Monday, September 29, 2008

Sock Club Update

Here's a quick update on the available spots in our sock club. There are still a few spots available for each of the three options.

Options One and Two will remain up for sale until Monday, October 6th (or until all the spaces are filled, whichever comes first).

Option Three will remain up for sale until Monday, December 8th (or until all the spaces are filled, whichever comes first).

Please feel free to drop by the shop or give us a call if you have any questions!

---

There are three options for this club. Please read the three options carefully and choose the one that best suits your wants and desires.

Option 1 –
$100 for in-store pickup/$130 with shipping
You will get six 400-yard skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn, one each during the months of October, December, February, April, June, and August.

Option 2 –
$50 for in-store pickup/$65 with shipping
You will get three 400-yard skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn, one each during the months of October, February, and June.

Option 3 -
$50 for in-store pickup/$65 with shipping
You will get three 400-yard skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn, one each during the months of December, April, and August.

And now, the pinky swear: we promise to send you hand-dyed sock yarn and we promise to do our best to produce a quality product. We promise that the color for each month will not be for sale in our shop until six months after the month that we send it to you. We understand that the colors we choose to dye may not wind up being your particular favorite; we ask that just as we are not selling that color in a retail setting for six months, that you also do the same and promise not to sell anything you don’t like until after the six month mark.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Psst - Prism Saki on sale!

Surprise sale this week - we're marking down Prism Saki this week to 40% off; it was $30 and is now $18.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Friday Five: Five goodies for spinners

The Friday Five fell by the wayside for a while, for lack of five things to blog about... and all week long I'd been planning this post but wound up not having time yesterday to blog about it! Isn't that always the case?! Anyway, here are five gorgeous things for spinners that we have in the shop. Only the Holly Birch Fibers will be available on our website, as the other two producers have Etsy shops.

Holly Birch Fibers (batts)
Holly Birch Fibers - batts

Holly Birch Fibers (braids)
Holly Birch Fibers - braids

Politically Incorrect Fibers (batts)
Politically Incorrect - batts

Politically Incorrect Fibers (braids)
Politically Incorrect - braids

Rocket Roving
Rocket Roving

Thursday, September 25, 2008

In which the possibilities are almost endless

Normally a random shipment of patterns might not make the news here at Hanks, but we think these are pretty important because they answer a lot of questions that we get here at the shop.

New patterns

Easy Knit Baby Blankets Collection 1 answers the question "I want to knit a quick baby blanket or two, need an easy pattern, and want something that will go quick". This pattern has three different very basic patterns in it and uses a worsted weight yarn (Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted, Dream in Color Classy, or Dark Horse Fantasy would be great yarns for these patterns).

Baby Basics has a pattern for two different hats and two different booties, both of which come in newborn and 6 month sizes. Four patterns for the price of one? Sign me up! This knits up great on a DK or Sport weight yarn, such as Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport, Malabrigo Silky Merino, or Aslan Trends Glaciar Del Cielo.

Adult Basic Sock is a fantastically easy pattern for new sock knitters. The pattern is written for three different gauges (fingering, DK/sport, and worsted) and will fit anywhere between a 9-inch to a 13-inch long foot.

Crib-Blanket-Afghan 1 is similar to the other baby afghan patterns mentioned, but with six different designs that you can knit in five different gauges at any of three different sizes... you could run out of people to knit for before you ran out of combinations.

Easy Knit Baby Blankets Collection 2 is the next step up from Collection 1 mentioned above. While simple enough that new knitters could still pick them up without stress, these three patterns are lacier and yet still knit up quickly on worsted weight yarn.

Head Huggers answers the question "I want to knit hats for everyone in my family, do you have a pattern for that?". Why yes; yes, now we do. This pattern has sizes for infant, child, teen, small adult, and large adult-- and as all the patterns are adaptable to four different gauges, you could use anything from a fingering or sock weight yarn up to a worsted weight yarn. Again, you could run out of people with cold heads before you ran out of combinations to use.

Color Gradated Shell

Speaking of fabulous finished objects, another one of our customers has recently finished a great top in Prism yarns--

Fabulous Prism top

It's called the Color Gradated Shell (the pattern also has an optional jacket to go with) and the colorway she used was Brass. The pattern is from Book 43: Spirited Spring. Thanks, Judy, for showing off your work in our shop!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Calling any local spinners available this weekend...

Susan from Dare to Dream Alpacas sends this in--

We are having an open house at our alpaca farm in Newberry this Saturday, Sept. 27th from 10-5 or however long you can stay!! We just found out that our spinning demonstrator will not be able to come and are looking for someone to demostrate spinning. We are willing to trade you some raw fleece for your time. Please email me at susan@daretodreamalpacas.com if you could help us out. Also, if you have any products you would like to sell, you are more than welcome to bring them. Thanks!

Susan Turchon
Dare to Dream Alpacas

If any of our local spinners could help them out, they'd greatly appreciate it. I'd jump on it in a second if I was available this weekend!

The Hanks Question of the Week

How many hours per week, on average, would you say that you spend crafting? And not necessarily knitting/crocheting/spinning, but time spent on any and all sorts of crafty endeavors?

Three new Prism books

We have three of the latest Prism pattern books in:

Latest Prism books

Prism Book 44: On Wings of Dreams; Prism Book 46: Prism Pops!; and Prism Book 47: Blythe Spirits.

In-store only goodies

This week we got in some sock yarn goodies (technically you can knit anything with these yarns, not just socks); both Rocket Yarn and Mind's Eye Yarn. We don't sell either of these online as both of them sell on Etsy already; but if you're not local you are always welcome to give us a call at the shop and we can ring you up over the phone and mail the yarn out to you!

Here's the new Rocket Yarn (we have both her standard Merino/Nylon blend and also a few of the new Merino/Silk base) -

Rocket Yarn

And here's the new Mind's Eye Yarn (nothing rivals this Merino/Tencel for both shininess and durability) -

New Mind's Eye Yarns

Monday, September 22, 2008

If this isn't just the cutest thing...!

One thing that we really love is when people bring things into the shop to show off after they're done knitting or crocheting. Ingrid, who tries to tell me she's a new knitter*, works just a few doors down (at Wild Birds Unlimited) and today she brought in something she finished over the weekend... the cutest little felted backpack EVER!

Cutest felted backpack ever (front)

Cutest felted backpack ever (back)

Her mother sent her this pattern, and she knitted it out of Malabrigo. Try to resist the cuteness... just try!

*For a new knitter, she's highly intuitive and had no problems modifying this pattern for an adult sized backpack into one that would fit her young daughter. So if you think you're "too new" to try something this brave, take heart! Just because you're new doesn't mean you can't be adventurous!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Hanks Question of the Week

Do you have any allergies (to wool, to mohair, etc) that dictate what you can or can't craft with? How do you work around that? Do you find it difficult?

New yarn!

None of this is on our website yet, and I probably won't have time to get to it until after Fiber-In, but here's a teaser...

Bonnie's Bamboo
Bonnie's Bamboo
Colorways: Ivory, Blue Lagoon, Rose, and Indigo (all Kettle Dyed)
100% Bamboo
200 yards/3.5 ounces
5 sts/inch on a US 5/6
$18.00

Amy's Vintage Office
Amy's Vintage Office (the new colorway from Lorna's Laces)
We only have it in sock weight right now-- Shepherd Sock is an 80% Superwash Wool/20% Nylon
215 yards per skein
7 stitches per inch on US #1 needle
$11.00

Class: Introduction to Knitting (Part 2)

December 6, 13, 20, 2008 and January 3, 2009 (Saturdays)
2-5 PM
$100 | Materials Included

This class will be for those who have either taken our Part One class, or those who already know how to cast on, bind off, and are comfortable with the knit stitch and are ready for more.

During the four weeks of this class a pillow will be made using a combination of knit and purl stitches on one side, and a very easy cable pattern on the other side. Don’t let that scare you, I promise that cables are extremely easy to master!


Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Sock Knitting on Double-Pointed Needles

Thursdays December 4, 11, and 18, 2008
6-8 PM
$75 | Materials Included

Class socks

This class is not for the new knitter; but it would be great for someone already experienced with casting on, both the knit and purl stitches, and increasing and decreasing. During the three weeks of this class a sock will be made using double-pointed needles and sock-weight yarn.

Week one will be casting on, learning how to handle the double-pointed needles, and knitting the cuff (homework will include knitting the leg of the sock to the length you would like). Week two will be working the heel flap and turning the heel, picking up stitches along the heel flap, and doing the gusset decreases (homework will include finishing the gusset decreasing and knitting the foot of the sock to within two inches of your foot length). Week three will be decreasing for the toe, and the Kitchener stitch closing of the toe.

Homework is required in this class, so be prepare to spend some time outside of class knitting!


Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Cables vs. Slipped/Twisted Stitches

November 17 and 24, 2008 (Mondays)
6:00-8:00 PM
$50 | Materials Included

Have you been knitting for a while, but just haven’t ventured into the world of cables yet? If you can already cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, you can take this class and have a great time in it!
Join us to learn about cables and slipped/twisted stitches, the difference between them, and start knitting up a dishcloth that will show off your new skills.

Homework is required in this class, so be prepare to spend some time outside of class knitting!

Class towel (no flash)

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Class: Counterpane Carpet Bag

November 15, 22 and December 6, 13, and 20, 2008
(Saturdays) 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
$125 | Most Materials Included*

The marriage of this vintage counterpane stitch with a multi-colored yarn will leave you breathless (Ravelry link to project photos). This is a complicated stitch pattern and probably not for the new knitter. But if you have experience with the knit and purl stitches and standard increases and decreases such as Kf/b, M1, YO, K2tog, and S1K1PSSO, and you are looking for something new and adventurous? This is the bag for you! . We will be using a variegated yarn that will show this stitch pattern off to its best advantage.

* Required for this class is the book Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick and Susan Pittard; copies, which are not included in the price of the class, may be purchased during class for a discounted price

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Sock Knitting using Magic Loop


Saturdays November 8 and 15, 2008, 2PM-5PM
$65 | Materials Included

Have you been knitting socks for a while, on four or five double-points, and feel ready to branch out and downsize to ONE NEEDLE?! If you already know the basics of sock construction, you can learn how to knit a sock using the Magic Loop method.

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Buttonholes, Seaming, and Picking up Stitches

Monday November 3, 2008
6-8 PM
or
Wednesday December 10, 2008
6-8 PM

$25 | Materials Not Included

Struggling with messy buttonholes, or even go to great lengths to avoid them? Hate seaming because it never looks good no matter what you do? Confused about picking up so many stitches evenly around? This workshop is for you! Learn two different buttonholes that will suit your edge stitch patterns. Practice row-to-row seaming, and discuss stitch-to-stitch, and stitch-to-row seaming. Pick up and knit the right number of stitches for both front edges and around a curve.

You will need to knit two swatches prior to this workshop. Instructions/dimensions available when signing up for the class.


Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Class: Introduction to Crochet

Saturdays October 25 and November 1, 2008
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
$50 | Materials Included

During the two weeks of this class you will make two different dishcloths and gain a number of skills that will get you on your way to understanding – and being great at – crochet. It’s easier than it looks, and fast as well!

Homework is required in this class, so be prepare to spend some time outside of class crocheting!

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Introduction to Knitting (Part One)

Introduction to Knitting (Part One; the Knit Stitch, Increasing, Decreasing)

October 22, 29 and November 12 and 19, 2008 (Wednesdays) 6-8 PM
$100 | Materials Included

---

This class will be for those who have never knit before, or perhaps learned years ago but set it aside and feel that they need a refresher from the beginning steps.

During the four weeks of this class the following project will be made:

IMG_5503

IMG_5502

This is a pillow made entirely with the knit stitch and combinations thereof (no purling, for those of you not quite ready for the next step). Class members will learn two different cast-on techniques, the knit stitch, increasing with yarn-over, and decreasing with slip-slip-knit and knit-two-together, and binding off. Don’t let all that scare you, I promise it’s easy!

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Knit a Small Beaded Bag (“Square Cake”)

Thursdays October 16, 23, and 30, 2008
6-8 PM
$75 | Materials Included


During the three weeks of this class you will knit a small bag. If you can knit, purl, cast on, and bind off, you can make this uniquely constructed bag. And since the yarn comes pre-beaded, you don’t even have to worry about stringing the beads yourself!

Homework is required in this class, so be prepare to spend some time outside of class knitting!

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Welcome to the first Hanks Yarn and Fiber sock club!

Spots in the club will go up for sale on Saturday 09/20/08, at 12:30 PM (Eastern time, or whatever Florida is on). Obviously if you are in town you can swing by after lunch. But what if you’re interested but aren’t local? Rather than put this up for sale as an item on our online store, we would prefer that you call us (352.338.7222) after 12:30 on Saturday 9/20 so that we can go over the three different options with you, and discuss shipping.

As previously mentioned, our ulterior motive for this club is testing out new colorways for things to later offer in the shop, and also new/different base yarns. We will be asking for feedback on the colorways, how the yarn works up, and that sort of thing. In order to encourage feedback, we will be offering prizes for a variety of things (best percentage of yarns worked up, fastest work produced, etc.).

There are three options for this club. Please read the three options carefully and choose the one that best suits your wants and desires.

Option 1 (seven spots available) –
$100 for in-store pickup/$130 with shipping
You will get six 400-yard skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn, one each during the months of October, December, February, April, June, and August.

Option 2 (five spots available) –
$50 for in-store pickup/$65 with shipping
You will get three 400-yard skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn, one each during the months of October, February, and June.

Option 3 (five spots available) -
$50 for in-store pickup/$65 with shipping
You will get three 400-yard skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn, one each during the months of December, April, and August.

And now, the pinky swear: we promise to send you hand-dyed sock yarn and we promise to do our best to produce a quality product. We promise that the color for each month will not be for sale in our shop until six months after the month that we send it to you. We understand that the colors we choose to dye may not wind up being your particular favorite; we ask that just as we are not selling that color in a retail setting for six months, that you also do the same and promise not to sell anything you don’t like until after the six month mark.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Class: Introduction to Lace Knitting

Mondays October 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2008
6-8PM
$100 | Materials Included


Have you been knitting for a while but have not yet ventured into lace knitting? If you can knit, purl, cast on, and bind off, this introductory class on lace knitting is just the thing for you.


During the four weeks of this class, a pillow will be made that will teach you both a basic lace pattern, and one that is slightly more advanced. We will be using a slightly thicker yarn than laceweight, so there’s no need to be afraid of tiny yarn! You will also learn how to read a chart, about the importance of blocking, and some basic techniques on how you can still save your work even after making a few mistakes.

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: My First Sweater (Top-down Raglan)

October 4, 11, 25, and November 1, 2008 (Saturdays) 2-5 PM
$80 | Materials Not Included

Have you not yet ventured into the world of knitting pullovers? If you can cast on, knit, purl, and bind off… you can make a sweater!

Over the course of the class you will knit a top-down raglan style pullover customized to fit you using the yarn and needle size of your choice. This is an excellent choice for a first-time sweater as there is minimal shaping, and no seaming – your first sweater will be knit entirely in one piece.

Yarn, needles, and stitch markers are not included in the price of the class; and while you are not required to purchase the yarn and needles at our shop, our staff is available to help you choose the right yarn for this product. A 15% discount on the supplies will be offered should you decide to purchase what you need at our shop. Should you wish to use yarn from your stash, we highly encourage you to pick a yarn that has at least a 50% wool content. Don’t be afraid to ask us for recommendations, we want you to get the most out of your first sweater class!

Homework is required in this class, so be prepare to spend some time outside of class knitting! There is a two-week break between classes 2 & 3 to allow for extra knitting time.

Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given.

Class: Introduction to Entrelac

October 2 and 9, 2008 (Thursdays)
6-8 PM
$50 | Materials included

During the two weeks of this class a washcloth will be made using the technique called Entrelac. Entrelac is used to create a textured diamond pattern that looks like basket-woven strips of knitted fabric; however, it's actually knitted with interconnected squares and diamonds on two different orientations.

Entrelac dishcloth

This is not a good class for someone who has no previous experience in knitting; but those who are already familiar with casting on, binding off, knitting, purling, and picking up stitches would be comfortable.


Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given. Individual classes/lessons available by request (prices may vary).

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Spinning Classes

Please read this first: Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given. Individual classes/lessons available by request (prices may vary)


Spinning classes are all on Friday nights from 6-8 PM
October 3, 10, 24, and 31, 2008
or
November 31, December 5, 12, and 19, 2008 This class is already full; we would be happy to take two names for alternates in the event of a cancellation in this class but please be aware that we can not guarantee you a spot if you are an alternate.
or
January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2009

The price of the class is $125, due within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). In addition there is a $200 refundable materials deposit for the spinning wheels, hand carders, and drop spindle that you will be taking home for practice. The refundable deposit can be paid on the first day of class and your check will be returned to you upon return of the materials after the end of class.

Class Description:

This is a 4 week basic spinning class. Participants will learn about different types of fibers and preparation from grease wool straight off the sheep through highly processed roving. You will learn how to wash grease wool, card it, and then spin it on a drop spindle and a spinning wheel.

Week 1: We will discuss fibers and their characteristics that help determine the resulting yarns. Everyone will work with a drop spindle and learn about drafting triangles and how to control the diameter of their yarns. Participants will also begin to spin on a spinning wheel. Home work will consist of practicing on the drop spindle, treadling, and spinning on the wheel.

Week 2: Everyone will swap their spinning wheel with someone in the class. By the end of the 4 week class, you have spun on 4 different wheels! We will continue working with drop spindles and the spinning wheels. We will discuss working with shorter fibers, blending fibers, and spinning ratios. Home work is continued practice on the drop spindle and the wheel.

Week 3: We will set aside the drop spindles and continue with the spinning wheels after swapping wheels. This week we will work on plying techniques: 2 ply, Navajo 3 ply, 4 ply cabling, bouclé, etc. We will also begin discussions of spinning and plying with colors. Homework: keep spinning and plying!

Week 4: Last wheel trade! We will explore the different effects of spinning yarns with fibers colored at different points of the spinning process using different techniques such as carding in colors, adding them during the spinning process, and the effects of plying.

By the end of the 4 week class, you will be able to process fiber, spin and ply yarns. We will discuss the history of spinning, characteristics of different fibers for spinning, and the care and feeding of spinning wheels. The cost of the course is $125 for 4 weeks plus a $200 refundable deposit for the use of the spinning wheel, drop spindle, and hand carders that you will be taking home for practice. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the class if all the equipment is returned in the same condition they were in at the beginning of the class. Or the deposit can be put toward a new or used wheel, including one of the wheels from the class. 4 to 8 oz each of grease wool, washed wool, roving and carded batts will be provided. Additional materials will be available for purchase.

Sharon is having a birthday!

Sharon's birthday (A BIG ONE!) is Monday, but she'll be sipping champagne in a cottage in the mountains-- so if you have time, swing by today (there will be cupcakes!) or give her a call and wish her a happy birthday!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Upcoming class list

Please read this first: Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance as it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate walk-ins. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first). All classes limited to five people unless otherwise stated. A minimum of 2 students is required for most classes to take place. If the minimum for a class is not reached, we will cancel or reschedule the class and a full refund will be given. Individual classes/lessons available by request (prices may vary)

Introduction to Entrelac
Oct. 2 and 9, 2008 (Thursdays)
6-8 PM | $50 | Materials Included

My First Sweater: Top-down Raglan
Oct. 4, 11, 25, and Nov. 1, 2008 (Saturdays)
2-5 PM | $80 | Materials Not Included

Introduction to Lace Knitting
Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2008 (Mondays)
6-8 PM | $100 | Materials Included

Knit a Small Beaded Bag (“Square Cake”)
Oct. 16, 23, and 30, 2008 (Thursdays)
6-8 PM | $75 | Materials Included

Intro to Knitting 1 (The Knit Stitch)
October 22, 29, November 12, and 19, 2008 (Wednesdays)
6-8 PM | $100 | Materials Included

Introduction to Crochet
Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 2008 (Saturdays)
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | $50 | Materials Included

Buttonholes, Seaming, and Picking Up Stitches
Monday, November 3, 2008
or
Wednesday December 10, 2008
6-8 PM | $25 | Materials Not Included | Homework required before class

Sock Knitting using the Magic Loop Method
November 8 and 15, 2008 (Saturdays)
2-5 PM | $65 | Materials Included

Knit a Purse (“Counterpane Bag”)
November 15, 22, December 6, 13, and 20, 2008 (Saturdays)
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | $125
Most Materials Included

Introduction to Cables, Slipped, & Twisted Stitches
November 17 and 24, 2008 (Mondays)
6-8 PM | $50 | Materials Included

Knit and Felt a Bag
December 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2008 (Mondays)
6-8 PM | $100 | Materials Included

Sock Knitting using DPNs
Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 2008 (Thursdays)
6-8 PM | $75 Materials Included

Intro to Knitting 2 (Purling and Cables)
December 6, 13, 20, 2008 and
January 3, 2009 (Saturdays)
2-5 PM | $100 | Materials Included

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

The Hanks Question of the Week

It's September, and down here in Florida we can almost see the turn of the season from "Really Amazingly Skin-Meltingly Hot" to "Barely Hot In Fact Maybe Even Just Warm". I think the rest of you call that the turn from Summer to Fall...? Anyway. It's got us thinking about sweaters, and scarves, and hats, and all the other cold-weather things that we can spend the next four months making because we really won't need them until we hit those three cold days in January. So yes, our thoughts are turning from socks and tank tops to sweaters and hats. Do you find this happens to you as well? Do you plan ahead for what you want to be wearing in three-to-five months?

Friday, September 5, 2008

September is for Antony

September is for Antony (a mosaic)

Continuing with 2008: A Year in Scarves... we have September is for Antony. This scarf was knit with two skeins of Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted (shown in "Chagrin") on size 8 straight needles. The pattern is available here, and you can check it out on Ravelry here.

As with our other scarf patterns, this one is easily customizable; one could easily make it wider by adding to the cast-on number, or using more yarn and making it longer.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Hanks Question of the Week

Although it's still approximately the same temperature as the surface of the sun here in Florida, the college students are coming back into town and that makes us think of slightly cooler weather, and football (Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, in case you're not local). And that made us think... have you ever crafted something college related? Either a scarf or hat in school colors, or a little crocheted football, or anything along those lines? I think the closest I've gotten is the August scarf (ravel it!). What have you done? Anything? Yes, Harry Potter school color scarves count!