march 1, 2014

IMPORTANT:  THE SHOP IS CLOSED UNTIL FRIDAY, MARCH 21st.  as most of you already know, i will be a vendor for the first time as a yarn shop at the pittsburgh knit & crochet festival at the 4 points sheraton north march 14-16.  check out their website:  pittsburgh knit and crochet.com
if you have a chance to come out, i am booth number 41.  i am really excited and anxious about my first show as a yarn shop.  yes, i'm used to setting up as a knitter and felter but its so different this time, taking my yarns and figuring out the best way to maximize a 10 x 10 space.  

if you need a yarn fix or are in dire need, you certainly can call me and stop over to get what you need but other than that, the place will be more disorganized than usual packing for the show.

ANOTHER GOOD ANNOUNCEMENT:  WELCOME LUCY!!!

 
lucy was born friday february 21 to mathilda.  mathilda is a very good mom and i know she is well taken care of!  more to be born soon!  she is named after my mom's next door neighbor who is now in her 90's!

MARCH BIRTHDAYS!  (this newsletter i am including all birthdays in the month of march, instead of just the first two weeks)  so birthday wishes go out to
alice c. on 3/3; kay f on 3/11; diane p on 3/21; and kathy a on 3/25. don't forget to come get your birthday certificates ladies!

door prize winner from february - dorothy gerhard!  dorothy was here last friday with her daughter and 3 beautiful granddaughters, all with different shades of blue eyes!

DATES TO REMEMBER:
thursday march 6:  purlin girls meet at the bean 
saturdays march 1, 8, and 15:  craftique fiber art group at craftique
wednesday, march 5:  baby sweater KAL meet at raggz (weather permitting)
shop CLOSED til march 21st

UPCOMING CLASS REMINDER:
monday, march 24 at 1:00 jump ring bracelet pair
wednesday, march 26 at 1:00 nancy's finishing class
monday, march 31 at 1:00 cuff class (second class april 7) 
see my website for details on the class:  raggzfiberart.com

RECENT CLASS UPDATE:

on again/off again class went very well and the students learned ten different ways to cast on and bind off, all with their own usefulness or look.

it's always nice to learn a variety of ways to do this and have the option of adding, for example, a picot edge (bind off OR cast on) to a scarf, hat, or baby item.









from wool to wonderful felt flowers class 
one of the fun things about teaching a class is that i ALWAYS learn some thing too!  the ladies made gorgeous multi colored flowers and added them to the string of hand dipped lights to make such a beautiful addition to a room.  i, myself, had been making my flowers one color other than the centers but my students, being much more colorful than i, went off and used colors i wouldn't have thought of putting together but they were gorgeous!  maia had to leave for an appointment early, so her lights are not featured below but check these out:

kathy working hard trying to get that roving to felt!















looks a little like elf hats sitting in a row, doesn't it?







SEE WHAT FUN YOU ARE MISSING?  I WILL BE TEACHING THIS CLASS AGAIN IN THE SPRING!

marlene's finished light string

kathy's lights already displayed on her mantel!

yesterday tom and i got a lot of work done up on the farm with the weather warming up at least temporarily.  my plan was to go up and help him feed and head back home to finish working on my display for the show; however, we decided to clean stalls, move the animals around, spread the manure in the fields, and do some general clean up.  

seems every time i work up on the farm i get hurt being the klutz that i am.  first off, i went up with tom on the tractor to spread the manure because you have to get down off of the tractor and set two heavy metal levers so that the chains move the manure to the back of the spreader to be shot out onto the fields (and i do mean SHOT  -- i even got hit in the back of the head with a chunk of wet manure while sitting on the tractor).  well it kept getting stuck so we had to get off the tractor and manually (with bare hands mind you) dig through manure to unstick it from the blades.  let me describe this to you:  the manure is almost a solid wet mass entwined with hay and urine so its a very thick dark muck and very strong.  now i luckily LIKE the smell of manure but i don't like it dug under my fingernails and all over my bare hands.  as soon as we got it unstuck, i went down to the barn to rinse my hands off but alas we had to do this several times.  i was thinking of the couple of scrapes and cuts i had on my hand and how this manure is now oozing into my bloodstream.

oh well nothing i could do about it now.  one of the last loads we did, i got off the tractor to re-set the metal levers back into the off position, which is up in the air over my head.  can you see where this is going?  i thought i was diligent about making sure the first one was locked before re-setting the second one.  as i reached under the first one to set the second one, the one which was obviously not locked in came loose and hit me directly in the face just under my right eye.  i literally saw stars and wanted to cry.  poor tom.  i just walked away because when i'm hurt you have to ignore me because i get mean.  he was asking me if i was ok and i was yelling YES JUST GO!!!  ha ha now its funny.  he was worried and i could see the swelling begin under my eye almost immediately.  i was hoping it didn't crack my orbital bone but after an hour or so it was no longer throbbing and i was fine.  i may end up with a little bruise but overall i got off easy i think.  lesson learned.

just before dark, we hobbled into the house, every muscle aching!  i went upstairs to scour my hands and realized i didn't have a nail brush so i grabbed an extra toothbrush and got my nails all cleaned out.  we fell asleep early last night needless to say.   note to self:  be more active in the winter…

that's all i've got for now.  gotta finish up some online felting classes and get ready for the show.  have a good couple of weeks everyone and i'm here if you need anything.  i'll miss my fridays at the table with the chubby knitters club but will see you all later in the month if i don't see you at the show!  wish me luck!

february 15 blog (late again)

i have been crazy busy with classes here at the shop, getting prepared for the upcoming pittsburgh knit and crochet show in march, and taking online felting classes.    also trying to keep up with the shoveling and today trying to knock huge icicles off the roof tops!

well, i got my maple trees tapped.  that's a relief because
 i missed it one year due to warm temps in january.  the temps have to be above freezing in the day and below freezing at night for the sap to be running. i will be collecting sap at least this upcoming week and if the weather turns cold again, i will have to get the sap cooked up before it starts to run again, as you can only store it so long.

most people don't know it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup.  REAL syrup i mean - NOT pretend syrup.  now you know why its so darn expensive.  to me, it is worth every second of trudging through the snow twice a day to empty buckets and carrying full five gallon buckets that weigh at least 40 pounds back up to the house.  the best part is cooking it down, which needs to be done outside over an open fire, as it takes about an entire day for the water to evaporate and for it to cook down to syrup.  well that's probably more than you wanted to know.

back to shop business:  i'm really excited about the upcoming knit and crochet show.  please mark you calendars for march 14-16 and try to make your way to the 4 points sheraton north.  check out their website at pghknitandcrochet.com for more info as well as class information.  it is well worth the trip!

70 never looked so good!

lets start with second half february birthdays:
holly h (feb 16); cathy r (feb 17 a BIG BIG one);
trish f (feb 17 NOT a big big one).  cathy r was at
the shop for a knit along on the 17th, so we sang
happy birthday to her and had a little boston creme pie.











                                                                         
                                                                         
my first KAL (knit along)!

cathy, maia, ardis, and beth are working on a baby sweater pattern which is virtually seamless.
pictures in march when everyone's is complete!












WHAT'S NEW?
i just received a shipment of nicky epstein's "knitting in circles" hardcover book.  this book retails for $29.99 and sells on amazon for $23.78.  however, i am selling this book for $20.  this book contains 100 circular patterns for sweaters, bags, hats, afghans, and includes twenty of nicky's original designs.   you gain an understanding of the fun and possibilities a knitted circle can offer.

ALSO NEW is some luscious roving i received just today from the lavender fleece in michigan.  my friend, laurie ball-gisch, raises icelandic and leicester long wool sheep, which i am happy to say, i will be getting lambs from her this summer (one of each).  her well cared for flock produce a most luxurious wool.  pictured below:  the white in the back is a blend of icelandic lambswool, alpaca, and silk; the royal purple ball in the middle comes in leicester long wool as well as icelandic (laurie dies them herself); and the white with yellow in the forefront is icelandic lambs wool mixed with mohair.  they are so soft to the touch - they feel like a cloud.  all of these wonderful rovings felt like a dream!

cathy rosensteel's 'confident color' class was so
educational. we learned how colors work
together - what does and what doesn't go together and WHY!  this is a great class for all your knitters out there who have that problem.  cathy is going to offer this class again soon once the weather breaks and will be offering a sequel to the class as well having to do with design.  stay tuned for more info!

NEW CLASS COMING SOON:

FINISHING WORKSHOP*
at LONG LAST!  this class is designed to help those who have a completed garment but are afraid to finish it!!  OR you are afraid to start a project you will have to finish!  you will learn to give garments a professional seam, how to pick up stitches, gauge, blocking, and more.
instructor:  nancy premoshis
cost:  $25
materials:  complete list will be given at registration
when:  wednesday march 26 OR wednesday april 2 from 1 to 4 (choose ONE date)
where:  raggz

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:
wednesday feb 19 class:  on again/off again*
wednesday feb 19 close knit girls meet at panera
thursday feb 20 purlin girls meet at the bean
tuesday feb 25 1-6 knitters anonymous at the shop
wednesday feb 26 1-4 class:  from wool to wonderful felted lights*

*as always pre-registration and prepayment is required to hold a space in the class.

this is a picture of a beautiful vest monte made for her beautiful daughter, wendy, in colorado.  monte knitted it with Brae Tweed yarn by Knit One Crochet Too.  it is so lovely and is the same seamless vest pattern most of the purlin girls were using with the plymouth bonsai.  but of course monte had to add her own flair to it.  i'm sure wendy just loves it!

just to give you a heads up, due to the frenzy i figure i'll be in getting ready for the show - what to take, how to display what i take, packing, pricing, etc etc etc, the SHOP WILL BE CLOSED MARCH 1 and will reopen friday march 21st.  i hate to miss out on two fridays and a tuesday afternoon, but i will be using my dining room area of the shop as a prototype for my 10x10 set up at the show.  you are welcome to give me a call and pop in if you need something but we just won't be sitting around the table as we usually do on fridays.  sorry for any inconvenience but we'll get back on track on the 21st hopefully.  i hope i have sold soooo much that the shelves will be bare and i will be busy re-ordering!  (wishful thinking).

below are a few photos i wanted to share with you all of various happenings:

maia modeling diane's recently finished scarf with about a foot of yarn left over!!!!!!

marlene and another of her beautiful creations!  she said she is SICK OF WINTER and is hoping by dressing in springy clothes, it will coax winter to go away!

thea was nice enough to make a sample of Noni's Lipstick and Change kit.  isn't it adorable?

a tunic i made for myself.  i'm thinking of offering this as a knit along in the near future - this is a great spring project.  mine is knit out of JoJoLand Fantasia super wash and is very soft and comfortable and very washable!  

this is called 'upwolfing' and is a dutch method of felting.  i stumbled upon it and had to try it out.  check it out in person at the shop.  i am currently working on a few other samples as well.  very unusual!  i was so excited when i finished it and showed it to tom and he said 'what do you do with it?'  i had to laugh because i don't know!  i suppose it will be a wall hanging!  i'll figure something out…

ok that's all for now ladies.  please check out the class schedule on the website:  raggzfiberart.com

for more info.  looking forward to seeing you all very soon!  i hope the next newsletter will include photos of lambs and kids!

t

2.1.14

frost on the glass

so long january! i think most of you are breathing a sigh of relief now that the 'polar vortex' has subsided.  i enjoyed that cold weather because i didn't have to go out in it other than up to the farm.  i hate to admit that i may have been in my sweatpants seven days in a row!  we were up at the farm today and the critters were all out enjoying the sunshine.  no one looks ready to pop as of yet so i assume we won't see any babies for another month but you will see photos as soon as they are born.  but they all enjoyed the treats mary ann sent over friday.  the photo above was the back door at the shop which had been decorated by jack frost on one of those below zero nights.

the shop was on overload last friday.  thanks to all of you who came out.  donna is back and on the mend and a good time was had by all.

early february birthday wishes go out to:  linda l. on the 4th; donna w on the 11th, and carolyn f. on the 12th.  have a super day ladies and don't forget to come to the shop in february to redeem your $5 birthday gift certificate!

WHAT'S NEW YOU ASK?

hiya hiya double pointed needles in many more sizes and bamboo interchangeable kits.  they finally put out a new color case - beautiful purple!  but they are already gone from the shelves.  i plan on ordering more and will request the purple cases.

brown sheep lana boucle in solids and hand painted.  100% wool with a crimp; 180 yard skeins; worsted weight; 4 to 4 1/2 sts per inch on a size 8; new hand painted colors in burly spun; and yes -as with all brown sheep yarns, made 100% in USA in mitchell, nebraska.  and yes more seconds have arrived as well!

burly spun handpaints

lana boucle

darn good yarn new colors in the reclaimed chiffon ribbon. this yarn removes thousands of pounds of waste each year from landfills while helping women of india and nepal. it is beautiful to knit with and is also great for nuno felting and needle felting. the colors are fabulous and an 80+ yard skein is discounted to $8 here.

also NEW - wooden yarn swifts made by a local craftsman.  

every girl should have her own swift, seeing as not every yarn shop is nice enough to wind your yarn.  also when you order from the internet, they are not wound for you.  this way you don't have to have your husband sit with his hands out holding your yarn, or use a chair back, or ask your local yarn shop lady to wind yarn for you!

a BARGAIN at $25.00!  now you buy a plastic yarn winder and you're good to go!  i will be taking these to the pittsburgh knit and crochet in march and i'm certain they will be gone before the weekend is over so get one while you can.  supplies are limited.

january's prize winner is marlene barbe of the knit chicks!  congrats marlene!  come to the shop to see what you have won.

class updates:

laura mcguire's boot sock class started today and the girls are off and running making socks but this time on two small circulars size 6 and using a worsted weight yarn.  these socks will go much quicker than the size 1 needles with sock yarn the rest of us learned on.  will post pictures of the finished products once class is over.

still a couple of seats available for the broomstick lace class being held at the shop tuesday, feb 4 at 1 ($10); coming up at towards the end of the month will be the on again/off again class on feb 19 where you will learn several useful cast on and bind off methods ($20); and from wool to wonderful felted lights will be held feb 26 ($40).  just a couple of seats left in each of these classes so hurry.  they won't be repeated in the near future due to my busy schedule.  check website for more details and photos.

another new fantastic class:  

i am please to announce that nancy premoshis will be teaching the Inspired Embellishment Sweater technique here on two thursdays, april 10 and may 15th from 1 - 4.  cost of the class is $50.  

 nancy has been knitting for over 40 years and has taught at kathy's kreations, purl in the 

pines (flagstaff AZ), and at

the Pgh Knit & Crochet Fest! she

has won many ribbons at the county fair.

this sweater is absolutely stunning and can be knitted in cotton (shown), wool, or other fabrics.  if you purchase the materials from me, you will receive a 10% discount on the yarn for this project.

the first class nancy will get us started on knitting the sweater, then a month later at the second class, she will teach us how to put it together and do the embellishments.  class size is limited.  additional classes can be added if need be.  we already have three students so room for only two more at this time.  see website for details.

nancy has also agreed to teach a finishing class, which we ALL need.  date to be announced.

MY FIRST KAL!

three of our new grandma's are meeting here at the shop on wednesday feb 5th at 1 to make a baby sweater.  my sample is knitted out of dream yarn 'classy' in the red rush color way.  (70% super wash wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon).  i have not yet put the buttons on but the yarn is so soft to the touch.  all three new babies are girls.  cathy and beth are using a pink with purple hues and maia is using green.  

this pattern is described as 'an almost seamless baby hoodie' and i learned several new techniques myself in the making of this little gem.

anyone wishing to join along, let me know soon.  

dates to remember

tuesday feb 4 broomstick lace class 1-3 cost $10

thursday feb 6 purlin girls meet at the bean at noon

tuesday feb 11 knitters anonymous at the shop 1-6

wednesday feb 12 confident color class at the shop (FULL)*

saturdays feb 1, 8, and 15 craftique fiber art group 10-12

friday february 14 valentine's day (celebrate with us at the shop)*

fridays shop open 10-6

*cathy's class has reached its max but a second class can be added if anyone is interested

*all red and pink yarn discounted 10% 

i have exciting news!  i bought a skutt kiln!  i have been wanting my own kiln for many years and seeing as i have been making a lot of my own hand built pottery, i decided to bite the bullet and get one and get it setup in the basement at the shop.  the lady who taught me to do hand building (brigita) will be teaching here and we will be making wall pockets, buttons, dishes, platters, bowls, mugs - you name it!  i am so thrilled and can't wait to get it all set up.  will have to put lighting in downstairs but as soon as it is ready (some time late spring), i will be scheduling classes.  i already have five or six ladies signed up!  brigita is a wonderful, patient teacher and i have learned so much from her.

my first hand built mug

i have been ever so busy making samples for the yarn show.  right now i've been working on some of pagewood farm's gorgeous yarns.  my theme for the show, suggested by cathy rosensteel, is going to be:

"let the yarn do the work!"

half helix pattern featuring glitterati yarn

garden party yarn cowl

 beautiful yarns make beautiful products without any effort!

flora fina hat

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i have been on a roll doing some wet felting lately and finally embellished my brown vest.  i really like it and can't wait to try more wet felted clothing.

this box was sitting at the shop friday and not one person asked me what it was for!  can you guess??? (ps its not for our wood burning stove)...

have a great month everyone.  hope to see you all soon.  thanks for your patronage - my shop has had two wonderful months -probably the best two months in the 2 plus years i've been open!!  i sooo appreciate your business.  special thanks to those of you who have been spreading the word about my shop and bring new customers to me!

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!

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!'

dates to remember:

thursday, january 23 purlin girls 
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

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  $10
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.  

PITTSBURGH KNIT AND CROCHET FESTIVAL

friday/sat/sun march 14/15/16
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.

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%5D

i appreciate your supporting my little local yarn shop!

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.

UPCOMING CLASSES

*Knitting Socks on Circular Needles (3 day class)  cost for the class is $60
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.

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 noon
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!

gidget

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