A February filled with gorgeous knits, new items and love!
Knit...and be happy!
February 2019
Projects of the Month...
Thaliah
Buttery richness and quiet beauty... That is how we would describe this lovely Thaliah. Shibui's Birch gives the fabric a softness that is yummy to wear while the silk from the Lunar adds a dimension that makes the shawl glow. We always love Andrea's patterns and Thaliah is no different. The play of the chevron pattern against backgrounds of stockinette and twisted stockinette give the shawl textural interest. We have created kits in three color combinations but you can certainly visit the shop or call us to select your own! February is the month of love; so show yourself some love and knit Thaliah!
Pattern: Thaliah by Andrea Mowry
Needle Size: US 6 - 4 mm
Recommended: Yarns: Thaliah Kits (Kit includes yarn and pattern.)
We made our perfect tassels using the Loome Tool. Check out the how to video here.
Stitched Together
As we enter in this month with the frenzy and fun of Stitches West, one word comes to mind: community. The community that surrounds Monarch is so important to us and we love the message the Stitched Together Collection represents. Elizabeth Doherty's use of bold color blocks that are bridged by a band of xxxxs is just so fitting! She has tied this motif into a hat and finger-less mitts, both easy and fun to knit, and a great first colorwork project. We've knitted ours in Shibui Knits Pebble - the color combinations are limitless! If you're like us and can't decide, well we have some color kits wrapped up for you. Or perhaps wrap one up and gift to your favorite valentine...
Knit, Blog & Be Happy... We're packing up the shop and headed to Stitches West this month! Visit our blog to see some sneak peeks at new kits, knits and all things Stitches West! We're even hosting some giveaways!!! Read all about it here: A Short But Busy Month
Classes and Events...
Knitting Hats 101
Saturday, February 2 and 9th, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
$60.00
If you are a beginning knitter and want to learn some new skills, this is the class for you! In part one, we will cast-on to circular needles, join to knit in the round, talk about how to read a knitting pattern and discuss what to look for in the perfect hat. Over the next week you will knit up to the crown of the hat. The next Saturday, we will meet and switch our knitting on to double pointed needles, make the decreases for the crown and finish off the hat. We will talk about the different ways to block your new hat. So join us to learn how to knit the perfect hat, and, in doing so, you gain the skills to tackle many hat patterns and cowls.
Skills: You must have taken our beginning knitting class or be familiar with casting on, knitting, purling and binding off.
Supplies: 1 skein worsted weight yarn, US 7-16" needles and US 7 double pointed needles
Homework: Please buy the yarn and needles ahead of class time.
The Language of Knitting Patterns Saturday, March 2nd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Working in the shop, we are quite often asked to decipher knitting patterns for clients, or we hear, "I love to knit, but I can never understand a knitting pattern". Join Ann for this two-hour workshop where we will dive into the language of a knitting pattern. We will talk about suggested yarns, yardage, gauge, hints about how to select the best size to knit and, the dreaded word: ease. Then we will delve into how to approach a knitting pattern and how they are written. Abbreviations, repeats and chart reading will all be covered. We will also talk about the best practices for keeping track of where you are in a pattern. You will walk away from this workshop ready to tackle more challenging patterns, whether you are a beginning or intermediate knitter.
Skill level: You must understand the basics of knitting.
Short Rows 101 Saturday, March 9th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Do you look at a pattern and see short rows listed among the techniques and move on to another design? Don't be intimidated any longer! In our Short Rows Made Simple workshop we will practice three types of short rows: the wrap and turn, German, and Japanese. We will discuss the hows and whys of short rows and, by the end of class, you will have your favorite that you will turn to time and time again. Join us for this round up of short row techniques so you can take them on with ease and confidence!
Skill level: This class will be fairly fast paced. You must knit and purl with ease and understand knit and purl combinations. Supplies: Medium weight yarn in a light color and needles suitable for the weight. Homework: Please cast on 25 stitches and knit in stockinette stitch for 2 inches. Bring the swatch live on the needles and we will work from that.
Marie Greene’s seamless, top-down patterns bust the myth that sweaters take six months or more to make. She’s created 20 new patterns to get readers wearing their own high-quality knits in only two weeks. Each sweater features just the right amount of detail for a beautifully textured look with minimal work. Fewer buttonholes and no-fuss construction make the garments surprisingly simple to finish. Designed with portability in mind, the patterns are easy to memorize, making any spare moment prime knitting time. Marie’s friendly, straightforward instruction and clear technique tutorials have made her patterns a hit with knitters online. In this book, she shares her tested tips and tricks for more efficient knitting and faster results.
These fun faux pom poms have been popping up everywhere this season! Most notably on top of hats. We just had to add some of them into the shop! How fun would one be on top of a Morning Walk Hat or perhaps as a fun accessory to your Monarch tote? You could even create a cute gift of a skein and pompom to your favorite valentine!
The newest issue of Laine magazine has us dreaming of cozy knits. Kouta, Issue 7, is filled with 12 beautiful knitting patterns from the likes of Dami Hunter, Nancy Merchant, Carol Feller, Stephen West and more, an insightful interview with Veera Välimäki, a wonderful story about The Fibre Co., recipes and a fantastic travel guide to London. Add this stunning new issue to your library by pre-ordering with us online! We cannot wait for this new issue to arrive February 15th!
Cocoknits Triangle Stitch Markers
Can we begin to tell you how excited Ann is that Cocoknits is making triangle stitch markers? She loves Cocoknits stitch markers and has been using the round version but she really adores using a triangle stitch marker. The angled shape make it easy to pick the marker up to slip from needle to needle. Now two useful tools have been combined to perfection and put in a tin. Better grab these while they are in stock, Ann might buy them all!
Cocoknits Accessory Roll
Another must have from Cocoknits, their new Accessory Roll! Made of durable washable kraft paper, this case is comprised of an outer wrap that encloses four removable triangular envelope-style pouches attached by snaps. Colorfully elastic bands hold the roll and/or pouches closed. Fill up each section with your knitting notions (like the new triangle markers!), craft tools, earbuds, phone charger, and bottle opener – really whatever you need to have at hand. Take the whole roll, or simply unsnap one or two pouches to toss into multiple knitting bags or your daily bag and you'll be sure to have everything in place with you at all times. Such a clever and useful thing!
Cocoknits Project Portfolio
Keep your patterns, notes, magazines and/or tablet organized and stylish with the Cocoknits Project Portfolio. This wonderful new item is made of the same sturdy washable kraft paper as their Accessory Roll - a paper that softens with age resembling something of a leather-like texture. Spine elastic secures up to 4 magazines/books/journals, 3 interior pockets store iPad/tablet, phone, loose-leaf papers, pen/pencil and other small necessities. A flat elastic band holds the portfolio closed, and all elastics can be customized with any of three additional colors provided. This is going to be a great companion to our Cocoknits Sweater Workshop book!
PomPom's Knit How
Know someone who is looking to pick up a new hobby this year? PomPom's latest book, Knit How is the only guide a novice will need to start a journey through the world of all things yarn and knitting! Knit How is a friendly and easy-to-use introduction to knitting and includes ten knitting patterns for accessories and garments, along with illustrated techniques and essential top tips for the beginner knitter, all in PomPom’s signature style. Add in a skein of yarn and some needles (or perhaps a MK gift card) for a great gift!
New Katrinkles Mini Tools and Cedar Charms
If you loved Katrinkles first set of mini wooden tools, then you'll love these new ones! Each one is etched with the following stitch patterns/techniques: German Short Row, Wrap and Turn, Brioche Basics, and Brioche Increases + Decreases and features a little chain so you can hang on your project or notions bag. Now you won't have to search online each time - you'll have instructions at the ready!
Add one or all four of these along with their new cedar charms. These adorable heart shaped cedar charms can be tossed inside your bag to keep your woolly knits fresh and moth free. Leave them looped together or separate the set. These Cedar Charms also make a wonderful gift for your wool loving friends. How cute would they be adorned on a valentine gift?
All of us at Monarch spend a lot of time culling through Ravelry, Facebook and Instagram for inspiration. We thought it would be fun for each of us to share what has caught our eye in the last month and moved into our Ravelry queues.
Ann: I love nothing more that a long comfortable sweater and Julie Hoover's Dane looks like perfection to me. One of my favorite stitches, moss stitch, is combined with Woolfolk Sno to create this stunningly texture piece. Can you imagine how soft this sweater would be?
Koryn: I bet you guessed my current favorite would be an Andrea Mowry pattern! I am so crushing over her latest: the Shifty sweater. It has the same fun stitch pattern as her Shift cowl and Nightshift Shawl that I just love! Plus, it's knit out of one of my favorite yarns, Spincycle Dyed in the Wool. I've put together some color options over on our Instagram...now which one should I choose?
Diane: Lillet by Thea Colman (of Baby Cocktails fame), has hopped into my favorites this month. It's an attractive simple minded knit you can do with plenty of distraction - perfect for curling up with a movie! I'm way too much of a yarn harlot to narrow it down to one brand, but I think this would be gorgeous out of Sincere Sheep's Worsted in a pretty light blue color.
Jana: I've picked out two gorgeous skeins of Magpie Fiber's Swanky Sock as I think it would be the perfect yarn for the Norrland hat and mitts by Sara Huntington Burch. I love the pattern of intertwining winter trees and snow. I think cables and colorwork would make it a fun knit, too!
Jenn: When Ann texted me sneak peek's of her Weekender, I knew I had to add this sweater by Andrea Mowry onto the top of my knit list! She used Shibui Knits Birch and Pebble (my favorite!) in velvet and it is seriously so stunning! Doesn't it look so great on Eva? Maybe we can do a KAL! I cannot wait to see it in person at Stitches West!
Heather: When Joji Locatelli's released her newest sock pattern, Curiosity and Opportunity, I knew it had to hop into my queue! Heavily textured with cables, slip stitches and ribbing, I can tell I won't get bored with this pattern. Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock would be so pretty as a pair of these socks.
Aylssa: I am loving Dissent by Andrea Rangel this month. It looks like such a cool pattern! A bit of seamless knit in the round with a bit of yoke colorwork that is then (eek!) steeked to make a cardigan. I'm thinking I'll go with Cumbria Worsted and Spincycle Yarns Dream State.
Classes and Events...
Beginning Knitting Workshop Saturday, February 2nd and 9th from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, March 9th and 16th from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, April 6th and 13th 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!
Beginning Crochet Classes Saturdays: February 16th, March 23 and April 27th
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.
Knitting Hats 101
Saturday, February 2nd and 9th, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
$60.00
If you are a beginning knitter and want to learn some new skills, this is the class for you! In part one, we will cast-on to circular needles, join to knit in the round, talk about how to read a knitting pattern and discuss what to look for in the perfect hat. Over the next week you will knit up to the crown of the hat. The next Saturday, we will meet and switch our knitting on to double pointed needles, make the decreases for the crown and finish off the hat. We will talk about the different way to block your new hat. So join us to learn how to knit the perfect hat, and in doing so you gain the skills to tackle many hat patterns and cowls.
Skill Level: You must have taken our beginning knitting class or be familiar with casting on, knitting, purling and binding off.
Supplies: 1 skein worsted weight yarn, US 7-16" needles and US 7 double pointed needles
Homework: Please buy the yarn and needles ahead of class time.
We had a blast at Stitches West this past year so we are heading back to this fun event again. During the time we are away, the store will have reduced hours and be closed. Thank for your understanding and we hope you'll join us in Santa Clara!
Thursday, February 21, closed
Friday, February 22, closed
Saturday, February 23, closed
Sunday, February 24, closed
Monday, February 25, we will open at 10:00 am
The Language of Knitting Patterns Saturday, March 2nd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Working in the shop, we are quite often asked to decipher knitting patterns for clients, or we hear, "I love to knit, but I can never understand a knitting pattern". Join Ann for this two-hour workshop where we will dive into the language of a knitting pattern. We will talk about suggested yarns, yardage, gauge, hints about how to select the best size to knit and, the dreaded word: ease. Then we will delve into how to approach a knitting pattern and how they are written. Abbreviations, repeats and chart reading will all be covered. We will also talk about the best practices for keeping track of where you are in a pattern. You will walk away from this workshop ready to tackle more challenging patterns, whether you are a beginning or intermediate knitter.
Skill level: You must understand the basics of knitting.
Short Rows 101 Saturday, March 9th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Do you look at a pattern and see short rows listed among the techniques and move on to another design? Don't be intimidated any longer! In our Short Rows Made Simple workshop we will practice three types of short rows: the wrap and turn, German, and Japanese. We will discuss the hows and whys of short rows and, by the end of class, you will have your favorite that you will turn to time and time again. Join us for this round up of short row techniques so you can take them on with ease and confidence!
Skill level: This class will be fairly fast paced. You must knit and purl with ease and understand knit and purl combinations.
Supplies:Medium weight yarn in a light color and needles suitable for the weight.
Homework: Please cast on 25 stitches and knit in stockinette stitch for 2 inches. Bring the swatch live on the needles and we will work from that.
Intarsia 101 Saturday, April 6th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Intarsia is a knitting technique that produces "pictures" or blocks of color in your project. Instead of stranding the color across the back of the work as you do in fair isle, you introduce and knit the new color in the middle of the work. Join Koryn as she leads you through this fun process. She will cover reading a color-work chart, duplicate stitch and how to knit using the Intarsia method. She will also give tips for how to avoid holes and invisibly weave in ends. When you leave class you will have knit a heart sampler and have the skills you need to try an intarsia project!
Skill Level: You must be very comfortable with the knit and purl stitches.
Supplies:Two skeins of worsted weight yarn in contrasting colors (75 yards each), an appropriate needle (US 7 or 8) and a tapestry needle.
Homework: We will be sending the homework on the 15th of February.
Learn How to Tunisian Crochet! Saturday, April 13th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
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 lovely spring 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 H Tunisian crochet hook.
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)
If you have a group that would like to meet at Monarch you can contact us to set up a date and time.
Knitting in the Morning
Tuesdays, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Are mornings a perfect time for you? Bring your coffee, a project, and socialize with other knitters around the table.
Knitting in the Afternoon
Wednesdays, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Thursdays, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Get all of your work and errands done for the day and ease into the evening with a couple hours of knitting.
Knitting in the Evening The 1st Tuesday of each month, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Drop in and knit with a friendly group. See what others are working on and be inspired!
Knit with us (and get your knitting questions answered!)
Sundays, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
We love to have you around the project table, so please come by with your knitting projects. Are you stuck on something? Jana will be here to answer all of your questions. Even if you do not have any questions, just come by to knit!
