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 Isn't this a lovely (although slightly edited) thought
as we move in to one of the gloomier months of the year?
But at WOOL-TYME Kingston, we're wrapping ourselves in the warmth of all the good vibes that our customers bring with their projects that they come to plan, purchase and work through over the late fall and winter months. Finally, no more leaves to rake or gardens to tend. We can sit and knit at will.
 But November 2009 also offers us something special: a Friday the 13th, which we have decided to celebrate by inviting everyone to come to the store and knit from 6pm until whenever... What a terrific opportunity to sew in those ends that have been haunting you, or to get some work done on a surprise project away from prying eyes, or just for a chance to get out and meet with other knitters. We will provide the apple cider and coffee, you can bring treats. We'll be here to welcome you, one and all. Hope to see you then. |
 If I could only let you feel this swatch. Actually when I started knitting with PILAR from Diamond's Luxury Collection, I so fell in love with it, that I'm ripping out the swatch to make a pair of fingerless gloves for ME! 90% llama, 10% silk and 100% Luxury.
From this same company comes another hit: LIMA,  an Aran weight, single ply dream of 100% peruvian highland wool. As soft as can be with the lovely heathering tones that you can see here. It has been catching the eye of customers from the minute we put it on the shelves.
 Come and see the amazing Diagonal scarf that we have done in Noro's newest yarn: VINTAGE. With just a touch of angora, it softens the texture and gives the colours a shimmer that is sure to delight. And look for Jane Ellison's new book: NORO MEN. It's beautiful.
We're getting new yarns and new colours of old favourites every week at WOOL-TYME Kingston. Come and be inspired. |
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The CUTE quota in new books.
 Wacky Baby Knits by Alison Jenkins is the funniest book to browse through, and just the thing for "Aunties" and friends who want to enjoy every aspect of cute with other people's children. A pirate costume, a mini biker jacket, a frog suit, and a very practical Red Riding Hood sleeping bag will keep you knitting throughout baby's first year.
 Susan B. Anderson has just released her newest book in the itty bitty collection: ITTY BITTY TOYS. Cuddle toys, Sock yarn toys, felted balls and blocks, even a mama duck and her babies on wheels. And best yet,reversible toys that offer double the fun by turning a frog into a turtle, a cat into a mouse, etc with just a few easy flips. Anderson has brought her bag of creative tricks to this terrific little book (with spiral binding, for easy reading.) |
Classic reference books, Renewed !
Wow, what a month for those who like to build their own designs or add a touch of personal interest. The beloved HARMONY GUIDES which knitters have been using for years, are being reissued in beautifully updated versions. The latest to join the series are the COLORWORK STITCHES, the KNIT EDGINGS AND TRIMS, and an excellent BASIC CROCHET STITCHES. These are absolute must-haves on your wish list for the Knitting Fairy to bring to you if you are one of those knitters who just can't help but change/add to/embellish any pattern project that you take on.
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COMMUNITY NOTES
 It was very interesting, collecting donations over the past few weeks for Breast Cancer awareness month for the bags that people received from WOOL-TYME Kingston for their purchases. We collected a bit less than last year, but that's because so many people are bringing their own bags now, we had no need to ask them for a donation. Congratulations to us all for remembering these very important causes: the earth and breast cancer.  Calling for a special volunteer: The Helen Henderson Care Centre is looking for someone to head up their Knitting Club in this wonderful seniors' residence. Please contact volunteer coordinator, Donna Fraser at 613-384-4585 for more information. |
 KNITTING ON THE NET
 This seems to be the time of the year when many former knitters have a hankering to get back into it. When someone mentions that this is their first project in x# of years, I try to remind them how things have changed so much in the knitting world with the advent of the Internet. And what I discovered on the Random House website with regards to Lily Chin's new book: KNITTING TIPS & TRICKS is a perfect example: Link here or by clicking on the book cover to browse through, page by page, the entire book. What a perfect way to really check out a book before you buy it. I had so much fun playing with this feature (even with the actual book sitting in front of me). At the website, click on the What is this? feature under the book cover for a little tutorial on how to get the most out of viewing the book. |
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Okay, so Hallowe'en is over now; we know that we're going to be hearing carols in the stores and watching the Santa Claus Parade within the next couple of weeks. So why not get on the band wagon and look at some of the great Holiday knitting patterns that are available in the WOOL-TYME Kingston store and on-line.
We've had several requests lately for knitted nativity set patterns, and Alan Dart's work for Sirdar's Book 285 is just wonderful. Also check out  Hanukkah Hiram, shown here, whose pattern is available to download directly from Alan Dart's website. Other Alan Dart contributions to this season are the wonderful Advent Calendar, (Sirdar Book 298) including 24 terrific knitted ornaments.
We have a whole binder of Christmas stockings to knit,  and a series of Kalamazoo Knits ornament patterns, perfect for learninig a new lace pattern or for using up those ends of sock yarn.  Finally, click on the image here of Patons Book 856, Classic Holidays, to view the terrific array of Holiday projects to knit for yourself or as seasonal gifts. |
The Coolest New Stuff at WOOL-TYME Kingston
These Silk Merino wet felted scarf kits from Ashford are catching everyone's eye as they come in the door. A layer of silk fabric covered with a glorious blend of the softest Merino wool, then felted to create a whorl of colours that is sure to catch your breath with its beauty. And all in about an hour, with not a stitch to be dropped.
And for those who like to keep their yarn close to them and off the floor, we're so glad to offer the great: YARN KEEPER BRACELET, another great gift idea for any knitter/crocheter on your list (including you). |
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The Knitted Poppy
 Isn't this sweet, and a much more practical way of showing our thoughts on Rememberance Day than with those darn poppies that we buy and are programmed to disappear within minutes of pinning them to one's lapel.
Okay, so here's what I propose: Link here to down load the pattern for a donation ($3.63CAD) to the British Vets' campaign, knit the delightful little flower and wear it proudly, then make a donation to the next RC Legion member you see selling the plastic ones. We'll be contributing all around and enjoying the knitting process too. | |
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WHAT'S ON ANNE'S NEEDLES?
You're all sworn to secrecy as I'm trotting out my Christmas knitting . 
"My So Called Scarf"
I love this stitch pattern but in no way can I lay claim to it. Click on the picture and you will go to the pattern posted at Sheep in the City, way back in 2004. Since then I've made this scarf in 3 different yarns and have seen it in dozens of others. It's particularly effective in beautiful multi coloured yarns. This is for my chic daughter who is up on the latest trends in fashion.
 This is going to be the evening bag version of Noni's beautiful ADVENTURE BAG that I'm making for daughter #1. I'm showing this picture here to reassure all who take their precious knitted projects from the washer where they have been felted, and are dismayed by the ridiculous looking product that emerges. I purposely leave the tails unsewn before felting for more security (and perhaps a bit out of laziness.) But this sad bag will look great when I get the rings attached (purchased at Home Depot- in the chain dept.) and the zipper in. I'll post a picture of the finished bag next month. |
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November's Classes at
 Kingston
You may be wondering what this funny fellow has to do with knitting. Well nothing except that he is a creation of Andrea Graham, felt mistress extraodinaire, and is made of felted unspun wool. We at WOOL-TYME Kingston are so happy to welcome her for a demo of techniques to achieve so many wonderful effects in the fibre world. There are only a few spaces left so sign up NOW for the class on Saturday, Nov. 7th 1-4pm.
 Ever been tempted to try your hand at spinning? Using the drop spindle is an amazingly easy technique that is also highly addictive. Come join Kim Parkinson on Sat. Nov. 14th at 1pm for a few hours of amazing instruction and fun.
Do you dream of a set of mittens for each family member under the Christmas tree? Join me, Anne, for a class on Sat. Nov. 21st, from 10am until 2pm to make a Mitt in a Day. Learn to make mittens of any size, with any yarn, 2 and 4 needle methods, with a nod to gloves and fingerless gloves. Everything you need to become the Mitt Fairy.
For more information, click here to our website. To register, call the store at 613-384-3951. |
 November's Knitting Events
Celebrate FRIDAY THE 13th!
See the opening article of this newsletter for information about the knit-in at WOOL-TYME Kingston from 6:30 until whenever. All are welcome. FREE. Bring a treat to share if you like.
-Sat. Nov. 7th Felt as Art workshop with Andrea Graham
-Sat. Nov. 14th, Drop Spindle Class with Kim Parkinson.
-Sat. Nov. 21st. Mitt in a Day class.
All of these are at the WOOL-TYME Kingston store. Call 613-384-3951
Students at Queens meet at 11 Aberdeen St at 6pm every Monday for a time to knit and get to know each other. All are welcome. email hillarystahl@gmail.com for more information.
-Tuesday, Nov.17th, the Kingston Knitting Circle will be meeting at Chapters Community Room from 7-9pm for some chat and stitching fun. Please join us.
-Wed. Nov 11th & 25th. Rug hookers, new and experienced are encouraged to join us at WOOL-TYME Kingston from 6:30-8:30. Ever day or so, we're getting people in to investigate the hooking products and kits that we carry. Check it out, we all agree that it can be addictive.
Do you know of any knitting related activity that you would like to add to this list? Email me at: wooltymekingston@gmail.com and we'll be glad to include your news. | |
Kingston Newsletter
Knitting Tip of the Month :
