Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

Goodbye 2011 and on to 2012!  This is one year that I have many mixed emotions about.  On one hand I am glad to see it go on the other hand, lots of great things happened, like our new location which we love more and more everyday.  If you haven’t seen it yet, come on in and take a look around!  Stitches has learned to climb the tree outside, (I missed it!! Darn it!) , if you haven’t noticed, both she and Sparkle have added to their blogs. They seem to have quite the sense of humor, those animals do!!  I especially love it when they sit in the window and talk to each other about that they see outside! http://barkstopshere.blogspot.com/ and http://restofthetail.blogspot.com/

I am sitting here brimming with excitement as I type our last newsletter of the year.  Part of that excitement is that I get to spend New Years’ Eve with my good friend and a friend to some of you…Ms. Leslie from Scotland!  I will be heading out for Hot Springs in a couple of days to enjoy my friend’s hospitality and great company, I hope you all get to spend  New Year’s Eve with someone that is special to you. 

Melinda and I just put a great class schedule together.  We have to admit, there are some great classes coming up and we hope you get to take them.  I am going to spend this year working on my finishing skills (I hate finishing) and button bands (I hate button bands), so be looking for lots of classes in these areas.  When I don’t like to do something I have found that for myself it is because I feel inadequate in my skill sets for that particular project, so it is time to put intimidation to bed and tackle those problems so that I will be better at them.  The first three months of the year are really fun classes starting with:

Duct Tape Body! – Jan 7, 2012 - 10:30 - 12:30 - $25.00 plus t-Shirt. Duct Tape is Good for Every Body!!  In this class you will need to bring an old t-shirt, we will provide the duct tape.  Make your own mannequin form, for $25.00 and laugh until you know what happens!  Seriously this class will be great to guide you in making your sweaters fit you!

Continental Knit – Jan 7, 1:30 - $35.00 + supplies. If you are a throw knitter (American way) and want to learn Continental Knitting, (European method) this is where you hold the yarn in your left hand and your hands never leave the needles.  This is a faster method of knitting and better for your hands.

Entrelac Scarf – Jan 14 – 10:30 – 2:30 $10:30 – 2:30 $35.00 + supplies. In this class you start with learning to knit backwards!!  Knitting backwards produces a purl in the back and a knit in the front!  So if you don’t like to purl or don’t purl period, learn how my friend Jackie got around that by knitting backwards!  Once everyone is comfortable we will begin the entrelac scarf.  (Entrelac is a knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern. While the end result resembles basket-woven strips of knitted fabric, the actual material comprises interconnected squares on two different orientations.)     There are so many lovely yarns to choose from to make this scarf; the store is your oyster!  Once you get the technique down, you will be ready for the entrelac jacket (which Mrs. Redding as in mother in law got for Christmas from Melinda!) or the entrelac vest, or the entrelac shawl!  So many possibilites!

Amelie Knit/Crochet Jacket – Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11 10:30-2:00, $65.00 + supplies – What a fabulous class this is going to be!  You get to use five or more different kinds of yarns, 5 different stitches and you can either knit it or crochet it!  So in this class we are bringing knitters and crocheter’s together to make the same exact thing.  Won’t it be fun to see how they all turn out?  The crocheted version is done and in the store.   The Knit version is started.  This class is already filling quickly, we have as many crocheter’s as knitters so don’t miss out on a wonderful opportunity to learn new stitches, try different yarns, and generally have a good time, updating your knitting or crocheting skills!

Hat with Crocheted Band – Mar 3, 10:30 – 2:30 $45.00 + supplies

 – And in keeping with our theme, of combing knitters and crocheter’s, how about both in one hat!  This hat has a granny square band and is finished with row of knits and purls!  Andie is going to love hers when it is finished!  Remember Andi P.  Christmas isn’t over until the last gift is received!  LOL

Two Socks on Circular Needles – Feb 18, 25 – 10:30 – 2:30, $65.00 + supplies. Come find out why this is such a popular way to knit socks.  When you are done, you are done, no need to pick up and knit another one, both are the same size, same length and done much faster.  We were so impressed with students from our last sock class.  Debbie you amaze me, Leslie McKenzie, please join us for this class, just give me a call!

Whew, doesn’t that sound like a great class schedule?  I am very excited about it and looking for any suggestions for classes you might like to see us have.  If you have any ideas, please shoot us an email.

We have got lots of new little “surprises”, gadgets, accessories, whatever you might like to call them.  The one I am most excited about is the Swatch Pockets. Stop knitting your swatches with the same yarn over and over. Put the swatch in a swatch pocket, label it and put it in your notebook. We also got a new little gadget called the Snip n’ Ruler. Measure your work and cut your yarn with the same handy tool.  Come see your new scarf yarn, too. Sooooo  soft.

Come see us soon. And don’t forget Therapy Thursday any time after 5:30 every Thursday night. They will resume on Jan 5, 2012. We have so much fun.