July 2015 Newsletter



Christmas in July!
Projects of the Month... Holiday Knits
When deciding upon which project to feature this month, we couldn’t help but think about casting-on gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Yep, there are only twenty-five more weeks until then! Join us this month as we all get a head start on making gifts for loved ones.  So our project of the month will be a group of 5, what each of us in the store is making for the gift giving season, or any season at all.  It’s never too early to start, in our opinion!
 Ann
My daughter rarely asks for a hand knit addition to her wardrobe, so when she fell in love with the Bianca Wrap by Sarah Smuland a flurry of yarn was brought home for a color selection.  A perfect hand crafted Christmas gift to wrap her in soft warmth!  This simple stockinette striped poncho is being knit in Shibui Baby Alpaca DK in Tar and Ash.  It will not be a surprise but it will be a perfect gift for her.
Koryn
After I knitted a pair of mitts for my husband, he let our good friend try them on while we were out camping in Yosemite. That was about year ago and since then, my friend has been asking me to knit him a pair. I'd hear, "If you have time..." on each camping trip that followed. After about a year of his requests, I finally found some time and the perfect skein: Madelinetosh DK in the whiskey barrel color, a luscious super-wash merino. Without the original pattern, I designed a pair just for him: the If You Have Time mitts. Knit a pair for the guy in your life - they make the perfect gift! Now, I have time to cast-on something for me...
Jenn
During the holiday season, there can be quite the social festivities. Whether it is an annual cookie exchange or a last minute shindig, I always like to have something quick to knit. Washcloths are the perfect answer – they’re easy and can be knit up in an evening while watching your favorite Christmas movie. I designed these fun Peppermint Swirl washcloths using Classic Elite’s Provence, a lovely 100% Egyptian cotton. Pair it with some peppermint scented soap or include it in a baking themed gift basket. There are instructions for ‘spearmint’ coasters, too! Make these ahead of time, and you’ll have a go-to hostess gift handy.
Jana
I am going to keep my loved one's feet warm this holiday season with the Slippers and Ankle Bootees (sic) by Debbie Bliss.  These fun little bootees with their charming wintery fair isle pattern, do not take long to make so they are perfect for holiday knitting.  I have knit mine with Rowan Pure Wool Worsted... the color choices are endless!  I think a Christmas photo of all the slippered feet by the fire will be a necessity!
Diane
What child (or adult) would not love to find Ben and Buddy under the Christmas tree?  Ben may look a little lonely in the photo but I am working on his puppy friend, Buddy, right now.  The pattern comes from the wonderful Ben and Buddy book by Quince & Co.  You can also knit the girl version from the book Mary, Millie and Morgan.  You can even knit a wardrobe for each character!   Besides, I get to knit using Quince & Co.'s wonderful chickadee yarn!
Classes and Events...
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!
Churchmouse Stockings

Part 1 - Saturday, July 11, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Part 2 - Saturday, August 8, from 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. 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!
Are you afraid to knit a sweater for yourself?  Have you knit a sweater been unhappy with the result?  Lets make sweater knitting fun, social and successful!  Join us this fall for the first Monarch Knitting Sweater Club.  To participate in this two-month event, pick the sweater you want to knit, or join us as we knit a sweater from Hannah Fettig's Home and Away, and purchase non-sale yarn currently stocked at Monarch Knitting in August.  On Saturday, September 5th at 10:00am we will kick off the club with a "cast-on coffee".  Bring your pattern, yarn and needles and join us for coffee and treats as have a round table discussion about the fun and fears of sweater knitting.  Every Saturday from 10:00am to noon in September and October we will hold a "Sweater Club Knitting Group" where you can share challenges and tips with your fellow knitters.  Our weekly quick tips will be filled with helpful sweater tips.  On Saturday, November 7th we will have a closing coffee where everyone will wear their sweater and we can talk about what we learned and admire the beauty of our hand knit sweaters.

A friendly reminder that we will be closed on Saturday, the 4th of July. Happy Independence Day!
New Arrivals...
Churchmouse Classroom

Introducing the latest collection of pattern leaflets, Churchmouse Classroom. Each of these are printed beautifully on a heavy-weight card stock and feature well-written instructions. We have the Learn to Knit Companion, a 16-page booklet with more than 120 instructional photos on everything from how to hold the yarn, to weaving in tails. There are even tips on blocking. The other leaflets are First Projects - the perfect intro of patterns into knitting. They truly thought of it all! So whether you're a new knitter who wants to improve your skills, or an experienced knitter who wants to share the craft with someone, these will guide the way. Add one or two of these into that knitted Churchmouse stocking!
Classic Elite's Sanibel

Brighten up the upcoming holidays with Classic Elite Yarns' Sanibel! At 125 yards per ball, Sanibel is a super soft yarn that comes in tonal and variegated colors, constructed like a woven tape. It knits up as a loose gauge and alternates polished cotton with slick viscose for unique finished fabric, creating a beautiful drape. This lightweight yarn is perfect for accessories like this Sanibel Cowl by Beth Anne Paustian. A shop favorite, it takes just two balls and knits up quick. Perfect gift idea too!

Knitter's KEEP from cocoknits

If you love knitting gadgets just as much as we do, then you'll love what's new in the shop! Nicely displayed by Koryn, is a collection of fun notions from cocoknits. We now carry their Knitter's Keep, an attractive yet functional slap wristband that "keep" your notions far from the depths of your couch!

Made with a silicone band and a brushed steel magnet, it's a handy gadget that includes: • 1 slap wristband • 10 large round stitch markers •10 small round stitch markers •10 bulb stitch markers •2 curved-tip tapestry needles •2 cable needles •1 lovely little pouch to store it all!

Easily portable, the Knitter's Keep comes in orange, green and blue. This nifty tool will certainly become a must KEEP item in your knitting arsenal!

Shaune Bazner Shawl Pins

Add the perfect finishing touch to any shawl, wrap, cowl, or even sweaters with these beautiful shawl pins from renowned jeweler, Shaune Bazner. Each one is handmade and comes in a lovely gift pouch. Grab a couple for you own accessory collection or gift one to a friend!



Bee, Bark + Moss

New Bee, Bark + Moss market totes and notion pouches! These locally produced bags are designed and handmade locally in Carmel. Made especially for Monarch, each bag and pouch is one of a kind. They are sewn from the highest quality organic cottons and hemp making them sturdy enough for everyday use yet delicate for knitting! Now that's what we love!

 
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 - How to make an i-cord
Week 2 - Tips for casting on a large number of stitches
Week 3 - Fixing loose stitches in knitting
Week 4 - Reading your knitting
Week 5 - How to use a swift and ball winder
Classes and Events...
Beginning Knitting Classes
Saturdays: July 11, August 1, August 29, September 12, September 26
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: July 18, August 15, September 19
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.
 


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!
 


Saturday Sweater Club

Cast-On Party - Saturday, September 5, 10am to noon
Sweater Club Knitting Group - Saturdays in September and October, 10am to noon
Closing Coffee - Saturday, November 7, 10am to noon

 
Are you afraid to knit a sweater for yourself?  Have you knit a sweater been unhappy with the result?  Lets make sweater knitting fun, social and successful!  Join us this fall for the first Monarch Knitting Sweater Club.  To participate in this two-month event, pick the sweater you want to knit, or join us as we knit a sweater from Hannah Fettig's Home and Away, and purchase non-sale yarn currently stocked at Monarch Knitting in August.  On Saturday, September 5th at 10:00am we will kick off the club with a "cast-on coffee".  Bring your pattern, yarn and needles and join us for coffee and treats as have a round table discussion about the fun and fears of sweater knitting.  Every Saturday from 10:00am to noon in September and October we will hold a "Sweater Club Knitting Group" where you can share challenges and tips with your fellow knitters.  Our weekly quick tips will be filled with helpful sweater tips.  On Saturday, November 7th we will have a closing coffee where everyone will wear their sweater and we can talk about what we learned and admire the beauty of our hand knit sweaters.
 


Turkish Bed Sock Class
Saturday, September 12, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
$30.00
In this two-hour class, we will teach you the secrets to knitting a perfect Turkish Bed Sock.  The class will focus on starting the project, casting on, turning the heel and sewing small seams.  You can then carry on at home to knit the foot to your desired length.  This project will be knit in the round with double-pointed needles.  You must know how to knit and purl to take this class.  Please stop by the store before the lesson to select your yarn and pick up US4 DPN needles. Supplies are not included in the class fee. 
 

Mosaic Scarf Class
Saturday, September 12, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
$30.00
Join us for this two-hour introduction to mosaic knitting!  It may look difficult but you will soon see how easy it is to do!  Mosaic Knitting achieves a two-color  effect but you will only work with one color at a time.  Once you learn the techniques taught in the class, you will be able to knit a multitude of multi-colored projects.  We will be knitting a two-colored diamond scarf.  The project is knit in worsted weight yarn and the pattern is free with the purchase of yarn.  Spend a Saturday afternoon at Monarch Knitting and walk away with a new technique in you knitting arsenal!
 


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.
 

 

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