December 31, 2009

Start the New Year Out Right

We’re starting the new year out with a weekend of workshops with Chrissy Gardiner, noted designer and author of the Toe-Up! sock workbook.

On Saturday, January 30th she’ll be leading a class called Textured Colorwork in the Round. This class will introduce knitters to the Bohus style of colorwork, which utilizes knit and purl stitches to create a multi-dimensional color pattern not attainable by using knit stitches alone. Students will learn the basics of two-handed stranding as well as tips for incorprating their own textured colorwork designs into a basic sock framework. This class begins as soon as we close for the day (4:00) and runs for three hours.

On Sunday afternoon, beginning at 1:00, Chrissy will help us explore the Basics of Toe-Up Sock Knitting.

Saturday’s class is open to all intermediate knitters; Sunday’s class is open to all intermediate knitters who have successfully completed at least one pair of socks.

Registration is open now, and you can sign up online. We’re offering a package deal, saving you 10% when you sign up for both classes. As always, space is limited so register soon!

Fall Classes

The Fall class list is up — finally! We’ve aimed for a nice mix of basics, projects and techniques to intrigue and challenge you. Class size is limited, often to four or five students, so early sign-ups are a must. Click on the Classes button at the top of the page to see the full list.

In other news, I’ve been playing with a new toy, creating spinning batts which will appear here shortly.
spindle and fiber

To go with the new batts we have new spindles. Hand made by a new friend in Tennessee, these all weigh in the realm of half an ounce. They’re made of walnut, most have cherry shafts.

This same wood magician is working on knitting bowls for us. I have a prototype that is spectacularly beautiful but very difficult to photograph well. Stop by and I’ll show it to you.

Summer Fun

We’ve been busy cooking up some fun events for the Summer here at Yarn Expressions. First up is the dye workshop everyone’s been waiting for. You’ll learn all about the art of hand painting yarn, from mixing the dyes (we’re using food safe Culinary Colors dyes from K1C2) to setting the colors in the microwave. The class fee includes use of our dye materials and two skeins of sock yarn. Be sure to get the materials list when you register.

When? Sunday June 22, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 pm
How Much? $60 (includes use of dye materials and two skeins of fingering weight yarn)

I’m really excited about this next event. Amy S., one of the co-owners of the Crochetville message board has helped me cook up a swatch party for crocheters. She’s busy working on swatches of yarn from Yarn Expressions, and I’ll be busy at market finding new and interesting designs focusing on crochet. We’ll have goody bags of small skeins for your own sampling, all aimed at encouraging crocheters to give new fibers a try.

When? Sunday July 13, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 pm
How Much? $10

The following Sunday we’re having a Parking Lot Swap Meet, to give you a chance to swap or sell your unwanted yarn, needles, roving, needlecraft items. Bring your own table (and chair if you like) and set up shop in our parking lot, along with all the other yarn mavens in town who are trying to weed out their stash. Who knows what you’ll find — one woman’s trash is another’s treasure! We’re charging a small entry fee which will all be donated to a local charity at the end of the day. All yarn sales and swaps at this event are private transactions and WILL NOT involve Yarn Expressions. The store will be open during these hours.

When? Sunday July 20, 2008 1:00 - 4:00 pm
How Much? $5 (will be donated to a local charity)

Sign up sheets are ready at the store. You may register in person or by phone with a credit card. As with all of our classes, space is limited and we’re not able to hold spots without the registration fee. Hope we see you at one of these Summer fun events!

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