Maybe you're thinking it's too early to start thinking about the holidays, or the weather is too hot, or that you'll have plenty of time...later to work on those holiday gifts. But there are a lot of projects you can start now that aren't bug and cumbersome and that you can take along on vacation and get a little done on a rainy day (not that it's going to rain on your vacation) or in the quiet of the evenings. 

Stop in and see all the new ideas we've come up with! We always have a shawl on the needles (or hook, if you're a crocheter) and many more projects in the works. Take a peek at the acorn, pumpkin and pillbox hats! They work up quick and make great projects for those on-the-go! And as always, we've got new yarn arriving so be sure to ask "what's new" when you stop in to see us!

We have knitters and crocheters here at Hooked!

It's good to know a little bit about crocheting, even if you are a steadfast knitter. There are many patterns that require a little bit of a crocheted edge to accent the piece. Here at Hooked Knitting, we offer classes in both knitting and crocheting! And although we strongly encourage our clients to learn the art of crochet, we also offer services such as assembling the final garment or product, and adding the crocheted edging to an item. Stop in with your project and let's talk about it!

Everyone will be bustling around gathering their goods for the bar-b-ques that are certain to happen this weekend. But while you're sitting around the picnic tables and fire pits with your loved ones, you can be keeping your idle hands busy with your latest knit or crochet project! You know your family members are always interested in your recent finishes and latest projects, so why not sit and knit while you visit? Be sure to stop in and pick up your yarn and supplies!

I learned to crochet and knit when I was about 7 years old. Both of my grandmothers crocheted and my mother dabbled in all the needle arts. I had three really great teachers. My Nana would make afghans and pillows and her favorite pattern to make was the Apache Tears afghan. She made a lot of Mile-A-Minute afghans too. I still have one of each that she made for me. I wold spend all of my school vacations and a lot of time during the summer staying at my grandparents house. My Nana would be sure we made a trip to the five-and-dime store to pick up a supply of yarn and she's go through her stash and give me some of her remnants. I was in heaven! She and I would sit for hours crocheting together.

My Grammie always had a ball of cotton thread and a steel hook in her hands. She enjoyed making doilies. She traveled a lot so small projects made sense.  She would spent time with each of her children and their families so we got to see my Grammie for a month or so at a time. I would spend hours sitting at the foot of her chair watching her crochet while she watched her "shows" (soap operas) on TV.

As I grew older my love of crochet continued to be a big part of my life. Knitting I would pick up every now and then and I still do. I like to call it "dabbling in the dark arts" since I tend to shock those closest to me when they see me with needles in my hands instead of a hook! But my love of crochet began at a very young age when I was just hanging out with my grandmothers. So when you're enjoying your bar-b-ques this weekend and spending time with family and friends, perhaps your enjoyment of needle arts will begin to rub off on some of your loved ones!

Laurie has worked tirelessly at the new store location to get things in order and looking great for the Grand Opening event, June 3 & 4, at Hooked Knitting's new location:  65 Eastern Ave., Essex, MA.

Hooked Knitting is OPEN for business while we prepare for the upcoming Grand Opening event. Please stop in & check out all the new items in the store and be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th as we celebrate our new store location!

We look forward to showing you around the new store!

To me, weaving in ends means ...

I'm about to complete my latest project and this leads to a feeling of satisfaction and pride. Some people don't mind weaving in ends but most people don't enjoy it. Some dread the thought of "all those ends." Being faced with a sea of ends sticking out here and there may feel like a huge project that will never end, but look at the positive side of things! As you sit and weave in the ends, think about all the hours you've put into your latest creation. This is a time to reflect on all the hard work you've accomplished!

There is a right and wrong way to weave in your ends. You should travel up and down the item, not back and forth across a row. This will ensure that the ends will stay tucked in where you put them and will not pull out our unravel.

Confused? Have questions? Bring your item in and let us help you figure out the best method to weave in those ends.

And if you really don't want to weave in the ends, we offer that as a service at Hooked. Contact us and arrange to bring your item in for an estimate.

Good luck and happy endings!