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

It’s SALE time! YaaaaY!!!!

Are you ready for deals like you’ve never seen before? 
For those of you who have been to these sales before, you know what to expect.

For you newbies……MUAHAHA!  Hold onto your hats.

I seriously blow out the store.

Before I go on to give you all the deets of the sale I also want to mention that CLASSES are up!  Check out the selection and let me know what you’re interested in.

Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of the page and check out the Knit-A-long.  I’m really excited about this one….anyone else LOVE Stephen West???

***If you book and pre-pay for a class during the sale you will get 10% OFF the cost!***
And one last thing….but the most important thing.

A HUGE IMMENSE GIGANTIC EPIC shout out to the FABULOUS women who work with me at Unwind.

These women (and man) are the heart and soul and often the face of Unwind. They hold down the fort as I saunter the globe on yarn shows. They mop floors as I write pithy newsletters.  (Someone’s gotta)  They host events while I’m at home hosting supper for my little ones or at some blasted extra curricular activity.  They teach and talk AND walk the walk while I schedule and post and advertise.  I market, they deliver. They are the Unwind you see and they do such an amazing job.  They are Sandra, Sheila C., Ellen, Heather, Monika, Sheila G., Jacqueline, Stuart, Linda I., Cyndy, Kathy, Linda M. Well done folks.  You are the best.

And another ENORMOUS shout out to all of you out there who have kept coming in here to make this year Unwind’s BEST year yet. I have the most amazing customers and I so appreciate your business.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to a great 2012!!!

SO! The sale….did someone say door prizes?

Hmmm…what humiliating act can I demand you preform to win a door prize.

Let me see…

Should I make you sing?

Am I cruel enough to make you dance? Or would that just be cruel to me….

How about this:

The first customers who say “Happy Boxing Day” to me get a FREE 16 oz bottle of SOAK.  Not cruel at all actually.  I must be feeling the Christmas spirit.

I also have 6 Mischief Scarf samples I will be giving away to the first 6 customers who spend over $100. They look like this….cute, right?

As as for yarn…EVERYTHING will be at least 15% OFF and up to 70% OFF.

Please Note: Groupons are not valid with sale items
SALE HOURS

MON DEC 26TH  9AM-5PM ***Get here early!!!!***
TUES DEC 27TH  10-7PM
WED DEC 28TH  10-7PM
THURS DEC 29TH 10-9PM
FRI DEC 30TH  10-5PM
SAT DEC 31  10-3PM
SUN JAN 1ST CLOSED
MON JAN 2ND CLOSED

HIGHLIGHTS

(I will have a printed reference sheet for you on Boxing Day so you don’t miss anything)

Cascade 220……….70% OFF

Cascade 220 superwash……….70% OFF

Cascade Eco Wool……….70% OFF

Sirdar Snowflake……….70% OFF

***EVERYTHING ON MY 50% OFF SHELF……….70% OFF***
Elegance by Estelle……….50% OFF

Spud and Chloe……….25% OFF

Sirdar Escape……….25% OFF

Sublime Yarns……….25% OFF

Sirdar Flirt……….50% OFF

Sirdar White Whispers……….50% OFF

Debbie Bliss Eco Baby Organic/free trade cotton……….50% OFF

Katia Park Avenue……….40% OFF

Afghan Kits……….50% OFF

Americo Cotton……….40% OFF

O~Wool Organic wool/cotton……….30% OFF

Malabrigo Worsted……….30% OFF

Malabrigo Lace……….30% OFF

And on and on and on…..

You’ll have to come and see the deals for yourself.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Y’ALL!

Wendy et al.

That FRILLY yarn called Ondas and Triana from Katia is back.  I just got TONS delivered by my favourite Christmas elf–thanks Kathryn!

 

And a new one called ROCIO….

And more Malabrigo Sock yarn than I could ever need.  But really…is yarn a need?

There are still 4 nights to KNIT!  You could get at least 4 more scarves done if you hurry in….

We’re open till 7pm tonight (Wed), 9pm tomorrow (Thurs) and 5pm on Friday.

PLUS 10-3pm on Christmas Eve.

A friend of mine passed this on…I think you might just be the best crowd to appreciate it.

Enjoy!

Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren’t hung by the chimney with care
’cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
and the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tripped over my yarn and fell with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick!
What I heard then left me somewhat perplexed-ed,
for not a name I heard was what I expected.

“Move Ashford; move Lopi; move Addie & Clover;
move Reynolds; move Starmore; and Noro – move over!”
“Paton, don’t circle round, stay in the line.
Come now, you sheep, you’ll work out just fine!

I know this is hard being just your first year,
I’d hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer.
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a ‘grazing.

And then, in a twinkle, I heard at my door
Santa’s coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
and as I turned round, Saint Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toes
and his cloths were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in a aran knit sack.

His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
a beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
and the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

The backs of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
and suddenly on one I spied a small label.
SC was the duplicate stitch on the cuff,
and I asked “Hay Nick, did you knit all this stuff?

He proudly replied “Ho-ho-ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was a kid.”
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
and I laughed to myself for I’d thought of a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped in the air,
the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
where I’d laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
for the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels on the stockings and toes on some socks
while I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks!!

So quickly, like magic his needles they flew,
that he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
and over his shoulder he looked back at me.

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
“Next year start your knitting some time around June!”

Cheers!

By, Anonymous

We’re so happy to announce that you can now purchase Tanis Fiber Art Yarns at Unwind….can I get a ‘Yaaay!!!’

To start, we’ve brought in the Yellow Label DK, 100% superwash merino and the Purple Label, cashmere blend sock.

Here are some of the samples we’re working on….why not get some on your needles?

The Windward Hat…one ball, yellow label.

 

The Sunnyside Baby Sweater…one ball, purple label.

The Smuggler Sweater….yellow label. I think I met the boy who this was knit for–he came into the shop. I LOVE this sweater.  Haven’t stopped thinking about it since I met you guys….

The Shane Blanket….4 balls (our sample will take 4 full balls, the pattern actually calls for 8 half balls!) Free pattern.

Welcome Tanis–we’re happy to have you here.  And may we say….well done.

In other news….TOTALLY reloaded in Thrum Kits, Camelspin and Marrekesh from Hand Maiden….

As knitter’s we like….stuff.

We like stuff that keeps us entertained, stuff that keeps us organized, stuff we can put our stuff in, and in general, cool stuff.

I have 3 new STUFF to show you.

Thing 1:

At the risk of sounding like an info-mercial…..ahem.

Do you hate pills on your knitwear???

Do you find yourself saying, “Why bother knitting this out of Malabrigo–its just going to pill!’???

Do you feel unattractive to your loved ones because of your raggy looking sweaters??? (insert sulky face)

FEAR NOT! The Gleener is here to rescue your knitted (and store bought) wardrobe….

WATCH THIS AMAZING 1 MINUTE VIDEO
This is the neatest thing we’ve seen in a while.  It works like a DREAM.  And of course, we love that it’s Canadian designed and owned.

((We super-love that the business owner’s mom came into the shop to show off her daughter’s handi-work.  At Unwind we’re suckers for Mother-Daughter dynamic duos.  Well done ladies!))

At $22 this is a must for every knitter. Heck, it’s a must for everyone.  (Ok, my 7 year old might not thank you for it.)

Thing 2:

Another amazing Canadian business contacted me 2 weeks ago about their hand made knitting boxes.  Brent Rourke Designs is out of New Brunswick.

Made of hard wood and years of tradition, these heirloom knitting boxes are just what your yarn collection deserves.

For the knitter who has everything–including her own yarn shop in the basement.

Thing 3:

What…this old thing??  Yes. This old thing.  I love this old thing.  This thing is such a life-saver.  This thing brings order to my chaos.  What more could you want in a thing??

Inside this thing there are the following things:

Row Counter (with lock)
Crochet hook for dropped stitches
Yarn Cutter
Stitch Markers
Point Protectors
Darning Needle
Fold Away Scissors
Tape Measure

Did I miss anything?  Yes–ALL that STUFF is inside this THING.  For only $25.

WIN A SHOPPING SPREE!

So here’s a happy holiday idea….

Every time someone buys you a gift certificate for over $50 at Unwind during the month of December, your name will be entered to win a $250 shopping spree at Unwind!!

How cool would that be???

**5 additional winners will be chosen to receive runner up prizes. Don’t worry, they’ll be cool too.**

And just to be clear, Unwind isn’t Chapters, guys.  I do a good little business, but I may sell 40-ish gift certificates this month.

What I’m saying is that your chances are REALLY GOOD.

So when the inevitable question arises….let ‘em know you want Unwind Gift Certificates!

Fingers poised…..forward this email to those who need a good strong ‘hint’.  NOW!

And….I’m off.

Wendy

What the W#%!??

So, how’s the holiday knitting coming?  Hm?  Not?

I’m here to help…..take a deep breath.  Om.

Over the years I’ve been privy to many ‘what should I knit for so-and-so’ conversations.

I am in the unique position to offer you solid, trustworthy advice as well as all the tools and expertise necessary to get the job done.  Heck, I’ll call you at home to check up on your progress if you send me your number!  Seriously.  And don’t even get me started on what Sandra will do….to ‘help’.

So….here are some solid winners for the extra special people in your lives.

FOR YOUR MOTHER

A Simple Lace Scarf……out of something extra-ordinary.  Like Musk Ox.  She’s worth it. Do I have to remind you of all the ways? Hmmmmm?

Only 218 yards of knitting but each yard of this magical yarn is a pleasure. Simple and elegant.

FOR YOUR BESTIE

The Linen Stitch Scarf is an all-time fave of everyone who’s knit it.

You know what her favourite colours are, you know she’ll wear it cause she knits too and gets it.

So, take your time, pick the colours she wears and knit every stitch with love.

Before…

After….look how happy she is!!

Other colour possibilities…

FOR YOUR DAUGHTER (S)

The Honey Cowl has been WILDLY popular this year–especially amongst the younger set.

The pattern is FREE and fabulous.  Quick and fun.  It’s a must knit.

And can be knit in 3 days, if need be–right Christina?

I’ve still got LOADS of MadTosh and a new Malabrigo called Rios that would be stunning…

FOR A SPECIAL BABY

I got the MOST beautiful yarn delivered this week….from Malabrigo.  As usual. (My name is Wendy and I’m addicted…to Malabrigo)

The newest from Malabrigo is called Arroyo–sport weight, kettle dyed, superwash merino.  Yummy yummy yummy.

Baby Yours Sweater is designed by our own Toronto based Yarn Harlot.  How sweet…..and Arroyo is PERFECT. Pashmina from MadTosh would be awesome also. One ball will do it.

Hello baby!

 

 

     

What do you do when you need yarn in the evenings and your LYS isn’t open?

Curl up in the fetal position under the kitchen table while the kids do their homework?  Thought so.

Fear not!

Get your knit on late….and, as usual, 7 days a week.

Starting next week, Monday Nov. 14th:
Monday 12-4pm

Tuesday  10-7pm

Wednesday 10-7pm

Thursday  10-9pm

Friday  10-5pm

Saturday  10-5pm

Sunday  12-4pm

We’re going to try this till the end of the year…let me know what you think.

Maybe we’ll keep these hours for good.

AND…

We had so much fun doing the free class last Friday we’ve decided to do it every month!!

My sincere thanks to all 25+ of you who came out–what amazing fun!!!

And, of course, thanks to Stuart.  Our knitter in shining armor.  Get it? Knitter, like knight, kinda?  Yah, I know. It sucked. Can’t win ‘em all.

Back on track…

Join us the SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH for a free seminar/info/discussion session.

Topics may include:

1. Stranded knitting,
2. How to prevent knitting related injuries (seriously),
3. Entrelac
4. Tunisian crochet
5. …and whatever else you may want to talk about.

In other words–send me suggestions! I will make. it. happen.

So our first meeting will be Tuesday Dec 13, from 7-9ish when we will welcome our good friend Sabrina, a local chiropractor, who will walk us through stretches and exercises, etc. we can do to prevent ‘knitter’s lock up’ in the last two weeks of our gift knitting before the BIG day.

(If the visuals I’ve got happening are any indication, this will be enormously entertaining . Teehee!)

During our time together we will also talk about and show off our current projects–my favourite part.  Get a looksie at what other talented knitter’s and enthusiastic newbies are whipping up.  Love it!

I’m really looking forward to getting this group together–let me know if you’d be interested in coming.  Email me!

Be sure to check out the classes coming up…I’ve added another Entrelac class and another Thrum Mitts to the schedule.

Don’t miss them this time : )

I have a couple of spots in next week’s Tunisian Crochet class…this one is way cool.  A blend of knitting AND crocheting? Email me if you want in.

And finally, the Bella’s Mitts class could take 2 more as well….learn how to make cables and get some pretty amazing mitts in the meantime.  Email me.

It’s busy at the shop these days so I’m going to leave it there, but I will whisper one last little secret in your ear….

Psst….Madeline Tosh has been SHIPPED!  YAY!!!! If it’s not here by next Wednesday I’ll eat my underpants.

Happy knitting folks!

Wendy

Fer real…

Come in THIS Friday morning (Nov 4th) from 10am-12pm to try out an amazing knitting technique that makes “fair isle” or “double knitting” a cinch!

We have a special guest coming to show you how easy it is….

Last week all the staff got together to try it out and we have come to the conclusion that this technique makes knitting colourwork easy, even for the those who may be colourwork challenged–like me.

It’s Sandra approved!!

Why is this FREE lesson happening this Friday of all Fridays???

Because we’re scheduled to start our Knit-A-Long, of course!

Make this great Christmas Stocking.  For Christmas.  It’s getting close you know.  OR…..

…we’re opening up the Knit-A-long to any 2-colour knitting you might want to try.  Remember these?  Fiddlehead Mitts.  Make ‘em!

Or maybe try these beauties….Northman Mittens. Get ‘em started!

Or whatever you like….

I’ll have practice materials here for you to work with.

Email me if yer coming. It’s gonna be cool cool cool!

~~

SOOO!  Lots of amazing things are sliding into the store these days.

One of my all-time favourite yarns has made a reappearance…Misti Alpaca.  I’ve always said, no one does alpaca better than Misti.

Seriously. Nothing is softer.  That’s because they ONLY use baby alpaca in their yarns. My buddy Christina is making a beautiful soft pullover in this pretty pink…Worsted weight is only $8 a ball.

Look at this beautiful Dollar and a Half Cardigan done in this yarn….

And Misti’s interesting blend….Baby Me Boo.  A beautiful bland of Baby Alpaca, Merino and Bamboo. $20 for 100grs.

It’s thick and thin and perfect for little and fast projects like Scarves, hats and mitts–for your wool sensitive giftees. Beautiful and organic looking.

Look at this beautiful one skein cowl out of this gloriously soft yarn…called the Convertible Scarf.  I bet this flew off of the 9mm needles used!

And don’t forget the lace weight by Misti…$8 each.

I have always wanted to do the Citron Shawl by Hilary Smith Callis and now I have a really good reason to.  Look at how it knits up in this baby alpaca lace…oooooo.  aaaaaaa.  oooooooo.

Or how about this amazing Featherweight Wrap by Val Love.  Oh my…I would wear this everyday if I had one.

And Misti Alpaca has an new tonal yarn called Tonos Carnival….semi-solid colour in a great fingering weight for socks or drapey shawls. Here are a couple of beautiful colouways…$21 each.

Let’s change the topic.  From Alpacas to Oxen.

Have you ever heard of Qiviuk?  The yarn made from the sheddings of the Arctic Musk Ox?  Huh?  Yes.  Light and warm and as soft as an ox’s bum.

I picked up a precious few balls from the Creativ Show last weekend to share with you.  I picked up the silk and qiviuk blend–because it’s shiny and soooooft.

This is how one little 28 gram ball looks….ain’t it sweet?  Only $69.  Gasp!

Does it trick your subconscious into thinking something is cheap when I add the word “only” to the price?  Didn’t think so.  This stuff is EXPENSIVE, dude.

Another pattern I’ve always wanted to do was Stephanie Pearl MacPhee’s Pretty Thing. 

And here’s my opportunity!  One tiny ball of qiviuk will make a brilliant Pretty Thing. Oh my. Worth every penny.

 

Remember the amazing pattern by Mags Kandis using Americo’s Winter Flame called Mothed?  Americo has all new colours for you to choose from.  Here’s the sweater…

    

Here’s to it folks!  Cheers!

Wendy

P.S.

Here’s an announcement from your crafty community….

Attention Artisans & Hand Crafters

Knitters, sewers, spinners, paper crafters, beaders, etc.

A new group of talented and creative women has openings for members. Share your creativity and learn new techniques with old friends and new. All levels of experience welcome.

Get togethers will be held in the Sharon Hall, (in front of the Sharon Temple) on the 2nd Thursday of each month beginning November 10th. (for December only the meeting will be on the 1st Thursday.) The hall will be available from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, drop in or stay for the day.

Register as a member or pay as you go.

Contact Jean @ 905-895-7909 for more information