Opening Early Sunday May 30th!

We'll be opening early, at 10 am, tomorrow (Sunday May 30th)!  Our next door neighbours, The Taoist Tai Chi Society, are having a great big garage sale with balloons and hot dogs and balloons!

An just a reminder that Sunday is also our monthly Yarn Swap!

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2010

Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2010 - $8.50

Yay! Vogue's Early Fall issue has arrived! I love a new magazine to browse in the warm weather, and there are plenty of summerific patterns perfect for summer knitting and wearing on cool nights.  

Take a peek inside HERE.

Ravelry Account Problems

Unfortunately, it seems that the Ravelry account that we keep for client use has been stolen, so you will regrettably not be able to access it. We are very sorry if you have been having problems, we have contacted the good administrators at Ravelry and hopefully things will be back to normal soon. In the meantime, it's a great time to get your own free and easy account, at ravelry.com. If they can't come through and we have to change our account info, we'll let you know.

Thanks and sorry for the inconvenience!

NEW - Dream in Color Baby!

Dream in Color Baby - $28.50
All of the yarns from Dream in Color have been so yummy that I thought, despite the early onset of Summer in our nook of the world, I really must forge forward and order their skinniest yarn, Baby. As always, the colours are stunning in their depth and subtlety, and the way the yarn is dyed gives you a rare opportunity to use a variegated yarn that won't fight with or upstage detailed lace work (or cables, etc).

• Between Laceweight and Light Fingering (like a really thin sock yarn)
• 2ply, 100% Machine Washable Merino Wool
• 4 oz (approx 125g)
• 700 yards/638m
• 9 to 10 sts/inch
• 2.25mm to 2.75mm needles (US 1 to 2) or larger 
• See Baby on Ravelry

Now, if you are already a lace knitter, you know what to do with it, or at least what you can do with it, and what you'd like to do with it (and if you are of a certain mind about your yarns you know what you'd like to do to it.)  But a lot of people find skinny yarns daunting, so here is a list of things you may not have known about skinny yarns:

1. Skinny yarns can not make you skinnier (unless you find a way to knit while on a recumbent bike) but they are extremely flattering. The thinner a textile is, the less bulk it will put on you. People who are all angles may prefer something thicker to fill them out, but for those with curves or all types skinny yarn can be beneficial.
2. Thin yarns are great for crochet, which can work up much faster that knitting!
3. Hold a stand of thin yarn along with another yarn to bulk it up just a bit and add more dimension to the colour (choose a colour that is close or complementary with your main yarn). Mohairs and fuzzy yarns work especially well with a carrier yarn. 
4. Thin yarns go a looooong way!  The skinnier a yarn, the more distance  you'll get out of it, which means that a project will cost you less than if you used a thicker yarn.

Our Favourite Project Ideas for Baby

• Freebie Citron Shawlette.... 1 skein
• Featherweight Cardigan..... 2 to 3 skeins
• Whisper Cardigan.............. 2 to 3 skeins
• Freebie Shetland Shorty..... 1 skein
• Lightweight Pullover ......... 2 to 3 skeins
• Geodesic Cardigan............. 2 to 3 skeins
• Freebie Grotto Wrap.......... 2 to 3 skeins
• Cecilia Shrugg................... 1 to 2 skeins

Summer Hours Start June 1

We'll be moving to our Summer hours starting June 1st, and will be closed on Sundays until after Labour Day.

Summer Hours: June 1 to Labour Day
 Sunday           Closed
 Monday           11am - 6pm
 Tuesday          11am - 6pm (Stitch 'n Bitch 12 to 4 pm)
 Wednesday    11am - 6pm
 Thursday         11am - 8pm (Stitch 'n Bitch 5pm to 8pm)
 Friday              11 am - 6pm
 Saturday         11am - 6pm  (Stitch 'n Bitch 1 to 5 pm)


Yarn Swap moves to Saturdays: June 26, July 24, August 28
Sunday Stitch 'n Bitch moves to Saturdays

Yarn Swap Sunday May 30th

It's Time for the May Yarn Swap!
We are postponing a week until May 30th, due to the May 24 long weekend, 1pm to 5pm.

Get rid of your old yarn (we donate leftovers to charity), and take anything from the donations. The only rule is don't bite other peoples' fingers.

If you can't make it but still want to donate feel free to drop off your donations any time that is convenient, we'll make sure they make their way into the swap baskets.

See you on Sunday!

~ Haley


Find the Swap on Facebook!

Open Vicotria Day!

Yes, we will be open on Victoria Day, Monday May 24th, from 12pm to 6pm! Drop by hang out!

Easy Lace Shrug Kit

Easy Lace Shrug Kit - $45

We just finished this lace shrug and it turned out so beautifully we thought it would make a perfect Cottage Kit! The kit includes 2 skeins of Dream in Color Classy, the easy pattern, and a zipper bag to stash it all in. The yarn is hand painted, machine washable merino wool. The whole thing knits up on 5mm needles, and that's about all there is to it! The lace is a 12 row pattern repeat and is very easy - you can definitely do it on the dock.

Summer Tulips Baby Cardie Kits

  

Cotton Tulips Baby/Toddler Cardie Kits  $56.50

We've put together some kits for the very popular Tulips baby cardigan with Mission Falls 1824 Cotton - it is 100% machine washable and kid tested!  The kit contains 9 skeins of yarn in 8 colours (which we have co-ordinated and labelled for you to make life easier), and the easy to follow and easy to knit pattern. 5mm circular, 5mm double pointed needles, and stitch markers are not included in the kit, but we can throw that together for you too. The kit includes enough yarn to make up to a roomy 2 year old sweater, but if you want to make something in a larger size we can add the extra yarn you'll need (just a few balls). Pattern sizes run from 6month to 6 years. If you are making a baby size you'll have enough yarn left over to make a second sweater with the colours shuffled. 

   

Girl's Colour Combos: Muted (see our sample) and Bright

   

Boy's Colour Combos: Bright and Muted

The toddler in your life can inspect insects in a bright, pretty Tulips sweater!

Summer 2010 Classes

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, $13.50/hour per person + materials and applicable taxes.

Beginner Classes

Beginner Knitting

Skill Level: absolute beginner!

Wednesday June 2 & 9, 6:30 -8pm

Monday Jul 5 & 12, 6:30-8pm

Tuesday Aug 24 & 31, 6:30-8pm

Monday Sept. 6 & 13, 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
• $75 + tax (includes materials).

 Beginner CrochetSkill Level: absolute beginner!Wednesday June 16 & 23, 6:30-8pmMonday August 2 & 9, 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.
• $70 + tax (includes materials).

  

NEW Crochet Farmer's Market Bag

Skill Level: next step after the beginner class, Instructor Haley Waxberg

Tuesday June 15 & 22, 6:30 to 8pm

 In this workshop we will be making a multi-purpose bag, perfect for trips to the farmer's market, the beach, or just running errands. It's a perfect project to take to the cottage or travel with, and makes a great gifts! You will learn how to read a crochet pattern, increase, decrease, and seam. This is a perfect class for anyone who has finished the beginner class.To take this class you will need to already know how to chain and double crochet.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $75 (includes all materials)
• Upgrade to organic cotton for an extra $10

NEW Beginner Shawlette

Skill Level: next step after the beginner class, Instructor Haley Waxberg

Wednesday June 16 & 23, 6:30 to 8pm 

This little chill-chaser is also a great way to keep boredom at bay; you'll learn how to read a pattern, use circular needles for flat projects, increase, use stitch markers, and make eyelets (cheater's lace). The best part about this project is it's simplicity – the fancy yarn changes the colours all by itself!To take this class you will need to already know how to cast on, knit, and cast off.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $95 (includes all materials)

 Beginner Hats

Skill Level: next step after beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday September 14 & 21, 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.   
•  $85 + tax (includes all materials)

Intermediate-Beginner Classes

NEW Falling Leaves Lace Shawlette

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday July 19 &26, 6-8pm 

In this workshop you will learn the basic principles of lace—negotiating yarn overs, the slants of your increases and decreases--as well as how to make a beautiful falling leaves lace shawlette.To take this class you will need to already know how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $100 + tax (includes all materials)

NEW Easy Peasy Summer Cardigan

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday July 6, 13, & 20, 6-8pm ALL THREE NIGHTS
An excellent way to build your sweater skills! In this workshop you’ll make a simple neck-down cardigan. Along the way you’ll learn how to read a sweater pattern, the basics of shaping armholes, necklines, sleeves and collars, holding stitches, how to make button holes, and how easy it is to make a sweater without any sewing. With this under your belt, you’ll be able to take your knitting to another level!To take this class you will need to already know how to cast on, knit and purl.

• Class consists of 3 sessions over 3 weeks
• $180 + tax (includes all materials) 

NEW Finishing Workshop

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday August 30, 6-8pm

In this workshop you will learn how to put a basic sweater together--how to maneuver mattress stitching on both horizontal and vertical panels, and how to seam on the tricky diagonal of a set-in sleeve. You will also learn how to pick up stitches for a neck band and button bands, as well as how to make a basic button hole. From now on, your sweaters will look like so professional your friends won’t be able to tell the difference.Feel free to bring something you are working on, but it’s not necessary.

• Materials are not included; please bring your own needles, darning needle, safety pins
• $50 + tax

 

My First Sock

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Monday August 16 & 23, 6:00-8pm

Monday 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!To take this class you must already know how to knit, purl, cast-on & off for this class. It is helpful to know how to knit in the round.

• Class consists of 2 sessions over 2 weeks
• $85 + tax (includes all materials)

Easy Baby Cardigan

Skill Level: intermediate-beginner, Instructor Liane Schwarz

Tuesday August 3, 10 & 176:00 -8pm ALL THREE NIGHTS

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, and how to finish it all off.To take this class you must already know how to cast-on, and how to knit and purl.

• Class consists of 3 sessions over 3 weeks
• $100 + tax (includes all materials)