As they say, the reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated! Those of you who drove past the store during the week of July 4^th may have worried if you saw an empty storefront. Let me assure you that nothing horrible happened! We’re back to normal at this writing with new and repaired floors! The wood floor in the front room needed to be sanded and sealed so EVERYTHING had to come out. In addition, the parquet floors in the classroom and hall were replaced and/or re-laid to improve their safety. Customers have been quite pleased with the results -- and so have I! (So sorry if you worried, but thanks for the concern!)

The newest yarn this summer is Silk Garden Sock from Noro. 8 vibrant colors in your favorite Silk Garden colors and a softer hand than Kureyon Sock make Silk Garden Sock hard to resist for those who like colorful socks! I’ve also stocked up on King Tut colors for those of you who want a mercerized cotton yarn. Finally, I just learned that more Ty-Dy will be arriving soon.

The biggest new products this summer are great bags to carry your favorite projects around town -- or around the world. The VERY fashionable Laguna and Malibu bags from Namaste can be packed as a combination knitting bag and purse. These bags feel like the softest leather though made from synthetic so they are very affordable! If you are a yoga fan, you might prefer Namaste’s yoga knitting bag. There is room at one end for a good size project and another compartment at the other end for extra yarn (or an extra project). Sling this over your shoulder and you’re ready for a meditative morning or afternoon at your favorite retreat.

If small is better, check out the cute drawstring bags from Chic*a. Great for sock and other small projects they come in fun colors and fabrics. Plus, there are matching equipment pouches that fit inside. I’ve found it to be the perfect thing to put in my bigger bag (purse, briefcase, or large knitting bag) to keep my sock project easy to grab and protected from the elements. Some of the bags have vinyl bottoms for extra protection. If there is a young knitter or crocheter in your life, it’s a perfect bag for their projects!

Finally, from Skacel — yes, of Addi Turbo fame — the Airplane Bag. Made from silk, this drawstring bag will surprise you. Compact when closed, the Airplane Bag opens up in your lap to reveal a good-sized project and all your equipment (i.e. lots of pockets). This bag has received rave reviews from one well-traveled customer already.

The hot weather is also a good time to try something new — a project or technique that seems interesting. Keep reading to see the fantastic line-up the Kiwi teachers have put together to help you step into those uncharted waters. And come visit us at the Southwest Fiber Festival!

Hope you are enjoying your summer — don’t forget to start your holiday projects early! Look forward to seeing you soon!

One way to finish those forgotten projects is to join us for one of our weekly knitting groups! There is friendly conversation, refreshments, and help when you need it. Monday from 7 — 9 PM is Knit Night. There is $5 fee for non Kiwi Klub members (applicable to a purchase on the night you attend). (Knit Night will not meet on Labor Day.) Wednesday from 10 — Noon is the Knitting Circle. No Charge! Register early (881-1319)!

Friendly faces and warm feet are the regulars at Kiwi on the first Saturday of each month 1 — 3 PM! Sock knitting is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory! Drop-in’s more than welcome.

Kiwi will be closed Labor Day, September 1st.

Join the Kiwi Club! Benefits include the following:

• A Kiwi tape measure.
• A pattern-of-the-month (remember to pick up when you’re in the shop).
• A 10% discount on yarn for the project of the month.
• One scheduled tech class each month.
• Weekly Knit Night fee (must pre-register)
• Discounts on scheduled classes and other events.

Cost is $50 per year for membership June 1 — May 31^st. The cost is pro-rated during the year as of the first of each month so you snowbirds can take advantage while you’re here. New memberships close on March 1, 2009. A real bargain just for Knit Nights alone!

Lynda Sorenson is available from 10 AM — Noon on Friday mornings to help with your knitting challenges. No need to register!

The best knitting wisdom is this: Think about the finishing before you begin. There are lots of ways to translate that, depending on the project you are working. Here’s what I do when I am working on a shawl or scarf, where all of my edges are going to show after the piece is finished.

A slipped stitch edge will match your cast-on and bind-off edges. The slipped stitch edge used in modular knitting is ideal and easy to work. You may want to add two extra stitches to your cast-on number to compensate for the slipped stitches. In every row, before working the pattern - K1tbl, work to the last stitch, sl 1 wyif. By working the first stitch of every row through the back of the loop, you are making it lay flat against the side edge rather than at the beginning of the row. Leave the last stitch of every row unworked - this is your slipped stitch. Bringing the working yarn to the front before slipping the stitch as if to purl sets up for the K1tbl that begins the next row.

Your results? All four edges match. I also like to use the slipped stitch edge on button band edges, collar edges or any other edge that will not be worked later and will show on the finished piece.

September Sock-mania — September is Kiwi sock month! We’ve packed the month with sock related classes. Tech classes concentrate on heels. Marianne will debut her newest sock creation — the toe-up sock with a traditional heel (she loves the fit!). You can learn to knit 2 socks at a time on circular needles or come and paint your own sock yarn (see next paragraph)! No Sock-mania would be complete without a sock yarn sale! 10% off all sock yarn during Sept!

Paint Your Own Sock Yarn — Join Heather in making designer yarn for your socks using Kool Ade for dye! Put in just the colors YOU like and in your very own way! We’ll have supplies —dyes et al and white yarn or Knit Picks sock blanks. You bring the ideas! Cost: $30 + cost of yarn selected. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 — 4 PM Sat Sept 27.

The Beginning Knitting Series – A series of 5 modules that can take you from non-knitter to confident knitter ready for most common knitting projects. Making a sampler scarf allows you to master the knit and purl stitches, casting on (starting), binding off (ending), several common increases and decreases and pattern reading. Take one or all. Materials: 200yd worsted weight yarn and knitting needles size 8 — 10. Cost: $50 or $18 per module. Teacher: Lynn Davis (Tue & Wed); Marianne Casteel (Mon).

Knitting Revisited — This class is designed for those returning to knitting and wanting a refresher. You will learn to cast on stitches, the knit and purl stitches, casting off, and weaving in ends. You will make swatches of stockinet, reverse stockinet, and garter stitches. You’ll be ready to make those fun scarves and shawls, baby blankets, and more. Materials: 50 yds worsted yarn & US 8 — 10 knitting needles. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel.

Crochet 101 — Learn the basics of crochet — how to properly start, the foundation chain, single crochet, pattern reading, and more. Materials: A size G, H or I crochet hook & a small amount of worsted yarn. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel

Crochet 102 – HDC, DC, TC. What the heck! Just the next step for the new or returning crochet enthusiast. We’ll put your new skills to the test by following a pattern with me to make a Granny Square! Materials: Same hook and yarn as Crochet 101. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Thu Sept 25

Kids Knit — Whether your (grand)child is just starting, wants help with the next step, or needs some help with a current project, this class is just for them. Materials: worsted yarn; US 7 — 10 knitting needles. Cost: $10/class. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 3 — 4:30 PM Wed Sept 3 or Oct 15

Spin DR — Beginning Spinning has reinvented itself! Jill will be in-house Saturday mornings listed below to teach beginners and those needing help to move to the next level alike. Learn hand spinning, how to use a spinning wheel or bring your questions about preparing and spinning fibers. Materials: Your hand spindle and/or wheel, fiber and questions. Cost: $18/session. Teacher: Jill Holbrook 10 AM — Noon Sat Aug 16 & Oct 18

Cost: $18/class.

Entrelac — Learn to create a fabric that looks like a woven basket. It is beautiful in 2 colors or one self-striping yarn. Materials: 2 colors of any yarn and knitting needles appropriate for the yarn. Teacher: Marianne Casteel 1 — 3 PM Wed Aug 6

Fair Isle — Fair Isle lets you add color and pattern to your projects. The techniques learned in this class will help reduce the efforts required to knit these beautiful designs. Materials: 50 yds of 2 or more colors of any yarn and appropriate knitting needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Fri Aug 15

Moebius CO — Magical knitting starts with the appropriate cast-on! It is quite amazing but not as hard as you might think. You’ll be ahead of the game for taking Cat Bordhi’s Knitter’s Bowl in October. Materials: any yarn and appropriate size circular needles with a cord length of 40" or longer. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 — 3 PM Sat Aug 23

Finishing -- Seams — UFO’s are everywhere …lurking in the back of your closet … in the bottom of your knitting basket … victims of the dreaded F-word (finishing that is!) In class you will put together a doll sweater using various seaming techniques. Materials: a darning needle; one of those UFO’s (optional). Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Aug 28

September Sock-heel-mania! — Ever knit a pair of socks to find that the heel just doesn't fit you quite right? Let us help. Learn four sock heels during this season based on Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks book. Sept 6, Lynda will cover the Sherman Heel. Heather will then cover the Dutch Heel on Sept 12 probably the most traditional, certainly the easiest of the heel-flap family. Fits most feet. On Sept 17, the subject will be the German Heel, sturdier, more 'patterned' in the heel flap than the Dutch, fits a wider heel well. Finally, The Welsh Heel on Sept 22, the most complicated construction of the four, this is a good heel to choose if you tend to go through heels like fish go through water. Each class will leave you with a worksheet so you can adjust the heel pattern for any sock knitted in any gauge. Materials: yarn & needles to match. Teacher: Heather Ordover & Lynda Sorenson (Sept 6).

Ergonomic Knitting — Wrist strain? Neck strain? Brain strain? Come learn some stretches, exercises, and techniques to help avoid repetitive motion injuries that can be caused by knitting & crocheting. Bring some knitting, too, to learn different holds for the needles. There’s no reason to let pain stop your needles from flying. Teacher: Heather Ordover 1 — 3 PM Fri Oct 3

Finishing — After the Seams -- You’ve knitted or crocheted, sewed in the ends, and seamed the seams. Now what? Learn blocking and other final work from an expert! Materials: a knitted or crocheted 4"x4" square bound off and ends sewn in. Teacher: Marianne Casteel.

1 — 3 PM Wed Oct 8

Short Rows — Short rows can make add smooth shaping and drape to a project or a magnificent pattern like in the Lizard Ridge afghan. Come unlock the w&t mysteries of this great technique! Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 —3 PM Mon Oct 13

Correcting Mistakes — Are you ripping it all out (along with your hair) when the mistake is too noticeable to ignore? There IS a better way! Learn how to recognize exactly what is wrong, how to decide what can be fixed more easily, and the technique for doing so! Materials: a 4"x4" swatch, still on the needles; sz G crochet hook; darning needle; & waste yarn. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Thu Oct 23

Modular Knitting — Modular knitting allows you to build a project as you go with minimal seams. You feel like you have finished something after each module and before you know it, your project is completed. Come learn the basics of this technique! Teacher: Marianne Casteel.

10 — Noon Tue Oct 28

2 Socks on Circs — You have mastered the common sock using circular needles. Now learn to make both socks at the same time — the cure for 2^nd sock syndrom! Materials: 100 gms sock yarn & your favorite sock needles. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue Sept 9 & 16 (2 sessions)

Bead Crochet Bracelet or Necklace — Bead Crochet Bracelet — Enjoy learning a popular-international technique in making vintage bead rope jewelry, while creating a beautiful bracelet or necklace. No crochet experience is necessary!  Materials: 6 different colors of size 6/0 seed bead tubes or packets; for beginners, size 2.10 - 1.65 mm steel crochet hooks and for more experienced: size 1.8 - 1.5 mm steel crochet hooks; crochet thread #10 (or #5 DCM Perle Cotton for beginners); beading needle; scissors; bead mat; and thread heaven. Cost: $45. Teacher: Deborah Levine. 1 — 3 PM Thu Sept 4, 11, 18 (3 sessions)

Bead Crochet Earrings — After you have mastered the basic techniques for bead crochet, make a pair of earrings to match your bracelet/necklace! Materials: see above. Cost: $28. Teacher: Deborah Levine. 1- 3 PM Thu Aug 14 & 21 or Fri Sept 26 & Oct 10 (2 sessions)

Cat Bordhi’s Desert Sunrise Bag — Intrigued by Cat Bordhi’s moebius knitting? Here is your chance to try it out while making a beautiful, colorful bag. Learn the moebius cast-on, the intricacies of hand-painted yarn, and how to felt all in one class! Materials: 600 yds hand-painted yarn; 200 yds solid yarn; 2 yds waste yarn; stitch markers; US 11 16" or 24" circular and 47"-60"circular; access to "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting". Cost: $28. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 — 3 PM Aug 22 & 29 (2 sessions)

Cat Bordhi’s Trifold Knitter’s Bowl — Treat yourself! Every craftsperson needs their "tool bench" where everything is within easy reach. This bowl is exquisite with side pouches to hold the essentials (tape measures, stitch markers, yarn cutters etc) so you can grab them at any time and a coin purse design to keep your yarn tucked away but still allowing free access. It is put together wrapped in a moebius strip so it looks like an art piece. Materials: 480 yds worsted yarn for main color; about 50 gms of 2 contrasting colors; 6 pieces of waste yarn; US 11 circular knitting needles with 47 — 60", 24", & 16" cords; stitch markers; & access to "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting". Cost: $42. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 10 — Noon Sat Oct 11, 25 &

Nov 1 (3 sessions)

Christmas Ornaments — These make colorful, fast gifts for friends and family. Good way to use up stash bits and pieces! They also make excellent first felting projects. Materials: Small amounts of feltable wool & colorful novelty yarn; US 10.5 (worsted wool) or US 7 (sport) knitting needles; Fiber Trends Pattern #210. Cost: $18. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 7 — 9 PM Sept 18

Color Mittens Faux Isle — Let’s knit mittens! Marianne has charted a fairly simple desert floral for mittens in worsted yarn. The faux isle means that instead of constantly changing colors, we’ll use a yarn that does that for you! For extra warmth, add an alpaca lining. Prior experience with sock knitting methods are necessary. Materials: 100 yds each of a plain and variegated worsted weight yarn; US 5 knitting needles. Cost: $31. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Fri Oct 24 & 30 (2 sessions)

Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 — 3 PM Oct 22

Easy Ribbed Fingerless Mitts — The simple rib pattern keeps these mitts easy. Great presents or to warm your own hands on cool winter mornings! We will be knitting in the round using dpns, 2 circs, or magic loop in a size that works with the yarn you choose. Materials: 50 - 100gm sport or worsted yarn; US 5 or 7 circular or double point knitting needles. Cost: $21. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue Aug 19.

Fiber Trends Felted Clogs — These clogs are a favorite of all who wear them! Knitting them can sometimes be frustrating and Kathy is here to help! The class is suitable for experienced beginners and beyond. Great for those who want to felt more than purses! Please bring the knitted, felted swatch suggested in the pattern to the first class. Materials: 600 yds worsted wool (1/3 for upper; 2/3 for sole & trim); 24" US 13 circ needles; Fiber Trends AC-33 pattern. Cost: $28. Teacher: Kathy Costello. 1 — 3 PM Tue Sept 30 & Oct 7 (2 sessions). Please call if this doesn’t fit your schedule as Kathy is more than happy to arrange a private session.

Felted Fish — Children love these colorful creatures! You can hang them as decorations or let them get hugged to death. Materials: 1 ball Noro Kureyon; 2 pairs 24" circ US 10.5 needles; markers; pattern provided. Cost: $31. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 — 3 PM Mon Oct 20 & 27 (2 sessions)

Felted Satchel — Learn to knit and then felt a beautiful shoulder bag. Techniques you will learn include, provisional cast on, knitting in the round, increasing & decreasing, loop or knitted cast on, and how to felt. Great class for new knitters! Materials: approx 460 yds chunky wool; US 11 circular needles with a 24 or 29" cord; Sz H —J crochet hook; pattern provided. Cost: $34. Teacher: Lisa Litton. 1 — 3 PM Wed Aug 20 & 27 (2 sessions).

Women’s Gloves — Dress them up or dial them down or just make something useful from stash sock yarn. Marianne is eyeing the Jade Sapphire cashmere for an extra soft and warm pair! Materials: 250yd fingering yarn; US 1 knitting needles; an outline of the hands you want to cover, if possible; pattern is provided. Cost: $31. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Sept 16 & 23 (2 sessions)

1 — 3 PM Sept 24 & Oct 1 (2 sessions)

Hedge Hogs — These cute little critters are fun to make and baby tested! Whether you make them true to life or psychedelic, you will love the result! Materials: 200 yds worsted wool yarn; 100 yds 1 or more fur yarns; US 10.5 & US 11 24" circular needles; Fiber Trends pattern #228. Cost: $28. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 — 3 PM Mon Aug 18 & 25 (2 sessions)

Knitting for Him — By popular request -- a simple sweater for your favorite guy (large or small) with enough interest to satisfy the knitter. The DK weight is just right for Tucson and the pattern covers sizes for both boys and men. Materials: 750 — 2,250 yds; US 6 & 3 knitting needles; Sirdar pattern #5064; and chest, back length and arm length measurements for your guy. Cost: $56. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Thu Oct 9, 16, 30, & Nov 13 (4 sessions)

Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole — Entrelac knitters (& wanabees) will love this beautiful wrap! Materials: 1200yds worsted yarn; US 10.5 knitting needles; & access to the pattern in Scarf Style. Cost: $56. Teacher: Lynda Sorenson. 10 — Noon Thu Oct 2, 9, 30, & Nov 13

(4 sessions).

Simple Cable Scarf — You’ve seen cables and you love them, but how are they done? We will learn how to do a cable and get a Holiday gift done at the same time. Join Marianne as to knit a cabled scarf using worsted or bulky weight yarn. Materials: 200 yds worsted or 150 yds bulky yarn; US 10 or 13, respectively, knitting needles; cable needle; pattern provided. Cost: $18; Teacher: Marianne Casteel; 10 — Noon Tue Sept 2 or 1 — 3 PM Thu Oct 2

Socks Your Way — If you have mastered knit and purl and are looking for a new challenge, this course may be just what you are looking for. You will be introduced to several different techniques for sock construction then choose the one that you prefer to make your first sock. A great project for trips, sport events, or while waiting for your children’s lessons. Materials: 100g of fingering or sport weight yarn; & a set of US 0, US 1, or US 2 circular or double pointed needles; pattern provided. Cost: $42. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Sat Aug 9, 23, & 30; Thur Sept 11, 18, & 25; or Tue Oct 7, 14, & 21 (3 sessions)

Sweater in the Round — Bored with scarves and shawls but unsure about tackling a sweater? Let Lisa help you over that hump with a sweater knit in the round. Easier than you think and no seams to worry about! Materials: 750 — 1600 yds worsted yarn; US 9 or 8 and 6 24" and US 8 16" circular needles; US 9 or 8 and 6 double pointed needles or second circular; stitch markers; st holders; and KPS pattern 9725 or 257. Cost: $56. Teacher: Lisa Litton. 1 — 3 PM Wed Oct 15, 29, Nov 5, & 19 (4 sessions)

Tess Scarf — You will love wearing this beautiful feminine lace scarf. It’s easier to make than you might think and designed so you can add beads for a little extra pizzazz. Materials: 400 yds lace-weight or equivalent in fingering weight yarn; US 5 needles; stitch markers; row counter; 17 gms 6/0 seed beads and 1.25 or smaller crochet hook (optional). Cost: $31. Teacher: Lynda Sorenson. 10 — Noon Tue Sept 23 & 30 (2 sessions)

The Knitted Kitchen — Fun, fast projects for the home. Each month will feature a different project generally using a single skein of yarn and/or leftovers from earlier projects. Cost: $18/class. Teacher: Heather Ordover

• Full skeins of yarn are returnable up to 1 year after purchase except sale items & special orders.
• Needles and patterns are not returnable after 3 days.
• Needles and equipment must be in the original packaging and accompanied by a receipt. Store credit only will be given.
• Pre-registration and payment are required to reserve your spot in our classes and events.
• Cancellations must be made by close of business the day previous to your class. Refunds are given only if your spot is filled, but you may reschedule for a future class at no extra fee.
• The stated times for each class are estimates and may vary by the number of people attending.
• Class materials are not included unless specifically stated otherwise.
• 2% discount given for cash/check purchases.
• Checks greater than $250 are accepted only with the approval of the owner.

Email: lynn@kiwiknitting.com Mon — Sat 10 AM — 6 PM Web: www.kiwiknitting.com