| Quick Links |
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HERITAGE CLUB
Are you a member? Ask about joining the next time you are in the shop. Or click the logo for more information. |
| Standing Events |
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These are ongoing shop happenings. An "*" by the event indicates that there is a fee.
These are social knitting times - no charge, but no help is provided.
Tues. evening 7 to 9
Wed. morning 10 to 12
Sun. afternoons 2 to 4
Master Knitter Support Group
2nd and 4th Sunday from 2 to 4.
COE in Handweaving Support Group
1st Wednesday at 1:00
*Drop In Knitting
Tuesday from 11 to 1
Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Thursday from 1 to 3
Friday from 10 to Noon
*Knit with Suzanne
Thursday evening, 7 to 9
Girl's Night
First Friday from 7 to 10 (except July)
Spinning Group
First Saturday from 10 to 12 (except July and February)
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Greetings!
It is certainly winter in Michigan! As I write I am listening to the morning news and just heard that my folks can expect up to four FEET of snow over the next few days. Now, it is storms like that that make you appreciate your yarn stash!
Tomorrow night is our annual "Show & Tell" Girls Night. Since this is usually our busiest "first Friday, it would be helpful if you could let us know you are coming: staff@heritagespinning.com - we want to have enough dessert for all! Join us for a festive evening and see what everyone has been knitting over the past year.
I had a special treat this year for Thanksgiving: my parents came to visit as did my son and his family. Here's a picture of Luke draped in his new blanket. I made it from a length of fleece and crocheted the edging. Plans for making blankets like these for cancer patients (or grandkids) can be found at www.knitmichigan.com. More photos of Luke in his new sweater and several new posts can be found on our blog. |
| addi Clicks have Arrived! |
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They are here! The addi Click system provides 10 different sizes of addi Turbo™ tips (US 4 to US 15), three different lengths of new, extremely pliable blue cord (24", 32" and 40"), and one connector piece which helps to either store stitches or combine 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.
Retail for the addi Click is $149.95. We have six sets available - hurry, this first batch won't last long! |
| Fiber-y Gift Giving Ideas |
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We've devoted a whole display area to gift ideas. As an added bonus, all of these suggestions are made in America. The first three items pictured are from Harrisville Designs in New Hampshire:
The Peg Loom is a small tapestry loom that comes with everything you need to make a small piece of fabric. Among the things you can make include a change purse, picture, or hot pad. The potholder loom is the one we all remember from our childhood. This is one gift that won't wear out - the loom is sturdy and we have extra bags of loops to inspire a young fiber artist.
A felted ball kit is just plain fun! This is a great introduction to how wool is felted. The end product can be used as juggling balls (what? you don't know how to juggle? visit this website!) or toys to entertain cats. Not pictured, but another Harrisville kit on display is their felted hat kit. This one has entertained many people at the shop - kids of all ages. One kit makes two hats, but we have plenty of roving available to make more.
The Cricket Loom is an entry level rigid heddle loom made by Schacht Spindle Company in Boulder, Colorado. I had the opportunity to see them in action at their inaugural debut at SOAR in October. I was very impressed. It is good for weaving scarves, but we used it for weaving cut pile ( www.saralamb.com for examples). It would also be a very nice small tapestry loom because it would allow you to weave a longer piece than a frame loom.
 For the knitter on your list, you might consider treating him or her to a FiberSphere. These handy little gadgets are a great way to keep your yarn clean and untangled. The large size is pictured, a 5" sphere is also available. Just pop your ball into the "clam shell" and snap it closed. Remove it anytime you want to use the 'Sphere on another project. |
| Louet Northern Lights Spinning Fiber |
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 This space dyed combed top is absolutely incredible. It is about the texture of a fine Corriedale and the colors are astounding. We just got a HUGE shipment of it in so we now have all the new colors and almost all of the old. It is incredible stuff. Almost magic in how it spins up. Kind of like the Ugly Duckling. Read more about it and see Christel's experiments with it on our blog. |
| Focus on Fit: Class Overview |
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Jae has a new class coming up in the new year that I think would be benefit many of you. Following is her write up about what you can expect in Focus on Fit:
When it comes to knitting a sweater, the number of decisions that have to be made before you even work your first stitch can be overwhelming - which pattern, what size needles, which yarn to use, and more. Whew! If you make it through those decisions, you face achieving the right gauge, and choosing the right pattern size. Add the time and money that is invested in a hand knit sweater, it is enough to make a person decide that hats or socks are the only things to knit. Knitting a sweater that fits is easy if you have the answers before you need them.
- Want to use a different yarn than what the pattern was written for? Learn what to look for when substituting yarn.
- Not getting the required gauge? Discover how to make the "wrong" gauge work for you.
- Not sure what size you should knit? Learn what all those numbers really mean and how to easily find the size that fits you.
- Your size isn't included in the pattern? There are simple techniques that can be used to alter a pattern without having to redesign it. Sometimes you can even avoid math!
Focus on Fit will lead you through the choices that are made when knitting a sweater. We'll talk about how yarn, gauge, and fit are related. We'll learn how different sweater styles require different sizes for the same person. We'll also discover how to fix some simple fit issues without having to rip out or start over. The tips and techniques shared in Focus on Fit will provide you with the answers you need to knit a great fitting sweater. And if you decide to stick with hats or socks, it will help you with those too! |
| Classes |
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NEW for Weavers . . .
We now have "Open Weaving" every Monday evening from 6 to 9. Come to learn to weave, learn new techniques, have company while you weave, to set aside some time for weaving or just because you love Sammie! Now you don't have to wait for a beginning weaving class to get started weaving. If you are returning weaver (you did it in the 80s and you haven't done it since) and need a little freshening of your skills, this is the perfect place to come. Only have a four shaft loom at home but have an 8-shaft project in mind - reserve the Baby Wolf. We have five looms available for use and can accomodate six people per week (obviously, one person will have to have their own loom). The cost is $20 per week as long as you have something on the loom. You may also weave during the week as long as the shop is open and you don't need assistance. Reserve your loom and block of time today!
Classes at Christmas . . .
Learn to Weave on a Rigid Heddle Loom, 12/27 - NOTE: this class is full, but if enough people are interested we will schedule a second class on the 26th.  Sock Change Purse, 12/27 - Learn how to work a sock from the toe up, make a short row heel, and attach the knitting to the purse frame.
Intermediate Rigid Heddle Weaving, 12/28 Must have had beginning rigid heddle class or some prior rigid heddle weaving experience. (You can sign up to take both RH classes and do just fine - in fact, we recommend it because taking this class will reinforce what you learned in the first class.)
 Aspen Shawl, 12/28 - This pretty shawl is a fusion of Estonian and Russian lace patterns. Spend a relaxed and pleasant day with Joan "playing" with lace.
12/29 - not a class, but not to be missed: Lunch with Liz, author of Weaving Made Easy
Our Next Learn to . . . classes:
Learn to Knit: starts in the new year, Monday, 1/19
Learn to Tat: next session in the new year
Learn to Spin: starts in February (private lessons by appointment)
Learn to Weave on the Rigid Heddle: 12/27
Learn to Weave: starts 1/12 (one week) or 1/30 (weekend) or come to Open Weaving on Monday eveningings.
Details on all of these classes on our website. | |
Don't forget that our gift certificates make the perfect gift for any gift giving occasion.
Holiday Hours & Drop In Knitting Times
Holiday hours:
Christmas: Closing at 3:00 p.m. on 12/24, Christmas Eve and reopening on Friday, 12/26 with regular business hours.
New Year's: Closing at 3:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve, but we will be open New Year's Day with regular hours for our New Year's Resolution Party.
NOTE: We will not have Drop-In Knitting Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
Happy Fibering,
Joan Sheridan
Heritage Spinning & Weaving |
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