Events
Since I'jm no longer teaching and hosting classes here (after 28 years of it!) I'm going to try to offer a range of events here for those interested in either learning more about a topic, trying out something new, or simply socializing with other fiber fanatics!
Malabrigo Day
Sat Oct 24th 10 - 5
We;re honoring the Malabrigo line of yarns next Saturday in what the company dubs "Malabrigo Day".
AS you know, we stock Ultimate Sock, Arroyos, Rios, Mecha, Lace Mohair and Rasta yarns by Malabrigo, as well as their Nube fiber for spinners.
To celebrate this yarn, the company has provided me with free patterns for each yarn that will be given out (while supply lasts) to those picking up some yarn for the project.
And....the store is offering 4 nice door prizes to those chose from a random drawing among customers purchasing yarn on Saturday. We are offering each winner the yarn (winner's choice of color) and pattern to knit one of the featured patterns. So there will be one winner who will get to choose a color of Rasta and get the accompanying pattern; one customer will enjoy a choice of Rios, another Arroyos and a fourth the Ultimate Sock (each along with accompanying pattern).
I'll also have a display out showing various ways of spinning a handpainted roving like Nube for those who are new to spinning - or just new to working with handpainted hanks (we have both Nube and the Frabjous Blue Faced Leceister hand dyed hanks in stock). The display shows a couple of ways to handle the hank for different effects, as well as the impact of spinning singles, 2 ply and even Navajo plied! So something for spinners as well as knitters!
We are expecting a big restock of Malabrigo today so even tho' our stock is plentiful right now it will be even better next week!
Gauge, Fit, Sizing and other "beginner" questions....
Wed Oct 28th 5:30 - 7 2026
Understanding gauge, knowing the "fit" you like (because frankly we all like something a bit different) and figuring out how different patterns and designers describe their "sizing" are all really important to you getting the correct yarn and needles and choosing the right size sweater to knit for yourself...or someone else!
We've had a lot of new knitters in the shop embarking on their first sweaters and not knowing about any of this. The last thing we want is for a customer to knit the wrong size or fit on their first sweater because they either didn't understand gauge or didn't choose the correct size to knit for themselves. While we can help you make these choices when you're in to pick up yarn, its a lot of information to process and understand "on the spot", so dedicating a bit of time to understand these issues (outside of actually picking yarn for a particular garment) will set you up for making good future decisions. And we have some great "first sweater" pattern ideas to share with you too (ie. the WIP Chris has going in Alpaca Softest as shown in the gallery is a great example).
I see so many experienced knitters in the shop who have never taken the time to understand these basic concepts so every time they embark on a new project, they need help. Again, we're happy to help, but don't you want to understand this stuff yourself? To understand this so when you're travelling or at a sheep & wool festival and see an opportunity to pick up yarn from a farm, you can make good decisions about the yarn, the quantity, etc?
And even when new knitters get this part correctly, I hear from them that sometimes the garment doesn't have the drape or structure they wanted. And that's because we often have to substitute yarns since patterns may be designed for a yarn that is no longer being made! And if you think ONLY about gauge you may get a fabric you didn't want. That's because the way a yarn is spun or constructed and the fiber content can affect the way a garment feels or holds its shape.
So come join us for a primer on these basics. The goal is just to help you make better decisions about these fundamentals to ensure success with your future sweaters. We'll look at several gauge swatches and explore different fabrics at each gauge as well as discuss a bit about the fiber content and the yarn construction and how that might affect your choice .
We can also cover whatever other issues you have come across - like following patterns, reading charts, substituting yarns and understanding the effect your choice will have on the finished product, etc.
Discover Silk, Cashmere and other "luxury" fibers!
Wed Nov 11th 5:30 - 7 2026
If I had a dime for every time a customer came in asking for cashmere and then purchased alpaca or llama, I'd retire! Which is why I have only stocked cashmere blends and not the 100% version for the last few years (although I do have a very limited color selection of a 100% cashmere coming this fall to give it a try again!)
Everyone wants the cache of 100% cashmere but few are willing to pay for it and cashmere blends, alpaca, llama and yak make nice substitutes!
But these fibers are all very different - and are very different from wool - so knowing the characteristics of each fiber may help you make better decisions about which to use for what!
Plus, learning some history, cultural traditions and even biology (you'll learn about the production of silk from the worm to the cocoon to yarn!) about these fibers is fascinating!
Breeds of Sheep and their wool...and how it's spun!
Wed Dec 2nd 5:30 - 7
Not all wool is the same!
While a lot of knitters want "soft" and so default to merino or alpaca, there are some wonderful wools from different breeds of sheep that have different, and really worthwhile, characteristics.
Come join me and learn more about the qualities and characteristics that different wools will impart to a project, as well as learn about the different way these wools are spun, and how both the breed of sheep AND the way it is processed and spun can affect the outcome of your project!
Lots of show and tell examples for you to feel, evaluate and experience the difference for yourself! From local wools to those from distant shores!
Coming after the New Year
dates TBD
Short Row Shaping - several ways to do it andhow to use it!
Steeks - Don't let them intimidate you!
Yarns 101 -explore how the means of construction (singles, 2 ply, blown in, etc) as well as the fiber content affect the way a yarn knits up and the characteristics of the resulting fabric.