Tempting Tidbits - August 17, 2019

A Note From Karen To all of you who visited us during the 2019 I-75 Yarn Crawl, thank you!  It was such fun to welcome so many fiber artists and learn about your interests! We hope that you enjoyed your time at Knitting Temptations and look forward to seeing you soon! I love this time of year - football, colorful leaves, holiday planning and new patterns, yarns, colors, classes and resolutions for skill building. This fall, I will develop my crochet skills! We have a full array of classes scheduled and many more in the planning stages. Please keep a lookout for all the exciting opportunities.

Top photo: Our first customers of the 2019 I-75 Yarn Crawl - all the way from West Virginia - ready and waiting for us when the doors opened! Bottom photo: Karen was wowed by Brynn, a yarn crawler who is knitting twelve socks at a time and keeping it all organized in this special bag that she created herself!

Michelle is taking a sabbatical from knit-alongs to travel and spend time with her ever-expanding family. We hope you will join Michelle for her last hurrah,  Audition . The first clue will be posted at 9am on Thursday, October 10 at knitpurlhunter.com . This KAL is a celebration of great stitches and a new yarn from Skacel. If you love to “try out” new stitch patterns, then Audition is a KAL you won’t want to miss! This generously sized asymmetrical shawl debuts four unique stitch patterns. Each pattern features interesting stitches along with improved ways to execute old standards.   The shawl is knit using the lovely shades of Simplicity Spray or Simplicity Tonal by HiKoo and is paired with two skeins of a solid HiKoo Simplicity. (Both of these solid skeins MUST be the same color). Simplicity Spray is wound in huge 200 gram cakes and dyed with a brand new technique for an exceptional color palette.    While the shawl design is a mystery, it is no secret that video tutorials and daily support are available all throughout the knit along.  Yarns are available online or in the shop.   Supplies: 456 yards of Main Color 234 yards of Contrasting Color   Suggested HiKoo® Yarns: MC (Option 1):  Simplicity Spray ; 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon; 456 yards per 200 gram cake, 1 cake. OR MC (Option 2):  Simplicity Tonal , 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon; 117 yards per 50 gram hank, 4 hanks of the same color. WITH CC:  Simplicity solid , 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon; 117 yards per 50 gram hank, 2 hanks of the same color. Note: Simplicity Tonal or Simplicity Multi could be used in place of Simplicity Spray for the MC, but will require 4 hanks to achieve proper yardage.   US 7 (4.5 mm) 24" - 32" circular  or size to obtain gauge Locking stitch markers Tapestry needle

A Knitting Weekend with Beth Brown-Reinsel

Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13 Knitting Temptations hosts A Weekend of Traditional European Knitting Techniques with Beth Brown-Reinsel Beth Brown-Reinsel has been passionately teaching historic knitting workshops nationally, as well as internationally, for 30 years. Her book Knitting Ganseys has been deemed a classic. She has completed three DVDs and a Craftsy class on Swedish Twined Knitting. Beth loves to prowl the storage section of museums around the world to look at old knitted items for inspiration for her patterns and classes. Her classes are well known for the tiny sampler sweater projects which teach technique within the context of a garment. Her articles and designs have appeared in the major magazines. She continues to design for her own pattern line Knitting Traditions . Beth's website, blog, and eNewsletter can be found at www.knittingtraditions.com. She lives in Vermont, USA and loves New England winters! Special Pricing of $425 is extended to those who wish to join us for ALL THREE WORKSHOPS!

Introduction to Twined Knitting Workshop Fee: $115 Saturday, October 12 9am-12pm Continental Breakfast Provided Class Description: Curious about the 400 year-old Swedish technique of Twined Knitting? This unusual method of knitting produces a very warm, firmly elastic fabric and motifs not possible in any other type of knitting. In this three hour class, students knit one of a pair of wristers while learning a traditional cast-on, twined knitting, twined purling, and patterning (the "O" stitch, the Crook stitch, and motifs that combine these, and the Chain Path). Learn how to manage your yarns so that untwisting becomes a cinch! Reading Twined Knitting charts is also included.  Length: 3 hours Level:  Intermediate. Must be comfortable with double pointed needles or working with two circulars. Ability to knit English style (yarn held in the right hand) is very helpful, but not required. Supply List: Yarn for this class will be provided by Knitting Temptations One set of size 6 or 7 (4 or 4.5 mm) double pointed needles or two circulars of any length. Stitch markers, sticky notes or a magnetic board to keep one's place on the chart.

Latvian Wristers:  A Study of Latvian Mitten Cuff Techniques Workshop Fee: $115 Saturday, October 12 1-4pm Afternoon Break with snacks provided Course Description: Using wristers as a template, some of the beautiful knitting methods of Latvia will be studied in this class. Knit one of a pair of wristers to learn the following techniques which can be applied to mitten cuffs, sock tops or sleeves: a scalloped cuff, the herringbone braid and many subtle and beautiful variations of the half-braid. A traditional motif is incorporated in the main part of the wrister, as well as a picot edge at the end. Additional techniques to be discussed include yarn dominance, knitting with two yarns in the right hand or a yarn in each hand, as well as knitting with three colors and setting up the knitting for color changes in the braids. Length: 3 hours Level: Intermediate (must be proficient with double point needles, Magic Loop, or working with two circular needles)  Supply List: Yarn for this class will be provided by Knitting Temptations One set of size 4 (3.5 mm) double pointed needles or two circulars of any length. If you are proficient in the magic loop or working with two circulars, bring the appropriate needles. Tapestry needle and stitch markers, sticky notes or magnetic board to aid in reading the text or chart.

Traditional Gansey Techniques  Workshop Fee: $225 Sunday, October 13 9am-4pm Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided Class Description: Students will learn how to construct a Gansey, a sweater form prevalent in the 19th century and early part of the 20th century among the fishermen of the British Isles. A small scale sweater will be knitted using traditional construction techniques including the classic Channel Island cast-on, split welts, seam stitches, traditional knit/purl patterns, the underarm gusset, the perpendicular shoulder join, picked-up sleeves, and three choices for the collar. Alternative methods to these techniques will also be explored.   Length: 1 day (6 hours) Level:  Intermediate (must be proficient with double point needles, Magic Loop, or working with two circulars) Class Supply List: Yarn for this class will be provided by Knitting Temptations. One set of four 8" long (shorter is OK) dp needles, US size 5 (3.75mm). One set of four or five 8" long (shorter is OK) dp needles, US size 7 (4.5mm) Optional: 11 1/2" or 12" (30 cm) circular needle US size 7 (4.5 mm) stitch markers contrasting waste yarn sticky notes or magnetic board to aid in reading the chart.  (If you prefer using the Magic Loop or 2 circulars, bring the appropriate needle.)

Call the shop today to reserve your spot for these classes!

Knit for the Love Please join us August 24 to make afghan sections for Warm Up America. We know that it may not seem like it now, but cold weather is coming! Our goal is to make 98 rectangles. We'd love your help! For more information, please call the shop. Warm Up America! was founded by Evie Rosen in the early 1990s. Evie’s vision was to provide an innovative way for yarn enthusiasts to donate 7” by 9” sections which when joined together made finished afghans. This seed of an idea has blossomed over the years into a national program which has provided comfort and warmth to hundreds of thousands of people in need during their most difficult of times. Learn more about Warm Up America! here. ---------------- Do you sometimes think, "I don't need another hat, scarf or cowl, but I love to knit!" What about “knitting for the love” of it? Knit for the love of people going through chemo, women who have had mastectomies, premature babies or those who are homeless. Knit for anyone in need, just for the love of knitting. Knitting Temptations is encouraging knitters to come together and knit for others on the fourth Saturday of each month from 1-3pm. We will focus on a different charity/project each month. We will deliver the finished projects.

Diamond in the Yarn! Knitting Temptations challenges knitters and crocheters to purchase one skein of yarn to work a published pattern or to create a new design. In this challenge, the yarn that we are highlighting is Amano Colca. This yarn is currently 25% off. We will take projects until August 30, voting until September 14, winners announced September 15. The 3 contestants whose projects receive the most number of votes will be awarded gift cards worth $15 (winner), $10 (2nd place), and $5 (runner up). Come on in and vote for your favorite!

Papillon -- Summer Knit Along It is not too late to join in the fun! It seems we are adding new Papillon knitters every week! We're having so much fun knitting this shawl - it's an addictive pattern! A great group of knitters meets on Tuesday afternoons from 2-4pm and/or Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm. Come whenever your schedule allows. We have room for more! Seeing how all the colors unfold is half the fun!  The project uses two skeins of multicolored Uneek Fingering and one skein of a contrasting color of Uneek Monokrom or Uneek Harvest. New shipments of the yarn arrive regularly - the hardest part of the project will be choosing which beautiful colors to use! The last session is September 25.

CRAZY The CRAZY wall is full! Come get yours before it is gone! Some of the suggested patterns are  Nightshift,   Shiftalong , The Shift   and   Montana Mountain  by Andrea Mowry. The whole idea of Crazy is that it is unpredictable, so be prepared to knit something random and fun!

Magical Thinking KAL Please join us! Jumping in on any of the Saturdays is perfectly fine! This KAL is offered at no cost. Magical Thinking  is a project that goes quickly, is good for beginners, and perfect for Netflix knitting. Read about this pullover shawl on the pattern page for more details on color selection and sizing. Basically, any three colors that you love together will work wonderfully and it's a great accessory for spring and summer. The sample was done in Baah La Jolla. Grab three skeins of fingering weight yarn and join in! Supplies: Three skeins of fingering weight yarn, 400 yards each US 3 (3.25mm) 16 inch needle US 4 (3.5mm) 16 inch needle US 4 (3.5mm) 24 inch needle Knit Kit (make sure tapestry needle and stitch markers are included) Waste Yarn (fingering weight) Saturday, August 24, 9-11am Saturday, September 14, 9-11am Saturday, September 28, 9-11am - Last Session

Tuesdays - 6:00pm - 8:00pm Fridays - 10am-Noon Knitting Temptations offers two opportunities for friends to gather and create. We welcome all fiber artists, including knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, felters and others of all skill levels. Bring your project and join your creative friends for support and advice.  A member of the staff will be available to answer questions and offer limited guidance. Problems requiring more assistance may be scheduled for a later time.

Knit Kit A Must for Every Knitter! Life can be so much easier when preparations are made. Our advice is to assemble a knit kit for your knitting projects. If you need help picking the best container or items, we can assist with that! Items to include are: Stitch Markers, Tapestry Needle, Waste Yarn, Tape Measure, Scissors, Point Protectors, Pen, Paper, Post-it Notes, Row Counter, Needle Gauge, Fix-It Tool or crochet hook (appropriate to needle size).

Classes You may register for classes in person or by calling the shop at 614.734.0618 during regular business hours. We ask that you make payment in full when registering. It is our policy that unless we specify otherwise, students in our classes MUST purchase their yarn and other class supplies at Knitting Temptations.

More on Class Policies

INTRODUCTION TO KNITTING Class fee: $30 - yarn and needles provided for class One 2-hour class Instructors: Karen Wilkins, Beth Hanson Skill level: Beginner Knitting This class is designed for the person who has no prior experience with knitting. Instructors will teach knitting basics: casting on, knitting, purling and binding off the work. Yarn and needles are provided to practice in class. By the end of class, students will have a swatch to take home. Students will be given the opportunity to start a simple washcloth pattern. This class prepares students for Beyond Intro to Knitting and future projects. Saturday, August 24, 11am-1pm Tuesday, September 17, 6-8pm

BEYOND INTRO TO KNITTING Class fee: $30 One 2-hour class Instructors: Karen Wilkins, Beth Hanson Skill level: Beginner Knitting While teachers will review basic knitting skills, this class is designed for students who execute confidently the knit and purl stitches, casting on and binding off their work. Participants will gain new skills to determine gauge, read simple knitting instructions and to select yarn and needles for projects. Students will begin knitting a scarf. Teacher and Students will pick out supplies together. Saturday, August 24, 9-11am Saturday, September 7, 9-11am Tuesday, September 24, 6-8pm

INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET Class fee: $30 - yarn and crochet hook provided for class One 2-hour class Instructors: Elaine Sparks Skill level: Beginner Crochet This class is designed for the person who has no experience with crochet! Instructors will teach the technique of holding a crochet hook with yarn and demonstrate the chain, single, half double and double crochet stitches. While practicing these stitches, students will create a sample of their work. Students will be given the opportunity to begin a beginner washcloth. This class prepares students for Beyond Intro to Crochet and future projects. Saturday, September 21, 9-11am Saturday, October 19, 9-11am Saturday, November 16, 9-11am

BEYOND INTRO TO CROCHET Prerequisite for this class: Knowledge of how to chain and create basic stitches. Class fee: $30, supplies extra One 2-hour class Instructors: Debbie Moore Skill Level: Beginner Crochet While teachers will review basic crochet skills, this class is designed for students who execute confidently the chain, single, half double and double crochet stitches. Students will learn to read simple crochet instructions and will begin crocheting a scarf. Monday, September 23, 2-4pm Monday, October 21, 2-4pm Monday, November 18, 2-4pm

CARLY'S BRIOCHE HEAD BAND Saturday, September 21, 11am-1:30pm Class fee: $45, supplies extra One 2.5-hour class Instructors: Carly Thomas Skill Level: Intermediate or adventurous beginner Brioche knitting has become widely popular, but many knitters feel intimidated by the method to create the squishy, ribbed fabric. Carly has designed this chunky headband to introduce intermediate knitters (or adventurous beginners) to brioche without the use of purl stitches. Students will be taught a provisional cast on, and the 3-needle bind off will be demonstrated.  Supplies: One skein Baah Sequoia US 9 (5.5mm) 24” circular US 10 (6mm) 24” circular Additional US 9 (5.5) needle (for three needle bind off) Tapestry needle Tape measure

BEGINNING SOCK Class 1: August 28 (1 of 3) Class 2: September 4 (2 of 3) Class 3: September 18 (3 of 3) 11am-1pm Class fee: $81.00 Pattern included, supplies extra Instructor: Karen Wilkins Three 2-hour classes Skill level: Easy Knit Learn to make a classic top down sock in the round using the Magic Loop method. Students must be comfortable knitting and purling. Learn numerous sock techniques including: magic loop, classic heel, left-leaning and right-leaning decreases, and kitchener stitch. Each of these skills is applicable to many other knitting projects. Supplies needed: Yarn: approximately 400 yards of fingering-weight. Note on choosing yarn: Sock stitches are small and show up best in LIGHT colors. Needles: 32" circular in size US 1 (2.25mm) Knit Kit (See Knit Kit article.) Please purchase your supplies prior to coming to the first class. There is no pre-work for this class, but there is homework between classes, so please plan accordingly.

SAMI BRACELET WORKSHOP Saturday, September 28 10am-3pm Instructor: Linda Mihely Difficulty: Beginner Class fee: $80 Bracelet supplies included, other supplies extra In this one-day class, you will make your own Sami bracelet with the traditional materials from Sweden. You will learn the basic braid and the bracelet construction techniques. Several leather color choices (besides the traditional black) are available. You will make your bracelet entirely by hand! Once you know the basics, your imagination can take flight and you can create layered braids.   Basic experience with needle-and-thread, hand sewing is necessary. It is recommended that you bring a thimble, sharp small-tipped scissors, and a pair of small needle-nose pliers. For best results, preview bracelet leather colors ahead of time so that you have time to shop for and match your thread to the leather. Sami bracelet supplies needed: Bracelet leather Tin strands Antler button Leather button braid Sinew (to match bracelet leather) Other supplies/tools needed for class: Thimble (optional) Small sharp-tipped scissors Small needle-nosed pliers Sharp hand sewing needle, size 18, chenille or crewel style There will be a break for lunch so participants can get lunch out or bring your own lunch -- refrigerator and microwave are available for use.

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Knitting Temptations Exquisite Yarn, Expert Instruction Email | 614.734.0618 | Website Mon-Thurs: 10:00am - 5:30pm Fri-Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday CLOSED