Woodland is Open!

Neither rain, nor rain, nor even more rain was able to delay the completion of Woodland indefinitely. The road is open! Enjoy it while you can, because the remaining segment is slotted for Spring 2010, though it is a much smaller piece and will go much quicker.

November Scarves of the Month

We have two more scarves to tempt you with this month. I am loving the feel of both of them. One is straight-forward, the other a bit more complex, and both are lovely.

The first is Ann Norling’s “Short Row Multi-directional Scarf”, a long name for a simple yet elegent scarf. Especially pretty in a yarn with a longish colorway, we knit it up in Mochi Plus by Crystal Palace, a worsted weight merino/nylon blend with a nice soft feel. The pattern is written for 3 weights of yarn, so the possibilities are nearly endless.

The second is the “Noro Striped Scarf” by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. The pattern is available free online. Instead of running two Noro, though, we chose to use one colorway of Noro Silk Garden for the color play, and then accent that with a solid shade of Royal Llama Silk. It has multiple aspects to recommend it. It is the perfect “Dang its cold out, where is my scarf?” scarf, but it is also has a luxurious edge, and feels soft and lovely.

The Enchanted Sole: Legendary Socks for Adventurous Knitters

“Once Upon a Time Sock knitters yearned for legendary patterns fit for queens, and pixies, and alchemists, yet still wearable for the modern adventurer. Then along came a designer who understood this yearning, and The Enchanted Sole was born, with 20 legendary sock patterns sure to please every adventurer on your list.”

Experience the magic of The Enchanted Sole at Yarn Harbor. While we carry many sock yarns to spark your imagination, we happen to have some of the yarns used in Janel Laidman’s book on hand.

“Changeling,” page 64 using Schoppel Wolle “Zauberball”

“Tinker,” page 69 using Trekking “Pro Natura”

“Traveler,” page 78 using Trekking “XXL” (now discontinued, but we still have some!)          

“Alchemist,” page 88 using Schoppel Wolle “Zauberball”

 We’ve added some additional classes this fall, so there’s even more to explore here at Yarn Harbor! As always, you can view a complete list of our classes on our official class webpage.

Felted Christmas OrnamentsSaturday, November 21 or December 12
10-2 
This 4-hour class will teach you the basics of needle felting and you will leave with two complete felted Christmas ornaments.
Materials: Instructor will provide all materials to complete two ornaments: $10 materials fee due to instructor.
Cost: $20 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Knitting 101 
Wednesdays, October 7, 14 & 21
5 – 7 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

Christmas Gnome Bottle Cover: New Start Date

November 14, 21, and your choice of November 28 or December 5 due to the holidays
12-2
If you would like to make a Christmas gift that brings a smile to any face, this class is for you! Join us to knit this whimsical gnome. Make just one or the whole family (in three different sizes). This project can be knit in the round or flat using fingering weight yarn and then slightly felted The beard is embroidered after felting.
Skills: knit in the round with circular and double-pointed needles, decreasing, increasing, folded hem.
Materials: Patterns and supply kits (yarn, filler, eyes) available, circular and double-pointed needles size US 5, markers, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Irina Haller

 

October Scarves of the Month

We have two new scarves up for you, as usual, both are quite differeent, one from a web source, one you can pick up right here.

 

Twilly’s Neckerchief in Nuna

The first scarf is more of a knitted bandana. It is available free from interweaveknits.com and is called the Twilly Scarf. Kathy did it in three shades of Nuna from Mirasol. Nuna is a really yummy 40/40/20 blend of merino wool, silk, and bamboo. Kathy said she had enough yarn left over to make a second one. A gift for a friend, and then one for you too!

Judy's Bobble Scarf in Rhythm

The second is a fun bobbly scarf done up in Jojoland’s Rhythm. Rhythm is a 100% Superwash wool in a light worsted weight. It has nice long colorways. Some are more subtle, some more wild. The scarf took 2 balls, and is a free pattern available in the store.

Trunk Shows in October

We have two Trunk shows running right now. one for just a short while, so you will want to get in soon.

The first is from Elisebeth Lavold. We have a number of the items from “the small things matter collection, book 17″, and one sweet cardi from “the dreamweaver’s collection, book 14″. The garments are in Silky Wool, a DK weight 45/35/20 blend of wool, silk, and nylon. You have to hurry on this one, we just have the garments until Oct 15th.

Elsebeth Lavold Trunk Show

Next up is Chrissy Gardiner of Gardiner Yarn Works. This is a very different show from her last few. Whimsical children’s items and toys, Xmas stockings, it is a nice assortment of seasonal items.

Gardiner Yarn Works

 Come and enjoy the very creative works of these two women!

New for Fall

Yarns
Fall yarns are arriving here at Yarn Harbor just in time for the leaves to turn colors. Take a look at what’s new:

Joyful Journey Alpacas
Alpaca yarns from a local farm in a variety of colors and weights. We’ll be getting even more after her next shearing! 

Classic Elite Yarns “Fresco”
60% wool/30% baby alpaca/10% angora ~ DK weight ~ 164 yds/50g

Mirasol Peru “Nuna”
40% merino/40% silk/20% bamboo ~ DK weight ~ 191 yds/50g

Mirasol Peru “Tupa”
50% merino/50% silk ~ sport weight ~ 137 yds/50g

Jojoland “Rhythm”
100% superwash wool ~ worsted weight ~ 110 yds/50 g

Mirasol Peru “Miski”
100% baby llama ~ worsted weight ~ 82 yds/50 g

Plymouth “Trabajos del Peru”
100% extra fine merino wool ~ aran weight ~ 147 yds/100 g

Spinning
We now carry student size drop spindles and both alpaca and mohair roving in natural colors (in addition to the wools we’ve carried previously)

Lace
Be sure to stop in to see beautiful lace pieces knit by Irina and Kathy!

September Scarves of the Month

The blue scarf is a “Linen Stitch” scarf (Keep it Simple KS 132) knit by Sandy out of Ella Rae Jaspé Wool #04.

The pink scarf is a Tunisian Crochet Scarf designed and crocheted by Jo’Elle out of Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride.

Remember, you’ll receive 10% off the yarn and pattern for October’s Scarf if you bring in your completed SeptemberScarf!

October Classes

October 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!

Knitting 101Wednesdays, October 7, 14 & 21
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

Learning How to Spin Using a Drop Spindle
Monday, October 5, 2009
6 – 8 p.m.
Interested in learning how to spin yarn, but don’t want to invest the money in a spinning wheel? Then learning how to spin with a drop spindle is just for you. It’s inexpensive and small enough to take anywhere! Lita can teach you the basics in one night. Come to open Fiber Nights (1st & 3rd Wednesdays) to practice your skills!
Materials required the night of the class: drop spindle (either make your own or purchase one before class); roving.
Cost: $10 + materials
Instructor: Lita Doesken

Swirl Scarf
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, & 20
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Are you an avid scarf knitter but tired of standard construction techniques? Do you love the look of lace? Looking to start your holiday gift knitting early? Join us for the Swirl Scarf class using Jojoland’s colorful sock yarns. This interesting piece is constructed by knitting hexagons from the outside in on double points …and guess what? No sewing up! Makes a great gift, or just a light lacy scarf to throw on as you’re walking out the door on a chilly Northland morning. Class will feature a blocking component during the last session where we can block our easy lacework with a professional blocking board and steam machine. Don’t miss it!
Class Prerequisites: knit, purl, use double point needles
Class Supplies: Swirl Scarf Pattern, three skeins Jojoland or similar sock yarn, wooden or bamboo 5″ or 6″ size US 6 double points, marker, sticky notes, tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Sandy Tolene

Pure & Simple Top Down Sweater
Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, November 5, 12 & 19 (no class on October 29)
5 – 7 p.m.
This pattern is just as the title says, Pure and Simple! This ladies’ sweater is knitted in one piece beginning at the neck edge… that means no sewing up seams, folks! It’s circular knitting at its finest. A great basic top down raglan with rolled stockinette at the neck and sleeves. And isn’t it time you made something for you? If you can knit and purl, you can make this sweater!
Materials: Knitting Pure & Simple Pattern #9724 Neck Down Pullover for Women; medium to heavy worsted weight yarn in appropriate yardage for chosen size; 24″ circular needles sizes US 9 and 6; 16″ circular needles sizes 9 and 6; double point needles sizes 9 and 6; scrap yarn, stitch markers, tape measure, gauge, tapestry needle.
Cost: $60 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little

Tunisian Crochet Scarf

Wednesday, October 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
This wonderful scarf is like a knitted and woven fabric all rolled into one. Tunisian crochet is also called afghan stitch. We will be using just a regular size N bamboo crochet hook to make this scarf. You can do it in any worsted or medium bulky weight yarn you want. You can do it in one color or in two colors to really make the pattern stand out. You do not need any crochet experience to easily learn this technique!
Materials: size N bamboo crochet hook, 100 yards of any worsted or medium bulky weight yarn in two colors at least 50 yards each.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Felted Monk’s Satchel Crochet
Mondays, October 5, 12 & 19—5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Everyone need just one more bag to carry their next project in, right? Well, here’s another one. This felted bag is the perfect size for craft projects, books, laptop computers, you name it. Simple construction, the color possibilities are unlimited, no sewing seams, and the handle is all part of the bag construction. This class will be the perfect mix of relaxing crocheting, with just enough challenge to keep you motivated. Crochet goes so fast you will be amazed how quickly this all comes together. Some knowledge of crochet is helpful, but not required. We will do beginning chain stitch; double crochet and single crochet seams.
Materials: pattern, approximately 800 yards of worsted weight feltable wool (can be self-striping, multiple colors, or one color), crochet hook size J. Optional: buttons and/or magnetic clasp.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

 Spinning with Your Spinning Wheel
Monday, October 12, 2009
6 – 8p.m.
You’ve bought that new wheel and don’t know how to get started. Or maybe you’ve been spinning and want to perfect your skills. Then this is the class for you. Lita will teach you the basics so you can gain more control over the type of yarn you spin. You can then perfect your skills at open Fiber Nights on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Materials required for class: spinning wheel in good working order (you must know how to use your own wheel); roving.
Cost: $10 + materials
Instructor: Lita Doesken

Beginning SocksTuesdays, October 13, 20, & 27
5 – 7 p.m.
Handmade socks are one of life’s guilty pleasures! Treat yourself to this beginners’ class. You must know how to cast on, knit and purl, increase and decrease without assistance. You’ll learn how to use double point needles, pick up stitches, and knit short rows.
Materials: Pure & Simple pattern #9728, double point needles size US 6, 230 yards worsted weight yarn and a tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little

Introduction to Crochet HatSaturday, October 10, 10 a.m. – Noon or
Friday, October 16, 1 – 3 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! Learning how to make it now will give you time to make several before Christmas arrives.
Materials: Size G or H crochet hook, minimum of 100 yards of medium worsted weight yarn. Pattern provided by instructor.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Crochet Baby Bunting
Mondays, October 5, 12 & 19
1 – 3 p.m.
Learn some basic crochet stitches to make a simple baby bunting that will become the favorite of any baby who wears it. This bunting is in the shape of a bag so a baby can kick and be free but still be warm and comfortable. It also makes changing a breeze, even for dads who struggle with all those tiny snaps and buttons.
Materials: Size F & H crochet hooks, approximately 400 yards of a machine washable baby weight yarn. Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D.K. makes a soft, washable bunting.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo.

Simple Crochet Shell Scarf
Wednesday, October 7, 10 a.m. – Noon or
Friday, October 23, 1 – 3 p.m.
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 Christmas gift for someone and learning to do it now, gives you lots of time to get some made for the holidays.
Materials: Size J crochet hook, approximately 150 or more yards of yarn of your choice. Any light to medium weight yarn will work.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

Crochet Fingerless Gloves
Friday, October 9, 1 – 3 p.m. or
Wednesday, October 21, 3 – 5 p.m.
Learn to make these simple gloves. They are one of the most popular accessories for teenagers as well as many adults. They are fun to make and easy to learn in just one session. You will learn how to single crochet in the round and add a thumb gusset. Learning how to make them now will give you plenty of time to get some made for Christmas gifts.
Materials: Size G crochet hook, one skein of any sock yarn. Pattern provided by instructor.
Cost: $15 + materials
Instructor: Jo’Elle Galo

New Books from Dale of Norway

We recently received Dale of Norway’s newest pattern collections.

Vancouver 2010 (NR 213)
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia on Canada’s west coast.
Dale of Norway is pleased to present this special design to mark the upcoming games. The sweater uses the Norwegian traditions of skiing and outdoor activities as its starting points, then features a contemporary fit with fashion appeal in traditional colors. This special pattern for the entire family was designed by Kristina Hjelde.
The Olympic sweater and accessories can be made in Heilo, Falk, Daletta and Baby Ull.

Baby Designs (NR 210)

Traditional Designs for Baby (NR 208)

Retro (NR 207)
With this book of retro designs, Dale of Norway is excited to present a collection of classic designs for the entire family. You’ll find pullovers and cardigans for all ages, along with tunic-length tops and accessories.
Most of the designs in this book were first presented in the 1960’s and ’70’s, and have been updated here with new colorways and comtemporary fit. We’ve also included a few new patterns following in the Dale tradition of classic Norwegian design.
Make the sweaters and accessories in this collection using Heilo, Falk, Lerke, Free Style and Ara.