August 2018 Newsletter - Monarch Knitting

Beginning Crochet Classes
Saturdays: August 25th, September 29th and November 3rd
11:00 am to noon, just call the shop to schedule a time!
$20.00

For a change of pace learn how to crochet. In this one hour lesson you will learn to chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet.

Fixing BooBoos
Saturday August 11th, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
$25.00

A favorite to teach, this is a class that will help you to understand how to repair mistakes in your knitting. Whether it is tinking back, picking up a stitch, an extra stitch at the edge or twisted, running or incomplete stitches that pop-up on your way to finishing knit projects, we all can use a little help along the way. This class is perfect for those who are ready to learn how to fix these little bumps in the road. So join us for this informative hour and you will be on your way to solving those problems that happen to all knitters.

Skill level: You must know how to knit and purl.
Supplies: A knitted stockinette swatch in worsted weight still on the needles and one crochet hook.

Click here for online registration.

Indigo Dyeing Workshop with
Brooke Sinnes of Sincere Sheep
Saturday August 25th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
with one hour for lunch at noon
$134.00

Join Brooke Sinnes, of Sincere Sheep in a daylong exploration of indigo dyeing. In this hands-on class we create indigo ‘mothers’, set up vats, and learn how to re-tune the vats as we use them. The class includes 4 one-ounce skeins of sport weight U.S. cormo wool yarn (total 400 yards), two silk scarves, a cotton tote bag, and all the dyeing supplies you will need onsite. Brooke will bring basic items for you to do some clamp resist patterns on the scarf and bag.

Supplies: Please wear clothing that can get stained and comfortable closed-toe shoes. You will also want to bring a bag to transport all of your wet goodies home.

We will have chairs available, but dyeing is physical work and we will be standing for much of the day. There will also be some lifting of wet skeins and dye pots, although heavy lifting isn’t necessary.

Click here for online registration.

Edward's Menagerie workshop with Ann Ginger
Saturday, September 8th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Are you intrigued by one of these darling TOFT crochet kits but a bit afraid to take the project on without a bit of help? Join Anne Ginger to learn how to tackle the either the Emma the Bunny or Simon the Sheep, the easiest animals in the Edward's Menagerie line up. You will learn how to read the pattern, how to start the project, increase and decrease. We will also chat about stuffing the toy and finishing the project up to perfection. It will be an afternoon of fun as we learn to crochet some cuteness!

Skill Level: You must have basic crochet skills, and know how to chain, double, half treble and treble crochet. You have plenty of time to take a beginning crochet class if this appeals to you!
Supplies: TOFT Edwards Menagerie Crochet Kit either Emma the Bunny or Simon the Sheep

Click here for online registration.

Two at a Time Sock Workshop
Saturday, September 15th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Have you ever decided to knit a pair of socks only to finish the first and never get around to the second? Or how perhaps you have knit the second sock but it is not quite the same as the first? Come learn how to knit socks two at a time! In this class we will be making a modified version of the Rose City Roller socks by Mara Catherine Bryner. Instead of the roll, we’ll do a quick ribbed cuff, and go then straight to the heel. We will be going over Magic Loop, the Norwegian Cast on, the trick to casting on both socks on the same needle (no dpns or extra needles needed!) and how to approach heels and other sock techniques in two at a time knitting.

Skill Level: Previous sock knitting experience required.
Supplies: Rose City Rollers pattern by Mara Catherine Bryner, 200-350 yards of Fingering weight yarn, Size US1 40-inch circular needles (or size to obtain gauge) and four stitch markers

Click here for online registration.

Gauge Swatch Workshop with Anne Ginger
Saturday, September 29th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Working in a knitting store we hear a number of things from our clients such as: "ugh, do I have to knit gauge swatch?", "I can never get gauge", and "I cannot knit that because I cannot get gauge". We cannot guarantee that you will love knitting a gauge swatch but you will find it less tedious by the end of this workshop. Ann will talk about why gauge matters, what effects gauge, gauge on patterned stitches, how to properly knit a gauge swatch, importance of blocking the swatch, and if you should dry it flat or hang it up, how to measure it correctly, perform some "sweater ready" tests. Anne will also discuss about how to knit a gauge swatch in the round and how different needle sizes and types of patterns can change your finished fabric.

Skill Level: You must know how to knit and purl.
Supplies: Please knit two - 6 x 6-inch stockinette swatches in a dk or worsted weight yarn, both swatches in the same yarn. Please block ONE of the swatches.

Click here for online registration

Learn How to Tunisian Crochet!
Saturday, October 6th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Crochet that looks like knitting? We have been asked many times about Tunisian crochet and the beautifully textured dense fabric it creates. With these questions in mind, we thought this Fall would be the perfect time to pick up a new, crafty skill. This beginner workshop will feature a Tunisian crochet washcloth and cover the basics: the foundation chain and preparation, forward and return rows. We will also demonstrate the Gobelin stitch, one of our favorites! Join us on a cozy October Saturday and learn the stunning art of Tunisian Crochet.

Skill Level: No previous Tunisian crochet knowledge necessary.
Supplies: Two skeins of worsted weight cotton in a light color and a size J Tunisian crochet hook.

Click here for online registration.

The Sweater Whisperer
with Marie Greene of Olive Knits
Saturday October 13, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
$80.00

Never knit another ill-fitting sweater! Learn how to read between the lines of a pattern, master gauge (once and for all), choose the right yarn for the job, and – most importantly – how to determine your body shape and size to create the perfect sweater fit for your figure. You will understand so much more about sweater patterns after taking this class! (The Sweater Whisperer emphasizes top-down, seamless sweaters, but these tips are applicable to almost any sweater pattern.)

You'll learn:

Your own measurements to help you make informed decisions about sweater fit
The elements of ease and how they apply to fit
How to read between the lines of a pattern
The nitty gritty of gauge and what it does to sizing
How to choose a pattern that works for your body shape
How to find the perfect length for your sweater

And more!

Supplies: Full size measuring tape, pencil/pen, please bring your usual knitting notions and completed homework.
Homework: When you sign up for the class, you will receive a description of the homework.

Click here for online registration.

The Pick-Up Artist (AKA the Art of Finishing)
with Marie Greene of Olive Knits
Saturday October 13th, from 2:00pm to 5:00 pm

$80.00

Sweater finishing doesn't have to be a chore. Learn my clever NEW methods for picking-up stitches, working button bands, buttonholes and crafting necklines to give your sweaters a gorgeous, professional finish – without the headache. These are my most requested, most popular tricks that will eliminate the guesswork and frustration of sweater finishing – you may even learn to love it!
You'll learn:

How to avoid the dreaded button band "sag"
How to pick up the correct number of stitches every time
Tricks to adjust neckline fit
A new, sleek technique for tidy, strong buttonholes
Three clever ways to finish a neckline, with variations
Quick tricks to fix trouble spots (underarm gap, uneven edges and more!)
How to reinforce a seamless sweater so it stays on better

Supplies: Sport or DK weight yarn in a medium to light color (no slubs, no thick & thin yarn – choose something evenly-spun in a solid color), Sport or DK weight yarn in a contrasting color, but not very dark (same specifications as above), US Size 3/3.25mm knitting needles (24”) – sharp tips are helpful US Size 3/3.25mm double point knitting needles, Size D/3.25mm crochet hook (pointy/contoured tip is helpful) Knitting notions, scissors, darning needle, pen/pencil and completed homework.

Here's a tip about choosing which yarn to bring for a workshop: Never bring yarn to class that you wouldn't want for a real knitting project. (Similar to the advice: Never cook with wine you wouldn't want to drink.) Crummy yarn leads to a frustrating learning experience; bring yarn you will enjoy.

Homework: When you sign up for the class, you will receive a description of the homework.

Click here for online registration.

Brioche Stitch Workshop
Saturday, October 27th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Brioche has still remained ever so popular! We can see why too, there are so many beautiful patterns designed with this stunning stitch. Create lofty, textured fabric using Brioche Stitch, which resembles ribbing but with much more depth, and many more possibilities. We will go over basic Brioche Stitch, as well as two-color Brioche for a richly textured and reversible fabric.

Skill Level: You should have a firm grasp of knit and purl, and know at least one cast-on and bind-off technique.
Supplies: 30 yards easy-to-see yarn in two colors, and circular knitting needles in a size appropriate for your yarn.

Click here for online registration.

Try It / Swatch It / Cast It On
with Elizabeth Doherty of Blue Bee Studio and Shibui
Saturday November 10th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
(This is a drop in event so you can spend all of or part of the time with us.)
$15.00

As many of you know, we LOVE, Elizabeth Doherty's sweaters. Each one of us here at Monarch, has either knit one of her designs or has one on our needles. Elizabeth will be loading her suitcase up with tons of samples for you to try on and model. Once you find a design you love, you can sit down at the table and swatch various Shibui yarns to see what makes the ideal fabric for you. We will have every base ready and available for you to swatch. All the while, Elizabeth will be here to offer her advice and inspiration. We have added a bit of coffee and some delicious treats for a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning!

Click here for online registration.

Sweater Technique Workshop with
Elizabeth Doherty of Blue Bee Studio
Saturday November 10th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
$80.00

Selecting a great pattern and beautiful yarn may be the first steps of a new and exciting project, but what else can you do to ensure that your vision of the perfect sweater will be achieved? This 3 hour class will focus on how to perfect the techniques that make a garment a truly exceptional knit.

Knitters will participate in demonstrations showing the optimal way to work a variety of techniques that Elizabeth Doherty includes in many of her sweater designs. There will also be an opportunity to be accurately measured, and record the key measurements needed when making the crucial decision of which size of a sweater is going to be the best fit. We’ll also talk about making gauge adjustments, and swatching to find (or create) the ideal fabric for a design.

The goal is to leave the class with a swatch sampler showing the following techniques executed to perfection:

• Lifted increases
• Improved cable cast-on (one that prevents the hole you normally get!)
• I-cord bind-off
• Picking up stitches
• Lateral braid
• Simple wrap and turn short rows and how to substitute other types
• Perfect 2-row buttonhole
• Easy provisional cast-on

Skill: You must be familiar with knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, pattern reading and knitting terms.
Supplies: The yarn is included with the price of the class. US 5 to 9 needles, a crochet hook and a US 2 or 3 double pointed needle.

Click here for online registration.

CustomFit Workshop: Gauge Swatches and Measurements
Call the store for an appointment!
$20.00