March 2012
Yeah March! Windy and cool and great for flying kites. Plus the whole “February is for finishing” thing has ended. I won’t feel guilty anymore about all the projects I start instead of finishing what is sitting there. Though I have finished two baby sweaters, two scarves, two pairs of socks, a couple of hats and made really good progress on my Modern Quilt Wrap. Besides I have finished a wrap I started out of Noro’s new yarn Karuta. The pattern for this is available and a picture will be on the website this week.
The National Needlework Association market was a couple of weekends ago and Karen and I went and scored some pretty cool new things for the store. There are lots of gorgeous new baskets, yarn boxes made from pretty silk (you just have to see them), new sorts of stitch markers and gauge thingees and chart keepers….. Come by the store and try the new Hiya Hiya interchangeables! They will be making a more substantial appearance soon, but I love that they have 16” cords and shorter needles available as well as sharp points and smaller sizes of needles (down to #2). And they have smaller kits, more cords – it is just a good thing.
I found another ruffle yarn kind of like the other one with larger holes. The three companies who make the ones I have had before are still out of theirs, but this one, called Elicia, will be in soon. I still have a bit of Flora, Bossa Nova and Gemini. There are a couple of colors of Berroco Lacey left here as well and when I called for more this morning they were completely out. The new yarn by Berroco called Ric Rac is in now too, with more due any time. Some other really different ones are on order from Knitting Fever, but those aren’t due til April. This is the new generation of Ruffle yarns and they are knit a bit differently and are actually easier I think. I crocheted a Lacey scarf in less than an hour. Crocheting it was easier than knitting it – it likely would have been 2 hours of knitting for me.
The big news is that there is a St. Patrick’s Day Sale coming up on March 17th. Some yarns will be marked up to 40% off and who knows what else I’ll do.
I got a bit more of the new Cestari yarn too. Since it is grown and milled in Virginia it is a bit easier to get. I have a cowl blocking at home that I just finished in Cestari fine merino. I really like knitting with this yarn, the texture is a bit different and really nice.
There are some new cotton yarns just in that will be appearing on the shelves this week. Versa from Berroco is a pretty new ribbon yarn in cotton and acrylic and nicely variegated. We do have a sample and patterns to go with it even.
Cascade’s Pima Fine is a sport weight very soft cotton, perfect for baby things or very yummy grown up things too.
There is a knitting 101 class starting in April and a space or two left in the Weaving class at the end of the month. I have some of the April classes up, but will be adding more things soon.
Happy Knitting and Kite Flying!
January 2012
Hi,
It is finally really cold! (Well, for here anyway) It is good we started on the mittens earlier this month. It is not too late to do some mittens, I sure was grateful for mine this morning.
There is new yarn at the store - Manos del Uruguay is a Fair Trade hand dyed yarn that has really beautiful colorways. Each skein is signed by the person who dyed it and tells where they live. We have several of the wool yarns and Silk Blend that is a very scrumptious blend of wool and silk. I’ll have a picture of my new cowl up in a day or two and the pattern will be available too.
A bunch of words about snow policy: We are usually open no matter the weather. Doyle has said he’ll drive me in on the tractor if he has to. That is not something I would like, so lets just say that if the car can make it, I’ll be here. However, I will cancel Friday group if the roads are bad, cause it’d be worse in the dark. People’s definitions of bad are different, so if in doubt, call or check the website. Unless there is an ice storm that knocks out electricity everywhere (then we would be closed) I will post something about any closures or class cancellations there. Normally, classes are on a pretty compact schedule that makes rescheduling difficult, so canceling them is pretty rare. Again if in doubt, check the website or give us a call. And as always, use your best judgement to decide whether you can make a class or not. And if it is icy, be careful walking into the store – I try to keep the walkway salted or swept, but can’t do all of the parking lot.
Due to demand I have added another Afghan Square of the Month class on Thursday Jan 26th at 4pm. This has 6 spaces left in it, but don’t delay signing up, it’ll fill up quickly. For January’s square you will need one color of yarn.
I have classes up on the website through March. I am doing a crochet 101 class again in March and also one crochet technique or project class a month. February’s is Tunisian crochet and we’ll be doing a striped bag with several different Tunisian stitches – big enough to hold a knitting project but not huge. I have a set of Denise interchangeable crochet hooks that will work well for Tunisian if you really love it but we have smaller Tunisian hooks available too.
Okay I am going to go work on some knitting now!
Meredith
November 2011
Hi Y’all
Aren’t the trees pretty? Makes me want to knit in those colors.
Fiber in the Boro was a hit and if you didn’t come this year, make sure you put it on your schedule for next year. There were really nice door prizes donated by the vendors. . It was pretty wonderful. And cold – I was very grateful for my felted hat, hand spun socks and Lopi sweater.
First announcement: Several Shelbyville Fiber Guild members at the Fiber in the Boro were sporting Mrs. Weasley’s sweaters from Charmed Knits – the Harry Potter knitting patterns book. They were slight variations of them anyway. I want one, so does Lisa, and I would assume others might too. They used a sweater or jacket that they cut the sleeves off of and then crocheted new ones on in fine Mrs. Weasley tradition. We’ll be having Mrs. Weasley Lunch Bunch on Fridays 12-1:30 in November and December to work on our own version of these. The first is this Friday (I am going to Goodwill on Wednesday to find something I can cut up). Bring your “Jacket” and some yarn and we’ll get started. The Charmed knits book is helpful to have and there are still some in stock here, but since we are doing a variation you could do without if you are good at making things fit you. This is a fun thing to do with scrap yarn and leftovers. Worsted weight is easiest but you could also hold several yarns together to make a worsted weight.
There are still plenty of new yarns coming in from time to time. I still have a bit of the ruffle yarns and some other interesting yarns they’ve come up with this year but the big news this month is the Hand Painted Knitting Yarns Trunk Show. I don’t know the exact dates yet but sometime this month they will be sending lots of fabulous yarn and knitted & crocheted things to see. These are the folks who make the scarf in a scarf kits (you knit a scarf with their yarn and they’ve included a matching dyed silk scarf to weave through it and wear in various ways.
There a few classes this month but I especially want to mention my scrap shawl class this Saturday. Using scraps and leftovers you can design a unique shawl just for you. It is still possible to sign up for this one.
Secret Scarf class this month will be SIMPLE and EASY as requested by those who were there last month……So that’s all the clue you get, “Be grateful for simple and easy”. It’ll be luxurious yarn though…..Class is Tuesday Nov 15th at 5pm.
Check out the class schedule on line for updates and new classes.
Happy Knitting
Meredith
October 2011
October, Yeah!
This not only means we can soon wear woolly things again but that Fiber in the Boro is almost here. There are still some openings in classes left. If you want to register go to www.fiberintheboro.com and click the classes page. It’ll lead you through registering.
There are still tons of new yarns coming in, and some still in boxes because I can’t find places for it just yet. Karen has ordered me not to buy any more! Hah! We’ll see about that. Karen has been straightening and trying to make order out of the chaos. She is making a valiant effort anyway. We have some new colors of Kureyon and Silk Garden. There is a whole host of new fun yarns that are quick knits for scarves – Link from Berroco, some sparkly ruffle yarn, Aloha from Katia which doesn’t even require knitting.
Hat knitting is about to start in earnest around here. I just completed the Autumn Tam from Jojoland. I am teaching this class in the next few weeks and it is really pretty. Tams are kind of neat cause they are a relatively quick knit and can be worn and shaped like a regular stocking cap, or blocked to be a tam. The picture will be up on the website this week. My next hat is an entrelac one…
My friend Molly just brought in the most amazing quilted wall hangings. They are such works of art to look at. She has put so much work and detail into them you could spend hours looking at them. She is selling them, but they will be hanging here for a bit (or until they sell). If there is interest I might be able to talk her into teaching a workshop on some of her techniques.
Check out some of the classes. October’s clue for Secret Scarf Club is that Double the Trouble means Double the Fun! Secret Scarf Club meets Tuesday Oct 18th at 5pm.
September 2011
Hurray, Fall is coming!
This means it is time to get started on holiday gifts if you haven’t already. The Raggi is here and perfect for making nice warm socks for people on your list. It is worsted weight sock yarn, soft, with really pretty striping.
There is another new yarn – Willa. This one is a luscious chunky blend of mohair and merino. The mohair is not that brushed mohair that gets so fuzzy – Willa just has a nice halo after it is knitted. There is a cowl pattern to go with it because I had to knit something with it after it came in.
Rustic – a newish yarn from Cascade will be on the shelves in the next week or two (when I can find room for it). This is a linen and wool blend that is really nice and heathery but not as warm as just wool would be.
I have some new patterns that are different and really intriguing – I found these from Yumiko Alexander who designs for Universal Yarns and just love them. I have some of her loose patterns in the store now and her first and second books are on order and should be in this month.
The approach of Fall also means I spend a lot of time outside and that means dyeing yarn and fiber. There are some new colors of BBFL/Tussah blend spinning fiber in already and a few matching silk hankies. There is now Mountain Colors Hand Dyed Targhee fiber and some hand dyed pencil roving from Pagewood Farms. I have something special in mind for some of this stuff for the non spinners out there. Pencil roving can be knitted without spinning it and I am turning an idea around in my head for this beautiful stuff that combines knitting and needle felting.
A local woodworker just dropped off some really gorgeous hand turned drop spindles, nostepinnes and bowls. These are available now too. Anyone want to learn to drop spindle? Spinning group is September 3rd (This Saturday) at noon. Buy your fiber and drop spindle here and I’ll get you started spinning any time on Saturday.
The clue for September’s Secret Scarf is – Notice how the light changes this month, the trees and plants seem to sparkle as the evenings get cooler. It’s good – I started it yesterday, tee hee….Sign up for Secret Scarf by September by Friday the 16th.
And now for Tantalyzing Tuesday sales. This is the last week of Tantalyzing Tuesday sales so this week Tuesday is BOGO pattern day – buy one regularly priced loose pattern and get one free. The pattern sale box is still marked at only $1.00 each and I have added some to it. There’s a bin of booklets and actual books near the front door that is on sale too. Lopi is going to be 40% off until it all goes. The distributor changed and sadly I no longer am going to carry it. Get it while you can. The same goes for all Jo Sharp yarns. And Tuesday some of the cotton yarns will be up to 45% off and a few other yarns around the store will be marked down as well. Let’s see, how about Koigu 10% off, Encore 15% off, Cascade 128 20%. Fiesta yarns 25% off. Cascade Magnum 30%. I may even find a yarn or two that are buy two get one free…hmmmm. And watch the blog in September for blog only specials. I’ll announce a special of the day from time to time on the blog and you mention it when you come in and get a discount or other surprise.
A word about Jan’s Nuno Felting class (see schedule at the side). These scarves are really unique and beautiful. She doesn’t teach class this very often, so grab the opportunity now, it could be years before we see it again. Sign up deadline for this class is Tuesday September 6th. She needs 5 people to make it go.
And about Fiber in the ‘Boro… Inside spaces are full up for vendors but there are some spaces left outside. The big news is that classes with descriptions are up now – I will be making some corrections and additions this week but the classes will be available and you can do online registration starting Friday – that’s September 2nd.. Go to www.fiberintheboro.com to see the classes and register. If you have questions you can write or call me at the store or write to the fiberintheboro@gmail.com address and we’ll get back to you with answers pretty quickly.
Meredith
The Knaughty Knitter
www.knaughtyknitter.com
Store hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10-5, Friday 11-6 (group til 8 most times), Saturday 10-3, Sunday 1-4
August 2011
Happy August,
And strangely cooler temperatures. It is just odd. All my tomatoes are splitting and some of the watermelons too. Watermelon glut has hit and I may be on sugar high from eating so much of it. I think I will have to come up with a watermelon daiquiri or something…..
Tantalyzing Tuesdays are going well. This week it’s Alpaca! 30% off!
August’s secret scarf club meets Monday August 15th at 5 and there are two slots left in this month’s club…no real clue for this one – I don’t know why but a clue has escaped me….just know there will be beads……You’ll need #10.5 needles, a #10 or #11/12 crochet hook (I have these in stock due to my recent obsession with crochet).
Speaking of crochet obsession….more crochet thread #10, #20, #30 is in, more small hooks and more books are here too. It has been about a month and I have done doilies, a scarf, and now most of a bedspread. I have one of six squares left to do and the border – and most of this was done in the last two weeks. Then there are the 50 or so tiny little medallions/flowers that I am doing and sewing to a gauzy piece of linen for a shawl. Most of my knitting has been on hold for a month and I am not letting myself start anything new until I finish a thing or two. Which means the new project ideas are piling up and becoming frustrating…time to start writing them down I guess.
The new yarns coming in for fall are exciting – they are trickling in almost daily. There is the ruffley fluffy yarn Marina, and some new silk from Louisa Harding and new Noro colors, kits and yarns from Hand Painted Knitting Yarns (also a trunk show from them in the future)….Lots of yarn companies have really pulled out all the stops and have some genuinely new stuff coming out.
The class schedule is a little sparse for August, since most folks seem to be busy with school starting early and vacations and gardens. September’s schedule is here too, not complete but at least a few things are up. Beginning knitting will start back soon too. I am thinking of adding a weekly teaching group on one evening during the week. It would be 90 minutes or so and just a small fee for coming. You could come and learn new things every week, get project help, inspiration, etc. It would be great for beginning knitters and crocheters wanting new skills, also good for more experienced knitters who just want help with something. Let me know if you are interested in this sort of thing and I will put it on the schedule starting in September.
Happy Knitting & Crocheting, Stay Cool
Meredith
July 2011
Hi July snuck up on me and there is so much going on. I hope everyone had a nice 4th of July. The garden is going crazy – I must have picked 30 lbs of squash and cucumbers this morning. Fortunately the neighbors took a lot. I have been crocheting more lately and am pretty happy about the Freeform Crochet Class coming up later this month. There are a couple of freeform knit and crochet projects sitting in my UFO pile and maybe this’ll make me get back to them. (My UFO pile is way too big right now, even though I am working on it) The yarn reps have been making the rounds after the big market in Columbus last month. There are quite a few new yarns on the way over the next couple of months. Right now there is Kauni Effekt – a fingering weight Shetland type wool that stripes in long colorways, completely different colors from Noro, and equally as beautiful, but without that annoying twist that you have with single ply yarns. There are several thousand gorgeous projects on Ravelry with it. Take a look ‘cause they are downright inspiring to look at. Along with that came a kit for a shawl from Danish designer Cristal Seyforth. I can get more of these if folks want them and will keep mine at the store a lot once I get started on it. There are several colors of tans and red and I am making them into sort of magic balls at this point so I can start knitting. There are lots of new glitzy and fun yarns coming out, some very bulky yarns, some hand dyed rovings and they will all start trickling in soon. Secret Scarf class this month is Monday (July 11th) and Saturday the 16th – there is still room in Saturday’s class if anyone wants in. Bring #6 needles, preferably ones with a pretty sharp tip to them. Straights are fine, circulars, whatever you prefer. Secret Scarf for August is on Monday August 15th at 5pm or Saturday August 20th at 2pm. I kind of have an idea what the scarf will be, but have not figured out the clues yet. I’ll post them on the website when I do. I am still taking names and numbers of people who are interested in Nuno felting class. Jan moved it to September 10th, 9-5 or so. July was just going to be too hot for being outside. I have been dyeing again and this time it is silk. Caps and hankies for spinning and knitting, and a selection of shawls and scarves too. The scarves and shawls are here at the shop and for sale too – perfect for a quick gift for a coworker or that last minute birthday present you completely forgot about. And of course lovely for yourself too. Okay I have been dyeing some yarn too – mostly sparkly yarn and there is more coming. My only problem is letting go of it and actually bringing it in to sell. I want it all. Mark your calendar now! The Fiber in the ‘Boro fiber festival is October 29th and you don’t want to miss it. We are expanding from what used to happen at Cannonsburgh, there will be classes and demonstrations and lots of vendors and animals. We will be at Lane Agripark in the Livestock Barn and Show Arena. (It is over on John Rice Blvd, past Sam’s, near Paws – where the farmer’s market is on Tuesdays and Fridays.) If you want a vendor application or have any questions you can call me here at the shop or email. It is going to be awesome. Happy Knitting – Stay in and knit – keep out of the heat. Meredith
May/June 2011
Happy Memorial Day Weekend Folks
We will be closed Saturday May 28th and also on Memorial Day. So go to the Middle Tn Fiber Festival in Dickson and enjoy. Karen will be here Sunday though (Yeah, Karen).
There are some great classes coming up. Entrelac knitting class is next weekend (June 4th) and still needs another person in it. Sign up before Monday if you are interested. It is a fun and very pretty technique.
I am on a crochet kick lately and just finished a granny square shawl in Mini Mochi. I am about to order some more of that stuff, cause when you see it you’ll want it. I’ve been playing in the dirt (we’ve got A Really Big Garden this year) a lot lately and too tired after to knit anything complicated so this was a great project – The Flower Garden Shawl pattern is from Crystal Palace’s website and has been in my queue for a long time. (Just so you know – too tired to knit complicated doesn’t mean too tired to knit or crochet – that only occurs when I fall asleep in my chair knitting needles in hand) Beginning crochet and a Freeform Crochet classes are coming up too.
Knit Noro (the book) came in yesterday (it has been on back order at two different companies for over 6 months! It has some pretty good patterns in it, and of course Noro yarn rocks anyway.
The new price list from Plymouth last week and that cotton shortage we heard about earlier in the year is having an effect now. The price of cotton is going WAY UP in June. There will be some odd skeins here at the old prices but it tends to go fast so come in before the 10th to get it at the old prices. Plymouth’s Fantasy Naturale will be going up to over $7.50 a skein (it is 5.49 now). Berroco’s Pure Pima (they sent an increase list too) will be going up as well. So this is a good time to get that yarn for summer knitting while the prices are still reasonable.
Happy gardening and happy fibering
Meredith
March 2011
It’s March!
There’s the promise of spring (the daffodils are blooming round the side of the store) – it obviously ain’t here yet – I am still wearing hats and scarves and mittens. And with the promise of spring is the knitting of spring things…..little cotton tops for later, light shawls (cause as we know I am ALWAYS cold) and those cute short sleeve sweaters with lace in ‘em.
Secret Scarf Club is going strong. I have a lot of fun writing patterns for it. February’s scarf was fun and different. There are three spots left in March’s Club (Clue: Think Irish) for Saturday only. That’s Saturday the 12th at 2:30. When that fills up you’ll be able to register for April’s Club.
I completed a bunch of projects on my February is for Finishing List, but there are some larger projects left yet. To make up for not being able to start knitting projects I’ve been busy making other things- adorable one of a kind little project bags with hand embroidered embellishments, more stitch markers, and just today I started a shawlette out of one of the new yarns – Vita by Plymouth. The yarn is a little splitty – cotton and cashmere – though it makes up for that with softness. I put a couple of unusual stitches into it and I am hoping to have one done by next week. It’ll be a great beginning lace project and I have added the class for it to the schedule near the end of the month.
Okay I am going to go knit now. Take a look at the class schedule check out the blog when you can for special things happening this month.
Knit On!
Meredith
February 2011
Hi
Are you cold? I sure am and have started another Lopi sweater. I have been starting a lot of stuff lately – It is probably good that February is for Finishing . I have set up a couple of nights in February for finishing groups where you can get some help too. (see the class calendar) Come to group those nights, finish your long hidden UFOs in group and get 10% off your yarn and pattern for another project. On Ravelry I will start a discussion thingee at KnaughtyKnitters group so we can all list our UFOs at the beginning of the month and then let everyone know what you finish during the month. (Finishing means all the knitting and sewing too) Although, another option is hiring out the finishing. We have couple of folks who do some finishing for you and I am going to start to do some limited finishing too. I like sewing things up so I will, as time allows, be able to offer that at the store starting in February.
Another new thing starting in February is Secret Scarf Club – 11 scarves in 2011. Once a month I will write a pattern for a scarf that only club members will get. The price of the club includes yarn, pattern, and a class to help get you started. You don’t have to sign up for every month. There is only limited space – 20 per month - so don’t delay signing up. Each scarf will use a different technique so it is great for new knitters and still will be interesting for more experienced knitters. It is a great chance to try out some of the yarns too. And at the end of the year you’ll have a box of scarves you can give as gifts.
We have so many new yarns at the store I can’t remember them all. Really a lot of things came in and the inventory is higher than it has ever been. One of my favorite new things is from Plymouth – they came up with an interchangeable set of Rosewood needles. It’s just luscious to knit with, has plenty of cords. There’s a fabulous new linen yarn coming from Berroco too – Lindsey – patterns for it are in already but the yarn will be in next month.
The hospital asked me for some baby hats. They would like red ones for February and would need them by 4th – so please have any you make to me by the 3rd of February and I will take them over.
Check out all the great classes coming up. I’ve put some of March’s classes on here too.
A couple of registration deadlines coming up are for Felted Bags and Weaving classes. Let me know if you want to get in on these.
Check the website for news and updates. At www.knaughtyknitter.typepad.com
Happy Knitting,
Meredith
A quick note.....
I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving. We will be having a HUGE Black Friday Sale the day after Thanksgiving. Everything, except books, in the store with the bigger older tags will be at least 35% off. (We have newer smaller, and according to Doyle, unreadable tags now.) There will also be some specials announced during the day as I spot things that I had forgotten about that I think need homes. I am not getting up at 4 am to open like some folks…A 10am opening will do just fine and we will close at 5pm. There is no group that night. In addition – books will be 20% off and I will put a 10% discount on spinning wheels and looms that are ordered that day. There is one spinning wheel in the store that I will discount as well – the MSRP is $720. It is a double treadle, portable Joy, with the carry bag and it will go that day only for $620.00. And there’s more…Spend $100 dollars on regularly priced merchandise and get a gift certificate for $20 that you can spend later or give as a gift to one of your knitter friends. That’s like a 20% discount even on new yarns.
In addition there are way more yarns on the clearance shelf than they were meant to hold – these are still 45% off. Judging from the UPS delivery today there will be more. Today 7 boxes of things – yarn, notions, and stuff came in so there is a ton of new yarn…new Baskets and notions, yarns and books. Amoung them are a lot, lot, lot of new Noro yarns. Their boxes have new colors of Silk Garden, Kureyon, sock yarns and more. There is Alpaca with a Twist sock yarn (Socrates) and Fino – a lace weight alpaca and silk. The big one though is that we finally have Koigu yarns. Lots and lots of Koigu. KPM and KPPPM…(It is sock weight hand painted loveliness).
We are having a Holiday Ornament Contest. Design and make an original ornament using supplies from the store. It can be knit, crochet, felted – whatever else you can think of. Bring it in before December 10th and folks will vote on the favorite one. It’d be great to have a pattern or instructions for people to make them, but not necessary. Voting will be Dec 11-20th and the prize is a gift certificate. The amount of the gift certificate goes up when more people participate.
Interweave Knits is offering a $5.00 rebate on the purchase of any of their products – magazines or books. Just ask for the coupon to mail to them with your receipt.
Classes are mostly up through January. But I am sure there will be additions so check back at the website..
We have been in the news lately. The Murfreesboro Post did a story on us and the DNJ came by for information so I would guess that’ll be in soon too. The link for the Post story is on the website. We are on Facebook now (thank you , Karen) and you can friend and like and probably poke us. Karen, who works on Sundays, is also handling lots of the marketing & computer stuff for me – I totally appreciate it too, cause I just can’t get it all done even if I did understand how to do it. And I have started putting a few things up on Etsy for sale. You can certainly buy something there and pick it up at the store. It is sometimes hard to see it all here, there is so much. And look for us on HobNob too. I am hoping to put some coupons and specials up there. The calendar of events will also have our classes on it. Oh, and one of the giveaways they do will be a gift certificate, and we’ll be giving away something for the 12 days of Christmas on HobNob too.
And last….I think – We’re collecting items to take over the VA – cowls, scarves, hats, mittens, lap blankets, - whatever you feel like making. The first batch will go over early in December, but I will take more in January too. There are way too many veterans coming home to shattered lives and few resources. Give generously if you can.
Okay – I though it would be quick, but really I kept finding things to say…so really just an important note.
Happy Knitting and Crocheting and weaving and spinning
Meredith
Nov 2010
Hi Y’all
Fall is here and there are so many things going on, I’ve been a bit overwhelmed.
Fiber Festival was great, the weather was awesome and it was inspiring to see all that fiber and those colors and textures.
November 10th is the store’s 5 year anniversary! I still love doing this. I am very happy I made the change and left work I no longer liked to do this. And I know we wouldn’t still be here and couldn’t do it without you all. The Knaughty Knitter has great customers. Thank you all for your business and support. So, I am declaring November Customer Appreciation Month. There will be things going on all month – giveaways and incentives and such. First, for the month of November when you bring in a new customer who makes a purchase, you’ll get 15% off your own purchase.
There will be a drawing for a gift basket. Come in between November 1st and 10th and when you make your purchase (over $10) you can enter the drawing for a gift basket of knitterly notions and things worth $150.00 - $200.00 (I haven’t put it together yet, but that is the range I am thinking of. On Nov 11th I’ll draw a name for the basket. I will put up a picture of the basket (or bag) on the blog on Monday Nov 1st.
If there are any knit or crochet designers out there who want to show off their stuff – bring it in. During November I will be displaying customer projects made from original patterns. I would love to have a pattern to give someone who admires your project, so if you are willing to give it away for a short period of time, bring it on in
There will be Free Gift Monday – One Monday in November I will be giving a free gift with purchase – I’ll announce this on the website, so watch for it.
And Free Pattern Saturday….who knows where my brain will go with this….I’ll announce more stuff on the website as it comes up…maybe sock yarn Sunday….we’ll see.
Oh about the website/blog….I know folks see it, but I’ve wondered why there were seldom any comments. I do read every one I get, but can’t always respond to them. I do love reading them though and hope folks will do more of that.
I have been busily making cowls and writing patterns for them. I just finished the last one yesterday and need to photograph it and do final editing of the booklet. It will go on sale in November too. It’s a baker’s dozen…Do you know how that term came about? Bakers in England in the 13th Century were subject to severe punishment if they shortchanged a customer. To insure against that happening they gave 13 items for the cost of 12. Anyway it’s a lot of cowls, some for every skill level, and out of many different yarns and weights.
I have also been in dyeing mode for the past month and am going a little nuts, I think. Really! But it continues never the less and there is an abundance of hand dyed fiber, yarn and roving done in acid dyes, natural dyes, and other kinds too. Of course, this along with the way too much other fiber I ordered, has expanded the spinning area out into the middle of the room. I am out of baskets and room too.
Classes for November and December are always updated on the website but here are some highlights.
Weaving on the Knitter’s Loom – Saturday Nov 6th at noon. Learn the basics of the weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Advanced Weaving on the Knitter’s Loom – Tuesdays, 5-7pm Learn more techniques to use on the Rigid Heddle loom for interesting textures and patterns.
Knit It Now! – Currently scheduled for Friday Nov 12th at 4. Learn to Cast On, Knit, Cast off and make a simple scarf. It’s not Knitting 101 but it’ll get you going enough to make a scarf or two before the holidays and the cold hits. The schedule may change, or I may add another of these so check the website on this one.
Lace Knitting – Beginning lace knitting is Saturday Nov 13 & 20 at 10:30
Knitting 102 - Saturdays Nov 13, 20, 27, Dec 4 at 1pm. If you already know how to knit and want more, or need a refresher, we’ll be reviewing some basics and learning new skills. We’ll be making a hat in class to learn knitting in the round, using double points, decreases etc, but also doing some other techniques too.
In December I am only doing one class – Handmade Stab Bound Books. (Okay, really I am only teaching this one as an excuse to make some myself) There are samples of how it looks in the store, just ask to see ‘em. Class is Saturday Dec 11th at 1pm. This is a great way to make yourself a knitting journal or make gifts for others. Supplies for 2 books are included in the class fee.
As always check the website for more details and updates.
September 2010
Hi Y’all
September almost already! Fall is in the air and the light is changing and it is time to start thinking about knitting or crocheting warm things again. I’ve already done one hat and am planning my grandson’s winter hat (a fair isle chullo in alpaca)
I have been straightening and inventorying and sorting and I really need some room in here for yarns coming in. I have made an entire wall of clearance sale items! Yes, lots of it is “Fashion Yarn” but there are some real treasures buried in there too and I add to it constantly. I personally like “fashion yarn” but not everyone does…..
Here are the classes for September
Knit & Crocheted Flowers is Saturday Sept 11, 1-3pm. Learn to make flowers - class will focus on whichever techniques class members want to use so some may be knitting some may be crochet. You must know basic knit OR crochet stitches. $20, purchase of book required.
Crocheted Edgings is Saturday Sep 18 & 25, 10:30-12 Learn to make these great edges to put on knitted items, or baby blankets or towels. You'll learn pattern reading and have fun too. Robin is teaching this and I’ve seen the samples and they are really nice. $30
My First Sweater is Tuesdays, Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, 5:30-7pm Normally I do the top down raglan sleeve sweater for this class but I think a Cardigan is going to happen this time, a simple worsted weight one that flatters everyone. I’ll post a picture on the class page soon.
We will be closed for Labor Day on Monday September 6th.
Beginning Sunday September 12th the store will be open on Sundays again. Karen will be working most of these. I have really been enjoying the time off and don’t want to give it up.
Saturday September 28th I will be at Lane Agriculture Park from 9-1. They are having "Adventures in Agriculture Day" and I will be demonstrating preparing a fleece for spinning, spinning on a wheel, and weaving on a rigid heddle loom. The store will be open though.
I’ve put a new class policy in place just to preserve my own sanity….If there are less than three folks registered for a class by the week before class I will be cancelling it. SO, in light of that, please do not wait until the last moment to register for a class, it may be gone by then.
I am working to create a bigger space in the store for crocheters. I know they often feel left out at a knit store. We now carry Aunt Lydia’s Crochet Cotton, more crochet patterns, and Interweave Crochet magazine. There will be more advanced crochet classes as well – we are thinking of Filet Crochet in October and maybe Freeform Crochet in November. Robin will be teaching some of these and she’s gonna be great at it. She’s very patient.
I also want to encourage folks to look at the website more for information….so….I will be posting sale information on the blog from time to time over the next month. Check it out – the first one went up this week. You just mention the sale info you read on the blog and you get it on sale. It is like a verbal coupon!
Happy Fiber Days
Meredith
July 20101
Hi
Whew, the hot weather finally broke and it is still warm, relatively dry and windy and it is such a relief. It is actually possible to work in the garden now without fear of immediate collapse from heat stroke. The squash glut is over in my garden, now it’s tomatoes and after the next two weeks I will be spending much of my spare time putting up corn. All that followed by periods of sitting on the porch spinning or knitting. I am almost done with the knitalong from June – The Dianna Shawl only needs a lace edge around it. Several years ago I did an Entrelac purse and said NEVER AGAIN! Well this time around Entrelac has been pretty fun…. There’s the knitting backwards that keeps it from being too tedious and the lace pattern to keep it interesting. And it’s pretty, which helps. I would do more of it and may work on designing a lace entrelac thing myself this summer. I have been dyeing things again and so look for more yarns and spinning fiber in new color combinations at the store. There are few new yarns in. Batik from Mango Moon is here. It is an unspun fabric strip yarn made from recycled Sarongs – 100% soft lovely rayon. Also from Mango Moon there are a few recycled silk hand woven scarves for sale. There is a shipment yarn due in from Noro this week too. Chirimen is a cotton & silk blend in the usual lovely Noro colors.
Karen has joined the staff here. She has worked a couple of days for me already. She is one of the best knitters I know and has been at this a long time. She was one of the original Friday Night Knitters who met at Books a Million before I opened the store. .
Now the big news! Tennessee Crossroads was here filming this spring and the segment is scheduled to show on July 8th, 7pm and again on Sunday July 11th (9 or 9:30 – I can never remember exactly) I am both excited and a little worried – how can they condense 4 hours of film to six minutes (yet they always seem to do it and do it well) and then there is the me not being very photogenic issue…guess I’ll survive but not sure how long I can watch myself.
I think I will celebrate and also distract myself with a yarn sale. So during that week Thursday the 8th and Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th we will have a Big Summer Sale. Some things will be up to 40% off, and some new things added to the list daily. It’d be a good place to escape the heat for a while as well as plan for holiday giving early.
Speaking of Holiday presents – July is for Christmas in July classes. There is still time to sign up for some of them. Felted Bowls in Friday July 9th at 4 and again the 16th. Hat & Mitten Set is Tuesday mornings 6, 13 & 20 (& 27th if we need it) at 11:00. The Christmas stocking class is Saturday mornings at 11 starting July 10th. The complete list is on the website and there may be some changes and additions during the month as well.
Stacie will be teaching the next Knitting 101 class starting Thursday, August 12 at 6pm
If you are just starting and need to pick up some more skills this is a great class for that too.
Oh, and Spinning Circle is this Saturday (July 3rd) from 12 -3pm. August’s spinning circle is Aug 7th from 12-3 as well. There is a weaving class scheduled in August as well – the 14th from noon to 4.
Happy 4th of July to everyone (and yes, we will be open on Monday)
Meredith
May 2010
Hi Knitting Friends,
I hope everyone is safe and drying out after these storms.
Pioneer Day was really fun. I dressed up in fun clothes and sat outside in beautiful weather and spun all day. What could be better?
There are some great new things going on here. Of course there are always new yarns and notions. I have some amazing new buttons and purse findings coming – to go with the new Noni patterns that are on the way. Plymouth has a new Hemp blend yarn that is coming too. Hemp is durable and pretty – this’ll be great for bags or a summer top.
Stacie and I were talking and thought a Knitting Camp might be fun for this summer. So, June 7th through the11th that will be happening. There will be learning to knit of course, and a fun striped scarf as well as the beginnings of a second project. We will also be learning to spin on a drop spindle and dyeing yarn and there’s a wet felting project too. It’ll be a fun, fiberful week. We are now finalizing the details but here’s what we know so far. We’ll meet Monday – Friday from 9:30-11:30. Camp is for children 8-11 years old. Preregistration is required. Register early and save – pay the full fee by May 11th for $10 off the regular price of $125.00. Space is very limited so get your child in quickly. You will have to come into the store to register because there are forms and things to fill out. There will also be a kit to purchase with all the needed supplies – yarn, needles, fiber for felting and spinning, the makings for a drop spindle, and more. That’ll be about $25.00.
For Mother’s Day we’ll have a special deal the Saturday before. May 8th all day, bring your mom in (or moms, bring your child in) and get a free beginning knitting lesson for you both. Get your first knitting supplies at 10% off. If you know anyone who has been wanting to learn, this is a great opportunity for them to get started.
For May, the only class currently on the schedule is Entrelac Knitting on Saturday May 15th from 1 – 3:30pm. For the class we will be doing a scarf (that could be a shawl if you like) This is a fun technique for using self striping yarns and getting more texture and interest into your knitting. It is also helpful if you are going to do the June Knit Along of the Dianna shawl. I am doing mine in Jojoland fingering weight yarn. The pattern can be downloaded on Ravelry. I have put a link on the Knaughty Knitter group – under Dianna knit along. We will start on June 1st. Knit Alongs are free and we’ll meet a time or two during it. This is not a shawl for beginners, it requires some knowledge of lace and entrelac knitting. The first meeting is Tuesday June 1 at 4pm.
Spinning Circle in May is the 29th at 1pm.
Happy Knitting,
Meredith
April 2010
Hi
Yeah, Spring is finally really here. The dogwoods are gorgeous and our fruit trees are blooming. This year we are doing a square foot garden (that old method from the 70’s that might be easier to maintain, and produce better than the really poor soil where we are)– well, and still planting a field of corn and squash out in the bigger garden. We – really Doyle – planted clover in the garden last fall and it is coming back out. Usually by May 1st it is blooming and there’s a small field of scarlet flowers that the bees love. Then it gets plowed under and helps improve the soil. This morning Doyle is out in search of good compost – he says he found some worm castings and mushroom compost in Hendersonville. He and Skip are going. Tomorrow I get to spend the day digging the weeds out of my garlic patch and the flower beds and everything else. If you are gardening there is a great little site – One Million Gardens – where you can interact with other gardeners, blog about your garden and show off your stuff too.
Mine is at Ty’s Grandma’s Garden……
And then there’s the knitting - It is Dyeing Time again for me, now that I can hang the great skeins and bits of roving outside to dry. I have a couple of skeins I did the other day at the store and there will be more to come. There is less knitting time for me this part of the year. But I still do plenty in the evening – really the dishes can wait – plus air conditioning makes me soooooo cold when I am sitting still.
New yarns and books have come in pretty regularly over the past few weeks. Cascade’s 60 Quick Projects from Cascade 220 book is here and full of delicious little things – all of them would make awesome presents later in the year.
Classes this month are a little sparser – Knitting 101 starts April 15th (Thursdays at 6pm) and Crazy Lace starts April 24th at 10:30. Crazy Lace is a great beginning lace class. The first class will focus on basic techniques of lace knitting – and we’ll pick a few patterns to do a sampler scarf. The next session will be crazy lace – lace that is freeform and flowy and requires no pattern once you have the skills to do some basic things. The class schedule is up through July but is subject to a few additions between now and then.
April 17th is Pioneer Days at Cannonsburgh from 10-5. I will be there in a booth with some unprocessed (but already washed) fleece – combing and spinning it. And of course I will be dressed in not very authentic pioneer garb that I threw together mostly last week. I still have finishing touches to add to it. Although the head covering I have is borrowed from Lisa and is a really nice authentic reproduction. I think I will dig through my stash of vegetable dyed yarns and maybe sell a few of those too.
And just a reminder that our hours have changed a little. I am closed Wednesdays and Sundays, open Mon, Tue, Thurs from 10-5, Friday 11-6 (groups is 6-8 and we are open if there is group) Saturday changed a little too – now we are open 10-3 (though sometimes classes run over that)
Happy Knitting and Gardening too
Meredith
