Upcoming Classes – January 2012

Download the calendar for January (and the first week of February).

More info coming soon!

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November Classes

Wow, that was certainly some wild weather for the end of October! I’m quite thankful that we were at Stitches East in Hartford, CT the weekend before it snowed there.

November begins this week and we have a calendar of classes to download (PDF format). Not just for knitters this month – we have an Aunt Philly’s Rug class which uses fabric strips to create a rug. It’s a lot of fun! [Saturday, November 12 @ 10 a.m. - noon. $15, includes needle]

Also of note: Batik fabric is on sale for 25% off the entire month! We are reducing our fabric inventory one segment at a time over the next year. We will still be long-arm quilting, so bring in your quilts!

Here’s the run-down of knitting classes:

Feed Your Creativity #13 Delightful Neckwarmer ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s mohair blend, Delightful, a chunky yarn that’s airy and quick to knit. Create this simple neckwarmer that is just knits and yarn overs (and a few knit 2 togethers). You’ll need a size US 13 (straight or circular).  [Saturday, November 19 - 10 a.m. - noon & 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.]

Feed Your Creativity #12 Seamus Cowl ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s worsted merino wool, Fantastic. Create this elegant cowl with just knits and an occasional cable. You’ll need a 16″ circular in size US 8, and a cable needle. [Wednesday, November 16 -  10 a.m. - noon]

Fair Isle Pillow ($25, includes pattern). Come get started on a lovely fall pillow and learn the Fair Isle technique. Using no more than 2 colors at a time, you can create lovely patterns. We’ll be knitting this pillow in the round and then steeking (cutting the tube to make it flat). It sounds scary, but isn’t – and Stacy will take you every step of the way! This class will continue to be offered as we progress through each of the steps. Cost of the class covers entire process. You’ll need several coordinating colors of worsted weight yarn, 24″ US 7 or 8 circulars. [Thursday, November 17 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Knit a Felted Bag ($25 – includes yarn and pattern). Learn the basics of felting by making a simple bag. Pattern can be easily modified to create bags of various sizes. [Friday, November 4, 10 am - 1 pm]

Learn to Read a Knitting Pattern ($10). Learn how to decipher all those abbreviations and make sense of the (*) repeats. Feel free to bring a pattern that you’re finding particularly daunting. Also bring paper and pencil as we will be tackling the task of rewriting a pattern into more manageable sections. Pre-registration required. [Saturday, November 5 - 10 a.m. - noon]

Tunisian Crochet ($10 for intro, $5 for new stitch). Also called Afghan Crochet, this process uses a long crochet hook to create a dense fabric that is perfect for many projects – including afghans, scarves, bags, and garments. You’ll learn the basic stitch. Please bring a worsted weight yarn and an “H,” “I,” or “J” Tunisian hook. Of course we have hooks and yarn available for purchase! [Wednesday, November 9 - 10 a.m. - noon]

Crochet Granny Square ($15) This class will teach you the basics of building a Granny Square. We’ll cover how to best change colors and when. You’ll need at least 2 colors of worsted weight yarn, G, H, or I crochet hook. [Friday, November 18 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Tech Square Afghan don’t give up if you feel you’re falling behind. Come any Thursday for Sit and Stitch!

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October Classes

Finally there is a nip in the air! Time to dust off the sewing machine and/or break out those knitting needles and crochet hooks. Count down to the holidays has started.

October Class Schedule.

Here’s the rundown of classes:

Knitting and Crochet…

Feed Your Creativity #13 Delightful Neckwarmer ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s mohair blend, Delightful, a chunky yarn that’s airy and quick to knit. Create this simple neckwarmer that is just knits and yarn overs (and a few knit 2 togethers). You’ll need a size US 13 (straight or circular).  [Friday, October 7 - 10 a.m. - noon; Saturday, October 15 - 10 a.m. - noon]

Feed Your Creativity #12 Seamus Cowl ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s worsted merino wool, Fantastic. Create this elegant cowl with just knits and an occasional cable. You’ll need a 16″ circular in size US 8, and a cable needle. [Wednesday, October 12 -  10 a.m. - noon]

Fair Isle Pillow ($25, includes pattern). Come get started on a lovely fall pillow and learn the Fair Isle technique. Using no more than 2 colors at a time, you can create lovely patterns. We’ll be knitting this pillow in the round and then steeking (cutting the tube to make it flat). It sounds scary, but isn’t – and Stacy will take you every step of the way! This class will continue to be offered as we progress through each of the steps. Cost of the class covers entire process. You’ll need several coordinating colors of worsted weight yarn, 24″ US 7 or 8 circulars. [Thursday, October 13 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Learn to Read a Knitting Pattern ($10). Learn how to decipher all those abbreviations and make sense of the (*) repeats. Feel free to bring a pattern that you’re finding particularly daunting. Also bring paper and pencil as we will be tackling the task of rewriting a pattern into more manageable sections. Pre-registration required. [Friday, October 28 - 10 a.m. - noon]

Tunisian Crochet ($10 for intro, $5 for new stitch). Also called Afghan Crochet, this process uses a long crochet hook to create a dense fabric that is perfect for many projects – including afghans, scarves, bags, and garments. You’ll learn the basic stitch. Please bring a worsted weight yarn and an “H,” “I,” or “J” Tunisian hook. Of course we have hooks and yarn available for purchase! [back in November!]

Crochet Granny Square ($15) This class will teach you the basics of building a Granny Square. We’ll cover how to best change colors and when. You’ll need at least 2 colors of worsted weight yarn, G, H, or I crochet hook. [Saturday, October 8 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Tech Square Afghan don’t give up if you feel you’re falling behind. Come any Thursday for Sit and Stitch!

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September Classes

Wow! How did it get to be September?! We’ve filled our calendar once again with knitting classes. Quilters – don’t despair; there is an awesome event for you on the calendar: the Nassawango Outdoor Quilt Show.

Download the September Calendar.

Here’s the rundown of classes:

Knitting and Crochet…

Log Cabin Square ($15). Learn to create a simple, but fun, knit square that builds upon itself. A great way to use up left over bits of yarn. Square is done in garter stitch (all knits)! You’ll need yarn, appropriately sized needles (a US 8 for worsted weight yarn), basic knitting supplies.  [Saturday, September 3, Wednesday, September 21 - all from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Feed Your Creativity #12 Seamus Cowl ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s worsted merino wool, Fantastic. Create this elegant cowl with just knits and an occasional cable. You’ll need a 16″ circular in size US 8, and a cable needle. [Friday, September 9; Wednesday, September 14; Saturday, September 24 - all from 10 a.m. - noon]

Feed Your Creativity #11 McTwist Hat ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s newest merino, Lofty, a chunky roving yarn that’s airy and quick to knit. Create this simple hat that is just knits and purls. You’ll need a 16″ circular in size US 10-1/2 or US 11. This class was a bit hit last month, so we’re offering it again! [Friday, September 16 - 10 a.m. - noon]

Fair Isle Pillow ($25, includes pattern). Come get started on a lovely fall pillow and learn the Fair Isle technique. Using no more than 2 colors at a time, you can create lovely patterns. We’ll be knitting this pillow in the round and then steeking (cutting the tube to make it flat). It sounds scary, but isn’t – and Stacy will take you every step of the way! This class will continue to be offered as we progress through each of the steps. Cost of the class covers entire process. You’ll need several coordinating colors of worsted weight yarn, 24″ US 7 or 8 circulars. [Thursday, September 22 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Tunisian Crochet ($10 for intro, $5 for new stitch). Also called Afghan Crochet, this process uses a long crochet hook to create a dense fabric that is perfect for many projects – including afghans, scarves, bags, and garments. You’ll learn the basic stitch. Please bring a worsted weight yarn and an “H,” “I,” or “J” Tunisian hook. Of course we have hooks and yarn available for purchase! [Wednesday, September 7 (1-3 p.m.); Friday, September 23 (10-noon)]

Crochet Granny Square ($15) This class will teach you the basics of building a Granny Square. We’ll cover how to best change colors and when. You’ll need at least 2 colors of worsted weight yarn, G, H, or I crochet hook. [Wednesday, September 28 - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.]

Tech Square Afghan don’t give up if you feel you’re falling behind. Come any Thursday for Sit and Stitch!

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Deal of the Week – Black and White Fabric!

puzzle piece fabricThis week’s offering is Black and White fabrics! We’re starting the price at $7 a yard – and since I’m a bit late in getting this post written, the price has already dropped to $6 a yard! (Thanks to Facebook and Twitter followers).

Be sure to check out the prints we have – some are truly black and white. A few are more of a black and cream (sometimes with a hint of tan tossed in), and a couple have grey or red as well.

As always, the more yardage we sell this week – the bigger the savings. If you purchase when the price is $6 and it falls to $5 – you get the $5 price, so there is no advantage to waiting.

Prints can all be found on our online shop!

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Six Tips for Knitting in Church

Miss Manners was recently asked

“Is it acceptable to knit at a church, synagogue or other religious service? And what about a concert or recital?”

I was really hoping that is was acceptable – at least in church, and indeed, Miss Manners thought that knitters were probably near the end of the list of people doing annoying things at events. Besides, “Have you not noticed that they are armed with long, pointy sticks?” You can read the whole question and answer at the Washington Post website.

I knit in church. Just about every week. I find that if I occupy my hands and the segment of my brain that does simple, repetitive tasks, I concentrate much better. When I don’t knit, my mind wanders. Our last pastor was actually the one who encouraged me to knit during church, and even remarked that there were several parishioners who would benefit from doing something with their hands in order to focus their attention on the sermon. It sure works for me!

If you’re contemplating joining the ranks of the Holy Knitters, here are some tips for starting out:

  1. Start simple: a project that doesn’t require referring to a pattern; something mindless, like garter stitch or stockinette stitch.
  2. Start small: don’t haul in a queen size throw. Hats, felted bags, dishcloths or face cloths, and scarves are all great choices.
  3. Know your limits: do you find yourself cursing up a blue streak if you drop a stitch? Holy knitting may not be for you.
  4. Be prepared: have the supplies you need neatly and discreetly* accessible. You’re not going to knitting group, so having every gadget is not necessary; no one is likely to lean over the pew and ask to borrow your scissors or a stitch holder. Just bring your yarn and needles – leave the rest in the car. [*I have a friend who carries her knitting to church in a soft cooler emblazoned with images of lite beer. It works for her!]
  5. Be gracious: people will ask what you’re making. Some will ask because they are truly curious; others as a way to politely find out why the heck you think knitting in church is acceptable. Smile. Answer sweetly. Smile. If you fear that you’ll be harshly judged (wasn’t the sermon on not judging? – obviously they weren’t paying attention!), considering working on a prayer shawl that you’ll give to someone in the church who could use a caring gesture.
  6. Be amazed: you will probably discover some closet knitters. And who knows? You may be the catalyst for a church based knitting group.

So, who among you is a Holy Knitter (or crocheter)? Are there other events, like concerts or lectures, to which you take your knitting? Any amusing or inspiration stories to share? Leave a comment below!

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Secret Project

Stacy's secret project

Secret Project

I have a secret project, which by its very nature, I can’t tell you much about… yet. Here is what I can tell you:

  • I’m very excited about it
  • It involves knitting, lots and lots of knitting in a fairly short amount of time
  • I’m a bit nervous about it all working out, but know it will
  • I’m using Kollage Yarn’s Fantastic (100% merino wool, worsted weight)

In a week or so I’ll divulge a few more details. In the meantime, I’m knitting, knitting, knitting!

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Deal of the Week is back!

It’s been a while, but we’re back with our Deal of the Week! In light of the absence of this promotion, we have two deals this week – one for quilters and one for knitters!! Here are the details….

Fabric Deal of the WeekChristmas Fabric Bundles

We’re offering Christmas Fabric Bundles for $18 a bundle – a $8-12 savings! PLUS shipping is a flat rate of $5!

If we sell more than 5 bundles… the price will drop to $15 a bundle!

If we sell more than 10 bundles… the price will drop to $13 a bundle! That’s over 50% off!

The “catch” is that we have a limited number of bundles available. So act fast! Orders YOURS, and then tell your friends. Each bundle includes one yard of main fabric and four half-yard coordinates. You can see the fabric selections and get more details in our online store.

Knitting Books

We have an abundance of yarn company knitting books (for which we no longer carry the yarn – but in most cases the yarns are still available) for $10 each – that’s up to 45% off! Shipping is a flat rate of $5!!

If we sell more than 20 books, the price will drop to $8 each

If we sell more than 40 books, the price will drop to $6 each – that’s up to 67% off!!

The “catch” is that we have a limited number of titles available. So act fast! Orders YOURS, and then tell your friends. Titles include books for Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding, Elsebeth Lavold, Ella Rae, and Sublime. You can get all the details in our online shop.

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Feed Your Creativity Series

I’m so excited by the Feed Your Creativity series of knitting (and even crochet!) classes. This is the second year that Kollage Yarns has produced the series, and I have to say that this year’s projects are even better than last year’s.
August class is the McTwist Hat featuring Kollage’s new yarn, Lofty. This chunky merino yarn makes for a quick knit, and paired with Sandi Rosner’s hat pattern (there’s a bonus mitten pattern too!) you’ll have the hat knit before you know it. It’s amazing what some knitting and purling will produce – and that’s all there is – just knits and purls in a simple four row repeat.

The McTwist Hat class includes a kit of pattern and yarn for only $25. Like most of our classes, the cost covers the project, so you can attend as many of the class sessions as you like. Download the August calendar of classes.

Here’s a preview of the other projects that are in the series:

Feed You Creativity projects

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August Schedule of Classes and Events

Summer sure is breezing by (without much breeze! Too darn hot!). Our schedule for the first part of August is fairly regular, but then we’re off to Stitches Midwest in Schaumburg, Illinois. Not a wide selection of classes on the calendar, but we do start the next series of Feed Your Creativity Classes! I’ve already knit two of the ten projects – both are quick and easy (really, knit and purl kind of easy!)

You can download the August 2011 calendar here.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on the schedule:

Knitting…

McTwist Hat

McTwist Hat

Feed Your Creativity #11 McTwist Hat ($25, includes yarn and pattern). Features Kollage Yarn’s newest merino, Lofty, a chunky roving yarn that’s airy and quick to knit. Create this simple hat that is just knits and purls. You’ll need a 16″ circular in size US 10-1/2 or US 11. [Friday, August 12; Saturday, August 13; Wednesday, August 17]

Tunisian Crochet ($10 for intro, $5 for new stitch). Also called Afghan Crochet, this process uses a long crochet hook to create a dense fabric that is perfect for many projects – including afghans, scarves, bags, and garments. You’ll learn the basic stitch. Please bring a worsted weight yarn and an “H,” “I,” or “J” Tunisian hook. Of course we have hooks and yarn available for purchase! [Wednesday, August 10; Saturday, August 20]

Tech Square Afghan don’t give up if you feel you’re falling behind. Several of the summer blocks are REALLY easy (and quick!). Come to any Sit and Stitch, Knitting Group, of Tech Square session to get caught up!

Quilting….

Don’t miss the Heartland Quilt Guild’s third annual “Shop Hop Comes to Us” on Thursday, August 4.

Have you signed up for classes at the Nassawango Quilt Show in September? There are still spaces available. Get more information at the Furnace Town website.

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