Tuesday, June 28, 2011

It's Not Too Late to Sign Up for Camp-- But You Better Hurry!

GET YOUR FEET WET THIS SUMMER!
Rinsing a dyed warp

CAMP WEEKS WITH OPENINGS

July 11 - 15
July 18 - 22

July 25 - 29

Just a few spots left!
Call today to reserve your child's spot at CAMP HCW!!!

512-707-7396
WEAVING CAMP

Time: 9 - 1 Monday through Friday
Fee: $200
KNITTING CAMP
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 Monday through Friday
Fee: $65 plus $25 materials for beginners
PRICE FOR COMBINED CAMP IS $250.
Combined camp price does not include knitting camp materials.

Age: camper must be NINE years old or older.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Socks, Socks, Socks!



Hey Y'all,
Deb is teaching a sock class this coming Friday. One of the best classes I EVER took at HCW-- and I've taken countless fantastic classes there-- was this sock class. Deb was so patient with me-- I was so freaked out at the prospect of learning this Terrifying Heel Turning Thing I had heard so much about. Well guess what? It wasn't hard at all. To this day I knit lots of socks every year. I LOVE SOCKS! And, not that you need anymore incentive, but think about it-- knitting socks in summer rocks. They're nice and small so your lap doesn't get all sweaty, you know? So don't wait, call the store and reserve you sock slot now...
July 1
Friday
10:00 - 2:00
45.00
Deb Marvin

PREQUISITES: students should be independent in basic knitting skills, knitting in the round helpful but not mandatory
VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE purchase your materials PRIOR to the day of the class!
With the option of learning either Magic Loop or Traditional Double Point, students in Sock Express will spend the afternoon learning to make a sock from start to finish! Starting with the cuff, students will learn all the elements of sock knitting: cuff heel flap, heel turn, gusset construction and shaping and Kitchener stitch.
MATERIALS:
Yarn: 1-2 skeins of Noro Kureyon or Silk Garden (we are using a worsted weight yarn to make an average sized short cuffed sock in order to complete the sock in one class setting). Please bring some worsted weight practice yarn.
NEEDLES:
MAGIC LOOP OPTION: 42" or longer US #6 or #7 needles
TRADITIONAL OPTION: US #6 or #7 double points. Students may want to wait till class to work with Deb on needle selection.
Tapestry Needle
Students should also bring their knitting gear
FEEL FREE TO BRING A SNACK OR YOUR FAVORITE BROWN BAG LUNCH!

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

Friday, June 24, 2011

BUZZ PARTY TONIGHT!

GET OUT OF THE HEAT!

GET INTO THE BUZZ!

JUNE 24, 2011

6:30 - ??

Dutch Treat Pizza!

Bring your Appetite
Bring your Friends
Bring you Knitting
Bring your Cricket

...at KnitBuzz (behind hill country weavers)
Call 512-707-7396 to RSVP by 3:00pm Friday
to be included in the pizza order!


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Hey All You Dream Weavers: A Class for You!

ARTISAN BREAD BASKET

June 28
6-9
Fee: 39.00
Impress friends at your next summer gathering with this
great bread basket you will make in an evening!
Approximately 15" long x 5" wide.
You will learn basic techniques and finish with an attractive waled rim.
This would also be a great basket to show off your loom weaving shuttles!
Color choices will be available to individualize your basket.




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

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Wet Felted Nuno Scarves-- Cool Like Sherbet!

Wet Felted Nuno Scarves
June 25
1:00 - 4:00

Fee: 30.00

Looking forward to fall? Well get a head start in this wet felt scarf class. You will love the outcome of the time you spend having a creative workout through rolling your scarf.
Your scarf can be made with wool fleece attached to a silk lightweight scarf. This is called "nuno" and you can apply whatever lightweight natural open weave fabric you have to wool fleece. You will need some open weave silk fabric. (If you don't have something like an old scarf in your closet already you can find one at a thrift store.) If you can't find any of this type of silk I will bring some extra fabric.
Another type of scarf will be made with just wool and silk fleece, which is embellished in the felting process. This could be a whole collage of wooly things.
The idea of making wool scarves this time of year may not appeal to you, but the magic of the process more than makes up for the wooliness factor.
You may bring your own fleece or purchase what you need at HCW.
Instructor: Mary Macaulay

Saturday, June 18, 2011

It's Never Too Hot to Knit


A couple of summers ago, we posted links to knitted swimsuits. Now that it's triple-digit time once again, how about another summer-themed project? Here are some places you can find patterns for knitted ice cream and popsicles. Fast, fun and small projects-- you can still get your knit on without sweating your behind off.



Knitted Ice Cream Sandwich (note: No kidding, this doubles as a tampon carrier)



Monday, June 13, 2011

Great Upcoming Classes!

Hey Y'all,
There are some great classes coming right up for knitters and crocheters. I've taken Deb's Cable Express class (see below) and I can tell you it's GREAT! Call the shop to hold a space in either (or both!) classes.


CABLE EXPRESS
June 18
Fee:30.00
Time: 2-4
Fee: 30.00

All aboard the CABLE EXPRESS! Deb introduces you to the basics of reading a cable chart and
knitting this fast and fun project. Pattern included!
PREREQUISITES: Basic knitting skills.
MATERIALS : 1 skein Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande
US 10.5 needles (straight or circular), medium to large cable needle.
Two one inch buttons (not needed for class)
INSTRUCTOR: DEB MARVIN


TUNISIAN CROCHET
June 18
1-4
45.00
DESCRIPTION: Learn the basics of Tunisian Crochet and working with a Cro-Cable hook.
This hook allows a longer length of fabric to be made. Option one for the class -
The Tunisian Shrug (pattern free with class).
The Shrug can be made with one yarn (Marble Chunky suggested) or 3 or 5 colors/textures of yarn for class.
A second option for the class is the 60-inch Scarf/Wrap.
This project is worked lengthwise with self-fringe. Very little finishing required!
PREREQUISITES: students must know how to crochet!
MATERIALS:*P* - 11.5mm Tunisian cro-cable hook
scissors,tapestry needle at least 5 colors of yarn - the more the merrier!
- lots of color, lots of texture (but no chenilles)

INSTRUCTOR: BREN WHITEHEAD

Friday, June 10, 2011

Second Sunday Coming Right Up!

CHILL OUT AT SECOND SUNDAY!




Come test drive our new air conditioner!
Sunday
June 12, 2011
11:00 - 1:00

Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning and a friend!!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Upcoming Classes and Fundraiser Thanks!

Hey Y'all,
Thanks for participating in our fundraiser for Joplin, MO. We raised nearly $800 in just a few hours! And now, here's the latest on upcoming classes:

Next Week at Hill Country Weavers


FIX IT CLINIC
June 8 6:30 - 8:30
Fee 20.00

Ms. Fix-It Reveals ALL!
Everybody makes mistakes when they knit—from small ones to big ones. Hands-on practice is the best way to learn how to fix them on your own.
In this class we'll practice fixing some basic mistakes & tackle your specific questions too. Techniques covered:
- how to rip out many rows without loosing any sts
- how to back out knits, purls, k2tog, yo, ssk, slipped sts, p2tog
- how to pick up dropped sts: knits, purls, yo, k2tog, & even cast on sts
- what to do when you run out of tail part way through casting on and how to avoid running out of tail in the first place
- what to do when you're out of yarn in the middle of a bind off
Be sure to bring any projects you have with mistakes in them!
PREREQUISITES:
If you can do the pre-class prep you can take this class!
Important Pre Class Prep:
(This is the swatch we're going to practice on in class.)
Using the size 8 needles and worsted weight yarn knit a square as follows: Cast on 40 sts. Knit 8 rows. *Row 1: K; Row 2: k 10 sts, p 20 sts, k 10 sts* repeat these two rows for 2-3". Leave knitting on needle.
MATERIALS: Size 8 needles & worsted weight yarn for pre-class prep
A spare size 4 or 5 needle
1 Crochet hook of any size between E & H
Tapestry needle




WET FELT FRIDAY
June 10 10-2
Fee: 50.00


We will explore the methods of wet and nuno felting and create lovely one of a kind masterpieces,
from bags to hats, scarves to booties and much more.
This class meets the second Friday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm (that includes a short lunch
break)
You will need wool fleece, which you can purchase at HCW. Bring a few old towels and dress in
comfortable clothes. Wet felting can be quite a workout.



HEELS & TOES
June 25, 1-3:30 pm, July 9, 1-4 pm (a 2 day class)

Fee: 55.00

INSTRUCTOR: KENNEDY BERRY
LEVEL: Students should be able to knit and purl and do decreases. Some experience working in the round is helpful but not required.
Intimidated by socks? Don't like the fit of heel flaps? Need to starts some gift socks but have no idea of the recipient's shoe size? Want to use every last yard of a special yarn?
Try knitting your socks with afterthought heels and toes! The fit is just like a short row heel but so much easier and since the heels are placed after the sock is finished you don't need to worry about where to stop and turn the heel when you're knitting.
MATERIALS: 100g of a worsted weight wool + 50 grams in a complimentary/contrasting color.
US 4-6 double pointed needles (students are also welcome to do magic loop or two circulars if they are comfortable with those techniques but these will not be covered in class - beginners to knitting in the round should use DPNS).





INTERMEDIATE LACE
June 12/26 9:45 - 12:45
this is a 2 day class
Fee: 55.00


Instructor: Connie Devlin
Prerequisites: Students must have basic knitting skills including increasing, decreasing, and some pattern reading skills.
IMPORTANT: Contact teacher to discuss easy mandatory pre-class instructions.
gardensbycdev@yahoo.com
DESCRIPTION: Students will build their knowledge of lace knitting with a beautiful triangle shawl. In this 2 part, 5 hour class, skill learned will include chart reading, inc reasing for triangle shawl shaping and directional decreasing as well as binding off for a flexible edge, and blocking and caring for the shawl.
MATERIALS: Approx 400 yards of any fingering weight yarn (for small size). Handmaiden Sea Silk recomended.
Size US 6-7 needle

Friday, June 3, 2011

Reminder: Stash Sale and Joplin Fundraiser Sunday!

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 5th. 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

Thursday, June 2, 2011

First Thursday Sale!

Hey Y'all,
Today is FIRST THURSDAY! Sale details below. When you head down to take advantage of this great sale, please remember to bring some of your stash to donate to Sunday's big sale to raise money to help the folks in Joplin, Missouri. Details about that event are here.

DEATH VALLEY DAYS FIRST THURSDAY



FEELING PARCHED?
WELL THAT'S NO MIRAGE!
HCW WILL QUENCH YOUR THIRST!


SAVE 20% ON ALL PLANT FIBERS
(yarn can have any percentage of plant fiber)

Hey can't grow it? Come buy it!!

Use Coupon Code
FIRSTTHURS6-11 to get your discount on our website!
http://hillcountryweavers.mybigcommerce.com