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Greetings!
Happy Valentine's Day! We are excited! While it has been snowing and we have been freezing our tootsies off, the shoppe has been busy ordering new yarn and planning classes. Understanding, of course, that yarns such as Brown Sheep, Opal, and ShiBui are still wonderful standbys. For up to date information, make sure you check our blog.
Kathy Dawkins
Thistledown Shoppe
Who, being loved, is poor? ~Oscar Wilde
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New Yarns
Marion Foale  We now have both Marion Foale's yarn and book in stock. The yarn is a lovely 100% wool, fingering weight, 238 yds, 7 stitches to an inch on a size US 3, and is machine washable.  I am presently knitting the Gertrude hat in the dark red color.  Kauni is a Shetland-style 100% wool yarn from Denmark, milled and dyed in Estonia. The colors range from brights to subtle and blend seamlessly. We will carry both the Wool 8/2 Effektgarn and Solid. Our distributor is in Milwaukee, so we are able to order and receive patterns and yarn within a week.  Jill is knitting this cardigan  and Susan is working on the Kinnickinnic Blanket. Below are some of the patterns we are carrying.    I am still in the process of setting up for this yarn, so it will not be out on the shelves until Wednesday. Trunk shows for the Marion Foale and Kauni yarns are scheduled for later this winter and spring. Stay tuned for more information.
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Classes
Beginning Knitting - Want to learn how to knit? Linda will start you out on several different dishcloth patterns and give you an overview on the basic tools a knitter uses. You will learn how to cast on, knit and purl, and bind off. Patterns will be provided and Linda will help you purchase your yarn and needles.
Date: Saturday, March 12
Time: 10am until 2:30 with a half hour lunch break.
or
Date: Thursdays, April 7 and 14
Time: 1 pm until 3 pm.
Cost: $40.
Finishing Techniques - Do you have some projects sitting around that are almost done but for the finishing touches? Linda will show you seaming techniques (three needle, kitchener, and mattress), how to pick up stitches on the neckline and for button bands, and how to block.
Prerequisites: Must know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off.
Homework:
Two swatches, 6" square, worked in stockinette stitch and bound off;
Two swatches, 6" square, worked in garter stitch and bound off;
Four swatches, 6" square, worked in stockinette stitch, not bound off.
All swatches are to be knit in the same light colored knitting worsted weight yarn on size US 7 or US 8 needles.
Bring size F or G crochet hook, darning needles, scissors, safety pins, matching yarn and contrasting yarn, along with your swatches. Date: Saturday, April 23 Time: 1-3pm Cost: $40 Sock Class - Socks are one of the most easy and portable projects ever. Betsy is a master at this craft and she will introduce you to the wonderful world of the Magic Loop.
You will learn how to create a child's sock using a long circular needle. You will decrease, turn the heel, and pick up stitches. These techniques can be applied to any sock pattern.
Materials needed: 32" or 40" circular needle needed for gauge. 6 ply or Fixation yarn. Prerequisites: You must be able to cast on, knit, and purl. Date: Tuesdays, April 5, 12, and 19
Time: 6-8:30 pm Cost: $40.
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Free Patterns
Need a quickie gift for Valentine's Day? Try this heart cosy by cocoknit. Burly Spun or doubled Lamb's Pride Bulky would be perfect. Following are some patterns using the Kauni yarn. Kauni cardigan - This is a wonderful cardigan designed by Ruth Sorensen. The next two patterns are accessed only through Ravelry. Cascade Vest - If you like garter stitch, this is for you. It uses both the Wool 8/2 Effektgarn and solid yarn. Newton Scarf - Use a US 6, knit and wrap your stitches, next row - drop them and create this warm scarf.
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