Leslie Simon's Light Filled Yarn Wreath  - A Gift to Knitty City

Even in the darkest days of winter, we seek to remember that this is the season that brings new light.  Whether its the hopeful  beauty of 8 little candles, the circling of a tree or wreath, or the decorating of  a home, light  serves as a guidepost to goodness and life.  As people who make things by hand, we realize that in  linking light-filled things together- whatever the material -  we link ourselves to one another in a wish for warmth, safety  and community.   

Knitty City, once again, extends its sincere wishes to all for a

healthy and peace-filled season.

In the days to come, you may wish to consider some additional things tthat  will bring you a smile or light up the faces of people you know who like to make things, so in that spirit, we continue our  list begun a few weeks back

The Gift of Pretty New Yarn

Just in from one of  our favorite yarn providers (Berroco) are two yarns that we think you might find of interest: Fuji and Maya.  These yarns are so new that we have not been able to find info (or pictures) on line yet.  Trust us, when we tell you that they are wonderful, and require you come in to take a look.  We'll be posting on line (Facebook) as soon as we can grab a few shots at the store. 

The Gift of Inspiration

One of our resident sales colleagues, who also happens to be a designer and author, Dana Freed, (Bead Crochet Jewelry), is a great pattern developer and  has recently been very active in designing some new knitting patterns.  Be sure to check out her collection of quick and stylish patterns  Presented with the right yarn, a pattern from Dana Freed's collection  is a great  gift.

Also inspiring us all this month is the new Trunk Show from Scrumptious Yarns.  Come on in and take a look at what this yarn turns into - and don't forget, Scrumptious yarns are  on sale all month at l0% off - along with Jade Sapphire's yummy cashmere yarns

The Gift of Learning

This week we have some upcoming events that will serve to broaden your awareness of new books and helpful techniques .  Please  mark your calendar's for this week's following events

Wednesay, December l9th, 6-8 PM

Book Signing with Bruce Weinstein

Boyfriend Sweaters: 19 Designs for Him That You'll Want to Wear

Whether you’re knitting for yourself or for any person in your life, these  projects are sure to be classics you’ll wear—or borrow—for years to come.  Join us as we welcome Bruce this evening. He'll be sharing his knowledge, some cookies and signing his books

Finish Your Audrey Gloves

Friday, Dec 21, 4-5pm*

In this second of her two-part class, Nancy will be demonstrating several seaming techniques and wet blocking.

Note:   You need to have attended the first class to participate in this class. 

FYI:Nancy's Audrey Glove pattern is available to all and is a fast knit for the intermediate knitter;  check with Zach in case you wish to take a private class with Nancy on this or any one of her other projects.  This and many of her additional  patterns are available at the store.

The Gift of "Gleen"

We have it on high authority, that The Gleener  is the ultimate in fuzz removal, and  works like magic to quickly and easily remove fuzz, pills and lint from most woven or knitted fabrics. Everything from sweaters, t-shirts, pants, jackets, and scarves to drapes, cushions and upholstery will be completely revitalized!  This is a great gift idea - One of those that will be remembered for not only its thooughtulness but also for its usefulness - for years to come!

The Gift of Music

Great gift for music lovers and history buffs, as well as knitters.  Knitting All The Day is sung by the wonderfully talented Melanie Gall, and provides a glimpse into daily life on the home front during war time.  Some songs are melancholy: Women were knitting for men who they might never see alive again. Others are energetic and very funny. If you are a knitter or crocheter, or if you are interested In historically rich music, you might wish to check this one out.  

Kid's Club Announcement

Due to the popularity of this after school activity, we will be adding an extra day for Kid's Club, bringing our total to 3 a week.  Desgined for kids in grades 2-5,  and held from 3:30-4:30 PM, a child will have the opportunity to make a scarf, a hat, an  iPad case, leg and arm warmers, a pocketbook or a book bag, and learn the art of felting.  Please call the store for more information on available and specific days.

Cost: $25/session. $10 for materials.

We'll be back again before long - so keep an eye out for our newsletter with updates!  In the meantime, keep warm and safe

Pearl & the folks @ Knitty City

Cu

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!

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

 

 

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