Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Warm Hands Network

Hello Everyone,

You are all so amazing! I have just sent off a second box filled with gorgeous knitting to The Warm Hands Network in Ottawa, thanks to an anonymous donor who paid for the mailing.

Check out the link below with photos that they have posted on their blog.

http://findingfortygatheringknitting.blogspot.com/
There are also photos on this post of all the wonderful things you have knit.

Here is what we sent along this time:
12 blankets
16 hats
2 hat and mitt sets
3 pairs of mittens
4 neck warmers
1 bib
6 pairs of socks
(and a whole lotta love and caring!)



Thanks to each and every one of you who helped in whatever way!! Whether it was knitting, donating yarn, donating money for shipping...every action adds up to a positive force which will keep some great kids warm and cosy this winter.


This is an on-going project, there next shipment will go the end of January as well, so keep the knitting coming! If you need information about the project, let me know.


Take care and Happy Knitting!

Lynn











Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sock of the Month


I will be having the Sock of the Month Club again this year. Last year this went over very well, we all had a great time and learned lots of different sock knitting techniques.

This is not for beginner sock knitters. You really need to have already knit a pair or two of socks as I will not be teaching the basics. Each month there will be a different sock yarn and a new pattern. I try to include some new technique each time. Different heels, or toes, top down, toe up etc.


This will start on Thursday October . 6th at 7 pm. We always meet on the first Thursday of each month. This year we will meetin October, November and December and then take January and February off and then meet again for March, April, May and June. So 7 socks in all. So if you are interested in socks and are game to try new things please join us.

Fee: $22.00 & HST each month. this includes yarn and pattern.

What to bring : 2:25mm needles. either circulars or double pointed. Show and tell from last years socks or any great socks you have knit and would like to show off, we are always interested in other patterns and different yarns!!

If you would like to do the Sock of the Month but can’t attend the meetings I am more that happy to sell you the kit!! ( I can always give you a quick lesson on the technique we are using.) I can also mail order them if you are not close by.

Happy knitting

Lynn


P.S. Don’t forget to come and check out the scarf of the week, the one that Hetty is wearing each week will be 10% off for that week only.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Yarn storming

Hello Everyone,

Well, the trusty on-line encyclopaedia -Wikipedia - defines "Yarn Storming" as " a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn rather than cloth, spray paint or chalk".

And so you say, how does this interest me?? Well, check out the photos on my blog. An "un-named" group of knitters has taken the lead on this type of art and has yarn stormed ,or yarn bombed, a local bridge.

If you are in the area, just take a quick drive up the Vasey Road and go across the Sturgeon River bridge...look left and right, and see what this group has created! The bridge is between Rosemount Rd and Gervais Rd.













Thursday, September 8, 2011

fall class schedule

Hi Everyone


Hard to believe it is fall already, but it is a great time to starting knitting a new project. I have lots of classes planned so hope you find something of interest.
I will also be starting a new knit along(more info to follow) Also The Sock of
the Month will be starting the beginning
of Oct. (more info to follow on this also)There are lots of new yarns coming in
this fall, I will keep you updated on this.
Happy Knitting
Lynn

BEGINNER RUG
HOOKING

Instructor: Gayle Gunby

Come and learn a craft that is indigenous to North America. It is
very portable and with only one stitch to master, it is very easy to produce
a charming piece of artwork. You do not have to be an artist to participate.
Join us to learn the basics of rug hooking. We will talk about it's history;
how to transfer a pattern, choose colours and how to finish a rug.

Fee $40.00 & HST
Materials are extra. You will
need to purchase the rug hooking kit on the first day at $40.00 plus HST
You will also need a hook and hoop, which are available
for sale at the store. Hooks $10.00
Hoops $22.00
2 week course

Saturday Nov. 5th 10 till 2pm
Saturday Nov 19th from 10 till 2 pm.
Please bring your lunch Tea will be provided.

.
.

LEARN TO KNIT PORTUGUESE STYLE

Instrcutor: Lynn Stitchman
What is this you ask? Your knitting turns out just the same. This is
another method of holding the yarn.
The yarn is tensioned around your neck or with the use a knitting pin.
Fee: $20 .00 & HST
Wed. Oct 19th from 7:00Pm till 9:00PM
Fee includes a knitting pin.
Please bring practice yarn and needles.Medium weight is best to start with.
Straight or circular needles will both work fine, depending on what
you like to use.




BASIC SOCK KNITTING
Instructor: Lynn Stitchman
Basic knitting knowledge required you need to know how to cast on,
cast off, knit and purl. You will learn to use double pointed
needles and all it takes to knit a pair of socks.
Fee $50.00 & HST Includes yarn and pattern.
You will need size 3.75mm double pointed needles.
3 week course starting
Thurs Oct 13, Oct 20th and Oct 27th
7 pm till 9 pm





Amethyst Garden Shawl
Instructor: Kathleen Fitzgerald
This class will introduce the basics of lace knitting including: finding your
lace gauge: making sense of charts: reading your knitting: making friends with
stitch markers: basic short-row shaping: adding beads to your knitting, finishing
and proper blocking methods.

Fee: $40.00 & HST which includes the
pattern.
Materials list provided on registion there will be a little pre work required
for this class

3 week class starting
Sept. 28th, Oct 5th, and Oct 12th. 7 till 9pm


BABY SWEATER KNIT
TOP DOWN ALL IN ONE
PIECE.

This is a great project to learn how to knit top down with no
seaming. Basic knitting skills required, knit, purl, cast on
and cast off all the rest you will learn. This little baby cardigan can be
knit in 3 different sizes 3-6 month,6-12 months, or 2 year. . Come out
and give it a try.
Fee; $45.00 which includes the pattern.
You will need needles and yarn, which can be purchased
here. Size 3.75mm circular and 3.75mm double pointed. Double
knitting yarn is what we will be using and I have several different ones
to choose from.
3 week class starting Nov. 10th.
Nov. 17th and Nov 24th 7 till 9 pm
.


BEGINNER KNITTING

Instructor: Lynn Stitchman
Learn the basics, cast on, cast off,knit and purl. Make a scarf.
Fee $50.00 & GST Includes yarn and
pattern.
Size 5.5 or 6mm needles needed.
3 week course starting
Thurs. Sept 15th, Sept 22nd, and Sept29th 7pm till 9pm





Knit a Peggy Sue doll

Instructor; Lynn Stitchman
These whimsical dolls let your inner self out to play. They are so much
fun to create.Basic knitting skills required, the
rest will be taught.The class includes all the material
you just need to add the love.A fun and creative time.
You will need 4mm straight needles,3mm double points and 9mm double
points. Some of these will be available to use during the class if you don't have
them.
Fee: $50.00 & HST
Nov. 2nd, Nov. 9th and Nov 16th.
7 pm till 9pm.



About Kathleen Fitzgerald
Kathleen has been knitting since she earned her badge at Brownies. About 3 years ago, she was bit by the lace knitting "bug" and quickly
became addicted. So far, Kathleen has knit over 25 different shawls, including 12 shawls for the Ravelry "10 shawls in 2010" challenge, and her
project list just keeps on growing.



About Gayle Gunby

Gayle was raised for most of her childhood in the village of Coldwater,
however her Father's job with the C. P. R. took her and her sibling all
over Ontario. She returned to the village as their Kindergarten
teacher in 1970 and here she remains. Gayle has embraced most crafts
and became a certified Mayco ceramic teacher in 1980. Gayle is a self taught
rug hooker and one of her pieces is on permanent display in the Black
History and Cultural Museum in Collingwood. Pieces of her primitive
style handiwork can be found in homes all over Ontario as well as
Vancouver. Her inspiration comes from family...those here now and those who
have "passed over".
.
.


About Lynn Stitchman
Lynn is the owner of The Purple Sock which opened for business in May of
2007. I have always knit for as long as I can remember and have been spinning
my own yarns for the last 15 years. I have tried many other fibre art forms over the
years but always come back to the knitting and spinning. I am very interested in
natural fibers and making knitting an enjoyable pass time for anyone that
would like to give it a try. I have always been interested in tea, trying new
kinds, learning more about them and where they come from.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Warm Hands Network

Hi Everyone,



I hope you have all been enjoying this great weather, hard to believe the summer is almost over!!


Just a reminder to everyone...... if you have items to hand in for our Charity project, (Warm Hands Network) I would like to have them before the end of next week, Sunday, September 4th, as I need to get them mailed off to them in Ottawa.


This is an on-going project, and their next shipment will go the end of January, so if you wanted to do something and have just run out of time, you can always do it for the next shipment.


I have received all kinds of wonderful knitted items to send and I thank you all so much for your generosity. Watch for more photos on my blog of all the items we will be sending.



"Warm Hands" did a very nice entry on their blog (link is below) about the items already sent. Unfortunately some items were put in with other peoples items and their names were not mentioned, but I know who you are, so thanks to all of you!



http://findingfortygatheringknitting.blogspot.com/


Happy Knitting

Lynn