I LOVE yarn and I LOVE knitting but who knew I would LOVE marketing and LOVE merchandising?  Not I.  But I do.  I LOVE thinking about how to improve this business.  I LOVE recreating Unwind with a new look, new products, new ideas.  I LOVE getting a group of women together and talking about fun things to do with the store.  It’s the best thing ever.

So, over the summer you are going to see some…changes.  Mauhaha!!!  (That’s an evil yet giddy laugh in case it’s not coming across as such. Add hunched shoulders and fingers tapping together for the full picture.)

The first change I will be making will be a change in PRICING!  I’m sure you’ll all agree that good prices are one component to a good business. Agreed?

For the past 3 years I’ve given everyone a Customer Appreciation Card.  We keep it here, we add up what you spend, then…magically (or after you have spent $250–but a magician never gives away her tricks)…we give you a $25 gift certificate for the store.

Some of you are…ahem….very familiar with this program.

Well…it’s done.  But don’t be sad!  The new program is even better…WAY!

This next section is bolded because it’s very important….

From now on EVERYTHING in the front room is ALWAYS 10% off.  That means all the fancy stuff–your MadTosh, your Koigu, your Hand Maiden.  All the really special artisan stuff.

From now on EVERYTHING in the back room is ALWAYS 15% off.  That means all your baby yarn, your sweater yarn, your ‘meat and potatoes’ knitting yarn.  Making a full sweater and tons of baby clothes is expensive!  Why not make it a little bit less so….

Now I said the yarn is always either 10% or 15% off–but what I meant was that the yarn is AT LEAST that amount off.

You will always find little surprises that are more discounted when you visit.  Fun!

My commitment to you is to ALWAYS give you the best price.  I could go all crazy bob’s waterbed warehouse commercial on you–but I’ll spare you the humiliation.  You’re welcome.

So that’s the first of a few changes being made here at your LYS.

But one thing has not changed…more new and FABULOUS yarn is arriving all the time.  And amazing new samples are here for you to check out, try on, squeeze…whatever you like.

Have you heard of Alchemy?  Yarn, that is.

Alchemy Yarns are some of the most beautiful and unique yarns you’ll ever find.  One of their most unique is called Silken Straw.  It’s silk that feels like straw.  In case the name didn’t make sense.

The yarn is an amazing hand dyed silken ribbon with a light yet stiff quality to it.  Sounds weird, right?  Once it’s knit and blocked the fabric becomes amazingly drapey and softness of the silk is revealed.

Seriously–come and check it out.  Austin and Gina are an amazing couple who have a stunning sense of colour.  You won’t see colour combos like these anywhere….and with colour names like Screamin’ Mimi and Cambodian Blue, who can resist?? A perfect treat for spring knitting.

We made this amazing design from Cocoknits in it…called Paulina. Sorry for the terrible photo…

And speaking of Cocoknits, check out this design called Gretel! We made it out of one ball of Sedoso by Americo.

Sedoso a miraculous blend of Royal Alpaca, Cashmere and Silk.  It’s a lace weight and there is nothing more pillow-like.  Check me out…One ball at $35 each.  Nutso good. LOTS left for bigger sizes.

Another super cute sample came in–Linda loaned me this one.  Thanks Lin!!  It’s called Garden Party by Carol Sunday. Only 3 balls of MadTosh Merino Light. Cute eh? It’s perfect in this yarn.

And one more Sweet November Shawl.  I swear I can’t get enough of this pattern.  Have you signed up for the Sweet November Class yet??

It’s  Tuesday the 22nd–and 3 other times this summer, so don’t sweat it if you can’t make this one. But it’s worth it.  This shawl is dreamy.  This one is 3 balls of Malabrigo Silky Wool.

And speaking of classes…you DO NOT wanna miss the Hand Dyeing Class this summer.

Let me explain….

Our guest instructor is PHENOMENAL.  She’s a fibre artist so, of course, she couldn’t just talk about dyeing yarn.  Oh no!

As she’s dyeing yarn she’s been using the left over dye to make amazing dyed silk scarves, dyed Japanese paper, cool aid dyed wool, over-dyed yarn she has in her stash.  The list goes on and on.

This is not just a yarn dyeing class but a totally creative dyeing workshop. LOVE IT!!

She’s also got some wildly coloured hair–she may give you some hair dyeing tips while she’s at it! This is going to be so cool.

She has booked 2 days this summer–2 classes per day.  Sign up for any of the 4 classes being offered.  (except the first cause it’s full already)  Email me.

Alrighty peeps.  See you on the flip side.

Wendy

So that means…A SALE for those of you who aren’t interested in travelling into the big smoke for your yarn fix this weekend.

This weekend (Thursday night) FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY the WHOLE SHOP will be 25% OFF!

That’s right!

Now, Madelinetosh and Koigu will not be present but a lot of you have no idea who they are and don’t care to know. PERFECT!!

This is a great weekend to stock up on your knittin’ yarn.  Baby yarn, sweater yarn, frilly yarns.  I just got a batch of frillies and I’m leaving them behind so if you are into the frilly scarf phenom–get yours at 25% off this weekend!

See you soon!

Wendy

The Tosh DK is STILL back ordered, but I have TWO new yarns from MadTosh to introduce you to….the Merino Light and the Pure Silk.  Yum and yum.

The merino light is a soft spun, single ply, fingering weight in all of MadTosh’s original colours.  It’s perfect for lighter than air garments and shawls.  Anything Sea Silk can do, this yarn can do too.  With a whopping 420 yards per ball, your options are limitless.  And for $22 a ball….it’s just so exciting!

We are currently having this amazing pattern knit out of the Merino Light…Repeater.  The designer, Meghan Jackson, is joining us this summer to teach a class in her pattern.  We are making a sample out of two balls of Merino Light.  Can’t WAIT to see it!

OH YEAH–CLASSES ARE UP!!!!

© Meghan Jackson

And then there’s the Pure Silk Lace from MadTosh…1000 yards on this baby! We all immediately thought of the Featherweight Cardi for this one.  Just one ball–Oh la la!!!

© Hanna Fettig (photo)

Look at how shiny it is!!!

HOT OFF THE PRESSES, NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE KIT FROM FLEECE ARTIST…

The Snug Rug. The puurrrfect knitted blankie to cuddle up under on those cool air conditioned nights in July.  ; )

Loads of colours.  The kit comes with all the yarn and pattern you need to make the Snug Rug.  Only $49!!

We got the most amazing sample in of the Kidlin–the blend of Mohair and linen from Louet.  It’s the Amiga Cardi and it takes only 3 balls.  Petra just came in and reminded me to put the “Tangerine Dream” in my newsletter. And then she took the last of the tangerine… luckily there are 25 other colours!

And here’s another amazing reason to give linen a try…the Vitamin D cardi. Four balls of Linen put this little number together.  As I said to Cathy when she brought it in..this is the most comfortable, perfectly fitted, softest and coolest little drapey cardi I’ve ever put on.  Look at the look of amazement on my face!  I’m speechless….seriously.

Nice haircut, Wendy!

Same sample fits Ellen like a dream too!  She has a bigger bust-line than me (who doesn’t) so it flutters a little around her waist adding to the femininity of the front panels. Cute cute!!  She’s dancing she’s so happy!

Ellen grabbed some natural white to do hers…

Also arriving this week were some beautiful colours from Sweet Georgia….the Silk Crush has arrived. Half Silk, half merino.  Shiny and happy. Perfect for shawls and socks.

© sweetgeorgia (photo)
And one more fun yarn arrived as well.  There’s an adorable yarn company out of Quebec called Biscotte & Cie.  They have some seriously wild sock yarn and some seriously wilder sock patterns for you to giggle at!  Take a look….

© biscotte & cie

Can you imagine how these socks are knit?  Aren’t they amazing!

When you buy their yarn you get an ebook with 19 patterns…

© biscotte & cie
How fun??

Ok and last but not least….check out our CLASSES for the summer!  we have a jammed packed agenda of super cool and fun things to do and knit this summer.

Highlights include…

Hand Dyeing!

The Bermuda Shawl!

© Ilga Leja
And my personal favourite…the Sweet November Shawl!

Ok, maybe I’m a little nostalgic for Los Angeles.  But I do LOVE this shawl.  And Keanu.

Over and out!

Wendy

So we’ll be open all weekend for your shopping pleasure…

Friday April 6th, 10-5pm
Saturday April 7th, 10-5pm
Sunday April 8th, 12-4pm
Monday April 9th, 12-4pm

Business, as usual. : )

DON’T FORGET!  We’re open late….Tuesdays till 7. Wednesdays till 7, Thursdays till 9!!!! And we’re ALWAYS open Sunday and Mondays 12-4pm

FREE SEMINAR DEETS–The Knitting Doctor…is in.

TUESDAY APRIL 10th, 7-9pm

Pull that dreaded project out of the closet.  The one that you threw there in disgust. The one that has threatened to defeat your very sanity!

And bring it so we can help you finish it : )

It’s SPRING CLEANING FOLKS!  Clear it out and let your Chi sing! You’ll feel so much better once it’s off your plate.

As usual, this seminar is ENTIRELY FREE!

See you at 7pm. No tears! No excuses! Let’s do this thing!!

And just since you’re there, reading this email, I’ll tell you a few quick things before you get bored and move on to your next email…

TANIS RED label arrived this week….the one on the right is my all-time favourite colourway.  It’s called Olive. DEEEE-lightful.

This is a cashmere and silk blend that’s perfect for soft airy shawls–like this one! Fairview by Tanis herself and modelled by Tanis herself!  Isn’t she a pretty thing??? One ball, $34.

We also got some amazing samples at the store this week as well. This beautiful pattern is called Clapo-Ktus.  It’s a free one.

Apparently if the Clapotis and the Baktus Scarf had a baby it would look like the Clapo-Ktus.  Who knew??

All I know is that this light and lovely shawl is begging to be draped around bronzed shoulders as you run along the beach towards Keanu Reeves who’s waiting with open arms and about 35 billion dollars.  Sweet. Come and try it on and tell me you can’t taste the sea salt in the air.  Fer real.

Only ONE ball of Sea Silk for this baby!  It’s huge!

I know it’s not springy, but we got the Gap-tastic Cowl knit out of Debbie Bliss’ Riva and it’s spectacular!  Soft and light.

Some of you like to get started on your, ahem, Christmas knitting.  Don’t throttle me–it’s true! I hear it every day. So here’s a good one for ya….get rolling. Only 3 balls of Riva.  This is a must touch project.  You won’t believe how soft and light it is. Fer real.

More colours of the hand dyed linen arrived.  Samples are coming SOON. I can’t wait to show you how awesome linen is.

I know you don’t believe me.  ”It’s like straw!” you say as you coddle your hand after you’ve touched the offensive thing. It may be straw-like but it’s the yarn that will create some of your favourite garments to WEAR!

So all you knitter’s out there who actualy like to wear the things you make, like to have your garments pill-free and like to wash and DRY (repeat 5000 times) your tops–THIS. IS. THE. YARN. FOR. YOU.

It’s not cashmere.  Get over it.

And it’s mohair/linen counterpart arrived with all its friends this week too. We’re making an Amiga out of it….3 balls. Easy peasy and wearable.

More copies of this GREAT reference book are in stock.  Email me if you want me to keep one on hold for you.  It is the LAST knitting reference book you’ll ever buy. $49.

Ok–have a great long weekend!  See you soon : )

Wendy

Ok…the DEETS.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (aka The Yarn Harlot) is coming to Unwind!

When put to a vote the overwhelming winner was MATAWA. YaY!!

Stephanie will be running 2 session of this class, 18 students each.

Save the date: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24TH, 2012

Cost: $35 per student plus a material fee (not sure how much yet–she said it was small)

Times: Not sure yet.

OK….the conundrum.

So, I’ve been drinking since I found out Stephanie was going to come for a visit.  Partially in celebration but mostly because I’ve been trying to figure out a fair way to decide who get’s to come to the class. What’s a girl to do??  Hit the bottle. Hard.

Once the haze lifted, the answer revealed itself.

Here’s how it’s gonna be…

Every time you come to the shop and spend $25 you can stick your name in the bucket. If you spend $50, put your name in twice and so on.  Over the next few months the names/chances will add up!

When November comes round I’ll draw 36 names from the bucket and offer those folks an invite. And continue drawing until all the spots are taken. Ok??

It’s going to be such a fun day.  Can’t WAIT!!!!

Speaking of fun…

LOOK at what Fiona and I did yesterday!!!

YES–we hand dyed yarn!  All by ourselves!  And it actually worked!  Seriously!  I’m on an exclamation point high!!!!

It was easy too…mix the dyes.

Squirt the dyes…

Wrap and nuke the dyes…

Et voila!! Dry it and knit it!  I’m going to make this stuff into a beautiful textured cowl. I am busting.

 

We have TWO hand dye kits in stock right now–Sock and Scarf.  Only $35 for an afternoon of FUN FUN FUN!

Fi and I will be trying this again on Wednesday morning if you wanna stop by and check us out in action.

We’re setting up a class for hand dying.  Email me if you think you might be interested.  No commitment, I just want to get a sense of how many people might wanna try this.

Ok party people…I’m out!!

Wendy

PS: Great week at our house–Jill got the Honesty Award at school this week and Sacha got his first trophy! Yay!

Just for you–my tea drinking knitters. Gorgeous hand made shaker boxes to store your teas from Brent Rourkeare here. The knitter’s boxes are back in stock as well.  And a new beautiful double pointed needle box as well.

These are the BEST things since sliced bread. Everytime someone new comes into the store Sandra forces them to buy this magnetic board.  I would like to apologize to you all but people keep coming in to tell me how much they LOVE these thing.   A board that keeps your pattern neat and tidy (and not lost) as well as a magnet that draws your eyes to the spot you’re on in the pattern–what a great idea! Anything to make our knitting lives easier….thanks Sandra-dee. : )

Last chance for WET FELTING I’ve got one spot left…for you. April 14th Beginner’s Wet Felting, 10-1pm ($59) Next Steps in Wet Felting, 2-5pm ($59) **TAKE BOTH CLASSES FOR $99** Email me!

Welcome Cocoknits! Unwind is please to anounceCocoknits is in the house!!!  These designs are infinitley wearable–right Rebecca?  These are the designs we’ve all been waiting for.  I have a big selelction of her designs in stock.  I have rammed them next to approriate yarns for the design so you’ll come across them as you peruse.

Bermuda Shawl Lookie!  New Sample.  the Bermuda shawl is a wild wild ride.  Using short rows and stripey Noro yarn, you can create this totally unique shawl.  This shawl takes 6 balls of Noro Silk Garden Light.  PROMO: Buy the yarn and I’ll pick up the tab for the pattern ($10 value)

Knit Kits are BACK!!

Yes–you can do so many fun things with wool.

FIRSTLY, you can learn NEW neat tricks to play with yarn.  Like Entrelac and Linen Stitch.  These are amazing tricks that will make your friends think you’re really smart.

JOIN US this Sunday for An Entrelac class ($59, 3 balls of Noro Silk Garden or Silk Garden Lite included)  or a Linen Stitch class ($29-mats not included)

SECONDLY, you can DYE wool!  Look at these new super cute hand dye kits…$35 (includes 100 grs yarn, dyes, squeeze bottle, instructions)

These kits make the dyeing process easy and fast. Take your creativity to the next level…

Pssst–thanks for your help pricing these, Aiden.  You’re a natural! I mean I’m sure you’ll be a doctor when you grow up but right now–man oh man–you can use a price gun.

THIRDLY, you can FELT with wool!

Check out these beautiful samples our wet felting instructor brought in to share.

A table runner…stunning!  This is my FAVOURITE piece.

A Bodem warmer, a stylish hat, a fancy purse….

Isn’t that AMAZING!!

The best part is–she’ll teach you how to do it, too!

Beginner’s Wet Felting…$59 (mats included)

Sat. April 14, 10am-1pm

Next Steps in Wet Felting…$59 (mats included)

Sat. April 14, 2pm-5pm

**Take BOTH classes for $99**

Email me to sign up!

FOURTHLY, is fourthly a word?

You can carry and hold your yarn in style with these great yarn accessories from Lantern Moon….

These silk, hand-made Knit Out Boxes are as cute as a bug’s ear…$35.

And these silk project bags are perfect for toting around that special project that you can’t go anywhere without….$35

And FINALLY…you can knit with it. Duh?

Fun stuff like newsie caps…

Little spring cardis….

Gorgeous scarfie wrappie things made from textured silk…sweet and simple free pattern that I’ll print for you with your yarn.

So I didn’t go into all the OTHER things you can do with yarn–like smell it, stroke it, squeeze it, drool on it…oh, and crochet with it.  teehee.  You may laugh but I see all those things happen to yarn on a regular basis.  It used to disturb me a little.  Now–well, it’s part of the job.

Guess what just showed up???

Stuart showed me this AMAZING book a few weeks ago and I got it in,,,,The Principles of Knitting.

Every question you ever had about knitting is answered in this volumous book. Come see it for yourself : )

See you soon yarn peeps!!

Wendy

]]> http://unwindyarnhouse.com/2012/03/21/more-fun-things-you-can-do-with-wool/feed/ 2 http://unwindyarnhouse.com/2012/03/10/free-seminar-next-week-and-a-sale/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-seminar-next-week-and-a-sale http://unwindyarnhouse.com/2012/03/10/free-seminar-next-week-and-a-sale/#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:55:23 +0000 wrussell http://unwindyarnhouse.com/?p=1569 Help us with the GREAT SWATCH PROJECT….

So…Stuart’s back and he’s got a bee in his bonnet.

Stuart loves to swatch.  He talks (and talks) about swatching, reads about swatching and, I can’t say for sure but, I’ll bet he dreams about swatching. Seriously.

He’s bent on de-mystifying swatching so he came up with a plan.  Here’s what he wrote to you….in third person.  Ignore that part.

Unwind’s Great Swatch Experiment.

Undwinders,  we need your help. Stuart has come to us proposing to run ”THE GREAT SWATCH EXPERIMENT” and we need as many knitter’s as we can get to help out. Over his last few classes, Stuart has talked about how so few people take the time to Swatch or do gauge. This is something that he thinks needs to be given a second chance. For this reason he is proposing a free “SWATCH and GAUGE” workshop along with “THE GREAT SWATCH EXPERIMENT”. He will talk about the importance of doing a swatch. The proper way to do one. And how a swatch can provide you with all sorts of information that could prove very helpful before you spend hours on a project and $$$$ on Yarn.

So who out there is interested in taking part of or “GREAT SWATCH EXPERIMENT”.

We will provide everyone with the yarn. All you need is to show up and bring with a pair of either circular or DPN size 4.5mm.
Join us this TUESDAY MARCH 13th for our monthly FREEseminar. 7-9pm
Loads of new stuff in the shop!  I’m almost out of time today (so busy today!!) so I will be quick….

Malabrigo Finito–Malabrigo bought ONE BATCH of the finest merino in Uruguay.  It will be here for a SHORT time.  When it’s gone it’s gone.  This unbelievably soft yarn is like having your own soft little bunny that doesn’t poop.  Totally pettable.

Remember we did the Amiga Cardigan in Sea Silk?  One ball?  We got tons more in the lightest springiest colours of all time….

Firefly is back!  Beautiful shiny linen that is virtually indestructible.  Wash it.  Dry it.  It just gets softer and softer. Brand new AMAZING colours!

And FINALLY we got in the Euroflax Linen.  This stuff feels so weird.  A little like straw.  But, again, it gets softer and SOFTER. It is the BEST thing for summer.  Light and soft (once washed) and so great for kids stuff.

Look at this CUTE HAT!  The Hannah Hat is one of our new fave’s.  One ball of Tanis Yellow Label is all it takes.

Here’s a different yarn from Hand Maiden–rumple silk!  It’s TEXTURED!  We’re having this bias shawl knit up immediately–I’ll print the free pattern for you when you come in.

And let’s have a little March Break SALE!!

Starting tomorrow until next Sunday March 18th everything in the store

INCLUDING ALL NEW YARN is 15% off!  Needles included.

HAPPY MARCH BREAK SWEEEETIES!!!!
Wendy

So…if you can brave the snow this weekend, there’s a cozy little yarn shop stuffed with NEW yarn waiting for you.

This is a sample of my day today….by the fire…

We got a new and stunning sample in the store this week….check out this Amiga Cardigan made with ONE, I repeat ONE, ball of Sea Silk!!! Way to go Cathy. : )

And one of our FAVOURITE Canadian hand dyers came in yesterday–Tanis of course!

Loads of Yellow Label from which you can make the amazing Shane Blanket!  Come see our sample–such a great gift for the funky little baby in your life.

And this super cool crocheted cowl….we do this in our Learn to Crochet class folks!  Easy peasy and amazing to wear.

Look at the rainbow of colours…and my finger.  Oops!

And how can we forget the Purple Label…one ball does a sweet little Sunnyside Cardi.

Spring Interweave is here!

Don’t forget to join us NEXT FRIDAY March 2nd for our Spectra Knit A Long! Come by at 10am to cast on together…

Enjoy your cozy snowy weekend.  If you need something to enhance the experience…come on by for a squeeze!!

Wendy

So….most of you have seen it by now, but I still wanted to properly announce it.

We are proud to introduce Timothy Street Yarns!  (Scroll below to see some samples we’ve knit…..)

A yarn to call our own. Yay!

Our Merino, is Italian spun, aran weight, 100% washable merino–as soft as wool gets.

We have 8 colours and 4 new ones on their way…. The yarn is wound in 100 gram twists, about 150 yards, for $13 each.  Seriously.

The idea…

We want to make things easy.  We have searched for simple, realistic patterns that are inspiring and classic.  We have knit these patterns out of our yarn to take out the guess work. Come in, try them on, ask us questions, come back. We’re here to help if you need us.

Choose from a selection of beautiful designs or do your own thing!  Timothy Street Yarn is perfect for any pattern requiring an aran weight wool.

Classic and simple. Sweet.

Why the name ‘Timothy Street’?

For those of you who haven’t noticed, the shop is located at the corner of Timothy St. and Main St.  (It’s true!)

AND my family lives on Timothy St. (Seriously!)

Yup.  My life revolves around this little street.  It is home.

We want the yarn to be part of your home.   And part of your family, your neighbourhood, your everyday life.

Knitting is a comfort as well as a passion–just like all the important things in your life.

So come and try it out and let us know what you think…

Oh…and bear with me as I get the website up and going. I’ve posted shots of some of my favourite samples a little farther along so keep reading….

So there’s the third secret! I’m working on a fourth. I’ll keep you posted-teehee!

ATTENTION THOSE WHO ARE OFF ON FAMILY DAY!!!
We will be open from 12-4 for your shopping pleasure : )

So…I was in Pittsburgh this past weekend at the Knit and Crochet Show and I met some really cool peeps.  And bought some yarn for you….

I met the lovely Blue Ridge Yarns talent from Virginia….I picked up 3 of her yarns; Footprints, Bambi and Silk Splash.  All fingering (sock) weight and all delightful!

The Footprints are fun because they are skeins of sock yarn coupled with mini skeins for the toe and heel.  Look at these amazing combination!

She also has this one called Bambi–a bamboo blend fingering weight…look at this.  Wow.

And she’s got a great Silk Splash that has a tweedy look to it because of the different ways the fibre hold colour….amazing.

I ran into our good friends from Cabin Fever in Pittsburgh!  Always nice to see some familiar faces.  They have come out with a new line of beautiful sock yarn.  The yarn base is from the extra-ordinary Shelridge Farm; A Canadian Company.  The yarn is done in gentle colours, soft and heathered. Thanks Deb and Linda!!

We got totally reloaded with Camelspin and Sea Silk from Hand Maiden….Sandra’s over the moon. ; )

And these amazing hand made ring and stick brooches are back and beautiful…

This amazing interchangeable set of SQUARE circular needles came in.  Yes, you heard me correctly–I said square circulars.  Weird. In a cool way.

The new Debbie Bliss mag is here….

Here are a few samples we’ve done out of Timothy Street Yarns so far…

Soft Owl Pillow. Teehee–what else can I say??? This one’s for YOU–with the crochet hook!!!

The Herringbone Cowl….4 balls.  This is my FAVOURITE COWL. Awesome. We’re doing this in a class…join us!

The Ribbed Baby Jacket…2 balls.

Worth the trip to come and see, yes?? : )

See you soon my friends!!

Wendy

Well, she’d like to come for a visit to teach a class!  Yay!  Super yay!

(If you actually haven’t heard of the Yarn Harlot, check her out.  She’s a comedian and author about….KNITTING!  Read her blog if you’d like a good belly laugh about your favourite hobby.)

Here are the delectable choices.  Majority rules, so get voting!  Email me to have your say…

Knitting with Matawa (Mata–wha??)

This class explores the pleasures of knitting with pure silk (silk hankies). We’ll talk about how to make silk hankies (each is a stretched cocoon) and how to knit them straight from that form … no spinning at all! Lace, baby things, warm things… try this interesting and inexpensive form of silk. You’ll be intrigued. This is a great class for all experience levels, but basic knowledge of knitting is required.

I Pick THIS ONE.

Grok The Sock

Join the Yarn Harlot as she leads you through the exploration of sock construction.This class is designed to leave the student with a really complete understanding of the construction of socks and ( usually ) the ability to knit a sock without a pattern.

A class that you will apply over and over again in your sock knitting.

Materials: Sock yarn and needles to match

Skills: Intermediate, comfortable working in the round.

I Pick THIS ONE.

Knitting for Speed and Efficiency – all day

Here’s your chance to learn Stephanie’s perspective and secrets on knitting with speed. Want to knit faster? How about smarter or more efficiently? This class examines the various techniques, attitudes and history of the most productive knitters, and is designed not necessarily to change how you knit (unless you want to) but to help you become the most efficient knitter you can be on your own terms.

Skills: All Knitters Welcome

Worsted weight yarn

Favourite needles (dpns, circulars or straights) in a size to match your yarn

AND 14″ straight needles

I Pick THIS ONE.

Get voting!!!!

And speaking of Classes we have two this weekend that you should check out…

LINEN STITCH SCARF

We’ve all seen it, we’ve all been amazed at the unique results.  Join us and cast on your own version of this masterpiece.

I love how they describe it on their website…

“Harmonize a hundred colors. Or quietly play tone on tone.”

Koigu Linen Stitch Scarf

Deets: 1 session, 2 hours, $29

Sunday Jan 29th, 3-5pm

**OR**

ENTRELAC

Always a crowd pleaser!  Due to Sandra’s AMAZING store sample this is our most popular class these days…

Deets: 1 session, 2 hours, $59 (3 balls Noro Silk Garden and pattern included)

Sunday Jan 29th, 12-2pm

EMAIL ME and you’re in…

Here are some shots of the New York Trip….I should say the AMAZING New York Trip.  If you can make it to a Vogue show, you should go.  Awesome.  And if you haven’t been to New York, you should go.  We almost stayed.  For good.  Love that city.

Bright lights, big city….

Bryant Park…after a stop at American Girl for my Canadian Girl.

Set up is…..DONE!!!

Unfortunately, this is the closest I’ll ever get to Johnny Depp.  Lego Capt’n Jack. : (

Lovin’ the Tanis Fiber yarns!  One more happy New Yorker…

Andrew sporting a super cozy cowl in Americo’s new Eco Rasta yarn on a particularly cold morning….that kiss is for you.

See you soon!

Wendy