First-time blockers are always amazed by the difference blocking makes to the final appearance of their knitting. After blocking, sweater parts lie flat, stitches even out, and what looked like a wild mess now behaves nicely. It’s like magic! After 20 years of teaching knitting, I’ve never grown tired of instructing my students on finishing techniques. In fact, the technique of blocking is one of my favorite things to demonstrate. I used to demonstrate blocking with pieces of carpet, but carpet scorched easily and was too thin for blocking pins to sink into. Rugs, towels and bulky blocking boards weren’t much better. With this in mind, I set out to improve on the carpet pieces.I eventually had special tiles custom made to create the ideal blocking mats, and the end result is my Knitter’s Block Kit.
Authenticity. Heritage. Organic. Fair Trade. Family Owned. Local. Independent. All these words are compelling to us, not only as fiber fans, but as members of a community.
Since 1978 the Ball & Skein has been in the town of Cambria and we’re delighted to continue bringing you the best values and highest quality products from the US and around the world that reflect our shared values. We appreciate all of your support and kindness as we work to provide the best experience we can.
Manos del Uruguay, around since 1968 is a certified Fair Trade yarn owned by the women that work as artisans in the cooperatives. Purchases of their yarn directly address their ability to remain in their villages and support their families.
Berroco and Jagger are multi generational New England companies that each have over 100 years of experience in the yarn world.
Trendsetter was started by Barry Klein and his mother over 30 years ago. They not only source some of the most beautiful and unique yarns largely from Italy, they also bring us Cardiff Cashmere, spun in a small, family mill that only spins cashmere.
Prism, Mountain Colors, and Mrs Crosby are more examples of small, independent hand dyers we’re delighted to carry in the shop.
Addi needles and Brittany needles are more multi-generation stories that, in our opinion, bring the quality and value that is unsurpassed in the industry.
In the shop we have over a ton of yarn as well as a million stories. We're delighted to continue this tradition for fiber fans everywhere.
Thank you for your support.
Annie and the whole Ball & Skein family