Late spring classes: something old, something new.

The weather is finally listening to us. I actually opened a few of the windows at the shop the other day! Warmer days are a reminder that it’s almost time for our bus trip to the 40th Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival – only 10 days, in fact. Seats are still available, folks. We’d love it if you could join us for the trek south in our Martz bus on Sunday, May 5, stitching all the way. It’s easy to reserve your $60 seat over the telephone; just call the shop (570.287.9999) with your credit card nearby. We’ll get on the road at 6:30 a.m., departing from the Wyoming Valley Mall. Somehow we’ll manage to drag ourselves away from all the yarn, fiber, sheep, and fun around 3:00 p.m. so we can be back home by 6:00 p.m. If you’ve never been to MDSW, their website is here, and our post about our 2012 trip is here.

Edited to add: Our bus will make a stop at Exit 145 off I-81. If you live in the Sugarloaf/Conyngham/Hazleton area – basically if you live closer to I-80 than to Wilkes-Barre – we can pick you up near the Top of the 80′s Restaurant!

Jill and I are starting to make out our shopping list for the yarn industry trade show in Ohio in June. The shop will be closed Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22 while we’re away buying all the best new fall/winter yarns. We’re also busy right now picking projects for GYI’s “summer camp,” which will begin after we return from the show. With no Ravelennic Games to train for, we’re planning some pretty cool stuff to lure you in out of the summer heat. Also on our punch list is a “public yarn art” project (the phrase “yarn bombing” has completely lost its appeal, wouldn’t you agree?) that will coincide with World Wide Knit in Public Week, June 8-16. Until details are ready to announce, we do have some late spring classes for you on the calendar. Some have been rescheduled, others are brand spanking new. Enjoy!

Undulating Waves Scarf
Ann Ross
Try a new way of working with beads to make them seem to “float” on the knitted waves of this pretty pattern. Directions are both written and charted. Experience with lace knitting required.
Saturday, April 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m., $30
Supplies:
Copy of Undulating Waves pattern (available at shop); approx. 400 yds. fingering weight yarn, preferably variegated; US 6 needles; Size 6 glass beads; Floss threader or beading needle
 
Illusion Knitting
Ann Ross
Now you see it, now you don’t. “Shadow” or “illusion” knitting produces an image visible only when the work is held at an angle. Learn the technique with a small practice square in cotton or a cowl in sport weight wool. Charting your own “secret” designs will also be discussed.
Thursday, May 2, 4:00-5:30 p.m., $20
Supplies:
Tahki Cotton Classic, 1 skein each of 2 contrasting colors for sampler square or Fibre Company Road to China Light, 1 skein each of 2 contrasting colors for cowl; US 6 needles;  waste yarn for cowl.

Mastering Kitchener Stitch
Ann Ross
Grafting or “Kitchenering” live stitches creates a completely invisible seam, and it’s much easier than you may think. Joining stockinette, garter, ribbing, and seed stitch will be covered.
Saturday, May 4, 10:30 am-12:00 pm, $20.
Supplies:
Darning needle, scissors. Other materials included in class fee.

Improv Knitting
Ann Ross
Imagine creating your pattern as you knit. Learn the German short row method (used in “swing knitting”) to improvise your own original scarf design – changing colors, yarn, and direction whenever you want.
Saturday, May 18, 10:30 am-12:00 pm, $20.
Supplies:
Approx. 200 yds. total of 2 or more coordinating yarns of your choice, size needles appropriate to yarns chosen, locking stitch markers.

Introducing Artfelt®
Ann Ross
Neither needle felting nor wet felting, Artfelt® is a new technique that’s fun to learn, quick to do, and requires no knitting or previous felting experience. You’ll make a 4×5″ mini clutch, perfect for business cards or small notions. All class materials included in required kit purchase. (Project will need to be finished at home in a clothes dryer.)
Saturday, June 1, 2:00-3:30 pm, $20.
Supplies:
Artfelt® “Mini Catch All” Kit
 
Weaving: Extra Texture From Your Pick-up Stick
Linda Mesavage
Linda will show you how to use the pick-up stick for your rigid heddle loom as a third heddle to add distinctive texture to your fabric.
Saturday, June 15, 1:00-3:00 pm, $20.
Supplies:
A warped rigid heddle loom, warped up as per the directions you will receive when you register for the class, 1 wound shuttle.

Private Lessons: Socks
Want some help getting started or maybe some tips and tricks to fine tune your sock knitting? Whether you want to work top down or toe up on DPNs, two circulars, or magic loop, you can now get the help you need in one-to-one private instruction.
Note: We recommend the top down method for a knitter’s first pair of socks.
By appointment, $15/hour.

Knitting 101 / FREE
Instructors: Ann Ross / Jill Schwartz
Ready to be a knitter?  Stop in the shop for an hour on a Tuesday afternoon. You’ll learn the basics: to cast-on, knit and purl, and cast-off. No advance registration required.

WEEKLY Stitch & Spins / FREE
Come to a Stitch & Spin session and bring whatever project you’d like to work on.  Enjoy the company of your fellow knitters, crocheters, and spinners. Coffee and tea available.
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

And, of course, the fine print…

GOSH YARN IT! CLASS POLICIES

• To register or request more information, contact Gosh Yarn It!, 570.287.9999, or info@goshyarnitshop.com
• Complete supply lists will be provided with registration.
• Basic knitting skills are required for all our classes. You must know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. If you’d like help mastering the fundamentals before taking a class, drop in on a free Knitting 101 session (see above).
• Unless otherwise noted, supplies are not included in class fees.
• In-stock supplies for all classes may be purchased by class participants at a 10% discount either in advance or on the day of the first class. (We really appreciate your buying all your class supplies from us!)
• Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Payment is due when you sign-up.  We accept reservations by telephone with payment by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
• A pre-paid class fee will only be refunded if at least 5 days advance notice is given that you will not be attending.  If fewer than 5 days notice is given, a refund will only be made if we are able to fill your space in the class with another student.   An un-refunded class fee is transferable and may be used to register for future classes.
• Class size, unless otherwise noted is 3-6 students. Gosh Yarn It! reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes that do not meet the required minimum enrollment (but we hope we’ll never need to).  A missed individual session of a class cannot be refunded or made up (but we’ll be happy to try to help you catch-up on what you missed).  Any class cancelled due to inclement weather will be re-scheduled.

We like happy.

A pattern that’s making us happy right now is the Effin Scarf*. Every yarn it touches turns to beautiful. Pay no attention to the name. The story goes that designer Loretta McCollough worked so long to perfect the pattern and was asked so many times when it would be finished that she started referring to it as “that effin’ scarf…” It is such a quick-to-make, magical accessory to have in your wardrobe, you can call it “Elfin Scarf” if you prefer, and we’ll know which one you mean!  Jill knit her shop sample from Blue Heron’s Rayon Loop, and I made my first Effin from a silvery Tahki Ripple held together with sparkly Tahki Crystal.

 

 

 

I started my second Effin this afternoon and should be wearing it before the end of the week. It’s knit from Twiggy, an eyelash linen blend from Trendsetter. It will be just one more of many Effins that I intend to make. In fact, we love this light, frothy pattern so much that we’ll be giving it away, along with samples of all our new spring/summer yarns at a Spring Yarn Tasting, Monday, April 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. That’s not an April Fool’s Day joke – we’ll be open on Monday evening, serving wine and refreshments, with goodie bags for everyone filled with a dozen mini-skeins of yarns from Berroco, Trendsetter, Knit One Crochet Too, Universal, and Schulana. Each featured yarn will be 10% off at the Tasting; there will be free patterns for all of them; and when you buy a minimum of two skeins – plenty for an Effin - we’ll give you a complimentary copy of the Effin Scarf. Call the shop today to reserve your seat for the Tasting for $7!

Next up: two happy knitters. Happy Knitter #1 is Bonnie with her Silhouette in the Sun, one of Sandra McIver’s magnificent Swirl Sweaters. This FO is stop-her-in-the-street-where-did-you-get-that sweater gorgeous. When I asked Bonnie to turn around so I could photograph the back of her Swirl, I got a twirl.

Here’s a detail of the sleeve and the lustrous (but, alas, discontinued) Cascade Lana Bambu yarn:

Happy Knitter #2 is Jill herself, swathed in her new Waterfall Scarf* in Alchemy Yarns Silken Straw and Sanctuary.

They don’t call Alchemy Yarns “Yarns of Transformation” for nothing. The pattern has you make a couple yards of I-cord (fear not – we carry an I-Cord maker that can crank out that much in a matter of minutes!), pick up stitches along the I-Cord edge to knit the color blocks, then throw the whole thing in the washer and dryer, which felts the I-Cord, leaving the panels of 100% silk Silken Straw to ruffle ever so elegantly.

There’s yet another happy knitter behind the next two FO’s, but Maude the Mannequin gets to show them off. Joan T. says this stunning Scalloped Shawl is her new favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The yarn is madelinetosh DK in Mulled Wine and Graphite.

Joan had on a fabulous Churchmouse Shoulder Cozy* the other day and was a very good sport about pulling it off to let me take its picture. This beauty uses some stash yarn held together with Shibui Silk Cloud. I always love photographing Cozies – so many ways to show them draped, wrapped, and swooped.

The loopiest of loopy cowls arrived with Kaitlyn, who used Lana Grande from Cascade and a technique known as “arm knitting.” That’s right, you use your arms as needles! Although it’s long enough to wrap three times around your neck, I wanted to show it in all its giant stitch glory.

Linda sent her sister Susan some beautiful hand dyed mohair Mountain Goat yarn from Mountain Colors. This is what came back:

What a nice sister! The pattern is Zuzu’s Petals* by Carina Spencer, which may look like a shawl casually tied around your neck but is actually a cowl, so no worrying about how to fasten, pin, clip, or tie. Nice, indeed.

Laurie certainly made her teapot happy with this cute little toggle-buttoned “sweater.” Many thanks to her husband for the formal portrait of a very cozy pot!

Joan S. participated in the 2012 Cable Advent Scarf knit-along from Tricia Weatherston. She chose our nifty Trendsetter Merino VI, a machine washable 100% extrafine Italian merino DK for her project. It gave her cables maximum stitch definition as well as softness. Isn’t it spectacular? She added grey edging and stripes between the 24 different cable patterns. Wonder how many cable needles she burned through!

And here is Jill’s Maddie’s Tiny Dress* by Jane Terzza, another Merino VI creation. Granddaughter Ella is going to look so cute in this swing top over a pair of bright leggings or tights and some styling Mary Janes.

 

I’ve saved the very best for last. A picture that won’t fail to make you happy. This FO is neither a sweater nor a hat, shawl, cowl, or scarf. No, Kathy’s latest creation (with a little help from husband Adam) is Elijah Lee, born March 3rd.

Perfect.

Note:
All patterns marked with an asterisk* are available at Gosh Yarn It!

 

February’s Final FOs.

You don’t have to be nominated for an Oscar to want a little sparkle and shine. (Seriously, have you ever seen so many sequins all in the same place at the same time?) Though there are lots of yarns that can boost your bling quotient, one of our favorites has always been ArtYarns. Joan reached for their Mohair Splash, which combines silk and mohair with beads and sequins strung on a fine metallic thread, for her 200 Yard Scarf Knitalong project. She added black La Furla from Trendsetter to make this elegant wrap her very own.

Here’s another glittery FO from Joanne. She used the pattern Weekend Shawl* by Anne Kuo Lukito. Don’t know that the sparkly bits show up very well in my photo, but you can definitely see what a lovely job Joanne did.

Molly snagged some of our very new Silken Straw from Alchemy Yarns for her Effin Scarf*, below. Don’t let the name deter you – it’s a ridiculously quick and simple project for any yarn with a light, soft hand and an inclination to drape, making it an ideal summer accessory. Molly’s is just exquisite and weighs nothing at all! The Effin was designed by Loretta McCollough, who was filmed at her workplace, Loops in Tulsa, Oklahoma, discussing her pattern in the most polite and ladylike terms imaginable. (If you decide to knit Effin for someone with delicate sensibilities, just refer to it as the Elfin Scarf.) In addition to the Silken Straw, we have lots of others that would make lovely Effins: yarns from Feza and Blue Heron, also Euroflax, Bahia, Luca, Firefly, Phoenix, Twiggy, Fleurtini, …

   

On a day when there wasn’t any snow to be shoveled, Molly was able to bring in the handsome Windschief* hat she had just finished for her husband.  She used a charcoal grey Trendsetter Merino VI for this Stephen West design, guaranteeing that the hat will be warm and comfortable for many years to come. Far from being your average (boring) man’s watch cap, Windschief has a real sense of style. It is shown below both from the front and the back.

Jane also had wind chill on her mind when she whipped up these sweet little Ruffled Leg Warmers for a six year-old she knows. I photographed them as they are “supposed” to be worn, ruffles at the ankle, but the suggestion was made that flipped over, they’d make cute boot toppers or even arm warmers with the ruffle peeking out from a coat sleeve. How versatile is that for one pattern? The yarn is Lamb’s Pride Superwash Worsted.

Bonnie’s Cap Sleeve Cardigan Vest* is another charmer for a little lady. Bonnie used Classic Elite Seedling, an organic cotton that’s absolutely butter soft. This summer weight sweater is headed down to Florida, where we’re sure its new owner will fall in love with it.

Ringlets is an amazing yarn from Pagewood Farms. The actual ringlets are Lincoln Longwool locks, gently felted to a soft super bulky merino single. Marie cast on about 9 stitches and using a P1, YO, P2tog pattern, was done in no time with this fun and fanciful scarf. Spectacular!

Here is an FO from Jill, a svelte Cowboy Cowl* worked in Heichi and Silk Cloud from Shibui. Small pewter buttons daintily close up the neck. Did you know we have a mini trunk show through March 7th of some of Shibui’s Mix patterns? All Shibui yarns are 10% off during the show, plus all Shibui special orders (any yarn! any color!) are also 10% 0ff.

 

Kathy took Carolyn Kern’s Beginner Stranded Knitting class earlier this month. I was lucky enough to “audit” the class, and while my Boreal Headband is stuck on round 8 or 9, Kathy’s is finished. She admits there may be a few white stitches where there should have been blue, but says since it was just a practice piece, it’s really OK. The important thing is that stranded knitting is now fun and, thanks to Carolyn, easy, too.

I fell hard for the Rikke Hat the moment I saw it on Ravelry – I knew I had to make one. When I discovered we had one lonely skein of one color of Cascade Eco Alpaca sitting on the shelf, I grabbed it to make my Rikke. Love! Thank you, Jill, for modeling my creation.

And now for something completely different: weaving at GYI is really starting to pick up momentum. The Cricket Club meets this Thursday, February 28th, 5:30-6:30 p.m.  This free get-together is for all rigid heddle loom weavers, not just owners of Schacht Cricket looms. Our weaving sensai Linda Mesavage will discuss weaving with cotton and flax. Would-be weavers welcome, too! (Cricket Club meets the last Thursday of each month, so if you can’t make it in February, we hope you can come March 28th.) Linda returns in March to lead another weaving class: Log Cabin Pattern on Saturday, March 16th, 3-4 p.m. Below, two samples of the Log Cabin pattern:

A quick mention that we’ve added two new classes, one on seaming and one on the Kitchener Stitch. Updated class schedule, here. Finally, with the days getting longer and the temperatures warming just a wee little bit, it’s time to think about our spring bus trip to the amazing Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in May. We will be heading down on Sunday, May 5th, departing from the Wyoming Valley Mall at 6:30 a.m. and returning around 6 p.m. that evening. We’re now accepting reservations, and the 29 passenger bus is starting to fill up. Tickets are $60, with refreshments served both going and coming. If this guy could talk, he’d say, “please call soon to reserve your seat.”

Note:
All patterns marked with an asterisk* are available at Gosh Yarn It!

Dreaming of summer in the snow.

It’s 10 degrees outside, and I’m looking at patterns and yarns for summer tops and tanks the same way I used to read seed catalogs. What’s actually on my needles right now, though, is the warmest of the warm – soft, cozy natural fibers being knit up into scarves, mittens, and hats. Our latest shop samples were also created with both style and sub-freezing temperatures in mind. Here’s Jill’s Ringo Cowl and my Geisha Scarf, both free patterns we’ll tuck in your bag with your Ringo yarn from Tahki and Geisha yarn from Trendsetter.

 

Here’s a classic shop sample we made last season of Wool Clasica from Manos del Uruguay, just to remind you that an easy, fast scarf is only a few K1, K2tog repeats away, regardless of the yarn you choose.

   

I gave the popular “potato chip scarf” (so named because you aren’t supposed to be able to knit just one) a different twist by casting on provisionally, knitting to the end of two balls of Glen from Debbie Bliss, pulling out that cast on row to pick up the live stitches, and grafting the ends together in garter pattern. Voilà, a potato chip cowl. Try it, you’ll like it!

Jill found the perfect little scarf pattern that was crying out for a fur “collar” to try out our new La Furla from Trendsetter. This yarn has completely won me over – it is so silky, soft, and fun to work with and a treat to wear. The pattern is another freebie from us to you.

 

I’m not alone in being a convert to La Furla. Joan T. liked the shop sample so much she made one for herself in chocolate brown Magnolia from Classic Elite, a silk/merino blend, rather than the rayon/acrylic Bahia from Schoeller+Stahl Jill had used. Joan S. knit La Furla into the brim of her modish Downton Hat, pairing it with Fibre Company’s Road to China Light. What a simple way to be so stylish.

 

Remember our November KAL, Gradient? Here’s my FO, made with feather-light Shibui Silk Cloud, in colors Abyss, Fjord, Mineral, and Apple. Three strands are held together and knit on US 9s. This was a fast and easy project, one that holds your interest because of the color blending every 20 rows. This definitely won’t be my only Gradient.

 

Since it’s true that accessories can only keep small bits of you toasty at one time, here are a few FOs packing significantly more BTUs.  Joan T. combined Shibui’s Heichi yarn with a variegated mohair/silk from her stash for this awesome herringbone-patterned poncho.

 

Check out that texture…

While ponchos are bit like wearable blankets, here’s the real thing. Mary Lou brought in her glorious Manos del Uruguay Four Seasons Throw*. Working in blocks does make for a more portable work-in-progress, but eventually those blocks need to be blocked and seamed – never a quick task. Brava, Mary Lou, for a beautiful job from start to finish!

When you must leave your couch and afghan behind, another wonderful way to wrap yourself up smartly and snugly is an oversized shrug such as the Creature Comforts Cardi, available from the madelinetosh website. Here’s Molly in her gorgeous Creature Comforts.

 

Molly also shared her Lattice* with us. The shawl was designed by Rose Beck, and the architectural lines of its design are shown off to perfection by the Fibre Company Terra Molly chose.

 

Such beautiful stitching…

Here’s another masterpiece in a Fibre Company yarn. Dona used silky smooth Organik for her Market Jacket by Tanis Gray. The pattern comes from the book November Knits, written by Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley, proprietors of The Fibre Company. Lovely work, Dona.

Bonnie used every skein we had of the one-of-a-kind colorway Zen Yarn Garden created for us in their Serenity Silk Single yarn base. The pattern is Skoosh!, a free pattern on Ravelry. Got a special fingering weight yarn that needs a simple pattern to show it at its best? Try Skoosh!

 

Staying on the subject of red hot, Catherine took a class at Vogue Knitting Live in Manhattan in January, learned the “Sherman Sock” technique, and her charity knitting for the orphanage in Akkol, Kazakhstan, may never be the same. Rarely do you see Catherine’s fingers at rest, but they’re really flying now. Here are her two mini-socks from class and an adult man’s Sherman Sock that was probably finished before she got home from New York City.

Bonnie knit up hats for twins in Crystal Palace’s Mochi Plus “Intense Rainbow,” their most popular color.  So cute! Those little ones will never get lost in a snow storm…

 

Also on her to-knit list are a young lady and her brand new baby sister. Their latest made-by-Bonnie handknits are this sweet, cap-sleeved Spring Garden Tee* from Alana Dakos for big sister and the Gift Wrap Sweater* from Carina Spencer for little sister. The yarn is Classic Elite’s Seedling.

 

Bonnie does actually knit for her family, too. Her son Noah is shown here enjoying his Cascade Cloud Bandana Cowl.  At least we think this is Noah…

For herself, Bonnie made this irresistable Cowboy Cowl* by Pam Powers in some madelinetosh worsted that called out to her from her stash. Great button choice – from GYI!, of course.

Joan T. worked up our Queen Bee Cowl* in Lana Vida’s Francesca, then kicked it up a notch by tossing the FO in the dryer to felt it ever so slightly to make it even toastier and trendier.

 

Another Fibre Company sighting – Joan T. used their Acadia for the grey pair of mitts on the left and Dream in Color Classy with Cashmere for the pair on the right. Both are Churchmouse Yarns’ Welted Fingerless Gloves*, which, clearly, is another one you’ll have a hard time making only once.

Joanne has added yet another delightful piece to the ensemble she’s been making from Dolce Merino for her niece, shown earlier in this post and this one. This elegant cowl is actually A Noble Cowl, another free download on Ravelry. You go, Aunt Joanne!

 

Mary Jane’s Snow Drift* from Tree Knitter Designs is another graceful cowl that is a great showcase for great yarn – in this case, yarns. Madelinetosh DK was held together with Shibui Silk Cloud. The funnel-neck can be pulled up to cover your head if it gets very snowy and drifty. I think I need one of these…

Rose made a rose-colored little cardi for a special newborn and chose our pretty little pewter buttons as the finishing touch. Finished just in time, the yarn is Liberty Wool from Classic Elite, the pattern, Knitting Pure & Simple’s Baby Cardigan*. This FO is sweeter than sweet.

 

Joan T. also had a due date deadline in mind when she chose the Chevron Baby Blanket pattern from Purl Soho and our new Cuddles from Crystal Palace, a machine washable and dryable microfiber that’s more than a worsted but barely a bulky weight. This mod blankie is so light and comfortable, it’s sure to be a favorite with both baby and mom.

Marie wore her Wingspan in last week. She said she loved working with the M&K Fame Trend, a self-shading fingering weight yarn that we also love for its softness, smoothness, and sophisticated ombré colors.

She had a second shawl with her that day, one that is a perfect way to wrap up (pun intended) this post, our Bias Fringed Shawl*. Any of our Feza yarns – Dazzle, which Marie chose, Premier, or Alp Light – are perfect for this easy project. This gem is positively calling out for a moonlit beach and palm trees rustling in an evening breeze. So just remember, winter can’t and won’t last forever. Punxsutawney Phil forecast an early spring just the other day. You’ll be needing those light, airy tops and wraps before you know it, so it’s OK to plan your summer stitching in the snow!

 

Note:
All patterns marked with an asterisk* are available at Gosh Yarn It!

All the shades of purple.

The color gurus at Pantone may have declared emerald to be the color for 2013, but all the shades of purple were a big favorite in 2012. The last FO collection of 2012 is filled with violet and lavender projects. First, there’s a soft lilac in this lovely picture sent in by Dyan of her dreamy Summer Flies.

And another purple people pleaser… Kathy H.’s second GingerSNAP* shawl is this great grape-y one knit in tosh merino light.

Last fall, Jean took the workshop with the Fiber Company’s Kate Gagnon Osborn, designer of the Springtime Bandit Shawl. This free pattern was written with a DK weight yarn in mind, but just look at how beautiful it is when worked up in lace weight, here a plummy Zitron Filigran that is as light as a feather.

Francie used Fiber Company’s Road to China Light for her Basalt* wrap, choosing Dark Amethyst and Garnet for the two main colors and Citrine for the I-cord edging. With a design so simple and elegant, it was easy to get carried away wrapping and draping it on Maude the mannequin – every which way looked better than the last.

These fashionable cabled fingerless mitts were modeled by the hands that made them. Sharon used Dolce Merino in a shade called Rum Raisin. Yum.

Not far from the purples are the blues, and blue is everyone’s favorite, year after year. Bonnie used the Knitting Pure & Simple #9725 Neck Down Cardigan for Women* pattern and Ultra Alpaca in a true navy for this shipshape, classic cardi.

In an earlier post, I was able to share the first two of Joanne’s trio of accessories knit in a jazzy blue Dolce Merino, a pair of fingerless gloves and a matching hat. She recently brought in the final piece in the ensemble, this long, cozy scarf. Chic times three!

Joanne had another FO to share, Nancy Bush’s Raha Scarf from her book, Knitted Lace of Estonia. Joanne used Holiday Yarn’s FlockSock in Badger Black for this dainty muffler.

Carolyn Kern’s Equilibrium Cowl continues to be a shop favorite. Here is another trio – a terrific trio of Equilibria from Jeanne, in (left to right) Berroco Ultra Alpaca, Fibre Company Acadia, and Trendsetter Merino VI. Jeanne has definitely caught that stranded knitting bug!

Tina knows how to keep warm in style. She brought in two beautiful shawls, a hot water bottle cozy and a tea cozy to show us recently. The tea cozy is Churchmouse Yarns XxX Anniversary Tea Cozy*. She used Ultra Alpaca from Berroco in a lavender that makes me feel cozy just looking at it. Cascade Eco Duo was Tina’s choice for her hot water bottle cover. I couldn’t have come up with a better choice, since it’s about the warmest, softest yarn this side of cashmere that I can think of.

Tina also made two Henslowe Shawls*, one from Louisa Harding Willow Tweed, the other in Schaefer Yarns Audrey. For having been made from the same pattern, they couldn’t be more different. The country cousin has plenty of tweedy, rustic charm. The city cousin is dressed in flirty pink and looks ready for a party.

There are just two more cool blue FOs: first is Martha’s Short Row Multidirectional Scarf*, designed by Ann Norling. If you ever have a question about this pattern, ask Martha, she knows it now by heart! This shade of Noro Iro seems to have just about every shade of blue in it somewhere.

Kathy P. made her Howlcat* with a difference: both worsted and fingering weight halves are knit in stockinette for a rolled edge. It’s easy to see she’s quite happy with her new chapeau.

Time to move from the cool colors into the neutrals, where so many knitters are at their most comfortable. Here is Wanda’s masterpiece – the 2012 Advent Scarf from Tricia Weatherston, knit in Louet Gems Sport, the best kept yarn secret in the shop. Once you knit with it, you’ll be looking for new projects to use more.

This is Wanda’s Adobe Shawl by Sharon Dreifuss, knit in Jojoland Tonic. It’s an unusual shape that drapes effortlessly. Wanda tossed it on Maude, and I snapped the picture. Doesn’t get easier than that.

While we’re in the warm brown family, Bonnie made a Wurm hat for a friend’s daughter. As good as it looks on the little hat stand, I was thrilled when its new owner Lauren stopped by and agreed to model it. Pretty!

The Wurm pattern as written has a very gathered top, but Lauren asked Bonnie to make it flatter, er, smoother on top. The photo above shows Bonnie’s brilliant solution, having changed the decreases and created one last reverse stockinette ridge that sits like a cute little button on top. And ooh – here’s another Wurm. Joan T. used a black tweedy Zauberwolle for hers, modeled here by Jill. How many more Wurms are out there, still on the needles, I wonder…

Below, Allison models her Knitting Pure & Simple #215 Basic Vest*. The formula never fails: take the simplest pattern, add spectacular yarn in very cool colors, and you’ll get a knockout FO.

Molly made her new favorite sweater, Purl Soho’s Cap Sleeve Lattice Top, with Road to China Light. It’s easy to see why this is going to become a wardrobe staple. It’s so very becoming.

Now, it’s time to heat it up with some warm colors. Lesley didn’t crochet her snowflakes out of red yarn, but she did mount them on red card stock and send them as out as holiday cards. Wouldn’t you just love to be on Lesley’s Christmas card list? What a beautiful keepsake.

Jean made her exquisite Saroyan, a free pattern from Liz Abanante, with tosh dk in everyone’ favorite red, Tart. Not even the fluorescent light inside the shop can kill this bright, juicy color or obscure her pretty stitching.

Joan S. made a Fluted Cowl, one of our December knit along patterns, with a lumberjack red Jackson from Tahki. Jill, America’s next top model, again stands in for Maude, showing why quick-knit cowls are this winter’s fashion must-haves.

What’s redder than a fire engine, redder than a stop sign, redder than a cardinal in a snow storm? A color of Colinette Jitterbug called Vatican Pie. Here are two more from Joan S., the Purslane Beret and Cowl from Romi Hill, which appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of Knitscene, in Vatican Pie. And yes, more is on order!

Christine graciously modeled Joan’s Purslane Beret, and she looks as though she might have just strolled in from a walk along the Seine rather than the Susquehanna.

I’ll close with an FO in the purest snow white after that oo-la-la red. Tina knit this charmer with a pattern from the Fall 2012 issue of Jane Austen Knits. (We still have copies in the shop.) It’s called A Bonnet for Baby Emma, but Tina’s is going to a little one who, as of this writing, hasn’t yet arrived. She used MountainTop Vail from Classic Elite. All I can say is, that is going to be one lucky little newborn.

Note:

All patterns marked with an asterisk* are available at Gosh Yarn It!

Also, if you’d like to know more about the Fashion Color Report for Spring 2013, you can watch the Pantone video on their website. You’ll never get that 6 minutes and 27 seconds of your life back, but you can buy emerald everything, knowing you will be in style and on trend!

Winter 2013 Classes – Updated 2/25

NEW CLASS! Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving: Log Cabin Pattern
Linda Mesavage
Log Cabin is a pattern that has a lot of visual interest as a result of threading and weaving with 2 colors. Choose to weave either a scarf or towels. Warping directions will be provided prior to class.
Supplies:
A warped rigid heddle loom, warped up as per the directions you will receive when you register for the class. (If you do not own your own Cricket or other similar rigid heddle loom, GYI has a Harrisville Easy Weaver available to loan.)
2 wound shuttles – one of each color
Saturday, March 16, 3:00-4:00 p.m., $20

NEW! Cricket Club / FREE
Linda Mesavage
For all rigid heddle loom weavers, not just owners of Schacht Crickets! Cricket Club meets the last Thursday of each month. The February meeting’s topic will be weaving with cotton and flax. (If you don’t own your own rigid heddle loom, GYI has a Harrisville Easy Weaver available to loan.)
Thursday February 28, 5:30-6:30pm

NEW CLASS! Seaming
Ann Ross
Seaming is the finishing touch to your completed knit garment. Learn mattress stitch for stockinette, garter, and ribbed fabric and also how to join cross grain fabrics, such as shoulder:sleeve seams.
Thursday, March 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m., $20
Supplies:
US 8 needles, darning needle, scissors

NEW CLASS! Kitchener Stitch
Ann Ross
Call it the Kitchener Stitch or grafting, this technique joins two rows of live stitches using a darning needle. You’ll learn to graft in pattern: stockinette, garter, ribbing, and seed stitch.
Saturday, March 23, 2:00-3:30 p.m., $20
Supplies:
US 8 needles, darning needle, scissors
 
Building Blocks
Ann Ross
Become a better, more confident knitter with Building Blocks. The final 6 of the 12 Building Blocks squares teach essential knitting skills step-by-step. Drop in for one or more sessions to learn a specific technique or make all six and have enough squares when you’ve finished for a beautiful sampler baby blanket. Free online video tutorials are also included. Purchase of the Building Blocks manual required. Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., $5 per session, payable at each class.
February 21: Block 9, Left Twists
March 7: Block 10, SSK Decreases
March 21: Block 11, Make One Increases
April 4: Block 12, Advanced Decreases
Supplies:
Copy of Building Blocks (available at shop)
Worsted weight yarn
US 7, 8 or 9 needles, depending on desired tension

 
New Knitter’s Circle
New knitters, do you have questions or just don’t like the way your knitting looks? Sure, you can watch a YouTube video and hope it’s good advice, but you’ll progress much faster and become a happier, more productive knitter with live assistance. Come the last Thursday of each month before the Stitch & Spin and let us help! Each session will be formatted to address attending knitters’ questions.
February 28, March 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m., $5 per session, payable at each class.
 
Taiga Cowichan Vest
Carolyn Kern
If you have experience with stranded knitting, then you’ve heard about “steeking.” Ready to try it? Carolyn will show you how she has modified Svetlana Volkova’s top down Taiga Cowichan, a short sleeve cardigan vest, to allow you to knit the colorwork section at the waist in the round (no purling!) by steeking.
3 sessions/Saturday, April 13, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; April 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; May 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $75
Supplies:
Copy of Taiga Cowichan pattern (available on Ravelry)
300-500 yds each of 2 contrasting colors of bulky weight yarn (amount will depend on desired size)
US 10 and 10.5 needles or size needed to get gauge

 
Undulating Waves Scarf
Ann Ross
Try a new way of working with beads to make them seem to “float” on the knitted waves of this pretty pattern. Directions are both written and charted. Experience with lace knitting required.
NEW DATE: Saturday, April 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m., $30
Supplies:
Copy of Undulating Waves pattern (available at shop)
Approx. 400 yds. fingering or sport weight yarn, preferably variegated
US 6 needles
Size 6 glass beads
Floss threader or beading needle

 
Short Rows
Ann Ross
Master traditional wrap and turn short rows and learn some alternate methods for adding shaping to your knitting.
Friday, March 1 OR Saturday, March 2, 2:00-3:30 p.m., $20
Note: Prior to class, please cast on 25 stitches and work 2” in stockinette
Supplies:
Approx. 50 yds. worsted weight wool
US 8 needles
 
Top Down Trapeze Pullover
Ann Ross
Here’s a great first sweater project, flattering for all figure types. Knitting top down means no seaming and minimal finishing. Perfect for year ’round, but a great way to show off spring and summer weight yarns.
3 sessions/Saturday, March 2, 11:00-1:00 p.m.; March 23, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; 3rd meeting T.B.D. by participants, $55
Supplies:
Copy of Knitting Pure & Simple #128 (available at shop)
1100-1790 yds DK or light worsted weight yarn (amount will depend on desired size)
US 8 – 32” and 16” circular needles
US 6 – 16” circular needles and US 6 DPNs

Illusion Knitting
Ann Ross
How’d they do that? “Shadow” or “illusion” knitting produces an image visible only when the work is held at an angle. Learn the technique with a small practice square. We’ll also discuss the basics of charting your own “secret” designs.
Friday, March 15 OR Saturday, March 16, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $25
Supplies:
Worsted weight wool yarn, approx. 75 yds each of 2 contrasting colors
US 6 needles

 
Private Lessons: Socks
Want some help getting started or maybe some tips and tricks to fine tune your sock knitting? Whether you want to work top down or toe up on DPNs, two circulars, or magic loop, you can now get the help you need in one-to-one private instruction.
Note: We recommend the top down method for a knitter’s first pair of socks.
By appointment, $15/hour.

Knitting 101 / FREE
Instructors: Ann Ross / Jill Schwartz
Ready to be a knitter?  Stop in the shop for an hour on a Tuesday afternoon. You’ll learn the basics: to cast-on, knit and purl, and cast-off. No advance registration required.

WEEKLY Stitch & Spins / FREE
Come to a Stitch & Spin session and bring whatever project you’d like to work on.  Enjoy the company of your fellow knitters, crocheters, and spinners. Coffee and tea available.
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

GOSH YARN IT! CLASS POLICIES

• To register or request more information, contact Gosh Yarn It!, 570.287.9999, or info@goshyarnitshop.com
• Complete supply lists will be provided with registration.
• Basic knitting skills are required for all our classes. You must know how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. If you’d like help mastering the fundamentals before taking a class, drop in on a free Knitting 101 session (see above).
• Unless otherwise noted, supplies are not included in class fees.
• In-stock supplies for all classes may be purchased by class participants at a 10% discount either in advance or on the day of the first class. (We really appreciate your buying all your class supplies from us!)
• Classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Payment is due when you sign-up.  We accept reservations by telephone with payment by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
• A pre-paid class fee will only be refunded if at least 5 days advance notice is given that you will not be attending.  If fewer than 5 days notice is given, a refund will only be made if we are able to fill your space in the class with another student.   An un-refunded class fee is transferable and may be used to register for future classes.
• Class size, unless otherwise noted is 3-6 students. Gosh Yarn It! reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes that do not meet the required minimum enrollment (but we hope we’ll never need to).  A missed individual session of a class cannot be refunded or made up (but we’ll be happy to try to help you catch-up on what you missed).  Any class cancelled due to inclement weather will be re-scheduled.

 
 

Wishing you happy stitching days.

I hope you have a few minutes. Not only was November a busy month at Gosh Yarn It!, but there’s a remarkable collection of FOs to share and a few hints I need to drop about our upcoming 2013 classes.

The first big news is the long-awaited return of the Swirl. Maybe you wish you’d taken Carolyn Kern’s Swirl Sweater Class last winter. Perhaps you’ve just discovered Sandra McIver’s unique and flattering patterns? Either way, you’ll love this: Carolyn will be offering the class again, starting in January and running through early April, plenty of time to finish your Swirl.  You can get both the book and all your project yarn from us at a 10% discount. Carolyn has loaned us her own completed Silhouette in the Sun, which is now on display in the shop – definitely worth a visit. If you are new to McIver’s designs, this blurb from her website will give you the big picture:

knit, Swirl! Uniquely Flattering, One Piece, One Seam Swirl Jackets [presents] 18 designs that flatter all figures, each based on the innovative one piece, one seam circular construction [McIver] calls a “Swirl”. Using simple knitting techniques, she creates elegant sweater jackets in four dramatic silhouettes and three flexible sizes. Swirls are fun to style and may be worn in a variety of ways—some even upside down! Clear step-by-step pattern instructions and detailed schematics make knitting a Swirl a simple pleasure.

“Simple” – once you know which pattern, which size, and which yarn. That’s where instructor Carolyn Kern’s experience and expertise will be invaluable, both in the preparation for your project and in the knitting and finishing of it. Registration is open now – make an early New Year’s resolution to make yourself a Swirl. Class price is $95, 4 sessions.

Our November Knit along was Gradient, a free cowl pattern from Shibui, featuring five blended colors of mohair/silk yarn. My own Gradient is only waiting to be grafted together into a cowl, a job I’m looking forward to, since I actually enjoy seaming stockinette and garter but have never joined seed stitch before. Catherine chose to make her Gradient a scarf, and, as you’ll see, I had a lot of fun styling this sophisticated, light-as-a-feather piece on Maude. Did I hear you say, mohair? seed stitch? I don’t think so… just now? Let me put in a plug for this mindless knit: three strands are held together, creating a worsted weight strand; changing the mix of colors every 20 rows or so keeps it fun; and c’mon, seed stitch can have its own auto-pilot setting, just like plain knitting or purling. You may have passed on this pattern as a monthly knit along, but keep it in mind – you’ll love it in the end.

And my own, in its early days…

Btw, the yarn bowl in the background is one of ours, from the small pottery in New Jersey we love so much. We just got in another shipment in time for the holidays, but they’re going fast. Fortunately, we also now carry Yarn Buddies, handsome handcrafted little wooden lazy susans for your balls of yarn. With a Buddy or a bowl, no more wound cakes of yarn bouncing across the floor or tangling in your tote. Check both out at your next visit.

November got off to a great start with Fibre Company Day, a visit from Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley, designers/authors/entrepreneurs and all-around inspiring knitters. Their class in Kate’s classic free pattern Springtime Bandit was a sell-out, and their trunk show of top shelf Fibre Company yarns was nearly so. Their visit was timed to coincide with the publication of their latest book, November Knits, which belongs on your wish list. (Do check out the Fibre Company blog; the December 7th post has the cutest knitting-themed paper chain, which you may be seeing soon at your local LYS. If you like, download the pattern, print off a few sheets, bring a pair of scissors, and join us in our holiday decorating, now in full swing thanks to our new Vice President of Merchandising, Joan!) Here’s the Springtime Bandit class in full swing:

Above, Jean getting a few pointers from Courtney and Jill flanked by our knitterati guests. Jean has already finished her shawl, and I’m looking forward to it being the very next FO I get to photograph. She used our Zitron Filigran, a smooth merino lace weight single, which is on the short list for my class sample of Echo Flower. (There’s one hint). Speaking of samples, here is my Mix Shawl No. 3 from Kristin Ford, knit from Shibui’s Silk Cloud and Staccato. It was a pleasure from start to finish and surprisingly simple to make.

Almost architectural in design, Mix No. 3′s stripes of Staccato held with the Silk Cloud seem to float between those where the Silk Cloud is used by itself.

Here is another shop sample, another dramatic Shibui pattern using their unique fingering weight wool/silk Staccato. Here is Jill’s Geometry/Hypotenuse, designed by Olga Buraya-Kefelian:

Catherine knit a Jemma Cowl, an original design by Carolyn Kern, “little sister” to her Jonna pattern that was selected by Pam Allen for inclusion in the Quince & Co. Scarves, Etc. collection. Isn’t this amethyst beauty in Dream in Color Smooshy a gem?

Here is another of Carolyn’s designs, the Equilibrium cowl. Catherine’s is pretty in pink Ultra Alpaca. Carolyn’s own is made with deliciously slubby, silky Fibre Company Acadia. Carolyn’s last stranded knitting class with Equilibrium created Fair Isle fever in these parts. If you’d like to join the ranks of those who can knit with two colors at the same time, look for another stranded knitting class in the new year (another hint).

This one is Embers. Jill zipped through this cowl crowd pleaser in “Grasshopper” and “Ink” madtosh DK. Antonia Shankland’s pattern is available at the shop.

Stephanie joined us on Fibre Company Day, bought some of Kate and Courtney’s Tundra, and whipped up another Antonia Shankland design, Arctic Circle, which may be purchased at the shop as a Ravelry pattern download. Naming her project “Allavut or Nunavut,” I’d have to say I’d happily have the former.

Jane claims this cowl wasn’t supposed to turn out this way, but we should all have such happy, stylish accidents.

Thus endeth the cowl portion of the post. Here is Mary Jane’s Zauberball Brooke’s Column of Leaves Scarf by Brooke Nelson. This free pattern has a special place in my heart. It was my first attempt at lace knitting many moons ago. I remember watching the leaves appear row by row and thinking, I can’t believe knitting needles can do this! Mary Jane may not have been quite as awestruck as I was, but I bet she was just as pleased.

Next up is Kathy’s “Ginger (Not Maryanne)” from the pattern GingerSNAP by Erika Flory, available as a download at the shop. The yarn was one she picked up on our bus trip to Rhinebeck this fall, so it’s almost as if it’s one of ours…

This beautiful yellow and green lap blanket was made by Janet. Further proof that simple can be really, really good. The pattern is basically the same classic dish cloth that so many of us know and love, but if you’d like instructions, our Churchmouse Picot-Edge Mohair Throw & Afghan is here to help. (There’s also a baby version.)

Joanne created these electrifying flip-top fingerless gloves. Take a close look at those thumbs. What do you see? Conductive thread! For texting! How cool is that? Plus they really are fingerless gloves. Each digit gets a knuckle’s worth of extra warmth. I’ve often been guilty myself of calling fingerless mittens, which end just after the hand is worked, “fingerless gloves.” But Joanne made the real deal and then went on with more Universal Yarns Dolce Merino to make a matching hat. She also knit the grey and red hats in the background for charity, and I’m sure they’ll be very gratefully received and enjoyed for many years.

Is there anything cuter than baby hats? Jill made Diane Soucy’s ear flap cap – one of the shop’s best sellers – for her granddaughter using Liberty Wool Paints. Here is “Ella’s Hat.”

It sure seems as though Bonnie is making hats at the rate of one per day. I’m going to try to keep up, FO-wise. There’s one in double thick dark charcoal grey Ultra Alpaca using another Diane Soucy pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple; one in handspun wool/angora stranded with the same Ultra Alpaca; a Howlcat using Classic Elite Alpaca Sox and a Black Bunny Fibers yarn; then a gallery of stashbusting cutie-pie children’s hats. All I can say is, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

 

But wait – Bonnie’s new love of Fair Isle knitting is not limited to hats. Here is her dapper “Rocky’s Vest” in Cascade Pacific. The pattern is Dressing for Style in Fair Isle, a freebie from Cascade.

Molly decided to try pairing Katharina Nopp’s free hat pattern Wurm with our ever-popular Welted Fingerless Gloves using two rich shades of madelinetosh DK. Mission accomplished!

Of course, madelinetosh yarns are old favorites the shop, but one of our latest crushes is on Tahki’s Ringo. This light, vibrant super bulky is actually several strands of wool-blend chain-looped together, and you have several options for working work with it. Tahki has made some videos, here, on the different techniques and stitches for Ringo. Jill used one skein for this bias cowl, a free shop pattern, and took less than hour to make it. Can’t beat that.

It’s not often that we get to welcome a first FO to the shop, but here is Dina’s very first finished project, a crocheted beret. Brava, Dina. May there be many more!

Tammy bought Brown Sheep Lanaloft Bulky one day and came back the next day with this very sharp drop stitch scarf, which may be a new GYI record.

Joan took the popular Aranami pattern by Olga Buraya-Kefelian and made it brilliantly her own, adding a bead trim to sparkle along the dark top edge and an extra panel of delightful cardinal red.

Here is Wanda’s Malice in Wonderland, knit from a combination of several stash yarns and Schaefer Nichole. Both the color pairing and the finished size of 86″ x 43″ are, indeed, wonderful.

Sometimes we find a pattern that we use again and again, and it just gets better and better. Mary Lou has enjoyed making several of Katherine Vaughan’s Riverbed Rib Hats, and it’s easy to see why. The stitch pattern is a great match for the Noro Kureyon.

Now I’d like to introduce you to Dudley, the Snow Slug. He’s a member of the extended Cheezombie Garden Slug family. I had to take a few shots to try to capture the true essence of his frosty rotundity. Stephanie is herself a repeat slug knitter (I think Dudley is #3), and they just seem to be getting cuter and cuter.

Mustn’t forget the December knit along – well, knit alongs. actually. We’ve chosen not one but two patterns for your consideration. We went looking for easy but interesting, quick knits – ones that would be great last-minute gifts if the subject came up. We found just what we were looking for in the wonderful Purl Soho blog, the Purl Bee: Fluted Cowl and Snowflake Scarf. Whichever you choose – and you can always choose to do both – you can have your finished project in your hands in a week or less.

Big, soft, bulky yarn and gigantic needles (US 15 or larger) make these ideal December projects. One pattern is based on a stitch repeat of four stitches, the other on two, so you can easily subtract stitches when you cast on to downsize to work at warp speed. Obviously, we don’t carry the exact yarn Purl Soho suggests, but we have some spiffy alternatives. Misti Alpaca Chunky, Peru, Lanaloft Bulky… Jill is almost finished making a Fluted Cowl with Cascade Lana Grande, and I’m trying to choose between Cascade Cloud, a lofty aran weight, and Lana Vida’s Francesca for a Snowflake. Holding multiple strands of thinner yarn together is always another option and one of my favorite ways to make an entirely new yarn. If you want to be finished almost before you begin, there’s Magnum from Cascade; on US 19 needles its gauge is about 1.5 stitches per inch.

Speaking of December and gifts, I’ve already mentioned the yarn bowls and Yarn Buddies, but at this time of year, there are lots of other little treats and surprises arriving almost daily. After I had snapped a picture, below, of some of the first Lantern Moon notions bags and tape measures to arrive, a box full of sock monkey tape measures showed up. You’ll have to take my word for it – they are too cute for their own good.

Speaking of new arrivals, we are delighted to make it official: rigid heddle loom weaving has arrived at Gosh Yarn It! Linda Mesavage will be teaching classes starting in January, and we’ll continue to bring in looms from Schacht by special order. Linda is pictured below, supervising the assembly of the first batch of looms by the first weavers to order their Crickets. So exciting!

I’ll end with a promise, not another hint. The next post will be our Winter 2013 class schedule, and you can look forward to all the classes I’ve hinted at, plus private sock instruction, Ready, Set, Knit! classes for children, the modular scarf Morocco by Ilga Leja, a felting project with artfelt® from Skacel, even a summer sweater or two. Until then, may these shorter days and longer nights bring you many happy hours of stitching.