Oh we Have Classes

Have a look! I have listed Most of the classes available at The Little Green House on the Kniterary website!

More later!!

Bunzilly Class

Last weekend Tara came in and taught the Bunzilly Embellishing class!

Four of us had lots of fun creating our little characters while we learned some new skills.

Like:

Needle Felting....

Beaded Flower making...

Wire Bending and applying fur yarn.

Everybody's Bunzilly had its own character and story. Such a Silly Fun way to learn new skills!

Socks, Hearts and Angels

I have finally posted the classes currently planned for this spring on the Kniterary website so head on over and have a look a what is coming up.



Among the classes is a heart embellishing class that is being offered by Tara of Soul Xpressions. All you have to do is knit 3 small hearts and stuff them then bring them with you on February 5th for embellishing. The class and embellishing kit (enough for 3 hearts) is $15.

The pattern I used was Folk Hearts by Frankie Brown that is available free on line. One ball of Mirasol Sampa makes about 6 hearts and is $6.99 a ball. It could be a fun project to do with a child!

The Pull up Your Socks KAL continues with several people coming in to show me their progress. Sharon and Geri were in with a finished sock each.

I have also finished the final black sock.....FINALLY....Black sock weight is not my favorite to knit in but I love wearing them!

Just in to the shop is Debbie Bliss Angel..... A stunningly beautiful mohair, silk blend that knits up very light and feathery.

You have to see it in real life to really appreciate it!!!! There is a book with great patterns and the new Debbie Bliss Magazine (coming out soon) will have some patterns using Angel as well.

Remember that there are still 2 ongoing drop ins that you may join in at any time! Wednesdays 1- 3 and Thursdays 7 - 9.

Classes for the Fall

August is almost over and I have started planning the classes for the fall/winter season.

Classes will start on Saturday, October 2nd with 2 Saturday mornings of Beginner Classes. 9 -12 each day. $45 for the both days. If you know anyone who is eager to learn to knit let them know!

Other classes I have scheduled are as follows:

Beginner Socks - Oct 16th 9 - 12 Make a mini - basic sock in 1 class. $25 - includes yarn - needles extra

Beginner Crochet - Oct 16th 1 - 4 - Chain, single crochet, double crochet. $25 - includes yarn - hook extra

Cables - Start a Cable Headband - Saturday October 30th- 9 - noon- Class $25 - Kit and Pattern extra - price to be determined -

Intarsia Knitting - Saturday November 6th 9-noon, $25- kit for project extra - price to be determined

Felted Gift Bag - Saturday November 20th - 9 - noon $25 plus kit, Homework to be done prior to class

Lace - Simple lace scarf - Saturday November 27th 9 - noon $25 plus kit

Thrumming - Thrummed Headband - Saturday, December 4th 9 - noon $25 plus kit

Wet Felted Ornaments - Saturday December 11th 9 am - noon $25 plus kit

Finishing help! - Saturday December 18th All Day - Drop in $5 - get direction and help finishing your Christmas Presents

If there are any classes that you are interested in let me know and I will add them to the list.

Samples for all the Classes will be available for viewing During Arts and Culture Days Open House on September 24th and 25th.

Rug Hooking Class

East Coast Rug Hooking Workshop

Looking for a way to use up your bits and bobs of yarns, fabric leftovers, ribbons and other "scraps"? Join Jennifer Archer for her East Coast Rug Hooking workshop.

Rug Hooking Basics:

The Tree of Life Saturday, May 23; 1:00-4:00pm

Cost: $35 plus kit ($45)

We will be creating a gorgeous Tree of Life rug hooking piece! Choose the season of your tree design and get a good handle on the wonders of rug hooking techniques!

Turn these works of art into wall hangings, pillows, bags ...whatever suits your fancy!!!

This will be a fun afternoon!

Please bring:· Fabric Scissors · cash for purchasing extra kits and equipment (if desired) directly from teacher Kit ($45)

Includes:· Choice of Season · Pattern on burlap backing · 14" sturdy quilt/hook Frame (if you bring a frame reduce $10 from kit price) · All wool required to complete rug · Rug Hook

You will learn:·

How to Hook! ·

How to Strip using a stripper and scissors ·

How to mix fabrics and colours
Instructor: Jennifer Archer

February Newsletter

Hello All!


I hope you made it through your January knitting and crocheting projects! With all the snow it was certainly a great time to curl up and create!


February is a busy month at Kniterary with classes every Saturday and a new Monday evening Beginner Class starting.


Classes started this Monday with the first of Monday evening classes. It will run alternate Mondays so the next one is on Feb 16th. Even though it is a holiday I will still be teaching in the evening from 7PM to 9PM. The evenings will consist of a lesson and time for project help. Feb 16th's lesson is knitting in the round on Double pointed and circular needles.


On the other Mondays we are still running our sweater knit a long class. This Monday is the next meeting. You can join the KAL at any time since we will be running it until the end of June. To join it costs $30. For the $30 you will get a copy of the book The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville (from which you will choose a project) and 20% off your yarn purchase for the project you choose. Vickie and I will be at the classes to answer any questions and give guidance when it is needed. All projects must be knit with yarn purchased at Kniterary.



This Friday is Kniterary Literary night! We will be discussing Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. The next book we will be discussing is BloodLetting and Other Miracles by Vincent Lam. The Kniterary Literary Group meets the first Friday of every month from 7PM - 9 PM. Everyone is welcome!








This Saturday is Sock day. At 10 AM is Sock Construction and cuff down mini socks on double pointed needles. The pattern and kit are provided. You will need to bring 2.5mm double pointed needles. The cost is $25. There are one or two spaces left in the class.




At 1 PM is Magic loop toe up mini socks. These are done on long circular needles. You will need to bring 2.5mm 140cm long circular needles. Yarn will be provided. The cost is $25.


On February 14th Vickie teaches her Finishing Techniques class. It runs from 10AM to 3PM. The cost is $45 and includes a light lunch. You have homework to do to prepare for the class so if you have signed up for the class make sure to pick up the pattern!! You will need to bring the Teddy Bear sweater parts with you. Also, you will need to bring the knitting needles that you used to do the homework, extra yarn and a darning needle. There are still a few spots available.



Saturday February 21st is the busiest day and has two classes. In the morning you can Learn to knit a Log Cabin style pillow top. The class is at 10AM. The class costs $35 and includes one ball of Noro Silk Garden Yarn. You will need to bring 4.5mm or 5mm knitting needles. This project can easily be continued and made into an afghan if so desired.


In the afternoon at 1PM the Paula Lishman Yarn Trunk Show arrives in the shop. We are starting the trunk show with a class on knitting with the fur yarn. The project is a scarf using Beaver Fur. The technique to be taught is the Lishman knit weave stitch. The cost for the class includes the scarf kit and is $105. There are 3 spots left! Deadline for signing up is February 14th! Don't miss this chance to knit with the softest yarn ever!



Art Yarns are now in the shop!! You have to come in to feel and see the luxury.







There are a few free patterns available to use with this decadent yarn. Art Yarns can be custom ordered as well. There are a multitude of colour selections and combinations of beads and sequins that can be spun into the silk and cashmere. Perfect for that very special shawl or wrap.

This Month's Sale items are Dalegarn Baby Ull Yarn and patterns. Come in and get 20% off! The perfect 4 ply machine washable wool for those baby outfits!

I am starting to bring in a few hand made gift items into the shop. Most of you have seen the Project Bags made by Louise Sparrow that are for sale for $9.99. There are perfect for carrying around your knitting with you. They also make a great and useful wrapping for birthday and Valentine presents. Penny Heaven is now in the shop too. Kim recycles wool blankets and sweaters to make Coffee cup cozies, mitts and the funkiest of pin cushions!! As always I have my finished items in the shop as well. They are also available at my etsy shop Martianknit.

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Kathryn this month!!

Have a great February!!

Remember Thursdays are still Sit N Knit nights from 7 - 9PM. I'd love to see you all there!!

Martina

Kniterary

October Already!

Over the summer Michelle knit a wonderful sweater out of Mission Falls 1824 cotton in one of the newer colours. It turned out beautiful! It is on display in the shop for this month. come in and be inspired! Thanks to Michelle for sharing this project with Kniterary! Michelle also has a beautiful shawl on display. Michelle does lace so well! If you are interested in a lace class with Michelle in the new year let me know and I will get her in!

In progress is my wave piece for the Whitby Station Gallery submission.

I have used a combination of yarns and short rows to bring the wave into being. Among the yarns are; Noro Silk Garden and Silk Mountain, Debbie Bliss Astrakan, Naturally Tussock, Elsbeth Lavold Hempathy and a worsted wool that I had in my stash.

You can come in and see its progression since it is being worked on in our classroom.

Classes coming up this month are my Market bag, Mosaic Knitting, Building on Basics and Crochet. See the classes section at www.kniterary.com.

See you in the shop soon!

Fiona Ellis visits Kniterary

Saturday was a fabulous day to be at Kniterary!

The fabulous Fiona Ellis came by to teach us how to Twist with the Cable Girl. Everyone had a wonderful time as well as learning alot about cabling.

Seen here with Fiona are Lisa, Diane and Barb.

This is a view into our newly decorated classroom. It is so lovely and bright with its warm yellow walls and brand new carpet. Fifteen people were in the class and there was lots of room for every one.

vhartog

Fiona always lends a helping hand to troubled knitters! Here Miranda copes with cabling. Later on Miranda did a happy little cable dance for me! She was so excited to learn how to do it!

vhartog

Everyone got to see Fiona's cable sweaters first hand. Some were even tried on.

vhartog

Michelle shows off her work with Fiona. Michelle was slacking here I think because she already has one pattern published in Magknits.

vhartog

A simple pair of fingerless gloves called Evangaline!
Fiona has agreed to come back to teach again in September or October so keep your eyes open for details!

P.S.

The talented Michelle is teaching a lace scarf class starting this Friday! Check classes at the Kniterary web site for more information!

Easter Basket Saturday

Come in to Kniterary this Saturday March 15th to make this cute little Easter Basket!!

The cost is $25 for all materials except needles. You will need 16" 10mm circular needles or 10mm DPN's.

The Easter Bunny may even bring you eggs!

Also being taught this Saturday. The Magic Loop. Knitting socks on a circular needle.

Call or e-mail kniterary@hotmail.com to reserve a spot!!

News letter

Hello Fellow knitters,

Spring stock is slowly arriving at kniterary. I shall attempt to keep you up to date on all new arrivals.

Those of you who just took the Mosaic Knitting class with Vickie will be glad to know that I have just received 6 copies of the Barbara Walker bible on Mosaic Knitting. The cost is $40.00.

Also in are 3 more copies of Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters.

There are a few ball winders and swifts in stock right now so if you are interested in getting one come on in!!

Vickie is teaching a class in Magic Loop sock knitting on Saturday, February 23rd from 1 - 4 PM. The cost of the class is $25.00. You will require a 47" 2.5 Addi Turbo circular needle. I have some in stock right now. The cost is $15.95 for each needle. You will also need to bring some sock yarn that you want to knit a sock with. If you need to buy some yarn I will have some balls put aside at 30% off on the day of the class.

Remember that the Lace Class that should have started last Friday is going to start this Friday Feb 8th unless we have another huge storm. The Lace class is 6 PM - 8PM.

The Kniterary Literary Group is also meeting on Friday hoping to share thoughts on The Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggars. 7 PM - 9 PM

Have a knit filled day!!

Vickie the Teacher

Saturday January 26th Kniterary had it's first class taught by Vickie.

Mosaic knitting was the subject. There Vickie is hard at work filling eager knitting minds.

Everybody had a good time and came out of the class raring to do their first Mosaic project.

We used the classroom upstairs for the first time. Hopefully the first of many!

Another Mosaic class will be offered in a couple of months.

Michelle starts the lace class this Friday February 1st 6 - 8 PM. There are still a couple of spots if anyone is interested.

Just added to the class list is a Magic Loop class on the last Saturday in February from 1 - 4 PM. Sign up soon! Spots are sure fill quickly.

There are only 2 spots left in the Fiona Ellis Class. So hop to it if you are interested!!!

New yarns should start coming in this week. I can't wait to show them off!

Welcome to 2008!

I have finally started to shake off the post holiday season blahs and I am getting things in gear again at the shop.

I have yet to print up a January calendar but still have the open classes on Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoons.

Sit N Knit Thursdays resume this week from 7 to 9 PM. I am looking forward to seeing everybody again! New people are always welcome!

This Friday evening is the meeting fot he Kniterary Literary Club (7 - 9PM). Hopefully everyone has read Knit Fast, Die Young by Mary Kruger.

I am starting to order spring yarns so if you have seen anything I should consider please let me know.

Coming up January 26th is the Mosaic class with Vickie. I will be sending out an outline of the course soon to everyone. It is still not too late to register. Cost $25 and includes yarn for a sample swatch.

If you would like to knit lace but have always been afraid to make sure to attend Michelle's February, Friday evening classes (first 3 fridays in Feb). She will be teaching a few lace patterns and taking the mystery out of lace knitting for you. At the end of the 3 weeks you should have a lace scarf nearly done! (Cost $70) (does include yarn for project) The class is limited to 5 people so make sure to register soon!

Fiona Ellis will be here on March 29th with her Twisting with the Cable girl class. There is still room in the class if you are interested! Cost is $30.

Here's to a great year of knitting!!

Vickie and Her Patterns

I would like to introduce you all to a most creative knitter. Vickie.

She has been creating unique knitting designs since before I knew her. AND...She writes down her creations into patterns. Her patterns (so far) are only available at Kniterary.

She has been creating fingerless glove patterns such as these.

and these
.

There are also a few scarf patterns.

Add to that a felted tea cozy and a felted bag!

What a talent she is!

You may have noticed that a pair of the gloves and the scarf I've shown are in Mosaic knitting. Vickie has agreed to teach a class in Mosaic Knitting in January. The cost will be $30. Particulars are still to be worked out and I will let you all know as soon as they are!

In the meantime come in and check out her inspired designs!!

Almost Halloween..

Wednesday is Halloween.
Boo!! Did I scare you?

That means that Thurday is November 1st.

That means that as of Thursday there will be 55 knitting days until Christmas!

Remember there are lots of quick scarfs and hats that can be done for gifts!

I have been knitting up a quick snuggly shawl from the Fond Time Farm hand spun, naturally dyed Alpaca. I am knitting it like a simple dishcloth pattern without the decreasing. When it gets almost as long as it is going to be I will do a row of yarn over, knit 2 together and then 4 more rows of knitting before casting off. I am really enjoying knitting this because it is quick and easy,and, despite the tight spin and rustic look to the yarn is is really soft and buttery. It is going to be one of the snuggliest shawls ever! So far it has taken 4 pucks of the Alpaca. The approximate cost to make it is $64.00.

I have also been knitting an argyle scarf with Hempwol from Lanaknits Designs. This yarn feels like it will be scratchy while in the ball but is really soft! I am loving knitting with it! Once the hemp washes I expect it will be so, so soft! I'll keep you updated. Because I am using 4 different colours (I am going to duplicate stitch in white stripes) it is taking 4 balls. At $6.49 a ball that is a scarf for $28.00. Actually because there will be lots of the green, red and white left at least one more scarf could be made cutting one scarf to $14.00!! I will write up the pattern for this As soon as I have finished the scarf I promise.

I was in Toronto yesterday to wish Lisa a happy birthday and got started on a Lopi bag for felting. I made some I-cord that I am going to tack on before felting for embellishment. Yes, I am going to write out the pattern for this too! Lopi felts wonderfully! This picture is the pre-felted look. I will post the finished look as soon as it is done.

New Classes are now posted on the classes page of www.kniterary.com. I have included some Sock Saturdays and Finishing Fridays. Go have a look! Prices are all reasonable.

I have been talking to knit designer and author Fiona Ellis and have booked March 22nd, 2008. for her to come out and do her "Twisting with the Cable Girl" workshop. It will be a 3 hour workshop from 1 - 4 PM and the cost will be $30.00. Fiona is a fun and inspirational teacher and I know that you will all love learning from her.

See you in the Shop!

Headband Week!

This week has been my week of Headbands.

After I finished the Colinette hat I had enough left over from the skein to make a headband. (You can find the picture 3rd down.)

While I was knitting the headband I realized that a headband is actually a really good way to do a yarn sample. For one you get to see a large enough sample of how the yarn knits. For another I get to experiment with knit /purl designs at the same time putting ideas out there.

Headbands are a really quick small gift project. For the most part you can get 2 head bands out of one skein so those luxurious yarns like Noro and Colinette can be used for a drop dead look.

I am actually getting 3 head bands out of the Noro transitions. All 3 look very different because of the way the different yarns are put together. I should have a picture of the other 2 soon (or you can just come in to see them!)

New...The Estelle Twelve Yarn. Twelve different yarns in one skein and NO KNOTS! Two to three make a scarf. Perfect gift as is for a knitter to make a perfectly simple yet stunning scarf.

Coming soon is the felted pumpkin workshop! $20 for the class, patterns, yarn and the felting of one pumpkin. (There will be enough yarn for 2 pumpkins)
On October 10th Jane Ellison is here for the Carlos glove workshop.

The Gloves use the Hacho yarn from Mirasol. Hacho is the multicoloured yarn in the lower triangle. Carlos Gloves are knit in a new fashion. Sideways! Workshop costs $75.00 and includes a viewing of Jane's designs and a talk from her about Mirasol and her designs.

Mini Socks.

Saturday afternoon at Kniterary saw 5 students knitting their own mini socks. Every one seemed to enjoy the class and by the end were able to go home with one sock for their house elf and enough yarn to knit a second one.

Of course I forgot my camera so no pics. Sigh.

At the end of the class I asked if I should now run a series of classes for human size socks. There was a resounding "Yes". So you will soon be seeing regular sock classes that will run twice a month. The cost will be to buy a ball of sock yarn.

Next weekend...Felted bowls!

Jane Ellison Workshop

I have been offered a chance to bring Jane Ellison in to run a knitting workshop on Wednesday October 10th. Jane Ellison designs for Noro and the new Mirasol Peru Fair Trade line.

Jane Ellison worked with Debbie Bliss for a long time and has been designing for Noro Yarns for several years. She is doing several workshops across Canada and I feel lucky to be able to offer this workshop to you!

When designers do workshops they always bring samples of their work from books they have written. They are so fun to see because the pictures in the books rarely do them justice. It will be interesting to find out about her creative process and to learn a knitting technique from her.

The price ,which will be $75 to $100, will include any yarn that is used in the workshop. You will definitely leave the workshop with lots of inspiration and a new technique to try out.

E-mail me at kniterary@hotmail.com if you are interested!!

This is hopefully the start of workshops from knit designers around the world. I hope to be able to offer them once or twice every year.

Busy Week!

It has been a busy week at Kniterary!

The new stock keeps on arriving. This week Sublime Angora Merino, 2 Debbie Bliss yarns and more Noro arrived. Pictured is the Sublime Angora Merino. (ooh soft...)

I have also ordered some Malabrigo kettle dyed lace weight . It is so yummy! One skein has 400m so is enough to do a small shawl. The price is reasonable too (though of course it escapes me now).

Thursday night was the first Thursday Sit N' Knit of the season. I had wine and cheese for everybody. Seven lucky people got to take home door prizes!

There was a great turn out . Old friendships were renewed and new ones started. I forgot to take pictures. But here are some of the morning after.

This is 2 of the door prizes waiting to be picked up.

Aren't the flowers beautiful! I picked them up at the Oshawa farmers market along with some vegetables. Good place to get everything local!

The napkins are resting in their Muskoka chair guarding the dirty wine glasses.

I also started the pumpkins for the felted pumpkin class in October . Pre felted version is here. Soon to have the felted version. I am just waiting to have more to go in the wash before I do it.

The Kniterary Literary club met last night for the first time. We will be meeting the first Friday of every month. We talked about books and knitting and life. We are reading

The Birth House by Ami McKay this month. I am looking forward to it! Of course again no pictures. I will try to get better at getting my camera out at these events!

The first beginners and individual project classes begin today. Yeah!

Sock Class!

I have just added a sock class to the schedule.

Saturday September 15th, 1 - 5 PM
Cost: $20 (plus materials)*

You will be making a miniature sock that could be used for a Holiday season decoration or a key chain. While making the sock you will learn to cast on on double pointed needles, turn a heel, decrease for toes and kitchener stitch.

Email me at kniterary@hotmail.com or leave a comment or pop into Kniterary to register.
(*I will have the material cost set this coming week).

As soon as the Web Master allows me to update my web site it will be done!!!

Lots of new visitors to the shop today. Most of them found out about the shop through a friend. Keep on passing the word! Thanks to all of you who have!

Knit Camp 2007

The first Kniterary Knit Camp

is over!!

One young lady took part this year. She made her own knitting needles, dyed her own yarn and knit 3 items.

Here she is showing her 1st item, a headband, and her last item, a pouch.

I sent her on her way starting to knit a scarf with her hand dyed yarn.

While demonstrating koolaid dying and knitting techniques I completed this pouch as well. It was her gift for a job well done.

I will be offering the camp again next summer!