Category: Information

#MonthForMakers – an Instagram Adventure

by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information, Makers' Inspiration

Join your fellow Makers' for our September Instagram Challenge! Use the daily prompts as inspiration to post submissions on your Instagram account. Each day brings provides a prompt.

Download the Planner
Have fun with your submissions, and let us celebrate the creative process together. Simply remember to tag @makersmercantile and use the hashtag #MonthforMakers on each of your challenge posts. Remember to follow us as well for more fun adventures. 

Oh! Did we mention? There are 3 chances to win amazing prizes! Winners will be announced via Direct Message in Instagram.

Visit our Instagram page

We can't wait to see your month of inspiring images!

FiberStories: Trekking XXL

by Makers' Mercantile, posted in FiberStories, Information, Product Information
The Trekking family of sock yarns from Zitron have been in the hands of knitters for over a quarter century. The name XXL refers to the size of the skein (now 100 grams vs the former 50 gram offering). The line is constantly updated with solids, heathers, varigated, and self striping colorways.

Zitron is known as the "green yarn manufacturer" because each product in their line features all natural materials (with the exception of the nylon that is used for strength).

We have also mentioned before about the Oeko Tex 100 class 1 rating that their yarns have earned. The rating means that the yarn is safe for not only next to skin, but also in the mouths of babies. 

Check it out
  • 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
  • 459 yards per 100 gram skein
  • Approximately 6.75-8 stitches per inch on US 0-2 (2.00 - 2.50 mm) needles
  • Recommended size US 4 (2.00 mm) hook
  • Fingering weight
  • Winding not required
  • Hand wash cold, lay flat
  • Made in Germany

    • Pattern Inspiration

    Socks Appeal Boxers
    Camouflage Socks

    © Yarnmonster on Ravelry

    Endpaper Mitts
    Gauntlets

    Design Submission Calls

    by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

    We love seeing your ideas, and welcome design proposals that celebrate creativity, crafting, and learning. 

    Patterns that include tutorial supplements (such as videos or photo-step by step guides) are ideal for unique or unfamiliar techniques. 

    Submissions

    Only digital submissions are accepted. Submissions should be in .pdf format and include the following:

    • Name, address, phone, and email information for the designer
    • Sketch or photos that represent the finished work. 
    • Drawings/schematics to show how the piece is constructed. Pay attention to sizing and proportion. 
    • Specifics of which yarn(s) are proposed for the project - refer to our website to view our yarn selection.
    • Image of a hand knitted swatch in the proposed (or similar) yarn. 
    • Description of the work, including notes on sizing, inspiration, and other information.

    Multiple submissions are welcome, but please send one submission per email. All submissions should be emailed to Hello@MakersMercantile.com - use "Design Submission" as the subject line, and include the theme (ex: Design Submission - Soaring). 

    Acceptance and Payment

    Once your proposal is accepted, we will create a contract outlining the terms of acceptance. Unless otherwise noted, we license for exclusive rights for a period of time, and then shared rights.

    Payments are made shortly after the sample and pattern has been submitted. Samples become the property of Makers' Mercantile unless otherwise noted.

    Current Calls for Submission

    Makers' Mercantile is accepting submissions for the calls listed below. If your idea does not fit into one of our current themes, feel free to submit it as well!

    hat of the month | Ongoing

    Our Hat of the Month packages are sent out each month. to subscribers. Each month, they receive:

    • Delicious yarn (often exclusive!) for the month's project
    • Exclusive knitting pattern
    • Invitation to join our monthly discussion KAL group in Ravelry
    • ...plus whatever else we decide to include! You never know what treats await!

    We are actively accepting proposals for original hat patterns for our monthly subscription boxes. 

    Sock of the month | Ongoing

    Our Sock of the Month packages are sent out each month. to subscribers. Each month, they receive:

    • Delicious yarn (often exclusive!) for the month's project
    • Exclusive knitting pattern
    • Invitation to join our monthly discussion KAL group in Ravelry
    • ...plus whatever else we decide to include! You never know what treats await!

    We are actively accepting proposals for original sock patterns for our monthly subscription boxes. View monthly unboxing videos HERE.

    View Mood Board

    Soaring | Spring / Summer 2021

    [via]

    Comfortable in our nests, we sometimes need a gentle nudge to take that first step. Pull back the curtains, open the windows, and discover today's beauty.

    • Streams of light through morning clouds
    • The woven texture of twigs that create a bird's home
    • A colorful plume of feathers
    • Textured stitches of knits, purls, and cables
    • A feather drifting across the peeling paint of an old park bench
    • Gentle breezes and the sound of children playing in the distance


    Submissions are due by Sunday, September 6, 2020
    View Mood Board

    FiberStories: Simplicity Spray

    by Makers' Mercantile, posted in FiberStories, Information, Product Information
    Audition Shawl

    This yarn is a huge sigh of relief for fans of HiKoo® Simplicity who like larger projects! One 200 gram cake contains the equivalent of 4 hanks of Simplicity! That means many accessory-sized items can be made with one cake, while larger projects may only need 2-5 cakes.

    Featured as Michelle Hunter’s final KAL before her hiatus, the Audition shawl (pictured above) takes one hank of Simplicity Spray, and 2 hanks of your favorite Simplicity solid 50 gram hanks!

    Featured in a fun array of ‘spray-dyed’ colors, this mix of spray-tonal and spray-multi colors all match well together, making for fun multi-color and fade projects.

    Tell us what you’d make with this yarn!

    • 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon
    • 456 yards per 200 gram cake
    • Approximately 5 stitches per inch on US 4 - 6 (3.50 - 4.00 mm) needles
    • Recommended size G (4.00 mm) hook
    • DK to light worsted weight
    • Winding not required
    • Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
    • Designed in Seattle, made in Taiwan
    Check it out!

    Pattern Inspiration

    Alzada
    Serene Stole
    la vie est belle

    © PostStitch

    Four Seasons cowl

    Discover the full color range of Simplicity Spray by HiKoo® HERE.

    FiberStories: Concentric Cotton

    by Makers' Mercantile, posted in FiberStories, Information, Product Information

    Concentric Cotton was created after the success of it’s worsted weight, baby alpaca counterpart: Concentric.

    This 100% Peruvian Pima Cotton, fingering weight alternative is truly a bundle of joy. With a generous 929 yards in each 200 gram cake, just one or two is enough to create nearly any project!

    Best of all, this yarn is alluring for multiple crafts as crocheters, weavers and machine knitters will also appreciate the reasonable price point, lack of ends to weave in, and cake put-up for easily usability.

    • 100% Pima Cotton
    • 929 yards per 200 gram cake
    • Approximately 5.5-6 stitches per inch on US 4-6 (3.50 - 4.00 mm) needles
    • Recommended size G (4.00 mm) hook
    • Worsted Weight
    • Winding not required
    • Hand wash, lay flat
    • Designed in Seattle, Made in Peru
    Check it out!

    Pattern Inspiration

    Mermaid Walk
    Edie
    Wilson
    WeAreMakers
    Poncho To Go

    Discover the full color range of Concentric Cotton by HiKoo® HERE.

    FiberStories: CoBaSi DK

    by Makers' Mercantile, posted in FiberStories, Information, Product Information

    The perfect wool-free yarn, CoBaSi DK by HiKoo® features the same blend as it’s popular fingering weight counterpart. This washable yarn is a super-soft option that wont sag overtime, thanks to the inclusion of elastic nylon.

    Wether you’re making a large project like a throw or cardigan, or something smaller like slipper socks, the versatility of this yarn is truly endless. Available in both solid and tonal colorways in 50 gram hanks, they’re great for colorwork that won’t break the bank! 

    This yarn also comes in a sock worsted weight. Check out CoBaSi and CoBaSi Plus!

    • 55% Cotton, 16% Viscose from Bamboo, 8% Silk, 21% Elastic Nylon 
    • 140 yards per 50 gram hank 
    • Approximately 5 - 5.5 stitches per inch on US 4 - 6 (3.50 - 4.00 mm) needles
    • Recommended size G (4.00 mm) hook
    • DK Weight
    • Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
    • Made in Taiwan
    Check it out!

    Pattern Inspiration

    Ninilchik Swancho
    Snowflake Socks
    Sporty Summer Pullover
    Grow Into Me Dress / Cardi

    Discover the full color range of CoBaSi DK by HiKoo® HERE.

    Getting pattern updates in Ravelry

    by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information

    When a pattern is updated in Ravelry, purchasers often get a notification (either by email, or by private message). Updates are used to deliver the pattern and/or updates to everyone at the same time. There are a few ways to check for updates.
    First, check in your library. Go to Ravelry, then choose Library from the drop down menu under the my notebook tab on the top right.

    In the library, you’ll find records on the left of all the Ravelry related purchases you have made. See that button on ours that says 1 update available? Find that button in your account, and click it.

    You’ll be led to a list of patterns that have been updated, along with a history of messages from the designer (or whoever did the updates). Click on update now to get the latest version of that pattern.

    What if you didn’t associate your Ravelry ID with your purchase? Well, if the email you used is the same as the one connected to your Ravelry account, those patterns can be updated too!
    Click on your avatar in the top right corner of the page, then choose purchases.

    Then click on Purchase Finder and enter the email address you used when purchasing an item from Ravelry. A link will be sent to connect that purchase to your Ravelry account.

    If for some reason an update isn’t working for you, and you purchased a pattern from Makers’ Mercantile, send us an email and we will do our best to help you.

    2019 Holiday Wishlist

    by Makers' Mercantile, posted in Information, Product Information, Uncategorized

    We know that buying gifts can sometimes be a daunting task... especially when the gift is for a crafty maker. You might have no idea what to get for them, and that leaves you with options like "bath robe" or "blender"...

    Here's a list of some of our favorites of this season. 

    Learn More

    Sock of the month club

    This one is a gift that gives all year long. Starting in January, we send out a monthly subscription box that includes yarn and pattern to make a pair of socks. More than that, we host a KAL group for the projects in Ravelry.

    Oh! We also will be including other goodies in the packages... each month it's something different! 

    The subscription box can be canceled at any time with a simple email to hello@makersmercantile.com - click "Learn more" to learn all the details about this club. 


    Buy Now

    addi FlexiFlips 8 inch set

    We crafted a full set of addi® FlexiFlips for the much-loved maker in your life. Made specifically for North America, these specially designed 21cm circulars (3.5" tips with 1" cord) rest comfortably in the hand, and act as flexible double pointed needles. Easy to use, stitches are simply distributed over two needles, and then knit with the third - resulting in only two needle changes per row. ​

    This full set includes all 11 sizes, so you'll never be without the perfect needles, and when you order the full set at our great low price, you get the fabulous FlexiRoll … the only needle case designed specifically for the addi® FlexiFlips, free!

    Buy Now

    Makers' Apothecary Candles

    Our 8oz. candles are hand-poured by a small business in Kentucky and feature pure, natural soy wax, clean-burning cotton wicks, and non-toxic scents.

    More than just a candle, each Makers' Apothecary candle features a secret hidden deep inside. After the candle has burned enough to reveal the package, Carefully retrieve, and then open the foil to reveal a handmade stitch marker!

    Each candle will burn approximately 40-50 hours. Consider making a gift package with candle, yarn, needles, and some treats for a well-rounded gift!

    Buy Now

    Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting

    Imagine being told you have to stop knitting because of discomfort in your hands, arms, neck, or back. Imagine the sense of frustration and the longing to get the needles back in your hands. Imagine the lingering doubt you might have when you can pick them up again: “What was I doing wrong after all these years of knitting?” “Will I get hurt again?” “Will I have to stop knitting forever to make this pain go away?” Maybe you’d like to be a faster, more efficient knitter, or a knitter who produces more projects, but you’re not sure what’s getting in the way.

    This book will help you understand the ergonomics of knitting so you can improve your safety, efficiency, and productivity in knitting. You’ll learn to identify ergonomic risks that contribute to injury and reduce knitting efficiency. Throughout the book, you’ll be provided with activities and guidance to improve your knitting ergonomics so you can knit more confidently and comfortably. Through instruction in stretches, exercise, and self-care, you’ll also learn how to manage the discomfort common to knitters before it becomes an injury, and how to recognize when it’s time to seek help from a health-care professional.

    Join me in this unique knit-along that will help make a more comfortable, lifelong knitter out of you.

    Buy Now

    Sheep Herd Tote

    Hand printed on 100% Cotton w/ cotton handles
    13"x15"

    Machine Wash Cold/Warm inside out, Hang to dry, Iron on Back

    Each bag is printed by hand and may have slight variations which adds to the charm and beauty. The handmade nature of the bag assures that each one is individually unique.
    Use at the grocery store, farmers market, library, or anywhere! Great as gifts for others and yourself!

    Buy Now

    Hanging Circular Needle Organizer

    Double sided hanging circular needle organizer with 17 available slots. Each slot includes a clear window for your custom size. One side is denim, and the other side is natural. Measures approximately 8" wide x 32" long. Made exclusively for Makers' Mercantile by DellaQ. At the base of the organizer is a zippered pouch, plus one more bonus slot for oversized needles!

    Buy Now

    addi click turbo interchangeable needle set

    addi Click Interchangeable Turbo Needle Set is one of the most popular interchangeable knitting needle sets on the market. They feature some of the best joins out there with a lifetime warranty! We love the addi Click Sets and know them inside and out. If you have questions on anything addi make sure to contact us, we are happy to help you figure out which set is right for you. The addi Click Interchangeable Turbo Needle Set system provides 10 different sizes of addi Turbo® tips (3.50 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.00 mm, 4.50 mm, 5.00 mm, 5.50 mm, 6.00 mm, 8.00 mm, 9.00 mm, and 10.00 mm), three different lengths of our new, extremely pliable blue cords (24”, 32” and 40”), and one connector piece which helps to either store stitches or combine your cords. The Click tips require no tools to change; simply insert the cord deep into the tip, twist and release. The tips will remain secure until you change them, thanks to the Clicks' revolutionary locking mechanism!

    Buy Now

    Kinky Yarn

    100% Superwash Wool
    200g / 133 meters / 147 yards
    12-16 sts and 20-22 rows = 4" on US 10-13 (6-9.0 mm) needles

    ... but why is it in a coil? This fun yarn comes pre-knit in a 12 stitch tube (not an i-cord) and is ready to dye. Keep it coiled and place it in dye for an unusual effect, or open the coil and dip it all the way in a dyebath. Depending on your process, the yarn might have light spots where the fibers are compacted in the knitting. We think the undyed spots are super cool.  After the yarn is rinsed and dry, you'll pull the tail and work right from the coil. The kinky texture will add dimension to your work. Want a smoother finished project? Block the project and it'll relax just for you. 

    It's easy to dye this yarn, AND it's easy to get professional results, no matter your level of experience. 



    Cricket 10" loom
    Buy Now

    Schacht Cricket 10" Loom

    The Schacht Cricket Loom is compact, capable, and cute! The Cricket is made of high-quality, unfinished apple plywood and hard maple, and each comes with an 8-dent reed (sorry, no substitutions). Included are a threading hook, warping peg, table clamps, two shuttles, and two balls of yarn. At only 11 in x 18 in x 6 in and just under four pounds, it is truly portable. The 10 inch weaving width gives plenty of room to make a variety of projects without sacrificing portability. This loom is an ideal size for a new weaver of any age. As of April 2010, the Cricket has been redesigned with the ratchet gear and dog on the outside of the loom to make it even easier to adjust tension. Additional reeds, pick up sticks, and other accessories for the Cricket are available.

    The Cricket series looms are a great way to get started weaving. Don't let their small size fool you! These looms are fun and versatile to use, and all Schacht looms are made with pride in the USA with high quality craftsmanship and materials in Boulder, Colorado.  These portable looms are great for teaching weaving classes for adults and children. They are fairly simple to setup and are small and inexpensive enough that students can take the looms home between classes.

    The Schacht Cricket was a craft finalist in the prestigious 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Awards. When you purchase a Schacht loom you know you're getting a well-designed tool built by craftsman who are dedicated to weaving.

    Buy Now

    artfelt kit - holey scarf

    Even with holes, this scarf will keep you warm. The holes give this scarf an eclectic look while the multi-colored roving add in a pop of color that will go with a lot of different wardrobes.

    Rocket 2 Squared
    Buy Now

    addi Rocket 2 [Squared] circular knitting needle

    Meet the addi® Rocket2 Squared, a line of square shaped circular needles with the same speedy addi® Turbo finish and featuring the beloved addi® Rocket tapered tips. 


    Sizes are listed in approximate US sizes -AND- exact metric sizes for your convenience. All addi® needles are manufactured to exact metric sizes.

    Knitting Abbreviations

    by Tara Warburton, posted in Information

    Reading a knitting pattern and not sure what an abbreviation means?  Here is our helpful list!

    "                         inch(es)
    alt                     alternate
    approx           approximately
    beg                  begin/beginning
    BO                  bind off
    CO                  cast on
    CC                   contrasting color
    circ(s)             circular
    cont                continue
    cn                    cable needle
    cs                    center stitch
    dec                 decreas(e)(ed)(ing)
    dpn(s)           double pointed needle(s)
    inc                   increas(e)(ed)(es)(ing)
    k or K             knit(ting)(s)(ted)
    K2tog            knit two together
    Kfb                  knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
    LH                   left hand
    mkr                marker
    M1                  Make one (increase)
    MC                  main color
    mm                  millimeter(s)
    p or P              purl(ed)(ing)(s)
    patt                 pattern(s)
    p2tog             purl two together
    pm                   place marker
    psso                pass slipped stitch over
    rem                 remaining
    rnd(s)             round(s)
    RS                    right side
    sl                      slip(ed)(ping)
    slm                  slip marker
    skp                  slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (one stitch decrease)
    ssk                  WYIB, slip two stitches one at a time as if to knit, place back onto LH needle, knit tbl (one stitch
                             decrease)
    ssp                  WYIF, slip two stitches one at a time as if to knit, place back onto LH needle, purl these 2 sts
                             together (one stitch decrease)
    sk2p               slip one as if to knit, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over the knit 2 together (2 stitch decrease)
    st(s)                stitch(es)
    St st                stockinette stitch
    tfl                    through front of loop(s)
    tbl                   through back of loop(s)
    tog                  together
    w&t                (wrap and turn) Bring yarn to front as if you are about to purl, slip one stitch purl-wise. Turn work
                              to other side. Strand of yarn is now in back of work. Bring yarn to the front, slip one stitch back to
                              right needle. Continue to knit or purl the next stitch as instructed.
    WS                  wrong side
    WYIB             with yarn in back
    WYIF             with yarn in front
    yfwd               yarn forward
    yo                     yarn over

    A special thanks to Kyle Kunnecke of Kyle William for providing us with these helpful abbreviations.