September 2018 Newsletter - Monarch Knitting

Knit...and be happy!

September 2018

Projects of the Month...

Parallelogram Scarf

What a lovely surprise to see something so beautiful emerge from the perfect pairing of pattern and yarn. When we saw the photo of Cecilia Campochiaro's Parallelogram Scarf we were intrigued and just had to cast one on. Wow, the finished product is just lovely! The scarf is worked simultaneously with two long-repeat balls of yarn on a six-row pattern. We made ours a bit wider than the pattern details for a bit of added luxury. Once your Parallelogram is off the needles you will have a beautiful, soft scarf to ward off the early fall chill.

Pattern: Parallelogram Scarf by Cecelia Campochiaro
Yardage: 860 yards, 786 m
Needle Size: US 5 3.75 mm
Recommended Yarns: Parallelogram Scarf Kits (Each kit includes the yarn and the Mason Dixon Sequences booklet.)

Corrugated Shawl

Another one of Cecelia's patterns caught our eye in the Sequences booklet, the Corrugated Shawl. This sampler shawl will never be boring as it is knit with 16 different sequence-knitting fabrics separated by stockinette and reverse stockinette. Crave Caravan is the ideal yarn for this project. This blend of merino, mulberry silk, camel and cashmere is incredibly soft with a wonderful stitch definition that helps to enhance the "corrugated" effect of the shawl. It is lovely in the cream but would be stunning in any of the deeply saturated colors of Crave. The Corrugated Shawl will be a lovely classic addition to your knitted wardrobe.

Pattern: Corrugated Shawl by Cecilia Campochiaro
Yardage: 1416 yards (1295 m)
Needle Size: US 5 - 3.75 mm
Recommended Yarns: Corrugated Shawl Kits (Each kit includes the yarn and the Mason Dixon Sequences booklet.)

Big Bad Wool Pea Weepaca is 30% off
Berroco Flicker is 50% off
Rowan Fur is 60% 0ff

Carnaby Chunky Felted Yarn is 60% off
shown here, in store only

We're so excited to be vending at Vogue Knitting Live in San Francisco this month!

Our dear friends Shibui will be there with tons of yarn, samples and the wonderful Sandy Barnes and Britt-Marie Brehmer.

We'll also be joined by Remarkable Yarns from New York who will have gorgeous Crave Yarns & Rosy Green Wool along with samples galore and the lovely Dawn Verdugo!

Elizabeth Doherty of Bluebee Studio will be visiting our booth on Saturday with her beautiful samples, patterns and bee bins, including an exclusive new color! Plus, she'll be debuting a new sweater pattern that we cannot wait to share!

Vogue Knitting Live San Francsico, September 21-23, 2018 at the Hilton SF Union Square. If you'll be there, be sure to stop by booths 323 & 325, we'd love to see you!

Knit, Blog & Be Happy...

Get to know the talented designer of this month's projects, Cecelia Campochiaro, author of the fantastic pattern book, Sequence Knitting. Welcome Cecelia Campochiaro.

Classes and Events...

Edward's Menagerie workshop with Anne 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 either Emma the Bunny or Simon the Sheep, the easiest animals in the Edward's Menagerie lineup. 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. Anne 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

The Sweater Whisperer
with Marie Greene of Olive Knits
Saturday October 13th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
$80.00
This class is sold out but please call to be placed on a wait list!

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

$80.00
Only one spot available!

Classes and Events...

Beginning Knitting Workshop
Saturday, September 8th and 15th from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, October 20th and 27th from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, December 1st and 8th from noon to 1:30 pm
$65.00

Learn all of the basics of knitting in this two-part workshop. We will cover casting on, knitting, purling, binding off, and weaving in ends. When you have completed this class, you will be able to follow some simple stitch patterns and be ready to knit a scarf, blanket, or dishcloth. Yarn and needles are provided. No experience is necessary, just sign up for the class and enjoy the gift of knitting!

Click here to register for the September Class.
Click here to register for the October Class.
Click here to register for the December Class.

Beginning Crochet Classes
Saturdays: September 29th, November 3rd, December 8th
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.

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

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

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. Anne 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 13th, 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.

Fixing Booboos
Saturday, November 3rd, 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.

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.
The $15.00 charge goes to any purchase made on November 10th.)
$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.

The Art of Hand-winding
Saturday, November 17th, 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm
This class is free but we ask that you register at the link below or call the store.

We all love the speed and efficiency of a swift and ball winder, but you do not get a chance to slow down and truly enjoy appreciate the fiber with which you are about to work. A properly hand-wound ball or cake is perfection to use. Even if you typically wind your yarn on a ball winder, there will be times when you have to wind the emergency hank by hand. We will demonstrate how to set up your hank and hand-wind both a ball and a center pull cake with and without a swift. So stop by Monarch on a cozy Saturday and learn how to make winding your yarn a comforting and relaxing process.

Click here for online registration.

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

In this hour-long workshop we will cover how to knit and measure a gauge swatch for the CustomFit program. While you will knit your swatch, just as you do for a conventional pattern, there are a few differences in its size and in how the swatch is measured. Knitting this swatch is about the fabric you want to knit your sweater in, not how a standardized pattern tells you it should be knit. We will also take your CustomFit measurements and enter them into the computer to be stored for you.

Finishing
$30.00 per hour

Bring your project and together we will make sure it is beautifully seamed.

Private Lessons
$15.00 for 30 minutes
$30.00 for 1 hour

Do you prefer to learn on your own, or do you have a new skill you would like to learn? Come in and work one-on-one with us. Call to set up an appointment.

Come Knit with Us...

Social Knitting (or Crochet)

Knitting in the Morning

Knitting in the Afternoon

Knitting in the Evening
The 1st Tuesday of each month, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Knit with us (and get your knitting questions answered!)

Image credits: Cecelia Campochiaro • Marie Greene of Oliveknits • Laine Magazine • The Fibre Co. • TOFT UK • Staff Favorite images can be found via raverly, links provided in descriptions.