Boston Knit Out 2005

Boston Knit Out now has its own web address:

www.bostonknitout.com

Right now it's just one page, but information about the 2005 Knit Out will be added, so be sure to bookmark the new site.

The 2005 Boston Knit Out will take place Sunday, Oct. 2.

Photos! Photos! Photos!

A Boston Knit-Out attendee enjoying the event. Photo copyright © 2004 Todd Lehman

As promised, here are some pictures from the Boston Knit Out.

Todd Lehman posted an excellent recap of the event on his weblog, with lots of pictures. He has some great shots of the Show & Share in particular. There is also a full photo Knit-Out photo gallery of the pictures he took while there.

You can also see Pictures from the fashion show, exhibits, and more taken by Shawn Reeves.

We Want Your Feedback!

What did you think of this year's Knit-Out? What did you enjoy the most? What would you change?

We'd like to hear from you so we can make the next Knit-Out even better. Please e-mail any suggestions or comments to Susan Baker at susan@windsorbutton.com or Beth Sheard at turtletrackz@yahoo.com.

Coming Soon: Knit-Out Photos

We'll be posting some pictures from the Knit-Out over the next week or so. There'll be photos from the fashion show and more, so check back at this site.

Some Resources to Keep You Stitching

Whether you are an experienced crafter or just learned to knit or crochet at the Knit-Out—or even if you haven't yet picked up needles or hook—these resources should help keep you going.

We know from experience that even after you learn, you sometimes need to remind yourself how to do the stitches. So among these resources are several web sites where you can see videos or illustrations of techniques—including the basics like knit, purl, and single crochet. Use them to help you out if you hit a snag, or to get information on new techniques you want to explore.

We've also included links to text and Word files that contain slightly expanded versions of this information. (They're at the bottom of this post.)

WEB SITES

About.com's Knitting pages
Tons of information and lots of links. The Learning to Knit page has basics for beginners or for those who want to brush up on their skills. Also includes info on more advanced techniques, like multicolored knitting, links to free patterns, etc.

About.com's Crochet page
Similar to above. Also includes Learn to Crochet links.

DIY Network Web site
See photos and written instructions or watch video clips from the network's show "Knitty Gritty" demonstrating various knitting techniques. Each episode's web page has links to a few pages with how-tos.

DIY makes past episodes a little hard to find, but you can click the episode titles below to get to some of the episodes The Word and text documents below include URLs for all the episodes filmed to date.

Episode DKNG-101 Getting Started
Covers choosing needles and yarns for a first-time project, casting on and binding off. A great primer for anyone just learning to knit.

Episode DKNG-102: Knitting and Purling
If you know how to knit and purl, you can do stockinette stitch. This episode shows how to knit and purl so you can make a knitted guitar in stockinette.

Episode DKNG-103: Felting
Felting or "fulling" is a process by which knitted wool is soaked in hot water to shrink and tighten the fibers and create a dense, strong fabric. Great for making knitted purses, like those shown at the Knit-Out. In fact, this episode's featured project is a felted purse.

Episode DKNG-104: Knitting in the Round
How to knit seamlessly using double-pointed needles. Project is a pair of mittens.

Episode DKNG-106: Knitting with Kids
Making a beanbag, a hat, and a scarf.

Stitch Guide
Written instructions on different knitting, crochet, and other needlecraft techniques, with illustrations. There are also videos of many of the techniques that you can watch online using the free Quick Time player.

Valley Café Knitting Resource Page
Includes animated illustrations and short video clips of knitting techniques that you can watch online for free.

BOOKS

How to Crochet
How to Knit
These inexpensive booklets, pubished by The National Needlework Association, each provide instruction on basic techniques. They are available only through retail stores that are members of The National Needlework Association. Ask your local yarn store for recommendations on other good learn-to-knit or -crochet books.

GET AN EXPANDED VERSION OF THIS INFORMATION:

Word document (40K) or
Text document (12K)

Door Prizes!

There will be lots of wonderful door prizes at the Knit Out. Fill out an entry blank at the Knit Out Information Booth when you arrive. Door prizes include a Boye needlemaster kit, a set of Denise interchangeable needles, suede kits from Berroco,and kits from Design Source, to name a few. The list of prizes, donors, and winners will be listed here after the event.

There will be two door prize drawings during the Knit Out, at 1:15 and 3:30; you must be present at the time of the drawing to win and collect a prize.

Maps Fixed

The links to maps of the Knit-Out location on this site were not working properly earlier. We have remedied the problem, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Get Inspired at the Fashion Show and Participate in the Show & Share

Fashion show at the previous Knit-Out.

Join us for the Fashion Show at 1:30 on Sunday, September 12. Garments by local designers, knitters, and yarn stores will be modeled on our Boston Common runway at the Gazebo. The fashion show is another opportunity to see the infinite variations possible in needlecraft projects, fibers, and garment design modeled on real people. New designs for fall and garments for all skill levels will be shown. The Fashion show is sure to inspire you- don't miss it!

Show & Share will follow at 2:00, where knitters and crocheters at the KnitOut can show off their creations, and share with the audience a little about them. It's a little like yarn karoake or knitted spoken word. The Show & Share event is an opportunity for you to share your love of needlework or your crafty discoveries with the community. Items in the Show & Share do not have to be original designs, could be a first project, a new technique you tried that you really love, something made of your most favorite yarn, or a handmade item of which you're especially proud. Bring or wear something you've made to the knit out, and show it off.

Sign up for the Show and Share at the information booth when you arrive at the Knit Out.

Schedule of Events

Pullover and shawl from the fashion show at the last Knit-Out

Here’s what’s happening when at the Knit-Out:

12:00 – 12:30
Wren Ross, “Singing With Every Fiber”
Wren Ross sings old favorites with a new yarn "twist."

12:30 – 1:15 Sock Knitting Contest
An exciting demonstration by staff members from Creative Warehouse

1:15 – 1:30 Door Prizes

1:30 – 2:00 Fashion Show
Selected items from local designers and knit shops

2:00 – 2:30 Show & Share
Show off your favorite project! Sign up at the information booth when you arrive.

2:30 – 3:00 Wren Ross, “Singing With Every Fiber”
Music.

3:00 – 3:15 Fastest Needles Contest
A contest to find Boston’s fastest knitter.

3:15 – 3:30 Fastest Hook Contest
Competition for Boston’s fastest crocheter.

3:30 – 3:45 Door Prizes & “Best of Show” Bag Winners

4:00 Closing

In addition, there will be technique demonstrations, knitting and crochet lessons, and kids’ activities throughout the day.

Getting to the Knit-Out

We’ve been asked exactly where on the Boston Common the Knit-Out will be.

The Knit-Out will take place at the Boston Common’s gazebo, which is on the Tremont Street side of the Common. It’s near the intersection of West Street and Tremont. An easy way to find the gazebo: It’s very close to the Boston Visitor Center, an easily noticeable landmark on the Tremont Street side of the Common. And it’s about halfway between the T stops for Park Street station (Red and Green lines) and Boylston Street station (Green Line).



Map of location.


Taking public transportation:

If you plan to take the T to the Knit-Out, here is a list of the stops nearby:

Red Line: Park Street
Green Line: Park Street or Boylston Street
Blue Line: Change at Government Center to the Green Line and then get off at Park Street.
Orange Line: State Street or Downtown Crossing
Silver Line Bus: Temple Place

MBTA web site.

Traveling from out of town by train:

MBTA commuter rail lines travel from many points in Massachusetts and connect with various T lines. For more information, visit the MBTA commuter rail page.

Amtrak has four trains that go to Boston:

From Rhode Island, Connecticut, and points south, you can take either the high-speed Acela train or the Regional.

From western Massachusetts (Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester), there is the Lake Shore Limited.

All three of the above trains connect with the subway at both South Station on the Red Line and Back Bay Station on the Orange Line.

From Maine and New Hampshire, Amtrak’s Downeaster train arrives at North Station, on the subway’s Orange and Green lines. Taking the Green Line from North Station to Park Street will bring you within steps of the Knit-Out.

From out of town by bus:

Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound have terminals at South Station, on the subway’s Red Line.

Driving:

Parking is available at the Boston Common Garage, Zero Charles Street

Get driving directions to the parking garage from the Mass Pike (I-90) or I-93.

Get information on the garage’s rates.

Technique Demonstrations

At the previous Knit-Out, a volunteer teaches a new knitter.

The following technique demonstrations will be offered at the knit out. These demonstrations will be led by staff of local yarn shops who are also Knit Out Exhibitors.

12:30 – 1:00 Working with Space-Dyed Yarns
Space-dyed or "interval-dyed" yarns are colored in sections, with varied shades all along the strand. Learn to get different effects with these yarns—a great way to add more color to your work without having to manage multiple balls of yarn!
—brought to you by In Stitches & The Threaded Needle

1:00 – 1:30 Short Row Knitting
Ever wanted to knit something round but don't like circular knitting? Come find out how to knit the mysterious short row method!  You'll be surprised how easy it is!
—brought to you by Windsor Button

2:00 – 2:30 Finishing Techniques
Learn ways to give your finished garments a more professional look.
—brought to you by Creative Warehouse

2:30 – 3:00 Crocheted Buttons
See how you can make your own buttons to match your knitted garment.
—brought to you by Woolcott & Co. Inc

3:00 – 3:30 Lace Knitting
Knitting beautiful lace items can be easy. Learn some of the basics with this demo.
—brought to you by The Woolpack

3:30 – 4:00 Pick Up That Stitch
Find out how to pick up dropped stitches that leave unsightly holes in your knitted fabic—even if you dropped stitches several rows back! You can also use this technique to fix other mistakes in your knitting.
—brought to you by Knits & Pieces

12:00 – 4:00 Spinning Demonstrations
See how yarn is spun from fleece.
—brought to you by Mind's Eye Yarns (and friends)

The demonstrations, like all Knit Out & Crochet 2004 events, are free of charge and open to anyone. Bring along a ball of yarn and some needles if you'd like to try out the techniques during the demonstrations.

Knitting and Crochet lessons will be offered all day long during the Knit Out. If you have needles and yarn feel free to bring them along. There will also be supplies available at the Knit Out, and some needles and yarn that you can take home (supplies limited).

Knitting and Crochet lessons for children are also being offered in the Knit Out Kids Korner.

Support the Knit Out: Buy a T-Shirt or Tote

Junior Raglan style shirt

You can buy Boston Knit-Out merchandise at the Knit-Out Shop at CafePress. There are a dozen different styles of shirts, as well as tote bags, messenger bags, mugs, buttons, and bumper stickers. All the profits go to defray the costs of producing the Knit-Out.

Limited numbers of short-sleeved T-shirts, in blue only, will be on sale at Windsor Button, and at the Knit-Out on September 12. Those styles can be seen here:

• girl-style T-shirt
• regular-style T-shirt

Tote bags will also be available at both locations.

Take This Logo ... Please!

If you want to link to this site using a nifty logo like the one at left, just copy and paste this code into your web page’s HTML:

<a href="http://bostonknitout.blogspot.com/">
<img src="http://www.38harding.com/qblog/images/knit-out-logo.gif"
alt="Boston Knit-Out (& Crochet) 2004" height="103" width="108" hspace="6" vspace="2" /></a>

Note to bloggers: If you use Blogger to maintain your weblog, you can just paste the code above into your page’s template at the point where you want it to appear.

If you use TypePad, you can easily include the logo when you add this site as one of your TypeList links. Just paste the code into the “Notes” field when you add the link.

Knit Out Volunteers Still Needed!

We are still looking for volunteers to help out with the BostonKnitOut and Crochet on the Boston Common, Sunday, September 12th.

Volunteers are needed to teach adults and kids how to knit orcrochet as well as helpers at the information booth. The event runs from 12pm - 4pm.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send a message to KnitOut_Volunteers@hotmail.com.

Even if you are not available to volunteer, please try to stop byfor the event. It's going to be a great day!

Exhibitors at the Knit Out

You'll get to meet the following exhibitors at the Knit Out 2004:

A Yarn Over Marblehead
21 Essex Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-639-9276
yarnovermhd@comcast.net

Abbott Yarn Shoppe
160 Cabot Street
Beverly, MA 01915
978-927-1893
Vdm01915@aol.com

Creative Warehouse
220 Reservoir Street
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-9341
creativewarehse@cs.com

Dee’s Nimble Needles
21 West Street
Walpole, MA 02081
508-668-8499

The Elegant Ewe
71 South Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-226-0066
elegantu@worldpath.net

In Stitches & The Threaded Needle
454 Boston Post Road
Weston, MA 02493
781-891-4402

The Knitting Room
2 Lake Street
Arlington, MA 02474
781-483-3442
knitroomboston@verizon.net

Knits & Pieces
8 Hale Street
Newton, MA 02464
617-969-8879

Mind’s Eye Yarns
22 White Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-354-7253
lucy@mindseyeyarns.com

Newbury Yarns
164 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-572-3733
Newbury_yarns@hotmail.com

The Snow Goose
10 Bassett Street
Milton, MA 02186
617-698-1190

Windsor Button
35 Temple Place
Boston, MA 02111
617-482-4969
susan@windsorbutton.com

Woolcott & Co Inc
61 JFK Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-547-2837

The Woolpack
676 Great Road
Littleton, MA 01460
978-952-2500
woolpackyarn@aol.coom

Knit Out 2004 Sponsors

Boston's Knit Out & Crochet 2004 is sponsored by:

Berroco, Inc.
Classic Elite Yarns
Design Source
JCA, Inc.
Knit One, Crochet Too, Inc.
Westminster Fibers

About Boston's Knit Out & Crochet 2004

The Boston Knit Out & Crochet 2004 is a FREE event where people interested in knitting, crochet, or spinning—whether they're just curious to find out about those crafts or are long-time crafters—can get together, get inspired, and learn.

People from Boston and all over New England come to the Boston event. The previous Boston Knit Out, in 2002, was attended by more than 1,000 people.

The Boston Knit Out & Crochet 2004 will take place Sunday, September 12, 2004, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the Boston Common (rain or shine).

Going to the Knit Out is a chance to

• learn more about knitting and crochet if you're new to the craft;
• take a free lesson if you've never tried it—or if you used to knit and want to try again;
• see yarns and completed projects that will inspire you;
• learn a new technique or two; and
• meet other knitters, crocheters, spinners, shop owners, and members of local craft guilds or community groups.

Activities will include:

• exhibits by local yarn shops.
• a preview of new fall yarns.
• a fashion show.
• show and share.
• lessons in knitting and crochet for people new to the craft.
• knitting and crochet lessons for kids.
• technique demonstrations in knitting and crochet.
• spinning demonstrations.
• speed knitting and crochet contests.
• musical performances by Wren Ross.
• a drop-off point for charity knitting.
• door prizes.

The Knit-Out idea was started by the Craft Yarn Council of America. Knit-Outs take place in September and October all around the U.S. This year there will be Knit Outs in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Portland, Ore.; Dallas; Philadelphia, and other cities. There’s more information about all the Knit-Outs is here.

This year's Boston Knit-Out was organized by members of local knitting groups and yarn shop owners, all of whom volunteered their time. The cost of putting on the Boston Knit-Out is covered via sponsorships from local yarn and craft companies. (See a list of sponsors.) The sale of Knit Out Tshirts and tote bags also supports the event.

Please note: There will be no yarn or knitting/crochet supplies for sale at the Knit-Out. This event is meant to be an opportunity to learn about fiber arts in a noncommercial setting. But you will be able to chat with local store owners and learn about what they offer.