hearthstoneyarns.com

MAGIC LOOP SOCKS - ONE SOCK AT A TIME

Wednesdays: 7/8, 8/5, 8/12; 6:30-8:30 p.m.                          $50 + materials

This technique for knitting socks with one circular needle is for anyone who wants an alternative to double-pointed needles.  This is our most popular class, so don’t wait to sign up.

FEARLESS FINISHING

Wednesdays: 7/22, 7/29; 6:30-8:30 p.m.               $40, homework required

More of our customers complain about their finishing skills than any other aspect of their knitting.  This class will cover seaming, hiding ends, 3-needle bind off, picking up stitches, and buttonholes.  Each student will need to knit swatches in advance of the class.

CAP IT OFF: DESIGNING A CAP FOR A SET-IN SLEEVE

Wednesday: 8/26; 6:30-8:30 p.m.                            $35, materials included

No more poorly fitting sleeves or caps that don’t fit the armhole!  In this class students will learn to design a beautifully fitting set-in sleeve cap.

To sign up for a class, call or come by the shop.  Class fees are due at time of enrollment, and materials lists will be provided at that time.  Class size is always limited, so don’t delay.

As you can seen, there was a wide variety of progress this week.  Some folks began last night, and others are forging ahead with a vengeance.  We all agree it’s great fun and super addictive. “Just one more square.  I want to see what the next set of colors looks like.”

Here’s LM’s tote.  She’s the furthest along so far.

At HearthStone Knits we’re doing a Knit Along of the Kalahari Tote (Interweave Press, Summer 2009).  Last night was our first meeting and look what we accomplished!

I plan to post pictures every week.  One of our loyal knitters is summering out of town, and she is participating in the Kalahari Knit Along via the net.  (Hi there, S!)  Isn’t that fun!

If only:         I were 2 people — or maybe even 3.

                     I didn’t need to sleep.

                     I could knit and read, or type, at the same time.

                     I knew when to walk away from new projects.

                     I could test knit and write patterns as fast as I think of new designs.

                     I’d quit procrastinating and get to work.

                     I always felt like being productive instead of goofing off…

Cardinals vs. Florida Marlins

Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets — $28 each (a $34 value),

also includes a tote bag with coupons and freebies,

plus raffle entries for great needlework prizes and an opportunity to

attend that day’s Cardinals batting practice! 

Gather your friends and family.  Grab your needlework and head for the Busch Stadium.   It’s time for St. Louis’ third annual Stitch N Pitch game, sponsored by TNNA.  We’ll cheer on our home the Cardinals as they play the Florida Marlins.  (Marlins fans are welcome, too.)  Buy your tickets soon for best seat selection.  Tickets on sale now at HearthStone Knits, St. Louis’ other fine yarn shops, and online at www.StitchNPitch.com. Processing fees will be applied to online sales.

My latest project is the Open Cardi from the “New Harbor”  pattern book by Classic Elite.  This will look so cute on Daughter, and she picked a lovely Periwinkle shade of Classic Silk.

Classic Silk is a wonderful blend of cotton and silk that is just perfect for 3 seasons in St. Louis — possibly 4, depending on your personal thermostat.  It’s worsted weight so the project worked up quickly.  It’s on display in the shop now.  This is the price Daughter pays for her sweaters; they have to do sample duty for a while!

This Spring Bonnet became a shop favorite the day I put it on display.  People love the combination of the colors, the softness of the yarn (Supersocke Silk Color from On Line), and the airy look of the Feather and Fan stitch brim.  I wrote the pattern for 6 months and 12 months sizes, and it can be knitted in any fingering weight yarn. 

So simple and so easy!  This hat is made from Panda Superwash from Crystal Palace.  It’s just a quick little project worked in the round that shows off the yummy soft texture and colors in this yarn.  Panda Superwash and Panda Cotton are interchangeable in this design which is sized for Newborn, 6 months, and 12 months.  Most knitters can get 3 hats out of two skeins.

This is my first design project out of Panda Superwash and Panda Cotton, and I can’t wait to make a pair of socks for myself.  I love the feel of the bamboo content; it is just sooooo soft.  The bamboo adds just a hint of sheen to the luscious colors, too.  These two yarns are among my all-time favorites in fingering yarns.

I’ve been busy making a series of baby hats to showcase new yarns at the shop.  The first one is made of Knit Col from Adriafil.  This sample is done in one of the “boy” shades, and it has been a big hit.  The pattern is written in 6 and 12 months sizes and is currently free with the purchase of the recommended yarn.  The design has really been a big hit in colorways for both genders.  It’s simple and works up very quickly.  This has been a fun series of projects.  Hope you like them.  More later.

Check out the yarn graffiti in Vancouver. Be sure to click on “More Images” under the picture.  Here’s another one.

This is just too much fun!  Has anyone seen anything like this in St. Louis yet?