SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Have a Great Weekend!

 Despite the changing weather and the sometimes hot, sometimes cold days we have been enjoying, we think it's safe to say that Spring has arrived on the Upper West side.  How can we tell?  Birds, Trees, Glorious flowers, Lots of Green - All sure fire ways to say that warmer days are here with more to come. 

Another great indicator are the fibers that are now appearing at Knitty City.. 

New Yarns In Store

Jade Sapphire

"Sylph"

Jade Sapphire's cashmeres and cashmere blend yarns are  the ideal all weather fiber.  Come in and take a look at one of their newest:  Sylph.  It's perfect for coolish spring nights.  The yarn drapes like a dream and is  perfect for  your lace trimmed hand-knits or your simple cardigans or throws.

These are just 3 of the lovely colors we have in - Stop by to see more.  You might consider the little lace piece that graced the cover of the newest Knit Wear for this yarn. 

(If so, be sure to do a guage swatch in lace before deciding on the size and the  amount of yarn you will need.)

Yarn of the Month!

All Handmaiden and Lana Grossa Yarns are on sale  at 10% off for the month of May.

New Books In Store!

Assume any identity that strikes your fancy - or make someone you love a goofy gift!!  All it  takes to make smiles  is one of these 20 fantastic knitted disguises! The hilarious and fun-to-do projects include beards, moustaches, and different hairstyles (Mohawk, pigtails, even a bald head). It's the perfect idea book for Halloween, costume parties, or whenever (or whoevery) you want to turn into someone else for a little while.  Great way to use up any spare yarn, too - and who doesn't have some of that?

Spring means new lambs - human ones, too.  So if you or someone you love has a new baby in the family, you'll want to pick up this book and get to the business of making one of the blankets you will find there.  The folks at Cascade Yarns turn out great yarns as well as great patterns, and in this book they have harnessed the design power of the best in the biz to bring you 60 wonderful blankets to knit or crochet. We stock the yarn (Cascade 220 and 128 Superwash) and the book.                                You provide the talent and the taste and everyone is happy - especially baby! 

Events This Spring!

May Events

Easy Stitches for Inpatient Knitters

with Edie Eckman

Saturday, May 11, 2013
10A-1P

Let Edie Eckman, author of  Connect the Shapes, teach you  quick-and-easy stitch patterns that will keep your interest alive.  We still room for a few more. Call for details today. Fee: $60.00

The Insouciant Sock
with Cat Bordhi

Saturday, May 18
10-5PM

Learn to knit your own customized pair of socks from one of the finest designer/teachers in the business.

 This class is limited to 25 people, and requires Cat's book for class.

KC  is offering the book, Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters,  at 25% off to all those taking Cat's Class. 

          Cost of 7 hr. class: $100.00. 

Call store for details on class materials and experience level required.

This class will be held at the St. Agnes Library (81st & Amsterdam) 3rd Floor Classroom. 
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"Cares to Knit"

The next meet up will be on Thursday, May 23, 6-8 PM.  If interested in joining this group, you can contact Maggie at carestoknitnyc@gmail.com or  turn up at their next meet-up at the store on the 23rd of May.

And Make Sure to not forget to  Attend this Free Event!

Karin Strom @ Knitty City

Thursday, May 30, 2013

6-8 PM

Karin Strom, Editorial Director of Interweave Knits, will be presenting the latest issue of KNIT WEAR, their annual special issue devoted to contemporary and wearable knitting designs.  Karin will be bringing garments from the issue itself and letting us in on the story behind the compilation of this issue. 

June Events

World Wide Knitting In Public Day

Saturday, June 15, 2013, 2:30-4:30 PM

Join us as we, once again, celbrate the craft and the people who make kntting the passionate joy it is for so many. We'll be meeting in Bryant Park, just like last year - hear the statue of Gertrude Stein.  This year, we will be setting up tables for the Crochet Guild and Big Apple; if you'd like to have a group there, we'd be happy to set up a few more.  Just let us know.

The following Tuesday, June l8, we will begin our annual Learn to Knit Meet-Ups in Bryant Park.  Every Tuesday, we teach the craft to all who wish to learn. (If you already know how, you can just hang  out with us and knit.) .    We're making sqaures for blankets for this year's recipients:  Blankets of Love.  This volunteer effort was organized to create blankets as gifts for young people who are transitioning out of foster care and into mainstream living.  Donated squres are crocheted into wonderful blankets like this:

PS:  If you have any yarn you would like to donate, the organization has told us they'd be pleased to take any sport weight washable wool or wool blends. They use it for crocheting together  the many squares they collect for this worthy effort.

KNITTY CITY WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU:

RELAXING!

Just because it's April l5th, doesn't mean it needs to be stressful.  Many knitters, organized souls that they are,  have probably taken care of the pesky business of taxes and almost all  will tell you that the very smartest and best way to relax is to make something!  That's why this blog - and Knitty City - is here.  To  tell you about, some of the  things we have on hand to help you do just that.

NEW YARNS @ KNITTY CITY

As many of our friends already know, we just love new yarns.  In fact, we think that one of Pearl's goals in life is to seek out the best and the beautiful in the yarn business, and spring time is no exception as she pursues her endless quest.  Just in, besides the usual complement of new Malabrigo yarns and new Madeline Tosh yarns, are some fascinating new fibers.  Here a bit about our two latest:

Ancient Arts is a company that specializes in high quality yarns that are dyed responsibly.  Most recently, they have partnered with The Meow Foundation, which supports feline health and humane care.  For every skein of yarn that is sold from this collection, they make a donation to benefit stray and abandoned cats in need.  You can be a part of this effort by purchasing yarn, and by learning more about the Meow Foundation and the important work Meow does in our communities.  Here's just a sampling of some of the lovely yarns we recently received in the store:

www.meowfoundation.com

GO BUMP!

Who here thinks that knitting is only for wearing?  Some of the most striking home furnishings and textiles are knitted, and we decided to get on the bandwagon with this new yarn from The BagSmith.  Working with Ohio alpaca breeders and local mill Morning Star Fiber, BagSmith has created a new yarn specifically for creating rugs, cushions, blankets and really luxurious wraps:  BUMP!

We have the yarn and  pattern book  (BUMP! VOL. 2) that will show you some of the wonderful things you can make with this soft, yet sturdy, yarn:  Rugs, Cushions, Log Cabin Throws.  Expand your knitting repetoire and your horizon with BUMP!

NEW BOOKS @ KNITTY CITY

Some of you stopped by to meet Amy Herzog last week when she was at the store to sign her new book: "Fit to Flatter".  We were (and are) all smitthen with Amy and so is that well respected Editor on yarn and all things knitting, Clara Parkes.  Read her excellent review on Amy's book here:  http://www.knittersreview.com/article_book.asp?article=/review/reading/130411_a.asp                    Then turn around and come right down to the store today to get your own copy.

 Use Amy's insights and discoveries to make sure everything that you knit for yourself (or others) flatters.

Another "Essential" Book from Sally Melville

What’s the number one mistake that knitters make? They follow a pattern exactly! In this comprehensive guide to sweater construction, acclaimed knitting instructor Sally Melville reveals the secrets to creating or modifying a pattern so the finished project looks and fits exactly how you want it. 

Thanks to Sally's talent for demystifying knitting, the next time you see a pattern that you fall in love with, you can modify it to suit your body and your tastes.  Knitting Pattern Essentials is one more contribution to our passion that Sally can claim - along with her original books on the Garter Stitch and the Purl Stitch.  If you ever get a chance to hear her lecture on "Why we Knit", you owe it to yourself to attend.  She's as good a speaker and writer as she is a designer - and that's saying a lot!

UPCOMING EVENTS @ KNITTY CITY

TAKE YOUR DAUGHTERS & SONS TO  KNITTY CITY ON THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 11-8 PM

"Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work" is celebrating its 20th Anniversary, so we're taking part in it by asking you to bring  your daughters and/or  sons to Knitty City!    Nothing beats teaching a child a craft - It helps facilitate the learning process and many schools are now incorporating it into their curriculum.  Bring your child in that day and we'll have something special for him or her.

Mother's Day Promotion

We have a soft spot in our hearts for all moms, and since Mother's Day is coming soon (May 12) , we thought we'd like to do something to honor her, so here it is:  Write a letter to your mom - wherever she may be.  It an be an online note, or a regular 'ol snail mail letter.  Make it 100 words (or less) and send it to Pearl.  She'll read it and give the winner a special gift card to Knitty City.  The final day for all submissions is  April 30, 2013.  If you do regular old l mail, send it to Pearl, c/o Knitty City, 208 w. 79th St., NYC 10024.  Email should be addressed to Pearl@knittycity.com

Upcoming in the Month of May

Mark your Calendars for these  Events @ Knitty City

May 2, Thursday, 6-8 PM

           Tricia Malcolm (VP/Editorial Director of SoHo Publications) will be presenting the Vogue Crochet Magazine that goes on Sale this month. Tricia  will be bringing selected items from the magazine and talking about what goes into creating a special issue focusing on crochet.  She always does the best presentations, so come on in - have a bite of something - and let a publishing pro tell you how its done.

Easy Stitches for Inpatient Knitters

With Edie Eckman

Saturday, May 11, 2013

10A-1P

Bored with stockinette and garter stitch, but too busy for something difficult? Let Edie Eckman, author of scads of books (most recently:  Connect the Shapes) teach you  quick-and-easy stitch patterns that will keep your interest alive --and allow you to watch the ball game at the same time!  A knowledge of knit and purl stitches is required as are materials for the class, which will be held at the local St. Agnes Library Community Room (3rd Fl)  on 81st & Amsterdam . 

Call for details today! Cost: $60.00

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The Insouciant Sock with
Cat Bordhi.

Saturday, May 18

10-5PM

Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters

This is only the second time Cat Bordhi has visited New York, and heaven knows when she will be back.  So get in on this class today!  Cat will teach  you how to create a portable Personal Footprint - a pattern  which will carry all the information you need to knit yourself perfectly fitting socks anywhere you go. These socks are knit 100% in the round, with no rows or purling. There are no short rows, no stitches to pick up, no gauge calculations, no gussets, no heel flaps, and no grafting. The method is described in detail in Cat's book, Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters, which you will need to have for this class.  Please note:  Knitty City is offering this book at 25% off if you need to buy it  Cost of 7 hr. class: $100.00.  Call for details on class materials and experience level required.

 This class is limited to 25 people, so make sure you get on the list, today. This class will be held at the St. Agnes Library (81st & Amsterdam) 3rd Floor Classroom.  

Special Staff Pick
Phyllis's   Choice for mid-April

I love knitting for kids!  It's fast, fun and no matter what you make, it's bound to look great since the wearer is so cute!

So, when one of our favorite knitting friends (June)  sent me the gift of a knitting pattern, I got right to it, and made this darling little jacket which is perfect for the oh-so changeable month of April.  The first one went to my friend's daughter and the next one is for a little girl who is looking forward to her First Birthday next month.

Here's the Ravelry  link to this adorable little knit:

  http://www.ravelry.com/stores/karen-borrels-ravelry-store

I used Plymouth Yarn's Encore in a beautiful blue Green. You'll find it on the back shelf  - to the left of the doorway to the back room.   For a size 2 it took all of 2 skeins - a bargain at twice the price.  The leaves were done in a contrasting bright spring green.   

Happy Spring Everyone - Finally!

Beginning April 5 (that's tomorrow, Friday) Craftsy.com, the provider of the best online craft classes,  is offering a fabulous discount  (up to 75% off)  on many of their classes.  In order to find out what's being offered visit www.crafsty.com and be sure to use the following link  www.craftsy.com/KnittyCity_SpringSale2013. if you order!

A few weeks back we sent out an email asking our friends  and customers help us by bringing in some of their favorite hand made "lovies".  You know - hand made creatures likes rabbits, bunnies, duckies, puppies, etc.   As long as they are 75% yarn, and are knitted, crocheted, felted, pom-pommed, spun -- whatever has struck its creator's fancy - as long as it celebrates Spring time.....and your creativity --we would like to put them in our spring window. There will even be prizes awarded:

 First Prize:  $50.00 gift certificate
Second Prize:  $25.00 gift certificate
Third: $10 Gift Certificate
(All entries must be received by 3.30.13)

Next month, we'll be showcasing more soft and cozy things things in the window  and featuring patterns, yarns and finished projects for the true ojects of our affection:

Be sure to keep your eye on our windows!

Now, let's talk about some of the terrific new things that came into the store in the past week:

NEW YARNS

Shibui Linen

Shibui Linen is a crisp, breezy fingering weight yarn composed of fine linen strands in a chain ply structure. Try it on its own for light, summery garments, or mix with another  yarn for different creative effects. Linen has a superb drape and flow and is the perfect choice for shawls, light weight cardigans and tops.  As usual, Pearl has indulged us by ordering a great variety of color.If you see it, and like it, now is the time to snap it up.

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When we last wrote about Neighbohood Fiber Yarn, it was to tell our customers about the worsted weight that Knitty City is now carrying.   Now, we're happy to tell you we have this great yarn value in a fingering weight:  Rustic Fingering, to be exact.  The colorways are even more exciting in the lighter weight.  Look at this example. 

Soft and smooth, single-ply fingering-weight superwash merino yarn has enough yardage for scarves, small shawls, baby items and more.  Single ply construction gives amazing stitch definition.

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CLASSIC ELITE

Canyon

Canyon is the newest addition to Classic Elite's MountainTop Collection of naturally colored yarns. Pima cotton combines with a just a hint of undyed alpaca, to create a smooth and silky yarn in a perfect weight for spring and summer projects.   The four subtly toned neutral shades are sure to compliment everything in your summer wardrobe. Canyon looks great in stitches ranging from plain Stockinette or Garter stitch to intricate lace and cables.

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ALCHEMY

Tweedy

Alchemy makes  yarns of transformation  and they specialize in unique, luxurious fibers, with emphasis given to an interesting blend.. They import the finest quality yarns from all around the world, in search of the inspiring and the beautiful. We already carry Silken Straw, but when we saw Tweedy at a recent yarn show, we admit that we were smitten.  Can you blame us?

]

Tweedy is a luscious blend of alpaca, cotton and silk

That's all we have to say on the subject.  Come in & see for yourself!

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FROG TREE

Pediboo 

Pediboo comes from Frog Tree Yarns, which is a Not-For-Profit company dedicated to supporting the Fair Trades. This amazing machine washable, merino/bamboo  yarn comes in a variety of rich colors, and is so increadibly soft and durable, you'll never want to stop knitting or wearing it.   Knitty City is now carrying both the sock and worsted weights. Having just finished an Easter Sweater for a certain little girl, I admit to being very impressed with Pediboo sock Yarn,  I have always loved the blend of wool and bamboo, and this is an especially pleasing (and comforting) mix. 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

A Special New Class with Lisa Daehlin

IMPROVISATIONAL INTARSIA IN LACE KNITTING

USING A PATTERN OF LACE AND BLENDING IT WITH INTARSIA COLOR TECHNIQUE,

THIS "GUIDED IMPROV" KNITTING EXPLORATION WILL UNLEASH YOUR INNER CREATIVE FIBER ARTIST




Saturday, March 23

2:00-5:00PM

Fee: $60.00

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Easy Stitches for Inpatient Knitters

With Edie Eckman

Saturday, May 11, 2013

10A-1P

Bored with stockinette and garter stitch, but too busy for something difficult? Let Edie Eckman, author of scads of books (most recently:  Connect the Shapes) teach you  quick-and-easy stitch patterns that will keep your interest alive --and allow you to watch the ball game at the same time!  A knowledge of knit and purl stitches is required as are materials for the class, which will be held at the local St. Agnes Library Community Room (3rd Fl)  on 81st & Amsterdam .  Call for details today! Cost: $60.00

 Another...... VERY SPECIAL CLASS

With  CAT BORDHI

Saturday, May 25

10A-3PM

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRATIONAL KNITTERS OF OUR TIME!    Being a west coaster, Cat is not often in our great city, so every time she schedules a trip, we make sure to invite her to Knitty City.   We will notify you of the place via our newsletter  and our social media but we wanted you to mark your calendars, today, since we anticipate a very good attendance.

Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters

During her class, your feet will guide you to create a portable Personal Footprint which will carry all the information you need to knit yourself perfectly fitting socks anywhere you go. These socks are knit 100% in the round, with no rows or purling. There are no short rows, no stitches to pick up, no gauge calculations, no gussets, no heel flaps, and no grafting. The method is described in detail in Cat's book, Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters, which you will need to have for this class.            Please note:  Knitty City is offering this book at 25% off if you need to purchase it.       Cost of 6 hr. class:   $100.00

All people who take this class must be able to do the following without supervision: knit in the round with choice of DPNs, 2 circular needles, or 1 long circular needle; knit 2 sts together (k2tog), slip a stitch purlwise, knit into front and back of a stitch (kfb), long-tail cast-on, and standard bind off.

Supplies:  In addition to Cat's Book (see above), you will need:   A piece of cardboard large enough to trace your foot on  and scissors for cutting it out. In addition to the usual knitting supplies: bring an excellent quality sport to worsted weight yarn and an excellent quality sock yarn. Sock yarn is available at the store and will be offered to all class takers at 10% off.   The heavier yarn will be used for learning the toe start and may also be used for the whole sock if you want to make fast progress in class; if you are not a fast knitter this is a really good idea.  This class is limited to 25 people, so make sure you get on the list, today.

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FUN NEW PRODUCTS:

SUB URBAN introduces recycled cement bags collection - "elephant brands". These bags were used for exporting cement to neighboring countries of Thailand. So, it must be water resistant and heavy duty material to hold up the cement. Knitty City is carrying a selection of totes, messenger bags and duffle bags.  Any and all are wonderful and sturdy "totes" for your projects!  These are going quickly - Lots of us love elephants, I guess!

On-Going Classes

More Kids Club

Now 3 days a week

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays!

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Knitty City will be closed March 31, Easter Sunday

Another Date to Remember for all  Tri-State Knitters

The Annual Garden State Yarn Crawl will be held this year on April 18-21. 

Check: www.gardenstateyarncrawl.com for details!

March Begins this Friday!

Since Spring is just around the corner, the watchword for March is versatility!  Yarns need to suit the season and we have lots of suitable yarns and ideas for your consideration.  One of the most creative yarns we know is Lopi - Not only because it's a beautiful yarn, but also because it comes in 3 distinct weights:  Heavy, Lite and Lace. 

Neighborhhood Fiber Co's  " Studio Worsted".   Available in a wide range of colors, these 400 yd. skeins are beauty and quality maximized. You can knit a lot with 400 yds of goodness:  scarfs, small people sweaters, hats & long sleeved hand warmers, cowls, pillows - the list goes on and so does Neighborhood Fiber Co.'s yardage.  There's lots of "buzz" about this yarn, so stop by and check it out.  Here's a peak at one of our favorite colorways.  I'm scooping this color up to make a little jacket for my favorite toddler. 

Another Exciting Addition to the Store is Lotus Yarn

Last newsletter, we wrote about their new Mink Yarn, now Lotus has sent us two more versions  of their yarns.


Autumn Wind
A lightweight blend of cotton & cashmere, this yarn is ideal for Spring time wear.


Miya
This shawl was created using Miya, a 70%mink 20%merino 10%silk blend that creates a year-round material.  To find the pattern, just go here: 
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/miya-shawl

Don't forget about our regular "stuff"

Kid's Club on Tues, Wed & Thurs.

On-going knitting and crochet classes

Check it all out on our calendar at www.knittycity.com