November 2014 Newsletter

Project of the Month... Cozy Cowls

Crisp mornings and cooler evenings have us all reaching for quick knits. This month, join us as we knit and crochet some of our favorite cowl patterns in our wide selection of chunky and bulky weight yarns. We'll be featuring the popular Gaptastic Cowl in Berroco Kodiak, the super quick Dropped Stitch Cowl in Rowan Kidsilk Haze Amore, Ann's rapid Pebble neck warmer in Malabrigo Rasta, Northern Loop in Quince and Co.'s Puffin, Koryn's Ice Queen Cowl in Misti Alpaca Hand-Painted Chunky + Rowan Fur and Jenn's Cozy Brioche in Madtosh A.S.A.P.

November Lesson... Christmas Stocking

We loved knitting our Christmas stockings last year so we're excited to bring back this fun class! In this two-session class (November 8th and 22nd from 1:00pm to 3:00pm), you will cast on the stocking and learn about turning the cuff, afterthought heels, toe decreases and making I-cord. Plus, the best thing about knitting a Christmas stocking is that you will not experience "Second-Sock Syndrome!" Please come into the shop to purchase your pattern, yarn and needles. It would be great if you could knit a swatch so you are ready to begin your project during the class. Class size is limited, so please sign up ahead of time to join us!

November Lesson... Aranami Shawl

Designer Olga Buraya-kefelian was inspired by the Japanese ocean in winter to create this shawl. Knit in Woolfolk's Tynd, the shawl is light and graceful. The scallop motifs are worked in tiers, starting from the lower point and working upward as the shawl widens. Join Diane, on Saturday, November 15 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm as she'll teach you how to navigate this beautiful shawl, perfect for intermediate knitters. Practicing the cast-on and knitting the first scallop is recommended and Diane is happy to help on the Thursday before class. Sign-up ahead of time as seats are limited.

Quick Tips for October

Don't miss any of our quick tips to improve your knitting knowledge. Come in any time between 3:00pm and 4:00pm on Wednesdays or 11:00am to 12:00pm on Saturdays to get a free 10 to 15-minute demonstration on a knitting technique.  This month's tips are:
Week 1 - Picking-up Stitches
Week 2 - Mobius Cowl
Week 3 - Two stretchy bind-offs
Week 4 - I-Cord
Week 5 - Sewing a button

New Arrivals... 

New yarns! We have received our Madelinetosh A.S.A.P. and it is oh-so super bulky soft! This fabulously thick superwash merino is perfect for this time of year. And at just 90 yards, you'll whip up knitting in no time at all. Great for gifts!

We have more from Quince - just in time for holiday and winter knitting! Puffin, a 100% American sourced wool, is spun into beautiful, single-ply skeins and comes in an array of lovely saturated hues. At 112 yards each, this chunky sturdy yarn is great for quick accessories and wear-all-day sweaters.

The latest from Alchemy Yarns, Sparky and Silk Purse. These gorgeous silk yarns are just beautiful on their own, but held together, they can truly dazzle. Sparky is 97% silk and 3% polyester while the buttery soft Silk Purse is 100% silk.

Lovely Jade Sapphire Cashmere His and Hers Scarf Kits. Each kit contains approximately 350 yards of 8 ply worsted weight luxurious Jade Sapphire cashmere and a booklet offering 7 patterns, either for women or men. These kits include colors that are stunning and rich. This yarn must be felt to be believed and we are thrilled to carry such beautiful kits this season!

Monarch Holiday Open House

Please join us on December 6th as we celebrate together and share our love of this wonderful craft. We are busy planning a fun day that will include treats, drawings for prizes and an opportunity to share the projects you are working on. We are grateful for all who have made Monarch a part of their knitting world and we want to take time to thank you and share the holiday spirit. The party will go throughout the day on the 6th and we hope you can stop in and stay to enjoy some of the cheer. 

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