Phillyist's Favorite... Place to Get Our Knit On

We admit it: we're knitting dilettantes. Yes, Phillyist was one of those people who picked up the old needles a few years back because everyone else was doing it, and Debbie Stoller looked so damn cute in that blue cardigan. Our repertoire has heretofore consisted of scarves. In garter stitch. For everyone we've ever met. Sometimes, if we were feeling really crazy, we'd rib something. But we'd feel so naughty doing it.

A few weeks ago, in the interest of broadening horizons in the new year, we signed up for a sweater class at Loop on South Street. It was ambitious. We entered the first class with no small amount of trepidation. And yet, despite never attempting anything that wasn't long and rectangular before, we're proud to report that not only are we the creator of a sweater back, but we've figured out how to increase, decrease, cable, and do some lacy things. Next week we learn how to put the pieces together to get an actual sweater. Phillyist hopes to have at least a sleeve done by that point as well; otherwise, it might be a silly kind of sweater.

Our fearless leader Grace has been a great instructor and conversational companion (ask her about her apple pies), and the other women in our class are real peaches. But the star of the show is the store itself; the atmosphere is very conducive to channeling one's inner knitter. Classes are held at the table toward the back, but there are a pair of comfy couches to sprawl on whilst trying out that new yarn (always swatch!). We have it on good authority that other staffers are just as great at guiding classes, and are generally just pleasant folk to talk yarn-porn to. More than that, they're always willing to help a knitter pick out patterns and yarns (they don't even mind if you feel the stuff up. Just try to resist the alpaca!), and, most importantly in our case, fix mistakes. All-in-all, a non-threatening environment for the novice, and a haven for the experienced knitter.

Loop's website has a frequently updated list of classes, and a blog devoted to new yarns and project ideas, as well as pictures of finished pieces to inspire and amaze. Phillyist is feeling so confident, we might just try to make a hat... after we finish that one sleeve.

Loop
1914 South Street
215-893-9939
Open daily from 11 to 6 and Thursdays to 8

Photo from Loop's blog, and used with kind permission