June Classes

Summer is a great time to learn a new skill and take your crafting inside (to be in the A/C), or out enjoying the view! Be sure to call the shop at 218-724-6432 to save your spot if you’re interested in one of our June classes.

Crochet 101: Dish Cloths
Monday, June 4, 11, and 18
11:00am – 1:30pm

Learn five of the basic stitches used in almost all crochet. Chain, Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet, and Shell stitches will be taught and practiced. This is a great class for anyone who is looking to get back to crochet 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 few dish cloths as finished projects. This class is divided into three sessions so you have a chance to really learn and practice the stitches. 

Materials: Size J crochet hook, safety pin style stitch markers, approx. 500 yards of yarn in a medium worsted weight cotton. You can use one or two different colors. Light colors are easiest to learn on. Intro to Crochet pattern, available for purchase at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo 

Simple Crochet Shell Scarf
Monday, June 4
2:00 – 4:30 pm

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 yards or more in yarn of your choice. Any light to medium weight yarn will work. Simple Shell Scarf pattern.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Prayer Shawl
Mondays, June 4, and 11
5:30  8:00 pm

In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl. Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, the final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it on to someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person to person.

In this class we will make a prayer shawl. You can decide to make it for a special person whom you know is in need, or if you would like, we at Yarn Harbor will send it on to someone in need. We collect them for a local group called Circle of Hope; they pass them on to women who are struggling through breast cancer treatments. We have more information available at the store if you are interested. I have designed several crochet patterns for this cause. Students are asked to choose from the Bowtie, Fan, or Tipsy Prayer Shawl patterns and bring it to class to work on. Not every student needs to be working on the same pattern. We will spend the first week learning the pattern and the second week working on it.

Materials: Prayer Shawl pattern of your choice, Bowtie, Fan, or Tipsy, 600 yards of worsted weight yarn, size hook indicated in pattern, safety pin style stitch markers.
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Seven Things that can “Make or Break” a Sweater
Mondays, June 4, 11, 18, 25, and July 2, and 9
7:00 – 8:00 pm

Take your knitting from homemade to handmade by learning the seven garment construction techniques that can “make or break” the look of your finished sweater. We will explore techniques from cast-on edge to button band by knitting a sample baby cardigan as we progress through the book. Beginner and experienced sweater knitters alike will take something away from this class.

Students in this class should be comfortable casting on, knitting, and purling. Prior sweater knitting experience is not a prerequisite!

Materials: Seven Things that can “Make or Break” a Sweater by Margaret E. Fisher, 440 yards worsted weight yarn, straight needles size US 5 & 7, 24” circular needle size US 5, stitch holders, four 3/4” buttons, tapestry needle.
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Cheryl Read

Techniques Class: Knitting in the Round
Tuesdays, June 5, 12, and 19
5:30 – 7:30 pm

You are all excited about learning to knit, and you want to expand beyond flat scarves and washcloths. This is the next best step. We will be exploring knitting in the round both with circular needles and double points, and playing with magic loop to see if you like it. We will also be exploring a couple of hat edges: ribbing and the rolled brim.

Prerequisite: comfortable with the knit and the purl stitch.
Materials: Dpns and 16” or 20″ circular needle in size 6, worsted weight yarn, stitch markers and tapestry needle. The pattern will be available from the instructor.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Katie Viren

(Note: this is a new class which will replace our previous Knitting 102 “Ely Hat” classes)

Knitting 101
Thursdays, June 7, 14 and 21
5:30 – 7:30 pm


Learn the basics of knitting making a cozy hat. This is the basic knitting class where you will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease and sew a seam. Join the fun!

Materials: pattern provided by instructor, 14” size US 8
needles, 3 oz. of worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Cheryl Read

Turkish Bed Socks
Saturdays, June 9
1:00 – 4:00 pm

Try a variation on the typical sock pattern with the Turkish Bed Socks, which are great to wear with flats, clogs, or around the house. They’re quick and don’t take much yarn, and their unique construction makes them a lot of fun to knit. Start with a pair for yourself, and then make them for all of your friends!   Students in this class should be comfortable knitting, purling, and decreasing. Prior sock knitting experience is not necessary.

Materials: Turkish Bed Socks pattern from Churchmouse Classics, approx. 175 yds fingering weight yarn, US 3 double-pointed needles (or size needed to get gauge), tapestry needle.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Cheryl Read

Kids’ Knitting Camp
Monday – Friday, June 11 – 15
9:00 – 10:00 am


Kids 8 years old to middle school can learn to knit or advance their skills in a “summer camp” setting.

Materials: Worsted weight yarn (cotton is suggested) and US size 8 or 9 needles or a project that the student is currently working on.
Cost: $25 + materials
Instructor: Jean Walters

Finishing Class (Crochet)
Monday, June 11
2:00 – 4:30 pm

Do you have a UFO?? What is a UFO, you ask? It is an unfinished object. I bet you have a few of those lying around. If you have taken a class and not gotten around to completing your project or you have something you are working on and put it aside because you got stuck, this is the time to come in and work on it. Jo ‘Elle Galo is our resident “crochet expert”. She can help you get through your problem or set you on the right path to getting it done. This is a great time to get together with others who are in the same boat and have some fun socializing while you finish a goal. Don’t forget we always have chocolate on the table to help get you through even the toughest spot!

Materials: Bring all the supplies you need to finish your project. Don’t forget your pattern and a great attitude.
Cost: $15
Instructor: Jo ‘Elle Galo

Elis Cowl Class
Tuesday & Thursday, June 12, and 14
5:00 – 7:00 pm

Learn how to do Indian Cross Stitch while making this cute cowl! The project is knit in the round, and the pattern is easy to adapt for any weight of yarn you ‘d like to use. Skills needed: casting on, knitting, purling, binding off.

Materials: Pattern, free online (will have copies in class), one stitch marker, tapestry needle. You may use either sport weight yarn (about 160 yards) and 16 ” size 8 circular needles, or worsted weight yarn (about 140 yards) with needle size 9, 16 ” circulars.
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Molly Wick

Intro to Crochet Hat: Crochet 102
Mondays, June 18, and 25
2:00 – 4:30 pm

Learn the basics of crochet in the round with this hat class. 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 H crochet hook, minimum of 100 yards of medium worsted weight yarn, safety pin style stitch markers. Basic Crochet Hat Pattern available at Yarn Harbor.
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Trade Winds Shrug
Mondays, June 18, 25, July 2, 16, and 23
Note: No class the week of July 9
5:30 – 8:00pm

This shrug is a great piece to wear for just a touch of added warmth in the summer breeze, or over a long sleeved shirt in the fall. It is a very versatile garment. It is a simple construction made with virtually no seams. It is a simple set of repeating rows that is easily memorized.

Materials: Sample in magazine uses Colinette “Jitterbug”, 100% merino wool, 400 yards per 150 gr. skein. (3—5 skeins, depending on size of shrug). Any DK weight will work in solid or multicolored. Size H/8 (5 mm) crochet hook, tapestry needle, and pattern in “Defining Crochet!” magazine, Summer 2012.
Cost: $50 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Oak Grove Fingerless Mitts
Wednesdays, June 20 and 27
6:00 — 8:00 pm

You’ll be ready for fall with these stunning Oak Grove mitts. This pattern features a beautiful oak leaf on the back of the hands and has both fingerless glove and fingerless mitt options. The chart may look intimidating at first, but we’ll talk through chart reading in this class, and the instructions are also written out.

Students in this class should be comfortable casting on, knitting, and purling. Prior mitten knitting experience is not necessary.

Materials: Oak Grove pattern, 150 yds sport weight yarn, US 3 double-pointed needles, stitch marker, small stitch holders, cable needle, tapestry needle.
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Cheryl Read

Dovetail Cowl
Friday, June 22
5:30 – 8:30 pm

This beautiful cowl is easier than it looks and is a great project to take on after you’ve mastered the basics of knitting. The textured pattern is composed of only knit and purl stitches, and two sizes are included. Instructions are both written and charted out, making this pattern a nice first chart-reading project. Choose a beautiful hand-dyed yarn or a luscious fiber blend: either way, you’ll have a stunning cowl when the weather gets chilly!   Students in this class should be comfortable casting on, knitting, and purling.

Materials: Dovetail Cowl pattern, 220 or 400 yds worsted weight yarn, 16 ” or 24″ US 7 circular needle, 7 or 13 stitch markers, tapestry needle.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Cheryl Read

Special Workshop with Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations
Sunday, June 24
10:00am – 4:00 pm

CAPS WITH A TWIST: Learn how to knit a two-color Scandinavian design cap, using a “chartless” technique that enables one to knit flawlessly from row to row. The principle can then be applied to other projects — a bag or pillow, perhaps.

Materials: Two different colors of worsted weight yarn, 100 gram skeins each, 16  size 6 circular needles, size 6 double-point needles.   Note: Please bring a bag lunch or have another plan for the food break.
Cost: $50 + materials
Instructor: Carol Anderson with Cottage Creations 

Summer Hat
Monday, June 25
1:00 am – 1:30 pm

This is a lacy hat made out of a light weight cotton that can be worn in the summer. It is worked from the crown down. It is a repeating pattern that is easily memorized. It can be made very quickly.

Materials: 1 hank of Cascade Ultra Pima Cotton (220 yds)for all sizes. Crochet Summer Hat Pattern, available for purchase at Yarn Harbor. Crochet hook size US H/8 (5 mm), stitch marker.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Oops! I Dropped a Stitch!
Tuesdays, June 26
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Even the most experienced knitters make mistakes. They’re not so frustrating if you know how to fix them without ripping out large sections of a project. In this class you’ll learn the basics of correcting the most common knitting mistakes. We’ll work on swatches to simulate and correct mistakes. If you have a project with a mistake that has you stumped, bring it along and we’ll tackle it as time permits. PLEASE BRING: three 4×4″ swatches in any weight yarn that you have handy: one in stockinette stitch (knit one side, purl the other), one in garter stitch (knit every row), and one in 2×2 rib (K2, P2 rib). DO NOT BIND OFF the stitches. Bring them on a needle or stitch holder.

Materials: 3 sample swatches, crochet hook, double pointed needles
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Katie Viren

It’s a Pajama Party!

Friday, May 18th
5-10 pm

Come hang out with us! Bring your project, a snack, and a friend to knit, crochet or spin. We’ll visit from store-closing-time until 10:00 pm. It’s fun! You don’t even need to come in pajamas – your regular clothes will do just fine!

May Local Design of the Month

We’re keeping it LOCAL! Each month in 2012 we’ll feature a pattern for a beautiful accessory (think hat, scarf, mittens, bag, etc.) designed by one of our talented folk from the Northland!

Join us and receive a 15% discount off of your materials for the month when you bring in your finished project from the previous month.

This month, we’re featuring the Sirius Ski Hat by Boreal Knits. This warm ski hat was designed in the Gunflint Tavern in Grand Marais. The dog is a Faroe Islands motif and the snowflake is Norwegian. The pattern calls for a sport weight yarn, but we used Cascade 220 at a tight gauge for our sample.

Summer Hours

Summer at Yarn Harbor has always meant a later opening time. This summer, Kathy has decided to keep the regular winter hours year round. As always, you’re welcome to come in for a little knitting help, but if you need help on a Tuesday or Wednesday, come in after noon if possible.

Sunday: noon-5 pm
Monday: noon-8 pm
Tuesday: 10am-5 pm
Wednesday: 10am-5 pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday: 10am-5 pm
Saturday: 10am-5 pm

Wearwithall Book Signing

Wearwithall Book Signing

 

When

Date: 1-5 pm

Time:Friday, May 4th

 

Wearwithall is a new knitting book, created collaboratively by five friends and colleagues,

and supported by The Yarnery in St. Paul. You will find clean, classic, useful designs

that can be varied according to your taste and skill level.

 

On Friday, May 4th, Mary Lou Egan, Theresa Gaffey, Sarah K. Walker, and Peggy Lexau

will sign copies of their book and share a trunk show of samples at Yarn Harbor

from 1-5 pm. We’re so excited to have them here, and we hope you come out to see

their beautiful work.

 

On Our Needles: Molly’s Gretel

This week on my needles: It is a sweater I’m calling Gretel. I wanted to do a summery lace sweater knit side-to-side. I was really inspired by the following sweaters: Helene  and Boothbay Lace Pullover and Model 10 Cotton-Silk Natural. Decided to design it myself, out of the lovely Plymouth Happy Feet sock yarn on size 5 needles. This yarn is amazing, and the colorways are so lovely.

I’ve made it almost across the front of my sweater. I started on one sleeve, and at the armpit I used a provisional cast-on to increase the stitches for the body of the sweater. I knit across the front, and then picked up my provisional cast-on to knit across the back in the lace repeat. I just set aside the stitches for the body and resumed knitting the sleeves in the round. I’m planning on going back and using kitchener stitch to close up the side for a seamless look. Last, I’m going to pick up stitches around the bottom for a ribbing around the hips.

I’m really excited about the project… Not far to go now!!

Yarns with a Beautiful Sheen for Spring and Summer

Some stunning new yarns in gorgeous colors just arrived–they’re perfect for a light summer coverup or accessory.

Dream from the Queensland Collection has  a slubby strand that is bound by a vareigated nylon that has a great shine to it. The ball band calls for a size 7 needle, but you could use something smaller for a denser fabric.

We’ve had Sublime’s Tussah Silk DK in the shop for a little while, but now we have even more rich colors. The silk in this yarn makes it both look and feel luxurious–why not make yourself a cardigan to wrap up in on the beach this summer?

We also have patterns that have been designed just for these yarns, so be sure to take a look and get inspired!

Customer Trunk Show

Calling all Customers! Time to show off your stuff!

During the month of May, it’s time to put your sweaters away… so, bring them in so they can be displayed amongst your fellow knitters and we can enjoy and appreciate your projects. Let us know ahead of time to sign up for the show, and drop off your work by May 5th to be included.

This is always a special event!

Cottage Creations Trunk Show

We’re proud to display a trunk show of samples by beloved regional designer Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations. Stop by to check out her Wallaby, Rambling Rows, and many more!

Do you love Carol Anderson as much as we do? Keep an eye out for her visit to Yarn Harbor this summer!

Purple Ribbon Week

National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage their communities. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

Volunteers are an instrumental component of non-profit work here in the Twin Ports, and when they volunteer at one agency they are really serving many. It’s time to recognize their service! Right now, local non-profit agencies are distributing over 4,000 purple “I Volunteer” ribbons to their volunteers. Volunteers can proudly pin their purple ribbons on their backpacks, apparel, and anywhere else to show the community that they are a proud volunteer. During National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, these volunteers can use their purple ribbons to enjoy special offerings from over 40 local businesses.

Yarn Harbor is proud to offer purple ribbon volunteers 15% off of yarn purchases during National Volunteer Week. See a complete list of participating businesses from United Way Duluth here.