Newsletter
Knitting time is all the time!
Fall is almost upon us and that is always a great time to stop in a knitting shop. As always we have lots of reasons for you to stop by - check out why!
Handpaintedknittingyarns TRUNK SHOW! August 11th until the end of the month: We have an enormous selection of these FABULOUS yarns being shipped in for one month. Not only are they shipping some gorgeous yarns (sock yarn, ribbon glitter, seed glitter, and giant skeins to name a few), but they are also sending us some samples so you can see these lovely yarns in action. Since this is a trunk show, when it is gone, it is gone so stop in next week for the first glimpse of a new fall project. If you want to see something different, this is it!
Eastern Shore Yarn Crab Crawl: It is happening again this September and we are excited! Check out the shops on tour this year by going to www.esycc.wordpress.com If you weren't able to join us last year, here is a quick refresher. The 10 shops participating have come together to offer you a month of awesome yarn shopping. For $15 you can purchase a yarn crawl tote with the names of all of the shops on it. Then, for the entire month of September, you will receive 20% off all yarns in the shop (yes, all yarns in the shop). This is the time to grab that yarn you have been oogling for 3 months now. There will be prizes awarded to knitters each week and a grand prize drawing for some lucky knitter who made it to all of the shops. Here is the kicker: they only purchased a limited number of totes. You must pre-order to reserve yours! Call 410-745-6580 or reply to the newsletter e-mail and get on the list today. If that is the kicker, here is the motivator. During the year, several of the shops will be running additional specials for folks who have purchased a tote so that $15 will get you lots of yarn savings. Frivolous Fibers will have a special "something" for tote carriers during our annual retreat Superbowl Sunday weekend. (FYI - I wouldn't miss it :) )
Newest Noni line patterns just in! Of course, I wouldn't wait until September to stop in a check out the newest Noni line. A Not-Just-For-Baby bag (big enouugh to be a diaper bag with lots of great pockets), fun flowers, sweaters and more. For the first time, she has also offered nickel and brass "NONI" tags to put on your purses. We have a limited selection so grab yours today and then join Marnie on August 15th at 9:00 am for a 1 hour felted bag finishing class. Marnie will show you how to take a felted purse and attach it to a frame for a very quick and professional bag. The cost of the class is $15 and you receive a "NONI" tag with the cost of the class.
Chesapeake College Advanced Knitting Class: Registration is open now for 6 weeks of fantastic knitting techniques. Starting October 12th, there will be 6 Monday nights (6:30-8:30 skipping November 2nd) of 1 hour of a new knitting technique instruction and an hour of knitting. Bring your projects or questions and we will take care of them all. A great way to learn new stitches, see what is new in knitting, and enjoy great company. Go to the Chesapeake College website to register today. Class size is limited to reserve a spot early.
Christmas knitting! With all of these great events coming, now is the time to create that holiday gift knitting list. We just got in 6 rich fall colors of cashmere kits to make a beautiful and simple fall openwork scarf. Willie is whipping up a sample now so stop in and TOUCH IT, of course soon. They are $57.95 a kit and luscious!
New Noro! I don't mean to be an alarmist, but NEW NORO IS COMING! They shipped yesterday so next week we should have boxes of the newest Noro. From chunky Bonborri (brand new from Noro) to the latest colors of silk garden a dk named Yuzen and come check out Coliumo - you will not want to miss your chance to grab your favorite color.
Summertime in St. Michaels
Do we have some fun in store for you this summer? We have been planning ahead and have listed some events for the next 3 months so you can plan your visits.
World Wide Knit in Public Day: June 13th from 10-2 at the shop parking lot! A must do event. Local restaurants are offering our knitters some deals. Stop in to see the scoop.
Entrelac Class: This technique is so popular now that you can knit a shawl, sock, purse, or sweater with it. Fun to do! Janet will teach a class on Sundays June 7th and 14th from 2-4. $60. Limited size so call now to reserve a spot.
Our 3rd Anniversary Sale! We are so appreciative of all the support we have gotten that we want to share our celebration of our 3rd anniversary. We will make it easy on you and plan it for the same time as knit in public day so if you are planning a trip from a distance you will get serious bang (or yarn) for your buck! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday June 11-13 Stop in for the following FABULOUS DEALS!!!
* Debbie Bliss Table Sale: We will pile the table high with Debbie Bliss yarns and patterns and offer them to you at 50% off!!! Ridiculous, we know, but we love you guys :)
* Summer Tee yarn sale: We will also sort out some great summer tee patterns and put our corn, soy, bamboo, flax, and silk on sale for 25% off!!! That way there will be something for everyone. If you have a pattern you have been wanting to try, bring it in and we will help you pick out the perfect sale yarn for it.
What else do we have planned for you?
* Brilla sweater class:
 You can see this sample hanging in the shop. This super simple dropped stitch 3/4 length sleeve top is perfect for summertime or early fall. Marnie will show you the two new techniques (provisional cast on and dropping stitches intentionally) at Sit and Knit on Tuesday June 30th at 6:30. This is a free demonstration just to help you get off on the right foot.
* Speaking of Sit and Knits, have you been on Tuesday night recently? We are having a blast (the landlord wanted to know what we were giving away because the parking lot is so full!) Come in by 5:30 and we each order dinner to be delivered (everyone pays their own way and enjoys the company and great knitting). What are we giving away? Free, happy, helpful advice - usually knitting but you never know:)
* Palma baby sweater class:
 the sample is finished (and adorable). Check it out and then sign up for the class. Details to be posted shortly. Class is Wednesday evening June10th from 6-8 pm. We will schedule a personal follow up for finishing (included). Class costs $20 plus materials bring sizes 6-8 needles. Great sweater for beginner knitter!
*Chick Flick Knit Night is back! Thursday July 9th - Come join Willie and Marnie for some yarn color sampling with Blue Heron as you learn the stitch for the coral reef sweater pattern and then enjoy a movie while you practice. 6-7 lesson 7-9 movie. Cost $10
* July: Christmas in July, Learn to Knit, and the Math of Knitting classes; We will also be having a couple of kids days so plan to have those grandchildren down for a visit
* August: Knit a purse; finishing class
* September: Basic sweater class; crochet edges
* October: socks and Chesapeake college class at the shop (sign up in September)
* November: Beyond knit and purl (some basic lace)
March Madness Newsletter
CLASSES: Pull out your calendar and a well sharpened pencil because we have an entire week of fiber fun in store for you!
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Saturday, 3/21:
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9-12 Bash your Stash Class Back by popular demand - Bring your yarn and needle stash and Marnie will show you how to use color, texture, stitches, and needle size to combine all of your leftovers or singleton yarns into one of any number of projects. Many samples will be on hand so you can decide if your stash will turn into a purse, sweater, pillow, blanket, vest, scarf, or shawl. Cost of class is $65 and includes continental breakfast, several patterns, color wheel and other handouts to compliment excellent instruction. Those who came to this class during the retreat gave rave reviews!
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12-5 Laura Bellows and Jul Silver Trunk Show: Laura is a MD girl who makes gorgeous purse jewelry, buttons, shawl pins, knitting needles and more. She will come to the shop to show off her amazing samples and bring some "specials" just for Frivolous Fibers' friends.
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Saturday - Sunday 21st and 22nd- noon to noon : $5 table - we have a pile of goodies all going to $5. This you don't want to miss. All yarns are of limited supply so first come first serve.
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Monday, 3/23: Zimmerman Surprise Sweater KAL: free class - from 6:30-8:30, we will begin our Elizabeth Zimmerman Surprise Sweater Knit a long. Come with needles and pick out yarn or bring yarn with you for this adorable sweater for any size. Shop samples are in newborn and a short-sleeved adult version. This is a very fun sweater to make and wear!
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Tuesday, 3/24: Mission Falls wool and cotton sale: 25% off all Mission Falls yarn and 50% off the pattern books. Both the wool and cotton come in more than 30 colors and are machine washable! "If I could only knit with one yarn, it would be Mission Falls wool." so says Marnie. Don't forget we are open until 8 on Tuesdays!
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Wednesday, 3/25:
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Go Green Sale! Soy, corn, bamboo, hempathy yarn 25% off.
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Baby bib class: learn a little lace from 1-3 with Willie. This adorable little bib is made from 1 skein of any of our soy, corn or bamboo yarns. Bring your size 5 needles! Class costs $15, plus yarn.
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Thursday, 3/26: Spring Cleaning sale: Time to move the chunky/bulky yarns to make room for spring cottons. Any "bulky" yarn is 30% off. Check out the Montana, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky, Twinkle Softie, Donegal Tweed Chunky, and others which get 3.5 sts or fewer to an inch!
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Friday, 3/27: Step Up Needle Sale: Now is the time to add to your needle collection or try those fancy needles which have been tempting you! Your 1st pair of needles is 10% off, 2nd - 20%, 3rd - 30% off, and 4th and subsequent pairs are 40% off! (Go ahead - we dare you to try the square needles!)
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Saturday, 3/28: (at the Women's club)
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Dye your own Frogs' Legs! Terry Todesco of Crash Into Ewe is going to teach you how to dye your own sock yarn. The twist - the sock yarn is already knit into "flats" (large stockinette rectangle) so you will dye that fabric and then "frog" it (ribbit, ribbit, rip it out) to knit it. Very cool! Cost of class is $45 and comes with enough sock yarn for a pair of awesome socks!
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Yarn Swap: If you need to bash your stash and do a little spring cleaning yourself, then come to our yarn swap. The cost is $10 and that will get you a card table for your stash. You can either swap yarn with another knitter or price it to sell. Your choice. A great way to move that extra skein that you don't need. It might just be what a fiber friend needed for their stash project. If you don't have a stash to swap, then just come and shop! We will also happily take any donations for our charity knitting or to send to the prison knitting groups.
OTHER EVENTS:
- Noni trunk show: Check out Nora's latest spring designs from April 12th - 20th. She has some adorable purses, a great adaptable top down sweater (lovely in Blue Heron silk merino), and some precious kid items. Stop in and check out her samples!
- MD Sheep and Wool: We again will be chartering a bus for MD Sheep and Wool. Leaves May 2nd 7:30am from the Lowe's parking lot in Easton and leaves festival at 4pm for $45. You knit, leave the driving to us! Call early as space is limited and filling up fast.
Charity Knitting Update:
- Ask and ye shall receive. Our charity knitters have been so hard at work that we have already stocked the NICU unit at Hopkins. (This could have something to do with ever productive and generous Claudia who turned in over 5000 yards of charity knitting) So, after you bind off your latest blanket, we have other projects for you! Hopkins, thankfully, does not need anymore preemie blankets. A customer came in and shared her story about a group of women knitting for those with metastasized breast cancer. They are looking for comfy lap afghans and prayer shawls. I told her that we would send our energies and prayers her way.
JUST IN!
- We just got a shipment of Noro in to make the Wrap Me Up Shawl. This yarn goes so fast out of the factory that they won't even guarantee what month they can ship so come get yours now. The full kit including 10 skeins of silk garden, 1 skein of aurora, and the pattern costs $141.
 Come see all the colors!
- Bombay - perfect for the Surprise sweater or a lovely cotton top or shawl
Click here for the link to the charity doll patterns:http://www.creativestitchonline.com/pattern.html
Here is the pattern for the charity children's sweater - these will go to Children in Common in Baltimore
Child’s Sweater for Charity
Sizes: 23 (26, 29)" chest
Yarn: 350 (475, 600) yards worsted- weight yarn
Needles: Size 8 needles 24" circular
Panels may be knit on size 8 straights
Change needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.
Notions: Stitch holders, yarn needle, crochet hook size G
Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch
Front Panel
CO 20 (21, 22) sts. Knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 9 ½ (11 ½, 14) inches from beginning. BO all sts loosely.
Back Panel
CO 20 (21, 22) sts. Work as for front panel until piece measures 11 ½ , (13 ½, 16)" from beginning. BO all sts loosely.
Sides
Place both panels in front of you with the back panel on the left, the front panel on the right, and the bound-off edges facing each other. With circular needle, starting with the bottom edge of the front panel, with the right side facing you, pick up and knit 36 (43, 52) sts along the side of the panel. Using the backward-loop, cast-on CO 20 sts for neck opening. From the back panel, pick up and knit 42 (51,58) sts. You will have 98 (114, 130) sts total. Turn work so WS is facing.
Work in st st for 3 ½ (4 ½, 5)" ending with a WS row.
Knit 25 (31, 37) sts and place on holder. Work across center 48 (52, 56) sts in pattern as established, place remaining 25 (31, 37) sts on holder.
The sts on holders will be joined later using three-needle bind-off or kitchener st to create side seams. You may also BO side sts on last RS row and sew them together.
Second side
Beginning with back panel, pick up sts in reverse order from above and complete as directed.
Sleeves
Working on center 48 (52, 56) sts. Dec 1 st each side every 4th row 11 (12, 13) times. Continue in pattern until sleeve measures 7 ½ (9, 9 ½)" from beginning, ending with a WS row – 26 (28, 30) sts remain.
Cuff: Work 6 rows in garter stitch, or ribbing to prevent the edge from rolling. BO all sts loosely.
Finishing
Sew side seams as directed above. Sew sleeve seams.
Neck edge:
Using crochet hook, work one row of single crochet around entire neck opening. Work one row of double crochet.
Lower edge band
Using circular needle, pick up and knit sts around lower edge of garment. For every 4 sts, pick up sts in 3 and skip the 4th st. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2"
BO all sts loosely in pattern.
> Chesapeake College Class >
As part of their continuing education program, Chesapeake College has asked us to teach their Advanced Knitting class. Don't be intimidated by the name. If you can knit and purl, you will be fine. This session will be held at Frivolous Fibers from 6:30-8:30 on Monday nights starting January 26th for 6 nights (we will skip 2/2 and > 3/2, but will continue until we have had 6 classes). A technique is taught during the 1st hour and the 2nd hour is for working on a project of your choice. See Chesapeake College's website - we are on p. 48 of the continuing ed catalog. This session will include: short rows > kitchner stitch > slide and slip stitches > buttonholes > gauge and felting > texture/lace stitch >
KAL: > What is a KAL?
It stands for Knit A Long. If you have been in the shop, you have probably noticed Janet's gorgeous "Wrap Me Up" Shawl. A knit a long will begin in February. The KAL sessions are free - dates to be announced. The kits are available for purchase at the shop now. Janet will run the KAL to provide any support needed along the way. She will also make available her extensive button and bead collection to embellish your work of art.
Charity Knitting >
Many people have made New Year's Resolutions to run a marathon for charity. We had a different idea - we are going to challenge our knitters to join in for a charity knitting marathon. A marathon is 26 miles - in knitting lingo - 45760 yards. We will be donating sweaters to Children in Common, comfort dolls to Ruwanda, and mini baby blankets and preemie hats for JHU's NICU. Friday Jan > 30th from 3-4 is a free class to learn about the projects and free patterns are available any time. When you drop off your finished project, we will add your name to our list and > add the yardage to the distance knit. Help a good cause and help us knit 26 miles in 2009.
> Website we love! >
If you haven't registered to be on Ravelry yet, you should check it out. We find many of the fantastic sample patterns from the shop on there. We have a Friends of Frivolous Fibers group, an Eastern Shore Knitters group, and even a Ravens' Fan group. If you love all that is knitting, stop by www.ravelry.com
Cabin Fever Clinic: >
Do you have cabin fever and need some help with a project? Well, we have just the thing for you. The hot tea and coffee are on. Sign up for this free clinic by calling the shop. Wednesdays during February from 1-3 for all of your knitting help. Clinic is free as is the advice. Come sit and knit on your newest project, get help restarting an old project, or just get out of the house and enjoy some fiber friends.
Beyond scarf classes: >
Have you knit a gazillion scarves? Are you ready to add to your repertoire of knitting skills? We have three classes with you in mind. If you only know how to knit, you will > learn how to purl. >
TRY YOUR HAND AT FELTING
Tues. Feb 10th, 10:30-12 Cost $50 You will have your choice of the Confection Bag or Vintage Bag from the Noni Bag collection. Price includes pattern, yarn, and handles. You will learn to pick up stitches and to knit in the round. You will need 24" size 11 circular needles.
WARM WINTER HAT -
2 sessions > Thurs Feb 12 and Feb 26 3:00 pm Cost $30 > You will have your choice of a hat with a rolled brim or a ribbed hat in the yarn of your choice. You will learn how to knit in the round on both circular and double-pointed needles as well as how to decrease stitches. You will need 16" circular needles and double pointed needles in a size 6 or 7, depending on the yarn you choose. BLANKETS FOR NiCU or spa or dish cloths Sat Febr 28 9:00 AM Cost $10 You may choose from 2 patterns. One pattern uses a simple increase and decrease and a yarn over (YO). The other will give you an opportunity to try your hand at cables. Both patterns may be knit in cotton to be used as spa cloths or dish cloths or in a soft wool to be donated to the NiCU at John's Hopkins. You will need straight or circular needles in size 7-10, depending on the yarn you choose. Valentines Day Sale! Come check out our HUGE book/accessory sale. We will have a table piled full of goodies marked AT LEAST 50% off. We love our knitters and want to treat them so they will also get a Dove chocolate as a token of our thanks for all the support.
A star in our midst:
One of our knitters, Sue Shotel and her husband, Jay have written a book titled Good to Know a Miracle: Dani's story. A true story of their >daughter's battle with leukemia. Check it out.
frivolous fibers
WINTER YARN RETREAT
Schedule of Events
(see description of classes below)
Friday, January 30th
11-2 Bash your Stash Class
3-4 Charity Knitting
7-9 Yarn Tasting and Super Sale
Saturday, January 31st
Choose 1 class at each time slot
9-12
Knitting Felted Flowers with Nora Bellows (Noni designs)
Dyeing workshop with Terry Todescue (Crash Into Ewe)Blue Heron Field Trip
Continental Knitting with Marnie Stockman
Lace Part 1 with Janet Healy
Begin to Crochet with Rita Heacock
12:15-1:15
Box lunch and Spinning Demo with Gryphon Perkins (The Sanguine Gryphon)
1:30-4:30
Embellishments for Bags with Nora Bellows
Dyeing workshop with Terry Todescue
Steeking with Gryphon Perkins
Blue Heron field trip
Lace Part 2 with Janet HealySock on 2 circs with Marnie Stockman
Sunday, February 1st
11-1 Brunch and Show ‘n Tell
1-4 Superbowl Sit ‘N Knit
Bash your Stash Clash: We all have them (a stash that is) – now let’s decide what to do with them. Marnie will discuss the ins and outs of combining yarns and colors to make some wonderful stash bashing projects. Bring your leftovers in your favorite colorway and decide which of the samples is your favorite. We will have on hand a "Casserole Kit Scarf" (a very beginning beginner could tackle this one J), a purse (or two), a vest, a swing coat, a crayon box sweater, and a cropped cardigan. You will choose your pattern (free with class) and start your project so don’t forget your needle stash too!
Charity knitting
Each year we choose a project for charity knitting. From 3-4 we will have a sit ‘n knit to work on this year’s project. Free patterns are available as well as free instruction to get you started.
Yarn Tasting
Oooh! This will be fun! New yarns will be portioned into bite size pieces for you to try and play with. While we swatch away we will meet other retreaters, have wine and cheese, and enjoy 20% anything in the store. Bring your needles/hooks in all sizes so that you can taste all of the new yarns.
Knitting Felted Flowers
Nora Bellows is the designer for Noni designs (yes those amazing felted bags!). In this class, students learn to make beautiful knitted flowers to felt (or not) and use as embellishments for bags, gifts, garments, shoes, afghans and more. Nora presents several basic methods for making flowers and helps students through the knitting process.
Dyeing Workshop
Terry Todescue is the brains behind Crash Into Ewe’s beautiful hand-dyed yarns. She will share her expertise and help you dye 2 skeins for yourself. The two techniques are a pot-dyeing method and then a painted method. (In the painted method, you will actually paint a message into the skein as a wish for whoever receives the yarn or the knitted item as a gift – what a great way to wish someone "peace" or "happiness" in the new year). Each skein has enough yarn for a scarf or a pair of socks. Bring a project to work on while your yarn cooks.(Limit 6 per class)
Blue Heron Field Trip
Can you imagine walking through the inventory of Blue Heron? Well, we can, we have, and we will again and we would like to take you with us. Demian will let you shop in his warehouse (and even give you some crazy close out deals) for all of the wonderful Blue Heron yarn. Then we will stop by to meet the designer (and Demian’s mom) Barbara Lundy Stone. She will show you her one woman studio and be sure to look at every wall in her house as they are chock full of her amazing fiber art! Field trippers will receive a sampler tasting of several Blue Heron yarns. (Limit 6 people per session)
Continental Knitting
Have you heard this is a faster way to knit and a great way to go if you are knitting with two colors? Then you have heard correctly! Marnie will show you the ins and outs of continental knitting and even take some of the mystery out of fairisle using BOTH hands! (Beginners are welcome)
Lace Part 1 and 2
Have you wanted to try lace knitting but feel intimidated by those charts? Never fear, Janet’s here and she would love to help get you straight. In the morning lace class, you will learn how to read charts and learn multiple lace stitches. If you choose to continue in the afternoon with Lace Part 2, you will actually start a lace sampler project (which comes in a project bag Janet made just for you).
Begin to Crochet
Rita will teach you the basics of crochet while you make some fun self-striping felted coasters. Hook, pattern, and skein of Noro Kureyon are included in the class.
Embellishments for bags
There are so many ways to embellish a bag and Nora has designed dozens of them. Come see what you can do and decide for yourself how to make your bag a unique work of art. You can bring a felted bag to embellish or come and get ideas and leave with a project in mind.
Steeking
You have heard that some people CUT THEIR KNITTING! Gryphon will teach you how and why. Steeking allows for you to do some things that you couldn’t do otherwise (like knit a sweater in the round and cut out armholes after the fact). You should know how to knit continental (or have taken the morning class). Minimum: 4 students
Socks on 2 Circs
Marnie will show you a popular way of knitting socks on 2 circular needles. Anyone who has wanted to try socks or just wants to drop the dpns for circulars will enjoy the process. Bring 2 circular needles (size 1 or 2) or let us know when you register that you need them so we will have enough in stock.
Box lunch and Spinning Demo
We will have box lunches delivered from one of our favorite spots in St. Michaels (and there are plenty of them). While you eat, Gryphon will demonstrate the ins and outs (and arounds) of spinning.
Brunch and Show ‘N Tell
Wear your favorite masterpiece (or bring a pix of that beautiful grandbaby in your wares) and enjoy brunch. Also, bring the name and website or publisher of the pattern so other interested knitters can get that info. Several local shops and designers will have their newest spring designs on display along with kits available for purchase. You will be the first to get the sneak peek.
Superbowl Sit ‘N Knit
We will have our 4th annual Sit ‘N Knit from 1-4 on Sunday. As always there will be snacks and lots of fun and giveaways. Join your new fibers friends in a relaxing afternoon of knitting and crocheting before heading out to cheer on your favorite (or at least knit while your husband’s cheers on his).
Pricing – We have 3 options! NOTE: The cost of materials is included in the cost of the class.
Option 1: I want it all! I want accommodations at a Bed and Breakfast (when you call, we will tell you what is available, most of the rooms have jacuzzis) which includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and lovely rooms plus I want to attend workshops all weekend long. This will cost you $495. Dinners are on your own.
Option 2: I live here, but I want to be there. I would like to attend classes all weekend long. This will cost you $195.
Option 3: I want to drop in on a class by class basis. This will cost you $65/class, sit ‘n knit and charity knitting are free, yarn tasting $10, Box lunch $15, and brunch $20.
NOTE: Seated shoulder, neck and hand massages can be scheduled at Five Gables Spa (the B and B across the street which will house some of our classes). There will be an additional charge for a massage.
December Knitting Newsletter
Don't panic - I will have pictures up tomorrow:) Got to go to work, got to go to work, work, work, work, work
Holiday knitting (and shopping) season is here! It is time to get that list finished with some quick knits. Here are some favs:
Snowman purse: Any Grinch would turn his frown upside down if he saw you, your friend, your granddaughter,... carrying this snowman purse. It is hilarious! This entrelac bag is made with double strands of feltable wool and shrunk then decorated with lumps of coal and carrots (or buttons and yarn) for the perfect holiday pick me up. Kits for the small snowman are $29 and for the large $35.50. (you use #11 dpns)
Capelet: Are you looking for something different to give your niece this year? This Tahki capelet knit in Montana took 4 hours from start to finish. It is knit on size 15s with bulky yarn. The nice thing about Montana is that it knits to a bulky gauge, but it does not have a dense core so it does not wear bulky. The shop sample is a size small and only took 2 skeins :)
Mittens: Polartec Mittens - aah snuggly warm and easy to make on size 11 dpns! I knit my sister (if she reads this, I'm toast!) this pair for Christmas this weekend. (It matches the ... I made her. I'm not going to say, I know she checks out my newsletter - tricked you Karen :) )
Ornaments: Stop in and see the ornament samples we have made from leftover sock yarn - so cute! We now have sock yarn with silver in red, green, and royal blue to make a lovely scarft, festive socks, or literally dozens of ornaments. In the bang for your buck category, one $35 skein could make an ornament for everyone in your office.
Pompom scarf: I thought I should mention this because on Saturday, I made Pompoms for customers all day. If you are up for fun, grab a skein of red and green and make several pompoms to string on a long crocheted chain (If you don't crochet, this is a great way to learn or just knit a long i-cord.) Last year, I used a pompom scarf as the garland for a Christmas tree. (BTW, if you saw the Jack Frost Christmas tree at the Festival of Trees, that knit hat topper and scarf and mittens were done at Frivolous Fibers.)
Stash scarf: Okay, check out the Midnight Madness sale below and then decide how many of these you need to crank out for the holidays. Don't forget one for yourself as they will brighten anyone's day!
 
Scrumple scarf: This is fun! With HUGE (size 15) circular needles, knit 6 rows of lace yarn and then 1 row of Punta or any other thick yarn. Carry the Punta as you go and you end up with this very fun scarf. One skein of lace with make several scarves (when I say several, I am thinking a dozen or so). So, if you have lots of half skeins, mix them with a skein of lacey lamb and you are good to go.
I will get a picture tomorrow night at Sit N Knit to post here of our yarn Christmas tree. It is a must see in our window!
Charity Knitting: Many of you have already started working on squares for the neonatal unit. We really appreciate you taking the time to support a family in their time of sadness. (For details, see our customer gallery.)
NOTE: There will be no Sit N Knit on Tuesday, December 23rd.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS!!!!! This Saturday, December 6th is the big event! What event, you ask, why it's Midnight Madness in St. Michaels. Here's the deal: everytime you buy something in St. Michaels up until 11:30 pm Saturday night, you will receive tickets for a drawing. At 11:30, you run down to Flamingo Flats as they draw numbers for wonderful prizes (even a $1000 St. Michaels shopping spree to use anywhere in St. Michaels). It definitely pays to play, several of our knitters have won multiple prizes in past years. That is not the only fun - every shop has great sales, refreshments, and fun. There is caroling. It is a fun, fun, fun night. We love fun so we, of course, are participating! Stop in for cookies and cider and enjoy our crazy one night sale. For Saturday only, we will have our huge table adorned with a Christmas tree and under that tree will be 100s of balls of yarn. We are offering a pick 5 for $10 sale. Grab a bag and pick any 5 balls of yarn from the table for $10. Hard to believe I know. We will have the sample stash scarf there for you to see what you can do with 5 random skeins of fun fibers. (Since this is a HUMONGOUS sale - all sales will be final.) We are also selling the St. Michaels book for $15 ( normally $25), which would make a great gift for at least 3 people on your list, Robert Frey bowls for 15% off, and a sale on our painted windows. Please stop in to wish us a happy holiday and enjoy a fun night out!
Winter Knitting Retreat: After all of the holiday madness, plan to treat yourself by joining us for a winter retreat. We are planning a weekend of fun and knitting January 30th, 31st and February 1st. As a little preview of events:
Stash bash class, yarn tasting, Nora Bellows (yes, the NONI girl) classes, yarn dyeing with Terry Todescue from Crash Into Ewe, a sock workshop, a knitting fashion show brunch, and more... Details will follow, but we are very excited! Pen us in on your calendar because this will be a great weekend :)
November Knitting Newsletter
Frivolous Fibers
112 N. Talbot St. St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-6580 www.frivolousfibers.com
Fall knitting - YUM!!! We have some new goodies which are just IRRESISTABLE. Here are just a few names to tempt you: Dream in Color- everyone loves the child's sample and we have the pattern from women too.
Shepherd's Wool - you will not believe how soft this wool is! Lovely colors - good yardage and will felt too
Punta - this wool comes in some gorgeous colors and is so soft that we even enjoy winding these into balls
Tahki Alpaca Tweed - this yarn has a pattern book with many good choices. Here is one:
Lacey Lamb - if you want to try lace - this yarn is for you
Art Yarn - I don't want to ruin the surprise - just come see it:)
Crash into Ewe sock yarn - fun variegated sock yarn or semi-solid yarn with silver which makes a lovely lacy scarf (or fancy socks :))
Sock Classes: Speaking of socks - call or e-mail today and register for sock class on November 1st from 1-3. Cost is $20 and we will make a mini sock so that you are ready to cast on a full size one when you leave and feel comfortable with all of the steps. I will use dpns (size 2, 3, or 4). Bring your dpns or 2 circular needles if you want to learn that way. Either works.
More to come ... | 
