Taglia

If you've been at the store in the last 24 hours you've probably already oooh'ed and ahhhh'ed over this, but let us introduce Lana Grossa Linea Pura Taglia.

Taglia is a 100% cotton tape, so is very light and airy. It comes in 98 yard/50 g balls, gets 14/sts over 4 inches on a US 10, and retails at $11.95.

Swing by the shop to feel any of this in person if you haven't already, or give us a call (352.338.7222) if you need more information about it!

Class: Intro to and Next Step Crochet

5/6, 5/20 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $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


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.

Upcoming Classes - May and 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

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.

What's on your needles (or hooks)?

I have about nine different projects going on right now, not counting spinning; one of them is revisiting a lovely yarn that I had some issues with last year. I tried to do a pair of Herringbone Rib socks, and that just... well, ended badly. They got the better of me. But I love the yarn (Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in "Roadside Gerry"), so I'm revisiting it with a pair of simple feather & fan socks.

Have you ever gone back to yarn that you thought had beaten you? How did that turn out?

How does that yarn knit up? (part four)

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 two of our most recently released former club colorways. Sweet Baby James, knitted on US 1 needles in the round with a stitch count of 68.

If you're on Ravelry and have knitted with any of our 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.

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 May 3rd?

Mmmore Mmmalabrigo!

Malabrigo sock yarn! Sharon snuck it in while I was on vacation... and what a lovely thing to come back to!

Poll results are in, and you prefer to use...

The poll results of the last two weeks have been added up, and here are the results:

I prefer to use:
Metal hooks/needles - 19 (55%)
Wooden or bamboo hooks/needles - 16 (47%)
Plastic hooks/needles - 0 (0%)
Straight needles - 6 (17%)
Double-pointed needles - 13 (38%)
Circular needles - 24 (70%)
Hooks with a rubber grip - 3 (8%)
Hooks with a smooth handle - 4 (11%)

There's a new poll on the sidebar - check it out!

Friday Photo

Class: Introduction to Knitting

4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 (Wednesdays) | 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

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.

Friday Photo

April Sock Club

The April sock club yarn is ready! If you’re in the area, please swing by and pick yours up any time - and if you’re not in the area, start looking in your mailbox by the weekend!

Poll results are in, and you are...

The poll results of the last two weeks have been added up, and here are the results:

I am a...
Knitter - 38 (97%)
Crocheter - 17 (43%)
Weaver - 5 (12%)
Spinner - 15 (38%)
I also embroider - 11 (28%)
I also cross-stitch - 15 (38%)
I also quilt - 16 (41%)

There's a new poll on the sidebar; check it out!

Organico Print

You may already be familiar with a cotton yarn we love - Organico - and they've just started a new line with slightly variegated colors. Organico Print is a 100% organic cotton that comes in 98 yard/50 gram balls, get 18 sts over 4 inches on a US 8 (so you can mix and match with Organico solid colors if you want) and retail for $11.95.

How does that yarn knit up? (part three)

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 two of our most recently released former club colorways. From top down, knitted on US 1 needles in the round with a stitch count of 68, we have Sock Monkey, followed by Laszlo.

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.

Friday Photo

Class: Knit a lace cowl

4/16, 4/23, 4/30 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $85

New to lace knitting (or even just new to knitting), and want to knit something for your neck but think a scarf is never-ending torture? Lace cowls are the way to go! Light and open, good for those cool mornings we're still having.

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
- how to increase/decrease

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


Please note: a pattern written by the teacher will be substituted for the original pattern on the schedule.



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.

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 April 15th?

Just in from Classic Elite!

Continuing with our new spring line of yarns, we just got this shipment in from Classic Elite. Maybe it's the colors, maybe it's all the Easter candy on sale, but this wall just makes me think of Easter Eggs!

Classic Silk is a sport weight 50% cotton, 30% silk, 20% nylon that comes in a 50 g/135 yard ball. It gets approximately 5 sts/inch on a US 6, and retails for $7.95. (Note from Lorena: I may have to make yet another Green Gable in this yarn!)

Sprout is a chunky weight 100% Organic Cotton that comes in a 100 g/109 yard skein. It gets approximately 3.5 sts/inch on a US 10, and retails for $10.95. The tag recommends machine washing gently, partially machine drying on cool temperatures, and laying flat to finish drying - so this will be great for baby blankets!

Summer Sox is a fingering weight 40% cotton, 40% Superwash Wool, 20% nylon that comes in a 50 g/175 yard ball. It gets approximately 7 sts/inch on a US 1-2, and retails for $9.95. This would be a great yarn for people who don't want to knit summer socks out of 100% wool.

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

Class: Design and Knit an Intarsia Sweater or T-Shirt

(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

This classic drop sleeve sweater is a perfect first or second sweater project. Using a percentage system, the sweater can be knit in any size with any gauge of yarn. Swatches will be measured and this information will be plugged into a formula resulting in a sweater (or t-shirt) pattern that fits only you! You will also learn the following skills: Intarsia, grafting stitches, seaming, and picking up stitches.



Materials are not included in this class. A 15% discount will be given on any merchandise purchased at Hanks that will be used in this class, though you are welcome to use yarn purchased elsewhere. We will be happy to help you choose appropriate yarn and needles. This is a homework intense class!


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.

Sweet Baby James

Has it been six months already? My, how time flies! It's hard to believe that sock club is halfway over. We're putting the finishing touches on the April yarn now, and it should be ready in about a week. Meanwhile, though...



The October 2009 sock club colorway, Sweet Baby James, is now available and for sale! Right now we have it in just the original Bamboo base sock yarn - swing by or give us a call in the shop if you can't live without it!

Class: Introduction to Knitting Cuff-Down Socks on Double-Pointed Needles

(See this pattern on Ravelry!)
4/12, 4/19, 4/26 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75

This class is not for the new knitter; but it would be great for someone already experienced with casting on, both the knit and purl stitches, and increasing and decreasing. During the three weeks of this class a sock will be made using double-pointed needles and sport-weight yarn.



Week one will be casting on, learning how to handle the double-pointed needles, and knitting the cuff (homework will include knitting the leg of the sock to the length you would like).

Week two will be working the heel flap and turning the heel, picking up stitches along the heel flap, and doing the gusset decreases (homework will include finishing the gusset decreasing and knitting the foot of the sock to within two inches of your foot length).

Week three will be decreasing for the toe, and the Kitchener stitch closing of the toe.


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 double-pointed needles
- basic sock construction
- how to knit socks

What materials are included:
- the pattern
- a skein of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport
- appropriate needles

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.

Gathered Pullover Knit-along

(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


WHO? Whomever would like to join! While we’d love it if you sign up at the shop so that we know roughly how many people to expect, anyone is welcome any time.

WHAT? A knit-along in which we all sit around at a designated time and place, knitting the same thing, inspiring and helping each other.

WHEN? 4/11, 4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 6/6, 6/20 (Sundays) | 2:00-5:00

WHERE? Hanks Yarn and Fiber, on the “office” side (where the glass table is).

WHY? Why not? Let’s try it, see how it goes!

Reminder - closed for Easter Sunday!

Just a quick reminder that 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!

Perhaps today is a good day to dye.... LACE!

Lest you think we're just about socks... we have added a line of lace yarn to our hand-dyes! You can find it here on our online shop or here on Ravelry. And of course you can find it here in the shop, because I am hanging it on the wall even as I type (yes, I am that talented). Angel Lace yarn is a 70% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere yarn that comes in 1300 yard/100 gram skeins, and is available for $27/skein. It will only be available in our solid colors (and we are planning more solid colors to be released throughout the year).

Friday Photo

New Mind's Eye Yarns!

We got a shipment of Lucy's lovely Mind's Eye Yarn; five different colorways including the popular Slytherin colorway! Swing by or 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! But not for one of those brown/green/gold ones. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since we pulled it out of the box, so clearly one of them is going to have to come home with me.