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Heavenly Socks Yarns Newsletter
October 2016 
Seventh Annual KnitMaine-ia _click to zoom_
Seventh Annual KnitMaine-ia (click to zoom)
KnitMaine-ia
Knitters, artists, fashionistas, mathematicians, hipsters, vagabonds, colorists and fiber fiends -- this is your show! The Seventh Annual KnitMaine-ia will rock the Belfast Boathouse on Saturday, October 1 at 2 pm. Models will showcase local knitwear to raise money for New Hope for Women. Enjoy door prizes, live music and a reception. Tickets are $12 at the door, and children under 12 are free. This community extravaganza is sponsored by The Women of St. Margaret's.

For more information, visit Knit the Community, phone Sara at 978-325-0045 or email Jillian at jillianliver@gmail.com. You may also find them on Facebook, where their page features photos of past shows and knitting news.
Colorful sock yarns on sale in October _click to zoom_
Colorful sock yarns on sale in October (click to zoom)
Sock Yarn Sale
During the month of October, all sock yarn in our sock yarn area will be on sale at 20% off.

We have a large variety of sock yarns -- from fingering to worsted, in solids, tonals, multicolors and self-striping. We stock both 50- and 100-gram skeins in a variety of colorways and fibers, including non-wool yarn designed for socks!

If you don't like to make socks -- or if you just don't want to -- consider using this machine-washable yarn for other projects. We have patterns to make baby items, hats, shawls, scarves, mitts and more.
Lake St. George Shawl_ knit in Quince_s Piper _click to zoom_
Lake St. George Shawl, knit in Quince's Piper (click to zoom)
Lake St. George Shawl
We now have our Fiber of Maine patterns up on Ravelry.

These are the patterns FOM subscribers received with their Maine yarn. Subscribers receive exclusive use of Fiber of Maine patterns for two months before they are available to the public on Ravelry.

One of our favorite designs is the Lake St. George Shawl, which subscribers received in August. This is a great first lace pattern because it is a simple four-row repeat. Also, one of the things that can make knitting lace challenging is that because of the yarn overs and decreases it can be hard to find all of your stitches if you have to rip back. In this pattern, the garter ridges provide built-in "life lines" -- easy places to rip back to (if you have to), or easy places to stop and start if you put this project down for a while.

This pattern can be knit with any yarn -- just increase the needle size if you use a thicker yarn. In our pattern, we used two skeins of Quince and Co.'s Piper (a heavy lace weight yarn of 50% Texas super kid mohair/50% Texas superfine merino) and a #6 needle.
Lambing Mitts _click to zoom_
Lambing Mitts (click to zoom)
Lambing Mitts
It's no secret we love fingerless mitts. They are just perfect for this time of year ... cool days that start off frosty, but are not quite cold enough for full-blown mittens.

These Lambing Mitts, a free pattern on Ravelry, actually extend fingerless mitten season by having a band of garter stitch around the fingers that can be folded down for more dexterity, or folded up for more warmth. Knit out of rugged yet soft Peace Fleece worsted, one skein easily makes a pair with plenty of leftovers.
Child_s pullover knit In Berroco_s Cotolana _click to zoom_
Child's pullover knit In Berroco's Cotolana (click to zoom)
Child's Pullover Knit In Berroco's Cotolana
Berroco's Cotolana is a 47% wool/47% cotton/6% nylon blend yarn that is machine washable and knits at 4.5 sts. to the inch.

Helen saw this yarn and thought of knitting an Icelandic-style sweater with it, knowing the gauge is exactly the same as Lite-Lopi yarn (also labeled Léttlopi or Létt-Lopi). She found a lovely free child's pattern by Bernat on Ravelry called Knit Pullover and Toque.

The pattern is well written and easy to follow. If you want to make a sweater in this style -- which is back in fashion! --Cotolana is the perfect yarn because it is soft and cozy next to the skin. A ball of Cotolana has 109 yards and sells for $7.95.
Galloping Crow Farms_ mohair rolags and curly locks _click to zoom_
Galloping Crow Farms' mohair rolags and curly locks (click to zoom)
New Fibers
We have lots of new yarns in the shop, but many of them have yet to be on display. Come by when you are in town and see what we have brought out for you to see and feel!

One of the new fibers we want to bring to your attention is from Galloping Crow Farms in Palermo. When you need fiber for a beard or hair -- particularly for your holiday crafts -- you will really want to consider these curly locks. They look so real because they are! They are on display here in the shop, and you can read more about them on the Fiber of Maine website.
Flat_ smooth seams_ the end result of using mattress stitch
Flat, smooth seams: the end result of using mattress stitch
Sweater Finishing Workshop
On Saturday, October 22, 10 am-1 pm, we present a workshop here at the shop, The All-Important Bits of Finishing a Sweater, with Cheryl.

When you sign up for the class, you will receive a pattern for four homework swatches. You will bring these sample "sweater pieces" to class.

In class, you will learn to work a neck edge that will be helpful later when picking up stitches to finish. You will learn one method of setting in a sleeve and working side seams. The class will include a regular shoulder seam as well as one done using three-needle bind-off. You will mattress stitch swatches together, working three different types of seams. Finally, you will pick up stitches around a neck opening and if time permits, the front opening as well.

Skills required: knitting, purling, picking up stitches. Bring all four swatches (or five), yarn that was used for swatching or similar (different color doesn't matter), tapestry needle for seaming and needles the same size used for swatching. Also bring along double points a size or two smaller than those used on swatches.

The cost for the class is $25. To sign up, please phone the shop at 207-338-8388, or email us at hsy@myfairpoint.net.
A Wrinkle In Thyme Farm _click for full photo_
A Wrinkle In Thyme Farm (click for full photo)
Yarn and Yoga
On Friday evening, October 28 to Sunday noon, October 30, at A Wrinkle In Thyme Farm, Wendy Youmans, KYT offers four gentle yoga classes for a deeply relaxing experience. This includes: Abundant time for your favorite art, lodging at A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm, local food for five delicious home-cooked meals, four Gentle Yoga classes designed for everyone, and ample time to spend as you like!

For more information about lodging and meals, email info@awrinkleinthymefarm.com or phone them at 207-212-4058. A non-refundable $40 deposit required to hold your spot. Total cost of the weekend is $250. For yoga questions please email Wendy Youmans, certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher, at yogawendy@gmail.com, or phone her at 207-540-4602.

A Wrinkle In Thyme Farm, located at 106 Black Mountain Rd. in Sumner, Maine, offers incredibly soft home-grown Maine fiber for knitters, spinners, weavers and felt artists. Open Saturday-Tuesday, 10 am-4 pm, Tuesday evenings 6-8:30 pm, and other times by appointment. Please phone ahead at 207-212-4058.
Roses of summer linger longer with these fine bone china steeping teacups
Roses of summer linger longer with these fine bone china steeping teacups
The Treasured Tea Leaf (New in Downtown Belfast)
The Treasured Leaf Tea Company has recently opened its doors at 158 High St., Belfast. They offer a wide selection of loose leaf teas -- White, Green, Oolong, Black, Puer, and Herbals -- along with a variety of whole-leaf tea bags, tea steeping accessories, teacups and teapots. Also available "to go" are cups of hot and iced tea that can be enjoyed in the Sitting Room, which offers customers a place to sit, sip and read, knit, or chat with a friend.

Shelly Patten, the company's owner, also offers tea education, including "Tea 101," Tea Style Tastings, and Tea and Food Pairings. Fall events are being scheduled and will be posted on the company's website and Facebook page ( find them on Facebook), and sent via email.

Tea is second only to water as the most consumed beverage worldwide. There are thousands of teas in production around the world. There's been an explosion in popularity of coffee, beer and wine, but tea is now coming into its own as a sought-out beverage for several reasons. Tea is a healthful drink which is naturally low in calories and contains anti-oxidants; it's gently stimulating, refreshing and satisfying, and is available in many flavors. It is also relatively inexpensive and can be enjoyed by any age group as a hot or cold beverage.

The tea shop is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), opening at 8 am during the week, 9:30 am weekends, and closing each day at 5 pm. If you would like to be on the email list, please email patten.shelly@yahoo.com with subject line "email list," and include your name in the body of the email.
Cute dress from iConcepta Boutique
Cute dress from iConcepta Boutique
iConcepta Boutique (New in Belfast)
iConcepta Boutique, featuring trendy, classy, chic fashion for young women, is open as of October 1, but will have its grand opening on Sunday, October 9, with a ribbon cutting at noon. The location is 45 Searsport Ave., Belfast, next to Perry's Nut House. There will be live music, raffles and giveaways. Alexis Loring, a 16-year-old musician from Stockton Springs, will perform.

For more information, visit   iConcepta Boutique, or find them on Facebook.
Free Community Supper at Belfast United Methodist Church
Free Community Supper at Belfast United Methodist Church
Free Community Supper
You're invited to a free Community Supper on Saturday, October 1 at 5 pm at the Belfast United Methodist Church, 23 Mill Lane, East Belfast (Mill Lane is beside the Big Apple across from Perry's Nut House). Enjoy roast pork, baked potatoes, turnip, homemade applesauce, and pies for dessert.

Join them in their celebration of God's loving kindness. They want to pass it on! For more information, phone 207-338-5575.
Lovely butterfly from HVWC
Lovely butterfly from HVWC
Grief Support Group
Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County offers a grief support group, Grieving Through the Seasons, on Thursday evenings, 7-9 pm. The group meets for nine weeks, October 6-December 8. Belfast location. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, phone 207-930-2677.
Pete_s Posse_ L to R_ Pete Sutherland_ Oliver Scanlon_ Tristan Henderson
Pete's Posse, L to R: Pete Sutherland, Oliver Scanlon, Tristan Henderson
Pete's Posse at Belfast Flying Shoes
Join Belfast Flying Shoes on Friday, October 7 for an evening of contra dancing at American Legion Post #43, 143 Church St. in Belfast. The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a community dance called by Chrissy Fowler. The contra dance begins at 8 pm and runs till around 11 pm.

This month's caller is Mary Wesley. A Vermont native and the granddaughter of two square dance callers, Mary got swept up in the magic of contra dancing at her first dance, in 2005, and was soon following in the family tradition.

Sharing the Flying Shoes stage with Mary will be Pete's Posse. Renowned singer, composer, dance musician and co-founder of the legendary Clayfoot Strutters, Pete Sutherland has rounded up his talented multi-instrumentalist protégé, Oliver Scanlon, and the dynamic rhythm guitarist Tristan Henderson to form a contra power trio.

Sound by Glen Loper.

For more information, phone 207-338-0979, email belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com, visit Belfast Flying Shoes or find them on Facebook.
Cultivate_ Farm and Art Tour
Cultivate: Farm and Art Tour
Cultivate: Farm and Art Tour
The annual Cultivate: Farm and Art Tour will take place on Saturday, October 8 from 10 am-3 pm. This year, the tour will be located in and around Belfast and Monroe. All sites are within 35-40 minutes of downtown Belfast.

Cultivate is an open studio and farm tour with special workshops and demonstrations. Visit artists working in their studios and learn how farmers are entrepreneurs creating artistic consumer products from what they cultivate.

Participating sites include:
  • Kenny Cole (studio)
  • Jerri Finch (studio)
  • Janalee Welch (studio)
  • Waterfall Arts (steamroller print party!)
  • Maine Farmland Trust (gallery) featuring James MacDonald + Lynn Karlin
  • Mainely Pottery (demonstration)
  • Lewis Cisle (studio)
  • Roots and Wings Farmstand (farmstand)
  • Belfast Shade Company (studio and gallery)
  • Dan Bennet (demonstration)
  • Good Karma Farm (farm and studio)
  • Susan Tobey White (studio, gallery and demonstration)
  • Elwell Organic Fruit Orchard + Nursery (farm and orchard)
  • Kris Engman + Betty Schopmeyer (studio)
To join the tour, please check in on Saturday, October 8 at the tour headquarters outside Waterfall Arts or in the gallery at Maine Farmland Trust. Maps will be available on site and online. For more information, visit the Belfast Creative Coalition's Cultivate page.
Anam Thubten
Anam Thubten
Meditation and Teaching
On Sunday, October 9, at 7 pm, the Dharmata Foundation presents an evening with Anam Thubten, the Foundation's founder and spiritual advisor, at the First Baptist Church at 95 High St., Belfast.

A sample of the Foundation's philosophy: "The true joy of being a human comes from when we know how to live life fully. The secret to that is not through external activities, but through embracing each moment no matter what situation we are facing. Life is a whole with each and every moment being an equally essential element of it. Because of that, loving our own life requires loving the present moment. Sometimes we may have to embrace the present moment with courage when life situations become uncomfortable. Other times, we may need to open our heart to recognize that such moments are filled with blessings and goodness."

Suggested donation: $10 -- no one turned away. To register, phone Judi Erickson, 207-329-3971.
John Rosenwald_ former editor at the Beloit Poetry Journal and Bright Stars_ panelist
John Rosenwald, former editor at the Beloit Poetry Journal and Bright Stars! panelist
Belfast Poetry Festival
The annual Belfast Poetry Festival marks its twelfth year with a kaleidoscope of ways to celebrate poetry, community, and artistic possibility, on Friday, October 14, 6-9 pm, and Saturday, October 15, 10 am-9 pm, at the American Legion Hall, the Belfast Free Library, and throughout downtown Belfast. All events except workshops are free and open to the public.

The 2016 festival will include a tribute to Maine poets who have passed; readings of the Maine Postmark Poetry Contest winners; Connie Voisine, Maine Postmark Poetry Contest judge; master class and youth poetry workshops; Bright Stars!, an open and energetic panel discussion on contemporary poetics; and a Saturday-evening multimedia extravaganza of poetry, visual art and performing arts collaborations; all featuring 18 poets, nine visual artists, and six performing artists from across Maine and beyond.

For more information, email Jacob Fricke at jacob@belfastpoetry.com, visit Belfast Poetry Festival or find them on Facebook.
Sally Jaskold_ winner of the 2016 Maine Postmark Poetry Contest
Sally Jaskold, winner of the 2016 Maine Postmark Poetry Contest
Postmark Contest
The Twelfth Annual Belfast Poetry Festival is pleased to announce that Sally Jaskold of Belfast is the winner of this year's Maine Postmark Poetry Contest. The contest, now in its seventh year, is a statewide poetry event; over 125 entries by poets from all regions of Maine were received.

Contest judge Connie Voisine, poet and professor at New Mexico State University and a Maine native, describes the winning poem by Jaskold, "Bright Cloth, Foxhole," as a "marvelous, compact, and uncomplacent poem."

Sally Jaskold's poems have been previously published in Spoon River Poetry Review. "Bright Cloth, Foxhole" will be published in the fall issue of Off the Coast. Jaskold will read her winning poem during the Festival's opening program, Friday, October 14, starting at 7 pm at Waterfall Arts, 256 High St., Belfast. Doors open and a reception starts at 6 pm.

For more information, email Jacob Fricke at jacob@belfastpoetry.com, visit Belfast Poetry Festival or find them on Facebook.
A harvest moon
A harvest moon
Harvest Moon Festival
A Harvest Moon Festival will take place at Steamboat Landing Park on Sunday, October 16, at 4-6:30 pm, featuring singing. ukes, dance, keyboard, sing-alongs, fiddlers, pumpkin carving, face painting and events for children. Darling's ice cream truck will be there; the event is handicapped-accessible and for all ages.

Enjoy the rising of the moon on beautiful Belfast Bay, as well as Cold Comfort Theater singers and dancers, Belfast Area High School's Belfast Voices, the Belfast Bay Fiddlers, the Belfast Uke Club and Lincoln Blake on keyboard. Limited seating, bring your own chair.
 
Children's events begin at 4 pm and entertainment at 5 pm. Free admission in exchange for a non-perishable food item to support the local food cupboard. Rain location: Belfast Boathouse. Sponsored by Belfast Parks and Recreation Department and Belfast Chamber of Commerce.
Heavenly Socks Yarns  | 82 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915 | 207-338-8388
Shop hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 am-6 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday and holidays, 11 am-4 pm.