The Calm After the Storm 

Knitty City reopened yesterday and while we won't attempt to summarize the experience that was Hurricane Sandy, we do wish to state, once again, how proud we are to be a business in New York.  We saw many friends and familiar faces  and it warmed our collective heart to have them stop by and tell us how they have fared over the past few days.  For those who are feeling the effects downtown and in the outlying boroughs and areas, we are thinking of you and we hope to see you soon.  Drop us a line via Facebook, if you can, and let us know how you are doing.  We are here and we care.

A Few Changes in Schedule

There will be no Curvy Girl Crochet Presentation tthis evening, so please make sure your calendar is cleared if you were planning to attend. We will be rescheduling with Mary Beth Temple as soon as we have more information on her availability.

Maxine's Beginner's Knitting Class on Saturday (1-3P)  will be taught by another Knitty City teacher as of this writing.  Maxine had a non-storm related mishap which will keep her out of commission for a short while.  We'll keep you posted as to when she'll be back.  

Yarn of the Month

We are offering a 10% discount all month on any/all Cascade Yarns.    Anyone who knits is probably familiar with this line of quality knititng yarns.  We are fortunate to stock  a wide range of weights, and we heartily  recommend you take advantage of this sale to stock up for your Holiday and Winter Projects.

New Yarn

"Gina"

This worsted weight 100% yarn will knit up quickly on a size 7 needle.  This is  one of 10 luscious colorways  just in. 

Pop on by to check it out.  What a hat, or scarf this would make!

Upcoming Events

Lucinda Gudy Book Signing @ Knitty City.

Saturday, November 10, 2-4 PM

Please join us and meet British Designer, Lucinda Guy. 

Many a knitter knows her charming collection of  children's pattern books (4 in total) and her  successful "Northern Knits" book,which features a range of beautiful scandinavian inspired sweater and accessory patterns.  She has followed that up with Northern Knits Gifts, a collection of smaller items and accessories which have the same Scandinavian theme. She's seldom in NY so  this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet her!!!!

New Books to Note

SHORTSTORY

In "Shortstory", the follow-up to her bestselling Hattitude and Cowl Girls, knitwear designer Cathy Carron offers fashion-forward knitters 35 designs for boleros, shrugs, cropped cardis, and short wraps, along with instructions on how to adapt patterns to your own measurements.

Big Apple Knitting Guild Presents

Special Appearance, Book Signing & Presentation from Cathy Carron

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 6-8:30 PM

PEARL STUDIOS, 12th Floor Studio

500 Eighth Ave. (between 35 & 36 St.)

Knitty City will be sellling copies of Cathy's Book so we'll see you there.

Note:  You do not have to be a member of the Big Apple Knitting Guild to attend this meeting.  It is open to all.

Knitty City currently has these books in stock, as well. 

Knits for Babies 0-18 Months 

Susie Haumann

An essential for anyone who knits for babies. 

16 designs for baby including pullovers, vests, a hoodie, socks, mittens, a dress, caps, leggings and a bib. Softcover; 9" x 9"; 40 pages.  We keep on ordering this one.  Get it while in store.  

Upcoming Special  Class

 Nancy Ricci Teaches

"Audrey"

The perfect Holiday Gift

Thursday, November 9, 5-6 PM &

Thursday November 16, 5-6 PM

Designer/instructor, Nancy Ricci, will conduct a class on knitting her charming "Audrey" fingerless gloves.

Just two 1 hour classes and you'll know how to make these!

Fee:  $40.00 for the two class series

Once made, we can almost guarantee that you won't want to part with them - especially if you use a skein of

Jade Sapphire Cashmere Yarn,

We have that and other alternatives in stock for you to purchase before the class. 

For a full listing of all our classes and workshops, please be sure to go to http://www.knittycity.com and click on the class tab.

PEARL CHIN

KNITTY CITY

American Express OPEN has notifed the Upper West Side’s Knitty City that it is one

of 10 finalists in this year’s Big Break for Small Business Competition! 

We are excited to announce that Knitty City Along with 9 other worthy
   businesses, is a finalist in the Big Break for Small Business contest
   from American Express.  That means if we can get enough votes (lots and
   lots) Knitty City,  along with 4 other businesses, will  each win
   $25,000.00.  That money will enable us to fund some of the social
   community projects we wish to underwrite!

   So here's where OUR GREAT CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS COME IN:

You can help us win the prize plus some
   great help from American Express and Facebook,  by voting for Knitty
   City once a day, starting today, up to and including August 31,
   2012.    All you need to do is go to this link:  http://ow.ly/cSMmL
   and vote.  If you want to see something that will make you smile,

please take a look at this neat video that AmEx created just for us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZINRD3Gp1E

   Thank you for your support!

   Pearl Chin

We Know Just  How He Feels//1

If you have taken a look at our windows this month, you know we are smitten with our canine family members and the wonderful things we can make for them and with them in mind, Like our little Boston Terrier pal here, we admit to feeling a little immersed in yarn these days, 

It's no wonder:    We just received 94 lbs. of Madeline Tosh's gorgeous yarns - in a variety of glorious weights and colors. Now, you may ask, wool in August?  Well the smart knitter knows that this is the absolute best time to come in and have your pick because, we can promise you, come September, these incredible fibers  will be selling out.

Also just in the store is  some really incredible silk lace from Skacel, Fili Silk.  Take a look at this beautiful  shawl made from their  silken yarn.  We found this beauty on line, by googling Fili lace.  If you want to have some help in picking out the perfect shawl pattern, come visit us.  We have many and are always happy to recommend.

While in the store,  please  don't forget to look at the  gorgeous selection of  4 new yarns from Hand Maiden that you'll find on the front table.  Also,  Sweet Georgia just sent us a lovely selection of Silk Mist, their new   combination of silk and mohair.  Take a look:

In addition, a shipment of Tundra (Fibre Company) is in. Since August's Yarn of the Month is Fibre Company,  this is the month to pick up some of this outrageously sensual yarn.  It's a glorious blend of Alpaca, Silk and Merino that will knit up quick as a flash on size 10 needles.  While it may be a bit warm at the moment, smart knitters know that now is the time to get the colors (these are just a few of them)  and the price they want.  For a free pattern (or two or three) from Fibre Co., visit  here:            http://www.kelbournewoolens.com/freepatterns.html

Coming this weekend!

For those of you who may be in town or about to leave on holiday, have we got a class for you!

KNITTING A TRIANGULAR LACE SHAWL

with Lisa Daehlin

Sunday, August 12^th 2012; 1-4pm

This popular class is being repeated due to demand.

  We think it's the perfect way to learn and fall in love with knitting lace. 

Lisa will teach you all the smart tricks and methods that have enabled her to become a great knitting designer. (That lovely lace poncho on the cover of the newest Vogue Knitting is her design.)

You need to  know the basics (knit, purl, cast on) but Lisa will  help you go farther in lace,  and we guarantee you'll never look back:

For additional information: please see:http://lisadaehlin.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/class-at-knitty-city-_-knitting-a-triangular-lace-shawl_-redux/

Also in August

Vogue Knitting @ Knitty City
August 29, 2012
6-8 PM
 
Join us when  the senior editors from Vogue Knitting share their  thoughts on new seasonal  trends and present a  trunk show from the Fall Issue. 
Be sure to come by and meet the people who put together the most fashion-forward knitting magazine in the knitting world.

We're So Excited

For all Malabrigo Lovers and everyone who wants to  be!

Knitty City is excitied to be hosting a Yarn-Tasting with

Malabrigo owners, Tobias and Antonio,

on Friday, August 31 at 5:00 pm!

Be sure to bring your needles!

Door Prize!

Coming in September

Fall normally starts with  crazy schedule demands, so we want to let you know about some upcoming events so you can mark your calendars, now!

Nicky Epstein @ Knitty City

Thursday, September 6, 2012, 6-8 PM
Book Signing & Meet 'n Greet   

    

The Dog Days of Summer are Upon Us

However, we are staying cool, calm and collected as we look forward to the fall seson and some of the yarns that we know are comng - some, in fact, are here already.  Come on by and check them out, along with all the new magazines and books that have started to come in for fall.  While you're here,   be sure to also check out our sale table - it's grown much smaller but it's stil 40% off and the cotton colors are perfect for late summer knitting. Talking "Dog Days", please be sure to keep an eye out for our August Windows.  We are featuring our favorite Knitty City pets.  If you have an interesting or fun picture of your best animal friend, please send it to pearl@knittycity.com.  You just might see your favorite animal  pal in our front window, or up on our Facebook Page, or, at the very least, right here on our blog!

On going Events

Bryant Park Knits - We could not be more pleased with how well the knitting classes in Bryant Park have gone.  We have made many new friends and to accommodate them and others who may wish to learn (or just stop by to knit with us), we will keep on going through August 28th.    If you or anyone you know is interested in these classes, please contact us directly at 212.787.5896 or just drop by Bryant Park any Tuesday afternoon from 1:30-3:00 PM. 

Vogue Knitting @ Knitty City

Please mark your calendar for August 29th, when Vogue Knitting Editors will be at the store, from 6-8 PM.  They will be  presenting  their thoughts on new fall trends along with a trunk show from the Fall Issue.  . Be sure to come by and meet the people who put together the most fashion forward knitting magazine in the knitting world.

(As seen in Vogue Knitting Early Fall 2012)

Looking Forward!

Fall normally starts with  crazy schedule demands, so we want to let you know about some upcoming events so you can mark your calendars, now! 

Nicky Epstein @ Knitty City
Thursday, September 6, 2012, 6-8 PM
Book Signing & Meet 'n Greet

Melissa Leapman @ Knitty City

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Spring & Summertime Projects at Knitty City

In the "olden days"  the owners of the popular yarn shops would call the spring and summer months the "slow season".  Well, no more.  Thanks to  versatile yarns, a variety of weights and  projects now available in multiple formats,  knitting and crochet are year-round. Witness these new magazines just in!  We had to order Vogue Crochet twice so far - it's fairly flying out the door and their Spring Summer Issue offers some of the lovliest shawl and summer weight knits we've seen in a long while....and the other day,  Interweave's Summer issue glided in over the transom. You just might want to start planning your take-along projects - but come on in soon - everyone has the same idea, it seems

May  Profile

Susan Haviland

We have known Susan Haviland for quite some time now - and the same can be said by many of the top yarn companies and magazines as well as most of NY's experienced knitters.    Susan is one of the most proficient and admired kntting  and crochet teachers and designers in NYC.  Susan has been knitting for most of her adult life - a skill she picked up while still in college at Sarah Lawrence, where she majored in Theatre and English Literature.  In a marvelously synchronized way,  her love of  these subjects dovetailed with her needlecraft skill and resulted in more than one talent.  In addition to acting for over 12 years in off Broadway productions, she also had an interest in and appreciation for theatrical costuming - a skill that lent itself nicely to her interest in textiles and fabric construction for the body. 

In her early years in Manhattan, she led the typical "struggling young actress" life -- starting out in the East Village with multiple roommates and multiple jobs..  As a  founding member of an acting troupe, her work directing dance and theater productions  enabled her to understand how the body works and how design must accommodate freedom and expression in movement.  Like many artists, she found the financing  of her career to be a huge challenge, and for awhile worked "full time" for a hedge fund - for very practical reasons.  During that intense period of her life, she began furious knitting (her words) as a means of self-expression and for the meditative benefit  that so many of us  love.  

In due time and after enough exposure to the pace of the financial world, Susan acted on her desire  to return to her original fascination with design. Thus, a new chapter in her career opened when she went to work at the Knit Resource Center, a knitting company that serves the garment industry..  It was there that she developed knit  samples for well known 7th Ave. designers, an invaluable experience.  Simultaneously, she  began to teach  at FIT and The Museum of Folk Art  and became  one of the founding members of the Big Apple Knitting Guild and  created  designs for popular knitting magaines, including Vogue Knitting.  Most recently, in addition to  her on-going design work, she was working, part-time, at Knitty City where we were proud to have her as a teacher. 

Susan  cites  teaching  as one of her major enjoyments, saying that the variety of students and the encouragement of talent has been enormously satisfying.  As any one of her students is usually quick to say, Susan is one of the best needlework teachers in New York. She has  kept her hand in the design and fashion world, and has recently returned to full time employment  with the prestigious Oscar de la Renta design studio, where she is  working directiy with knitwear designers in the creation of knit fabrics and garments.   

Due to her magnanimous personality and capabilities , Susan has touched many lives in NY..  We were sorry to see her leave Knitty City but thrilled that she iis working with one of the best designers in the industry.  We see it as a win/win since Oscar's design firm is  getting one of the best, too.  (Fyi:  She's promised to come back  to  visit and teach -  we'll let you know when.)

Beautiful New  Yarn

 Linea Pura Cash Silk

A unique blend containing  cashmere, silk and bamboo, this new yarn from Lana Grossa, is sure to knit up like a gentle dream.  Suggested needle size is 8-10 which means it will fly and so will your imagination when you touch it.  We currently have it in stock in red, grey (see above), and white.  More colors due in soon.

Yarn of the Month@Knitty City

All ArtYarns are on sale for the month of May at 10% off.

Specail Promotion of the Month@Knitty City

SPECIAL BAG SALE DURING THE MONTH OF MAY:
Bags & Purses (exception: Blue Q & Walker) are 25% off

Incredible New Book@Knitty City

Knitters of all skill levels will love the projects and inspiration talented Nordic knitter Britt Marie Christofferson  presents in the aesthetic masterpiece,  Pop Knitting.  This incredible book  will have the most advanced knitters eager to experiment.

Bright color dominates throughout, making simple patterns stand out. Discover vibrant color, in-depth instruction, and artful inspiration that have ruled Christoffersson’s work and life. We have already ordered this book twice, after watching it it sell out as soon as it came in the first time..  Don't hesitate if you don't wish to wait til we order it a third time.  

Fun Things to do @ Knitty City

Knitty City is hosting a KNIT-A-LONG involving any one of the wonderful shawl creations of Veera Valimaki.  Come to the store on Thursday evenings in May and  join in by knitting one of Vera's beautiful shawls. You can find examples of her work and shawls here:http://www.ravelry.com/designers/veera-valimaki    At the end of May, we will host a party so that everyone can share and show-off their FO's.

Dates to Remember 

Knit In Public Day on June 10
Join Us and your fellow NYC knitters for an afternoon of yarn celebration.
All levels of knitters and/or crocheters are welcome! Come & bring your knitting.
Beginners can learn!
Hours: 2 – 4:30pm
Bryant Park @ 6th Ave. & 41st St
Event will kick off our free lessons in Bryant Park, beginning June19
Presented & supported by Knitty City, the Big Apple Knitters Guild, the NYC Crochet Guild, and Harlem Needle Arts

Please Don't Forget:

Knitty City will be closed on Mother's Day, May 13 and on Memorial Day, May 28.