Summer's nearly over, do you know where your KNITTING is??

WOW!  Where has the summer gone?  The days are flying by!  The kids are finally back in school and soon we'll be getting ready for Old Man Winter.  Why not get a head start on those wonderful hand-knitted Christmas gifts?  It's definitely not too early to begin.

Whether you want to knit socks, a cardigan or a simple scarf or hat, we've got the perfect yarns and patterns for you.  We can help you learn the basics, add a few new stitches to your repertoire or start a more complicated project.  With new fall yarns and the latest patterns and books arriving, we're gearing up to help you with all your knitting projects.

So.....take a look at our new class schedule. Call your knitting friends, and sign up for a class or two.  It makes for a fun night out with the girls, and you'll actually have a nice project well started.  We've had many customers say they really need to come in often for some "therapy" and it's true!  So come join us for some classes and find out how much fun and relaxing  it is to knit with friends.

2nd Annual Yarn Tasting!!!!

Saturday, September 11th  (12-2 pm)

Wednesday, September 15th  (10am-noon)

Wednesday, September 15th  (1-3 pm)

Limit 6 people in each class. 

If you were here for last year's Yarn Tasting, then you'll remember how much fun it was and what a great time we all had!  If you weren't here last time, what are you waiting for??  Be sure to sign up soon, because there is a limited number of seats and you won't want to miss this!!

We'll be "tasting" 10 different yarns this year.  Along with sample balls of these yarns, you will receive lots of patterns, project ideas, refreshments and of course....door prizes!!!  

Cost of Yarn Tasting:  $25.00

What to bring:  Your own knitting needles of various sizes and a notebook for jotting down ideas

The "class" size will be smaller this year  so we won't be as crowded, but this also means you'll want to reserve your spot EARLY or you'll be left out.  Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis.  Your spot is not reserved until it is paid for.  

 Our Knitting Class Etiquette 

• IF you buy the yarn here, the class is FREE!
• You  must register for our classes AHEAD OF TIME!
• Because our classes are usually free, it may occasionally be necessary for you to PRINT OFF YOUR OWN pattern from the internet before you come to class.  Please be considerate of others and have your pattern ready if this is the case.
• In order to not hold up everyone else, please check the class requirements ahead of time in case something needs to be done BEFORE class begins

• To better accommodate different people's schedules, we usually try to plan two different class dates/times.  It is not usually necessary to attend BOTH classes, but you may if you wish.  :-)  
•  

 CLASS SCHEDULE

Turn A Square Hat--Raglan decreasing at the crown creates a very interesting pattern when knitting this beanie with two different yarns ( a solid and a long-repeat variegated.)   

Wednesday, Sep. 1  (1-3 pm) OR Saturday, Sep. 4 (12-2 pm)

Soapmaking--Learn to make basic hand-crafted soap.  This is NOT just a melt-and-pour type soap, this is the real deal.  Great for gift-giving and/or using every day for yourself.

Wednesday, Sep. 8   (1-3 pm)

Fair Isle Knitting with Edie (Part 1 & 2)--Knit a beautiful Fair-Isle Christmas stocking using worsted weight yarn.  Cost for this class includes a kit with the yarn and pattern.  Bring your own knitting needles, (size #6 or 7 DPNs OR #6 or 7  16-inch circular).  THIS IS A 2-PART CLASS.  (PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE ONTARIO FERAL CAT PROGRAM!!)

Saturdays, Sep. 18 AND Oct. 2  (12-3 pm)   CLASS FEE (includes both classes) $30.00

Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Project--How do you know which yarn to use?  Can you substitute a different yarn for your project?  Learn about gauge, yardage and weights of different yarns and how to use them to your advantage.

Wednesday, Sep. 22 (1-2 pm)

Whit Vest--Are you crazy for cables?  This gorgeous cabled vest is a wonderful project for both the experienced cable knitter and the cable-newbie.  A classic vest that will go with anything, this project will be an asset to any wardrobe.
Saturday, Sep. 25 (12-2 pm) OR Wednesday, Sep. 29 (1-3 pm).

Toe-Up Socks--Yes....we repeat this class quite often here at the shop.  Because socks are so portable, easy and FUN to knit, we have lots of knitters wanting to learn.  If you are confident with both the knit and the purl stitch, you'll easily master this basic toe-up pattern.
Choose one or more of the following: Wednesdays, Oct. 6 or Nov. 17 (1-3 pm) OR Saturday, Nov. 20 (12-2 pm)

Cuff-Down Socks--Start with this simple, traditional sock construction and  you can incorporate a lace pattern, an unusual ribbing, or make it more exciting with a  beautiful hand-dyed yarn.  Must know how to knit and purl.  
Saturdays, Oct. 9  or Dec. 4(12-2 pm) OR Wednesday, Dec. 1 (1-3 pm)

Gansey Sweater KAL--Join us for this fun Knit Along!  We'll be learning together as we each knit our own sweater.  Ganseys have a unique history and interesting construction.  They are beautiful, versatile and you can choose from many different components to include, or you can keep it as simple as you like.  You don't have to attend EVERY class, but you can come as often as you like.  You will need to purchase the "Knitting Ganseys" book, which we have in stock.  
Wednesdays, Oct. 13 & 27 (1-3 pm) and Saturdays Oct. 16 & 30 (1-3 pm)

 


Angelina--This cute, lacy bolero-type sweater is knit using a light worsted weight yarn.  Dress it up with a glitzy yarn for the holidays, or use a yummy exotic blend to make it extra special!  
Wednesday, Oct. 27 (1-3 pm) OR Saturday, Oct. 30 (12-2 pm)

Lotus Leaf Scarf--Make this scarf in an evening with one ball of yarn.  Fast and easy, a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas!  A great way to use up those odds and ends from your yarn stash.  
Wednesday, Nov. 3 (1-3 pm) OR Saturday, Nov. 6 (12-2 pm) 

Last, but NOT least.....  Mark your calendars!!!!  Our Anniversary Sale will be on Friday and Saturday, November 12 & 13!!!  Can you believe it's been four years already?  As a very special thank-you for your patronage and support we will be offering HUGE discounts on various yarns, giving away fun door prizes and serving yummy refreshments.  We'll also be donating ten percent of all sales during those two days to the Ontario Feral Cat Program. Don't miss out on these great prices.  Bring a friend or three and join us for some "Yarn Therapy"!  See ya there--

   



  

 

 

 

FINALLY!! New Classes Starting March 24th!

Time to dust off those knitting needles and limber up your fingers!  Classes are starting again and they're filling up FAST, so come in and sign up now.  And please remember the following rules:

•  If you buy the yarn here, the class is FREE! 
• You must register ahead of time.  
• Sometimes we'll use a free internet pattern for a class.  In that case, you will need to print off your own  pattern to bring with you, otherwise you may want to come a few minutes early to purchase the pattern and/or yarn. 
• Always be sure to check the requirements for the class ahead of time, in case something needs to be completed before class begins.
• We usually schedule two different ties for a class.  It is not usually necessary for you to attend BOTH times, but you can do so if you wish.

Wed., Mar.  24 (1-3 pm) OR Sat. Mar. 27 (12-2 pm)--READING CHARTS & PATTERNS

 Are you intimidated by those complicated charts?  Are you having trouble understanding the lingo and abbreviations in some knitting patterns?  Then this is the class for you.  Learn how to decipher "the code" and you won't be limited to simple written out patterns.   If you have a particular pattern or chart you're having trouble with, be sure to bring it along!  

Wed. Mar. 31 (1-3 pm) --KITCHENER STITCH/GRAFTING

The Kitchener stitch..... that oft-maligned and much-avoided technique is actually VERY simple.  Join us for this class and you'll be able to add this little trick to your knitting repertoire.  (PRE-CLASS PREPARATION REQUIRED.  PLEASE CALL FOR SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS.)

Wed., Apr 7 (1-3 pm) OR Sat., Apr 10 (12-2 pm)--CUFF-DOWN SOCKS

Simple, portable and VERY comfortable to wear, hand-knit socks are fun to knit.  Make these socks YOUR OWN by adding a stitch pattern of your own choosing!  (MUST know how to knit and purl)  

Sat. Apr 17 (12-2 pm) OR Wed., Apr 21 (1-3 pm)--TOE -UP SOCKS

This sock-knitting technique is great if you aren't sure whether you have enough yarn, or if you just want to learn a different way to construct a knitted sock.  It's not really any more difficult than the cuff-down socks, it's just a different way to reach the same end result.  Give this a try and you can decide for yourself which type of sock you prefer.  (MUST know how to knit and purl.)

Sat., Apr 24 (12-2 pm)--DYEING VARIEGATED YARNS/FIBERS

Do you  love those gorgeous , rich, jewel-toned yarns with several  different colors in the same skein?  Learn a few simple techniques to  dye your own yarns and/or spinning fibers easily at home with little or no fuss or mess.

Wed., Apr 28 (1-3 pm) -- SOAPMAKING

Okay...... I know this isn't KNITTING, but I've had several requests for a soapmaking class.  In this class you will  learn  how to make your very own old-fashioned (only much better)  soap.   This is not just a "buy a hunk of glycerine soap and melt it down into smaller molds" class.  We will be using  olive, coconut and palm oils along with lye to make a rich,  luxurious soap with lots of natural glycerine.   This soap is wonderful for dry skin!  

Wed,. May 5 (1-3 pm)--"A GRAY CARDIGAN"

From Sally Melville's wonderful book "Mother Daughter Knits", this sweater is an absolute must-have for your wardrobe.   It is VERY flattering for nearly any body shape.   If your sweater is FINISHED by  July 1st, we will display it here at the shop and customers will be able to vote for their favorite.  If your sweater receives the most votes, you will  win a $100.00 gift card  to use here at the shop!!  Get started with your sweater right away!!  (Must know how to knit and purl.  You will also need the book.)

Wed., May 19 (1-3 pm) OR Sat., May 22 (12-2 pm)--LACY TANK DRESS

Sweetest little dress with a lacy skirt and cute tank-style top!  Its simple, delicate shape will look gorgeous on your favorite little princess. (Must know how to knit and purl.)  Please call BEFORE class for link to print your own free pattern .

 Wed., May 26 (1-3 pm) OR Sat., May 29 (12-2pm)--SEAMLESS BABY BOOTIES

These are the cutest booties ever, and so simple to knit!  You'll want to make several pair to have on hand  for those special  little ones in your life!  ( Must know how to knit and purl. )  Please go  to Ravelry , search in patterns for  the "Seamless Baby Bootie" pattern by Laura Yarnthrower and  PRINT YOUR OWN FREE PATTERN before class.

NEW!!!  Thursdays from 1-3 pm-- Join us for BEGINNING KNITTING!!  Whether you are an absolute newbie to needles, or  just need to build up some knitting confidence, we're here to answer your questions, help you begin a new project and/or take that next step toward being a Knitter with a capital K!  :-)    Please call ahead to let us know you are coming.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR SALE YARNS UPSTAIRS!  LOTS OF NEW ADDITIONS AT 50% OFF REGULAR PRICE.  WE ALSO HAVE SEVERAL NEW BOOKS, YARNS AND OTHER FUN ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR KNITTING STASH.  WE'RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR "KNITTING THERAPY" NEEDS  .  :-)

 

Current Class Schedule

Our newest knitting classes are starting SOON!  So be sure to sign up right away.  Okay.....here's how our classes work: 

•  If you buy the yarn here, the class is FREE! 
• You must register ahead of time.  
• Sometimes we'll use a free internet pattern for a class.  In that case, you will need to print off your own  pattern to bring with you, otherwise you may want to come a few minutes early to purchase the pattern and/or yarn. 
• Always be sure to check the requirements for the class ahead of time, in case something needs to be completed before class begins.
• We usually schedule two different dates/times for a class.  It is not necessary to attend both dates unless otherwise noted although you are always welcome!

Here is our current class schedule:

Jane Austen Shawl--
Wed. Nov. 18, 6-8 pm OR Sat. Nov. 21, 12-2 pm
This shawl is fun to knit and really adds pizazz to your wardrobe, while keeping you toasty warm!

Feather & Fan Scarf--
Wed. Dec. 2, 6-8 pm OR Sat. Dec. 5, 12-2 pm
Who knew such a simple stitch pattern could be so stunning?

Beginning Knitting--
Thu. Dec. 3, 1-3 pm OR Thu. Dec. 10, 1-3 pm
There's no end to the possibilities with just two sticks and some "string"!  Come learn this fun, relaxing art.  After all, knitting IS cheaper than therapy!

Shirl's Mittlets--
Tue. Dec 15, 6-8 pm OR Thu. Dec. 17, 1-3 pm
Easy, elegant, and a great Christmas gift idea for someone on your list!

Mittens--
Wed. Dec.16, 6-8 pm OR Sat. Dec. 19, 12-2 pm
Simple and straightforward, these are a great addition to your knitting repretoire.  And who wouldn't LOVE a pair of hand-knit mittens for Christmas?

So get a few friends together and come join us for a class.  It's always enjoyable whether you come for a "Girls' Night Out", or  just stop by to knit and relax for a few minutes. 

And don't forget our U.F.O Night every Tuesday from 6-8 pm.  (Bring your U.nF.inished O.bjects or just whatever project you want to work on) and join us for a light supper.  We always have fun and it's great to see what everyone else is working on.

Autumn colors from my dyepot!

 While loading my sink with yarn to soak in readiness for the dyepot, I noticed a blaze of color outside the kitchen window.   I'm usually not really an "orange" person, but I do love reds and those brilliant, fiery hues were just begging to be captured in the skeins I had on hand.   After isolating each of the colors in the "picture", I used those colors from the selection of dyes I had on hand.  The resulting yarn turned out to be a very close representation of the view from my window.  Now, I just need to figure out what to knit it into!  (So much yarn.....so little time!!)  For more info on dyeing your own yarns or fibers, check out our class schedule.  Classes are filling up now, so come in and sign up soon.