Workshops: Tunisian Crochet and Socks

In addition to our regular classes we have two special workshops coming up in June.  Tunisian crochet, the hottest trend in crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is a type of crochet that uses an elongated hook, often with a stopper on the handle end, called an Afghan hook. It is sometimes considered to be a mixture of crocheting and knitting. As such, some techniques used in knitting are also applicable in Tunisian crochet.  There is a gorgeous picture on Ravelry of an Entrelac wrap called the Entrelove Wrap, designed by Allison Cohen. 
Saturdays June 19 and 26.  10 - Noon. $45 does not include supplies.

We are carrying Mini Mochi a beautiful, soft multi colored yarn with long color repeats that is just screaming to be this wrap.   It also happens to be superwash.  Does life get any better?

Ok, so let's say you love this yarn so much that after the Entrelove you want to knit socks.  Well it just so happens the sock class is starting on Thursday June 10th at 6:30 for 3 sessions.  For $65 you learn all the basics of sock knitting and will knit at least one sock, maybe 2 if you are obsessed like we are lately!  We also have Malabrigo sock yarn which, if you haven't seen it is a force to be reckoned with!

It's all the colors we love so much in Malabrigo but in microcosm and washable, of course.
Please call the shop at register 773.244.1646 or email me info@knit1chgo.com to reserve your spot.

New Classes Now Forming

Our May classes have been great.  Personally, I have enjoyed the Crochet Class and I'm pretty excited about the prospect of my project.  I got a preview of the beginner projects and I'm going to make a Market Bag.  It's a beginner project!  We have cotton dk in perfect summer colors, I just can't decide...

I'm pretty excited Knit 1 will be offering a Sock Class.  Taught by Anne Howard, it will be on Thursday evenings beginning June 10th at 6:30PM.  It's 3 sessions and will cover all the skills needed to knit a sock, though you will have to know how to cast on and bind off and knit and purl; she'll teach you the rest.  The cost is $65 plus supplies and the class size is limited to 5.  I'm requesting that you use yarn purchased at Knit 1 and I think you won't mind-- we have some gorgeous new sock yarns and several more on the way...

Beginning Knitting will be offered again on Saturdays 10AM - noon and again on Monday 10AM - noon and 6:30 - 8:30.  The cost is $125 and includes your supplies.
The dates for the Saturday class are June 12, 19, 26 and July 10.
The dates for the Monday class are June 14, 21, 28 and July 12.

Beginning Crochet will be on Thursday nights 6:30 - 8:30PM.  The cost is $120 and includes supplies.
Dates are June 10, 17, 24 and July 1.

We are also offering a special 2 part workshop-- Tunisian Crochet.  I haven't confirmed the dates yet.  This is such a cool technique and perfect for us knitters with secret fantasies of crochet.  I have been looking on Ravelry at the wonderful, creative projects people are doing with this technique also called afghan stitch.  I'm totally enamored of the entrelac.  I will post that information as soon as it's set in the next day or so.

Call the shop 773.244.1646 to sign up for classes or email me at info@knit1chgo.com to confirm a spot.  A 50% deposit will be needed to hold your space.

Wine and Cheese and Handspun

On Friday, June 4th from 6 - 8PM we will host a trunk show from Spin, Span, Spun.  Spinspanspun.etsy.com 
She is a local spinner with an exquisite sense of color.  If you want a preview, you can see her work on Etsy or stop by the shop and see the skein I have (my personal collection!).   We'll also have some nice wine and tasty hors d'oeuvres.  I'll post an update as we get closer. 
In the meantime, the shop is really coming along.  We have some cotton dk weight in great colors and some worsted weight cotton called Luna from Cascade.  What beautiful colors it comes in and a great price too.
Here's my latest knit.

It's the Ballet T-Shirt from Teva Durham
http://www.loop-d-loop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PLST&Store_Code=LOS
I knit it in Brown Sheep Serendipity Tweed held doubled.  I wet blocked it and it just bloomed.  I wore it yesterday. It could be my favorite summer top, this may also become a favorite summer yarn.

I've started another top-down in Bahia from Schoeller + Stahl.  A washable rayon, polyester blend.  It's so soft and has a beautiful sheen.  We have it in hot summer colors but also some great neutrals. It would make a really cute child's sweater or baby blanket.  I'm knitting it for myself or the shop in this beautiful silvery, grey.

Maybe it will be done for Open Knit Night on Wednesday. 

We're open!  We had a wonderful first weekend.  Lots of friends, old and new were to here to welcome us.  The sun was out and the store was filled with people shopping and visiting, laughing and knitting.  Thank you all!

Classes are beginning to fill.  I'm really excited for some new class hours and Open Knit Night on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30.  If you're thinking of taking a class, please call to register. 

We are planning summer classes now for sock knitting and top-down sweaters.  If you'd like to try a top-down on your own we have a large selection of patterns from Knitting Pure and Simple.  They're well written and easy to follow.  There are patterns for men, women and kids.  We have a lot of new worsted weight yarn in fibers appropriate for spring and summer as well as winter if you're thinking ahead.  If you need a bit of help, consider taking one Open Project Class.  It meets on Sundays from 1:30 - 3:30 and the cost is $20.  It's drop in.  You can also schedule a private lesson by calling the shop.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon.  And thank you for all your well wishes and support!