening. But they came back to visit today. I was feeling a little mopey but there they were. On the tree. Looking ever so proud of themselves. Mother still feeding them--even though they are out of the nest.

And Finn is keeping us all amused. Nora and I played with her for a half hour the other day. (If you need to see me, check the back yard! With all that is going on back there, I don't have a spare minute)

If you want your own animal life, come to
our needle felting class
on Saturday April 11 and create a sheep. I know not the same but....pretty cute all the same!

PS

Karin of of Almitas---she who found the birds in the first place--after visiting us yesterday created these cute pins in their honor. Lucky birds. Lucky us.

new animal life on Adeline Street

2009-03-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

We have a 2 baby hummingbirds in the tree in our backyard. 2 of them. Tiny. You just see their little beaks poking out.Cute

And Sweet Adeline Jennifer got a new puppy----Finn. She is a Wheaton terrier puppy. Also very cute. We on Adeline Street are very happy.

Thank you to Jenny Eng for taking the pics above

March Madness Craft Fair: March 28

2009-03-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

almitas

wenifnotnow
ccmade
KnitSonya
cooljools
Tactile Fiber Arts
Yokomono Studio
Lingua Flora Cards
BeesKnees Vintage
Kira K Designs

What: March Madness Craft Fair

When: Saturday March 28th----11:0 am to 4:00pm--- WEAVING DEMONSTRATION AT 2:00PM

Where: the knit-one-one studio, 3360, Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703

Who:

--almitas---pigs and pins from recycled fiber

--ccmade--caramel confections cc@ccmade.com (web site under construction)

-- Cooljools--jewelry

--Tactile Fiber Arts- yarns, roving

-- Wenifotnow--t-shirts, hoodys

--BeesKneesVintage--vintage clothing, shoes

-- LinguaFlora--cards

-- Yokomono Studio--bags

--KnitSonya --whimsical knit items

-- Kira K Designs--patterns, stitch markers

These craft events will be on the 4th Saturday of each month. If you or anyone you know would like to participate contact me at: queenbee@knitoneone.com

Saint patrick's day/Irish Coffee

2009-03-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, Saint Patrick's day was in fact a big deal.But not in the ways you might think. First of all, it was always a holiday----nice--no school. Next it came in the middle of lent. And usually we had given up sweets (candy) for lent. But St.Patrick's day was a dispensation---we could eat our hoarded Cadbury's chocolate, Mars' bars, Smarties, and Liquourice Allsorts. We eagerly looked forward to digging into the stash. So imagine my rage one year to discover that my 2 brothers had broken into my carefully hoarded pile of sweets before Saint Patrick's day. And they had eaten the lot! (I think they left some mints----not a favourite) Grrrr.....I will spend the rest of the day figuring out how I can retroactively punish them!

Irish Coffee: Again when I was young---well in this case I was in my late teens---I used to work at a very fancy hotel in county Kerry---during the summer. I had 2 jobs: one was to make Irish coffees----see I am very experienced---the other was to sit at my Irish harp and to sing a few ditties. If you come to our St. Patrick's day party, you will sample my Irish Coffees but you will not be "treated" to the other part of my former job!

Please do come

To read details about the party go HERE

Summer time and the sewing is easy.........

2009-02-25T10:59:00.001-08:00

knit-one-one has been on Adeline Street for a year---kind of amazing. Last summer we were asked to do some workshops for teens. However, we felt we didn't have enough time to get really organized. But this year we are. Boy are we organized!

Here is how it happened:

A few weeks ago we got a phone call from Mindy basically begging us to do
sewing and knitting workshops.
This request was on the heels of similar ones from other knit-one-oners so this time we swung (should that be swang?) into action. Now bear in mind that it is not---not---in my nature to be thinking too far ahead----I mean the summer is ages away, isn't it? No, it is not----especially for busy parents!

Kira

and I had been talking about what projects we might include but with Mindy's call we started to refine our choices. Then we leaned on Janice O---who teaches knitting to middle schoolers, and to Cocoknits---- whose Hannah is a high school freshman---to give us their input. And we incorporated everything they suggested. Lots of options. Lots of levels of difficulty. Lots of cool options. Not too many hours. Not too early in the morning. Well you get the idea. Mindy weighed in too so what you see is really a group effort---but then prettty much anything at knit-one-one is that way.

And finally...Nate, my studio mate, had to agree to have groups of pre-teens and teens in the studio. He did. Nate is great.

It is fun being a student!

2009-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I have been a teacher for many years. My current assignment is at Laney College 2 nights a week teaching Speaking 1. My students are hilarious and we have lots of fun as we try ---mostly successfully---to understand one another!

So it was a great novelty on Saturday to be a student--in a knit-one-one class no less----and to be specific- Kira's skirt class--and to be even more specific Kira's sewn skirt class---not to be confused with the knitted skirts she actually designs. Carrie is also in the class and we had great chats as we cut out our pieces. Now mind you, Kira had given us lots of tips on measuring not only ourselves but also the pattern pieces. You see these skirts will actually fit us.They will be unique. They will look good. They will be cheap! All of us in the class are planning to make lots of these skirts for our summer wardrobes. To borrow Nancy F's
term---we are officially recessionistas! In fact I was suggesting that we also have a top buying outing to our local outlets. You can tell we are having fun. And aren't you sorry you aren't "skirting" with us? But
Kira might maybe perhaps let one or two of you into the class----e-mail us if you want to grovel!

"I tried this before and I cried". These were the words of Rachel M as she proudly mastered the art of intarsia.
Carrie
did a great job of shepherding her group through the process and a great time was had by all. Next month--March--- Carrie will be teaching a Fair Isle class---watch this space!

I had such fun being a student in the skirt class that I am seriously considering being Kate's student in her
Mitered Mitts
class this Saturday. You see Kate made me pair of mitts for Christmas and I love them. I love the roominess of a mitten---you can move your fingers around. I love how they look---lots of color to gaze at. I love how easy they are to get on. I love how easy they are to get off. With the Mitered MIttens I love that they were designed by Elizabeth Zimmerman herself. I love that EZ suggests making them in May----her theory is that then they will be ready for winter! I love the fact that they are steeked----I mean how cool is that cutting a hole in your precious knitting and then making a thumb---ohhhh very exciting.

February 8th and 9th in the studio

2009-02-02T12:57:00.001-08:00

PS
The February classes
now up on the site----yeay! And Ms Sonya has agreed to teach the 2 versions of the fabulous EZ February Lady Sweater
----the adult and the child's----pic above. Thank you Sonya! Oh and the EZ refers to Elizabeth Zimmerman not to "easy". Definitely not.

PPS The bags are the ones people did in the Beginning Sewing Class. Aren't they amazing?

Due to circumstances beyond our control---ha!----the February classes are not up on the site yet. (Fingers crossed--they might be up later today)

So I thought I would try to give you a little preview. If you would like to reserve your space in any of these classes, e-mail me at: queenbee@knitoneone.com

On Saturday we have the skirt class----mentioned last week. I hung up the second sample in the studio window and it has been getting loads of compliments. Kira reminded me to mention that you will learn how to put in a zip and to finish off your seams---flat and fell and French---this of course in addition to all the other nuggets you will glean. I was so impressed with Kira in the beginning classs that I am seriously considering taking the skirt class----as a student--not as queenbee!
Date: Saturdays, February 7, 14, 22. Time: 2:00 to 4:30 pm

Ms Cocoknits herself will be on hand to teach the Fleeced Ear Flap hat. Now I know that in this balmy weather it is very hard to imagine wearing this creation. But......trust me. My stay in NYC and in Ireland would have been much much more comfortable with this fleecy wonder. And even if you can't imagine needing it yourself, we all have friends and relatives in colder climes, don't we! The technique used is called "Thrumming"----sounds like a musical term doesn't it. But in fact it has to do with working the fleece into your knitting so that it doesn't show on the right side. A very useful thing to know. Date: Sundays February 8 and 15. Time: 11:30 am to 1:30pm

Intarsia anyone? If you have always wanted to learn the technique, come on down to this 2 hours workshop with Ms Carrie. After this workshop you will be intarsiaing everything in sight.

Sunday February 8. Time: 11:30am to 1:30 pm

Lady February Sweater: Click here on
Yarnboy's blog

to see a pic of this fabulous sweater. This is the one he made for Zoe----the twins are now 2 month old if you can believe. Sonya of KnitSonya
has agreed to come over the bridge to teach this class---lucky me and lucky you. This is definitely not a project for a newbie but for those of you out there who want a challenge, a terrific teacher and fabuous sweater, well this is for you!

Dates: Sundays Feb 8, 15, 22 and March 8 (we skip a week). Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

knit-one-one studio is almost one year old/sew-one-one

2009-01-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that the studio space on Adeline is almost 1 year old. I have posted pics of its evolution---not necesssarily in order---sorry!

We knew when we moved in that the studio would work for all kinds of classes, groups, parties, photo shoots, and fairs and luckily for us we have been proven right. It would have been a bit of disaster now wouldn't it if it had been otherwise!

The latest use of the studio has been for sewing classes and....surprise surprise it is working fabulously for those classes too. Part of the reason it works so well is that the light is fantastic---natural light really beams through the skylight---we often don't have to turn on the electric lights at all. And of course the color scheme also makes it look bright and light too.

The beginning sewing class
under Kira's expert guidance has been working on the cute bag---we will post pics of their finished creations next week. In February Kira
teaches a more intermediate class where she and her students will whip up their personalized versions of the skirt above. (The pattern has 4 different versions) Now talk about a great recession activity----sewing your own clothes has got to be at the top of the list. And not only sewing your own clothes but having a finished product that looks professional--which anything you do under Kira's tutelage will----now that's a winner. (Skirt classes are Saturday Feb 7, 14, 21) They won't be up on the site until this coming weekend but e-mail us if you would like to reserve your spot in advance. ( queenbee@knitoneone.com)

PS I am now feeling fine---phew---and home again----so....blog posts will be more numerous!

Off to NYC, then Ireland

2008-12-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

Am about to leave for NYC---and on Dec 29 I leave for Ireland---for a family wedding. But since I am not sure that my pics have transferred to my lap top I thought I would do this before I leave.

The craft fair was a huge success but of course I was so busy that I didn't take any pics. Usually Emily or another knit-one-oner steps in but they were buzzing around too. But.......I did get photos of the newest knit-one-oners----Molly and Sam----well in truth you can't see them but they are in those little pouches on Zoe and Jesse. And Sammie ---we have to be careful of emphasising the "mie" so as not to confuse him with the little person mentioned above-----was very interested in Kolya who is about his size.

OK> Enough. I have to finish packing

The very first knit-one-one holiday craft fair

2008-12-08T12:14:00.001-08:00

This coming Saturday----Dec 13---from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm ----the knit-one-one studio will be filled with gorgeous stuff. Details
here

Here's how the idea got started.

In September we had a k11 teachers' meeting. And KnitSonya suggested having a craft sale of some kind. At the time I thought it was a great idea but then my birthday hoopla happened and the notion just flew out of my brain. It resurfaced a few weeks ago. Mmm..... I thought to myself ....I wonder if it is too late. I sent a missive to the k11 t's to see what they thought and Kira K, KnitSonya, and Woolywumpus jumped on the idea. It was their enthusiasm that put the wind at my back so to speak. Then other wonderful crafters started to emerge, Woolywumpus created the fabulous flyer above, and lo and behold here we are. A list of the creative people you will be seeing:

--- Woolywumpus with her scrummy needle felted jewelry --she will also have jewelry from Flick Glass
---KnitSonya with her colorful creative wooly art work
---Kira K with not only her patterns but also Kira caps & cowls
--- Nooshi---an ESL friend of mine who creates fabulous mosaics
---Fancy A Button---I think the name says it all
---Chabpt Road Designs---a friend of cocoknits. She makes fabulous pins and other mixed Media
---Girl on the Rocks--fun, interesting, and practical stitch markers
---Knitwhitswith her wonderfully whimsical knitting kits
---Almitas with her fun, funny, felted pigs and other wonders
---Monica with eye pillows filled with soothing aromatic herbs
---Becky, a friend of knitSonya's and creator of fabulous jewelry

OK: time to get serious.......or something like that!

2008-11-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well I thought I would do some knit-one-one work today but honestly after 3 days of cooking, eating, hanging out with family and friends I couldn't quite get into the work mode. So instead I focused on the knit part of the word. I actually finished Eoin's blanket---thank you Rachel M for offering to help me---my sister, Maire, did the last few rows. It turned out nicely, didn't it? Well Kofi thinks so! And I got serious about finishing the felted bowls---worked on the DPN's, cast them off and felted them----just like that. And just like the rest of you I realised this morning that I had better get moving on those holiday projects or they would never get done!

And after all that knitty craftiness I met kimchi crafts at the studio to do some tidying and gussying. Always so much nicer to do it with someone else. And while we were there, we took some pics of our noticeboard. ( And again Mr Kofi gets into the picture action!) Ms Kimchi and Susan M are teaching the Crafty Holiday Party
tomorrow night----Dec 1st----a perfect way to get you jump started on those projects and to put you in the holiday mood.

Cuffs and Pidges

2008-11-18T17:52:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we had the wire and pearl cuff class with Cocoknits. A fabulous class with great cuffs created. See for yourself!

And when I walked into the studio today what should I espy but a wonderful pidge sitting on the dresser. (Now don't ask me why it is called a Pidge. It just is) Kate had finished it and brought it in earlier today. Now the picture does not do it justice. It really looks handsome, cute, cozy, and up to the minute. I hope that certain people are not reading this blog because I plan on making quite a few as prezzies this year.

Kate is teaching the Pidge creation at Friday's Scarf and Scarf Party. (Friday, November 21)

If you haven't attended one of these parties, do it. You will eat, drink, make merry, meet interesting people and.......oh the knitting part. You will learn how to create this fabulous Pidge or you can make a scarf version should you so desire. Kate will teach you the herringbone stitch, refresh your memory on how to make handsome looking buttonholes, and, Kate being Kate, will dispense an arm load of helpful tips and ideas on the knitting life.

The Mystery of the Magical Mystery Knitting Party---revealed

2008-11-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

So how did we come up with the idea of the Magical Mystery Knitting Party. Kate and I were sitting at Sweet Adeline's and I had the beginning of the idea. Kate remembered being at an event somewhat similar in Colorado. And we were on a roll. We threw ideas back and forth and the party that you know was conceived.

Now to the actual projects themselves. That is Kate's department. When we have settled on a date---a very difficult proposition given Kate's hectic schedule----Kate starts trolling the web for ideas. No easy task. The project has to be small enough to do in 3 hours---3 hours where people are eating, drinking, chatting and laughing. It has to be easy enough for a wide array of abilities. It has to be difficult to guess.( Part of the fun is the wild guessing that takes place). It has to be cute. It has to be a project for which people can use their stash. Tricky huh? Kate of course is brilliant at this---we asked the regular party goers for their faves ---here are some: Hayden the Haystack, The Apple Cosy, The Wine Tote.

To see for yourself what all the fuss is about,
on Friday! join us

General Holiday Craftiness

2008-11-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself free this evening, hustle on over to the knit-one-one studio. Why you ask. Because Susan and Elaine will be holding court. Well kind of. They created this nifty class where you can make loads of great little holiday doodads----all with a soaring cuteness factor. I'll post pics in a few----am off to the studio to do a little picture taking!

Details:

Monday November 10

Time: 6:30 to 9:00

Where: the knit-one-studio, 3360 Adeline Street, Berkeley CA 94703

Fee: $29

Vote, parties @ k11 and the trials of photographing light objects

2008-11-03T14:47:00.001-08:00

The studio has been busy. Very busy. With parties. Parties of all kinds. A going away party for coach Kevin---boo hoo. A baby shower for Jesse and Zoe---yeay. . A Scarf and Scarf Party with Kate's Hella Cable scarf---fabulous. A group of teenage knitters from the Bentley School---fun, fun , fun

And upcoming-- Tactile
and k11 are hosting a party and trunk show on Saturday Oct 8th. Lots of yummy everything including yarn!
Our monthly block party. This month working on the mitred square. And because it has been knit up in a pale pink I have had the divil of time getting a half way decent pic---groan. But trust me. The square really is great looking. And that party will also be fun. Honestly!

Lots of fun at the Kira K party and show

2008-10-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

All of Kira K's designs were gracing the studio and every time I looked around someone else was arriving wearing one of her designs. It was so much fun having Kira K everywhere! We had a fashion show and let me tell you that a lot of knit-one-oners could have another career modelling. You should have seen those ladies vamp.

(And tomorrow Kira K is teaching her designs too.) I know. I know. I am a bit late with this post but if you want to join the class next week, let us know.

The birthday season!

2008-09-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sile--who turned 60--Nora who turned 30--and Eoin

We had loads of fun in the studio on Thursday evening drinking champagne and eating cake---yum----the cake was given to me by Jennifer at Sweet A as a birthday gift! The studio was packed and abuzz and it was just fabulous. Thank you to everyone who came. Thank you to those who left various bottles---without names!. Thank you to all who helped---with 70 people you need a lot of extra hands. Thank you to all of you for supporting knit-one-one. Thank you for the cards, well wishes and gifts. I was simultaneously overwhelmed and delighted.

And.....we discovered that the acoutics at the studio are just fabulous. The rendition of Happy Birthday soared from the rafters---4 part harmony and all.

knit-one-one doings on the weekend of Sept 12 and beyond

2008-09-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Honeycomb Hex Bag---the original

Elaine's blanket

Elaine's blanket

Petra's cowl and honeycomb

Kolya

A selection from the scarfers

Joile's Helix glove

Scarf and Scarf was great fun--lots of scarfing of both the knitted and eating variety. Kate did her usual stellar job and everyone was thrilled. Rachel M e-mailed to say that the process of making the scarf was totally addicting.

Look who came to Sweet A's on Saturday? Kolya! (His mother--Kaela---came too) He is an absolute dote and he smiled and gurgled and did all his cute baby tricks for us.

The helix glovers were delighted with their creations and so excited when they mastered the thumb gusset. And the beginners got started knitting in the round---we look forward to seeing the 5 inches of Hat this coming weekend (that was their homework)

Petra visited the studio and dropped off a wonderful cowl---seen above being modelled by Erica---she is thinking it might make a good future class. We agree! And you?

You will notice in the cowl pic that a version of Petra's Honeycomb Bag is in evidence---that class begins this coming weekend. The Honeycomb is a really fun project. (Ask Tai---I think she has made 4 or 5 of them----she took the class the last time it was offered)

And I finally blocked Elaine's blanket. We had to get Zoe G to do the crochet edging--thank you Zoe--- as neither Kate nor I can crochet--would you believe. And let me tell you nothing finishes off a blanket better than a crochet edging. Kate and I are determined to learn so that we can do nifty edgings not only on blankets but also on shawls, cardigans, gloves etc. Susan M is teaching a Crochet for Knitters
class on Sunday and if you don't know how to crochet, hie thee to this class!

Bramble has arrived in the studio!

2008-09-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

BRAMBLE
---arrived in the studio yesterday. Getting him to knit-one-one required a lot of logistics. First of all, his creator,
KnitSonya
had to drop him off at Imagiknit. Next I had to e-mail the son---Eoin---and ask him to pick Bramble up. (Conveniently for Bramble, he, Eoin and Sonya all live in the same neighborhood). After that Eoin hied himself to Imagiknit, crossed the bridge and dropped him off at my apartment. From there he got transported to the
k11 studio
in Berkeley. He is happily ensconced in the window---it is nice and sunny there---and he is getting lots of admiring glances from the passing throng. Well more accurately all those people rushing to
Sweet A's to get their scone fix!

In other news---- theBlock Party
was ever so much fun. Carrie did a fabulous job and a good time was had by all.

Block Party OR Learning new stitch patterns OR Making a blanket

2008-09-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here is how we come up with ideas for our knit-one-one classes. It is always a collaborative effort involving many of the great minds in the k11 commmunity.
Block Party

for example is the brainchild of Ms Carrie with help from other knit-one-oners.

How exactly did we come up with this idea? Well our friend Janice A Y was very taken with a baby blanket that Carrie had created and asked if she would consider teaching that class. Mmmmm Carrie says, let me think about this. And she did. Around the same time Reuben said "you know Sile, I think you should offer a new stitch pattern class. "Mmmmmm I said ---let me think about this. And I did.

Kate, Carrie and I talked and thought at length about how best to put these ideas together and the The Block Party was born. Here is how it works. Each month you will be taught at least 3 new stitch patterns. You will go home, finish your block and maybe even make a second. (If you are like Baby Catcher Peggy, you will make 4 or 5!) Then the next month you will learn some more stitches, work on your block or blocks---and---- here's the great thing. At the end of the process you will have a fabulously impressive blanket which can be as small or as large as your heart, your needles and your patience desires! And here's another thing. You can sign up for ONE of the blocks OR for all 4---again the choice is yours. Oh and did we mention that Kate and Carrie insisted that shortbread be part of the deal too. Yum. Learning, creating, laughing and eating---what could be a better use of an afternoon I say.

And since this was Carrie's idea she is the one teaching the class.

PS The pics are the various blocks that Ms Carrie has been knitting feverishly---and I mean feverishly. She says that the process is totally addiciting. So don't say you haven't been warned!

A month's absence---oops

2008-08-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

Rex----Nora's new puppy

Eoin--son--Sile w/ Kofi---Nora--daughter

IMG_1959
Originally uploaded by eoin.bullock

I can't believe that it has been a month since I blogged---oops---mea culpa. But it's not as if I have been lolling on beaches and what not---although I did spend the past week in Woodstock NY. The main reason for not blogging more was teaching at UC and keeping knit-one-one going at the same time----not a great excuse I know but really it is the truth.

While we were in Woodstock Nora got a puppy----a 4 month old French bulldog----Rex. He is just a fabulous little dog----very mellow, very playful, very tank-like----well he is like a bulldog!

Baby Blanket Shower for Priska and Emily

2008-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes: Edible created by Nicole S and Karin K--non-edible by knit-one-oners!

Felted Pigs created by Karin K

Priska's blanket

Priska's blanket

Emily's blanket

Emily's blanket

2 weeks ago Nicole S and Karin K

hosted a knitting baby shower for their friends Priska and Emily. Everyone knit at least one square---some speedy needlers knit 3! ----and here are pics of the 2 baby blankets we produced. It was a lot of fun and the beginners were champs too----their squares look ultra professional I must say!

Food tours/parties at the studio and....I am too tired to think

2008-07-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sile and her brother Frank who was visiting from Ireland

Eoin and Kofi celebrate on Eoin's birthdaay

I started teaching at UC this week. And I know all the teachers out there will relate when I say I am exhausted. But it is so fun to be with all of the many colleagues with whom I have taught for years ---we really are like family to one another. And my students---from Italy, Russia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Holland---are super smart, very engaging and so excited about being in Berkeley for the summer. And we used the studio for pre-program meeting last week. Imagine---the studio works well for meetings that are not "craft" in nature!

Family of another sort.......

Nora and Ainate arrived yesterday---Nora being my daughter and Ainate her girlfriend. Today after our knit-out they and I went on a food tour of Berkeley so we are quite sated right this moment. We kept bumping into our friends
Chris Stark and Steve---Chris is my photographer friend who took all those great pics of the studio. It turns out that they were on this side of the bay pretty much doing the same thing. (In case you are wondering---here is our intinerary---The Berkeley Farmers' Market, Sweet Adeline Bakeshop, The Cheese Board, The Cheeseboard Pizza, Masses' Bakery, Peet's.) We got a fabulous little fruit pie at Masses' but the opera cake we got tasted stale---or to clarify--- the cake part tasted stale. So after much talking, we decided to return to the bakery with our 3/4 eaten opera cake. (All 3 of us had tasted to make sure) When we voiced our concerns to the baker/owner ---sotto voce--we didn't want the other patrons to hear---the owner started arguing with us and saying that the cake was meant to be eaten at room temp---it was!----or that the butter cream might have been too cold for us----it wasn't! etc. The Cake was just STALE. They did refund our money-----$4. 75----but I have to say that the exchange left a bad taste in our mouths---OK Ok I know---a bad pun.

Oh but this is supposed to be about knitting! Tomorrow knit-one-one is hosting
a baby shower
knitting party after the Diamond Back Class--can't wait to see how far the great knitters in the class have gone. Back to the party. WE are expecting 15 people including the 2 pregnant guests of honor. There are about 9 non- knitters in the group so Kate and Zoe G will cast on for them before the party and teach and hold their hands during the party. The beginners will knit one square but the more experienced knitters will knit 2 or 3 squares--we are guessing and hoping on that last number After the party we finish the blankets and send them to the guests of honor. If I remember, I will post pics next week

Scout was at k11

2008-07-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

WonderMike and Hizknits get ready to interview Scout

Scout puts out some of her yarn

Scout starts class

The table during class

Scout of Scout's Swag
fame gave a 2 day workshop this past w/e at the knit-one-one studio---and it was fabulous. She not only dyes some luscious yummy yarn but she is also a dynamic inspirational teacher. She was helped by Mike and Stephen of YKnit YknitT fame who togged themselves out in scouting regalia for the occasion. Let me tell you----if you are ever looking for helpers, these are your men. They were terrific.

In the lulls between the action I persuaded people to read

great blurb about knit-one-one in the East Bay Express Best Of edition!

And while all the hoopla was going on at the studio Ms Emily was busy uploading the new classes. I am tired just writing about all of this hububb.

So I am taking off to Sea Ranch for a few days to swim, knit, read, eat, swim...........!

WWKIP--60 people showed up

2008-06-16T16:29:00.001-07:00

WWKIP day June 14---outside the k11 studio on Adeline Street

MMKP Friday the 13th Color Work

Knitta East Bay @ work

Yknit @ work--

WWKIP Day---hard at work!

WWKIP day---more knitters having a good time

WWKIP day---concentrating on knitting

WWKIP Day---Sweet Adeline Jennifer says hello

A very busy weekend inside and outside the k11 studio.

On Friday we had our MMKP color work event------see the pics of the skulls and crossbones. Kate and I had a rollicking good time with Amy G, Anita, Ramona, Colleen, Janice O and Sarah.

Saturday was World Wide KNit in PUblic Day. It started off in a quiet foggy haze with just Myrrhia and me knitting quietly in the studio. And then the clouds parted and a tsunami of knitters hit! There were 60 of us and we had a fabulous time. Thanks a million to all of you who came.

World Wide Knit in Public Day and other stuff

2008-06-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Elaine and her Kool Aid dyeing class

Susan and Kate having fun

Helen's hat from beginning knitting

Brooke and beginning spinners at work

Squid cell phone cosies---april Magical Mystery Knitting Party

at work in the studio

Elaine at Kimchi Crafts popped into the k11 studio a few weeks ago and asked if we would be interested in co-hosting a World Wide Knit in Public day and I know you know what my answer was.

We are planning on hauling out the chairs from the studio----we have 18---and setting them up outside on the sidewalk. Inside the studio we will be brewing multiple pots of coffee. Thanks to Janice O the word "pot" can have an "s" on it! (We don't have 18 cups, so bring your own if you want to make sure to have one) Sweet Adeline has lots of yummy treats so don't worry about going hungry. If a pang hits, you can just pop in, ogle the goodies and make a purchase. Our intrepid Elaine wants to lead an expedition to the HERE/THERE signs opposite the studio----the passing motorists will be gob smacked by the sight no doubt! For more info, click here and scroll down.

Emily J--she of the website fame (yes, she has been sighted recently now that school is out)--- and I--- are planning a top secret knitting project for the morning---think Knitta Please . If you are interested in our project, please come armed with the biggest needles in your arsenal and the fattest yarn in your stash!

After she has been KIPing, knitSonya will be teaching a needle felting class in the studio ----just as well for you that there is free parking outside the studio since you will be there all day. Look at her blog to see some of her needle felted wonders

knitting with the dogs!

2008-05-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am going to NYC to see Nora and Ainate---am very excited.

While I am away, the studio will be in the capable hands of Carrie, Kate, Susan M and Brooke. And Carrie and Kate are going to knit with the dogs on Saturday, the first of lots of knit-one-one outings and events in June---yes I know Saturday is May 31st but it is close enough!

A few weeks ago Carrie, Kate and I met and they suggested loads of things for knit-one-one. Since I always listen to them, I scheduled all of their suggestions. And knitting with the dogs is one of their brilliant ideas. You all know how much we love dogs at knit-one-one so of course this is a natural outing for us. (I will be doing my own knitting with dogs in NYC---a fabulous dog gazing territory I should add) So on Saturday afternoon, please join them to dog-gaze, knit, chat, drink coffee---what ever! Click here to get the details.

I am off to gussy Kofi up for the event!

And finally please send warm thoughts to yarn-a-go-go Rachael , her mother, Janette Heron, and her family. Her mother is very ill.

The issue of gauge---knitting gauge that is

2008-05-19T13:34:00.001-07:00

At every knit-one-one class the teachers talk about gauge. Even in the beginning knitting class Kate emphasizes its importance and makes the fledgling knitters do a gauge swatch. Kira, Kate and Julie always ask me to mention to students that they should bring a gauge swatch to class---which I do---good Sile! Kira even wants me to have a phrase on the studio walls about the importance of the gauge swatch---which I will---in time.

If you remain unconvinced of the importance of THE GAUGE SWATCH,---just look at the 2 pics above. Next weekend Kate will be teaching this adorable little hoody and a few weeks ago she knit up the blue and red cutie. Then she liked it so much that she knit up the other using yarn from her stash. (She doesn't have the nickname Speedy Needle Freeman for nothing!) She used the same pattern, cast on the same number of stitches but.....different yarn and different needles. And just look at the variation in sizes. One is for a little baby and the other is for a far older, chunkier child. So gauge does matter---really it does.

A few weeks ago at a knit-out, one of our knitters--- who will remain nameless---was not getting the correct gauge for a sweater she was going to knit-- she thought it didn't really matter. We quickly disabused her of this notion---but of course--- and convinced her to go down a needle size. We hope she remembers us when her sweater is finished and actually fits her!

Doing the Magic Loop VS Double Pointed Needles

2008-05-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

In my time running the studio I have come to realise that there are certain dividing lines between the various kinds of knitters. There are those who hate double pointed needles (Susan M for example) and would much prefer to use the Magic Loop. And there are those who hate the Magic Loop (Kevin W) and would much prefer to use the dreaded double pointed needles---you can see which side of the equation I am on!) And then there are those who hate DPN's but actually don't know how to do the Magic Loop and so avoid projects like those pictured above altogether. For the avoidance group,

knit-one-one

is having a workshop this Sunday May 18. Ms Punkrawkpurl, who is true magic looper, will have you doing the loop in no time at all. Then you will be tackling cuffs, socks, bag bottoms, hat tops,gloves, mitts and goodness knows what all. There will be no stopping you.

All of the above pics were done or could have been done, using the Magic Loop Technique.

PS For the double pointed crowd, Noe Knit is having a workshop on that topic!

Parties come to knit-one-one

2008-05-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

Some of the finished squares

Veronica and Nate

Vero

Marie and Carrie

The yarn

Hard at work

Hard at work

Kate fuels up before the party

Well I know that many of you think that every day is a party at knit-one-one but this really was a party party. Veronica and Nate are leaving for Venezuela in a few days to get married so Kate, Carrie and I decided that we would throw them a knitting shower. We were expecting a small crowd but Vero and Nate have loads of friends---no surprise there---- so we had 27 guests, 12 of whom did not know how to knit---they do now I hasten to add!

Here is how it worked: Veronica and Nate chose the colors. We ordered the yarn and before the party, Carrie and Kate cast on the stitches for the beginners. People arrived, people drank, knitters knit squares and Carrie and Kate taught. ( I was buzzing about in my queen bee role!) Everyone laughed. Everyone had a rollicking good time. And this is the amazing part. The people who didn't know how to knit beforehand actually finished their square---they were fabulous students and highly motivated to get a square done for the happy couple. Amazing.

The follow-up: Kate, Carrie and I have to block the squares---some are not quite square--- but we will remedy that! Then we will sew them together, we will make a border and by the time the happy couple comes back, the BLANKET will be ready. Good blanket.

if you would like the knit-one-one party team to organize your next gathering---let us know. We throw a mean party.

Some things I wish I hadn't thrown away

2008-04-28T12:34:00.001-07:00

Sile's Brigitta is finally finished

Laura's version of the baby surprise

Beginning Spinners @ work

Vero concentrates on her spinning

Warning: The pictures above have nothing to do with the post.

On Thursday I took the day off and spent some of the time with my good friend Nancy F . We ate lunch at Dopo on Piedmont---very yummy indeed and then went into a new and fabulous little clothing store at the top of Piedmont. It is called McMullen and is owned by Sherri who has a great eye for clothing with fabulous little details. I tried on a nifty little knit top/ t-shirt type thing that had little zippers here and there creating lots of different looks and of course giving ease in places where one (read me!) might need a little give. Fortunately for my bank account---but unfortunately for my spirits---- it was a little snug on the shoulder ---I have those big swimmer's shoulders don't you know. The store is bright, airy and spacious and Sherri is very welcoming and warm.

After our visit to McMullen, Nancy and I walked back to her house. There she produced a big box which housed her late mother's knitting needle collection. What joy. (Nancy has kindly donated these to knit-one-one) Many had the original packing with price tags---all the needles seemed to cost a mere 39 cents. A little paper ruler had the saying: "Knitting happiness is making a gauge swatch". Kira wants me to have that blown up and emblazoned on the studio walls! Watch this space. Nancy was bemoaning the fact that her late parents never threw anything out and that lead to some thoughts about things I wish I had kept.

But first, a little background.

When I was growing, up my mother made all of my clothes----skirts, dresses, socks, hats, gloves, jumpers, and pinafores (the latter 2 words in Am. English would read---sweaters and jumpers!) I was picky at an early stage about color and fit but nonetheless would huff and puff when my mother wanted me to try things on to make sure that the item fit. (It's a wonder she didn't impale me with a needle!) When Janyce and I met to talk about the upcoming sewing classes at knit-one-one I was very nostalgic for my mother's sewing which I think she enjoyed more than knitting.

But back to the things I wish I had kept:

---a multicolored tweed jumper with a deep U front

---a lemon yellow sweater with big collar and embroidered daisies on the front

--- a from fitting, pink, check, viyella dress with cut- in shoulders

---a straight kelly green dress with a knit top and sleeves

And I am sure that after I have posted this, I will think of many more!

the knit-one-one studio on adeline street

2008-04-18T17:09:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of the finished studio. They were taken by my friend and classmate, Chris. Chris and I met at the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center where we took a class in Business Planning. As you can see, he is a great photographer. He specializes in taking photos of spaces and doing portraits of people---he and I meet and exchange tales centering on the joys and vicissitudes of owning your own business!

When we have a big class, we use the studio in the larger layout. When the class is smaller, we swing the bookcase around to divide it into two----it works really well in both configurations.

In a few weeks we are hosting a knitting shower for Vero and Nate who are getting married in Venezuela in May. Nate is my studio mate. He is a structural engineer and works in the loft aerie space weekdays when we are not having classes. We met Vero when she took a class at knit-one-one. When I was looking for a studio mate, she mentioned Nate. Don't you love how the world of connections and connecting work.

But back to the party. Everyone who comes to the shower will knit a square for a blanket which Kate, Carrie and I will then put together. For the beginners we will cast on the stitches and then teach them to knit a garter stitch square. Vero and Nate chose the colors for the blanket---blues, greys and a dash of orange! Guests who knit will arrive with their own needles but we will lend them to the beginners. Of course eating and drinking will take place too. I think the studio will make a fabulous space for this event. And we will remember to take pics so you can see the fun. (Mmmmmm...maybe we should invite Chris-----just kidding!

The studio was alive with cocoknits admirers and samples

2008-04-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

PS I found more pics!

Last weekend was very busy at the studio---lots of knitting, eating, drinking, trying on samples etc.

On Saturday we had the last of the Sawtooth Skirt Class and look at those fabulous skirts. Kira K's design is not only terrific looking but also very comfortable to wear . (And I should mention that Kira is a great teacher too) I was so taken with the skirt that I rushed over to Artfibers yesterday and bought myself the makings for the skirt. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

On Sunday the studio was filled with Cocoknits designs and people trying on her sweaters. I am sorry I didn't get a lot of photos---I was so busy giving my opinions to people as they tried on her great creations that I forgot my photographing duties. (I know it will come as a surprise to many of you that I was giving opinions!) Julie gave a demo of her great knitter's blocks and some very wise people decided to buy them after seeing how they helped in the blocking process---- which for most of us is not our favourite part of knitting. (but with the knitter's blocks it is infinitely more palatable!)

Julie has created a line of desk accessories which were given their first public outing on Sunday. Our friend Ricardo was so taken with them that he bought the pattern in order to make a tray for dice---he's a gamer don't you know---gamer in the positive sense!

Others at the event signed up for Cocoknits Classbeginning this coming Sunday. For this class, you can choose any of Julie's designs and work on them with the designer herself. Some complained that the class should go on for months since they wanted to make everything! Mmmmm.....maybe not a bad idea. What about it Julie---ha!

Queen of Cables: Kate

2008-04-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Our Kate has many talents---I mean her first nickname was Project a Day Kate. This was replaced by Speedy Needle Freeman and in the last few weeks I have been dubbing her the Queen of Cables. And the reason is___________oh you are so smart to have guessed it already.

In December the queen created her own pattern and called it the Hella Cable Scarf. (There are many people in the immediate BAy Area who received a Hella as a Christmas gift---it was so showy fun and fast to knit). Last Friday for our Magical Mystery Knitting Party she created a Java Jacket using_____you have got it. But the thing is that she spent ages playing around with cables to see which would look good sideways---the way a cup wears it. And she concluded that the honeycomb cable was best---and the Magical Mystery goers agreed. (Rumor has it that they have become hooked on cables themselves)

So with all this cabling in the air I remembered that , the knit-one-one crochet expert
Susan, had requested a cable class---a long time ago, mind you--- (Sorry Susan!). Therefore it seemed so apt to create a
Cable Mania class and to let the queen just go wild teaching all she has learned about cables. Now I have to admit that I myself am a big fan of cables---they are so showy, so mysterious and just plain fun. And fun is a good thing people!

A gallery of Magical Mystery Knitting Party Projects

2008-03-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Eighth Magical Mystery Knitting Party is about to happen this coming Friday, March 28th. There is a dedicated band of knit-one-oners who always come to the Parties if they happen to be in town. Our world traveler Holly is most disappointed to be missing this next one and we will miss her too.....sniff, sniff----we will check with you Holly before we schedule the next one! Our friend Janice O asked us to post pics of all of the MMKP projects.....that would be Magical Mystery Knitting Projects-----so here they are. Oh and if you have never come to a Magical Mystery Knitting Party what are you waiting for----they are a hoot!

2008-03-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

One of the many pleasures of being involved in knit-one-one is being around so many talented people and seeing all the great pieces they produce! The pics today show various stages of the Cactus Blossom Sweater by Janice O and Bridget D---Kate is sporting her finished version with hearts---she is pictured with Kira----when we are at Sweet A's last week. The booties and the bag are by Elaine----knit out of her own Kool Aid dyed yarn. She will be teaching some of you how to dye yarn next week at knit-one-one. The last time she taught this class it was a huge success because Elaine is a scientist and of course brings all the exactitude of that profession to the dyeing process. No slap dash methodology for our Elaine---no no! And her items have been much oohed and aahed over by guests to the studio.

Spring things: felted easter baskets, bunny hats, booties and a skirt

2008-03-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

When you step out of the studio and look to your left there is the most gorgeous blossom tree which reminds us all that Spring is indeed in the air in Berkeley California. Not only in the air but also in the studio windows, and in the studio itself.

On Leap Friday---we had a marvellous Magical Mystery Knitting Party----we are thinking of hiring the sisters Carol and Jean because they kept us all in stitches during the event. And look what was produced----a forest of felted Easter Baskets. Thank you to Carrie and Kate for coming up with the pattern and to Dr Z, Fiona, Lisa, Susan M, Shirley and the aforementioned sisters, Carol and Jean, for all your good humor, your terrific creations and the fabulous energy you brought to the event.

When you look into our windows, created by Punkrawkpurl herself, there is a wonderful green skirt which has been much admired by the passing throngs. I have even had to take it down so that there can be a closer inspection. Of course it is the Sawtooth Skirt designed by Kira of Kira K designs . (Pssst.....she will be teaching the skirt too----I love love love having designers teach their own patterns!)

And then there is the Spring cuteness overload of Saartje's booties and the Baby Bunny Hat. The former pattern is from Saartje and the latter from the staff at Noe Knit in SF---we love that store. The examples are in the studio itself and you wouldn't believe the oohs and aahs that these cute items elicit---well you probably would believe it. And of course we couldn't resist getting Sammie to model the hat--we tried it on Kofi too but he was not nearly as cooperative as Mr Sam---good dog Sammie! These 2 classes are being held simultaneously so that if a person signs up for one in effect they get 2 classes.

This is a first for knit-one-one and here is how it will work. The space is divided into 2 studios---each class will be in a different studio. But at a certain point the teachers, Carrie and Kate will change places. Carrie will go over the tricky parts of the booties while Kate lets you know the tricky parts of the bunny hat---I mean it is really 2 classes for the price of one---or something like that. It is an experiment and we will let you know how it works or....you could be there!

Magic of all sorts comes to the new studio!

2008-02-26T11:41:00.001-08:00

The new studio is fabulous---every day we make it just a little more comfortable. My friend Nicole said that the space is very chic----ohh la la----that is what we like to hear.

This coming weekend the space will be filled with Magic. On Leap night----Friday Feb 29---Kate will be hosting the Magical Mystery Knitting Party. If there are any of you who have not come to that event, let me tell you that it is quite the fun evening. You have no idea what you are knitting, but Kate in her inimitable way makes you laugh and guess and as I was told to point out---you do actually learn some knitting techniques too! The pics are of of Hayden the haystack which was our last party item-----and the wonderful Anna of Mochimochiland allowed us to use her fabulos pattern---thank you.

On Saturday morning we have magic of another sort. Cocoknits Julie is teaching a a Felted Basket class which includes the shibori felted technique. The shibori felted basket is my favorite---shhh.....don't tell Julie---and I am hoping to make a few for the aforementioned chic studio. (to make it even chicer, don't you know!)

Knitting connections from yarn-a-go-go: Thank you

2008-01-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

This post is a thank you to yarn-a-go-go---without her the February 2008 knit-one-one calendar wouldn't be quite so full! Let me explain.

About 15 months ago I found the yarn-a-go-go blog and like so many of you I was immediately taken with her knitting prowess, her writing style and the general good person vibes that emanated from her. I decided to ask her if she would teach a class at knit-one-one. I asked her. She agreed. She taught. And she wowed us all. (No surprise there, I hear you all muttering)

Inconveniently for knit-one-one but very smartly for her, she decided to concentrate on her writing. But typical of yarn-a-go-go's kindness she didn't leave us in the lurch. She introduced me to Maia of Tactile Fiber Arts. (If you are an avid reader of the yarn-a-go-go blog, Maia is the knitter/spinner with whom Rachael went to Rhinebeack). One meeting, and many e-mails later, Spinning on the Drop Spindle class was hatched. Maia in turn introduced me to Brooke--and that duo will be team teaching the class. Lucky us.

The next introduction from yarn-a-go-go was to Kira of KiraK designs. Kira will soon be teaching the incredibly cute Cocoon Baby Sweater and in March she will be teaching her Sawtooth Skirt pattern. The Cocoon Baby Sweater was an immediate no-brainer for knit-one-one but yours truly had to be convinced that the more amply shaped woman--cough cough here---would be comfortable knitting and wearing the Sawtooth Skirt. Kira and I sat in Sweet Adeline Bakeshop and I kept saying ---pointing discreetly to various female patrons---could she wear it? What about her? And her? Kira convinced me. I agreed. She will be teaching the class in March.

And today I had heart palpitations of the most positive kind when I opened up my Amy Singer/knitty e-mail and there was another of Kira's glorious skirts as one of the winter surprises! Scroll down to the end of the patterns--it's called Bell Curve.

So thank you, thank you, thank you yarn-a-go-go for all the positive, kind, creative energy, and people you have directed to the knit-one-one fold. We are most appreciative.

bags, bags and more bags--- but do we have enough?

2008-01-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

Last night I was dashing out the door to go to a friend's house for dinner. Of course I wanted to bring my knitting. I mean what self-respecting knitter ever leaves home without it? But I couldn't find a bag to put it in. Now , let me be clear. I have lots and lots of bags--- a blue bag, a red bag, an orange bag, a green bag, a Temescal bag---you get the idea---the house is over-run with bags. But here is the thing. You can never have enough bags. And you never seem to have the exact right bag when you need it. Right? So what to do? Make another bag? But of course.

See the blue bag with the red stripe in the pic? That bag belongs to my friend Tai. She and I are habitues of the Temescal Market. I never look for her. I look for her bag. And I can spot it and her many fruit stalls away (She was the one to tell me about the black cod----divine---buy it next time you go) And the grey and wine bag? The belongs to Janice. When I go to a party, I know immediately if she has arrived---by her bag. That's the thing about making your own bag. It's like a calling card---except that is way more fun and far more practical too.

So if you are feeling a little bag poor at the moment, join us this Saturday for
the Temescal Bag class---your knitting and your market treasures will be ever so happy to have another comfy place to nestle!

New knitted items: Of slippers, cosies and berets

2008-01-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Those of you who have taken classes at knit-one-one will recognize the slipper basket. And can you see those wonderful slippers right on top----they are so warm, lovable, cozy, comfortable---I could go on and on and on. Malheureusement the slippers are not atually mine---boo hoo. They are on loan from PUnkrawkpurl and Ms Carrie. Maybe after this post I will be able to keep them longer---tee hee. But the blue pair are Tammy's and she has worn them everyday for 2 years. According to her they were getting a little stretched out and skussy so she popped them in the washer and what came out was a new pair. (Well not new but they look new---honestly). The green pair belong to Ms Carrie who has been away for the last few weeks and very kindly left the slippers behind. These 2 lovely ladies will actually be teaching
class in how to make these fab items. And I of course would love to have a whole basket full of them for you knit-one-oners. Maybe if I give up work for a while I can crank out about 20 pairs---not......! But I can knit at least one pair and you can too!

The next knitted item at knit-one-one is my very own press pot cosy. Now who would have thought of making such a wonderfully whimsical item but our very own Speedy Needle Freeman. Of course she picked the colors to match the kitchen and it is perfect. And it keeps my coffee warm. And warm coffee keeps me happy!

The last knitted item is my beloved beret which I have worn every day since Dec 23---that was the day that Tammy presented me with this. It makes me feel ever so chic first thing in the morning when I walk the dog and trundle off to the pool. But the chicness is only one of its many attributes---it feels great, looks marvellous and is an all round winner. We will be offering a Beret class in Feb----the 16th and 23rd to be precise. Watch this space for more info!

poor blog: i am so sorry and thank yous in 2007

2008-01-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

I really owe an apology to my boor blog because it definitely has been the neglected child for a while----I am so sorry blog. If I could take you to Sweet Adeline and give you a treat to make it better, I would!

2007 was a great year in so many ways. Knit-one-one really launched and because of that I was run off my feet, met loads of fabulous people, made terrific new friends and really got to know what a terrific community knitters are. When I wrote the business plan for knit-one-one, I wrote that I was attracted to the business because of the kindness, creativity and raucousness of the knitting community. My marketing instructor asked me to explain what I meant. I don't remember what I said at that time but I know what I can say now.

The web team: knit-one-one has been blessed by a fabulous web team----Emily and James. They not only make the site look great but also give encouragement to me when I wonder if having a knitting studio is really mad. They give me new ideas and never ever think that any request is too much. Thank you Emily and James.

The instructors: What a fabulous bunch of people. They make me laugh, keep me on track, feed me ideas, prop me up, act as my mentors and constantly make me glad I started knit-one-one. Thank you Kate, Kira,Tammy, Zoe, Jesse, Rachael, Petra, Elaine, Susan, Julie, Sonya, Carrie

The students: the knit-one-one classes have been filled with my friends, former colleagues and classmates, my swimming buddies, my fellow choristers, my knitting group members, my poodle rescue compatriots, with people I have met on the street, in the market, in the neighborhood and with people who were just names until they showed up to a class. Each student has added to the warmth and creativity of knit-one-one and I just love getting to know them all. Being involved in the lives of these knitters is really a treat. Thank you knit-one-oners.

The family and friends support team: of course knit-one-one has been buoyed by my family as they have celebrated and sympathized with me through the joys and vicissitudes of my first year as an entrepreneur. And the family has been joined by my circle of friends who have acted as advisors, number crunchers, namers, property viewers, hosts, party goers ===actually in fact the family and friends have pretty much done anything that was needed. Thank you!

Pattern people: at knit-one-one we have often asked the wonderful world of knitting designers if we could use their patterns. They have been uniformly gracious, kind and giving. Their generosity has added greatly to the creativity of our offerings. Thank you.

Knit-one-one has been greatly encouraged, welcomed and fed by Jennifer and the crew at Sweet Adeline and we have been extraordinarily well served by Reed at Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe.

My friend Susan G has often said that it is very risky thanking people publicly because you run the risk of inadvertently forgetting someone and therefore insulting that someone! So I apologize in advance if I have forgotten you.

2007 was a year in which to be really grateful. Thank you.

knit-one-one is still here!

2007-11-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

knit-one-one is still here and so am I! Sorry for the November silence---I just got distracted by all the wonderful knitting and classes that were going on.

We had a fabulous Magical Mystery Knitting Party at the beginning of the month----just look at those cute little apple cosies. Wouldn't they make great holiday decorations too? And you may have figured out that the cosies were the Mystery project. A huge thank you to Casey of Gonna Purl fame for allowing us to use the pattern. I know I have said this before but it bears repeating---knitters are very kind, generous people. The last Magical Mystery Knitting Party of the year is this coming Friday---the last day of the month. Kate and I have been busily e-mailing back and forth with ideas for this "Mystery Project". And no I will not let you know until AFTER the party what the project is----don't even bother asking!

We have also added 3 new instructors to the knit-one-one fold. The photo shoot was a lot of fun as all three were great models. There was much laughter, commentary, and banter between the models, Emily and me throughout the shoot. Amazingly a good time was had by all. I say "amazingly" because for some teachers, the taking of the photos has been their least favorite knit-one-one activity.

Zoe G has been a long-time supporter of knit-one-one and is making her debut with her wonderful dinousaur scarf. Kira is a knitting designer who also manages Art Fibers. Her fabulous Helix Gloves will be her first class here. Susan and I met years ago in the Berkeley Community Chorus. She co-taught the Blooming Bobble bag class and did such a good job that the students in the class suggested that Susan teach crochet regularly. Thank you guys for the great suggestion! We will be adding more crochet classes in the new year---very exciting.

elmer fudd hats, e-mail problems..grrr...sweater progress and.....

2007-10-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

For any of you out there reading this wondering why I haven't replied to your e-mails, it is because my damned system is "experiencing technical difficulties". I have spent a lot of this day on the phone with tech support trying to resolve the problem but as of this writing---no luck! Now I know I should be philosophical about such matters but right now I am having a hard time with the philosophical approach....grrrrr, grrrrr... and more grrr.......

But on to happier topics. The famous Elmer Fudds have been on display at Sweet Adelines and Tammy and knit-one-one would have made a fortune if we had been willing to sell them. Pointing out to people that they could take the class---coming this weekend---just sometimes does not cut it---especially with the instant gratification crowd! At the suggestion of Jennifer---thank you Jennifer----we made sure to attach the Elmers to the display heads---cunningly of course. People are so "mad for the hats"---Erik's phrase---that they might have ripped them right off and away if it weren't for that cunningly concealed nylon wire.

The Brigitta watch: My sweater is in the process of being sewn together---yeay---are you listening Julie, Susan M, Susan G, Carmen, Kevin,Laura, Theresa--I do so love competitive knitting. But back to the sweater---the sides of the sleeves are finishing nicely but the very tippy top looks bulky no matter what I do----boo hoo

knit-one-one welcomes Sonya Philip this weekend

2007-10-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here are knit-one-one we are very excited to be hosting a class by KnitSonya herself. This is a first for knit-one-one.

Some of you may remember Sonya from classes at Article Pract and at Imagiknit. Others might remember her for her stirrup cozies.( I think if my ob/gyn doctor had these stirrups, I would actually look forward to my appointments with her.) And some of you know her from the fact this year she is making her teaching debut at Stitches West in 2008. And, may I be the first to point out, she is teaching Sassy Softies at that illustrious venue. If the Sassy Softies name seems familiar to you, yes this is the very same class that Ms Sonya is teaching here at knit-one-one---yes you read it here first!
Ms kimchi Elaine, who always has her ear to the ground, was the one to point this out to me. Imagine yourself at Stitches mentioning nonchalantly that you had already taken the Sassy Softies from KnitSonya---not that you would want to seem to be bragging or anything but isn't it nice to be on the cutting edge and to be the first to do something!

the incredible world of knitters

2007-10-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

last week at Rudy's we had 19 people show up---all wonderful people, all working on interesting projects, all engaged and engaging people. I heart knitters! And we had 3 mother- daughter combos: Project a day Kate and Robbie, Kim and her mother Morgan, Celia and her daughter Eva. Randi, the honchita from Bay Area Poodle Rescue also showed up for the first time. We joke at knit-one--one that we do knitting, outings, events and poodles!

I am doing well on the Brigitta---the sweater by the brilliant
Ms Cocoknits.

I want to get it finished quickly because I absoulutely want to try my hand at a
Sassy Softy. The class begins next weekend so I had better keep those fingers flying. This class is being taught by Sonya of KnitSonya, another brilliant designer.

Sonya and Julie are very similar in that fabulous knitting ideas keep spilling out of their minds a mile a minute. When I talk to them, I always have my notebook and pen in my hand so that I can jot down the amazing musings flying out of their brains!

Back to KnitSonya. The green monster has been part of the Sweet Adeline installation and children and adults alike really love it. And of course loads of people want to make that exact Sassy Softy (me too, I should confess!) But Sonya's idea for the class is for people to create their own creatures. However, she knows knitters really well and understands how knitters are drawn to a pattern because of the sample---especially when the sample is so endearing and whimsical. So her solution is: well people can make their own variation of the green guy----sighs of relief all round! (If you see Maggie Monster at Sweet A's, I added a little cumerbund with a pearl fastening---very fetching!)