LSCHC Mitten Tree

Ready, Set, Knit!

Soon it will be time for chopping wood, playing in the snow, and waiting for the bus out in the cold. Lake Superior Community Health Center invites the public to help them fill their annual Mitten Tree by donating handmade or purchased hats, mittens, scarves, and socks to keep their patients warm.

The Mitten Tree has been a Lake Superior Community Health Center tradition for over 20 years. Each November trees are set up in the clinic lobbies, and soon begin sprouting mittens and other warm apparel donated by clinic patients, staff, and friends. Some of the items are handmade, and some are “store-bought”. All of the donations are given to patients and their families in need.

The need is great. Last year’s trees overflowed with donated outerwear in a multitude of colors, with several generous knitters contributing 20 or more hand-knit matching hat and mitten sets. Hundreds of items were eagerly accepted by patients of all ages.

Metro Credit Union of Superior will once again partner with the clinics by decorating a tree in their lobby with donations from employees and customers which will then by given to LSCHC.

Knitting and sewing patterns, along with a limited supply of donated yarn and fleece fabric are available at the clinic’s two locations to get things started.

The mission of the Lake Superior Community Health Center is to improve access to primary health care, resting on the belief that health care is a right of all people. The clinic’s professional staff offers medical, mental health, and dental services on a sliding fee scale for people of all ages.

The health center’s services are provided at two locations:
in Duluth, at 4325 Grand Ave., 218-722-1497
in Superior, at 3600 Tower Ave., 715-392-1955
To learn more about the clinics, please check their website: http://lschc.org

Donations of knitting supplies and handmade or purchased items for the Mitten Tree may be dropped off at either site. For more information, please contact Amy at alosiewski@lshc.org or 219-722-1497, ext. 515.

Local Yarns and New Products

Yarn Harbor is happy to carry Knit Me Now Yarns, which are hand-dyed locally. We have:
Sock Love

100% superwash merino ~ fingering weight ~ approximately 420 yds

Warm Woolly

70% wool 30% mohair ~ worsted weight ~ 200 yds

We have also received another shipment of yarn from Tamarack Hill Farm’s hand spinner/dyer Ellen Pierce. She has given us more of her natural colors but also brought us some exciting new bright colors!

We’ve also added to our Misti Alpaca collection:
Hand Paint Baby Suri Silk

80% baby suri alpaca 20% silk ~ dk weight ~ 218 yds

Hand Paint Chunky

100% baby alpaca ~ chunky ~ 108 yds

Additionally, we have re-stocked our Dale of Norway and Malabrigo yarns with old standbys and brand new colorways! If you’re looking to start a ski sweater, now is the time!

We’re also very excited to make nostepinnes available.

From the artist: Scandinavia is credited with the invention of this simple tool. Also known as a “Scandinavian Ball-Winder”, it can be found as nostepinde also spelled as nystepinne and nostepinne. The spellings varied depending on which of the Scandinavian languages was being translated. This fiber tool creates a center-pull ball of yarn the low-tech traditional way. Fiber artists of every persuasion appreciate this tool’s portability! Unlike one of those hand-cranked, mechanical ballwinders, a nosty is virtually unbreakable, completely portable, does not require clamping to a table, needs no batteries and will not frizz merino yarns. With practice you’ll be winding yarnballs that look much better than birds’ nests!

Our nostepinnes are handmade out of domestic and exotic materials. Feel free to ask for a demonstration on how to use one!

October Classes

October will be here before you know it, so now is the time to sign up for a knitting or crochet class! Remember, you save 10% on all class supplies purchased at Yarn Harbor. Here’s what we have in store for October (availability based on sign-ups at the time of writing: call store for current availability or submit a request at www.yarnharborduluth.com):

THE WONDERFUL WALLABY
Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn to knit the classic hooded sweatshirt pullover from Carol Anderson’s Cottage Creations Pattern, the Wonderful Wallaby! Sized to fit toddlers (aka Wanda Wallaby) through supersized adults (aka Wisconsin Wallaby), this sweater is a classic casual staple of every knitters’ wardrobe. It is also a great choice for gift giving… who doesn’t love a hooded sweatshirt, complete with pocket? Knit in the round in the raglan style, this pattern incorporates a unique pocket application that requires no sewing. The technique is adaptable to other works also so it’s a skill that will stand you in good stead for future projects. Come and join the fun!
Materials: worsted weight yarn, 24″ circular needles sizes 6 & 8, 16″ circular needle size 8, double point needles size 6; afghan hook any size; markers; stitch holders or waste yarn; gauge measure or Knit Chek; Cottage Creations’ Wonderful Wallaby pattern.
Cost: $60 plus materials
Instructor: Sandy Tolene
Class space is limited!

BEGINNING KNITTING FOR KIDS
Saturdays, October 4, 11, and 18
10 – 11:30 a.m.
People at least 8 years old through middle school age will be introduced to knitting by starting a basic project of their choice. If the knit stitch is mastered students may also learn to purl, cast on, bind off, finish a project, and read a simple pattern.
Materials: one skein worsted weight yarn (Fantasy Naturale cotton is a good choice) and 10″ single point knitting needles US size 8, 9, or 10 (bamboo suggested.)
Cost: $25 + materials
Instructor: Jean Walters
Seats are still available: Will do a second child in the same family for $15 (40% off)

BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE CROCHET
Mondays, October 6, 13, and 20
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

This class is offered for the novice and for anyone who wants to expand their crochet skills. Either bring a project you’d like to make, or Yvonne will help you choose a project that’s appropriate to your skill level. You are welcome to register for this class again if you’ve taken it before, so you can keep building your crochet skills.
Materials: to be determined by project.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Yvonne Bernhardt
Seats are still available

KNITTING 101
Wednesdays, October 8, 15, and 22
5:30 – 7:30 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 1/2 oz. of worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Kathy Thomas
Seats still available

CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Thursdays, October 9, 16, and 23
5 – 7 p.m.

Create a holiday keepsake. Choose one of three mix-and-match designs.
Materials: free pattern available online at Cascade Christmas Stocking (W104), #7 needles in 16″ circular and double point, worsted weight yarn in a variety of colors (at least 4).
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little
Seats still available

BEGINNING SOCKS
Saturdays, October 11, 18, and 25
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This class is full. Inquire about our waiting list or sign up for the January class.

FELTED SLIPPERS
Tuesdays, October 14, 21, and 28
5 – 7 p.m.
These warm and cozy slippers are the perfect Minnesota accessory. Learn some new techniques including attaching a second sole and short rows. Come by and see the sample we have in the store. Knitting 101 or equivalent is a prerequisite for this class.
Materials: Fiber Trends Felted Clog Pattern-AC-33x, worsted weight wool that will felt in amount specified for size, 24″ size US 13 circular needle, another circular 24″ needle smaller than size 13 for picking up stitches, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little
Seats available.

BABY SURPRISE SWEATER
Sundays, October 19, 26, and November 2
12 – 2 p.m.

Join us to create this Elizabeth Zimmermann classic. The sweater is knit all in one piece with minimal seaming. All you need to know to dive in is how to knit, increase and decrease, and have an adventurous spirit.
Materials: Baby Surprise pattern, yarn and 24″ circular needle in size as specified in pattern (to get a gauge of 6 stitches to 1″), 2 safety pins or clipping stitch markers, 5 buttons, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little
Seats available.

POP UP PAWS
Tuesdays, October 28, November 4, 11, and 18
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Back by request! Learn to make a well-fitting fingerless glove with a pop up mitten top in the round using double point needles. This well written pattern makes good on it’s intent to “coach the inexperienced knitter through this project with as little trouble and as much enjoyment as possible.” So if you’re ready to stretch just a littttttle bit, then this class is for you. Cuz hey, it’s just knit and purl folks.
Materials: worsted weight yarn, double point needles size 4 and 6; markers; tapestry needle; waste yarn; gauge measure or Knit Chek; Pop Up Paws Pattern
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Sandy Tolene
Seats available.

2-AT-A-TIME-SOCKS
Thursdays, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, December 4 and 11
Morning session: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or
Evening session: 5 – 7 p.m.

Put Melissa Morgan Oakes’ innovative new method for knitting and finishing a pair of sock sat one time in your knitting bag. Students will make a pair of children’s socks to learn the techniques, then will choose from two adult sock patterns on display. Six class sessions will allow for plenty of time to become comfortable with 2-at-a-time-socks. Students must be familiar with traditional sock construction methods. Home knitting will be required for a successful outcome.
Materials: Book: “2-At-A-Time-Socks” by Melissa Morgan Oakes. Needles: 47″ circulars, sizes 4 and 1. Yarn: 1 skein worsted weight yarn for children’s socks, 100 grams of fingering weight yarn for adult socks, markers, and tapestry needle.
Cost: $60 + materials
Instructor: Audrey Finch
Seats still available, but evening class space is limited!

LADY ELEANOR SHAWL
Thursdays, October 30, November 6, 13, and 20
5-7 p.m.
Join us to make this luxurious entrelac shawl. This technique looks complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. Please check your gauge before class starts (4″ square of stockinette stitch).
Materials: “Scarf Style” book by Pam Allen, yarn and needles as specified. Try using a variegated or hand-painted yarn for added interest.
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little
Seats still available

 

 

September Hats of the Month!

The Adult Flap Cap

Cabin Fever #107
Looking for a hat to keep your ears and the back of your neck warm? Bright colors make a really fun look. Available in Youth/Small Adult, Medium, and Large. Uses chunky weight yarn.

Braid & Bobble Hat

Fiber Trends AC-60
Cables and bobbles encircle this classic unisex hat. Knit at a firm tension, it’s warm and practical as a good hat should be. The main body is  knit horizontally, then joined into a circle. Stitches are picked up around the top edge to finish the hat. Available in women’s and men’s sizes. Knit in worsted weight yarn.

New Yarns at Yarn Harbor!

The last few weeks have brought so many new things to Yarn Harbor that I’ll only tell you about our newest yarns today. To make room for these fabulous new yarns we’ve had to move things around in the store a bit, so feel free to ask someone if you can’t find something–there’s a good chance that it has simply found a new home!

Ella Rae Jaspe Wool

Worsted weight ~ 88 yds ~ 100% wool ~ hand wash

Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed

Worsted weight ~ 97 yds ~85% wool 15% angora ~ hand wash

Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK

DK/sport weight ~ 127 yds ~ 100% extra fine merino ~ machine washable

Plymouth Cotton Kisses

396 yds ~ 51% cotton 42% acrylic 7% nylon ~ machine washable ~ includes 2 patterns, 3 buttons, and enough yarn to make one design

Plymouth Royal Llama Silk

 

Worsted weight ~ 102 yds ~ 60% fine llama 40% silk ~ hand wash

Araucania Ranco

Fingering weight ~ 376 yds ~ 75% wool 25% polyamide ~ machine washable

Araucania Azapa

Bulky weight ~ 197 yds ~ 30% alpaca 45% merino 15% silk 10% donegal ~ hand wash

We hope you will stop by soon to visit all of the new yarns in our shop. They may be nice to look at, but they are even better to touch!