February Mitten of the Month

We have a beautiful pair of mittens for you this month! Adrian Bizilia’s Fiddlehead Mitten. It is a lined mitten using stranded colorwork. You can do it in two colors, a color and a varigated, or have fun with a number of colors! It uses an I-cord cast-on.

Meg did her version in Cascade and Boku.

Kathy did her’s in Cascade, with a lovely yummy lining in Nuna (merino/silk/bamboo). As always, if you wish to participate in the Mitten of the Month Club, just bring in the completed mitten from the previous month and we will give you ten percent off your purchase of the next month’s yarn.

New Classes Added!

It is so fun to get to add two new classes to the roster. Because of popular demand, we are adding a Knitting 101 class starting Tuesday, February 9 and a Knitting 103 Swirl Hat class starting March 9.

The Knitting 101 class will run Tuesday nights from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. It will take place on February 9, 16, and 23. In this class you will learn to cast on, knit, increase, purl, decrease, and sew a seam. We can take 4 more people, so if you have been wanting to get in and March is too far away, now is your chance! Cost $30, Taught by Sandy

We are adding knitting 103, Fiber Trends Swirl Hat. It is running Tuesday March 9, 16, and 30, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This is a great class to learn how to knit with multiple colors in the round, and you get this amazing hat to boot. Cost $30, Taught by Sandy.

Magazine Exchange

This is just a reminder that Yarn Harbor has a magazine exchange. You have some fiber magazines that you want to move on? Bring ‘em in. Have you found a magazine in the exchange bin that you want to play with? Take it. One knitter’s bleh is another knitter’s woo hoo!

Yarn Harbor: Your Olympic Sponsor

What is it?

Yarn enthusiasts challenge themselves to complete a project within the Winter Olympics (February 12-28, 2010). You must begin your project no earlier than the Opening Ceremonies and complete it by the end of the Games.

Participate in the Olympics and…

• Receive 15% off the supplies for your Olympic project
• Attend special in-store events
• Knit or crochet for Team Yarn Harbor in the Ravelympics on Ravelry
• Receive goodies from Yarn Harbor at the opening of the Olympics

The “rules”:

1. In order to receive the benefits of participating as a member of Team Yarn Harbor, you must sign up at the shop before Friday, February 12. Sign-ups submitted online or after February 12th are ineligible.
2. Your chosen project must be a challenge for you to complete in the allotted time.
3. Beginning before the Opening Ceremonies commence in Vancouver is strictly prohibited! You may begin your project at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on Friday February 12. That’s 8pm Duluth time.
4. Finish your project before midnight PST on the final day of the Games. Technically, this means that you have until 2:00am Duluth time on Monday, March 1 to complete your project. What is “finished” is up to you. See this note on Ravelry: “Do you feel it’s finished without the ends woven in, or before blocking? Then mark it finished. If not, don’t. Be honest with yourself, and we’ll celebrate with you.”
5. You may swatch your project before the Games begin. After all, Olympians need to train!

Sign up today and join us at the Opening Ceremonies Cast On on Friday, February 12 from 5-9pm. You’ll be able to pick up your goodies and warm up for the games with fellow Olympians and then cast on at exactly 8pm.

Remember, we will have Olympic ski sweaters from Dale of Norway on display throughout the Olympics.

Start stretching those fingers!

February Classes

Our spring classes are now on our website!

February  classes are fast approaching and sign-ups are now open. Sign up for a class by calling the store at 218-724-6432, stopping by the shop, or going to our official website.

Remember, you save 10% off class supplies purchased at Yarn Harbor!

Tunisian Coat
Mondays, February 1, 8, 15 & 22
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
This coat is made with the Tunisian style of crochet, also called Afghan stitch. The hook is a little different to use but it is a very easy garment to make. This class is divided into four sessions with homework to be completed between classes. This is a great class for the experienced crocheter as well as for the beginner who wants to make a wearable garment. Do not be afraid of this class, YOU CAN DO IT!!
Materials: Size N bamboo Tunisian crochet hook 20 inches, size J regular crochet hook, safety pin type stitch markers, 4-6 buttons, approximately 1100 yards of color A yarn, 400 yards Color B yarn. Sample was made using Cascade 220 and Lamb’s Pride Worsted. Pattern available at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Fingerless Gloves
Monday, February 1
3 – 5 p.m.
Learn to make these simple gloves, one of the most popular accessories for people of all ages. Teenagers are wearing them as well as many adults. They are fun to make and easy to learn. You will learn how to single crochet in the round and add a thumb gusset. These gloves would make a great gift. This is a one session class.
Materials: Size G crochet hook, one skein of any sock yarn. Pattern available at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Running Hearts Scarf
Tuesdays, February 2 & 9
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
This is a great scarf if you want to learn to knit lace. You will learn five basic stitches used in lace knitting, and how to follow a chart. The pattern is a 9-row repeat, so once you get the hang of it, it goes quickly. At the second class Katie will present some embellishment ideas, and show you how to do basic embroidery and fringe.
Prerequisites: Know how to cast on, comfort with knitting and purling.
Materials: Pattern available at Yarn Harbor, size US 8 or 9 needles, 200 yards of heavy worsted or aran weight yarn (a solid color shows the pattern best).
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Katie Viren

Simple Crochet Shell Scarf
Wednesday, February 3
10 a.m. – noon
Learn how to crochet a quick scarf with a beautiful lace-looking design. This scarf looks very intricate and will make others think you spent lots of time crocheting, but in reality it is a simple pattern to learn and repeat. It would make a great gift for someone.
Materials: Size J crochet hook, approximately 150 or more yards of yarn of your choice. Any light to medium weight yarn will work. Pattern available at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Knitting 101
Wednesday, February 3, 10 & 17
5 – 7 p.m.
This is the basic knitting 101 class where you will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease and sew a seam while making a hat.
Materials: Pattern provided by instructor, 14” size US 8 needles, 3 oz. of worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Kathy Thomas

Learn to Knit Cables Flap Cap
Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18 & 25
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For those of you dying to make cables, but fearful of giving it a try, join us for this class! Worked on big needles with chunky yarn, this basic cable cap is sure to be a hit! Hat is worked back and forth using only one type of cable stitch that’s easy to remember and swings wide the door to the mysterious (but not) art of constructing cables. Once you understand the basics of cable construction, those intricate designs won’t be so intimidating anymore!
Materials: Free pattern provided by instructor, one skein Baby Alpaca Grande or 110 yards chunky weight yarn, 14” size US 10 needles, cable hook.
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Sandy Tolene

Intro to Crochet Hat
Friday, February 5, 1 – 3 p.m.
OR
Wednesday, February 10, 10 a.m. – noon
OR
Monday, February 22, 3 – 5 p.m.
Learn the basics of crochet in the round with this one-time class and make a hat. It’s a great way to learn to make single crochet in the round stitches. Once you learn this simple hat you can make many variations to suit your needs. This hat would make a great gift.
Materials: Size G or H crochet hook, minimum of 100 yards of medium worsted weight yarn, safety pin style stitch markers. Pattern available at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Needle Felted Art
Friday, February 5
4 – 7 p.m.
Learn the basics of needle felting, an ancient art once used to adorn horse blankets and soldiers’ uniforms, now seen on shoes, purses, bags, jackets or almost any fabric. We use wool roving and a special needle with barbs in the shank. We will explore color blending and design concepts. Bring a design or picture of what you would like to make and we will make a needle felted piece of art that you can frame, put on a bag or a garment. No experience needed, you will learn it all in this class.
Materials: There is a kit you can purchase from the instructor for $10. Also, you may bring any roving you would like to use. Instructor will also provide roving for class project. Bring your own design/picture, or use one from the instructor.
Cost: $25 + $10 materials fee paid to instructor
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Intro to Crochet Sampler Scarf
Saturdays, February 6 & 13, 10 a.m. – noon
OR
Mondays, February 8 & 15, 3 – 5 p.m.
Learn five of the basic stitches used in almost all crochet. Chain, Single, Half Double, Double, and Shell stitches will all be learned and practiced in this class. This is a great class for anyone who is looking to get back to crocheting but wants a refresher, or for someone who has never picked up a hook and wants to start at the beginning. We will make a sampler scarf as a finished project in this class. This class is divided into two sessions so you have a chance to really learn and practice the stitches.
Materials: Size J crochet hook, safety pin style stitch markers, approximately 500 yards of yarn in a medium worsted weight. You can use all one color or up to five different colors.
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Tunisian Knit Stitch Scarf
Saturday, February 6, 1 – 3 p.m.
OR
Friday, February 12, 3 – 5 p.m.
This scarf is made with a Tunisian style crochet hook but it mimics the stockinette stitch of knitting. You can crochet a scarf that looks just like knitting. It uses two colors at a time and is a great beginner scarf. The sample in the shop is made of Nature Spun worsted weight and Mochi Plus worsted weight.
Materials: size J bamboo Tunisian crochet hook, approximately 250 yards of two different colors, one solid and one multicolor. Pattern available at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Mitered Square Headband
Mondays, February 8 & 15
1 – 3 p.m.
Knit this striking headband that only looks complex! Knit the same simple mitered square six times, attach them with border triangles, and finish with a simple rolled band top and bottom and you’re done! Caution: these headbands are addictive, since the Boku colorways make each band one of a kind. Must know how to knit, decrease and pick up stitches.
Materials: one skein Boku yarn per headband, pattern, size US 6, 7, or 8 needles, double points or regular, and one 16” needle.
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Leslie Williamson White

Mitten-Palooza: Basic Mitts (3 sessions) or Fiddlehead Mitts: 2 Hand 2 Color (4 sessions)
Tuesdays, February 9, 16 & 23 (plus March 2 for Fiddlehead Mitts only)
5 - 7 p.m.
We’ll make a mitten that has a novel design (and the mitts can be lined for extra warmth). Learn how to knit two colors with two hands, create an I-cord cast on, and read a colorwork chart.
Prerequisite: You must have previous basic mitten knitting experience, be able to cast on, cast off, increase, decrease and knit in the round on double points and make a basic thumb, without assistance.
Materials: Yarn and needles for the size you choose to make. This is a good project for using up small stash yarn. Also consider combing a solid color and a variegated yarn for a Fair Isle effect without having to weave in all the ends.
Cost: $30 for Beginning Mitts; or $40 for Fiddlehead Mitts + materials
Instructor: Meg Little

Moebius Cowl
Thursdays, February 11, 18 & 25
5 - 7 p.m.
This beautiful moebius cowl will chase the winter chill away. Join us as we learn Cat Bordhi’s mysterious Moebius Cast On and explore this new twist on moebius design. The cowl is knit in a self-pleating stitch pattern and is knit from the center out. The pattern calls for a beaded picot edge which can be optional. (Once you’ve learned the Moebius Cast On you’ll be able to tackle any patterns in Cat Bordhi’s books).
Prerequisites: Must be able to knit in the round to take this class.
Materials: Harmonia’s Ring Cowl pattern, yarn and needles needed to obtain gauge.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little

Kids Knitting Camp
Monday-Friday, February 15-19
10 - 11 a.m.
People eight years old through middle school age will learn to knit or advance their skills in this workshop. Beginners will be introduced to knitting by starting a basic project of their choice. Knitters may bring their current project or begin a new project.
Materials: One skein worsted weight yarn (Fantasy Naturale cotton is a good choice) and 10″ single point knitting needles in US size 8, 9 or 10 (bamboo suggested) or current project.
Cost: $25 + materials
Instructor: Jean Walters

Fingerweaving
Tuesday, February 23
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Fingerweaving is one of the oldest forms of weaving; it pre-dates the loom. In written history, this art continued with the northern woodland tribes of North America, some areas of the Middle East, and in Norwegian regional costumes (believe it or not). This form of weaving ranges from one to ten inches in width, and is used for sashes, belts, and other uses where you need a firm strap. Come learn how to set up your “loom” (a stick or dowel). And learn how to make a few basic patterns (chevron, arrowhead, etc.)
Materials: a stick, assorted colors of firm worsted weight yarns. You do not want them to be too soft or have too much stretch.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Katie Viren

Mitten of the Month-January

Ok, we were a bit slow getting this one up. It is a great mitt though! We are featuring the Bella Mitten, a free pattern from subliminalrabbit.com. It works up quickly in a bulky weight yarn, and features a cable and a long gauntlet-style cuff. We did two, one in Lamb’s Pride Bulky, and the other in Lopi.

As always, if you complete this mitten, we will give you 10% off the cost of the yarn and pattern for next month’s mitten!

December Scarf of the Month

It is our final month for our featured Scarf of the Month. To finish it off, we have two yummy projects for you.

The first is not a scarf, but a cowl. I just love having a nice warm layer to wear that does not get in the way of doing things with my hands, but adds that extra bit of warmth. Harmonia’s Rings Cowl does just that. It uses a mobius cast on for added interest, and then just sits nicely on the sholders for a classy, comfortable accent piece for Winter. We did it in Plymouth’s Mushishi (one skein), but we also have many other yarns that would work up wonderfully.

Harmonia's Rings Cowl in Mushishi

 The second is the Running Hearts scarf, a pretty, seasonal  lace scarf, especially if you are Scandanavian (hearts are used as a Christmas motif in Scandanavian countires). It can be worn plain, or embelished like the sample. We have knit it up in Cascade’s Cloud 9, but it is looking very nice in a number of different yarns.

Running Hearts Scarf

And that will be it for the scarves. Next year? Mittens and gloves!

 

Oooooh! The new Malabrigo Twist is in!

We love our Malabrigo. It is so soft, and the colors are wonderful. Malabrigo did something terrific, though, they came up with a new yarn that uses the same fiber and same colors, but with a twist for durability! They do love us. Between this and the new Lambs Pride Bulky, we have more temptations than ever. Come pet!

Malabrigo Twist

Lamb’s Pride Bulky

It is so sad, the photos just do not do the yarn justice. You will just have to come in to enjoy them fully. Oh, we got a few new colors in the regular Malabrigo as well!

 

Ain’t we got fun!

We thought it would be fun to post a few pictures from some of our recent classes. In the pictures are the Felted Gnome class and Needle Felted Ornaments. The folks were having a blast!

Jo'Elle's Felted Ornament class

Irina's Felted Gnome Class

Do gnomes come in gaggles?

Lamb’s Pride Bulky is in!

We have been getting a lot of requests lately for Lamb’s Pride Bulky. We just did not know how we were going to fit it in here. We chose to get it in anyway.
So, for all of you who have been asking? Come and get it!