Twisted Yarns Newsletter
Summer 2009
News:
What a summer! We hope
the heat hasn’t kept you from knitting and crocheting! We were so excited about
our Charity Knitting Night in June -- over 50 people attended! Thank you so
much to those of you who participated, and braved the heat to join us. Many of
you have already returned your hats and bears, and we really appreciate your
efforts. If you haven’t brought yours back yet, please do so by August 1st.
You all have really proven that we have the most generous customers
around!
We found lots of fun new things at market in June.
Many of the items have already arrived. We also have a busy few months ahead of
us. We have our dear friend, Lynn Anne, coming back for a visit in September to
teach a few workshops. Also in September will be your opportunity to “Keep the
Fleece” and join in this exciting knit/crochet worldwide charity event. In
October, the Crochet Dude will be here for a book signing and workshop. In
November, Nicky Esptein will also be here for a book signing and workshops.
Details of all of these events are outlined below.
New Yarns: We have several new yarns arriving
seemingly daily! From Blue Sky Alpaca, we have received their new line, Spud & Chloë. There
are three great, washable yarns. Fine
is a wool silk blend with a gauge of 7-8 stitches per inch. Sweater is a worsted weight blend of
their popular organic cotton and superwash wool. Outer is also a bulky weight blend of organic cotton and superwash
wool. A new line we’ve introduced is Mountain Mohair from Green Mountain
Spinnery. It is a beautiful wool/mohair blend in a great array of colors. Green
Mountain Spinnery is a small mill in Vermont. The entire process is done in
Vermont from sheep to yarn, with organic certification. Their first book Green
Mountain Spinnery has been out since 2003, but their new book, 99 Yarns
and Counting will be out in October. From Frog Tree, we have received their
soft cotton/bamboo blend Picoboo which
is machine washable.
We received a new shipment of Shibui sock yarn in
over a dozen fun, vibrant colors. This yarn is great for socks, baby clothes or
lace projects. Elsebeth Lavold’s Bambool has just come in, a yummy bamboo/merino
blend in a DK weight. Another Lavold yarn is their new Silky Flamme – super soft alpaca/wool/silk blend. Mountain
Colors has new Junior skeins of their
amazing Winter Lace yarn, and we’ve
re-stocked the large skeins as well. We’ve also added their Silk ‘n Ewe, which has a nice depth of
color and is a 50/50 wool/raw silk blend. From Araucania, we have their new Coliumo, a chunky wool/silk blend in
both solids and hand paints – great for snowboarding hats or other quick
projects! Other new items include Clover bamboo needles - now in sizes 0 to 2! We
have them in circular and double points. They have also introduced 9"
circular needles, which we have in the small sizes for making socks. We have
introduced Kollage's metal square double pointed needles - they have a nice
feel.
Some of the new items on the way include a new sock
yarn from Dream in Color - Starry,
which is just like their popular sock yarn, Smooshy
but with a hint of sparkle! It comes in all the same great colors as
their other yarns, so we ordered many colors! A new line for us is Merisoft from Punta, a soft merino
worsted weight. We ordered their unique hand paints. The color repeat
is very short to avoid the pooling effect of other hand painted yarns -- Sally
Mellville told us to order it - so we did! Another new line for us will be Kami from Fibre-Isle. It is a beautiful bamboo/wool/bison
blend in a lace weight. We have a sample skein if you would like to see it
- very soft and the different fibers take the dye differently, leading to
a great depth of color in the yarn. From Jade Sapphire, we have cashmere scarf
kits on the way for both men and women. The kits provide you with 7 different
pattern options. A great gift for that special someone (even you!). From
Hand Jive, we are anxious to receive their Thick
‘n Thin Yarn and Laceweight yarn
in all of their great natural dyes! Malabrigo has sent a large shipment of
their sock yarn! They have also introduced a new yarn Twist which is a plied yarn. We are excited about this new yarn, and
it will be arriving in a few months.
New Books & Other
Stuff: We have some new great books to
inspire you! Feminine Knits and Classic Knits are two new great
books from Interweave. From Debbie Bliss, we have her new book Design it,
Knit it with great ideas for designing your own sweater (it also has some
great patterns!). Since it is still very warm around here, we have reordered
the new book, Knitting in the Sun. It has great ideas for garments in
our climate! From their mill in Vermont, we have Green Mountain Spinnery,
a book with some great classic designs. The new Namaste bags have arrived in
three new great styles and fun colors. As always we had fun picking out
new buttons, shawl pins, etc. We have many new shawl pins on the way and in
stock - glass, metal, wood and silver - so you will have many options to choose
from!
New
Classes: We have a
class based on the Lizard Ridge Afghan from Knitty. Laura Aylor, the designer,
has graciously given us permission to use her pattern to teach you about short
rows. They can be used in many different ways in knitting, and this is a fun
way to learn the technique. We are introducing a new class for the felted clog
by Fiber Trends, which is a popular pattern for gifts every fall.
We get a lot of questions about different ways to
join a new yarn into a project without tying a knot. We have a quick technique
class called “Joyful Joins” where you’ll learn 4 different ways to join new
yarn. A scarf is a great holiday
project, and making Ann Norling’s new short row scarf will make you look like
an expert knitter! We will be
offering a new crochet class for making a ripple scarf or blanket. Janet has
made a sample in the shop with many fun colors! We are expanding the Norwegian
knitting techniques with Randi Keister by offering a class for making a small
sweater. This class will be set up with a class for the first session to get
you started, then several knitting sessions to keep the project moving along,
and then a final class to learn how to cut the steeks – eek! We are also
bringing back the Snowboarder’s Hat and the Mitten classes. Please support your
local yarn shop by using yarn purchased at Twisted Yarns for your class. We
offer a 10% discount on yarn purchased for use during a class.
Special
Events:
We have a couple of trunk shows coming up. We have
some great Schaefer Yarns garments in the shop now for you to see and try on! Their
patterns are always fun to knit, and look great! The Blue Sky Alpaca trunk show
is here and will stay through August 13th. Then we are fortunate to have the new Spud and Chloe trunk
show arriving on August 27th.
Many of you remember our dear friend and former
employee, Lynn Anne, who moved to Omaha last year. We are excited to have her
back for a visit in September to teach three different workshops - Woodlands
Shawl, Reversible Stitches and Finishing Techniques. She will be here September
18th and 19th. Information on these will be posted on the
website and blog and will be e-mailed out as soon as possible.
Also in September, we will have an all Houston LYS event for Keep the Fleece.
This organization is helping to raise money for Heifer International - they
provide sheep and other animals to people to help them become self supporting.
We will be sending you details later, but we are hoping all Houston knitters
can come together to make a difference for this great project. If you want to
find out more about either organization, check out their websites – Keep the Fleece and Heifer International.
We are excited to announce that Houston’s own Crochet Dude, Drew Emborsky, will be
with us October 10th for a workshop and book signing. Details about
sign ups will be on the blog as we get closer to this date. It’s awesome to
have such a talented designer in the Houston area!
In November, we will be having some workshops and a
book signing with Nicky Epstein. The dates are November 15 – 16. Sign ups
will begin September 1st. We will e-mail details out the first week in August,
and we’ll also have it posted on the Twisted Yarns blog.
Charity Knitting: Our Newborn Hat Project
continues, so come by and pick up some yarn and a pattern and you’ll receive a
coupon for $1 off any purchase for each hat you bring in. Please make sure the
hats you make are at least 3” in diameter. We deliver hats to Texas Children’s Hospital and MD
Anderson. The hospitals and babies
greatly appreciate your hard work.
If you are working on hats for the troops, or bears for the Common
Thread Circle, please bring those items in ASAP. We want to get them in the mail the beginning of
August. Check our website for
other charity knitting opportunities.
Class
Descriptions
Each class includes experience level information to
assist you in determining if a class is right for you. Also, remember you will receive 10% off
your yarn purchased for a class. The class schedule is available on our blog – look for links to
the current Class Calendar.
Beginner – you’re a novice,
either you’ve never knitted before or it’s been a long time!
Advanced
Beginner – you know the basics, cast on, knit and
purl, and basic increases and decreases
Intermediate
– you have experience in knitting or crochet projects, knitting in the
round, reading patterns, etc.
In this class you will be introduced to this great art and
will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease and bind off. By the
end of the three-session class you will have completed a felted bowl and have
the skills to knit scarves, hats, shawls and many other projects. We will have
classroom yarn and needles available for your use for the first class. During
the subsequent classes you will be working on your first project, so will need
about 100 yards of 100% wool in a worsted weight and 16” circular needles size
11. The fee is $55 and includes the bowl pattern.
Basic Mitten
We’ll use Ann
Norling’s Basic Mitten pattern in this class. You’ll use double pointed
needles, so it’s a good class to take before taking the sock class! You can use
any yarn from 4 to 6 stitches per inch, and sizes are from kids to adults. This is a great stash project, and a good
time to let your creativity flow by adding stripes or patterns. Come by and
check out our sample! Materials: DPN’s in a size appropriate for your
yarn, your choice of worsted, DK, or sport weight yarn, yardage determined by
size making. The fee is $35. and includes the pattern. There is a homework assignment
for this class. Level: Advanced Beginner
If you are an “English” or “throw” style knitter
(hold yarn in right hand) and have wanted to learn the “Continental” style of
knitting (hold yarn in left hand) – this class is for you! You will learn
how to knit and purl Continental style. This is also a great primer before the
Fair Isle Knitting Class. Materials - worsted weight yarn and appropriate size
needles. The class fee is $15. Level: Advanced Beginner
Many of you know local Norwegian knitter Randi Keister.
Randi has been knitting Fair Isle since she was a young girl and has designed
the beautiful kits we have in the shop.
In this two-session class, you will make a small cell phone pocket, with
additional patterns for a hat and small Christmas stocking. Materials: 3 colors
fingering weight yarn, size 2 DPNs. Level: Intermediate, must know how to knit
in the round on DPNs and knit “continental” style. Fee: $40, including the
pattern.
This is an easy cardigan with a touch of lace and no
finishing. The pattern is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Classic Baby Sweater,
but adapted by Pam Wynne for women’s
sizes. She has graciously given us permission to use the pattern for the class.
The sweater is knit from the top down making it easy to try on as you go. In
this three-session class you will learn an easy lace pattern, buttonholes, and
sizing. Materials: 750–1400 yards worsted wt. yarn, #8 needles (32”
circular and DPNs), larger needle for bind off. Fee: $65. Level: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate
- must know how to knit, purl, increase, decrease and read a pattern.
This is project has been a popular project every
fall as it makes great holiday gifts. But it requires some new techniques –
short rows and joining a “hem” (actually the cuff). They are fun to make in any variety of colors. This is a
three-session class. Materials: 500 to 720 yards worsted wool yarn (for sizes
women’s 6 up to men’s 13), size 13 needles in 16” and 24”, stitch markers. The class fee is $50, including the
pattern. Level: Advanced Beginner
What is yarn? And how do we make it? Join us for this basic class using a
drop spindle and wool roving to make your first chunky worsted yarn. We don’t have this class on the
calendar for the next few months, but you can call to set up a class. The fee
is $25 and a supply kit is available for about $16. Level: Beginner
Joyful Joins!
New!
This quick one-hour session will teach you 4 different
invaluable ways to join a new yarn into a project. We’ll show you how to weave your ends in like an expert as
well. Materials: 2 colors worsted weight WOOL scrap yarn
(not superwash), needles size 7 or 8, scissors, and BYOS (bring your own spit! J)
Fee: $15. Level: Beginner
This is a good class for beginners who want to learn
shaping. As long as you know how to cast on, knit & purl you are
ready! You will learn to knit in
the round on double pointed needles, make ribbing, decrease, and finish your
hat. This is a great class to take before learning to make socks. The fee is
$25 and includes the pattern.
Materials: Yarn and appropriate needles in 16” circular and DPNs (or
just DPNs if you are taking this before taking Socks 101). Level: Advanced Beginner
Learn this fun technique in an easy scarf. Once you know
the basics, the other uses of the technique seem endless! It is great for
hand-painted or self-striping yarns. Materials: Worsted weight yarn in two
colors, 110 yards each color, size 9 or 10 needles, either long DPNs or
circular, either Knit One Below book
or Knitters Magazine Winter 2008.
Fee: $25. Level: Advanced Beginner
With the Crochet Dude coming this fall, you’ll want to
learn the basics of crochet, including single and double crochet and chain
stitch. When you are done you will have an iPod or cell phone case! This is a
one-session class. Materials: approx 100 yards worsted wt. yarn in light color
and a size H crochet hook. Fee: $25. Level: Beginner
Laura Aylor, designer of the infamous Lizard Ridge
Afghan on Knitty, has graciously given us permission to teach a class based on
her pattern. Come see our finished
afghan in the shop. You can make
either a square for a pillow, or you can get started on an afghan. This is an awesome way to learn about
short rows, while creating something with amazing color changes and
design. We’ll get started in class
and you’ll be off and running with your own creation. You’ll need approx. 110
yards of a self-striping worsted weight yarn (gauge is not critical, but about
4.5 sts/inch is recommended).
Shelley used Noro Kureyon for hers, and it’s stunning! Size 8 needles, straight or circs, or a
size appropriate for your yarn, the Lizard Ridge
Pattern, which you must download (for free) and print from the Fall 2006
issue of Knitty. Homework will be given at registration. Fee: $25. Level: Advanced Beginner – must know how to Knit and Purl!
Ripple Blanket – New!
Learn how to crochet a ripple blanket or scarf by
completing a ripple blanket or scarf by completing a swatch in class. You will
learn how to personalize your ripple, including the concepts to use any of the
crochet ripples in Jan Eaton’s book, 200
Ripples to Knit & Crochet. Materials: worsted weight yarn in a variety
of colors, G or H crochet hook, locking stitch markers and the book (you’ll
receive 20% off the price of the book) Fee: $25.
Level: Advanced Beginner (must know how to crochet).
We’ll be using Ann Norling’s new pattern for
this favorite scarf. It looks
great in a self-striping yarn, or in any other yarn as well. This is a fun
technique and an easy knit, and will make you look like a knitting pro when you
are done! Your friends and
relatives will be impressed. Great holiday project! Materials: Worsted
or DK weight yarn (self striping or Prism “Stuff” work well), appropriate sized
needles. Fee: $25, including the pattern. Level: Advanced Beginner
Snowboarding hats (or hats with ear flaps) have
become very popular. You can knit up this hat in one evening since it is made
on bulky yarn! This is a one-session class. Materials: 150 yds bulky yarn, size
15 needles (16” and DPNs). Fee: $25 includes the pattern. Level: Advanced
Beginner
You will complete a small sock and learn all the techniques needed to
make socks for you and your family. You need to already know how to knit and
purl in the round on double pointed needles or 2 circulars. The Knit in the
Round Hat is a good class to take before taking the socks class. Materials: size 7 DPNs and 1 skein of
worsted weight yarn in a light shade.
This is a one-session class & the fee is $30. Level: Advanced Beginner
Say good-bye to
second sock syndrome or the worry that your socks won’t be the same
length! This class will guide you
through the steps for knitting both socks at the same time. Over three sessions you will
learn the cast-on, the heel flap, turning the heel, and toe decreases. At the end of class you will have a
pair of socks to wear or give to a special friend! Materials:
enough sock yarn for a pair of socks, two 24” circular in size
appropriate for your yarn and stitch markers. The class fee is $55. Level:
Intermediate-must have knit a pair of socks before taking this class!
In
this class you will knit a small sample sock from the toe to the cuff! You’ll learn the Turkish cast on, the
short row wrap & turn heel, and EZ’s sewn bind off. We’ll also teach you how to adjust this
basic pattern to other yarn weights and to fit a full size foot. Materials: about 100 yds. Worsted weight yarn, Size 6 or 7 DPN’s or two
24” circulars. Class fee is
$35. Level: Intermediate – must know how to knit in the round on DPN’s
or circulars.