I hope you all had a great week, and are enjoying the season as we move into autumn. I spent much of my week catching up on things at home while babysitting my daughter’s dog, Joan. Bash and Joan had a ton of play time while I was cleaning out old files and reorganizing my office—always a work in progress. The garage is next on the list. Do you ever feel like once your to-do list is completed, it starts all over again? Let’s just say, I would rather be knitting!
Fall brings things cozy and familiar, along with new additions to the shop... and I am so excited to announce we have something new on our shelves this week! We are thrilled to welcome the lovely yarns from Plucky Knitter to the shop. We have started with their Primo Fingering and Sport and Spiffy Lace. Over the next couple of months we will be adding more bases, including Snug Bulky and Terra DK. I have been knitting with the DK and I love it!
This week we have added an extra (Zoom) gauge class, as the first one sold out quickly. We have also added some in-shop classes" Fixing Mistakes, Fair Isle and Brioche 101.
Knit, and be happy,
Ann
Wayworn
This stunning new shawl by Melanie Berg was just released yesterday and we fell in love with it. As Melanie said in her Instagram post, “If you need a hug, Wayworn is for you. It’s such an easy knit; it doesn’t ask a lot from you. It gives you all the time you need, gently allowing your thoughts to wander off while knitting simple stitches.” Upon finishing this lovely knit, you will have a soft and light-as-air shawl to wrap around your neck and give you that hug you need! Knit with 3 colors of Biches et Buches Le Petit Silk Mohair, this is the dreamiest wrap we can imagine.
Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm)
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Wayworn (The kit includes the pattern.)
Bohemian Shawl
I love a good textured shawl, and designer Kelly McClure has created one with Bohemian. A sampler of stitches, this triangular shawl takes you on a path of rhythmic various patterns that are both engaging and meditative. Two skeins of Sea Change Fiber Littoral make for a squishy, soft, and soothing knit. And the colorplay adds a bit of creative fun! With abundant styling options, this shawl is stunning any way you wear it.
Needles: US 6 (4.00mm)
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Bohemian Shawl (The kit includes the pattern.)
Heartnut Mitts Holiday Gift Idea
These darling mitts inspired by heart-shaped nuts are the perfect project for learning about cables. These mitts will be an absolute pleasure to knit in Hedgehog Fibers Merino DK, since it holds a crisp stitch definition. Knit seamlessly in the round from the bottom-up, the pattern includes options for three sizes. Practical, pretty and quick to knit, these gloves are an easy and thoughtful gift for yourself or for a friend!
Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) and US 6 (4mm) needles in preferred style for working in the round, or size needed to obtain gauge. Notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn to hold stitches, tapestry needle Heartnut Mitts (The kit includes the pattern)
Ella Funt
If you recognize the name, you know it's Romana Quimby's stuffed elephant from Beverly Clearly's beloved novel series! A darling little motif of 'Ella Funts' circle around the yoke in this adorably fun baby sweater. It's so cute, I almost wish there was one in my size! Our kits of Rowan's Cashsoft Merino make all sizes of this whimsical, wee cardigan.
Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm)
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors
Sizes: 3–6 (6–12, 12–18, 18–24) months, finished chest circ: 19 (21.75, 24, 26.75) inches Ella Funt (The kit includes the pattern.)
Ode
Cable us cozy! The latest from our friends at Woolfolk have created yet another collection filled with stunning knits, and within it, their ODE hat immediately caught our eye with its braiding of cabled texture...it just looks so toasty! Not to mention soft in wooly, lustrous TOV yarn. A project you'll want to sit and knit from start to finish–truly an ode to the season!
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)16-inch circular needle, US 7 (5.0 mm) 16 inch circular needle and dpns
Notions: Stitch markers, cable needles, tapestry needle and scissors
Sizes: 16” circumference x 11” tall, unstretched Ode (The kit includes the pattern.)
Spooky Hat
It's spoOooOky season and this hat by Stephanie of RosiePosie Knit Co. just screams Halloween fun! Pumpkins, ghosts, and crescent moons, oh my! Topped with a cute pom-pom to add extra playfulness, this hat is knit from the brim up, offers written and charted instructions, and never uses more than two colors (a great way to practice colorwork!). Trick or Treat….Although I say treat if the Spooky Hat is on your needles!
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm)16-inch circular needle, US 8 (5.0 mm) 16 inch circular needle and dpns
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors
Sizes: Baby (Toddler, Youth/Adult Small, Adult) Spooky Hat (The kit includes the pattern.)
Chauncey
Isabel Kraemer is one of my favorite pattern designers, and when I finally decided that I need a Fair Isle sweater in my wardrobe, Chauncey caught my eye. The patterning of the yoke is stunning! Knit seamlessly from the top down, Chauncey is a great first Fair Isle sweater for any knitter. Knit in Brooklyn Tweed Loft, I love the tone-on-tone look of the colors we selected. Perfect for fall and winter, I am excited to wear my Chauncey through the chilly season!
Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm) 16” (40 cm) and 32” (80 cm) circular needle and DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for neck CO, body and sleeve ribbing and US 4 (3.5 mm) 16” (40 cm) and 32” (80 cm) circular needle and DPNs (or longer circular needle for magic loop) for body and sleeves.
Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, scissors, and tapestry needle.
Finished bust measurements: XS (S, M1, M2, L, XL, XXL); 34.5 (38, 41.5, 44.25, 46.5, 49.25, 52) inches; 86.5 (95, 104, 110.5, 116, 123, 129.5); Recommended positive ease is 4.25” (11 cm) at bust. Chauncey (The kit includes the pattern.)
New in the shop!
Absolutely gushing over our shelves filled with Plucky Knitter! We've just added the following lovely bases to our shop:
Plucky Knitter Spiffy Lace - A yarn that is both bunny soft and strong? Meet Spiffy Lace! This lace-weight yarn is a blend of cashmere and silk that knits up into a fabric with stunning grace and integrity. Knit it up on its own for a light and airy piece or combine it with another yarn to add extra softness to your project.
Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering & Primo Sport - These two lovely bases are made up of the same luscious blend of merino, cashmere and a wee bit of nylon for yarns that are incredibly soft with just the right amount of structure. Their resulting fabrics hold such a beautiful drape, too. Perfect for a variety of projects! (We're seeing shawls and socks in our near future!)
In case you missed it: last week's new additions...
Firefly Notes Tins - Several us in the shop have one or two of these tins and golly, they are the best! Perfect for pins and needles, knitting notions, stitch markers, wallet, jewelry... really anything you can fit!
Firefly Notes Stitch Marker Sets - Whimsically functional, these cute stitch markers will make you smile each time you use them. We have something for everyone: from elephants to seashells, and even some darling little birds and bees that I may just add to my stash!
MDK Field Guide No. 19: Marls - From the creative mind of Sequences, Cecelia Campochiaro is back, this time with marling. Cecelia’s designs explore marling in five very cool projects. There’s something for every knitter, simple to spectacular. We cannot wait to add this new field guide to our collections!
Please note these groups are for social knitting. Please keep the conversation light and enjoyable. Knitting help will not be offered at these sessions.
In-Store and Virtual Classes
When you sign up for a class, in-store or virtual, please note any supplies or homework that is listed under the class description. It is your responsibility come to class on time with the listed supplies and, if required, completed homework.
Full payment is needed to reserve your space. For a refund on the class, cancellations must be made 5 days prior to the class. All refunds are given as store credit only. If we cancel the class for any reason, you will receive a full refund. Supplies are not included in the class fee unless noted. No Monarch Rewards Points can be used towards the payment of a class.
In-Store Classes - Classes are limited to 4 students.
Virtual Classes - 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.
Socks 101 (Zoom)
A 3-part Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, Knit Chats
Fridays, October 15th, 22nd and 29th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
$72.00
Yay for socks! In this three-part class, you’ll learn how to knit basic worsted weight socks top-down on double-pointed needles. After finishing the class, you’ll understand how socks are constructed, and you'll be able to tackle any other top-down pattern. In class one, we’ll discuss the anatomy of a sock and cast on for a small learning sample. You’ll learn how to join in the round using double pointed needles, work a small cuff, then a reinforced heel flap. In class two, you’ll learn how to turn a heel and work a heel gusset. In class three, we’ll work the foot of our sample by shaping and closing the toe using the Kitchener Stitch
Skills needed: Must know how to knit, purl and decrease.
Supplies: 170 yds worsted weight yarn, US 5 set of double pointed needles, tapestry needle, waste yarn (DK or fingering weight)
Pre-work: Come to class with pattern and materials
Knitting Gauge, Demystified (Zoom)
A Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, KnitChats
Sold Out - Wednesday, October 20th from 11:00 am to noon
Wednesday, November 20th from 11:00am to noon $20.00
As knitters, we all want our garments to fit just right, and everything else we knit to have that perfect look! Understanding how to get this by working a gauge swatch, knowing exactly how to use it, is essential. In this one-hour class, you’ll learn why we knit gauge swatches, how to knit them, and how to measure. You’ll also learn how to make adjustments to get those measurements spot-on. In addition, you’ll be given basic formulas to adapt a pattern to a different gauge or even design your own project!
Supplies: A knitted gauge swatch (see pre-work below), a ruler with markings to at least ¼ inch, printed pages that will be emailed prior to class, pen or pencil and a calculator.
Pre-work: Knit a swatch in a natural fiber according to the pattern provided prior to class. Hand wash and air dry.
Introduction to Seaming (Zoom)
A Virtual Workshop with Christina Mursa, KnitChats
Wednesday, October 27th, from 11:00 am to noon
$20.00
Class description: Good seaming skills make all the difference in achieving a polished and professional look to your hand knits. 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!
Supplies: tapestry needle, smooth yarn for seaming, same or similar weight to swatches.
Optional pre-work: If you’d like to follow along and practice on your own swatches, please bring your choice of the following to class:
mattress stitch: Two 3” x 3” stockinette swatches, bound off
mattress stitch: Two 3” x 3” garter stitch swatches, bound off
kitchener: Two 3” x 3” stockinette swatches still on the needles
Knitting 101 (Zoom)
A two-part Virtual Workshop with Christina Mursa, KnitChats
Saturdays, October 30th and November 1st from 11:00 am to noon
$48.00
Your knitting journey starts right here! If you’ve never picked up needles or forgot what you learned years ago, this is the class for you. You’ll learn how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off.
We’ll make simple squares in basic Garter and Stockinette fabric and I’ll show you some creative ways to join them for a blanket. I’ll also talk about beginner friendly projects, selecting yarn and helpful tools you’ll want in your knitting kit.
For this workshop, you’ll get advance access to a series of exclusive videos that demonstrate the fundamentals. You’ll have a chance to practice ahead of our first session and cast on as instructed in the pre-work below. Then we’ll spend each of the 1-hour workshops for interactive help you may need, answers to your questions, and other knitting tips and tricks.
Prerequisite skills: None
Supplies: 1 ball worsted weight yarn, 200 yards US 7/ 4.5mm straight or circular knitting needles, preferably wood or bamboo Scissors Tape measure Tapestry needle
Pre-work: Watch the Slip Knot, Knitted Cast On and Knit Stitch videos. Cast on 35 stitches with a Knitted Cast On and knit several rows. Come to the workshops with questions!
Brioche 102
(In-Store Workshop)
Saturday, October 30th, 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.
Pre-work: 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.
Introduction to Stranded / Fair Isle Knitting (Zoom)
A two-part Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, Knit Chats
Mondays, November 1st and 8th from 11:00 am to Noon
$48.00
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 Knit Chats 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 Level: 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) and 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
Steeking 101 - How to Cut Your Knitting (Zoom)
A two-hour Virtual Workshop with Christina Mursa, Knit Chats
Wednesday, November 3rd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
$48.00
Eek! Conquer your fear of steeks! The verb “steek” means to “shut, close, fasten or lock.” Steeking is perfect for stranded colorwork cardigans. Rather than knitting a cardigan back and forth, it can be knitted in the round and then transformed with a few scissor snips. We’ll start small, working on a cup cozy that is knit in the round and prepared before the class. I’ll show you how to secure your knitting with a basic crochet stitch, then cut through your knitting. We will finish the steeks, pick up and knit stitches for button bands and sew on buttons. After this class, you’ll have the confidence to start that Fair Isle or Lopi sweater that’s caught your eye.
Yarn suggestions: Steeking works best with “sticky” fibers, such as 100% non-superwash wool. Yarns used in the photo sample for Steek this Coffee Cozy are Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, but any similar yarn will work. You’ll need 5 colors in mostly remnant quantities of worsted weight. Please refer to the pattern for specifics.
Skills required: Knowledge of knit and purl stitch, knitting in the round. Skills recommended: Experience with stranded colorwork
Skills you’ll learn:
Creating a crochet steek to secure stitches before cutting Cutting the steek
Picking up stitches for button bands
Creating a buttonhole band
Hand sewing a facing to hide the loose ends from the steek Sewing on a shanked button
Supplies: Steek this Coffee Cozy pattern by Rachel Henry of Remily Knits (Free on Ravelry but if you are unable to use the Ravelry website, we can provide you with the pattern), contrasting color yarn for the steek, to make it easy to see, size F crochet hook, (E will work too) for creating a chain stitch for the steek, sharp scissors for cutting the steek, piece of cardboard, think paper, or notecard 2 1⁄2 to 3 inches wide to put inside the cozy when cutting, cellophane or masking tape, yarn Color A (or any color you wish) for picking up the button bands, knitting needles two sizes smaller than those used to knit the cozy (these are for picking up button bands), three buttons, 1⁄2 inch (make sure a needle can fit through the holes), fine tapestry needle or embroidery needle (one with a large eye) for sewing on buttons, sewing thread/craft thread for finishing steeks inside the cozy, and sewing on buttons, a small amount of plied yarn to pair with the thread for sewing on buttons (optional), toothpick, tapestry needle, small knitting needle (size 0 or smaller) for creating a shank when sewing on buttons, thicker tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Pre-work: Knit the cup cozy using the “Steek This Coffee Cozy” pattern, and end with “Top Ribbing”. Stop at the instructions that say “Steek” Block as desired.
Brioche 101 (Zoom)
A 2-part Virtual Workshop with Amy Odin, Knit Chats
Fridays, November 5th and 12th from 11:00 am to noon
$48.00
Learn Brioche with me! I’m Amy Odin (Knitchats coach, teacher and designer) and I’m eager to show you how to knit this beautiful and interesting fabric in two colors. I haven’t met a knitter yet who wasn’t awed by this stitch. It creates projects that are reversible, which result in a different look on each side. Although it intimidates many knitters, it’s pretty easy to work once you get the hang of it. I’ll demonstrate the technique so you can learn how to knit a basic two colored brioche rib chunky cowl. It’s worked in the round using only one color at a time, so no need to carry a second color. For the first class we’ll explore basic brioche knitting terms and abbreviations. I’ll show you how to make Brioche knit and purl stitches, change colors at the beginning of rounds, and understand how to read your work. The focus of the last class will be on reviewing common mistakes and executing basic fixes.
Skills required: Must know how to knit, purl, and join to knit in the round.
Supplies: Pattern will be emailed to students, 120 yds chunky weight yarn in color A (preferably non-superwash wool or wool blend), 120 yds chunky weight yarn in color B (preferably non-superwash wool or wool blend), US 9 24-inch circular needles, 1 stitch marker, large crochet hook (around 6.5 mm) for fixing mistakes
Pre-work: In color A, loosely cast on 60 sts, join and knit one round. (Color A will be your cast on and knit columns on the right side of your work.)
Botanical Beach Hat: Learn to Fair Isle
(In-Store Workshop)
Saturday, November 13th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Learn how to Fair Isle in our Botanical Beach Hat class, and bring a bit of the ocean with you! This fun color-worked hat features a mesmerizing pattern of splashing waves. In this class, we will show you how to work with two colors simultaneously, strand your yarn, read a color-work chart, and how to correct a mistake using duplicate stitch. After you learn the technique of Fair Isle knitting with this small and manageable project, you will be able to tackle any color-work project in the future. You might become so addicted that you knit a few hats as gifts!
Please come to class on time with the listed supplies and, if required, completed homework.
Skill Level: You must be an advanced beginner and know how to knit in the round on a circular needle.
Supplies: Botanical Beach Hat kit, Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch and US 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch and DPNs, Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors.
Pre-work: Please cast-on, knit the ribbing and to the point where the fair isle begins.
Brioche 101
(In-Store Workshop)
Saturday, November 20th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
We love the Brioche stitch, and you see it everywhere. So many shawls include a Brioche section and there is nothing lovelier that a sweater knit in the fabulous stitch. This stitch technique creates lofty, textured and reversible fabric, which resembles ribbing but with much more depth, and many more possibilities. We will teach the basic Brioche Stitch and the knitting terms that you might come across in a Brioche pattern. Once you have single color Brioche down, build on the skill to include two-color Brioche. Soon you will be knitting a Brioche project of your own!
Skill Level: You should have a firm grasp of the knit and purl stitch 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.
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.
While We Knit...
A Patreon Recommendation for You…
I have a number of Patreon accounts that I follow. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the platform, Patreon provides a place for creators of online content to be paid a monthly income for their services. I am happy to pay a small amount each month to follow someone I enjoy and from whom I can learn.
The one knitting account I follow is Stephanie Pearl McPhee (The Yarn Harlot). I have followed her blog for many years and enjoyed her books about knitting and life. She is bright, well spoken and can find humor in most situations. Her Patreon feed (only $6.00 per month) is excellent. There is so much to be learned from her video tutorials, whether they are quick tips or an in-depth look at a particular topic (her video on counting was excellent). She has a large number of “best practices” videos that can inform any knitter. So if you enjoy online learning, this is a great resource to check out!
...and here are our suggestions from the last newsletter:
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, Patterson Puptography,
Some Kit Favorites and projects of the week found via links and/or Ravelry.
