Newsletter Date

Newsletter Summer 2008

Volume 4, Issue 1

Kiwi News

Let me start my fourth year off by thanking all you great customers, teachers, and employees for your kindness, patience, and assistance. I am truly humbled every day and know that I have grown immensely in skills and character over the last 3 years – and it has been fun! Many people have asked how the economy has affected Kiwi. I am happy to report that at this point sales have been strong. When I catch up on my accounting, I expect some effect on the bottom line from increased costs, but I am very pleased with the beginning of 2008 and have you all to thank! I’m also excited that as a result of sales during Kiwi’s 3^rd Anniversary Celebration, the Tucson chapter of Project Linus will receive a $150 donation.

And now to yarn for those of you who will be around for the summer or who have not yet left for the northern climes. I have a brand new all-pack of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino with several new colors. The sport-weight fair isle, Knitcol Trends from Plymouth, is back in stock also with new colors. Great for summer travels! Summer yarns new to the shop abound. If you come in during the next few weeks, you can expect to see several new things. Aracaunia’s new sport-weight “Ulma” and “Ulma Multi” are absolutely beautiful. “Jeans” from Tahki Yarns is an organic tape in light blue, dark blue and tan jean colors. Ella Rae “Bamboo Silk” is amazingly soft in jewel-like colors. You’ll love it for summer shells and T’s. Also great for summer wear is Sirdar’s “Just Soy”. I’m in love with every color and the yarn looks like it will hold its shape better than earlier soy products. Great patterns too!

Below, you will see some new names in the teacher ranks. Welcome to Heather Ordover and Lisa Litton. Both Heather and Lisa have been knitting since their early years and have a wealth of knowledge to share with you. Heather took over some of my classes this spring and there are already a group of very happy students out there. Lisa’s work is on display in the veggie room. I brought in “alhemp6” this spring and in no time, Lisa showed up with a sweater she had made with this product so you could see it is useful for more than market bags.

Lisa has also joined the employee ranks at Kiwi. Those of you who have been in on Tuesday mornings this spring have probably already met her. This summer Lisa will spend more time teaching than working but hopefully you’ll see her more next fall!

Finally! I am so happy to report that Kiwi is now wheelchair/walker friendly! I discovered that I could find the ramp that I have been looking for to get people over the outside and inside steps on the Internet. It is not perfect. You will need to enter from the back door so I need to know you are coming, but it is a definite improvement. The ramp is moveable so I can move it to the classroom step once you are in the building. We’ve had a number of happy customers already!

Weekly Knitting Groups at Kiwi

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 May 26 and June 30 when Kiwi is closed.) Wednesday from 10 – Noon is the Knitting Circle. No Charge! (Knitting Circle will not meet July 2) Register early (881-1319)!

Sock Group

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! (Due to store closure on July 5, Sock Group will meet on July 12.)

Felting Workshop

Lynda Sorenson will host the Felting Workshop on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 1 – 3 PM. Bring a class project, the latest prize project, questions, and/or ideas to share with fellow “felters”. This is a no fee, drop-in event.

Kiwi Summer Closures

Kiwi will be closed Memorial Day, Monday May 26^th, and as last year, the week of July 4^th (June 30 – July 5).

Kiwi Klub

Time to renew memberships! Join the Kiwi Club! Benefits include the following:

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!

Knit DR

Lynda Sorenson is available from 10:00 – Noon on Friday mornings to help with your knitting challenges. No need to register!

Tips from the Expert By Lynda Sorenson

For some reason the rest of the world thinks we don’t wear woolens here in the desert. But those who live here realize how valuable our sweaters, scarves, and shawls are in winter months. During winter my woolens rest neatly folded on top on a linen chest for easy access. Now that it is time to put them away until they are needed again next fall, I have been spending a little time each day getting them ready for storage.

First, I wash everything that I have worn over the winter months. Nothing is so attractive to moths and other destructive creatures as oils, skin flakes dirt and lanolin! For environmental reasons as well as for the best care of my handiwork, I don’t dry clean. All of my knits are machine washed on the gentle cycle – make sure to unbutton any lightweight buttons, and remove heavy or non-machine washable ones. Add a little wool-wash of your choice - Kiwi sells Kookabura, which gets rave reviews for this - or a gentle shampoo. You can add a hair-conditioner to the rinse cycle to soften up harsher woolens. Second, lay your woolies flat on towels or a blocking board, block and shape them as needed and let dry overnight. The next day, de-pill them with a sweater shaver, make any repairs that are needed, replace buttons, and fold.

Fold woolies as neatly and as flat as possible, packing them with tissue to allow air to circulate. I store my woolens in air-tight plastic storage boxes in order to make it very difficult, if not impossible, for moths to get in. Another choice would be the plastic storage bags that are so popular now. Do not use mothballs – they are toxic! You can use either freshly sanded cedar blocks or herb sachets to repel moths, they don’t like strong aromas, and the cedar or sachets will leave your woolens smelling sweet.

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: Marianne Casteel, Kathy Costello, Deborah Levine, Lisa Litton, Heather Ordover & Catharine Woodin. 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. (Note: For the comfort of fellow classmates/teachers, please do not wear perfume. Thank you!)

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.

Special Events

Uniquely Yours – In this very popular class you will learn to design your own sweater or modify an existing pattern. You will learn everything from how to choose the appropriate yarns, stitches, needle size and gauge to design basics. Using a worksheet, we will start the design. Materials: A variety of knitting needles, scissors, a tape measure, pencil, and paper. In addition, bring project ideas, patterns, a favorite garment or yarn. Cost: $28. Teacher: Jill Holbrook. 9 AM – 1 PM Fri June 6

Beginner Classes

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).

1 – 3 PM Mon: May 5 – June 9 (no class May 26^th);

June 23 – July 28 (no class June 30^th)

7 – 9 PM Tue: May 13 – June 10; June 24 –July 29 (no class July 1)

7 – 9 PM Wed: June 11 – July 16 (no class July 2); July 30 – Aug 27

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.

10 AM – Noon: Sat June 28 or Thur July 31

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

10 AM – Noon: Sat July 19

1 - 3 PM: Wed May 7 or Thur June 12

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 Tue June 3

Beginning Spinning – Learn to spin and make your own yarn. This class provides a comprehensive start for this (very addictive) hobby! Attend only the first class and learn hand spinning or attend both classes if you are ready for a spinning wheel. You will learn the basics about spinning fibers, preparing fibers for spinning, spinning wheels, and how to spin yarn using hand spindles and wheels. Materials: A hand spindle for the first class, access to a spinning wheel for the second class & roving. Cost: $42. Teacher: Jill Holbrook 9 AM – 1 PM Sat May 17 & 31

Tech Classes

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. 1 – 3 PM Fri May 2

Cables – Unlock the mystery of those beautiful cables that really add a special touch to sweaters, blankets – almost anything! Materials: sport or worsted yarn; cable needle, & US 6 or 7 needles. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 7 – 9 PM Thur May 8

Toe-up Toes – When you aren’t sure you have enough yarn, toe-up socks can help! Learn how to shape those toes from the expert! Material: small amount of yarn and sock needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 – 3 Tue May 13

Lace Knitting vs Knitting Lace – Take one or both classes to learn the difference! You will knit a swatch for each class. A scarf pattern will also be provided. Materials: US 2 – 4 knitting needles; lace-weight yarn. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 10 – Noon Thu May 22 (lace knitting) and/or Thu May 29 (knitting lace) [Note: these are 2 separate tech classes.]

Beading Lace – Dress up your favorite lace scarf, sweater, or shawl using a technique that allows you to add the beads DURING your knitting with a tiny crochet hook instead of pre-stringing them. Materials: 13/14 crochet hook; sz 8 seed beads; lace-weight yarn. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 10 – Noon Wed June 4

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. 1 – 3 PM Tue June 10

Sock Heels – What are Dutch, German, Welsh, and/or short row heels? Join Heather and find out! Materials: yarn & needles to match. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 10 – Noon Mon June 16

Ergonomic Knitting – Did you know that not all knitters use the same techniques to form their stitches? Materials: small amount of yarn and appropriate needles. Teacher: Heather Ordover 1 – 3 PM Wed June 25

Cast On! Bind Off! -- Learn several different methods for casting on and binding off your stitches and how to choose the best method for your project. Materials: small amount of yarn and appropriate needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 – Noon Sat July 12

Intarsia -- It is fun to add a variety of color to your knitting. Learn the technique for making spots, ladybugs, hearts, and other large pictures and shapes to your knitting. Materials: small amounts of several colors of yarn and appropriate needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel.

1 – 3 PM Fri July 18

Increases & Decreases – We’ll start with the standard increases and decreases (kf&b/k2tog) and move on to less common but important ways to move away from square knitting. Materials: small amount of yarn and appropriate needles. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 7 – 9 PM Thur July 24

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 Tue July 29

Projects

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 circular knitting needles and either a set of dpn’s of each size or a second circular; KPS pattern #214 or #982; markers. Cost: $28. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 1 – 3 PM Tue July 22 & Aug 5 (2 sessions)

Bead Crochet Bracelet – Bead Crochet Bracelet – Enjoy learning a popular-international technique in making vintage bead rope jewelry, while creating a beautiful bracelet. 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 Thur May 15, 22, & 29 or July 24, 31, & Aug 7 (3 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. 10 – Noon Tue May 20 & 27 (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 Mon July 7, 14, & 21

Double Knit Potholder – Amaze your friends with the seamless potholder! Learn how to do a seamless cast-on, the double knitting technique, and the Kitchner’s stitch! Materials: 150 yds worsted yarn; & US 7 or 8 knitting needles. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 – Noon Sat July 26

Hats! – Move beyond the scarf with these popular gifts. Learn the basics of making a hat in the round and how to add more colors, sequins, or beads to make it special for each wearer. Good class for the new knitter! Materials: worsted or chunky yarn, US8 or 9 16” circular and double points; pattern from www.knittingonthenet.com, Theresa Gaffy #31, or 76-Stitches Hat from Fall 2004 “Interweave Knits”. Cost: $28. Teacher: Lisa Litton. 10 – Noon Tue May 6 & 13 or 10 – Noon Tue July 29 & Aug 5 (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 Tue May 20 & 27 or Wed July 30 & Aug 6 (2 sessions). Please call if this doesn’t fit your schedule. Kathy will set up a mutually agreeable time with those interested.

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 Tue June 17 & 24 (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. Then take your finished product to the Felting WS for ideas to create a unique look for you! 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. 10 AM – Noon Tue June 3 & 10 or 1 – 3 PM Wed July 16 & 23 (2 sessions).

Elizabeth Zimmerman Sweater – Want to “graduate” to making a sweater or are you frustrated by earlier attempts that weren’t quite right? Learn EZ’s method for a sweater that fits and looks great! Materials: 500 – 1000 gms yarn; knitting needles to match yarn; markers. Cost: $42. Teacher: Heather Ordover. 10 AM – Noon May 5, 19, & June 2 (3 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. (2 sessions) 1 – 3 PM Fri Jun 13 & 20 (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 July 8 & 15 (2 sessions)

Sweetheart Lace Fingerless Gloves – Whether you want a fast present or want to pamper yourself, fingerless gloves become even more desirable when they are lacy and pretty. Materials: 100gm sport yarn (try cotton to protect your hands from hot steering wheels!); US 4 circular or double point knitting needles; markers; Lilypad Knits pattern. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 – Noon Thur June 19 & 26 (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 ($14 for optional class). Teacher: Catharine Woodin. 10 – Noon Thur May 8 with optional class on May 15

Roll-Brim Hat – – A good project for the new knitter. It is fast and a popular accessory for fashion or warmth. You will learn to knit in the round while practicing several of your knew skills! Materials: 100 gms of yarn (any weight); circular and double point knitting needles appropriate for yarn; stitch markers; pattern provided. Cost: $28. Teacher: Lynn Davis.

7 - 9 PM Thur June 12 & 19 (2 sessions)

Shell in the Round – Do you want more challenge but not sure you are ready for a sweater. Let’s try a simple shell, knit in the round to get your feet wet. No seams to worry about and they are great for wearing during Tucson summers. Materials: 750 – 1025 yds lt worsted or sport veggie yarn; 24” U S 6, 24” & 16” US 4 circular knitting needles; KPS pattern #997; markers; st holders. Cost: $42. Teacher: Lisa Litton. 1 – 3 PM Wed May 21, June 4 & 18 (3 sessions)

Simple Fingerless Mitts – A useful and fun project – good for the new knitter and fun for the not-so-new knitter. This will be a simple ribbed pattern designed for those who want a fast gift idea and who want to learn how to make small rounds – good segue to making socks! Materials: 100 gms yarn; 2 24” circulars, 1 40 – 47 “ circular, or set of double points in size appropriate for yarn. Cost: $21. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 – 3 PM Wed May 28

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. (3 sessions)

1 – 3 PM Fri May 16, 23, 30

10 – Noon Sat June 7, 14, 21 or Thur July 10, 17, & 24

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

Mug Cozies 1 – 3 PM May 31

Cupcakes from One Skein 1 – 3 PM June 14

Tea Cozy 1 – 3 PM July 12

UFO Club – You’re invited to this once-a-month party. Bring your UFO’s to finish or trade. Cost: $18/session. 1 – 3 PM 3^rd Thursday of month starting in June.

Summer’s Featured Book!

Lucinda Guy has done it again! This time for those of you who love to crochet! Her whimsical books are a joy to peruse. You fall in love with each project you encounter. This book takes you through the seasons starting with the posy pinafore for spring with a matching headscarf and the bon-bon blanket to wrap up in for the still cool evenings to summer’s cap, beach bag, and toy whale through fall featuring the Ariadne Doll, a V-neck vest and Dolores Slippers, and finally to winter with a cute button scarf, ear-flap hat, and Bessie Bird Coat for chilly weather. And I have only mentioned SOME of the cute patterns. There are more sweaters, skirts, blankets and animals! I’ve not done much crochet, but these cute patterns are mighty tempting!

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.

· 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