Mayor Ernie Eldridge of Willimantic honors Steve & Faith Kenton at Windam Town Hall during a Cupid Crowning Ceremony. The 29-year tradition, which recognizes residents who have contributed to the community during the year, was conferred upon the Kentons for their year-round volunteer work for programs like the Willimantic Wildlife Initiative and the Victorian House Tour.
Congratulations Faith & Steve
Photo Caption taken from the Courant - February 14, 2011 page B6 (Unfortunately I could not find the photo online.)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
10 Sock Knitting Tips
10 Tips for Longer-Lasting Socks
Owning Simply Socks Yarn Company, a store that specializes in sock yarn, is a very particular niche. Over the past six years, the most common questions I get from my customers involve making hand knit socks last a long time. So I've compiled "10 Tips for Longer Lasting Socks."
1. Don't wind your yarn into a cake until you're ready to knit. Winding a skein into a cake pulls fibers taught and over months the yarn could lose its ability to spring back into shape.
2. Choose the right yarn for the project; 100% cotton yarn isn't necessarily appropriate for socks because they will quickly bag and lose their shape when worn. Wool and wool/nylon blends are popular for socks because of their innate elasticity.
3. Choose high-quality sock yarn—inexpensive sock yarn tends have short fibers, which pill and wear out more quickly than longer fibers. If your budget is tight, you can find great deals in sale sections.
4. Go down one needle size (or more) when knitting the feet. If a label calls for a US 2 needle, knit the foot of the sock on a US 1, or even a US 0 so you get a dense fabric that holds up to wear.
5. Knit the right size socks. Too-big socks slip around more on the foot and cause more wear as they move around in your shoes.
6. Rinse socks separately before washing with other items. While dye shouldn't run, super-saturated colors might and you don't want your other socks to be affected.
7. Turn socks inside-out when washing. That way the inside of the sock gets a fuzzy halo over time, and not the outside.
8. Consider washing your finished socks in a small mesh bag in the machine so they don't catch on zippers.
9. Don't wash socks in hot water. Even socks labeled "superwash" could felt or shrink a bit.
10. Lay socks flat to dry. Over time, machine drying will lessen stitch definition and make socks look worn. The intense heat of drying might also break down fibers.
—Allison Van Zandt, Simply Socks Yarn Company
Owning Simply Socks Yarn Company, a store that specializes in sock yarn, is a very particular niche. Over the past six years, the most common questions I get from my customers involve making hand knit socks last a long time. So I've compiled "10 Tips for Longer Lasting Socks."
1. Don't wind your yarn into a cake until you're ready to knit. Winding a skein into a cake pulls fibers taught and over months the yarn could lose its ability to spring back into shape.
2. Choose the right yarn for the project; 100% cotton yarn isn't necessarily appropriate for socks because they will quickly bag and lose their shape when worn. Wool and wool/nylon blends are popular for socks because of their innate elasticity.
3. Choose high-quality sock yarn—inexpensive sock yarn tends have short fibers, which pill and wear out more quickly than longer fibers. If your budget is tight, you can find great deals in sale sections.
4. Go down one needle size (or more) when knitting the feet. If a label calls for a US 2 needle, knit the foot of the sock on a US 1, or even a US 0 so you get a dense fabric that holds up to wear.
5. Knit the right size socks. Too-big socks slip around more on the foot and cause more wear as they move around in your shoes.
6. Rinse socks separately before washing with other items. While dye shouldn't run, super-saturated colors might and you don't want your other socks to be affected.
7. Turn socks inside-out when washing. That way the inside of the sock gets a fuzzy halo over time, and not the outside.
8. Consider washing your finished socks in a small mesh bag in the machine so they don't catch on zippers.
9. Don't wash socks in hot water. Even socks labeled "superwash" could felt or shrink a bit.
10. Lay socks flat to dry. Over time, machine drying will lessen stitch definition and make socks look worn. The intense heat of drying might also break down fibers.
—Allison Van Zandt, Simply Socks Yarn Company
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Knit for Charity
Got extra yarn? Consider making needed items for global and local charities.
Warm Up America is accepting knitted infant hats for third world countries. If interested, click here for cap directions. Nancy A. will be collecting these caps at the December & January meetings and will mail the caps to NYC for shipment abroad.
The Interfaith Sewing & Knitting Service Group of Willimantic is looking for knitted children's hat & mittens for needed families as well as adult caps for the homeless. Yarn and patterns can be provided. Ask Sue Schmerl for details.
Warm Up America is accepting knitted infant hats for third world countries. If interested, click here for cap directions. Nancy A. will be collecting these caps at the December & January meetings and will mail the caps to NYC for shipment abroad.
The Interfaith Sewing & Knitting Service Group of Willimantic is looking for knitted children's hat & mittens for needed families as well as adult caps for the homeless. Yarn and patterns can be provided. Ask Sue Schmerl for details.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Stitches EAST Hartford
Six Knitsies attended Stiches EAST on October 31st to be inspired by designs and fabulous yarns.Monday, September 13, 2010
Fair Winners
Adult Sweater
1st - Liz
2nd - Faith
Shawl
1st - Leslie
2nd - Mary
2nd - Mary
Congratulations to ALL!
Monday, August 30, 2010
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