Posts Tagged ‘update’

March 2010 Wooly Bulletin

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

 

Wooly Bully Natural Fibers

 

March ‘10 Wooly Bulletin
NEWS & HAPPENINGS at the shop

 
 
In This Issue
Clapochet Shawl
Beginning Knitting
Learn to Crochet
Entrelac Socks
Class Policies
Free Easter Projects
Knitted Poem

 

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Just in time to usher in the new season, Spring yarns have started arriving at the shop: Ruca (100% sugarcane), Antu (100% cotton), and Chaiten (100% silk) from Araucania, Ty-Dy Cotton, and Sekku, a new lace-weight from Noro. Other new arrivals include Alpaca Lace (love!) and Ecological Wool from Cascade, more colors of Noro’s Silk Garden and Silk Garden Sock.
In the coming weeks we’re expecting new handpaints from Punta Yarns and Lorna’s Laces. Come in to see something new and fresh but be sure to check out our sale items. More is being added as new merchandise arrives. If you’ve been restraining yourself, Classic Elite Lush (50 angora/50 merino) and Alpaca with a Twist Baby Twist are now on sale - 30% OFF. Seize the moment - you deserve it!
 

 

Crochet a Clapochet
Saturday, March 13 and 27, 3-5 pm
The crocheted Clapochet is worked on the diagonal, with chain spaces peppered throughout to create a texture similar to the original Clapotis. If variegated yarn is used, it will stripe with the texture and the final result is just as versatile as the original in that it may be scrunched up and worn as a scarf or spread out and worn as a shawl. This is a great project for advanced beginner crocheters wanting to expand on their skills.
Materials: 650 yds worsted weight yarn, G-J hook - ~500 yds fingering weight yarn, C-F hook
May we suggest… Araucania Ruca (100% sugar cane) or Araucania Chaiten (100% silk), Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock or Noro Silk Garden Sock
 
 Crocheted Clapochet Shawl

 

 

Cabled Hat
Tuesday, March 23 and 30, 6-8pm
Are you ready to advance from flat, back-and-forth knitting to something with more dimension? Your instructor, Erica, will teach you to knit in the round using circular and double pointed needles as you fashion a classic ribbed beanie. Additionally, you’ll explore how to use decreases to shape the crown. There’s also a cabled option for those of you wishing to try something else new. These beanies make great last-minute gifts. Be forewarned, when your friends and family see your completed beanie, they’ll certainly want one too.

Participants should be comfortable casting on, knitting, and purling. $30, not including cost of supplies.
Supplies: 120-150 yds worsted-weight yarn, 16" US 7-8 circular needles, US 7-8 double pointed needles (7" length)
May we suggest: Araucania Tocanao, Malabrigo Worsted Merino.
 

 

cabled beanie

 

 

 

Beginning Knitting with Reagan
Wednesday, March 24 and 31, 6-8pm
This time this class is being offered on a weeknight to help out some of you with busy weekend schedules. Get up and running with the basics - a perfect class for someone looking to restart knitting or for those wishing to test the waters and see what all the fuss is about. In this class you’ll learn the basics of knitting; how to read a pattern, casting on and binding off, knit and purl stitches, how to change colors, and some basic seaming. You’ll walk away from the class with a snazzy pair of fingerless mitts! We’ll help you choose the appropriate materials at the beginning of the class. $30, plus cost of materials.

 

 

 

 Anyone can knit
 

 

Learn to Crochet
Sunday, March 14 and 21, 3-5pm
Learn the basics of crochet in 2 sessions with Jamie. This class is perfect for knitters who would like to add some basic crochet to their arsenal. Crochet comes in handy with lots of knitting projects but it’s also a fantastic and practical stand-alone craft. No experience, no problem, $30.

Supplies: 100g feltable 100% wool worsted weight yarn such as Cascade 220 or Noro Kureyon, size F or G crochet hook.
 

 

 

Entrelac Socks
 Saturday, March 20 and 27, 12-2pm
Entrelac - French for interwoven. Join Hannah and Maria for this tangy sock class, the next project in our Year of Socks.  Entrelac creates the illusion of knitted bands woven like a basket.
Entrelac is so intriguing - is it woven? Is it seamed? No! This technique is not only fun to work but creates a striking finished effect that is certainly worth the effort. This project can involve lots of turning so we’ll learn a trick that will always keep the right side facing you, eliminating the need to turn.
We ask that participants have experience making socks. Beginners should look for a Learn to Knit Socks class that will be offered in the future, $30.
Supplies: 100g fingering weight yarn, dpn/2circs/1 really long circ needle(s) US 1-3

 

May we suggest… A yarn that has long color repeats really shows off the entrelac patterning. Noro Silk Garden Sock, Jojoland Melody Superwash, and Knit 1 Crochet Too’s Ty-Dy Sock are all excellent choices.

 

Entrelac Socks

 

 

 

 

Knitting 911!
Disaster Recovery + Crisis Management
Knitting 911! Saturday, March 20 , 3-5pm
Just when you think all is lost and your only recourse is to rip it all out, relax - there is a better way. The purpose of this class is to learn how to identify errors and correct them.
Topics to be covered include: dealing with dropped and twisted stitches, tinking and frogging, encountering too many or too few stitches, complications with your cables, and even correcting your lacework. While knowing how to correct mistakes is quite an achievement on its own, we’ll teach you a few tricks to keep them from happening in the first place. We’ll have a series of swatches ready for you to work on, $20.
Bring a crochet hook (something like a US size D or E) and size US 7 needles (straights, circs, your choice), and a little patience.

 

 

A note about classes…

 

  • There is a minimum of two students in each class.
  • In order to guarantee your placement in a class full payment is required upon registration.
  • All student cancellations must be received no later than 48 hours before your class meets and you will be placed in the next available session or given a refund in the form of a store gift card.
  • In the case of a last-minute cancellation or a no-show we will be unable to issue a refund.
  • We reserve the right to cancel a class in the event of instructor illness, low enrollment, and other emergency situations, issuing you a refund in the form of a store gift card.
Please call 850-224-2855 or stop by the shop to sign up!

 

 

 

 

Free Easter Projects!

CHocolate Bunnies

 

 

World’s Largest Knitted Poem
 The Poetry Society rolled out its giant centenary poem at the British Library, London, on 7 October 2009. Revealed in its full glory, the eye-popping, 13 x 9 metre, hand-knitted version of Dylan Thomas’s ‘In my Craft or Sullen Art’ stopped passers-by in their tracks and quickly drew an admiring crowd. The poem is the work of more than one thousand knitters and crocheters worldwide, who furiously clicked needles and hooks throughout September, to turn the individual letters of Thomas’s poem into colourful 12-inch squares.
 
Knitted Poem

 
We hope you’ll swing by the shop to see us this month. Look out for April’s calendar with our classes for a Top-Down Cardigan, Mother’s Lacey Socks, Crocheted Inga Bag, and steeking - among others!

 

 
Fondly,

Hannah Readdick
and the Wooly Bullies

July 2009 Update!

Friday, July 10th, 2009

 

Wooly Bully

 
July ‘09 Wooly Bulletin

Greetings,

We hope this newsletter finds you well! We have a diverse offering of classes for July and we hope that you find something that piques your interest! Just call the shop and we’ll sign you up. We are busy organizing the shop - finding new places for new yarn! Orders made while at market in Columbus are beginning to trickle in. This infusion of newness has inspired many of us and we’ve got new projects on the needles. Come by and inspect the new arrivals, enjoy the cool AC, and knit a while!

July Class Schedule

Here and There Cables

Reversible Cabled Scarf

Monday, July 27, 6-8pm, $20 Modeled after the Here and There Cables scarf, this is a perfect project for teaching cable basics. The final product also makes for an impressive gift. This class only meets once! - you must know how to cast on, knit and purl! Thanks to knittingbox for the pic!

Lizard Ridge Square

Lizard Ridge Square

Wednesday, July 22, 6-8 pm, $20 We’ll get you started on your first Lizard Ridge Block - it can be the first installment towards a blanket, a trivet, or make another and you have a pillow! The legendary Lizard Ridge blanket is worked incrementally, block by block. We’ll create the unique, wavy pattern with short rows and changing yarns. After knitting the square it takes on an bumpy, egg crate-like appearance. We’ll practice several blocking techniques which will come in handy for smoothing your Lizard Ridge square and will be helpful with many of your other projects as well. The sample in the shop is knitted with Noro Kureyon, known for their amazing color combos. This pattern really takes advantage of their lengthy color runs too. Thanks to Jessica for sharing your lovely and inspirational work with us! Note: participants must know how to cast on and off, knit and purl.

Lizard Ridge Blanket

Images from http://twistedknitter.prettyposies.com!! Many thanks!!!

2 socks on 1 Circular Needle

2 Socks on 1 Circular Needle

Saturdays, July 25, August 1, and August 15 3-5pm, $40 Forever eliminate the scourge of SSS, Second Sock Syndrome! Maria, Wooly Bully’s guru on this technique, will teach you how to work 2 socks simultaneously on 1 long circular needle starting from the toe up. Why two at once? It’s easier to match patterns when using self-striping yarn and you’re guaranteed two socks that are more or less the same size. Since you’ll be working them from the toe-up there’s no risk of running out of yarn! Maria will have a stitch pattern that you can work the socks in to make the project a little tangy, but you can also stick to basics with a utilitarian rib. This class will meet three times. Note: Participants should already familiar with basic sock construction.

Felted Chevron Bag

Monday, July 20 and August 3, 6-8pm, $25 Learn to knit in the round, increase and decrease stitches as you shape your Chevron bag and master the three-needle bind-off in this two-part class. Felting basics will be covered too. Felting will be employed to make this item a little different from regular knits. It’s so forgiving - It will smooth the stitches - and it’s interesting - we love watching the bag transform into something new! This satchel makes for an attractive purse or a durable carryall for your knitting projects. This project is a great opportunity to take advantage of a self-striping yarn to show off the signature Chevron pattern. - This is a good class for knitters wanting to branch out from flat, back and forth knitting. You must know how to cast on, knit and purl.

Felted Chevron Bag

July Block of the Month

Tuesday, July 21, 6-8 pm, $20 I have been so impressed by the Block of the Monthers! We have intrepid beginning knitters, people making multiple blankets, and knitters returning from a Block hiatus to knock out their afghans! If you haven’t yet joined us, there is still a chance for you to get in on the fun. This is a perfect chance to learn a lot of new knitting techniques without getting into several different projects at once.  Come by the shop and let us get you started on some of the blocks you’ve missed. July’s block with feature a Cabled stitch pattern!!!! We can’t wait to see you! You’ll need two skeins of Mission Falls 1824 Wool. Note: we got our shipment in last week so many colors have been replenished!

New Arrivals

HiyaHiya Needles

At long last! I think I may discovered the most amazing knitting needles

ever! They are light weight, have near perfect joins, pointy points and the circular needles have fabulously flexible cables…all at affordable prices.

This summer they’ve introduced a set of interchangeable needles. HiyaHiya Steel Interchangeable Needles feature keyless screw on connections and swivel cables. Sizes range between US #2 (2.75mm) and US #15 (10mm) and available cable lengths of 16, 24, 32, 40 and 60 inches.

Two sets will be available, each retailing for $67.95:

Small Size 2US - 8 US (2.75/5mm)

Large Size 9US - 15 US (5.5mm/10mm)

Each set includes a practical and portable brocade case, needle tips and 4 cables (to make 16, 24, 32 and 40 inch needles). Optional cable sets (including cables to make 60" needles) and individual tips will also be available.

Come buy the shop and knit with them - I’ll have a few sets out to play with. And should you need a #000000 circular needle with a 60" cable, they have it. No, really. And I’d be happy to order it or any other obscure sizes for you.

TurtleDove Yarns

TurtleDove Yarns

Wooly Bully is excited to present a brand new yarn line created locally by our very own Pat and Erica Puckett.  The Pucketts have been hard at work researching mills, dyes, and techniques and have since honed their skills in the creation of hand dyed yarns. Their new company, TurtleDove Yarns will be available at Wooly Bully. Right now we have a second installment in the shop and it’s moving fast. At present we have Pigeon and Magpie Sock, both squishy, tightly spun yarns perfect for intricate or simple sock patterns, as well as scarves, shawls or childrens’ garments. Both retail for $22. (the base yarn is the same as a VERY, VERY popular commercial sock yarn) Erica is busy working on a batch of RareBird Lace which should be ready after this weekend - 70% Baby Alpaca, 20% Silk, 10% Cashmere -this is a gorgeous, soft & lofty lace weight, perfect for any shawl, scarf or wrap. Over 1300 yards guarantees that you will have plenty for any project you have in mind. One word - covetable!

TurtleDove Yarns
 

SPud and Chloë

Spud & Chloë

Blue Sky Alpacas has a new line of yarn and patterns called Spud & Chloë!  I think they could be perfect for Tallahassee sweaters! Meet Sweater and Outer! Sweater is a worsted weight yarn at 4-5 sts per inch on US 7-9 needles. It is 55% Superwash Wool and 45% Organic Cotton and each skein is 100 g/160 yds.

Spud & Chloë Sweater

Outer is our super bulky weight yarn at 2-3 stitches per inch on US sizes 11-15 or 8-10mm needles. It is 65% superwash wool and 35% organic cotton. Each skein is 100 grams and has 60 yards/55 meters. Outer is the perfect warm, cozy, quick knit choice for anything from a fast pair of mittens to a funky pillow for your couch or maybe even a speedy hat that you can whip up in an hour.

Spud and Chloe Outer Check out the Spud & Chloë blog for free patterns!

Special Delivery!

We have also received/will be receiving deliveries from…. Hemp4knitting - worsted weight 100% hemp yarn, lovely colors Malabrigo - tons of lace weight and even more sock Jojoland - Consanance, a silk/cashmere blend, Melody Superwash sock, and 100% Cashmere 2-ply and gadgets galore from Nancy’s Knick Knacks! Also come and see the new BLACK Knit Kit!

Please stop by! We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Sincerely,

Hannah Readdick and Wooly Bullies



 

May ‘09 Wooly Bulletin!

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

 

Greetings!
This coming month is going to be great - we’re expecting imminent deliveries from Malabrigo, Jojoland, and Alpaca with a Twist - and we look forward to sharing these wonderful fibers with you. Look for updates here on the blog!  You’ll want to come as soon as these shipments arrive for best selection.

For those of you who may have encountered a stumbling block mid-project or those of you wishing to start a new project, call the shop and make an appointment with one of our Knitting or Crochet Wizards. You can meet with them for a brief “check up” or a lengthier tete-a-tete. Their fees are reasonable. Their knowledge is priceless.

I also want to let everyone know that we are again offering gift certificates - and just in time for Mother’s Day. Be sure to pick one up in the denomination of your choice - or tell your friends and family to get one for you!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the shop soon!

Lurve,
Hannah and everyone at Wooly Bully

 

 

New Arrivals in the shop….

New! Opal Cotton 2009 Ideal for Florida socks and light, breathable garments, 8 colors. 30% cotton, 32% polyamid, 38% superwash wool.
Opal Cotton 2009

New! ONline Supersocke 100 Harlekin Collection
75% Superwash wool, 25% nylon for added strength - vibrant colors, self-striping patterns.
alt text

New! Bonnie’s Bamboo from Farmhouse Yarns
100% Bamboo - 200 yards, 3.5 oz. - 5 sts=1” on US 5- 6
Bonnie’s Bamboo is a truly beautiful yarn, elegant in its simplicity, and not overdone. It has a subtle shine - Dare I say, a glow?
alt text
What a beautiful picture, sam!

New! Lorna’s Laces Pearl
51% Silk, 49% Bamboo - 5 sts = 1”- lustrous, in Lorna’s lovely hand painted palette. I saw some pictures on Glampyre’s blog and my interest was piqued. It’s delicious!
alt text

Other new finds….

  • Brittany Birch dpns in obscure sizes - US 1 1/2 and 2 1/2.
  • Bamboo circulars from Clover in 24”, 36”, and 48” lengths, sizes US 3-13.
  • Bamboo, “Soft Touch”, and Brittany crochet hooks covering sizes C - M.
  • Heart-shaped stitch markers - 20 pieces of cute for $3.50.

A Summer reading list??
alt text
Sock Innovation by Cookie A
In addition to a thorough exploration of her own techniques, Cookie presents 15 original new designs with floral lace patterns, angular geometric shapes, and unusual cables. Cookie guides you through the details of her design process, which include:

  • Choosing a stitch pattern to adapting it to be worked in the round, turned upside-down and inside-out, widened or narrowed
  • Stitch manipulations covered in detail including resizing, texture modification, and converting between flat and in-the-round Plus, clear and thorough inventive instructions, accompanied by photographs and illustrations, so you’ll learn to invent your own socks with unique details
  • Take a peek inside at Interweave Publishing

The Treasury of Knitting Patterns from Barbara Walker
We have copies of all four volumes. Softcover, $30.
Buy all four and save 10% - remember you don’t have to pay for shipping!
These are must-have reference material and inspiration for knitters! For a sampling of her work, refer to The Walker Treasury Project
The First Treasury introduces us to traditional patterns for Knit-Purl combinations, ribbing, color-change, slip stitch, twist stitch, lace, cables and more.
The Second Treasury covers obscure patterns along with knit purl combos, color work and mosaic patterns, lace, edgings, borders and a section on ‘Adapting Patterns for Circular Knitting.’
The patterns in the Third Treasury includes chapters on textured fabrics, twist stitch patterns, cables, lace, mosaic and color, and a useful section entitled “How to Read Charts” and an accompanying complete list of symbols.
The Fourth Treasury combines 82 newly-invented stitch patterns in knit, purl and texture, cables, traveling stitches, lace, a reprint of Walker’s Sampler Knitting including stitch patterns for basic shapes in garter Stitch, mosaic, lace and cable samplers.
(If you can only get one, I recommend Vol. 1 or Vol. 2!)

alt text
The Clamshell pattern, Vol. 2, pg. 128-129

 

 

Classes

 

Learn to Knit with Erica
Saturday, May 23 and 30, 2-4 pm, $25
Join Erica for this two-part introduction to knitting. This class is perfect for those who want to learn to knit, as well as those who already have some basic knowledge but would like a “refresher” on the subject. You’ll learn about yarn and needle selection, casting on and off, knitting and purling, changing colors and seaming. Your final product with be a cozy pair of fingerless mitts. You’ll leave the class prepared to embark on further knitting adventures.

 

 

Kestrel Socks with Erica
Wednesday, May 13, 20, & 27, 6-8 pm, $30
Kestrel is a great sock project for any knitter who has a basic knowledge of sock knitting. If you have created a worsted weight sock in our beginning sock class, then this would be a great next step. During this class you will knit a sock using sock weight yarn on US 2 needles, (either dpns or circulars), whatever you are more comfortable with. You’ll learn to incorporate a basic lace pattern into your sock and how to knit a short row heel. This class is not intended to teach you how to knit socks, you should already have some experience knitting socks before registering for this class.

 

 

MAY Block of the Month
Monday, May 18, 6-8 pm, $20
If you haven’t joined the Knit Along, perhaps now is the time. Erica will lead you and your fellow participants in mastering new techniques as you complete a block for your blanket.

 

Baby Bobbi Bear
Tuesday, May 19 & June 2, 6-8 pm, $25
We’ve loved having our Bobbi Bear in the shop (although this one is a somewhat smaller version). We’ll make his limbs and body using double pointed and circular needles. He’s cleverly constructed so you only have to make two small seams! Although the final Baby Bobbi Bear is approx. 15” in length, this is a quick, fun knitting project. This could become your default knitted present for babies and children (or anyone needing a soft, cuddly friend). This class is appropriate for advanced beginners.

 

 

Fisherman’s Lace Wrap

Monday, May 25, 6-8 pm, $15
Learn some basic lace stitches in this one-time class. This class is ideal as a first blush with lace and a very quick project. Make it as a scarf and you’ll finish it even more quickly.

 

Hope to see you guys in May!