Monday, September 20, 2010

FALL INTO WINTER

Back To School ~ Fall Sweaters ~ Winter Woolens ~ A yarn lovers favorite time of year!

Listed below are some of our planned fall into winter projects - classes, knit-a-longs and ongoing events for September through December. Don’t forget to mark your calender if there is anything you are interested in and can plan to join us. We are already making plans for our fourth annual Christmas/New Year’s Pajama Party and the Grand Finale celebration of our Year of Knitting EZ…look for more details as the time draws near.

Beginning September 11, we will be open again on Saturdays from 10 am until 2 pm.

This fall for our Monday night Sip ‘n Knitters, we are going to take on three patterns from the Fall 2010 Interweave Knits magazine and explore twisted stitch knitting with Judy Alexander’s Alpen Socken; Meg Swansen’s Proverbial Cap and again Judy Alexander with the Bavarian Tulip Mittens. The magazine is availalble at the yarn shop…join us if you can!

Should you have questions about any of our classes, drop us an email at sipnknit@yahoo.com or phone 989-449-4444. Please be sure to read our class policy before you sign up for any classes!

SEPTEMBER

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 9, Nether Garments
Monday September 13, 20 & 27; 6 – 8 PM
Have you ever thought about knitting your own classic set of warm winter long-underwear?!? How about a pair in red? In sizes from child to adult…why not give it a try and keep the cold Michigan winters at bay!

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Alpen Socken is September’s Sip ‘n Sock pattern,

Monday September 13, 20 & 27; 6-8 PM

It’s been a while since we have done a Monday night Sip ‘n Sock together, so lets start the fall out right with a great new pattern, Judy Alexander’s Alpen Socken, from the Fall 2010 Interweave Knits (you must have a copy of the magazine for the pattern. If you don’t already have one, they are available at the shop) This sock features intricate lattice twisted stitch motifs, a picot hem and heel designs. A firmly plied sock yarn in solid color will give you the best stitch definition (how about the Cascade Sock yarn?) You will need approximately 430 yards of yarn and a set of size 1 double pointed needles, along with a cable needle and stitch marker. Sample of the knitted sock should be in the shop by the first of September.

HATS GALORE NEEDS YOU!Monday, September 20; 6-8 PM
We need you, knitters and crocheters, as we expand our charity project to include both hats to scarves in 2010. There is a great need for each of these items. Remember, we have a trunk full of donated yarn especially for charity that needs to be used and if you need help getting started, instruction will be provided free of charge. For all of our participants we offer free coffee and a 10% discount on supplies purchased that day.

OCTOBER

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 10, Open-Collared Pullover

October 4, 11, 18 & 25; 6-8 pm
Chapter Ten in our knit-a-long/book club features an Open-Collared Pullover sweater, similar in style to a golf or polo shirt, with short sleeves

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
The Proverbial Cap by Meg Swansen

Monday October 4, 11, 18 & 25; 6 - 8 pm
Not a sock this month, but a hat, and this one designed by Elizabeth Zimmermann’s daughter, Meg. Great as a Christmas gift, a treat for yourself, or how about as a donation to our Hats Galore box? This hat is a sampler study in twisted stitch knitting, including a twisted rib, twisted cables, double helix-like motifs and elaborate lattice braids. Not exactly for the faint of heart, but a good exercise to stretch your knitting muscles! The pattern is available in the Fall 2010 Interweave Knits magazine (the same one last month’s sock was in!) and again requires a firmly knit wool yarn – Cascade 220 or Plymouth Galway are good options – about 210 yards worth. One pair of 24-inch circular needles or a 16-inch circular and a set of double pointed needles to achieve a gauge of 23 sts to 4 inches (about a size 4)

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Monday, October 18; 6 – 8 pm

NOVEMBER

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 11, Moccasin Socks

November 1, 8 , 15, 22, 29; 6-8 pm
This is truly a “think outside the sock” pattern pair of socks! Definitely worth a try, they become addictive.

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Bavarian Tulip Mittens by Judy Alexander, Fall 2010 Interweave Knits magazine

Monday November 1, 8 , 15, 22, 29; 6 – 8 pm
Our final look at twisted knit stitches, this one with an unusual floral motif for a lovely pair of warm winter mittens. Requires approximately 225 yards of worsted weight yarn, a set of size 3 double pointed needles (or size to reach gauge of 25 sts and 34 rnds per 4 inches); stitch markers and a cable needle.

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Monday, November 15; 6 – 8 pm

DECEMBER

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 12, Hurry-Up Sweater

December 6, 13, 20, 27; 6-8 pm
“Embarking on a sweater at this late date smacks of madness, but it can be done and done without using up too much of your precious December time”…so says EZ! If you are up for some December madness, join us in this last installment of our year of knitting EZ. This project might even become your comfort knitting for the close of 2010!

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
UFO’s for Christmas

Mondays in December; 6 – 8 pm
How about setting aside those Monday evenings in December for finishing up some unfinished objects?

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Monday, August 16; 6 – 8 pm

ONGOING EVENTS:

GROCERY BAG WEDNESDAY

Bring in a bag of non-perishable groceries on the third Wednesday of each month and receive the daily special at the Mayor’s Office on us! All items are donated to the local food pantry. One bag of groceries equals one lunch. This community project is ongoing.

BASIC SOCK CLASS: Call to set up a time.
Learn to knit a basic sock form the cuff down in three two-hour sessions.
Class requirements include basic knowledge of knitting (cast on; knit and purl; increase and decrease). Experience knitting in the round is helpful but not necessary. There will homework for this class. Cost of two-week class is $20 plus supplies. Class size is limited to 4 students. Instructor: Suzanne Bailey. If three weeks is needed it will be an extra $5.00.

KNITTING 101: Call to set up a time
You will learn how to knit, purl, cast on and off, by making a basic scarf or dish cloth. Cost: $25 plus supplies. Class size limited to 8. Instructor: Suzanne Bailey

CROCHET 101: Call to set up a time
This is a 3-week class that will introduce newcomers to crochet. You will learn the basic stitches of chain, single crochet, and double crochet. With a little homework, you should be able to complete a scarf by the end of the three sessions. Class size limited to 8. Cost: $25 plus supplies. Instructor: Kirsten Mitchell

THE GREAT AMERICAN AFGHANFourth Monday each month; 6-8 pm.
We began this project in March 2009 but you can join at anytime. This an ongoing, two year project that includes 25 unique squares using a variety of knitting techniques-a great way to learn on a small scale! You can see many of the squares displayed in the shop. You may choose to sign up for any number of sessions and receive a discount for signing up for four classes at a time. You need to be able to knit, purl and bind off. Our schedule is:
September Square #
October Square #
November Square #
December Square #
Although it is not necessary, we do encourage you to purchase your materials at Sip-N-Knit. If they are not, there will be a slightly higher charge for the classes. The cost of a single class is $10.00 or 4 for $25.00. We encourage material to be purchases at Sip-N-Knit if not there will be a slightly higher charge for the class.


A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ….January through December, 2010
Part Knit-a-Long, part Book Club continues through the summer - join us as we celebrate the life of “the godmother of knitting” Elizabeth Zimmerman by working our way through her classic knitting diary the “Knitters Almanac”. Each month we will read a chapter and, if you chose to, knit that months project from the book – helping each other out along the way. Book discussion is encouraged and we will even have some prizes along the way! In order to participate in the KAL, you must have a copy of Knitters Almanac. (No sharing, for copyright reasons of course! If you do not already own one, please let Suzanne and she can order a copy for you. This book is a treasure that should be in every knitters libray and costs less than many single patterns these days).

Sip-N-Knit Class Policies
Class 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 prior to beginning your 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.

Special classes can be scheduled for private groups or to accommodate all work schedules. Please contact Suzanne at Sip-N-Knit (989-449-4444).

Don’t forget, we do alterations!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

SUMMER KNITTING

HAPPY KNITTING SUMMER!!!
Listed below are some of our upcoming summer projects - classes, knit-a-longs and ongoing events for June through August. Don’t forget to mark your calender if there is anything you are interested in and can join us for. Please be sure to read our class policy before you sign up for any classes!

Also take note that we have started our summer hours - they shop will be closed on Saturdays through the summer months.

JUNE
A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 6, A Trio of Hats Monday June 7, 14, 21 & 28; 6 – 8 PM. Cost is $5.00 for the month.

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Monday Evenings in June; 6-8 PM. Cost is $5.00 for the month.

LEARN TO KNIT ENTRELEC
Monday, June 14; 6-8 PM. Cost is $5.00 is you’ve paid for the month otherwise it will be $10.00. INSTRUCTOR: Lucy Bromm

HATS GALORE NEEDS YOU!
Monday, June 21; 6-8 PM
We need you, knitters and crocheters, as we expand our charity project to include both hats to scarves in 2010. There is a great need for each of these items. Remember, we have a trunk full of donated yarn especially for charity that needs to be used and if you need help getting started, instruction will be provided free of charge. For all of our participants we offer free coffee and a 10% discount on supplies purchased that day. And don’t forget our Hat’s Galore luncheon specials!

JULY

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 7, Pi Shawl plus a good buttonhole
July 5, 12, 19 & 26; 6-8 pm. Cost is $5.00 for the month.
Chapter Seven in our knit-a-long/book club features the famous Pi Shawl, a circular shawl that is a knitting clasic.

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Monday Evenings in July; 6 - 8 pm. Cost is $5.00 for the month

LITTLE PROJECT BAG
Monday, July 12; 6-8 PM. Cost is $5.00 if you’v paid for the month otherwise it will be $10.00.
Learn several techniques while you make this small project including a Picot Cast On; working eyelets (for threading the drawstring on your bag); I-Cord for the drawstring and even working with more than one yarn color if you chose to make a 2-color pattern. INSTRUCTOR: Cary Smith

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Monday, July 19; 6 – 8 pm.

AUGUST

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 8, Christmas Fiddle Faddle
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 6-8 pm. Cost is $5.00 for the month.
Some fun Christmas ornaments to experiment with

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Mondays in August; 6 – 8 pm. Cost is $5.00 for the month.

I-CORD TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP ~ This class has been POSTPONED

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Monday, August 16; 6 – 8 pm

ONGOING SUMMER EVENTS ~

GROCERY BAG WEDNESDAY
Bring in a bag of non-perishable groceries on the third Wednesday of each month and receive the daily special at the Mayor’s Office on us! All items are donated to the local food pantry. One bag of groceries equals one lunch. This community project is ongoing.

BASIC SOCK CLASS: Call to set up a time.
Learn to knit a basic sock form the cuff down in three two-hour sessions.
Class requirements include basic knowledge of knitting (cast on; knit and purl; increase and decrease). Experience knitting in the round is helpful but not necessary. There will homework for this class. Cost of two-week class is $20 plus supplies. Class size is limited to 4 students. Instructor: Suzanne Bailey. If three weeks is needed it will be an extra $5.00.

KNITTING 101: Call to set up a time
You will learn how to knit, purl, cast on and off, by making a basic scarf or dish cloth. Cost: $25 plus supplies. Class size limited to 8. Instructor: Suzanne Bailey

CROCHET 101: Call to set up a time
This is a 3-week class that will introduce newcomers to crochet. You will learn the basic stitches of chain, single crochet, and double crochet. With a little homework, you should be able to complete a scarf by the end of the three sessions. Class size limited to 8. Cost: $25 plus supplies. Instructor: Kirsten Mitchell

THE GREAT AMERICAN AFGHAN
Fourth Monday each month; 6-8 pm.
We began this project in March 2009 but you can join at anytime. This an ongoing, two year project that includes 25 unique squares using a variety of knitting techniques-a great way to learn on a small scale! You can see many of the squares displayed in the shop. You may choose to sign up for any number of sessions and receive a discount for signing up for four classes at a time. You need to be able to knit, purl and bind off. Our schedule is:
June 28: Square # 13
July 26 Square #22
August 23: Square #14

Although it is not necessary, we do encourage you to purchase your materials at Sip-N-Knit. If they are not, there will be a slightly higher charge for the classes. The cost of a single class is $10.00 or 4 for $25.00.

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ….January through December, 2010
Part Knit-a-Long, part Book Club continues through the summer - join us as we celebrate the life of “the godmother of knitting” Elizabeth Zimmerman by working our way through her classic knitting diary the “Knitters Almanac”. Each month we will read a chapter and, if you chose to, knit that month’s project from the book – helping each other out along the way. Book discussion is encouraged and we will even have some prizes along the way! In order to participate in the KAL, you must have a copy of Knitters Almanac. (No sharing, for copyright reasons of course! If you do not already own one, please let Suzanne and she can order a copy for you. This book is a treasure that should be in every knitters libray and costs less than many single patterns these days).

Sip-N-Knit Class Policies
Class 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 prior to beginning your 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.

Special classes can be scheduled for private groups or to accommodate all work schedules. Please contact Suzanne at Sip-N-Knit (989-449-4444).

Don’t forget, we do alterations!

Monday, May 24, 2010

MORE MAY MITTENS

Don't forget knitting tonight at Sip 'N Knit...come in and cool off with a refreshing drink and knit in comfort!

Here are another pair of Mitered Mittens, these knit by Nellie:
They are bulky and soft and warm! Nellie incorporated the I-Cord tie on the back of the hand, and the contrasting trim and thumb really make a great look!

Why not stop in and start your own pair of mittens?

Monday, May 17, 2010

EZ MITTENS

Our march through the Knitters Almanac continues with Mittens in May this Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Sip 'n Knit. Please come out to join us and show off your mittens in progress or even start a brand new pair!

Pictured above - Norwegian Mittens in progress. Below, completed Mitered Mittens in Plymouth Yarns Boku along with a matching Ganomy Hat (looking forward to June's projects - hats!)

Monday, May 3, 2010

EZ ~ MAY IS FOR MITTENS

Are you ready for May? Are you ready to make mittens? Come out and join us for Mondays in May with Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitters Almanac Mittens ~ the simple Mitered Mitten or the more challenging Norwegian Mitten.


(Norwegian Mittens in progress above)

Plymouth Yarn Boku is an excellent choice for the Mitered Mitts, as is Cascade 220 (especially the heathery colors). Choose traditional solids or a blend of solid and variegated for your Norwegian Mitts. Use your imagination and we hope to see you at knitting!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

BUNNY HOP SPRING PJ PARTY

Come and join the yarn and fiber fun at our first annual SPRING Bunny Hop PJ Party! Our Christmas PJ Party has been so much fun, someone asked why we only did it once a year...so we obliged for the spring season ;) Here are the details ~

DATE: Friday, April 9th, 2010
TIME: 6 pm till ?
LOCATION: Sip 'n Knit Yarn Shop, downtown Ithaca
COST: $10 includes supper and refreshments
OTHER: We will be having 25% off all regular price yarns that evening ~ Special prize drawings and a tour of “Uniquely Yours” Tie-Dye Studio

PJ’s are optional! Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning or just come to visit and shop the yarn shop (remember, 25% off yarns!). Our goal for the night is to knit or crochet some hats for our ongoing outreach program that benefits local hospitals and charities. Patterns are available at Sip 'n Knit

Everyone is welcome! Please call Suzanne at (989)449-4444. Hope to see you there!

Monday, March 29, 2010

EZ ~ WEEK TWELVE

Join us Monday night, March 29 from 6-8 pm for the final Monday in March and say goodbye to the Difficult Sweater that I don't think anyone was knitting ((grin)). We hope that some of you have been following along in the Almanac even if you aren't knitting the March pattern and come prepared to discuss the third chapter....there is a chance for prize winning!

Don't forget to make your reservation for the First Annual Sip 'n Knit Bunny Hop PJ Party, happening on Friday April 9th! Suzanne would like to know if you planning to join in the fun or not by Thursday, April 1st.

We were treated to the progress on Pam's January Aran Sweater (only Pam is doing a vest version) and some creative modifications she has made. Here is a snapshot (aren't the colors great?):



Hoping to see more of Pam's sweater and some of you at knitting tonight!

Monday, March 22, 2010

EZ ~ WEEK ELEVEN


We hope you can join us this Monday night, March 22, as we continue on our journey with Elizabeth Zimmermann! Is anyone knitting from the March chapter? I began a pair of mittens, using Cascade 220 yarn and my usual number of stitches - did not do a gauge swatch because I knit a lot of mittens, knit a lot with Cascade 220 and always use the same size needles and number of stitches....WRONG! I didn't take into account the colorwork, and my mittens are to small, reminding me again of the importance of a gauge swatch (something I usually do). These would fit a child or woman with very slender hands! I'm also not that happy with my color choice, so I finished the first mitten off as a fingerless mitt and cast on for the second, even though I have lost my interest in it. The photo at the top of this post is an in-progress picture, I will bring the actual items to knitting tonight.

Don't forget about the March yarn special, 15% off Brown Sheep yarn as long as you are paid up for the Monday night knitting sessions. Next week, March 29, will be our final Monday for March ~ please join us even if you aren't knitting, to discuss Chapter 3 of the Knitters Almanac and for a chance to win another prize ~ Cary

Monday, March 1, 2010

MARCH - In Like A Lamb...

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Out Like A Lamb – March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 6 – 8 pm

Remember the old saying about March “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb”? At Sip ‘n Knit this March, we are going to think positive and celebrate the lamb….Brown Sheep’s Lambspride yarn, that is! This wonderful American made yarn is great for a wide range of projects and comes in so many colors, lets chose a pattern and some yarn and make something great this month. Cost is the usual $5 per month fee for Monday nights and for March only, paid-up members receive 15% off any Lambspride yarn purchase!

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 3, Difficult Sweater (or not so difficult hat or mittens)
March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 6-8 pm

Chapter Three (Week 8) in our knit-a-long/book club introduces colorwork to the knitting with a dramatic sweater (or hat or mittens)

HATS GALORE Knitting Outreach
Saturday, March 20; 10 am – 2 pm

Monday, February 22, 2010

EZ ~ WEEK SEVEN

February 22 is the final week for the February EZ KAL/Book Club. I don't believe there was anyone else knitting baby things, but super knitters Pam and Nellie are moving right along on their January Fishtrap Aran sweaters! Both are using Cascade 220 wool yarn. Here are two photos, taken last Monday night. First is Nellie's in progress...aren't her stitches lovely? She hasn't decided about a border yet - ribbing, garter stitch, seed stitch?


And below is Pam's in such a pretty sage grey-green. You can even get a glimpse of her Heather Hoodie vest:


Pam's hands are blurry in the photo because she knits so fast!

Join us tonight if your roads aren't to bad! Its a good night for knitting and coffee, chai or tea!

Monday, February 15, 2010

EZ ~ WEEK SIX

We hope you can join us tonight for week six of our KAL...is anyone else doing baby things? Or perhaps a double knit potholder? I finished my Baby Sweater this week (except for adding buttons):



I'm looking forward to seeing the progress Pam and Nellie have made on their January Fishtrap Aran sweaters ;) Hope to see the rest of you tonight for some EZ knitting or charity knitting or whatever other knit or crochet projects might be on your needles!

Monday, February 1, 2010

FEBRUARY CLASSES & EZ~WEEK FOUR

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 2, Some Babies Things
February 1, 8, 15 & 22; 6-8 pm

Chapter Two in our knit-a-long/book club includes directions for the well known February Baby Sweater and several other items. Even if you do not have a baby in your immediate family or circle of friends, why not consider knitting a baby item to donate to our charity knitting project? If you are not planning to knit, but are reading along with our book club, come prepared to discuss Chapter Two. Mary Kaufman had the answer to the January question for Chapter One and will have her name entered an extra time into our prize drawing!

Pam and Nellie brought along show and tell to finish out the month of January, these completed Fishtrap Aran swatchcaps:


Pam's cap, on the left, knit on 100 sts and Nellie's on the right, knit on 104. Both used Cascade 220 wool yarn and both Pam and Nellie are planning to make the sweater! Can't wait to see the progress!


MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Alternate choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
The Tahoe Hat - February 1, 8, 15 & 22; 6 - 8 pm

Remember those little luxury fibers we spun up in January? Well, here is your chance to use them in this neat little beret type hat featured in the Winter 2009 issue of Spin-Off magazine. This is a mix and grab blend of yarns in all weights and lengths…if you did not spin up some yarn for this, check your knitting stash to find some odds and ends that will work. You must have a copy of the Winter 2009 Spin-Off magazine for the hat pattern if you are planning to knit that.

Do you crochet rather than knit? We will find a suitable pattern for you to use for your yarns, too! How about this free online pattern - Double-Double Crochet Hat (this is a Ravelry link. If you are not a member of Ravelry, try looking here for the pattern) This would be a great pattern to donate to our Hats Galore project!

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Saturday, February 20; 10 am – 2 pm

Our ongoing knit-a-long aiding those in need in our community

Monday, January 25, 2010

EZ ~ Week Three

Tonight is the last Monday night of January for our Year Of Knitting EZ - Knitters Almanac project~ hope to see you at the yarn shop whether this will be your first night or your third! We had a lively, fun group last Monday night.

Next week we will begin the February installment with some baby things. I have the sample Two Needle Baby Sweater nearly complete, just a few inches to go.


Some of you may chose to start a February project while some will be continuing with January's Aran projects. At least one of us is going to be doing a full cardigan (hurray, Nellie!) If you don't want to do the February projects or continue with January, feel free to jump ahead to March ;) Or just join us to read along.

I'll have my camera with me tonight, so bring your projects - finished or in progress!

Monday, January 18, 2010

EZ ~ Week Two

It's Week #2 of our January Almanac project and we hope you will be able to join us for some EZ style knitting at the yarn shop tonight! We had a fun kick-off last Monday, despite some wintry Michigan weather. We all had a good laugh over watching Elizabeth knitting on the back of a motorcycle in the promo for Knitting Without a License on the Knitting Around DVD and I think it is safe to say we were all inspired by she and Meg!

Is anyone knitting felted slippers? I have all of the supplies, but have been so immersed with my Zimmermann projects that I have not cast on for anything else!

Bring any of your projects and have some good knitting (or crochet) time from 6-8 pm at the Yarn Shop. See you there!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Twenty-Ten Kick Off

HAPPY NEW KNITTING YEAR!!!
All of us at Sip ‘n Knit want to wish all of you a very happy new year, and to say “thank you” for your friendship and your patronage this year past. We are looking forward to some fun new projects to start us out for 2010, as well as some continuing favorites and worthwhile events. We are especially proud of our charity activities Hats Galore and Grocery Bag Wednesday. As always, we are happy to hear your suggestions and ideas for classes and workshops. Let us know what you would like to see, learn or share and we will do our best to accommodate!

Listed below are some of our upcoming classes, knit-a-longs and ongoing events for January through April. The list is a little lengthy to begin with, but we hope you will read through it and mark your calender if there is anything you are interested in and can join us for.

Should you have any questions about any of our classes, you can always check her at the shop blog or phone us at 989-449-4444. Please be sure to read our class policy before you sign up for any classes and remember that there is the always the chance of additions or cancellations, so it is best to verify any questions with the yarn shop.

GROCERY BAG WEDNESDAY
Bring in a bag of non-perishable groceries on the third Wednesday of each month and receive the daily special at the Mayor’s Office on us! All items are donated to the local food pantry. One bag of groceries equals one lunch. This community project is ongoing.

BASIC SOCK CLASS: Call to set up a time.
Learn to knit a basic sock form the cuff down in three two-hour sessions.
Class requirements include basic knowledge of knitting (cast on; knit and purl; increase and decrease). Experience knitting in the round is helpful but not necessary. There will homework for this class. Cost of two-week class is $20 plus supplies. Class size is limited to 4 students. Instructor: Suzanne Bailey. If three weeks is needed it will be an extra $5.00.

THE GREAT AMERICAN AFGHAN
Fourth Monday each month; 6-8 pm.

We began this project in March 2009 but you can join at anytime. This an ongoing, two year project that includes 25 unique squares using a variety of knitting techniques-a great way to learn on a small scale! You can see many of the squares displayed in the shop. You may choose to sign up for any number of sessions and receive a discount for signing up for four classes at a time. You need to be able to knit, purl and bind off. Our schedule is:
January Square #5
February Square #6
March Square #8
April Square #9

Although it is not necessary, we do encourage you to purchase your materials at Sip-N-Knit. If they are not, there will be a slightly higher charge for the classes. The cost of a single class is $10.00 or 4 for $25.00. We encourage material to be purchases at Sip-N-Knit if not there will be a slightly higher charge for the class.

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ…January through December, 2010
A book club and year long knit-a-long!
Begins January 11, 2010; 6-8 pm
In 1910, Elizabeth Zimmermann was born… In August of 2010, she will surely be remembered and celebrated by her family and friends on the anniversary of what would have been her 100th birthday. Those in the knitting world will also celebrate her “The Godmother of Knitting” as she has been called. To pay tribute to “EZ” and her joy and legacy of knitting, we would like to offer a challenge to you…join us at Sip ‘n Knit for a year long knit-a-long of Elizabeth Zimmermann projects! Mrs. Zimmermann very kindly arranged an entire year of patterns and knitting discoveries into a knitters diary of sorts, a handy little book called the “Knitters Almanac”. Many of us already have this treasure in our personal library, but if you do not, Sip ‘n Knit will have copies available for purchase. Even if you never knit a single item from the Almanac, this book is a treasure to own and read and all for a cost that is less than many single patterns these days. How can you not love a book whose dedication reads “To the Unsure Knitter, To the Blind Follower, and To all those who do not yet know that they can design their own knitting, this book is encouragingly dedicated”…EZ

If you do not know of Elizabeth Zimmermann just do a Google search of her name, or if you are a member of Ravelry type in her name in both the “Pattern” and “Groups” search box…you will be astounded at the results! Also be sure to check out the website of the company she founded, now run by her equally amazing daughter Meg Swansen, at Schoolhouse Press.


(Above, Mitered Mitts from May Knitters Almanac, knit in Plymouth Boku)

Here’s how it works….part KAL, part Book Club we will kick off on Monday, January 11th from 6 – 8 PM with an EZ Party. Please come out and join us even if you are not planning to participate in the Almanac KAL to share the fun, you might just change your mind and decide to join in after all!. We are hoping to view one of Elizabeth’s DVD’s of knitting instruction and look through a variety of her books and patterns. (If anyone has any of her patterns, books, DVD’s or especially if you have any items you have already knit of hers, please bring them along for show and tell. That could also include items by Meg Swansen or other Schoolhouse Press patterns and newsletters) NOTE: In order to participate in the KAL, you must have a copy of Knitters Almanac (No sharing, for copyright reasons of course! If you do not already own one, please let Suzanne know by January 4th and she can order one for you). Then chose which, if any, of the patterns you would like to knit and come join us on Monday nights throughout the year as we work our way through till the end, knitting and reading. You may decide to knit just one, or every other one or even every single item as they come up (though most of us can not complete an entire sweater in just one month, except maybe Pam or Margaret - LOL!) We will try to help each other along following Elizabeth’s bare bones (she calls them “pithy”) instructions for each item. You will either be a knitter who finds her methods liberating and exhilarating or frustrating and lacking ;) If you are not knitting, how about participating in the Book Club part of our event, reading a chapter each month and discussing it together on the first Monday? There may even be prizes involved for discussion participation on certain months! We may also decide we want to throw in an special Saturday knitting day occasionally. Details will be posted each month on the blog, so be sure to check regularly or contact the yarn shop with any questions you might have.

Our proposed schedule:

JANUARY 11, 18 & 25 ~ Chapter 1, An Aran Sweater (or hat)
FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15 & 22 ~ Chapter 2, Some Babies Things (including the well known February Baby Sweater)
MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 ~ Chapter 3, Difficult Sweater (or not so difficult hat or mittens)
APRIL 5, 12, 19 & 26 ~ Chapter 4, Mystery Blanket
MAY 3, 10, 17 & 24 ~ Chapter 5, Mittens For Next Winter
JUNE 7, 14, 21 & 28 ~ Chapter 6, Borders, Small Stuff for Summer Knitting, Three Hats
JULY 5, 12, 19 & 26 ~ Chapter 7, A Shawl (the famous Pi Shawl)
AUGUST 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 ~ Chapter 8, Christmas in the Wilds and Special EZ Birthday Celebration
SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 20 & 27 ~ Chapter 9, Nether Garments (think long underwear!)
OCTOBER 4, 11, 18 & 25 ~ Chapter 10, Open Collared Pullover
NOVEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 ~ Chapter 11, Moccasin Socks
DECEMBER 6, 13, 20 & 27 ~ Hurry-Up Last Minute Sweater and Retrospective of our year long journey

There is no additional charge to participate in this celebration, only your regular monthly $5 Sip ‘n Knitters fee, which entitles you to 10% your knitting supplies!

CLASS AND WORKSHOP SCHEDULE ~
JANUARY

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Alternative choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Felted Clogs or Slippers, January 4, 11, 18 & 25; 6-8 pm
There are many styles and sizes of these popular patterns available to us, and Sip n’ Knit has most of them in stock, either for crochet or knit. Maybe you have made them before but need a new pair or maybe these will be your first attempt, what better project for a cold winter Michigan Monday than felted footwear? We have lots of colors of great felting wool, including Cascade 220, Plymouth Galway and Brown Sheep Lambspride for you to chose from and plenty of help on hand if you should need it to get you started. Cost is the usual $5 per month fee for Monday nights.

SPINNING AND SAMPLING EXOTICS & LUXURY FIBERS
Saturday, January 9th; 10 am – 2 pm

Calling all spinners…how about a little fun and excitement with exotic and luxury fibers? Things like angora, mohair, camel, pygora, silk, angelina, firestar and even alpaca and llama…lets dust off the spinning wheels and spindles and get together to play with some of these fibers. With most of them, a little goes a very long way and many of us have some in our stash that we just aren’t sure what to do with. If you do not have stash, some will be provided for you…in other words, there will be fiber available for you to sample! If you have extra, please bring it along to share with others. Then, in February, we will get together to work on a project from these sample yarns!

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 1, Aran Sweater
January 11, 18, & 2 5; 6-8 pm

Chapter One in our knit-a-long/book club is the classic Aran Sweater. Not up to knitting an entire cabled sweater this month? How about making the swatch cat/hat? (Photo below is a cowl knit from the Fishtrap Aran pattern in January's Almanac chapter. Made of Plymouth Galway by Cary Smith)


KNITTING 101
January 11, 18, & 25; 6-8 pm

You will learn how to knit, purl, cast on and off, by making a basic scarf or dish cloth. Cost: $25 plus supplies. Class size limited to 8. Instructor: Suzanne Bailey

CROCHET 101
January 11, 18 & 25; 6-8 pm (or call for an afternoon or Saturday class)

This is a 3-week class that will introduce newcomers to crochet. You will learn the basic stitches of chain, single crochet, and double crochet. With a little homework, you should be able to complete a scarf by the end of the three sessions. Class size limited to 8. Cost: $25 plus supplies. Instructor: Kirsten Mitchell

HATS GALORE NEEDS YOU!
Saturday, January 16; 10am - 2pm

We need you, knitters and crocheters, as we expand our charity project to include both hats to scarves in 2010. There is a great need for each of these items. Remember, we have a trunk full of donated yarn especially for charity that needs to be used and if you need help getting started, instruction will be provided free of charge. For all of our participants we offer free coffee and a 10% discount on supplies purchased that day. And don’t forget our Hat’s Galore luncheon specials!

FEBRUARY

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 2, Some Babies Things
February 1, 8, 15 & 22; 6-8 pm

Chapter Two in our knit-a-long/book club includes directions for the well known February Baby Sweater and several other items. Even if you do not have a baby in your immediate family or circle of friends, why not consider knitting a baby item to donate to our charity knitting project?

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Alternate choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
The Tahoe Hat - February 1, 8, 15 & 22; 6 - 8 pm
Remember those little luxury fibers we spun up in January? Well, here is your chance to use them in this neat little beret type hat featured in the Winter 2009 issue of Spin-Off magazine. This is a mix and grab blend of yarns in all weights and lengths…if you did not spin up some yarn for this, check your knitting stash to find some odds and ends that will work. Do you crochet rather than knit? We will find a suitable pattern for you to use for your yarns, too! You must have a copy of the Winter 2009 Spin-Off magazine for the hat pattern if you are planning to knit that.

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Saturday, February 20; 10 am – 2 pm

MARCH

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 3, Difficult Sweater (or not so difficult hat or mittens)
March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 6-8 pm

Chapter Three in our knit-a-long/book club introduces colorwork to the knitting with a dramatic sweater (or hat or mittens)

MONDAY NIGHT SIP ‘N KNITTERS (Another choice if you are not participating in the EZ KAL)
Out Like A Lamb – March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 6 – 8 pm

Remember the old saying about March “In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb”? At Sip ‘n Knit this March, we are going to think positive and celebrate the lamb….Brown Sheep’s Lambspride yarn, that is! This wonderful American made yarn is great for a wide range of projects and comes in so many colors, lets chose a pattern and some yarn and make something great this month. Cost is the usual $5 per month fee for Monday nights and for March only, paid-up members receive 15% off any Lambspride yarn purchase!

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Saturday, March 20; 10 am – 2 pm


APRIL

A YEAR OF KNITTING EZ ~ Chapter 4, Mystery Blanket
APRIL 5, 12, 19 & 26; 6-8 pm

Lots of weaving and mystery in the Chapter Four installment of our knit-a-long/book club! Will you take the challenge?

MIDDLE OF THE MITTEN BUNNY HOP SPRING PJ PARTY
Friday, April 9th, 6 pm till ?

At our 2009 Christmas Pajama Party this past December it was mentioned that we always have so much fun, why do we only have the party once each year? Ta-da…here you are, a chance to celebrate and save on spring knitting supplies, all while enjoying good food and good company at our First Annual Bunny Hop Spring PJ Party! Look for more details in coming months, but mark the date on your calender now

HATS GALORE Charity Knitting
Saturday, April 17; 10 am – 2 pm


Sip-N-Knit Class Policies
Class 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 prior to beginning your 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.

Special classes can be scheduled for private groups or to accommodate all work schedules. Please contact Suzanne at Sip-N-Knit (989-449-4444).

Don’t forget, we do alterations!