November 2009 Newsletter

I think I forgot to post a link to the November 2009 Newsletter ... my bad. The Newsletter automatically updates to Twitter and Facebook, but since I publish pattern suggestions I like to keep on a more permanent and searchable location.

Holiday Update Newsletter-ette

Here is a link to the update newsletter I just sent out, which contains information left out of the previous letter:

http://campaigns.ratepoint.com/campaigns/3b4a18405d791bba286cf3d16069fabc

Yarn Swap Sunday Dec 27th

I did not originally schedule a yarn swap for December because people are usually busy around the holidays, but as per your requests,  Yarn Swap will be held this Sunday, December 27th, from 1pm to 5pm. See ya there!

Winter/Spring 2010 Classes

Winter/Spring 2010 Classes

Unless otherwise stated, you must pre-register for regular classes by paying the class fee beforehand.

Private Classes
We can teach you anything you want to learn and help you with your projects! Private lessons are by appointment only (please call us ahead of time to make an appointment), Monday to Friday 11:30am to 4:30pm, $12/hour per person + materials and applicable taxes.

Beginner Knitting

Skill Level: absolute beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday Jan 4 & 11, 6:30-8pm

Tuesday Feb 2 & 9, 6:30-8pm

Monday Mar 1 & 8, 6:30-8pm

Tuesday Apr 5 & 12, 6:30-8pm

Monday May 3 & 10, 6:30-8pm

You'll learn all the basics: how to knit, purl, put stitches on your needle (cast on), finish up (cast off), change yarn in the middle of your project, weave in your ends, and how to read a ball band as well as a basic pattern. You should be able to make a scarf in this class (but you have to do your homework, so get ready to spend a few hours of down time working on your assignment' in front of the TV).

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
  
• $70 + tax (includes materials).
  

Knitted Hat Workshop

Skill Level: beginner (after scarves), Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday Feb 15 & 22, 6:30-8pm

Tuesday Apr 5 & 12, 6:30-8pm

The next step after making scarves is making hats! Hats are fast, easy, and very, very satisfying! We'll teach you how to knit in the round (on those funny looking Siamese twin needles), how to knit on double pointed needles (the ones that look like little chopsticks), how to decrease stitches and how to read a pattern. Knowing how to cast on and knit is the only requisite.

• Consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
  
• $80 + tax (includes materials)
  

Knit Mitten Workshop

Skill Level: beginner (after hats), Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday Jan 18 & 25, 6:30-8pm

Monday Apr 19 & 26, 6:30-8pm

The next step after making hats is making mitts! Mitts are a lot like hats: fast, easy, satisfying, inexpensive, and they make great gifts! We'll teach you how to knit in the round, on double pointed needles (the ones that look like little chop sticks), how to decrease and increase stitches, pick-up stitches and read a pattern. Knowing how to cast on and knit is the only requisite.

• Consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
  
• $75 + tax (includes materials)
  
• Receive an $11 discount if you take the hat class
  

NEW Fun With Short-Rows Part One: The Short-Row Hat/Slouch

Skill Level: beginner (after scarves), Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday Jan 19 & 26, 6-8pm

A great introduction to the usefulness of short-rows, this workshop will show you how to shape hats with short rows. With the choice of making a slouchy or toque style hat, you will learn how to cast on provisionally, how to increase and decrease with wrapped stitchs, how to pick-up wrapped stitches, and how to graft your hat together seamlessly. Knowing how to knit is the only requisite.

is the only requisite.

• Consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
  
• $80 + tax (includes materials)
  

NEW Cabled Cowl Workshop

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner

Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday Feb 1 & 8, 6:30-8pm

If sumptuous cabling is more your style, then try this workshop on for size. Here you will make a cozy, chunky cowl, with the choice of working back and forth or in the round--whichever suits your comfort level. By the time you finish, you will have learned how to use a cable needle or hook, how to make basic cables, travelling cables, and how to read basic cable patterns and charts. Knowing how to knit in the round is an asset, but not absolutely necessary.

• Consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
  
• $80 + tax (includes materials)

NEW The Easy Lacey Slouch Hat

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner

Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday May 4 & 11, 6-8pm

Lace is springing up all over! In this workshop you will learn the basic principles of lace—negotiating yarn overs, the slants of your increases and decreases, as well as lace patterns and charts--while making yourself this gorgeous slouchy hat that’s perfect for this time of year. Knowing how to knit in the round is an asset, but not absolutely necessary.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
  
• $80 + tax (includes materials)

My First Sock

Skill Level: advanced-beginner

Tuesday Mar 16 & 23, 6:00-8pm

Tuesday May 17 & 24, 6:00-8pm

Socks seem hard, but they don't have to be. In this workshop you can choose to make traditional cuff-down socks or toe-up socks. While you make your sock, you'll follow a pattern, use double pointed needles, increase, decrease and pick up and wrap stitches. And no matter which one you choose, you’ll gain the satisfaction of turning your first toe and heel. It doesn’t get any better! You must know how to knit, purl, cast-on & off for this class.

• Class consists of 3 sessions over 3 weeks
  
• $80 + tax (includes materials)

Easy Baby Cardi

Skill Level: intermediate, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday Mar 15 & 22, 6:00-8pm

Whether you need baby steps to get you over the sweater hump or you need a present for your favourite munchkin, this is the class for you! Learn how to read a sweater pattern, how to shape a raglan yoke, how to make sleeves, how to pick up stitches for front banding and necklines, how to make basic button holes, and how to put it all together in the end.

You must know how to cast-on, and how to knit and purl.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
  
• $90 + tax (includes materials)

NEW My Second Cardigan

Instructor Liane Schwarz

Skill Level: intermediate

Tuesday Feb 16, 23, Mar 2, & 9, 6-8pm ALL FOUR NIGHTS

An excellent way to build your sweater skills! In this workshop you’ll make a sumptuous bulky cardigan in the traditional style of separate knitted panels. Along the way you’ll learn how to read a pattern, the basics of shaping armholes, necklines, sleeves and collars, holding stitches, how to make button holes, and how to put the finished product together with proper mattress stitching. With this under your belt, you’ll have the courage to tackle all of those wonderful patterns you’ve had your eye on.

Knowing how to cast on, knit and purl are required

• Class consists of 4 sessions over 4 weeks
  
• $190 + tax (includes yarn and needles)

Beginner Crochet

Skill Level: absolute beginner! Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday Jan 5 & 12, 6:30-8pm

Tuesday Apr 20 & 27, 6:30-8pm

Crochet is fast, easy and becoming very popular. You'll learn all the basics: how to make a chain, the foundation stitches (single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, slip stitch), how to crochet in the round, how to read a ball band and a basic crochet pattern. You should be able to make a scarf after this class and, if time and inclination are there, a granny square or a crocheted flower.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks.
  
• $65 + tax (includes materials).
  

NEW Amigurumi Workshop Liane

Skill Level: intermediate beginner

Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday May 18 & 25, 6:30 to 8pm

So creepy, so cute and horribly infectious! Everyone loves an amigurumi! In this workshop, we will knit and crochet a bunch of these little critters. Just bring a pattern you would like to make and we will provide the yarn and the instruction to get you from start to finish.

• 2 sessions over 2 weeks. 
• $60 + tax (includes yarn and instruction)
  
  
  

Evening Stitch 'N Bitch Moved to Wednesday for Holidays

Our Regular Thursday night Stitch 'N Bitch is moving to Wednesdays over the Holidays (the next 2 weeks)! Wed Dec 23 & 30, 5pm to 8 ( or whenever). The Tuesday & Sunday afternoon Stitch 'N Bitches remain the same.

Thanks!

Holiday 2009 Newsletter

You can read our Holiday 2009 newsletter HERE!

Last Minute Gifts for Knitters

 
Namaste Knitting Needle Binder $79
Here it is! Namaste has created the perfect way for you to store and transport your knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint tools in style. Each Binder comes with four different pages: Notions Pocket, Circular Mesh (2 per page), Small Straights/Hooks/Double-pointed Needles, Large
Straights/Hooks/Double-pointed Needles. Extra pages are sold separately, so customizing to personal needs is no problem! All interior colors are charcoal gray.
Additional pocket-pages are $10.50
Colors: Peacock, Red, Eggplant, Lime
Materials: PVC-free, animal-friendly faux leather
Size: 17" L x 7.5" H x 4.5" W



Addi Click Interchangeable Needle Set $179.95
The addi Click system provides 10 different sizes of addi Turbo© tips (3.5mm, 3.75mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm, 6.0mm, 8.0mm, 9.0mm, and 10.0mm), three different lengths of our new, extremely pliable blue cord (24”, 32” and 40”), and one connector piece which helps to either store
stitches or combine your cords. The Click tips require no tools to change; simply insert the cord deep into the tip, twist and release. The tips will remain secure until you change them, thanks to the Click’s revolutionary locking mechanism!




 
Getaway Knitting Needle Gift Set (13" Single Pointed) $64
Share your love of knitting with Clover's Getaway Gift Sets. The set contains Takumi Single Pointed 13 INCH sizes 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13 & 15. They are stylish, portable and easy to carry.  
A 9" set is also available for $54.


 
Getaway Knitting Needle Gift Set (29" Circular) $82
The set contains one each Takumi Circular 29 INCH sizes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 & 15. They are stylish, portable and easy to carry.



KNIT MATE Knitting Accessory Set $29
Knit Mate consist of an assorted knitting accessories: 2 large point protectors, 2 small point protectors, 1 knitting register, 2 double ended stitch markers, 1 jumbo tapestry needle, 1 smaller tapestry needle, 20 locking stitch markers, 1 tape measure, 1 needle gauge, and 1 vinyl bag.




Della Q Silk Straight Needle Roll  $51
A gorgeous case that holds up to 60 pairs of straight needles. It is numbered as well, with both US and metric sizing and allows for needles up to 14" in length. If you love knitting with straight needles, you will definitely love this case! US: 0 to 17, Metric: 2 to 12. Size: 22" w x 15.5" h. Taffeta Silk and Poly Silk.


 
Della Que Silk Circular Needle Case $53
A knitting essential! This circular needle case holds multiple circulars in 12 numbered pockets. Choose from either US or metric numbering. Lily also includes a small zip pocket for notions. Each numbered pocket has both the US and metric size listed, you no longer have to choose! US Numbers: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13, 15
Metric Numbers: 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Size:  8.5" w x 8.5" h.  Taffeta Silk and Poly Silk





Royal Wool Winder $69.95



Wood Swift $ 85.95

Getaway Knitting Needle Gift Set (13" Single Pointed)

NEW Getaway Knitting Needle Gift Set (13" Single Pointed) $64

Share your love of knitting with Clover's Getaway Gift Sets. The set contains
Takumi Single Pointed Bamboo 13 INCH US sizes 8, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 13 & 15 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8, 9 & 10 mm)They are stylish, portable and easy to carry.

Knit-O-Matic is OPEN!

Hi all!

As you may or may not have heard i took a little spill last Saturday and broke both of my arms. I am scheduled for a minor operation on Thursday and will be back at work on Saturday with a few helpers. I'll likely be back to mostly normal in 2 weeks. In the interim the store is OPEN for business as usual, Liane is there to help you out and if there is anything she needs help with she can reach me by phone.

Thanks for sticking by us in our time of need and happy holiday knitting!

~ Haley

New Della Q Bags

Eden Cotton Project Bags $10.25
Projects A'Hoy! Save your fabulous projects from the zip lock bag by storing
them in Eden!  Eden is 100% cotton to help prevent snagging.

Eden ties effortlessly to your belt loop for knitting on the go.

11" w x 12" h.  100% Cotton

Priscilla Silk Project Bag $27
Look!  She stands up!

Ditch the paper shopping sacks and tote around your knitting in this stylish
silk rendition! The perfect size for a small project, and you can even pack
along lunch!

8" w x 4.5" w x 10.5" h. Taffeta Silk

Mazie Knitting Tote $22.50
This lightweight knitting tote combines casual cotton with della Q's stylish
silk stripes!

15.5 w x 14" h.  Taffeta Silk and Cotton

New Della Q Needle Cases

The Que Circular Needle Case (metric sizes) $52

A knitting essential! This circular needle case holds multiple circulars in 12
numbered pockets. Choose from either US or metric numbering. Lily also
includes a small zip pocket for notions.

Metric Numbers: 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

8.5" w x 8.5" h.  Taffeta Silk and Poly Silk

The Que-i Interchangeable Needle Case $37

Organize your interchangeable needles in this stylish, plush and practical
case. Includes 12 numbered pockets for your tips, six pockets for your cords
and a zip pocket for the accessories! You choose either US or metric
numbering.

Metric Numbers:  3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 8, 9, 10, 12

9.75" w x 7 "h. Poly-Silk

Combo Sock Needle Case
A new addition to the della Q line, this case is ideal for the avid sock knitter.
One side holds small circulars sized US 0-5, while the other side holds
double points of various sizes. It all comes together beautifully in this tri-fold
knitting essential.

8.5" w x 8.5" h.  Taffeta Silk and Poly Silk

 
Straight Needle Roll  $50

After many requests, della Q now brings you a straight needle roll! This is a
gorgeous case that holds up to 60 pairs of straight needles. It is numbered
as well, with both US and metric sizing and allows for needles up to 14" in
length. If you love knitting with straight needles, you will definitely love this
case!

Metric: 2 to 12

22" w x 15.5" h. Taffeta Silk and Poly Silk

NEW Interweave Knits Accessories 2009

NEW Interweave Knits Accessories 2009 ~ $18.95

Interveave is kickin' out the jams this fall, their third special issue just arrived - Accessories.  It is so new that Interweave doesn't seem to even have it up on their website yet (which you know, if you are a follower of their publications, sets a precedent because they normally publicize on their website well in advance of shipping). It's not specifically a gifts theme, but accessories are normally small projects and small project make perfect holiday gifts. Patterns include scarves, cowls, wraps, shawls, ponchos, socks, hats, berets, headbands, mitts, gloves, gauntlets/fingerless mitts, and a pair of lace cuffs to get your get your inner frou-frou on (note, you probably should avoit eating soup while wearing froufy lace cuffs).  There is also an article on how to knit socks (from the cuff down). There are patterns for men, women and children - but as always, the bulk are for women.

One thing I noticed is that this issue is predominantly (but not exclusively) a compilation - while there are some new patterns, there are also a lot that have been re-published from former publications. It's sort of like the flash-back episodes on the Simpsons - a bunch of classics bound together with some novel new material. The patterns are taken from both their books and magazines. Off the top of my head i recognize some from Knitscene, Scarf Style, Interweave Knits, Getting Started Knitting Socks, Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts, Boutique Knits and Wrap Style.

NEW Dream In Color Groovy!

Dream in Color Groovy $21
Well, the groovy came in this week and it is a really happy surprise!  It's soft, softer than the classy, and has a super squishy consistency. It is a very happy yarn, it feels like playing with a fat, squishy baby.

• 100% Superfine Australian Merino Wool
• Superwash/Machine Washable
• 109m/skein
• 5.5 to 6mm needles
• 3.5 to 3.75 sts/inch
• 1 skein makes a hat
• 2 skeins make a scarf
  

NEW Misti Alpaca Handpaint Sock Yarns

16 Venecia


20 Slippery Jake

NEW Misti Alpaca Handpaint Sock Yarns
A couple of great new colours of Misti Alpaca Handpaint Sock Yarn have arrived! If you haven't already acquainted yourself with Misti's Yarn it's happy stuff! It is soft, beautifully hand dyed, affordable at only $20, and made from nice fibres like alpaca, merino wool, silk. The colours are not inclined to pool because Misti takes a great amount of effort in their dyeing, as they say it is 'Dyed to the Stitch." Here are the stats and FREE PATTERN IDEAS follow below:

• Made in Peru
• 50% Alpaca, 30% Merino Wool, 10% Silk, 10% Nylon
  
• 100g/400m
• 1 skein is enough for a pair of socks, mitts, gloves or a hat
  
• 2 skeins are more than enough for a baby sweater

FREE Sockhead Hat Pattern




FREE Old Shale Scarf

• 2 Skeins for a proper, long scarf, 1 skein for a shortie
• 3.75mm to 4mm needles
  

FREE Simple Yet Effective Shawl
Here is the version above which has been adapted from the pattern ( easy since it is knit from the bottom up)

• 3 Skeins of Misti Alpaca Handpaint Sock
  
• 3.75mm needles
• throw in a row of (yo, k2tog)’s every now and then
  

Other Free Pattern Ideas

• Purl Beret
• Storm Cloud Shawlette (good for bird owners)
• Shetland Shorty
• Glove Pattern Generator
  

NEW - Ma Belle Baby Kimono Kit

NEW - Ma Belle Baby Kimono Kit

Ma Belle is a super pretty little Kimono Cardigan made with 2 skeins of Dream in Color Classy, a soft, hand dyed, machine washable wool.  We made out store sample with the colour Petal Shower in size 2 years and we had more than enough yarn leftover to make a hat. This pattern is super-duper pretty and not at all hard to make. The kit is currently $44, but prices may vary based on the exchange rate (for better or worse) and customs duties.

NEW Mission Falls Tulips Baby Cardie Kit

NEW Mission Falls Tulips Baby Cardie Kit ~ $65

We really liked the Tulips baby cardie pattern, but the yarn it was designed in (which is gorgeous) doesn't it into everyone's budget. So what we did is swap in Mission Falls 1824 Merino Wool in some kits to help spread the love. The kit comes with the pattern and 9 balls of Mission Falls in 8 colours, enough to make a size 6-9 months, although it knits up a bit thicker to a 22" chest (according to the Craft Yarn Council a 22" chest is supposed to fit a 3 year old, but I'm not buying it. The sweater in this kit should definitely fit an 18 month old and possibly a 2 year old). 

The kit is currently available in 2 colourways, Autumnal (above), and Traditional (below). Of course, we can always dream up your own colourway too!

NEW - Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts

NEW - Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts

I am so sorry it has been so long updating the site. We've been really busy with so many of you coming in and so much new stock arriving!  Fall is always a heavy time of year for new books & magazines, and I can barely keep up with them!



Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts

This year's gift issue is packed to the rafters with great ideas! It is a little more expensive this year, ringing in at $18.99, but it is packed with patterns and it's been selling well so I don't expect it will be around too long. You can see all of the patterns HERE. If you like small projects in general, this issue is for you. There are also a few good mens' sweaters, which is a rare commodity.  We also still have copies of last year's issue,  Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2008.

Knitted Socks East & West + FREEBIE

Knitted Socks East & West + FREEBIE



       Knitted Socks East and West by Judy Sumner

I've already posted about the new book Knitted Socks East and West but it is a really nice book and some nice promos popped up today!

• Free Pattern from the book - Tatami Socks
• Browse the Book & See all the patterns (to see the pictures larger click on 'Fullscreen'
  

NEW! Malabrigo Worsted

NEW! Malabrigo Kettle Dyed Pure Merino Wool Worsted

• 4.5 to 5.5mm needles, 4 to 5 sts/inch
• 100g/196m
• made in Uruguay
  
• single ply, super soft and fluffy with lots of loft!
• will felt like a beast!
• kettle dyed, beautiful semi-solid colours
  
• only $17.50 (good price, soft as a baby's bottom and you get lots of yardage)
  
• hand wash, dry flat
• see info on this yarn on Ravelry
• see pattern ideas for this yarn on Ravelry
  

FREE Patterns for Malabrigo Worsted Merino



Star Crossed Beret




February Lady Sweater




Clapotis

A Better Bucket




Textured Shawl

Short Day Today

Sorry for the late notice, but we have to close early today, Friday Sept 18, for the Jewish Holidays.  Happy Holidays!

New - Cascade Magnum

Cascade Magnum

• Super Bulky Yarn
• 1.5-2 sts=1" on 10mm to 12mm needgles (us #15-17)
• 250g/112m (123 yds)
  
• perfect for Twinkle Patterns
• 1 skein makes a scarf

FREE Magnum Patterns

 

Twinkle Tuxedo Jacket

• 5 to 7 skeins
• see it on Ravelry

Twinkle Kangaroo Tunic

• 4 skeins
  
• see it on Ravelry

Twinkle Lacy Chunky Throw

• 4 to 5 skeins
• see it on Ravelry

Twinkle Best Friend Cardigan

• 3 to 4 skeins
• see it on Ravelry

Twinkle Nimbus Sweater

• skeins
• see it on Ravelry

Clearance 50% Off!

Clearance Sale 50% Off!

Cascade Fixation $4.25

• see HERE and below for pattern suggestions
• 50g/100yards
• knits on 3.5 to 4mm needles
• 98.3 % cotton, 1.7% elastic
• stretchy!
• soft, light, textured, with great body
• perfect for socks, baby socks, stockings, fitted tops & sweaters, lingerie, swim suits, chemo hats, toys!
  

Free Daisy Daisy Baby Hat Pattern (see one knit in Fixation)

Free Blue Steps Baby Booties Pattern (see them knit up in Fixation Here and Here)


Free Bunny Beanie Pattern (see it knit up in Fixation)

Misti Alpaca Lace Handpaints $11.75

• Pattern ideas from Ravelry.com
  
• 100 gram hank/800m, 2 Ply Lace Weight, 7 sts per inch, needle US #2
• 1 skein goes a Loooooooong way!
  

Favourite Project Suggestions

Zephyr Cardigan (see it knit up in Misti)

Feather Weight Cardigan

Pleated Top

Briggs & Little Softspun $3.85

• Soft enough for most people to wear next to their skin.
• Has an earthy quality without being too sheepy.
• Made in New Brunswick Canada, leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
• Excellent for felting!
• 100% wool, 2ply
• 113g/219m
• 20sts=4"/10 cm on 4.5 mm needles (heavy worsted weight)
  

Favourite Pattern Suggestions

Big Snugs

Roo Child's Coat

Sylvie Coat