String Theory Celebrates 8 Years

April 26, 2012

It’s a Party!

Thursday, April 26

10am – 9pm

15% off everything in the store!

We are so grateful for everyone that has become a part of the String Theory community.  Please come help us celebrate.

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Perfect for Crochet

April 18, 2012

The best thing about knowing how to both knit and crochet is that you are able to take advantage of what each skill does best.  For me, the best of crochet is lace like this.  I love this little cardigan. What a perfect addition to your spring wardrobe.

Lindsay made this sample out of Misti Pimasilk for her upcoming Chevron Cardigan class.  She picked this project because she thought it would be a perfect next step for all those new crocheters she’s been creating lately.

 

The cardigan is made from the top down. and can be made as long or short as you like.   Top down knitting is pretty easy, but crocheting from the top down is even easier.

Lindsay’s class starts next Wednesday evening, April 25.  Call or stop by to reserve your spot.

Overheard in the store last week:  ” I’ll take anything that Lindsay teaches.  She is so nice and patient and knows her stuff.”

 

 

 

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Happy Easter!

April 5, 2012

String Theory will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 8.

Hope the Easter Bunny brings you lots of yarn and a little chocolate!

We are open regular hours through Saturday, so be sure to  stock up for your holiday knitting.

Note: The bunny above is made from Cascade Sierra and fits perfectly over a Cadbury Chocolate Egg.  Free pattern here.  He is nestled in a basket of Mountain Colors Jeannette, a luscious blend of cashmere and silk.

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Spring Class Schedule

March 22, 2012

The new class schedule is up!

There is something for everyone.  Whether you are looking to make a cute top for summer or  something portable to work on during Little League games, there is lots of knitting to be done this time of year.  We’ve even added a couple of crochet projects for all our budding crocheters.

We’ve also done our best to schedule the classes at all different times to best meet your busy schedule.  Moms, you should take advantage of a daytime class while school is still in session.

Our instructors have really outdone themselves this time.  Take a look.  Then call or stop by to reserve your spot.

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Baby Poonam: the Back

January 26, 2012

The back view of Baby Poonam pullover:

 

This is called a gansey or Guernsey stitch pattern: a combination of knits and purls on the right side (outside) of the sweater.  Aran or Irish sweaters are frequently a combination of cables and gansey stitch patterns.  Baby Poonam sports this 4-row gansey pattern on the back, sleeves, and each side of the front.

 

The wonders of gauge:
Now, babies these days are bigger.  Lisa’s first honorary grandson, at nine pounds, never got to wear any of those cute newborn-3 months clothes that honorary daughter Dr. Kid received at her baby shower .

 

One of the wonders of gauge — yes, there’s a connection here between big babies and yarn gauge; wait for it — is that if you knit a pattern like Baby Poonam that was designed for DK yarn using worsted weight, you get a bigger sweater.

 

Lisa’s using the stitch counts for the pattern’s newborn size but,  because she’s using heavier weight yarn, what’s growing on her needles is a one-year size.  No more knitting than the newborn size, but any baby these days will get lots more use out of it before Poonam fits his little sister (Baby Poonam is nicely gender-free).

 

Baby Poonam Class: Tuesday Evenings 7:00 – 8:30 Feb 21, Mar 6, Mar 20

 

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What’s Lisa Knitting Now? Baby Poonam

January 23, 2012

 

Sometimes a pattern design just calls out to a knitter.  Lisa heard the call of Baby Poonam, a baby pullover designed by Norah Gaughan, because it combines two Aran knitting motifs: cables and gansey stitches.  She’s knitting it out of Spud and Chloe Sweater, which is worsted weight.  (More on changing gauge in the next post.)

The front features two cable designs:
and
Lisa says cables are one the magic secrets of knitting:  cables look complicated, but once a knitter has cabled, the first comment is, “that was easy.”  Yes — but don’t tell non-knitters.  It’s our secret.
Intrigued?  Lisa is teaching this sweater as a class starting Tuesday Evening  7:00 – 8:30 February  21.  Call or stop by to sign up.
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Where’s Dahlia? Chapter 6

January 5, 2012

Dahlia is blocking, in her own Dahlia way.  Since she’s made from the extremely-washable Pediboo, Lisa just soaked her in Eucalan and put her in the dryer on very delicate until she was all but dry.  Notice that the edges are a bit darker — that’s where Lisa sprayed water and smoothed out the transition between stockinette stitch body and seed stitch edging.

Oh, and the blue+yellow line?  That will be the left armhole.  Lisa is waiting for the second Dahlia class to show everyone how that funky line turns into a sleeve.  Have doubts?  Well, the right sleeve began the very same way.
Dahlia will be greeting visitors as of Friday in the store.  Come say hello.  She loves visitors.  Very chatty, is Dahlia.
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Handmade Scarves for Sale

November 25, 2011

To celebrate the first day of our 3rd Annual Scarf Project, I’m reposting this video “25 Ways to Wear a Scarf”.

Please help us spread the word that we have fabulous scarves for everyone on your list.   Prices range from $20 – $75.  Because the scarves have been made and donated by our talented customers, we are able to turn every dollar raised over to the People’s Resource Center.  This is truly a gift that gives back.

We will sell scarves through December 30th, but come early for the best selection.

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Collecting Scarves | String Theory Yarn Co 630-469-6085

November 3, 2011

 

3rd Annual Scarf Project

Friday November 25 – Friday December 30

Every year during the holiday season, we sell handmade scarves to raise money for a different local charity. This year all proceeds will go to the People’s Resource Center, which provides food, clothing, job assistance and more to residents of DuPage County. Because the scarves have been made and donated by our talented customers, we are able to turn over every dollar raised.

Beautiful scarves are coming in every day, but we can certainly use more.   If you would like to contribute, drop off your scarf before Sunday, November 20.

Last year we were able to raise $7000 because you told your non-knitting friends that String Theory is a great place to shop for the holidays.  Please help us spread the word again this year.

 

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Ice Cream Social Sunday

August 31, 2011

 

Good Time from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Vimeo.

 

To kick off Sit & Knit Sundays in September, we are making Jeni’s Ice Cream.

Join us this Sunday (Labor Day weekend) from 12 – 4.

(I’d come early if you want to try the ice cream – it is really, really good.)

Bring in your projects.  We’d love to see what you’ve been working on.

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