April Showers, etc.....
by phyllis
APRIL SHOWERS BRING SPRING FLOWERS
So my sweet mother used to say! So in honor of spring and mothers everywhere, we thought we'd give you a few suggestions for upcoming Mother's Day. Here at Knitty City, we've lots of new things to consider whether for you or for mom. Let's start:
New Spring Books
Sharon Brant tackles this intimidating subject through lush photographs, easy-to-follow instructions, and clear explanations of a wide array of techniques. She breaks down how to determine your size, obtain the right gauge, change yarns, calculate yardage, read a pattern diagram, and alter pattern measurements to fit. Her explanation of blocking is brief, maybe because this is the one finishing technique effectively covered by most knitting books. Clear, crisp photographs and simply written instructions illustrate techniques for casting on, shaping, binding off, garment assembly, embellishments, and edgings. This is one of many marvelous finishing books we have in stock.
Little Crochet by Linda Permann includes sizse ranging from 0–4+ years, so you can keep crocheting as the little ones in your life grow. Plus, Linda has included lots of wearable patterns for both boys and girls, with swatches showing alternate colorways sprinkled throughout. Each pattern is designed to spark your own creativity, complete with how-to instructions for adding your own crafty touches like sewing, embroidery, and appliqué. This is just one of more than a few terrifid crochet books we stock to make sure that our crochet customers feel as loved as they are. Check out Blue Print Crochet by Robyn Chachulla and Around the Corner Crochet Borders by Edie Eckmann to name just a few more.
Norwegian Knitting Designs, it's an exquisitely photographed collection of breathtaking designs. The 11 designers featured have blended traditional Norwegian colourwork and motifs with modern shapes and playful details to create knitted works of art. From jackets, jumpers and coats to an adorable child's sweater, these designs are aimed at the experienced knitter, but there is much here to inspire any fan of colourwork. This book promises to be a collector's item for any truly interested knitter who loves the Scandinavian techniques and aesthetic.
IN THE NEWS
Lately, we have been hearing about the new Jane Eyre Movie and, in particular, about the marvelously simple and practical shawl worn by Jane herself. Meant to depict a humble garment on a humble and plain governess, it caught the eye of many a knitting movie fan and fast as a garter stitch it popped up on google and ravelry. Here's the original picture as it appears on one of the blogs that popped up when we googled "Jane Eyre Shawl".
The Jane Eyre Shawl
If you search it out on Ravelry (www.ravelry.com) you can find more than one lovely pattern with the exact shawl. Its ruffled edges are accomplished by use of short rows (simple technique). I am more than a little tempted to break into my stash of Madeline Tosh DK or Merino Light and whip this little number up. We continue to be one of the lucky stores that has a goodly share of the splendid yarns so think about it and stop on by. This one will be a keeper, that's for sure.
KC EVENTS IN APRIL
SHIRLEY PADEN'S FINISHING CLASS - APRIL 24, - 5-9 PM,
Join Shirley and other knitters detrmined to finish their projects in style. Like Shirley, her techniques and finishing are flawless. Everytime we hold one of these classes, we just about sell out, so if you're interested in wrapping up projects in a fashion that respects all the work you put into them, call Zach asap and sign up. The cost is modest ($75.00) and the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is priceless.
SLIP STICH YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS - APRL 30, TIME: TBD
Join Maxine Levenson and learn this highly effective technique that is accomplished without a lot of purling. It's an incredible way to create an effect that will leave your admirers in awe. Call Zach for more details.
UPCOMING KC EVENTS
KNIT IN A CIRCLE in BRYANT PARK, June 11, 2011
Time: 12-4 PM
Join us in Bryant Park as we celebrate world wide Knititng In Public Day with Nell Berger and Jean Hitchens, two Amsterdam based artists who came to our store last month as part of their tour of major cities. They will be conducting a creative event called "Big Circle" in which 75 participants join in knititng IN a big circle. If you're a basic knitter and would like to participate, please join us at 12 noon in the Park as we help these artists creatively illustrate the multi-cultural ties between Amersterdam and NY. Please note: This is not a free class to learn knitting or for free products. Product and needles will be supplied (thanks to the Brown Sheep Yarn Co, and our store) but they will be retained by the artists after the event end.
LEARN TO KNIT IN BRYANT PARK.
Tuesdays, June 21 - August 30, 1:30-3 PM
Beginning June 21, Knitty City will host a Learn to Knit event in Bryant Park. Yarn and needles will be provided for all who wish to learn to knit. All practice pieces will be retained by Knitty City (as will the yarn and needles) and used to create blankets which will be donated to a local charity. Call 212-787-5896 to pre-register or take a chance and drop by. We will be set up on the upper terrace gravel area, across from the Bryant Park Grill. Check www.bryantpark.org.
New Yarns @ Knitty City
As usual, we continue to restock Madeline Tosh: Some New colors just in: Mineral & Thoreau plus additional restocks of your favorites! Also new to the store: New Gorgeous Cotton Yarn from Blue Sky Alpaca
Please Remember
Knitty City will be closed Easter Sunday, April 24.
We'll be back later this week to fill you in on more doings and comings at your neighborhood yarn store.
Last Minute Thought
This morning's issue of Knitter's Review contained a mention of a fascinating new book, "Astounding Knits" by Lela Nargi. It has to be seen to be believed. Check it out today. We'll be carrying it at the store soon.
