Vest & Free Form, 5

Vickie dyed these yarn using Lion Brand brown Fisherman's Wool. One ball used 2 grape packets, another one used orange, another one cherry, then black cherry, lime, and blue kool aid. Bev also dyed wool in kool aid this week and claims she will do it again.
The teddy bear came from a non-profit booth Vickie discovered at Stitches West that will be sent to children infected by HIV in Africa. If you would like to make a bear, it could be one of your projects during the extension. Vickie's husband's company has volunteered to ship it for us.
Tin Thimble is having a class to make this big, beautiful pin cushion. Diana has a sign up sheet; six are needed to have the class.
Fran made this beautiful orange felted purse.
Linda's show n' tell items from Stitches West: Art Felt and a Knitters Shop Finder for travelling.

Wow, we had so much fun knitting, talking, and looking at Show n’ Tell items. Linda had several items to share, and all of the participants of Stitches West shared their experience and showed their shopping goodies. Linda’s Show n’ Tell was a book by Prudence Mapstone entitled, Bullions and Beyond, and a Knitters Shop Finders guide, Irish Yarn samples from Stitches West, her sock monkey collection, and an Art Felt project from Stitches West. Linda shared that this art felt paper is made of potatoes and will dissolve during the felting process leaving a project that looks like real fabric. Ruth brought us a bag of trim last session; this time she was given a bag of baby yarn to be shared with knitters to make hats for a good cause; she will bring the yarn to class next time.

Challenge
The challenge for this spring session is the “Big Night Out Bra” from Knitorama based on the 1920s. This challenge is optional. Linda gave us the pattern, and we are to pick which month we want our bra to represent. A sign up sheet has been made, so think about which month you would like. No more than three should sign up for one particular month, and yet having more than one person sign up for a month is good for a variety of patterns for that month. For example, the bra for January may have a snowflake theme; pumpkins for October. The bra judging will take place during the extension. A calendar may be made to raise money for the class such as a ball winder. For your pattern, the crazier, the better. Linda pondered if this idea would go over with our class; the response was pretty upbeat.

Correction to Big Night Out Bra PatternUnder "Center:" Knit in the Round
Row 1: *K21[26] K2tog, yf, k2tog, rep from * to end.
Yf means the same as yarn over.
Row 2 and all alt rows: Knit (not purl since we knit in the round).
The Band is done in seed stitch.

Extension
Most of the class is interested in having an extension again at the end of the 12-week session. Linda is willing to cover both May and go to the end of June with some nights off for graduations.

Phone/Email List and Class Logo
A few more corrections need to be made to the email list, and it will be finalized. If you did not receive an email from Linda L on Wednesday, check your spam folder. Linda also brought several shirts for the class to choose from; they run small. Decisions on the shirt have not been made yet; orders will take place in the near future.

Stitches West
Stitch n’ Ride was totally worth the experience and the best part of the day especially since we shared it together. We had the best goodie bag from Stitch n’ Ride: a huge bag with a Craftzine magazine, knitting patterns, chapstick, clear zip lock bag, stitch marker, tape measure, and coupons. Stitches West was good, especially if you love to shop or browse. There were over 200 vendors, and we came back with a lot of good ideas. The most surprising and wonderful part of the day was meeting Vickie Howell from Knitty Gritty who was signing autographs. Teri brought an album with great photos from the trip. I would do it again, and I hope you will too.

Upcoming Events
On the Stitch n’ Ride trip, having more class trips in the summer was discussed such as a trip to a sheep farm in Oregon, or taking the train to Reno; Vickie is looking into travel arrangements. Linda also suggested going to Mitchell, Nebraska, which is near the beautiful Grand Tetons, to a yarn manufacturing company.

Fibers is having a Yarn Tasting on March 9 from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $30 per person. Since they would like a small group to attend for the activities they have in mind, the owner is willing to have a Yarn Tasting just for our class. Most of the class showed interest, so Linda will arrange a date. Teri explained that we would be making swatches from new yarn Fibers provide. You will need to bring needles. For more information, see Teri.

If you like baseball and would like to knit with others at a game, please see the Stitch n’ Pitch flyer on the left side of the block under Knitting Events.

There is a sign up sheet for a Pin Cushion class at the Tin Thimble. The instructor is willing to have a class if six students sign up. If interested, see Diana, who also shared that they carried a lot of cute vintage buttons.

I have included photos and information Joyce H sent me from her trip to Peru. The photos are cute and the information regarding the care for the animals when shearing wool was comforting. Joyce was in our class last session and has taken Linda's class in past sessions as well. Joyce says, "We went to Peru in January. I wanted to share this tid bit of information I learned while we were there with your knitting class. We went to an Alpaca & Llama farm. Baby Alpaca wool is the taken from the Alpaca in his first shearing. The next and following shearings is considered Alpaca wool, which is not as soft. The photo is an Alpaca about a year old or more. Notice how long his fur is--it looks like dreadlocks. They try to leave it on the Alpaca as long as they can to get as much of the baby fur for his first shearing. He has never been sheared. The alpaca behind him obviously has been sheared before.

They don't shear Llamas but they do shear vicunas which is a cousin of the alpaca & llama. The vicunas are wild. They used to be killed in the wild just for their fur. Now they are protected and are captured, sheared and released back into the wild. My husband stands next to the black & white llama. Say hi to everyone."

Reminder
Come park n’ knit on Monday or Tuesday evenings.

Knit on and enjoy.

Vest & Free Form, 4

Georgia shared her latest magazine issue of "Creative Knitting." It has patterns for sweaters, vests, & scarves for all levels.
As well as knitting a beautiful green vest, Liz is busy making felted hats for family & friends; here are samples of two cute ones.
Bev had time to finish these fingerless gloves for her husband and herself besides working on a bolero & a baby sweater.
Vicki finished her vest! It is darling, fits great, and only cost her $3.75! Her yarn was purchased at the $1.25 Store near Raley's; she used less than 1 skein of gray and 1-1/2 skein of the blue one. Linda L is wearing the "I heart Knitting" logo (click on photo for a larger view); the other logo is below with two different styles of Knotty Knitters to choose from. Please give her feedback on your favorite for class shirts.
Diana has already started her research on freeform knitting and shared her color print out of the freeform pamphlet and tips by Prudence Mapstone from Knotjustknitting.com. By the way, Auburn Needleworks already sold the two plastic purse forms they had; there was talk about doing a group order. Linda mentioned that Lofty Lou's in Placerville has some in stock; I don't mind picking them up since I'm half way to Placerville anyway (you heard it here first).

We had a great time tonight. Skeins of yarn are shaping into beautiful patterns. Linda went over how to calculate rows and stitches when using a different weight of yarn than one called in the pattern using Vest #2 as an example. Linda also finished her vest; it is beautiful, nicely blocked, and fits perfectly (sorry I didn't take a picture).

Phone/Email List and Class Logo
After two weeks, Linda L is back from Arizona with a new student Phone and Email list and wearing a cute “I heart Knitting” logo on her shirt. Please make sure your phone number and email address are correct on the list; it is updated at the start of each Knitting Beyond class. This list has been very useful between classes in solving knitting problems, getting answers to questions, and making new friends.

Many of us have taken several of Linda’s knitting classes (and will continue to take her knitting classes until she retires); since we enjoy Linda and each other so much, a class shirt was suggested. Linda L. would like feedback on the two embroidered knitting logos with your thoughts and/or suggestions; one will be used on our class shirt. One says, “Knotty Knitters” with a basketful of yarn and the other says, “I heart Knitting.” Louise and Linda L. will have an order form for us in the near future.

Upcoming Events
Every August Linda teaches at a craft camp in the Ozarks. If you are interested in learning American folk crafts by expert instructors and camp too, Linda has a brochure with all the details.

Stitches West is this weekend at the Santa Clara Convention Center. I wish all of you were going with us on the Stitch n’ Ride promotion on Saturday. I will try to get the dates in advance for you to mark on your calendar for next year. However, it is not too late to drive down there; admission at the door is $8. This is one of the events that the email list was useful in getting the word out to each other.

Stay warm and dry, and KNIT ON.

Vest & Free Form, 3

Candi was our photographer tonight since she finished her scarf project early. Pat has been busy; she made three scarves, the orange needle holder, and mosaic felted bag. Vicki made the cute bunny from the latest Creative Knitting magazine. The darling ruffle scarf is Candi's. The black plastic framework under the bunny is used for the free form purse. I forgot to get a photo of Teri's cool knitted leather bracelet that she made and Vicki's beautiful handknitted vest that she found at a thrift store; sorry about that -- next time.
Here is the book Linda shared with us on free form purses; the socks are from Diane's book.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Slowly but surely, the room filled up, even though it was Valentine’s evening and several were away with family and friends. We missed all who were absent, but we're glad you spent time with loved ones.

Free Form Purse
Linda brought a framework that can be used for a free form purse along with a wonderful book by the same author (Prudence Mapstone) from Australia titled "Never Too Many Handbags." The free form pieces are sewed onto the black plastic framework to create the purse. It is a nice size and comes in two halves; it can be purchased through Auburn Needleworks, so can the free form book. However, they are not mandatory since you can make anything you like such as a collar, jacket, vest, small purse, etc. Diane also brought a sock book with a picture of free form socks; they are cute. By the way, Linda’s book is not for sale on Amazon.com since it is a self-published book by the author in Australia; she purchased hers at Auburn Needleworks. I like Prudence Mapstone's website, knotjustknitting.com, for free form ideas; click on the tab, Gallery, for photos. This site also mentions how to order the books.

Color choices for free form was also discussed. Linda suggested to stay in the same color family, but add complimentary colors and fibers to break up the monotony. For example, a purse made of shades of red should have some green or another complimentary color added to make it pop. Adding Fun Fur and/or fuzzy yarn will help blend and soften plain ol' worsted weight. Sharing scraps of yarn with each other instead of purchasing new yarn will save us all room and money. What a great way to use up scraps in our yarn stash which, in many cases, are hidden in multiple bins, baskets, bags, drawers, closets…

Economy of Time
For the sake of saving time, you may want to go ahead and order the framework or the book. Also start looking for fun buttons for your vest. Linda suggested looking at The Tin Thimble in Newcastle on Taylor Road; not all the buttons are out on display, so you have to ask to see them. Auburn Needleworks and Filati’s also have good buttons. Linda is using two buttons for her vest even though it calls for one; it is up to you how many you want to use on the vest. When you are close to the end of the vest, you will need the buttons to determine what size button holes to make.

Monday & Tuesday Knitting
Don’t forget to stop & knit on Monday or Tuesday evenings. Next week, class will be cancelled on Monday for President’s Day, but open on Tuesday. Only one student came to knit this week, so come on out.

Stitches West 2008
This huge knitting event is coming up February 22-24 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. A couple of students are going with friends and family on Friday and Sunday, and a few from class are taking the Amtrak Stitch n' Ride on February 23 to experience the train ride and shop at the knitters' Market Place. We will be carpooling to the Sacramento train station from Auburn. Let me know if you are interested in joining us (to email me, click on the little white envelope at the end of this blog or write in the comment box). Tickets can still be ordered online. Click under "Knitting Events" on the left side of this blog for more information.

Request
Joyce H. has asked to be removed from our group email list since she is not taking the class at this time. Please remember to delete the following from your list: joycehouse@softcom.net. Thank you.

In the meantime, keep on knittin’!

Vests & Free Form, 2

Teri brought these lovely metal knitting needle earrings that are for sale. Prices are very reasonable. Click on any photo for a larger image.
Noelle received this cute bank from a friend. It says, "I'm savin' up for knitting lessons." I found a site that sells it at http://www.dabble-on.com/category_listing.html?id=28
Candi made the Denise needle bag and the spotted puppy hat; the free pattern for the hat can be found on knitting.about.com. The backgammon set was made by Julie.
Diana plans to turn this beautiful shawl into a poncho. Irene decided to make her backgammon board into a bag. Karen knitted this soft pastel baby blanket.
Linda brought the Free Form book for our perusal; front and back covers are shown. It is not necessary to buy the book, but in case you are wondering, the price is $37. Oops, the author's name was cut off the photo. Save all scraps for this project; crochet skills will help.

No kidding--our class is huge! Having missed last week, I imagined a large class, but you just have to be there to experience it. It's exciting! It's nice to meet new students and see continuing students again. Linda was busy every minute answering our questions. A great big "thank you" to Linda for taking all of us; we appreciate you.

Check Gauge and Help Jane
There were two sheets of exercises to complete in class on calculating gauge and needle sizes. These exercises were so helpful in figuring out how many stitches or rows are needed for knitting a garment to fit perfectly.

One Class
A small group signed up for the Friday class, so it has been cancelled. We will meet altogether on Thursday evening. Linda reminded us that we are welcome to come on Monday and/or Tuesday evenings to knit in the "side gallery."

Next Fall
Already thinking ahead, Linda is putting together projects for the Fall class. Bea suggested having an easy to intermediate level, so it looks like more fun will come our way.

Extension
Again, thinking ahead, Linda announced that projects for this Spring's extension may include socks, more free form and, by popular demand, the modular purse.

Wool
In defense of wool, Linda took time to explain that one may not be allergic to wool, but just using the wrong kind on the skin. Merino wool is soft and can be worn next to one's skin, whereas a #9 wool is not meant to be worn next to the skin but used as an outer garment such as a vest. The bigger the number of the wool, the farther it should be from one's skin. So, don't be afraid of wool.

Homework
Purchasing yarn and gauging should be completed this week, and we should start working on our vests. Please don't quit the class if you feel overwhelmed; take your time and ask a lot of questions.

Have a pleasant week. Knit on, ladies!

Vests & Free Form, 1

Happy Birthday February Knitters! The following detailed classnotes are from Liz. Thank you, Liz, you did a great job!

We had our first class of the new session on Thursday, January 31st. Some of the returning members were not able to make it because of the weather (snow, snow/mix) we have been having during the week. Hopefully, everyone will be able to make the next class without having to worry about snow and or icy conditions after class.

Linda Pietz, welcomed all of the new students along with those returning from her previous class(es). She mentioned that she has 2 beginner knitting classes now. 1 on Monday and 1 on Tuesday. She told us that we can join either one and/or both of these sessions if we wish; however, we all need to remember that her students in these classes get first priority as to her attention. There is no extra charge if we wish to join any of these 2 classes.

Linda now has a little noise maker that she will be using to keep us under control if needed. She explained to everyone of us that we will have to patient with her due to the class size. She explained the use of the board as to signing up your name if you should need help during the class from the projects we are working on. Linda also mentioned that everyone should also ask anyone sitting around them if they should need assistance as well.

Additionally, Linda asked if there were any of the students from her Thursday (very large class now) class possibly interested in attending a class if she was to have it on Friday. She got a fairly good showing of hands. A list was put together and those interested put their name down if they wished to change over from Thursday to Friday. Linda is not quite sure yet if she will have a classroom or be able to split the class up; but due to the number of students attending on Thursday, she believes she can get a classroom. She is not able to do a class during the evening as she is not sure her hubby would be that happy with her being gone 4 nights a week.

Linda also informed the new students of a blog that is kept updated by Irene who takes notes and the pictures. We each can use this blog if we should miss a class and want to see what happened in the class the previous week. The blog is also used to enter comments. The blog address is: knitbeyond.blogspot.com

Also, she made mention of a email listing that we have been using among us in case we have questions or need help with the directions in between class. Linda L. maintains this list and she asked that who ever wished to be added to this class to let her know their name, email id and phone number. She will then update the list and send out to everyone.

Linda P. told us that we will knitting a vest and then after that we will do a free form project.

Linda P. then got into having us all meet each other. She passed out the "Get to Know You" questionnaire and we all got started meeting others and matching them up with their special "background" or "what they have done" statement. After about 10 to 15 minutes we all sat back down and Linda asked who got the most comments identified. No one had 20 or 19, but Bea and Bev were able to identify 18 and won the co-prize from Linda. They were special "heart candies".

Linda then mentioned that Cascade has come out with a yarn comparable to Monos and it is a lot cheaper. She told us that we could find it at Auburn Needlework's for around $10 and some change. We also get a 10% discount at Auburn Needlework's. She explained to us (for those who did not know) about Monos. She also mentioned a new yarn that she likes called Freedom Spirit; it is a sport weight yarn and 100% wool. It is also at Auburn Needlework's and is around $5+. We are also able to get a 10% discount at Fibers in Grass Valley. We might be asked for our receipt to show we are attending the class to get this discount. We also have to remember to ask to have them spin the yarn for us as they usually do not do this unless you ask.

Linda P. then passed out a huge packet that showed about 5-7 different vest patterns. We are to pick a pattern from this packet for our first project. Included in this packet was a vest that is kind of free form (it is the first vest). Linda mentioned that we could do this one for our first vest or possible the free form project if we choose too. We went through the packet and Linda provided feedback to us as to the skill level (Easiest to the hardest 3+ to 4). We are suppose to select one of the patterns in the packet for our vest. There are also some patterns where the designer had a sketch of how they put it together and then Linda provided a sketch of how she put it together and/or she mentioned to us if we should choose this pattern she would work with us as to how to put together. Linda also mentioned that we needed to be careful when choosing the pattern as some of them are showing a small size and no other sizes, which means we would have to do some measuring and then figure out to convert that smaller size to a larger size. She mentioned to us to measure a sweater that we like and to use that as your measurement for your vest.

Homework
Our assignment for the next class is to select a pattern we wish to knit our vest, get our yarn and to knit a swatch, and it bring to class. We will then get started knitting our vests next Thursday.

Also, Linda P. mentioned to the class about a knitting seminar happening in late February. Liz Staats had sent to a couple of people the link for Amtrak which showed a train going down to Oakland from Sacramento for this event. The cost of the train ride is $56 (round trip), which leaves from Sacramento and then you get off in Oakland a bus will shuttle you over to the Santa Clara convention where the Knitting event will be. There is also a slight charge for breakfast (believe about $6) and then you can also pay a charge to get into the event, believe this is $6 as well. Liz will resend out the link in email and it is also on the blog as well.

That's it and hope I covered everything for Irene. You really must concentrate on what is going on.

One last thing, Georgia gave me her new email id it is: jorja2@att.net