Class: Knit a Cardigan (Central Park Hoodie)

1/7, 1/14, 2/18, 2/25, 3/11 (Thursdays) 6:00-8:00 and Saturday 3/27 (2:00-5:00) | $90

In addition there are two dates (Sunday 1/31 and 3/7, from 10:30-1:30) for optional checking in and knitting together during the breaks between classes, which is free with the class. There is a lot of knitting in this class, and we are encouraging students to meet at the shop on the Knit-a-long dates.

There are few cardigan patterns more popular than the Central Park Hoodie (Ravel it!). If you've been wanting to try a great, straightforward pattern which can customized if needed, this is the cardigan for you! And don't be afraid of seaming - that's what that last Saturday class is for!

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

What we'll teach you how to do:
- cables
- cable without a cable needle
- change cable patterns if wanted
- read charts
- adjust pattern for gauge

What materials are included:
- pattern
- instruction

Students should provide their own needles and yarn (while we are happy to steer you towards appropriate yarn, students should feel free to knit from stash), so that they can get the gauge required for the pattern, which is 17 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. If your gauge is a little off (say, if you'd rather use a lighter weight yarn), one of the things we will discuss in the class is how to adjust the pattern for different gauge.


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.

Holiday hour update

Just a quick reminder about our holiday hours this week -

Wednesday 12/30: open regular hours, 10-7
Thursday 12/31: open 10-4
Friday 1/01: closed
Saturday 1/02: open regular hours, 10-7
Sunday 1/03: open regular hours, 10-7
Monday 1/04: open regular hours, 10-7

Have a great New Years, everyone!

Monday Morning Spinning

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 January 4th?

2009 FOs Year In Review - Socks

It looks like I knocked out a couple of socks this year!



Pattern: Ribbed Socks
Yarn: Rocket Yarn




Pattern: Monkey
Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye




Pattern: Marigold
Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye




Pattern: Ribbed Socks
Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye




Pattern: Basic Adult Sock by Ann Norling
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport




Pattern: Lacy Summer Socks
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock




Pattern: Monkey
Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye




Pattern: Air Raid
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock




Pattern: Pheasant Run
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock




Pattern: Crest of the Wave
Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye

Afghan Seaming Slumber Party

Get out your PJs and gather up all the afghan squares you've been plugging away on all year, it’s time for an afghan seaming slumber party at Hanks!

It’ll be on Saturday, January 9th from 8:00pm to 11:00pm (We’re actually old ladies in disguise. Can’t miss that late showing of McGuyver, you know.). Ten dollars will get you in the door and covers drinkies and snacks.

Ideally you would have at least two completed squares to bring to the party. And if you have a handful of squares but no idea of how to seam them together, no worries - there will be people there to talk things over with and to help you learn to seam your afghan squares together.

This event will be limited to 15 people, so pull out your wallets and get them to the shop asap! We’ll also take Paypal sent to hanksyarn@gmail.com.

Want to come to the party but don't have an afghan to seam? If we have any spots open after January 6th, we'll open those up to people who just want to come and hang out with knitter peeps in PJs. Heck, maybe you could even whip up two swatches before then, and learn some seaming skills!

2009 FOs Year In Review - Hats

In looking back over the year, it seems that I've knit a lot of hats --



Pattern: From the Ann Norling "Head Hugger" pattern
Yarn: GGH Tara




Pattern: (OK, technically a headband) Nakiska (from Knitty.com)
Yarn: Trendsetter Merinos VIII




Pattern: Coronet (from Knitty.com)
Yarn: Malabrigo worsted weight




Pattern: Hallowig (from Knitty.com)
Yarn: Trendsetter Merinos VIII




Pattern: House Hat, from the book "Charmed Knits"
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted




Pattern: House Hat, from the book "Charmed Knits"
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted




Pattern: Based on our August afghan square
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Green Line Worsted

And I have one more hat on the needles right now - The Sunflower Tam from the book "Knitting Nature", being knit in the December sock club yarn. But I'm not guaranteeing that I'll have it finished by the end of the year!

Friday Photo

Handspun and handknit afghan by Lorena; baby by Susan. The afghan took slightly less time to make, but the baby is - hands down - much more adorable! OM NOM NOM MUST EAT CHEEKS.

Upcoming Holiday Hours

This week we will be open our regular business hours (10-7 every day but Tuesday). Following is the schedule for the next two holiday weeks:

Wednesday 12/23: open regular hours, 10-7
Thursday 12/24: open 10-4
Friday 12/25: closed
Saturday 12/26: closed
Sunday 12/27: open regular hours, 10-7
Monday 12/28: open regular hours, 10-7

Wednesday 12/30: open regular hours, 10-7
Thursday 12/31: open 10-4
Friday 1/01: closed
Saturday 1/02: open regular hours, 10-7
Sunday 1/03: open regular hours, 10-7
Monday 1/04: open regular hours, 10-7

We hope you are enjoying everything you are celebrating at this time of year (or enjoying not celebrating)!

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 December 17th?

Class: Seaming and Picking Up Stitches

Saturday December 19 | 10:30 AM -1:30 PM | $30 | Materials Not Included

Struggling with messy seams, 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! 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 three small 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.

Upcoming Classes - December through March

Please note: 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.

All materials included unless otherwise specified.

December

Introduction to Spinning on a Drop Spindle
12/17 (Thursday) | 6:00-8:00 | $30

Seaming and Picking up Stitches
12/19 (Saturday) | 10:30-1:30 | $30

January

Knit a Cardigan: Central Park Hoodie
1/7, 1/14, 2/18, 2/25, 3/11 (Thurs) and Sat 3/27 (2-5) | 6:00-8:00 | $90
(Class includes pattern and instruction; student should provide needles and yarn - we will gladly help advise on yarns)

Knit a Cardigan KAL meetup
1/31, 3/7 (Sun) | 10:30-1:30 | Free with class

Kids Series: Intro to Knitting Hats
1/9, 1/16, 1/30 (Sat) | 10:30-12:30 | $80

Yarn Bombing
Saturdays 1/9 (2-5 PM) and 2/20 (6-8 PM) | $45

Yarn Bombing KAL meetup
Sunday 1/24 | 10:30-1:30 | Free with class

Intro to Cuff-down Socks Knitted on DPNs
1/11, 1/18, 1/25 (Mon) | 6:00-8:00 |$75

Intro to Knitting
1/13, 1/20, 1/27, 2/3 (Wed) | 6:00-8:00 | $100

Into to Knitting Hats
1/21, 1/28, 2/4 (Thurs) | 6:00-8:00 | $80

Australian Locker Hooking
Friday January 22 | 6:00-8:00 | $50

Knitted Gloves with Twisted Stitches: Entangled Stitches
1/30, 2/13, 2/20 (Sat) | 2:00-5:00 | $80

February

Design and Knit Fair Isle Mittens
2/1, 2/15, 3/1 (Mon) | 6:00-8:00 | $80

Introduction to Spinning
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 3/5 (Fri) | 6:00-8:00 | $125

Intro to Knitting Continental Style
Monday February 8 | 6:00-8:00 | $25
(Students should already know how to knit)

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Beaded Knitting
2/13, 2/20 (Sat) | 10:30-1:30 | $65

Introduction to Making Melt & Pour Soap
Sunday February 14 | 10:30-1:30 | $40

Intro to Knitting Hats
2/17, 2/24, 3/3 (Wed) | 6:00-8:00 | $80

Knit a Cabled Hat: Coronet
2/22, 3/8, 3/15 (Mon) | 6:00-8:00 | $80

Introduction to Spinning on a Drop Spindle
Saturday February 27 | 10:30-1:30 | $30

Knit a Lace Cowl: Pretty Thing
2/27, 3/6 (Sat) | 2:00-5:00 | $70

March

Knitting Lace Socks
3/4, 3/18, 3/25 (Thurs) | 6:00-8:00 | $75
(Yarn and pattern provided; students should bring favorite sock needles)

Intro to Toe-up Socks Knitted on Two Circular Needles
3/6, 3/13, 3/20 (Sat) | 10:30-1:30 | $75

Blending Fibers with Hand & Drum Carders
Saturday March 6 | 2:00-5:00 | $40

Intro to Knitting
3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31 (Wed) | 6:00-8:00 | $100

Sweater Design Workshop
3/12, 3/19, 3/26 (Fri) | 6:00-8:00 | $75

Kids Series: Intro to Knitting
3/13, 3/20 (Sat) | 2:00-4:00 | $60

Intro and Next-Step Crochet
3/22, 3/29 (Mon) | 6:00-8:00 | $60

Drafting Workshop
Saturday March 27 | 10:30-1:30 | $40

Introduction to Making Melt & Pour Soap
Sunday March 28 | 10:30-1:30 | $40

Friday Photo

This photo is for Jane, who recently said in passing, "I'm thinking about knitting another Dr. Who scarf"...



So this is just a gentle reminder of how much fun the last one was!

Meet-Ups and Gatherings

All meet-ups and gatherings are free and open to the public!

Stitch ‘n’ Bitch
Join this eclectic group of folks for a little crochet, knitting, and chatting about everything under the sun. Everyone is welcome!
Sundays | 2-4:30

UFO Friday: Unfinished Object Friday & The Kniterati
Come in Friday night and have some fun! Get some inspiration for working on your unfinished projects over the weekend. This is a much smaller group than the Sunday afternoon group, so if smaller settings are what you prefer, this meeting might be for you. Tea, laughing, and good people abound.

The Kniterati are a fabulous co-ed group of college age folks (both students and recent graduates) who take their crocheting and knitting with a large dose of humor. Like-minded people always welcome (Eddie Izzard fans and Science Fiction geeks especially)!
Fridays | 5-7

First Monday Morning Spinners
On the first Monday of the month bring your wheel or drop spindle and some fiber and sit with us to do some spinning! This meeting is great for spinners who work at night and can't get to an afternoon or evening gathering.
First Monday of the month | 11-1

Third Thursday Evening Spinners
On the third Thursday of the month bring your wheel or drop spindle and some fiber and sit with us to do some spinning! This meeting is great for spinners who work or go to school during the day and can't get to the morning gathering.
Third Thursday of the month | 5-7

And of course, anyone is welcome to stop by and have a little sit-down any time we’re open!

December Sock Club

The December sock club yarn is moments away from being ready!



All it needs is color... HAHAHAH! Get it? Black and white photo? Needs color? ... ...

... ...

(insert crickets)

ANYWAY.

If you’re local and in the December sock club, you can swing by the shop any time after Wednesday and pick yours up (or heck... tonight, even, if you can get here before 7, *muhuwhahahahah*). If you’re not local and you’re in the December sock club, start looking in your mailboxes around Wednesday!

Class: Knitting Lace Socks

December 12 and 19 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00 | $75

If you have knit socks previously, and are wanting to learn more about lace patterns and chart reading, this is the class for you. Knit cuff-down on US size 1 double-point needles, this intermediate lace pattern also incorporates columns of stitches knit through the back loop - trust me, those really pop out and make the pattern look fantastic!

This is not a good class for a first-time sock knitter, as the cuff of the sock will need to be knit on your own before class; but if you have previous experience knitting socks and are familiar with basic sock construction, this is the class for you (even if you've never knit lace before).



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
- incorporate lace stitches into a sock pattern
- read charts

What materials are included:
- pattern
- appropriate yarn for a pair of socks

Students should provide their own sock needles, so that they can knit using whichever method they prefer (double-pointed needles, magic loop, socks on two circulars).


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.

Sock Monkey Yarn

We've started to bring in the June sock club colorway, Sock Monkey - right now we only have a few skeins, but we'll have more by the end of the month. So keep your eyes on our blog to find out when we get more!

PS. We're going to be working on redoing the website soon, 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 what we have and/or ring you up over the phone!

Class: Blending Fibers with Hand and Drum Carders

December 11 (Friday) | 6-9 PM | $40
Students should bring their own wheel or drop spindle

Spinners must have some experience in spinning and should bring own wheels or drop spindles if they wish to spin their blends immediately.

Spinners should bring hand carders and/or drum carders if they have one; however, there will be a drum carder available for the class.




What you need to know how to do:
- You should have some experience with spinning.

What we'll teach you how to do:
- blend different fibers together using hand carders and/or a drum carder

What materials are included:
- silk, bamboo, and wool fibers for blending
- appropriate fiber for spinning



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.

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 December 7th?

Friday Photo

If I could have gotten a foot into that photo, too, you could have seen my handknit socks. I love colder weather (for the three days we have it, anyway).

2009: The Year of the Afghan (December)

Aw, it's December! And that means the last of our monthly afghan squares. You can download this fair isle pattern here. If you need a few pointers on fair isle, consider signing up for our class for this square on Saturday, December 5th at 2pm.

Watch this space for the date of our afghan seaming party! We'll have nibbles and wine on hand, as well as lots of help and advice on how to attach your squares together.