Fiddlehead Yarns

3rd Anniversary Sale

2009-08-22T07:38:00.004-05:00

It's our biggest sale of the year!

Join in the fun and help out the Frank Neighborhood Project. Bring your donations of new household and children items and enter your name into fantastic drawings!

A year of sock yarn?

An Offhand Designs knitting bag?

A $100 Fiddlehead Yarns Gift Certificate?

Alice Starmore's new reprint of "Fair Isle Knitting"?

A ball winder?

See you on the 5th!

Summer of Socks!

2009-07-30T13:26:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago there were a boatload of socks making their way into the shop. Below is just a sampling... Miss Carol brought her sock "scarf" ala college tour with her. A pair for each of the college visits she accompanied her son to. They are gorgeous but thank goodness he's in, huh?
Miss Emily brought her 3 beautiful girls and her amazing Kai-Mei's from Cookie A's new book.
Thanks for sharing, ladies!

Maybe some people just aren't cut out to knit...

2009-07-02T11:23:00.002-05:00

My brother-in-law is to computers as we are all to knitting.
He sent me this link today.
Seriously, kudos to Merel for being "green" but I think she is missing the point.
Boring??? What has she been knitting?

A Bright Spot!

2009-06-19T13:36:00.007-05:00

Road construction is plugging away... Weather was fightful last night...

But...the day was brightened with a box filled with March Hare! Glorious colorways...Italian Plums, Hawaiian Shave Ice, Pesto, Pumpkin Patch, Driftwood, Mahogany, Spanish Lavender, Glacier...and our favorite...Fiddlehead Fern!

July Classess...

2009-06-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

...are up! Check them out here.

On Green Street

2009-06-05T07:47:00.003-05:00

Downtown Kenosha is holding "Bloomin' Days" this weekend. It's a great celebration of music, food and fun. As part of "Bloomin' Days", GREEN STREET will feature exhibits and wokshop about alternative energy, gardening, recycling and other great eco-friendly activities like KNITTING!!

Fiddlehead Yarns will be on GREEN STREET (on 6th Avenue A, between 59th and 60th streets) teaching everyone that walks by how to knit tomorrow (Saturday the 6th)!

Grab your knitting and join us! We will be there from 10am to 6pm. Sit and knit or teach someone else to knit! We'll all be there and hope to see you too!

Dressed For The Weather

2009-05-30T16:29:00.003-05:00

This weather is so iffy. One day it's a scorcher and then next...bust out your winter coat. Out for a walk yesterday, the 3-footer's brother needed a better hat. We grabbed some new lucious cotton and worked this up. He loves it, can you tell?

Stop in the shop, grab some Araucania Ulmo (ravelry link) and cast on for your favorite 0-6 monther!
Jack-in-the-Pulpit Cotton Hat
Directions:
CO 90 sts, PM and join untwisted.
Work in 1 x 1 rib for 4 ½ “
Decrease:
*K 15, dbl dec; repeat from * to end of rnd
Knit
*K 13, dbl dec; repeat from * to end of rnd

Continue in this manner until *K3, dbl dec* rnd.
After completing this rnd, *K1, dbl dec*, omitting the K rnd. (10 sts remain)
Cut yarn and run through all sts. With a darning needle, weave in ends.

Abbreviations:
dbl dec slip 2 stitches together (knitwise), purl 1, pass slipped stitch over

More Sock Knitting Fun

2009-05-28T10:50:00.002-05:00

Saturday is the second and final installment of our Cookie-A-Along. If you didn't join us 2 weeks ago, there's still time!
Sock Innovation was out of print already but we managed to score a bunch of copies as soon as they were reprinted. If you haven't gotten yours yet, now is the time! Call the shop to have yours put aside.
Those? My Kai-Mei's from the book. ...now to decide on the next pair!

Crazy, alright...

2009-05-25T11:45:00.002-05:00

With a long drive this past weekend, I brought a bunch of sock yarn with me to knit on. Working on a simple toe-up, 2x2 rib sock is the perfect project to keep me busy while my husband complains that the car ahead of us does not belong in the left lane.

Toe-up socks allow me to get all the work out of the way at once and then cruise right up the leg, letting the yarn do the work.

So after finishing up a pair just north of Madison, I cast on with the new Zauberball Crazy. It's a little different than the plain Zauberball in that 2 colors of yarn are plied together and change fairly frequently.

After turning the heel on the first, I decided to begin the second so I could ration my yarn once I get to the leg. I like playing "chicken" with the yarn, seeing how far I can knit and bind off with as little left as possible. (No, I don't keep any for darning. I would rather knit a new pair than keep a small clump of yarn laying around waiting for a hole to start.) So...I cast on for the second pair with the other end of the ball and what do I find??? ...a completely new color mixture! How fun, huh? Warning: for those of you who must have precisely matching socks...STAY AWAY!

Cookies at 10 am?

2009-05-15T07:46:00.005-05:00

Don't forget Fiddlehead Yarns is hosting a Cookie-A-Along this Saturday, May 16th from 10am to Noon! Bring your

book, sock yarn and needles. We have got a lot of socks to knit so see you Saturday!

May Classes Are Here!

2009-04-09T18:47:00.005-05:00

Visit our website to sign up for May classes. There are a host of patterns and techniques to learn. You may even want to grab a friend (or your mom...in honor of Mothers' Day) and learn how to make a snazzy beaded knit bracelet. We are also offering a fun knit-along in May - make that a Cookie-A-Along. Choose a Cookie A. sock pattern and join us for two Saturday mornings. Be sure to check out the new Cookie A. book in the shop and all the delicious sock yarn making its way onto the shelves.

The Knit Kit Is Here!

2009-04-03T09:15:00.002-05:00

The Knit Kit arrived at the shop yesterday! If you are looking for a way to keep all your knitting tools organized, this might be it.
It contains a crochet hook for picking up dropped stitches, a yarn cutter, a clicking stitch counter, tape measure and a small door on the back that contains point protectors, stitch markers and a scissors.
Keep all these things in one spot and never have to fumble at the bottom of your bag again!

Zauberballs are here!

2009-03-31T14:21:00.001-05:00

A fun new sock yarn in gorgeous colors!

1 ball makes a pair of socks.

We have all 9 colors.....9 pairs of socks!

Enjoy it while it lasts!

2009-03-16T18:29:00.008-05:00

The three footer and I were playing baseball in the backyard today as his brother looked on from his seat in the stroller. Chasing after balls all over allowed me to see these... Looks like I won't have to replant parsley this year!

My sister gave me these snowdrops last year. So beatiful and petite!

This is my great-grandmother's peony bush. Each year I hold my breath until it appears!

The classes are up here! Take a class and then sit in the backyard practicing while you watch things grow!

Simple Style

2009-03-03T15:48:00.003-06:00

Simple Style is here!

A great book with simple, beautiful designs. This might be the perfect book to choose your mindless summer knitting from!

New Classes!

2009-02-23T22:17:00.001-06:00

March classes are up! Check them out here.

Show a Little Love to the Area Food Pantries and Get a Treat for Yourself...

2009-02-06T09:55:00.003-06:00

It's the month of love! Friday and Saturday February 6th and 7th bring in at least 2 non-perishable items to the shop and receive 10% off your total! Not only will you get a perk for your knitting-self, but the rest of you will feel pretty good too for helping out those in need.

My Beloved Moleskine

2009-01-29T21:38:00.004-06:00

A while ago I began keeping a "knitting notebook". In it I entered notes on various projects that I wanted to begin or had begun. I used it for everything and always had it with me; notes from my classes with Lucy Neatby and Beth Brown-Reinsel, family members' measurements, when I started a project, finished it, the needles I used, the yarn label and maybe even a snipit of the wool. During times of chaos I always remembered "Well, at least my knitting is organized". I have a few things going right now that have been ongoing projects for some time. The oldest? A sweater that I began before I had the two, now 3 footer. Once I became pregnant with him, I put it aside, knowing that I wasn't going to fit into it for a while. Celtic Dreams is a beautiful sweater with many cables and interesting techniques. Over the past 5 years I have picked it up at various times knowing exactly where I was thanks to my notebook.
I am working on a special project right now which I had written extensive notes in my book. Last week, realizing I needed a refresher as to what I had done on the first sleeve, I went to get the book. Now, as I said earlier, many things may be chaotic, but my knitting is usually not. I went to my knitting bag to retrieve my book and it wasn't there. Come to think of it I hadn't seen it since I made out my Christmas list....before Christmas. (I keep a list of OOP knitting books in there in case the 3 footer's dad is looking for any last minute gift ideas..).
After weeks of ripping the house apart, my closets are clean and my knitting book now looks like the one above...EMPTY. I stopped at Barnes and Noble and bought a new one to start again. Do you know how hard it was to purchase that thing? It was like surrendering to the fact that it is truly gone.
Yes..my name and phone number was in it. There is a spot for a reward amount. I'm adding a few more zeros to the number in my new one. The 3 footer's dad says it will turn up...

We do a lot of recycling at my house....Maybe the 3 footer thought he was helping....

And please don't ask me what size needle I used....I don't remember...that's why I had the book...

New Classes!

2009-01-16T08:57:00.001-06:00

New classes are posted here. Scroll down and sign up!

We're Here!

2009-01-10T10:12:00.001-06:00

The shop is open and classes are on! A little snow is not going to stop faithful knitters!

A Lite Treat!

2009-01-09T21:22:00.002-06:00

Lori graciously gave me a wonderful recipe for these little treats last year. They are great in a pinch and are not as sinful as they taste. A few at Ditch N' Stitch took an interest so here are the instructions for them:

Chocolate Chip Meringues

2 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

300 degrees
lightly grease cookie sheet or line with parchment paper
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla on high until peaks form. Beat in Sugar, one tbsp at a time, until stiff peaks form. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop 2" apart. Bake 20 minutes or until firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.
Makes 36

It Starts Early at Our House

2009-01-05T15:27:00.004-06:00

Having to wear mom's experiments, that is...

I gave my sister a onesie for the 2-footer's cousin-on-the-way. I should have gotten one for the 2 footer's brother too...
It said
"Life would be so much easier if my mother would stop knitting".

Henry's wearing the Baby Suprise Snowsuit. It's a little Elizabeth Zimmermann (Baby Surprise) and the rest here. Berroco Ultra Alpaca....I think those are tears of joy...

It's a Blissful January!

2009-01-04T14:26:00.002-06:00

This month all Debbie Bliss is 20% off! Now is the time to load up!

Other sales, special orders and previous purchases are excluded.

Technique Workshop: Double Knitting

2009-01-02T08:07:00.003-06:00

If you are looking to add one more thing to your skills bag....stop in the shop tonight at 5 to learn the art of Double Knitting! It's a great way to create a reversible fabric, double thick and double warm! Did we mention it's FREE??

Look What Karen Did!

2008-12-18T11:41:00.002-06:00

Oh, My! The things that have been flying in and out of the shop! Karen brought in her swirl shawl and baby suprise with matching hat! These recipents will have a Merry Christmas!

Terrific work Karen! (There is still room in the swirl scarf/shawl if you want to make one too!)

Carve Out Some "Me" Time...

2008-12-14T08:43:00.003-06:00

...by signing up for a class.

Check them out here!

Buttons, buttons, buttons!!

2008-11-22T11:04:00.003-06:00

The perfect button makes your project not just special, but extraordinary. We've got a collection for you to browse with a new shipment just in. Now, that's something to look forward to on your next visit!

Ever lose your place?

2008-11-22T10:57:00.005-06:00

If you've ever been happily working away on a pattern only to find dozens of rows in that you've missed a row, then we've got a gem for you!

Hightlighter Tape is here! All you do is tape your line, and move the tape as you move on through the pattern. Brilliant!

New Yarn!

2008-11-22T10:42:00.005-06:00

We welcome a new yarn to the fold. From Jojoland, this 100% wool yarn is available in both fingering and lace weights. Melody is an inexpensive superwash fingering weight. Great for socks too! It comes in twelve colorchanging shades with recommendations for US #1-3 needles to obtain 7-8 stitches per inch. Harmony is the lace weight, which comes in eight colorchanging shades. US # B1-D3 hook sizes are recommended.

We are putting together a kit for you that includes a pattern to make a shawl and a scarf. Also included is the yarn to complete your project. See, we've done all your work except for the fun part....knitting!

After Ditch N' Stitch...

2008-11-15T17:13:00.002-06:00

Henry Thomas arrived.

8.5 lbs

19.5" long

11/14/08 4:13am

Hat Box

2008-11-14T15:06:00.002-06:00

Look at these cute little boxes for your rings, small notions, or anything else your heart desires! The patterns are here, along with some samples for your viewing pleasure.

This is a Honey of a Hat...and a Free Pattern!

2008-11-14T14:41:00.003-06:00

Such a cute hat! Stop in to take a look and to get your free pattern. Someone's going to be extra cozy this winter in the Honeycomb Hat.

Holiday Treats

2008-11-14T14:33:00.002-06:00

Looking for a fun stocking stuffer (maybe for yourself, perhaps)? Look no further. Lantern Moon's peppermint candy tape measures are the perfect treat.

New Books, Galore!!

2008-11-14T14:04:00.011-06:00

Here is just a sampling of the new shipment of books for you to pour over. You'll find patterns and styles to fit every personality. Come in and try to NOT find something you love. We dare you!

Cute Pouch Alert---Just In Time for the Holidays!

2008-11-14T13:55:00.004-06:00

Baa, baa, Black Sheep...

Handmade felted pouches from Frabjous Fibers have arrived in the shop. Aside from the black sheep pouches, we have grey and white sheep too....all in mama and baby sizes. Flower and leaf pouches round out the assortment.

Stitches N-2 Socks

2008-11-07T16:14:00.004-06:00

There is something new in the shop! and it's local!

Jeanne Whiteside of Whimsical Fibers & What Have Ewes has brought her "Stitches N-2 Socks" to Fiddlehead Yarns!

Jeanne has handdyed these "flat socks" in fabulous colors and left the appearance of the sock a mystery. You can unravel the mystery by knitting them up. Here's the fun part....Choose any sock pattern you like, unzip the bottom edge and start both socks at the same time. 2 strands begin to unravel which are exactly the same. Exactly the same color yarn means 2 matching socks! There are 400 yards in each of these which is enough for almost anyone's feet!

While you are here, pick up one of the great books we have in the shop on the subject!

Something new for knitting lace

2008-10-22T10:40:00.004-05:00

Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush is the newest edition to our library. Stop in to drool over the gorgeous patterns detailed by many beautiful pictures within the pages.

This Just In........

2008-10-16T15:48:00.021-05:00

The newest editions of Vogue Knitting

and Interweave Knits Magazines

have arrived in the shop. Lovely fall and holiday knits are just waiting within these pages for you to browse over a cozy cup of hot cocoa. Stop in to get your copies before they all scurry back out the door!

November Classes

2008-10-15T21:51:00.002-05:00

are up! Take a peak here...

Get on Your Nimbus 2000 and Get Here Quick!

2008-10-08T17:13:00.004-05:00

The

Harry Potter Sock Yarn

from Opal is here!

Interested in a Little Charity?

2008-09-30T12:49:00.002-05:00

For those of you looking for some "fibery" ways to give....we at Fiddlehead Yarns can help you!

A worthy cause have come to our attention recently and I thought I would pass it along to you. If you are interested and need more information, give the shop a call!

Women's Resource Center
This terrific place for women and their children to take refuge is looking for handmade items to sell at two upcoming gift shows. They would love anything knit, which gives you a fantastic chance to try out a new pattern! Deadline dates are October 15th and November15th. Drop them at the shop and we will get them to the center!

New Classes

2008-09-14T17:09:00.001-05:00

Christmas is 3 months away....Get some of your presents done now!

October 2008 Classes

Something to Share With Your Family at Dinner

2008-09-10T22:08:00.003-05:00

My parents have a subscription to the "Wisconsin State Farmer". It comes on Fridays so when I'm there I love to page through, check the classifieds for some potato diggers and cow inseminators...

This week there was a small article highlighting National Alpaca Farm Days. LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch up in Two Rivers is the epicenter for this celebration. Two Rivers?? I actually have been there and the two men who own the farm are great and are more than happy to show you around.

Anyway, reading further, there was some great information about alpacas. If you need some dinnertime fodder, read on...

Alpacas were only first imported to the US in 1984.

There are 2 types, Huacaya and Suri. Suri is the rarer of the two with silky fiber.

Cousins of the llama, they usually grow to be about 36" tall and weigh between 150 and 200 pounds.

They do not have horns, hooves, claws or incisors.

Usually they are shorn every 12 to 18 months and produce 5 to 10 pounds of fiber.

The alpaca fiber is just as warm as wool, yet 1/3 the weight of wool to achieve that warmth.

There are 22 natural colors.

Because it contains no lanolin like wool, it is naturally hypoallergenic. This means that most people who have problems with wool being itchy won't have a problem with alpaca.

The fiber has great stretch, water repellency and is wrinkle-resistant.

Let them all know about this and they might be begging you for one...

Countdown to Year 3

2008-09-09T15:21:00.002-05:00

Fiddlehead Yarn's 2nd Anniversary Sale was a blast! It was so much fun to see everyone and the projects that they will be working on this fall. If you didn't get a chance to make it down, here's a little of what you missed...

Abbie from up front was a champ and helped us all day! Here she and Kim are before the storm!

The Frank Neighborhood Project Donation Drive was a huge success! Carol S was great enough to a whole box of toilet paper. A mischevious high schooler's dream.

The loot!

Everything's being loaded into the truck. They are beginning home visits again next week and said that all of this will a HUGE help!

...So with all the donations loaded into the truck, we figured it was time to draw names and see who won all the knitting loot!
Jack was coerced with a promise of ice cream later to draw the names. Here's what he picked...

Christmas Stocking Kit.............Darnell

Lucy Neatby DVD Set..............Maxine P.

Harmony Guide Set..................Sue D.

Offhand Designs Bag.................Lucy N.

Year of Socks.............................Barb H.

Congratulations and thanks again!

Bring Something to Get Something...

2008-09-03T10:49:00.002-05:00

We are getting ready here at the shop for a busy weekend. Our 2nd Anniversary Sale takes place Friday from 9am to 9pm. It will be 12 hours of everything being on sale inside the shop!
10 hours later...the luxurious Coach bus will pull away from Fiddlehead Yarns and head up to Jefferson County FairGrounds to enjoy another Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival!

Preparing for the sale, we are putting together some great prizes! (I'm still trying to find a basket big enough to hold all the "Sock Yarn for a Year" prize) Don't miss out on your chance at one or all of these things. Our goal is to have to make a couple trips over to Frank School!
You can help by bringing in any or all of the things listed on the donation list (check the latest newsletter or a couple posts below). The more you bring, the more chances you get!

Thanks and see you Friday!
Mindy

September Classes

2008-08-20T17:11:00.001-05:00

September classes have been posted on our website.

Be sure to check them out over here: September classes!

Fiddlehead is Turning 2!!

2008-08-10T14:04:00.003-05:00

Fiddlehead Yarns is turning 2 and there is much to be excited about this year. We are offering a special way for you to win some free things and feel great about yourself!
The sale is even bigger this year and everything is discounted! Many of the fall yarns are in the shop already and are included in the sale.

And New This Year...

Fiddlehead Yarns is giving away 5 Great Knitting Essentials:

1. Offhand Designs Knitting Bag
2. Lucy Neatby’s DVD Set “Knitting Essentials 1 &2”
3. Sock Yarn for a Year (you’ll enjoy sock yarn for a pair a month!)
4. Christmas Stocking Kit
5. Interweave Press’s Harmony Guides including “Lace & Eyelets, Knit & Purl and Cables & Arans”

Here’s how to win…

Team up with the Frank Neighborhood Project and donate one or many of the items listed from the list below. With each item donated, you enter your name into the giveaway for one of the 5 Great Knitting Essentials. The more you items you donate, the more chances you have!
You can walk away with some great gifts and local families can be given needed items. It’s a win-win!

Needed Items:
Trash Bags
Toilet Paper
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Diapers
Children’s Tylenol or Motrin
Band Aids
Socks
Combs
Underwear
Children’s Vitamins
Laundry Soap
Dish Soap
Stamps
Floor/Bathroom Cleaners

Twist Collective

2008-08-01T22:04:00.004-05:00

Something new to check out...

Twist Collective

A great new online knitting magazine put together by some great knitters! Pam Allen, Cat Bordhi, Clara Parkes, Cookie A and many more familiar names!

There are some great patterns and interesting articles. Most of the patterns are downloadable for $7 each, payable with Paypal. How easy is that?

There are socks, lace and sweaters for men and women. Now just to narrow down the choices...

Have fun!

Another reason to watch the Olympics

2008-07-26T17:23:00.003-05:00

The Olympics are beginning in Beijing China in 13 days. Just enough time for you to pour through your patterns, stash, notebook or whatever and choose something to knit...

...Back up.... Sometimes all we need is just the right motivator, deadline or swift kick in the seat to get moving. Need one?

The 2008 Ravelympics!!

Do you have something you've been wanting to knit? Challenging? Need a reason to focus on one project?

Click over to the above link and take a look. How much fun is this? Knitters are signing on with a commitment to knit a specific project. Cast on the moment opening ceremonies commence (August 8th, 7am our time) and you have until the closing ceremonies to complete. Swatching early is allowed...

There are many events to choose from. (I'm training for the Sweater Sprint, hoping to compete with the Rorschach Sweater)

Read about it, think about your current training condition and send the shop and email to let us know if you are in. Nothing organized here but I would love for you to send us picture updates so I can share them with everyone! ..And we can all cheer you on!

Here's to a finished project or bust!!

Take All Tuesdays

2008-07-26T07:46:00.002-05:00

Fiddlehead Yarns is holding

"Take All Tuesdays"

in the month of August!

If you have something you would like to finish, learn or just carve out time to do, join us!

The shop will be open from 6-8pm on Tuesday, August 5th and 19th.

Attend one Tuesday for $10 or both for $15 and we will get you moving in the right direction.

Please call the shop or stop in to sign up and let us know what you will be working on!

Stitch N' Pitch Fun!!

2008-07-11T15:04:00.003-05:00

With the park filled with knitters, the clicking of needles could be heard everywhere!

Snip, Snip...

2008-06-22T17:27:00.004-05:00

Last fall I was able to attend Meg Swansen's Knitting Workshop with my sister, Lindsey. I think of it as an experience that ranks up with the tops ones...getting married, having the 2 footer...

During that weekend, participants were taken to Schoolhouse Press and allowed to peruse the shelves of gorgeous yarns, books and patterns. With my mother's school of thought in mind (If you are in a wonderful place, buy yourself something special to remember the experience), I bought enough Jamieson's to make a sweater. With EZ's Seamless Yoke in mind, I picked out a gorgeous oatmeal for the body and 6 colors to use in the fair isle yoke.

The dream weekend over, I packed the yarn away, hoping one day to write up the pattern and start knitting.

Fast forward to a last month...The Fall Knitting Workshop this year was announced so I quickly signed myself and my sister up with hopes to enjoy the magical weekend again. A few days later, the acceptance email came. Remembering all the great things that we would now be in for, I could hardly wait. Knitting late into the night and up early again in the morning to get back at it, great food, Meg Swansen and shopping at Schoolhouse Press...shopping at Schoolhouse Press....

My mother's other school of thought is "you don't need more of something you already have".

It became clear I needed to get that sweater knit.

After weeks of knitting, the 2-footer and I sat enjoying the great morning today. He, playing with playdoh and I, weaving in the last few ends of the sweater. With a snip of the last yarn, I held it up for the 2-footer to see. He said "Looks great mom, can I have some applesauce?" ...thanks...

I put the sweater down and went to the kitchen to get him a bowl.

**Now...for those of you with weak stomachs, skip the rest of this**

I ran to the bathroom, turned the sink on to block the sweater and tried it on. Nice fit.....and nice GIANT HOLE IN THE FRONT OF IT!!!!

The 2-footer, while I was so graciously getting him a bowl of applesauce, had cut a hole into the front of my sweater. With all the things he could have cut like his own hair, the cat's hair, the couch, the curtains....he had to cut my sweater???

After counting to 10...10 times...we had the talk as to why it is bad to use mom's scissors and why it's really bad to cut into mom's knitting. His response? "Don't worry mom, I'll help you clean up the mess." Sure you will...

So after a little grafting, that hopefully only I will know is there, here is my Seamless Yoke with the pattern assistance from Elizabeth Zimmermann and front embellishment by the 2-footer.

Need Help Planning Your Summer???

2008-06-14T08:10:00.003-05:00

The fun days of summer appear to be here...what happened to spring?...
With so many things to fill up your warm days ahead, get out the calendar and carve out a few dates for yourself! Here are a few to get you up and going...

Fiddlehead Yarns July Classes!!!
http://www.fiddleheadyarns.com/Classes/classes.htm

July 9th, 7:05pm
Milwaukee Brewers Stitch N' Pitch

July 18, 19 and 20
The Midwest Fiber and Folk Festival (Crytal Lake, IL)
http://www.fiberandfolk.com/

August 21, 22, 23 and 24
Stitches Midwest (Schaumburg, IL)
http://www.knittinguniverse.com/flash/events.php

September 5
Fiddlehead Yarns' 2nd Anniversary Sale!

September 5, 6 and 7
Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival (Jefferson County Fairgrounds)
http://www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/
(Fiddlehead Yarns is taking a bus for this great event! $36 includes Coach bus ride and admission ticket to the festival!)

October 3
Yarn Con (Chicago, IL)
http://www.yarncon.com/

November 29
Art vs Craft (Milwaukee, WI)
http://www.artvscraft.com/

The deadline is approaching...

2008-05-30T18:00:00.002-05:00

The Milwaukee Brewer Stitch N' Pitch is fast approaching!
Tickets are still available for the July 9th game against at the Colorado Rockies. The game kicks off at 7:05 pm and we will be knitting the whole game through!

Please have $22 to Fiddlehead Yarns by June 14th if you are interested!

June 2008 Classes

2008-05-07T20:28:00.002-05:00

The June classes have been posted over at www.fiddleheadyarns.com
We have added some fun new-to-Fiddlehead Yarns classes!
Hope to see you soon!

...and I hope Mother's Day will be spent with your feet up, a good cup of coffee and plenty of knitting! Happy Day!

For 2 Days ONLY...

2008-05-02T11:08:00.001-05:00

NORO
is dropping in and will be gone by Saturday…

The Noro trunk show just arrived and is here for 2 days.
Stop in to see all the models from the 3 latest Noro – Jane Ellison books!
This includes models knit from your favorite Noro yarns along with the newest including
Taiyo, Matsuri, Silk Garden Chunky and Kureyon Sock!

Enjoy seeing and feeling the models up close, while you page through the gorgeous pattern books!
…And if you find something…..
Receive
15% off ALL NORO yarn and patterns in the store!!
(this excludes special orders and runs only through Saturday)

Fiddlehead Yarns is open Friday, 10-6 and Saturday, 10-4

They're Here!

2008-04-30T12:39:00.001-05:00

The Spring issue of Interweave Knits is here! Many fun top and a great article on Schoolhouse Press!

The other is Verena! A European magazine just now being circulated here in the states. Check out this website for more info! http://www.verenaknitting.com/Default.aspx

A Tangled Yoke Sighting

2008-04-20T19:24:00.003-05:00

Miss Stacy drove up from Chicago this weekend to show us her latest work of art!

...A gorgeous dusty pink "Tangled Yoke Cardigan". Done in Rowan's Felted Tweed, it is breathtaking!

Great work Stacy. What's next?

May Classes

2008-04-17T08:04:00.001-05:00

The new classes are up!

http://www.fiddleheadyarns.com/Classes/classes.htm

Vanishing Magknits

2008-04-08T17:33:00.003-05:00

If you have knit the "Jaywalker Socks", the "Odessa Hat" or the "Fake Isle Hat", you are familiar with Magknits. A great online knitting magizine, it has provided free patterns for all knitting levels for over 4 years. Unfortunately, the site has folded and the patterns are gone....
Before you flip out because you didn't print the copy of the Jaywalkers off, at this moment it's still possible to get the patterns.
Google the pattern name with MagKnits following (i.e. Jaywalkers Magknits)
Rather than clicking on the website...click on "cached" and the pattern will appear, though without the picture.
I'm not sure how long this will be available so check it out soon!
I hope this helps those that still were going to knit themselves something from this site!

Exposing A Yarn Snob

2008-04-01T11:43:00.004-05:00

Just like most people, there are things in knitting that are "fine" and then there are things that I am "unwaivering" about. Find a terrific color scheme to knit my next sweater..."fine". Under the "Unwaivering" catgeory I can add socks. I like to knit them in certain ways, with certain needles and with specific fibers. Nylon to be exact. I wear my socks so I want them to last. When holes do occur, I would much rather spend a few days knitting a new pair then spend the few minutes fixing holes. Don't ask, there is no logic. Occasionally, I find a goregous yarn with no reinforcement that still needs to be knit. So with this said, I have resorted to different manuevers to make those socks without nylon last a little longer. Garter stitch heels, adding Wooly Nylon, knitting an Afterthought Heel ala Elizabeth Zimmermann and a few others. My favorite sock yarns fit the "gorgeous" and "with nylon" group. A new one has been added to this group and, although I'm not finished yet, this might be the best!
We just received our inaugural shipment of Misti Alpaca and inside, along with some gorgeous lace weight, was something brand new to our shop and the knitting world...

Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Sock Yarn

50% Alpaca

30% Merino Wool

10% Silk

10% Nylon

(Nylon and Silk...twin powers of reinforcement!!)

Kim and I fought over the 12 colors as to which ones to knit. This was my pick...

Take Me (and my needles) Out To The Ballgame!

2008-03-28T15:13:00.005-05:00

The Milwaukee Brewers and the TNNA (The National NeedleArts Association) are teaming up again this year for the 2nd annual...

Stitch N' Pitch at Miller Park!

Milwaukee Brewers vs Colorado Rockies

Wednesday, July 9th @ 7:05 pm

Tickets are $22 for a Log Outfield box seat (a $4 savings!).

Please let us know if you are interested in giving or taking a ride and we will try to help out!

Baseball and Knitting....Could it be any better?

(and keep your fingers crossed...Brewers are playing the Cubs at Wrigley Field Monday and they are calling for nothing but rain...)

April Classes

2008-03-15T13:09:00.001-05:00

New classes are up! Check them out here:http://www.fiddleheadyarns.com/Classes/classes.htm

"Show and Tell" at Fiddlehead Yarns

2008-02-25T21:23:00.005-06:00

Some braved the onslaught of snow to show us what they have been working on at tonight's "Show and Tell".
Needless to say... I have a few more things added to my "To Knit" List!

A dear friend and the wonderful seasonal decorator at the shop, Sue, is expecting her first grandchild in May. When the shop opened, as a great friend would, she took a class to learn how to knit. After taking the class she said that although she had fun...sewing, decorating and all the other things that come along with being a mom to 4 girls took up a lot of her time and knitting would have to take a back seat. Seeing her sporadically, always with a smile and tons of energy, she usually had a knitting project to show me that she was working on. After annoucing the she was going to be a grandma a few months ago, she started paging through the knitting books on the table to find things to knit.

Last week she told me that knitting is about the only thing she does now and she has decided that being the seasonal decorator that she is, this new baby is going to need a hat for each season. The woman is on a quest!
I present to you....the 1st show and tell:

The football hat from "Itty Bitty Hats". Both her daughter and son-in-law graduated from THE University of Notre Dame. Those games can get cold late in the season! Especially for a baby! Go Irish!

Next up...Aaron!

He let everyone take a look at his Jamieson's Fair Isle Hat he did in class a couple months ago! This was his first go around at 2 color knitting! We are all anxious to see your next attempt! Spectacular!

Cristina brought in a bunch of sweaters that she has been "loving" for sometime! This Vogue pattern was her favorite! Gorgeous yarn and gorgeous stitches! Beautiful!

Emily wore some of her creations in! The hat....a little something she whipped up using the "Fake Isle Hat" Pattern and her sweater.... the "Retrograde Pullover" from Interweave Knits Winter 2006. It is 2 sweaters in one and both are winners!

Patty brought in so many finished objects that we needed the two footer's dad to help with the modeling! They are wearing mittens, hat and scarf all made from the Artyarns Handpainted. The purple hat, scarf and wrist warmers are made from Frog Tree Alpaca. At the base of the pile is her Brown Sheep sweater which she said is so warm. (We all could use a closet full of those this winter!) ...And most importantly....Patty's first pair of SOCKS!!! Made from Opal, she loves making them so much that she has more pairs on the needles!

...and now....what many have been waiting for.....TAAAA DAAAAA!!!

It's Clint's Sweater!!

This thing is amazing! Kim can knit for herself for at least another few years before she has to knit him anything! Complete with rip cord, zipper and the Dale of Norway patch!

As knitters, we start each project hoping to create something that looks outstanding and possibly mistaken for something that was bought. This sweater, my friends, would definitely set off the alarms if Clint walked out of a Dale of Norway Sweater Retail Store.

A note to Clint....Kim mentioned how, while you were at work the other day, she tried it on and it fit perfectly. Sleep with one eye open, dear....

Show and Tell

2008-02-20T21:50:00.005-06:00

A perk of being at the shop most days is seeing the beautiful things that you all have created! It is constant inspiration for me as I dive into new projects. I often find myself telling a knitter "You should have seen what so and so knit. It was amazing."
We came to the conclusion that we needed to put our words into action! So...this Monday, February 25th, we are opening the shop to you and your most loved projects! Bring them in and share with everyone during Fiddlehead Yarns'

"SHOW and TELL"!

We will start at 5 pm and share until 7:30 pm. You will be wowed by everyone's work and most likely have a bug in your knitting bag to try some of the projects.

To help you with that,

ALL yarn will be 15% off!!

Bring your completed projects to show and a current project to sit and knit a bit! We can't wait to see what you have been working on!

New Classes

2008-02-08T14:09:00.000-06:00

The new classes have been posted...Find something and sign up!
You could make one of these....the scarf...not the kid!

Noro Ribbed Scarf

Snow Day

2008-02-06T15:43:00.001-06:00

The two footer's dad has closed Mobile One and Fiddlehead Yarns for today. Class tonight has been cancelled. We will see you tomorrow at noon...hopefully!

It's Warming Up Here!

2008-01-31T14:53:00.000-06:00

It's snowing as I peak out the window right now and WGN is saying we are in store for some "accumulating totals"....For those of you who have had enough....I give you some warm weather thoughts thanks to Rowan!

Kim has been a big fan of Rowan and bent my arm behind my back for these...all new to the shop!

Wool Cotton
50% merino wool, 50& cotton
5 1/2-6 sts/in
machine washable

4-ply Cotton
100% Cotton
7-7 1/2 sts/in
machine washable

4 Ply Soft
100% merino wool
7 sts/in
machine washable

All Season Cotton
60% Cotton, 40% Acrylic
4-4 1/2 sts/in
machine washable and great for kids!

Denim
100% Cotton
5 sts/in
machine washable and we have pattern books just for this yarn!

Summer Tweed
70% Silk, 30% cotton
4 sts/in
handwash and we have patterns just for this yarn too. So beautiful!

...And the NEW Rowan 43 Magazine is here! Most of the yarns listed above are used in this book. I've already started one. It seems to help the coping process as all this snow is piling up!

What's Been Cookin'

2008-01-24T16:17:00.000-06:00

Many new things to show you at the shop. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and take a look!

The new Noro Sock Yarn is a fun knit. A little rough on the ball, it sure softens up after it is knitted and washed! We have all but one color in the shop right now!

Kim has a new niece coming this spring, (I told all you something was going on last summer...) so she whipped up this adorable little dress out of some Southwest Trading Karoke. This is a Knitspot pattern. If you are familiar with their lace patterns, you should check out what else we have in the shop from them!

Cool weather like we have had recently calls for a good pot of tea. Without a good tea cozy, it cools down fast. Why not knit one to match your teapot? Nan knitted this to cover hers and loves it! This and more can be found.....

in here...!

I showed you this last week in pieces. It's together now and ready to worn by a new baby..coming this spring... It's from Dale of Norway using the Dale Falk. We also just received a ton of Dale patterns from past seasons. There are some beautiful things in them and what a great way to try a new technique! Something small = Little invested (time and money) + a great learning project.

This hat is (Komi) found in the great Hats On book by Charlene Schurch. The book has 31 different hat patterns using all weights of yarn. There are cables, 2 color knitting and many different cast ons to try. I used the new Punta Del Este Mericash. 80% Merino Wool and 20% Cashmere. After I wiped the drool off of it and stopped fondling it, I blocked it and haven't taken it off since!

...And if you are up for something new....Try some Armenian Knitting. This new book by Meg Swansen and Joyce Williams has some beautiful patterns with this hat as a sort of "introduction" to the technique. Usually, the pink cable would be knitted in using the intarsia method. Many avoid this like the plague because you often have bobbins or balls of yarn hanging from the back of your work. In Armenian Knitting, the CC (pink in the hat below) is carried and trapped every so often all around the hat. If you look carefully in the picture, you can see the pink trapped on back side of the hat. Twice as warm and very fun. This was knitted with Unsupun Icelandic wool. It comes in "wheels", extremely warm and light as a feather. Stop in to take a peak inside this hat!

A Few More Inches Then Bring On The Babies...

2008-01-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

As I said in the shop newsletter sent out this week, I have been knitting for a plethora of babies. I always find this exciting because I can use it as an excuse to practice techniques that I have wanted to try or just love to do. A few knitters in the shop this weekend asked about the sweater that's in progress right now so I thought I would share it here with you. Just another way to knit a sweater. Mabye worth a try if you haven't already!

First, I must admit. I rarely swatch for baby things yet I always try to knit it for at least a 6 month old. I like to stay away from 0-3 months. Sometimes those babies come out with a full set of teeth and forming complete sentences. Then the sweater never gets worn. I would rather have it stained and full of holes than wrapped in tissue paper and packed away for "safe keeping".

Down to the details....I grabbed this pattern out of the Dale of Norway #152 book. The whole sweater was to be done in purl stitch with cables up the front, back and arms. I avoid purling like the plague so I knit rather than purl but kept the rest as written. The pattern also called for Dale Baby Ull. Unsure of what sex this baby will be, I opted for a soft grey from the Dale Falk. Still washable wool, just a slightly heavier gauge. Size 2 needles.

CO for the body and rib for an inch or so. My new favorite rib is to knit the knit sts through the back loop. It gets rid of that ugly second knit stitch that always seems to be sloppy. It also causes that knit stitches to pop up a little more.

Once the body is up to the armpits, throw it aside and start the sleeves. They aren't that long so I worked them separately on dpns. Another choice? Knit them using the Magic Loop Method (one long circular needle) or 2 circular needles and at the same time.

Increases are worked on the underside every 3rd round. There is one stitch that acts as the seam stitch and then the increases are worked on either side of them. I picked up the leg fo the stitch from the row below and increased into that...no holes.

Once the sleeves are finished, the seam stitch from both the body and the sleeves, along with equal numbers on each side are placed on a scrap yarn. The pattern called for them to be bound off and later stitched together. Rather than having ugly seams, don't BO but rather kitchener them. Completely seamless!

Below is what Elizabeth Zimmermann referred to as a "phoney seam". A disadvantage to seamless knitting can be the fact that the sweater doesn't always lay flat or fold well because there is no seam at the side. EZ "fixed" this by inserting phoney seams. Once the body is finished, I drop the very side stitch on each side of the sweater down to right above the ribbing. Using a crochet hook, the stitch is "knitted" back up by going through one ladder then two. Alternating this until I'm back at the top, my sweater folds nicely in half.

The two footer's dad saw me doing this and asked what was going on. After I explained it to him he looked at me with disbelief that I could truly care whether my sweater laid completely flat or not....There are some details that I am a sucker for. Only having black, brown and grey to knit with because dyed yarn no longer exists?...not a problem...

....and happy baby to miss emily. She joined us for open knit on thursday night. still waiting for the stinker she has now dipped into her "hospital knitting" bag to keep her busy. She appeared in the store late yesterday afternoon. Still no baby but almost completely out of knitting projects. A couple more skeins of wool and she is ready to have the baby now. Tomorrow is supposed to be the day so everyone send her healthy baby and fast labor thoughts!

New Classes

2008-01-11T18:24:00.001-06:00

...have been posted over at the shop's website.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T10:49:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all!
Enjoy your family and friends and
may you find a moment to curl up and knit!
We will be back in the shop Wednesday at 10am...
just in case you get a gift card that is burning a whole in your pocket!

Take a Cable Break

2007-12-18T17:40:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning will most likely be filled with some last minute running around. While you are out, stop by the shop and learn a thing or two!
Allison Snopek Barta, a Kenosha native, from "Irish Cable Knitting" (http://www.irishcableknitting.com/) will be at the shop from 11am until 2pm for a book signing and to demonstrate cable knitting!
A free cable needle will be included with the purchase of her book!

Learn how to cable and race home to work up a scarf for Christmas. There's still time...

NORO for your FEET!

2007-12-14T14:28:00.000-06:00

6 colors of the NORO Sock Yarn is here! Stop in soon to get it while it lasts! (Kim already has 5 pairs started!)

Save the dates!

2007-12-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

The new classes have been posted over on the shop's website. Go take a peak!

This is an example of an Aran Scarf that you can work on in the "Aran Scarf" class. Come in and try it on to get your creative juices flowing!

Thursday night is Ditch N' Stitch. Set aside 2 hours from all the holiday hoopla and join us!

The Little Boy That Loved Wool

2007-12-06T13:09:00.000-06:00

Miss Jane walked into the shop last week with this on. The warm and wonderful vest from Sally Melville's "Knit Stitch". She used Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in such a beautiful shade of brown. Bravo, Jane!

Then there is Miss Carol who decided that everyone she knows and loves is getting felted clogs for Christmas. Some have already been shipped away and there are still some to be finished up but here's what she brought to the shop yesterday...
Stop in the shop and I will give your her phone number. Maybe you can do some nice things for her over the course of 2008 and get on her list for next year!

And yesterday, the 2 footer had the opportunity that most of us adults would love. To be covered in yarn. And, mind you, this isn't just any yarn....this is Jamieson's Aran Weight. The 2-ply spindrift arrived a month ago and was so wonderful that we ordered that heavier weight as well. 24 colors, knits up to between 4 and 5.5 sts. Jack picked out his colors for a possible quick sweater for Christmas. I told him I would stay up day and night to knit it if he used the toilet. I'm sure it will work...

Have a wonderful evening. Snow is in the forecast again tonight!

Snowy Evening Ramblings

2007-12-04T20:05:00.000-06:00

With the onset of winter around here lately, the shop has been ravaged. Knitters come in in a hurry, fill their cheeks with yarn and scurry home to hide it somewhere for the winter.
I do love the summer but if it is going to get cold...then snow enough to make it worth while. For me, there is nothing better than sitting inside a warm home with a cup of coffee and knitting with not a place to be. This exact scenario is happening tonight.
If you too are stuck inside and are wondering what to knit, read about knitting or check online about knitting...here's some things to keep you busy...

1. http://www.ravelry.com/ If you aren't on already or signed up, sign up NOW! Take all the online searching for patterns, checking http://www.flickr.com/ for other people's finished projects and knitting forums, compile them in one spot and you have Ravelry. It isn't quite public yet but you can get on the waiting list and be wasting time shortly!

2. For goodness sake, read some EZ (Elizabeth Zimmermann) or better yet, check out one of here DVDs. Pick one of her books and you no longer will be a slave to patterns. Sometimes I overhear "But I'm afraid to". Wait a minute....You've had children, you undergone a root canal, don't tell me you are afraid of some yarn and needles. What's the worst that can happen? You have to rip it out? Be afraid of the Whooping Cough, Typhoid Fever or being hit by a bus, not knitting.

3. Knit something new. Haven't tried cables, whip one up. Add some to a scarf and see how it goes. If it works, you have something to wear with your new coat. If it doesn't, rip it out or give it to an annoying co-worker. Haven't tried working with more than one color before, give it a whirl. Try it on a hat. If it comes out too big or too small, give it to someone. There are always people who need one.

4. Start a knitting log of some sort. Jot down ideas for a new project, dates, clips of yarn with the tags, measurements of someone to knit for or a good book to check out. A great way to organize your thoughts.

5. Teach someone else to knit. Young, old, boy or girl. I feel forever indebted to my teacher and they will feel the same about you. A close friend who I helped start knitting recently said to me "Thanks. I'm happier, nicer to my kids and husband and feel a sense of accomplishment." How terrific that something so simple can mean so much, huh?

Enjoy your knitting. It has kept many sane, happy, creative and sober. Amazing what a little wool and needles can do...

Yarn, Books, Swifts...oh my!

2007-11-21T05:29:00.000-06:00

All I Want For Christmas Is Wool

Join us this Saturday, November 24th, from 10 until 4 for wish list making!

The shop is decorated... There will be Christmas music and treats...

Make gift giving simple for those who will be filling your stocking!

We will have wishlists available for you to fill out and then we will keep them handy when your Santa comes!

Need Something to Do in December?

2007-11-11T10:45:00.000-06:00

The December classes are up. Pick one (or all) and join us!

Felted Clogs

Fair Isle Fever

Entrelac Scarf

Felted Granny Square Stocking

All of these are in the shop if you would like to stop in and take a closer look!

Need A Little Inspiration??

2007-11-07T12:39:00.000-06:00

A few things to share with you so I don't feel like a glutton and keep all these pictures to myself...
Lovely Lucy with her felted bag. It was a gift for a tiny flower girl. She wore it with pride!

Maxine with "Burma Rings" from the Best of Interweave Knits. I swear she cast on for this and was done a few hours later!

Booties created by Mary! She knit the sweater and then decided to whip up her own design of booties!

And...if you are looking for a little Elizabeth Zimmermann...how about the "February Sweater" from "Knitter's Almanac"?

It's Here!

2007-11-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Winter Issue of Interweave Knits is in the store!

What Are We Making?

2007-10-20T07:47:00.001-05:00

Just a few of the projects that we are cooking up at the shop in November. For the full class list check the shop website www.fiddleheadyarns.com

Cabled Crochet Hat

Mighty Mitts and Flap Caps

Yarn and Yoga...YEAH!!

2007-10-16T17:40:00.000-05:00

A while back the Lovely Lucy stopped in the shop and said to me "I think we should take a trip. We will meet somewhere, do some yoga, lots of knitting and have fun". I think the 2 footer was swinging from the light fixtures, there were 17 boxes of yarn to be unloaded and there wasn't a size 8 needle to be found in the shop. "Ummm, I'm up to my ears right now Lucy. I'll let you know." About 5 months later, this was the sight out the window of Lucy's car....

Through the changing leaves the retreat house can be seen...

10 ladies joined us in Sturgeon Bay Friday evening. The home was built in 1912, sat on 20 acres of gorgeous wooded land. Between knitting and relaxing yoga, some took trips to the local yarn shops, wineries and botiques. The schedule was loose, we did yoga when people were ready, we ate when people were hungry, we went to bed when we were tired (or for some, when the wine ran out)

and knit during the time in between!

We ate great food and enjoyed the company. (This table may have been worth the trip. The top of it was a lazy susan. That's right, take a spoonful and spin it around!)

It was a beautiful weekend to meet new people and practice yoga due to the stresses of knitting! Beautiful weather, great knitting and new friends that made wonderful company!

Yes, Lucy's squirrel is running on it's wheel in her head for the next trip.

She did call it the 1st annual afterall.

November Classes

2007-10-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

November Classes are up!
Check them out over at the shop's website: http://www.fiddleheadyarns.com/Classes/classes.htm

More From Knitting Camp

2007-09-27T08:51:00.000-05:00

While we were there, the "Armenian Knitting" cover had been sent back from the printer to be proofed. Here is Meg and Joyce Williams, co-authors, taking a peak for the first time.
We received just a taste of this technique. As Meg pointed out, those a little nervous about intarsia can fear no longer. This technique carries the CC along the back the entire garment.

The Elizabeth Room......
Crack open any of EZ or Meg's books and find a sweater pictured. That exact sweater, my friends, is here. *gasp* I know, I know. (...we even were encouraged to try them on...this may have been worth the price of admission alone)

A Joyce Williams creation. Yes, pictures of the KNIT stitch on the front, PURL on the back and a little GARTER stitch thrown under the arms for good measure.

The Aran Coat from Knitting Around

I know, I know. Imagine back to the moment when you realized that you could laugh in the face of a dropped stitch? No big deal, right? Steeking is almost the same thing once you have done it a few times. Now, I haven't used it in a real sweater yet, although there is one started now. A new sweater for the 2 footer will be the guinea pig. Knit a swatch and try it. No need to knit up a big sweater. Isn't is magical....

breakfast, knit, lunch, knit, dinner, knit, repeat from asteriks

2007-09-25T20:50:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity of a lifetime this weekend.

Back in the early part of this year, I began crossing off the days before sign ups for Elizabeth Zimmermann's (now her daughter, Meg's) Knitting Camp. The night before I set my alarm to wake up early enough to sign onto the computer, enter my and my sister's information and hit submit. Before heading to bed that evening, I checked the website only to find the top of the website to say "Now accepting applications". Without a blink, I began filling out the data fields for both of us and hit submit. I called my sister and let her know that we were all signed up.

Complete Lobotomy.

Registering too early immediately put one on the waiting list.

After no sleep all night, I called Schoolhouse Press, told them of my apparent neural surgical procedure and the other end kindly said "Don't worry about it".

Don't worry about it because you're in OR Don't worry about it because are already screwed????

I waited 2 long months to find out that we were the latter.

FWD a few more months and an announcement of a fall workshop. Those on the waiting list were invited.....

So....Thursday morning we packed up our car, left the shop in the able hands of Nan, Ellyn and Kim, gave the 2 footer and his dad a kiss and headed the 4 hours to Marshfield, Wisconsin.

What entailed cannot be detailed in words. Seriously, Meg Swansen is that person who you could listen to speak for hours. She enjoys the simplicity of life, finds comfort in her knitting and can identify the good in most. After showing an almost invisible decrease, she would look up and say "Isn't that magical?" An extremely intelligent woman, I found myself often writing down vocabulary she used to look up later.

We studied sweater construction using EPS along with tips, tricks and techniques that did seem like magic. We steeked, worked intricate color patterns and listened to wonderful stories where Alice Starmore and Kaffe Fassett's first names were tossed around as if we were all just good friends. We even took a trip to Schoolhouse Press and tried on sweaters from the "Elizabeth Room". The weekend ended with Meg reading from "The Opinionated Knitter", a journal entry written by her mother detailing how they obtained the schoolhouse that Meg lives in now. Not a dry eye....

Those that attended, 20 of us from all over the country and Canada, ranging in all ages, had amazing talents. They truly were inspiration! No competitive feelings, only those of encouragement and and kindness.

I have a new perspective on my knitting. A feeling as though I could truly get rid of of all my knitting books, only to keep EZ and Meg's. Millions of ideas racing through my head. A notebook is filled with new things to incorporate into my next project. There were too many times to count that I turned to my sister and said "OMG!! Are you kidding me?" I may never knit another sweater in pieces or BO for the neck and armholes. Do you realize the wonder of a few extra stitches, a crochet steek and a pair of sharp scissors?

My hope is to organize the many things that were discussed this weekend and to bring some of them to you in the form of new classes. I also hope to order directly from Schoolhouse Press in the future. Yes, this includes books, SpunOuts, WoolGatherings and other fun things.

If you see a book by EZ or Meg or Joyce Williams, pick it up. If you get the chance to go to a Knitting Camp or Workshop, don't think twice.

It may be the catalyst to get your knitting moving in the direction you've been hoping for!

More pictures to share soon!

October Classes Are Up!

2007-09-18T10:25:00.000-05:00

Check them out over at http://www.fiddleheadyarns.com/Classes/classes.htm

Sheep and Lots of Wool...

2007-09-13T12:46:00.000-05:00

We boarded the bus this weekend for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival....

...And came back with just the necessities!
The day found many shopping, meeting with friends from other parts, taking classes, knitting, learning that there are such things as Merino Sheep and eating.

The bus ride home provided time for relaxing, show and tell of purchases and more knitting.

Mark it on your calendar for next year. It was winner!

Happy 1st Anniversary!

2007-08-29T13:09:00.000-05:00

Stop in and say "Hi" next Wednesday!
We will be here from 10am to 10pm!

Wicked!

2007-08-25T15:09:00.000-05:00

Up until now I always felt bad that no one else ever gets to see how talented Fiddlehead Yarn Knitters are. They so proudly bring in their beautiful projects. I get to oooh and aaah and then they leave.

Allie came in this afternoon to show me her Wicked done in Louet Gems. I WOWed and I thought I would add it here so you can WOW!!

Fantastic Allie!

Tangled Yoke Cardigan

2007-08-20T18:17:00.000-05:00

I usually wait for errors to be posted before I leap into a newly published pattern...until I saw the Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang in the latest Interweave Knits.

I also think life it too short and there is too much great yarn to knit the same yarn twice...but sometimes it's best to not mess with perfection.

Without further I ado, I give you my humble version...

The sweater was actually pretty quick. Done in one piece up to the armpits, the sleeves were added to the body, the beautiful cable added and then decreasing. I love the simplicity, the cable which is started thanks to a 5st increase into 1 st across the yoke. The cable sits on top of the sweater without any purling to offset it. I did change the collar slightly. The pattern says to knit up 8 rows, pick up a line of sts from the inside where the collar meets the body and bind these sts off with the collar. Knitting up 8 rows didn't leave me much for a collar and getting a straight line wasn't working. Instead, I knit the 8 rows and on the next row I K2tog, YO across the row. I added another 1.5" in st st, turned it over and bound off with the body sts. The picot hem isn't too noticeable and it gave me a nice edge to make sure it turned out straight.

Lovely! Not difficult and so gorgeous!

September Classes

2007-08-19T08:40:00.001-05:00

The September class list is up! Check it out at the shop's website. If you did not receive email notification, and would like to, send an email to fiddleheadyarns@wi.rr.com

A cup of coffee and a box from Artyarns

2007-07-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

Early Monday mornings sometime find me in the shop with a cup of coffee. A couple of hours to straighten up before the 2 footer awakes. This morning I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. A big box filled with Artyarns arrived and here's what was inside...

From the top...

Handpainted Stripes... 100% Superwash Merino

A pair of socks or a hat and mittens!

Regal Silk... paired with

Beaded Silk will make a beautiful scarf!

Silk Rhapsody with or without GLITTER!

Stop in and see them in person!

How About a Little Charity?

2007-07-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

The following is a request from a friend of Fiddlehead Yarns and has a son-in-law serving in Iraq. Please consider helping!

Hats and Frisbees For The Children of Iraq

My son-in-law, SFC Donald Floro Jr is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. His twice weekly convoy drives about 35 miles across the desert. When he was hom on leave last month, he called and asked if my knitting friends could make warm winter hats for the children who run after convoy begging for treats from the American soldiers. He also requested toys.
Night time temperatures in the winter in Iraq are near the freezing point and frisbees are lightweight, so I can keep the postage costs to a minimum.

Kathy

The shop will gladly collect any hats and/or Frisbees you wish to donate. Dig into your stashes and whip one up if you can!

Start the Fall Planning...

2007-07-24T16:07:00.000-05:00

Mmmmmm...new books!

And for the icing on the cake...

Interweave Knits Fall Preview is up! http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2007_fall.asp

August Classes at Fiddlehead Yarns

2007-07-19T16:13:00.000-05:00

The August classes are up! Check them out over at the shop's website. A few short classes while you enjoy the last full month of the summer...

Interested in knitting with beads? Give this scarf a try in class!

All Aboard

2007-07-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

Fiddlehead Yarns is taking a bus to the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival!

No driving, arguing about directions or stopping to use the bathroom, just knitting...

We will be departing from the shop at 7am and returning at 5pm. Enough time to take a few classes, check out the barns and shows, eat some lamb and knit. No driving, just knitting...all for $35 (your ticket to the festival is included!). If you are interested, call the shop, stop in or send us an email. More information can be found on the shop website. Hope you can join us!