commuknity...a neighborhood yarn experience

Knitty Fall 2008

The new Knitty for Fall is up! I’m lining up some projects…will it be Waves of Grain, Opart, or Tatiana?

I know, they are all very different, but I'm thinking Cascade 220 Superwash would be great for Opart; a washable baby blanket is a good thing, and it comes in so many colors!

Frog Tree Alpaca Lace would be soft for Waves of Grain, and would develop a lovely halo over time.

And Crystal Palace Panda Silk would be a lovely choice for Tatiana...or maybe Frog Tree Alpaca Sport...it’s hard to pick just one project to start!

Do Your "Bit" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

After losing a breast to cancer, Beryl Tsang was unable to find a prosthesis that was exactly right for her. So she knit one for herself and knitty.com published her pattern for “Tit Bits” in 2005.

The staff at commuknity has committed to each knit a “tit bit” to be donated to breast cancer survivors, and we want to invite you to join our knitalong.

Stop in the shop and we’ll help you pick out some soft yarn and get you started. We’ll be collecting all the “bits” and have a display of our handiwork before donating them.

More information available at the shop!

Melo dress/tunic update

Update Sept 20th:

The tunic is done! What a simple project. It only took about 2 weeks to complete with very little finishing.  I'm glad it's done just in time for fall.

Hope to see you at the store!

 

Melo dress/tunic from Malabrigo Book 1

I finally got on board the Malabrigo bandwagon. I can't believe I waited this long. This yarn is fantastic! It is so soft and comes in great colors. 

I have always admired all the colors but was not sure what I would make. Since they published their first book, "Malabrigo, book one," I had no excuse not to knit something. The book has over 15 patterns including scarves, mittens, hats, and pullovers (among other items). There are so many cute patterns I didn't know where to start.

I finally decided to knit "Melo", a tunic/dress to be worn over jeans/leggings. I decided to use colorway "Amoroso", it is wonderful varigated color with reds,pinks and purple. What is not to love?

It has taken only one week to finish the front half and I hope to have it all completed by Shop Hop. Since it is sleeveless, there will be little finishing so I think this will possible. So I'm off to continue my knitting... only 4 more days left!

Can't wait to see everyone during Shop Hop (September 18 -21) and hopefully show off this great yarn.

We All Have a Story to Tell

Our exhibit for mid-September through mid-November features artwork created by breast cancer survivors, their families and friends.

Part of the ongoing BABCN art project "We All Have a Story to Tell," under the loving guidance of Saratoga artist Bonnie Stone, the exhibit highlights the artistic expression of BABCN members; survivors, family members, and friends.

These compelling narratives are played out on a simple butcher's apron and each unique tapestry expresses humor, loss, memories, anger, dreams, pain, and an overriding spirit of happiness and joy for life and family.

"Each person had a unique creative vision," said Bonnie, "and my role was to inspire, stimulate, excite and most of all...encourage. Each time I view the apron stories I have to fight to hold back my tears...often I don't succeed."

This exhibit has been displayed at Southwestern Texas State University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Koret Gallery, and various places in the Bay Area. We are proud to provide another venue for people to view and experience this moving exhibit.

(apron shown was made by Mary Ellen Presta)

4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit & Holiday Boutique

commuknity will hold its 4th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser. If you have attended before, you will know that this is a fun event that you will not want to miss! The event features fabulous artwork from local artists and benefits a great cause.

The afternoon features jewelry, art wearables, and more by Bay Area artists, as well as a dessert buffet and beverages. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts!

We will donate the proceeds from the ticket sales to Bay Area Breast Cancer Network. Bay Area Breast Cancer Network (BABCN) is a non-profit organization committed to finding the cause, prevention, and cure for breast cancer through Education, Support and Advocacy.

Register, reserve the date, and help make this event successful! Sunday, November 9th, 1:00 to 5:00pm. Tickets purchased in advance are $35 for one, $60 for two, and $100 for four. Please call the shop (408-293-9333) or stop by to register for this event.

September Notes

You can tell fall is the knitting season because there is so much going on at commuknity!

We have a trunk show from Leigh Radford's book, Alterknits currently on display in the shop. These designs are unusual and inventive, but still very wearable. This isn't what you usually think of when you think of knitting.

We also have some special yarns on sale from Conjoined Creations. These soy-protein fiber yarns are hand-dyed and are very limited in supply. Come in soon for best selection. Conjoined Creations has also put together some of their very popular Gypsy Shawl kits. This is your chance to make an heirloom-quality lace shawl!

2008 Halloween Hat Contest

Last year was our first Halloween Hat Contest, and the entries were amazing! This year we are looking forward to even more inventiveness.

Here are the basics: (1) Modify an existing hat pattern (or create your own) and make it into a Halloween costume for your head. (2) Buy the yarn at commuknity, then knit, crochet or felt a hat.

Hats will be on display in the shop and customers will vote for their favorite hat. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $50 commuknity gift card.

More details and deadlines to come...or call the shop (408-293-9333) for more information.

Survey Results

We would like to express our appreciation to all of you   who participated in our online survey! We received quite a few responses, and you can view the results here.

We have taken all of your input to heart and are working   on improving our shop and online store to meet your needs.

Leigh Radford Workshops & Book Signing

Leigh Radford, author of Alterknits and One Skein, will be in the shop Saturday, November 29 to teach felting workshops and sign her newest book Alterknits Felt.

Leigh will be teaching 2 fantastic workshops exploring color and felting. We hope you'll join us!

Shibori Felting Workshop - Learn how to apply time-honored Shibori techniques to create dimension and texture to your knitting. Shibori is a Japanese term used to describe shape-resist techniques traditionally used to dye fabric. You'll be asked to bring several swatches of stockinette stitch to practice these techniques. Felting will be done in class. One session, Saturday, November 29, 2008.

Hand Felted Ornaments - Learn to transform colored roving into beautiful balls that can be joined together to create one-of-a-kind ornaments, garland, jewelry, buttons or perhaps a pin cushion. Students will also learn needle felting techniques to embellish balls with contrasting colors. One session, Saturday, November 29, 2008

Join us at 5:00pm for a reception and book signing with Leigh. See our website for more details or call the shop at 408-293-9333.