Cast Away Yarn

The Crew at Cast Away

2011-07-14T11:55:00.001-07:00

(clockwise) Justine, Ramona, Anne, Monica, Rava

and a silly one!

Thanks for the photos Monica!

Afghan Square of the Month Club!!

2011-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

We are starting up our year long "Afghan Square of the Month Club" again! The class is a fun way to learn new techniques each month from cabling, entrelac, color work, and other fancy stitches. We use the Great American Afghan book as inspiration.

For more info click here. Come by and see our afghan in person!

Here are a few photos of some of last year's afghans in progress.

Shirley Paden Book Talk!

2011-05-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Don’t miss Shirley Paden’s book signing and talk Saturday, the 14th at 7:30 at the Santa Rosa Borders. She will be discussing many knitwear design issues, as well as answering questions, talking about what things were edited from the book. All garments from her book will be on display too see and touch. This is a unique opportunity to see an amazing New York Knitwear designer.

Thanks again Jessica for the great info and we are so glad Shirley will be here in Sonoma County!

Ray Cannon - Needle Felt Art SHow

2011-05-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Ray Cannon's Needle Felted Sculptures!

Thursday, May 5th

6:00-8:00pm

Come and see Ray Cannon's amazing needle felted pieces. This fun art show is this Thursday, May 5th from 6:00-8:00pm. Snacks will be served. Ray will be doing a demonstration on his techniques during the evening!

Last year Ray Cannon started coming into Cast Away for supplies to begin learning how to needle felt. Without knowing anything about the medium he quickly connected with this art form and found it similar to Scupley, a medium he'd used a few times before. Ray enjoys the felting medium for its molding ability without actually carving into the form. He soon began creating amazingly life-like, detailed animals.

His pieces are so captivating -- be sure to come see the sculptures and meet Ray Cannon.

Our Weekend with Kate and Courtney from Kelbourne Woolens!

2011-04-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

We had such a good time with Kate and Courtney!
These lovely ladies came all the way from Philadelphia to do a book signing and teach a fair isle beret class from their new book Vintage Modern Knits. These two ladies are just so sweet, creative and fun! Thanks for coming and sharing with all of us!!!

Kelbourne Woolens Event

2011-04-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

We are really excited about our upcoming event with Kate and Courtney of Kelbourne Woolens, the distributors of The Fibre Company. These lovely ladies will be here for a fun weekend, April 16th and 17th. Their first book, Vintage Modern Knits has just been released to great reviews. Kate and Courtney will be here doing a book signing Saturday evening and a workshop featuring the Baltic Beret from their book, on Sunday.

For more info on the book signing click here.
And for more info on the workshop click here or view the Baltic Beret here on ravelry.

Pretty Pretty Fairy Crowns

2011-04-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

We are now carrying Miss Teapot's garlands -- fanciful crowns perfect for any fairy. Miss T makes all her crowns by hand, tenderly gathering tea dyed ribbons for the trains, lovingly felting little mushrooms with tiny hearts and recycling old sweaters to make flowers and leaves.

These adornments are truly special!

The Bohemian's Best Of

2011-03-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Guess who won Best Knitting/Craft Shop in the North Bay Bohemian Poll?!! You got it, Cast Away!! Thanks to all who voted, how will we celebrate? A sale might be in order...

YES a sale! Saturday & Sunday all day, all yarn will be 10% off! AND if you bring in your Cast Away tote bag you will get an additional 10% off! We will have a few for sale too so get here early to claim one if you don't already have one.

** discount not to be combined with any other discounts or to be used on special orders.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Image from Karen's Whimsy

Knitting and Cupcakes?!

2011-03-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

I don't think there is a better combination -- knitting + cupcakes!! Check out here, this cute idea for creating some fun little treats for any knitting fiend.

Vogue Knitting's Namaste Giveaway

2011-02-19T15:11:00.001-08:00

Why not try to score one of these cute purses?! There are just a few weeks left on Vogue Knitting's giveaway for a Namaste's new Hip Holster. Click here, to go fill out their contest form, by March 1st. We have several cute Namaste products to match, in the store right now!

Knit Artist Claire Anne O'Brien

2011-02-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

"Inspired by elements of the knitted stitch itself such as rings and loops, the structures are revealed and celebrated through exaggerated scale in bold and textured forms. Lambswool and Sheeps wool, in a mix of hand and machine knit stitches, are constructed into playful statement pieces." -- Claire Anne O'Brien says
Visit O'Brien's site here, where she has other awesome designs!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:10:00.000-08:00

Image from Karen's Whimsy

--Ramona

Kieran Foley's Inspiring Knit Images

2011-01-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

I've recently stumbled upon knit designer, Kieran Foley's website. He is such an inspiring designer, creating amazing lace stitches. His blog is also full of candy for the eyes, as he takes lots of colorful knitting photos on his travels. His above photo was taken on an island off Estonia. I'm always in awe of those who knit fair isle on teeny tiny needles. Can you imagine how long it took for these leg warmers to be knitted? :) To see more images from Foley's Muhu Museum click here. To view his website click here, or view his blog here.

--Ramona

Seasons Greetings!

2010-12-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

All the Best Holiday Wishes,
Justine, Ramona, Anne, & Olive

Needle Felted Gnomes

2010-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share this tutorial, from lauraleeburch.com. She has created the cutest little gnomes, perfect as holiday ornaments, or maybe as cute little gift tags. I'm loving their big noses! Follow the link here to the tutorial.

Surfing Sheep??!!

2010-12-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Stumbled upon this the other day and wanted to share it. I can't decided if the sheep is enjoying surfing or not. She sure is a cute and friendly one. :)

Inspiration Monday!

2010-11-29T17:14:00.000-08:00

1. Set of three hand knit Christmas trees, 2. of course, 3. christmas centerpiece 2, 4. front, 5. felted candy canes, 6. snowflake ornament, 7. The Unusual Suspects, 8. Wool felt ornament for hubby, 9. sweater hearts, 10. Gnome mix, 11. poinsettia brooches, 12. Not available, 13. felt_stars14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

I've had felt on the brain these days, so I wanted to share some fun wool Holiday crafts!

Quick Thanksgiving Crafts

2010-11-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

These adorable little turkey name plates, are the cutest addition to your Thanksgiving table arrangements. Since turkeys live in flocks, why not make a family of little turkeys! The steps are simple as are the needed materials--pom pom maker, wool felt, and yarn. Find the directions here.

We just got a bunch of pom pom makers in and we've got lots of felt. It'd even be fun to try some needle felted versions!!

2010-11-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sandi Rosner Book Signing and Sock Workshops

Book Signing:
Friday November 19th
6:00-7:30
Sock Workshops:
Saturday November 20th 10:00-1:00 and 2:00-5:00

Sandi Rosner will be here signing copies of her recent book "Think Outside The Sox" on Friday night, then doing 2 sock workshops on Saturday! The Think Outside The Sox book was a contest by Knitters Magazine. The patterns in the book are all the winning patterns submitted by contest participants.

View the book on ravelry here.

Our 2nd Annual Be Sweet Trunk Show!

2010-10-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Be Sweet Trunk Show

A Free Event!
5:30-8:30

Nadine Curtis, owner of Be Sweet will be bringing a trunk full of wonderful goodies for you to see and feel and lots to purchase. We will have a special sale -- 20% off all Be Sweet Products.

Go to the Be Sweet website to see some of the beautiful products Nadine will be bringing. We will have wine, cheese & chocolate for you too, so come on out to play!

A Bit About Be Sweet:

Be Sweet works with several job creation programs in South Africa by giving artisans the confidence and the means to support themselves and their families in an otherwise economically depressed region.

Be Sweet also donates a portion of its profits to the Shaw Park School, a primary and secondary school in the Eastern Cape where many of the participants' children attend.

The following week we will have a class for one of the Be Sweet Patterns. Check out the class description here.

Yarns On Stage!

2010-10-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Oct 16th
Yarns on Stage
Come join us for some sock yarn fun!
12:00 - 5:00

This Saturday, October 16th, select yarn shops all over the country will be throwing parties in celebration of these limited edition colorways, created especially for this event. We will have 10 different sock yarns from 10 different yarn companies -- in 10 unique colorways!

To get you excited about the yarns coming, here’s a look at one yarn.

This will be such a fun day. From 12:00-5:00 we will be serving snacks and drinks. We will be giving out door prizes, so there is a chance to win free yarn, needles, patterns and more! We will also be doing a fun Sock-Knit-A-Long from one of the specially designed patterns, that we all vote on.
We hope to see you!

And here is a sneak peek at some of the prizes.

Isla Corbett

2010-09-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Isla Corbett will be here this coming Saturday, the 18th from 1:00-3:00, for a great Needle Felted Flower workshop. She creates the cutest little felted flowers to wear in your hair and we even like to wear them as shawl pins. Isla also makes unique felted handbags, clutches and pillows. Back in August I visited her super cute booth at the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco.

Street Pole Sweater Project in the Press Demo

2010-09-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Cast Away was featured on the front page of The Press Democrat's Empire News. Meg McConahey came down and did an article on the Street Pole Sweater Project. You can read about it here.

Little Reversible Frog & Turtle

2010-09-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

Customer Nancy Scott brought her cute little Frog and Turtle toy in for us to see. She used 2 balls of Cascade 220 Superwash. The pattern is from Itty-Bitty Toys by Susan B. Anderson, just one of the books we carry on knitted or crocheted toys. Isn't he just the cutest little thing?!! Any baby would love this toy. Anderson's book has lots of cute and fun toys to knit.

Street Pole Sweater Project

2010-07-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Free Pattern Sunday

2010-06-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but this hot weather makes me want to spend my days in front of a huge fan. And what better why to accommodate that but to knit. Or maybe that is just my excuse. Either why at least I'm knitting and trying to be cool. Sometimes the heat makes it hard for me to knit with wool and as I'm sure many of you experience this too, I thought it would be a perfect time to put up a pattern featuring a non wool yarn. This post's free pattern is a little mesh purse. Great for those hot nights when you just want to carry a few things.

Be Sweet Bamboo or Alchemy 'Silk Purse' 1 ball.
Size 6 16" circular needles and size dpns

CO 60 and join in the round, don't twist!
Knit 5 rounds
Next round: *K3, Yo, K2tog *, repeat *--* around
Next round: Purl

Round 1: *Yo, K2tog *, repeat *--* around
Round 2: Knit
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 for 5-6".

Purl 1 round.

Round 1: * K10, K2tog *, repeat *--* around
Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit
Round 3: *K9, K2tog *, repeat *--* around
Round 5: *K8, Ktog *, repeat *--* around
Round 7: *K7, K2tog *, repeat *--* around
Round 9: *K6, K2tog *, repeat *--* around Round 11: *K5, K2tog *, repeat *--* around Cut and pull yarn through the remaining stitches. Weave in ends. String ribbon through eyelets near top of pouch. Enjoy!

Covered Objects

2010-06-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

I keep coming across objects that have been covered in fiber. Felted, crocheted, knitted objects of all sorts like beach pebbles and metal necklace babbles.

The above jewerely is designed by Jensen-Conroy. The design duo debuted their knit covered pieces last year at one store in New York and have recently expanded to a few more spots. For a but more information go here.

I've also stumbled across these ocean pebbles that have been knitted over and then felted. They much such cute little desk top paper weights, or home accessories. The maker of these pebble objects is Bugheart who blogs at Sew Green. Read her full blog post here.

And then of course there is the talented crafter Margaret Oomen. In addition to her amazing aesthetics she has been at the forefront of the crocheted rock trend. I've been admiring her fabric and crochet rocks for some time now. Check out her blog, Resurrection Fern, for more fun things and interesting observations. Plus she has even posted a tutorial on felting rocks here using roving. Right now I am loving her crochet glass pieces.

Making your own felt rocks would be a fun project to do, with the kids or the kid in you, after a day at the beach escaping the summer heat to memorialize the day. We have tons of roving in lots of fun colors or maybe you prefer to keep the colors in natural tones. Either way this sounds like a fun project.

--Ramona

Wind Powered Knitting Machines

2010-06-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

I just came across this video of a London Art students' project -- a tubular knitting machine powered by a metal windmill. The artist, Merel Karhof, then divides up the tubes and sells individual scarves with labels telling how long it took to make the 2 meter scarf.

For more information on the process and how the idea came about go here. It's such a good idea, but holds a different type of aw than something lovingly knit by hand.

Wind Powered Knitting Machine from Frankie Thom on Vimeo.

--Ramona

Knit in Public Day Fun

2010-06-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we all had lots of fun down at Depot Park, where we were celebrating the annual Knit in Public Day. It was nice to sit back n' relax, while knitting and enjoying everyone's company. Some of us even used Jonatha's hula hoops for a little exercise to break up our knitting--always good for those wrists.

Thanks to everyone who came down to knit in the park with us.

Here are some photos of the event. If you have any to share, send us a copy and will put them up.

2010-06-12T11:06:00.001-07:00

Come to our Knit in Public Day event!
(click on image below to enlarge)

Free Pattern Sunday

2010-06-06T15:56:00.001-07:00

We wanted to share with you another one of our favorite shop patterns. The Angora Baby Booties! These are such fun to knit with Malabrigo's Angora yarn. It seems like lots of folk are getting ready for a new baby or have just had a baby. These make ideal gifts for knitters of all skill levels.

Enjoy!

Angora Baby Booties
1 skein Malabrigo Angora
Size 7 needles
Abbreviations:
K2tog = knit 2 stitches together
P2tog = purl 2 stitches together
k2tog-tbl = knit 2 stitches together through
the back of loop
p2tog-tbl = purl 2 stitches together through
the back of loop
Yo = yarn over
Pm = place stitch marker
Sm = slip stitch marker

Cast on 25 (29, 33, 35)

K8 (10, 10, 12) rows.

Begin Decreases:
K10 (12, 14, 15), K2tog, Pm, K1, Pm,

K2tog-tbl, K10 (12, 14, 15).

P9 (11, 13, 14), P2tog-tbl, Sm, P1, Sm, P2tog, P9 (11, 13, 14).

Remembering to slip st markers as you
come to them, continue decrease pattern
until 17 (19, 21, 23) stitches remain.

Optional Eyelet Row:
Knit all stitches.

Small: P1, Yo, [P1, P2tog, Yo] x2, P3, [Yo, P2tog, P1] x2, Yo, P1. (19 sts)

Medium: P2tog, Yo, [P1, P2tog, Yo] x2, P3, [Yo, P2tog, P1] x2, Yo, P2tog. (19 sts)

Large: P2tog, Yo, [P1, P2tog, Yo] x2, P5, [Yo, P2tog, P1] x2, Yo, P2tog. (21 sts)

X-Large: P2, Yo, [P1, P2tog, Yo] x2, P5, [Yo, P2tog, P1] x2, Yo, P2. (23 sts)

Knit all stitches.

Ribbed Cuff:
(For a tidy rib edge, slip 1st stitch of every
row.)

K1, P1; repeat across all stitches.

Continue in established rib pattern, knitting the knits and purling the purls, for total of 8
(10, 12, 12) rows. If you did not knit eyelet row, continue for two extra rows.

Loosely, bind off in rib pattern.
Sew back and bottom of bootie. Whipstitch works well for seaming booties, as it leaves a flat seam.

Cording:
Cut about 100” of yarn. Double it and tie one knot at each end. Insert a needle (or pencil) into each knot. Holding one needle stationary, turn other needle clockwise, until a tight twist has been made. Keep strands taught, fold in half, allowing cord to twist onto itself. Untie knots. Tie new knots 1 1/2” from edge, cut ends. Thread one end with tapestry needle and bring up through knots, repeat on all ends. Cut loops. Repeat at other end of cord.

Inspiration Monday!

2010-05-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

1. The Grove 07/05/10, 2. crossroadsdetail, 3. The Earth & the Heaven [..Dhaka, Bangladesh..], 4. 1::52 (razor shell scarf), 5. Socks in the sun, 6. dawn or dusk contest and blog giveaway, 7. gifts from sonia, 8. custom merfish studio, 9. Tire Town Bazaar, 10. Knee socks in the sun, 11. 6 Cup Hand Knitted and Felted Tea Cosy , 12. Ten little tappin' toes, 13. With the Key of Softness14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available
Originally uploaded by Ramona

We sure have been receiving a lot of rain lately. And normally I love all the rain, but I am glad to see the sun is beginning to come around and I hope it stays for a bit. I know my vetabgle plants our carving some hot sun. But I'm looking forward to the early mornings of sitting in my garden with me tea and knitting. Early morning is my time for personal knitting that allows me to be contemplative and mindful of each stitch. It really energizes and strengthens me for the rest of the day.

I wanted to share some images with everyone that I find inspiring for early summer knitting. I'm being influenced by soft colors, that remind me of being lazy in the shade of a summer tree. Or lace stitches that allow the sun's rays to reflected beautiful shadows. And then we must throw in bursts of bright happy colors too!

What influences your knitting at this time of year? Do like to knit things that go with the seasons, or do you like to just prepare for the cooler months?

Free Pattern Sunday

2010-05-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

We've been so excited about one of our recent yarn additions -- Knit Collage. Justine discovered the super cute company this past winter at TNNA in Long Beach, and now we have it in the store! Their yarn is so precious, each thick and thin single strand is spun by hand and then plied with a strong thread in a contrasting color and for added fun along the way they spun in sparkly trims, crochet flowers, ribbon, fabric flower petals, or braided thread, for a truly unique skein of yarn.

We knew right away that we had to knit up a cute hat with the playful yarn. This pattern is a quick knit, so a great instant gratification project. Plus you only need one skein of this great yarn. We knit the ribbed brim double stranded with Malabrigo Chunky yarn.

Enjoy!

Whimsy Hat Pattern

Materials:
Malabrigo Chunky (doubled)
1 Skein Knit Collage
16" size 15 needle
Size 15 DPN's

Cast on 40 Stitches
K1P1 for 7 rounds
change yarn and knit every round until hat is 5 ½ inches from bottom (10-12 rounds)

Decreases:

Round 1. K3, K2TOG, repeat around
Round 2. Knit
Round 3. K2, K2TOG repeat around
Round 4. Knit
Round 5. K1, K2TOG repeat around
Round 6. Knit
Round 7. 2TOG repeat around

Draw yarn through remaining loops and cinch to finish. So whimsical!

Our New Windows

2010-05-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

We've been getting lots of positive feedback to our new window display. Thanks to everyone who came to help make the flowers!

Knitty.com's Spring Summer Looks

2010-04-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Have any of started knitting any of the designs from Knitty.com's Spring/Summer issue? There are some real cute items. I'm taken with Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark's Inamorata. I think it would be lovely in Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool, maybe the Flourite Blue or Lime Juice. Having the 35% Silk, with 25% Nylon and 45% Wool will help keep it cooler in Spring/Summer. It will also transition well into Fall/Winter as a layering piece. Do you have any favorites from this issue?

--Ramona

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Image from Karen's Whimsy .

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter and beautiful Springtime!

--Ramona

Amazing Stop-Motion Knitted House

2010-03-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled across this awesome commercial for a natural gas company in Belgium. And I just have to share it with you all.

I think my favorite bit is the shower facet. And here's the video on the making of.

--Ramona

Last-Minute Easter Gifts

2010-03-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Image from angelaknits

We wanted to share a couple cute gift ideas for Easter with you. If you're on ravelry check out these cute felted bunnies from Christine Manitz. Or check out these adorable pot holders with baby chickens by Drops Design. If you're not on ravelry look here for a list of cute patterns to knit or crochet.

If you haven't been by the store in a few weeks you may not know that we are now carrying Spud and Chloe's Sweater yarn. It comes in many great colors with some really cute patterns to choose from. On Spud and Chloe's blog they have an adorable free pattern for a very lovable bunny--another great Easter gift!

--Ramona

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing Everyone a Joyful St. Patrick's Day.

Hope it is full of smiling Irish Eyes.

Image from Karen's Whimsy

--Ramona

The Benefits of Knitting

2010-03-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled across a CBS News Report from April 2009 about the positive health advantages of knitting. This is a truth that most knitters have been aware of for years, but it now looks like scientists are starting to see the benefits. Studies have shown that the repetitive movements of knitting help with stress, pain, depression and even strengthening the immune system. The Mayo Clinic is conducted research that is leading them to believe that knitting might even "be nero-protective," helping the brain's functioning ability as we age.

So next someone asks you why you bought more yarn, you can simply tell them it's for your health and your boosting your immune system. :)

Check out the video here.

--Ramona

A Little St. Patrick's Day Knitting!

2010-03-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, on the 17th. I know I'll be cooking up a big feast to celebrate the day. But what about other ways to mark the day? Vickie Howell has put up two cute knitting patterns on her website to celebrate. Check out the cute shamrock baby booties and mitered shamrocks, here.

--Ramona

2010-03-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellow Knitters!

The last few days I keep getting stuck with a certain knitting project. Just when I think I have things settled and all the stitches and corresponding math work correctly, I realize some new aspect to my chosen stitches won't work. So I dive back in and things start looking good again and then wham another problem with the stitch design needs to be figured out. This is when my knitting starts helping me develop better life skills--I'm forced to step back. I've always hated the feeling of uncertainty, so when my knitting starts misbehaving I get all unsettled. But the plus side is, my knitting is helping me to grow!?! Or is this just what I'm telling myself? One constant way for me to manage with these knitting blues, is to always keep another project waiting in the wings, and then I'm fine again. :)

What do you guys do when you hit a bump or maybe a mountain in your knitting? Any special techniques for coping with stressful knitting? Anyone have any nightmare knitting stories?

--Ramona

Rosemary Hill's Brandywine Shawl

2010-03-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

Congrats to local designer Rosemary Hill on her Brandywine Shawl still being at #2 on ravelry's "most active recently published designs." The shawl is listed 167 times in people's projects with 67 of them being current WIP's! Rosemary is donating $5.00 from each pattern sale to relief for Haiti and as of March 3rd has sent $6,000! I know many of you have come into the store to purchase yarn for this beautiful shawl and many of you bought Malabrigo's Sock Yarn. If you've finished your Brandywine, email us an picture and we'll put it up on the blog.

If you're interested in other patterns by Rosemary, we carry several of her patterns, such as Bluebird, Queen Wil Socks, and Verdigris. For more information on Rosemary check out her website at: http://www.designsbyromi.com/

--Ramona

Sock Club

2010-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines!

2010-02-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

Our Jubilant Anniversary Weekend

2009-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who made it down to our fun filled Anniversary weekend, (Dec 4th-6th). We had tons of fun visiting with our customers and helping people pick out yarn for their new projects. Lots of fun was had "trimming the tree" with Isla on Saturday making felted ornaments. And then on Sunday, Brookelynn was here doing her "felted playground." Kate Nagle was here too, taking fabulous winter portraits. On saturday we had our fun yarn tasting class where everyone's favorites yarns' were Blue Sky Alpaca's Alpaca Silk and Sport Weight.

And here are some cute little needle felted animals made by the Gast family!

Anniversary Event!

2009-11-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Cast Away is one year old! We are having an anniversary event December 4th - 6th. We will be having a grand time of it with drawings, free felting workshops, sock knitting technique demos including:

Free Demos of ravelry.com & knitfinder.com.

Saturday night will include a yarn tasting event!

On Sunday Kate Nagle will be here from 12-4 pm so come by and let her take some winterific holiday

photos.

And of course we will have yarns on sale too!

Click on the flyer to the left for all details, times & specifics.

New Yarns!!!

2009-10-12T17:13:00.001-07:00

We just got in a great new yarn by Tahki Yarns, called Truffles! This is devilishly sumptuous, it's just like candy for the hands. The fiber content is 32% cotton, 30% Viscose, 20% Angora, and 18% Nylon. It would be a great to wear in Fall here in Sonoma County, because with the 32% cotton, you'll never get too hot wearing it. Personally, I think it would be perfect for a cool weather version of the Caitlin Shrug (see class schedule). There is 102 yards per skein and we have it in six great colors (the black is an actual pure black).

We also received in Schaefer Yarn's Nichole yarn in five multi-color ways and three solid colored ways. This is a great sock yarn with 405 yards , with a fiber content of 80% extra-fine superwash merino wool and 20% nylon. In addition we've recently put on our shevles Cascade's Pastaza, a 50/50 llama and wool blend, that's perfect for winter. Plus, we have a whole bunch of new colors of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton.

Hope everyone is enjoying the great change in weather we are having. I know here at Cast Away we are, and it's causing our fingers to start itching for more knitting!

Lambtown!

2009-10-05T15:09:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday Lambtown festival took place in Dixon. It was tons of fun and full of loads of things to see and touch! Much time was spent with the Alpacas; they have such big, round soulful eyes, almost twice the size of most sheep's eyes. They are a bit on the timid side towards strangers, but very loving with their handlers. While I was talking with one owner about one of his young rowdy alpacas, one of his geldings kept rubbing his head against the man's chest, it was very sweet. They also emit these strange mewing sounds, which I was quite surprised to hear.

Later in the day, I watched the fleece and sheep judging shows, which were both judge by Martin Dally, a very well-known judge. He was a wealth of information! At times it was just too much information to take in.

Finally there was the market building with many more booths than I had anticipated. Several booths were small scale artisans, who dye their own roving and yarn. There was a really great array of beautiful selections. I couldn't stop myself from getting a little. I also got to try out a spinning wheel for the first time. I was quite taken with it. And speaking of spinning, in winter we will start carrying spinning supplies in the shop!

It was also fun running into a few of our customers, enjoying the day!

Sale Today!

2009-10-01T10:12:00.001-07:00

20% off all Cascade yarns today! Cascade is a big company so there are 15+ yarns on sale today. Open late until 8:30 for our Sit & Knit

Regatta Fun!

2009-09-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone made it down to Railroad square yesterday for the Handcar Regatta and had a rollicking good time, I know we did! It was terrific seeing everyone lending their hand to knit a sail for our boat. Everyone was so full of spirit and wearing such amazing costumes. The handcars were spectacular and brimming with ingenuity.

Thank you to every one who stopped by the Cast Away booth and helped with the sail!

Check out more pictures of the event at the flickr Handcar Regatta 2009.

Photo Credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwen/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Autumn Musings

2009-09-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

Autumn is starting to creep it's nose up and here at Cast Away we are looking forward to the sweater-wearing Fall months. It's time for thinking of new autumn sweaters to knit, for planning your holiday knitted gifts, and for dressing in knitted layers. In fact, layered knits were once again seen all over the runways this season, and so we may soon start seeing it's influence upon our knitting. Missoni's Ready-to-Wear showed layers of soft camels, pinks, creams and grayed blues. One of their key pieces were the super long and thick cowls. This would be a great piece to make this Fall out of Misti Alpaca's Chunky or Malabrigo's worsted yarn. Or maybe try Twinkle's Soft Chunky for a thick short cowl, like what appeared on the Rodarte runway.

Speaking of yarns, our new Fall yarns are beginning to arrive in. We are now carrying MiraSol Yarn, and just received lots of amazing colors in both Miski and Sulka!Miski is a medium worsted weight and is 100% Baby Llama and would work great for a cute slouchy beret or cosy cabled scarf. And Sulka is a thick worsted/chunky weight yarn and is 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca and 20% Silk! Sulka would look great in a textured cardigan, great for layering or it would work well for fair isle mittens.

Another silk and wool blend we've received is Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool in eight colors. This is a really beautiful light-weight DK yarn, that looks fabulous knitted in a lace stitch. The fiber content is 45% Wool, 35% Silk and 20% Nylon and knits at 5 1/2 stitche per inch with 192 yards per skein. We've also received two new yarns from Jade Sapphire. We now carry their 6-ply Cashmere and their Sapphire Sock, which has enough yardage for one pair of sox.

We've also gotton in two new yarns from Filature Di Crosa, Gioiello and Pom Pom. Plus more colors in Superior Cashmere and even more new colors in Mochi Plus by Crystal Palace.

On another note, we were sent an email about submissions for a "Pattern-A-Day" Calender. Check out: http://www.knittingpatternaday.com for information.

Sheep Light Show

2009-08-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what life is like for shepherds? Well, sometimes all that quiet time alone watching your flock of sheep gets to you and you have to create your own fun! :) In March a group of Welsh shepherds brought together several flocks, a video camera, and LED lights and made a unique visual experience. Check out the youtube video of the Welsh shepherd’s amazing light show!

Cast Away in YMN

2009-08-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Cast Away was featured in this months issue of YMN: Yarn Market News! YMN is a trade magazine for the yarn industry. Justine shared with Daryl Browner how she came up with the store's name and about a few sleepless nights spent choosing the store's location. Plus, there is a super cute photo of Olive!

Manos manos manos...

2009-08-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

We have a boat load (literally) of great new colors in Manos' Wool Classica and Silk Blend to delight all! :)

In the Wool Classica we recieved eight solid colors and seven multi colored skeins with names like Goldenrod, Mulled Wine and Cornucopia. And in the Silk Blend we have nine solid colors and three multi colored skeins with names such as Coffee, Violets and Woodland.

Both Silk Blend and Wool Classica are hand spun and kettle dyed. While Classica is a merino and corriedale wool blend, the Silk Blend is a blend of 30% silk and ultrafine merino.

2009-07-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

Be Sweet Trunk Show!

Be Sweet's Nadine Curtis will be here at Cast Away on Thursday, July 23, 5:00-7:00 (Free)

She will be bringing some amazing Be Sweet Products- and all Be Sweet will be 20% off!

* Thursday is also our Sit & Knit night so we will be here knitting until 8:30!

Go to the Be Sweet website to see some of the beautiful products Nadine will be bringing. We will have wine and snacks for you too, so come on out to play!

A bit about Be Sweet:

Be Sweet works with several job creation programs in South Africa by giving artisans the confidence and the means to support themselves and their families in an otherwise economically depressed region.

Be Sweet also donates a portion of its profits to the Shaw Park School, a primary and secondary school in the Eastern Cape where many of the participants' children attend.

Lynmar Winery will be donating wines for the event!

Pithy Knitting

2009-07-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Pithy; pithier, pithiest

adjective

Precisely meaningful; forceful and brief; Concise and full of meaning; Tersely cogent; Of, like, or abounding in pith

Pithy Knitting is our Friday night class- all summer every Friday night we will have a short class. The projects range from baby booties to silk purses. It's drop-in, so just pop on in on any Friday night and make something great! $15 + supplies (please purchase your supplies here:) 5:30-7:30

2009-05-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

World Wide Knit in Public Day (KIP)! This is an event that happens on the second Saturday in June each year all over the world! Santa Rosa's KIP is Saturday June 13 in Historic Railroad Square at Depot Park from 11-6. The idea behind KIP is to promote the needle arts as well as to get out there and meet new people, and get in some serious knitting time of course! Cast Away will be there promoting knitting and crochet and will have a couple of helpers on hand too for those of you who get stuck or newbies who wander by and want to join in. Bring a chair or a blanket to sit on and bring some snacks too- or get lunch at one of Railroad Square's great lunch places! Call us if you have any questions at 707-546-YARN (9276). To read more about KIP go to:

http://www.wwkipday.com/

Spring Break Sale!

2009-04-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

That's right, Cast Away's first big sale ever! All week through Saturday (April 13-18) everything is 20% off! Our prices are already really reasonable so this is a big sale. We can't put class fees or consigned items on sale, but everything else goes! Yarn! Books! Knitting Bags! Needles! We're making room for some of the exciting new lines coming in, see you this week!

Portrait Day at Cast Away!!

2009-04-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce a Portrait Day for you and your family this Spring at Cast Away!

(And just in time for Mother's Day & Father's Day too)

These discounted mini sessions are only $40, and include 20 minutes of shooting time, 5x7" print credit, online proofing, and a day-of 10% in-store credit to Cast Away, Santa Rosa's new yarn store in Railroad Square. Sessions are open to couples, families, kids, individuals, pets, babies, and crafters! Choose from various backgrounds and crafting/knitting props if you want them.

To book your session, contact Jessamyn at: j@jessamynharris.com, or call 707-235-8953. Sessions are available on the half hour and hour on Saturday April 25th, from 10am-6pm, and must be booked in advance to hold your preferred time. Cast Away's location is 111 4th Street, Santa Rosa, California.

More information is available on Jessamyn's blog at www.jessamynharris.blogspot.com

"Knitted Neck Gator"

2009-04-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Feel like knitting for a good cause? Why not knit up a neck warmer for the troops. We just got the free patterns in for the Knitted Neck Gators that will be given as Christmas gifts to the A-Co 1/17th Infantry. The organizer's goal is to send off 1 gator for each solider, thats 155 gators!

The preferred choice for yarn is Cascade's 220 Superwash, which will knit up two Gators. We have free patterns and plenty of the recommended color here at Castaway!

Check out the group's page on Ravelry.

See The Shop!

2009-03-11T18:16:00.001-07:00

100% Organic Cotton

2009-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

We just got a new yarn in -it is 100% Organic Cotton and has the EKO Sustainable Textile international inspection symbol on it. This is really great because it ensures a high standard for sustainably, produced fiber. By purchasing this yarn, you are helping to support the production of organic yarn that comes from regularly inspected organic farms, and fiber processing that's done with a very low impact upon the environment. All very good!

This yarn just knits up like a dream and is super, super soft. It just floats right off of bamboo needles. The drape is nice and light. Look for a shrug class coming soon...

Needle Felting Supplies!

2009-02-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

We just got in some new needle felting supplies- eyes and noses for those cute little animals you're making!

Isla Corbett Felted Items

2009-02-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to let everyone know that we just got in handmade felted items by local designer Isla Corbett! We are selling her adorable little flowered hair pins, eye-glass cases, and hand clutches. If you haven't heard of her check her out at islacorbett.com.

2009-01-28T15:06:00.001-08:00

We've got this great new yarn in. by Cascade, called Indulgence. It knits up great and is super soft due to it being an angora and baby alpaca blend. We have it in six great colors, like this sample in gold.

More Classes!

2009-01-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

We've got lots of classes coming up- check out the website for photos and details!

Beginning Socks, Basic Hat, "Neck Scarf", Beginning Lace Knitting (make a beautiful scarf with a worsted weight!), Beginning Cable (make a great scarf with big chunky cables), felted slippers, Blue Sky Kitty Hat, and don't forget about Kid's Knitting every Tuesday.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

Now that the holidays are over our hours will change slightly- we're still here 7 days a week though!

Monday-Saturday 10-6

Sunday 11-4

Open late on Thursdays till 8:30 (come in and hang out on Thursdays for "Knit & Sit")

The website is up! You can see our class schedule there and some info about parties and contact info and stuff.

Our ongoing classes/events are:

Every Monday Beginning Knitting 5:30-7:30 (call to sign up ahead) $24

Every Tuesday Kids Knitting (drop in) $12

Knit & Sit every Thursday 5:30-8:30, (free) bring your project and a friend and even some wine and come hang out on the comfy couch.

Classes

2008-12-09T12:04:00.001-08:00

We have some classes scheduled-
every Monday from 5:30-7:30 Beginning Knitting, $24
every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30 Kids Knitting, $12
Cabled Arm Warmers (2 sessions) Wed Dec 10 & 18 5:30-7:30, $40

We will have a beginning sock class coming in a couple of weeks.

Still looking for class teachers- I'd like to have a very full class schedule- days and evenings. Some classes to teach:
beginning and advanced level project classes for crochet & knitting- some projects:
hat, scarf, lace shawl, socks, arm warmers, sweater, skirt, afghan, etc... Call to find out about the teacher payment program.

The website should be up soon at castawayyarn.com, our classes will be posted there when it is finished. Until then call to join our email list: (707) 546-YARN (9276)

Opening Week!

2008-12-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

We are open! "Black Friday" was our first day. We had a great opening weekend and week. It has been so great to meet so many people. I have a few classes scheduled and need more teachers so we can have many classes per week. If you're interested in teaching let me know!

Brands We Carry

2008-10-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Yarn Brands:
Araucania
Alchemy Yarns of Transformation
Art Yarns
Be Sweet
Berroco
Blue Heron Yarn
Blue Sky Alpacas
Brown Sheep
Imperial Yarn
Classic Elite Yarns
Crystal Palace
Lana Grossa
GGH
Hemp4Knitting
Elsebeth Lavold
Fibre Company
Fleece Artist
Isager
Jade Sapphire
Knit Collage
Knit One Crochet Two
Knit Whits
Louet
Madelinetosh
Malabrigo
Manos
MiraSol
Mission Falls
Misti Alpaca
Muench Yarns
Noro
Opal
Pick Up Sticks
Prism
Regia
Rowan
Schaefer
Shibui
Spud & Chloe
St. Denis
Tahki Stacy Charles
Twinkle
Twisted Sisters

Needles:
Addi Turbo
Boye
Bry-Flex
Clover
Crystal Palace
Hiya-Hiya

Patterns:
Ann Norling
Be Sweet
Blue Sky Alpacas
Churchmouse
Coco Knits
Danger Crafts
Dolce Handknits
Fiber Trends
Fighdeadh
Schoolhouse Press
Heirloom Stitches
Hemp for Knitting
Hooked For Life
Jared Flood
Judy Knits
Kelbourne Woolens
Kira K
Knit Whits
Knit & Tonic
Knitbot
Knitting Pure & Simple
Lucy Neatby
Muench Patterns
Noni Designs
Oat Couture
Pick Up Sticks
Roo Designs
Rosemary Hill
Sivia Harding
Spud & Chloe
Ysolda

Misc:
Bryson
Designs by Romi
Isla Corbett
Namaste
Offhand Designs