Join the Kiwi Club! Member benefits include the following:

• A Kiwi needle gauge/ruler.
• 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, 2008. A real bargain just for Knit Nights alone!

Lynda Sorenson is available from 9:30 — 11:30 AM on Friday mornings to help with your knitting challenges. No need to register! Knit Dr will not be available on Friday Feb 8 due to the Sock Boot Camp held that day.

Here are my favorite tips for making your knitting look more finished, work easier, and just be more fun.

1. When casting on more than 30 sts, I always keep a box of st markers handy. Every time you cast on 20, recount the 20, and then put a st marker on your needle. Then you don’t have to keep going back and counting how many sts you have cast on. They are easy to count in their groups of 20.
2. Stitch markers are your friends. Anytime you are working a pattern with st repeats, such as color work, lace or cables, put a marker in between each st repeat in your row. This way you know that all the sts in the group between two markers are one repeat of your pattern. That helps to keep you on track in your st pattern, and if you do make a mistake, it is much easier to find and correct.
3. When working lace patterns, every other row is usually what I call a "rest row", either all knits or all purls that just lock the pattern from the previous row in place. This is a great time to count your sts in between each repeat of the pattern to make sure you have worked the previous row correctly. I find if I am short by one st it is invariably a missed YO, so I work an untwisted M1 in that spot, and I am back on track.
4. If you have a hard time getting your SSK’s to look nice and flat, and to be a perfect mirror of you K2togs, then on the row before the SSK, when you get to the two sts that will be involved in the SSK, wrap your yarn clockwise. This way, the st mounts are already the way you want them, so you don’t have to manipulate the sts to get ready for the decrease. It results in less stretching of the stitch.
5. Need to work a decrease from the purl side of your work? Of course you know how to work a P2tog to make a left-leaning decrease, but what about a right-leaning decrease? SSP! Slip one as if to purl, slip the next as if to purl, place them both back on the left needle, then with your right needle enter the two sts from behind the left needle on the far side of the st. Wrap your yarn and finish the stitch.

1 — 3 PM Thursday — Beginnings: Tubular cast on

10 — Noon Friday — Heels: Regular heels

1 — 3 Saturday — Toes Regular toes

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 Sat Feb 23

Techniques² is a series of classes, taught by Marianne Casteel and Lynn Davis. In each class, you will create 7"- 8" squares, a new square each lesson, using a different stitch pattern or knitting technique. This quarter, we’ll teach you how to put the blocks together to make whatever you decide. The class meets on every other Thursday alternating between evening classes & day classes. Cost for this series is $12/class. (Note: Previously purchased cards will continue to be honored.) The schedule for Techniques ² this winter is as follows:

Ruffles — Feb 14 (7 — 8:30 PM)

Fair Isle — Feb 28 (10 — Noon)

Cables — Mar 13 7 (7 — 8:30 PM)

Traveling Stitches — Mar 27 (10 - Noon)

Lace — April 10 (7 — 8:30 PM)

Putting Squares Together — April 24 (1 — 2:30 PM)

OTHER TECH STUFF! Cost: $18/class.

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 Tue Feb 19

Continental Knitting — Did you know that not all knitters use the same techniques to form their stitches? If you are a comfortable "thrower" and want to try out "picking", here is your chance. Materials: small amount of yarn and appropriate needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel 1 — 3 PM Fri Mar 7

You Have to Finish — 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 techniques. Buttonholes, edging, cast on, and bind off are all on the agenda. Materials: a darning needle; one of those UFO’s (optional). Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Wed Mar 19

Applied I-Cord — Applied I-cords make beautiful edgings for a jacket, vest, afghan — almost anything. A great skill to add to your repertoire! Materials: a 4" by 4" swatch, still on the needles. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 PM Fri April 4

2 Socks on 2 Circulars — Mastered socks on 2 circs but plagued by second sock syndrome: -- or just curious to learn 2 at once? Here’s your chance to learn the secrets of knitting TWO socks at once! Materials: 2 50gm balls of sock yarn; your favorite sock needles; your favorite sock pattern. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel 10 — Noon Tue April 15

Baby Sweater -- For those with new arrivals in their lives or those wanting to try a sweater for the first time on a small scale, this class is for you! We will make a simple top-down sweater that will become a staple in your repertoire for years to come. Materials: 200 - 400yds worsted yarn (depending on size); 16 "US 9 & US 6 knitting needles and either a set of dpn’s of each size or a second circular; KPS pattern #214; markers. Cost: $28. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 PM Tue Mar 4 & 18 (2 sessions)

Bead Crochet Bracelet — Our first class was a hit with attendees! Learn this internationally popular technique for making vintage bead rope jewelry while creating a beautiful bracelet.

It is easy! No crochet experience is necessary! Materials: 6 tubes of single-color 6/0 beads; 1.8 — 1.5mm steel crochet hook; crochet thread #10 or #5 DCM Perel Cotton, bead needle, scissors, beeswax, bead mat. Cost: $45. Teacher: Deborah Levine. 1 —3 PM Thu Mar 13, 20, & 27 (3 sessions)

Beaded Earrings — Now that your bracelet and/or necklace is finished, make a pair of earrings to match! Materials: same as "Beaded Crochet Bracelet", Cost: $45. Teacher: Deborah Levine 1 — 3 PM Fri Feb 15, 22, & 29 (3 sessions) or 10 — Noon Thu April 3, 10, & 17 (3 sessions)

Bunny Love — The perfect addition to your Easter basket or an anytime gift for your favorite little one! A cute, cuddly bunny! Materials: 150 yds of cuddly cotton for the bunny & small amounts of yarn for clothes (optional); needles suitable for the yarn; pattern & stuffing provided. Cost: $31. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue Feb 26 & Mar 4 (2 sessions)

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 Wed Mar 5 & 10 — Noon Sat Mar 15 (this is one class with 2 sessions!)

Felted Eggs & Balls — Whether you want a fast, fun, and beautiful Easter decoration or want a year round addition to your décor, you’ll want to attend one of these classes! Monica is having so much fun and wants to share her skills, expertise, and creativity with you! Materials: small amts of colorful roving; styrofoam balls of different shapes; felting needles and pad. Cost: $ 18. Teacher: Monica Durazo. 1 — 3 PM Tue Feb 19 OR 10 — Noon Mon Feb 25

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: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 PM Sat Mar 22 & 29.

(2 sessions)

Felted Purse — You’ve mastered the basics and are ready to move on or want to try felting for the first time. This class is just what you are looking for! You will learn basic bag construction and how to felt. Then take your finished product to the Felting WS for ideas to create a unique look for you! Materials: approx 220 yds worsted wool; US 11 circular needles with a 16" cord; markers; & the "Sophie Bag" pattern from www.magknits.com. Cost: $28.

Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 PM Wed Feb 20 & 27 (2 sessions)

First Sweater — Want to "graduate" to making a sweater or are you frustrated by earlier attempts that weren’t quite right? This is the place to learn how to make a sweater that fits and looks great! Materials: Pattern, yarn & needle size will be determined during the first class. Cost: $56. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Sat Mar 1, 8, 22 & April 5 (4 sessions)

Felted Tote — Looking for an easy first felting project and/or want to make a great bag for your knitting projects? You’ll want to take this class. Great for beginners who want to move beyond scarves! Skills taught include knitting in the round, 3-needle bind-off, & I-cords! AND this is another project you can take to the Felting Workshop for further embellishment ideas!. Materials: 220 — 600 yds worsted wool (amt depends on desired size of bag); Cost: $31. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 Wed Mar 26 & April 2 (2 sessions)

Folk Shawl Knit-a-long — If those who started last fall still want to continue, I’m available on the dates listed! Please let me know if you wish to attend. Cost: No further charge. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 6 — 8:30 PM Fri Feb 8 & 22, Mar 7 & 21, April 4, & 18 (as needed)

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: Lynn Davis. 10 — Noon Mon Mar 3 & 10 (2 sessions)

Knitting/Crocheting with Handspun — OK, you’ve been spinning for a while, but now what do you do? We will discuss and share techniques and tips for getting from "You call this yarn? to "Wow what a cool XXX (insert finished object of your choice)! Materials: handspun yarn; several sizes of needles/hooks; & any patterns of interest. Cost: $ 28. Teacher: Kathy Costello. 1 — 3 PM April 17 & 24 (2 sessions)

Lotus Blossom Tank — Make something pretty and useful for Tucson summers! This was a popular "Interweave Knits" pattern from Summer 2006. Bamboo yarn makes a great choice for this garment as it is light and soft, but other fibers will work too. Materials: 200 - 400 gms DK/Sport yarn; 24" circ US 6, 16" & 24" circ US 5 knitting needles; markers; & access to Interweave pattern. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 Fri April 11 & 25 (2 sessions)

Lizard Ridge Pillow — If the Lizard Ridge Afghan from Knitty.com has intrigued you but you’re not up to an afghan, we have another option for trying out this beautiful short row stitch pattern. Catherine has developed a pillow that will take less yarn, far fewer hours and will look great on your favorite chair or sofa. Materials: 3 50 gm balls striping yarn & 50 gms coordinating wool for edging; US 8 needles; & H-8 crochet hook. Cost: $21. Teacher: Catharine Woodin. 10 — Noon Thu Mar 13. (Option for an additional meeting on Mar 20^th.)

More Stripes Vest -- Come and create a colorful vest to wear year round. This pattern uses a great way to keep the stripes in line! Fun and fast to knit, too! If you can knit and purl, you can make this vest! Materials: 3 skeins of each of 2 colors of Silk Garden; US 5 knitting needles; 16" US 5 circ needles; stitch markers; stitch holders; & "More Stripes" by Amy King from Knitty.com Spring 2007. Cost: $28. Teacher: Kathy Costello. 1 — 3 PM Thu Mar 6 & Fri Mar 14 (this is 1 class with 2 sessions!)

Shell/T-shirt — Do you want more challenge but not sure you are ready for a sweater. Let’s try a no/short sleeve garment to get your feet wet. These are great for wearing during Tucson summers. I’ll have a choice of 3 patterns that have little or no sewing involved. Materials: ??? worsted veggie yarn; 24 — 29" circ US 7 knitting needles; markers; st holders; & pattern of choice. Cost: $42. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 Wed April 9, 23, & May 7

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 methods of 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 double pointed needles; pattern provided. Cost: $42. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1- 3 PM Thu Feb 14, 21, & 28; 10 AM - Noon Tue Mar 18, 25 & April 1; or 10 AM — Noon Sat April 12, 19 & 26 (3 sessions each)

Socks Cat’s Way — If you think you know socks, you are ready for this class that will stretch your understanding of sock construction. This class will explore the concepts from New Pathways in Sock Knitting: Book 1 by Cat Bordhi. Materials: Sock yarn; US 1 knitting needles (either 5 DP or 2 circs); stitch markers (Cat uses Alphabet markers in her patterns; Marianne will have them available for a $5 fee); & access to "New Pathways" book. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Tue April 29 & May 6 (2 sessions)

Serious knitters will want to add The Knitter’s Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes to their libraries. It is a great resource for understanding the character and best uses of the different kinds of fibers and how they are made into yarn. The book includes lots of patterns to try out what you learn. You’ll soon be an expert on 2-ply vs 8-ply, cellulose vs cellulosic fibers!

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

New policies in bold

Kiwi Knitting Company

2540 E. 6th Street

Tucson AZ 85716

Phone: (520) 881-1319