April 2006 Newsletter

Spring has sprung! And it’s popping up with new colors and textures from the yarn world! Here’s just a few of the new yarns and patterns available for spring 2006 at River City Yarns………………… Check out these great felted bag and flower patterns designed by Nora J. Bellows. We love these patterns and are working at duplicating them all! The flowers are not only wonderful embellishment for bags, but can also be used for accents on sweaters, hats or as necklaces or funky belts . And as we are seeing in fashion magazines and television – flowers and embellishments are very trendy right now. WARNING – These items are Highly Addictively! If you haven’t picked up the latest Rowan Magazine #39 don’t wait – We can’t keep it in stock! The “Tribal” layout is one of the most beautiful and inspirational pieces we’ve seen in print! As for yarns from Rowan – we love the new colors and the feel of Summer Tweed. Combining the luxury of silk (70%) with the durability of cotton (30%), this is a perfect all year round yarn. We recommend you touch as well as look to discover the full beauty of the Summer Tweed in all its gorgeous shades. The nebs of tonal colors create a wonderful textural look in the knitted fabric making this a unique knit for both look and feel. And for soft cool summer knitting you owe it to yourself to make something from Calmer. A cotton blend with a super soft, luxury feel, this yarn has a tension similar to DK but because of the elasticity in it, is knitted on bigger needles. Fibre content is 75% cotton/25% acrylic/microfibre. Come in and take a look at the great patterning available for both Summer Tweed and Calmer. Special Events - Come and visit our booth at the Creative Stitches Show, April 7 & 8 at Edmonton Sportex. We will be featuring new yarns, needles and patterns as well as showing how to knit some of the innovative kits that we have assembled for spring 2006. On Friday April 7th from 2 to 4PM, Patti-Lynn Chevalier from Bee’s Knee’s Knits will be on hand to demonstrate tips on knitting the “Jamie” pattern – a multi-directional toddler’s sweater made with self-patterning sock yarn. And on Saturday afternoon – Barbara Kennedy will be on hand to share with us the techniques used in knitting this great summer tote from Berroco Suede. We will also be demonstrating how to knit the new “Loopy Scarf”, the Mobieus cast-on for the Giotto Scarf and the Spiral Scarf – three new and unique designs for you to create. Workshops – We have a whole new calendar of classes for your knitting pleasure and we’re always happy to set up a private lesson if our scheduled classes don’t work for you. Here’s a few of the upcoming workshops in April and May that we have planned. If you would like to join in – call us now at 780-477-9276 to reserve your space. Spaces go quickly – don’t delay. Knitting 101 – If you are new to knitting or want to improve your skills and learn more you can join our 6 week workshop. You will become intimate with the knit and purl stitch, learn how to fix mistakes and read patterns, learn to knit in the round on double pointed needles and much more. You will have homework assignments and will be expected to complete a scarf, hat and hand warmers in the first four weeks. In weeks 5 and 6 we will support you on a project of your choice. We run these classes every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 AM or on Thursday afternoons – 4:30 to 6:30 PM. New classes are starting April 13th and 22nd). Workshop fee - $75 plus materials – space is limited, call now. Beaded Wristlet Workshop – April 11 & 18 – Join us from 9 to 11 AM and make an Egyptian beaded wristlet. Beading is easy and fun and this pattern requires no prestringing of beads. Class includes instruction and pattern for wristlets in two widths for children and adults. Workshop fee $45 plus materials - 2 two-hour sessions. Magic Ball Workshop – The ultimate way to use up odd balls and yarn leftovers! Bring in about 20 oddballs of yarn from your stash and instructor Virginia van Santen will show you how to make a magic ball that can be used to knit a one of a kind shawl or scarf. You will learn a special technique for working in ends and a pattern that works well with different colors and textures of yarn. Reservations are being taken now for this workshop to be held on May 9 & 16th – 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Workshop Fee - $50 – Materials - you supply Come and learn how to make traditional Nova Scotia thrummed mittens. These make great Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. In two hours you will learn how to make thrums and weave them into your mittens. Workshop cost - $25 plus materials. Monday April 10th - 2 PM to 4 PM. See pic below. Intermediate Sweater – Starts April 12th 5:30 to 8:30 PM and runs for five weeks. Learn how to make a fitted raglan sleeved sweater or cardigan with your choice of fluted or ribbed bottom and crew or v-neck design. Workshop Fee - $75 plus materials. And lastly, here’s a pic of a few of the happy knitters who just completed the last Sweater Workshop, wearing their new sweaters! Congrats to all. You look Marvelous darlings! Websites to Check Out – I just discovered that Cat Bordhi has identified a number of “corrections” in her Treasury of Magical Knitting Books. For those of you who have copies of these books, you may want to go to her website and print off the corrections. Here’s a link: http://catbordhi.com/Treasury.html and, while you are there – check out her patterns for making a felted case for your Denise interchangeable knitting needles and cords! Way to go, Cat! Who’s Knitting What – Nancy just completed the Fickle Finger Scarf (Silk Garden?) (see below) as well as a baby sweater set out of Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino. Nice Knitting Nancy! I hope you enjoy this newsletter and your shopping experience at River City Yarns. Remember, if you would like any of the items we have described but can’t make it down to the store, just send us a note and we will arrange to ship products to you. All the best, Barb, Sheila, Marcene and Vivian River City Yarns www.rivercityyarns.com 780-477-YARN (9276)