Compatto Shop Blog

RESERVATIONS TO CAT BORDHI WORKSHOPS NOW AVAILABLE

You can choose to attend one or both...but, definitely, sign up now as seating is limited and we are anticipating a sell out for both days!  For more information on these or any of Compatto's classes or events, visit our website, CompattoYarnSalon.com, and click on "Classes"

Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters

In 2008 Cat decided to develop a sock knitting process that would be as simple as humanly possible ... without sacrificing fit or design.  Insouciant describes that

"cheerful feeling you have when nothing is troubling you."  Cat's new method will really make you an insouciant sock knitter.

This workshop will describe how your personal footprint will provide you with an opportunity to create perfectly fitting socks without short rows, gauge calculations, picking up stitches, heel flaps, gussets and grafting.

Perfect class for a confident beginning to advanced knitter.  You must be able to knit, purl, increase, decrease, and knit in the round using your choice of needle types. 

 

Wednesday, January 13, 2 - 7PM ... $150

Receive a 10% discount on reservations made prior to 11/30/2009 

Engineering New Stitch Patterns

So many of you have purchased the fabulous 365 Knitting Stitches A Year Calendar.   Wouldn't it be great if you could design your own stitch patterns and have your very own book of entirely fresh and previously unknown stitches! 

Join Cat and experience your own imagination giving rise to new stitch patterns.   You will review the basic structural elements of knitting and use images as inspiration for your own interpretation, following generative pathways provided by Cat.  You will leave class knowing how to generate original stitch patterns suitable for any type of knitted garment or accessory.

This class is best suited for an adventurous, advanced beginner and intermediate/advanced knitters.   

Thursday, January 14, 10-4PM ...  $150

Receive a 10% discount on reservations made prior to 11/30/2009 

Carpe Diem.....

Our Customers Can Create Amazing Things...

There is no question that we have many very talented knitters within the collection of talented knitters that visit Compatto.  Case in point ... this incredible Fair Isle/Intarsia colorwork Dog Dragon pillow created by Pei Pei.   As you can see, it still is is progress...but, WOW, fantastic!

 

I always tell knitters that they can accomplish any project once they master knit & purl, and that is true ... but, then, some knitters can make those needles sing!!

Carpe Diem....

Meet Cat Bordhi...January at Compatto!

This is true.  Cat Bordhi her own self will be at Compatto, January 13 & 14, 2010, to conduct workshops and attend a fabulous reception/booksigning.   We are still putting together the final touches for the workshops, but if you are interested in attending, please give us a call (310.453.2130) and put your name and email on our list.  You will get first chance to book a spot.

I thought you might like to hear Cat herself discuss her new book...enjoy....

Carpe Diem....

WAIT...Is that a "Nip In The Air I Feel!"

The crazy weather continues...Monday, 89, at the beach, I turned on the air during the day, yesterday Gracie and I were nearly blown to Oz, and this  morning, I actually needed a sweater when going to the the dog park.  I'm ever hopeful that we're finally going to get some Fall weather. 

With that in mind...have you seen the new Knitty pattern additions for the Fall surprise.  Cat Bordhi's "Just One More Row" leg/wrist warmers are fabulous.  So many customers have been knitting leg warmers lately, seriously ... and not the acrylic ones from the 80's!

           

Best of all, she offers the pattern is several needle sizes to accommodate just about any gauge yarn you would choose.  Personally, I think Jade Sapphire 8 ply Cashmere is just screaming to be knit ... but, Malabrigo would be nice too...

Carpe Diem...

Slouchy Hats Are Everywhere!

It seems that everywhere you look this season, you'll see a "slouchy hat."  A bit like a beret...but, definitely not...a bit like a knitted hat...but, different.  Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting have featured this type of hat in both their Fall 2009 and Holiday 2009 Special issues. 

           

 

Knitting Daily just published a FREE ebook with 6 interesting patterns.  The one you may be most interested in, if you like the slouchy look or are thinking you'd like to find a simple one for gifts ... The Barrymore Hat...

With some fabulous yarn and a bit of imagination, this could be a great gift for just about anyone this season.  For copies of Interweave & Vogue, stop into the shop ... To download this pattern or the entire ebook, go to KnittingDaily.com.

Then, of course, you must pick up a bit of Rowan Big Wool or Lima...Debbie Bliss Luxury Tweed or Cashmerino...or, Blue Sky Alpacas Sport or Melange...or even Worsted Hand Dyes or Alpaca Silk...Compatto has what you want for most for your knitting this Fall and Winter...

Carpe Diem....

Rowan Has Landed ... Big Wool, Kid Silk Haze, Lima...OH MY!

We have all been so anxious to see the fabulous selection we ordered for this Fall from Rowan.  Really wonderful and ready to be knit up into just about anything you can imagine...Oh, did I mention the new Rowan Magazine No. 46 is in as well...beautifully photographed, women, men and tweens/teens.

                               

Carpe Diem...

No Shop Has Better Customers Than Compatto...

Although we have said this before, we are constantly reminded of the many talents our creative customers possess...

Witness...PeiPei's Chanel-ish Jacket from Greetings From the Knit Cafe, using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

How about Mary's fabulous baby dress and 2 finished Block Party I blankets!

Fantastic job ladies!!

Carpe Diem...

The First Fall Shipment Has Arrived...

 

And, this is only the beginning!  We've got tweeds, incredible cashmeres, beautiful new merino blends and super soft washable merino...you've just got to come in and see for yourself.  And, by the way...you know what happens to the items we take off the shelves to make room for the new goodies...YEP...sale bins!

So many of you have made the adorable bunny booties that Evonne introduced us to.  Have any of you seen them on an adorable little bunny....

India proudly displays her little feet...YIKES...this is cute!

Finally, I have an extra long story I could tell, but for the sake of getting to the point...how unlike me...I was introduced to a website a few weeks ago that is a bit like a Knitty.com for kids.  It's called Petite Purls.  If you've got little ones or know someone who does, this site has some really sweet patterns.

Happy Holidays to our Jewish friends...

Carpe Diem...

To Cable Or Not To Cable...Yikes, Where's My Needle?

One of the most beautiful knitting patterns is cables ... and, one of the most intimidating for many knitters.  Knitting Daily is offering a Free Tutorial, explaining not only how to cable...but, how to cable without a cable needle. NO KIDDING!!  AND, then you can also use your new skill on their Free Pattern, the Katherine Hepburn Cardigan.

 

This fabulous little cardigan designed by Kathy Zimmerman, would look particularly lovely in Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca/Silk blend...or, how about Royal, the alpaca version of cashmere.  Yum...you cannot go wrong!

While you are at it, be sure to download the Free Ebook with 7 Free Cardigan patterns.  WooHoo!

I found this appropriate quote from the Yarn Harlot.  When you are feeling frustrated or a bit wary of a new skill, remember you are not alone!

"When it comes to your knitting, remember who’s boss. If a knit isn’t working out right, darn it, you can make it right. Examine the knitting, find where you went wrong, rip it back, and do it over. If that doesn’t work, you can still take it outside, place it in the road, and run it over with your car as many times as it takes to feel better. Either way, don’t let it push you around."

From Never Not Knitting calendar

Carpe Diem...

And then we have India Grace ...

Congratulations to the happy parents, Erin & MC.  She's a beauty - perfect for that pretty little pink dress Erin created as her first project!