New Classes Coming!

Yarn Basics is coming...

With the availability of the internet as close as our phones and tablets, it's easy to teach yourself to knit or crochet and even complete a whole project using guided instruction... but how do you get started with a project without getting a kit or having someone else tell you what to get? There's more that you need to know to be able to strike out on your own!

• How do you select a yarn for a project? 
• How do I know what type of yarn to use?
• How much will I need?
• How do I use a pattern to make something and what are all those abbreviations?
• Where can I find patterns on the internet?

These are all important questions and ...

Yarn Basics is your next stop! 

Learn about yarn fibers & weight categories, how to select yarn for a project, hooks and needles and how to calculate how much you will need for a project and more. This one session workshop will help you be able to select a project and select an appropriate yarn and get started. It will be held once a month for 1 hour session on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 11am-12pm. The cost is just $20.

Love to Crochet? 
Expand your skills with Crochet - Next Steps!
So you know the basics - chain, single crochet & double crochet! Are you limited to the same projects because that all you know?

Crochet - Next Steps is your Next Step!

Running from January, 2018 through January, 2019, Crochet - Next Steps will meet each month on the 4th Thursday from 7-9pm. At the completion of the course, you will have a beautiful afghan or 2 lap-ghans/baby blankets! 

Here's a sampling of what you will learn. 

• Pattern Reading & Chart Reading
• Half Double Crochet, V-Stitch, 
• Front & Back Post Stitches
• Relief Stitches
• Tunisian Crochet
• Seaming/Assembly

Is a Crochet Sweater on your "Bucket" list? 

Join in the fun at Crochet Sweater University!

Meeting once a month on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm (beginning January 24th and continuing until June 27, 2018), this series will feature a top down cardigan sweater . 

In addition, we will explore topics such as: 

Yarn Selection
Making Gauge & hook selection
Pattern Reading
Making it fit - Top Down

Each 2 hour session will include work time, topics of discussion and troubleshooting and problem resolution.



As always, you are welcome to de-stash for any of these courses. The yarn requirements and  recommendations are available here. Yarn orders through the store must be made by

What's on Your Needles?

November is almost here... the days a still warm and sunny, but the nights are cool. Our thoughts are turning to Ghosts and Goblins, Turkeys, and then the winter holidays!

So! What are you going to make and for whom? It's time to get out your pen & paper and start your Holiday list. Who's been Naughty and who's been nice - and who's knit-worthy!

Knit-worthy? Definition of of someone who is knitworthy (or Crochet-worthy) is someone who appreciates, thru words and actions that they love the gift they received. Most knitters and crocheters love to see pictures of the recipient wearing or using the item - better yet to see it in person. Showing off newest creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and the like means "I LOVE IT!!", kinda like walking outside and shouting at the top of you lungs how much it means to you that the person took the time to make this great hat or scarf or cowl for you.

Not long ago, there was a post circulating on Facebook that said "Handmade is not cheap!" It's NOT!  While the materials to make a gift may cost less than a manufactured version gift, it takes time and thought to find the pattern (or create your own) and time to actually make it. Here are some estimates of time needed to make some of the common presents. They depend on size or length of item, yarn & needle combination, & complexity of stitch pattern, shaping, etc:

• Hat: 2 to 10 hours 
• Cowl: 10 to 25 hours
• Scarf: 5 to 45 hours
• Shawl: 15 to 45 hours
• Blanket/afghan: 25 to 120 hours
• Adult Sweater: 20 to 90 hours
• Child's Sweater: 20 to 45 hours

Want to know how much is worth? Multiply the estimated time to make the item (or the time it actually took you to make the item) by say $10 (about minimum wage) and that's a very rough estimate of the value. Is the person worth it? Of course, the next question is whether they will appreciate it or put it in a drawer.

What's on Mitzy's Needles (and hooks)?

There is always yarn in her hands -  either tiny double pointed needles or mid sized hooks. If you have been to the store, you have seen the wide assortment of land & sea animals, easy care plants, baby items from booties & bonnets to sweaters & dresses.

How does she find inspiration?
"I  find an something that I want to make, and look to see if there is am existing pattern. Usually there are techniques that don't match my style, so I make changes simplify the construction or re-work shaping. For knitting, if there are seams - I get rid of them! I like to try to make it easier for a new knitter or crocheter to do them. To be sure the pattern is works, I make several samples using different yarns and needle or hook sizes."

Some of her features creations include:

• The Onesies, 
• The SipSips (pronounced seep-seep), 
• Animal Coin Purses and 
• EasyCare Plants  (Knit Catcus and Crocheted Succulents).  

 Kits are available and the 1st Saturday of each month is official Amigurumi Day, when you can learn to make either a knit or crochet item. The class is 2 sessions. One to get you started and the second to assemble and embellish your creation. You do need to know how to knit for the knit amigurumi or crochet for the crochet projects. Confident Beginners are welcome to join in the fun.

What's next of her needles? It's a surprise, but it involves animals like Hamsters, Lizards, Bunnies, and Ferrets.

Need Help?

Working hard on a project and the unthinkable happens! Now you need some help... 

So, where can you go for help?

 

Many Local Yarn Shops (LYS) change their hours with the season or make them complicated and hard to remember. Great for them, so not great for you when you have a problem or need supplies or need help.


Our hours don't change when the weather changes.
Open 10am-9pm Tuesday thru Friday
          10am-6pm Saturday & Sunday

The success of your project is important to us. We love helping you get back on track, finding your next project and trying something new.
             We offer classes nights and weekends, when it fits into your schedule.
                   Our class minimum is 1! If one person signs up for a class, we do it.
                           Your yarn or ours? Either way is fine!
                           We don't want you to worry about where you got your yarn.

We want you to have fun - and learn something.

Did you know... 

...that Stockinette Stitch, also known as Stocking Stitch, probably got it's name from what was being made. Men's and women's hose was knit, in the round using 4 "Knitting Pins". The Knitter - usually a man and a part of the Knitting Guild - only had to knit, there was no purling.

... Most patterns were handed down orally & visually. There weren't many written patterns and those that were published were contained in annual or seasonal compendiums. Knitting, Crocheting, Tatting, Netting and many other forms of hand work were contained in these volumes. So how did a young lady learn a new stitch pattern? By doing it! A part of her work basket was a sampler where she learned and practiced new stitches. If she wanted to use one, she went there for the information. If your grandmother immigrated from Europe or she was part of the first generation born in the US, she probably learned how to "read" stitches. She can look at a piece and recreate it.

What's on Mitzy's Needles? 

Cacti and Succulents! The best way to use up scraps and bits of yarn is to find small things to work on. Never one to waste good yarn, Mitzy found some Cactus patterns and then branched out (so to speak) to Succulents. They are for sale by the pot or in kit form to make your own. The Cacti are knitted and the Succulents are crocheted.

Cables and more

Aran Sweaters - What are they all about?

The Aran Sweater takes its name from islands off the West coast of Ireland where they are know to have originated. At the mouth of Galway Bay, the Aran Islanders were fishermen and farmers who were interdependent. The Aran Sweater and it's myriad combinations of cables and complex stitch patterns were passed down from generation to generation. They have become synonymous with the preservation of Irish Clan heritage and a truly amazing art form, although there continues to be a debate as to whether the sweaters actually were Clan-specific and were used for identification. We think they are just plain fun to knit!

If you would like to learn more about Aran Sweaters, try these links:

• Aran Sweater Market
• Aran Sweaters part of Heritage?

If you would like to make one, join Sweater University 3 beginning September 26 (Pre-Class Session). 

Have YOU Started planning for the Holidays? 

Many find it helpful to start with a list of Knit-Worthy recipients, then choose a project, yarn, needles. Need some suggestions? Cowls and Neck warmers are great for the cold seasons, but why not a small shawl for women? They can be used throughout the year as a little something to cover the shoulders when there is a chill in the air from air conditioners. Fingerless gloves are great for anyone and can be used from the first cold snap to the last snow is melted. Maybe something whimiscal like a knitted or crocheted animal!

Did you know that there is a right and a wrong way to weave in ends? 

You can find out the right way to do it at our upcoming session of Finishing in Style on October 14th from 10a-12p.

Want to be a more confident knitter? Learn how to fix your own mistakes on October 7th from 10a-12p

Both classes are just $35 for the 2 hour session. Pre-registration is required and classes are limited to 10. There is 'pre-class work' for both classes, please call or stop by the store to register and receive additional information about the classes.

Lots of Kits

The New Grab-N-Go!

Kits are a a great way to pass time, to learn a new technique or practice one that you haven't done for a while.  

Mitzy & The Onesies

Featured Kit for September - 

The Onesies (Bear, Cat & Bunny) - Come learn how to make them on Sunday 9/10 and 9/24. This 2 session class helps you learn the basics of working in the round to make the cutest animal ever. All you need bring is US 6 DPNs to make the animal and US 2 needles to make the scarf.

Cost $75, includes materials kit, you bring the needles

Learn Something New!

Tunisian Crochet Basics               Saturday 9/9 from 2-4pm               $35

Learn the basic stitches - the Tunisian Simple stitch (Afghan Stitch), the Tunisian Knit stitch, and the Tunisian Purl stitch in this two hour session. You will need 150 yds of worsted weight cotton and a US H (5.0mm) Tunisian Crochet hook. 

Granny's Galore begins again!

 Love to Crochet? Love Granny Squares? Granny's Galore offers a great opportunity to learn new stitches and have fun with a short project. Join us from 12-2pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month and explore a new Granny Square motif. In class, the block of the month will be completed and students will reinforce the newly learned skills by making additional blocks at home. The final session teaches several techniques for assembling your project. A syllabus with date & pictures (& completed samples) of the squares is available at the store.

Materials required include: "100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet" book by Leonie Morgan, approximately 2,000 yds of worsted weight yarn for a lap-ghan (approx 36" by 48"). Total yardage actually used depends final size, the motifs used, and the total number of squares used. A US H/8 or US I/9 hook is also required. The cost of each class session is $25 and registration is required, as class size is limited to 8 students. 

Back to School!

Summer is coming to an end and soon everyone will be heading back to school... elementary, secondary, college or university and Knitting and Crochet! Yes, Knitting and Crochet! 

September's New Classes:

Grannies Galore
Beginning Sunday September 17th 12-2pm

Crocheters... This is not your Granny's Granny Square class. Each month a different Granny Square motif will be explored offering the perfect opportunity to expand your skills, learn new stitches and techniques. In class, the block of the month will be completed and students will reinforce the newly learned skills by making additional blocks at home. The final session teaches several techniques for assembling your project. A syllabus with date & pictures (& completed samples) of the squares is available at the store.

Materials required include: "100 Colorful Granny Squares to Crochet" book by Leonie Morgan, approximately 2,000 yds of worsted weight yarn for a lap-ghan (approx 36" by 48"). Total yardage actually used depends final size, the motifs used, and the total number of squares used. A US H/8 or US I/9 hook is also required. the cost of each class session is $25 and registration is required, as class size is limited to 8 students. Yarn orders must be placed by Friday, 8/25

Get ready for October Classes!

"Building in Color" by Michelle Hunter
First Thursday of each month - beginning October 5th

Playing with color is fun! This program is the next level in building your skills. Learn color techniques and how to combine color with basic and complex stitch patterns to produce stunning results.

The project is a lap-ghan measuring approximately 40" by 54". Each month a different stitch or technique is explored, then students have the remainder of the month to complete the strip. The 10 strips are assembled and the final border is applied. Confidence with basic skills such as casting on, knit & purl stitches and binding off is necessary. The cost of each class session is $25 and pre-registration is required, as class size is limited to 8 students.

Materials include:

•  US6 24" circular needle 
• About 950 yds each of 3 colors of DK weight yarn (light, medium and dark). The recommended yarn is 'Simplicity' by HiKoo.
• Program Book (available at the store)

"Building With Lace"  We are excited to begin this brand new program, by renown knitwear designer Michelle Hunter, is set to begin on Thursday, October 12th from 7-9pm. It will meet the 2nd Thursday of each month, finishing in July, 2018. This once-a-month program will guide you through a myriad of lace techniques from the basics to working with cables &lace, beads, NUPPS, and double sided lace patterns, just to name a few.

The project is a 22" by 72" wrap with 9 lace panels and a border added at the end. The recommended yarn is 'Rylie' by HiKoo (or approx 1,500 yds of a sport weight yarn may be substituted). US 6 24" circular needles are also needed and lace or other pointy needles are strongly recommended. The accompanying book will be available at the store. If you are confident in your stitches & interested in learning about lace, this is the class for you.

Each class session will cost $25, the cost of the book is $22 & the yarn is $154. If you would like to order 'Rylie', your order must be placed by Friday, August 25th to ensure that it is received in time for the class. Pre-registration is required for this class, as class size is limited to 8 students.

"Building Blocks" by Michelle Hunter

Third Thursday of each month - beginning October 19th

Gain confidence and learn about pattern reading, chart reading, increases, decreases, cables and much more. This program give you the ability to look at a pattern and say "I know how to do that", select your yarn and get started.

This monthly program creates an afghan that is about 36" by 48".  Each month, the class will meet to begin the assigned block, including instruction in the various techniques and stitches for the month. Students then complete the month's square at home. Any knitter, from a confident beginner through intermediate, is invited to join us. The cost of each class session is $25 and pre-registration is required, as class size is limited to 8 students.

Materials include:

• US 10 circular needle
• About 1,700 yds worsted weight yarn. The recommended yarn is 'Simpliworsted' by HiKoo.
• Program Book (available at the store)

All classes require pre-registration and class sizes are limited to a maximum of 8 participants. Please sign-up early. Please contact the store for additional information and ordering information for recommended yarns. As always, you are welcome to de-stash and participate in our classes. We do not require that you purchase your class materials from us, but we would really love it if you did. Discounts are offered for materials purchased for classes.

Sweater University 3 is Set

Sweater University 3: 

An Aran sweater, with Raglan sleeves

Beginning on Saturday, October 21, 2017 and continuing to May, 2018, Flo Smith will be guiding students through the creation of this Aran sweater. The classes include not only basic instruction in cabling and sweater construction, but also will feature topics such as project recordkeeping, fixing cable mistakes, working raglan sleeves and armholes, weaving in ends, blocking and of course seaming and assembly. 

The classes will meet from 9a-12p on the 3rd Saturday of each month, for 8 months. The sessions will cost $40 when paid on a class by class basis or $240 when paid in advance*. Yarn purchased at the store for the class will also be discounted 20%. Yarn orders must be received by Saturday, September 9th to ensure that your yarn will be received in plenty of time to allow for swatching and needle selection.

Please Note: If you did not participate in the 1st Sweater University, a special session will be held on Thursday, September 28th from 7-9pm to discuss:

·                   Pattern selection

·                   Yarn selection/substitution & swatching

·                   Sizing & schematics

You must have registered for Sweater University 3 or participated in Sweater University 2 to attend at the discounted price of $15.  The cost of the session is $35 for those not registered in Sweater University 2 & 3. 

Please stop by the store to review yarn recommendations, to order yarn and to register for this exciting offering. 


Questions: 732-847-3665
* Students who wish to provide credit card information for the monthly submission of fees will receive the 'paid in advance' price of $30 per class.