Sunday, March 29, 2009

April Classes

Have you checked out our upcoming April 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). Homework is required in most of our classes; we know that all of you have busy schedules but please be sure to allow time to finish the work needed for classes.

2009 Afghan: The April Square
April 4 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00
$15 (materials not included)/$30 (materials included)

Introduction to Knitting
April 6, 13, 20, and 27 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100 | Materials Included

Knitting vs. Crochet: An Introduction to Both
April 9 and 16 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55 | Materials Included

Introduction to Knitting Hats
April 17, 24 and May 1 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75 | Materials Included

Introduction to Crock Pot Dyeing (Lace Weight Yarn)
April 18 (Saturday) | 10:30-1:30 | $55 | Materials Included

Intro to Fair Isle: Knit a Soap Sweater
April 18 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00 | $30 | Materials Included

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Amigarumi Monkey

A few weeks ago we had a class on how to crochet a little monkey -

Amigarumi Monkeys!

As you can see, the class was a great success and resulted in a major monkey explosion!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Rocket Yarn in solids!

Are you familiar with Rocket Yarn?

Rocket Yarn

Rocket Yarn is dyed locally near us, just about an hour north in Lake City. These solids are new for her, as she usually dyes in multi-colored tones. We don't sell the Rocket Yarn online, but if you're not local and are interested in getting some, give us a call at the shop (352-338-7222).

Thursday, March 26, 2009

What's on your needles?

I'm finally getting around to knitting up a tube scarf as a shop sample, from all the fiber we played with at our first fiber tasting (spinners, did you see that we're having another?). I thought I'd just do a simple stockinette tube scarf to best show off the yarn that one can spin from all the fibers we carry. I realized that I don't do this very often - knit with my handspun, that is. I'm doing an afghan out of handspun right now, but mostly I gift my handspun to my crocheting and knitting friends.

Spinners, do you ever knit with your handspun?

In progress: handspun tube scarf

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Creepy Cute Crochet

There is an absolutely fabulous book out right now called Creepy Cute Crochet (check out the patterns on Ravelry) and one of our talented customers (who is also teaching this class, by the way) whipped up a Spartan and a Trojan. I tell you what, I can not escape the gravitational pull of the cuteness of these guys!

Bring it, armless one!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Purple Raven - The October 2008 Sock Club Colorway

It came to my attention that I've never blogged about completed socks from our sock club - and since the October colorway, Purple Raven, is due to be released to the public next month, I guess I should show it off, eh?

Purple Raven Feather & Fan

Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye in "Purple Raven"
Needles: Size 1 DPNs
Pattern: My standard Feather & Fan pattern, loosely based on a pattern from the book Socks! Socks! Socks!
Notes: I made these back in October, and while I did find the base yarn somewhat thin to work with* I am extremely pleased with how they've held up. I've put them in the washing machine (in a lingerie bag, and then lay flat to dry) eight or nine times since then and they are still just as soft as they were when I was knitting them.

*I am a loose knitter, and used a size 1. Sharon has knit hers up also and I believe she used a size 0 or even a double 0. So if you are a loose knitter, be prepared to go small if you want a tight stitch!

Colorway will be available in mid-April both online and in the shop in a Superwash Merino fingering weight yarn; the 400 yard skeins will retail for $20.00.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Fiber Tasting - March 27th

So many fibers!

Does the sight of that interest you?

We're having a fiber tasting on Friday, March 27th, after work hours. If you are a spinner and you want to try out a bunch of different fibers, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Spaces, which are limited*, are $10. Bring your wheel or drop spindle, and come enjoy some tasty treats - wine, cheese, and a dozen different fibers!

Group shot (1)

(photos are from the first fiber tasting, waaaaay back in July)

*At the time of publishing this post (and granted, I'm at home, not at work) I believe we have five spaces left.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

New colors of an old favorite!

We have a ton of new colors of Dark Horse Fantasy in the shop right now (so much that I couldn't get it all in one photo) -

New Dark Horse Fantasy

More new Dark Horse Fantasy

While all three of us freely admit to being fiber snobs, Fantasy is a 50/50 Nylon/Acrylic that we love to work with. It is a worsted weight yarn and is great for everything from sweaters to afghans to baby garments to scarves and hats - and it comes in a huge array of colors! And since it retails for $5, and comes in 200 yards balls, we'd go so far as to say this is our most popular yarn for people who want to crochet or knit a huge afghan for a small expense.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

New cotton!

Aslan Trends has a new cotton out, and we have some in the shop!

Pima Clasico

Pima Clasico is a 100% washable Pima Cotton. The put-up is a little over 110 yards, a little under 2 ounces, and gets 5 sts/inch on a US 7 (it retails for $6). Here are the colors we have!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Class: Knitting vs. Crochet (An Introduction to Both)

April 9 and 16 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55 | Materials Included
or
May 21 and 28 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55 | Materials Included

Are you new to the fiber arts and don't know which you want to learn? Want to learn the difference between knitting and crochet? Think that you might want to learn both but don't know which one to start with? This is the class for you! We will teach you a little bit about both, and give you the tools to carry on after the class is over.

Week one: learn the absolute basics of knitting, including casting on and the knit stitch.

Week two: learn the absolute basics of crochet, and finish up a little project that will incorporate both of your new-found hobbies.


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). Homework is required in most of our classes; we know that all of you have busy schedules but please be sure to allow time to finish the work needed for classes.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Class: Introduction to Knitting

April 6, 13, 20, and 27 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100 | Materials Included
or
May 2, 9, 16, and 23 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $100 | Materials Included
or
June 4, 11, 18, and 25 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $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.

Week One: Learn about different weights of yarn and the different projects they can be used for; how to read a yarn label; tools of the trade; casting on; the knit stitch.

Week Two: Refresher on casting on and the knit stitch; the purl stitch; the difference between garter and stockinette.

Week Three: Ribbing; increases and decreases; changing to a new ball of yarn; changing to a different color.

Week Four: Symbols and charts; the importance of dye lots; yarn substitution; cables; binding off.


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. Homework is required in most of our classes; we know that all of you have busy schedules but please be sure to allow time to finish the work needed for classes.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Class: 2009 Afghan - The April Square

April 4 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00
$15 (materials not included)/$30 (materials included)


During 2009 we will be making an afghan. While the patterns will always be free (like the 2008 scarf patterns), we will be offering workshops for those that need a little jump-start. Classes will give you dedicated class time and instruction, a set of needles, and appropriate yarn for the project. Should you already have your yarn picked out, we are offering the workshop for half-price if you provide your own materials.

The April Square is a simple beginning to colorwork - you will be using two colors to knit this square, using slipped stitches (this is not intarsia or fair isle, which will be later in the year). While it may sound complicated, it really is a pattern that anyone familiar with casting on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and binding off can do.

During the class we will get you started on the April square. We will provide needles and the appropriate weight yarn for the afghan (all squares will call for a worsted weight yarn that gets between 4-5 sts/inch on a US 7-9 needle), get you cast on and the first pattern repeat accomplished. As mentioned above, if you already have your yarn picked out, we are offering the workshop for half-price for providing your own materials.


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.

Friday, March 13, 2009

We love Cookie A!

We are over the moon to announce the latest addition to The Great Pattern Reorganization of 2009 - Cookie A sock patterns!

Cookie A patterns!

We will be working on getting these, and other new patterns, up on the website over the next month. Until then, if you have a question about the patterns we will happily give you information over the phone (352.338.7222).

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Upcoming 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). Homework is required in most of our classes; we know that all of you have busy schedules but please be sure to allow time to finish the work needed for classes.

2009 Afghan: The April Square
April 4 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00
$15 (materials not included)/$30 (materials included)

Introduction to Knitting
April 6, 13, 20, and 27 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100 | Materials Included
or
May 2, 9, 16, and 23 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $100 | Materials Included
or
June 4, 11, 18, and 25 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100 | Materials Included

Knitting vs. Crochet: An Introduction to Both
April 9 and 16 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55 | Materials Included
or
May 21 and 28 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55 | Materials Included

Introduction to Knitting Hats
April 17, 24 and May 1 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75 | Materials Included
or
June 13, 20, and 27 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $75 | Materials Included

Introduction to Crock Pot Dyeing (Lace Weight Yarn)
April 18 (Saturday) | 10:30-1:30 | $55 | Materials Included

Intro to Fair Isle: Knit a Soap Sweater
April 18 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00 | $30 | Materials Included

Intermediate Lace Knitting: Scottish Thistle Stole
May 2, and 23 (Saturdays) | 2:00-5:00 | $60 | Materials Included

Crockpot Dyeing vs. Hand Painting Sock Weight Yarn
May 2, and 9 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $80 | Materials Included

Intro to Cables: Knit a Soap Sweater
May 9 (Saturday) 2:00-5:00 | $30 | Materials Included

Intro to Sock Knitting on Two Circular Needles
May 15, 22, and 29 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75 | Materials Included

2009 Afghan: The May Square
May 16 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00
$15 (materials not included)/$30 (materials included)

Intro to Twisted Stitches: Knit a Soap Sweater
May 18 (Monday) | 6:00-8:00 | $30 | Materials Included

Technique: Magic Loop
May 20 (Wednesday) | 6:00-8:00 | $35 | Materials Included

Introduction to Crock Pot Dyeing (Worsted Weight Yarn)
May 23 (Saturday) | 10:30-1:30 | $40 | Materials Included

Intro to Knitting Socks on DPNs
May 25, June 1, and 8 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75 | Materials Included

Intro to Fair Isle: Knit a Soap Sweater
May 30 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00 | $30 | Materials Included

Green Gable
June 3, 10, and 24 (Wednesdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $40 | Materials Not Included

2009 Afghan: The June Square
June 6 (Saturday) 2:00-5:00 | $15 (materials not included)/$30 (materials included)

Advanced Sock Knitting: Pheasant Run
June 13, 20, and 27 (Saturdays) | 2:00-5:00 | $75 | Materials Included

Introduction to Needle Felting
June 15 and 22 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $60 | Materials Included

Introduction to Crock Pot Dyeing (Sock Weight Yarn)
June 29 (Monday) | 6:00-8:00 | $50 | Materials Included

Introduction to Spinning
April 8, 15, 22, and 29 (Wednesdays) | 6:00-8:00 |$125 | Materials Included
or
June 5, 12, 26, and July 10 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $125 | Materials Included
or
July 31, August 7, 14, and 21(Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $125 | Materials Included

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

2009: The Year of the Afghan (March)

I can't believe I forgot to post about this last week (although if you read our newsletter, you already know about this).

The March Square is ready and available. As previously stated, while we will be using yarn from our shop to make each square, the patterns will be written for any worsted weight yarn that gets approximately 4.5 stitches/inch on a US 8. So feel free to substitute anything you have in your stash! At the end of the year you will have twelve squares (more, if you do some of them twice) and while the squares will be interesting enough to keep even advanced knitters interested, it would also be a good project for the new or intermediate knitter who is interested in learning some new skills throughout the year. Please keep in mind that depending on how you knit, your square may come out to be a different size. The size given on the pattern is just an estimation - tight knitters will get a smaller square, and loose knitters will get a larger square. It doesn't mean that you're doing the pattern wrong if you come out with a bigger or smaller square; all this means is that we all knit differently!

IMG_2122

Here is the Ravelry pattern page for the March square! You can download the pattern for free off our website, or we have hard copies available in the shop. Enjoy!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

What's on your needles?

I'm taking Sharon's class on Monogrammed Sweaters, and am so! amazingly! happy! with the results. Seriously, I'm over the moon about how my sweater is turning out.

In progress: The Letter H

I'm knitting with Aslan Trends Artesanal and I'm already planning to make another sweater with this same yarn as I love it that much. Well, not THE SAME yarn because then I'd have to rip all this out. But the same brand. Y'all know what I mean!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Class: Knitting Socks on Double-Pointed Needles (DPNs)

March 11, 18, & 25, 2009 (Wed.)
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.

Monday, March 2, 2009

New Mind's Eye yarn!

Did we mention that we also got this last week?

New Mind's Eye yarn!

Remember, we don't sell this online, but if you call us at the store (352.338-7222) we'd be happy to ring you up over the phone and ship you the yarn!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

More Mmmmmalabrigo!

If you've already been in this weekend, you know that we got in a huge shipment of Malabrigo; primarily worsted and Silky Merino, but also a handful of sock! Some are restocks, and some are colorways new to us - but y’all better get down here PRONTO because this stuff is going fast!