April Classes

Have you checked out our upcoming April classes?

Please read this first: 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.

2009 Afghan: The April Square
April 4 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00
$15 (materials not included)/$30 (materials included)

Introduction to Knitting
April 6, 13, 20, and 27 (Mondays) | 6:00-8:00 | $100 | Materials Included

Knitting vs. Crochet: An Introduction to Both
April 9 and 16 (Thursdays) | 6:00-8:00 | $55 | Materials Included

Introduction to Knitting Hats
April 17, 24 and May 1 (Fridays) | 6:00-8:00 | $75 | Materials Included

Introduction to Crock Pot Dyeing (Lace Weight Yarn)
April 18 (Saturday) | 10:30-1:30 | $55 | Materials Included

Intro to Fair Isle: Knit a Soap Sweater
April 18 (Saturday) | 2:00-5:00 | $30 | Materials Included

Amigarumi Monkey

A few weeks ago we had a class on how to crochet a little monkey -



As you can see, the class was a great success and resulted in a major monkey explosion!

Rocket Yarn in solids!

Are you familiar with Rocket Yarn?



Rocket Yarn is dyed locally near us, just about an hour north in Lake City. These solids are new for her, as she usually dyes in multi-colored tones. We don't sell the Rocket Yarn online, but if you're not local and are interested in getting some, give us a call at the shop (352-338-7222).

What's on your needles?

I'm finally getting around to knitting up a tube scarf as a shop sample, from all the fiber we played with at our first fiber tasting (spinners, did you see that we're having another?). I thought I'd just do a simple stockinette tube scarf to best show off the yarn that one can spin from all the fibers we carry. I realized that I don't do this very often - knit with my handspun, that is. I'm doing an afghan out of handspun right now, but mostly I gift my handspun to my crocheting and knitting friends.

Spinners, do you ever knit with your handspun?

Creepy Cute Crochet

There is an absolutely fabulous book out right now called Creepy Cute Crochet (check out the patterns on Ravelry) and one of our talented customers (who is also teaching this class, by the way) whipped up a Spartan and a Trojan. I tell you what, I can not escape the gravitational pull of the cuteness of these guys!

Purple Raven - The October 2008 Sock Club Colorway

It came to my attention that I've never blogged about completed socks from our sock club - and since the October colorway, Purple Raven, is due to be released to the public next month, I guess I should show it off, eh?



Yarn: Perhaps Today is a Good Day to Dye in "Purple Raven"
Needles: Size 1 DPNs
Pattern: My standard Feather & Fan pattern, loosely based on a pattern from the book Socks! Socks! Socks!
Notes: I made these back in October, and while I did find the base yarn somewhat thin to work with* I am extremely pleased with how they've held up. I've put them in the washing machine (in a lingerie bag, and then lay flat to dry) eight or nine times since then and they are still just as soft as they were when I was knitting them.

*I am a loose knitter, and used a size 1. Sharon has knit hers up also and I believe she used a size 0 or even a double 0. So if you are a loose knitter, be prepared to go small if you want a tight stitch!

Colorway will be available in mid-April both online and in the shop in a Superwash Merino fingering weight yarn; the 400 yard skeins will retail for $20.00.

Fiber Tasting - March 27th

Does the sight of that interest you?

We're having a fiber tasting on Friday, March 27th, after work hours. If you are a spinner and you want to try out a bunch of different fibers, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Spaces, which are limited*, are $10. Bring your wheel or drop spindle, and come enjoy some tasty treats - wine, cheese, and a dozen different fibers!



(photos are from the first fiber tasting, waaaaay back in July)

*At the time of publishing this post (and granted, I'm at home, not at work) I believe we have five spaces left.