You all have made it a very very (very very) busy month for us here at The Loopy Ewe. And we SO appreciate it! We’ve had fun packing up your orders. You might notice that we’ve sent out some of the sale orders sans tissue paper. It was either that, or take an extra 2 days to get all of the orders out. We figured you’d just as soon have the yarn quicker. Once these anniversary sales are over, we’ll get back to orders as usual around here. Although if you want to keep up this pace, I can always hire more Elves. We’re up for it!
Wow – 1800+ comments on last week’s contest blog. How fun is that? It was interesting to see where you heard about us. Yes, we DO love and appreciate Wendy an awful lot. And Lime & Violet. And the Yarn Harlot. And … well every single one of you who have ever passed our website on to your friends and knitting groups via podcasts, blogs, emails, Ravelry posts, and word of mouth. Our goal is to always live up to the positive things that you have said about us, and we promise to take good care of your friends, here, too. 🙂 We are sending out 8 prize packages, from randomly selected comments off of last week’s blog. The winner’s are: Janice in VA, Laura in UT, Maria in MN, Natasha in VA, Meredith in MI, Ann in OH, Melissa in UT, and Rachel in VA. (I think that Virginia and Utah were well represented this time.) I’ve sent emails to the 8 of you, so check your email in-box if you think it might be you. We’ll pick the last round of winners from this post, and we’ll announce them next week.
Today’s Anniversary Sale (our last one) includes 20% off all Fiesta Yarns, 20% off all Monica Knits Patterns, and 20% off all Loopy Ewe Accessories. (In stock items only.) We hope you have fun picking out some new things. We’ll be including a free sock pattern if you purchase 2 skeins of Baby Boom (the sock is shown here), and a free scarf pattern if you purchase a skein of Ballet. All free patterns are while supplies last.
In addition to the Sale, we’ve also added in a whole bunch of stuff for the regular weekly update. Just in, you’ll find:
Polar Knits Worsted Weight
Dream in Color Classy re-stocked (including our exclusive Don’t Be Blue colorway)
Dream in Color Smooshy re-stocked
Dream in Color Smooshy Sock Summit Exclusives
Lorna’s Laces Whidbey Island (exclusive Sock Summit Colorway)
Ella Rae Lace Merino
String Theory Caper Sock
Hand Maiden Casbah (so many great colors in stock)
Tempted Luxe Girl (new cashmere line)
Opal Rainforest Five
Addi Lace Turbo 16″ circulars
Addi Click Tips and Connectors
Fiesta Baby Boom in new colors
So hop over to shop! But before you go, answer this question in the comments for your chance to win a prize package in our last anniversary contest. (Of course we’ll be back with our September Blog Contest before you know it.) Question: Who has had the biggest influence on your knitting? It might be a pattern designer, or a blogger, or a friend, or a group on Ravelry, or a podcaster or … even yourself. Maybe you’re good at poking around and inspiring yourself to learn new things and branch out. Food for thought. And then for a blog comment. 🙂
We’re taking pre-orders on the new Namaste bag colors, which we expect in within the next week or two. If you’d like a RED Hermosa, or a BLACK Zuma, or a BLACK Laguna, simply send us an email (support AT theloopyewe DOT com) and we’ll reserve one for you. The Hermosa’s are $75 and the Zuma’s and Laguna’s are $69.
We’re heading up to Indiana to take Knitting Daughter back to college this week, so I won’t be blogging again until next Monday. Maybe I can get some of these half-finished socks done enroute so that I’ll have photos to share by then. Or maybe I’ll be too busy shedding tears. You know how that goes. I’m hopeless.
Sheri thinkingthatfallisintheair
eventhoughLaborDayisstill
twoweeksaway
I had wanted to learn to knit for awhile. I finally decided to give it a try 3 years ago. I was very lucky to find a wonderful teacher. Her name is Linda, she is the LYS owner. She has been the biggiest influnece on my knitting. She taught me how to think out of the box with my knitting. As a result I have a I can do that approch to all knitting projects.
I think the Yarn Harlot has influenced me (and fueled my obsession) the most. But I’ve also been inspired by EZ and Margaret Stove and Barbara Walker and Cat Bhordi. Peggy, a blogger known as Noodleknit on Ravelry always inspired me with her enthusiasm (although I haven’t seen a new blog post from her in a while!) and Deb (livnletlrn on Ravelry) and her daughter feel like kindred spirits too. 🙂
Wow! Great question…. My first influence(s) would have to be my Nana (Sophie Pressley) and Great Grandmother (Fanny McDonald) my first inspirations and first teachers. When I was in high school my crafts teacher, Myra Aronow was very inspirational in her freeform approach to crochet- she made an amazing freeform bag every year- she was awe-inspiring! In college I would run to a wonderful group of knitters in Syracuse at a now closed yarn store for help and guidance…. They lovingly laughed at my terror over dropped stitches and my way of dropping the yarn and picking it up again during purl rows. Currently, I turn to my favorite books by Zimmermann, Thomas, Zilboorg, Budd, Walker, Philips, Starmore, Clark, Bush- I could go on and on….. And sweet, sweet Ravelry has so very many lovely, helpful and wonderfully talented designers- it’s an amazing time for knitting- I’m in love with my craft…… My students in my inner-city NAMP knitting group with their dedication and passion for their new found craft is awe-inspiring! Can’t forget the Loopy Ewe- you guys have the best customer service and so many sweet giveaways and your generosity is truly in the wonderful tradition on knitting love!
Thanks for the opportunity and Congrats on your success and love for what you do! 🙂 3!
-Jessica in CT
I think the Yarn Harlot has had the biggest influence on my knitting. Before I started reading her blog and her books, I didn’t know there was a whole world of knitters out there. Her humor and insight on all things knitting-related (and some things not-so-knitting-related) has inspired me to learn more about the craft I love, and to not be afraid to share it with others.
My Mom had the greatest influence on my knitting!!!!
I remember wearing all those hand knit mittens by my mom. They were always the best things to have during those long winter days as a child. I learned the basics from her and eventhough I took a long break from knitting I have returned to it and enjoy the idea of passing that on
My mother and Aunt Yvette (mom’s sister) have always been a huge influence on my knitting. I remember growing up and the two of them knitting baby clothes and socks. I always wanted to be as talented as them and learn to knit. Problem was I didn’t have the talent for it. Finally in my 40’s I was determined to learn so I taught myself by starting out with socks. Now, I love it and can’t stop knitting. I now look at other knitters on Ravelry and see what they’ve completed and think “if they can do it, I can do it”, so I continue to challenge myself with new projects.
My LYS. When they get something fabulous in stock that I want to knit with. Or when they get in a new book of patterns that has something I can’t wait to knit. Sometimes, given my level of experience (knitting since Nov 2006), this can result in some gruesome looking projects, but I learn from them all and have fun trying. And not as much fun ripping.
Ravelry has had the biggest influence on my knitting. My knitting knowledge & base was limited to pattern pamphlets in Wal-Mart & Michaels and endless afghans & dishcloths. Now I can explore amazing yarns & patterns!
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, hands down. Not just because she is insanely funny or because she knits but because she (actually her book, Knitting Rules) helped me to lose my fear. Because of her I made my first pair of socks and finally realized that I could make more than a simple scarf or blanket. Now I see a sweater on the street that I like and I go home and try to figure out how to make it myself. Nothing I see is too hard for me to try. I have become fearless in my knitting, now, if only I could become fearless in everything! Thank you Stephanie!
I have been most influenced in my knitting by my LYS and the knitting friends I have made there. Also, by the gracious comments and excitement displayed when I give knitted gifts to family and friends.
I guess in a way it would be my non knitting Mom, she instilled in me very young that I could do anything I tried to if I worked hard enough. So I am not afraid to tr new things. I taught myself to knit and am now being encouraged and inspired to try some different things by two different groups on Raverly; Stitch It! and the Knitmore Girls. Two really fun groups of generous enablers.
The biggest influence on my knitting has been the itty bitties in my life. With the latest generation, the great nieces and nephews, I have been inspired to create both beautiful and functional creations. Every time I go to any event with family, I am introduced as the one who knits and invariably I get wish lists from new found friends.
Since I discovered Ravelry, I have been awed and inspired by so many who create such beautiful work. I have discovered crocheting so different than when I first tried it so many years ago. It is amazing to be able to see what yarns and colors others have chosen when selecting a new project. But alas my project section has unbelievably grown to over 600 projects (most of which have not even been started yet), both the garage and a spare bedroom full of stash!!!!!
You know your knitting has become an obsession when you pick up and knit a few stitches at a red light (hoping it will stay red just a bit longer) and at the grocery when you look for the longest line so you can sneak in just a bit more.
But the joy on faces when family and friends receive one of my “homemade” gifts (no longer an oh no event!!!) inspires me to keep those needles clicking.
I’ve had several influences in my knitting journey. My mother taught me to knit and crochet. Along the way I’ve had a wonderful knitting teacher-Maryanne-a master knitter-who has been a wonderful inspiration and a wealth of knowledge. My knitting has also been influenced by the wonderful Ravelry groups
I learned to knit while in college, but after grad school, the needles were put aside while I joined the world of the gainfully employed, got settled in a new place, and met and married hubby. Then, as I was expecting our first child, a friend began knitting for our baby, and my needles were resurrected! As a navy family, we moved often, so my knitting remained a solitary thing. As a civilian family now, settled in one place, I have enjoyed the pleasure and inspiration of knitting relationships through classes at LYSs, “knit nights”, and knitting retreats. The encouragement and help from 2 LYS owners and their staff have nudged me to try and accomplish things that still amaze me!
Nancy Bush – every time I knit one of her patterns I learn at least one new thing, usually more.
Wow, great question…I would have to say Elizabeth Zimmermann, Judy Becker, Cat Bordhi and Stephanie Pearl McPhee had the most influence on my knitting.
These ladies all encouraged me to knit whatever I wanted. They taught me that I can do anything!
And, I can!!
Hands down, Elizabeth Zimmerman! She freed me from following patterns line by line and do “thinking knitting” , taking what I like and adding my own touches. She helped me to turn a huge corner. I remember calling her shop to order something (this was before internet) and she would even answer questions over the phone! Back then it was a rare thing to make a long distance call like that, but I treasure my memories of actually speaking to the amazing woman!
My mom was very sick about 3 years ago, and she was a beautiful knitter, could knit anything, so before she passed away I decided I needed to learn to kni for her, granted when she died I was only making disclothes, but I have come along way.
My daughter is a awesome knitter also, she started right after I did. I also have a
few good friend knitters, Sue, Edith and Deb, she runs the ewe and me fiber studio
in sandwich, Il., so I have lots of backup. I am almost finished with my first pair of socks, needed lots of help , but so far so good.
i’m continually influenced by everyone in my life – especially those who are my internet knitting buddies!!!
The biggest influence on my knitting has been my friend Laura. She got me re-interested in knitting and then we took a sock class together. The rest of the class called us the over achievers! We enjoyed the sock knitting so much that we both finished our first sock before the next class. The rest is history!
My grandmother got me started knitting when I was little, but I think that all the wonderful knitters I have met at events, through online forums, and at yarn stores play a major part in why I keep going. Sure, knitting is fun even if nobody is watching. But when there are people who give you a pat on the back when you finally figure out something hard, or who are willing to help when you hit a major obstacle, it’s easier to work through things.
My grandmother taught me to knit, crochet and quilt. I never really liked the quilting but I did crochet and knit. I quit knitting for years when my kids were small — long, pointy objects and active toddlers didn’t work well for me! I had been playing with some knitting and looking for a project when I learned that my daughter was expecting their first baby. I picked my needles back up and discovered and that the world of yarn and patterns had grown wonderfully while I wasn’t knitting. Debbie Bliss was my first discovery and I loved her baby patterns. I’ve since moved on to other things — socks and scarves and sweaters — but baby knitting is my favorite. I’ve been back to knitting a little over a year and I can’t imagine not knitting!
Elizabeth Zimmerman is my biggest inspiration and influence. She helps me explore my knitting in a whole new way!
My knit group in Princeton, IL, followed by Ravelry! The girls (I’m the youngest at 49!) are a constant inspiration & great cheerleaders whenever I want to try something new. Ravelry would be 2nd, with the lace & sock knitting groups showing me new & wonderful things to try, things that I would never have seen without the internet.
Although I learned to knit long before I ever heard of Elizabeth Zimmerman, it is Elizabeth who continues to inspire and encourage me. I think of Elizabeth whenever I wonder if I am up for a new knitting challenge or find myself knitting the same simple patterns over and over. I think of Elizabeth whenever I wonder if I should change a pattern that does not seem quite right for me. And then I do it.
My cousin, Janice, who taught me how to knit at 8 yrs. old. Then it would have to be Sandy, my knitting friend, who taught me how to knit socks on 2 circulars…I’m working on my 51st pair (over the past two yrs. I knitted 50 prs.). And my boss at work, Karen, helped me with my first Aran knit pullover. Those are my 3 passions in knitting. Knitting, Socks and Aran Knits. Also I have to say God gave me this gift because it came so easy to me. I am “Paying it Forward” by teaching knitting. Knitting is such a wonderful gift a person can give to themselves and I think it is important to teach others this skill. It is the best form of meditation and relaxation anyone can have.
Happy 3rd Anniversary!
That Namaste Hermosa bag is wonderful!
My biggest knitting influence has been actually the men in my life. My husband asks for the perfect knit hats that are big enough for his head and long enough to pull over his ears. My father asks for knit socks that are tight at the top and fitted throughout the rest (he also likes big and floppy boot socks). My father-in-law asks for warm sweaters and hats and is very specific with requesting how it’s made, with what yarn and the final dimensions.
Probably a little unusual but I have found it’s so much more enjoyable to knit for people who ask for items that they will appreciate. They are my biggest influence and my best enablers!
My mom has had the biggest influence on my knitting, by far. She taught me to knit when I was a kid, and I didn’t do much of it until I had my kids, and now I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t knit!
Definitely my biggest knitting influence lately has been my knitting group and Ravelry group the South End Knitters! So encouraging and full of GREAT ideas! Previously- Kaffe Fasset- oh heavens!
Happy Anniversary!
Who has had the most influence on my knitting? Ravelry and ALL the knitters there. Because there are people there who say that socks are not hard–just direction-filled. That lace is simply knits and purls with variations, oh, and don’t forget a lifeline. There are people who like color, who don’t, who knit only dishcloths, who knit the most intricate cabled/bobbled/intarsia thing they can find.
Just knowing that knitting is what you make of it, is whatever you want it to be, helped me to realize that the only boundaries on my knitting were self-imposed. It’s been breathtaking to learn what I can do when I ignore those boundaries, too.
I know you’ll miss your gal once she is back college–they grow so fast. Today my Boy starts pre-school, and I’m all aflutter about that. It doesn’t get easier, does it?
The 2 biggest influences in my knitting was first Elizabeth Zimmerman and then my friend Debbie, who I met after I had started knitting. Now she keeps me going.
Happy Anniversary
I am guessing my mother taught me to knit, but I don’t really remember. She has always been very crafty, but didn’t do much knitting that I know of. I picked it up again in college and learned my current “style” from a gal from England who was on my dorm floor. She made beautiful sweaters with perfect stitches. Over the years I made a few afghans and then about 4 years ago was in Oklahoma City visiting a friend and decided to visit a yarn shop there. Found a pattern that was cute and yarn for a baby sweater, which was my first “hard” project. I made two more from the same pattern and while searching for the yarn, discovered online yarn shopping. I picked up The Friday Night Knitting Club at B & N last year and it sparked my interest in knitting again; somehow found the Yarn Harlot’s books, then Wendy’s blog and The Loopy Ewe . . . I am now working on a stash and trying to get more excited about knitting socks. I just started the Girasole last week and it is quite fun to knit. I’m doing the smaller one out of Dream in Color Smooshy, but thinking about making a big one also. So, my greatest influence has been recent and it’s everyone who knits, but especially Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (I love her books and humor). I love getting packages from Loopy – you never know what will arrive along with your order.
I was at a point in life in which something was going to break and that something was me! I took a knitting class at the local supply store. There I met ladies to share and bond. They were so supportive of my LIFE and my knitting. Now I can’t seem to get enough of the touch and beauty of yarns that represent LIFE and the WORLD. I’m so thankful for each step in the path knitting has led me down and for each animal, plant and person that I have encountered on this journey!
My son. I taught myself to knit to mentally escape his screaming (he screams more than your avg baby. My mom couldn’t watch him for more than an hour when he was a newborn). I love knitting things for DS and his big sister.
My grandmother has and always will be the biggest influence on my knitting. She taught me to knit and crochet many years ago. If I hadnt had that early exposure, I doubt that I would be knitting today.
I think it’s a toss up between my kids, and my knitting group. I learned to knit because I wanted to make things for my daughter and I kept on going because the people who hang out at the yarn store are supportive and fun to be around. Now that I have a little boy I have even more child inspiration. My husband is also supportive and is even hoping that I will knit him a beautiful Norwegian sweater. My Mother is a crocheter who does beautiful lace work and knits a little. My Father’s Mother is an amazing knitter too and I hope to one day be knitting for each of my grandbabies like my Grandmother.
The biggest influence on my knitting (so far!) has been my boyfriend’s mom, Clara, who taught me how to knit again a few months ago.
Without a doubt, my mom! She taught me to knit when I was young after learning herself, and always helped me when I went through knitting phases growing up, helping me pick out yarn and fixing mistakes, and never complaining when, after a few weeks or months, I never stuck with it. A few years ago, I started really knitting, and I’m so glad it’s something we share. We do mini KALs togheter, and knitting is something that helps us stay close even while I’m away at school.
Mostly friends that I have made knitting. Anytime they try something new, I’m in.
And Ravelry…
Stephanie Japel – I love her designs and her blog and she is always coming up with new and creative designs. I look forward to her books and reading about her everyday life!
Living in Texas, I knit mostly small projects, socks, mittens ect. and there are no knitters in my family. My interest and inspiration continue to be from all the talented artists that dye the yarn and those that come up with the cool new sock patterns and have pictures of their work online. I will get in a lull and read the Yarn Harlot, with her talent and great sense of humor and be sparked on again to knit yet another pair of socks! Thanks to all who take the time to blog and post “in progress” pics, I greatly appreciate the inspiration!
It’s hard to say for sure who has had the greatest impact on my knitting. Certainly my mother has, for teaching me to do it and always encouraging my progress. My friend Kristina did, when she found herself pregnant at seventeen, and I knew I had to make her something beautiful. And of course, my husband (who has also been known as Boyfriend and Fiance in his time) is the only significant other I ever knitted for, because I love him and want to keep him warm. Not only people, but life circumstances, have influenced my knitting and the materials I use – I grew up quite poor, and purchasing natural fibres or specialty yarns was definitely not in the budget. Mom taught me using scraps of acrylic from sweaters she bought at the Salvation Army for $1 and then unravelled to make new things. As a starving university student, I wasn’t always able to afford nice wool, but sometimes I would splurge on a skein of something luscious just to perk me up. When I found Ravelry in 2007 (another huge impact, I think!) I slowly and surely began to replace the acrylic with yarns I had tried from recommendations, and others that I found in person and loved: Lorna’s Laces, Noro, Briggs & Little, Cascade…the list goes on!
Today, I knit to keep myself content. I also do it to make people happy. I’d say 80% of the yarn I have goes into stuff for other people. I like knowing that my love for them has inspired me to branch out, try new things, and ultimately create gorgeous gifts for them to cherish.
Hmm…I would have to say that it’s the support and inspiration from the excellent people at my LYS that really inspire me. Ravelry has also been a huge source of inspiration.
Have a great trip back to Taylor, and make sure you stop at Ivanhoe’s! Mint chocolate chip cookie…mmm. Peanut butter banana rice krispie…yum. I miss college! Or at least the milkshakes! 🙂
There are myriads of influences on my knitting from friends, YSL folks, books, mags, online, nature, my family, favorite artwork, inspiring photos and other things that intrigue me in the world. From all these sources, i learn techniques, design considerations and personal preferences (if knitting for others) and from all this input, individual projects are conceived, designed (if not using existing pattern as written), and made. The biggest influence is the world around me.
The biggest influences on my knitting have been my coworkers (and friends) at Lakeside Fibers in Madison, WI. They are fabulously talented and inspiring!
There are a variety of influences on my knitting, Ravelery, my friends Abigail and megknitsalot and my Knit Sisters of Vero Beach. I just started knitting in June of last year and feel like I have been knitting for years, thanks to all of them!!
I learned to knot when I was about 10, from a friend who learned in 4H. She had to stay in for recess at school because she had been sick and her mom didn’t want her out in the cold. I stayed inside with her so she didn’t have to sit in the classroom by herself for 45 minutes. Paula taught me to knit with 2 pencils and some string. When I got home that day I convinced my mother that I could knit. We went to the local 5 and dime store later that evening and she bought me the green Learn to Knit booklet ( I think it was published by Coats & Clark) and a skein of bright multi-colored Red Heart yarn. The first item I made was the tam from that book. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, my 4th grade friend Paula (we’re still friends, in fact, our 30th high school reunion is this weekend) is my first knitting inspiration/mentor! So know when my husband asks if I really need more yarn, I tell him it’s Paula’s fault!
My biggest influence was my mother as she first taught me how to knit over 35 years ago. I stopped for a while and started again a number of years ago from there influences have been through everyone at Ravelry and all the great podcasts – can’t list without a pad and pencil near by for all the great information.
The biggest knitting influences in my life are my local Prayer Shawl Group and my local yarn shop, Threadbear in Lansing, MI. They both keep me striving for more yarn and more designs.