It finally feels like summer! Yesterday, a good friend and I went to the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco for the Bouquets to Art exhibit. Local florists designers adorn the galleries with arrangements that are inspired by paintings and sculptures in the museum's permanent collection. A day filled with art and flowers...what could be more perfect?! The tickets are sold out for this year but keep an eye for next year's event, it really is a lovely exhibition. Lots of inspiration for summer colors, even potential projects...
I finished my Simple Stripes sweater and love it. It fits perfectly, with an unusual twist for me: colorful stripes! I chose a few colors that I'd be easily able to weave into my wardrobe, but the pattern feels like the perfect, cheery diversion from what I typically knit for myself. We have kits in the newsletter for the Simple Stripes sweater, as well as a few notes on blocking (in the While We Knit section) that you might find helpful.
Koryn has designed a couple of darling hats and we just cannot resist sharing them. Sweet Stripes is the perfect gift for a new baby, when you just want to gift a little something made with love. How cute is that Sparkler Hat, too?? You'll see these further down the newsletter.
Many of you have been wondering when we will open the knitting table, private and group classes; as soon as we can, we will! I would love to say the 15th of the month, but I cannot promise anything. Until we hear from the state and the county, I am only guessing. Keep an eye out on our social media and here for updates! We can hardly wait to have knitting groups and classes in the shop again.
Knit, and be happy,
Ann
Berroco Suede
Online-Only Sale!
Berroco Suede is a worsted weight, nylon yarn that has the look and feel of suede. We made many a baby bomber hat and baby booties with this yarn! Alas, we cannot get the coordinating yarn for those projects any longer so we must let this shop favorite go. If you have a bit of white fluffy yarn or just want to make a fun project with a soft suede texture, snap up the last few skeins this weekend. It would make a cute edging to a baby blanket too!
Here are some great project suggestions for Skinny Jeans:
Do you love a pattern that combines meditative work with a little bit of interest? Venezia by Joji Locatelli is just the shawl for you. Worked from tip to tip, it is framed by a gorgeous reversible diamond lace motif, and the main body of the shawl is worked in ribbing. With tapered ends, this shawl's shape is like a scarf, making for such a lovely versatile accessory. Knit using LITLG Sock Singles—we think it’s perfect for that little bit of cozy at a lighter weight. Cast on this precious, delicate shawlette to your needles this summer!
Needles: US 7 (4.5mm)
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Venezia Shawl (The kit includes the pattern.)
Ruffle Cuff Shorty Socks
Designed by Jodi Brown of GroceryGirl fame, these socks are a very fun and very quick knit. This pattern features an adorable ruffle cuff and an ingenious cut-in afterthought heel. Start from the top down with Hedgehog Sock Yarn and mini and a bar of Tuft Sock Soap. The socks’ shorter length makes them perfect for warm weather—and you’ll finish them much faster. What a great project for you or the sock knitter in your life!
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm) Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Ruffle Cuff Shorty Socks (The kit includes the pattern.)
Sparkler Hat
We took the cheerfully bright new Camp Color yarn in colors Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Love is Love to knit this oh-so fun hat. A simple welted brim forms the base of this easy-peasy pattern designed by Koryn. The color magic of the yarn does the rest for you as you knit toward the adorable sparkling i-cord topper. Add some pizzaz to your needles with this charming little knit!
Needles: US 3 (2.5 mm)
Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors and stitch markers
Sizes: 6 months to 2 years Sparkler Hat (The kit includes the pattern.)
Sweet Stripes Baby Hat
Do you need a quick baby knit? Our adorable Sweet Stripes Baby Hat is the perfect cheerful knit for a special little someone. Knit this hat in no time at all with Rowan Summerlite DK. You might even have enough left over for some booties or another hat with reversed stripes! Isn't that little i-cord loop just the sweetest topper?
Needle: US 3 (3.25 mm) 16” circular needle
Notions: Tapestry Needle, stitch markers, scissors Sweet Stripes Baby Hat (The kit includes the pattern.)
Simple Stripes
Five different colors in one sweater? On me? Yes, indeed, and I love it! Simple Stripes by SuviKnits was so much fun to knit. It's a top-down stockinette stitch sweater with color changes every few rows. It flew off my needles! I enjoyed using Hudson + West Weld for the project; the colors are beautiful, and the blocked result is a soft but structured sweater. The folded hem detail is a nice finishing touch. Pick up a Simple Stripes kit or select your own colors from our collection of Weld. Either way, you will have a completed sweater in no time...
Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) and US 3 (3.25mm) circular needle, 16” / 40 cm and 32” / 80 cm long and US 4 (3.5mm) and US 3 (3.25mm) for working in the round for sleeves, DPN or long needle for magic loop.
Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle
Finished chest circumference (inches): XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL); 31 ¾ (35 ¾, 39 ¾, 44, 48, 52, 56 ¼, 60 ¼)” / 79 (89.5, 99.5, 110, 120, 130, 140.5, 150.5) cm; To fit the actual bust 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)” / 70 (80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140) cm Designed to be worn with approximately 4” / 10 cm of positive ease. Simple Stripes (The kit includes the pattern.)
Get this darling hat kit while supplies last! Wolfie by Natasja Hornby is fresh and fun, especially cute in the blue and white combination! The hat starts with a corrugated rib that moves into a simple Fair Isle pattern. Knit these two hats with one kit by just reversing the colors!
New in the shop!
Atenti Hope Basket - A project bag that is both stylish and functional, this roomy stand-alone rolls down for easy access and has three pockets, perfect for storing your accessories. Fully lined in light tan water repellent taffeta, it features a wide opening and two handles.
Atenti Caddy - Functional and cute, this stand-alone, carry around organizer is perfect to store and keep all of your tools and notions handy. It's fully lined and has four outside and four inside pockets with an ample center well and an ultra-suede handle.
Stars & Stripes Baby Blanket - Appalachian Baby has added this darling blanket to their Stars & Stripes collection, just in time for summer fun. A gender neutral pullover blanket with classic stripes and stars in their 100% organic cotton. This easy-care blanket will be just what you are looking for when you want to cuddle your little one.
In case you missed it: last week's new additions...
Camp Colors - If you follow us on social media, you may have noticed last week that we played along with the launch of Shibui's new sister line, Camp Colors Yarns! Their introductory yarn is a soft fingering-weight 100% merino wool (do you remember Shibui Sock?) that has been dyed in three color collections: High Fidelity, Rainbow is My Favorite Color and Sweet Tooth. Each collection features a fun designer collab, too! Read all about this fantastic new brand over on our blog!
New Ribbon Street - Our favorite zippered cotton pouches are restocked! Locally made in Santa Cruz, these lovely project bags will happily hold and transport your knitting projects. The cute fabrics on the outside correspond with a complimentary fabric liner. Each bag is finished and topped off with a sturdy removable Japanese woven ribbon key hook wristlet, which allows you to wear it while you knit. Available in store only. If you'd like to order, send us an email at hello@monarchknitting.com
Kits to Keep You Knitting
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Monarch Knitting's Zoom classes will be limited in number, as determined by the instructor. We will have a moderator in the class to ask the instructor any questions and attend to any technical questions. All attendees will be muted during the teaching portion, so the instructor is free to carry out their class outline. Don't worry, you can ask your questions via chat! We will also open the floor from time to time for you ask your questions directly.
We suggest that you find a good Internet connection, so the class video does not buffer too much. Zoom suggests you have at least 2 MPBS upload and download speed from your internet service provider. Note: We will not be providing refunds for clients with connectivity issues.
Introduction to Intarsia
A Virtual Workshop with Josie Flores, KnitChats
Sold Out - Friday, June 11th, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday June 29th, from 11:00am to 12:30 pm
$30.00
Expand your color-work skills and learn the basics of flat Intarsia knitting! We’ll cover the concept of incorporating sections of color within knitted fabric, how to transition between colors and ways to manage your yarn. The class practice sample will be the Cityscape template from MDK Field Guide #16: Painterly, which we will cast on together. We’ll spend our time knitting a good-sized sample and by the end of our workshop, you’ll be confident with the basic technique. You may continue to knit the full scarf or simply be inspired to make other lovely projects in the book!
Skills: Must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off
Materials for class sample: Cityscape Scarf pattern, MDK Field Guide #16: Painterly Smooth, DK weight yarn in 4 or more contrasting colors (Rowan Felted Tweed) *Note: You may also review the pattern on p. 30/34 for the full color range pictured in the scarf. Size US 5 needle (or appropriate size for your gauge), 12” or longer straight or 24” circular *Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4” in stockinette 2 stitch markers
Pre-work: Review the Cityscape Scarf color diagram on page 34 and plan your color placement. With your choice of color for “1”, cast on 52 sts and leave on your needles.
Mosaic Knitting - Colorwork Made Easy
A Virtual Workshop with Christina, KnitChats
Monday, June 14th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Knitting legend Barbara Walker created this beautiful style of colorwork in the 1960’s. Mosaic knitting creates a beautiful fabric that is great for snuggly blankets, squishy sweaters and other cozy items. The technique, which uses slipped stitches, looks complicated but it is so easy to learn. It is an ideal starting point for beginners who would like to try colorwork and working with charts. Seasoned stitchers will also marvel at the elegance and simplicity of mosaic knitting. In this class, we’ll work together to create two swatches in both stockinette and garter stitch using a chart from her innovative book Mosaic Knitting.
Skills required: Knowledge of knit and purl stitch
Supplies: Two (2) charts for Mosaic #8 (provided in class materials), Two (2) contrasting-color worsted yarns (MC and CC) approx. 120 yards each. (Brooklyn Tweed Shelter), Straight or circular knitting needles in a size you like for knitting worsted weight yarn flat – US 6, US 7 or US 8, Six stitch markers: two of one type, 3 of another, another unique marker to show the RS of the work, Preferred method to count rows – row counter, pencil and paper etc., Ruler or tape measure, Piece of paper or card stock to cover the top part of the chart while you are working
Pre-work: We will be making two(2) swatches in this class. Cast-on 35 stitches with one color (MC) two times; one cast-on for each swatch, each cast-on on a separate needle. If you only have one set of needles in your desired size, you can either use another needle one size up or down or put one cast-on on a stitch holder. Long-tail cast on is ideal, but you may use your preferred method. Purl one row. Gauge is not essential for this project. Please have this ready at the beginning of class.
Crosswise Cadence Glove Workshop
A 2-part Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, KnitChats Sold Out - Tuesday, June 15th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 pm AND Tuesday, June 22nd, 11:00 AM - noon
Wednesday, July 7th, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM AND Wednesday, July 14th, 11:00 AM - noon
$45.00
Learn to knit the Crosswise Cadence Gloves from the designer herself! Join Amy Odin, KnitChats Coach, teacher and designer as she guides you through this project in two separate sessions, one week apart. The gloves are worked in the round and feature a delightful and unusual diagonal slip stitch pattern. For the first session, Amy will help you master the eight-row repeat that creates the slip stitches. She will explain and demonstrate how to work through the thumb gusset in preparation for the second session. The following week you will complete the thumb and resume the slip stitch pattern to finish the glove.
Skills required:
Must be able to knit in the round using double pointed needles (DPNs) or other preferred method *
*Note that class demonstrations will be worked using DPNs. Students are responsible for making pattern adjustments if Magic loop method or using two 16” needles are used
Supplies:
200-240 yds (depending on size – see pattern) fingering weight yarn in a variegated or solid color. If using a variegated yarn, be sure there are no extreme contrasts of light and dark. This will hide the slip stitch pattern. - We will have kits including the yarn and pattern on next week's newsletter.
Size US 2 DPNs or size to get gauge (28 sts and 44 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette St after blocking)
Waste yarn for holding live stitches
“Crosswise Cadence Gloves” Pattern available for purchase on Ravelry
Pre-work:
Complete a gauge swatch to determine correct needle size.
Cast on for the project in your preferred glove size, work the twisted rib cuff (22 rnds), then knit one rnd.
Learn to Knit Continental Style A Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, Knit Chats
Sold Out - Wednesday, June 16th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Friday, July 2nd, from 11:00am to 12:30pm $30.00
Have you always wanted to knit faster? Does knitting British Style cause you pain or strain? Join Amy Odin, KnitChats Coach, teacher and independent designer, as she teaches you how to knit Contintental Style (sometimes referred to as “picking”). This technique offers you a different way to knit that feeds your yarn from your left hand, resulting in smaller, faster motions. This style is loved by those that are both right and left handed! You’ll learn how to work the knit and purl stitch, alternate knit and purl stitches in a row, and understand how to approach special stitches such as increases and decreases.
Skills required: Must have basic knitting skills.
Supplies: One Skein of worsted weight solid light colored yarn Size 7 or 8 straight, or 24” circular knitting needles
Pre-work: Cast on 30 stitches and work in garter stitch (knit every row) for approximately two inches. Keep on the needles – do not bind off.
Introduction to Stranded/Fair Isle Knitting
A two-part Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, KnitChats
Wednesdays, June 23rd and 30th from 11:00 AM to Noon
Have you wanted to master Stranded/Fair Isle Knitting? This is the introduction that will set you on your way! Knit the Flor Vieja Cowl, a simple yet beautiful repeating design that will give you a basic understanding of the technique. Follow along with teacher, designer and KnitChats Coach Amy Odin in this two-part class as she demonstrates how to manage and knit two colors of yarn across one row. She will also teach how to read a simple colorwork chart that accompanies the pattern. Also included are detailed instructions and demonstrations for catching your floats with both main and contrasting colors.
Skills required: Must know how to cast on, join in the round, and knit.
Supplies: Free pattern – Flor Vieja Cowl by Leslie Roth (download from Ravelry), 400 yards total worsted weight yarn (200 for color A, 200 for color B), Size 5 US (24” circular needle), Size 7 US (24” circular needle) or size needed to get gauge (5 sts – 1 inch), 1 stitch marker
Pre-work: With color A, and smaller needles; cast on 128 sts; Place marker and join in the round; Work 8 rounds of 2x2 rib (k2, p2, k2, p2…); Change to larger needles and knit one round
Introduction to Short Rows
A Virtual Workshop with Jessica, Knit Chats
Thursday, June 24th from 11:00am to 12:30pm
What are they? Why are they used? How are they done? What are these unsightly holes where I have turned? Let’s face it: we’ve all posed at least one of these questions when we learned of short rows. Join KnitChats instructor, Jessica, for a dive into short rows! Together, you’ll define short rows, see what magic they have, practice some short row techniques, and troubleshoot not only technique, but also method and yarn pairings as well. See you there!
Supplies: DK or Worsted weight yarn, US 7 or US 8 needles as appropriate for the yarn, and 6 locking stitch markers.
Pre-work: Make three, small swatches:
CO 22
Rows 1-3: Knit
Row 4: K2, P to last 2 sts, K2
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: K2, P to last 2 sts, K2
Row 7: K19 (the last 3 sts are not worked prior to class)
* Move all stitches to a spare needle or keep on working needle. I am using a set of 5 double pointed needles to hold my swatches.
Introduction to Seaming
A Virtual Workshop with Christina Mursa, KnitChats
Friday June 25th from 11:00am to noon
Class description: Good seaming skills make all the difference in achieving a polished and professional look to your handknits. In this 1-hour workshop, we’ll cover two basic seaming methods: Mattress Stitch and Kitchener Stitch. You’ll learn how these techniques are applied to stockinette and garter fabric, including horizontal, vertical and curved edges. Join us and learn to seam with confidence!
You've Knit Your Sweater, Now What?
Did you know that I love to block? It is like magic to me. Doesn't all the yarn that worked so hard for you deserve to enjoy a spa day? Here are a few tips for wet blocking—only a few—because I could go on and on and on...
I purchased a special bucket for blocking, and I use it only for blocking. I worry about cleaning products being left behind in a sink and getting on my finished knits.
If you use your sink, make sure you rinse it well before adding water.
I give my projects a long soak in cold or luke-warm water and Eucalan or Tuft Sock Soap. No less than 30 minutes and usually about an hour.
Lift your project carefully out of the water, supporting its weight so the piece doesn't sag or stretch.
Carefully squeeze the water out of your garment or accessory.
I roll the item between clean towels and apply pressure to remove moisture.
I use Cocoknits Knitter's Block Set as my blocking surface.
For a sweater I gently pat and smooth my projects out to the schematic measurements. I only pin a little something that needs to lay flat.
I use my Lazadas Blocking Wires when blocking a shawl or when I need a straight edge. Usually not on a sweater.
Leave the project to dry completely before moving it.
ENJOY your finished project!
...and here are our suggestions from the last newsletter:
Starting a new sweater project, part 2...
Like I said in the note, I am truly enjoying this sweater project! As promised, here are a few more tips to make your sweater knitting even more enjoyable:
I use interchangable needles when I knit, which allows me to use a great trick that makes knitting in the round a bit smoother. The needle in my right hand, the needle I am knitting onto, is the needle I need for my gauge, in this case a US 5. The needle I knit off, the needle in my left hand, is a US 2. Why, you may ask? The left hand needle is just holding the stitches but, when knitting in the round, you are sizing the stitches with the right hand needle. If you left hand needle is smaller, they slip over the join a bit more easily. Fringe Associate has a little article about it here. Please note: this only works when knitting in the round. If you have some short rows to work, both needles must be the same size for that portion of the pattern.
When I want to try on my top-down sweater, I knit half of the stitches onto another circular needle (US 5 for this sweater). As long as each cord is half of the circumference of the sweater you can carefully try it on. Then you can continue to knit in the round and you stitches will all be on one needle again. FYI, sometimes I do give it a quick steam, but I let it dry completely before trying it on.
My sweater has a lot of stripes so I am weaving in my ends as I go. I don't like to leave that chore to the end.
In-Store, Online, and Phone Shopping Available!
Here's how you can shop with us:
In-Store Shopping - We will be open for in-store shopping Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We will be closed on Sunday. Please note this is for shopping only - we will not be offering knitting/crochet help or private lessons at this time. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these new shop policies. Please visit our website to learn more.
Online Shop - if something is out of stock, please call us, as we are still placing orders and many vendors will ship directly to you!
Phone Orders - please call 831-647-9276 during our business hours, 10:00am to 5:30pm., Monday to Saturday.
Shipping is FREE for purchases over $95.00 and just $7.95 for orders under $95.00. For locals, we offer curbside pick up Monday to Saturday.
Use the comment box to let us know if you would like your yarn wound, or if the items are a gift for a friend--we're happy to include a note.
Join Us on Zoom!
Gather your knitting, a favorite beverage, and join us for a virtual knitting group!
It really is a great way to knit together. If you're joining us (we hope you will!), plan to introduce yourself, tell us where you are, and what you are knitting or crocheting.
Staying connected to our friends is so important at this time, so we will be holding our knitting groups online.
Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to noon
Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Here is how you join in!
To access the virtual knitting group you will need to download Zoom on your phone, computer or tablet. https://zoom.us/signup
If you see a pop-up that says "to hear others please join audio, select the "call using internet audio" option.
You will be connected to the group video call where we can all see and hear everyone. If you have a lot of background noise at home, please mute your microphone and click on when you want to chat!
Please note, this is not a time to get knitting instruction or help. Also, please keep the conversation light and cheerful. This should be a time to find joy in your craft!
As always, watch our social media for updates and reminders.
Monarch Knitting In-Store Shopping Policies
Please be patient with our staff and other customers. We are all doing our best, and respect for one another is extremely important at this time.
You are required to wear a face covering when you enter the shop.
Please maintain 6 feet of distance between other customers in the shop and our staff members.
If interested in a yarn, you are allowed to touch the yarn when browsing.
We are happy to wind your yarn, but may only be able to wind one skein for you at the time of purchase, as we want to serve all of our customers in a timely manner. You can return the next day to pick up the rest of your order.
When making a purchase, please stand on the “X” and wait until we have entered your items. At that point we will step back from the register and let you complete your transaction on the pin pad. Please step back to the “X” and we will gather your receipt and items in a bag.
No sitting at the knitting table.
Due to social distancing guidelines, we cannot offer to fix your knitting or teach private lessons. If you are stuck on a project, we can help you select something new to work on.
Please be aware of other people waiting behind you.
Monarch Knitting offers a friendly, warm, welcoming and organized store where all makers can come and enjoy the opportunity to pursue their projects with support from a staff that is experienced, passionate and professional.
Photo Credits: Monarch Knitting, The Knit Side, Patterson Puptography, Some Kit Favorites found via links and/or Ravelry.
