This month we are featuring a few of our favorite linen accessories. We love the idea of projects complimenting seasons. Although truth be told, we tend to have cooler weather in June and warmer days in autumn. Even more of a reason to start knitting with lightweight yarns!
Itaca Shawl
The Itaca Shawl by Stephen West is a perfect wrap for a cool summer evening. We knit ours from our new Shibui yarn, Twig, and the ash and blueprint give it a perfect nautical look for the season. This crisp and flowing garter stitch piece is knit in asymmetrical fashion. The most classic and simple of summer wear will be dressed up once the Itaca is added to your wardrobe.
Tolt Folded Bag
Add a unique knitted accessory to your handbag collection with the Tolt Folded Bag by Veronika. We knit both versions: one in garter stitch and one in stockinette. Our samples were knitted using Quince & Co.'s Kestrel, a beautiful 100% organic linen, and Berroco's Espresso, a bulky cotton blended yarn. These bags are so easy to make! The magic of folding and seaming up a rectangular knitted piece is what gives the bag its shape. You'll want to knit up a couple of them in various hues!
Ilene Bag
A shop favorite, the Ilene Bag is a darling knit that features an open lace pattern making it the perfect accessory for those weekly farmer's market trips. We knit our shop sample out of two skeins of Quince and Co.'s Sparrow, a beautiful 100% organic linen. With so many color options, you could easily alternate colors to give it a fun twist!
Staff color picks for the Itaca Shawl...
Ann • I love the look of Shibui's Twig in blueprint with ash. I imagine this going over a white linen dress or top. Maybe I need a plane ticket to Greece!
Koryn • You know me, I love color! The bright & spunky mix of Twig in blueprint and apple would make a fun, cheerful combo!
Diane • I think these two shades of Shibui's Pebble in brownstone and poppy would look great together with the Itaca Shawl. A bold yet mellow statement piece.
Jana• I love the combination of Twig in poppy and caffeine. The bright orange makes me happy while the tan brings a little sophistication.
Jenn • Black and white are simply classic. I love the striking contrast of both abyss and ivory together. Paired with a red lip, and I'm set!
Classes and Events... (and a trunk show)
Quince & Co. Scarves, etc 4 trunk show will be at the store from Tuesday, June 2 to Sunday, June 14. Drop by the store to be inspired by the beautiful pieces from one of our favorite knitting books.
Ilene Bag
Saturday, June 20 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
$30.00
Learn to knit the Ilene Bag with us! We will help get you started on this great market bag. In the class you will pick up stitches, work in the round, knit a basic mesh fabric, learn how to tink back, if a mistake is made, and work a 3-needle bind off. To prepare for the class, we ask that you buy the yarn and knit the base of the bag (just 25 rows of stockinette) before the class meets. It will be a fun afternoon and you will be on your way to knitting your own French market bag!
Fixing Boo Boos
Saturday, June 27 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm $20.00
Back by popular demand, our class that will help you to understand how to repair mistakes in your knitting. Whether it is tinking back, picking up a stitch, an extra stitch at the edge, twisted, running or incomplete stitches that pop-up on your way to finishing knit projects, we all can use a little help along the way. This class is perfect for those who are ready to learn how to fix these little bumps in the road. To fully benefit from this class, you should know how to knit and purl. So join us for this informative hour and you will be on your way to solving those problems that happen to all knitters.
Please note that we will be closed on Saturday, the 4th of July. Happy Independence Day!
Sale Items...
Come by the store (or check online) to take advantage of the following items at 20% off!
Madelinetosh Twist Light, a fingering-weight yarn that is scrumptious in both feel and color. It's a blend of super-wash merino wool with a bit of nylon, twisted beautifully. Perfect for sock knitting, shawls and even small garments. We ordered quite a few hues in this batch - some as you can see, are so vibrant that our camera couldn't adjust properly. Like Neon Peach, a spunky new color that will certainly add some pop to any project! Swing by the shop before these beauties end up in all of our stashes!
Quince & Co. Sparrow and Kestrel
We've recently restocked some of our favorite yarns from Quince & Co. and we're giddy over some of their new colors! Like these gorgeous new hues from their Sparrow and Kestrel lines. Both are 100% organic linens, grown in Belgium. We have two new colors of Kestrel - a beautiful ribbon structured yarn that knits up quick as a chunky weight. Sparrow is a fingering-weight yarn that has a pretty sheen to it. The texture is crisp and so soft after it has been washed. We love using it for the Ilene Market Bag!
Home and Away: Knits for Everday Adventures
It's here! The new book by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. Home & Away: Knits for Everyday Adventures features nine versatile patterns, designed for knitters of all skill levels. Beautifully photographed, this book will be a great addition to your pattern library. It's chock full of information too - from swatches to understanding patterns to seaming and blocking; it'll increase your knitting knowledge. We can't wait to cast on one of the many lovely designs!
ChiaoGoo Interchangeable
Separates
New TWIST Lace circular needle tips from ChiaoGoog have arrived! These are made from high quality stainless steel and each size is conveniently laser imprinted on the needle in both the US and metric size. Choose between 4" and 5" long tips, along with their famous flexible red cords, ranging from 16" to 47". Add these to your ChiaoGoo sets or build one of your own!
Madder Anthology 2: Simple Pleasures
We love detailed knitting but we also love simple and clean patterns. This latest book from Carrie Bostick Hoge is just that - minimalist design and function with simple knitting and easy wearable pieces. Introducing Madder Anthology 2: Simple Pleasures. It's a stunning collection of beautifully photographed patterns. Inside you'll find seventeen patterns: eleven sweaters and six accessories, all of them well written. These printed beauties are fresh on the shelves - and they mirror the start of our perfect summer climate here in Pacific Grove. It's knitting weather!
Quick Tips...
Make 2015 the year you expand your knitting knowledge.
Come in any time between 3:00pm and 3:30pm on Wednesdays, or 10:30am to 11:00am on Saturdays, to get a free 10-15 minute demonstration on a knitting technique. This month's tips are:
Week 1 - Drop Stitch Pattern Week 2 - How to Knit Stripes
Week 3 - Is your cast on too tight? We can help!
Week 4 - What should you have in you knitting bag?
The Latest...
Keep up with the Monarch team! We plan to share our favorite finished pieces, things that are currently inspiring us and what's on our needles.
Ann
Current WIP: Sophie By Wood House Knits
I tried this sweater on during the Anzula trunk show and it fit like a dream so I ordered the yarn, Cricket in Aspen, right away. While waiting for the yarn, I knit a beautiful Harvest Moon baby blanket for my great niece and the Rooibos Pullover in Rowan Tetra Cotton (I am seeming that right now). Knitting this cardigan is so much fun! The saddle shoulder construction combined with the cables make this a challenging but interesting knit.
Koryn
Current WIP: Minthe by Anne Ginger
I knew I had to cast-on this sweater immediately! Especially since the mock-up Anne knitted fit me so well (I got to model it for her!). Now with her pattern release, I've jumped right in! I even ordered some ribbon to set my FO goal in sight. Knitting this up out of Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage is a dream - yarn that is perfect for sweaters!
Diane
Current WIP: Ben & Buddy
I'm always one to have multiple WIPs going on at once. It keeps me actively knitting, that's for sure! My favorite at the moment has to be from this latest book from Quince & Co.- Ben & Buddy, a cute set of toys of a boy and his best friend. The fun part is knitting all of the many clothing accessories! I'm using Quince's Chickadee.
Jana
Current WIP: A pillow based on the Stranded Sheep Scarf pattern
Jana saw the Stranded Sheep Scarf by Chelsea Amanda on Ravelry and she knew that she would have to use the pattern for a pillow on her new couch. Using some left over Madelinetosh Sock in citrus, black from her stash and Rowan Fine Tweed in light grey she will create a field of orange sheep, with of course one black sheep in the corner. If the pillow is as cute as her swatch, we will all want to knit one!
Jenn
Current Inspiration: Rosarium by Deneise (designer name: cabinfour)
I've had this shawlette pattern in my queue for quite sometime, so I'm excited to begin my swatch. It calls for 400 yards of a fingering-weight yarn and I plan to knit mine up with Quince & Co.'s Sparrow in pink grapefruit. I think it'll give it a nice drape and show off the rosette lace detail. Plus, I love working with linen!
Classes and Events...
Beginning Knitting Classes
Saturdays: June 6, June 20, July 11, August 1, August 29 11:00am to 12:00pm or just call the shop to schedule a time! $20.00
Have you always wanted to learn to knit? If so, this is just what you need! In this 1-hour lesson you will learn to cast-on, knit and cast-off.
Beginning Crochet Classes
Saturdays: June 27, July 18, August 15
11:00am to 12:00pm or just call the shop to schedule a time! $20.00
For a change of pace, learn how to crochet. In this 1-hour lesson you will learn to chain stitch, single crochet and double crochet.
Ilene Bag
Saturday, June 20 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm $30.00
Learn to knit the Ilene Bag with us! We will help get you started on this great market bag. In the class you will pick up stitches, work in the round, knit a basic mesh fabric, learn how to tink back, if a mistake is made, and work a 3-needle bind off. To prepare for the class, we ask that you buy the yarn and knit the base of the bag (just 25 rows of stockinette) before the class meets. It will be a fun afternoon and you will be on your way to knitting your own French market bag!
Fixing Boo Boos
Saturday, June 27 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm $20.00
Back by popular demand, our class that will help you to understand how to repair mistakes in your knitting. Whether it is tinking back, picking up a stitch, an extra stitch at the edge, twisted, running or incomplete stitches that pop up on your way to finishing knit projects, we all can use a little help along the way. This class is perfect for those who are ready to learn how to fix these little bumps in the road. To fully benefit from this class, you should know how to knit and purl. So join us for this informative hour and you will be on your way to solving those problems that happen to all knitters.
Christmas in July: Churchmouse Stockings
Part 1 - Saturday, July 11, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Part 2 - Saturday, August 8, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
$50.00
We loved knitting our Christmas stockings last year so we're excited to bring back this fun class! In this two-session class, 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!
Christmas in July: Knit Wreath
Part 1 - Saturday, July 25, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Part 2 - Saturday, October 10, 2:00pm to 4:00pm
$50.00
So many of our clients loved the Christmas wreath that hung in the store over the holidays that we decided to offer a class so you could knit one for yourself! Your beautiful wreath can be knit using traditional Christmas colors, like Jana's, or you can use the rich colors of autumn for a stunning Thanksgiving garland. This first session of the class will focus on knitting the leaves and berries. In October, once you have knit all the leaves you need, we will meet again to assemble the wreath, and voila, you will have a beautiful wreath of you own!
Gatsby Necklace
Saturday, August 15, 2:00pm-4:00pm
$30.00
This 1920's inspired necklace will captivate you, with its sparkling beads and smooth silk, knitted and clasped together with a delicate button. In this class, you'll learn a type of beaded cast-on, how to thread/add beads, as well as finishing with a crochet chain for the button loop. You will be able to make a stunning necklace from start to finish, and you'll walk out wearing your newly created piece. This is sure to be a fun workshop!
CustomFit Workshop: Gauge Swatches and Measurements
Call the store for an appointment! $10.00
In this hour-long workshop we will cover how to knit and measure a gauge swatch for the CustomFit program. While you will knit your swatch just as you do for a conventional pattern, there are a few differences in its size and in how the swatch is measured. Knitting this swatch is about the fabric you want to knit your sweater in, not how a standardized pattern tells you how it should be knit. We will also take your CustomFit measurements and enter them into the computer to be stored for you.
Finishing
$30/Session
Bring your project and together we will make sure it is beautifully seamed.
Private Lessons
Call to set up an appointment $15.00 for 30 minutes, $30.00 for 1 hour
Do you prefer to learn on your own, or do you have a new skill you would like to tackle? Come in and work one-on-one with us.
Come Knit with Us...
Social Knitting (or Crochet)
If you have a group that would like to meet at Monarch you can contact us to set up a date and time.
Knitting in the Morning
Tuesdays, from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Are mornings a perfect time for you? Bring your coffee, a project, and socialize with other knitters around the table.
Knitting in the Afternoon
Thursdays, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Get all of your work and errands done for the day and ease into the evening with a couple hours of knitting.
Knitting in the Evening
The 1st Tuesday of each month, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Drop in and knit with a friendly group. See what others are working on and be inspired!
Knit with us (and get your knitting questions answered!)
Sundays, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
We love to have you around the project table, so please come by with your knitting projects. Are you stuck on something? Jana will be here to answer all of your questions. Even if you do not have any questions, just come by to knit!
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