Monday, April 28, 2008

MAY ~ JUNE CLASSES, SPECIALS & KAL'S

It finally feels like we have turned the corner from winter to spring and it couldn’t have arrived soon enough for most of us. We had a lot of fun with our classes and knit-a-longs this winter and we think we have some exciting new things scheduled for May and June to take you into summer. Remember, as you look over the scheduled classes, if you see a class you are interested in but the time doesn’t fit into your busy summer schedule we be happy to re-schedule it at a more convenient time.

Congratulations to Lucy Bromm, who was the winner of last months prize giveaway! Lucy won a shoulder wrap kit that she is planning to knit for one of her granddaughters.

We are very excited about our summer Knit-a-Long project, the Wrap Me Up Stole by Chris de Longpre of Knitting at Knoon designs beginning in June. Be sure to read more about this in our June class descriptions or stop by the shop to see a sample or the pattern.

Our summer shop hours begin the fourth week of May. Starting that Saturday (May 24) we will be closed on Saturdays during the summer so be sure to make a note on your calendars.

Did you know that we are happy to host your daytime meetings or small parties here? We offer several options….please feel free to give us a call at 989-449-4444 or email sipnknit@yahoo.com to discuss your plans.

As always if there is a class or an instructor that you would like to see us schedule, we are always open to suggestions ~ just let us know!


MAY CLASSES & SPECIALS
May Specials ~
In The Coffee House – 10% off BLUEBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIES
In The Yarn Shop – Buy $30 worth of yarn and get one single pattern FREE!

May Classes ~
SIP-N-SOCKS: May 5, 12, 19 & 26; 6-8 pm
MITTENS IN MAY! Knitting guru Elizabeth Zimmerman makes the argument that it is better not to make mittens in a hurry. In her classic book "Knitter's Almanac" she suggests that we "take our time over them…venture into new approaches and designs…enjoy them....let's make them in May!" Following her lead, our Sip-n-Sock for May will not be a sock at all, but an adventure in knitting mittens!

If you have never made mittens before, they are actually very easy...my motto is that mittens are just socks with a thumb instead of a heel! If you have made mittens before, how about giving a new and more challenging project a try this month? If you don't have a pattern for mittens you would like to try, come into the yarn shop and browse some of the books or magazines to find something or look online at many of the free patterns available. Cost to participate is $5 for the month, which entitles you to 10% off the knit along supplies. Please Note: This is NOT a learn to knit mittens class but rather a knit along where we chose a pattern and yarn to work on together, lending support as needed

KNITTING 101: Mondays, 6-8 pm; May 5, 12, &19

CROCHET 101: Mondays, 6-8 pm; May 5, 12 & 19.

MIDDLE OF THE MITTEN FIBER ARTS MEETING: Saturday, May 10; 10 am – 2 pm
Dyeing Workshop with Maple Smith and Cary Smith

BASIC NEEDLE PUNCH: Monday, May 12; 6-8 pm Needle punch is an old form of fiber arts that utilizes weaver’s cloth and embroidery thread for a unique needle crafted piece of art. You will learn the techniques necessary to create and finish your piece of art. COST: $25 plus supplies (supplies will be available for purchase during class). INSTRUCTOR: Dee Richards

SHIBORI SCARF CLASS: Monday; 6-8 pm; May 19 & 26 Learn a new technique for creating a beautiful felted fabric scarf using this Japanese felting technique that includes both wet and dry felting techniques. This class requires only basic knitting skills. Some supplies are needed before the start of class and are available at the shop. COST: $30 plus supplies. INSTRUCTOR: Amy Mendoza

NEEDLEPUNCH NECKLACE: Monday 6-8 pm; May 19 Needle punch in a new way! Use needle punch to create a charm to complete a unique necklace. COST: $25 plus supplies (available during class). INSTRUCTOR: Dee Richards

JUNE CLASSES & SPECIALS
June Specials ~
In The Coffee House –10% off BLENDED CHAI TEA
In The Yarn Shop – 10% off any single sock pattern

June Classes ~
MIDDLE OF THE MITTEN FIBER ARTS MEETING: No meeting in June

SIP-N-SOCKS : Mondays, June 2, 9, 26, 23, & 30; 6-8 pm
No Sip-n-Socks in June ~ instead why don’t you join us as we begin our WRAP ME UP stole? See details below….

**NEW FOR JUNE!** The WRAP ME UP STOLE KNIT-A-LONG: Mondays, June 2, 9, 26, 23, & 30; 6-8 pm (this kal will continue through July and August)

This modular wrap is over-the-top in color and texture ~ as much fun to make as it is to wear! Knits up quick on size 8 needles with worsted weight main color yarn, a harmonizing secondary color and incorporating a few beads (optional). You will create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece with the selection of your own colors and style. This is a truly addictive pattern you knit from block to block, not wanting to stop till you see what comes next! Stop by the shop to see samples or take a look at the pattern.

COST to participate is $5 per month, which entitles you to 10% off the yarn for the knit along, plus $10 for the two-hour workshop (description of workshop below) that kicks off the project – a total of $25 (3 months at $5 per month and $10 for the workshop) plus supplies, for a summer long fun knit. The project requires a total of 1200 yards of worsted weight yarn, so if you are planning to purchase yarn from the shop you may want to come in during the month of May to make your selection and then be sure we have the quantity needed in your choice and colors (we will order more if needed) The sampler photo below (knit by Cary Smith of Serenity Farms) uses a combination of handspun yarn with Brown Sheep’s Lambs Pride:

Wrap_Peek

This is NOT a difficult pattern, but it does require some techniques you may not be familiar with. Our plan is to “kick off” the knit-a-long on Monday, June 2nd with a two-hour workshop to provide you with some tips and guidance. You will learn how to knit a mitered square; tips for working paired decreases; picking up a new square from a previous one; hints for hiding yarn ends as you go and gain the confidence needed to create your own wonderful wrap! Cost for this workshop is $10 and even if you are just considering knitting the wrap, this class may help with your decision.

We have some fun things planned for the duration of this summer long event….why don’t you come out and join us?

BASIC NEEDLE PUNCH: Monday, June 9; 6-8 pm Needle punch is an old form of fiber arts that utilizes weaver’s cloth and embroidery thread for a unique needle crafted piece of art. You will learn the techniques necessary to create and finish your piece of art. COST: $25 plus supplies (supplies will be available for purchase during class). INSTRUCTOR: Dee Richards

KNITTING 102: MONDAY, 6-8 pm; June 16,23 & 30

CROCHET 102: Mondays, 6-8 pm; June 2, 9 & 16

FROCK CAMISOLE: Monday, 6-8 pm; June 2, 9 & 16
Knit a fashionable and comfortable summer frock camisole to keep or give away. This simple pattern is an elegant a-line camisole fit for any body. Best knit with a cotton or cotton blend. This class will teach the basics of knitting a top from the bottom up on circular needles and is great for the beginner to advanced level student. Supplies are available in store. INSTRUCTOR: Amy Mendoza

EMBELLISHMENTS: Monday, 6-8 pm; June 16 & 23
Discover the fun and fashionable way to take any plain article of clothing or accessory and dress it up. In this class you will learn how to use a felting needle, a little wool and creativity to bring to life your boring old clothes or plain-jane item from purses to hats. Your imagination has no limits with this wonderful fiber art! COST: $25.00 plus supplies, which will be available for purchase the day of class. Bring any article of clothing or accessory you choose with you to embellish. INSTRUCTOR: Amy Mendoza

WATERCOLOR FELTING: Monday, 6-8 pm; June 23 & 30 “Paint” a creative picture or wearable art piece with wool! Watercolor felting uses wool to “paint” a picture with felting needle, water and a little creativity. Supplies will be available at the shop before and during class. COST: $30 plus the supplies. INSTRUCTOR: Amy Mendoza

Sip-N-Knit Class PoliciesClass fee is due with registration and many classes have limited space available, so be sure to sign up early. You are encouraged to purchase your supplies at Sip-N-Knit and prior to the start time of your selected class. Class supplies purchased in the store will be given a 10% discount. Occasionally, a class may call for additional supplies provided by the instructor, so please read each class description carefully or if you have any questions, contact the shop at 989-449-4444 or email sipnknit@yahoo.com If you cancel, class fee will be refunded as long as the store is notified at least 3 days prior to class starting date. In the case of bad weather or sickness you must notify before class time and reschedule a make up time.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

APRIL CLASSES & SPECIALS

APRIL SPECIALS ~
In The Coffee House ~ 10% off Mocha Frescante
In The Yarn Shop ~ Get ready for warm weather knitting with 10% off Cotton Yarns

APRIL CLASSES ~
Here is a list of the classes and knit-a-longs being offered in April at the shop. For complete description and details, including class requirements and fees, please contact Suzanne at Sip-n-Knit at sipnknit@yahoo.com

SIP-N-SOCKS: Monday, April 7, 14, 21 & 28; 6-8 pm
April’s sock pattern is Butterflies & Blossoms, a lace rib pattern by Fiber Trends (pattern available at Sip-N-Knit)

MOEBIUS CAST ON KNITTING: **NOTE** Rescheduled for Saturday, April 19; 10 am - 2 pm
There is magic in the moebius cast on that you will not find anywhere else ~ it is intriguing and mystical! Join the class and discover the possibilities. We will be doing a basic scarf with the magical twist in it. If you can knit you can do it! COST: $25 plus supplies. INSTRUCTOR: Lucy Bromm

MIDDLE OF THE MITTEN FIBER ARTS MEETING: Saturday, April 12; 10 am – 2 pm
**NOTE** Change of plans...there will be no instruction today, rather we will have one of our "Come With What You Want" Saturdays...bring your current knitting, spinning, crochet, etc. project and show and tell. Spend a relaxing time visiting, shopping or eating goodies! Hope to see you Saturday!

KIDS AFTERNOON KNIT: Monday, April 7, 14, 21 & 28; 3:30-4:30 pm

KNITTING 101: Tuesdays, April 1, 8 & 15; 6-8 pm

CROCHET 101: Tuesdays, April 1, 8 & 15; 6-8 pm

IGOLOCHKOY RUSSIAN NEEDLE PUNCH: Tuesday, APRIL 1 & 8 6-8 pm or Saturday, April 12; 10 am – 2pm

SOCKS ON A CIRCULAR NEEDLES: Tuesday, APRIL 1 & 8; 6-8 pm
If you have basic knitting skills, like to knit socks and would like to learn a new technique in knitting architecture this class is for you. With your knowledge of the knit and purl stitches, use the magic of two circular needles to create a pair of socks-faster and more gracefully. Join us and fall in love with knitting socks all over again. NOTE: The newer form of circular needles work much better than the ones that coil – Instructor recommends using the Addi-Turbo brand, 24-inch needles. COST: $30.00 plus the cost of supplies (Needles are available and we have some great sock yarns to choose from!) INSTRUCTOR: Amy Mendoza

EMBELLISHMENTS: Saturday, April 12, 10 am - 2 pm or Monday, April 14 or 21, 6-8 pm

FINISHING THAT PROJECT: Wednesday, April 16; 9:30 am - noon

COLOR 101: Saturday, April 26; 10am – 2pm
Have trouble choosing the right colors for your project? Would you like to learn the tips and tricks to choosing the right colors of yarn for that multi colored sweater or bag? Color 101 will take you on an exploration of color and the different techniques used to choose the perfect combination for your project into the master work of art you intend it to be. COST: $25.00. INSTRUCTOR: Amy Mendoza