January 2009 Newsletter!

The first step (not pictured) is to pin your scarves together at various points. This ensures that the seams are sewn together evenly. Secondly, you need to get the sewing process started (i.e., when you get to the end of the Harvest scarf, you're also at the end of the Motherlode scarf). Grab a darning needle and thread it with a piece of yarn (referred to here as "working yarn") approximately 1.5-2 times the length of the scarves. Though it's nice to use matching yarn, it's not necessary - if we do this right, you won't be able to see the stitches. Insert the darning needle into the bottom left hand corner of the Motherlode scarf, from the bottom up. Pull the needle and yarn through, but leave a 6" tail (to sew in later). Now, in the same manner, insert your needle and yarn into the bottom right hand corner of the Harvest scarf. Pull the yarn through. You're ready to get started on the fun part!

Working now on the Motherlode scarf, take your darning needle and insert it into the hole that your working yarn is coming out of... from the front of the scarf to the back. Don't bother pulling the entire length of working yarn through the hole at this point - you'll do that in a second. (Please note that this this photo was taken after i had already sewn a few inches ... the instructions are the same as if i had just started, but i didn't want you to get confused).

In this step, you'll want to bring the darning needle back to the front of the Motherlode scarf, about 1/4-1/2" up from where you inserted it. You can see that I shortcutted the process just a bit by entering and exiting the scarf all in one step.

Pull the darning needle and working yarn all of the way through (not too tightly).

Repeat the process on the Harvest scarf... insert your needle into the spot on the Harvest scarf that your working yarn is coming out of.

Bring the darning needle back to the front of the Harvest scarf, about 1/4-1/2" up from where you inserted it.

Pull the darning needle and working yarn all of the way through (not too tightly).

Repeat the above process a few more times (in and out of the Motherlode, then in and out of the Harvest). Pull the working yarn relatively tightly. You'll notice that the scarves start to "close" together... the working yarn that you could see between the scarves will disappear - it's magic! After tightening everything a bit, you can go back to the steps above... and repeat until you've reached the end.

So, that's how i do it. You can take a look at the complete Modified Mattress Stitch Article on our website (complete with larger pictures). I hope the pictures and commentary are helpful - and please don't hesitate to let us know if you have other questions - you can always email us or use our fancy new Live Chat program on the website. We love to talk about knitting!! By the way, once i do get those final 3 hours of work done, I'll post photos here.

Wow. I simply don't know what else to say about this new yarn from Crystal Palace. Susan (from CPY) and her crew have outdone themselves. Mini-Mochi is a self-striping fine, single ply yarn. Not only is this yarn an obvious choice for socks, but imagine using it for anything that requires a fingering weight yarn ... shawls, baby clothes, mittens, hats. And each magic ball of 195 yds is only $8.60!

Eye Socks Only $17.20

Lace Leaf Wrister Only $8.60

Weekender Stole Only $34.40

Chiara from Lana Grossa is a gorgeous mohair blend with just a teensy bit of sparkle. Light and airy, yet full of romantic drape, we know you're going to love this yarn as much as we do ... especially since you get 209 yards for just $12.90. And don't be scared by the prices below... you can easily knit an amazing scarf with just a couple of balls. We have one in the shop right now (it's the one in this picture) and all of our in-store customers are loving it. And while the Mini-Mochi above may be my favorite new sock yarn, Chiara is my sweater pick of the season.

Flower Cap From $38.70

1 Button Vest From $51.60

Striped Cap From $64.50

Wrap Jacket From $116.10

Artyarns Mohair Splash contains 165 yards per skein and dry clean only. Offered only in solids, Mohair Splash is similar in composition to Artyarns' Beaded Mohair and Sequins, but the spacing between the clusters of beads and sequins creates one-of-a-kind designs when knitted up. We are extremely excited about the appeal of working with this yarn. It is more casual and everyday than the extremely popular Beaded Mohair and Sequins.

Bright Green

Gold

Navy

Burgandy

Sue, one of our amazing customers from Ohio, knit these precious top-down sweaters using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Yarn and was kind enough to share her photos with us. I don't know about you, but I think they turned out adorably!!

I was inspired to knit this scarf by my friend Ann Norling - though not a published pattern, she had knit one for herself and let me borrow it one afternoon when i was freezing to death. Her scarf was knit in 5" sections... 1 section for each color, so I followed suit and am now halfway done.

I have knit one of these Ballet tops before - and gave it to my friend. I decided I wanted one myself for Spring and so I picked up two balls of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Robin Egg Blue and held two strands together as instructed on size 15 needles (I used 24" length circulars). The only change I made in the pattern is that I probably knit an additional 10 rounds in the body of the top as I didn't want it to measure 17" in length on me. The Cotton Fleece is lightweight and soft and makes this an inexpensive top to whip out in just a few hours!

When the Mini Mochi came into the shop, I almost swooned with love! It is so soft and hollered at me to take it home. I chose 2 colors (103 &108) for socks. I am using a US 3 needle and working the Magic Loop technique to make some Funky socks, alternating the two colors; as in Fair Isle. I am not using a specific pattern, but may write it up as a 2 Askew Designs Pattern for all of you. This yarn is soooooooooo fun to work with and super soft! Happy Knitting!

Here's the cardigan that i've started for my dear friend's upcoming (impending? soon-to-arrive?) baby girl (we jokingly named the first girl born Allisaura when we were kids - Allison + Laura). Knit from the top-down, you can see the hood at the top of the photo (you do that first, then sew it up). Towards the middle, you can see where i've put the sleeve stitches on waste yarn - to be picked up and knit after i finish the body. I'm planning to trim the entire thing in green - and maybe add some green embroidered flowers along the bottom. It goes so fast!

I started the Tendril from the Rowan book Nature and am using Rowan Felted Tweed in Dragon, 147. It calls for large pearl like beads, but I think I am going to forgo the beads and just let the yarn be the star. I am knitting it for myself and love the cables that go up the back and down each side on the front. It calls for a different yarn, but the Rowan Felted Tweed swatched out perfectly on a US 6!

We've had multiple requests daily for more knitting classes. So, here is the latest schedule! Visit the website for additional information - costs, materials required, instructor names, etc. (And don't forget about weekly drop-in classes with Allison.) For further information, call the reno store at (775) 827-YARN (9276) or (877)JBW-KNIT (529-5648).

Note: Our Upcoming Classes and Events include: Knit Night, Kid's Knitting, Shawl Class, Knit Hand warmers, Crochet 101 and more!

Students will learn the basics of knitting: cast-on, knit, purl, and cast off. During the two hour class students will knit a 5"x5" swatch to learn the basics then begin working on their first scarf. Students will receive a reference sheet to take home so that they can finish their scarf on their own.
Level: Beginner
Dates and time (Choose ONE date): Sunday January 25th from 3-5pm, Wednesday February 11th from 5:30 - 7:30pm, Or Sunday February 15th from 3-5pm
Materials to Bring: Size 13 or 15 needles and a bulky weight yarn
Cost in advance: $20 (supplies NOT included).

This 2-hour class will give you the skills to move on to more challenging projects. You will learn increasing and decreasing which will allow you to shape your knitting. One of the basic increase techniques (YO) will lead you into simple lace knitting. We will be working on swatches to practice these techniques.
Level: Intermediate
Dates and time: Saturday January 24th from 2:30-4:30pm
Cost in advance: $15 (supplies NOT included).

This 9-week course, designed to "take the beginning knitter to the next level" with the confidence to move beyond the beginning sweater and begin to experiment with basic designs and pattern creativity. While working on a child's sweater, the goal of this course is to complete a sweater that incorporates basic patterns and designs including, but not limited to, basic fair Isle, knitting a sweater in the round, reading of patterns for aran sweaters or a pattern within a pattern.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Dates and time: Sundays February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29 from 1:30-3:30pm
Cost in advance: $80 (supplies NOT included).

As much fun as it is to knit a project, we knitters sometimes dread the "finishing" part. I find that usually this is because you may have had some unfortunate experiences with ugly seams, unwieldy button holes, or uneven knitting. In this class you will learn how to make your projects, from a simple scarf to the most complexly patterned sweater, look as if it was made by a pro! . Topics covered: Long tail and knitted cast on, Stitch gauge, 3-needle bind off, I-cord and applied I-cord, Seaming, Button holes , Washing and blocking, How to read a ball band and if time allows, Kitchener stitch. There will be homework to be done prior to class, involving the knitting of swatches. Be sure to pick up a materials list and homework assignment at the time of payment.
Level: Advanced Beginner
Dates and time: Sunday February 8th from 11:30 - 3:30
Cost in advance: $40 (supplies NOT included).

Holes in your knitting? Why not learn to make them intentionally - and create beautiful patterns at the same time. We will cover the basics of lace by learning to read a chart and making a sampler using simple lace patterns.
Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Dates and time: Sunday February 22nd from 12:30 - 3:30
Cost in advance: $30 (supplies NOT included).

Students will learn how to make their first hat by knitting in the round.
Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Dates and time: Saturday February 7th from 2-5pm
Cost in advance: $25 (supplies NOT included).

Student will learn how to make a pair of fingerless gloves/hand warmers by using double-pointed needles.
Level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
Dates and time: Saturday February 28th from 2-5pm
Cost in advance: $25 (supplies NOT included).

Students will learn 3 basic crochet stitches, how to change colors, and other basic techniques involved in crocheting a simple scarf.
Level: No Experience Necessary
Dates and time: Saturday February 21st from 1-3pm
Cost in advance: $20 (supplies NOT included).

A wonderful class that incorporates Yoga with knitting. Have you ever sat for hours on end knitting? You are in the enchanted knitting zone... you lose track of time and space and your legs, wrist, back and shoulders begin to stiffen. While you Knit learn to incorporate yoga to help restore balance to your body, mind and spirit. Focusing on the seven main Chakra* colors to create a beautiful meditation shawl or scarf. With each change of yarn color we will focus on a different portion of the body with a yoga asana or position you can do from the comfort of your chair. Based on the book "Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga" by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. We will also weave or knit the Laws of Pure Potential, Giving and Receiving, Karma, Least Effort, Intention and Desire and Dharma or purpose into our projects.
Level: Beginner
Dates and time: Saturday February 28th from 1-4pm
Cost in advance: $35 (supplies NOT included).