Clever Knits yarn store permanently closed its doors on May 15, 2011.

We still knit the first Tuesday of every month from 7-10pm in the "Maté Attic" at the Yellow Deli, 315 E. Broadway, in Vista.

Faraday

I LOVE yarns with crazy colors, hand-dyed yarns, and stripes, but complex lace and patterned socks get lost in the sea of crazy colors.

After much searching amongst nicely textured sock patterns to find one that would work well with heavily variegated yarn, I discovered that I would have to make my own due to the fact that every single one was cable-heavy (and I was on a cable boycott).

I was in love with the lace pattern from the “Radio Room Hat” pattern, and after contacting its author, I learned that it is a vintage stitch originally found in an ancient magazine of the author's mother. So I adapted the pattern into a sock pattern.

[Purchase now]



I’m calling the pattern ‘Faraday’ for two reasons: first, the polar opposite of a hat is a sock, and the opposite of a radio room is a room in which no radio can transmit. Uber-science-nerds are familiar with such rooms, called ‘Faraday Cages’ after scientist Michael Faraday.



It’s also amusing to me that this pattern was birthed from avoidance of cables. The pun here is that things without cables are often called ‘wireless’ (and radio waves certainly are wireless).

And so, I am pleased to present you with the Faraday pattern, available for just $2.00 on Ravelry or free with any sock yarn purchase here at Clever Knits.

All the Math

I am pleased to feature a new, FREE pattern written by Helena. This generic pattern for magic-loop, toe-up socks with a slip stitch heel is named because I have done all the math for you.

[Download now]



The pattern includes instructions for 5 different sock sizes on 3 different needle sizes. Pictured sock is Trekking XXL, color 135 in size Women’s M on 2.5mm needles (Addi turbo US size 1).

Note that millimeter measurements can correspond to different US sizes, so it is important to make sure your needles match the millimeter measurement.

Materials:

  • 100g sock-weight yarn
  • 1 circular needle, 32” or longer (40” is best), size 2mm, 2.5mm, or 3mm

Sizing:

  • 2mm needles: Sizes XS (S, M); Circumference 6.25 (7.25, 8.25); 8 sts per inch
  • 2.5mm needles: Sizes S (M, L); Circumference 7.25 (8.25, 9.25); 7.25 sts per inch
  • 3mm needles: Sizes M (L, XL); Circumference 8.25 (9.25, 10.25); 6.5 sts per inch
Note: for men’s socks, I recommend working size L (men’s M) or XL (men’s L).

February 2010 Knitnews & Valentine's Sale!

Clever Knitters!

I hope your knit and crochet goals for the new year are well underway. No more holiday knitting! And still several months of chilly weather to warrant working on a bulky sweater or afghan.

This Sunday is the Super Bowl, so if you need to get away from football, Clever Knits is the place to be! We Crochet-a-Long EVERY Sunday, and Super Bowl Sunday is no exception.

Contents of this message:

1. Valentine's Sale!
2. New Items - It's not a yarn problem, it's a yarn solution!
3. Social Knit/Crochet Events - New & old, a summary of our social knitting/crochet events






1. Valentine's Sale!
Sweetheart deals in store on February 14th, and everyone who makes a purchase that day will receive a FREE copy of Helena's Baby Valentine Sweater pattern.





2. New things!
I don't have a yarn problem, I have a yarn solution! Loads of lovely new yarns and delightful new colors. Fiber makes me happy.
  • Cascade Ultra Pima, brand new to the whole wide world, this marvelous 100% pima cotton yarn comes in great-big 100g/220yd hanks and is very affordably priced. It has a great hand, and is lovely to work with (even wool-snobs love working with it).
  • Cascade Cloud 9, new to us, this 50/50 Merino/Angora blend is positively decadent and absurdly affordable.
  • Cascade 220 in how many new colors? I'm not sure I can count them!
  • Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in just a few colors.
  • Trekking XXL a dreamy sock yarn in delicious new colors for spring
  • Berroco Sox in new spring colors too
  • Lantern Moon Silk Bags in the larger size, great for medium-sized projects
  • Lantern Moon Baskets back in stock (but not for long!)
  • Blocking Wires for stretching lace shawls to their full potential
  • Eucalan wool wash, 4 scents in 2 sizes
  • Wire Sock Blockers with a built-in hanger, these are brand-new to the world and might be my new favourite thing
  • So many books I can't even count them all. Come take a peek.
  • Fiber Trends patterns, a yummy selection of cute things to knit and felt
  • Churchmouse Patterns, an equally yummy selection of beautiful things, extremely well-written, simple patterns



3. Social Knitting/Crochet Events
These events are social groups. No instruction is provided during these times -- they are just an opportunity to hang out with like-minded individuals, celebrating and practicing the fiber arts. Information on classes can be found on our website by clicking the 'classes' link at the top of the page. ALL our events, including classes, can be seen on our Google Calendar.

Clever Knits knitnight: EVERY Tuesday 6-10pm
- don't be fooled by the name; both knitting AND crochet are welcome
- please, no children (it's a school night!)
more info: http://cleverknits.com/2009/08/note-on-knitnight.html

Sock Knit-a-long: EVERY Thursday, 6-8pm
- anyone working on any sock pattern is welcome

Oceanside Knitters: EVERY Friday 5-8pm
- no need to be an Oceanside resident - all are welcome!
- children who knit or crochet are welcome to attend
more info: Ravelry

Crochet/Knit-a-long: EVERY Sunday 1-4pm
- focus on a specific project, though others are welcome to 'crash'
more info: http://cleverknits.com/search/label/KAL



Warm (& sweatery) regards,

Clever Knits
214 S. Indiana Ave
Vista CA 92084

open 12-8pm daily
FREE knitnight Tuesdays 6-10pm

http://cleverknits.com
cleverknits@gmail.com
phone: 760.806.6744