Monday, June 23, 2008

July Newsletter

SEPTEMBER KNITTING CLASS CHANGES - SEE BELOW

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July! Summer's definitely in full swing now, isn't it? Don't forget our new summer hours when you plan to stop by and see the new fabrics we have in the shop. WE WILL BE CLOSED ON JULY 4TH, OPEN ON SATURDAY, JULY 5TH AT 10:00.

Everyone who has a self-healing mat could use these tips from the Olfa booth at the Minnesota Quilter's Guild show that Sharon attended in June this year.


We all have them, but do you know how to keep your mat in top shape?




You can put your mat in the bathtub using 1/4 cup white vinegar to a gallon of tepid water (not hot) and a couple of drops of mild dish washing liquid.You can use a soft bristle brush to create a lather and clean and condition your mat. Then rinse the mat and either air dry or dry with a Turkish towel. Your mat loves moisture and bathing them helps keep them supple.

Here are some other tips:
* You can use a gum eraser that you find at the art store to pull out fibers from your mat, it also leaves no residue. Try a toothbrush across the surface to get those fibers out

Some people have complained of mat odor, what do you do? Try wiping your mat with a gentle cleanser such as Murphy's Oil Soap, vinegar, or Pine Scented Lysol or lukewarm dish washing liquid. Air Dry. You can clean your mat with a napped lint roller to remove fibers and keep lint from getting on the fabrics you are cutting.

Did you know you could also cut on the back of your mat? Also don't leave your mat in extreme hot or cold places as it will warp, once warped you cannot fix the mat.

Use only rotary blades on your mat, snap off blades or utility blades will damage your mat; use an old mat for that, not the same one you use to cut your fabrics.

Don't cut batting and other loosely bound fibers on your mat, the blade is so fine and the mat dense that those fibers will catch in your cuts and could distort your mat. If you choose to cut batt on your mat the at least put a thin cotton between the batt and the mat to prevent fibers from embedding.

Always use a sharp blade. Never roll your mat, store flat, vary your cutting spot on the mat. Use your old mats and distorted mats, for other art projects.

KNITTING CLASSES

July-September '08

Please note the following changes/additions for the September Schedule.

We have postponed the Talia vest for a later date and we are replacing it with the Bristol Vest. The sample should be in store for viewing - this is a flattering vest and warm - just the thing for those cool autumn mornings which seem to be coming a little early this year.

Pattern: Bristol Yarn Gallery - Lafayette Vest

Yarn: Multiple Choices - Ask in Store

2 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $50 Thursdays 9/11 and 10/9 2-4pm

Also Added - My First Hat by popular demand. I have had several requests for a simple hat for those who are ready to take on the challenge of knitting in the round. This is the easiest way to learn how to manage double pointed needles. This class is your ticket to a whole new world.

1 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $25 Thursday 9/11 4-6pm
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CLASS SCHEDULE and SUPPLY LIST

Please sign up asap as these will fill up quickly and no less than 24 hours in advance of your class. You are not considered signed up until you have paid your fee. You may purchase supplies the day of class but please come at least 1/2 hour early so it doesn’t take away from your class time.
For all classes except Beginners, please bring your knitting accessories such as markers, holders, crochet hook, tapestry needle, scissors, tape, etc.

KEY TO CLASS LEVELS Each class description gives a minimum level of skills needed to attend the class. Don’t be intimidated. Most people can knit and add to their skills each time they learn something new. Our classes are planned to build your skills. We try to match the levels with the class as close as possible, but you may be in-between levels or just not sure. Don’t hesitate to ask us if a class would be right for you.

Beginner - No knowledge of knitting or refresher for those who haven’t knitted in a very long time Intermediate Beginner - can cast on and knit, and perhaps bind off, but may need help or reminders now and then. Advanced Beginner - can cast on, knit and bind off. helpful if you know how to purl but its not mandatory. You should be somewhat comfortable knitting and ready for just a little challenge Intermediate - can cast on, knit, purl and bind off. Can increase and/or decrease and very comfortable with knitting-ready to develop your skills. Advanced - can cast on, knit, purl, bind-off, increase/decrease/shaping,, and can work on all needle types including circular and double points and ready for just about anything and looking for new techniques and challenges.

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Private Instruction Available Knitting or Spinning $15 per hour
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Beginner Knitting - FAST FINGERLESS GLOVES Learn to Cast On, Knit and Bind Off in this new beginner class. These work up quickly for instant gratification.

Needles: #15 or #17 LONG WOOD Straights Pattern: Knit Knut Fast Fingerless Gloves 6.50 Yarn: 1 skein - Circus $15 Total materials: $21.50 + Needles

1 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $25

Tuesdays 7/15 4-6pm 8/19 2-4pm 9/16 4-6pmThursdays 7/17 5-7pm 7/31 4-6pm or Saturdays 7/12 10am-Noon 8/2 11am-Noon 9/6 1-3pm

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EASY SOCKS Here is your introduction to sock making, once you master the Easy Socks, you’ll never buy another pair -Advanced Beginner +up

Needles: #7 Double Points Pattern: Ann Norling Adult Socks 4.00 Yarn: 1 skein - 200 yards Encore or other worsted 5.79 or for Fancier Socks - 2 skeins Baby Alpaca Worsted @ 6.99

Total materials: $10 - $20 + Needles

1 (4 hr) Session - Class Fee $35

Tuesdays 7/15 Noon-4pm 9/16 Noon-4pm Thursdays 8/14 5-9pm Saturdays 7/12 Noon-4pm

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HELP!?%& Need help with your project? Don’t know how to get started? Bring in anything that is just not working and we’ll get you going. Nothing is too hard for Brenda.....Rhonda said so.

1 (1 hr) Session - Class Fee $10 Thursday 8/14 4pm or 9/4 4pm

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SIMPLE SHOULDER BAG This is a customer favorite. You won’t believe how cute it is. You won’t believe you made it!-Advanced Beginner

Needles: #11 Long Straights - Not Shorts Pattern: Knit Knut Simple Shoulder Bag 6.50

Yarn: 2 skeins Galway in 2 different colors @ 5.99 1 skein Dragonfly @ 9.20

Total materials - $28.00 + needles

1 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $25 Thursday 9/11 Noon-2pm

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BEGINNING SPINNING WHEEL This is a beginning class for those with no experience or those who have tried spinning and want a little more guidance and practice. You will spend most of the class time actually spinning. on a spinning wheel. We will have spinning wheels available for your use during class. Watch for more advanced spinning and fiber preparation classes in future newsletters. Beginner

Materials - 3 ounces wool or mohair roving @ $3-5 Total Materials $10-15 1 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $30 Thursday 9/4 5-7pm

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FELTED BRIM HAT
By popular demand, we are offering the felted brim hat. This knits up quickly in Lopi so you will have a dashing topper in no time. Level: Advance Beginner Needles: #11 24" CIRCULAR AND #11 double pointed needles Pattern: Knit Knut Woolie Hatter @ $6.50 Yarn: 2 skeins Lopi @ $6.00 Total materials: $ $18.50 + Needles

2 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $50 Thursdays 7/17 and 7/24

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BEACH BONGO HAT
This is a great little number done up in any standard worsted cottonwith an optional beaded brim. A lacy band lets it breathe and the super cute brim keeps that blazing sun out of your eyes. You'll be cool in more ways than one! Learn a lace pattern, how to knit a hat in the round and how to reduce down with double pointed needles.
Level: Advanced Beginner

Needles: #5 16" Circular and #5 Double Points Pattern: Knit Knut Beach Bongo Hat $6.50 Yarn: 3 ounces any worsted weight cotton or blend $6-$10. **Optional 1 skein Mango Moon Chakra for beaded brim @ $16.

Total materials: $11.50 to $30 (depends on yarn choices) + Needles

1 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $25
Thursday 7/17 2-4pmSaturday 8/2 1-3pm
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SEDUCE ME SCARF
I was honestly seduced into this one when I fell in love with our new Seduce yarn by Berroco and kept dreaming about what I could do with it, so I paired it with a beautiful sparkling ribbon and the Seduce Me Scarf was conceived. A light and airy accessory for summerthat knits up quickly while you are learning a fun new stitch pattern that can be used on winter scarves and much more Level: Advanced Beginner

Needles: #15 Wood Straights Pattern: Knit Knut Seduce Me Scarf $6.50 Yarn: 1 Skein Berroco Seduce @8.50 and 1 Skein Louisa Harding @ 5.50 or any other ribbon yarn.

Total materials: $20-25 + Needles

1 (1 hr) Session - Class Fee $15
Thursday 7/17 4-6pm

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Design your own - RECONSTRUCTION BAG
Learn how to deconstruct a sweater and reconstruct a very fashionable bag. You are the designer but we will help you on your journey choosing style and layout as well as yarns or fabric to embellish and get you on your way. You can bring your sewing machine if you like or you can hand sew Level - you should know how to hand sew but you don't have to be neat or meticulous. No knitting or crochet required. Materials cost will depend on selections

1 (2 hr) session - Class Fee $25 Tuesday 8/19 or Thursday 8/14

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BUMBLE BAG A Fun unfelted bag with lots of style. Intermediate Beginner. Needles: #11 Long Straights or Circular 24” and above Pattern: Laines Du Nord Simple Knits $18 Yarn: Endless choices! (We'll Help!)

2 (2 hr) Sessions - Class Fee $50

Saturdays 8/2 & 9/6 10am-Noon

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NEEDLE FELT ART BY NUMBER
Learn a great shortcut to making beautiful felted art work by cheating a little and somewhat "felting by number". We will spend the first 30 minutes of class picking out your canvasand fiber, then you will learn to blend color for depth and value, then add details. You can use your canvas to embellish a totebag or be inspired for many future projects after learning thesetechniques. Part of your materials will be provided in class and part will be purchased separately.
No Experience - anyone can do this Total materials: $2.50-$10.001

(2 hr) Session - Class Fee $35 (includes part of materials)
Thursday 7/24 2-4pm

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SUMMER CARDIGAN
A short sleeved and sweet summer cardigan. A little lacy and a lot of style.
Level: Advanced Needles: #7 Circular 24" Pattern: Vogue Knitting MagazineYarn: 8 skeins Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran @ 8.00 Total materials $70 plus needles 2

(2 hr) Session - Class Fee $50

Thursday 7/31 and 8/21 Noon-2pm

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SOUTHERN COMFORT TUNIC
A gorgeous classic and comfortable tunic. Lacy but not intricate. Knits up quickly in a lush cotton and looks great layered over any summer strappy or tank top. This is from the Katia Summer Collection and we will have several projects upcoming out of this book chock full of great styles.
Level: Intermediate Needles: #7 Straight or Circular Pattern: Katia #54 $15 Yarn: Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton @ 7.50 - Skein # TBA Total materials: $ TBA + Needles

2 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $50 Thursdays 8/7 and 8/21 2-4pm

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BACK TO SCHOOL SWEATER
I call this the Back to School sweater because I used to love it when the weather began to cool down and I would dream of all the new soft and comfy sweaters I would buy if I had a billion dollars for my back to school wardrobe. Most of us are all grown up now (for quite some time) and this can be your "Back to School Sweater".....or maybe since the kids are "Back to School"....now you actually have time to knit a sweater. Anyway you want to justify it, this is one beautiful sweater. Another project from the Katia #54 Summer Collection.
Level: Intermediate and up Needles: #6 Circular 24" Pattern: Katia #54 $15 Yarn: 6 Skeins Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece @ $8 Total materials: $ 63 + Needles

2 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $50 Thursdays 9/4 and 9/25 2-4pm

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SUMMER SATCHEL A fun striped summer bag, fill with your knitting and take it to the beach. Level: Advanced Beginner Needles: #5 Straight or Circular Pattern: Knit Simple Magazine Spring/Summer 07 $6 Yarn: 3-5 Skeins Manos Cotton Stria @ $8 Total materials: $35-50 + Needles

2 ( hr) Session - Class Fee $50 Thursdays 8/7 and 8/21 Noon-2pm

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LANG VEST
A lacy little vest that makes a cool summer statement. Level: Advanced Needles: #10 Pattern: Lang #158 $14.50 Yarn: 2-3 Skeins Linie Clip @ 12.95 Total materials: $ 40-53 + Needles

2 (2 hr) Session - Class Fee $50 Thursdays 7.31 and 8/14 2-4pm

Visit the store asap to sign up, you must sign up at least 24 hours in advance.

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KNEWFANGLED KNITIOTS CLUB - Calling all new and old Knitiot’s. Since many of you have finished your afghans we are staring a Knewfangled Knitiots club so we can continue to learn new stitches. Bring a skein of yarn and the needles recommended on you label and we will learn TWO new stitch patterns each session. We will be doing swatches that you can use for lots of things. For those of you that want to continue the afghan, we will be doing that too at the same time . This is an ongoing class that you can join anytime. Each session is only $10 and after each 5 sessions, you get a freebie - no long term commitment required, just sign up at least 24 hours before the monthly session space permitting. 1 Hour Session Meeting 4th Thursdays Monthly (occasionally this may change - always check the calendar!! ) 4-5pm = Fee $10 per session attend 5 sessions and your 6th is free! attend 11 and your 12th is free as well..... We have a limited number of spots available so...... don’t miss your chance to be a KNITIOT!!! Join us now!

Dates this quarter 7/24, 8/21*Change due to holiday and 9/25

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******The Coop Group*****

Join The Coop Group - FREE! Bring your projects & byob Please sign up ahead. 6-9pm Third Tuesdays Monthly

Quilt Quips
I hope all of you are enjoying this wonderful summer and are getting in a lot of quilting time. I know I will be spending time indoors now that we are into the hot and humid weather! Check out our classes below. We have some great opportunities for you to getting your creative juices flowing. I’m off on a short vacation so will sign off for now. Mindy Peterson

Classes

Applique Club ~ This is a fun way to practice your applique and join in for some great social time with your fellow quilters. The club is very informal. You may bring your own project to work on or we may all decide to start a “club” project. The only requirement is the completion of our Beginning Needleturn Applique class or have a working knowledge of applique. (Beginner to Advanced) $5.00 per session

September 12, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

9-Degree Circle Rulers RULE! ~ Machine piecing & rotary cutting experience required. (Advanced Beginner) Teacher: Roxie West $35.00

September 10, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
September 17, 2008 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Appli-Cake ~ Don’t know what to do with Moda’s new 10” Layer Cakes? You will use the Layer Cakes, or your own 10” squares, to make a lap size quilt with just a touch of applique that can be embellished with blanket stitching. Machine piecing & rotary cutting experience required. (Advanced Beginner) Teacher: Mindy Peterson $35.00 plus $8.00 pattern fee

September 24, 2008 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.