Tuesday, January 28, 2014
january 28, 2014
the shop is CLOSED today due to the frigid temps. plan on re-opening friday, jan 31 10-6. stay warm everyone!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
january 15, 2014
hey everyone. sorry this is a little late in getting published. i've been busy trying to nail down dates for new classes coming up. after many requests for me to teach some wet felting classes, i've finally gotten it figured out. the new classes are listed below and will be posted on the website as soon as possible.
if you haven't been to the shop lately, here's some of what you're missing. yet another poor man in the shop dragged in by his wife.
things have been nice and busy at the shop and the ladies are working on so many various projects. the knit chicks are off the charts with the variety of projects from felt purses, hats, drop stitch scarves, wine cozies, and marlene's plethora of scarves, most of her own design! very impressive! they may be doing a knit-along making fingerless gloves. also, pat kintigh, an avid crocheter is now trying her hand at knitting and is working on some duffer slippers. unfortunately my busy schedule has kept me from visiting some of the groups lately but i know you're all busy and productive.
what are YOU working on? are you venturing outside your comfort zone? remember that old commercial: 'TRY IT - YOU'LL LIKE IT!'
saturdays, january 18 and 25 craftique fiber art group
tuesday, january 28 knitters anonymous 1-6 at the shop (open to everyone!)
wednesday, january 29 6-8 close knit girls
fridays shop open 10-6
learn how to make broomstick lace the newer, easier way than decades ago.
BOOT SOCKS: tuesdays (jan 28, feb 4 and 11) 6:30 to 8:30 at the shop $55
OR saturdays (feb 1, 8, and 15) 1 to 3 at laura's home
instructor: laura mcguire (aka crazy sock lady)
learn to make socks on a size 5 or 6 needle with a worsted weight yarn! goes so much faster and is a great way to learn.
CONFIDENT COLOR: wednesday, february 12 1 to 3 at the shop $40
instructor: cathy rosensteel
it's always such a challenge to figure out which colors go best together. this is cathy's specialty! all materials included. class size limited to 5
ON AGAIN / OFF AGAIN: wednesday, february 19 1 to 3 at the shop $20
i will teach several different ways to cast on and bind off - each one having its own usefulness. (stretchability, appearance, etc.)
FROM WOOL TO WONDERFUL - FELT LIGHTS: wednesday, february 26 1 to 4 at the shop $40 includes all materials
make a set of beautiful felt flowers over a string of hand dipped lights, choosing
from many different colors of roving. class size is limited to 4
JUMP RING BRACELETS: monday, march 24 1-3 at the shop
instructor: alisa barnhart
make not one, but TWO beautiful jump ring bracelets. all materials included $40
FELT CUFFS: mondays, march 31 and april 7 1-3 at the shop
learn how to wet felt two cuffs in the first class. in the second class we will be embellishing our cuffs. all materials included $40
EZ PEEZIE PIN FELT PIN CUSHIONS: tuesdays, april 15 and 29 1 to 3 at the shop
learn how to wet felt TWO pin cushions the first week and the second week we will do some basic needle felting designs! $25
obviously, the weather may interfere with the class schedule but classes can always be re-scheduled. also, anyone out there who prefers evenings or weekends, that option is always available by just asking.
RaggZ yarn shop's FIRST show as a vendor! getting excited and nervous about which yarns to take, getting samples made, how to set up in a 10x10 space, etc etc etc! for those of you who have gone in the past, i am up for any suggestions.
i have been wanting, for quite some time, to learn to make seamless wet felted clothing. after scouring the internet and not finding any useful information, or at least any info i wasn't already aware of, i just decided to bite the bullet and get down and dirty and give it a try! i have taken classes in felting, both in person and online but nothing was quite fitting the bill for what i wanted to do. the only classes i could find were in australia, new zealand, or california. not wanting to go quite that far, i decided to just do it with the knowledge that i had and learn from there. sooooo, two weeks ago i made my first vest out of icelandic lambs wool from the lavender fleece in michigan. i guessed at the pattern, cut the resist and was on my way. i methodically weighed the roving for each layer so i would know how much i used then could gauge whether i needed to use more or less. the result is shown below but i have not yet embellished it with buttons or anything. the bottom edge natural and organic, which suits me just fine.
after that i decided i had to try again this time using merino, which is a little easier to wear and i used a 100% merino roving from pagewood farm. the color way was called 'mississipi mud'. i tweaked a few things here and there, enlarging the front pattern piece so that it would be more of a double breasted style and feel that this one is more to my liking. again, i have not done any finishing touches but i was so excited about it, i wanted to share it with you. what do you think?
i appreciate your supporting my little local yarn shop!
if you haven't been to the shop lately, here's some of what you're missing. yet another poor man in the shop dragged in by his wife.
things have been nice and busy at the shop and the ladies are working on so many various projects. the knit chicks are off the charts with the variety of projects from felt purses, hats, drop stitch scarves, wine cozies, and marlene's plethora of scarves, most of her own design! very impressive! they may be doing a knit-along making fingerless gloves. also, pat kintigh, an avid crocheter is now trying her hand at knitting and is working on some duffer slippers. unfortunately my busy schedule has kept me from visiting some of the groups lately but i know you're all busy and productive.
what are YOU working on? are you venturing outside your comfort zone? remember that old commercial: 'TRY IT - YOU'LL LIKE IT!'
dates to remember:
thursday, january 23 purlin girlssaturdays, january 18 and 25 craftique fiber art group
tuesday, january 28 knitters anonymous 1-6 at the shop (open to everyone!)
wednesday, january 29 6-8 close knit girls
fridays shop open 10-6
birthday greetings go out to:
january 21 marge j; january 23 jen l; march 29 tina b; january 30 rosemary a.UPCOMING CLASSES finally! these descriptions may not have complete info, so please see the website for full information and materials required. as always, class size is limited (some more than others) and advance registration is required.
BROOMSTICK LACE: wednesday, january 29 from 1 to 3 at the shop $10learn how to make broomstick lace the newer, easier way than decades ago.
BOOT SOCKS: tuesdays (jan 28, feb 4 and 11) 6:30 to 8:30 at the shop $55
OR saturdays (feb 1, 8, and 15) 1 to 3 at laura's home
instructor: laura mcguire (aka crazy sock lady)
learn to make socks on a size 5 or 6 needle with a worsted weight yarn! goes so much faster and is a great way to learn.
CONFIDENT COLOR: wednesday, february 12 1 to 3 at the shop $40
instructor: cathy rosensteel
it's always such a challenge to figure out which colors go best together. this is cathy's specialty! all materials included. class size limited to 5
ON AGAIN / OFF AGAIN: wednesday, february 19 1 to 3 at the shop $20
i will teach several different ways to cast on and bind off - each one having its own usefulness. (stretchability, appearance, etc.)
FROM WOOL TO WONDERFUL - FELT LIGHTS: wednesday, february 26 1 to 4 at the shop $40 includes all materials
make a set of beautiful felt flowers over a string of hand dipped lights, choosing
from many different colors of roving. class size is limited to 4
JUMP RING BRACELETS: monday, march 24 1-3 at the shop
instructor: alisa barnhart
make not one, but TWO beautiful jump ring bracelets. all materials included $40
FELT CUFFS: mondays, march 31 and april 7 1-3 at the shop
learn how to wet felt two cuffs in the first class. in the second class we will be embellishing our cuffs. all materials included $40
EZ PEEZIE PIN FELT PIN CUSHIONS: tuesdays, april 15 and 29 1 to 3 at the shop
learn how to wet felt TWO pin cushions the first week and the second week we will do some basic needle felting designs! $25
obviously, the weather may interfere with the class schedule but classes can always be re-scheduled. also, anyone out there who prefers evenings or weekends, that option is always available by just asking.
PITTSBURGH KNIT AND CROCHET FESTIVAL
friday/sat/sun march 14/15/16RaggZ yarn shop's FIRST show as a vendor! getting excited and nervous about which yarns to take, getting samples made, how to set up in a 10x10 space, etc etc etc! for those of you who have gone in the past, i am up for any suggestions.
i have been wanting, for quite some time, to learn to make seamless wet felted clothing. after scouring the internet and not finding any useful information, or at least any info i wasn't already aware of, i just decided to bite the bullet and get down and dirty and give it a try! i have taken classes in felting, both in person and online but nothing was quite fitting the bill for what i wanted to do. the only classes i could find were in australia, new zealand, or california. not wanting to go quite that far, i decided to just do it with the knowledge that i had and learn from there. sooooo, two weeks ago i made my first vest out of icelandic lambs wool from the lavender fleece in michigan. i guessed at the pattern, cut the resist and was on my way. i methodically weighed the roving for each layer so i would know how much i used then could gauge whether i needed to use more or less. the result is shown below but i have not yet embellished it with buttons or anything. the bottom edge natural and organic, which suits me just fine.
 |
| the vest is lying flat in the process of drying |
after that i decided i had to try again this time using merino, which is a little easier to wear and i used a 100% merino roving from pagewood farm. the color way was called 'mississipi mud'. i tweaked a few things here and there, enlarging the front pattern piece so that it would be more of a double breasted style and feel that this one is more to my liking. again, i have not done any finishing touches but i was so excited about it, i wanted to share it with you. what do you think?
 |
| dry and ready for the finishing touches |
check out this link - i thought it was cute and i think you will appreciate it also:
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-fashion/why-bother-knitting-scarf.html?fb_action_ids=10202279242775901&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B268883196592740%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5Di appreciate your supporting my little local yarn shop!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014 has arrived
well the holidays are officially over and 2014 is here. "twenty fourteen" sounds weird. so futuristic - like some B movie i would have watched as a kid, thinking it was so far away….
my favorite holiday memory was the party at the shop the friday before christmas. elf donna entertained us all and we had homemade cookies, mulled cider, and unadvertised specials.
i decided last minute to whip up a hat and fingerless mitts for tom's 7 year old granddaughter, elizabeth out of her favorite color - LIME green. she LOVED them and now wants them in all different colors! i had no pattern and just guessed so i breathed a sigh of relief when everything fit her perfectly! isn't she adorable?
i want to say thanks to all of you who helped me through my 2nd year in business. i certainly had loads of fun. i am going to give the shop five years before i decide whether to move forward with it or not. i am working on inputting my info in quickbooks now and i'm always amazed at how much money i've spent. haven't done receipts yet but they are nowhere near what i've spent…… but i am hoping that being a vendor in the upcoming pittsburgh knit and crochet festival (march 14-15-16) will make fiber people aware that i am indeed here!
speaking of the pk&c fest, i am looking for suggestions as to which yarns i should take, patterns, kits, etc. i only have a 10x10 space and i have to figure out how on earth to get all that yarn displayed as efficiently as possible. i plan on not taking average yarns, as they can be found just about anywhere, although not at my great prices. i will definitely take pagewood farms, all my handspun yarns, lopi (hard to find), kauni, imperial, mountain meadow, and all my handspun… not sure what else yet. so if you have any suggestions, by all means, please let me know.
the past three new year's eves have felt a little sad, reminded of my losses, which i try not to dwell on - life is fleeting and temporary and goes oh so quickly. this year also brought some new grand babies to my friends - i see their faces beam with joy and i am reminded that things are constantly being renewed. twenty thirteen was a memorable year for me, as i got to take a 6600 mile trek with the kids, having them all together, seeing some of the most beautiful sights i've ever seen (colorado river, bruneau dunes, crater lake, columbia river gorge) but none of those sights tops seeing the three beautiful faces of my three children all in one place! for that i am eternally grateful. add to that the horrific scene of watching my daughter's car overturn in front of my eyes yet walk away unscathed - this still gives me a chill - but i thank God every day for the good fortune i've had all of my life. none of us are without bumps in the road and losses but we all endure and each experience teaches us and makes us a better person.
five years ago i was perusing the lion brand website and found what was called 'stainless steel' yarn. so i purchased two cones and never did anything with them (surprised??). i'm wondering if any of you out there have tried it as of yet? recently i was scouting ideas out on the internet and found some patterns and info on stainless steel yarn so i purchased more and a corresponding pattern and am very excited to see how it knits up. i will keep you all posted.
i finished the holden shawlette (free ravelry pattern i spoke of last newsletter) using kauni yarn with its subtle color way changes. it wasn't what i expected to be honest with you but i can now move onto that stainless yarn i've been wanting to play with.
instructor: laura mcguire (aka the crazy sock lady)
Dates: Tuesday, January 28, February 4, & February 11
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Place: Toni’s Shop
OR
Dates: Saturday, February 1, February 8, & February 15
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: Laura’s House: 212 Roxbury Drive, Greensburg
What to bring: Size 6 (16”) Circular Needles and
Yarn of your choice to match needle size. Toni has some wonderful selections!
Join me for this advanced knitting class for socks! Socks can be fun! We’ll be doing a boot sock over three classes. Stitches we’ll use: k, p, k2tog, p2tog, ssk, and kitchener.
Week 1: Cuff and heel
Week 2: Heel turn, gusset, and decreases
Week 3: Body and toe
Class size is limited. Pre-registration and payment for the class is required.
CONFIDENT COLOR
instructor: catherine rosensteel cost for the class: $40
date: wednesday, january 29th
time: 1:00 to 4:00
A new project—Yay! What colors—Oh no! Discover ways to make your color choices easier and your next projects glow. Explore color harmony and ways to add WOW! to your next projects.
Open to crafters, fiber artists, and painters who want to strengthen their confidence in color selection.
Catherine has been a painter, art teacher and a fiber artist throughout her life and wants to share her love and understanding of colors with you.
Helpful materials will be provided. Class size limited. Pre-registration and payment required.
thursday, january 9: purlin girls meet at the bean at noon
fridays, january 3 and 10: shop open 10-6
tuesday, january 14: knitters anonymous at the shop 10-6
friday, sat, sunday MARCH 14, 15, and 16 PITTSBURGH KNIT AND CROCHET FESTIVAL IN CRANBERRY - SAVE THE DATE! check out their website for class info and other fun events and make sure to pre-register or get your advance tickets!
clementine's jump ring bracelet class was loads of fun with us all learning a wonderful new technique. diane mogul stopped by and saw what we were working on and mentioned that she may want to take the class, so we'll see if Alisa is available to do an encore performance soon. check the website for more details: raggzfiberart.com
bobbi, another customer, who is an excellent knitter and weaver, purchased some brown sheep cones of lanaloft in a variegated teal color. the variegation wove into a beautiful plaid which she was very happy with! she wove the fabric then sewed the jacket together and stopped in to get a JUL shawl pin. gorgeous, isn't it?
for those crocheters out there, i found this cute cute video crochet strawberries: http://crochetmore.blogspot.com/2013/08/strawberry-stitch-tutorial.html (uh oh i am afraid monte has run out of animals so fruit and veggies may be her next obsession…)
good news - two of the baby squirrels i found in the summer were raised up and released into the wild! and speaking of animals, last month i promised to put in a few picture of my critters, so here they are wishing everyone a happy 2014 and thanking paula and mary ann for all the yummy goodies! MORE MORE MORE!
my favorite holiday memory was the party at the shop the friday before christmas. elf donna entertained us all and we had homemade cookies, mulled cider, and unadvertised specials.
i decided last minute to whip up a hat and fingerless mitts for tom's 7 year old granddaughter, elizabeth out of her favorite color - LIME green. she LOVED them and now wants them in all different colors! i had no pattern and just guessed so i breathed a sigh of relief when everything fit her perfectly! isn't she adorable?
i want to say thanks to all of you who helped me through my 2nd year in business. i certainly had loads of fun. i am going to give the shop five years before i decide whether to move forward with it or not. i am working on inputting my info in quickbooks now and i'm always amazed at how much money i've spent. haven't done receipts yet but they are nowhere near what i've spent…… but i am hoping that being a vendor in the upcoming pittsburgh knit and crochet festival (march 14-15-16) will make fiber people aware that i am indeed here!
speaking of the pk&c fest, i am looking for suggestions as to which yarns i should take, patterns, kits, etc. i only have a 10x10 space and i have to figure out how on earth to get all that yarn displayed as efficiently as possible. i plan on not taking average yarns, as they can be found just about anywhere, although not at my great prices. i will definitely take pagewood farms, all my handspun yarns, lopi (hard to find), kauni, imperial, mountain meadow, and all my handspun… not sure what else yet. so if you have any suggestions, by all means, please let me know.
the past three new year's eves have felt a little sad, reminded of my losses, which i try not to dwell on - life is fleeting and temporary and goes oh so quickly. this year also brought some new grand babies to my friends - i see their faces beam with joy and i am reminded that things are constantly being renewed. twenty thirteen was a memorable year for me, as i got to take a 6600 mile trek with the kids, having them all together, seeing some of the most beautiful sights i've ever seen (colorado river, bruneau dunes, crater lake, columbia river gorge) but none of those sights tops seeing the three beautiful faces of my three children all in one place! for that i am eternally grateful. add to that the horrific scene of watching my daughter's car overturn in front of my eyes yet walk away unscathed - this still gives me a chill - but i thank God every day for the good fortune i've had all of my life. none of us are without bumps in the road and losses but we all endure and each experience teaches us and makes us a better person.
five years ago i was perusing the lion brand website and found what was called 'stainless steel' yarn. so i purchased two cones and never did anything with them (surprised??). i'm wondering if any of you out there have tried it as of yet? recently i was scouting ideas out on the internet and found some patterns and info on stainless steel yarn so i purchased more and a corresponding pattern and am very excited to see how it knits up. i will keep you all posted.
i finished the holden shawlette (free ravelry pattern i spoke of last newsletter) using kauni yarn with its subtle color way changes. it wasn't what i expected to be honest with you but i can now move onto that stainless yarn i've been wanting to play with.
UPCOMING CLASSES
*Knitting Socks on Circular Needles (3 day class) cost for the class is $60instructor: laura mcguire (aka the crazy sock lady)
Dates: Tuesday, January 28, February 4, & February 11
OR
Dates: Saturday, February 1, February 8, & February 15
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: Laura’s House: 212 Roxbury Drive, Greensburg
What to bring: Size 6 (16”) Circular Needles and
Yarn of your choice to match needle size. Toni has some wonderful selections!
Join me for this advanced knitting class for socks! Socks can be fun! We’ll be doing a boot sock over three classes. Stitches we’ll use: k, p, k2tog, p2tog, ssk, and kitchener.
Week 1: Cuff and heel
Week 2: Heel turn, gusset, and decreases
Week 3: Body and toe
Class size is limited. Pre-registration and payment for the class is required.
CONFIDENT COLOR
instructor: catherine rosensteel cost for the class: $40
date: wednesday, january 29th
time: 1:00 to 4:00
A new project—Yay! What colors—Oh no! Discover ways to make your color choices easier and your next projects glow. Explore color harmony and ways to add WOW! to your next projects.
Open to crafters, fiber artists, and painters who want to strengthen their confidence in color selection.
Catherine has been a painter, art teacher and a fiber artist throughout her life and wants to share her love and understanding of colors with you.
Helpful materials will be provided. Class size limited. Pre-registration and payment required.
working on a new class schedule which will be posted in the next newsletter january 15th. included will be more amazing stitches classes, knitted, felted sheep, small wet felt projects, just to name a few!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: january 1 cathy p, january 7th ardis m, january 8th eugenia s, and january 10th linda j! happy day ladies!
upcoming dates to remember
saturdays, jan 4 and 11: craftique fiber art group 10 to noonthursday, january 9: purlin girls meet at the bean at noon
fridays, january 3 and 10: shop open 10-6
tuesday, january 14: knitters anonymous at the shop 10-6
friday, sat, sunday MARCH 14, 15, and 16 PITTSBURGH KNIT AND CROCHET FESTIVAL IN CRANBERRY - SAVE THE DATE! check out their website for class info and other fun events and make sure to pre-register or get your advance tickets!
clementine's jump ring bracelet class was loads of fun with us all learning a wonderful new technique. diane mogul stopped by and saw what we were working on and mentioned that she may want to take the class, so we'll see if Alisa is available to do an encore performance soon. check the website for more details: raggzfiberart.com
bobbi, another customer, who is an excellent knitter and weaver, purchased some brown sheep cones of lanaloft in a variegated teal color. the variegation wove into a beautiful plaid which she was very happy with! she wove the fabric then sewed the jacket together and stopped in to get a JUL shawl pin. gorgeous, isn't it?
for those crocheters out there, i found this cute cute video crochet strawberries: http://crochetmore.blogspot.com/2013/08/strawberry-stitch-tutorial.html (uh oh i am afraid monte has run out of animals so fruit and veggies may be her next obsession…)
good news - two of the baby squirrels i found in the summer were raised up and released into the wild! and speaking of animals, last month i promised to put in a few picture of my critters, so here they are wishing everyone a happy 2014 and thanking paula and mary ann for all the yummy goodies! MORE MORE MORE!
 |
| some of the gang |
 |
| dougie |
 |
| lovey, chubbs, and mr. kit hat (yes the two orange ones are the kittens from my summer rescue!) |
 |
| tom and his favorite rooster |
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