stix-n-stitches

COBWEB LACE FRILL CLASS
Fee $35 Sunday November 1 2-4PM
Come in the store to see the samples! Cobweb Lace Frill is a wonderful beginning lace pattern, fun to do, looks very impressive with very little work, very delicate and showy at the same time. It’s based on a pattern from Barbara Walker’s Treasury Vol. 2, makes a great edging for around the waist or wrists of sweater, or a stand-alone collar, cuff, or scarf. The frill is also easily changeable from a very lush full frill, to a much smaller, simpler one. The type of stitch doesn’t change, just some of the numbers. The class will cover the structure of the pattern. We’ll knit a sampler of it, and go over how to make a few simple projects, including children’s cuffs, and a narrow scarf. Requirements for sampler made in class:50 yards of sock or lace weight wool, (heavier weight might need more) with appropriate size needles. Some lightweight waste wool or, even better, crochet cotton for running markers. (I’ll have extra with me) Skill level for sampler: low intermediate. Must be able to cast-on (long-tail cast on preferred, but others might work, too), knit, purl, bind off. I’ll be teaching yarn over, knit two together, pass slip stitch over, and very simple chart reading.

KNIT YOUR FIRST (OR SECOND OR THIRD) SWEATER
Fee $175 Sundays, November 1, November 8, November 15, December 6 and December 13 10AM-12PM - 6 sessions
This is a class for those who know the fundamentals, but who wish to go farther than knitting scarves. You will learn about sizing, how to do a gauge swatch, how to read a pattern, shaping, and anything else that comes up in your pattern. You will select a sweater after consulting with the teacher. This should be arranged in advance. Please note that there will be no class on November 29.
STASH REDUCTION AFGHAN KNIT ALONG – Fee $60 Tuesdays, November 3, November 10, November 17, 6:30PM- 8 PM - 3 sessions Is your stash taking over your life? Turn those stray skeins into a gorgeous showpiece for your home. We will be offering a class/knit along with any options for knitted blankets that use odds and ends. Examples will be shown in the store so students can choose their favorite. Some of the patterns are free, some are downloadable patterns to purchase, and some are from books. Students are responsible for obtaining them

SOCKS ON Friday
Fee $75 Fridays November 6, November 20, December 4, 3PM-5PM – 3 sessions
Socks are great portable projects and are easier to knit than you might think. After wearing hand knit socks, never again will you want to wear “store bought”. You will learn how to cast on in the round, knit in the round, turn a heel using the short row method, and graft a toe. We will teach both “magic loop” on one circular and double pointed needle. We will also explore tips and tricks for neater sock knitting. Please purchase yarn and needles prior to the class. Requirements: Must know how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. Please note that the class meets every other week, to facilitate knitting to the next step of the sock.

HOW TO KNIT, A PARENT CHILD CLASS
Fee $125 for 1 parent and 1 child Saturdays, November 7, November 14, November 21 10AM-11AM
This is a beginner’s class or a class for parent and child. You will learn how to cast on, knit and purl, and cast off. We will be knitting a simple scarf, in your choice of yarn. Age minimum for children is 8.

FELTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Fee $95 Wednesdays, November 11, December 2, 9, 10:30- 12:30
In three sessions, learn how to: design a square or rectangular handbag or tote; select yarns and needles appropriate for felting; knit, felt, block, and dry your bag; and care for your felted accessory. As a bonus, you’ll also learn knitting in the round, I-cords and I-cord bind-off, yarn over buttonholes, and some simple exercises to keep your wrists and hands relaxed while you knit! Requirements: Ability to knit, purl, increase, decrease, cast on and bind off. Class fee includes a nifty binder with reference materials for sizing and designing bags, felting do’s and don’ts. Plan to select yarn, needles, and notions at the first class.

FINISHING FUNDAMENTALS
Fee $35 Wednesday - November 18 - 10:00AM-12:00PM
Do you love to knit but hate to sew the sweater together? Learn how to seam, pick up stitches, make buttonholes, darn in ends, and much more. Included are tips and tricks to make your sweater a garment you will be proud to wear. Intermediate knitting skills required. Requirements: Finishing class fills up fast. Please register early and pick up your homework assignment.

PRIVATE CLASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY
Fee $30 per class
Do you have a knitting project that has you stuck? Have you been interested in learning a new technique? You may have an old project sitting in your knitting basket just begging to be finished, but that has you frustrated. This is the opportunity to take a private class that will help get you going again. Must call to reserve your spot.

House Rules
• Pre-payment/Pre-registration is required. No reservations accepted without payment.
• Payment must be made by check or cash directly to the instructor.
• If you need to cancel, notify us as soon as possible. Your registration fee is refundable if and when your spot is filled.
• If a class is cancelled by stix-n-stitches, registration fees will be refunded.
• If the weather is bad, call us to confirm. We will reschedule if a class is cancelled due to inclement weather.
• Yarns used in the class must be purchased at stix-n-stitches. No exceptions.
• Many classes require purchase of materials in advance. See class descriptions for details.
• Private knitting and crocheting classes available. Please call 973-744-3535

The beading class led by Judith Durant was going strong this Sunday afternoon. Judith started the afternoon signing her books, One Skein Wonders 101 Shop Favorites, 101 Designer One Skein Wonders, Luxury Yarn: 101 Small Indulgences, and Never Knit Your Man A Sweater...

Judith is paying attention to Anne's question, while Mary Claire searches for something in her bag.

Judith brought a bunch of samples demonstrating what they can make using the skills they pick up in this class. How cool is that glove?

Here is Anne knitting up a storm!

Book Signing 12-1

Feel free to bring previously purchased copies of her books or pick up one up at the store.

There is so much to say and such an interesting intersection of six degress of separation.

It could have begun with the EZ sweater that Sunday interpreted and redesigned utilizing her knowledge of Elizabeth's kntting techniques and historical travels. A sweater which Sunday took time, thought, and a mental database of knitting prowess those of us who know her admire. Some ladies from Twist Collective learned of this re-imagination and then Sunday was writing an article (or should I say the article) for Twist on this process. EZ's god-daughter, the recipient of the sweater, also wrote an article enlightening us a little bit more of this inspiring woman. Within hours of the article's online publication, threads popped up on Ravelry asking for the pattern. (Something Sunday is writing, yeah!)

Well, along the way, Sunday brought the original sweater and the recreation to the photographer's apartment in New York. The photographer was none other than Jared Flood. Mr. Flood, also known as Brooklyn Tweed, has inspired the noro-striped scarf, the hemlock ring blanket, the girasole, and so many patterns that we sit back and wait for his latest creation. Jared also write a post about his experience photographing this found treasure.

So many connections and intersections, we feel blessed to witness the sweater's arrival to every debate Sunday (had with herself) on the meticulous details within the sweater, to the articles, and her pattern's arrival.

Along the way, we met Jared Flood as he celebrated the release of his new book Made in Brooklyn by visiting us last Sunday.

Here is Sheila's sample of one of the patterns within the book.



We had a lot of visitors, old and new friends, that sat and chatted with Jared, played with fall yarns, or relaxed for a few minutes knitting on the sofas.

At the end of the day, Sunday and Jared caught up for a quiet and relaxing talk.

We loved having Jared visit us. He was humble, intelligent, and charming; everything we expected.

We have new Fall yarns arriving all the time and we also have new machine washable yarn that is great for baby items or items for you. So, let's begin the introductions:

Crystal Palaca Merino 5 Prints yarn is a worsted weight yarn that knits at 20 stitches to 4 inches. Each wool ball contains 110 yards. There are some great colors and we have a store sample in the Yankee Knitter Stocking Cap pattern.


We also have a self-striping yarn from Crystal Palace that is called Mochi Plus. While this 95 yard ball knits at 16-18 stitches over 4 inches which would be fabulous for a Baby Surprise Jacket or an entrelac pattern or even the Ten Stitch Twist blanket (Ravelry download). This yarn is incredibly soft.


Also in the shop, from Sandness Garn, is Alpakka. It is made from alpaca (big surprise) and yes it is machine washable. Each skein has 120 yards and knits at 22 stitches at 4 inches on a US 6.


Happy Knitting!

Thursday was such a pleasant night with knitting galore. Anne brought in her ten stitch blanket (pattern is available on Ravelry as a free download) and is "ohmygoshgorgeous". Anne picked this yarn up at the anniversary sale for a killer price. We still have this yarn available it is the Poems yarn. I will let you know that she is using two different colors for this blanket.

Here is another shot!

Speaking of "ohmygoshgorgeous"-check out Lucie pleated cardigan in Berroco Comfort. Modeled by another Thursday knitter (who totally rocks) this sweater is so cute and yet incredibly soft and machine washable.

I thought I would throw a random shot of the new Berroco Lustra that has come into the shop. The yarn has an amazing shine probably due to the tencel and wool. It is worsted weight yarn at 18 stitches to 4" and contains 197 yards. Come check out this and the way too many new fall yarns that are arriving in the shopp (did I say too many? ha! just kidding).

Stay cool and keep on knitting!

Ok, I wasn't very creative about the title of this post but I thought it was aptly named. Our August project has been moving yarn around the shop. So, instead of the yarn being organized from chunky to lace weight yarn, when you walk in the shop you will first now see sock, lace, and fingering weight yarn and the bulky will be in the back of the shop. What's really cool is the sale shelves we now have in the back of the shop?

Very cool.

The knitting elves put of the Cotton Classic in a new color order which reminds me of pantone colors.


For those in the stix-n-stitchers Ravelry group, one of our knitters wants to make a sweater for her man based on a sweater he has and loved for a long time. She brought in the sweater and launched into a new project. We have faith she can do this. We investigated the look of the yarn, the gauge, the pattern, and so much more. We can't wait to see where she gets.

We also had this knitter and her lovely dog come into the shop. Isn't she adorable? Don't mind the Gentle Leader which is for dogs who tug on the leash and not a muzzle. This sweetheart found out we had dog cookies and decided it was a good place to be: beautiful fibers, air conditioning, and dog biscuits- she was in heaven.

More photos to come!

Stay Cool!

Sometimes, I wonder what photos I still need to post and voila I find Lucy showing off her most recent cardigan. Lucy is the greatest and always an example of elegance and grace. She is right now working on the cutest hip cardigan for a family friend.

This is Joann's latest Baby Surprise Jacket in Colinette Cadenza which is a dk machine washable yarn that feels oh so nice. She is doing great on the sweater (yes, the sweater is tilted).

I don't think we mentioned the new Blue Heron yarns that came in-it is so worth stopping by especially since new fall yarns are coming in all the time....

Happy knitting!

Would you believe this is knitted?


How about now? Cathy finished her fair isle cardigan and we are all so jealous. Camera phones were whipped out on Thursday night to document this stunning piece. Cathy was debating how to pose for the picture but that smile cannot be considered posed, that is one happy knitter.

She also brought in this gorgeous baby cardigan and bonnet knit out of bebe boo. This is soft and squishable that the recipient will be very content.

Yet, Cathy wasn't done there either. Check out this adorable cardigan which is knit out of Claudia Handpainted in Teacup. The reverse stockinette has these adorable baubles. The hood is fabulous!


Everyone have a great weekend knitting!

We love showing off what our knitters make and how could we not? Check out this pretty cardigan. This person was picking out buttons.

I love this baby blanket in primary colors. It is knit in Berroco Comfort DK. What this clever knitter did was knit a think strip in garter stitch and used one skein for each strip (remember comfort dk has 178 yards). She is debating how to edge the strip with Sheila in the red. We can't wait to see the finished product.


Did we mention we received new colors of Zara? Definitely worth checking out!


Sheila has been playing with some new yarn that is not only superbulky and fun but an incredibly quick knit. She knit this scarf in a few hours which is great for those emergency holiday gifts.


Watch out more yarn is coming!!!

The Poker Chip sale continues tomorrow with chips ranging from 15 to 50 percent off (including the sale stuff). It is insane to watch someone buy a knitting bag that is on sale for 50% off (all knitting bags and needle holders are one sale) and then to get an additional percentage off of that.

So, I thought it would be good to show you some of the new yarns.

First let me introduce you to Mojito brought to you by Alpaca with a Twist: This yarn has plied alpaca and knits up at 16-20 stitches over 4 inches. This worsted weight yarn contains 145 yards in each hank. It's so pretty but you seriously need to touch it to fully appreciate it.


We love Queensland Collection which is why I am going to introduce you to Rustic Wool. This machine washable wool (I did type machine washable) comes in great semi-solid colors. At 18 stitches over 4 inches on a size 8 uS needle, each ball contains 99 yards. Can you imagine this in a Baby Surprise Jacker or even the Wicked sweater (both patterns available in the shop).


Remi was showing off her latest sweater and bonnet set on Thursday. How cute is that?


Stay cool in this humidity!

Keep on knitting and crocheting!

We are in the full swing of the poker chip sale and at the same time we started receiving fall yarns. This is just some of the yarn we have received. We have new colors of Kathmandu Aran, Rustic, and all sorts of yummy things. So a lucky shopper could very well pick up a poker chip and get a large discount on new yarns. Good luck to all those shopping!


Last thursday, one of our regulars gave us a delicious blueberry pie which as you can see we enjoyed! Thank you. I like posting photos of the snacks people bring in- just in case you are curious!

Sheila received a surprise gift in the mail from one of our favorite people in the whole world, well, certainly within this continent. Sheila has been showing off her new sheep named "Carol" given to us by a wonderful woman by the same name. We miss you Carol! What a great birthday present.


Speaking of presents, some of our knitters like to give each other surprise gifts. Remi came in the shop on Thursday to find this box with her name on it. Inside a pair of felted slippers from Anne H. Anne has taught the "Tips, Tricks, and Techniques" class (which we tried eavesdropping in on) and is a gifted knitter.


Speaking of Anne, Knitty posted their surprise patterns. One of which is Cubix2. As soon as Sheila printed this pattern, Amy and I exclaimed this is a pattern for Anne. Sheila's response, "She's going to make changes". The next day when Sheila pointed out the pattern, Anne smiled and said, "I like it but I am probably going to make changes".

I have pictures of the new yarns coming soon. The poker chip sales this week so make sure to stop in. It does get a little hectic so we recommend having ideas of patterns, weight and quantity of yarn when you come in.

Happy Knitting and Crocheting!