Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday Morning Spin-a-long
Don't forget that on the first Monday of the month, from 11-1, you can bring your wheel or drop spindle and some fiber and sit with others to do some spinning! This gathering is great for spinners who work at night and can't get to an afternoon or evening gathering.
See you on November 2nd?
See you on November 2nd?
Monday, October 26, 2009
Class: Bridgewater - Knit a Small Shawl
November 2 and 9, 2009 | 6-8 PM | $60 | homework required before class
Are you as fascinated by lace as the rest of us? Learn many a new technique with Bridgewater, a knitted lace shawl from the new Classic Elite Jared Flood book, Made In Brooklyn! This shawl is made as a biased garter stitch square, picking up stitches evenly around and adding a lace motif, and then finished off with a knitted on edging.
We will be doing a mini version of this for the class; students must knit the garter stitch square prior to the first class (instructions will be available in the shop). The first class is picking up stitches and working the lace motif; the second class will be the knitted edging.
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
What we'll teach you how to do:
- common increases and decreases in lace knitting
- how to pick up stitches evenly around a square piece
- how to block lace
What materials are included:
- pattern
- needles appropriate to yarn
- Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace
Included in the price of this class is a lace blocking workshop, which will be held on Monday, November 16th. You are not required to take this class in order to take the blocking workshop (seats in that class may be purchased for $15), however it is free if you are taking this 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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Are you as fascinated by lace as the rest of us? Learn many a new technique with Bridgewater, a knitted lace shawl from the new Classic Elite Jared Flood book, Made In Brooklyn! This shawl is made as a biased garter stitch square, picking up stitches evenly around and adding a lace motif, and then finished off with a knitted on edging.
We will be doing a mini version of this for the class; students must knit the garter stitch square prior to the first class (instructions will be available in the shop). The first class is picking up stitches and working the lace motif; the second class will be the knitted edging.
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
What we'll teach you how to do:
- common increases and decreases in lace knitting
- how to pick up stitches evenly around a square piece
- how to block lace
What materials are included:
- pattern
- needles appropriate to yarn
- Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace
Included in the price of this class is a lace blocking workshop, which will be held on Monday, November 16th. You are not required to take this class in order to take the blocking workshop (seats in that class may be purchased for $15), however it is free if you are taking this 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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Wheels & Fiber going on vacation!
(Making this sticky for the next week; scroll down for more recent posts)
We’re going to SAFF! And while the shop will still be open that weekend, all of our wheels, fiber, and Hanks sock yarns will be going to SAFF with Ginger.
We’re sorry if this inconveniences anyone who was planning to come to Gainesville that weekend to try out wheels/play with fiber/buy our line of sock yarn; but rest assured anything that doesn’t sell at SAFF will be back after the weekend!
We’re going to SAFF! And while the shop will still be open that weekend, all of our wheels, fiber, and Hanks sock yarns will be going to SAFF with Ginger.
We’re sorry if this inconveniences anyone who was planning to come to Gainesville that weekend to try out wheels/play with fiber/buy our line of sock yarn; but rest assured anything that doesn’t sell at SAFF will be back after the weekend!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Who doesn't love a nice BFL in Superwash?
This superwash Blue Faced Leicester may be my favorite of our three base yarns. And the last few weeks I've been busy dyeing up a whole bunch for SAFF --
... including a few solids (Red Appletini, Green Grass, and Vodka & OJ) that were original colorways that weren't very popular in the original launch of our line. Depending on how they did at SAFF, we may or may not repeat them.
... including a few solids (Red Appletini, Green Grass, and Vodka & OJ) that were original colorways that weren't very popular in the original launch of our line. Depending on how they did at SAFF, we may or may not repeat them.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Class: 2009 Afghan - The November Square
October 31 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00 | $15 (no materials)/$30 (materials provided)
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.
November is a great combination of twisted stitches and a braided cable.
During the class we will get you started on the November 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.
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on/bind off
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
What we'll teach you how to do:
- cable
- cable without a cable needle
- twisted stitches
- read charts
What materials are included:
- the pattern
- appropriate yarn (if needed)
- appropriate needles (if needed)
- a cable needle (if needed)
If providing own materials, please remember to bring a cable needle.
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
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.
November is a great combination of twisted stitches and a braided cable.
During the class we will get you started on the November 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.
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on/bind off
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
What we'll teach you how to do:
- cable
- cable without a cable needle
- twisted stitches
- read charts
What materials are included:
- the pattern
- appropriate yarn (if needed)
- appropriate needles (if needed)
- a cable needle (if needed)
If providing own materials, please remember to bring a cable needle.
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Class: Toe Up Socks on Two Circular Needles
October 31, November 7 and 14, 2009 (Saturdays) | 10:30 - 1:30 | $75
New to socks, or want to learn how to knit toe-up? Or want to learn the two-circular technique? This is the class for you!
During the three weeks of this class, a sock will be made using two circular needles, toe-up, with sport weight yarn.
Week one will be casting on, learning how to handle the circular needles, and knitting the toe (homework will include knitting the foot of the sock to the length you need).
Week two will be working the heel flap and turning the heel (homework will include knitting the leg to the length which you would like).
Week three will be continuing with your sock, the cuff, and binding off.
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
What we'll teach you how to do:
- how to knit on circular needles
- basic sock construction
- how to knit socks
What materials are included:
- the pattern
- a skein of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport
- appropriate needles
Homework is required in this class, so be prepared 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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
New to socks, or want to learn how to knit toe-up? Or want to learn the two-circular technique? This is the class for you!
During the three weeks of this class, a sock will be made using two circular needles, toe-up, with sport weight yarn.
Week one will be casting on, learning how to handle the circular needles, and knitting the toe (homework will include knitting the foot of the sock to the length you need).
Week two will be working the heel flap and turning the heel (homework will include knitting the leg to the length which you would like).
Week three will be continuing with your sock, the cuff, and binding off.
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
What we'll teach you how to do:
- how to knit on circular needles
- basic sock construction
- how to knit socks
What materials are included:
- the pattern
- a skein of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport
- appropriate needles
Homework is required in this class, so be prepared 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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Our booth at SAFF
Ginger sent us some photos from SAFF yesterday...
If you're headed there, be sure to stop by and say HI!
If you're headed there, be sure to stop by and say HI!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
When Doves Cry
Forget what it might sound like... what do you think it would look like if doves could cry? Well, since the February 2009 sock club colorway, When Doves Cry, is now available for sale -
Below you can see the socks that I made with mine; however, after feedback from the club, the colorway has been slightly reworked to spiral a little more distinctly. At the moment we don't have it in our Superwash Merino, but we do have it in the original Bamboo base that the club got, and also our Superwash BFL base (although I'm having a little trouble getting the website to acknowledge that; ah, technology... making our lives better one gray hair at a time).
Below you can see the socks that I made with mine; however, after feedback from the club, the colorway has been slightly reworked to spiral a little more distinctly. At the moment we don't have it in our Superwash Merino, but we do have it in the original Bamboo base that the club got, and also our Superwash BFL base (although I'm having a little trouble getting the website to acknowledge that; ah, technology... making our lives better one gray hair at a time).
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Class: Knitting Fair Isle Socks
October 24 and November 7 (Saturdays) | 2:00-5:00 |$50 (student must provide needles; homework required before class.
Have you been knitting socks for a while, and feel ready to jump into Fair Isle? Even if you've only made a few pairs of socks before, as long as you understand the basics of sock construction, you can take this class! We provide the yarn, pattern, and instruction - you provide your favorite sock needles and a willingness to learn!
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
- you should have a basic idea of sock construction; this is not a good "intro to knitting socks" class
What we'll teach you how to do:
- how to knit two-color patterned socks using fair isle
What materials are included:
- pattern
- appropriate sock-weight yarn (makes two socks)
Students should provide needles appropriate to the yarn, in the method by which you are most comfortable knitting socks (DPNs, two circulars, magic loop).
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Have you been knitting socks for a while, and feel ready to jump into Fair Isle? Even if you've only made a few pairs of socks before, as long as you understand the basics of sock construction, you can take this class! We provide the yarn, pattern, and instruction - you provide your favorite sock needles and a willingness to learn!
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
- you should have a basic idea of sock construction; this is not a good "intro to knitting socks" class
What we'll teach you how to do:
- how to knit two-color patterned socks using fair isle
What materials are included:
- pattern
- appropriate sock-weight yarn (makes two socks)
Students should provide needles appropriate to the yarn, in the method by which you are most comfortable knitting socks (DPNs, two circulars, magic loop).
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Class: Knit a Fair Isle Hat
Thursday October 22, 2009 | 6-8 PM | $50 | homework required before class
Looking to spice up your hat knitting? Look no further than Beaumont, a fair isle hat from the new Classic Elite Jared Flood book, Made In Brooklyn!
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
What we'll teach you how to do:
- the two-color knitting technique known as fair isle
- You will benefit most from this class should you have previous knitting in the round experience; as it is a one-day workshop, the one color band of the hat should be knit before class so that we can go right into the fair isle.
What materials are included:
- pattern
- needles appropriate to yarn
- two skeins of Classic Elite Fresca
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Looking to spice up your hat knitting? Look no further than Beaumont, a fair isle hat from the new Classic Elite Jared Flood book, Made In Brooklyn!
What you need to know how to do:- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
What we'll teach you how to do:
- the two-color knitting technique known as fair isle
- You will benefit most from this class should you have previous knitting in the round experience; as it is a one-day workshop, the one color band of the hat should be knit before class so that we can go right into the fair isle.
What materials are included:
- pattern
- needles appropriate to yarn
- two skeins of Classic Elite Fresca
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Hogtown in the wild
My apologies to Eileen - AKA Oxford on Ravelry - I meant to get this up before I went away for a week!
Check out the socks she made with our popular Hogtown colorway:
I was very glad that she sent this to me, because striping/spiraling was what I had intended for the yarn, and it looks just like what I saw in my head! Granted, your mileage may vary with needle size/gauge, but... this should give you a good idea of how this colorway should knit up.
Thanks, Eileen - you rock my socks!
Check out the socks she made with our popular Hogtown colorway:
I was very glad that she sent this to me, because striping/spiraling was what I had intended for the yarn, and it looks just like what I saw in my head! Granted, your mileage may vary with needle size/gauge, but... this should give you a good idea of how this colorway should knit up.Thanks, Eileen - you rock my socks!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday evening Spin-a-long
Don't forget that on the third Thursday of the month, from 5-7, you can bring your wheel or drop spindle and some fiber and sit with others to do some spinning! This gathering is great for spinners who work or go to school during the day and can't get to the morning gathering.
See you on October 15th?
See you on October 15th?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Class: Learn to Knit Hats
October 14, 21, and 28 (Wednesdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $80
Learn to knit hats using an easy, basic pattern; after you learn the basics you can use the same pattern to make a variety of hats using a variety of different weight yarns and needle sizes.
Once you learn the basics of knitting in the round and decreasing, you can add your own stripes, change colors, throw in a rib... be adventurous!
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
What we'll teach you how to do:
- knit in the round on circular needles
- knit in the round on double-point needles
- decrease while knitting in the round
What materials are included:
- pattern
- needles appropriate to yarn
- two skeins of GGH Tara
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Learn to knit hats using an easy, basic pattern; after you learn the basics you can use the same pattern to make a variety of hats using a variety of different weight yarns and needle sizes.
Once you learn the basics of knitting in the round and decreasing, you can add your own stripes, change colors, throw in a rib... be adventurous!
What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind off
What we'll teach you how to do:
- knit in the round on circular needles
- knit in the round on double-point needles
- decrease while knitting in the round
What materials are included:
- pattern
- needles appropriate to yarn
- two skeins of GGH Tara
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 within 48 hours of the class, we will cancel the class and contact you in regards to rescheduling or a refund. 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.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October sock club - ready this week!
If you're local, you can swing by any time after we open on Wednesday; and if you're not local, start stalking the postman (or postwoman) any day now!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Introducing... Jojoland!
We're happy to announce that we've just started carrying Jojoland Yarns -
We have Harmony (a lace yarn) and Melody Superwash (a sock yarn). We know, we know; you're all shocked. We would start with lace and socks? Who do we know who likes lace and sock yarns....?!
We have Harmony (a lace yarn) and Melody Superwash (a sock yarn). We know, we know; you're all shocked. We would start with lace and socks? Who do we know who likes lace and sock yarns....?!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Monday Morning Spin-a-long
Don't forget that on the first Monday of the month, from 11-1, you can bring your wheel or drop spindle and some fiber and sit with others to do some spinning! This gathering is great for spinners who work at night and can't get to an afternoon or evening gathering.
See you on October 5th?
See you on October 5th?
Class: Knitting Socks with Handspun Yarn
October 9, 16, 30, and November 6, 2009 (Fridays) | 6-8 PM | $50 (students must provide handspun yarn and appropriate needles)
Learn how to design and knit socks from your unique handspun yarns!
Go through your handspun yarn stash and find 400 yards of yarn that you didn’t know what you wanted to do with it. Or, better yet, go through your stash of fiber and find the perfect batt or roving and spin it up for the perfect sock yarn! About 400 yards of any handspun yarn will do. We will select a pattern repeat that will compliment your yarn then design and knit a pair of socks. We will discuss how to make soles for house socks, reinforce heels so they don’t wear through so easily and how to darn those darn holes that invariably happen with well loved, and consequently well worn, socks. We will also talk about what fibers make the best sock yarns and why. Bring your handspun yarn and a selection of needles to the first class.
Experience level: must know how to knit and purl and be comfortable with circular needles and dpns.
Learn how to design and knit socks from your unique handspun yarns!
Go through your handspun yarn stash and find 400 yards of yarn that you didn’t know what you wanted to do with it. Or, better yet, go through your stash of fiber and find the perfect batt or roving and spin it up for the perfect sock yarn! About 400 yards of any handspun yarn will do. We will select a pattern repeat that will compliment your yarn then design and knit a pair of socks. We will discuss how to make soles for house socks, reinforce heels so they don’t wear through so easily and how to darn those darn holes that invariably happen with well loved, and consequently well worn, socks. We will also talk about what fibers make the best sock yarns and why. Bring your handspun yarn and a selection of needles to the first class.
Experience level: must know how to knit and purl and be comfortable with circular needles and dpns.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
2009: The Year of the Afghan (October)
Once again in October, we are doing only a charted design, rather than written out; but don’t let that scare you! This month is a return to cables, and a fancy (but easy) knit and purl pattern.
Don’t forget also that we have a FAQ page here; feel free to add your questions.
You can download the pattern from our website here, and the Ravelry page for the square is here.
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