The Knaughty Knitter

The Class Schedule

has been updated.  Classes for March and April are up, though I will probably be adding more.  Crochet Now is next Saturday.   This is basic crochet in one lesson, great for learning to do edges on your knitted things or just to get started with crocheting.  Tuesday is another afghan square class - we'll be doing knitting into the stitch below for this one.  Have a great weekend, hope the snow doesn't get too deep....

This is unusual.....

A woman is doing her senior art show in March and is wanting other knitters to participate.  She has been doing a lot of her art about her hysterectomy and part of the art installation is little rubber uteri.  She would like anyone who as had a hysterectomy or knows someone who has to knit a sweater or any other covering for these little uteri.  The pattern she is asking for is simple - a trapazoid with yarns left loose at the corners.  one side is 7.5", one is 6"  and the two sides in between are 2".

                           _____________7.5"______________

                             2"                                                                       /

                                   ____________6"__________/

Hope this helps  as far as shape.   It was actually a pretty neat idea for healing those wounds and it seems the way she plans it will also make some social commentary on the way women and their parts are viewed.  Ask her about this, I was impressed.  If you have further questions or want to participate you can write her at [email protected].  You can remain anonymous or let her use your name and get credit.  She does have a release and info sheet but she can email you that if you want to participate.  Be Creative, Have Fun.  Here's the hard part - she needs them by March 16th. 

Southeastern Alpaca Association Show

The Alpaca show runs Saturday and Sunday, March 7 & 8 and there are always great alpaca products for sale.

I got this from one of the organizers.

The first annual Spin Alpaca at the Southern Select Alpaca Show in Shelbyville will begin at 10:00am and last until 4:00pm at Calsonic Arena on Saturday, March 7.  Everyone who comes to spin will receive a 2oz sample of alpaca fiber while supplies last. Bring your own spinning wheel, and spin to your heart's content! 

Or, learn to spin on a drop spindle.  Bring your own drop spindle, and lessons will be free.
 
At 3:00pm we will raffle an alpaca fleece.  Everyone who participates at the spin in will receive a ticket to participate in the raffle for the free fleece.
 
The setting will be wonderful since we can watch the alpacas in the show ring while we spin.   There will be a snack bar on site.  And you can take a break and head out to the barns and see the animals too.

Calsonic Arena is on the corner of Celebration and Whitthorne St.  When you come into Shelbyville turn east onto Madison St. go to stoplight #4 and turn onto Celebration St. and you are there.

New Class....

I had three people in a row today ask for non Saturday Knitting class, so here's one.  Next Tuesday, Feb 24th, from 4:30 to 6 is Knit It Now!  Carole is teaching a quickie learn to knit class and will basically cram whatever information and skills she can into 90 minutes.  It is no substitute for Stacie's class but will get you started now.  There are 2 spaces left so call now if you know someone who has been wanting to knit and couldn't commit to 4 classes.  There are only two spaces left in Stacie's March Knitting 101 classes and she is taking a well deserved break after that.

New things....

We have joined up with a Martingale program - Super Stitcher.  Every time you buy a Martingale book here ask to get your card stamped (we have the cards).  When you collect 9 stamps send it off to Martingale for a free book of your choice.  There will be even more Martingale books coming next month including some new ones.

And the new yarn this week is Reynold's Top Seed Cotton.  It is a DK weight variegated mercerized cotton that looks hand dyed.  It's lovely.

There's new roving.  Daily Fibers incredibly rich colors of blue faced leicester and merino, some superwash...oh my, there's more than one calling me to take it home.  I am already spinning some of this fiber at home though so I can resist a while yet....

Reviving the Potato Chip Scarf

Cause you can't have just one or stop making them completely.  I never made one of these when they first got popular.  This is the crocheted version I started about 2:00.  (It's 4:10 now). 

  Of course I changed the pattern......I used Karaoke - soy/wool yarn.  I think I am mildly allergic.  Since I started knitting with it I have a very red face and a headache - my usual sign that my body is becoming unhappy with something I'm touching....But if you take the beginning crochet class on March 7th, we'll be making one of these.  The knitted version may follow on Thursday....

Happy Valentines Day

Doyle completely suprised me with a dozen roses....and chocolate.  He's such a sweetheart.

I have added a couple of classes to the calendar. 

And we are doing a knitalong.  It was decided in group last night.  Several people are doing the Februrary Lady Sweater that is a free pattern on Ravelry.  It is an adult version of the Elizabeth Zimmermann's February baby sweater from The Knitter's Almanac.  Lots of folks are using Cascade 220, or Ultra Alpaca.  I am doing Nature Wool from my stash (I have a bit here too)  It's pretty and not too complicated lacey.  I guess since it started in Friday Night Group we'll compare notes then, feel free to join us there.

After Friday the 13th

comes Saturday the 14th - Valentine's Day.  The Meharry Project Knit In is tomorrow from 1 -4.  Come do something good for your heart and give a blanket or a square towards one.  Buy yarn for a whole blanket during the knit in and get 10% off. 

What could be better

for Valentine's Day than hand dyed yarn and a new knitting book?  NOTHING!  We've got new handdyed in - Some new Schaefer and Aurora lace weight yarns.  And especially lovely Daily Fiber sock yarn dyed by local fiber artist Jan Quarles.  The colors are amazing.  There are some new books and old faves that are back in stock.  There are new crochet and spinning books too. Gift yourself or tell that someone special what you really want.

I finished my crocheted wave scarf.  The pattern was on Ravelry - but of course I changed it.  I will be writing this one, just not done yet.  I used fingering weight yarn - Mini Mochi - so I needed bigger stitches.  I have been on a crochet kick lately, but I think it has subsided now. Oh well, going to start a Clapotis out of Schaefer Laurel tomorrow.  Anyone else up for that one?  We could knit along....

Just a few notes....

The Meharry Project Knit In is this Saturday, Feb 14th from 1-4.  Come in and knit with us or drop off your blankets.  We have one already and a square too.  There's a 10% discount on yarn purchased for a blanket during those hours.  I have a couple of very easy patterns available with yarn purchase too.

We are collecting yarn and needles and notions for the Textiles class at Oakland HS - I would like to be able to get them some by Friday so if you were planning to donate some things please bring it in by then.

Weaving class was great this Saturday and they made some lovely pieces of fabric.  Check those out at the Weaving gallery.

This weekend I got so many calls for crochet class that I am adding a Quick Crochet class on March 7th - Come in, learn the basics and get started.  This would be great if you were wanting to put a crocheted edge on some knitting too.

Carole is teaching a sock class on Feb 21st and this will be the last one til summer most likely.  There are 2 spots left.  If you 've been wanting to do socks don't wait to call.

And just as a special treat - here is some of Stacie's lace knitting.  This a wonderful shawl she made.