At Biscotte Yarns, we are privileged to welcome many knitters each year. Some of them come from far away to pick up the wool of happiness in our shop.
To the attention of these knitting enthusiasts, we have prepared a list of things to remember before a visit to a wool store.
First, check the opening hours of the wool shop: knitting shops often have an atypical schedule. You can check the website of the wool shop in question but in the holiday period or the Christmas holidays: call before you go, it's always safer! Also inquire about parking or transportation nearby. If you are accompanied by someone who does not knit (a muggle!), You may want to know where the nearest cafe is and bring this lovely person a magazine;)
Do you already have a knitting pattern?
Make sure you know the yardage required to knit the chosen sample. If the pattern in question does not give you this information, you can do the math yourself: learn here how to substitute wool for a specific knitting pattern. At the very least, write down the required gauge (eg 22 stitches = 10 cm) and the size and type of needles needed to make it: straight, double-pointed or circular needles?
Of course, if you hesitate: take the extra ball to avoid running out of yarn. You will knit a matching accessory if you have not used this ball after your work is done.
Are you knitting a project that you want to give to someone?
Ah yes! knitter often rhymes with generous: you are part of those who like to offer a gift handmade with love !! It's all your honor ♥ First, if the knitting project is not "one size fits all", consider measuring or asking the desired size to the lucky recipient of your knitting. When it comes to a sweater, you have to measure the bust, the waist and the hips. For stockings (or socks), take note of the shoe size or ask the recipient to put their foot on a piece of paper and trace the foot with a pencil.
For accessories such as hats, measure the head (headband) or the length and width of the hands if you are knitting mittens or gloves. You will find a handy guide on how to take measures on YarnStandards.com | Standards & Guidelines For Crochet and Knitting.
Also think about the type of maintenance required before choosing your yarn: people who don't knit do not have the habit of washing handmade knits and do not necessarily know the precautions to take to wash a 100% wool knitwear. Remember to choose a machine washable yarn (felt proof) to avoid the worst!
The pattern or the sheep? That is the question!
While some knitters prefer to choose a pattern first and then look for the matching yarn, others will rather buy the yarn on a crush without necessarily knowing what they are going to knit with.
There is nothing wrong with that: enjoy yourself :) You can browse Ravelry.com to find a pattern based on particular criteria such as the amount of yarn you have and the suggested gauge. With 100g of yarn, normally you have enough to knit a hat: use our custom knitting application to generate the pattern that matches your gauge and the size of hat desired.
Beginner knitter?
Do not be embarrassed: all the knitters had their first visit to a yarn shop! Mention to the staff that you are new to knitting and ask them to help you find an easy project and the materials needed to make it happen. We are here to help you!! You will find video tutorials for beginners and knitting kits to learn how to knit here as well!
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