Sunset

There were lots of hats waiting for me when I got home.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. There's still time to bring us in a hat. If you live out of town and would like to mail a hat that would be awesome too. We will put you in the draw for the Soakbox - three times for each hat - because shipping isn't cheap and we really appreciate the effort you made.

Kim has been working on another Color Play Mohair Wrap. After the first section she was ready to rip it out because she didn't like how the colours were playing. I wouldn't let her and now she's happy. She brought it in today to show it off. Sunset is the name that she has given it.

I wore my Color Play Mohair Wrap a few times at TNNA. Everyone wanted to pet it and know what yarn I used. I spoke with Kate who runs Rowan and begged her for more colours of Kidsilk Haze Stripe. She was non-committal but I'm hoping.

New colours of Spud & Chloe Sweater arrived while I was away.

Bloomsbury and Pine

• Made of superwash 55% wool/45% organic cotton, it’s a worsted-weight yarn for everybody.
• Weight: 100 grams
• Approx: 160 yards/146 meters
• Needle Size: Size 7-9/4.5-5.5 mm
• Gauge: 4-5 sts per inch

Red Velvet and Rainstorm

The madelinetosh arrived while I was away as well. I'm going after work to start bringing it to the store. The website should be updated by tomorrow evening. There is so much to add. New tosh. New Rowan which should be arriving very soon - like maybe by the end of the week - but probably the beginning of next week. New Spud & Chloe. Restock of Blue Sky Alpacas. It's a good thing I got lots of sleep last night.

Slovenia - a free Kaffe Fassett pattern

Knit this womens striped top from Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 55 online, a design by Kaffe Fassett using the beautiful yarn Kidsilk Haze (super kid mohair and silk). With a drop shoulder, short sleeves and slash neckline, this knitting pattern is for the beginner knitter and is a free pattern to download.

Download the pattern...

I thought I was going to work tonight but that has changed. A few episodes of Homeland are on the schedule. I guess that is kind of like working because I'm going to knit. :) I can justify anything.

Knitting Classes

Monday evenings

7-8:30pm

6 weeks

$100

Start January 27, 2014

You've knit a scarf or cowl and are ready to start a larger project. Throw. Mittens. Hat. Vest. Sweater. Come and take a class with Nadine and she will get you started. You will learn new techniques on your project plus you will see what others are learning. Double pointed needles. Increases and decreases. Reading a pattern. The possibilities are endless.

Please note:

• Class size is limited
• We ask you to pay for the class in advance, either in person or over the phone
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Yarn for class to be purchased at The Needle Emporium
• If the weather is bad, we will cancel that evening's class and add an extra week at the end - you will get 6 weeks of classes

Blocking

Kate Atherley just sent me an email - she has a new class going live on Wednesday. Blocking.

Blocking brings out the best in your work. With knitwear designer and author Kate Atherley as your guide, learn how blocking makes your stitchwork pop, your knitwear fit, your projects feel soft to the touch, and so much more. Kate will teach you about blocking, drying, and caring for a huge range of fibers, as well as how to protect your projects and supplies from moths and pests. Kate will even demystify using blocking wires to create perfectly straight edges, and pinning projects to form the shape and size you desire. Plus, Kate will take you step-by-step through blocking mittens, hats, lace scarves, lace shawls, one-piece and multi-piece garments for the fabulous finish they deserve.

Do you really need to block? That is the million dollar question.

Here is the Guernsey Wrap that I am knitting. You can see that the edges are not straight. And the stitches aren't lying flat. Blocking will make all the difference.

When we get a project done we want to wear it right away but a bit of blocking will make your garment look that much better. Blocking isn't hard but Kate will share many tricks with you to make it that much easier. I asked Kate what she blocks with and her preference is my preference, Soak.

Click to see all the information on the class and to sign up with your 25% discount.  

The discount won't last forever so don't delay. You can buy the class and then watch it as you have time. There are 9 sessions - Kate is going very in depth. Give your projects a professional look.

Kate's Coming

There are still a few spots in Kate Atherley's class this Saturday afternoon.

Fixing Mistakes
2-4pm
$30

description: This class will teach you how to spot and fix mistakes in your knitting, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert. We'll share tips for safely ripping out stitches and rows, for fixing mistakes without ripping out, and for deciding when you don’t need to bother fixing at all. We'll also discuss strategies for fixing mistakes in completed projects, and addressing common mistakes that come up when working a pattern like missing an increase or decrease

class details: I show how to pick up a dropped stitch (and of course, dropping and fixing an incorrect stitch before picking it up). I discuss when mistakes should be fixed - is it visible, is it structural? I show how to handle inadvertent yarnover holes. And pattern level mistakes - what if you're off by a stitch after increasing or decreasing? How to darn up a hole or dropped stitch after cast-off. I demo "tinking", and feeding a needle through your knitting before you start ripping it out, and how to use a lifeline.

skill level: beginner to intermediate

students should bring: any projects with mistakes

You can drop by the store to register or call with a credit card number
(905) 648-1994

Please note:

• Class size is limited
• We ask you to pay for the class in advance, either in person or over the phone
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Beginner Knitting

We are going to be running a beginner knitting class. You don’t need any prior knitting knowledge to take this class.

Friday August 16 and Friday August 23, 2013
1-3pm

$55 which includes on skein of Cascade 220

You will need a 4.5mm (US#7) pair of needles. If you don’t have the needles we have them for sale in the store.

In the class you will learn cast on, cast off, knit, purl and how to wind a skein of yarn into a ball. You will be making an infinity scarf.

About our instructor Nadine McLeod

Knitting has always has been my passion in life.  I learned to hand-knit at the age of 5 through my grandmother and have always cherished this as one of the greatest gifts of my life.  It has provided me with a vehicle for my creative expression and I believe that knitting is firmly embedded in my DNA. 

My designs are simple, chic and elegant inspired by the texture of a stitch, natural fibers and beaded embellishments.  I feel great sense of excitement when purchasing a ball of yarn to imagine how the yarn will be transformed into fabric through pattern, texture and shape.  There is a deep sense of accomplishment once the project has been completed and I can't wait for the next project to begin.

The following designs have been published in Clotheshorse Magazine:

Egeria          Natural Elements Collection - Spring/Summer 2012

Bauhaus      Graphic Collection - Winter 2012/2013

People's Choice Winner at the Creativ Festival's Designers Choice Awards for Starry Nights Double Pendant Lamp Shade in the knitting/crochet category held in Fall 2012.

Knitting has been described as the ‘new yoga’ through its repetitive rhythm and it allows my imagination and creative expression to soar through the meditative state it induces.  Knitting also fosters a sense of community through guilds and knitting groups offering a unique opportunity to teach, learn, inspire and to be inspired.

Kate's Coming

Kate Atherley will be with us on Saturday, August 24, 2013 to teach two workshops.

Fearless Finishing
10am-1pm
$40

This is normally a two hour class but we are making it three and adding in some time for Kate to discuss and demonstrate blocking.

description: This workshop teaches all the key skills for assembling and finishing your knitting projects: seaming (including grafting), picking up stitches for necklines, weaving in ends, and the advantages and disadvantages of various cast-off techniques. The focus will be very much on making finishing as quick and painless as possible – we’ll share all the cheats and shortcuts we know. We’ll also demystify blocking, and talk about the proper care of your handknits.

class details: I cover seaming - mattress stitch, invisible horizontal, and invisible vertical-to-horizontal for setting in sleeves; three needle bind-off and grafting - how and also where and where not to use them. I demo picking up stitches and weaving in ends, and talk about blocking - how and why. I provide expert tips like how to cast off best for easy finishing (loosely, in pattern), how and when to modify patterns to reduce finishing (working the body of a sweater in the round, for example), and how to reduce the stress (e.g. put the shoulders together and work the neckline before you work the sleeve - actually helps you better fit the sleeves).

skill level: all levels

students should bring: any projects that need finishing, the swatches below, and a blunt-tipped darning needle.

homework required: Two 4 inch squares of stocking stitch worked with 4 or 5mm needles and worsted weight yarn; scrap worsted weight yarn in a contrasting color.

Fixing Mistakes
2-4pm
$30

description: This class will teach you how to spot and fix mistakes in your knitting, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert. We'll share tips for safely ripping out stitches and rows, for fixing mistakes without ripping out, and for deciding when you don’t need to bother fixing at all. We'll also discuss strategies for fixing mistakes in completed projects, and addressing common mistakes that come up when working a pattern like missing an increase or decrease

class details: I show how to pick up a dropped stitch (and of course, dropping and fixing an incorrect stitch before picking it up). I discuss when mistakes should be fixed - is it visible, is it structural? I show how to handle inadvertent yarnover holes. And pattern level mistakes - what if you're off by a stitch after increasing or decreasing? How to darn up a hole or dropped stitch after cast-off. I demo "tinking", and feeding a needle through your knitting before you start ripping it out, and how to use a lifeline.

skill level: beginner to intermediate

students should bring: any projects with mistakes

You can drop by the store to register or call with a credit card number
(905) 648-1994

Please note:

• Class size is limited
• We ask you to pay for the class in advance, either in person or over the phone
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Sunday Teaser

More details coming later this week. :)

There are many great resources available now for learning knitting techniques. Classes. Books. YouTube videos. Craftsy. And now a new source. Annie's. The company has been in business for many years and now they have online classes. I haven't taken a course with Annie's but our friend Kate Atherley is teaching for them. Knowing Kate she was very diligent (and I mean that in the highest form of praise) before signing up to work with them. If she likes them then I am comfortable suggesting that you to take a look.

Give yourself a new creative outlet with help from Annie's Online Classes, video craft classes taught by leading experts in each craft category. Your knowledge of crafts like crochet, knitting, sewing, quilting, card making, machine embroidery, beading and more will grow as you explore techniques and create fantastic projects. In no time at all, you'll be on your way to knitting socks, enjoying the relaxing rhythm of Tunisian crochet, quilting using your at-home sewing machine, practicing a variety of coloring techniques and much more.
You're sure to find a video craft class to teach you something new. Each video is delivered to you in minutes, and you can watch at your convenience -- no more trying to find a craft class to fit your busy schedule. You can learn at your pace and in your own time. Watch, pause and watch again as you follow along and practice the sample patterns included in each craft class.

Magic Socks-Knit 2 socks in 1. Some of you have been lucky enough to take the course in the store with Kate. Others of you don't live close enough to enjoy Kate in person but now you can have her on your computer.

Now you can learn an amazing technique in which you will knit two socks at the same time on the same set of needles, one inside the other! It's called "double knitting," and you'll love learning this valuable knitting skill. Join expert Kate Atherley as she clearly explains and demonstrates this seemingly magical technique step-by-step using two different colors of yarn so you can see exactly how to knit each separate sock on the same needles. Instructions are given for double-point needles, magic loop and circular needles.

See the class details on Annie's website...

We sat upstairs for most of the afternoon watching the Indy 500 and knitting. Yes, both of us were knitting. Beth has started a sweater-the back is half done. A big move from hats, cowls and monsters. She decided to go for a nap after the race and I thought about lying down too but my fingers want to knit. The back of my Summerspun cardigan is done and I want need to continue on with the front. Small problem. It's upstairs and I'm downstairs. I could go get it but Roko and Melo will hear me and coming running making noise. That will wake Beth. She won't really mind but she could be grumpy. And she just made Rice Krispies Squares (at my request) so I shouldn't interrupt her nap. What to do? Pick up another project. My Color Play Mohair Wrap wins. 

This afternoon I walked outside and there was a surprise in the front garden. New flowers. The pretty colours in the bottom of the picture. The tulips are from our previous neighbour. Thank you for neighbours who likes to play in the dirt. I love the look of flowers but don't have the time, patience or knowledge to plant anything. My grandmother was amazing with plants but I didn't inherit that gene. I'm pretty happy I got the knitting gene from her instead.

Noro Magazine

It's coming in June. A new magazine from Noro.

Knit in Taiyo Lace

Knit in Silk Garden Sock

June 4th it should be hitting news stands and landing in yarn shops.

www.noromagazine.com

Knit in Takeuma. I don't carry this yarn but have this colour on order. I love it!

It's 8:30 and I'm already in the store. Kate is teaching today and I needed to get the teaching room in order.

There have been many texts and phone calls going between here and Myrtle Beach. The propane is out in our house. Unlike Canada, in Myrtle Beach you have your own propane tank buried in your back yard. We haven't thought anything of it. It was filled when we bought the house and then no one considered that it might need to be filled again. The people staying in our house called last night that they couldn't get hot water. We thought it was the water heater. This morning no gas in the stove. Now we know the problem. Fortunately we have Nancy in Myrtle Beach. She is our landscaper as well as the go to person if you need something done. I couldn't get in touch with the propane company but she got them and they are delivering today.

Kate's class is in session. The War and Peace Method-two socks at once. Not two socks on two circular needles but one sock inside the other. Very cool!

A sock within a sock. At the beginning it scares students but once they get going it becomes easier and easier.

Julie Ann always comes wearing the best knit garments.
Pattern: Lilas Cardigan (pattern purchased on Ravelry)
Yarn: tosh vintage in cathedral

It is knit from the top down in one piece and requires no seaming at the end. Its big, floppy collar and relaxed style make for a chic and versatile piece that looks fantastic layered with long sleeves or over tanks and dresses. Quick and simple, this is a great sweater for beginning knitters.

This is in my pattern library and when I saw her in it I printed the pattern and started playing with colours. What a cute little jacket to wear when going out to dinner. It might be warm outside but I always freeze in restaurants because they have the air conditioning cranked.

Could be tosh vintage or tosh pashmina worsted. Could be whiskey barrel or wicked. Could be.......

Beth and I are going on a road trip tonight. No knitting but we will have fun. It's too nice to stay inside.

The War and Peace Method

We have room for one to two more students for Kate's knitting class this Saturday morning (May 4, 2013). There isn't any homework and the materials list is short.

Two Socks in One: The War and Peace Method    

9:30am-12:30pm

$40

Suffering from Second Sock Syndrome? Bored with your usual way of knitting socks? Looking for a way to impress your friends and challenge yourself? Learn to knit two socks at the same time - one inside the other, on the same set of needles! This class will expand your skills, and add an excellent new trick to your repertoire.

class details: Using 2 colours of worsted weight yarn, I show how to cast on and work two complete, separate socks at the same time, on the same set of needles. We work a sample size sock in the class, and I provide a pattern for use with fingering weight yarn.
skill level: advanced; students must be proficient sock knitters 

materials required: bring 4.5mm dpns or long circular for magic loop method, and two colours of worsted weight yarn

Please call the store or email me if you are interested.

SWATCH!!

A customer called last week and asked about Peek A Boots. Can I get them? I didn't know but yes we can and her order arrived today. They are very cool.

Let your inner knitter out with peek-a-boots™, clear rain boots that let you show off hand-knit socks, designer tights or a killer tattoo. Waterproof with streamlined styling, these boots will coordinate with any outfit. These boots are right at home in the garden, on the beach, or in the city.

The boots are available in sizes 7, 8 and 9. I don't have stock but they can be ordered and take about a week to arrive.

$70 a pair.

We have two new colours of Liberty Prints from Classic Elite.

7824 Cupcake

7825 Rose Explosion


Kate's classes in May are filling up.
Fearless Finishing is full but we are taking names in case we can add another session.
Short Rows has room for one more person.
Two Socks in One has room for two more people.

The Lonely Tree Shawl has been cast off. Tonight it is going for a bath in Soak (YUZU-my new favourite scent) and then I will pull out my blocking wires.

Theresa asked what Beth's newest project is going to be. Another Linen Stitch Scarf. She is totally addicted!

It's later in the day and Beth just stopped in on her way home from work. We have a problem. Normally we do the Linen Stitch Scarf on a 7mm needle. I had her use a 6.5mm for this one because the yarn is slightly thinner. She knits on the tight side as well so I thought it would be okay. SWATCH!!! The needle is still too big. We are going to rip it out when I get home and start again on a 6mm needle. I'm sighing just thinking about it. Knitter's Frolic and her schlepping boxes will get me through it.

Kate Atherley

We are happy to announce some upcoming classes with Kate Atherley. In case you didn't receive our latest newsletter (sent out this morning) here is the workshops we are offering.

Kate is an amazing teacher and knitting book author who will open your eyes to different knitting techniques. Don't wait to register. Kate's classes always fill up quickly.

You can drop by the store to register or call with a credit card number
(905) 649-1994

Please note:

• Class size is limited
• We ask you to pay for the class in advance, either in person or over the phone
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Saturday, May 4 Two Socks in One: The War and Peace Method     9:30am-12:30pm $40 Suffering from Second Sock Syndrome? Bored with your usual way of knitting socks? Looking for a way to impress your friends and challenge yourself? Learn to knit two socks at the same time - one inside the other, on the same set of needles! This class will expand your skills, and add an excellent new trick to your repertoire. class details: Using 2 colours of worsted weight yarn, I show how to cast on and work two complete, separate socks at the same time, on the same set of needles. We work a sample size sock in the class, and I provide a pattern for use with fingering weight yarn. skill level: advanced; students must be proficient sock knitters  Short Row Skills 1:30-3:30 $30 "Wrap and Turn" is not a dance move, it's a fabulous way to create shapes with your knitting. Short rows are used for sock heels, they're common in shawls to create curves (as seen in the currently popular pattern Color Affection), and to create ruffles. In this class we'll discuss three or four common methods of working short rows (and hiding them, just as important!). We'll discuss their use in bust shaping to custom fit a garment and we'll share a no-fail recipe for a tidy and elegant short row sock heel. Last but not least, we'll show you how to convert a shaped garment shoulder to use short rows for easier seaming. class details: We work through a few examples of different ways of creating short rows: a simple turn, the classic wrap and turn, pinned and the Japanese variant; we demonstrate how to hide the wraps and discuss when not to. We work a mini version of a short-row sock heel, I demonstrate how to create bust shaping, and we work step-by-step through an example of converting a cast-off shoulder to a short-row shoulder. skill level: advanced beginner/intermediate Saturday, May 25 DPNs, Magic Loop and Two Circulars: Options for Working in the Round 9:30-11:00am $30 There are four ways to knit in the round: on double-pointed needles, on circular needles, on magic loop, and with two circular needles.  This class will demonstrate the four techniques, and show you how to easily convert projects patterns from one style to another.  The focus will be on small circumference pieces like socks, mittens and sleeves. We'll share tips & techniques for knitting in the round on any style of needles, and for any project. skill level: all levels Designing Your Own Custom-Fit Socks   12-2pm $30 Liberate yourself from pattern books! Learn how to create a top-down or toe-up sock pattern for any yarn, and for any foot, and how to make your own design customizations like pattern stitches and colourwork. class details: Kate shows how to create a custom-fit sock pattern for any foot and any yarn, using gauge information and two key measurements (ankle circumference and foot length). Kate covers both top-down and toe-up styles. The basic top-down pattern template uses a band heel with a gusset. The basic toe-up template uses a short-row heel with gusset. She'll cover how to modify the basic templates for special fit needs -- for wide or narrow ankles, for very pointy or wide toes, for knee & over-the-knee lengths -- and for pattern stitches and colourwork. She'll also discuss choosing yarns for socks -- what to look for in a yarn that's not specifically designed for socks. skill level: knitters must have worked at least one pair of socks  Fearless Finishing 2:30-4:30pm $30 This two-hour workshop teaches all the key skills for assembling and finishing your knitting projects: seaming (including grafting), picking up stitches for necklines, weaving in ends, and the advantages and disadvantages of various cast-off techniques. The focus will be very much on making finishing as quick and painless as possible - we'll share all the cheats and shortcuts we know. We'll also demystify blocking, and talk about the proper care of your knits. class details: I cover seaming - mattress stitch, invisible horizontal, and invisible vertical-to-horizontal for setting in sleeves; three needle bind-off and grafting - how and also where and where not to use them. I demo picking up stitches and weaving in ends, and talk about blocking - how and why. I provide expert tips like how to cast off best for easy finishing (loosely, in pattern), how and when to modify patterns to reduce finishing (working the body of a sweater in the round, for example), and how to reduce the stress (e.g. put the shoulders together and work the neckline before you work the sleeve - actually helps you better fit the sleeves). skill level: all levels

Spring from Sirdar

In the boxes that Kim and I unpacked yesterday was a new yarn from Sirdar.

Americana DK is a gorgeous printed cotton based yarn that is unique to Sirdar. It comes in a range of inspiring colours that will create the perfect garments to team with denim, creating a casual summer vibe. The range has a variety of leaflets and a book crammed full of stunning easy to wear designs for women and girls. This brilliant yarn is machine washable and incredibly soft to both knit and wear. Americana DK is extremely economical and knits to all of our DK leaflets, meaning that there is no end to the beautiful garments you can make with this fantastic yarn.

60% cotton
40% acrylic
135m on a 50 gram ball

We have the yarn and books (all the garments shown plus more are in the book) in stock. For some reason the leaflets haven't arrived yet. Hopefully in the next few weeks.

Fun colours for summer.

Kate Atherley

Many of you have been asking when Kate is coming back. Right now we are looking at Saturday May 4 and Saturday May 25. I don't know what she will be teaching - we will let you know closer to the date.

Darlene stopped in today wearing the Lidiya Scarf from Rowan Magazine #48 knit in Rowan Felted Tweed.

Fairisle knitted colourful tube-style winter scarf.

This was Darlene's first Fairisle project-she did an amazing job.

Thank goodness someone has knitting to show off. I'm almost done section 5 of Fifty One Shades of Truth. Hopefully tonight.

Kate's Coming

We are excited that Kate Atherley will be teaching in the store on Saturday, December 8, 2012. You might know her as wisehilda on Ravelry and Twitter or from her blog.

Fixing Mistakes
10am-noon
$30
description: This class will teach you how to spot and fix mistakes in your knitting, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert. We'll share tips for safely ripping out stitches and rows, for fixing mistakes without ripping out, and for deciding when you don’t need to bother fixing at all. We'll also discuss strategies for fixing mistakes in completed projects, and addressing common mistakes that come up when working a pattern like missing an increase or decrease.
class details: I show how to pick up a dropped stitch (and of course, dropping and fixing an incorrect stitch before picking it up). I discuss when mistakes should be fixed - is it visible, is it structural? I show how to handle inadvertent yarnover holes. And pattern level mistakes - what if you're off by a stitch after increasing or decreasing? How to darn up a hole or dropped stitch after cast-off. I demo "tinking", and feeding a needle through your knitting before you start ripping it out, and how to use a lifeline.
skill level: beginner to intermediate length: 2 hours
materials required: bring your mistakes! 

Toe Up Socks with Gusset
1-4pm
$40
description: The toe-up sock construction is very popular, and lots of fun to work. This session teaches you how to read and work a toe up sock pattern. We also teach you how to fix a common design flaw with the toe- up construction around the heel, to improve the fit.
class details: I demonstrate the provisional and figure eight (a.k.a. Judy`s magic) cast-on. I provide a basic resizable toe-up sock template, and show knitters how to add a gusset to a standard short-row heel to improve the fit.
skill level: advanced beginner/intermediate; knitters must be comfortable with knit, purl and ribbing, and should have some experience working in the round, knitters need not have worked a sock before
length: 3 hours
materials required: 4 or 4.5mm dpns and some scrap worsted weight yarn in a light colour 

Kate added a few comments to this class
Best if knitters have experience with working socks; knitters should be familiar with working in the round. 

You can register by stopping in the store or calling with a credit card. I know you won't be disappointed if you take a class with Kate.

Lizard Ridge

Kate Atherley is coming on Saturday (September 15, 2012) to teach in the store. We have changed the morning session to

Lizard Ridge

10am-12pm $30

From Kate:
Looking for a great  block by block project? Enchanted by Noro? Intrigued or intimidated by the pattern for this stunningly beautiful, innovative afghan project? Learn all the techniques you need to tackle it in one 2-hour session. Master the ever popular Lizard Ridge blanket (as published on Knitty) adding a great new technique to your repertoire! This is a fun and impressive looking project for those looking to take a step up in their skills or just looking for a new pattern to play with.
class details: The pattern itself is complex to read - it prints on 5 or 6 pages. I spend some time going through the instructions and provide a cheat-sheet so that knitters feel confident with it. The basic block pattern uses a short-row stripe pattern - I teach all the required skills to be able to read and work it: wrap and turn, hiding wraps. And then I discuss how to block and finish the project.

skill level: advanced beginner/intermediate - knitters must be comfortable with knit and purl

materials required: bring straight or a short circular 5mm needle and a ball of Noro Kureyon

note: Kate has designer permission to teach this class, and distribute the cheat sheet she has created. 

I have started the blanket and it is fun to work with many different colours of Noro.

Kate will be bringing her version called Godzilla Ridge. Read more about it on the Knitty Blog. This intrigues me. We have the yarn in the store (even new colours for fall) and Kate has some great ideas on using different colours.

The afternoon session, Your First Lace Project, still has a few spots. Here are the details...

Jubilee Throw

Jane sent an email this afternoon with some great pictures. This is going to be another work of art. The colours are amazing and I love all the different patterns.

Here are a few pics of the throw. The first one shows how I block them. Pin them to a piece of styrofoam and put a WET towel on them. When the towel is dry..they are blocked. That may take a day or two. The second pic is of some blocked pieces.  Just for your info..I have not even got half of the squares done. This is going to take a while. Am pleased with the blocks so far

We had a great day on the golf course. I'm glad that I decided to go. For a while this morning I thought about staying home but that would have meant a day in bed. I think it was better to get out in the beautiful sun.

Kate Atherley is coming back to teach on Saturday September 15. If you haven't taken a class with Kate then you are missing out. You will learn a new technique as well as picking up lots of great tips from her. After her classes the students are always raving about what a great instructor she is.

Edited to add-this class has been changed to Lizard Ridge.

Cabling Without a Cable Needle 
10am-12pm $30
description: Speed up your cable knitting and expand your skills by learning to work cables without a cable needle.
class details: We work through a variety of swatches, starting with 2-stitch "mock cables", and knit-over-purl twists, and then move up to multi-stitch cables. Emphasis is on practising the technique. I also discuss yarn and project types that lend themselves to abandoning the cable needle, and those that don't (i.e. wool or yarns with some friction are better than fibres like silk).
skill level: Suitable for a newer knitter, but they must have worked one cabled project.
length: 2 hours
materials required: bring scrap yarn in a light colour and matching needles - worsted or aran weight and 5mm needles is recommended

Your First Lace Shawl 

1pm-4pm $40

description: Are you a newer knitter ready for a challenge? Are you looking to learn a new skill? Lace is the most beautiful work a knitter can produce. Start your lace knitting adventures with a triangular shawl in a traditional Shetland lace pattern. We`ll teach you the basics of lace knitting - including working from charts and written instructions, and get you working on your first shawl. We`ll also talk about how to identify, fix and prevent mistakes, and provide tips for making lace easier and more fun.
class details: I provide a set of basic lace patterns that we work through in small swatches, building skills to prepare for the lace pattern stitch used in the shawl. I start with repeats of yarnover-k2tog ssk-yo, then move to a cat`s eye, and basic lace motifs like leaf shapes and the traditional Cat's Paw, and then to the lace cable motif used in the shawl. I talk about how lace is constructed - the basic concept of position and slant of decrease as it relates to the corresponding increase. I show how to work from both written and chart instructions. I demonstrate the lifeline, how to fix missed yarnovers, and provide tips to reduce risk of mistake - counting sts, use of markers, keeping track of chart rows. In the second half of the class, students begin work on my `Modest Lace Shawl` design, and I show knitters how to work and read a full shawl pattern. And, finally, I talk about why and how to block.
skill level: advanced beginner; knitters must be comfortable with knit and purl and decreasing
length: 3 hours

materials required: 4.5mm needles - straight or short circular - and aran or worsted weight scrap yarn in a light colour; 4mm needles - straight or short circular, and 450-500m of sock/fingering weight yarn

Please note:
Class size is limited
You must pay the class fee in advance, either in person or over the phone
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Now it is bed time. We have a lot to do this week and not a lot of days to get it accomplished.

Kate's Here

Kate Atherley is in the store today teaching Entrelac and Finishing.

She is showing off her Entrelac scarf knit in Noro Silk Garden-colour 211 which is one of my favourite colours.

People have been coming upstairs during class to look at different yarns and everyone tells me what a great teacher Kate is. She explains things in a way that everyone can understand. If a student falls behind or doesn't get a technique right away Kate is very patient and gets them caught up.

Kate will be back Saturday September 15 and Saturday November 17. I will post next week with her workshops for September.

I know that the ladies have been concentrating on their work because there hasn't been too much noise coming from downstairs.

They had fun with the Entrelac and everyone got their sample piece finished.

Beth baked chocolate chip cookies last night for Kate. I'm glad there is still some on the plate. Beth wouldn't let me have any last night and I might be able to sneak one this afternoon.

The afternoon session was Finishing. Kate loves teaching Finishing. There is something very satisfying about seeing the students faces when they are doing the mattress stitch for the first time. It is like a whole new world is opened for them. Their garments will have perfect seams.

When I got home from work the dogs and I had a lay down. Beth just got home from golf with some dinner for me and now I'm ready to knit. Five more rows to go on Clue #2. My goal is to get into Clue #3 tonight so that I have something to show in tomorrow's post.

Kate's Coming

Kate Atherley (aka wisehilda) will be back with us on Saturday, August 18 to teach two workshops

Entrelac (3 hours 10am-1pm) $40

Entrelac is one of the most beautiful and mystifying of knitterly arts! We'll teach you everything you need to know to create your own one-of-a-kind hat and scarf set, and along the way improve your skills with some new techniques for increasing, decreasing and picking up stitches.

Class Details
We begin with a practice piece of entrelac, worked with scrap yarn, and then once knitters are confident with the pattern, I will get them started on the hat & scarf set.

Skill Level
advanced beginner - knitters need to be proficient with knit, purl

Materials
scraps of worsted or aran weight yarn & 4.5mm needles (straight or short circular)

Optional
4 balls Noro Silk Garden or Kureyon if you want to start on the hat and scarf set

Finishing (2 hours 2-4pm) $30

This two-hour workshop teaches all the key skills for assembling and finishing your knitting projects: seaming (including grafting), picking up stitches for necklines, weaving in ends, and the advantages and disadvantages of various cast-off techniques. The focus will be very much on making finishing as quick and painless as possible – we’ll share all the cheats and shortcuts we know. We’ll also demystify blocking, and talk about the proper care of your knits.

Kate will be covering cover seaming - mattress stitch, invisible horizontal, and invisible vertical-to-horizontal for setting in sleeves; three needle bind-off and grafting - how and also where and where not to use them. I demo picking up stitches and weaving in ends, and talk about blocking - how and why. I provide expert tips like how to cast off best for easy finishing (loosely, in pattern), how and when to modify patterns to reduce finishing (working the body of a sweater in the round, for example), and how to reduce the stress (e.g. put the shoulders together and work the neckline before you work the sleeve - actually helps you better fit the sleeves).

Homework
Two 4 inch squares of stocking stitch worked with 4 or 5mm needles and worsted weight yarn; scrap worsted weight yarn in a constrating colour.

Materials
bring any projects that need finishing, homework swatches, and a blunt-tipped darning needle


Please note:
Class size is limited
You must pay the class fee in advance, either in person or over the phone
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Kate's Here

I was up really early this morning-7:30. That is sleeping in for many of you but I never see that hour of the day. I wanted to get to the store early and get the classroom tidied up. Kate Atherley is with us again today teaching workshops on finishing and continental knitting. 

Kate always brings projects to show off and today she had Bigger on the inside. I took a few quick pictures before class started.

Kate said that the yarn (Solemate from Lorna's Laces) blocks out beautifully. It is darker in real life than it shows in the pictures on knitty.com. Being hand dyed there is a slight colour variation in the yarn.

Kate will be back in August. I think she is going to teach Finishing and Your First Lace Shawl. I will have more details about this in the next couple of weeks.

Beth and I finished Top Chef Season 4 last night and started into Season 5. It is great watching TV with no commercials. The only problem with the show is that I want to watch them cook so I put down my knitting. I'm not accomplishing as much as I would like to. It's time to finish my post and get the needles out.

Kate's Coming

Kate Atherley (wisehilda) will be coming back to the store on Saturday May 26.

Finishing 9:30-11:30
This two-hour workshop teaches all the key skills for assembling and finishing your knitting projects: seaming (including grafting), picking up stitches for necklines, weaving in ends, and the advantages and disadvantages of various cast-off techniques. The focus will be very much on making finishing as quick and painless as possible – we’ll share all the cheats and shortcuts we know. We’ll also demystify blocking, and talk about the proper care of your knits.

Kate will be covering cover seaming - mattress stitch, invisible horizontal, and invisible vertical-to-horizontal for setting in sleeves; three needle bind-off and grafting - how and also where and where not to use them. I demo picking up stitches and weaving in ends, and talk about blocking - how and why. I provide expert tips like how to cast off best for easy finishing (loosely, in pattern), how and when to modify patterns to reduce finishing (working the body of a sweater in the round, for example), and how to reduce the stress (e.g. put the shoulders together and work the neckline before you work the sleeve - actually helps you better fit the sleeves).

Homework
Two 4 inch squares of stocking stitch worked with 4 or 5mm needles and worsted weight yarn; scrap worsted weight yarn in a constrating colour.

Materials
bring any projects that need finishing, homework swatches, and a blunt-tipped darning needle

Continental Knitting 12:30-2:30
Want to knit faster? Are you ready to tackle colourwork? Knitting continental style - with the yarn in your left hand rather than right - is the key to speed, and also helps you enormously with colorwork. Suitable for knitters who are confident with knit and purl.

There isn't any homework for the course but Kate would like you to bring
4.5mm needles (straight or short circular) and two colors of scrap worsted weight yarn

Finishing 3:00-5:00 

The cost for each workshop is $30.

Please note:
Class size is limited
You must pay the class fee in advance, either in person or over the phone
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.