June is for.......

Men Who Knit & The Woman (and store)  who Love them! 

That would be us - all  the women of Knitty City.  So much so, in fact, that we've decided to devote our June windows to        "Men Who Knit".  We thought it fitting, what with father's day being just around the corner and our knowing so many neat men who knit.. We take great pleasure in hosting a really great men's group at the store so our interest in the point of view that men bring to the craft is strong.   Every Wednesday, from 6-8 pm, men who knit meet up and join forces to learn ( and occasionally unlearn) about the craft.  There is really nothing at all unusual about males knitting.  Some of our schools teach it to their students, both boys and girls, to facilitate small motor coordination, and the learning of basic math principles.   For generations before sexist nonsense about "women's work" intervened, fishermen knitted - whether it be in service to their nets or as part of a cottage industry that helped them get by during the months when fishing was not possible. Our Knitty City Men's Group has become very popular.  We even rated a story in the Wall Street Journal not that long ago, which you can find here:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303339504575566590405897032.html

With all that in mind, then, we thought that focusing  our monthly  profiles on one of the men with whom Knitty City has a strong relationship made sense, so here goes:

JUNE PROFILE

ALPHONSE POULIN

We first came to know Alphonse when he graced our store with his kind personality and prodigious talent quite a few years back.  From the outset, it was obvious that he was a master knitter with a great grasp of color, technique and design.  Such ability usually comes from years of experience, as was the case with him.  We instantly fell under his positive spell, and in short order Pearl asked him if he would lead our men's knitting night group.  The day he agreed was a good one for our stalwart group of male knitters, as well as the rest of us, since he's proved to be as generous as he is talented.  Always ready to share his knowledge, he is as quick to praise and appreciate the work of others.

Alphonse Poulin  learned to knit at the hands of a parochial school nun when he was 10 years old.  Almost immediately, he felt an affinity for the craft but put it aside until he was l8 and began studying at the Boston School of Ballet, where he had won a scholarship.    There he noticed that everyone knit - a really valuable way to use time while waiting to practice and perform.  It was also a way to make needed garments for rehearsals, so its practicality and portability added to his attraction to it.   

His success in the dance world led to many trips touring with the Boston dance company and those trips proved instrumental to his learning a variety of techniques, dance and craft-wise.  .  Every time he and the company visited a new city or capital, Alphonse would use free time to seek out the best knitting stores.    Marriage to another dancer also increased his repertoire of knowledge since both she and her mother were accomplished knitters.  His success as a dancer and choreographer took him to multiple cities in countries such as Portugal, Brazil, and  Switzerland where he worked with the best contemporary dance companies in Europe. He spent a number of years in Geneva, where he served as the Dean of Dance in the Conservatoire of the Geneva School of Ballet.

During one of his dance related sojourns in Scandinavia, Alphonse met Inge Fredholm (in a knitting store, of course), whose exquisite work in Scandinavian stranded knitting led to her authorship of a knitting book classic, "Knitting with a Smile".  Alphonse was instrumental in the production of the book, translating editorial into English.  All those years of travel had led to  fluency in multiple languages as well as multiple knitting techniques.

In the late 90's, he came to NY in response  to a job offer from Juilliard.  The shock of settling into a new community, country and culture was leavened by his knitting and the books he has collected over the years (Current count:  approximately 600).  Gradually he became acclimated to the pace of New York and credits his interest and abilities in knitting as being a valuable gateway.  When asked his favorite titles and types of projects, he cites, first:  The Principles of Knitting by  June Hiatt, and Elizabeth Zimmerman's titles. He's studied with Shirley Paden and greatly admire her recent book:
"Knitwear Design Workshop"   His knitting of choice is fair isle and lace, but laments the fact that he doesn't have the opportunity to do much lacework.  He likes working with Scandinavian yarns and classic  knitter's yarns such as Jamison & Smith.  When asked if he had a particular philosophy that informs his daily life, his response was " I Never Go a Day without a Stitch".   As you can understand, we like his philosophy as much as we respect and like Alphonse and we consider ourselves privileged to have him be a part of our world.  He'll be taking off for his home in Maine for a part of the summer, but he will continue to lead and instruct our men's night workshops.  If interested in partaking in the men's night meet-ups, call the store to see what's happening and when.

....One more thing:  We are planning to display the work of our male knitters in the window.  If you would like to contribute something to display  for the month of June (we promise to take good care of it and return it), we ask that you bring it to the store this week.  Our window wizard (Melissa) will be creating the June window this coming weekend.

 What's Happening In June

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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.

                                                          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

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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

             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

"The Firestix"

(Click on the title to go to full story)