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HURRAY, HURRAY - it's May!

phyllis, pearl@knittycity.com

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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

Tuesdays, 1:30pm – 3:00pm June 19th through August 28th
Meet opposite the Bryant Park Grill. Yarn and needles provided for use on site only.
Please call 212.787.5896 to reserve a spot - or take a chance and drop by...
Please note: Classes held weather permitting

May Workshops@Knitty City

Miter square techniques with Diane
Wed., May 16, 6-7P
Fee: $30.00
Learn to Make Cables with Susie
Tues., May 15, 1:30-2:30 PM
Fee: $35.00
Bead Crochet a Necklace with Dana
Wed., May 23, 4-6 PM
Fee $60.00-Includes a $40 kit
Learn to Block with Nancy
Thurs., May 24,, 6-7 PM
Fee: $30.00

Slip Stitch Workshop with Maxine

Sat, May 26, 12-2 PM

Fee: $30.00

Crochet Granny Squares with Amanda
Thurs. May 31, 6-7 PM
Fee: $30.00

Please Don't Forget:

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

May is Just around the corner.....

phyllis, pearl@knittycity.com

Mother's Day is May 13th

Before we launch into letting you know about what's happening at the store, we thought we'd help you get a jump start on Mother's Day Shopping by giving you a few ideas. This way, if you care to drop a hint or need to keep a list of your own, you're all set.

Ideas for Neat Mother's Day Gifts

(to see pictures of our suggestions, you'll also find these ideas on the April 16 newsletter)

1. Chic-A Bags - Various Sizes & Styles

2. Sol Mate Socks - Already made up for you

3. A Tote Bag - Blue Q, Walker, Quote Totes,etc.

4. Loreley Scarf Kit or Sock Kit - Koigu Yarn Included

5. A Classic Book - Barbara Walker', Ann Budd, Vogue Knitting

(Ask a KC Associate for some good recommendations in this category)

6 Always the perfect Idea: A Knitty City Gift Card

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NEW PROFILE

As promised, we're continuing to focus on some of the iteresting (and talented) people who work in or frequent, our store. Here's a snapshot of one of our regulars that we thought you might like to know a little better.

June Hariprashad

June learned to knit early on, thanks to a 6th Grade teacher, but she passed on the knitting for a while - her mom was a crocheter and she was not influenced by either at the time. She was, however, intereted in the sciences. (For what it's worth: The intrigue of fiber art is often a common interest among scientists and mathemticians - as well as writers.)

After graduating from Bryn Mawr with a degree in Biology, June ultimately became a Sr. Research Staff Associate at Cornell Hospital's Invitro Program. Her work is demanding and requires sequential days and long hours, so time off is precious. A big part of that free time is devoted to countering the effects of an intense professional life and that's where knitting comes in. In 2006, a friend and colleague, reintroduced her to it as an antidote to stress. June picked up her needles and proceeded to embrace it as an art form as well as for its soothing effects. It's a fascinating corollary to her work that, in big part, many of June's projects involve creating miniature knits -- ones with the most exacting details. Here are a few examples of some of her work from the past 6 years:

See that Heart Ornament on the left? June submitted to in a Valentine Day Contest that Interweave was running in Piecework Magazine and won an Honorable Mention award for it. We're especially smitten with the KC Project bag,on the right. It's slightly felted and captures our colors exactly. From time to time, you will see June's work exhibited in our front window. She's graciously allowed us to use her miniatures as props and a few years back, she contributed more than one gorgeous felted Apple to the Second NYC Yarn Crawl. Take a look at these beautites:

Grey Heart Apple Fair Isle Apple Fall Apple

June graciously credits Knitty City for feeling like a "home away from home". She says the friends she has made there and the sense of community have gone a long way toward fostering her growth as a knitter and her inspirations as a designer. For our part, we are proud to count her as a well loved customer and a part of our world.

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UPCOMING EVENTS @ KNITTY CITY

Book Signing & Trunk Show with Designer Iris Schreier
Thurs., May 3, 2012, 6:00-8:00 PM

Come to Ravelry Night and Meet Iris Schrieier, owner of Art Yarns. She'll be presenting a trunk show, comprised of the beautiful creations in her latest book:
"One + One: Scarves, Shawls & Shrugs: 25+ Projects from Just Two Skeins. Iris will show you how just two skeins of her luxurious yarns can create one beautiful work of art.

SPECIAL KNITTY CITY PROMOTION ON MAY 3

In honor of Iris's new book and the Art Yarns brand, we are offering 25% off on Art Yarns yarns on May 3rd ONLY. That will apply to all the Art Yarns yarns in store, as well as any special orders for Art Yarns you put in that day. Iris will be bringing color cards and samples and we urge you to take advantage of this rare promotion for Art Yarns only.

A New Knit-A-Long (KAL) AT KNITTY CITY

Beginning this Thursday evening, April 26, from 6-8 PM, Knitty City is hosting a KNIT-A-LONG, patterned after the Stripes Galore KAL on Ravelry (see http://www.ravelry.com/groups/stripes-galore-kal) Come to the store on Thursday evenings to join in by knitting one of Vera Vallmaki'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. (Please note: No meeting will happen on May 3rd since we will be hosting Iris Schreier that evening.)

Don't Forget to Check the Calendar

We have a number of workshops going on all week, including sock techniques, reading crochet charts and knitting flowers. Be sure to check the Calendar for more information.

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Coming Soon!

June 2.

Shirley Paden Casts On at Knitty City

Shirley Paden, one of the most respected and gifted teachers in our world, is going to be giving a class on cast-on techniques on June 2. The class will last about 4 hours. Shirley can only take the first 15 students. If you're interested and want to be placed on the list, give Pearl or Zach a call at the store (212.724,9596). We'll be back with all the details (time, cost and place) on our upcoming newsletter and blogs.

Come Knit in Public With Us

PLEASE JOIN KNITTY CITY ON JUNE 10 AS WE CELEBRATE THAT WHICH BRINGS US ALL TOGETHER.

So far, the following groups will be participating: Big Apple Knitter's Guild, The NYC Crochet Guild and The Seaman's Institute. We're approaching other fiber related not-for-profit groups in the area so if you have any suggestions please let us know.

All levels of knitters 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

Tuesdays, 1:30pm – 3:00pm June 19th through August 28th
Meet opposite the Bryant Park Grill. Yarn and needles provided
Please call 212.787.5896 to reserve a spot. (or take a chance and drop by...)
www.knittycity.com

Classes weather permitting

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CURRENT YARN OF THE MONTH & SPECIAL OFFERS IN MAY

APRIL'S YARN OF THE MONTH (YOM)

10% Off on all yarns of this brand

April's Knitting Book of the Month for April
10% off

May Sale @ Knitty City

25% off on all bags in stock

(does not include Walker or Blue Q Totes)

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Just In

Madeline Tosh DK Merino - a New Shipment!

Tosh Merino DK is a single-ply, 100% superwash merino wool, available in many luscious glazed solid colorways. With a generous 225 yards per skein, each squishy soft skein is hand-dyed in small dye lots and machine washable. (Colors shown do not represent what is in stock. For that, you have to come on in.)

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SPECIAL EVENTS & NEWS

"Bat-her Up"

Knitty City's Fire Stix Team

Our Sponsored Girls's Softball Team began their season on April l4, at the 79th St. Boat Basin Ball Field.We'll keep you up to date on how they are doing and confirm our reception at the store just as soon as we have checked with the team manager.

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Stitch 'n Pitch Time:
We are taking pre-orders for Stitch n Pitch 2012 tickets! Call 212-787-5896 with name & number needed by May 23
Tickets: $22.00 (reg.$28.00)
Sun.June 3: Mets. vs. St. Louis @2PM.
Marketplace at Game this year!

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Goings On in NYC

We live in the best city in the world, and one of the reasons it is so is because of the various cultural offerings that are available. Knitty City is a big supporter of the arts, so from time to time, we post things on this site that we think might be of interest. Here's one that just popped in over the transom:

FREE FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC @ THE NY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

APRIL 27 THROUGH JUNE 1

170 CPW (AT 77 TH ST.)

for further information, see: www.nyhistory.org

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We like to leave you with some iinspiration, so we've been asking our creative staff members if they can let us know what they're currently working on. Susie Dippel has contributed the following "On the Needles" recommendation:

Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (TML)

It's superwash, the colors shine & glisten & it's a terrific value for a single ply fingering weight yarn. Imagine a shawl for less than $40. TML earns these kudos from me due to its versatility. Elbow length gloves, crocheted cardigans and knitted sweaters, are among the items customers have shown us. I've used TML twice 1- the Serena Shawl (pattern from Fairmont Fibers) and Sophie the Bunny (by Ysolda Teague).

Well, that's it for the moment. We'll be back soon with more news. Please look for our newsletter, which also comes out twice a month. If you're not signed up for it, you can do so by emailing Zach (zach@knittycity.com) and asking to be put on our mail list.

April is Here!

phyllis, pearl@knittycity.com

If April is here, May Must be Close at Hand

After this gorgeous Holiday weekend, without a shower in sight, the flowers are already in full force and that made us begin to consider other upcoming Holidays, such as Mother's Day (May13) and the things that can make it special for you and the ones you hold dear.

If you're looking for inspiration, take a look at some of the new titles that recently found their way into our Library:

Left: Austentacious Crochet - For the romantics among us, this book features thirty-six original crochet projects, inspired by Austen novels, and designed with contemporary flair. The patters focus on women's wear, such as dresses, sweaters, cardigans, and capelets, but also encompass accessories such as handbags, scarfs, and pillowcases and clothing for children.
Introductions to each project include favorite bits of dialogue from the original novels. Fully illustrated with evocative photos, Regency-style illustrations, and step-by-step schematics.

Center: A book that is exactly what it claims to be, Noah's Knits lets you bring to life the story of Noah's ark. Included are instructions for creating cute and cuddly knitted dolls of Noah, his wife, and 15 pairs of special animals, all of which fit inside the book's cardboard fold-out ark. A great find, If you (or anyone you know) likes to knit animals and create scenarios.

Right: A Stitch in Time: This beautiful book features 59 original and updated versions of knitting and crochet patterns for women, from 1920 to 1949, with an overview of the style of each decade and its social context. Each pattern has been knitted in a current yarn, multi sized for the first time and reinterpreted for easy knitting. The patterns are available in a wide range of sizes.

Other "New Stuff" Yarns continue to come in, including a wonderful new shipment of yarn from Handmaiden: Casbah, a blend of merino, cashmere and nylon that has been so popular that it has almost flown out the door. Not to worry, however, we sill have some - waiting for you! Also in is Sea Silk, a luxurious blend of sea cell and silk, each skein of which is hand dyed, individually.

Either one of these yarns are the perfect gift or choice for shawls, scarves, spring and summer t-shirts or shells for warm weather clothes.

Newsletter - If you're already on our newsletter mail list, you will have seen our new format and you may have read our recent profile about Michelle Wang, who we have known for a long time. Unfortunately, the picture of Michelle, a satisfied friend and customer and one of her designs was inadvertently deleted from tthe newsletter so we thought we'd share it with you one more time.

Michelle is working as an independent designer and is a major contributor to Brooklyn Tweed's design studio and collections. Spring Thaw (http://brooklyntweed.net/springthaw.html) features 6 of her designs, and as usual, she’s in good company. It’s a great collection and we’re proud to offer it for sale in the store - as proud as we are to count Michelle a friend of Knitty City. We love the picture shown above. It was one of those happy coincidences in that Michelle was at the store on the day a customer who had just finished knitting one of her patterns (the Eternity Shawl) was there, as well. When designer met talented patron, the smiles were inevitable. To see more of Michelle’s work: http://mishi2x.squarespace.com

Needles & Pins - One of the many things that makes NY such a treasure trove of a city is the little discoveries that are waiting around every corner. One of our colleagues (they're all really "the best"), Dana Freed, recently gave us a little tip about a group of women who meet the third Thursday of every month at Pins & Needles, a fabric and haberdashery shop across town. On April 19, from 7-9 PM, anyone who wishes to bring a project (or start a new one) is invited to drop by and join in. The store sells wonderful fabrics and findings - buttons and ribbons, oh my!. If you wish to start something new, Dana will be on hand to teach the art of beading and "upcycling" - in which she will be using found material and beads to create a nacklace. Wine & supplies will be available. Needles & Pins, 1045 Lexington (bet 74 & 75), 2nd Fl., Phone: 212.535.6222.

"Knit 2, Unwind"

Knitters have long known the calming benefits of the craft. With that in mind, the National Alliance for Mental Illnes (NAMI) have begun a knitting group to support individuals who are coping with mental illness affecting friends or family member. The group will combine knitting lessons, emtotional support and self-care. Experienced knitters are welcome to bring their work and supplies will be provided for new knitters. Groups are held on a drop in basis and no experience is necessary. The Group meets the second Saturday of each month, from 1 to 2:00 pm, begining on April l4, and the third Thursday of every month, from 6-7:30, beginning April l9th. Location: NAMI-NYC METRO at 505 Eighth Ave., (35th St), Suite 1103. TO LEARN MORE, CALL THE HELPLINE AT 212.684.3264.

Please remember to check out calendar at www.knittycity.com, for an update on classes, and events at the store. Also, do sign up to receive one of our regular newsletters (send just twice a month). They'll keep you up to date on everything new and interesting at Knitty City. You know, there's always something wonderful happening at the store!

A League of Our Own

phyllis, pearl@knittycity.com

A League of Our Own

"The Firestix"

(Click on the title to go to full story)

April Bunnies Display Contest

Zac, pearl@knittycity.com

Inspired by Anna Hrachovec, the bunny wrangler, Knitty City will be holding our own bunny contest. Knit, crochet, or felt your own bunny(s) or bunny diorama to be displayed in the Knitty City window for all of April. (Click on headline)

Knitty City Online - RSS Feed - Newest posts

HURRAY, HURRAY - it's May!

May is Just around the corner.....

April's Knitting Book of the Month for April 10% off

April is Here!

A League of Our Own

April Bunnies Display Contest

April's Knitting Book of the Month for April
10% off