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!

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?

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!)

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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!