Knitty City  Fall 2012

 As the days  begin ro shorten,

Our fingers  will recall 

 The sweet satisfaction of knitting

In the welcome season of Fall 

Ok, no one's claiming to be a poet here, but it's hard to not wax rhapsodic  when it comes to Fall in NY.  It's arguably one of the most beautiful seasons in our incredible city and it's  a big favorite for NY knitters for obvious reasons.   The new yarns are in and waiting, patiently,  to be turned into beautiiful new sweaters, scarves, hats and mittens. Because we have so much to tell you, we need to create two blog post this week, so consider this Part I and look for the rest of our September News by Friday.

This Week's Events

We can't wait to tell you about our new yarns, but before we do, please remember to mark your calendars for:

Thursday, Sept. 6, at Knitty City. 

Nicky Epstein,  a true knitting rock star, will be here at 6 PM to talk about her new book: "Knitting in Circles". 

She's also bringing a trunk show so be sure to come by and say hello.  

And while we're talking events, there are still a few spots left for 

Melissa Leapman's Class  on Saturday, September l5, 11-3 pm

 

SOME FALL YARNS AT KNITTY CITY

BLUE SKY ALPACAS

Always a favorite among knitters, every year Blue Sky Alpacas show their new yarns to great advantage by packaging and presenting them beautifully.  Here are some of the fall season's newest.  You wil find the most inspiring  shades of color in Brushed Suri (on the center table), an ideal blend of alpaca, merino and bamboo that works in a variety of gauges. Whatever you do, don't miss Metallica, BSA's newest yarn dedicated to the beauty of alpaca and silk, in equal measure:

Metallica  

At the counter, be sure to check out the l00 yard skeins of Royal Alpaca, a  perfect size skein for those small and special projects that call for superior quality yarn. New patterns, in a charming format, add to the attraction of the Blue Sky Alpacas line:

LANG

Chunky yarns are  in demand, and Lang produces them in a variety of colors and weights that satisfy.  KC has 3  new ones in stock.  Take a look at these:

      Left to right:  Astrakan, Arenas, Malou

You'll find all 3 on the center table in a glorious range of color and texture. 

SKACEL

New lace yarns are  spilling out of their packing boxes and waiting to jump onto the shelves and into your baskets. In the tradition of Zauerball, Skacel has created a new  assortment of lace weight yarns

Lace Weight Ball

Hand Dyed Lace Weight.

 

 BERROCO

Boboli and Borealis, two very popular yarns are back for more of your attention. 

Quick knitting and silky soft, Borealisis a joy to knit and wear.

A wool blend combining shine and soft hand, Boboli lends cool-weather projects an air of sophisticated originality.

New In from Blue Q

We see Blue Q bags around town  almost as often as we see our own nifty Knitty City Bags   They are beautifully priced, originally designed and just downright fun.  New designs in the store include some of these winners:

Did you know?

Not only was she a special First Lady, she was also a good knitter!

Here are a few more neat designs and styles from the folks at Blue Q

.    

We could go on, but there are just too many new ones - You have to come in and see them and the funny little boxes that we cannot seem to keep in stock, like these:

Before we end Part I - here are some quickly approaching classes you should know about today:

Get Ready for the Upcoming Holidays & Knit  a Kippah with Dana Freed

Tuesday, September 11, 5-6pm; $30

Learn how to make a yamulke  using the basic technique of increasing in crochet. 

Must already know basic crochet single stitch.

The Importance of a Gauge Swatch with Nancy Ricci

Monday, September 17, 4-5pm; $30

Never worry about your knits coming out in the wrong size again. Learn how to properly create a  gauge swatch.

Building Blocks! Knitty City’s Afghan Knit-Along

Friday, September 21, 4-5pm

Saturday, September 22, 4-5pm

A new fun project where you get to learn lots of new knitting techniques one square at a time. You'll learn increases, decreases, cables, right and left twists, even chart reading. At the end of the series you will be able to stitch together a beautiful afghan or baby blanket.   To participate, you must purchase the booklet "Building Blocks" by Michelle Hunter and yarn for your afghan from Knitty City. Then come to the store on either Friday, September 21 or Saturday, September 22 from 4pm to 5pm to get started.

You will get FREE support from the Knitty City staff to help you understand the instructions and techniques.

Cost: FREE, just buy the supplies at Knitty City.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW!

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

Just in Case you haven't heard.......there a sale going on!

July is known for more than one thing:  the 4th, blueberries, vacations, and hot weather among them.  But, did you also know that, this year, July is the occasion for a geat sale at one of your favorite stores in NYC?    Selected yarns are 40% off this month.Come on in and take a look at what Pearl has put on the sale table.  In addition to some beautiful premium yarns (Swan's Island, Filatura di Crosa), you will find some great basics:  Cotton Classic in bright and basic colors, Punta linens and cottons are among them.  Like life, Knitty City changes on a daily basis.  So, if you see it grab it, and, conversely, if you don't see it, check again since the bins are being replenished constantly.

Knitty City's July Profile

Barbara Chanko

Barbara L. Chanko, RN, MBA: Staff, Ethics Consultation

Barbara Chanko is a friend of Knitty City, and, we feel honored to make that claim.  Barbara and Pearl met when she came to the store as a knitter and described a new project that she had recently become involved with at the VA Medical Center in downtown Manhattan.   Trained as a nurse, with a Master of Business Administration, Barbara has worked for the Veteran's Administration since l988, where she is on staff as a Health Care Ethicist.  In a story of "right place, right time", Barbara eventually became involved with the Women Veterans Knitting Group and began working with the women and their Group Coordinator, Catherine Nadel. The group had begun knitting together a number of years back, and after receiving funding from the VA,  the volunteers began making blankets and moved on to knitting chemo caps for those undergoing medical treatment. 

One day, Barbara noticed that the wall in the lobby of their building had been covered with the same artwork for a considerable amount of time.  While it commemorates the price of freedom that Veterans have paid and honors those who have sacrificed for our country, the piece had suffered from its exposure to time and environment.   Barbara thought that it might be a good time to consider a respectful change and, so she suggested enlisting the help of the women's knitting group and creating a knitted and felted American flag to fill the 25' x 8' space.  After conferring with the members of the Group and their coordinator, it was decided to undertake the project of creating a knitted version of the American Flag.  The next step began with a hunt for the right materials. 

This is where Knitty City and Pearl Chin enter the picture.  Barbara approached Pearl, asking for help in obtaining the necessary materials, and Pearl agreed. Pearl then contacted Cascade Yarns and asked them to consider selling it to the store for a discount, which she then passed on to the group.  To Cascade's credit, they immediately agreed. (They have requested a picture when all the work is complete.)  Thus, materials were obtained and the work has begun. 

Working with double strands of Cascade 220 and size l5 needles the group has started to create the large flag which, before felting, will measure approximately 11’ x 18'.    The women in the group are doing the horizontal stripes, and, Barbara, herself, has agreed to create the "Union" (otherwise known as the blue part). When all is assembled they will felt the flag in order to create apiece approximately 11 x 6 feet.  Upon completion, the stars will be needle felted on the Union and the finished flag will be hung in the lobby.

Obviously not one to be easily daunted, Barbara is not yet sure of the best method for felting such a big piece, but, as she said, "The science is there.  All we have to do is figure out how to utilize it.” 

We have no doubt that she and the VA's group of stalwart volunteers will do exactly that.  After all, that's what happens when you are motivated by passion AND ability.  As these women already know, they will rise to the occasion. 

 CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

Knit a Triangular Lace Shawl with Lisa Daehlin

Saturday, July 14^th 2012; 2-5pm

Lace is all the rage both on the runway and off!  Come, meet Lisa and let her show you how to make a shawl worthy of an angel.  Lisa's class  covers all  the skills (including various ways to incorporate beads) needed to create a lovely work of art.   Practice chart reading, too! SUPPLIES: Circular knitting needles (size 7 or 8), one ball of dk or worsted weight yarn (light colored and non-fuzzy), movable stitch markers

PRE REQ: Know how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off.

FEE:  $60.00

 Celebrate  "Phoebe's Birthday"

&
Meet Joanna & Eric Johnson
Author & Illustrator
Thursday, July 12, 2012
6-8PM

 

Gather the kiddies and join beloved Phoebe Mouse as she takes a summer vacation to the seaside with her parents and grandparents, and experiences a whole new set of adventures as she learns to swim. At the end of the story you will discover a series of knitting, sewing, and quilting patterns, which allow Phoebe's story to be brought into real life through the loving hands of a stitcher. Join us for this book signing event  and learn about what goes on as Joanna and Eric Johnson bring Phoebe and her family to life. 

 

Recently In

 

Here are some new yarns, just in - Thanks to Pearl's recent trip to the National Needlearts Show!

"Metalico" from Blue Sky Alpacas
50% baby alpaca/50% silk

"Flaxen" from Handmaiden Yarns
65% silk/35% linen

(Please note:  These yarns are NOT on sale)

And New Quantities (and Colors)  of

Bah! Yarns

Sweet Georgia

COMING SOON

Mark your Calendars

Fall Trend Show from Vogue Knitting

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

6-8 PM

Melissa Leapman @ St. Agnes Library (81 & Amsterdam)

Saturday, September l5, 2012

11A-3P

Class subject to be announced plus book signing afterward at the store

 

 

Knitting on Holiday

As summer approaches, the books and new magazines keep coming through the door - along with some neat little lightweight yarns.  Classic Elite's many yarns are this month's yarn of the month (10% off).  Their cottons, linen blends and lightweight offerings are ripe for the picking at that price.  The new issue of Knitty just came out on line.  For some really beautiful and portable and free patterns, be sure to visit www.knitty.com.   

One of these little scarf beauties  are  simply begging to be knit up in a lovely linen or linen/cotton blend.  (Think Louet's Euro-Flax for a pure linen choice).  Another good travel accessory is socks - consider a pair of these for a little July 4th on the road project:

Again, you'll find this pattern on  the new Knitty, right here::  http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff12/PATTlongitudinal.php    The pattern is free, and we have the yarn Zauerball - just one skein.

Staff Pick for Vacation Knitting

Maxine Levinson in KT Coyle's Linen Top

Free pattern:

http://www.katcoyle.com/blog/2007/07/linen-top-pattern/

This takes just two skeins of Louet's Euroflax Linen - plenty in stock!

Report on Knitting In Public Day

The turnout at Bryant Park was pretty great. In the Knitty City area, we counted 165 people - all showing their "true colors" by knitting in public.  Take a look at a few of these shots which Pearl took  on that fun day. 

This is also a good time to remind you that we'll be continuing our free knitting lessons in Bryant Park, every Tuesday.  Drop by or send a friend who might want to learn.  You'll be doing them a favor!

  Upcoming Events

Book Signing 

Meet the  Authors

Bert & Dana Freed

Wed., June 27, 2012, 6-8 PM

One of our treasured  friends and store-colleagues, Dana Freed, has just - co-authored her first book, along with her mom, Bert Freed.  (Both Dana and Bert  have taught classes on bead crochet at the store, and Dana does regular workshops - see our calendar for the next.)  We are proud to celebrate the launch of their book, Bead Crochet Jewelry: An Inspired Journey Through 27 Designs (Jewelry Design) by Bert Rachel Freed and Dana Elizabeth Freed at the store on Wednesday, June 27, from 6-8 PM.  Please join us as we applaud their wonderful endeavor.   Books will be offered for sale and both Dana and Bert will be on hand to tell you all about their adventure in creating this book.

Meet the Author of

"Phoebe's Birthday"

Joanna Johnson

Thurs., July, 12, 6-8 PM

You might remember Joanna  from her last book, "Phoebe's Sweater", a classic children's book that weaves together knitting and story-telling. Joanna and her husband-illustrationist, Eric, have followed up on Phoebe with a new book, "Phoebe's Birthday".  This time, Phoebe experiences a whole new set of adventures as she learns to swim. At the end of the story there are  a series of knitting, sewing, and quilting patterns.  Joanna is a long-time favorite of Knitty City, as are the yarns she features in her books.  Please come by on this evening and join us as we  celebrate the work of this talented couple. 

 Store Pick

Essentially Feminine Knits

This new offering from Lene Holme Samsoe is creating a lot of interest and attention.  We are selling it as fast as it's being shipped in.  Please stop by and take a look at her impressive  new set of patterns.  You won't be able to stop at just one.

Well, that's it for the moment.  Be sure to keep coming by.  In July, we will be  featuring a wonderful new window, honoring our Women Vets.  We will be writing about this a little later in the month, and, as always, we'll be in touch via our newsletter.  Please take the time to check out our callendar on this site and see if any of our early summer workshops are of interest to you.  Remember, we're open 7 days a week now, including 2 "late" nights, Wed. and Thursday.

See you soon!