The barn sweater and some spinning

13.02.2020

The barn sweater is named for the lovely red color of the yarn, which came to my stash in a round about way.  The original color of the wool cone yarn was tan and part of a stash, which ended up at Anoka Fiber Works after a yarn swap event years ago.  Mary, the shop owner, gave it to Linda, who dyed the yarn red and proceeded to knit a swatch for a sweater project.  The yarn was (and still is) not next-to-the-skin soft, the project was abandoned, and the remaining yarn was left at the shop with Mary.  Mary and I were having a chat about yarn, particularly sheep's wool and that not all knitting yarn needs to be soft to be useful in garments.  The bag of yarn ended up with me and the well-worn copy of Knitting Pure & Simple V-Neck Neckdown Cardigan For Women #994, was the logical choice for the project.

I added length to the bottom back with short rows and then knitted two by two ribbing at the cuffs, bottom, and the neck.  Seven light-color wood buttons from the button jar looked very nice with the red.  The fit is oversized, comfortable, and given the freeze and thaw of winter weather up here, the sweater works as a warm layer under a jacket or as an outer layer on the warmer days.  Either way, I wear a long sleeve shirt or turtleneck underneath and have no issues with scratchiness.  It is meant to be a working sweater, just like the well-worn garments I used to see hanging by a door on family farms many moons ago.

15 days pass...I love the sweater and have worn it often.  Yesterday, it was a great jacket!

Now, an update on another project!  I've been hand-carding and mixing colors for a small tapestry project using Lincoln Longwool from Snake River Acres and dyed wool from Ireland.  Carding the  the Longwool with the dyed wool makes drafting and spinning a smooth process.   The colors look so pretty lined up in the natural light near my easel.  I have a general idea of what to weave, but when a new idea pops into my head, I thank goodness for the notes feature and the iPencil with the iPad.

The weather is warming and the days are getting longer.  Spring is fast approaching and I have upcoming classes on the schedule at Anoka Fiber Works and BeWoolen.  The newsletter for AFW is released on the first of every month.  I'm excited about teaching a yoked sweater class at BeWoolen because the shop just got the first delivery of Lett Lopi yarn this week!  My classes at AFW include Stranded Colorwork, Yorkshire Buttons, and First Socks, a new class.

February 2018 classes

The last class for the month is Wednesday, 28 February and registration is required. Call or stop in during store hours for more information and to sign up. I look forward to seeing you!

Anoka Fiber Works
Call: 763-479-9626
Stop in: 4153 Coon Rapids Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Store Hours:
Tues. 10-4
Wed. 12-8
Thurs. 12-5
Fri. 10-5
Sat. 10-5

BEGINNING RUG HOOKING
The technique of rug hooking is easy and fun to learn, especially when adding some of your own yarn to make your project unique!
DATE/TIME: Wed, February 28 from 5-8 pm
INSTRUCTOR: Deborah C.
COST: Class fee is $32 and the kits are $30 (purchase from Old Man Wool Farm)

A photo of my sample.  I added some of my handspun yarn to the picture.  

Coming Atttractions!

I am catching up my calendar and adding in the classes and events through August.  Another wave of Groupons is out and I also have some classes on the calendar that should appeal to new and experienced knitters alike.

My computer is now at Ben's computer desk, Grandma's desk is upstairs, my drawing table is in my new space, and now it is time to divide and conquer the tubs!  Ben's stuff vs my stuff.  Going through things is time-consuming, but necessary.  I am doing it a bit backwards, as I did not paint the ceiling first.  The walls are in good shape and I can live with the small divots in the ceiling where the stars were stuck. Today I will work on transferring what's left in Ben's closet to the other room and my art supplies to the new space.  This should be interesting...

27.02.13  I am making good progress on the transfer.  Having the paper bin, a trash can, and bin for charity knitting yarn has been helpful.  My goodness!  I found needles, markers, my extra scissors, and the ever-elusive tape measure and extra scissors!  Jim will be happy to know the lidded ottoman is empty!  At least four tubs are empty, too!  Yea--progress is a good thing.

I received some good news yesterday...one of my hat patterns will be featured in the new edition of 60 Quick Knits from America's Yarn Shops.  I will be making two baby-sized samples and should receive the yarn within a week.  (Picture me doing the happy dance!)

My classes coming up at Amazing Threads:

Felted Wooly Eggs--Easy Plus
Sundays, March 3 & 10
12-2 pm
$28 plus supplies

It's Your Choice (pick your own project)--Easy Plus
Wednesdays, March 13, 20 & 27
6-8 pm
$36 plus supplies

Countess Mitts--Easy Plus
Wednesdays, April 10, 17 & 24
6-8 pm
$42 plus supplies

Gaugeless Hat--Easy Plus
Mondays, May 6, 13 & 20
3-5 pm
$42 plus supplies

First Möbius--Easy Plus
Mondays, May 6, 13 & 20
6-8 pm
$40 plus pattern download or book, A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting, by Cat Bordhi

Take It From The Top Vest  (Pick a vest from Ann Budd's book, The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters--Easy Plus
Wednesdays, May 8, 15, 22 & 29
6-8 pm
$40 plus book

Urchin--Easy Plus

Wednesdays, May 22 & 29

3-5 pm

$28 plus pattern download and supplies

Take It From The Top Sweater  (Pick a cardigan or pullover from Ann Budd's book, The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters--Easy Plus
Tuesdays, June 4, 11 & 18
4-6 pm
$42 plus book

Hats, Mittens, or Slippers? (Accessories from Knit One Knit All, Elizabeth Zimmerman's Garter Stitch Designs)--Easy Plus to Intermediate

Fridays, June 14, 21 & 28

1-3 pm

$42 plus book

Felted Needle Cozies--Easy Plus

Thursdays, May 16 & 23

4-6 pm

$40 plus pattern download or book, A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting, by Cat Bordhi 

You can register for class by calling 763.391.7700 

or online at www.amazing-threads.com.

My current project is a fun hat in tweed yarn from Skacel--the Tayberry  Hat.  HiKoo's Kenzie yarn is a luscious blend of New Zeland merino wool, nylon, angora, alpaca, and silk noils.  The two-color star stitch is fun to knit and has interesting texture.  Best of all, only one color is worked at a time--two rows of the main color and two rows of the contrast color.  It looks like hounds tooth check.  Love it!  I hope Bobbi gets some of the yarn, as it feels wonderful, soft, and light in my hands and it is tweed!

Happy knitting! X

Upcoming classes in 2013

I am enjoying teaching Learn-To-Knit classes at Amazing Threads, which are scheduled through April.  On the schedule for the next year are classes for an array of projects to satisfy all skill levels.  For more information check out Amazing Threads and The Shepherdess on the web!

Gelato Bag:  This is a good project for new knitters to build knitting confidence and skills, plus it can be a small project bag!
Date:  Monday, January 7, 21, and 28, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Brynn:  I made this sample for the shop and it is a wonderful little shrug knitted with tweed yarn using a slip-stitch pattern--only one color per row!
Date:  Please check with the shop
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Brynn is made with Rowan Tweed
featuring an easy slip-stitch pattern.

Cabled Pillow Cover (Rutland Cushion):
Date:  Monday, February 4, 11, and 18, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Drop Spindle:  Learn how to spin your own yarn with a spindle and some wool!

Date:  Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Time:  6 pm to 8 pm

Location: The Shepherdess

Learn how to spin your own yarn
with a spindle and wool roving or batt.

Adams Ribs:
Date:  Thursday, February, 14, 28, March 14, and 28, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

Gaugeless Hat:  This is a fun project to make and a great skill-builder for learning about gauge, changing and choosing colors, and multiple sizing options.
Date:  To be determined!
Time:
Location:  Amazing Threads

The stocking cap is made with Ella Rae Classic
and Plymouth Gina, one skein each;
and knitted from the top down!  

EZ Pick One, from (Knit One Knit All):
Date:  Wednesday, March 13, 20, and 27, 2013
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads


Countess Mitts:  I made samples of these for Blue Sky Alpacas and they are a joy to knit and really lovely!
Date:  Wednesday, April 10, 17, and 24
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Location:  Amazing Threads

May I interest you in some classes?

Things have been very busy around here in April, and I cannot believe that the month is almost at an end.
First things first...my classes at Shepherd's Choice:

ADVANCED BEGINNING TO INTERMEDIATE KNITTING
Date:  Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, and 29
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Cost:  $48.00 + supplies
Class size:  6
Other information:  This class is for knitters ready for the next step beyond beginning projects.  Try some lace, socks, cables, color work, etc.

FINISHING TOUCHES WORKSHOP
Date:  Thursday, May 10
Time:  4 pm to 6 pm
Skill level:  Beginner and up
Cost:  $15
Class size:  6
Other information:  This is a one-session workshop on finishing techniques for knitting projects.  We will review seaming, blocking, picking up stitches, Kitchener stitch (grafting), and whatever else I can squeeze in!  If you have a project that is ready to finish, bring it along to get some advice.

DROP SPINDLE SPINNING
Date:  Thursday, May 24
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Skill level:  Beginner
Cost:  $15 + supplies
Supplies:  Spindle (top or bottom whorl), 4 to 8 ounces of spinning fiber, and patience!
Class size:  6
Other information:  Give spinning a try--make some yarn!

BEGINNING WHEEL SPINNING
Date:  Thursdays, May 31, June 7, 14
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Supplies:  A functioning spinning wheel, about 8 ounces of spinning fiber, and patience!
Cost:  $36
Class size:  6
Other information:  We will go over the parts of a spinning wheel, fiber, spinning singles and then plying.

SATURDAY SPIN-IN
May 5
June 2
July 7
Other information:  Spin-Ins are on the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to 1 pm-ish.  The Spin-In is free (thank you Kathy for giving us the space!), not a class, and a great opportunity for spinners to gather and enjoy spinning together at Shepherd's Choice.  Bring your wheel or spindle, some spinning fiber, and show and tell if you like.  

Knit, knit, knit...

Wendolene, little Hortense, and Louie.

Upcoming classes and more

I finally got some classes on the schedule for April.


ADVANCED BEGINNING AND INTERMEDIATE KNITTING
Date:  Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Cost:  $48.00 + supplies
This is a great opportunity to explore and expand your skills beyond the basics of knitting.  Projects can include color work, cables, socks, lace work, etc.

SPINDLE SPINNING
Date:  Thursday, April 19
Time:  6 pm to 8 pm
Cost:  $15.00 + supplies
Skill:  Beginner
Learn to spin your yarn using a spindle and fiber.  Spindles and fiber are available at the shop.

FINISHING TOUCHES
Date:  Wednesday, April 11
Time:  4 pm to 6 pm
Cost:  $15.00
Skill:  Beginner and up
This is a one-session workshop on finishing techniques for your knitting projects.  We will review seaming, picking up stitches, Kitchener stitch, and whatever else we can squeeze into the session!

Class Notes for the week...

I teach knitting and spinning at a LYS (local yarn shop) in Anoka, Minnesota.  Now it is time to talk about my upcoming classes at Shepherd's Choice. Minimum students per class--3, maximum--6.  The Spin-Ins are for as many as we can fit!

This is the painting that used to be on  Kathy's barn.
It is now in the shop and is one of my
favorite things in Kathy's shop!

EXPLORE COLOR & TEXTURE
Date/Time:  Tuesdays, 6 pm-8 pm, February 7, 14, 21, 28, 2012
This class will focus on color work and cables/textures (Fair Isle, intarsia, cables, lace, etc).  this is a good opportunity to kick your knitting skills up a notch to a whole new world of knitting.  Currently, I'm working on Eala Bhan by Alice Starmore, and XO Cardigan, and Kasuri Chanchanko by Cheryl Oberle.  Students can pick their own projects.  Recommended books are:  Kristin Knits, Color by Kristin, Aran Knitting, A Fine Fleece, or Folk Vests. 
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost:  $48.00 plus supplies

Below are some color and texture samples that would make great choices...

The hat's bi-color cable is worked as Fair Isle.
(Kathy's shop sample)

For intarsia knitting, the different colors
are knitted separately making a single layer of fabric. 
(Pillow knitted by me)

Fun hat designs with lots of color
and texture can chase away the winter cold.
(Kathy's shop samples)

Slippers from Color by Kristin are
a good way to try out Fair Isle knitting.
(Slippers knitted by me)

Extra-Long Scarf from Color by Kristin
is knit in the round and a fun way to
learn about combining colors.
(Scarf knitted by me)

One of my students, Dawn, made these slippers.
I love the bells on the toes!

IT'S YOUR CHOICE--EVENING
Date/Time:  Wednesdays, 4 pm-6 pm, January 4, 18, February 1, 22, 2012
We started last week and have a full class of six students and a good variety of projects. Fun group with lots of chatting, laughing, and knitting!  Students pick their own project/s to work on during class.  This is a good time to try a new technique.
Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner and up
Supplies:  Pattern, yarn, and needles of choice
Cost:  $48.00 + supplies


IT'S YOUR CHOICE--DAYTIME 
(Wednesdays, 11 am-1 pm, January 11, 25, February 8, 22, 2012)
This is a daytime version.


FINISHING TOUCHES WORKSHOP

Date/Time:  Thursday, February 23, 2012, 6 pm-8 pm

Just the workshop to learn those finishing techniques such as seaming, Kitchener stitch, blocking, picking up stitches, etc.
Skill Level:  Beginner and up
Supplies:  A project or projects ready for finishing, finishing tools--yarn, scissors, buttons, and tapestry needles.
Cost:  $15.00 + supplies


WHEEL SPINNING 
Date/Time:  Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26, 2012, 6 pm-8 pm
A beginning course for learning how to spin your own yarn on a spinning wheel.  (For this class you will need a functional spinning wheel.)
Skill Level:  Beginner
Supplies:  A functioning spinning wheel, and about 8 ounces of wool roving
Class Price:  $36.00 + supplies

Go small with a spindle,
or go big with a wheel!

Lovely hand-dyed roving on the railing upstairs.

Locally raised Alpaca is a dream to spin.
I spun and plied the sample skein with a drop spindle.

The small bags contain more of the alpaca
and the larger bag is raw fleece. 

Dawn made mitts with her first handspun yarn.

DROP SPINDLE SPINNING--Learn how to spin your own yarn!
Date/Time:  Thursday, February 9, 2012, 6 pm-8 pm
Skill Level:  Beginner
Supplies:  Drop spindle (top or bottom whorl), 4 to 8 ounces of wool roving (the shop has a good supply), and PATIENCE!

Class Price:  $15.00 + supplies.

SATURDAY SPIN-IN

(This is not a class, it's free, and a fun way to meet other spinners in the area!  Bring your wheel or spindle, some fiber, or add to the stash from Kathy's selection of spinning fibers, and a show-and-tell if you wish.)

Our first Spin-In of the year was on Saturday.  It was fun!  Thanks to all attendees.  The next two dates are:

February 11, 2012 from 10 am-1 pm

March 10, 2012 from 10 am-1 pm