Owl Workshop



Coming this May! Knit-an-Owl Workshop with Cori Schrader.

This is a 2 day workshop that is perfect for the beginner knitter and intermediate knitters.

Learn how to knit with double points, the use of circular needles, pick up stitches and the kitchner stitch. Basic crocheted eyes add a finished pop!

"Owlie" is a perfect companion for any child and can double as a cuddly pillow! A perfect handmade gift that takes hardly anytime to make. Get a jump on your Christmas projects with this little guy.



Wild Fire

We've all gone a little crazy here over one pattern, the Chevron Lace Cardigan and it has caught on like wild fire. Cindy has already made four or so, Cori just bought yarn for her fourth, DeeDee just finished hers and I am trying to pick out a color for mine.  I just had to jump on the band wagon. ;)



(one of Cindy's finished cardigans)

The best thing about this pattern is that it's so versatile.  You can make it short or long, with sleeves or without and add in embellishments here or there.  It also looks great on all different body types. 

(One of Cori's finished cardigans)

 One last thing about this pattern is that it's fun in all different types of yarns.  We have had a lot of success making it out of Schaefer's yarn Laurel because of the type of cotton and the yardage.  The cotton has that bit of sheen to it because it's mercerized and it comes with 400 yds to the hank, which Cindy was able to get a whole top done with one skein and few modifications (first picture).  The colors are quite fun too and on top of that, each skein is named after an influential woman and comes with a little blurb about their story.

Cori made hers (pictured above) out of Rowan Summer Tweed and is now doing one out of Frog Tree Picoboo and it's fabulous. We have cotton and cotton blends to choose from that would work great with this pattern. Come check them out!

Now, to explain this last picture, it's my dilemma picture.  I said that I was picking out yarn for my cardigan and I have decided that I want Laurel but I just can't seem to choose the color.......Ugh, fiber problems.  Which do you like? The top is named after Ethel Waters and the bottom is named after Madame C.J. Walker if that helps.  Wanna help me choose? Just let me know what you're thinking and I'll let you know which one was the winner.

Phew, long post but seriously guys, this is a fun pattern and if you want something to do for summer go ahead and join in on the craze.

Last Chance

Who knows if it's the last chance but we have a couple days of rain to get our last moments of winter in. I don't know about you but for me this means yarn, an awesome movie I've seen at least a dozen times, and a favorite warm beverage.  Doesn't that just sound amazing?

Well, we can't provide a movie for your but we encourage you to stop by the shop with your projects and warm drink and get your craft on with us. Maybe you have been doing this all morning and just need a change of pace or you just need to get out of the house, either way we would love to see your lovely faces and share in this random weather together. :)

If you absolutely need that movie portion of a perfect day, I won't object to one being played over an iPad, actually I encourage this......a couple of my favorite movies are Harry Potter (duh), Pride&Prejudice, First Wives Club, you know, just in case you needed some ideas on what to have ready to play. ;)

Any way you decide to spend your rainy day, I hope you can get a little bit of fiber fun in there.

Free Easy Crochet Flower Cloche!

Greetings fiber friends! I hope you are well this fine warm day. We thought we would give some TLC to our crochet friends. So here is a free hat pattern created by our very own Cori Schrader.

Enjoy!

Here is an easy pattern:
Supplies:
Universal Uptown, Hook J for Hat, Hook F for flower.
Feel free to switch up the yarn or the hook size. For example: Universal Chunky and  Hook I.

SS: Slip Stitch
DC: Double Crochet
CH: Chain
SC: Single Crochet
STS: stitches

Ch 3, ss into first ch to form a loop.
Row 1: Ch 3, 16 DC in loop.
Row 2: Ch 3, *2 DC in next 3 sts, DC in next st*. Rep from * to * to end. SS into top of Ch3 to complete round. (28 st)
Row 3: Ch 3, DC in ch 3 spot; *DC in next 6 sts; 2 DC in next st*. Rep from * to * till end. SS into top of Ch3 to complete round.(32)
Row 4: Ch 3; DC in Ch 3 spot; *DC in next 3 sts; 2 DC in next st*. Rep from * to * till end. SS into top of Ch3 to complete round.(40)
Row5: Ch 3; DC in Ch 3 spot; *DC in next 3 sts; 2 DC in next st*. Rep from * to * till end.SS into top of Ch3 to complete round. (50)
Row 6: Ch 3; DC in each st. SS into top of Ch3 to complete round. (50)
Rows 7-11: Repeat Row 6.
Row 12: Ch 1, SC in back loop of each st. SS into Ch1 space to complete round.
Row 13-15: Ch 1, SC in each st. SS into Ch1 space to complete round.
Fasten off.

Optional Flower:
Row 1: Ch 3, ss into first ch to form a loop.
Row 2: Ch 2; sc (ch3, sc) for a total of 6 ch 3 loops. SS into Ch 2 space to be the last sc.
Row 3: Ch 1; in loop: sc, hdc, dc, tc, dc, hdc, sc. Repeat in eah ch 3 loop. Tie off.
Ch 3, DC in Ch 3 Space

Lo-Lo Products

I don't know if you've heard of Bar-Maids but they make some great, all-natural beauty products that knitters love to use.  You might have seen them at Stitches or seen your friends bust out some lotion before, but they are now available locally. We've got them!

We have Lo-Lo Face Pudding, Lo-Lo To-Go Travel Pacs, Lo-Lo Bar, Lo-Lo Lips, and Lo-Lo Cuticle Intensive. There is a limited stock so hurry in and try it out.

 Again, these products are all-natural and formulated for all skin types. They are even packaged in environmentally-friendly, reusable, and recyclable containers.  How green of them. You can splurge and feel good about it. ;)

 I hear the most chatter and oohs and aahs about the Face Pudding. Apparently a little goes a long way and this bottle will have you set for months to come.  The best part is, since its all-natural, it's good for your yarn. Now that is the best selling point for me.  My hands can get a little dried out after dishes and I want to moisturize before I knit but I don't want my yarn to have an oil streak in it.  No worrying about that here.

We have a few different scents for you to test out and perhaps fall in love with.....maybe even take home?! They are right next to the register so you'll be sure to see them. :)

TuTu, Malabrigo, and Rowan, oh my!

We got new yarn!!!  Beware ladies and gents, there are fiber filled pictures to follow that may make you drool.  We are not to be held responsible for any water damaged keyboards. ;)

Let's start off with some fun yarn. We got in a bunch of Crystal Palace TuTu Lamé. Anyone in the mood for a quick, funky, fun scarf?  These skeins practically knit themselves and in the end you get ruffle heaven. We have a hard time keeping this stuff in the store so you better hurry before you have to wait for the next batch.

We have more colors than what is pictured above, this was just to give you a taste.

Next up, we have Malabrigo. *Ahem* Wahooooooooooooooo!!!  Excuse me, but this just happens to be one of my favorite yarns. We got in more Rasta and Rios and then threw in a newbie, Aquarella. It's a thick and thin bulky (pictured on the far right below) and comes in fabulous, vivid colors. It will be fun to see what people choose to work up in this new yarn.

And now for the pièce de résistance: Rowan!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That's right, we brought in Rowan. This is our first dabble in the line so we decided to bring in some of their cotton and cotton blends for summer.  Check it out:

We have Cotton Glace, Summer Tweed, Savannah, Purelife Revive (pictured below) and Creative Linen. There are lots of textures and colors to work with for summer. We also got a couple Rowan books in, so come have a looksee.

Apart from all of this we got in a bunch of different cotton yarns for the season.  Classic Elite's Seedling and Sprout are just a couple examples of the cotton fun we're talking about.

Now if you're thinking about starting a new project, whether that be summer themed or a Malabrigo splurge, we've got you covered.  Come on by to Late Night tonight and check it out!

WIPs and Chips

It's that time again..........WIPs and Chips time! :)  If you haven't heard already we have a monthly event called WIPs and Chips. It's where you bring your Works In Progress and food and sit around and knit or crochet while getting to know some other wonderful ladies. 

We have a late night every Friday night from 5-8pm and we decided that the first Friday of every month will be WIPs and Chips. So if you can't make it to this one, don't fret, there will be another one next month......and the next month.....and the next month.

 Look at how much fun you could be having this Friday night. You might have family in town, you might have chores that need to get done or bills to pay but come on......I think a little you time is in order. I mean you are working on WIPs and getting things done, so you can feel productive when you leave.  That's one to look at it right? ;)

If that doesn't convince you then maybe food will. Cindy always brings some amazing, yummy treats and people bring in eveything from pizza, to cake, to egg rolls.  It's a real smorgasbord, so if you're already cheating on your "to-do" list then you might as well cheat on your diet right?

We've played games before and there were some prizes, we've stayed here chating until ungodly hours and have even seen some husbands pop in for a visit.

I know I joke but it's a real fun way to enjoy your hobby with others who feel the same way. You get to meet new people that you already have something in common with and even get to learn new tricks of the trade. You can just pop in or feel free to spend your evening with us.  

Again, WIPs and Chips is the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm.  We would love it if you could bring a snack (we always like trying your cooking) but you are under no obligation to do so. Hope to see you there tomorrow night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Classes for April

Our April Class Schedule has been realeased! Take a look at some of the amazing classes we are offering this month! Call us at 916-899-5416 or come in and sign up! Spots are going quickly! Happy Knitting friends!

On April 7th, 14th, 21st and 29th we have our learn to knit class

Ever wanted to learn how to knit but thought it was impossible?

Come join us for this fun class and learn how to knit!

This class covers: casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing & casting off

Class times: 12:00-1:30

Just in time for Spring! Learn to knit a bracelet with beads! April 21st~

Love knitting but don't want to work on scarves in the spring?

This is the class for you! Join us and learn how to make this

fashionable little beauty.

Class time: 2:00-4:00

So you have mastered knitting, or just want to learn a new trick

Beginning Crochet is the class for you. ~April 22nd

Learn the basics of crochet: chain, single crochet, double crochet and more

Class time: 12:00-2:00

Want to learn how to knit fabulous designs into a project?

Intro to Intarsia~ April 23rd & 30th

In this class you will learn how to join 2 colors together

without creating a that pesky hole. You will also learn

how to create your own intarsia design!

Class times: 5:30-7:30

Know basic knitting but want to know more? We are

starting our technique classes! Our first class is on

Circular Knitting~ April 24th

In this class you will learn how to knit in the round

and make fabulous things like hats, cowls and mittens

Class time: 6:00-7:00

Finish from the Beginning

A fabulous follow up workshop to Diane Soucy's

The top down sweater

This workshop can be used as a follow up to the first

Diane Soucy workshop or a current project you are

trying to finish up

Class time: 10:00-4:00