Tuesday, June 29, 2010

July Classes

Oh boy! We just scheduled the July and August class schedule:



JoJoland Swirl Scarf
Come learn how to knit this unique scarf/shawl. This pattern has been so super popular in the shop we decided to turn it into a class. Come learn the basic techniques of knitting this interesting piece.

When: Saturday July 10th 10:30-4:30
Cost: $35 includes pattern+3 balls of yarn
You will need: 1 set US size 6 double pointed needles (or to attain gauge)

Basic Lace Class
Isn't lace knitting gorgeous? Afraid of tackling lace on your own? Come sign up for our basic lace class and learn more about lace knitting, including how to read a chart.
When: 2 Saturdays 7/24 and 7/31
Cost: $50 includes yarn and pattern
You will need: Your own needles to attain gauge

Learn to Knit
Do you know someone or are you nterested in getting started knitting yourself? Learn how to knit in this fun 3 week class. We will make three wash cloths in cotton yarn.

When: Saturdays 8/7, 8/14, and 8/21 10:30-12:30
Cost: $35 includes yarn and needles

Hurry in and sign up today!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

World Wide Knit in Public Day

Today we are celebrating World Wide Knit in Public Day in the shop. We will have chairs set up and will be encouraging folks to sit outside and knit. Space will be limited, so if you plan on coming you might want to bring a chair.

World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005 to get all of us solitary knit out and knit together, but I think it is also a great way to teach others about the magical world of needle arts. You can find out more about World Wide Knit in Public Day on the website: http://www.wwkipday.com/

We are also doing a great, quick, "Tips and Tricks" workshop today for only $5. Starting at 10:30, we will be showing different ways of taking your knitting to the next level, including when to slip stitches, different ways of joining/working in the round, joining in new yarns, and more.

So, hurry on into the shop today for a full day of fibery fun!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Learn to Use A Drop Spindle!

We've had an extra class added in for the end of the month!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a drop spindle to spin your own yarn? Katie will be teaching a class on everything you need to know to use a traditional drop spindle!

When: Sunday June 27th from 2-4pm
Cost: $50 (includes all supplies)

Hurry on in to the shop to sign up!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

It's Hip To Be Square

We just got some Kollage square needles in the shop and I am totally excited about them!


Image from KollageYarns.com

One of our customers came in a couple months ago and showed them to us. I played around with them for a couple minutes and decided to go out and get a set and give them a try. Much to my surprise and delight, I love them! I knit a lot. And by a lot, it is more like A LOT. Between writing patterns, helping out at the shop, just finishing writing my first knitting book, and trying to get projects in for me, I knit upwards of 10+ hours a day. I was a little worried earlier this year as I was finishing writing my book because my hands and wrists were in serious pain. I grabbed a pair of those stress relief gloves we carry (which I call knitting superhero gloves since they are BRIGHT blue), which helped to some extent.

So, when I saw the claim that these square needles were easier on your hands, I thought it was worth a try. Sure enough, they really work amazingly well. I have no more hand/wrist pain when I work with them (I still do with normal round needles) and I agree my stitches look more uniform. In other words, I love them, and I am delighted they are in the shop for others to try as well.

If you are like me and have hand/wrist pain from knitting, I encourage you to stop in and give a set a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how nice they are!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

New in the Shop!

Thanks to all of you who headed out, despite the miserable weather, to join us for Fiber Fest on Saturday. The day flew by for us and every one had a great time!

One of my favorite parts of helping out in the yarn shop is seeing all of the new merchandise come in. On that note, I thought I would take minute and let you know about one of my new favorite books that has come in in the last couple weeks.



Image From Berroco.com


I am in love with all of the patterns in this book! I am already a big fan of Berroco's Comfort lines of yarn (and Berroco in general), but I am really pleased with what they have come up with for patterns to highlight such a great, reasonable, awesome yarn. The book features both knit and crochet patterns, and I think that any of the projects would look equally lovely knit up in any number of other yarns than those recommended in the patterns. Find out more from the Berroco page, and more about Comfort here.

Plus, it couldn't come out at a better time! There are so many reasons to give afghans for summer events-- weddings, house warmings, new babies, kids heading to college, and more-- the patterns in this book are ideal summer gifts. Hurry on in and pick up your copy today!