Show and Tell: Charlize Shawl

Lisa Schwarz (TripKnit on Ravelry) used 1 skein of Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock to make a Charlize Shawl.

She had this to say about it.

My favorite part of knitting Charlize was producing a finished object that is all at once light and lacy, geometric and curv. And I’m in love with the Three Irish Girls Roisin colorway -- Sharon is a color genius and this one never got old - wish I had more!

If you’re planning to knit this pattern, make a vow to “stay found.” If you lose your place in the deceptively simple lace pattern, you probably won’t know it until several hundred stitches later when you have the wrong number of stitches at the end of a row. The Ravelry notes from several knitters had very good tips for reading this particular lace pattern to avoid that problem. But check for the notes before you run into trouble -- ask me how I know. :)

Thanks, Lisa! If you want to read about her travels, check out her blog here.

The photo is from Lisa's Ravelry page, and is used with her permission.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

Happy New Year, everyone! What will 2013 bring to your knitting bag?

Show and Tell: Purl Ridge Scarf

Nicole (nicnicnab on Ravelry) used a skein of Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Silk to make a Purl Ridge Scarf cowl last summer.

She had this to say about it:

My favourite part of knitting the cowl was working with the yarn! It was so soft and the colours ended up pooling nicely. The pattern was really easy to follow - a quick mindless knit - great for a first time knitting in the round project.

Advice for a friend? I found the cowl a little snug when doubled over so next time I’d likely cast on a few more stitches or block it.

Thanks, Nicole! The ridges really show off the beautiful colors in this yarn.

The photo is from Nicole's Ravelry page, and is used with her permission.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

For Your Review: Malabrigo Rios

I can't show you the whole project, (you know, this time of year), but here's part of a fabulous design one of our customers is making out of Malabrigo Rios, a worsted-weight yarn.

It's squoooshy, it's cushy, and, of course, the colors are TO DIE FOR. There are 40 colorways for this yarn right now. This one is called "Piedras."

The stitch definition is lovely, too, don't you think? It's also machine-washable, so you can use it for projects like baby blankets that need frequent washing.

Come get your fingers into some today!

Show and Tell: Cinnamon Toast

Laura (LauraAylor on Ravelry) designed Cinnamon Toast, a large crescent-shaped shawl or shawlette/scarf worked from the top down with lots of texture, and knit it up in Madelinetosh Pashmina.

She wrote: "Pashmina is one of my favorites and I’ve knit with it many times. It’s a good weight for the climate where I live and of course, the tosh colors are to die for!"

Thanks, Laura! It looks really warm and cozy.

The photos are from Laura's Ravelry page, and are used with her permission.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

For Your Review: The Perfect Circular Needles?

Like a lot of knitters, I have a growing collection of needles. I store many of them in unglamorous (but convenient and cheap!) zip-top bags like this:

These are a few of my size 8 (5.0 mm) needles.

My collection is ever-growing for many reasons. Sometimes I have too many needles wrapped up in one project, but I want to start another. But, sometimes, I just don't  have the right tool for the job at hand, and it drives me nuts until I break down and buy more needles!

There are a lot of circular needles out there, and even Skacel (the company that makes Addi Turbo needles) makes a bunch of different kinds now, like bamboo and tips designed especially for lace knitting, but I'm going to argue that every knitter should at least try Addi Turbo needles once. Like me, you may have a hard time putting up with anything else after that. 

Addi Turbo tips are chrome-plated, so you can knit super-fast, which is great as long as the yarn you're using isn't really slippery (if it is, wood or bamboo is a better option for that project). 

The cord on Addi Turbos is really, really, flexible and joined on well to the tips. In all of my years of knitting, I've never heard of a cord breaking, which is pretty incredible, really. 

The newest version of Addi Turbos have a blue-colored cord, and the size and length of the needle are printed onto the cord. This is convenient for people like me who can never find one of the eight needle gauges I should have in my knitting bag. 

Once you've tried Turbos and love them, I'm going to try to convince you to buy the longest ones you can get your hands on. My new favorite is 40 inches long. 

That's all one needle, kids.

Super-long needles are great for people who use the magic-loop method (there's a video about it here), but I also like them for back-and-forth knitting (if your project is smaller than your needles, you can spread it out and really see what's happening!) and a method I first heard about from Cat Bordhi's book: Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. 

Basically, you use TWO circular needles, each one holds half of the stitches in your project, and it allows you to work a real variety of sizes of seamless tubes with just those two needles. 

Two needles, lined up to use for a small circumference.

I really, really love Addi Turbos for this method (the photo above is two sets of older Addi Turbo needles, you can tell because the connecting cord is gold instead of blue). I CAN use other needles for it, but the flexibility of the cord on Turbos helps keep the stitches at the joins from laddering AND don't stab you in the hand as you're coming up to/moving away from the join. Ask me how I know that stabbing can happen with stiff circular needles. 

As well as being great for small circumferences (even all of the way to the top of a hat or mitten), two circular needles is fabulous for LOOOONG projects like a baby blanket knit from the center out - or a Christmas tree skirt - or a shawl - or....

Well, you get the idea. 

Give these fabulous needles a try. You won't be disappointed. 

Show and Tell: Prismatic Scarf

Tammany (LadyBugMama on Ravelry) used 2 skeins of Three Irish Girls Wexford Merino Silk to make a beautiful Prismatic Scarf by Huan-Hua Chye.

She had this to say about it:
Besides the yarn, which was wonderful to work with, I think my favorite part of this project was learning to knitted on i-cord. It was easy to do and made a really nice finished edge to the piece.

Overall, this was a very simple knit. If I had to give advice though, I’d say to make sure one was able to concentrate. It’s very easy to put the knits and purls in the wrong places. I did have to rip back a couple of times because I was too busy talking and not paying close enough attention to the pattern.

On a different note, she also wrote: I don’t use my personal blog much, but I’d appreciate it if you would link to the Schuyler Blanket Project. It’s a project I helped to start in honor of my daughter, Schuyler, who passed away at birth. We make blankets for parents who have lost children. The blog is here and we have a group on Ravelry as well.

What a lovely project and memory, Tammany. Thanks for sharing.

The photos are from Tammany's Ravelry page, and are used with her permission.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

Show and Tell: Jenn Weidner’s Cowl

Jenn Weidner of J. Rae Fashion wrote to tell us that many of her friends LOVE the cowl she made with handspun yarn she bought from us at Vogue Knitting Chicago.

She agreed to let us share the photos with you and even provided the pattern she wrote for it!
--Jenn Weidner’s Cowl


Yarns:


2 skeins of Be Sweet Skinny Wool in coordinating colors. I used red (color A) and charcoal (color B).


1 skein of art yarn (I used a super bulky Steven Be Exclusive Handspun featuring cowhide crosses decorated in rhinestones. Yarn colors are red, teal, and cream)


Needles:


Size 13 (9 mm) circular needles.


Gauge:
Unimportant!


Notes:

The art yarn is a thick and thin texture and this change adds to the beauty and popcorn effect of the cowl. Do not fight the texture, but rather allow for twists, loops, and changes in the pattern. This provides stretch, and adds to the overall beauty of the cowl! I did, however, need to make sure all of the cowhide crosses were on the 'right side' of the cowl.


Knitting with two very different weights was extremely challenging. I knit on the larger needles to provide great stretch - a cowl hallmark in my opinion.


It can be wrapped up to 3 times around the wearer.


I have been a knitter for 10 years now. I love mixing unexpected textures! This was a fun splurge yarn. It knit quickly and was fun to watch the piece progress.


Using heavier weight yarn (art yarn) cast on 171 stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.


(This pattern is knit in the round using stranding when changing yarns is required - it is not necessary to cut the yarns at any time until the piece is completed)


Rows 1 and 2: Knit every stitch with skinny wool color A (this color shows more predominantly).

Rows 3 and 4: Knit every stitch with skinny wool color B (this color should be a coordinating or accent color for a bit of variety).

Row 5: Knit every stitch in art yarn.

Repeat rows 1 through 5 twelve times, ending with row 5.

Bind off extremely loosely for proper stretch. If you're not great at keeping your bind off loose, try using broomstick (size 35) needles for the bind off.
--
Thanks, Jenn! It’s awesome to see you have so much fun with our yarns!


Want to share your love story with something you have from us? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

For Your Review: The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns

Do you want to knit a sweater with some of our fabulous yarn, but just can't find the perfect pattern? It's Ann Budd to the rescue with this wonderful book.

Sizes range from a child's 26-inch chest to an adult 54-inch sweater, with 13 sizes in-between, so you're bound to find one that works for you (or your lucky sweater recipient.) Yarns range from chunky to fingering-weight, for every basic pattern, so you can use pretty much whatever you want!

Sweater styles would work for both men and women, and include drop-shoulder, modified drop-shoulder, set-in sleeve, saddle-shoulder, raglan and seamless yoke sweaters. For the knitter who wants a little more guidance, each style also has a few "copycat" patterns. For, say, a fabulous zip-front jacket.

You choose your yarn, needles, and gauge - Ann does all of the math for you!

Happy Knitting!

Show and Tell, Guinevere Socks

ladybugaloo on Ravelry knit a beautiful pair of Guinevere socks (from the Anastasia Socks pattern by MintyFresh) out of one skein of Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock.

Here’s what she had to say about them:

Favourite part : learning how to do toe-up socks, it was my first time and I really liked it.

Advice : I don’t think I really have any advice, it was a really straight forward pattern and the chart was easy to memorize. I’d say, make sure you read through the pattern first so you know how the chart works…once you hit the leg, you don’t need the entire chart.

Thanks, ladybugaloo! Your socks look so pretty and warm. The photo is used from her Ravelry page, with permission.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

WWSD...What Would Steven Do....

On Small Business Saturday?

He would start his day with a visit to May Day Cafe and get his morning coffee and a chocolate croissant. 

Or perhaps the GIGANTIC cinnamon roll. 

Then,  he would swing over to Opitz Outlet for a leisurely shopping experience. 

Who knows what designer deals he will discover!

After that, he would refuel at Urban Bean.  You know how Steven loves his coffee!!

Then, he would have his hair cut and colored at East 42nd St Salon.

I am sure he would need to eat at some point, so off to Wilde Roast Cafe!

He would have the Roxy with cheese and take some cake home for dessert!  YUM!!

Now, we ALL know he isn't ACTUALLY doing this today.  He is work at StevenBe to spread knitting cheer to all on this most important shopping day.  Whether you visit one of our stores or another small business, please think of all your favorite small businesses!  Without your support, we wouldn't be here!  

What will you be doing on Small Business Saturday? 

Best in the Twin Cities!

We were named THE BEST ARTS AND CRAFTS shop in Minneapolis/StPaulMagazine.com's Best of the Twin Cities edition!  Allison Kaplan named us one of the best of the best!!  Thank you to everyone who has made us the best!

This is how WE PONCHINI!!

Check out this AMAZING post about our Charity Hat Knitting day and Steven's beautiful ponchini!

Show and Tell, Trillian Shawl

ingabean on Ravelry made a fantastic Trillian Shawl using two skiens of Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock.

This is what she had to say about it:

I had two favorite parts about knitting this project. The first was watching the beautiful variegation playing out in the pattern. The second was how quickly the pattern seemed to go.

If a friend was thinking about knitting it too, I would say DO IT! The pattern is clear, easily memorizable, unique, and quick.

Lovely knitting, ingabean! Thanks for sharing. (The photo is from her Ravelry page, used with her permission.)

If you are on Ravelry, you can see more about ingabean here.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

CALLING ALL Fiberistas! - More November Classes at StevenBe

Designer Class w/ Steven!
Fiber Fusion Design
A Premier "After Work" Class
3 Session Class
Tuesdays, Nov. 27th, Dec. 4th, and 18th -
5:30 to 8:00PM
StevenBe in Minneapolis

This is a unique approach to original garment design. It is inspiration to knitters and crocheters with an artistic and a fashionista perspective. Students are encouraged to bring unusual and unique elements in addition to a selection of fibers. This fiber fusion approach uses paper pattern templates and freeform needlework with an array of fibers and textures. Trend and fashion research is encouraged prior to class as well as a personal consultation with StevenBe via phone or email.

SPACE IS LIMITED

Class Fee: $48

REGISTER NOW

Finish your Knits w/ Style!

Block, Seam, and Succeed Class
With Nancy Wynn
Wednesday, November 28th
4:00PM to 7:00PM
StevenBe in Minneapolis

Have a shawl that's supposed to a triangle and looks more like a curly Q?
Have a hat that was meant for an adult but looks more fit for a toddler?
Think that Kitchener sounds more like an appliance than a technique?  
This is the day for you! Nancy and Steven have put together a workshop to answer these questions, share the tips, and take you through the techniques to finish your hand knits with style.

Class Fee: $48

REGISTER NOW

 
Check it before you Wreck It!
Gauge Class w/ Nancy Wynn
Friday, November 30th
4:00 to 7:00PM
StevenBe in Minneapolis

Master the math of gauge and break free of the written pattern. When you understand gauge and how yarn works, you can knit your size, master your pattern and take control of your yarn destiny.
Nancy is your guide to this project changing workshop.

Bring your UFO's or New Projects to class to inspect and perfect how gauge works for you.

Learn how to check your gauge in multiple stitch patterns including ribbing and the basics.

Discover yarn requirements for the top knit projects and never have to ask "Is this enough to make a scarf?" again

Learn the difference between yarn weights so you can translate the yarn you want to the project you love.

Master the math of gauge with Nancy's Hottest tips and tricks.

Class Fee: $48

REGISTER NOW


Take a Sneak Peek into December by checking out our new classes. They are added weekly to our online calendar.

SHOP SMALL - SHOP LOCAL - SAVE BIG - WIN BIG

Save the Dates!

Friday, November 23rd - Saturday, November 24th - Sunday, November 25th

SHOP SMALL - SHOP LOCAL - SAVE BIG - WIN BIG

The Best Shopping of the Season is at StevenBe and the Yarn Garage next weekend. We have rolled out the red carpet and the BIG DEALS for this celebration of shopping small and supporting local!

MAKE YOUR WEEKEND MAGICAL:

1. Take 15% OFF any purchase of $50 or MORE!
2. Take an additional 5% OFF when you pay with CASH or CHECK and use your own shopping bag.
3. Receive a FREE GIFT with every qualifying purchase. (Cute and Collectable buttons)
4. Free Exclusive Pattern when you collect 3 FREE GIFTS!
5. Daily Door Prizes worth over $25

(Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Discount not available on Gift Certifcates, Signature Needles, Addi Needles, or Handmade products. Other exclusions may apply. No Special Orders. In-Stock Merchandise ONLY)

SHOP LOCAL BONUS!

Get 1 entry into our ULTIMATE GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY for every $40 you spend at another qualifying local business over the holiday weekend...
Show us your receipts from other local businesses and we will give you 1 entry for every $40 spent into our Grand Prize Giveaway that includes a full serivce fiber party at StevenBe or the Yarn Garage for you and up to 12 friends.
Details available in store. A qualifying local business is defined as owned and operated within a 30 mile radius, operating no more than 2 store fronts. Online retailers are not applicable.

CALLING ALL CHARITY KNITTERS

Help us make a difference in our community this Holiday Season!

Charity Knitting Day and Collection Drive at StevenBe in Minneapolis.

Saturday, November 17th - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We're just like you. We're teachers, business executives, parents, retirees, students...you name it. But the one thing we all have in common is our dedication to those in need. Join us at StevenBe for this day where we combine our Passion, our Neighbors, and our Community in the ultimate acts of charity. Barb Melom and Joan Gilbertson head up this charity knitting day bringing groups and individuals from all over the city to support Hats for the Homeless and the StevenBe Creative Community Foundation.

Let us know you are attending. 


Your Passion
Knitting for charity allows you to follow your fiber passion while contributing to a cause that's important to all of us.

Your Neighbors
We're all in this together. And volunteering is a great way to meet and get to know others in your fiber community and beyond.

Your Community
Your contributions will be distributed to local organizations recognized by hats for the homeless.

Show and Tell: Vintage Capelet

BrattyDuke on Ravelry (she prefers to keep her “real” name private) knit the Vintage Capelet by StevenBe in 2011.

Here’s what she had to say about it:

Best part of knitting this project: this capelet was a wedding present for my best friend's now wife. It was the first time I did a bespoke item for a bride and it was really fun working with her to pick a pattern and yarn that would fit her aesthetic. She's also a knitter, which added another level of bonding and excitement to the experience.

Advice: do NOT skip the ribbon finish around the top! I'm a notorious last-minute knitter and didn't finish until the night before the wedding, so there was no time to sew in the ribbon I'd forgotten to bring anyway. As the day wore on, the capelet got looser and looser until it was almost impossible to keep on.

Thanks for the tip, BrattyDuke! It’s a lovely capelet. (The photo is from her Ravelry page, used with her permission.)

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

Show and Tell, Marin Shawl

Monica Polomsky, known as Monikita on Ravelry, made a gorgeous Marin shawl from one skein of Three Irish Girls Glenhaven Cashmerino Sock.

Here’s what she had to say about it:

My favorite part of knitting this project was the garter stitch as it made for perfect TV knitting. I also loved knitting with this yarn because it is so soft and squishy.

Advice for this pattern: Trust the pattern and follow the instructions line-by-line! Post-it notes really help in keeping track of where you are at in the beginning.

You can read more about Monica on her blog, monikita.livejournal.com.

Thanks for sharing, Monica! It’s a lovely shawl. (The photos are from her Ravelry page, used with her permission.)

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

Minnesota Mittens - Thrummed Mitten Class w/ Nancy Wynn Starting This Friday!

When
3 class meetings:
Friday November 9, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST
Friday November 16, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST

Where
StevenBe
3448 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55407

The temperature is dropping but here at StevenBe we have the perfect class to warm up your chilly fingers--thrummed Minnesota Mittens! Lined with fluffy strips of roving, these mittens are warm, puffy and fun to knit!

Thrumming is all the rage--recently featured in Knitting Daily, editor Kathleen Cubley raved about the effect:

"On a recent outing to my local yarn shop, I tried on a lovely pair of mittens. They were so cute, knitted in stranded colorwork (I thought) with little white stitches dotting the dark blue background. Very simple. Then I put my hand in one of the mittens, looked up, and said 'What the . . .?' It felt like I had put my hand into a cloud!"

With an all-new spread of kits in glorious colors and a highly skilled teacher like Nancy Wynn, you can have the warmest and most stylish hands on the block!

More Information
Register Now!

One Night Only: Tunisian Crochet Cowl with Carol

Contact
Steven Berg
Yarn Garage
651-423-2590

When
Wednesday November 7, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST

Where
Yarn Garage
2980 145th St W
Rosemount, MN 55068

Only $18 for this single-session class.

Wednesday, November 7th at Yarn Garage from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

An ancient technique resembling woven fabric, you will use a large hook with a cable extension to create this amazing cowl!

Supplies:

- Size P, Q, R, S, T, U, or Z Tunisian hook (depending on your yarn choice)

- 100 yards of solid colored yarn (suggested SMC Highland Alpaca)

- 100 yards of variegated or striping yarn (suggested Misti Alpaca Handdyed)

SUPPLIES MUST BE PURCHASED AT YARN GARAGE OR STEVENBE.

CLASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE. IF YOU CHOOSE THE PAY BY CHECK OPTION, YOU MUST PAY IN STORE WITHIN 3 DAYS TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT IN CLASS.

Register Now! 

Show and Tell: PB&J Cowl

Today, our show-and-tell chat is with Lara Neel, who stopped by to see us in June!

Jessie: What inspired you to tackle this project?

Lara: When I saw the Hello Purl batts lined up in a neat little cubby at StevenBe, I thought of my mother immediately. Like my mom, these batts had a lot of interesting elements and a little sparkle, too. So, even though I was just a beginning spinner, I took a chance and brought one home. My mom’s favorite color is purple, so I chose the PB&J batt.

The batt, split up and ready to spin.

Jessie: How long had you been spinning at that time?

Lara: About 3 months! I should have been nervous, I guess, but the batt was made so beautifully, I had no trouble at all. It spun up really easily. I just tore off strips from the batt, predrafted them a little, and spun them. I designed the cowl to knit out of it because I wanted to really show off the yarn, but also make something that wasn’t too boring. I made a cowl and called it the PB&J cowl, after the batt.

Singles.

Jessie: How did you end up with your design in the Ennea Collective?

Lara: I had been reading The Ennea Collective blog for a little while, and I had emailed them about design submissions. They answered that they liked distributing knitting designs, but they LOVED them if they also included handspun yarn. I had already knit up the cowl, and had written a pattern, so I photographed it and sent them a submission.

I was so excited when they said they wanted to publish the pattern! I think it’s a really fun one that could work in a lot of different yarns, and is easy (but doesn’t look TOO easy).

Jessie:
Well, I think it’s really cute! Can people still buy the pattern?

Lara: Yes. You can buy it from the Ennea Collective or on Ravelry.

Thanks for that, Lara! It’s really lovely work.

We still have a few batts, but, if you don’t have the time or patience to spin, any yarn that knits up at 4 stitches per inch on #10 needles will work for the cowl. You only need about 141 yards (128 meters) of worsted or heavy worsted weight yarn.

Cascade 128 Superwash would work well. It comes in tons of colors, too. Plus, it's machine-washable! You might be able to squeeze a cowl out of just one skein, but it would be safer if you had two skeins.

Malabrigo Rios could work, although your cowl would probably end up being slightly more narrow, because the gauge on it is closer to 4.5 stitches per inch.

Or, you could use three skeins of Freia Ombré Sport, held three strands together. Freia Flux Sport is a multicolored, handpainted, striping yarn of 100% wool. Each ball starts and ends with the same color. The long color changes would probably produce some really fun shifts as you knit the cowl.

For a slightly larger version, you could use Misti Alpaca Chunky or Hand Paint Chunky. You might need two skeins to get a good-sized cowl, but the baby alpaca would be so cushy!

Lara produces a blog and podcast at journalgazette.net/craftyliving and you can find her on Ravelry as math4knitters. Her podcast is called Math4Knitters, Crafty Living, and you can get it, for free, on iTunes. All photos in this post are hers.

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

Last Chance: Cowboy Cowl Class

Two spots have opened up for the Cowboy Cowl class at StevenBe, which starts tomorrow! Sign up now to lasso some new skills with cowgirl knitters extraordinaire, Nancy Wynn!

More Information

Register Now!

FALL FASHION ALERT! - New Classes and a Special Trunk Show Weekend Await

Handspun fashion invades StevenBe in Minneapolis
Ozark Fall Trunk Show
Friday, November 2nd - 4:00 to 7:00PM

Be the first to touch, feel, see, and experience the Fall lineup from Ozark Handspun. These yarns are each their own masterpiece just begging to be knit into the artwear piece of your dreams. Dave is brining out the best for the divas at StevenBe. Join us for this festive event that includes demos, treats, and of course the fabulous fibers only Ozark can deliver!

Free Event. Registration Required.
Full Schedule on Registration Page

REGISTER NOW


StevenBe Creative Class!

Creative Masterclass w/ Dave & Steven
Ozark Nuno Felting Exploration
Saturday, November 3rd - 10:30AM to 3:30PM

This is not your usual nuno felting class...
Master Artisan, Dave Gentzch, along with your own Fiber Fusion Favorite, StevenBe are your guides to this creative exploration of nuno felting. Sassy silk and glorious handspun yarns are your raw materials, the rest is up to you! Create wearable art or something for your home in this exclusive mash-up while learning the techniques and tricks to contunue creating nuno felting projects on your own!
This will be a day to remember! Be sure to pre-shop and get a preview with the Friday Trunk Show form Ozark at StevenBe.

Class Fee: $48
Materials cost is separate and based on consultation.

REGISTER NOW



GiddyUP!
Cowboy Cowl Class -
A Beyond the Basics Class at StevenBe in Minneapolis
3 Session Class
Saturdays, Nov. 3rd, 10th, and 17th -
12:00 to 2:00PM

Join celebrated instructor Nancy Wynn for this Beyond the Basics experience. If you have ever looked at pattern you are dying to make and put it down because you didn't know the cast on, how to do a M1R, or were puzzled by yarnovers then here is your chance to learn and master all of the techniques and tricks every knitter must know.
A stylish combination of a cowl combined with a kerchief in a textured stitch pattern that looks much more complex than it really is. This scarf is knitted flat from the top down and fastens in the back with buttons and crocheted button loops. The top edge is self-faced for extra body, and the edges have a slip-stitch garter selvedge so the kerchief will lie nice and flat.

Class Fee: $68

REGISTER NOW



Be Glamorous!
Beaded Scarf Class -
A Premier "After Work" Class at StevenBe in Minneapolis
3 Session Class
Mondays, Nov. 5th, 12th, and 19th -
5:00 to 7:00PM

Add sparkle to any occasion with this classic beaded accessory.  The scarf is knit with beads placed in a graduated fashion at both ends. It is reversible, displaying a different look on each side.
The yarn used in this image is Be Sweet Bamboo, which has a soft sheen and drapes wonderfully.

Techniques learned:
We will discuss bead sizes, stringing and bead knitting techniques and pre-string 6/0 TOHO seed beads before knitting the project. You will learn to knit them into position.
Students will learn the backwards loop cast on. Selvage edge stitches at the beginning and end of each row will also be used in this project.
Wet blocking will be demonstrated at the last class.

 Class Fee: $68

REGISTER NOW

Show and Tell: Yarden

Nancy Whitman (whitknitsdotcom on Ravelry) of Whitknits.com made her own pattern that uses 2 contrasting skeins of Madelinetosh Pashmina, Yarden.

This is what she had to say about it.

What I liked most about the project was that it’s a fairly simple design and yet the result looks more interesting than the effort required. Yarn, pattern, color choices and everything came together on the first try. A big plus for a designer.

Why I liked the yarn:

This was my first time working with Pashmina and it was love at first touch. Pashmina was very an easy yarn to knit, gentle on my hands and gave quick results making the project fun and rewarding. Also, the way Pashmina takes dye is just lovely.

I would encourage my friends to knit Yarden in Pashmina for many of the reasons I already said. It’s a great choice for a fast project and the yarn is a treat to use. We should treat ourselves to working with such a luxurious yarn from time to time. By playing with different colors of Pashmina, and there are plenty to chose from, you can end up with a subtle, sophisticated and feminine shawl or an eye popping colorful one.

It's lovely, Nancy!

(The photo is from Nancy's Ravelry site, with her permission.)

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy a yarn you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

Mosco Jacket Class Starts Next Week!

When
Monday October 29, 2012 at 10:30 AM
-to-
Monday December 17, 2012 at 12:30 PM

Where
Yarn Garage
2980 145th St W
Rosemount, MN 55068

Cost
$48 four session class

Steven's favorite jacket for Fall is being taught at Yarn Garage! Lori will guide you through reading European patterns and chart reading. You will also learn to make two fronts at a time and two sleeves at a time. The combination of Mosco and Kid-Seta yarn make this jacket swingy and cozy. It is light as a feather due to the construction of the Mosco yarn. It is a corded yarn shot through with the softest mohair.

Prerequisite: Knitters must be PROFICIENT in knitting and purling, increasing and decreasing. Prior sweater-making experience necessary. Be prepared for lots of knitting homework between classes. This is an advanced intermediate class.

Supply List:

Schulana Book #26

Enough yarn for your size:
S/M - 8 skeins Mosco, 5 skeins Kid-Seta
L - 9 skeins Mosco, 6 skeins Kid-Seta

Size 9 - 40" circular needle or size to achieve gauge

Highlighter Tape

SUPPLIES MUST BE PURCHASED AT YARN GARAGE OR STEVENBE.

CLASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.  IF YOU CHOOSE THE PAY BY CHECK OPTION, YOU MUST PAY IN STORE WITHIN 3 DAYS TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT IN CLASS.

Register Now!

Show and Tell: Zuzu Has A Hat

Ina (Hyina on Rav) made this Zuzu Has a Hat - Test Knit out of 1 skein of madelinetosh pashmina. (In fact, she had plenty leftover!)

Ina said,

“As for the yarn…divine. It is absolutely wonderful to knit, as wonderful to wear and the colour options are incredible. I have quite a bit of it in my stash just waiting to be knit into sweaters and shawls.

This project is a hat designed by Carina Spencer called Second Chance. It is designed to match last year’s success, Zuzu’s Petals (a cowl). I knit Zuzu’s Petals using the Pashmina. In fact, 1 skein of Pashmina is sufficient for the hat and cowl.

My favourite part of knitting this project was the yarn. It is so soft it feels like a hot knife in butter. To squish the skein is one thing, but to knit with it is a whole new experience. I could have finished this hat a lot quicker if I hadn’t stopped to admire and pet my project so often.

The pattern is fairly simple but stitch markers are your friend. Also, I recommend the cowl pattern to use up the whole skein. They hat and cowl make great Christmas gifts!”

Thanks, Ina! Lovely knitting.

(The photo is from Ina's Ravelry site, with her permission.)

Want to share your story? Email me at jessie at stevenbe dot com.

Want to buy something you read about here? Call us! 612-259-7525.

The Cure for Single Sock Syndrome: Two-at-a-Time Toe-Up Socks Class

When: Monday, October 22, November 5th, 12th, & 26th 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Where: Yarn Garage in Rosemount

If you have been magic looping for awhile and want to try something new, why not try two socks at a time? This is THE class for making socks! Lori will teach you to make two socks at a time on one long circular needle. Steven says this is THE MAGICAL way to knit socks. You must already know the Magic Loop method. You will be amazed and impressed with this project.

If you have ever made socks the standard way - one at a time, and then never finished the other sock.....this is the class you MUST try.

No more single sock syndrome!

Supplies:

Lori's Two-at-a-time Toe-Up Socks pattern (available at Yarn Garage & StevenBe)

360-390 yards of sock/fingering weight yarn.  We recommend Dream in Color Smooshy, Frog Tree Pediboo, or OnLine Supersocke 100.

Addi Turbo US 1 40" or 47" circular needle to obtain 8 sts/inch or US 2 40 or 47" circular needle to obtain 7 sts/inch (you must come to Yarn Garage prior to the day of class to have your gauge checked)

Stitch markers

Tapestry needle

Reinforcement thread

Optional: Yarn Buddy

***You MUST come to class with your sock yarn wound into two skeins and ready to cast on***

PREREQUISITES:  MUST already know Magic Loop Technique. Ask about our Magic Mitten class to learn this technique.  Prior knowledge of sock contructions a plus! Ability to knit, purl, increase, decrease needed.

SUPPLIES MUST BE PURCHASED AT YARN GARAGE OR STEVENBE.

CLASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.

$48 for the class.

Register Now!

Steven & Stephen: AN EXCLUSIVE DAY - Three Events

An exclusive day of workshops and new samples awaits. Stephen West is making a special trip to StevenBe to launch WestKnits - Book 4 - Made for Movement.

Be the first see all of the new pieces along with some old favorites. Join one of the convenient workshops to tap into the inspiration of this young and inspirational designer. StevenBe is stocked with all of Stephen's favorite yarns to have you knitting these new gems in no time.

Seriously, we love you all so much that we snagged Stephen West for a single day next week! He loves StevenBe so much he emailed that he would be available and, well, we just can't deprive our knitters of the fabulous Stephen West! Book Four will be available! 

Let me repeat that. 

WestKnits Book Four is AVAILABLE! It will be here only because Stephen is bringing it! This is an opportunity NOT to be missed! Turn in those vacation days, call in sick, get a doctor's note....do WHATEVER it takes to get here to see Stephen West and his new knits!  

Use the links below to get more information and register while you still can!

Tuesday, October 23rd

StevenBe
Minneapolis, MN

10:30am - 1:30pm
Top Down Shawl Workshop

2:00pm - 5:00pm
Booksigning & Trunkshow Lounge 

5:00pm - 7:00pm
Top Down Shawl Beginner Tricks

Stephen West Will Be In The House!

When
Tuesday October 23, 2012 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM CDT

Where
StevenBe 
3448 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55407 

Stephen West - Top Down Shawl Workshop - Tips and Tricks 

In this workshop Stephen West uses his popular shawl designs to talk about shape, construction, and drape. Students will knit a small triangular swatch while topics such as cast ons, increases, bind offs, and blocking are discussed. Special emphasis will be focused on different shaping techniques. You will also learn some of Stephen’s favorite tips and tricks!

Materials: scrap yarn and needles of choice for a swatch (worsted weight recommended)

Homework: Familiarize yourself with Make One Left and Make One Right increases if you have never encountered them before.

Class Fee: $78

Stephen West is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. After moving to the Chicago area, he caught the knitting bug and started designing patterns while epic amounts of wool infiltrated into his life. There was no looking back. He now lives in Amsterdam where he studies Choreography at the School for New Dance Development and travels frequently teaching knitting workshops throughout the United States and Europe. He creates his own series of popular self-published pattern collections and also designs for Malabrigo Yarns and knitty.com. 

Register Now! 

Need more info? 
Contact
Jeremy Smith 
StevenBe 
jeremy at stevenbe dot com 
612-259-7525