Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a cable project, on the go, and without a cable needle?

Sure, in a pinch you can use a paper clip, double-pointed needle or even a pencil. But what if you could work your cables with just your fingers?

It’s the knitter’s equivalent of a flying trapeze without a net. Or is it?

Watch this quick clip from Vincent Williams’ Season 6 workshop to learn how to fly through most any cable project just a little bit faster.

Now, how about a great project to try out your new cabling trick on?

When Star Trooper Mitzi spied Casapinka’s Powder Wrap, she dreamed of an extra-large, extra-luxe version. So she cast on with Loops Luxe Chunky, our bespoke Royal Alpaca + Silk blend.

Powder Wrap is an asymmetrical triangle with just enough texture changes to keep you motivated from start to finish. The three sections repeat throughout until the last part, where you do some increases and work cables. There are video links in the pattern for doing the cables (and also a beginner’s alternative in case you don’t wish to cable at all).

We’ve got special Powder Wrap kits in your choice of 7 colors, each with 9 skeins of Loops Luxe Chunky. The Powder Wrap pattern by Casapinka is available on Ravelry.

Choose your kit color here.

That’s Ross, second from right in this photo from our Flagship Store Grand Opening. You might recognize some of these other peeps too! 👀

When we asked Ross Taylor why he decided to become a dyer, he responded quickly, “It’s actually very simple. I love color! When I saw dyers on Instagram dying yarn to knit and crochet with, I thought to myself, I could totally do that!”

Ross is a fellow Tulsan and owner of Twisted Ambitions yarns. He is currently working for the postal service as he pursues his dream of dyeing full-time. And we recently learned, he’s a talented designer as well!

To celebrate the opening of our Knit Stars Flagship Store, we asked Ross to dye up something special on his favorite base called Wicked MCN, 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere and 10% Nylon.

He didn’t just dye up ONE special color of Wicked. He dyed up 15!

Since many of Ross’ colors are designed for fades, Karen chose three coordinating colors and knit up “Odyssey Shawl” by Joji Locatelli. Each color section of this fun-to-make shawl ends with a wavy band of lace with striking big eyelets.

Karen made her version with one skein each of “Purple Rain,” “Bold As Love” and “Duckling.” And who could resist the combo of “Strawberry Champagne, “Corrosion” and “Golden Graham”?

We’ve put together 4 Odyssey Shawl kit options for you here.

Or shop Wicked MCN single skeins here.

Have you been looking for a low-stakes project to try out intarsia knitting? This simple little showstopper was designed by Ross and we have exclusive kits here.

Our first Knit Stars Live event is coming up this Saturday starting at 2pm Central! Join Louis Boria from Knit Stars Season 6 – either on Zoom or in-person at our Flagship store – for an inspiring talk, a mini-class on a brand new cowl design that coordinates with his Knit Stars workshop project, “Eye of the Storm” hat, and a fun, intimate Q+A session.

Tickets are just $99 and include this luxury cowl kit with extra goodies! Or just $69 without the kit. (In-person spots are limited for social spacing and this will be a masked event.)

Sign up here.

Class attendees will receive a recording to watch back on their own schedule.

What’s an On Demand Class™?

This is a new offering at Knit Stars that we invented based on 16 years of running a local yarn shop. So often, people wanted to take our classes but the times didn’t line up with their own schedules.

“Will you offer this class at night?”
“Will you have this on a Saturday?”
“How about a Tuesday morning while my kids are in school?”

With On Demand Classes, this answer is yes, yes, yes!

Here’s how it works: Just pop into the Knit Stars Flagship store – alone or with friends – anytime during open hours. A helpful team member will point you to the materials you need and help you get comfy at one of our On Demand Class tables. Queue up the video for your class, and start learning! If you get stuck, our team is there to help.

Current On Demand Class topics include:

• How to Knit – Jana’s Scarf
• How to Purl – The Double-Seed Scarf
• How to Yarnover – The Effin Scarf (beginner lace)
• Biggie Blanket
• How to Crochet – Ready, Set, Ribs! 

On Demand™ Classes are free – all that’s required is that you purchase your materials from Knit Stars. 

Questions? Shoot us an email anytime at hello@knitstars.com

One of Star Trooper Teresa’s winter favorites is Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Her husband, Bill, has perfected this recipe – and considering how cold it gets in Wisconsin (where they live), this makes a frequent appearance!

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, from Allrecipes

Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 20 min Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded (A store bought rotisserie works great!)
• 1 (4.5 ounce) package quick cooking long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups heavy cream

Preparation Steps

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth, water and chicken. Bring just to boiling, then stir in rice, reserving seasoning packet. Cover and remove from heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper and flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in contents of seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons, to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, 5 minutes.
3. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Makes great leftovers too! You might want to thin it with a little mile or water when reheating.