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. [NOTE: The group will meet on July 11^th rather than July 4^th.]

Time to join the Kiwi Klub for 2009! New this year, you have 2 options!!

Kiwi Klub membership continues to include the following benefits:

• A Kiwi Knitting crochet hook.
• 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.
• Weekly Knit Night fee (must pre-register)
• One scheduled tech class each month.
• Discounts on scheduled classes and other events.

Kiwi Jr. includes the first 3 benefits. The membership year is June 1 — May 31^st. The cost of $55 for Kiwi Klub membership and $30 for Kiwi Jr membership 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, 2010. A real bargain just for Knit Nights alone!

Stop — don’t trim those ends! You never know exactly how much a garment will change shape after it’s blocked. If you’ve trimmed your ends too close, they may pull into the fabric and pop through to the front. Instead, let end-trimming be your final step. Weave in all ends after seaming, then trim them to a manageable length (about 1.5 inches) before blocking the garment to the desired size. Once the garment is completely dry, trim the ends to their final length. For wool this is often very short because the ends will felt to the wrong side of the garment and stay put, but for slippery yarns like cotton, bamboo and silk, leave a small tail (1/2 inch is about right) dangling to the inside of the garment.

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, Jill Holbrook, Samantha Leopold-Sullivan, Deborah Levine, & Lisa Litton. 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

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. Teacher: Lynn Davis (Tue & Wed); Marianne Casteel (Thur).

Knitting Revisited — This class is designed for those returning to knitting and wanting a refresher. You will learn to cast on stitches, knit and purl, bind off, and weave 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, 9 or 10 knitting needles. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Wed May 27.

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 & binding off, increasing & decreasing, knitting in the round and how to pick your next project. Cost: $39. Teacher: Lynn Davis (Tue & Wed); Marianne Casteel (Mon).

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. 10 — Noon Mon June 29.

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

Cost: $18/class unless otherwise noted.

Finishing — after the seams — Learn blocking and other final work that will give your project the WOW factor from an expert! Materials: a knitted or crocheted 4"x4" square bound off & ends sewn in. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue May 5

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: Marianne Casteel.

10 AM - Noon Mon May 11

Ruches & Ruffles -- Learn some really simple ways to add a feminine touch to almost anything you make. Materials: A small amount of yarn and appropriate knitting needles. Teacher Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Thu May 21

Knit 1 Below — This technique allows you to easily combine yarns of different colors &/or thickness for some really beautiful effects. Materials: small amounts of 2 different colors of yarn & appropriate knitting needles. Teacher: Brigid Connolly 10 — Noon Sat May 30.

Cables — Thinking that cables are beyond your reach? Think again and try this course! You’ll find it’s a really simple way to spiff up a scarf, hat, or sweater. Materials: Small amt of yarn & appropriate needles. Teacher: Samantha Leopold-Sullivan. 1 — 3 PM Wed June 3

Judy’s Magic Cast on — This cast-on is the beginning for toe-up socks and similar seamless projects in the round. Materials: US7 or 8 circular or double pointed knitting needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Tue June 9

Nupps — If you like those gentle bobble-like features of many of the Knitted Lace of Estonia patterns, but found or heard they are difficult, Marianne is here to help! Materials: a small amt of lace or fingering yarn & US 2 — 4 knitting needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 Fri June 19

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 Sat June 27

Intarsia — Intrigued by those projects with flowers, birds, & polka dots? Learn how easy they are! Marianne will have a simple heart motif for you to learn & practice. Materials: small amts of 2 colors of yarn and appropriate knitting needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Thur July 2

Reading Your Knitting — Never quite sure what went wrong when your stitch count is off? Learning to read your knitting will help you determine what’s wrong. Materials: US 7 or 8 knitting needles. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue July 14

2 Socks on 2 Circs — If you have mastered socks on 2 circs or magic loop but frustrated by 2^nd sock syndrome or just plain curious, here is your chance to learn the secrets to knitting TWO socks at once. Materials: 2 balls of sock yarn; your favorite sock needles; & your favorite pattern. Cost: $25. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 4 (3 hours!) Sat July 25

Flowers & Other Embellishments — If you have admired the hats and purses in the shop with flowers and other embellishments but not known how to make them, you’ll want to take this class. Materials: A small amount of yarn & appropriate knitting needles (3 or 4 szs larger for felting). Teacher: Lisa Litton. 10 — Noon July 29

Banana Republic Knock-off Hat — This hat was the rage of winter 2008 and so very cute! If you have mastered the simple rolled brim hat and want to try something a little more sophisticated, you’ll want to take this class and start those Christmas 2009 presents. Materials: 200yds worsted yarn; US7 circular needles; stitch marker; & button; pattern provided. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Sat May 23 & 30 (2 sessions)

Bead Crochet and Beading Workshop — Enjoy learning new bead crochet patterns & techniques. The workshop provides instruction for bracelets, necklaces, & earrings for both the beginner & experienced beader. You will have the opportunity to work on projects of your choice with assistance from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher. 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. Teacher: Deborah Lavine. 1 — 3 PM each Thursday

Cable Mitts — If you love fingerless mitts, you will love this original pattern from Samantha. (Sam has had tons of compliments on these beauties!) Materials: 1or 2 50g balls of fingering yarn; US1 circular or double pointed needles; & cable needle; pattern provided. Cost: $31. Teacher: Samantha Leopold- Sullivan. 1 — 3 PM Mon June 22 & 29 (2 sessions)

Child’s Sweater — The smaller size of a child’s sweater makes it perfect for your first sweater. Whether you gift it to your favorite young person or donate it to a worthy cause (like the Old Pueblo Knitter’s Navajo project), enjoy creating this wonderful top-down design and move on to bigger sweaters with more confidence! Materials: 475 — 675 yds worsted weight yarn; US9 & 6 24" circular knitting needles; Knitting Pure & Simple pattern #9730 or #981; stitch holders: & markers. Cost: $42. Teacher: Lisa Litton. 10 — Noon Wed June 3, 10 & 17 (3 sessions)

Entrelac Felt Purse — Admired my entrelac Noro bag? Make one for yourself! Lots to learn — provisional cast-on, entrelac technique (including knitting backwards), and I-cords. 3 — 5 skeins of Noro Kureyon or other wool yarn US6 knitting needles & Lori Sweazy pattern. Cost: $28. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 PM Wed June 24 & July 1 (2 sessions)

Felted Clogs — These clogs are a favorite of all who wear them! Knitting them can sometimes be frustrating, but Marianne is here to help!! If you are ready to move beyond felted purses, this class is for you! Materials: 600 yds worsted wool (1/3 for upper; 2/3 for sole & trim); 24" US 13 circ needles; Fiber Trends AC-33 pattern & the knitted, felted swatch suggested in the pattern. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 1 — 3 PM Fri June 5 & 12 (2 sessions)

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" or 1 32 — 40" circular US10.5 knitting needles; markers; pattern provided. Cost: $31. Teacher: Lynn Davis.

10 — Noon Mon July 20 & 27 (2 sessions)

Knit 1 Below Booties — Once you have learned the k1b technique, you’ll want to try it out. These darling little booties are just the thing! Materials: 1 50g ball of each of 2 colors of fingering weight yarn (this is enough for the booties and the hat); US2 or 3 circular and double pointed knitting needles; st markers; & access to the pattern from Knit 1 Below. Cost: $28. Teacher: Brigid Connolly. 10 — Noon Sat June 6 & 13 (2 sessions)

Knit 1 Below Hat/Bonnet — This hat is just too cute! You can either pair it with the booties or use this project to try out the technique. Materials: See the booty description. Cost: $28. Teacher: Brigid Connolly 7 — 9 PM Thur June 11 & 18 (2 sessions)

Lace Ribbon Scarf — This lovely, lightweight scarf is from Knitty.com (spring 2008). You will love the pleasant lace pattern that can be done in either cotton or something cozier. Materials: 50 — 100 gm (depending on desired length) fingering yarn; US3 knitting needles; pattern from Knitty, & markers. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Thu May 14 or

1 — 3 Wed July 29

Lace Washcloth — This class is a good introduction to lace knitting. We will use the easy, yet impressive feather & fan pattern to make a washcloth so pretty you may not want to use it! They make great gifts for any occasion. Materials: 50g sport weight cotton, linen, or hemp yarn; US 4 knitting needles, markers, & Theresa Gaffe pattern. Cost: $18. Teacher: Lynn Davis. 1 — 3 Wed May 6

Noni Felted Purse — Noni patterns are fun, quick and will provide you with the basics of making bags. Follow it up with the embellishments class and learn how easy it is to have a one-of-a-kind purse. Materials: 440 yds wool yarn; US11 knitting needles; markers; Noni pattern & purse handles. Cost: $28. Teacher: Lisa Litton. 10 — Noon Wed July 15 & 22. (2 sessions)

Noro Leaf Lace Shawl — Create this beautiful lace shawl to throw over your shoulders whenever you need just a little something to warm you. Materials: 250g of any weight yarn; US5 knitting needles recommended, but bring a variety; ring markers; pattern provided.

Cost: $31. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue May 12 & 26 (2 sessions)

Owl Baby Vest — Let the world know WHOOO has the smartest baby in town with this darling vest. The vest is knit in the round with a row of little owls, made with a simple cable pattern, sitting across the chest. Size is 9 — 12mo. Materials: 240 yds DK or sport washable yarn: US4 & 5 16" circular & double point needles; pattern provided. Cost: $28. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Tue June 23 & 30 (2 sessions)

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 AM — Noon Wed May 6, 13 & 20; Tue June 2, 9, & 16; or Sat July 11, 25, & Aug 1 (3 sessions)

Tawashis -- Colorful kitchen scrubbies will brighten up that dish-cleaning chore! Whether you choose to knit them or crochet them, use one color or more, you’ll love this fun, fast project! Materials: 50g of worsted yarn in each color you want to use; US5 knitting needles or sz G crochet hook; pattern provided. Cost: $18. Teacher: Marianne Casteel. 10 — Noon Sat May 2 or 1 — 3 PM Fri June 26

Toe-up Cable Socks — Another original cable creation from Samantha! Materials: 400 yds fingering yarn (sold color best); US1 or 2 sock needles; & cable needle; pattern provided. Cost: $42. Teacher: Samantha Leopold- Sullivan. 10 — Noon Tue July 21, 28, & Aug 4 (3 sessions)

Exploring the Beauty of Estonian Lace By Stefanie Teller

Nancy Bush has done it again. The knitting book author and authority on ethnic knitting traditions has brought us the magic of yet another "stitch niche" in her beautiful new work Knitted Lace of Estonia. The 144-page paperback book, which was published late last year by Interweave Press, balances in-depth historical information and technical details with beautiful photographs and patterns for 14 heirloom-quality projects.

With characteristic precision, Bush, who has published several other titles about folk knitting traditions, explains the unique features of Estonian lace including those mysterious little bobble-like stitches called nupps. ("Nupp" rhymes with "soup," I’m told.) If you’re inspired to tackle one of the book’s scarf or shawl projects you’ll be pleased by the clarity of Bush’s charts and helpful explanations. The Raha Scarf would be a great beginner’s project, thanks to its simple pattern repeat and easy garter stitch borders. For more challenging work, there are breathtaking beauties such as the Queen Silvia Shawl and Maikell Shawl.

No need to be afraid to jump into Estonian lace knitting with this book at your side. But if find you would like a little help, Kiwi offers several lace classes (even one on nupps!) and as always, there’s the Knit Doctor on Friday mornings. Bottom line: Knitted Lace of Estonia is a lovely book full of inspiration, information and many beautiful projects that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

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