Whew! After an unusual last week, we are finally catching up in the shop. Thank you to all of you for being patient, and understanding that we are just so grateful the shop was unharmed.
We have turned the calendar over to October 1st and could not be more thrilled. The excitement of the holidays have started and we are filling the shelves with beautiful yarn and fun gift-giving goodies.
Currently on my needles: a beautiful cardigan, in a new yarn that will be introduced to the shop soon. I selected the pattern on Ravelry because the completed sweater looked so great on everyone. The pattern was written in such an unusual way, it took my breath away for a moment! But once I started knitting it—magic. It is so easy to follow and I have really enjoyed the knit. More on that soon!
We have added a new class to the zoom schedule… Steeking! This class has been in the works for some time and I hope it will pay off in a great class. Participants will come to class with a Fair Isle cup cozy completed; then you will cut your knitting, pick up stitch and add ribbing. It will be a great 2 hours of skill building. (FYI: we have also added a Fair Isle and Knitting 101 class to our Zoom offerings!)
Happy October to all 🎃
Knit, and be happy,
Ann
Quince & Co. Tern
Online-Only Sale!
Wool and tussah silk are blended into a wispy and soft yarn. When dyed, the wool portion is saturated while the silk is just tinted enough - resulting in subtle, stunning color. Tern is good for socks, scarves, mitts, has and any sweater that loves a little drape.
The cowlkerchief trend hasn't lifted and we're just fine with it. They're so easy to wear! Plus, their smaller size means they knit up in no time at all. And with Mallow's beautiful patterning of traveling stitches (no cable needle needed), you'll be so enchanted to keep knitting. Designer Ksenia Naidyon was inspired by the shape and special meaning of gentle mallow flowers which symbolize health and protection. Camellia Fiber Company’s soft and beautiful Worsted Merino is the perfect partner for Ksenia’s pattern. Knit this cowl for yourself and knit one for a friend who needs a little lift. Mallow is comfort in knitting form.
Needles: US 6 (4.00mm)
Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Mallow (The kit includes the pattern.)
Love Autumn Cowl
What could get more autumnal than this charming cowl? Designed by Monika Anna, leafy patterns repeat around this two-color cozy accessory. The pattern comes with both written and charted instructions. Craggy Tweed from Farmer’s Daughter Fibers adds extra interest with its flecks of wooly bits. Choose your favorite color combo, brew your favorite autumn beverage, and cast on this lovely cowl!
Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm), US 5 (3.75mm) and US 6 (4 mm), 24-inch circular needles
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle Love Autumn Cowl (The kit includes the pattern)
Chevromania Hat Holiday Gift Idea
Chevromania is a fun little colorwork hat that you won’t be able to put down and is perfect for just about anyone on your gift list this year! The chevron colowork patterning is quite addictive, and with our kits of Spincycle Dyed in the Wool and a skein of Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering, you won't want to put your needles down. Which means you'll have this wrapped up to gift in no time!
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) 16-inch circular needles and set of double-pointed needles and US 3 (3.25 mm) 16-inch circular needles
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Chevromania Hat (The kit includes the pattern.)
Cheri Chevron Shawl
Shoulder season? Is that a thing because it totally should be, and this shawl by Ambah O'Brien is the perfect piece to wrap around your shoulders on crisp autumn days. Alternating color-blocks of an easy-to-memorize chevron pattern zig-zag off your needles as you knit this fun pattern. Magpie's Swanky Sock and Feather come together for a floaty fabric that is so light yet warm. We love how the sheerness of Feather creates an added visual interest. Knit from tip to tip, this easy to wear triangular shawl is sure to become your shoulder season favorite!
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) 32-inch circular needles
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle and scissors Cheri Chevron Shawl (The kit includes the pattern.)
Ranunculus
A soft, cozy oversized sweater, Ranunculus drapes your shoulders with a lovely yoke filled with lace and textured stitches. The wide collar and cropped style offers layering options: pop it over a blouse, dresses, or high-waisted skirts. Camellia White Tweed Sock paired with Silk Merino Lace creates a gorgeous deep fabric with soft white flecks. Koryn has had her eye on this sweater and it could be her fall knit! The kit will make the long sleeve version but you can knit a short sleeve sweater as well. Celebrate this lovely cool-season flower with Mindoro Hirose’s Ranunculus.
Needles: US 10 (6.0 mm) 40-inch circular needle and US 8 (5.00 mm) 24-inch circular needle Notions: 5 colored stitch markers (like Cocoknits Flight of Markers), scissors, and tapestry needle. Finished bust measurements: One size (XS–M) in the pattern, finished bust circumference is 50 ¾“ (129cm) Intended to be work with 13 - 20 inches of ease. There is a modification for larger bust sizes as well. Ranunculus (The kit includes does not the pattern.)
New in the shop!
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!
In case you missed it: last week's new additions...
It's no surprise that we've become smitten with Camellia Fiber Co.! We're delighted to now offer the following bases in store and online:
CFC Merino Chunky - The softest, smooshiest, single-ply yarn! This wonderful 100% merino yarn is just what the doctor ordered for big blankets and cozy winter garments. It also lends a brilliant texture to weavings, not to mention other crafts like pom-pom garlands and gift wrap!
CFC Merino Worsted - Beautifully spun, with a firm twist and round shape, making it ideal for rendering crisp stitch definition. This fiber has an extraordinary amount of spring bounce, which makes for an incredible "smoosh factor" in the finished project! We love Merino Worsted for everything, especially cable knits, blankets, woven wall hangings, and chunky socks.
CFC Mohair Lace - This is a lace weight, two-ply mohair yarn! This spun-sugar beauty is comprised of kid mohair and silk, and is bound to provide endless inspiration for all you crazy lace knitters out there. Our personal favorite way to use it is to hold it double with Camellia Fiber's Worsted, for a gorgeous wisp of texture that doesn’t change the gauge of your pattern!
Shibui Billow - Lofty wisps of lush merino and alpaca embrace a contrasting cotton core, creating a light-as-a-air fabric with rich visual depth.
Restock of TKB Cords - These wonderfully ingenious cords went flying off our shelves! And for good reason too, they're so great to hold your stitches!
Kits to Keep You Knitting
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!
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.
Four Ways to Knit in the Round
(In-Store Workshop)
Saturday, October 9th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
$45.00
Knitting in the round got you down? Join Koryn as she discusses the four ways to knit in the round; using double pointed needles, small circumference needles, two circular needles, and magic loop. She will have examples of each technique ready to go so you can get your hands on some knitting and try it for yourself. This is a perfect way to see what is most comfortable to you without committing to an entire project. This class will also include general tips for knitting in the round. Needles and yarn will be provided, just bring your happy selves!
Skill Level: Confident Beginner. Must know how to knit with ease.
Choosing the Best Yarn for Your Project (Zoom)
A Virtual Workshop with Christina Mursa, KnitChats
Wednesday, October 13th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm PST
$20.00
Modern crafters have so many beautiful yarns to choose from; it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options. Wool, alpaca, cotton, fingering, DK, worsted…what does it all mean? And which one should you choose for your project? In this class, KnitChats coach Christina Mursa talks about the characteristics of different fibers and how to find the ones that will make your project sing. She’ll talk about different yarn weights and provide guidelines for substituting yarn. At the end of the presentation there will be plenty of time for discussion, so bring all your questions.
Skill Level: All levels are welcome!
No supplies needed.
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
Wednesday, October 20th from 11:00 am 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
Mondays, 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.)
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.
...and here are our suggestions from the last newsletter:
Great Knit Wear in Film and TV
As knitters, don’t we all notice amazing knitwear on our screens? While watching Only Murders in the Building, I noticed the fabulous sweaters worn by Selena Gomez. Simple designs in eye-catching colors. Though there are no designs on Ravelry as of yet... I bet there will be a Mabel Mora sweater soon!
Did you know that much of the knitwear seen in the movies was hand knit by Rowan’s Brand Director, Sharon Brandt? She spoke at a Rowan for Retailers event and her stories on the design process were so interesting. Take a peek at “An Appreciation of Knit Wear in Harry Potter Films” to see some of her handy work.
Have you seen Knives Out? The cabled sweater worn by Ransom, played by Chris Evans, was reverse engineered many times over. The Handsome Chris on Ravelry seems to be the most popular design on Ravelry.
For all of you Outlander fans, just follow this link on Ravelry and you will see a boatload of designs to knit.
2019’s Little Women is filled with beautiful knitwear. As fall sets in, it may be worth a re-watch just to take in the designs!
I watched Mr.Rogers as a child and who can forget his change into his cardigan and tennis shoes. CNN produced a short segment on the sweaters – hand knit by his mother!
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.
