amy's thread · inspiration · our office · Uncategorized

Amy’s Thread: Extra-Last-Minute-Gift ideas for Knitters

Last week I rounded up some favorite gift ideas for knitters, if you missed the post you can find it here. This week I've got a few super-last minute gift ideas for the knitters on your list, things that aren't "things" and don't require shipping fees or deadlines. In just the last season Berroco has started… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Extra-Last-Minute-Gift ideas for Knitters

emily explains · Uncategorized

Emily Explains: Cabling Without A Cable Needle

With the holidays fast approaching, time is of the essence. One trick for saving time while working anything with cables is to work the project without a cable needle. This works on narrow cables wonderfully. You'll rarely use a cable needle again! For right leaning cables (where you would normally slip the first sts onto a cable needle and… Continue reading Emily Explains: Cabling Without A Cable Needle

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Designer Spotlight: Gilraen’s Cowl by Mindy Dykman

After realizing that she was the only female in her family without a craft, Mindy Dykman asked her high school boyfriend’s mother to teach her how to knit. That was 30 years ago. The relationship ended, but the knitting stuck. Gilraen’s Cowl started - like many of Mindy’s other design ideas - with the question,… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Gilraen’s Cowl by Mindy Dykman

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Amy’s Thread: Portfolio

Berroco's new collaborative collection Portfolio is finally out and I am so excited to share it with all of you!! Berroco Portfolio is a collaboration between the Berroco Design Team and some of our favorite independent designers. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Berroco’s Ultra Alpaca yarn line. A project like this has been a dream of… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Portfolio

amy's thread · designing · make this · sweaters · Uncategorized · visit our website

Amy’s Thread: Spring Cardis

Easy breezy boxy cardigans are everywhere this spring- but they're anything but new. The basic kimono cardigan is really a series of different size rectangles sewn together. The shape was borrowed from woven garments where the size was originally dictated by the width of the weaver's loom. A beautiful handwoven cloth is a precious thing,… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Spring Cardis

advice · amy's thread · color · designing · inspiration · make this · styling · sweaters · Uncategorized

Amy’s Thread: Good Finishing Starts at the Beginning

Finishing isn't just the final slog of assembling the pieces - it is the details that make the design. Choosing the right way to finish a project really starts at the beginning. The right cast on complements the bind off and the finishing techniques.  After weeks of deliberating over the best possible yarn shade, I finally cast… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Good Finishing Starts at the Beginning

amy's thread · make this · sweaters · Uncategorized · visit our website · yarn

Amy’s Thread: What’s On the Needles

New England has taken a turn into fall weather - in the last week we went from beach weather to beautifully moody gray skies and brisk morning temperatures - sweater knitting season is here! In my last post, I mentioned that I'm playing along with the Fringe and Friends Amanda Knit-Along. This is really a cardigan knit-along so… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: What’s On the Needles

advice · amy's thread · fit · knitting · make this · sweater fit · Uncategorized · visit our website

Amy’s Thread: What size?

What is the difference between "To Fit Bust Size..." and "Finished Measurements" and what is ease all about anyway? If you ask me what size I am, you're going to get a convoluted answer. It depends on the brand, it depends on the fit (that's ease or how loose the garment is meant to fit).… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: What size?

advice · amy's thread · fit · make this · Uncategorized

Amy’s Thread: Finished Object!!

As promised I finished my Knik shrug! It was a quick project and very satisfying! I followed the pattern almost to the letter and the only difference between mine and the Berroco sample is that I blocked mine a little more aggressively - literally. I didn't pin it, but I really shook it out and… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Finished Object!!

emily explains · knitting · make this · scarves · styling · Uncategorized · visit our website · yarn

Emily Explains: Getting Creative with Iwo

I'm excited to say that Iwo is one of our most popular designs for Spring/Summer 2014. This two-tone shawl is knit in Berroco Folio which is a great trans-seasonal yarn made from alpaca and viscose. It's so soft and light, it can work as an accessory in the spring and summer, but it's also warm enough… Continue reading Emily Explains: Getting Creative with Iwo