Revisiting my 2009 afghan squares

(Continued from here.)

When last we left our intrepid hero afghan, it was lying on the floor in pieces, dejected because I pitched a number of squares and didn't like the color combo of the squares who were left.

Over-dyeing, however, can be your friend!

Sometimes.



Am I maybe color-blind?

Clearly it's time to talk to myself as if I were a customer asking for help.

Self, what don't you like about these squares?
- I don't like the variation in color. In hindsight, I should really have stuck to one color, maybe two. I know, I know, I was knitting from stash for a gauge... but next time I should just buy the yarn in bulk.

Anything else?
- I also don't like the white as a border/tie-in, especially since over-dyeing the lightest squares in a darker color. I feel it jumps out too much. Especially since I ran out of the tweedy white and switched to a bright white.

Well, then, self; I have two bits of advice. One is to consider over-dyeing everything, even the ones you've already done, in black. The other thing to consider is getting a different, darker color yarn to do the borders (did you really just spell that "boarders"?!). Rip out the white - you're going to be dyeing those squares anyway - and redo all of the borders/tie-ins all in the same color. Perhaps a brown, or dark red. Either one of those would look good with the black.
- Hey... that might work. Thanks, self!

Stay tuned, hopefully for the resolution...

Class: 2009 Afghan - The December Square

December 5 (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.

December is Fair Isle.

During the class we will get you started on the December 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:
- fair isle (back and forth; not in the round)
- read charts

What materials are included:
- the pattern
- appropriate yarn (if needed)
- appropriate needles (if needed)
- a cable needle (if needed)


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 Photo

You wanted chunky, we got chunky!

Del Sur, by Aslan Trends, is a slubby (thick and thin) yarn that comes in 87 yard put-ups and gets 2-3 stitches to the inch on a US 13-15 (it's $12.75/skein). We got eight colors in, and they are all fabulous. We're going to be working on redoing the website after Thanksgiving, so right now this isn't up on the site - but swing by or give us a call if you're not in the area and we'd be happy to tell you about what we have!

Threadless Contest

Do you love Threadless tshirts as much as we do? Then consider entering their knitting/crocheting contest! Knit or crochet any item inspired by a Threadless tshirt to win one of many prizes. Sounds like fun, eh? Then pick up those needles and hooks and get to it!

Another great Uptown Art Hop

We had another fantastic Uptown Art Hop last week. If you missed it, here are a few photos:

Class: Beaded Lace Knitting - Leaf Lace Shawl

November 30 and December 14 (Monday) | 6:00-8:00 | $125

If you're familiar with the Leaf Lace Shawl, you know that it doesn't call for beads... but we like it that way! This will be a great class for someone looking to dress up their lace knitting by learning how to add beads whenever you want them in a pattern.

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. Even if this is your first introduction to lace, the motivated knitter can still tackle this.

What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- increasing, such as YO
- decreasing, such as K2tog and SSK

What we'll teach you how to do:
- how to knit with beads

What materials are included:
- the pattern
- appropriate yarn
- appropriate needles
- appropriate beads



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.

Frequent Buyer Program

We've gotten a number of new customers over the last few months, and while we try to remember to tell everyone, we wanted to make sure that anyone we forgot to tell knows that we offer a discount to Frequent Shoppers.

From the page about it on our online shop:

Are you a regular shopper with Hanks Yarn and Fiber? Did you know that we offer a Frequent Buyer Program both in the store and online?

* Spend $500 and get a 10% discount on all future purchases!
* Spend $1000 and get a 15% discount on all future purchases!

How does it work? We enter you into our computer in the shop, or you fill out an online profile, and we track your purchases over time. When you've spent $500, you automagically start getting your discount-- and when you've spent $1000, your discount gets even better!
- You don't have to spend the $500 or $1000 all at one time; we track your purchases so no matter how long (or how soon) it takes, your discount will kick in.
- Sales in the shop and online both count towards your total.

Have any questions? Feel free to drop us a line using our Contact Page and we will get back with you as soon as possible.

Easter has come early...

We got a small Malabrigo shipment - only lace yarns. But what gorgeous colors of lace yarn they are!

Friday Photo

Got plans tonight? Come to the Uptown Art Hop!

Tonight; Friday, November 20th, from 6-9-- we will have spinning and knitting demonstrations all night, and of course wine, cheese, and general Good Times. And it's not just us -- the district of Uptown at 43rd Street includes art galleries, businesses and restaurants in Millhopper Square, Thornebrook Village, and The Market Place. We'd love to have you join us! See a sampling of some of the best art in Gainesville, ranging from one-of-a- kind locally made art, to gifts from the far corners of the earth. A rickshaw shuttle will allow event goers to easily travel the short distance between stops.

As if you needed another reason, but... why else should you show up? Because Uptown Art Hop merchants will be selling raffle tickets with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to Florida's Eden's One Region One Book program. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The prize is $150 in gift certificates (in $25 increments) valid at any participating location.

Thanksgiving 2009 Holiday Hours

Hanks Yarn and Fiber will have the following hours for Thanksgiving -

Tuesday 11/24: Closed as usual
Wednesday 11/25: Open regular hours (10-7)
Thursday 11/26: Closed
Friday 11/27: Closed
Saturday 11/28: Open regular hours (10-7)

New Kromski Wheel

Oh spinners! And wannabe spinners! Have we got some exciting news for you. Kromski Spinning Wheels has announced a new wheel in the making - the Fantasia! It won't be released until the new year, so we haven't gotten our grubby little paws on one yet, but it looks to be divine. I can't stop thinking about it myself! The setup is similar to the Louet Julia (My favorite wheel in the whole world.), but retails at a much lower price ($478). A single drive with a Scotch tension, the flyer just pops right off for quick, easy bobbin changes. Ratios run from 5:1 all the way up to 20:1 (with additional whorls).

We've got one on order, and I'll let you know when it makes it to the shop so we can all try it out together!

We've got Mind's Eye!

We got a shipment of Lucy's lovely Mind's Eye Yarn; seven different colorways. Call us at the shop (352.338-7222) if you're interested (we don't carry this on our website) and we'd be happy to tell you what we got in, and ring you up over the phone!

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 November 19th?

Uptown Art Hop

The next Uptown Art Hop is coming up soon! Friday, November 20th, from 6-9-- we will have spinning and knitting demonstrations all night, and of course wine, cheese, and general Good Times. And it's not just us -- the district of Uptown at 43rd Street includes art galleries, businesses and restaurants in Millhopper Square, Thornebrook Village, and The Market Place. We'd love to have you join us! See a sampling of some of the best art in Gainesville, ranging from one-of-a- kind locally made art, to gifts from the far corners of the earth. A rickshaw shuttle will allow event goers to easily travel the short distance between stops.

As if you needed another reason, but... why else should you show up? Because Uptown Art Hop merchants will be selling raffle tickets with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to Florida's Eden's One Region One Book program. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The prize is $150 in gift certificates (in $25 increments) valid at any participating location.

Revisiting June is for Jag

Remember this, from last year? Well, the original has long since gone to live with Jag, but we wanted to continue to show off this pattern because it works so well with different yarns-- and is a great pattern for either a new knitter looking to up their skills just a bit, or someone looking to crank out a pretty scarf in a quick amount of time.


Well, our lovely friend Jacquie knitted this up for us. The pattern is June is for Jag (Ravel it!) and the yarn is Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted in the "Hermosa" colorway.

Beautifully done, Jacquie - thank you!

Friday Photo

Class: Knit a Cookie A. sock (Twisted Flower)

November 19, December 3 and 10 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $60

If you have knit socks previously, and are wanting to learn more complicated patterns and chart reading, this is the class for you. Knit cuff-down, this intermediate twisted stitch and cable pattern is fantastic!

This is not a good class for a first-time sock knitter because you'll be knitting the cuff at home before the class starts; but if you have previous experience knitting socks and are familiar with basic sock construction, this is the class for you.


What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- you should have some previous sock knitting experience

What we'll teach you how to do:
- twisted stitches
- read charts
- cables

What materials are included:
- pattern
- appropriate yarn for a pair of socks
- students will provide their own needles for this class, so that you can use the method most comfortable for you (DPNs, two circulars, or 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.

What's on your needles?

Right now it just looks like a cuff, but eventually it will grow up to be a sock. The pattern is Pheasant Run, and the yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Edgewater colorway. I just wish I had more time to work on it!

Class: Mini Bridgewater Shawl Blocking Demo

Monday November 16, 2009 | 6:00-8:00 PM | $15

If you also signed up for the class Bridgewater: Knit a Small Shawl, this demo is included in that class. And if you didn't take that class, but want to get all your questions about blocking answered, this is the workshop for you!

Join Caitlin as she blocks her Bridgewater Shawl, and demonstrates blocking lace. She will also answer all of your other questions about blocking, no matter what the project type.

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.

How does that yarn knit up? (part one)

Have you ever searched Ravelry for projects done up in a particular yarn before buying it, in case you don't like how it works up? Or gone ahead and bought it anyway, only to work it up in six different patterns before you find one you like? Well... we maybe can't help you with all yarns, but we can help you with the ones we dye ourselves!



Here is a swatch knitted up in our sock yarn, in the colorways we have dyed that are meant to spiral (swatches of multi and semi-solids coming later this month). From top down, knitted on US 1 needles in the round with a stitch count of 68, we have Purple Raven, When Doves Cry, Hogtown, and Cosmo.

If you're on Ravelry and have knitted with any of these colorways, we'd love to see your projects added to our group, if you haven't done that already! Or if you're not on Ravelry, we also have a Flickr group and we'd love to see your photos there, too.

Class: Kids Intro to Knitting

November 14 and 21, 2009 (Saturdays) | 2:00-5:00 | $50

This class will be for those who have never knit before, and is geared towards the younger set (ages 5-15 are welcome).

Week One: Learn about 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, binding off.

What you need to know how to do:
- nothing!

What we'll teach you how to do:
- about knitting in general (what is yarn? How do you care for it?)
- about the tools used in knitting
- casting on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- simple patterns such as ribbing, garter, stockinette
- binding off

What materials are included:
- "How to Knit", the TNNA book
- needles appropriate to yarn
- Lorna's Laces AHAH yarn


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 Photo

Class: Sweater Design Workshop

November 13, 20, and December 4, 2009 | 6-8 PM | $75

Learn how to design and knit your own unique sweater!

Do you look at the yarn in your stash and wish you could make a sweater or vest using it, but can’t find the perfect pattern? In this workshop we will knit a “sweater” fit for the fish king! In this class you will learn all the techniques necessary (ribbing, sweatshirt pockets, afterthought pockets, button holes, increases, decreases, short rows for fit, etc.) to knit a seam-free sweater for yourself or anyone else, bottom up or top down, pull over or cardigan, with some iteration of a raglan sleeve. You will learn how to use Jacqueline Fee’s gauge page which will free you to use any yarn you want; handspun or commercial. During the first two weeks while you knit your sampler we will discuss how to make your ideal sweater so it fits the way YOU want it to. You will bring in a favorite fitting sweater and measure your body so you will better understand the ratios involved and begin the design process. In the last class you will knit a swatch with the yarn of your choice and write your own pattern using the skills and knowledge gained during this workshop. You can even cast on for your sweater! We will provide the yarn for your sampler. You bring a selection of needles with your choice of yarn for the last class.



What you need to know how to do:
- cast on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- bind 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 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.

The one where nobody asks me for color advice, ever again.

It's November, and while there will be a December square, I won't be making it (Sharon is doing December, and BOY HOWDY! is it going to be a nice one!) so I decided it was time to start thinking of how my afghan is going together. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Apparently I have been smoking crack for the last eleven months... because even though I told myself that (1) using lots of different colors is OK because the crazy quilt look will come together in the end and (2) that minor fluctuations in size are OK because that will all work out in the blocking... HAHAHAHAHA.



Sigh... above is the potential layout of my afghan, minus the six squares I took out after much moving of squares around. I took out a handful, even though I wanted a bigger afghan, because the bright green and bright blues that were in them really just didn't mesh well with the muted colors of the rest of the squares. HOWEVER... after I took them out and fretted a bit over (1) having a smaller afghan than I wanted or (2) knitting a few more squares to make it bigger or (3) doing a log-cabin sort of border around it to make it bigger... I thought, "I can overdye the squares I don't like!"... and that's what I've done. They're drying now... so the above layout will change. Good thing I'm only crocheting borders around the smaller ones to make them all the same size, and haven't actually started putting them together!

I'll keep you all posted. I know the rest of you knitting squares are on the edge of your seats...!

Class: Introduction to Knitting

November 11, 18, December 2, and 9, 2009 (Wednesday) | 6:00-8:00 | $100

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.

What you need to know how to do:
- nothing!

What we'll teach you how to do:
- about knitting in general (what is yarn? How do you care for it?)
- about the tools used in knitting
- casting on
- the knit stitch
- the purl stitch
- simple patterns such as ribbing, garter, stockinette
- binding off

What materials are included:
- "How to Knit", the TNNA book
- needles appropriate to yarn
- Lorna's Laces AHAH yarn
- a tool kit including stitch markers, needle gauge, tape measure, row counter, tapestry needles, stitch holders, and more


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.

What's on your needles?

I'm currently working on Wicked (Ravel it!), using Louet Gems worsted weight. I'm teaching a class on this pattern, love it, and also hear that eventually at some point in the future we might possibly get some cooler weather. In theory. And if we do, I'll be ready!

Sweet pretty sparkly Prism

We got a couple of pretties in from Prism this week -


Y'all better get in quick if you want that Saki - the red/brown/purple/green one is calling my name!

2009: The Year of the Afghan (November)

Once again in November, we are doing only a charted design, rather than written out; but don’t let that scare you! If you guessed this month would have cables, you’d be right! Both traveling and woven cables– and we have a warning: while the chart itself is not difficult, it can look deceptively tough because there’s a lot going on visually.

And don’t get confused - this one does start on a wrong side row!

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.