July 2018 Newsletter - Monarch Knitting

Knit...and be happy!

July 2018

Projects of the Month...

Harlow

As soon as Koryn saw Andrea Mowry's latest hat pattern, Harlow, she immediately grabbed some yummy yarn and began knitting away. Knit in the round, Harlow is made up of a fun two-color brioche pattern that creates a squishy, reversible fabric. Andrea says that Harlow is, "a perfect jumping off point for beginner briochers to try on their newly acquired skills" and Koryn couldn't agree more, so we've added a fun workshop. She has paired Brooklyn Tweed's Peerie yarn along with Spincycle's Dyed in the Wool and the result is just brilliant!

Pattern: Harlow by Andrea Mowry
Yardage: 240-330 yards of fingering-weight
Needle Size: US 2 (2.75 mm) and US 3 (3.25 mm)
Recommended Yarns: Harlow Kit
Harlow Hat Workshop with Koryn

This summer we're hosting a fun knit-a-long! Join us for our first ever Summer Sweater Club! That’s right, we’re knitting up sweaters now to fill up our Fall wardrobes! To participate with us simply...

• Select your favorite pattern & yarn.
• Receive 10% off your sweater yarn purchase (non-sale only). See some gorgeous options here.
• Share your progress + tag us on Instagram & Facebook to be entered into a fun drawing!
• Bonus: use any Shibui Knits yarn to be eligible for a special surprise!
We'll be wrapping up this KAL and selecting prize winners on August 31.

To help get you started, we're sharing two of our current favorites this month...

Isham Road

When Amy Herzog released Isham Road, we knew that we had to have a sample in the store. Amy's simple garment is the project for a knitter interested in trying a sweater for the first time or for an experienced knitter who just wants a comfortable yet stylish pop-over. Isham Road, meant to be worn oversized and relaxed, is knit with a yarn that has the perfect drape for the project. Crave's Caravan is a luscious blend of cashmere, merino, cashmere and silk and a great please with which to knit. Sometimes a pattern and a fiber meet to create pure luxury.

Pattern: Isham Road by Amy Herzog
Yardage: 1062 - 2124 yards of sport weight yarn
Needle Size: US 4 (3.5 mm)
Recommended Yarns: Crave Caravan

Latitude

As you may know, we love Elizabeth Doherty's patterns here at the shop. These modern drop shoulder patterns fit incredibly well and look great on many different body types. Her new pattern, Latitude, is no different. This a-line shaped sweater features an unusual stripe sequence and 3/4-length sleeves. The pattern is extremely well-written and a breeze to follow. The yarn combinations are endless. Ann knit hers in Tern and has another going using Shibui Cima and Lunar held double. The solid color version is knit in Shibui Reed held double for a lovely summer garment. Join our summer KAL and knit a Latitude for you!

Pattern: Latitude by Elizabeth Doherty
Yardage: 1130 - 2090 yards of fingering-weight
Needle Size: US 3 (3.25 mm) and US 5 (3.75 mm)
Recommended Yarns: Shibui Reed, Shibui Cima, Shibui Lunar, Magpie Swanky Sock, Woolfolk Tynd, Woolfolk Sno, Anzula Lunaris and Quince & Co. Tern

Our sweet Linus would like to let you know that knit night on July 3rd is canceled and we will be closed on July 4th.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday!

Please join us Saturday,
August 4th from 2:00-5:00pm
as we shower our dearest
Koryn and baby Reid
with well wishes. We will have cake and treats to celebrate! ♥

Summer Sale
In-store and online
Saturday, July 1st to Sunday July 8th

It is time to clear the shelves for lots of yummy things due in for Fall!

Throughout the week you'll find...
30% off ALL Classic Elite Yarns and select Crystal Palace Needles
30% to 60% off other select items like select Rowan yarns, Alchemy, Debbie Bliss, Zara and more!

No winding of sale items. All sales are final.

Knit, Blog & Be Happy...

We are ever-so delighted to welcome one of our dearest friends, the lovely Elizabeth Doherty to our blog. Read all about her start into knitwear design, her other passions and what's in store for her brand, Bluebee Studios. Welcome Elizabeth Doherty

Classes and Events...

Harlow Hat Workshop
Saturday, July 11th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Koryn has been on a brioche kick lately! Spend your Saturday afternoon at Monarch learning the skills needed to complete her new favorite accessory, Andrea Morwry's hat, Harlow. You will begin by learning the two-color tubular cast-on and then move on to learning, and perfecting, the two-color brioche stitch. Koryn will then demonstrate how to shape the crown with decreases in brioche. A kit, a class and this reversible hat could be your go to Christmas gift!

Skill Level: You need to be an intermediate knitter who has made hats before.
Supplies: Harlow Hat Kit, US2 and US3 16-inch circular needles, US3 double pointed needles and a stitch marker.

Click here for online registration.

Two at a Time Sock Workshop
Saturday, July 28th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
We will be repeating this class on September 15th!
$40.00
(Only one spot available!)

Have you ever decided to knit a pair of socks only to finish the first and never get around to the second? Or 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.

Indigo Dyeing Workshop with
Brook 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.

Indigo Dyeing Workshop

Classes and Events...

Beginning Knitting Workshop
Saturday, July 14th and 21st, from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, August 4th and 11th, from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, September 8th and 15th, 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 July Class.
Click here to register for the August Class.
Click here to register for the September Class.

Beginning Crochet Classes
Saturdays: July 28th, August 25th, September 29th
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.

Harlow Hat Workshop
Saturday, July 21st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$40.00

Two at a Time Sock Workshop
Saturday, July 28th, 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.

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

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

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

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.

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: Amy Herzog • Linus' Modeling Agency • Bluebee Studio • Sincere Sheep • TOFT UK • Staff Favorite images can be found via raverly, links provided in descriptions.