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725 Gardiners Rd, Kingston ON 613-384-3951 |
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March 2011 | The newsletter that knits us together. | |
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Here's to the warm pleasures of HOME during the cold days of March.
And what could be nicer than a cup of tea and a cozy knitted afghan?
This lovely tea pot is from the Aranware collection of Kara Irish Pottery, in which every piece is decorated with a different set of Irish knit stitches. This tea pot shows off a honeycomb pattern - considered symbolic of hard work bringing its just reward, as the work of the busy bee produces the golden honey.
SPOILER ALLERT: That being said, see below in the Knitting on the Net segment of this newsletter for the real story behind the meaning of Aran stitches.
And our faithful friends at Patons have recently brought out 2 different books of afghans Book 881, AT HOME and 883, LOVE YOUR HOME
both of which offer great possibilities for easy knit and crochet blankets that look much more interesting than the level of difficulty wiould suggest.
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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
3 GOLD STANDARD BOOKS OF THE KNITTING WORLD - REPRINTED, EXPANDED AND UPDATED:
Alice Starmore, ARAN KNITTING Since it's original publication in 1997, this book has been widely accepted as the definitive work on Aran style for the late 20th century. This new edition still features a fabulous history of the tradition and can boast extraordinary photography of updated samples for each of the garments. With patterns in chart format only, this book is not for the casual knitter but is a must for anyone who wants to challenge themselves with the beauty and intricately classic designs of the Aran tradition.
Elizabeth Zimmermann's KNITTER'S ALMANAC
Long a favourite of North American knitters, EZ's Almanac has been the gateway to thinking while knitting. As the Yarn Harlot puts it: "Elizabeth Zimmermann ... (taught me) that knitting was a worthy pursuit of a nimble mind. "
This commemorative, hardcover edition celebrates the centenary of EZ's birth and the 50th anniversary of the founding of her company. This is the original home of the "BABY SWEATER ON 2 NEEDLES" which was the precursor of the fabulously popular "FEBRUARY LADY SWEATER", which is being knit as we speak/read by a dedicated group of WOOL-TYME Kingston friends in WOOL-TYME Kingston's very first KNIT ALONG.
 The NEW KNITTER'S TEMPLATE, Your Guide to Custom Fit and style.
Select a yarn and pattern stitch, a garment type, a size based on the amount of ease you wish and with this book you can create the sweater of your dreams.
More of a guidebook for knitters who envision a beautiful design and want help bringing that vision to reality. More a tool book than a pattern book, the authors are there to inform the wise knitter as to how to achieve the style that suits and the perfect fit. An essential book in the library of all creative knitters who want to "wing it" and not blow it. |
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Other Terrific New Books
Sock Yarn One Skein Wonders.
The ONE SKEIN WONDERS series is one of our biggest sellers and this latest version opens the way to using all the magnificent "sock" yarns for so many other beautiful and inspiring projects.
Nicky Epstein's KNITTING BLOCK BY BLOCK
Another amazing look at knitting through the eyes of Nicky Epstein in which she offers 150 blocks of different stitches that can be used in sweaters, scarves, bags, toys afghans and more. Learn techniques you never knew existed all with excellent photography and directions. Link here to read a great review. |
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Frills forever!
 Frill scarf yarn is VERY HOT! According to one of our customers, Heather, who was strolling through Ottawa's Byward Market recently, she saw a scarf for sale that was identical to the one that she was working on at home. The price tag? $89! it certainly puts your efforts into perspective as the materials cost but $14.99.
We have not seen this kind of excitement over a yarn trend in several years. FRILL SEEKER, TUL and others have called many a lapsed knitter back to the fold.
NEWSFLASH: 10 new colours of the classic FRILL SEEKER are arriving at the store any day now.
Link through the picture above to check them out then don't delay, as the best colours are bound to go fast.
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COTTON AT A PREMIUM
Many clothing, fibre and yarn manufacturers are re-examining their products to see what they can do to reduce the cotton component of their products.
Since last July, the price of cotton has risen almost 80% and is expected to remain high for at least 2 years. Last summer, new cotton crops were depleted because of the flooding in Pakistan and bad weather in China and Inda, all major cotton producers.
Also China and the US are both looking to encourage spending, so according to the old rule of supply and demand, cotton has gone through the roof.
That being said, it doesn't appear as if our yarns have been severely effected by this situation, yet if you've been looking to make yourself a nice cotton top, this year might be the year to do it. |
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mtfyed: Make time for yarn everyday
Ever wonder exactly why knitting has hit its stride so briskly over the last decade? It's not a coincidence that Russell Crowe was caught on camera with his needles, or that Julia Roberts' stories of knitting on the set came to our ears. The Craft Yarn Council of America is a very savvy group composed of members of the yarn industry who's job it is to make people notice knitting (and crochet).
In order to continue to work effectively, they often turn to surveys to provide them with the knowledge they need to focus their attention in the best places.
Here are a few stats they came up with:
-76% of the latest survey respondents reported teaching at least one person to knit or crochet in the past year.
-They made an average of 24 projects in the previous year, compared with 21 projects 2 years before that.
-48% made at least one charity project in the year.
-51% buy yarn at least once a month.
-and a full 67% use computers and Social Media in their knitting either through Facebook, Ravelry, YouTube, Twitter and My Space. |
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Spring
classes and coming events.
FELTING YOUR KNITS Parts 1 &2
Let this beautifully "fulled" (knitted then felted) bag be your learning vehicle to a whole range of felted projects.
Join us on Wed. March 16th for tricks and tips to knitting the fabric to assure felting success. Then return on Wed. April 6th for guidance to finishing and caring for your felted projects .
BOTH CLASSES (a full 4hrs of instruction) For just $45.
DON'T MISS OUT:
Sock-in-a-Day class
on April 30th
On Sat. April 2nd, DEB WHITE will be showing us how to:
MAKE YOUR KNITS FIT
This is the class for those who don't fit into the "average" sizing that is standard in most knitting patterns. Deb will share her tips on what to look for in choosing patterns, selecting the correct sizes and altering measurements to fit the body that your knitted sweater is intended for. A must for anyone with long/short arms, long/short waist, wide/narrow shoulders, etc.
Sat. March 19th 1-3pm
WENDO NEEDLE FELTING Learn how simple and fun needle felting can be by working one of WENDO'S beautiful needle felting kits, available at WOOL-TYME Kingston. The class is just $35 which includes all materials.
Other classes coming up:
-Traditional Rug Hooking for beginners, May 14th.
-Easiest Toe Up Socks May 28th.
-Drop Spindle for beginners. June 4th.
So check out the blog page and call the store at 613 384 3951 to register.
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 BAGS FOR BUCKS- Since beginning our BAGS FOR BUCKS campaign last September, we've been able to donate over $600 to the selected charities. That just goes to show that our forgetfulness (in leaving reusable carry bags at home) can have a benefit to others.
During the Month of March we're asking that our customers make a contribution to theCanadian Diabetes Association in exchage for a bag to carry purchases. |
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WHAT'S ON MAUREEN'S NEEDLES?  
Maureen has been working, along with over 30 other staff, customers and friends of WOOL-TYME Kingston on the February Lady Sweater for our Knit-Along. As you can see, it's knit from the neck down on circular needles and Maureen has just begun the lace portion. We're hoping to feature some of the completed sweaters in the next newsletter and on the blog.
Maureen also wanted to mention that among her favourite books are the Patons series of "NEXT STEP" books, designed to inspire beginners and those who aren't over confident with simple instructions for beautiful projects. NEXT STEP SEVEN: Mittens and Gloves was a particular favourite, especially with these beautiful cabled mitts that Maureen worked up before Christmas. |
 KNITTING ON THE NET
(and perhaps what shouldn't be...) Rumours were recently  abounding on Ravelry that our very popular MEADOWS chunky of alpaca and wool had been discontinued, which seemed extrememly odd considering that it only came on the market last summer. The story was then supported by the fact that the yarn couldn't be found on the S.R. Kertzer website. I'm here to tell you that I'm assured, MEADOWS is alive and well and available in all colours. You can try and link here to see the colour chart but it isn't the easiest link to follow. Better yet, come in to the store to see it for yourself.
The truth behind the tradition
If you love the idea of centuries of Irish grannies knitting family sweaters that sym bolize the traits that each clan holds dearest, then you probably don't want to know the truth that there aren't really authentic meanings to any of the traditional Aran/Irish stitches, and the first Aran sweaters were designed and made in America. Aran knitting is a relatively recent invention, as confirmed in the Alice Starmore's ARAN KNITTING and the stitches were created for their decorative appearance by clever and skillful knitters because they looked nice, not to convey any meaning. Furthermore, the idea of using the sweaters as a forensic tool to identify drowned fishermen by the family sweater he was wearing is also a myth.
Go figure, next they'll be telling us that maple syrup is celebrating it's 50th anniversary and was "invented" by the Swedes.
In keeping with the warm pleasures of HOME theme for this month, why not link here for the FREE pattern to create this super cute, super fast, felted candle holder project. What a great idea for a hostess gift or for the local bazaar.
Thanks to Sarah for the link. 
3 summer patterns from Austermann
We've been getting some fabulous feedback about Autermann's SHARI, a terrific spring yarn that looks like tinsel but feels wonderful. Here are 3 Free patterns to inspire you.
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New Kits at: Honeycomb mittens.  Last fall we began introducing prepackaged kits of some of most popular pattern projects thinking that they would make great gifts/stocking stuffers. What a hit! It was a challenge keeping up with the demand. It soon became obvious that our customers liked the idea of being able to pick up a quick and easy project without having to put too much thought into anything but the colour selection. We have recently added our ever popular HONEYCOMB MITTENS to the kit line and they are doing equally well. Try them out and let us know what you think. And check out our website for other FREE patterns from WOOL-TYME Kingston.
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