Lots of Classes Coming Up for Summer!

Get A Jump On Summer!

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Amigurumi 101
Saturday June 4, 1-4 pm
Fee: $35 plus $5 materials
Instructor: Emily

Amigurumi is a Japanese term for knitting or crocheting three-dimensional shapes. Over the last few years, amigurumi has become the catch-all term for adorable, Japanese-style crocheted animals and shapes. In this class students will make their own adorable crocheted creatures and learn the "magic ring" start, tips for increasing, decreasing, adding safety eyes, stuffing, and embroidering facial features onto the crocheted creatures. Students will also learn how to read basic Japanese crochet patterns, which are always printed as charts.

PREREQUISITES: Students must be able to chain, single crochet, and work in the round.

MATERIALS: At least 100 yards of worsted weight yarn, preferably wool or a wool blend. (Small Balls or Pigmy Wool balls are great for small amigirumi projects.)
Crochet hook one to two sizes smaller than called for by yarn (E, F, or G hooks recommended for worsted weight yarn)
Tapestry needles for sewing in ends. Fiber fill and safety eyes will be covered by materials fee.

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Painted Diamonds Bag
Sunday June 5, 10:30 am -12:30 pm
Fee: $35
Instructor: Kathy

Looking for a fun summer project? This is one you can squeeze in between lounging by the pool and reading those gripping mystery novels. The Painted Diamonds Bag can be made in bite size pieces to fit in your summer adventures! This project provides a great skill-building opportunity for the still-pretty-new knitter while still being interesting and fun for the seasoned knitter. Learn how to make mitered squares (aka modular or domino knitting) with Kathy!

PREREQUISITES: Students must know how to knit, purl, cast on, and bind off.

MATERIALS and SUPPLIES:
For 13.5" x 13.5" size bag: 4 balls of Jojoland Rhythm or 400 yards of another worsted weight yarn, 1 pair size 7 needles, size 7 dpns, and a locking stitch marker.
For smaller size bag: 3 balls of Rowan Purelife Revive or 300 yards of another dk weight yarn, 1 pair size 5 needles, size 5 dpns, and a locking stitch marker.
Please note, the cost of the pattern is not included in the class fee. HCW has kits available from K1C2 if you prefer the original yarn Paint Box.

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Granny Squares, Circles
and Stripes
Sunday June 5, 1-4 pm
Fee: $45
INSTRUCTOR: Ana Clerc

Do you hear the call of the granny square? Did you know that this technique can make many shapes? Come learn how to make a basic granny square, then use the technique to make circles and stripes.

LEVEL: Students need to be able to chain stitch, and double crochet.

MATERIALS: Size J hook, 3 sk (3 colors) of Blue Sky Cotton (worsted) or Blue Sky Organic Cotton, scissors, tapestry needle.

Knit 101

June 7,14,21,28 (a 4 class series)
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Fee: $67 plus materials

Knit 101 is a comprehensive beginner level class designed to teach you the basics you need to get started!

Skills Taught:

• Cast on
• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Knit 2 together
• Bind off
• Weave in ends
• Working flat
• Working in the round
• Garter Stitch
• Stockinette Stitch
• Basic pattern reading
• Fixing common problems
• “Right Side” & “Wrong Side”

Learn how to use:

• straight needles
• circular needles
• double pointed needles
• stitch markers

Class Projects:

1. Either a headband or a washcloth
2. Your choice of 3 hat patterns
3. A scarf (to be finished after class)
Plus you’ll receive 7 knitting patterns to knit again & again!

PREREQUISITE: No previous experience required.

IMPORTANT: Come early to select yarn for the first class. Class size is limited! Call 512-707-7396 today to reserve your spot.

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Stash Bust for Tornado Relief
Sunday June 5, 11 am - 5 pm

JOIN YOUR FELLOW YARNAHOLICS FOR THIS STASH FOR CASH FUNDRAISER!!

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS
1. Raid your Stash
2. Price it for Cash
3. Drop your Stash at HCW anytime next week or Sunday morning
4. Sunday June 5th, 11-5 Bring all your Cash, Donate and get new Stash!

100% OF ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Direct cash/check donations to the Red Cross will also be collected!! Credit card payments for stash sales accepted.

IMPORTANT: Please write your name & phone # on the stash if you'd like us to return anything that doesn't sell. HCW will donate any unclaimed stash.
FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT THE LATEST POST ON KNITBUZZ!

Let's Help Out the Folks in Joplin!!

Hey Y’all,

Our hearts go out to the folks in Joplin, Missouri who lost so much so fast in the tornado that swept through their city last week. Suzanne has come up with a great way that we can help them out and I am psyched to be part of the plan. On Sunday, June 5, 2011 we are going to have a Stash-for-Cash Fundraiser. Here’s how it works:

1. You go through your stash and find some yarn you’re willing to part with. (Remember—it’s for a great cause.)

2. Put a price on it—price it to sell and, if you want us to return anything that doesn't sell, also include your contact info. (If you'd like, we can donate any leftovers to a local knit-for-charity group.)

3. Bring your stash donations to the store on Sunday, June 5^th. If you can’t make it down that day, you can drop off your stash in advance.

4. Come on down on June 5th and buy some new stash! Or, if you want, just come by and make a donation.

I’ll be at the store running the sale starting at 11 a.m. and I’ll stick around til 5 p.m. Feel free to hang out if you want—let’s make it a Knit and Knosh while we’re at it. I’ll bring some bagels and get the coffee brewing. You’re welcome to bring snacks, too.

If you think of it, email me directly at spikegillespie@gmail.com to let me know if you plan on participating so I can have an idea of how many to expect. Let's help these folks out as much as we can-- they're really hurting right now.

Thanks!

Spike

Hello All You Weavers Out There: This One's for You!

Y'all,

I finally took the weaving for knitters class and learned how to use a Cricket Loom and I LOVE it! I know some of you are beyond the super basics of the Cricket but maybe you haven't worked on your weaving in awhile. Ready to get back into it? Great. Because Suzanne is ready to refresh your memory. Here are the details:

JUMP START YOUR WEAVING!

JUMP START YOUR WEAVING

May21/22

10-4, 9-1

this is a 2 class series

In a weaving rut or chomping at the bit to learn more, well Suzanne has the class for you!
Even if you think you have forgotten the WEAVING 101 stuff, no problem!
Suzanne will lead you beyond the basics to develop your skills in pattern reading and
development, sharpening your warp focus, draft reading, and general troubleshooting for weavers.

Fee $65.00 plus materials

Spaces are limited. Call today to register! 512-707-7396

Interview: Guest Teacher Bruce Weinstein

Bruce Weinstein photo (c) Joh Fisher photography.

Knit designer and chef Bruce Weinstein will be at HCW teaching on May 14th and 15th. For info on those classes you can click here. Bruce took time out of his unbelievably busy schedule recently to tell me a bit about his knitting life. Here's what he had to say.

HCW: What brought you to knitting?
BW: My grandmother tried to teach me as a kid, at my request - she thought it was weird. But I could never get an even tension and gave up fast. So I took it up again as an adult, asking a friend who is a master knitter to teach me. She did and 2 days later I started my first sweater.

HCW: What's your teaching style? I see you're teaching a couple of classes that involve scarves that look pretty tricky to knit-- are they?
BW: In the classroom, I make students do everything. Sure, I'll show you how and might even do so on your needles, but I prefer to take out what I've done and have you do it yourself. I'm an orbiter... roaming around watching and helping as every grasps new techniques. All the patterns and scarves I'm teaching at HCW are a bit tricky but they all look much more complicated than they are. The reversible cable scarf has a secret. And that's spending time with the chart and thinking about the structure before we all start. Once the concept of multiple cables all twisting on different rows gets in your head, it's a snap.

HCW: How do you find time to knit? Do you squeeze it in whenever you can, or do you designate time?
BW: My time is all packed. I have 3 cookbooks coming out this year and am writing 2 more along with another knitting book. I tend to knit whenver I'm not doing anything else with my hands - at dinner parties, during movies, in front of the TV, anytime I can - it drives my partner nuts.

HCW: Do you have a particular garment you most prefer to knit, or do you like to knit everything?

BW: I love everything, but sweaters are near and dear to my heart. I go through phases though.... socks all last summer. Hats all winter.

HCW: Got any broad advice for knitters?

BW: Don't be afriad of your knitting.... it's just yarn. You are in control of it. Stop overthinking and over examining your work. Keep on knitting. Rip when you have to but don't do it for every tiny little thing you think is wrong. It's supposed to look hand made.

HCW: You're also a chef, too. Tell me a bit about that?
BW: Having been to chef school, my primary career for the past decade has been as a food writer, cookbook author, and cooking teacher. It's my passion. I took up knitting as a way to have a creative hobby since cooking went from hobby to career. Looks like I need a new creative hobby since knitting's become my second career.

HCW: You have some books out-- want to tell me a bit about them?
BW: KNITS MEN WANT was my first knitting book - 10 basic patterns for men writen for multiple gauges to so you can knit any of my designs with almost any yarn you like. I'm currently writing THE BOYFRIEND SWEATER 18 designs for women (and men, too) based on men's colors, cuts, and styles. There will be 18 patterns in sizes from a women's small to man's XL. I also have 18 cookbooks published - the latest is GOAT Meat Millk Cheese. My book HAM AN OBSESSION WITH THE HIND QUARTER is nominated for a James Beard award. And last year I publisehd REAL FOOD HAS CURVES a 7-step plan to get off processed food and enjoy what you eat all the more while losing weight and feeling great.

Mother's Day at HCW: Meet Renate!

Awhile back I did an interview with Renate that you can read here. If you haven't met her yet, Renate is the FINISHING QUEEN! Don't miss your chance to chat with her this Sunday. Come on down.

MEET RENATE

HCW FAVORITE KNITTING MOM!!

Join us for a special Mother's Day Second Sunday
and meet one of HCW favorite's, Renate Conn.

Sunday

May 8, 2011

11:00 - 1:00

you bring your knitting and we'll bring the knoshes!


HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!



Show your Mom how much you care:
give her a class with Bruce Weinstein!


REVERSIBLE CABLE SCARF
May 14, 10 am - 1 pm, $30

WOVEN KNITTING
May 15, 10 am - 1 pm, $30

SPECIAL CLASS DEAL:
Take both classes with Bruce
for just $55!

Spots are filling fast. Call today! 512-707-7396

First Thursday Sale: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

CINCO DE MAYO FIRST THURSDAY

5 is the MAGIC NUMBER for our CINCO DE MAYO sale!!

20% off store-wide if there is a 5 in the price

To celebrate Mexican Independence day these Independent Dyers will be 20% off
Madeline Tosh
Alisha Goes Around
Prism
Blue Heron
Great Adirondack
Handmaiden
Koigu
Alchemy
Art Yarns
Lorna's Laces

20% off books with a 5 in the title, size us 5 needles
or any dpns (because they're 5 to a set)

20% off if you purchase 5 different kinds of yarn or needles
(not applicable to different colors of same yarn)

Take an extra 5% off if you get all of these discounts in one purchase!

20% discounts do NOT stack! Already marked down items are not eligible.

Sale Date: Thursday May 5, 2011

Want to shop online? The Cinco de Mayo sale webcode is CINCODEMAYO !
Just is input the code when you go to check out to get 20% off of anything on ourwebsite! Sorry - no free shipping on First Thursday Sales.
Discount code is good on May 5th only.

Bruce Weinstein is coming to HCW!

Bruce is an award-winning cookbook author and avid knitter who recently added "knitting book author" to his title with his book KNITS MEN WANT.

While Bruce is in Austin to teach cooking at Lake Austin Spa he's agreed to teach some knitting classes at HCW. Since he's already in town he's giving us a great deal on class price and we're passing that on to you: you'll pay only $30 for a 3 hour class!

Call today to reserve your spot: 512-707-7396

And watch for an interview with Bruce-- I'll be posting one soon. Meanwhile, here are class details:

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REVERSIBLE CABLE SCARF
May 14, 10 am - 1 pm
$30

Rule #10: Men are Oblivious.

We don't pay attention to our clothes. In fact, you might find me on any given day wearing my shirt inside out. So how do you knit for a guy and get over this problem? Knit a reversible cable scarf. The pattern in KNITS MEN WANT takes 5 cables and ribs and combines them to create a scarf that not only is the same front and back, but it's also challenging and fun to knit.

You'll find it so gorgeous, you might just want to knit it for yourself. Come start this amazing pattern with me and I'll show you how to vary the pattern to fit any yarn, thicker yarn makes it more feminine and he'll show you how to adapt the pattern to make it work.

Want to turn this gorgeous pattern into a blanket or throw? I will show you how to do that as well. We'll spend the first part of class choosing yarn and doing our swatches. Not necessarily for gauge, it's not crucial, but instead we'll swatch for fabric - to see how changing needle size changes the fabric we make and changes the finished document.

Knitting requirements: You must knit and purl - have experience with ribbing, and if you've never done cables, well if you're a quick study we can make that work but this is not a intro to cables class.

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WOVEN KNITTING
May 15, 10 am - 1 pm
$30

There's nothing quite like creating a knitted garment that looks like it came right off a loom. It's easier than you think but goes against common sense. Very thin yarn... but much larger needles. Really? Sometimes.

I will show you how to knit his reversible herringbone scarf which looks loomed. But this one is made with a fairly thick yarn.

Then we'll move onto the linen stitch as well as a tweed stitch, and three and one (which I like to call a woven dense garter). Each of these is made with thinner yarn. Slipped stitches create dense fabric that's just perfect for throws, shawls, scarves, and even table runners.

Knitting requirements: You must knit and purl and be comfortable with a wide range of yarn gauges and needle sizes.

Spinning, Weaving-- Classes Beyond Knitting

WEAVING & SPINNING at HCW!

SPINNING 101

May 7/8 a 2 day class

10-2

Fee: 65.00 (10.00 materials)

Learn to spin your own yarn in this 2 day class.

In this class you will learn how to prepare wool for spinning through carding, combing or lock spinning, use of prepared wool roving and top,
the difference between woolen and worsted, how to use a drop spindle, and how to use a spinning wheel

Prerequisites: none

Instructor: Deb Sayre

NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

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WEAVING FOR KNITTERS

May 11

40.00

10-1

This is a perfect class for my fellow fiber fanatics! The loom we use is really portable and extremely easy to set up. You can use all kinds of knitting yarn from leftovers to all that sock yarn you haven't used yet. You will burn through your stash in not time. Weaving cloth is a magical thing and incredibly FAST!!!!

MATERIALS: Bring your Stash... or better yet, buy New Stash!

IMPORTANT: Student can bring their yarn in ahead of time to determine if it is suitable for this class
INSTRUCTOR: Suzanne Middlebrooks