Arctic Vortex? Or just winter coming

This week in my small corner of the planet, we've had temps in the mid 60's, rain, temps in the mid 30's, snow flurries, and wind.  I'm amazed by the diversity we have experienced.  It also brought home the state of accessories.  The accessories I think of are hats, scarves or cowls, mittens or gloves, slippers and socks. Then I went to work at my day job and it's cold there in some of the locations I work in.  Then I went to Michaels for classes.  Students and co-workers alike are looking for winter woolies.

There are requests for mitten pattern help, Christmas stocking help (socks), scarves and hats.  Before too long there might be a request for baby items. Gotta love babies!

It also made me think when I saw the stacks and stacks of blocks in the classroom of the homeless people.  Warm up America gets blocks donated to be joined into afghans to help keep people warm.  Lebanon Hopes is the local homeless shelter.  This joint effort has contacts with different churches to use their social halls/cafeterias for people to sleep in during the fall/winter/spring seasons.  Even though these are enclosed areas with heat, electric, and running water; these spaces lack the comforts of home.  An afghan goes a long way to helping the comfort.  Consider coming out to help join at your local Michaels.

Stay warm and have a very happy Thanksgiving!

New Class Schedules and a sale

Hi all,

Today thru November 15 all yarn classes over $15 are on sale for $15.  So all my 2 1/2 hour classes are $15.  The sale does not affect arm knitting or kids classes.  There is also a bar code at the bottom of all syllabus pages that gets you 10% off class supplies.

Even if you don't want a class now, please consider passing the class schedule to someone who might want to learn.  Also consider bringing a friend to class.  Learning or relearning is more fun with a friend.

Now for the new classes.  First up are the crochet classes.  I have the schedule from November thru March.  Lot of new things in there.

All Classes are Mondays 6pm – 8:30pm

Crochet Beginner 1 – Skinny Scarf or Phone Cover

November 10     December 1     January 5     February 2

March 2

Crochet Beginner 2 – Pillow or Scarf

November 17     December 8     January 19     February 16

March 16

These advanced beginner classes will be held every Wednesday 6 – 8:30

Boot Cuffs                 November 12   December 10

Strawberry Cake Scarf                November 19

Fingerless Gloves                        December 3

Discover Time to Crochet Classes

Filet Crochet     January 7

Illusion Crochet         January 21

Hairpin Lace     February 4

Entrelac Crochet        February 18

Tapestry Crochet       March 4

Crochet Cables      March 18

Please see a store associate for details about any classes or sign up online at Michaels.com  Look for store 6740 for these classes.

Yarn Nights are times for you to get a question answered about a stitch, yarn or pattern question that don’t require a full class.  You can also sit and stitch with me at this time.  Starting January 2015 this will be 1 – 3 pm.

November 15     November 22     December 6     December 13     January 10

January 24         February 7     February 21     March 7     March 21    

Warm Up America Joining Parties are times to help join afghans blocks to help the homeless here in Lebanon with the donation of warm afghans.  Starting in 2015 this will be from 2 - 4 pm.

November 16  November 23  December 7    December 14

January 11     January 25     February 8     February 22          March 8          March 22

Now for the knit classes

All Classes are Thursdays 6 – 8:30 pm

Knit Beginner 1 – Garter Hat or Cuffs 

Nov 13     Dec 4     January 8     February 5      March 5

Knit Beginner 2 – Neck warmer or Tassel Hat

Nov 20     Dec 11     January 22     Feb 19     March 19

New Classes Fridays 6 – 8:30 pm

Cup Cozies  November 21                    Slouchy Hat          December 5

Baby Hat and Booties      November 14         December 12

Discover Time to Knit Class Fridays 6 – 8:30 pm & Saturdays 9 – 11am

Fair Isle January 9

Knitting Machine Basics 1 January 10  (put together, set up, cast on, knit, bind off)

Illusion Knitting January 23

Knitting Machine Basics 2 January 24 ( review, increase and decrease)

Cables February 6

Knitting Machine Basics Ribbing (how to make ribbing and other knit/purl combos)

February 7

Entrelac February 20

Knitting Machine Basics Cables (how to make cables

February 21

Socks March 6

Knitting Machine Basics Color work March 7 (starting with stripes, then fair isle)

Intarsia March 20

Knitting Machine Basics Patterns (how to read knit machine patterns, how to find gauge, and other tips and tricks)

 March 21

Arm Knitting is still available.  Time will be 10 to 11 am.  Dates are

November 8           December 6           December 13

I'm excited to introduce the machine knit classes.  These are primarily for those who have purchased an Ultimate Sweater Machine but any single board machine will be welcome.  The basics are the same for most.    Please share this information with anyone you know that has a knitting machine but doesn't use it for whatever reason.  It can be a fun and quick way to get a finished item.