🧶Ready, Set…start!

Today I’ve got something completely new for you…

And it’s been 17 years in the making.

Back when I opened my first yarn shop in 2005, I had a famous visitor one day.

Jeanne Tripplehorn, the Tulsa-girl-turned-Hollywood-film-actress, walked into my shop.

Imagine my surprise when I found out she was a knitter!

Jeanne had seen a designer knitwear piece on a runway and wanted to make her own version. 

She came into the shop a few times, always so genuine and fun…but over the years we lost touch.

Then a few months ago, we reconnected. And she was telling me about her own meandering knitting journey. “I’m a 15-time beginner!” Jeanne laughed. But I could feel something underneath. I asked her why she felt stuck.

“I can’t fix my own mistakes. It’s so frustrating!” she said.

And there were other obstacles. She wasn’t sure how to pick yarn for projects. Gauge mystified her. She wanted to make sweaters, but that seemed impossible. And when she went to yarn shops for help, well…let’s just say not all of them were helpful.

As I listened to her talk about her meandering knit journey, it dawned on me…all of these speedbumps were so familiar. I’d heard all of them through the years.

What if we could create a beginner’s online knitting workshop so simple, so complete, so clear and so fun…

That thousands, maybe millions of new knitters would be born!

And the knitters like Jeanne in need of a fresh start could finally push past their roadblocks.

That brings us to today.

We’ve just introduced Knit Start.

It’s the how-to-knit course I wish I’d had when I started knitting, all those years ago.

Whether you’re a brand-newbie, a 15-time beginner like Jeanne, or even if you’ve knitted for decades like me…

I think you should give it a look - for yourself and for those people in your life who you would love to join you in the craft.

Knit Start is the story of 3 knitters at different points in the journey, all united by common obstacles and the pure joy of the process that keeps us coming back. 

There are 4+ hours of online instruction plus 3 original, yarn-store-tried-and-tested patterns you’re sure to make on repeat. 

Oh, and bloopers.

Explore the Knit Start online course (just $39) here.

Explore the new Knit Start yarn kits here.

🥂Cheers! 🥂

We’re so excited to announce that the Knit Stars Flagship Store bar is now open!

We’ve curated a collection of wines, bubbly and local craft beer for sale.

It was all part of our original vision to create more than a yarn store…the Knit Stars Flagship is a truly immersive experience!

Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or just popping in spontaneously - alone or with friends - we can’t wait to see you!

Don’t forget, we also offer free, on-demand classes. So you can grab a 🍷or ☕️ and sit down anytime to learn a new skill.

We’ve also got this handy travel guide to help you plan your visit. 

Got questions or need directions? Email us at hello@knitstars.com or call toll-free: (877) 566-7765.

What better way to celebrate our bar opening than casting on our classic “Knit One, Drink One” scarf?

This simplified version of the mistake rib pattern only asks you to memorize one easy row.

The pattern is so simple, you can enjoy making it while also enjoying a glass of your favorite wine.

Beyond one glass though…proceed with caution! 🤪

Our latest version is made with Mitchell’s Creations “Bayou” worsted weight in “Crab + Corn Bisque.” We’ve just sold out of this color in worsted weight, but still have 5 amazing colors to choose from here.

Or if your heart is set on the “Crab + Corn Bliss” colorway, grab 2 skeins of Mitchell’s “Audubon Sock” here.

To adjust the pattern to sock weight, just go down to a #5 needle and cast on 45 stitches instead.

In celebration, the “Knit One Drink One” pattern pdf will be sent for free to anyone who buys any Mitchell’s yarn this week!

It’s not really summer until you have fruit on the grill! 

This recipe for Grilled Apricots with Burrata and Ham from FoodandWine-dot-com is the perfect sweet touch to add to any gathering this summer. Or throw it together for simple weeknight dinner and more knitting time! For an added punch of flavor, add some crushed pistachios to the final product! 

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds apricots, halved and pitted
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
• 1 small head radicchio, cored and thinly sliced
• 5 ounces baby arugula
• 1/2 pound burrata cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces shaved country ham
• 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar

Directions

• Step 1
  Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the apricots with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, cut sides down, just until lightly charred, 5 minutes. Let cool.
• Step 2
  In a bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the 1/4 cup of oil and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss in the apricots, radicchio and arugula. Transfer to a platter and top with the burrata, ham and vinegar. Serve.

xoxo

+ the Knit Stars Team