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Knit...and be happy!

June 2019
 Projects of the Month...
Pretty Perfect Square

We're brightening up our summer with this Pretty Perfect Square.  Color changing stripes of Rowan Kidsilk Haze really make this easy to knit pattern pop.  An i-cord edge keeps you engaged, while the yarn itself keeps you wanting to knit more.  This square is truly the perfect project to add to you summer wardrobe.  

Pattern: Pretty Perfect Square by Churchmouse
Yardage: 752 yards
Needle Size: US 3 - 3.25 mm 
Recommended: Yarns: Pretty Perfect Square Kits (to make the 30" square)

Windom Silk Wrap
 

A stunning combination of alpaca and silk yarns are knit to create the perfect summer shawl. The Windom Silk Wrap by Virginia Sattler-Reimer is a great project for beginners, as it is a simple combination of knits and purls. Beautiful yarn and a simple knit make this a relaxing vacation project. The best thing is that there are no ends to weave in... they create the fringe. What an elegant addition to outfit on a cool evening!

Pattern: Windom Silk Wrap by Virginia Sattler-Reimer
Yardage: 730 yards
Needle Size: US 8  - 5 mm 
Recommended: Yarns:  Windom Silk Wrap Kits

Shiftalong
 

Are you an Andrea Mowry Shift and Spincycle addict?  Then the Shiftalong hat is for you. Knit in the same knit, slip rhythm as the other Shift projects this mosaic pattern is fun and relaxing to knit. We don't have a sample in the store yet, but Koryn is sure to get one knit up soon! Sized from child to large adult, you can make one for the whole family!  How cute would that be?

Pattern: Shiftalong by Andrea Mowry
Yardage: 240 - 360 yards
Needle Size: US 2 (2.75mm) and US 4 (3.5 mm)
Recommended: Yarns:  Shiftalong Kits


Get these lovely
yarns before they're gone!
(all 25% off)


Shibui Poppy, Fog
Field and Brick
Shibui Maai
Shibui  Birch
Knit, Blog & Be Happy...
It was an absolute pleasure to spend some time getting to know Kjerste, the powerhouse mixologist behind Wax&Wool.  Read all about her start in the world of candle making, where she's headed, and what's on her needles...

Welcome Kjerste of Wax&Wool
 Summer Knitalongs...


Farmer's Daughter Fibers
Local Yarn Shop Knit Along and Giveaway

 
Friends, this is an awesome knit along!  Purchase any Farmer's Daughter from us, between Memorial and Labor Day,  and knit away this summer. Bring your finished project into the store, or send us a photo of the FO by Labor Day, and you will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket filled with items curated by Farmer's Daughter. The winner of the gift basket will then be entered into a grand prize drawing for a spot at the Farmer's Daughter Retreat in Montana (exclusive of travel costs) OR a $500.00 gift card from Farmer's Daughter.  How amazing is that!

Here are the Farmer's Daughter Fibers we currently stock. Click on the name to see them in  our online store.  We have included some pattern ideas for inspiration!
Foxy Lady and Squish Fingering: Free Your FadeWhat the FadeSlow Curves,  or Marettimo 
Juicy DK: Kodikas or Odyssey Shawl (This is on Ann's list!)
Craggy Tweed: Ninilchik Swoncho, Nutured or Kobuk
Squish Worsted: Prairie Skies, Weekender or Foxtrot Cardigan, Olive Knits 4-day Summer KAL (see below!)
 
Olive Knits Foxtrot
Third Annual 4 Day KAL

 
Can you knit a sweater in 4 days? Yes, you can! Ann did it last year, and Marie Greene of Olive Knits makes it easy.  Gather you yarn and notions, knit a gauge swatch and be ready to go on the 4th of July when she releases her pattern. New knitters: worry not! She does give you some "wiggle" room and the KAL is open two weeks. 

Sizing: 38.4 to 58.4 bust size with a relaxed fit of 6.4 inches of positive ease
Yardage: 857 to 1667 yards of worsted weight superwash
Needle Size: US 3 - 3.25 mm, US 5 - 3.75 mm, US 7 - 4.5 mm
Recommended: Yarns: Plymouth Worsted Merino Superwash, Madelinetosh Vintage, JaggerSpun Moussam FallsFarmer's Daughter Squish Worsted

 
Classes and Events...
Brioche Stitch 101
Saturday, June 1st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
Brioche has remained ever so popular!  We can see why too, as 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.
 
Continental Knitting Workshop
Saturday, June 8th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
(This class is sold out.  We have another class on September 7th!)

 
Have you always wanted to learn about Continental Knitting or "picking"? It is a more ergonomic way to knit as the movements are small and more efficient than throwing. Once you learn the knit and purl stitches, you will be able to breeze through seed stitch patterns and ribbing.  If you admire color work, this class will get you ready to use both hands, making fair isle a joy to knit.  We will learn the continental knit and purl stitches and move into knit 1, purl 1 ribbing so you can practice your new skills. This class is 2 hours to allow you plenty of time to sit and knit so you are comfortable with the picking method.

Skill level: This class is suitable for the beginner who knows how to knit and purl to the advance knitter. 
Supplies: Please bring about 100-120 yards of worsted or DK light colored yarn, the appropriately sized needles, and patience.

Click here for online registration.
 
Brioche Stitch 102
Saturday, June 22nd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
We have had a number of people ask for a follow up class to our Brioche 101, and here it is!  In Brioche 102 will cover increases and directional decreases.  Koryn will also demonstrate how to pick up a stitch, tink back, and rip out rows. After this class you will be able to take on all of those amazing Brioches shawls and hats you are seeing all over instagram!
 
Skill Level: You must have taken our Brioche Stitch Workshop (offered on June 1st) or be very familiar with the basic and two-color brioche stitch.
Supplies: 30 yards worsted weight yarn in a light color and Size US 8 needle.
Homework: Cast on 21 stitches.
Set up row - Sl1 Knitwise, *YF, Sl1, K1*, repeat between the *’s to the end. 
Row 1 - Sl1 Knitwise, *K2tog, YF, Sl1* to last 3 stitches , K2tog, K1
Row 2 - Sl1 Knitwise, *YF, Sl1, K2tog* to last 2 stitches, YF, Sl1, K1
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for about 2”. Do not bind off. 

Click here for online registration.
 
Learn How to Tunisian Crochet!
Saturday, June 29th, 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 spring would be the perfect time to pick up a new, crafty skill. This beginner workshop will feature a Tunisian crochet washcloth and cover the basic such as the foundation chain and preparation and 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.
 
 
A Day of Shibui Fun with Sandy and Britt-Marie
September 21st from 10:00am to 5:00pm
 
The dynamic duo will be visiting Monarch this fall!  Friends, this is a splendid event that you do not want to miss.  Sandy Barnes, sales manager for Shibui Knits, and Britt Marie Bremmer, our sales representative, will be here all day with the new Fall pieces from Shibui and some surprises knit in Shibui yarn. Sandy provided the vision for the collection and she is going to bring the sketches that Sivia Harding used to create the pieces. Plus, we will be featuring Shibui’s new fall yarn... we are all in LOVE with it! It is going to be an inspiring day filled with treats and prize drawings, too.

So plan a day in Pacific Grove, perhaps lunch and a walk by the seashore then a visit to the shop to kick off the knitting season! 
 
New Products...
Sock Tools from Katrinkles!

Attention sock knitters!  Katrinkles has just released some really great new tools for you!  Introducing this great new sock ruler that includes US and European show sizes.  This handy ruler works well in conjunction with their new mini tools that list the lengths for US and European shoe sizes and suggest sock lengths based on negative ease.  How nifty is that?  

Katrinkles Tools
Sweet Georgia Prismatic Mini-Mini Yarn Set

The cutest new set of mini-minis from our friends at Sweet Georgia. What’s a “mini-mini skein”? It’s half the size of their Party of Five mini-skeins and we're obsessed!  Each set contains 12 colors of Tough Love Sock, each approximately 50-52 yards for a total of at least 600 yards - perfect amount for a variety of color work projects, or break them up to add accents to your other knit projects.  



 
Wax and Wool - new scents

We just couldn't resist adding some lovely new scents from Wax & Wool!  Japanese Cherry Blossom, Coconut Lime, and Pretty in Pink along with English Lavender and our Pebble Beach scent. All of their candles are poured with pure white soy wax which allows for a clean nice burn. Treat yourself for a summer scent from Wax & Wool.

Wax and Wool Candles

New 65South Totes

Send SOS!  Please help us in keeping us from stocking up on these cute new prints for ourselves!  These light-weight bags are back in the shop, but not for long as they tend to go quick!

Laine, Summer 2019
This beautiful publication is back at it with another must-have issue to add to your library.  Laine Summer 2019 is on our bookshelf at the store. Beautiful knitting patterns, portrait interviews, and articles with some wonderful new makers, seasonal recipes and, as always, stunning photography throughout.  We are excited to dive into this new issue, just in time for summer! 

Laine Summer 2019
Rowan Cotton Glace

Dive right                                                                                                  ninto summer with Rowan's Cotton Glace. Beautiful 100% combed cotton is richly dyed in a variety of solid colors that have a slight sheen.  This DK-weight yarn is machine washable, making it great for baby knits and warm weather knitting.  

Rowan Cotton Glace

Rowan Kid Silk Haze

Considered a classic staple, Rowan Kid Silk Haze is one of our go-to yarns when we crave a bit of understated luxury or want to add a soft halo to a project. We've recently added a ton of new colors to the shop, both in store and online.  Perhaps make up your own Pretty Perfect Square color kit?

Rowan Kid Silk Haze

Staff Inspirations...
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: Joji Locatelli's Night Out Cardigan is just the kind of sweater I love to wear. A little bit of lace on the front of the sweater makes this otherwise simple cardigan special. I have some Madelinetosh Sock in Aura that would make it a lovely knit. Dress it up or down, Night out is a great wardrobe staple.

Koryn: Swooping Scoop Top by Jessie Mae is such a cute spring/summer piece! Knit with doubled sock or DK-weight and on big needles, it is sure to knit up quick. And that’s just what I’m craving as my little guy sure does keep me busy!  I’d love to make this in Hedgehogs Fibres as I just love their fun colors.

Diane: You know me, always finding cute baby knits! And the Ruffle Romper by Pernille Larsen is just the cutest! I’m using Rowan CashSoft Merino because it has the best pale colors, a crisp hand and to die for sheen. Perfect baby yarn!

Jana:  Shifting Sands by Norah Gaughan from the latest issue of Making was love at first sight. It’s so beautiful! I’m going to use Rowan’s Cotton Glace and Kidsilk Haze in Persimmon held together because, well you know, perfect ORANGE!

Jenn:  The projects for June were definitely contenders - I love stripes for summer!  But when I came across the Half Stripe shawl by Suvi Simola, I knew it had to pop right into my queue! I think this would be really pretty knit up in a trio of neutrals.  Perhaps Brooklyn Tweed’s Peerie.

Heather:  The cutest kittens popped up in my feed and I just had to have them.  Meet Mochi & Oreo: an adorable crochet toy pattern that just looks like so much fun. I love that they can be customized.  I’ve picked out some Rowan Cotton Glace for these that'll make cute little gifts.

Aylssa:  I am absolutely in love with the fabric Shibui Vine makes. Such a beautiful yarn - especially for layering pieces like the Meander top by Yumiko Alexander. I love the pattern detail!  Now to choose a color... neutral or a pop?  
Classes and Events...
Beginning Knitting Workshop
Saturday, June 8th  and 15th from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, July 13th and 20th  from noon to 1:30 pm
Saturday, August 10th and 17th and  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 June Class.
Click here to register for the July class.
Click here for register for the August class.

 


Beginning Crochet Classes
Saturdays: June 22nd,  July 27th, and August 24th
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. 
 


Brioche Stitch 101
Saturday, June 1st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
Brioche has still remained ever so popular!  We can see why too, as 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.
 
 
Continental Knitting Workshop
Saturday, June 8th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
Have you always wanted to learn about Continental Knitting or "picking"? It is a more ergonomic way to knit as the movements are small and more efficient than throwing. Once you learn the knit and purl stitches, you will be able to breeze through seed stitch patterns and ribbing.  If you admire color work, this class will get you ready to use both hands, making fair isle a joy to knit.  We will learn the continental knit and purl stitches and move into knit 1, purl 1 ribbing so you can practice your new skills. This class is 2 hours to allow you plenty of time to sit and knit so you are comfortable with the picking method.

Skill level: This class is suitable for the beginner who knows how to knit and purl to the advance knitter. 
Supplies: Please bring about 100-120 yards of worsted or DK light colored yarn, the appropriately sized needles, and patience.

Click here for online registration.
 
 
Brioche Stitch 102
Saturday, June 22nd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
We have had a number of people ask for a follow up class to our Brioche 101, and here it is!  In Brioche 102 we will cover increases and directional decreases.  Koryn will also demonstrate how to pick up a stitch, tink back, and rip out rows. After this class you will be able to take on all of those amazing Brioches shawls and hats you are seeing all over instagram!
 
Skill Level: You must have taken our Brioche Stitch Workshop (offered on June 1st) or be very familiar with the basic and two-color brioche stitch.
Supplies: 30 yards worsted weight yarn in a light color and Size US 8 needle.
Homework: Cast on 21 stitches.
Set up row - Sl1 Knitwise, *YF, Sl1, K1*, repeat between the *’s to the end. 
Row 1 - Sl1 Knitwise, *K2tog, YF, Sl1* to last 3 stitches , K2tog, K1
Row 2 - Sl1 Knitwise, *YF, Sl1, K2tog* to last 2 stitches, YF, Sl1, K1
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for about 2”. Do not bind off. 

Click here for online registration.
 


Learn How to Tunisian Crochet!
Saturday, June 29th, 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 spring 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 such as the foundation chain and preparation and 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.
 
 

Christmas Stocking Workshop
Part 1 - Saturday, July 13th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Part 2 - Saturday, July 27th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$80.00

Summer is the perfect time to cast-on and knit a Christmas stocking for someone special.  The project is small and portable for travel and this                  quick project will be complete and ready to hang on the mantle come the holiday season. In this two-session class, you will cast on the stocking and learn about turning the cuff, afterthought heels, toe decreases, and making I-cord. We will also teach you how to duplicate stitch a name onto your finished stocking. The best thing about knitting a Christmas stocking is that you will not experience "Second-Sock Syndrome!" So join us to create a special Christmas stocking that will be cherished for years to come.
 
Skill Level: You must be comfortable with knitting in the round and using circular and double pointed needles.
Supplies: 174-410 yards of worsted weight yarn, depending on the size of the stocking you choose to knit, US 7 needles and the Churchmouse Christmas Stocking pattern.
Homework: Please knit a swatch and ensure you are getting gauge prior to the class.

Click here for online registration.
 
 
Become a Pom Pom Master
 Saturday, July 20th, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
$25.00

Join us for a one-hour, hands-on workshop featuring the Loome tool. Koryn will teach you to make big fluffy pom poms and tassels.  You will also learn the two best methods for attaching them to your projects as well as how to string them for a fun garland.  The workshop price includes a Loome tool and yarn for practice. Come to Monarch for a Saturday filled with fun and color!

Supplies: The yarn and the Loome tool is included in the price of the workshop.

Click here for online registration.
 


Learn How to Tunisian Crochet!
Saturday, August 10th, 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 spring 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.
 
Click here for online registration.
 

Salt Point Cowl - Learn How to Fair Isle
Saturday, August 17th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
As Koryn was knitting the beautiful Salt Point Cowl, she realized that this would make the perfect project to introduce fair isle knitting. In this class we will show you ow to work with two colors simultaneously, strand you yarn, read a color-work chart and how to correct a mistake using the duplicate stitch.  Salt Point will have you addicted to fair isle knitting in no time!

Skill level: You must be familiar with knitting in the round.
Homework: Please cast on, join in the round and knit the first row
Supplies: Salt Point Cowl Kit and US 5 16-inch circular needle.

Click here for online registration.
 
 
Continental Knitting Workshop
Saturday, September 7th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00

 
Have you always wanted to learn about Continental Knitting or "picking"? It is a more ergonomic way to knit as the movements are small and more efficient than throwing. Once you learn the knit and purl stitches, you will be able to breeze through seed stitch patterns and ribbing.  If you admire color work, this class will get you ready to use both hands, making fair isle a joy to knit.  We will learn the continental knit and purl stitches and move into knit 1, purl 1 ribbing so you can practice your new skills. This class is 2 hours to allow you plenty of time to sit and knit so you are comfortable with the picking method.

Skill level: This class is suitable for the beginner who knows how to knit and purl to the advance knitter. 
Supplies: Please bring about 100-120 yards of worsted or DK light colored yarn, the appropriately sized needles, and patience.

Click here for online registration.
 
 
A Day of Shibui Fun with Sandy and Britt-Marie
September 21st from 10:00am to 5:00pm
 
The dynamic duo will be visiting Monarch this fall!  Friends, this is a splendid event that you do not want to miss.  Sandy Barnes, sales manager for Shibui Knits, and Britt Marie Bremmer, our sales representative, will be here all day with the new Fall pieces from Shibui and some surprises knit in Shibui yarn. Sandy provided the vision for the collection and she is going to bring the sketches that Sivia Harding used to create the pieces. Plus, we will be featuring Shibui’s new fall yarn... we are all in LOVE with it! It is going to be an inspiring day filled with treats and prize drawings, too.

So plan a day in Pacific Grove, perhaps lunch and a walk by the seashore then a visit to the shop to kick off the knitting season! 

 
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.

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!

 
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All photos are copyright of Monarch Knitting, unless otherwise noted.
Image credits:  •  • • • Staff Favorite images can be found via raverly, links provided in descriptions.
Copyright © 2019 Monarch Knitting, All rights reserved.


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