Class: Learn to Knit Hats

(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/7, 4/14, 4/21 (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




Please read the following Class Policies:

PAYMENT: Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first).

CLASS SIZE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: All classes limited to five people. 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 the class and a full refund will be given.

IN BETWEEN CLASSES: 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.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS: When we publish our new class schedules, we have made an obligation to our teachers and we take that responsibility seriously. Please keep in mind our cancellation policy: If you miss the first class in a series you will be dropped from the remaining classes, receive a 75% refund on the class, and have the opportunity to purchase the class materials at retail price. You must contact Hanks within 48 hours after the missed class to receive your refund. If any other class in the session is missed without prior arrangement with the teacher, the student may set up a one-on-one makeup class with Sharon or Lorena at the regular price of $25 for two hours.

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 April 5th?

Class: Knit Cabled and Beaded Gloves (Eisblume)

(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/3, 4/17, 4/24 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $95
Students should bring their favorite sock-weight knitting needles

Technically this isn't as much cables as twisted stitches - if you remember the Entangled Stitches gloves we did last quarter, this is by the same designer. Think of it as Entangled Stitches with beads!



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 gloves to fit your hand
- twisted stitches (slightly different from cables)
- knit with beads

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

This is knitted with sock weight yarn; students should bring their favorite needles so that they can knit in their preferred method (DPNs, two circulars, or magic loop).


Please read the following Class Policies:

PAYMENT: Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first).

CLASS SIZE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: All classes limited to five people. 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 the class and a full refund will be given.

IN BETWEEN CLASSES: 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.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS: When we publish our new class schedules, we have made an obligation to our teachers and we take that responsibility seriously. Please keep in mind our cancellation policy: If you miss the first class in a series you will be dropped from the remaining classes, receive a 75% refund on the class, and have the opportunity to purchase the class materials at retail price. You must contact Hanks within 48 hours after the missed class to receive your refund. If any other class in the session is missed without prior arrangement with the teacher, the student may set up a one-on-one makeup class with Sharon or Lorena at the regular price of $25 for two hours.

New Lorna's Sock Colors

Lorna's Laces has some new colorways, and we have them in Shepherd Sock - starting at the top left we have Avondale, Zombie BBQ (the new "staff favorite" colorway around our shop), Catalpa, Pullman, Calumet, and Humboldt (a little more light green than it looks in the photo). Swing by the shop or call us (352.338-7222) if you want any more info on these!

Friday Photo

Knit a Cookie A. sock: Zanzibar

(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $95
Students should bring their favorite sock knitting needles, and a crochet hook

Learn how to make this ingeniously designed mirrored sock - rather than being knitted exactly the same, the left and right socks mirror each other. While this sock may look intimidating, the construction is so much fun that before you know it the adventurous knitter is halfway done! Start with a cabled band, knitted flat and seamed; pick up stitches and knit down. Voila!



What you need to know how to do:
- students should have knit at least two pairs of socks previously

What we'll teach you how to do:
- read charts
- how to knit mirrored socks (where the left and right socks are subtly different)

What materials are included:
- appropriate yarn
- pattern


Please read the following Class Policies:

PAYMENT: Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first).

CLASS SIZE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: All classes limited to five people. 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 the class and a full refund will be given.

IN BETWEEN CLASSES: 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.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS: When we publish our new class schedules, we have made an obligation to our teachers and we take that responsibility seriously. Please keep in mind our cancellation policy: If you miss the first class in a series you will be dropped from the remaining classes, receive a 75% refund on the class, and have the opportunity to purchase the class materials at retail price. You must contact Hanks within 48 hours after the missed class to receive your refund. If any other class in the session is missed without prior arrangement with the teacher, the student may set up a one-on-one makeup class with Sharon or Lorena at the regular price of $25 for two hours.

Closed for Easter Sunday

Hanks Yarn and Fiber will be closed on Sunday, April 4th, for Easter. We will re-open on Monday, April 5th, for our regular business hours.

We will be enjoying the holiday with our families, and hope that you will be doing the same.

Thanks, y'all!

Superwash Merino restock

Superwash Merino is done, and that brings us to a close of this round of dyeing! I tried to call or email everyone today; if you didn't hear from me today expect a phone call tomorrow (there was one person I tried to call and I wasn't able to leave a message - if you suspect this was you please don't hesitate to call me at the shop tomorrow!).

April sock club is coming up soon... so I won't be away from the dye-pots for long!

Class: Introduction to Melt & Pour Soap

Sunday March 28 | 10:30 - 1:30 | $40



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

What we'll teach you how to do:
- how to make soap using the melt & pour method

What materials are included:
- enough soap to make four bars
- scents
- a pattern for a washcloth
- cotton yarn for washcloth

Please bring needles in the US 5-7 size, as there is a lot of sitting around time; we will provide a pattern and yarn for a washcloth and get started on that during the downtimes of the workshop.

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: Spinning Workshop (Drafting)

March 27 (Saturday) | 10:30-1:30 | $40
Students should bring their own wheel or drop spindle

Spinners must have some experience in spinning; while you don't have to be a graduate of one of our spinning classes, previous spinning experience on either a drop spindle or a wheel is required. Students should bring their own wheel or drop spindle - please call at least 48 hours in advance if you will need a wheel or spindle provided, so that we can reserve a wheel or spindle for you (there will be a small additional fee).

What you need to know how to do:
- have at least a rudimentary understanding of spinning

What we'll teach you how to do:
- drafting techniques to improve your handspun

What materials are included:
- 1 ounce of commercially prepared roving
- 1 ounce BFL batt


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.

Friday Photo

Bamboo Sock Restock

Remember last week when I finished dyeing the BFL base? Now I'm done with the Bamboo, and the colors that I dyed are pictured above. Superwash Merino will be next (I'm hoping to have everything reskeined by Monday). So if you have a special order with us, expect a call or email in about a week, once everything is 100% finished!

Upcoming Classes - April through June

Please read the following Class Policies, as some have changed:

PAYMENT: Classes do fill up early; so please reserve your space in the class by paying in advance. Payment is required within 7 days of signing up for the class or within one week before the class begins (whichever comes first).

CLASS SIZE AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: All classes limited to five people. 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 the class and a full refund will be given.

IN BETWEEN CLASSES: 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.

CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS: When we publish our new class schedules, we have made an obligation to our teachers and we take that responsibility seriously. Please keep in mind our cancellation policy: If you miss the first class in a series you will be dropped from the remaining classes, receive a 75% refund on the class, and have the opportunity to purchase the class materials at retail price. You must contact Hanks within 48 hours after the missed class to receive your refund. If any other class in the session is missed without prior arrangement with the teacher, the student may set up a one-on-one makeup class with Sharon or Lorena at the regular price of $25 for two hours.


And now, for the classes!

All materials provided unless otherwise indicated

April

Knit a Cookie A. sock: Zanzibar
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $95
Students should bring their favorite sock knitting needles, and a crochet hook

Knit Cabled and Beaded Gloves: Eisblume
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/3, 4/17, 4/24 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $95
Students should bring their favorite sock-weight knitting needles

Intro to Knitting Hats
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/7, 4/14, 4/21 (Wednesdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $80

KAL: Gathered Pullover
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 6/6, 6/20 (Sundays) | 2:00-5:00 | Free
Materials Not Included

Intro to Cuff-Down Socks on DPNs
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/12, 4/19, 4/26 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75

Knit the Flared Lace Smoke Ring
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/16, 4/23, 4/30 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $85

Design and Knit an Intarsia T-shirt or Sweater
(See an example on Ravelry from a previous class!)
4/10, 4/24, 5/15, 5/22, 6/12 (Saturdays) | 2:00-5:00 | $75
Yarn and Needles Not Included

Intro to Knitting
4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 (Wednesdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100

May

Intro to and Next Step Crochet
5/6, 5/20 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $60

Introduction to Spinning
5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/11 (Fridays) | 6:00-9:00 | $125

Knit a Tank Top: Green Gable
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
5/17, 5/24, 6/7, 6/21 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $60
Yarn and Needles Not Included

Beaded Faux Cable Anklets: Top-Down Socks
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
5/22, 5/29, 6/5 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $95

Entrelac Knitting
(See an example on Ravelry from a previous class!)
5/27, 6/3 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $45

Introduction to Knitting
5/29, 6/5, 6/19, 6/26 (Saturdays) | 2:00-5:00 | $100

June

Spinning Silk Caps, Hankies, Roving, Blends
6/2/2010 (Wednesday) | 6:00-9:00 | $30

Cable That Bag!
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
6/4, 6/18, 6/25 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $80

Knit a Shawl: Clothilde
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30 (Wednesdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100

Introduction to Spinning on a Drop Spindle
6/10, 6/24 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55
And please join us on 6/17 (5-7 PM) for Thursday Night Spinners (it’s free!)

Intro to Knitting Toe-up Socks on 2 Circular Needles
(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
6/12, 6/19, 6/26 9 (Saturdays) | 10:30-1:30 | $80

Spin the Weight Yarn You Want
6/14/2010 (Monday) | 6:00-9:00 | $30

Intro to Knitting in the Continental Style
6/17/2010 (Thursday) | 6:00-8:00 | $25


Looking for Something Else?

One-on-One lessons are available in many techniques such as Magic Loop, turning heels on socks, drop spindling, cabling, seaming and picking up stitches, Continental Style, and help with individual projects (both knitting and crochet). Price is $25 per two-hour session. Materials are not included.

Our fiber is taking a vacation!

Ginger and our spinning fibers are going to the Florida Tropical Weaver's Guild conference this weekend! We apologize for any inconvenience, but our fiber and other spinning supplies will be out of the shop until Monday, March 22nd.

Just in from JoJoLand!

We just got the loveliest shipment in from JojoLand - all three yarns are new to us, and we hope that you'll be as excited to see them as we are.


Ballad is a fingering weight 100% Superwash Wool that comes in a 50 g/220 yard ball. It gets approximately 7-8 sts/inch on a US 1-3 (recommended hook size is a B-D), and retails for $4.95.


Baritone is a worsted weight 100% wool (feltable) that comes in a 50 g/110 yard ball. It gets approximately 4.5-5 sts/inch on a US 7-8 (recommended hook size is I/J), and retails for $4.50


Consonance is a laceweight 50% Cashmere/50% Silk that comes in a 50 g/400 yard skein. It gets approximately 28 sts/4 inches on a US 2 (recommended hook size is a C), and retails for $24.00

Swing by the shop to feel this in person, or give us a call (352.338.7222) if you need more information about it!

Class: Intro to and Next Step Crochet

March 22 and 29 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 PM | $60

Have you been wanting to learn how to crochet, or pick it back up after many a year hiatus? Then this is the class for you! Good for both people who have never picked up a hook, or who haven't picked up a hook in years.

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

What we'll teach you how to do:
- the very basics of crochet

What materials are included:
- hook
- appropriate 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.

BFL sock restock

Remember last week when we got base yarn? I've finished dyeing the Superwash BFL base, and the colors that I dyed are pictured above. Bamboo is next (should be done by Wednesday or Thursday), and Superwash Merino will be last (probably this time next week). So if you have a special order with us, expect a call or email in about a week, once everything is 100% finished!

Hibernating colors

Shhhh, be very quiet! Some of our colors are going to sleep.

After what we have on the shelf sells out, Cosmo, Apple Harvest, and Hurry Up Spring will be going into hibernation. We're not discontinuing them, but in the future they will only be available via special order.

Cosmo -




Apple Harvest -




Hurry Up Spring -



We do have some of this on the shelves now; call (352.338-7222) for availability and prices!

Thursday Night Spinners

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 March 18th?

I'm dyeing over here!

We have a lot of special orders, but I will be dyeing for fun as well. When I dyed last month, many things sold out of the window, some even before it was dry. So if there's anything you've got a hankering for, tentative plans are for the following -

Bamboo ($22) - Chocolate Covered Fruit, Green Grass, Irish Coffee, Purple Raven, Sock Monkey, Vodka & OJ, and When Doves Cry.
Superwash BFL ($21) - Chocolate Covered Fruit, Hogtown, Laszlo, and Sock Monkey.
Superwash Merino ($20) - Chocolate Covered Fruit, Green Grass, Hogtown, Laszlo, Purple Raven, Sock Monkey, The 80's Have Called, and Vodka & OJ.

If you have not already placed a special order and would be interested in any of the above, we'd be happy to put your name on whatever you want and after everything is dyed, dried, and reskeined we will give you a shout!

Class: Kids Intro to Knitting

March 13 and 20, 2009 (Saturdays) | 2:00-4:00 | $60

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.

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
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.
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!

Friday Photo

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.

Class: Introduction to Knitting

March 10, 17, 24, and 31 (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.

Introducing... Punta Yarns!

Today we got some yarn in that we're so excited to tell you about - new to us Punta Yarns!


Punta Cotton Hand Painted is a 100% cotton that comes in a 100 g/235 yard put-up. It gets approximately 20 sts/4 inches on a US 7, and retails for $18.00


Merisock Hand Painted is a 95% Superwash Merino/5% Poly that comes in a generous 100 g/463 yard put-up. It gets approximately 7 sts/inch on a US 1, and retails for $19.95.


MeriTwist Hand Painted is a 100% Merino that comes in a 100 g/99 yard put-up. It gets approximately 12 sts/4 inches on a US 10.5, and retails for $15.50. This is not a Superwash wool and is feltable. The colors in all of these new yarns are gorgeous but I have to say, this one in particular has a red and yellow that is calling my name!

Swing by the shop to feel this gorgeousness in person, or give us a call (352.338.7222) if you need more information about it!

As promised, Superwash Merino!

Dried and reskeined! There were about twice as many, but most were either special orders or sold while drying in the window-- so we'll be placing another base order soon!