September/October Classes and New Workshop

ROXBURY POND

Simple elegance, intriguing texture, detail and shape make this piece a must have. This semi-circular shawl uses a short row technique that is easy for less experienced knitters too. The decorative picot edging is worked as you go.

When: Wednesday, October 5th, 7pm - 9pm or

Saturday, October 8th, 9:30am - 11:30am

Instructor: Christiane

Level: advanced beginner

Please pick your yarn prior to class.

BOOGA BAG

A fun and easy felted bag which makes a great gift. Learn about about felting , knitting in the round and how to make a simple i-cord.

When: Wednesday, October 12th and/or
Wednesday, October 19th, 7pm - 9pm
Instructor: Christiane
Level: Beginner, you need to know how to cast on, knit and purl.

LACE WATERFALL CARDIGAN

If you’re new to lace knitting, this is the project for you! Learn the relationship between yarn overs and knit togethers that is the basis for all lace knitting. Make this lovely cardigan in either linen, cotton or lightweight wool. It’s a truly feminine design and will look lovely over a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt.

When: Saturday, October 29th, 9:30am - 11:30am
Instructor: Sheila
Level: Intermediate
Please select yarn prior to class

EINSTEIN COAT

The pattern is described as
* Very easy
* Lots of Knitting
* Minimal Finishing
My kind of pattern! The Einstein coat is the perfect project for the beginner knitter who is ready to make something besides scarves, hats and mittens. As with all patterns in this book all you have to know is how to cast on and the knit stitch. The pattern is also constructed in such a way that if you would prefer making a shorter version it can be easily accomplished.
Pattern is available for children and adults. Yarn requirements will depend on the pattern size you chose.

When: Saturday, October 29th 2pm - 4pm
Instructor: Barbara
Material: Bulky yarn, size US 8 and 10 needles
Please select yarn prior to class
This will be a Knit-A-Long and additional class dates will be chosen.
Pattern by Sally Melville: The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch. Available at Yarns With A Twist

Announcing at Yarns With A Twist --

MAKING MITTENS AND HATS AND SCARVES WORKSHOPS

Now that the cool weather is finally here and the cold will quickly follow there has been an increased interest in making mittens, scarves and hats. These items are not only essential for winter, they also make wonderful holiday gifts for just about anyone on your list.

There are so many patterns available it is difficult to choose for classes what the majority would like to learn. We thought, instead of trying to please only a few with specific classes, we would have a regular Mitten, Hat and Scarf Workshop in an attempt to accommodate everyone’s requests.

First workshop will be held on Tuesday evening October 11th  from 5pm to 8 pm. Workshops will continue every other Tuesday. You are welcome to bring your current project or we can assist you in selecting what will be next on your needles. Assistance will be available to help you work through problems you might be experiencing with your current project. Fair Isle, cables, knitting with beads, double knitting, using double pointed or circular needles are only a few of the topics that will be discussed. New yarns, patterns and techniques will be introduced to encourage you to take on a new challenge.

Attend whatever Tuesdays you want and stay the full three hours or less. The shop is normally closed Tuesday evenings for regular business. It will remain open only to accommodate this workshop.

If you would like to join us, please call the shop and have your name added to the list. This applies to each Tuesday workshop. Likewise, if you are unable to attend a workshop you had previously signed up for let us know that too. The workshops are free, but we do ask that you purchase your yarn and supplies from Yarns With A Twist.

When – First Workshop--Tuesday, October 11^th. Additional workshops will be held every other Tuesday. Future dates will be posted on the YWAT Blog.

Time – 5pm to 8 pm

Instructor - Barbara

Yarns With A Twist will be participating in the Progressive Needles Knit-Along, with Michelle Hunter sponsored by Skacel yarns.

From a Shawlette to Socks each month between October 2011 and February 2012 a different pattern worked as a knit-a-long. Patterns will be supplied online at http://knitpurlhunter.com/kal/kal-info/ and YWAT will be have in stock the required yarn from Skacel for each project. There are prizes too….

More information on how you participate can be found at http://www.skacelknitting.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.55525/.f

YWAT is the first yarn store in Connecticut participating in this KAL. If you want to join in the fun, don’t wait to long to stop at the shop and purchase your yarn for the current months KAL.

The yarn for the October project will be available soon at YWAT. So get Ready, Set and Let's Knit.

RUCKLE HAT CLASS

An impromptu class to learn how to knit the Ruckle Hat  has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 21st from 5pm to 7pm. 

The Ruckle Hat is described as "a soft,scrunchy hat with folds or puckers knit into the body".  The pattern is available in the current issue of KnitCircus. Knit Circus is an online publication. http://www.knitcircus.com/. You can view the magazine, but must purchase a subscription for the patterns. Patterns for a specific issued can also be purchased for a nominal price at: http://www.knitcircus.com/patternshop/index.php.

The hat in the photo was knittied with two skeins of Berroco Pure Merino and Size 8 - 16" circular and double pointed needles. Choose from the many colors of Berroco Pure Merino available at YWAT or choose another yarn that is will give you 4 1/2 stitches to the inch.

This class is excellent for any one with basic knitting skills. This hat will be knitted in the round on circular and double pointed needles, using a provisional cast on, stockinette stitch, increase and decreases and picking up stitches on the wrong side for the tucks.

 

Sandee spent last weekend at the Brooklyn Fair demonstrating the Erlbacher Gearhart Circular Sock Knitting Machine.The Erlbacher Gearhart is a reproduction of the Gearhart Circular Sock Knitting Machine that was originally made in the 1920's. David "Pee Wee" Erlbacher of Erlbacher Gear and Machine Works decided to reproduce this piece of history in 2010. If you would like more information about this machine, contact Sandee at the shop.

Just a cute photo from the Brooklyn Fair. Both photos from the Fair were taken by Jeff Buchbinder and used in this blog with his permission.

The New Class Schedule will be out with the YWAT newsletter in a few days. Here are a couple of classes that will begin next week that you don't want to miss. Mitten Classes Continue Saturday, September 17th – 2pm to 4pm And/Or Saturday, September 24th – 9:30am to 11:30am Class will be a beginning, or continuation, of the Mini Mochi Springy Mittens and for those who would like to begin the Bella Mittens. The Mini Mochi mittens is an excellent pattern for a beginner knitter would wants to spread their wings and try something different, but not go too far out of their comfort zone. The Bella Mittens were a big hit at the shop last year and many requests have been received to repeat the class again. The Bella Mitten pattern utilizes cables and would be the perfect project for an intermediate knitter. Pattern for either mitten is available for free with the purchase of yarn. Recommended yarn for the Mini Mochi is – Mini Mochi by Crystal Palace; Bella Mittens – Katia Peru. Either pattern will require two skeins for an adult size. Note – If you are working on the Brioche Mitten and need more assistance, please call the shop or stop by one of these class times. Suggestions for other mitten classes are always appreciated. Road Map Scarf – The Road Map Scarf is a fun and interesting project incorporating 10 squares that are each unique and each incorporating a different pattern and technique. Date – Friday, September 16th from 2pm to 4pm Instructor – Barb This is an ongoing class and additional sessions will be planned on Sept. 16th Yarn Requirements – 6 skeins (one of each color), Size 4 – 9: straight or size to obtain gauge for main Size 4 – 32” circular needle or longer or size to obtain gauge for ruffle and i-cord. Gauge: 6 sts to 1 inch. This shop sample and the scarf pictured below were knitted using Mission Falls DK. Even though this yarn has been discontinued, we still have a nice sized inventory left. If you prefer to use another yarn, we will be happy to assist you in choosing the yarn and your colors.  Virginia completed her Road Map Scarf during our first classes. She did a great job. We will post photos of more scarves as they are completed. Time to bring out those needles and begin knitting for Fall, Winter and, even Christmas/Holiday gifts. Yarns With A Twist is stocked with new yarns in all your favorite colors and weights. Perfect for cold weather knitting. Stop in and see what's new. OUR STAFF AND CUSTOMERS MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS  Barbara W. knitted the RUCKLE HAT using Berroco Pure Merino. The Ruckle Hat is described as "a soft,scrunchy hat with folds or puckers knit into the body". This hat was a lot of fun to make and Barb will be available to teach if there is enough interest in forming a class. YWAT carries so many pretty shades of Berroco Pure Merino and this hat would look adorable out of any of them. The pattern is available in the current issue of KnitCircus. Knit Circus is an online publication. http://www.knitcircus.com/. You can view the magazine, but must purchase a subscription for the patterns. Patterns can be purchased for a specific issue for a nominal price. Definitely worth checking out.

KNIT MITTENS CLASS BEGINS SATURDAY, AUGUST 27th

THREE MITTENS - THREE LEVELS OF KNITTING

9:30 am to 11:30 am

A second session will also be added.
Date and time will be determined by the class participants.

Instructor – Barbara

Whether beginner, intermediate or more experienced knitter join me on Saturday, August 27^th to KNIT MITTENS.

For the BEGINNER, Bazinga yarn with size 10 dps, will yield a quick easy mitten. Along the way you will become more comfortable with knitting with double pointed needles, reading the pattern, doing increases and decreases and at the end a special, and easy bind off.

Materials – 2 skeins of Plymouth Bazinga yarn and one sent of #10 double pointed needles. This will create on pair of women’s medium mittens.

INTERMEDIATE knitters, who have already had the experience of knitting a basic mitten, the Mini Mochi Springy Ring is fun and easy.  With this pattern you can knit either a pair of mittens for a child or an adult.
Pattern is free and available with yarn purchase.

Materials – 1 or 2 skeins of Crystal Palace Yarns Mini Mochi. Amount of yarn required depends on the size - one skein is for a Child’s Medium. Remaining sizes use 2 skeins. #2 double pointed needles. Pattern is free and available with purchase of yarn.

For the more EXPERIENCED knitters, it has been requested that we knit the Brioche Twist with Latte Mittens (Hat class will follow). The pattern includes instructions for a hat and scarf too, but in this class we will concentrate only on the mittens. Brioche knitting as defined on Wikipedia  - “Brioche knitting is a family of knitting patterns involving tucked stitches, i.e., yarn overs that are knitted together with a slipped stitch from the previous row. Such stitches may also be made by knitting into the row below (equivalent to the slipped stitch) and dropping the stitch above (equivalent to the yarn over).”  Sounds complicated right. Wrong, the pattern that is used in this class is well written and easy to follow. When completed, you will have a beautiful and very warm pair of mittens. I will also be knitting a pair of mittens along with you, so we can all work together through any questions or problems you might encounter.

Materials – Mittens – 2 balls of each color of Ella Rae Latte  and size 9 double pointed or circular needles (16 inch). When knitting the shop sample I used double pointed needles and distributed my stitches accordingly.

Pattern is available as a download on Ravelry.com the name is Brioche Twist with Latte -  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/brioche-twist-with-latte cost is $5.00.

MITTEN CLASSES FOR FALL  

September Knit Mittens classes will include the popular Bella Mittens. If you didn’t make a pair of these wonderfully long mittens knitted with Katia Peru yarn last year, sign up for the class this fall. Other patterns will also be included in this class so all levels of knitters can participate and learn how much fun it is to knit a pair of mittens.

If you have a request for a mitten class please call the shop and let us know. Suggestions are double knit mittens and stranded mittens

The ROADMAP SCARF. We had so much fun making this scarf in August, that there have been requests by others to join in. Class will be planned for September.

A Tale of Two Hats

The RELAXED BERET pattern has become the source for two beautiful hats

The first was knitted using PLYMOUTH JULI. A very soft blend of alpaca, nylon, polyester with just a little bit of bling to bring a twinkle to your completed project. The pattern was altered just a bit to achieve a nice slouchy effect.  See tag on shop sample hat for that information.

Materials – 2 skeins of PLYMOUTH JULI, and Size 10 and 10 ½ double pointed needles. 

The second was knitted using the pattern suggested yarn – NORO KOCHORAN. Kochoran is a blend of wool, silk and angora. The colors very subtle and their gradual change results in a beautiful, soft and relaxed hat. This pattern is a quick, easy knit. Once you make one, you will want to make more. A simple and inexpensive solution to many on your holiday gift giving list.

Materials – 1 skein of NORO KORCHORAN and #10 16# circular and double pointed needles.

Pattern for the RELAXED BERET is available at YARNS WITH A TWIST – cost $5.00.

As some of you know, SANDEE has a prototype circular sock machine from Erlbacher Gearhart Knitting Machine Company here to show people this new machine being manufactured in the USA. The website for them is www.erlbachergearhart.com.  This was Sandee's first pair using this machine.  She made these socks using Tofutsies from SWTC, using a 3x1 mock rib method.

OUR STAFF AND CUSTOMERS
MAKE THE PRETTIEST THINGS 

 









Elizabeth Zimmerman Surprise Jacket was knitted by Sue Polomski using Rowans Tapestry yarns. This was a long term project for Sue, but definitely worth the wait. The sweater is modeled by Mary Ewalt. YWAT held a class for the EZ Surprise Jacket two summers ago, is it time for another one? Call the shop and let us know.

This scarf was knitted by shop regular Maralen. She used one of the many new ruffled yarns now available at YARNS WITH A TWIST. Normally the pattern suggests a narrower cast on, Maralen chose to go wider and didn't it turn out nice?  New yarns, RIPPLE, FLOUNCE and TRIANA yarn, plus CHA-CHA that came out late last fall, are all available at YWAT. Stop in soon to stock up for holiday gift giving.

 
Another completed project from Maralen is the Ribbon Triangle Shawl. This is a very simple shawl (and it is self-fringing) is knitted from one of the fun colors of Tartelette yarn. This shawl can be worn year round and would enhance anything you wear for the upcoming fall and winter holidays. If you are new to knitting and would like to make this shawl for yourself, or a gift, let us know. A mini-class can be set up to help you from beginning to end. 

Margaret W. just completed this pair of Double Helix Socks. The pattern was featured in the First Fall 2011 Knitty.com (an online magazine).When we took this photo we tried to position the sock on the right so you can see the Double Helix pattern in the heel. Beautiful job, Margaret, and kudos to you for attempting what can be a very challenging technique.

Sally S. knitted this elegant vest with two yarns - Kraemer Tatamy Tweed and Ellyn Cooper Yarn Sonnet Woolbury. Great job Sally!


 

YARNS WITH A TWIST
WILL HAVE REDUCED STORE HOURS 
DURING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 15TH
 
MONDAY & TUESDAY - AUGUST 15TH & 16TH - CLOSED
WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 17TH - 11AM to 5 PM (No Evening Hours)
THURSDAY - AUGUST 18TH - 11AM to 5 PM (No Evening Hours)
FRIDAY - AUGUST 19TH - 1 PM to 5 PM
SATURDAY - AUGUST 20TH - 11 AM to 5 PM

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE
NORMAL STORE HOURS WILL RESUME ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 23RD