Newsletter Date

Newsletter Fall 2010

Volume 6, Issue 2

Kiwi News

Fall is slowly making its way into our lives & while it seems quiet at Kiwi right now there is a actually more going on than meets the eye. First, of course, there is a host of new classes described in the following pages designed to help you improve your skills and make life more comfortable (and/or beautiful) for yourself and those around you. Something new, offered by Marlo Morgan, is a beginner-level class in thread crochet where uou will learn to make a snowflake. Other classes I expect to be popular are Pam’s lace shawlette class (Annis), Claudia’s stranded knitting projects, Kendra’s tea cozy, and Brigid’s entrelac Christmas stocking. Check them out!!

“Afternoon Tea” starts in August! The Tucson Handweavers & Spinners Guild is planning a tea party for their spring fashion show next March where you will find a multitude of creative tea cozies on display. Thus was brewed, with the help of THSG Pres. Carolyn Webb, the germ for “Afternoon Tea” Cozy Club. You can read the particulars below and whether you come to work on a cozy for THSG or just for fun, I hope to share a little tea with you soon!

The new fall yarns start arriving beginning next month continuing through October. Watch for the return of some novelty yarns and you will probably note the popularity of chunky yarns in fall magazine. Kiwi will also offer more DK/sport yarn in recognition of our milder weather.

A few yarns that have come in recently include Malabrigo sock yarn and worsted, my Tahki spring order featuring “Lovely Jeans” (in every traditional jean color!) and Tempo (multicolored and very textural), new and favorite colorways of Lorna’s Laces “Supersock”, and restocks of favorite Silk Garden and Kureyon colors. Brand new arrivals are Montoya Beach Marled (a worsted linen) and MeriSock Hand Paints from Punta Yarns.

Other items of note are a new supply of popular Namaste Bags, always great for one-bag travel whether you are travelling around town or around the world; New England Knits and Gifted , two new books from Interweave Press, and the first fall magazines from Vogue & Interweave Press.

For those of you who participated in the making & collection of glomitts for National Guard unit A Troop 1-172 Cav Mtn (Vermont), word from the Afghanistan front is that they are a huge success! Right now the weather is not cold during the day but soldiers are loving their warmth at night and really glad to have them for the coming winter months!!!

Fall Closures

Kiwi will be closed Monday, September 6^th in observance of Labor Day.

New! Afternoon Tea Cozy Club

Join us for afternoon tea and “crumpets”! On the third Tuesday of each month (except December) beginning in August, the Cozy Club will meet to share the featured tea, “crumpets” (aka cookies or cakes), and create cozies. The $5 cost for each meeting, covers refreshments, 10% off materials for the Cozy-of-the-Month and help learning any special skills necessary to create the cozy. Please call to register so we know how many “places” to set! 881-1319.

Knit Night

One way to finish your forgotten projects is to join us for Knit Night! There is friendly conversation, refreshments, and help when you need it every Monday from 7 – 9 PM. The fee is $5 for non-Kiwi Klub members (applicable to a purchase on the night you attend). [Note: There will not be Knit Night on Sept. 6]

Sock Group

Looking for friendly faces & warm feet? Come to Kiwi from 1 – 3 PM on the first Saturday of each month! Sock knitting is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory! Drop-in’s welcome.

Kiwi Klub

Time to renew your Kiwi Klub membership for 2010!

Kiwi Klub membership includes the following benefits:

End of the Month Sale

Don’t forget!! Our 5^th year celebration continues with “Sale Day” on the last business day of each month when selected items are on special at 5 x 5% off & sale table items at 5 x 10% off.

Knit DR

Claudia Brust is available from 10 AM – Noon on Friday mornings to help with your knitting and crocheting challenges. No need to register but please sign in when you arrive!

Classes!

Whether you want to learn a new skill, try a new project, or simply socialize, we have just the class for you - from the basics to advanced techniques. Private lessons are available, too. You’ll love working with a great line-up of teachers: Claudia Brust, Brigid Connolly, Jill Holbrook, Samantha Leopold-Sullivan, Deborah Levine, Lisa Litton, Kendra McNally, Marlo Morgan & Pam Price. Check www.kiwiknitting.com for updates. In order to provide you with the individual attention you deserve, classes are limited to 5 unless otherwise noted

We’d like to hear from you! Let us know what classes you would like to see and best times for you. E-mail me at Lynn@kiwiknitting.com or use the suggestion box when you visit the store.

Beginner Classes

The Beginning Knitting Series — A series of 4 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), basic increases and decreases and pattern reading. Take one or all. Materials: 200yd worsted weight yarn and knitting needles size 8, 9, or 10. Cost: $50 or $18 per module. Teachers: Lynn Davis (evening); Kendra McNally (daytimes).

10 – Noon: Tue Aug 10 – 31 or Mon Oct 11 – Nov 1

7 – 9 PM: Thu Aug 19 – Sept 9 or Wed Oct 20 – Nov 10

Second Steps – Second Steps is a series of 3 classes for the new knitter. Using a simple hat, these modules will expand your knowledge of casting on, increasing & decreasing, knitting in the round and simple color work. Cost: $39. Teacher: Lynn Davis (evening) &

Kendra McNally (daytime).

10 – Noon: Tue Sept 14 -- 28

7 – 9 PM: Wed Sept 22 – Oct 6

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: Samantha Leopold-Sullivan (Aug) & Brigid Connolly (Sept) & Marlo Morgan (Oct)

10 - Noon: Thu Aug 12 or Sat Sept 11

1 – 3 PM Tue Oct 5

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: Marlo Morgan. 1 – 3 PM Mon Sept 13

Spin DR – Jill will be at Kiwi on the 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 21, Sept 18, Oct 16.

Tech Classes

Cost: $18/class unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise indicated, please bring a small amount of light-colored-worsted weight yarn & US 7 knitting needles.

Reading Your Knitting – The skill of recognizing what stitches look like after you have knit, purl, decreased or increased is one of the most useful skills you can have. It will save you trips to Kiwi (though we love to see you!), unnecessary ripping, and lots of frustration!

Teacher: Kendra McNally. 1 – 3 Mon Aug 9

Cast On’s – There are many different methods to get those stitches on the needles. Each has its best uses. This class will help you learn techniques and when to use each. Materials: a ball of yarn & appropriate knitting needlesTeacher: Pam Price. 1 – 3 PM Wed Aug 18

Intarsia – Intrigued by those projects with flowers, birds, & polka dots? Learn how easy they are! Materials: small amouts of 2 colors of yarn. Teacher: Brigid Connolly.

10 – Noon Sat Aug 28

Correcting Mistakes – Are you ripping it all out when the mistake is too noticeable to ignore? There IS a better way! Learn to recognize what is wrong, to decide what can be fixed more easily, and to pick the technique for doing so! Materials: a 4”x4” swatch still on the needles; a size G crochet hook; a darning needle; & waste yarn. Teacher: Pam Price.

1 – 3 PM Tue Aug 31

Continental Knitting – Did you know that not all knitters use the same techniques to form their stitches? If you are a comfortable “thrower” you may want to try “picking” for ergonomic reasons, for knitting more comfortably & effectively with 2 or more colors at a time, or just for fun! Teacher: Claudia Brust. 1 – 3 PM Fri Sept 10

Chart Reading – If your knitting has progressed to lace, cable, and color patterns, but you are getting lost in the long strings of instructions or confused by unusual terminology, TAKE THIS COURSE! Learning to use charts can greatly simplify these projects for you.

Teacher: Pam Price. 10 – Noon Wed Sept 15

Modular Knitting – Modular knitting is such fun! You will learn one of the basic building blocks and how to build your project by attaching the blocks as you go. Large projects seem to fly when using this technique! Teacher: Kendra McNally. 1 – 3 PM Mon Sept 20

Celebrating Innovation! Cat Bordhi’s Moebius CO – Explore the realm of “Magical Knitting”. Learn this technique which will allow you to create a moebious without seams! Materials: Circular needles with a 40” or longer cord. Teacher: Kendra McNally. 10 – Noon Wed Sept 29

Needle Felting – Needle felting can be used in so many ways to embellish, make little objects or simplify a construction issue. This skill is a really good tool to have in your bag of tricks. Materials: A set of felting needles; other materials will be provided. Teacher: Lynn Davis.

10 – Noon Tue Oct 5

Double Knitting – Learn how to knit a double-sided fabric or a tube with straight needles. Reversible knits are based on this technique. Great for washcloths and potholders or if you are really daring, you can use the technique for purses, mittens, or hats! Teacher: Claudia Brust;

1 – 3 PM Fri Oct 15

Bind Off’s – Ever have trouble getting your gorgeous, newly finished sweater over or head? Are your scarves puckering at the edges? In this class you’ll learn options for eliminating those problems. Teacher: Brigid Connolly. 10 – Noon Sat Oct 23

Eating Cake – Ever find a must-have yarn but the pattern you like doesn’t match the gauge? Come learn how “You can have your cake and eat it too.” We’ll learn a little knitting math and how to use some great books to let you make the sweater you want! Materials: a 4” x 4” swatch in worsted yarn (US8 needle) and another in DK/sport yarn (US 6 needle), measuring tape, calculator & pen. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 10 – Noon Thur Oct 28

Projects

Patterns are provided unless indicated otherwise.

Annis Shawlette – With its distinctive crescent shape, Annis drapes or ties gracefully around the shoulders. It is knit in one piece using a carefully planned set of short rows to create its narrow curved shape. The combination of simple stockinette & a lace edging combined with Pam’s substitution of beads for the Nupps, makes this ideal for new lace knitters.

Materials: 400yd lace/fingering yarn; 32” circular knitting needles sizes US 8 & US 10; pattern Annis pattern from the Spring+Summer 2010 issue of “Knitty” (www.knitty.com). Cost: $28. Teacher: Pam Price. 1 – 3 PM Tue Sept 7 & 14

BagSmith Handbag -- Choose from 3 cute styles for these handbags that give your creative side license to rule AND give you an chance to use that novelty yarn hiding out in your stash. Everything you need (except needles) is in the kit, but you may want to add your own ideas to make the handles, button, and embellishments totally unique. Materials: BagSmith purse or clutch kit; 25 – 50g novelty yarn (optional) & US 7 or US6 (clutch) 16” circular knitting needle. Cost: $28. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 – 3 PM Wed Sept 15 & 22

Bead Crochet and Beading Workshop – Enjoy learning new bead crochet patterns and techniques or just come to work on your project(s). This workshop includes bracelets, necklaces, & earrings for both the beginner & experienced beader. You will work on projects of your choice with assistance from knowledgeable & enthusiastic teachers. Materials: 6 colors of size 6/0 seed beads; #10 crochet thread; 2.1 – 1.5 mm steel crochet hook; scissors; bead mat; & thread heaven. Cost: $14/session for instruction or $1/session for fun.

Teachers: Deborah Lavine & Eirene Jacobson. 1 – 3 PM each Thur

Celebrating Roots! Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Baby Surprise Knit-a-Long – Knit along with Kendra on this amazing project that looks like a big mass of knitting until you fold it and sew two short seams. Suddenly it’s baby jacket! Materials: 3 – 4 oz total worsted weight yarn in one or more colors; knitting needles giving 5 sts/in (do swatch before class); stitch markers; Schoolhouse Press pattern & 5 small buttons. Cost: $28. Teacher: Kendra McNally.

10 – Noon Thur Aug 19, Sept 2 & 16 [Note: skips weeks to allow knitting time.]

Chevron Scarf – If there is someone on your gift list that needs a scarf this winter, this is a beautiful, warm yet light-weight choice. This class is great for you “beginners” who are tired of garter stitch only scarves! This project is small enough to carry anywhere, features an easily memorized pattern with just enough variation to keep it interesting! Materials: 100g each of 2 colors of sock yarn; US5 knitting needles & access to the pattern in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Cost: $18. Teacher: Pam Price; 1 – 3 PM Fri Aug 13

Crocheted Bowls – Two stacked bowls, great for holding jewelry at your sink or on your dresser. Size can easily be changed by yarn and needle size. Materials: 50g DK cotton yarn, a D or E crochet hook & the Churchmouse Yarns & Teas pattern. Cost: $18.

Teacher: Claudia Brust; 1 – 3 PM Fri Aug 6

Curlicue Coverlet -- This graceful blanket is great for baby or your favorite sofa. It is knit using a short row technique to form curves that curl around each other. Claudia says “..view the blanket on Ravelry.com … to see the endless possibilites.” Each section of our sample is knit with a different colorway of Noro Silk Garden. If you have wanted to try short rows, this is the project that will make you an expert! Materials: 1350 yd DK (40” diameter) or 1500y worsted (46” diameter) yarn; US 5 or 7 knitting needles; and Oat Couture pattern BB210. Cost: $42.

Teacher: Claudia Brust; 1 – 3 PM Fri Oct 1, 8 & 22 [Note: skips weeks to allow knitting time.]

Elizabeth Zimmerman’s 2 Toques (in 2 Weeks) -- As cold weather (& the holidays) approach, you may be looking for some warm projects. These two delightful hats will enchant everyone you know whether you make them for gifts, for yourself, or for our next charity hat project. They are good projects for beginners and fun for the veteran knitter alike. Materials: 100g chunky yarn; 1 16” circular and 1 set of sock needles in a size that will give you 5.5 sts/in (Maltese Fisherman’s Hat) and/or 4 sts/in (Ganomy Hat) & access to the pattern in Knitter’s Almanac. Cost: $18 for one class or $28 for both. Teacher: Pam Price. 1 – 3 PM Oct 26 (Ganomy) & Nov 2 (Maltese Fisherman Hat).

Finishing Clinic – This clinic is for those who are at a point in a project that requires sewing or other finishing work and are just not sure the best way to get the job done. This is an informal class designed to give you personal help with your project. Materials: Project in progress; tools such as tapestry needles, holders, a crochet hook and the needles/hook used to work the project. Cost: $18. Teacher: Brigid Connolly. 1 – 3 PM Sat Oct 23.

Fiesta Mittens – In the true style of Lucy Neatby, these mittens will “tickle your brain” and color your life! Then there are all the compliments you’ll get when you wear them or gift them and the disbelief when you tell people you MADE them. Materials: 1 50g ball each of 2 colors of fingering yarn, one of them a handpaint that does not include the solid color; US 0 & US1 sock needles & the “Fiesta Mittens” pattern from www.lucyneatby.com. Cost: $28.

Teacher: Claudia Brust; 1 – 3 PM Fri Oct 29 & Nov 12.

Knitting Across America – West! Entrelac Christmas Sock – Designed by artist Kathryn Alexander, this unique Christmas stocking features a colorful array of 3-dimensional entrelac and stranded colorwork. Construction includes a variety of knitting techniques. Materials: 30 yds each of 9 colors of DK/sport weight yarn (yarn kits available for $30); US 1, 2, & 3 sock needles; & access to the pattern in America Knits. Cost: $28. Teacher: Brigid Connolly.

10 – Noon Sat Sept 25 & Oct 9

Nordic Lights Sock – Stranded colorwork adds warmth and cushion to these socks whose everchanging patterns keep your interest high. Choose colors to remind you of Nordic lights, a Colorado pine forest, or a Mexican fiesta and add extra fun by including a multicolored yarn in the mix! Materials: 200y each of 2 colors of fingering sock yarn; US1 sock needles; stitch marker; & access to the “Nordic Lights” pattern in The Ecclectic Sole. Cost: $28.

Teacher: Claudia Brust; 1 – 3 PM Fri Sept 17 & 24

Pumpkin Tea Cozy – Dress your tea pot for the season this fall with this festive tea cozy. Crocheted leaves and vines close the top to keep your tea nice and warm while the ridged garter stitch edges gently hug the sides. This cozy is perfect for the new knitter and a great way to learn a little crochet. Materials: 3 skeins Lambs Pride Worsted #22 (orange); 1 skein Nature Spun Sport #109 (lt green); 1 skein Lambs Pride Worsted #172 (dk green); US 6, 7, & 8 knitting needles; Sz F & H crochet hooks & pattern #30 from the fall 2008 issue of KnitSimple, available at www.knitsimplemag.com. Cost: $18. Teacher: Kendra McNally. 10 – Noon Sat 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. (3 sessions) Teacher: Kendra McNally.

10 – Noon: Wed Aug 11 – 25; or Tue Oct 12 -- 26

7 – 9 PM: Thu Sept 16 – 30

Sweater in the Round -- Choose a child or adult Knitting Pure & Simple pattern and enjoy creating a simple top-down sweater with no seaming required. Great for a first sweater! Materials: yarn & knitting needles per the pattern & size you choose; one of the Knitting Pure & Simple patterns; stitch holders; & markers. Cost: $42. Teacher: Lisa Litton.

1 – 3 PM Sat Aug 28, Sept 11 & 25.

Thread Crochet Snowflake -- Check out Marlo’s award-winning thread crochet doilies displayed here in the shop! If you would like to try this delicate work, Marlo’s snowflake is just the thing to get you started! Materials: 1 ball Sz 10 crochet thread & a steel crochet hook sz 6 or 7. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marlo Morgan. 1 – 3 PM Mon Aug 16, 1 – 3 PM Wed Sept 8, or

10 – Noon Thur Oct 21.

Turkish Bed Socks – If you have mastered basic sock construction, you are ready to make these little slipper/socks. They make great gifts as they are easy to fit and don’t take a lot yarn. Great bed socks or around the house, and they pack well for travel. Materials: 100 g of sock yarn, the Churchmouse Classics pattern, and your favorite sock needles sz US 3. Cost: $28. Teacher: Claudia Brust; 1 – 3 PM Fri Aug 20 & 27

Fall’s Featured Book!

The wind-swept beaches of New England in the fall can be bone-chilling so it is not at all surprising that beautiful, warm knitted projects eminate from this area of the country. Interweave Press’ new book, New England Knits by Cecily Glowik MacDonal & Melissa LaBarre, features “timeless knitwear with a modern twist” inspired by not only the coastal areas, but also the small towns and farms. You’ll love the graceful lines and tasteful addition of cable and lace to simple sweaters, hats, purses and more – just the types of projects that you will reach for time and again when winter winds chill our Tucson weather. The “Augusta Cardigan”, “Portland Mittens”, “Greenfield Cardigan”, “Whale Watch Hat”, and “Northampton Neckerchief” have already been singled out by customers and teachers as favorites. In fact, Brigid is already planning a class for this winter for a modified “Hampton Cardigan”. Another pleasant surprise is the range of sizes for most patterns from XS to XXL.

Class times don’t fit your schedule?

Call about private lessons or to find out if more classes are being planned when it is convenient for you. (881—1319)

Store Policies

New policies in bold

· Full skeins of yarn are returnable up to 1 year after purchase except sale items & special orders. A receipt for the purchase must accompany EVERY return.

· 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.

Kiwi Knitting Company

2540 E. 6th Street

Tucson AZ 85716

Phone: (520) 881-1319