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Hi friends,

This week's newsletter is a tough one to start, as it has been a hard week for my family.  My mother-in-law, Jane, passed away peacefully on Saturday at the amazing age of 102. While we will miss her terribly, we take joy in the fact that she led a long and happy life and, most extraordinarily, held on to her incredible memory and wit until the very end. Born in 1919, she raised 3 sons, and was there for the birth of 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She loved her family and friends, travel, games (she played bridge multiple days a week before the pandemic!) and was always involved in the community around her. I can honesty say, she is a great example of how to live well – stay active, involved, and embrace change (she learned to use an iPad at 98!). We will miss her terribly, but with the comfort of many wonderful, shared memories.

As you can imagine, knitting has fallen to the wayside this last week, but I am still plugging along on my Fireworks sweater.  The body is almost done and the sleeves won't take too long. Check out my blog post on the yoke of the sweater here!

We have a couple of new classes to offer at the end of July with KnitChats via Zoom. Knit 101: Feeling Empowered is a two-part class that teaches the basics of knitting a bit more in depth.  The other class will improve your sweater finishing skills! Join "Finishing a Tiny Sweater" to knit some small sweater pieces as homework and seam them together. Next week we will feature some in-shop classes!

Lastly, I want to wish all of you a Happy 4th of July weekend!  Our store will be open normal business hours, Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm through the holiday. I hope you enjoy a restful weekend with family or friends!

Knit, and be happy,
Ann

Quince & Co. Pheobe
Online-Only Sale!

Unbelievably soft and luxurious to knit with, Phoebe is spun from the finest American extra-fine merino. The fabric produced is bouncy and smooth, providing the most satisfying hand feel. Phoebe is perfect for stockinette stitch, ribbing, twisted stitches, and cables.

Featuring a tonal-dyed color palette, each skein of Phoebe is unique—ranging in variegation from skein to skein. We recommend alternating skeins throughout your project.


We will be scaling up the savings each day, as follows –

  • Thursday - 30% off
  • Friday - 40% off
  • Saturday - 50% off
  • Sunday - 60% off

I will change the amount at about 8:00am (PST) each day, but please be patient with me if I am not right on it!

Grab these last few skeins while they are in stock!

Heart Warmer Shawl

The big sister design to Justyna Lorkowska's Heart Warmer Cowl, this shawl is meant to be your next best companion.  The playful pattern of slip stitches, yarn overs, cables, and bobbles will entertain and delight as you work your way into a beautiful crescent shape.  Sweet Georgia's Tough Love Sock yarn is exceptionally fitting for this pattern since it holds such great definition and drape. 

Needles: US 3 ( 3.25 mm), US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 6 (4.0 mm) 40" circular needles
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors
Heart Warmer Shawl (The kit includes the pattern.)

Old Harbor Hat

A cozy and quick little colorwork hat that flies off the needles over a weekend?  Sign us up!  Some ribbing, stripes and an easy addictive colorwork motif make up Old Harbor hat, designed by Tamy Gore.  We've paired yummy Magpie Swanky DK and gorgeous LITLG DK along with a floofy pom-pom, so all you need are needles and notions to cast-on.  We love fun & quick projects—perfect to stockpile for gifts! 

Needles: US 4 (3.75 mm) and US 6 (4.00 mm) 16" circular needles
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, and scissors
Old Harbor Hat (The kit includes the pattern.)

Rock It Tee

Your soundtrack to summer is here. Rock It Tee by Tanis Lavallee is that classic easy, breezy knit, just perfect for the season. This basic V-neck style is elevated with tone-on-tone stripes of alternating fingering-weight and mohair silk yarns.  Koryn's looks absolutely stellar in this blue combo!  Cast on this cute top to start summer on a good note.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needles and scissors.
Finished Bust Measurements: 32 (35, 38, 41, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60, 64, 68)” at bust. The sizes are the actual finished measurement of the garment. Select a size that is 6” larger than your actual chest measurement to achieve the recommended ease.
Rock It Tee (The kit includes the pattern.)

Summer Throwback Blanket

It seems like there are tons of baby shower invites lately, so what better than an heirloom gift?  How about one that is easy, quick and cute? The Summer Throwback Blanket is just that: cast on with large needles, knit a little fun bobble border, some playful garter stripes and you'll have this darling crib-sized blanket wrapped up in no time. Plus, Blue Sky Organic Cotton feels like you are knitting with a cotton ball or a cloud, and is lightweight and perfect for a summer baby!

Needles: Us 10½ (6.50 mm) 24" circular needle
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needles and scissors.
Summer Throwback Blanket (The kit does not include the pattern.)

Lucky Dog Sweater

Dress your best furry pal in one of these adorable sweaters!  We know our sweet Linus would have modeled one beautifully! For dogs of most shapes and sizes, from Yorkies and bulldogs to greyhounds and golden retrievers, the pattern uses 2 x 2 rib details to contour around the body for a smart and comfortable fit, and also to lend a little drama to the collar. Our kits include Plymouth Merino worsted—perfectly washable and available in cheerful colors! 

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) 24" circular needles 
Notions: Stitch markers, opening stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle
Finished sizes: XXS (XS, S, M, L, XL) To fit chest circumference of approximately 12-14 (14-16, 16-20, 20-24, 24-28, 28-32) inches, with 1-3 inches of ease
The body is fairly simple with a little shaping and rib at the belly for a comfy fit. Options for both male and female dogs are included. 
Lucky Dog Sweater (The kit includes the pattern.)

New in the shop!
 
Arne and Carlos Lofoten Sock Yarn - If you love Arne & Carlos' previous Regia collections, then you'll want to dive feet first into this new line! These 8 gorgeous new colors are inspired by their beautiful summer road trips across the Norway's stunning Lofoten archipelago.  Check out their vlog on this colorful collection: Arne & Carlos Lofoten
 
 
In case you missed it: last week's new additions...
Skill Set: Beginning Knitting - There’s never been a how-to-knit book like this. It’s little. Smart. Encouraging. In 9 short lessons, with dozens of clear illustrations, Modern Daily Knitting teaches everything a new knitter needs to know, and nothing they don’t!
Kits to Keep You Knitting
 
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!


Wind of Change Shawl   • End of Summer Hat  •  Ezra Cardigan 
Campside Cardi  •  Comfort and Joy 
Classes and Events

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.

Come knit with us...
 
Knitting in the Morning

Tuesdays, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
On the second Tuesday of each month we will host our knitting group on Zoom!

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
On the second Wednesday of each month we will host our knitting group on Zoom!

Get all of your work and errands done for the day and ease into the evening with a couple hours of knitting.

To join the Zoom knitting group please use our meeting link:  https://zoom.us/j/8267394916

Please note these groups are for social knitting.  Please keep the conversation light and enjoyable. Knitting help will not be offered at these sessions.

Private Lessons
$20.00 for 30 minutes
$40.00 for 1 hour
 
Do you have a new skill you would like to learn, or are you confused by a particular part of a pattern? Come into the shop and work one-on-one with us! Call us at 831.647.9276 to set up an appointment. 

We can only offer private lessons on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. There are no private lessons during the hours of knit group.
Crosswise Cadence Glove Workshop
A 2-part Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, KnitChats
Wednesday, July 7th, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
AND Wednesday, July 14th, 11:00 am - noon
Wednesday, July 21st, 11:00 AM to 12:30 pm
AND Wednesday, July 28th, 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.
  • For a demonstration of the cast on called for in the pattern, see my video in my youtube channel “Double Long Tail Cast On”.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRW04nqNvD8tolVoqfqKZQ/videos
Crosswise Cadence Glove Workshop - July 7th
Crosswise Cadence Glove Workshop - July 21st
Knitting 101:  Feeling Empowered
A 2-part Virtual Workshop with Christina Mursa, KnitChats
Thursday, July 22nd and 29th,  1:00pm to 3:00pm

In this class, KnitChats Coach Christina Mursa uses her knitting pattern “Empowerment” to teach the fundamentals of knitting to create a textured swatch. Learn how to read a pattern, cast on, create knit and purl stitches, ribbing, simple patterns plus increases and decreases for basic shaping. By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge needed to move forward with more complex projects. Whether you are an absolute beginner or just need a refresher course, this class will get you on your way to become the knitter you want to be.

Supplies: Approximately 56 yds of bulky weight yarn; One set of 10” knitting needles, suggested size US 11 preferably wood; Stitch markers; Row counter (or paper and pencil) to count rows; Scissors; Tapestry needle.
Recommended but not necessary for class: Skill Set: Beginning Knitting
Prework: If you have purchased skeins of yarn, please be sure to wind them before class.

Knitting 101: Feeling Empowered
Seaming with a Smile: Making a Tiny Sweater
A Virtual Workshop with Christina, KnitChats
Monday, July 26th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

You are done knitting the pieces of a sweater, but really, your project is just beginning. You’ve made the fabric, so now comes the most important part of the process: sewing the pieces together and adding the finishing touches. Even if you’ve knit the pieces perfectly, you’ll find you’ll be disappointed in your sweater if it is poorly finished. The key to good finishing? Practice! In this class, we’ll solve the mysteries of sweater finishing as we assemble a cute little sweater. Using invisible seaming techniques, we’ll join the sweater seams, pick up stitches for the neckband and button bands and sew on shanked buttons. After working on a Tiny Sweater, you’ll get the confidence to tackle a big one.

Class material provided before the class: Pattern for Tiny Sweater

Bring to class: All 5 pieces of the Tiny Sweater, blocked; knitting needles two sizes smaller than the ones used to knit the sweater pieces for knitting the neck band and button bands; yarn for knitting neckband, button and buttonhole bands; yarn for seaming, or use yarn tails (leave extra-long tails when casting on and binding off); stitch markers; sewing pins, tiny hair clasps or any tool you like to use for securing knitted pieces together; tapestry needle; scissors; 5 buttons 1⁄2 inch; sewing thread that matches the yarn color; sewing needle that fits through the small holes of your buttons; a toothpick or extra tapestry needle for creating a button shank

While We Stitch Away...
Despite our cool and foggy weather on the Monterey Peninsula, many of you are dealing with high temperatures. We thought it would be a good time to share some tips for keeping cool while you knit!

- Ditch the stuffed couch or chair for now.  Sit in a chair with a wooden or wicker back.  Also, sitting at a table and putting your knitting on the table, so it is off your lap, will cool you down a great deal.  I often knit at my kitchen table!

- Keep your hands nice and cool. You can use a fan to blow on your hands while you stitch.  Your yarn might blow around a bit, but if you position the fan just right, it won't bother you too much.  

- Keep a nice cool drink near you! Hydrate and cool yourself down!

- Give your hands and needles a wash. Let's face it, we all get sweaty hands at one time or another. Wash your hands in cool water and then wipe your needles down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.  Make sure they are dry before you pick up your knitting again.

And if you just need something to make you smile while you take a break, watch movie stars dance to...I'm So Excited. Thanks to Clara Parks' The Daily Respite for this one!
...and here are our suggestions from the last newsletter:
You've Knit Your Sweater, Now What?
In light of my weekend spent knitting and ripping, I thought I would share some great tutorials on fixing knitting mistakes!

Part of finding and fixing mistakes is the ability to read your knitting.  Brooklyn Tweed has two excellent blog posts about that exact subject—a good resource for all knitting levels. 
Changing a knit into a purl - A very basic fix everyone uses from one time to another.

How to Tink - Of course Very Pink Knits has a video on this.  She also has some good videos on tinking increases and decreases and short rows.

Knitom has an article and accompanying videos on How to Fix Knitting Mistakes: 3 Stress Free Solutions

Sheep & Stitch has a very clear video on the 3 ways to Unravel Knitting the Right Way.
Check our Instagram and Facebook 
for weekly pup-o-grams!

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. 
  • Online Shop - if something is out of stock, please call us!
  • 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.
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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. 
Copyright © 2021 Monarch Knitting, All rights reserved.


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