Process...or Product?

I'm a sock-knitter.  That is, I like to use light-weight yarns and make things (socks, mainly -- but also shawls and hats) that take some time.  It's the process as much as (or maybe more than) the product that I enjoy.

I also like to make most of these things for other people.  Currently, I've 3 pair of socks and two shawls for me that are half finished, while I'm barrelling ahead on socks and a sweater that will be Christmas gifts this year.

Christmas gifts...in August?

Well, yes.  As my TCL colleague Anne pointed out last week, for yarn-crafters, Christmas often begins in July -- or August.  Especially if you have something large (shawl, sweater) in mind for Someone Special.

But -- and there's almost always a 'BUT' -- sometimes Life gets in the way, and we can't finish the Grand Project we planned.  OR someone new is added to the gift list.  OR you need something quickly for the last-minute gift exchange at work, or...or...or...

That's when process (especially knitting, which generally goes more slowly than crochet!) is overtaken by product.

And lest you find yourself in that predicament right now, or want to plan ahead to have something last-minute ready later, this week our Super Special Sale offering has three (count 'em!) options just for you!

First up, for those who want the option of Process and Product in one neat package:

 Creativ

Regia Yarns

100 grams = 366 metres (400 yards)

75% Wool

25% Nylon

Regular Price: $20.00

75% off Sale: $5.00

What's so neat about Creativ?  Each package is a 'sock blank' that's been dyed in a tonal fashion.  This means that you can enjoy Process by opening the end, unravelling it and knitting a pair of socks off the blank!

OR you can throw Process out the window in favour of Product, and simply wrap it up as a finished scarf!

Next, we offer you this bit of fun, for those who love the sweet life:

Dolce Vita

SMC Select
100 grams = 5 metres (6 yards)

95% wool

5% polyester

Regular Price: $15.00

75% off Sale: $3.75

Yes, there are instructions on the label to turn this novelty yarn into a funky scarf  -- but there's also a way to knit it with needles or your fingers (!) to turn it into a smooth product.

The Crafty Lady, Lori herself, has been playing with this,  Using just a few stitches on her needles, and she came up with...

A snake!  😉

Or a hot pad...

Seriously, though, that's simply because she used very few stitches in stockinette, so the edges curled on their own.  If you were to make it wider, and add a garter or seed stitch to the edges, you'd have a nice, flat piece of knitting suitable for a scarf, or when seamed at the ends, a cowl.  

Think of the possibilities!  Process and Product!

Last but not least, we offer this...for those who really want to minimize Process in favour of Product:

Hurray!

Berroco Yarns
70 grams = 6 metres (7 yards)

44% Acrylic
32% Nylon
20% Mohair (Goat)
4% Wool

Regular Price: $25.00

75% off Sale: $6.25

All you have to do with this package is braid the three pre-knit pieces together, attach the pom-poms, et voila!  Instant scarf!

OR -- believe it or not -- you can unwind each pre-knit piece (much like you would the Creativ sock blank, described above) and make it into something lovely, as this inspired Ravelry knitter did!

So...Process or Product?  Pick your favourite practice, pick your favourite yarn package -- and enjoy!

*Written by Margaret, happy TCL staffer who savours the knitting process, and enjoys the products that result!