Small Business Matters!

"Small Business Matters" is not just a phrase.

Business owners choose to open businesses that specialize in services, products or a combination of the two. They work to keep their expenses and their prices low, sometimes by staffing the business themselves or with 1 or 2 employees. As many consumers turn to the Internet for their products at a lower price and no shipping charges, why would you choose to support your local businesses in general and your Local Yarn Shop, in particular? 

One word can answer that question… Service!

You Need Your Local Yarn Shop in General

& Moore Yarn at Airport Plaza in particular

1. You can touch the yarn and see the real color! Know immediately whether it is the right choice for your project. Trying to match a color? When searching online, how do you know what the color looks like “in person”? We can help you find the best match with color cards with real yarn, and project samples using the yarn.
2. Yarn substitution for a project can be intimidating. Online customer service will not advise you of other suitable options. They don’t care about your project. Why waste time & money and then more time & money trying to get the right yarn, in the right color? Your LYS values your business and will work with you to get just the right combination.
3.  Once your start your project with your yarn purchased online, what do you do if you have a question about the instructions? Customer service online will not answer your questions, nor will they direct you to pattern errata. It’s not about your yarn or where you got it, it’s about your project’s success!
4. Drop a stitch or make a mistake that went awry when you tried to fix it? No problem! We will
   get you back on track. We also offer classes, such as Fixing Mistakes, Finishing in Style, Pattern Reading and Chart reading to help you get yourself back on track and stay there.
5. Finished your project and now what? You could call your favorite online store and ask them how to block your project, or you could check out your other options. Give your LYS a call a see how they can help.
6. Online classes and tutorials are not for everyone. If you are a visual learner, the computer screen cannot give you a 3D view and may not be the best method to see or learn techniques. The camera angles may not be right or the person may be leaving out a step – because they assume you know to do it. Our classes offer a wide variety of techniques as part of progressive learning experiences (Building Block, Building in Color, Building With Lace, & Crochet Next Steps). 1 on 1 instruction is always available, by appointment.
7. UFOs (Un Finished Objects) lurk in our closets and project bags, sometimes for years. Who can you call to get back on track? Right! Your Local Yarn shop – US! Figuring out where the project stopped, project notes that don’t seem to make sense, & resolving issues relating to why you stopped and getting started again are mysteries we love to solve.
8.  Did Grandma or Aunty Ellen start a project that they are not longer able to complete. You may be able to find someone online that can do it, but do you want to take the chance the that that special project gets lost in the “mail”. You can stop by and show us the project and we would be happy to help you in any way we can.
9.  Have a favorite sweater that needs aa bit of tender loving care. Whether it’s handmade or store bought, if we can, we will fix it for you. From simple to complex repairs, we will do our best to get it back in circulation.

Need to be inspired? That can happen online and in person, but being able to ask questions, touch and feel a project being worked on is priceless.

So, when it’s time to start that new project, before you go online for your yarn and supplies, remember what you can get from your Local Yarn Shop.  Seeking a good value is important, your LYS is happy to spend time with you selecting materials, getting started and supporting you. Think of your LYS purchase as being a way of thanking the shop for being there when you need them – for inspiring you, letting you touch & see yarns, accessories, needles, hooks and expanding your skills, not to mention help whenever you need it!

Coming In February!

So much to learn and so many classes to choose from...

Our Knit & Crochet Program for Kids has been completely revamped and revitalized. Open to kids from ages 8 to 12, they will have the opportunity to learn to Knit or to Crochet and complete a project. The sessions will meet once a week on Sundays - 10-11am for Knitting and 11:30 to 12:30p for Crochet. Each month, beginning on the 1st Sunday of the month, there will be a different project that can be completed by the end of the 4th session.

Knitting classes are from 10a to 11a. Kidz will begin with the basics of knitting (a simple cast on, the knit stitch, bind off) while making a scarf.

Crocheting classes are from 11:30a-12:30p. Creating chains, Single Crochet and Double crochet are a part of our Kidz Crochet lessons. They will start with a coaster and progress to a headband.

The cost for the classes is $75 for the 4 sessions and materials*, when paid in advance. The classes may also be paid for by the session for $20, plus the cost of the materials kit*, which is $15.

* Materials kit includes: Hook or Knitting needles, yarn, tapestry needle and project bag.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Dog 

Join us in celebrating the Chinese New Year - Year of the Dog with our Chin-Chin the Dog amigurumi class on Wednesday, February 7th and Tuesday, February 13th. Basic crochet knowledge is necessary. The cost of the class is $60, which includes the materials to make Chin-Chin. Please call the store (732-847-3665) or stop by to register.

Scrippy Scrappy Sundays

Look for something to do with your scraps? Join Mitzy for a fun 2 hour session on quick and easy scrap yarn projects. Beginning Sunday February 25th at 1pm with Cacti and each month on the 4th Sunday of  is reserved for Knit Projects. On the 1st Sunday of the month, beginning on March 4th is reserved for crochet projects! We'll be making Succulents! The classes are just $35 and includes patterns. You bring the scraps and your needles and hooks and let the fun begin.

Keansburg Welcomes Another New Restaurant!

Now Open! 

310 Main Street - Keansburg

Click here for List of Keansburg Restaurants and Eateries

___________________________

Save the date! Support the Keansburg Parade Committee

New for 2018!

New Course Series

Knit Catch-up & Crochet Catch-up

These brand new series are designed for New and Newer Knitters and Crocheters who learned from YouTube.

Knit Catch-up

• Yarn Basics: Learn about the different 'categories' of yarn and fibers used to make them, how to care for your stash and how to choose yarn for your next project.

• Pattern Reading: All patterns have the information you need to complete a project, but sometimes it looks like Greek. We will help you decipher the information to make your project a success.
• Fixing Mistakes: Dropped stitches, incorrect stitches & major errors requiring rippling back to an earlier row. These are sure to bring a cold sweat you a knitter's brow, unless you know the tricks to doing in safely and carefully

Crochet Catch-up

• Yarn Basics: Learn about the different 'categories' of yarn and fibers used to make them, how to care for your stash and how to choose yarn for your next project.

• Pattern Reading: All patterns have the information you need to complete a project, but sometimes it looks like Greek. We will help you decipher the information to make your project a success.

• Chart Reading: Many patterns now include charts - visual representations of what you will be doing. They are not hard, you just need to understand how to read & work from them.We will help you decipher the information to make your project a success.

The courses contained in these series are scheduled on a quarterly basis, letting you schedule them as your need them and when it convenient. The cost for all 3 - paid in advance - is $80, a savings of $10 off the individual prices. Dates are available on our calendar & pre-registration is required.


MY Critter Huts

Make your pet feel special with their own MY Critter Hut. 

All are limited editions, customized one-of-a-kind homes sure to delight the most discriminating hamster, guinea pig or bunny. Complete with a soft, cushy sleeping mats, and a top opening to let sunshine in, these charming of these cottages feature floral and exterior embellishments giving each cottage a special personality. Some have open windows and others have window embellishments. These are not machine made and each is a unique work of art!

Prices range from:

$20 to $25 for Mouse/Hamster size,

$40 for Guinea Pig cottages,

$55-$60 for the Large size to fit a small Bunny, & $65-75 for the extra large size for larger bunnies, small cats and dogs.

These are one of a kind and are sure to sell quickly. Special Orders may be taken.

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.