Here Comes Summer!
A brand new collection from a classic knitter.
A great new summer knit-along project.
And fabulous classes to help hone your knitting skills.
Here’s what’s up this week at your favorite local yarn store, For Yarn’s Sake.
Knit One Knit All:
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Garter Stitch Designs
“One can only cite the elegant appearance of Garter stitch. It forms beautiful crinkly ridges, which are handsome in themselves. They can be employed horizontally or vertically or both and enable the structure of offbeat knitted pieces to be visible and organically decorative. I like to think that the very first knitter, doodling with sticks and sinews at the sunny entrance to his cave, or peering at his knitting by the flickering firelight, doodled with, or peered at, Garter stitch; the bread and cheese of knitting, the basic stitch—surely the prototype.”
- Elizabeth Zimmermann (a recently discovered hand-written quote)
One of Elizabeth Zimmermann's dreams was to publish a book of her garter stitch designs. Though she proffered the idea to her primary publisher, and though the idea floated around their office for years, ultimately the project was not undertaken. In one of the publisher's letters that seemed promising, Elizabeth had written an exclamation of joy in the margins, and it seems fitting to fulfill her wish for a garter stitch book. As the publishers looked through Elizabeth's designs, they found a wealth of material, much of it little known or unknown to knitters. They were further intrigued and excited by the unique construction of some of these "new"designs (equal to her classic baby surprise jacket).
The latest EZ compilation contains more than 40 patterns, none of which appear in any of Elizabeth Zimmermann's other 5 classic knitting books. You’ll find sweaters, coats, jackets, and vests for adults and kids, baby garments, plus a wonderful array of small projects including sideways gloves and socks, several brimmed hats, an ingenius pattern for knitted clogs and more. And all using Elizabeth’s favorite technique – Garter Stitch.
Elizabeth Zimmermann was a British-born masterknitter who, after immigrating to the United States, wanted to supply handknitters with pure wool and circular needles (both a rarity in those days), as well as books, tools, and original designs. Elizabeth's humor and unique approach to seamless garment construction gradually attracted followers through her semi-annual Newsletter, a steady stream of designs in magazines, two television series taped for PBS-TV, the annual summer Knitting Camp and publication of her books, Knitting Without Tears, Knitting Around, Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop, and Knitter's Almanac (now in two editions). The book The Opinionated Knitter was published posthumously, as was Knit One Knit All. Elizabeth's philosophy was received with glad cries by knitters who were eager to think for themselves and, through EPS (Elizabeth's Percentage System) were able to achieve perfectly-fitted garments while applying their own ideas to their knitting.
Friday Knit-Along - June
“There’s something timeless about sitting around with your fellow knitters and your works in progress.
The warmth of a fire or a cup of tea, the clicking of needles, and the satisfaction of quiet talk - or no talk at all - has a completeness to it. Nothing more need be added.”
- Larissa Brown
Join us every Friday from 3 to 4:30pm for a structured knit-along; an organized event where knitters get together, all working on a common project. Great fun, terrific company, and a sense of accomplishment. Not to be missed!
For the month of June, join in as we all knit Wendy Bernard’s latest creation, the Radian Yoke Summer Tunic. Featured in the Summer issue of Knitscene, this stunning summery tee is worked from the top down, with a seamless yoke construction and placket opening. And Wendy wrote the pattern with a wide range of sizes in mind. A beautiful openwork lace stitch on the yoke adds an air of femininity to this must have summer wardrobe piece.
We chose Debbie Bliss’ Prima for ours. A soft, shimmery blend of Bamboo (80%) and Merino Wool (20%), Prima is the ideal choice for this flowing warm-weather top. In a wide array of great summer colors – the choice is all yours!
Materials:
Summer 2011 Edition of Knitscene Magazine
775 – 1395 yards DK weight yarn
US 5 circular needle
US 5 dpns
There’s no charge for our structured Knit-Along. Just bring yourself and an adventuresome attitude. Because this is an in-store, structured activity, we do ask that materials used be purchased from For Yarn’s Sake. See you Friday!
Summer Slouches
Tuesday May 31, 2-4pm
No matter what the weather holds, hats are always in style! And open, lacy slouch caps are one of the season's hottest trends. Anne Laird teaches you how to knit up one or more popular slouchy hat patterns to be enjoyed year-round. No knitting bag should be without a portable project like a hat - perfect for learning new techniques (like lace or cables) on a small scale. Students should know how to cast on, knit, purl. and knit in the round.
Intarsia
Sunday June 5, 12:30-2:30pm
You too can create patterns with large blocks of multiple colors! Learn bobbin and carry techniques, as well as basic color theory. Taught by our own color aficionado, Heather, you're sure to have a great time as you journey into the fabulous world of color work. Students should know how to cast on, knit, and purl.
Entrelac
Wednesday June 8, 5:30-7:30pm
Knit. Turn. Knit. Turn. Learn the time-honored technique to create a textured diamond pattern with a series of interconnected squares on two different orientations. You’ll learn the technique, while creating a fun and quick project. Students should know how to cast on, knit and purl
Tanks & Shells (for Summer)
Thursday June 9, 5:30-7:30pm
Just in time for the sure-to-come-soon warmer weather. Learn to whip up that perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. Together we’ll explore the myriad ways a simple tank top can be transformed into a fashion forward, unique design. Students should know how to cast on, knit and purl.
Sign-up For These Upcoming Classes
Continental Knitting - Tuesday June 14, 2-4pm
"Oops, I Dopped a Stitch" - Thursday June 16, 5:30-7:30pm
Elegant Embellishments – Thursday June 23, 5:30-7:30pm
Amigurumi – Sunday June 26, 12:30-2:30pm
Stash Buster: “Got Sock Yarn – Don’t Want Another Pair of Socks” – Thursday June 30, 5:30-7:30pm
Technique Workshop:
Knitted On Edgings,
Friday June 3rd 5-6pm
Ever had a finished project that just didn't seem all that finished? In this hour-long technique workshop, learn how to knit on a lacy border sideways, add on a finished rolled edge to a hem or collar, as well as other neat ways to add onto your work, giving it that little something extra. Students should know how to knit, purl, and decrease.
Class requirements: Bring two knitted squares roughly 4”x4”, one done in stockinette stitch, the other in garter stitch; DK or worsted weight is preferable.
Upcoming Technique Workshops Technique, every Friday from 5 to 6pm:
Seaming 101 – June 10
All of our Spring 2011 classes are listed online
Please call us in the store at 503-469-9500 to reserve your spot !
In Stitches – Blogging For Yarn’s Sake Style.
“These are a few of my favorite yarns.” Read In Stitches and learn which yarns Anne likes best for socks, as well as check in on Anne’s progress toward knitting all 20 patterns in Wendy Johnson’s “Socks From the Toe Up.”
Additional Ways to Stay Connected With Us
| 11679 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy. Beaverton, OR 97005 |
Copyright For Yarn's Sake 2011 | Phone: 503-469-9500 |