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In This Issue
Gauge Schmage Part 2
New Stuff
Free Pattern Bonus
Classes
Knittervention!
Open Knitting & Crochet
On Our Website:
News from Double Ewe
August 2011
Hi Folks!
Well, it's starting...it's the time of year when I start getting whipped into a frenzy with new stuff coming in, business picking up, and all that good stuff.  Fun!  I've got a few new things in the shop that I'll share with you today, with more to come, so you may see two newsletters this month.  Before we get started with all that, I have a few other thoughts I want to share with you this month.  
 
First Thing
The good news is:  We've rearranged some things in the back of the shop, and bought some shelves.  Yay!  I've used them to start a "back inventory" of the basics:  Encore, 220 Superwash, Eco Wool, and Galway (actually, the Galway will be arriving early next week), so if you don't see enough skeins for your project on the shelves, it's worth asking if I have more in the back.    The not-so-good news is:  As most of you have noticed, we're experiencing rising prices in many areas...food, clothing, stuff like that.  The reality is, yarn is no exception.  Like I mentioned, I'm stocked up on basics, so I'll be able to hold off on raising my prices for a bit.  But this is a heads up:  if you're planning a big project, it might be wise to get your yarn sooner rather than later. 
 
Second Thing
I've been working on re-vamping the free pattern section of our website.  The changes will include:
  • Some brand new patterns, as well as patterns that have been available only in the shop.
  • PDFs will be available for each pattern as well.  PDFs are nicer when printing a pattern.  They're also nice if you want to save it electronically.
  • I'm adding more of my patterns to Ravelry, so if you've knitted one of them and want to add it to your Projects, it'll be available there.

I haven't gotten through all the patterns yet, but I'll keep plugging away at it, and I hope to have all of them updated sometime in the next few weeks. 

 
Third Thing

We were so fortunate to have Nancy Lindberg start teaching at Double Ewe last fall, and her daytime classes have been very popular.  I'm very happy to announce that Nancy is adding an evening class this fall.  It will be on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  The full scoop is below, but if you're interested, please call as soon as possible;  her classes tend to fill up quickly.  We're still finalizing our other fall classes, so they'll be coming soon.

Gauge Schmage Part 2:  How To Knit & Measure A Swatch

 

Last month, we talked about the importance of getting the correct gauge for your project.  Today, I'm going to share with you how I knit and measure a gauge swatch. Please keep in mind that this is how I personally do it; others might have different opinions. 

 

Almost all patterns state a specific gauge needed in order to get the expected results in the project.  (Expected results = a sweater that fits.) 
Some patterns give the gauge in stitches per one inch, but ... (more )

How Do I Count These Stitches?  (read more here)


 


New Stuff



This time around, most of New Stuff has arrived very, very recently, so I don't have any finished samples to share with you...yet...we're working on them!  (And by "we", I mean my mom and myself.  :)  I'll share them with you down the road a bit.

 

 

 

 

Project Pink Kits from Frog Tree
Frog Tree Yarns, a not-for-profit company, has a special promotion going on.  They've put together kits using a variety of their lovely yarns in a variety of pinks, and 25% of the proceeds from each kit is being donated to cancer research.  I don't have every kit available, but if I don't have what you're interested in, I'm happy to get it for you.  This is a nice way to offer your support doing what you love. 

 

 

 

 

   

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Blick Fang  

 

 

What an odd name for a yarn...Blick Fang.  If you run it through the Google Translator, German to English, it makes sense, though:  Blick Fang means Eye-Catching.  And it really is.  Hand-Dyed, lumpy, bumpy, and very, very soft. It comes in 6 gorgeous colorways.  99% wool, 1% nylon.

 

 

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WoolieBullie

How cute is this?!  WoolieBullie is a sheepy-looking boucle yarn, and it's great for trimming hats, mittens, scarves, and other accessories.  It's brand new, so there aren't a lot of projects on Ravelry with it yet, but I'm sure there will be many to come.  And it's 90% wool - even better!

 

 

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Angora Fashion Color Twist

I have a soft spot in my heart for angora; I just love the powdery-softness of it.  This is a 80/20 blend of angora/nylon - the nylon is added to make the angora behave - you know how those bunnies can be.   One ball will  make a cute little neck wrap, and it's available in four colors.

 

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Kid Seta Print

Kid Seta is a decadent blend of silk & mohair in a very delicate lace weight, and now it's available in very pretty, tone-on-tone striping print.

 

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Mini Messenger from Namaste

This is the newest addition to the Namaste line.  It's called Mini Messenger, but really, "mini" is deceiving.  There's gobs of room - I can fit my iPad, all my "purse stuff", plus either a small-ish knitting project or my laptop.  Super handy.  Here's the scoop:   I don't have them available in the shop right now - I ordered one for myself and one for the shop, to sort of test the waters and see what people think of them.  I have to say, I LOVE mine, and the one I had in the shop...it lasted less than 24 hours.   I'd love to show you  my bag - just ask, and excuse the junk in it, then let me know if you'd like me to order one for you.  Available in black, eggplant, lime, peacock, and red.

 

 

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More from Knit Picks

By popular demand, I've rounded out my Knit Picks selection to include:

  • Zephyr Interchangeable Needles
  • Harmony fixed circulars in sizes 0 - 3 in lengths from 16" - 47"
  • Harmony 16" circulars in all sizes
  • 8" DPNs in both the wood Harmony and Nickel plated finishes in sizes 4 - 11
  • Blocking pads, wires and pins
  • Ball winders

 

Free Pattern Bonus
This month, I've got two patterns for you:  one for babies, and one for adults.
 
Bunny Socks
 
Materials

Yarn:  Angora from Plymouth, 1 each of 2 colors (color A & B)

Needles:  DPN's size 4

Gauge:  6 stitches per inch

 

Instructions

Cast on 28 stitches using color B.  Divide onto 3 DPN's, join to knit in the round, place marker.

Purl 4 rounds.  Knit 3 rounds....

...Click here for full pattern.

 

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That Other Hat

Materials
Yarn: 100 grams worsted weight yarn, approximately 220 yards.  I used Shepherd's Own by Fibranatura (which will be arriving in the shop in August).
Needles:  16" Circular and DPN's US 8 and 16" circular US 6
Gauge:  5 stitches per inch
Instructions
Using smaller needle, cast on 88 stitches.  *k1, p1* around until piece measures about 2" from cast on.
Change to larger (size 8" 16" needle).....
...click here for full pattern.
Classes 

For our current classes, please visit our website.   

 

Wednesday Evenings with Nancy Lindberg  - New This Fall! 

Well-known designer and teacher Nancy Lindberg is now available for an evening class.  Yay!  Nancy has been teaching knitting for 35 years, and her popular patterns have been sold in yarn shops throughout the country for 15 years.   Take advantage of this great resource at Double Ewe;  challenge yourself and choose any project - Nancy's expert advice will help you through it. 

When:  Wednesday evenings

Dates:  September 7th - October 12th (6 weeks)

Time:  6:00 - 8:00

Cost:  $60 per person

 

Workshop Style Classes

We have several workshop-style classes running this summer.  In these classes, each student works at their own level on any project they like, and we're there to help if you get stuck or to teach you a new technique.  You can see the details on our website linked above.  These are all "pay as you go" type classes,  meaning you only pay for the sessions you attend - perfect for the summer months!  Also, they are ongoing classes, with no start or end date - jump in whenever you like.  The times are:

The Workshop with Kelly:  Wednesday mornings, 10:30 - 12:30

Knit Along with Ann:  Wednesday afternoons, 1:30 - 3:30

Knitter's Choice with Kelly:  Thursday afternoons, 4:00 - 6:00

Knittervention!

This month's Knittervention! will be August 19th.  Knittervention is our once-a-month, Friday-night-potluck-get-together.  For the whole scoop, click here

 

Oh, and even though we call it Knittervention, of course crocheters are welcome, too.  "Crochetervention" just sounded funny, and "Friday Night hookers"...well...that doesn't sound right either. ;) 

Open Knitting & Crochet

Join us for a fun social time while working on whatever you want.  No registration required - just show up.  We have three times a week you can join us:

  • Tuesday evenings, 5:00 - 8:00
  • Friday afternoons, 1:30 - 4:30
  • Saturdays, 9:00 - noon

 Please note:  Open Knitting is not a class.  Although I'm always happy to answer questions as time permits, sometimes it gets a bit hectic.  For more dedicated help, consider coming to one of our Knitter's Choice, Knit Along with Ann or The Workshop classes.  Details one these classes can be found here.

 

That's all for now, folks!  Once again, I'd like to thank you all for supporting your local yarn shop. 

 

Kelly

Double Ewe Yarn Shop

9201 Lexington Ave N #10

Circle Pines, MN  55014

 

763-780-2465

www.double-ewe-yarn.com


Buh Bye!