Discussion of the Month

This month we'd like to talk about the 2009 Afghan Squares. We're working on a "Frequently Asked Questions" page and would love your questions about the squares (such as "why is my square a different size" or "when do you release the new patterns").

Thanks, y'all!

The Discussion of the Month

There's been a lot of talk lately about fiction that has yarn in it, be it set in a yarn store or just one of the characters knits or crochets. Tell us if you've read a book like that, and what you thought of it!

Discussion of the Month

Do you typically make the latest and greatest patterns from magazines and books? Or do you plan your queue out so far in advance that if you find a great pattern tomorrow it's another two years before you actually get around to making it?

Discussion of the Month

Who in your life, or what events in your life, inspired you to pick up your favorite crafty endeavors? Was it a parent or grandparent who taught you so long ago you don't even remember learning? Was it a particular thing that you saw or that happened to you that inspired you to learn from a book or find a teacher?

Discussion of the Month

Last month we talked about crocheting and knitting for pets (not too many of you do that!)... this month, let's talk about baby/kid/toddler projects! Do you knit for little people? How did the project turn out? Did you knock out a hat-and-booties set in a day? Or did you plan on making that newborn afghan.... and it turned into a fifth-birthday present?

Discussion of the Month

While we've seen books and free online patterns for what I'm about to ask, and we've talked with people who have said they were thinking about doing this, we've never actually seen anyone crochet or knit for their pets. Cat toys, sure; but we've never actually seen someone crochet or knit, say, a dog sweater. Or a ferret sling.

Have you ever crafted for one of your pets? What yarn did you use? What pattern? Did the pet like it? How did it work out? Share your stories-- and if you have photos, send them to us and we'll post them!

The Hanks Question of the Week

Would you believe it's been almost one year? Just about one week shy! Wait, maybe I can find a photo of opening day...



Anyway... we've been here one year! What does that have to do with the Question of the Week...? We'd love to hear some of your favorite things that have happened in our shop in the last year! Has anything happened in the last year that has brought a smile to your face?

The Hanks Question of the Week

In honor of us closing up shop early tomorrow and scooting off to see The Yarn Harlot... have you ever gone to see someone speak about fiber, be it about knitting, spinning, or crocheting? I know some of you have seen Stephanie speak before, and a couple of you have even been photographed by Franklin... tell us your experiences!

The Hanks Question of the Week

Is there anything that you've taken on (a type of spinning fiber, a particular pattern) that you wanted to do so badly that you could almost taste it, but it just fought you every step of the way? Maybe you struggled and struggled with it for weeks or even months... and yet, it defeated you in the end?

The Hanks Question of the Week

When you buy tools (crochet hooks and knitting needles) what is most important to you? Price? Brand name (Addi, ChiaGoo, Clover)? What the tool is made from (bamboo, aluminum, rosewood)? Or do you buy whatever you need, from whatever is available, without too much worry?

The Hanks Question of the Week

How many hours per week, on average, would you say that you spend crafting? And not necessarily knitting/crocheting/spinning, but time spent on any and all sorts of crafty endeavors?

The Hanks Question of the Week

Do you have any allergies (to wool, to mohair, etc) that dictate what you can or can't craft with? How do you work around that? Do you find it difficult?

The Hanks Question of the Week

It's September, and down here in Florida we can almost see the turn of the season from "Really Amazingly Skin-Meltingly Hot" to "Barely Hot In Fact Maybe Even Just Warm". I think the rest of you call that the turn from Summer to Fall...? Anyway. It's got us thinking about sweaters, and scarves, and hats, and all the other cold-weather things that we can spend the next four months making because we really won't need them until we hit those three cold days in January. So yes, our thoughts are turning from socks and tank tops to sweaters and hats. Do you find this happens to you as well? Do you plan ahead for what you want to be wearing in three-to-five months?

The Hanks Question of the Week

Although it's still approximately the same temperature as the surface of the sun here in Florida, the college students are coming back into town and that makes us think of slightly cooler weather, and football (Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, in case you're not local). And that made us think... have you ever crafted something college related? Either a scarf or hat in school colors, or a little crocheted football, or anything along those lines? I think the closest I've gotten is the August scarf (ravel it!). What have you done? Anything? Yes, Harry Potter school color scarves count!

The Hanks Question of the Week

When you're planning your vacation crochet/knitting (I'm not the only one that does that, right...?) do you plan on bringing a bunch of small projects? Or one big project? And do you bring an emergency back-up project should the stars align and you wind up finishing what you bring with you? Or do you shop for vacation yarn, and start a new project while traveling?

The Hanks Question of the Week

Do you find, like someone with whom I was recently speaking, that your fiber crafting tends to wind down in the heat of summer? Or are you like the three of us in that it doesn't matter, you simply *must* have fiber running through your fingers no matter what the outside temperature?

The Hanks Question of the Week

Continuing with last week's question about what types of classes you prefer (workshops vs. projects), are there any particular specific classes you'd like to see us offer in October through December?

The Hanks Question of the Week

Let's talk about classes (previously we've talked about your dream class).

Do you like classes that are one-day workshops? Or multi-week classes? Do you like general classes on learning new skills, like how to steek or do a buttonhole? Or classes based on a specific project, like a shawl or a cardigan?

The Hanks Question of the Week

Continuing on with the Knitting Scouts; this week we'd like to talk about fun medical mishaps-- because it's all good clean fun until somebody loses an eye... then it's just good fun. HAH!

Let's all make fun of our injuries/battle scars/accidents (knock on wood that I haven't had any... yet).

The “Knitting Has Forced Me to Seek Medical Attention” Badge (Level One) – In which the recipient has been forced to seek the advice of a medical doctor, nurse, or alternative healthcare professional for injuries sustained as a result of knitting.



The “Knitting Has Forced Me to Seek Medical Attention” Badge (Level Two) - In which the recipient has been forced to seek the advice of a medical doctor, nurse, or alternative healthcare professional, in a hospital emergency room, for injuries sustained as a result of knitting.


So... tell us your injury stories (we hope they're more funny than tragic).

The Hanks Question of the Week

A couple of weeks ago we mentioned being excited about the Summer 2008 Knitting Olympics (please don't feel left out, crocheters/spinners/weavers; we'd love to see you do something too!). The Olympics, I was reminded of while watching TV last night, is about a mere six weeks away.

So here's our question... do you have anything planned? Anything you want to challenge yourself with?