The String Theory Yarn Company

February 17, 2014 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 4 Comments

In preparation for my Harry Potter KAL with socalmeaghan, I traveled down to The String Theory Yarn Company in a village outside of Chicago. I love that the little towns/suburbs call themselves ‘villages’ by the way. I was super impressed with the little main street and will go back in warmer weather to wander around.

The shop itself was super nice, cozy, and bright. All the good measures of a fantastic knit shop. The selection and breadth of fiber was also top-notch. I discovered several new brands that were just lovely and their knitted patterns from Ravelry were very original and cool. I get tired of seeing the same scarves and ‘trendy’ stitches. Plus the lovely lady who was working was the perfect amount of friendly. She checked in on me and then let me do my thing, but was available and ready for questions. Unlike a few Chicago knit shops that you have to try to steal yarn in to get a second glance. *Chicago yarn store rant*

ewe ewe - my KAL yarn. — ewe ewe – my KAL yarn.

coolest yarn i've seen in a while. — coolest yarn i’ve seen in a while.

love love love this. the colors the pattern. the buttons. <3 — love love love this. the colors the pattern. the buttons. ❤

nice mixed selection of yarn / fiber types.

front entrance with select straight needles.

Heliopath Vest Knit Along!

February 12, 2014February 12, 2014 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 10 Comments

Well the time has come my friends! A while back I shared with you this adorable Heliopath Vest from the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits book and me and a superb fellow knit-wizard SocalMeaghan over at The Unapologetic Knitter are hosting a KAL!

Here are the BRIEF details.

1. The start date is March 1st.
2. We will have 6 stopping/check points along the way over 6 weeks. (Scroll down for exact details)
3. There is a Ravelry page as well as our webpages to share information, tips/tricks, or ask questions.
4. There WILL BE A PRIZE!

Okay now let’s expand on those brief details. The calendar for the KAL is six weeks. That means that by Easter you will have a gorgeous new vest!

March 1 (Sat): Knit swatch and measure gauge.
March 7: Cast on and work 2″ of rib (per pattern)
March 14: Begin working Cable and Lace Chart for 7″
March 21: Continue working Cable and Lace Chart for 7″ more (to the split for the armholes
March 28: Shape Armholes and neck.
April 5: Finishing and armbands and buttonhole row

Here is pattern information. I bought the digital one and I suggest you do that too – message me here in the comments or email me if you are having any questions or issues about the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits 2013 pattern book.

In terms of what yarn to use, you can follow the pattern suggestions of course. Meg and myself will be using the lovely Ewe Ewe yarns! If you haven’t heard the buzz about Ewe Ewe then please do yourself a favor and head to her website or IG (eweeweyarns) to be marveled and awed.

Finally, and the part you wanna know…. THE PRIZE! Well we decided to award one lucky knit-alonger with a skein of Black Market Wool!

Anyways! If you have questions about the KAL or want to join please feel free! I have the info on the side bar to the right and you can play along with us on Ravelry and Instagram!

Ravelry Page

Instagram you progress at #heliopathkal

We are so excited to start this super fun and adorable KAL! Join in on the fun!

xxx
GFK

Your Stereotypical Fall Praising.

September 18, 2013October 1, 2013 ~ ghostfaceknitter ~ 5 Comments

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We have had our first few days of fall-esque weather here in Chicago and I love it. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The holidays, the cinnamon smells, and of course the CRAFTS! make it really entertaining and fun for me. I also love the wardrobe change and all the knits that come out. Here are the things I’m wearing/doing/loving this fall! (That photo above is from last Fall in Denver and possibly the best photo I’ve ever taken of Leopold.)

My Fall Style

All Saints Char Boyfriend Sweater

(buy it here)

I really have been in love with Black Salt’s clothing too especially this dress:

(buy it here)

Pumpkin Spice Coffee – from An Edible Mosaic ; because I don’t eat sugar anymore or dairy.

(source)

Harry Potter Knitting – Yes, I bought this. Yes, I will make it all.

(source)

Off Limit Architectural Tour – Usually off limits areas are open to the public. I’m really excited about this now that I’m discovering Chicago fully.

(source)

Margaret Cho! I have tickets to see her in October and I cannot wait! I just love her and her comedy and I just love her (did I say that already?) BECAUSE I LOVE HER. Check out if she’s coming to your city here.

(source)

Then, Lois will be in town for Design Harvest. “This one of a kind fest features Chicago’s best local furniture and home accessory makers, vintage and antique collectors, and local retailers of home design.” I’m pretty excited I’m sure there will be some great finds here.

Opening the Vaults Wonders of the World’s Fair! I feel like I should shout this when I say it like an old timey announcer. This should be very interesting as this fair shaped so much of modern day Chicago.

(source)

Fall is FUN!