vol. 3 fall/winter 2016 Contents

Transcription

1 vol. 3 fall/winter 2016 Contents We re Turning Five... 1 Feature Article: British Wool... 2 Class Information & Policies... 3 Class Experience Levels... 4 Introductory Classes... 5 Skill-Building Classes... 7 Project Classes Special Events Shop Calendar Vogue Knitting Live Patterns Worth Noting... 16

2 Welcoming a New Season I m writing this on one of the hottest days of the year, but in a couple of months these scorching temperatures will be just a memory. And as the weather changes, so do our lives. After you stow away your bicycle and gardening gloves this fall, you may find that you have more time for fiber-crafts. To make this time as rewarding as possible, we ve put together the classes and activities collected here in Volume 3 of our Seasonal Guide to Classes and Events. You ll find returning favorites, interesting techniques, and many new projects, including some exclusive designs and brand new yarns. So flip through the pages and consider the possibilities. We hope you will find a new project for this new season Cynthia Gilbertson, owner Northfield Yarn

3 We re Turning Five In honor of our 5th birthday this September, here are five fun facts about Northfield Yarn. Did you know...? When Cynthia was putting together the business plan for a yarn shop, she was planning to name the shop Yarnbug. She re-named it Northfield Yarn just before signing a lease for the space at 314 Division. Jeff the alpaca has been with the shop since before it opened. He arrived in our first shipment from Misti Alpaca, and Cynthia s daughter (who was 11 at the time) named him Jeff. The relatively small number of people who have worked at Northfield Yarn so far have included two Katherines, a Kathy, a Kaitlin, a Cait, a Katie, and a Katy. (Not to mention two Amandas) The shop hosted a class while it was still under construction. An intrepid group taking a Community Ed class came to the shop to learn to make twisted cords using an electric mixer. We tied our yarn to the ladders that were set up in the space for painting. The first item purchased on Grand Opening Day was a hank of Berroco Link, a super-bulky yarn that has since been discontinued. We are so grateful to everyone who showed up that day, and every day after that. We could not continue without you Join us for a Birthday Celebration on Saturday, September 17th with games, prizes, and

4 Feature: British Wool The wool industry has deep roots in England. Wool was the principal source of British wealth during the Middle Ages, and a few centuries later the factory looms that turned wool into fabric played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution. Those looms fell silent when other parts of the world began producing inexpensive fabric, but the landscape of Northern England remains dotted with sheep, and hand knitters worldwide are beginning to learn about the wonderful yarn their wool produces. (You can thank the same ideology that brought heirloom tomatoes to your local grocery store). One distinctly British breed is the Bluefaced Leicester (or BFL). It grows long curly locks with a small-diameter fiber, like the more popular Merino, but unlike the finewool breeds, BFL has no Merino in its heritage. Its fiber is longer therefore more durable and more lustrous. As Clara Parks puts it in The Knitter s Book of Wool, BFL is the ideal compromise among longwools: just the right amount of length, a crimp with open but smaller curls, a fine fiber diameter, and a silky demiluster with exquisite drape. Her verdict? You can use it for just about anything. And in case you were wondering about the name, they do not have blue faces, but short white hair on black-skinned heads do have a way of creating a bluish appearance in some animals. One of Northfield Yarn s newest additions, BFL Aran, is 100% BFL. Another new yarn, Dovestone DK, blends BFL with two other English longwool breeds: Wensleydale and Masham. If you try these out, you may gain your own appreciation for what these British breeds have to offer. Just like with that heirloom tomato, sometimes you need to try something new before you appreciate what you ve been missing. page 2

5 Class Info & Policies Registration: You can register for classes at the shop or over the phone with a credit card ( ). Please note that seating is limited and we will not be able to accept registrations once a class has filled. Photos & Samples: You can see pictures of the items we ll make in classes at Samples of most items will also be on display in the shop. Supplies: When supplies are not included with a class, you can pick up a supply list when you register. We offer a 10% discount on class supplies purchased at Northfield Yarn. If you plan to purchase supplies on the day of class, please arrive early so you have time to make your selections before class begins. Changes & Cancelations: Sometimes things come up that require changes to the schedule after this guide has been published. We will strive to keep online information as upto-date as possible, but the most reliable way to get current information is to call the shop. If we have to cancel a class we will let you know as soon as possible and refund any payment in full in its original form. If you cannot attend a class, you can get your money back in full if you give us seven days notice or if we are able to fill your spot from a waiting list. Don t See What You Were Hoping For? If you would like a private lesson about something not included here, just contact the shop and we will be happy to set one up for you. Private lessons cost $25/hour for an individual (rates are adjusted for larger groups). We also welcome suggestions for classes to include in future guides. page 3

6 Class Experience Levels Matching Classes with Your Experience Level: All Introductory classes are intended for beginners with no prior experience. Other classes are categorized according to the skill levels described below: Skill Levels for Knitting 1 Beginner / Débutant / Novicecia Easy / Facile / Fácil Intermediate / Intermédiaire / Intermedio Experienced / Experimenté / Experiencia Projects for first-time knitters using basic knit and purl stitches. Minimal shaping. Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing. Projects with a variety of stitches, such as basic cables and lace, simple intarsia, double-pointed needles and knitting in the round needle techniques, mid-level shaping and finishing. Projects using advanced techniques and stitches, such as short rows, fair isle, more intricate intarsia, cables, lace patterns, and numerous color changes. Skill Levels for Crochet 1 Beginner / Débutant / Novicecia Easy / Facile / Fácil Intermediate / Intermédiaire / Intermedio Experienced / Experimenté / Experiencia Projects for first-time crocheters using basic stitches.minimal shaping. Projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing. Projects using a variety of techniques, such as basic lace patterns or color patterns, mid-level shaping and finishing. Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimension, such as nonrepeating patterns, multi-color techniques, fine threads, small hooks, detailed shaping and refined finishing. This Standards & Guidelines booklet and downloadable symbol artwork are available at: YarnStandards.com page 4

7 Introductory Classes Unless otherwise noted, the following classes require no previous experience and include all tools and supplies. Fast Track Knit... $15* Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Session I: Saturday, Sep. 3 from 1-2:30pm Session II: Saturday, Oct. 1 from 1-2:30pm Session III: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1-2:30pm This 90-minute class is intended for beginners who have never knit before. It covers three skills in one session: casting on, the knit stitch, and binding off. These skills will get you started with the rewarding hobby of knitting. *$12 if purchased together with Fast Track Purl Fast Track Purl... $15* Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Session I: Saturday, Sep. 17 from 1-2:30pm Session II: Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1-2:30pm Session III: Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1-2:30pm This 90-minute class is intended for beginners who know the knit stitch and want to expand their skills to the purl stitch and the wide array of design possibilities that come from combining of knit and purl stitches together. Bring a pair of US 7 or US 8 needles. Yarn will be provided. *$12 if purchased together with Fast Track Knit page 5

8 Introductory Classes... Beginning Crochet... $15 Instructor: Amanda Ochocki Session I: Sunday, Oct. 2 from 4-5:30pm Session II: Sunday, Nov. 13 from 4-5:30pm Learn a new skill or freshen up an old one, this class is intended for beginners and is perfect for those who have little to no experience with crochet. Over the course of this two-session class we will cover the basics of chaining, creating stitches, and working in rows. Ravelry $10 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Saturday, Oct. 8 from 1-2pm In this class we will introduce you to our favorite features of ravelry.com and give you the tools to unlock the potential of this powerful resource. Bring a laptop or tablet, if you have one, and get your account set up before class (by clicking the join now button on the home screen). page 6

9 Skill-Building Classes The following classes focus on teaching a particular skill and do not necessarily result in a finished product. Ask for a supply list when you register. Some require homework prior to the first class. For an explanation of Skill Levels, see page 4. Cable Competency... $15 Instuctor: Cynthia Gilbertson Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 6-7:30pm This class will teach you how to cable with confidence. We ll cover basic techniques, plus share plenty of tips and tricks to make your cable projects go smoothly. All knitters comfortable with the basic knit and purl stitches are welcome. Skill Level = Beginner How to Block a Finished Project... $15 Instructor: Vanessa Bodrie Sunday, Sep. 25 from 1-2:30pm While there are many right ways to block a project, there are also some pitfalls that inexperienced knitters occasionally encounter. This class will teach you how to avoid those pitfalls and block with confidence. We will demonstrate wet blocking and steam blocking, discuss pros and cons of different tools and methods, and answer your questions about specific projects you intend to block in the future. No homework or supplies required. Skill Level = Beginner page 7

10 Skill-Building Classes... The Ravelry Notebook... $10 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Saturday, Oct. 22 from 1-2pm This class is intended for folks who have some familiarity with ravelry.com and want to make use of the Notebook feature Bring a laptop or tablet, if you have one. There is a small assignment to complete before class. Skill Level = Beginner Magic Loop... $15 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1-2:30pm Magic Loop is an ingenious method for working small circumferences in the round without using double-pointed needles. The key is getting your stitches set up on the needle correctly, and then understanding how to rearrange them as you work each round. Bring the project of your choice, or work on the practice swatch described on the supplies list. Skill Level = Intermediate Introduction to Seaming... $15 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6-7:30 Neat seams can make the difference between a project that ends up disappointing and one that looks ship-shape and blue-ribbon-worthy. Learn how to make beautiful seams in handknit items, whether working from side to side, cast-on edge to bind-off edge, or some combination. There is a small assignment to complete before class. Skill Level = Easy page 8

11 Skill-Building Classes... Fixing Mistakes... $15 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Saturday, Nov. 19 from 1-2:30pm This class is designed for beginners and advanced beginners who are comfortable with basic knitting skills and want to take their knitting to the next level. We will learn how to understand our stitches and recognize and fix common mistakes. There is a small assignment to complete before class. Skill Level = Easy Punchcard Clinic... $5* Instructors: Jane Bonnesen & Cynthia Gilbertson Saturdays from 10am-12pm Wednesdays from 10am-12pm (through May 30) This drop-in class is designed to help knitters at all levels get through whatever has them stumped. Whether it s a dropped stitch, puzzling pattern, or just something you want to make but don t see a class for, clinic is the place to get help. No registration required and you are welcome to come for as much or as little of the two-hour period as you like. *Or purchase a punchcard for $20 and get one visit free. page 9

12 Project Classes The following classes focus on the creation of a specific item, with relevant skills taught along the way. Project classes require some previous experience (see page 4 for an explanation of Skill Levels). Ask for a supply list when you register. Some classes may require homework before the first class. Gramps Sweater (for baby)... $50 Instructor: Katie Ziegler-Graham Sundays: Sept. 25 2:45-3:45pm, Oct. 2, 9 & 23 2:45-3:45pm, and Oct. 30 2:45-4:15pm Gramps is a top-down raglan cardigan from the designers at Tin Can Knits. We are making a baby size, but the pattern goes up to an adult 4XL, so you can get a lot of use out of this one. Knitters should have experience with knitting, purling, increasing, and decreasing. Skills covered include reading a pattern, picking up stitches, using markers, and knitting in the round on double-points. (Note: There is no class on Oct. 16th, and the final class session is 90 mins.) Skill Level = Intermediate Your First Socks... $35 Instructor: Jane Bonnesen Sundays, Oct pm, Oct :30pm, and Oct pm Jane will take you through all of the steps of making a sock, using worsted-weight yarn and the traditional top-down, heel-flap method. You will be taught how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles, but basic familiarity with knitting, purling, and decreasing is a prerequisite for this page 10

13 class. (Note: Not all of the class meetings are the same length.) Skill Level = Intermediate Lacroagh Hat... $20 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Saturdays, Oct. 15 & 29 from 3-4pm This pattern was written for The Fibre Company s brandnew aran tweed, Arranmore. With just one hank of your favorite color, you can learn to work in the round on a circular needle and double points, while creating a beautiful gift for yourself or someone on your holiday list. Skill Level = Easy Linen Loop... $15 Instructor: Amanda Ochocki Sunday, Oct. 16 from 4-5:30pm Using basic crochet stitches, you can make the Linen Loop, an infinity scarf with understated elegance and simplicity. Make it out of linen, like the original, or choose a warmer fiber to create a winter accessory. This class will be taught by the designer herself, so you can be sure she will be able to guide you through the project with ease Skill Level = Easy Channel Island Mittens... $35 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Tuesdays, Oct :30pm, and Oct. 25 and Nov pm Make a cozy pair of mittens from Mecha, a beautiful kettledyed merino from Malabrigo. Skills covered include the Channel Island Cast-On, knitting in the round on doublepage 11

14 Project Classes... points, and seaming garter stitch. (Note: Not all of the class meetings are the same length.) Skill Level = Easy Caracol Cowl... $20 Instructor: Cynthia Gilbertson Tuesdays, Sept. 20 & 27 from 6-7pm This project will give you a chance to make a quick, cozy cowl from one of our newest yarns, Caracol, from Malabrigo. It is worked flat in rows and then grafted together for a seamless finish. You will learn a provisional cast-on in the first class and grafting in the second. In between you ll be working an easy combination of knit and purl rows. Skill Level = Easy Fancy Hen... $30 Instructor: Vanessa Bodrie Sundays, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, and Dec. 11 from 2-3pm Knit a Fancy Hen with our lovely new Dovestone DK yarn. She makes a cheerful addition to your home and can be used as a cushion or a soft toy. This class is for intermediate knitters who are new to stranded knitting or those who would like help improving their technique. Skill Level = Intermediate page 12

15 Special Events Fall Yarn Tasting... $12* Speaker: Cynthia Gilbertson Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7pm, OR Sunday, Oct. 9 at 10am Get up close and personal with some wonderful new yarns at the Fall Yarn Tasting. Shop owner Cynthia Gilbertson has specially selected a number of yarns, and will tell you what makes them great and what they re best for. You will get pattern ideas, see samples, and get to work with the yarns yourself. Refreshments are provided. *This event is free for Northfield Yarn Members. Fall Finishing Frenzy... free Oct. 15 through midnight Dec. 2 Party Saturday, Dec. 3 at 5pm Finishing Frenzies are our way of giving you a little boost to finish the projects currently on your needles and hooks. Commit to finishing the project(s) of your choice by the end of the Frenzy, and then celebrate with us at a party where we share our completed projects and hand out prizes to the finishers. Eligible projects must be works-in-progress as of the Frenzy start date. Sweater Inspiration... $30 Speaker: Cori Eichelberger Sunday, Nov. 20 from 4-7pm Cori Eichelberger has made a lot of sweaters, and she s going to share them with you. With her humorous and energizing style, Cori will tell you about her trunk full of sweaters, let you try things on, and pass along the valuable tips she s learned through her experience. You may want to bring a phone, tablet, or laptop so that you can take photos and access your Ravelry account during the event. page 13

16 Shop Calendar September 5 Shop Closed for Labor Day 11 Shop Closed for DJJD Parade 17 Fifth Anniversary Celebration October 8 Fall Yarn Tasting 7pm 9 Fall Yarn Tasting 10am 15 Start of Fall Finishing Frenzy November 4-6 Northfield Yarn at Vogue Knitting Live in Mpls 20 Sweater Inspiration 4-7pm 24 Shop Closed for Thanksgiving December 2 Fall Finishing Frenzy Ends at Midnight 3 Fall Finishing Frenzy Party 5pm 24 Shop Closing Early at 2pm on Christmas Eve 25 & 26 Shop Closed for Christmas Holiday 31 Shop Closing Early at 2pm on New Year s Eve page 14

17 Vogue Knitting Live: Mpls Vogue Knitting LIVE the Ultimate Knitting Event is coming to Minneapolis this November, and Northfield Yarn is going to be a part of it November 4th-6th at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Vogue Knitting Live will offer: 20+ hours of boutique shopping Couture fashion shows FREE learn-to-knit and crochet lessons an inspiring knit art gallery...and 150+ classes & lectures Find out more and register online at: Northfield Yarn will be in Booth #313 at the Marketplace. We d love to see you there Bring this page along, and we ll give you a free gift just for saying hello page 15

18 Patterns Worth Noting Tryst (approx. $5.50) Melanie Berg Tryst is another fabulous shawl pattern from designer Melanie Berg, whose Drachenfels was hit as a KAL this summer. It is worked in sport-weight yarn with a garter-stitch body and a slipped stitch border. Telsiai Mittens ($5) Donna Druchunas This bold two-color pattern should appeal to fans of stranded colorwork. The mittens are made with fingeringweight yarn, and the thumb pattern is beautifully integrated with the palm of the hand. Laurus Hat (free) Dianna Walla Made with worsted weight yarn, this hat would be a great choice for West Yorkshire Spinners BFL Aran. The pattern includes three sizes and two heights: slouchy and fitted. page 16

19 Please Note Our Holiday Hours & Closings Closing Early Christmas Eve: 10-2 Closed December 25 & 26 Closing Early New Year s Eve: 10-2 Closed January 1 Regular Hours M-W 10-5:30, Th 10-8 F & Sat 10-5:30, Sun 12-4 Find Us: 314 Division St. S., Northfield, MN Reach Us: info@northfieldyarn.com Follow Us: On