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

____________

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!

The Time Draws Near!

When a little gift (or two) might be appropriate! 

No matter what you celebrate, it's most often the case that some gift giving is in order at this time of year.  So, now that Thanksgiving 2012 is a thing of sweet memory (hopefully), we are setting our eye toward the next holiday on the horizon - and we have been planning accordingly.   This Season we've created a little list of our own - All with an eye toward being useful, of course.    Every week until December 25,  we'll  be sending  YOU  a list - for some of the  most intriguiing things we can think of that are currently available at the store.

#1

The Gift of Experience

Nothing keeps on giving like the gift of learning, and this month we have a lot of learning going on!  Treat yourself (or a friend) to a class with one of the most spirited and creative knitting designers and teachers in the biz.  We'll be serving a little bit of bubbly, dishing up some snacks and Annie will be imparting a whole lot of knowledge!

Make the  Holidays bright(er)  by taking a Color Class with Annie Modesitt, well known designer, author and teacher, and let her take you in:
"A New Direction in Color"
Join us at the store,  after hours, and learn while  Annie Modesitt explain some of the tricks of the trade when it comes to deciding on color combinations & techniques
Special Holiday Class Offer::  $40.00

We stock some of the finest brands in the yarn world and that includes, of course, Malabrigo.  This week we welcomed a new line of their gorgeous yarn.  Named "Rastita", it's  a sportweight version of Rasta.  It’s a lightly fulled, DK weight single that comes in a rainbow of delicious watercolor hues- some existing favorites, and some brand new! Yardage is generous: 310 yds ~ which means that one skein  will render a small muffler and two can generate a nice shoulder wrap for you  or the shoulders of one you love.  Here's a peek at just 3 of the many colors currently on the shelf:

Also in stock this week is the newest Malabrigo book: No. 4  - filled with lovely ideas,  beautifully executed.  A few skeins of this yarn, plus the new Malabrigo book, would light up anyone's world.  Even a non-knitter would learn to knit just to make this yarn come to life! 

Another book from beyond beautiful is this  newest Amimono Book

" The Bird Collection"

The latest from designer Helga Isager, Amimono 4 is a double faced pattern book that features "The Bird Collection" on one side and the "Little Bird Collection" on the other. With 7 classic designs for women and 6 darling designs for children, Amimono 4 makes a wonderful addition to any library.

#4

The Gift of Help

Knitty City's  colleagues love to share our knowledge about the crafts that give us such enjoyment.  We feel fortunate to have attracted a great clientele and to work with some of the most knowledable people. We recently added a new person to our staff:  Sarah Solomon.  Here's a picture ) and a  bit about her, in her own words:

Sarah Solomon studied music, literature and foreign languages at Sarah Lawrence College.  After years of sewing, she finally decided to try knitting about 5 years ago and hasn't put her needles down since.  She loves natural fibers, marrying traditional and innovative techniques, and achieving the perfect fit.  A fan of Knitty City since she first started knitting, she is delighted to finally be part of their team.

#5

The Gift of Anticipation

Followng are a few more things to look forward to this month

12.7.12 - Fyberspates Trunk Show Begins  In Store

Check out the Saturday Treat Book we have on hand, as well

An exciting new collaboration between Ysolda Teague  and Fyberspates, the six accessory patterns in Saturday Treat feature a color palette selected by Ysolda in Fyberspates Scrumptious, a luxurious wool / silk blend with a beautiful sheen ~ the colours practically glow. Containing designs for pretty little additions to your wardrobe, or gifts that you know will be treasured, all of the patterns feature interesting details against a relaxing background.

Make the most of your special knitting time with Ysolda and Scrumptious.

12/19 - Book Signing for Boyfriend's Sweater

6-8 PM

Knitwear designer Bruce Weinstein has fashioned the classic boyfriend sweater with 19 ultra-comfortable projects designed to work on both men and women. Come in and meet him in person and pick up your signed copy at this in-store reception.
Whether you’re knitting for yourself or for the person in your life, these gorgeous projects are sure to be classics you’ll wear—or borrow—for years to come.

As always, don't forget to check us out, daily, on Facebook and Twitter. 

We'll be back next week with another "list" of things that you'll want to keep in mind as the holidays approach.  In the meantime, happy knitting (and/or crocheting).  Keep warm!

WELCOME TO SOCK-TOBER at Knitty City

Forgive us for playing with the language, but we could not help ourselves.  We're so excited about the beginning of October.  We're celebrating Fall knitting all month - beginning with the love of socks.  In honor of the little twin cuties, we've dedicated the entire month to sock yarn and we are taking 10% off on each and every one of our sock yarns - and do we have the brands:  Baah! La Jolla, Cascade Heritage and Heritage Silk,Colinette Jitterbug, Dream In Color Smooshy, Fleece Artist Casba, Frog Tree Pediboo, Koigu, Lorna’s Laces Sock, Madelinetosh Sock, Malabrigo Sock, Prism Saki, Spud & Chloe Sock, Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock, Zauberball Sock.  One of your favorites has simply got to be in this list.

You'll need your socks this week to cushion your tootsies in your walking shoes:    It's the Fourth Annual NYC Yarn Crawl, and Knitty City is oe of 10 stores participating in this yearly yarn trek through Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Each store is doing its best to attract you with neat promotional offers and sales.  For additional information, be sure to check out www.nycyarncrawl.com.  As for Knitty City, here's what we'll be doing:

In addition to the 10% off on all sock yarns, we will be doing a "weekend only offer" of 20% on all books and 20% off on special Knitty City hat and scarf kits.   It's the ideal time and place to stock up on holiday gifts - Think of what a neat gift could be made of one of our many  sock books and a skein (or two) of fabulous sock yarn.  Reminder:  Sock yarn also makes great scarf and shawl material as well as good yarn for baby items.

In addition to the sale, specials and basket raffle, we will be hosting Anna Hrachovec and her darling (if slightly scary) crew of Monsters.

Anna will be in the store on Saturday, October 6,  from 3-5 pm with a  Super-Scary display and plenty of books, so please stop by if you’re in the city and pick up a signed book from her.   This is not a formal event, so she's  just looking forward to hanging out at one of her  favorite yarn stores and chatting with knitters about knitting tiny zombies, mummy cats, and dead toasters.  Please check out the NYC Yarn Crawl

The characters from Super-Scary Mochimochi are playing a key role in this year’s crawl: they have the honor of being the must-find items for the scavenger hunt.  Every store you visit will have one of Anna's little pals somewhere on the premises.  We hope you find them all.  Instructions for how to notify the people at the Yarn Crawl can be found on the site along with a list of the prizes.  About the scary monsters:  They are really a very friendly type of scary so don't be frightened of them.  They do love it, however, if you pretend to be a little scared.  It makes them feel as if they're doing a good job for Anna - and they all love her -- so do we.  Come on and meet her on Saturday. 

________________

October Events 

Young Designer's Presentation
October 4, 2012
Michelle Wang
6-8 PM
Please  join us as we begin, again, our monthly  Designer's Presentation. 

Welcoming Michelle Wang to KC is second-nature for us, since we feel we have known her from the beginning.  An early customer of KC and a valued colleague, we have been privileged to see her grow and become successful as an independent, published designer.  Her designs have  appeared in a number of magazines, most recently  Vogue Knitting and, last year, she joinged the design team at Brooklyn Tweed.  She will be sharing her most recent work with us and speaking about the challenges and rewards inherent in making a living as a hand knitwear designer.

Love your Dog or Cat?

Want a low maintenace pet?
How about knitting one?
Betty Marsella will show you how at  Sunday afternoon workshops this October.
          

October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2012;  2-4 PM
Cost:  $125 (due prior to class)
Call the store to sign up  and for further information!
PLEASE EMAIL OR SEND US PICTURES OF YOUR CATS FOR OUR WINDOW!

Make a Hat

with Daniel Yuhas

Saturday, Oct 27, 10-12:45pm 
$60 (payment due prior to class) 
This class is being held at the St Agnes Library.

Daniel will also sign copies of his new book:

“Knitting from the Center Out”.

___________

Have You Begun Building Blocks?
Now's the time!
Knitty City’s Afghan Knit-Along with Maxine

This knit-a-long will be held every Friday and Saturday in September and October  from  5-6pm. 

You can begin at any time during the month.
Learn lots of new knitting techniques, one square at a time
Master increases, decreases, cables, right and left twists, even chart reading.
When all squares are complete, create your afghan or baby blanket.
Purchase the booklet "Building Blocks" and yarn  from Knitty City and
come to the store on Friday and Saturday evenings (5-6 PM)  and get FREE support.

 _____________

DON'T FORGET TO
CHECK OUT ALL OUR KNITTY CITY CLASSES
WWW.KNITTYCITY.COM
For those of you who have resolved to learn to knit and/or crochet, there's no time like the present.
New Yorker's love the best, and we have some of the best designer/teachers in the business!  For additional information, please look at our class schedule  on line (www.knittycity.com) or stop by and pick up a schedule at the desk!
 

Catch  a SPECIAL Ride to the NYS  Sheep & Wool Festival

Many say it's the best show in the Northeast. It's a great day for anyone who loves yarns!
Bus Departing from in front of  Knitty City on 208 w. 79th St., NYC
Saturday, October 20, 2012 @ 8 AM
Meet Designers, Authors and Other Knitters!
Knit, Learn & Possibly Win Something Special along  the Way

There will be an amazing number of items raffled off.
Go to:  www.knittingandhowe.com for information - just click on trips/events tab
___________
 

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   

    

What if Santa was a Knitter?

Just imagine the yarn his bag would be filled with!  Well, that's kind of like how we feel here at Knitty City.  The yarn won't stop coming.  Presently we're getting a lot of restocks on existing things so that means that our shelves are filled with even more goodies from the likes of Berroco, Cascade, Classic Elite,  Madeline Tosh, Malabrigo, Sweet Georgia, Tahki Stacy Charles, Trendsetter and that's only naming a few  In addition, we have the most beautiful cashmere from Jade Sapphire, Art Yarns (look for beads and lovely glitter).  (Click on Title to see more.....)