Newsletter 2 March 2009

Dear Knitting Friends,

Lisa and I have been discussing hosting knitting classes and workshops together, and the interest many of you have expressed in our upcoming "The Perfect Tee" class was very gratifying. The information for that class is part of this newsletter, and we are planning a free class, "Socks From the Toe Up On Two Circular Needles", date and time TBA later. Also in the works is a class on making Fimo buttons and a Yarn Exchange/Auction Party.

A Perfect Tee (definition: to a tee - perfectly, exactly.)
This little tee may become a favorite to wear and to knit; it features comfortable, flattering, set-in sleeves which are knit in, and there is no sewing or finishing. You'll take a few simple measurements at the beginning to achieve a custom fit. Because the sweater is knit from the top down, you'll be able to try on the sweater while you knit it. Our pattern borrows from several sources; we have simplified, adapted, and combined patterns and techniques. You will be able to further customize this pattern with lace or textured stitches.

The class will meet on four alternate Wednesdays at Lisa's home from 1:00 - 3:00, and students will be welcome to stay and knit until around 4:00. The class dates are March 11th and 25th, and April 8th and 22nd.

Because this class is still in the "beta" phase the tuition will be just $10 per session/$40 total, and of course Lisa and I will be available for help and advice between classes. The class size will be limited to 8 students, and we ask for payment in advance for the first class ($10) to reserve your place, and so we'll be able to prepare materials for you, and advise you regarding supplies.

Although the Perfect Tee can be knit in many yarns, for this class we are asking you to choose a worsted weight yarn that knits to a gauge of 19-21 stitches to four inches, such as Tahki Cotton Classic, Berroco Linen Jeans and Plymouth Jeanne, but there are many others that would work just as well.

A quote from the Yarn Harlot's calendar, Never Not Knitting:

"Monday, March 2, 2009
Today is Cat Bordhi's birthday....knitter, designer, and author...famous not just for thinking outside the box but for not even recognizing that there may be a box at all.... Cat's mission is make you a more creative, free thinking knitter who problem-solves and experiments with vigor and fearlessness."

Barbara Walker is another free-thinking knitter whose work inspired our class; her book Knitting From the Top, long out of print, is available once again from Schoolhouse Press.

Two blogs I've recently discovered and enjoyed are Brooklyn Tweed and Purl Bee. Check them out, and let me know what you think. Purl Bee is the blog for Purl Soho, a New York shop that sells fabric as well as yarn (I could easily get into double-trouble there.). Both sites have free patterns and lots of project ideas to get the creative juices flowing. Each time I check my email I hope to see a notice from Knitty or The Twist Collective announcing their spring issue is online---but not yet. New yarns and new colors of familiar ones are arriving in shops now....I think it might be patriotic to buy some ;)

Hope to see you soon,
Sharen