Sew Powerful Sew-A-Thon

September 6, 2023 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

Making a difference one stitch at a time

Who is Sew Powerful?

Sew Powerful is an amazing nonprofit that works to better the lives of those in need. One of their projects involves having volunteers sew purses which are filled with soap, underwear, and reusable feminine hygiene pads for schoolgirls in impoverished communities in Zambia.

The pads are sewn by Zambian seamstresses trained and employed by Sew Powerful, providing good-paying jobs and the dignity of work for these women.

These gifts provide these students the tools they need to stay in school all month long, increasing their chances of success.

Purses #1-5 sewn by Karin Skacel, September, 2023

Why sew purses?

Girls who stay in school all month long are much more likely to pass their 7th grade exam, allowing them to pursue secondary education in Zambia. Failing this test ends all educational opportunities. Imagine girls missing a week of school every month because they don't have the supplies to manage their periods.

Before long the girls are so far behind in their studies that they drop out of school, ending their chance for formal education, better job opportunities and hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Girls in Zambia are waiting for our assistance so they can attend school all month, even on their period. We’ve helped thousands of students, but there are many more waiting for our help.

What can we do?

Enter the Sew-A-Thon! For the month of September, this fundraiser encourages sewists to make purses using one of the free patterns (get them HERE).

Karin Skacel, owner of Makers' Mercantile has committed to crafting a purse a day for the month of September for this worthwhile cause. While she sews colorful purses, we invite you to help us support this amazing work.

Could you make a one-time donation, in any amount, to Sew Powerful in consideration of this effort? Proceeds from the 2023 Sew-A-Thon help to fill the purses for the girls and pay the dedicated Zambian seamstresses. It costs about $10.00 to fill one purse to help one girl.

Donations in the amount of $25 - $100 will be matched by skacel!

Expires Friday, September 8, 2023

Make a donation by following the link, using participant number 29768

Make a Donation

How is the money used?

The donation you make supports the work of Sew Powerful in Zambia, and specifically the purse program. The approximate cost to fill one Sew Powerful purse is $10.00.

In 2023, they plan to send 25,000 purses this year at an estimated cost of $250,000.

Make a Donation

Accessing Online Events

June 1, 2023July 13, 2023 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

Our online workshops and events are hosted through Zoom. The application can be downloaded on tablets, smartphones, or computers. Please be sure you have a stable, strong internet connection during the workshop. If you have used Zoom in other events, or to virtually visit with friends or family, then you probably know how to use the app!

Get the Zoom app

Test Zoom on your device

Makers' Nite and other FREE events
If you see a link to join the meeting listed in the description of one of our virtual events (like Makers' Nite), simply save that link, or click on it a few minutes before the event begins. Unless otherwise noted, there is no need to register for free events!

The Day Before a paid event (such as an online workshop)
A day before the event, you will be provided with login information. Take a moment to check to ensure that you have the most up-to-date version of Zoom on your devices. Did you complete any homework necessary? Gather your materials and make sure they are all in one spot, so you are ready when it's time to learn.

Please Note: Our system will send receipts and login information to the email address that you provide at the time of purchase. Some people use a different email for PayPal, etc. so please check the email address used at the time of purchase for the information needed to access events. If you have difficulties finding your receipt or other information, please reach out to us asap so that we can assist.

One Hour Before Class
Make sure that you have the most up to date version of the Zoom app. Not sure how to do that? Click HERE.

Print out any handouts provided by the instructor for easy reference, or have them available on another device, such as a tablet.

15 Minutes Before Class
You will be able to join the event about 15 minutes before the beginning of the event. Be sure to have your materials kit, as well as paper, pen/pencil, and other notions you think you may need.

Set yourself up in a quiet location, and if possible, wear headphones. Turn off any television, radio, or other source of sound.

Here are 3 things you can do to improve your connection to Zoom:

Keep your microphone muted unless speaking. When your mic is live, Zoom streams that audio (even if it’s silent) an that uses some bandwith.
Close unneeded applications on your computer. This allows the computer memory to be dedicated to the Zoom meeting.
Pause or disable devices connected to your network. If you are on a wireless network, consider pausing devices like Alexa, wireless cameras, etc.

When Class Begins
Each attendee will be "muted" when they enter the room. We encourage you to stay muted, and to utilize the chat room for questions. Our instructors have assistants that will relay questions during the event, and as needed, will call on students to unmute themselves to ask questions.

Classes are only offered live and will not be recorded.

Refunds/Cancellations
Attendees can cancel and get a refund for the workshop portion of a class up until the time sign-in information has been delivered for the workshop. The materials fee is not refundable.

Something Isn't Working
Having troubles? Try leaving the event, and then join again. If that doesn't solve the issue, restart your device and rejoin the class. If you continue to experience issues, please call 206-747-7121, or email us hello@makersmercantile.com

Stitched Together

February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

Help us create a new fabric! Print out the page, color the triangle of hook, yarn, and needles however you like, and send it to us by the deadline. Your work may be featured as part of a collaborative design!

We will choose our favorites to be incorporated into a fun, tessellating fabric pattern that will be made into fun items such as project bags.

Be sure to fill out the contact information to be entered in the drawing and so we can list contributors on the product description page.

(Example: Stephanie L. - Louisville, KY)

Completed entries received by the deadline (March 15, 2023) will be entered into the drawing. Five (5) winners will be selected at random and announced in our newsletter. Each of the winners will receive a finished project bag!

Download the coloring page here!

By submitting an entry, I authorize Makers’ Mercantile to edit, alter, copy, or distribute this work for social media, advertising, marketing, and commercial purposes. Further, I agree that I will not receive any monetary compensation for the use of my work.

Welcome to the Showroom & Lounge

November 22, 2022July 17, 2023 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

Makers’ Mercantile Showroom & Lounge is open to the public! Inside, you’ll find a good selection of yarns, notions, and products on display. We have room to seat 15 people comfortably in this bright, clean space. Bring your fiber projects and your friends!

The lounge is currently open the following hours:

Monday - Friday 9am – 3:00pm
We have additional team members on Tuesdays & Thursdays to assist with questions or orders.

Check the calendar for updated or special hours

View the Calendar

Customer Pickups
Looking to pick up your order? Park in one of our curbside pickup spots and gGive us a call at 206-747-7121. During Lounge hours, come on in if you wish - and ring the bell located in the lounge. We will bring your order to you!

Where is the Makers’ Mercantile Showroom & Lounge?
We are located at 8041 S. 180th St., Kent, WA 98032. Enter the building and walk down the hall to the right. You'll immediately see the Lounge to your right.

Visiting for the First Time?
If it's your first time visiting, Welcome! Ring the bell in the Lounge or call us and we will be happy to show you around the space.

Food & Drink
You are welcome to bring snacks/drinks into the room. We do ask that drinks have lids.

Yarn Winding
You are invited to use the yarn winder & swift in the Lounge. If you have yet to use these tools, let us know and we will be glad to show you how.

Placing Orders
In the lounge, you can see the colors and feel all the wonderful yarns, check out our notions, kits, and project bags, and even test out the needles and hooks.

When you are ready, you are welcome to use our computer to place an order. At checkout request curbside pickup, and then let us know you placed an order by calling or ringing the bell located in the lounge. We will process the order and bring it to you.

Questions? Need Help?
We are here! Give us a call at (206) 747-7121 or ring the bell. Someone from the Makers’ team will be happy to come help.

10 Reasons Why Hand Knitters Need an addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine

March 29, 2022March 29, 2022 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in addiExpress, Information

Curious about why a hand knitter might want to own an addiExpress Kingsize knitting machine? Here are 10 reasons this useful tool belongs in every hand knitter's collection:

When you want to see how a yarn will pattern, you can quickly run it through the machine and get a general idea. True, you cannot alter the gauge or needle size, but like we said, you will get a general idea – and if you don’t bind off, you can quickly photograph the fabric with your smartphone or camera, and then easily rip it out. You can even rewind the yarn into a cake directly from the piece you knitted. Easy peasy!

You can use the addiExpress Kingsize to knit panels that can be combined to make a sweater. Since your machine has a row counter, this is most easily done by casting on and working in waste yarn for a few rows, then working the desired amount of rows in the main yarn, and then ending again with a few rows in the waste yarn. Once the desired amount of panels are created, take a circular needle and run it through the first row of stitches of the main yarn on the cast on end and bind off. Repeat this on the bind off end. Next, line up the stitches and match your panels row by row.

You can do far more knitting for charity! Reversible hats especially, are very easy and quick to make on the addiExpress Kingsize. No hand knitting is necessary– but you can certainly add some flair by using your hand-knitting skills to create ribbing or other embellishments.

Tubular scarves make scarf knitting easy! To give them more of a “hand-knitted” look, we recommend casting on and binding off using waste yarn, and finishing the ends of the scarf by transferring the stitches to a circular needle and either creating a ribbing in the round, or close the ends entirely by knitting two stitches together (one from each side of the fold), followed with ribbing. You can also add fringe!

Felted slippers are a breeze...but do require a little shaping created by hand-knitting! Check out our free felted slipper pattern!

FREE Felted Slippers pattern

As a hand knitter you know how knit stitches are created, allowing you to manipulate stitches on the addiExpress Kingsize more easily than someone who does not hand knit. This knowledge offers the opportunity for so much more creativity, such as dropping stitches that can be picked up with another color, or from the reverse side, creating a more dimensional stitch pattern than simple Stockinette!

It is a true stash buster ! You can hold finer yarns double (and triple) stranded on the addiExpress Kingsize, making it possible to create hats and scarves and panels by combining those lighter weight yarns to achieve the worsted gauge the machine creates.

Creating felt that coordinates with your hand-knitted piece is super easy. Simply knit your non-superwash yarn in a tube and bind it off. Toss it in your washing machine to felt, cut the tube open, and you’ll have a great piece of felt to use in conjunction with your hand-knitted pieces. Create felted collars, button bands, front panels or patches that coordinate perfectly with your knitted piece.

Twisted headbands are all the rage! They are quickly knit in stockinette stitch by hand. but imagine how quickly they are made on the addiExpress Kingsize! Adding special touches, like a cable, can be accomplished with practice, but only if you understand stitch construction, (which as a hand-knitter, you do)!

It’s super fun! Once you get started combining your addiExpress Kingsize along with hand knitting techniques, you are certain to discover how pleasurable it is to create items for yourself, your family and friends, and for charity, using the two together. It truly is the best of both worlds!

addiExpress Kingsize

Meet the Author: Hannah Mann

February 14, 2022February 16, 2022 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Book Review, Information

The other day, we sat down with Hannah Mann, author of The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting to learn a bit more about the addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine and her incredible book.

MM: Thank you for taking time to chat with us today, Hannah! We are so excited about your book and want to know, what was the inspiration behind writing it?

HM: I became interested in making patterns with the addiExpress Kingsize once I discovered how easy it is to use, and how quickly it knits. I wasn’t finding exactly the kinds of patterns I was looking for out in the world and thought it could be beneficial to new and experienced addiExpress knitters alike to have a guidebook that included detailed instructions for finishing, embellishment, and modern patterns that were easily customizable.

MM: So, the book also includes all that extra instruction? That's fantastic! Do you think the book is suited for people new to the addiExpress, or is it for folks more experienced with the machine?

HM: Both! But especially for newbies. This essential guide brings you completely up to speed on all things addiExpress—the history, the parts, how to cast on, bind off, embellish, do special techniques, all from the very beginning. And all 30 patterns are arranged with the most beginner-friendly at the start, all the way up to more advanced projects by the end. So, by the time you make it through to the end of the book, you’ll be an addiExpress Expert!

MM: Aah! It's a bit of a course in how to become a brilliant user of the machine. We have a number of customers who ask if the machines good for kids as well?

HM: Absolutely! Anyone can learn how to use the addiExpress knitting machines! Cast on is simple, and turning the handle is all it takes to knit round after round. No matter age or ability, the learning curve for the addiExpress is accomplishable by anyone willing to learn.

MM: I know you can make hats, but what else can you make with these machines? Can you make other things like sweaters?

HM: Anything you can imagine! They can make tubes, flat panels, and you can increase and decrease just like with regular hand knitting. The online community of addiExpress knitters has also gotten ingenious with hand-manipulated alternative stitch patterns, as well.

MM: A LOT of our customers ask for information about what yarns work best in the machine. Do you have any ideas/suggestions as to what size yarn works best?

HM: Generally, worsted weight is just the right size, but fiber content can make a big difference in your stitches per inch. Natural yarns usually work the best, because of their stretchy animal fibers, while acrylics and cottons tend to have less flexibility. The needles on an addiExpress Knitting Machine are about the equivalent of a US 10.5 [6.5mm] knitting needle. Weights from Lace to Aran will work in the machine, but each yarn is unique, and it is recommended to make a swatch before committing to a project with a new yarn.

Some of my favorite yarns available through Makers’ Mercantile® include:

HiKoo® Simpliworsted, Simpliworsted Spray, Simplinatural, Sueño Worsted, as well as Schoppel Reggae, Zauberwolle, and Nimbus, & Luv & Lee by Zitron (Click on any of the names to learn more about that particular yarn).

MM: One last question. With all the fluff and fuzz that might build up in a machine, how do you keep it clean?

HM: Keep some canned air on hand! After a few projects, take your addiExpress outside, hold it upside-down and spray as much as you can inside the top with the canned air. This will help get out any residual fibers that get caught inside while knitting. You can also disassemble your machine to spray out the inside, just be sure to keep track of all your screws so they don’t roll away!

I have done a number of videos demonstrating how to remove/replace parts on the addiExpress as well. Even if you don't need to replace any parts, they are a good resource to learn how the machine is assembled.

Watch the Videos

MM: Wow! What an accomplishment it is to have created such a comprehensive book. Thank you for taking time to chat with us today!

HM: My pleasure!

Interested in getting The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize by Hannah Mann? Click the link below to get your copy today!

Buy the Book

Buy the .PDF download

Get the addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine

2021 Puget Sound LYS Tour

July 29, 2021August 23, 2021 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

Welcome to the 2021 Puget Sound LYS Tour! This year, we are excited to offer 10 days of fiber fun PLUS the option to visit in person or online!

In Person

18437 E. Valley Hwy #102, Kent, WA 98032

August 13 - 22, 2021

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bring your passport into the shop and get it stamped, and be sure to enter the daily drawing.

Download the entire Tour Passport

Download just the Entry Form

Virtual Visits

Visit our website any time during the tour for purchases and be sure to enter the Grand Prize drawing!

Virtual Grand Prize Drawing Form

Finishers

A hearty congratulations to everyone who visited all 20 shops during the tour! It is a fantastic feat that we are certain will leave you inspired. Here are the crafty folks who made Makers' Mercantile stop #20:

2021 Tour Swag

Tote Bag

Notions Pouch

2021 Tour Patterns

Visit the shop in person or make a purchase online during the tour and you will receive download codes for the knit and crochet patterns we have created for the tour.

Alternatively, during the tour, you will also have the option to purchase the patterns for $10 each.

Mitered Square Tunic

by Melissa Leapman

Most sizes of the Mitered Square Tunic by Melissa Leapman take just two cakes of Concentric Cotton by HiKoo®. It begins at the bottom and is worked in a few simple pieces. Some quick finishing around the neck and the addition of sleeves and voila! You've created a lovely, gradient crocheted tunic you

can be proud of.

Want to make the piece shorter? Simply begin the neck shaping sooner... it's as easy as that.

This pattern is our gift to our customers now through

August 22, 2021.

Save 10% off Concentric Cotton now through 8/22/21

Shop Concentric Cotton

Crab Walk Socks

by Ellen Thomas of The Chilly Dog

Choose two colors of CoBaSi by HiKoo and knit up a pair of Crab Walk Socks! Designed by Ellen Thomas of The Chilly Dog, these ankle high beauties feature patterning that keep the knitting interesting.
This pattern is our gift to our customers now through
August 22, 2021.

Save 10% off CoBaSi now through 8/22/21

Shop CoBaSi

Shipping Updates

July 19, 2021August 2, 2021 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

Due to increases in the cost of shipping, we will be revising our shipping policy effective August 1, 2021, as follows:

Free shipping on all orders of $75.00 or more within the contiguous US.
Orders under $75.00 being shipped in the contiguous US will be charged a flat rate of $5.00. We will choose the most economical way to ship your order. This may be UPS, USPS, or FedEx.
Orders of any amount shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and other US territories, will be shipped for a flat fee of $7.00. This may be UPS, USPS or FedEx.
Expedited shipping may be requested for $10.00
International orders will be charged based on product weight, size, and the country being shipped to.
Subscription boxes will ship at the rate specified at the time of sign-up.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact us at hello@makersmercantile.com and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

November 17, 2020December 1, 2020 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information, Makers' Inspiration

The holidays are just around the corner, and we feel time ticking by as we inch towards the moment handmade gifts need to be sent on the journey to the lucky recipient.

Need some ideas about what to make or buy for your deserving friends and family? The Makers' team has compiled some ideas here of gifts to make and give.

Monthly Subscriptions

Give the gift of creativity all year long! Choose from our three subscription box offerings: Sock of the Month, Hat of the Month, or our kids box, the Craft Corner. Each priced at just $27 a month, all boxes come with instructions, materials, and gifts to keep the crafter creating.

Our subscription programs run monthly, and you can cancel any time.

Learn More

Embroidered Llama

Wayyyyy too cute. This little embroidered llama sends love across the miles. Make it and send it along with other goodies to one of your friends.

Learn More

Big Lace Shawl

Big stitches and big yarn means a quick knit. As an added value, we are including an addi US 10.75 fixed circular 47" long needle, and a printed copy of the pattern to make this wonderfully huge big lace shawl. Running out of time? You can simply gift this HUGE cake of Donegal tweed, the pattern, and needle to the knitter in your life.

Learn More

Twined Knitted Mittens

Twined knitting is a technique that involves the wrapping of yarns around each other after every stitch. It requires yarns that are twisted opposite each other. In this kit, you'll find "S" twist and "Z" twist yarns specifically created for this purpose. Make these fun mittens as a special gift and learn a new technique at the same time!

(or, give the kit as a gift and let that special person in your life get to experience the magic of twined knitting!)

Also in the kit, you'll receive a download code for the Kerstin mitten pattern (a $ 7 value!) Check out the project page on Ravelry HERE.

Learn More

Victorian Knit-Along Scarf

From the mind of Franklin Habit comes this beautiful lace scarf. Using just one hank of Infinito, a bevy of lace stitches harmonize as the yarn color shifts slowly from light to dark.

Purchase one hank of Infinito now through 12/1, and we will include a copy of the pattern as our gift to you (a $5.00 value).

In addition, you can review the tutorial videos from our KAL HERE.

Shop Infinito

Aumuller Korbwaren Sewing Boxes

These heirloom-quality sewing boxes from Aumuller Korbwaren are made in Germany of 100% Beech Wood and finished with a clear, hard-wearing varnish.

Perfect for sewers, kntiters, crocheters, and crafters of all kinds.

Heirloom Boxes

Make your own Woolbuddy!

Fun as a gift to make and then give (or a great all-inclusive kit to give to a lucky recipient) the Woolbuddy kits offer a collection of adorable animals that are just waiting to be crafted. Click the button below to see the options.

Check out the selection

FiberStories: Lifestyle

October 22, 2020April 9, 2021 by Makers' Mercantile, posted in FiberStories, Information

Luxurious, 100% extrafine merino wool. What could be better?! This super soft yarn is prepared in so many color options that you are certain to find one (or three!) that strike your fancy. Lifestyle by Zitron is presented in pre-wound 50 gram balls. Want more yardage and some color gradients? We encourage you to consider Unisono. It is essentially the same yarn as Lifestyle, but is prepared in 100 gram hanks and has more multi-color choices.

Want a multi-colored yarn to go with Lifestyle? You are in luck! Ambiente by Schoppel-Wolle is an idential yarn base, but it has been space dyed so that when it is knitted, a pattern that resembles Fair-Isle appears!