Knitters News, Sept 20, 2010

From Classics, to the Age of Internet Designers

A tribute to Elizabeth Zimmerman, fabulous new releases from our favorite designers, and essential yet fun class offerings. Read on and see what's happening at your favorite local yarn store!

New to For Yarn's Sake

It’s here! The Commemorative Edition of Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic “Knitter’s Almanac,” celebrating the centenary of Elizabeth’s birth and the 50th anniversary of the founding of her company. Touted as one America’s most ingenious, creative and influential knitters, her beloved classic of knitting lore presented 23 patterns, including Aran sweaters, mittens, socks, and patterns for other projects that can be followed by all skill-level of knitter, or adapted into original works.

British-born Elizabeth Zimmermann learned to knit ‘English-style’ (throwing) from her mother and aunt, and German-style knitting (aka Continental style, or ‘picking’) from her Swiss governess. Affectionately known as EZ by fellow knitters, she’s credited with bring Continental-style knitting back in vogue, as well as revolutionizing the modern practice of knitting through her books and instructional series’ on public television. At a time when knitting back and forth on rigid straight needles was the norm, EZ pushed the envelope by advocating knitting in the round - using flexible circular needles to produce seamless garments, and to make it easier to knit intricate patterns.

The Commemorative Edition’s new features include color pictures of her finished patterns - many of them re-knit using contemporary yarns, an Andrew Wyeth painting which includes Elizabeth’s Maltese Fisherman’s Hat, a preface by the author’s daughter, Meg Swansen, a copy of a letter from Barbara Walker to EZ on the original publication of the Knitter’s Almanac, an introduction by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, instructions for the February Lady Sweater, and other priceless gems. Truely a must-have for any knitter’s library!

Two Incredible New Books!

Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere. On-line knitting sites and talented designer-bloggers have revolutionized the knitting world – here’s your exclusive invitation to meet some of the hottest knitwear designers on the Internet and to create the gorgeous garments and accessories they’ve designed especially for this book.

Brave New Knits is the first book to celebrate the convergence of traditional hand-knitting and modern technology. The Internet, especially Ravelry, has made it possible for the knitting community to connect through photos, pattern-sharing, and blogs that document the knitting projects and passions of dozens of designers and enthusiasts. With a Foreword written by Jessica Marshall Forbes, co-founder of Ravelry.com, Brave New Knits features 26 must-have garment and accessory patterns, all gorgeously photographed by knitting celebrity Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. Contributors range from established designers like Norah Gaughan, Wendy Bernard, Anne Hanson, and knitgrrl Shannon Okey, to up and coming rising stars such as Melissa Wehrle, Connie Chang Chinchio, Ysolda Teague, Stephen West, Hilary Smith Callis, and Portland's own Chrissy Gardner. In-depth interviews with the designers reveal their design philosophy and passions. From shapely sweaters and delicate shawls to fingerless gloves and stylish hats, each of the knitted designs features detailed directions and charts to inspire both the beginner and experienced knitter.

Around the World in Knitted Socks by Stephanie van der Linden. International sock knitting sensation Stephanie van der Linden shares an irresistible collection of 26 original designs inspired by global knitting traditions. In Around the World in Knitted Socks, you’ll travel through world cultures by foot and try your hand at new patterns and techniques. Using stitch motifs and colors, knitting techniques and construction details, the socks blend regional knitting traditions with Stephanie’s unique design flair. Drawing inspiration from signature local textiles such as Turkish kilim carpets, Japanese sashiko embroidery, Belgian lace, American quilts, and Scottish argyle tartan, each pattern is distinctly tied to both country and culture. You’ll also learn traditional knitting techniques including Estonian and Latvian braids, Norwegian stranded knitting, and Austrian twisted-stitch designs.

Though each pattern in Around the World in Knitted Socks draws on a different global inspiration, the thoughtful construction and attention to detail are signature elements of Stephanie’s work and are showcased in both detailed photography and an illustrated glossary. Author of 6 knitting books in her native language - German, this is the first book of Stephanie’s designs to be published in English.

Tatonka's Project of the Week

"February Baby Sweater" by Elizabeth Zimmerman

What better way to honor legendary knitter Elizabeth Zimmermann and celebrate the release of the "Knitter’s Almanac – Commemorative Edition" than to feature one of her patterns as Tatonka’s Project of the Week. In the Knitter’s Almanac, Elizabeth calls this the “Baby Sweater on Two Needles; Practically Seamless.” We’ve come to know it as the baby version of the ever-popular “February Lady Sweater.” Knit from the top-down, this swingy lace cardigan is the ideal choice for any sweet little bundle. Make one up in a heartbeat for a sensational shower or baby gift in one of the many beautiful shades of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted yarn – 100% ever-so-soft superwash baby Merino Wool.

Materials:
• Approximately 300 yards worsted weight yarn
• Circular needles in size recommended for yarn (US 8 for Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted)

Fall classes are well underway. Here's what's happening this week:

“Oops! I Dropped A Stitch”

It's back! The ever-popular and oh-so-essential class, "Oops! I Dropped a Stitch." No longer will you need to come running. You too can figure out where you went astray, and then fix it! Yourself! Students should know how to cast on, knit and purl. Thursday September 23rd, 5:30 to 7:30pm.

"Fingerless Gloves"

Back by popular demand! Learn the ins and outs of knitting those beautiful little hand warmers with a special place for your thumbs. Students must know how to cast on, knit, and purl. Two Consecutive Sundays September 26th & October 3rd, 12:30-2:30pm.

Newly Added To Our Class Offerings. We've added three new sessions, all meeting Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30pm, and taught by our very own Lovely Leah.
Here’s what’s new:
Anatomy of a Sock - Toe Up! - October 6th, 13th & 20th
Anatomy of a Sweater - October 27th, November 3rd, 10th & 17th
Anatomy of a Stitch - December 1st

Upcoming Classes

Mitering - Thursday September 30th 5:30-7:30pm

Anatomy of A Sock – Toe Up! - Wednesdays October 6th, 13th, & 20th 5:30-7:30pm

All Things Shawls - Thursdays October 7th & 14th 5:30-7:30pm

Double Knitting - Saturday October 9th 9-11am

For the Love of Lace - Sunday October 10th 12:30-2:30pm

Our classes fill up quickly! Call us at (503) 469-9500, or come in to secure your spot.
Our complete class schedule is listed on the Classes page of our website.
Need a copy for future reference? The entire Fall 2010 class list is available for download as a pdf file here.

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In Stitches. She’s back into knitting socks. Find out what's behind that passion for knitting socks, which socks are on her needles, as well as how Anne is progressing toward her grandiose goal to knit all 20 socks from Wendy Johnson’s “Socks From the Toe Up.”