Thursday, January 28, 2016

Churchmouse: Crochet Classroom

NEW from Churchmouse

CLASSROOM: LEARN TO CROCHETE COMPANION
The Learn-To-Crochet Companion is a 16-page booklet that uses more than 180 instructional photos that will turn you into an accomplished crocheter. Just follow the steps! With The Companion by your side, you can even begin one of the First Projects patterns in the Churchmouse Classroom collection.

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Choosing and preparing your yarn • Getting started: slip knots and how to hold your hook and yarn • Making a chain • How to perform a variety of crochet stitches: single, double, half double, treble, and slip stitch • Keeping your edges straight • Working in rounds • Increasing and decreasing • Finishing and blocking • Swatching for gauge and fabric


© churchmouse

CROCHETED BEANIE & COWL:
These crochet projects use two traditional pattern stitches— single and half double—to very contemporary effect. You’ll get to practice working in the round in two ways—in a circular spiral and in a tubular spiral. Plus you’ll learn a couple of nifty beginnings.

We’re betting your first set will not be your last—friends and family will start to place orders. You could always teach them how to crochet!

TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Increases and decreases. • Foundation half double crochet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: chain stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, slip stitch, and working in rounds. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Crochet Companion booklet.


© churchmouse

CROCHETED HANDWARMERS: 1 STITCH, 3 WAYS
One simple little stitch—single crochet—can look so very different with just a few minor tweaks. The different textures come from the way the hook is inserted into the stitch in the row below--we'll show you how! Three little must-have accessories explore this phenomenon. Make one pair. Or make all three!

TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Three stitch patterns using only single crochet. • Slip stitch seaming.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: chain stitch, single crochet, slip stitch, and keeping row edges straight. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Crochet Companion booklet.


© churchmouse

CROCHETED SAMPLER SCARF & HANDWARMERS:
This beautiful woolly set lets you practice three basic stitches—double crochet, half double crochet and single crochet—in a simple repeating sampler pattern that will have you expert in no time.

Working back and forth, you’ll create a fabric with an interesting texture that looks much more complicated than it is. Bonus: It’s also reversible! Equally handsome in solid colors or variegated shades, this scarf can be worn any number of ways. And the simple little handwarmers will keep you toasty indoors or out!

TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Combining stitches. • Mattress-stitch seaming.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, and keeping row edges straight. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Crochet Companion booklet.


© churchmouse

Pre-register today for our 2-hour Beginning Crochet class with instructor Tammy.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Progressive Needles KAL

We are pleased to announce the next Progressive Needles KAL, sponsored by skacel and hosted once again by Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter.



Kick off the New Year by ramping up your knitting skills with a stunning two-color cowl using HiKoo® Sueño called Ambiguous. The stranded cowl (also known as Fair Isle knitting) will feature lessons on hand positioning, yarn dominance, managing floats and a surprising take on an old favorite. The cowl is available in two sizes to suit your style. The sneak peek at the cowl was met with rave reviews – you won’t want to miss this one!

Materials:
• HiKoo® Sueño (80% Washable Merino Wool / 20% Bamboo: 255 yds/100g) - 1 (2) skeins Background Color; 1 (2) skeins Main Color
Note: Pair high contrast colors for optimum results.
• Size US #7 (4.5mm) 40” circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge for shawl Body.
• Two US 5 (3.75mm) 16 (24)” circular needles. Second needle is used to graft stitches in finishing.
• Size F crochet hook for provisional cast on
• 10 yards smooth, contrasting color waste yarn
• Tapestry needle
• Markers

The group will meet on Tuesday evenings, January 12, 19 & 26, from 6:00 - 7:00pm. Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot, seating is limited. The cost is FREE with purchase of materials.

Monday, January 4, 2016

Knit Purl Hunter

Mark Your Calendar...the hugely successful and popular clubs by Knit Purl Hunter and instructed by Edye VanDyke at the Yarns By Design boutique will begin in January 2016.



Building Blocks
- Improve Your Knitting Skills One Square at a Time!
- First Club will meet on Friday, January 15th from 5:30-7:00pm

Building In Color
- Build Your Color Knitting SkillsOne Panel at a Time!
- First Club will meet on Friday, January 22nd from 5:30-7:00pm

Michelle’s knitting series is designed to develop your skills and advance your technique - all supported with online video instruction!

Clubs are beginning to fill, pre-registration is required. Register in-person, by phone or online.