It's Like Magic

When you first finish a knitting project, it can look a little....blah.

Of course, what you need is a good blocking.  In a sink or tub, run cold water with some gentle detergent...Euclan is a good choice, and you can find a selection of such things at your local yarn store.  I fill the sink up with the sudsy soap first and do not leave the water running onto my newly finished hand knit, which can make for a surprise felting and a few tears.  



Rubber Ducky, you're the one....you make bath time lots of fun....

Don't be surprised to see some dye bleeding out into the water.  After draining the soapy water, fill the sink again with cold, clear water, not letting it beat down on your hand knit. If there's a lot of color in the water, be sure to rinse an extra time or two to make sure the water is clear.

 

You can use blocking wires, straight pins, foam blocking boards, sock forms, the list goes on and on with what you can use to facilitate blocking out your hand knit.  With this particular shawl, I just decided to lay it out flat on a nice fluffy towel.  After I had removed it from the rinse water, I gently squeezed it, but DIDN'T wring it out (oh that would be so bad for a hand knit!!) and laid it out nice and flat.  Easy-peasy.

Check it out again.

Before:                                                                               After: 

 

Blocking makes a big difference, doesn't it?  I'd show some better shots of it being worn...maybe shots of me channeling my inner hobbit, dancing barefoot in a field of grasses with the shawl held lightly overhead, but the lighting outside is terrible today, folks.  Super cloudy.  Yeah, I'm totally blaming the weather on that one.  Ha ha!

In other fiber-y goodness news....there is a new arrival or three at Yarns Etc and Great Yarns.

Also, did you know that it's the 26th anniversary for Great Yarns???  26 years!  Happy Birthday!  May you have many many more!  On Friday and Saturday of this week there will be a big ole party, with cake (YAY!) and a sale (YAYAYAYAYAYYYYY!) on pattern books and loose patterns. 

Another gem to look forward to is the Stitch N' Pitch to be held May 19th at 7pm.  Section 211, only $9 a ticket, and lots of fun knitting and crocheting with friends and scaring the Muggles.  I'm looking forward to that very much!

Play ball!!

GREAT YARNS’ CLASSES APRIL-JUNE 2012

BEGINNING KNIT

SKILL LEVEL: Novice FEE: $55.00

Prerequisites: None

This two-session class is for new and beginning knitters. Participants will learn to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. Your instructor may suggest a scarf or small project for your first piece. No experience required. Needles, yarn, stitch gauge, and Learn How to Knit book are included in class registration fee. 

April  16th & 23rd             Monday   9:30-11:30a.m.

Instructor: Ellen

April  18th & 25th     Wednesday, 6:30-8:30p.m. 

Instructor:  Fran

May 2nd & 9th Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Instructor:  Ellen

May  14th & 21st          Monday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

Instructor:  Ellen

May  16th & 23rd        Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  

Instructor: Pam

May 29th & Jun 5th Tuesday, 6:30 -8:30 p.m.

Instructor: Fran

May  30th & Jun 6th Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Instructor: Ellen

© Mindy Wilkes

The Holden Shawlette (Knit) Fee: $50.00

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Knit, Purl, Cast on, Bind off, previous knowledge of increasing and decreasing a plus. 

This class is back by popular demand! You will make a wonderful shawl to wear anywhere and year round.  The shawl can be viewed at ravelry.com and is a free download.  Come chose from a wide variety of smooth, silky yarns we have in the shop and enjoy creating your own masterpiece. 

April 16th, 23rd, & 30th Monday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Fran

CROCHET CLUTCH                              FEE: $35.00

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

Prerequisites: Student must know how to single and double crochet.

Learn to make a beautiful crocheted clutch bag. Enhanced with a “dressy” yarn it can easily be used to accessorize your special evening out, or use it every day with sports or beach wear.   Yarn, hook and other supplies are in addition to class fee. Instructor will provide pattern first night of class.

April 17^th & 24^th Tuesday, 9:30-11:30a.m.

Instructor: Pam

LOVE YOUR TOES! Fee: $ 50.00

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

Prerequisites:  Students need to know how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off.  Prior experience knitting in the round is helpful. 

In this three session class the student will learn how to knit socks from the cuff down to the toe, using the double pointed needle method.  Wearing your own hand made socks is like going to the spa, simply luscious. 

April  17th, 24th & May 1st, Tuesday, 7-9:00 p.m.

Instructor: Elizabeth

BEGINNING CROCHET                          Fee: $55.00

SKILL LEVEL: Novice

Prerequisites: None

During this class students learn all the basic stitches of crochet (single, half-double, double and treble crochet) joining new yarn over two, 2 hour sessions. No experience required.  Class supplies are included in registration fee; yarn, hook, and Learn to Crochet book are distributed at the first class session. 

April 26^th & May 3^rd Thursday, 9:00 -11:00 a.m.

Instructor : Pam

May 17^th & 24^th         Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Instructor : Pam

Queen Anne’s Lace Scarf (crochet)      Fee: $ 35.00

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

Prerequisites: Single, double, and treble crochet skills required. 

Complete this project in a Winter, Fall, Spring or Summer weight yarn and add a beautiful accessory to your closet. Everyone will want one like it. Make more than one!

May 1^st Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Instructor: Pam

SIMPLE  TOYS (Knit)                              Fee: $ 45.00

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner- Intermediate Knitter

Prerequisites: Comfortable with casting on, knitting and purling, Previous increasing and decreasing experience a plus.

Choose from a dog, a rabbit, a whale, or a turtle. This is a great intro to knitting with dpns and learning to sew up little projects.  If you get industrious, you can knit more than one.  Patterns will be supplied by teacher.  Other supplies: Worsted weight or DK yarn, size 3 o 4 dpns can be purchased first night of class. 

May 3^rd & 10^th Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Instructor: Ellen

May 16^th & 23^rd Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Instructor: Ellen

Mizzen

Spring CEY Knit Along- Mizzen Bolero 

                                                                               FEE: $ 55.00

(Chance to win a $100.00 

Classic Elite Gift Basket!)

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Student must know how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. Experience with increasing and decreasing is helpful.

Register for this four session class and make the cute “Mizzen” Bolero top.  This is a wonderful addition to your spring or summer outfits and your name will be entered in a drawing making you eligible to win a beautiful gift basket donated by Classic Elite Yarns. Participants must be willing to publish a picture of their completed project and meet a completion date of July 31, 2012 to be eligible for the prize. Call the shop for more details. Pattern can be viewed online at the CEY website or at the shop.  

May 7^th, 14^th, 21^st, & Jun 4^th  Monday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Instructor: Fran

Mei-Mei Top –                            Fee: $ 55.00

Short or Long (Crochet)

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner

Prerequisites:

This beautiful crocheted top can be worn all Spring and Summer long. The pattern is a top down construction with no sewing required. An added class bonus of learning how to construct a button frog closure is included in this class.  Pattern can be viewed on ravelry.com and is a free download.

May 8th, 15th, 22^nd, &  29^th Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Instructor: Pam

LACY, LACY Scarf (Knit) Fee:  $35.00

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate

Prerequisites: Knit, purl, cast on and bind off techniques required.

 Introduce yourself to lace techniques and yarns used to make beautiful shawls during this one class session. You will make a sample lace pattern by creating a scarf project and become familiar with reading lace charts.   

May 8^th Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. 

Instructor: Elizabeth

LUCY’S OWL Fee: $ 55.00

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Knitter

Prerequisite: Knit, Purl, Casting On and Binding off, knitting in the round. Increasing and decreasing knowledge is helpful.

Stop in the shop and see our Owl Friends.  Your imagination and choice of yarn is what gives character to this feathered friend.   Make one as a gift or one for yourself.  

May 17th, 24th, 31st & June 7th Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Instructor: Ellen

GREAT YARNS 2012 CLASS SCHEDULE

GREAT YARNS JANUARY-MARCH 2012

CLASS SCHEDULE

CALL NOW TO REGISTER  919.832.3599

KNIT NIGHT- JANUARY 5TH, 6:30-9:00 PM
KNIT NIGHT- FEBRUARY 3RD, 6:30-9:00 PM
KNIT NIGHT- MARCH 2ND, 6:30-9:00 PM

BEGINNING KNIT CLASSES - $55.00 are available at a variety of times, both day and evening. Class includes your yarn, needles, instruction book, knit gauge and two, 2 hour sessions.  Choose from one of the following times and add a wonderful craft to your new year and an art you will treasure for a lifetime! 

Beg. Knit, w/ Ellen, Mondays, Jan 16, & 23, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

Beg. Knit, w/Justine, Friday, Jan 20 & 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  

Beg Knit, w/ Ellen, Wednesday, Feb 8 & 15, 9:30-11:30 a.m.  

Beg. Knit, w/Ellen, Monday, Mar 5 & 12, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

Beg. Knit, w/Ellen, Wednesday, Mar 21 & 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

New! KNIT ALONG WITH FRAN- A beautiful all purpose sweater pattern, by Classic Elite Yarns created with Toboggan Yarn.  Four 2 hour sessions and you will have a brand new sweater for your wardrobe, $60.00.  

Mondays, Jan 16, 23, 30, & Feb 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. or 

Mondays, Mar 5, 12, 19, & 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

BEGINNING CROCHET CLASSES - $55.00 are also available at a variety of times, both day and evening. Class includes your yarn, hook, instruction book, and two 2-hour sessions.  Choose from one of the following times: 

Beg Crochet w/ Pam, Tuesdays, Jan 17, 24 & 31, 9:30-11:30 a.m.  

Beg. Crochet, w/Pam, Thursday, Jan 19 & 26, 7:00-9:00 p.m. 

Beg. Crochet, w/Rebecca, Thursday, Feb 9 & 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Beg. Crochet, w/Pam, Tuesdays, Feb 28 & March 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

Beg. Crochet, w/ Rebecca, Thursday, Mar 1 & 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Beg Crochet, w/ Rebecca, Thursday, Mar 22 & 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

INTRO TO SOCKS ON DOUBLE POINTS:  Beautiful socks to knit with Liz. You will not be buying store bought socks after you learn how to knit your own!   Tuesdays, Jan 17, 24, & 31, 7-9 p.m. $50.00 

New! MIDNIGHT DREARY FINGERLESS GLOVES: w/ Ellen, Weds, Jan 18, 25, & Feb 1, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $55.00.  A little longer than fingerless mitts, includes a small cable technique adds to the fun!

New! BE MINE VALENTINE PILLOW: Designed and taught by Justine, sign up to make this special pillow and surprise your special valentine!  Weds, Jan 18, 25, & Feb 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $45.00. 

New! CROCHET STAR COWL:  Dazzle your friends they will want one of these too once they see it on you. Make this beautiful star cowl with Pam.  Only three two- hour sessions on Jan 31, Feb 7 & 14, 9:30-11:30 a.m.,  $55.00.

New! FADE TO GRAY PONCHO:  A really cool poncho and you can make it in any color! Select this class taught by Ellen and create a stylish poncho to wear with practically everything in your closet.  Two Thursday evening classes with a gap in between for knitting purposes-  Feb 2  & 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $45.00.

New! GIACOMO’S BABY HAT (Fair Isle): Don’t be afraid of learning a new technique.  Have you ever knitted with two colors before?  Come take this class with Ellen and learn how to use more than one color in your knitting. This baby hat is too cute and you will be knitting more than one.  Three,  2-hour sessions, Mondays, Feb 6, 13, & 27, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., $55.00.  

LEARN TO KNIT CONTINETAL: Join Liz and relax! Knitting Continental, a different way to hold your yarn and perhaps relax those wrists! Ward off carpel tunnel syndrome, one, 2-hour session, $35.00. 

Tuesday, February 7th, 7-9 p.m. or

Friday, March 9th, 7 - 9 p.m. or

Thursday, March 15th, 7-9 p.m. 

GREEN APPLE FINGERLESS MITTS: The pretty cabled fingerless mitt, keeps your fingers warm without removing your gloves you can still text or type in these pretty hand warmers with cables.  Class is with Justine on Wednesday, Feb 8, 15, 22 & 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $55.00

LEARN ABOUT LACE KNITTING:  This class will introduce you to lace knitting lace techniques while creating a beautiful scarf for yourself.  Learn how to read patterns and charts with this simple creation. Taught by Liz, Monday, Feb 13 & 27, 7-9 p.m. $45.00.

QUICK AND EASY GRANNY SQUARES! Taught by Rebecca, this class will illustrate a wonderful way to create quick and easy gifts crocheting granny squares. Whether it is one continuous square or lots of little ones joined together you can create some wonderful heirlooms. Only takes one, 2-hour session, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $35.00.  

New! LUCY’S OWL This project class can either be a toy or a very friendly pillow in a child’s bedroom.  Let Ellen show you how to create Lucy’s Owl in four, 2 –hour sessions held on Tuesdays, Mar 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $55.00.

SOCKS FROM THE TOE UP! Here is a class where you can learn a new technique, socks knitted from the toe up using magic loop! Justine is offering this popular class again and students rave about this technique. Wednesday evenings, Mar 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.  $55.00.

New! ELISE SHAWL (CROCHET):  Crochet this shawl with Pam and create a topic of conversation! It’s beautiful and you will love wearing it.  Sign up quick- spaces are going! Three 2-hour sessions on Tues, Mar 13, 20, & 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $55.00.  

Great Yarns Fall/Winter Class Schedule

Great Yarns Fall/Winter Classes 

October 17, 2011 through December 21, 2011

 Call us at 832-3599 to sign up or for more information.

Beginning Crochet:                   $55.00  (Supplies included)

6:30 to 8:30 pm-    

Thursday, October 20 & 27

Tuesday, November  29 & December 6 

Learn the fundamentals of crochet! In this 2-part class, we will learn how to make a beginning chain, slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet, and we will put these stitches to use in making very lovely dishcloths. No previous experience necessary. 

Beginning Knitting:                   $55.00

9:30 to 11:30 am-

Wednesday, October 19 & 26

Monday, November 7 & 14

Monday, December 5 & 12

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Friday, October 21 & 28

Friday, November 11 & 18

You need a new hobby! Beginning Knitting is a newbie friendly class with lots of fun included and a great chance to meet new people.  You will learn (or be refreshed on) the basics of knitting plus tips and support to get you started on TONS of new projects. After this class, scarves, hats, blankets, washcloths, even simple sweaters will be at your fingertips!

Lace Scarf/ Intro to Lace:           $50.00  

7:00 to 9:00 pm-

Thursday, December 8 & 15

Lacy scarves and shawls look good on anyone and are incredibly fun to knit, but the patterns can sometimes seem intimidating or daunting. Fear no more! In this class, we’ll learn the basic lace stitches, which all the other lace stitches are based on, and we’ll also learn how to read lace patterns, including how to read charts. In this 2-week course, we’ll get you started on a simple, customizable lace scarf – depending on what yarn you choose, it can be a light-weight accent scarf perfect for a spring or summer evening, or a heavier woolly scarf to keep you warm on a chilly winter night! Supplies not included. 

Intro to Socks (w/ DPNs):           $50.00 

7:00 to 9:00 pm-

Wednesday, November 2, 9 & 16

A great introduction to making socks and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles! In this basic intro-to-socks class, we’ll work step-by-step through the process of knitting a sock (cuff down) in a simple ribbed pattern, and when we’re done, you can take your new skills home to knit its mate on your own. Supplies not included. 

Toe Up Socks:                                    $55.00 

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Wednesday, November 30, December 7,  14 &  21

A quick, easy and enjoyable way to make socks! Start from the toe and then decide how long you want to make the cuff!  

Earflap Hat:                                       $40.00

9:30 to 11:30 am- 

Monday, October 17, 24 & 31

Fun to make, this hat is a true favorite among both kids and adults.

Etta Hat:                                              $50.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Wednesday, Oct 19 & 26   

A hat you will want to wear with everything and everywhere.  A Joy to knit.

Knit 201:                                                               $45.00  

9:30 to 11:30 am- 

Wednesday, November 9 & 16

Wednesday, December 7 & 14

Keep making frustrating mistakes? Dropped a stitch? Afraid to fix an error?  Come learn how to correct those pesky errors and take your skills to the next level.  

Swirl Shawl /Scarf:                            $50.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Tuesday, October 18, 25, November 1, & 8 

Beautiful Scarf or Shawl pattern that shows off color transitions in a unique way. Take your skills to a new level with this class.

Holden Shawl:                                        $55.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Monday, November 21, 28, December 5 & 12 

A necessary addition to anyone’s wardrobe, this shawl is simply beautiful. 

Knitted Rag Doll:                                   $55.00 

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Thursday, November 3, 10, 17 & December 1

Many knitted toys have been the most favored and treasured toys ever created.  You can learn to create these adored items in this class and have fun creating hair, striped stockings, a dress, shirt or even turn your doll into a superhero!

Holiday Elf:                                                    $45.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm- 

Monday, November 7 & 14  

This too cute holiday elf will be all over the house watching the children… he is loads of fun to make and love.

Christmas Stocking:                          $50.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm-

Friday, December 9, 16 & Monday, December 19

Start your own family tradition. This is a relatively simple stocking that also has a little fair isle for that very Christmas-y look. 

Crochet Baby Blanket:                    $45.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm- 

Tuesday, November 15 & 22

Need to make a quick surprise?  This is the class to take, an easy way to make someone special a very thoughtful gift! 

Learn to Knit Continental:   $35.00 

7:00 to 9:00 pm-  

Tuesday, October 11

Tuesday, December 13

Most Americans learn to knit English style – that is, holding the working yarn in your right hand and “throwing” the yarn to create the stitch. However, some people find that Continental style – holding the working yarn steady in your left hand and “picking” the stitches with the right needle – is more efficient and can reduce pain caused by carpal tunnel or tendonitis. In this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to knit and purl Continental style. Supplies not included. 

Crochet Granny Squares:              $35.00

6:30 to 8:30 pm-  

Wednesday, October 13.   

The granny square offers endless possibilities in crochet. Learn how to create the basic granny square, how to create a giant granny square blanket, and how to join smaller squares into an afghan.