Crochet Class, Hiya Hiya Needles, and Leather Handles

The Crochet Class has been moved to Mondays from 6-8 p.m. on April 27 and May 4 and 11. Sign up in the store or online at www.yarnharborduluth.com.

Yarn Harbor now carries 9-inch circular needles in bamboo and stainless steel. These tiny circular needles are perfect for small-circumference projects like mittens and socks.

We have re-stocked our leather handles from Homestead Heirlooms. As always, we have a color card available and can special order exactly the color and style of leather handle that you are looking for.

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Class Change and Re-Stock

The Felted Bag from Two Old Bags: Choose Your Own class will now be held January 29 and February 5, 12, and 26. This means that there will be one less class session than originally intended, so the price has been reduced to $40 + materials.

We have restocked the very popular JarboGarn Raggi worsted weight, machine-washable sock yarn, including several new-to-us colors.

Stop on by!

Pajama Party
Mark your calendar for this month’s pajama party on Friday, January 23 from 7 p.m. until midnight. Kelly Shively will be here providing live music and her CDs will be available–what a treat!

Customer Trunk Show
We would love to feature your work in our Customer Trunk Show through the end of the month. It’s not too late to bring in your finished projects to share. Here are the beautiful projects that you can see in the store right now:

Alice’s original jacket design

Amy’s Cloud 9 scarf

Ann’s Tricia Shawl

Gail’s Lopi sweater

Judy’s Lopi sweater, hats, and socks

Karen’s socks and washcloths

Mercedes’ Felteez

Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition Exhibit Opens

This article is quoted from The American Swedish Institute Posten January 2009 Volume 28, Number 1

The exhibit Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition opens at the American Swedish Institute on Friday, Jan. 23 and will run through March 29. This marks the first time that Bohus couture garments have been on exclusive exhibit in the U.S. since the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

The exhibit focuses on the history of the Swedish Bohus knitting style and the Bohus Stickning industry (1939-1969), and features original garments knitted in the Bohus style, many from the private collection of Susanna Hansson.

The Bohus Stickning organization came into existence in the province of
Bohuslan, Sweden, during the Depression era of the 1930s. During this time of financial hardship, a group of women approached the wife of Bohuslan’s governor, hoping to find a means of supporting their struggling families. Together, they created Bohus Stickning, which produced beautiful hand-knitted garments. From Sweden, the fine knitwear designs spread internationally before the operation ended in 1969. Bohus Stickning had grown from the home-based industry of its origin to become a successful business of international reputation.

Bohus has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to several factors, including the publication of the book “Poems of Color” by Wendy Keele, the recreation of Bohus patterns and yarn by Solveig Gustafsson, and Susanna Hansson’s workshops at venues across the U.S.

During opening weekend, several special guests from  the U.S. and Sweden will host various events. The exibit opens on Friday, Jan. 23 with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. lecture by master dyer Solveig Gustafsson from Sweden.

Join Bohus Stickning designer Kerstin Olsson at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 for a special 30-minute tour of the exhibit and hear about her design process and her experiences at Bohus Stickning.

On Saturday, Jan. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m., ASI will host a Knit-Out. Bring your knitting project and join knitters throughout the mansion.

On Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m., and again on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m., Swedish film producer Kjell Andersson will join viewers in watching his one-hour-long documentary film “Bohus Knitting-From Relief Work to World Success.” After the film, Andersson will be available for questions.

If you miss Solveig Gustafsson’s appearance on Friday, join her on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for a similar presentation. She will talk about her efforts to recreate many of the stunning Bohus designs, and introduce a few newly recreated designs.

At 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, Mary Jo Burke will talk about Bohus knitting in America. She will discuss the role of Jan Kimmet, who had a line of angora yarns, and her own experiences as the dyer for and owner of Stagecoach Yarns. She will speak about their collaboration with Wendy Keele on her book “Poems of Color,” specifically addressing her yarn dyeing for the garments in the book.

For complete details and pricing on all events, visit the ASI website at http://www.americanswedishinst.org or call 612-871-4907. Note that there are Weekend Passes available to those who wish to attend multiple events.

The January Scoop

Attention, Crafters! There is a desperate need in our area for adult hats, mittens, and gloves. As always, FLOCK will be accepting any donations, but would especially appreciate donations of adult items, as area charities appear to be well-stocked in children’s garments. You may drop off any donations here at Yarn Harbor. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

January Classes
February classes are fast approaching and sign-ups are now open.
Remember, you save 10% off class supplies purchased at Yarn Harbor!

BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE CROCHET
Mondays, February 2, 9, & 16
6-8 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

BABY ARAN PULLOVER
Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Are you interested in learning how to cable but intimidated by large sweaters and afghans? If so, this baby aran is the perfect introductory project for you. After you’ve sewn the last seam and attached the last button, you’ll feel like a cabling pro! Skills learned include cabling, reading a chart, blocking, and seaming.
Materials: Pattern: Knitting for Baby book or Time for Baby booklet, both by Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas, enough worsted weight yarn for the size of your choice, size 6 and 8 needles (sweater is knit in pieces back and forth, so you may use either straight or circular needles), cable needle, two stitch holders, tapestry needle, and four 1/2-inch buttons.
Cost: $40 + materials
Instructor: Cheryl Read

BEGINNING SOCKS
Thursdays, February 5, 12, & 19
5-7 p.m.
OR
Saturdays, February 21, 28, & March 7
10 a.m.-noon

Learn how to make socks with this basic pattern for wosted weight socks. You’ll learn how to use double-pointed needles. Once you start making socks you won’t be able to stop!
Prerequisites: It’s suggested that you have completed several small projects before making socks. You will need to be able to cast-on stitches, knit, purl, increase and decrease without assistance.
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

FELTED BAG FROM TWO OLD BAGS: CHOOSE YOUR OWN!
Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19, 26, & March 5
5-7 p.m.

Make a felted bag using a “Two Old Bags” pattern of your choice–there are many to choose from and a wide variety of yarns to make a unique and personal bag for yourself.
Cost: $50 + materials
Instructor: Audrey Finch

KNITTING 101
Fridays, February 6, 13, & 20
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Learn to knit while making this classic hat. You will learn to read a pattern, cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and sew a seam. Come join the fun!
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

BEGINNING MITTENS
Tuesdays, February 17, 24, & March 3
5-7 p.m.

Learn how to make basic mittens. Don’t let that little thumb intimidate you. Learn how to knit on double pointed needles and soon you’ll be knitting mittens by the dozen.
Prerequisites: You must be able to cast-on stitches, knit, purl, increase, and decrease without assistance.
Materials: Cottage Creations’ pattern “Projects for Community Knitting,” yarn and needles as specified for the size you’d like to make (children through adult), scrap yarn, and tapestry needle.
Cost: $30 + materials
Instructor: Meg Little

KNITTING 102: ELY HAT
Tuesdays, February 17, 24, & March 3
5:30-7:30 p.m.

If you’ve completed Yarn Harbor’s Knit 101 class or have basic cast on, knit and purl techniques under your belt, then take your skills one step further. Explore the world of circular needles (you’ll love ’em) and double points by knitting the Ely Hat (a local designer). Come join us and expand your knitting world!
Prerequisites: ability to cast on, knit and purl (Knit 101).
Materials: Ely Hat pattern, 16″ circular needle size US 6, double point needles size US 6, worsted weight yarn, tapestry needle.
Cost $30 + materials
Instructor: Sandy Tolene

Scarf of the Month!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2008 Hat of the Month-we had a lot of fun knitting with you!

2009 is the Year of the Scarf and we’re kicking it off with Be Sweet’s Yin ‘n Yang Scarf, which Kathy knit up in boucle and mohair.

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

Also, our customer trunk show begins January 10 and we would love to display your work. Stop by the shop for details!