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Greetings!
What do we expect from May in New England? For most, it's time for gardening, proms, cookouts, graduations, weddings, early beach trips, riding with the top down, ball games and just the sheer joy of running around in the green grass without our shoes. That reminds me, I need to book a pedi before these feet touch a blade of grass or break in that new pair of sandals. What better way to celebrate May than with some quick portable projects and something to tote them around in. Here's to socks, summer totes, and some beautiful shawl/wraps. Seems to me, I remember a May snowstorm my first year of college. The weather gods could not be that cruel to us, could they? There's a beach out there somewhere calling our names. |
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MOTHER OF ALL SALES | | |
In honor of Mother's Day, we are having a
" Week Long Celebration Sale"
from Monday, May 2nd thru Friday, May 6th. Here are the details:
- 30% off everything in the shop!
- Daily unadvertised "super special discounts"!
- Shop will be open early at 9:00am until 8:00, Monday through Thursday. Friday 9:00 until 3:00
- Chance to be named the "Mother of all Shoppers"! On Saturday, we will randomly select one shopper from this week to receive a gift certificate for the TOTAL amount of their purchase!!! It's like getting a FREE shopping spree!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!
**Please note that discounts cannot be combined with already discounted merchandise and cannot be used towards classes or special orders. |
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This Little Piggy
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"I don't knit socks!"
We've heard this a hundred times. The question is....WHY NOT??
Socks are simple, fun, quick and portable (the perfect beach knitting)!
There are so many different methods and designs, the possibilities are endless. We've decided to show you a few this month and hope we can make you a "convert". Yes, you CAN knit socks!
The Last Minute Lace Yoga Socks made with Joeys Baby Silk a quick one skein project. No heel, no toes and no excuse not to finish a pair.
Shibui Isabella with Louet Gems and Rowan Kid Silk Haze or (1) skein Shibui Staccato and (1) skein of Shibui Knits Silk Cloud.
These are the ultimate pampering for your feet.
Broad Ripple and Jay Walker. Heather knit one each with (1) skein of On Line Aloe Vera and Jojoba. Both of these are a simple beginners lace sock worked on double pointeds.
If you have never knit socks, we offer drop-in classes to learn how to make Basic Magic Loop Socks. Now, most of you know that we are "pro-Loop" here with a few hold-outs favoring their double pointeds but let us try and convince you. Just one two hour class and you'll happily be on your way and hey, once you learn Magic Loop, then it's a snap to work two at a time. No more one sock syndrome.
To entice you even further, we are offering 20% off all sock yarn purchased this month.
Now...how can you resist?? |
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FREE WORKSHOP | | |
In celebration of sock month and because we are soooo excited about the easiest toe-up sock we have ever knit, how about a FREE 2 HOUR MAGIC LOOP TOE-UP SOCK WORKSHOP on Saturday May 21st from 1:00 - 3:00. All we ask is that you have general knowledge of Magic Loop and that you purchase one of our new spring sock yarns to complete your project. We will take care of the rest. To inspire you, we have test knit this sock with our new Shibui Sockyarn. Class size is limited so call right away to secure your spot. |
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Bag It!
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This summer we are all about the bag. Last years favorites, The Sundance Market Bag and the Medano Beach Bag are still toteable vessels for the beach, lake or Farmer's Market but we couldn't resist introducing you to a few new favorites.
Cape and Island Bag, an In The Loop original design, is an easy drawstring, double bottom, one piece construction which can be made in any DK cotton or linen. Ours is knit with (5) skein of Classic Elite Provence.
Last month we debuted the Little Loops Collection with the Mimi Bag (download it free from our Website) and now this month Ms. Mimi, an adult version joins the collection. Ms. Mimi is great for a small travel bag or small project bag. Just right for those new pair of socks you just cast on.
What summer wardrobe would not be complete without the classic blue and white striped accessory. Just (3) skeins of Blue Sky Worsted Cotton and you can have the Drops Navy Striped Bag. We added I-cord straps so it can be slung over the shoulder like a backpack.
Farmers Market Bag Perfect for that stop at your local market for some fresh produce. Made with SWTC Terra (6) skeins
Still haven't found the right one for you? Hop on Ravelry and type "Farmer's Market Bag" in the patterns selection and you're sure to find something to complete your summer repetoire. Bring in the pattern and we're sure to have the perfect yarn to complete your project.
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Wrapped In Luxury
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The summer months can be fickle and a cool breeze from the beach, the lake or just air conditioning can bring a shiver. What better way to cover up than with a wrap or light scarf.
Our own In The Loop exclusive free pattern, the Self Fringing Shawl, made from (1) skein of Classic Elite Provence adorned with beaded fringe is the 2011 version of last years model. Knit one up and take a ride with the top down.
Looking for the classic special occasion wrap.Six Weeks Til Spring knit with DyeLot's Stimilus Package is the ultimate in elegance.
Perfect to dress up or down, ChurchMouse Yarns Mohair Bias Loop knitted with (1) skein Rowan Kid Silk Haze, pattern can be purchased on Ravelry.
Lucrezia An original ITL design made with 4 skeins of Rowan Savannah. Perfect for a cool summer night.
The Boneyard Shawl Stephen West's free pattern with two design options. We chose the open yarn over version knit with Classic Elite Firefly.
 
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What's Cooking with Piccante Dolce
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These blondies are rich and decadent, perfect for a summer picnic or BBQ and made even better with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
This recipe makes a large batch, to half it for a 7"x7" square pan you can sub 2 jumbo eggs for the large. They work best if cooked in a metal baking pan.
Brown Butter Blondies with Whiskey Caramel
Whiskey Caramel
makes about 1 1/2 cups
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup whiskey
1/2 cup heavy cream
1. In a medium heavy-bottomed sauce pan heat sugar over medium heat. It will start to liquify and get golden, DO NOT stir the sugar witha spoon. As the edges start to get golden swirl the pan until all of the sugar has liquified and starts bubble.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and carefully pour in the whiskey (the steam is super hot so be mindful), stir to combine. Then carefully pour in the cream stir to combine.
3. Return the pot to the heat and lower it to medium low. Slowly cook caramel for 10 more minutes until the sauce begins to slightly thicken. Pour into a bowl and set aside while preparing blondies.
Brown Butter Blondies
makes 1 8"x12" pan of blondies
3 sticks or 12 oz butter - cut into cubes
3 cups dark brown sugar - packed
5 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups whole wheat flour
healthy pinch of salt (omit if using salted butter)
1. Preheat oven 375F. In a medium sauce pan melt the butter over medium heat and continue to cook until turns golden brown and begins to smell nutty, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat to cool slightly
2. In a large bowl whisk to combine eggs, sugar and vanilla. Pour in the butter and whisk to combine. Add the whole wheat flour and salt (if using) and stir until just combined.
3. Butter a metal 8"x12" baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the caramel all over the batter, it will sink down in. You can swirl it with a knife if you want.
4. Place the pan in the heated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Carefully remove pan from the oven and drizzle with the remaining caramel. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the top is cracked and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool for at least an hour before cutting.
--
Jen Hoffmeister
Piccante Dolce
no reEATS a year of unique dinner |
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Summer Hours and Class Schedules
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Back, by popular demand, our SUMMER COUPON BOOKLET!!
Purchase a coupon booklet good for (5) classes for $62.50, which may be used during our summer class schedule. We know that the summer hours can be difficult but this allows flexibility to keep knitting through the summer on your schedule. You may use your coupon booklet from May 31st to September 2nd. Please review the guidelines on our website's Hours Page.
We will be closing for Memorial Day Weekend, Friday May 27th at 2:00 and reopen Tuesday, May 31st, when we begin our SUMMER HOURS.
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 10:00 - 8:00
WEDNESDAY: 10:00 - 8:00
THURSDAY: 10:00 - 8:00
FRIDAY: 10:00 - 3:00
SATURDAY: 10:00 - 2:00
SUNDAY: CLOSED
Please check our website for our SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE.
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Heather's Helpful Hints
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When the ball band on my yarn doesn't suggest a needle size, how can I figure out what size needles to knit with?
Grab your needle gauge
- Double the yarn
- Hold the yarn across the holes on your needle gauge
- Try knitting with the needle size of the hole that the doubled yarn just covers
This is a good starting place. If you want a thicker fabric, move to smaller needles. If you want an open fabric, move to larger needles. |
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THANK YOU!
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the "Donate a Bear" event last month. Collectively, we gathered over 36 beautiful bears in all shapes and sizes which we have donated to the Norwood Hospital Pediatric Ward. Your generosity was far beyond even what we had imagined. Thank you again for your kindness.
"They paved paradise, put up a parking lot..."
Please note that on May 9th and 10th, the shop will be closed because the landlord is paving and redesigning our parking lot therefore there will be no access to the shop . We are regretfully closing for the two days (including classes) and will re-open on Wednesday, the 11th. Please check the website in case Mother Nature disrupts those plans (and you KNOW she could!)
As May kicks off our Summer season, we hope all of you get a chance to stick the toes into a little sand. It beats shoveling snow! Meanwhile, we will be ordering Fall yarns and working on new designs and hopefully announcing some great surprises and events for the months to come.
Sincerely,
In The Loop
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