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Sharing life... one stitch at a time.

April 27, 2012

Unwind This Weekend ... at

The Knitter's Edge

Summer weight scarves and shawls continue to be the "GO-TO" projects for this spring. We have plenty of great yarn and pattern ideas so come on in and pick our brains.

CLASSES

Tuesday May 8  6:30 - 8:30 pm

Felted bags with Lauren!

only 4 spots remain

We had so much fun this past month. We were so fortunate to have had 2 classes with Lauren. She is coming back again next month- for a class on Felted bags.   She has so many felted bag patterns available:

The Mary Bag



The Dani Clutch (2 sizes)

Lauren's patterns are available at the shop, but you will really have a great time taking one of her classes. And whenever Lauren visits- we ALWAYS put some Galway on sale!

Please call to sign up.

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Toe Up socks with Debra

Monday afternoons- 1:00 - 3:00

Friday mornings 10:00 - 12:00

Debra's Bungee Socks

Last month Debra taught Magic Loop Cuff Down for 2 socks. Keeping with the same theme, she is beginning classes for Magic Loop Toe Up for 2 socks Friday Mornings from 10:00 to 12:00 and Monday Afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00.

She will supply a basic beginner pattern though you are welcome to bring a favorite of your own.

Any sock yarn will do. You will need a 40" or longer needle in a size that works with your chosen yarn.

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Tuesday May 1--6:30 - 8:30 pm

Jan's class on the couch

Catch-up night

Last month Jan started everyone on a shawl, but some have not been able to work on it as they should since Jan keeps coming up with so many new projects. Join Jan on Tuesday, May 1 to get back to working on your shawl. If you haven't started yours yet- well lets get it going!!

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Thursday May 3

Class with JoAnne 10:00 - 12:00

Next week we stray away from our washcloths to start a nice mid Spring project- we'll call it our May Jacket.

We have selected 3 possibilities- each using a worsted weight yarn. 2 are knit from the top down, and all 3 to go 50+"



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NEW CLASS SESSION

Technique classes-

My classes on May 4 and May 7 are both full.

I am now scheduling another Cast on/Bind off class for Friday, May 11- 10:00 - 12:00.

Learn 5 cast ons, 5 bind offs, when to use them and when to not. Other important tidbits of knowledge will be added along the way.



Bring 2 or 3 sets of needles- anything around size 7 thru 9 plus a set of double points. Please arrive on time as this is a FULL

2 hours of stuff to learn.



Please call to sign up! It will fill up fast. Also- keep your eyes on the newsletter- I will add more technique classes as fast as I can.

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Tuesdays May 1   4:00 - 6:00 pm

Shawls with Lori



Next week Lori's Tuesday afternoon class will try their hands at a shawl. The Summerflies shown here is a proven classic- I can't rave about this pattern enough. So customizable- workable at several gauges, in many different yarns.

This is just a suggestion- but a really good one. Many other shawl ideas are available.



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May 3- Thursday 1:00 - 3:00 pm

NEW Beginner crochet class with Amy



This past week Amy taught us to crochet up this market bag. Most chose either Covington as Amy and I both did, or Fantasy Naturale. 2 hanks did it.    I loved the class, and got almost of my base done before time ran out.

Next week Amy will be continuing the market bag OR if you are finished- you can start her new project- an embellished towel for Spring. You can later add a crochet washcloth to the basket- which acts as a pocket.

You will need 2 hanks of Covington or Fantasy Naturale and a crochet hook -size H.

Please note... Amy encourages all to work on a crochet project of their own choice. The featured project of week is just a suggestion- but it is usually a fun one!



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Saturday April 28

Class with JoAnne 10:00 - 12:00

Vests!

We have decided that this spring is a good time to try our hands at a vest. I have found several possible patterns as shown here:

The Long vest is worsted weight and knit side to side- it goes up to about 55".

The Vaill Island Vest is also knit side to side with a worsted weight yarn but only goes up to about 45". It has simple shaping.



E024- Openwork Top

This is a one piece FAST knit using a worsted to chunky weight yarn. It goes up to about 55", BUT I can upsize it very easily. You can also make it longer or lengthen the sleeves easily. This pattern is extremely customizable.

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Monday April 30-- 10:00 - 12:00 pm

Class with JoAnne (taking over for Jackie)

JoAnne will continue working on Jackie's Entrelac scarf next week- using either our new Ayatori or Silk Garden Lite. Bring size 6 needles.

We can continue the Entrelac scarf for a couple of weeks for those working on it.

I would also like to suggest we start a class project of a shawl. This is one of the only classes that has not done a shawl yet. We have ideas at all levels to expertise. Join me next Monday morning and lets see what we can do!

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Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Men's Class- Thursday May 3

The men's class will continue. We could use a few more attendees, but the guys are enjoying their knitting time and learning a few new things along the way.



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New classes just keep on coming!

Remember, in our classes-you can always do your own thing!

All regular classes are $6.00- Cash only please.

General Knitting classes - work on your own project if you wish! When you are a class member- we welcome you to return at any time for additional assistance. We will always help any knitter get through any project- we are great at hand holding, while encouraging you to move forward in your knitting knowledge.

For classes, we hope that your yarn supplies will be purchased at our shop.

Just Arrived

ZAUBERBALL

Ok now we went and did it! We got the most asked for yarn for the Wingspan shawl- Zauberball! This superwash merino wool is a fingering weight beauty for socks or for the WINGSPAN!!

Take a look. The look of the shawl says it all! Just one ball of Zauberball is needed but 2 can also be used- depending on how large you want your shawl to be. Notice here that the knitter used a contrasting solid color for the trim.



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Rosita by Trendsetter



This new 100% cotton is deep in color. Very light weight, this yarn will make up into a openwork scarf in quick time! Use it with size 17 needles!

Check out the Rosita Color card by clicking here. We brought in all 7 colors.

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YARN BOWLS are BACK!!

Get in quick for the best selection. You all know by now how fast these sell out!

And now we have Needle Vases too.

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KOIGU MAGAZINE #3

You all have been waiting for it- well now it has arrived!   The 3rd issue of the Koigu design idea collection is here and it does not disappoint!

Get You copy today and check out our large selection of Koigu yarn.

We also still have copies of Magazines #1 & #2- full of patterns!

Our New Look

Hopefully you have noticed our new look in the shop. We have added a bit of a Uniform for our employees. We had noticed that there are many days that we are so busy that it was getting difficult for customers to tell who worked at the shop and could assist them.

With our new aprons- hopefully you can pick us out of the crowd and ask for assistance with any problem or quest.

Remember, we are there to help you every step of the way, and now you will have an easier time finding us.

Our May Retreat

Oh Wow- we tallied up the numbers today and we are over 100 + attendees. Unfortunately we need to declare the retreat closed. We will be talking tomorrow and discussing what can be done to accept more people but for now we need to hold off on taking new names. We are so very pleased with the interest level this year- we knew we were growing but WOW- we were shocked. We want the day to be truely enjoyable for everyone and unless we can comfortably accomodate a larger number we will have to draw the line here.

I will have an update in Tuesday's newsletter.

On Monday, May 14 we will be holding our 3rd annual Renewal Retreat. This is a day of Crafting & Quiet Reflection. This year, we will be holding it on Monday, May 14, from 10:00-3:00. Again, the

wonderfully welcoming Sisters at the St. Francis Renewal Center (Bridle Path Rd in Bethlehem) will be hosting us.

Here are some photos of the bib patterns I have so far. For the knit ones, you will need to bring size 7 needles . Double points are great ( but not mandatory) for the bib with the collar. For the crochet bibs- a size G or H hook will be needed. You are welcome to bring your own yarn- worsted 100% cotton, but I will have plenty there for a low cost of $2.00- all proceeds going to the center.

Product of the Day

At the shop we have a great feature-

Product of The Day.

Each day we will display a different product- sometimes something new, other times something you may have missed. Watch for our featured product- each day at The Knitter's Edge.

Friday & Saturday:   Queensland Air- 20% off

Queensland Air is a very lightweight blend of wool and acrylic. The chainette construction makes it go a long way. Check out the new one hank scarf shown here- designed & knit by Emily.   Pattern free with the yarn purchase. Yarn on sale 20% off on Friday and Saturday!

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Saturday:  Dreamin- specially priced at $8.00 a ball

Dreamin' is like worsted weight dreambaby. Acrylic and nylon blend- supersoft for baby. Macine washable and dryable. Dreamin' is packaged in a HUGE 200g hank- all for only $8.00.

Several patterns are available thsat require oinbly 1 hank of Dreamin'- a baby sweater and a small baby throw are shown here. EIther free pattern is available with the purchase of just one ball of Dreamin'. Several colors available.

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Monday: Lets end April with a BANG!

Grace Handbeaded

Grace Handbeaded is a lovely blend of merino and silk- with glistening beaded added.

Did you know...

I am starting to put together a new technique class involving in part- yarn fibers, weights and gauges. As I put it together- I found this quiz:

1. What yarn fiber is similar to merino wool but doesn't have the lanolin that makes some people's skin have an allergic reaction?

2. What fiber comes naturally in 22 distinct colors?

3. What fiber is as fine or finer than cashmere even before any processing yet costs much less?

4. What fiber has microscopic "airbags" that make the yarn multi-seasonal?

Well, of course, the fiber is exquisite alpaca, and no wonder alpaca fiber was so highly prized by the Incan culture (often referred to as the "Fiber of the Gods").

RAVELRY

Thanks to everyone who is adding pattern and class ideas on our The Knitters Edge Ravelry page. You are definitely helping me.

Go to The Knitters Edge group page on ravelry.com and post photos or comments. Start your own thread and tell us whats going on in your class.

Thanks

What our customers are knitting...

Ann knit up her Citron in Somerset. She took the fingering weight pattern and worked it As Written but on larger needles with a larger yarn.

The result is stunning- a full shawl instead of a shawlette- and it only took 6-7 balls of Somerset- a worsted weight cotton silk blend thats on sale for only $4.00 a ball. Several colors available.

The $3.00 Bucket is BACK!

The title says it all. The famous $3.00 a ball bucket which contains ALL kinds of odd balls of great (and expensive yarns) is back. Stop in often as we keep refilling it.

You will find all kinds of yarns there- most are left overs that we carried, but some are sample balls from our yarn vendors- and those can get pretty wild!!

We are sure you will enjoy finding that special ball of yarn that will blend with your existing stash to make a scarf.

Whats in the Pool?

Bungee-- $6.99 a ball! This is more than 50% off!

Bungee is a wonderful sock yarn- at a heavy fingering weight- this yarn is 95% fine superwash merino containing just enough Elite Spandex to give it good stretchiness. Both solids and striping colorways are available.

We will have free sock patterns available and just one ball will make a pair of socks. But Bungee is also great for other things too- Hats, Mitts, and Cowls. There is even someone on Ravelry who knitted a stretchy Bikini.

This Weekend's Class List

Week of April 23 - April 28

FRIDAY - April 27
10:00 - 12:00 - General Knitting with Pat
10:00 - 12:00 -Magic Loop Socks with Debra
1:00 - 3:00 - General & Beginning Knitting & Crochet with Debra
1:00 - 3:00 - General Knitting with Pat

SATURDAY - April 28
10:00 - 12:00 -- General Knitting with Pat
10:00 - 12:00 - Finish Provisional cast on with JoAnne
10:00 - 12:00 - Beginning Knitting with Eileen
1:00 - 3:00 - April Socks with Eileen
1:00 - 3:00 - April Socks with Pat

MONDAY- April 30
10:00 - 12:00 - Entrelac work with JoAnne
1:00 - 3:00 - General Knitting with Debra

In Closing...

You can email us at theknittersedge@aol.com

Visit our website at www.theknittersedge.com

Please stop by and unwind at The Knitter's Edge.

Check out our extensive list of classes- all at just $6.00 per class.

I know you will find something you will enjoy...and remember- there is never a commitment- try one class, or several- your choice.

JoAnne Turcotte

We are located at:

1601 West Broad St

Bethlehem, PA.

610-419-9276

Our Store Hours are:

Tues/Wed/Thurs: 9:30 - 9:00

Fri/Sat/Mon: 9:30 - 4:00

Closed Sundays.