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 

Mary Ann's Traditional Sock Clinic

There are still spots available for this class at the Yarn Garage in Rosemount, but sign up soon!

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Have you always wanted to try knitting socks? Do you want to try using double pointed needles? This is a customized class where YOU can schedule sessions when YOU are available. Take as many or as few sessions as you need to complete your sock. For most, it will likely take three sessions to touch on all the techniques. Join Mary Ann for her Saturday Sock Clinic!

Skills taught in this class: Working on double pointed needles, a stretchy cast on, heel turns, gussets, toe shaping and grafting.

Prerequisites: Ability to knit and purl with confidence. Ability to work in the round a plus!

Supplies:

430 yards of sock weight yarn

Size 1 or 2 double pointed needles

Nancy Lindberg's Knit to Fit Sock pattern

**This is a class where you can pick and choose the dates that work for you. Take as many or as few classes as you need to complete your sock. It will most likely take three sessions to touch on all the techiques.**

Supplies must be purchased at StevenBe or Yarn Garage.

Register Now!

Three Irish Girls!

We have put out the brand new Three Irish Girls! Stop by either shop to see the new colors and fibers! Glenhaven Cashmerino Fingering, Adorn Sock, and Wexford Merino Silk are a few of the fibers we received.

Learn from the Master...and Other Fall Classes

This Thursday at StevenBe!

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THIS EXCLUSIVE CLASS EVENT!
Get a sneak peek into the world of Lucy Neatby. This world renowned instructor takes you behind the scenes with all of her tips, tricks, and secrets. Only a few seats left.

Register Now

TECHNIQUE MASTERCLASS!
Starting on Wednesday...
Landscape Shawl Class
3 Session Class - Wednesdays, October 17th, 24th, and 31st
5:00 to 7:00 PM
StevenBe

Rows of eyelet separate chevrons of garter, seed, stockinette, moss, and reverse stockinette stitches, creating a landscape of patterns on this shawl and scarf. These reversible designs show off the beauty of handpainted yarns and also make a wonderful casual shawl in solids, tweeds, or heathers. Nancy Wynn is your guide and gives you the tips and tricks to knit like a pro!

Class Fee: $68
Register Now

NEW DAY AVAILABLE!
Break Free for Fall!
Beyond the Basics Comes to Wednesdays at a Special Time
3 Session Class - Wednesdays, October 24th, 31st, and Nov. 7th
2:00 to 4:00 PM
StevenBe

Are you ready to take your knitting to the next level and beyond?
This is the class series for you!
Join celebrated instructor Nancy Wynn for Beyond the Basics, an exclusive class series at StevenBe. 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.  
Your exploration and instruction will have you creating a shawlette you can be proud of, full of techniques to move your knitting beyond the basics.

Class Fee: $68
Register Now

You can also learn to knit at StevenBe. Check out our calendar for convenient Saturday beginner classes. Enlist your friends to join in!

Show and Tell: Shades of Happy

Diana, (dianalynn on Ravelry) made a wonderful Baktus Scarf for herself with 3 skeins of Freia Flux Sport for a project she called Shades of Happy.

She had this to say about it:

“This was the first time I used Freia Flux Sport. I particularly like the color I chose and the way the yarn is wound in a ball. Unlike Noro, all colors are visible in the ball. The yarn is on the rough side; but after a good soak, it softens and makes a comfortable scarf.”

Thanks, Diana! We love what you knit!

(Photos are used from Diana's Ravelry site, with her permission.)

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

Do you want to try out Freia Flux Sport? Call us up! 612-259-7525.

From Our Fabulous Fashion Show

Thank you to everyone that helped create a magical evening of fashion, knits, and giving on Saturday night!  It was our first fashion show at the Pillsbury House and it was AMAZING! Our models were gorgeous and Steven was hilarious as always. Oh, and don't forget the knits! They were HOT, HOT, HOT! Second Debut and Motto provided the garments worn under the knits and they were fantastic as well! There were more than a few pieces I wanted for myself! Ooo, la, la! I hope you all enjoyed Steven's myriad of feather boas!

We all worked for a week putting it all together. Of course, a bit of it is just a hope and a prayer that it all comes together, like when I had FINALLY corralled the models and Richard Moody and stylists over to the Pillsbury House to start the show and then Steven was nowhere to be found! I ran out of the stage entrance (in my 4-inch platform stilettos) to find Steven CALMLY walking down the sidewalk with a HUGE feather boa around his neck, GIGANTIC designer sunglasses on his face, and IMPOSSIBLY pointy boots on his feet. He was carrying an Ikea bag full of more feather boas for his "outfit changes." I screeched at him and he said, "What? I'm coming. Don't get so worked up; the show can't start without me!" Well, yeah, that was exactly why I was screeching!  The poor models were sweltering in their nordic sweaters waiting backstage! The show went smoothly except for when I inadvertently held up the hip hop dancer because I was demanding him to take a picture in the dressing room. I didn't REALIZE he was the hip hop dancer, ok! Then, there was the model that fell off her platform heels while wearing the extraordinary floor length Great Adirondack coat. Whoops! Thank you to everyone that attended and donated money! The StevenBe Creative Community Foundation now has funds to help those in need. Two things we are working on are a youth knitting program and hats for the homeless.

We had too many fantastic photos get them all into a blog post, so we made a slideshow! (This is HOT STUFF, guys!)

LAST CHANCE!

We have had madness at the shops these past few days. We love it, though! 

Just a note that there are still a few more spots open for fall classes at StevenBe in Minneapolis, but time is short, so sign up today!

Shrug it off!
ElleMyra Shrug Class
4 Session Class - Fridays, October 12th, 19th, 26th, and November 2nd!
5:00 to 7:00 PM

This feminine and flirty pattern was created by the design team of Ellene Warren and Myra Wood. ElleMyra is a little lace shrug that is a fast knit with chunky yarn and big needles. Wear it over a tank or camisole for a little extra fashion statement on warm days or over a long sleeve T as a winter vest. Close it with a fabulous shawl pin or let your ruffles fall open in a fluttery cascade!
Join our resident Rockstar Instructor, Nancy Wynn, for this class that will take you into your first garment or refresh your techniques in a chunky lace pattern.

Class Fee: $78  - Sign up now!

TECHNIQUE MASTERCLASS!
Enjoy the View!
Landscape Shawl Class
3 Session Class - Wednesdays, October 17th, 24th, and 31st
5:00 to 7:00 PM

Rows of eyelet separate chevrons of garter, seed, stockinette, moss, and reverse stockinette stitches, creating a landscape of patterns on this shawl and scarf. These reversible designs show off the beauty of handpainted yarns and also make a wonderful casual shawl in solids, tweeds, or heathers. Nancy Wynn is your guide and gives you the tips and tricks to knit like a pro!

Class Fee: $68  - Sign up now!

NEW DAY AVAILABLE!
Break Free for Fall!
Beyond the Basics Comes to Wednesdays at a Special Time
3 Session Class - Wednesdays, October 24th, 31st, and Nov. 7th
2:00 to 4:00 PM

Are you ready to take your knitting to the next level and beyond?  
This is the class series for you!
Join celebrated instructor Nancy Wynn for Beyond the Basics, an exclusive class series at StevenBe. 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.   
Your exploration and instruction will have you creating a shawlette you can be proud of, full of techniques to move your knitting beyond the basics.

Class Fee: $68     - Sign up now!

Coming Up (or, actually, Down) - Lucy Neatby!

Lucy Neatby, the knitter/designer/fiberholic/teacher with the striking pink hair, is coming to visit!

Thursday, 10/18
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
StevenBe
Every Knitter Should Know...
Join Lucy to discover some of her favorite and most dependable knitting techniques. These are the skills that underlay even the most exotic knitting; every knitter should know them before leaving home! With these techniques in hand, you will become a braver and more confident knitter, able to tackle the wild seas of your imagination.

Save your place by registering right now.

AND, later that day...
2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
StevenBe
The Secret World of Stitches 
A rather wonderful sneak peek into the way Lucy sees her stitches. You will learn how her approach to knitting, teaching, yarns and colour has developed over the years. We’ll take a look at how designs evolve and the challenges of filming, writing, teaching and traveling in the knitting world.

You can register for that class here.

In her own words:
“I’ve been knitting of my own volition since I was 17. I’m a technical knitter, I love to find out why things work. My approach to design is heavily influenced by whatever technique is currently absorbing me. My designs and patterns are almost technique samplers aimed at introducing a variety of skills within a project. I love to teach knitting skills and to enhance knitters’ understanding of yarn and stitch structure.

Making your stitches smile is all important to me!”
- Lucy

Show and Tell: Amarillo Shawl

Julie Bierlein (juliebie on Ravelry) made a gorgeous Amarillo Shawl out of 1 skein of madelinetosh pashmina. You can see a bunch more of her projects here.

Here’s what she had to say.

Q. What was your favorite part of knitting this project?

A. My favorite parts of knitting this project were the yarn and the garter stitch edging. The yarn was fantastically smooth and soft and the combination of the yarn and garter stitch turned out super squishy and touchable. It was also a very fast project, and the rhythm of lace sections to stockinette sections provided a nice way to easily track my progress. I have knit with other merino/cashmere blend yarns and there was something so different about Pashmina that I really liked. I think it’s the silk content that sets it apart for me. It adds some strength to the cashmere and complements the softness of both other fibers.

Q. What advice would you offer a friend who was thinking of knitting it, too?

A. Pick a yarn that you love. Something you can’t stop touching or squeezing in the skein. I like to wear my shawls wrapped around my neck more like scarves so for me it was important to have a yarn that was next-to-the-skin soft. Also, try knitting one section per sitting – a lace section one night, a stockinette section the next, etc. It’s a very simple lace pattern good for beginner lace knitters so it’s nice to break it up in chunks in my opinion.

Thanks, Julie! Gorgeous knitting.

(Photos are used from Julie'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.

Closed: Fashion Hangover

We hope you enjoyed our Charity Fashion Show on Saturday Night!

StevenBe will be CLOSED TODAY to observe a "Fashion hangover" Day of rest! Thank you for all of your continued support. We will reopen for regular hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on Monday, October 8th. Come by and get a hair of the dog that bit ya'!

Last Chance for Tickets!

Fashionistas, Fiber Artists, Design Gurus, and Party People unite for a Cause!

We hope you can join us for this high fashion evening filled with the best in knitwear and handcrafted accessories from designers and divas from the Twin Cities and beyond!

StevenBe presents this electric evening in support of the StevenBe Creative Community Foundation. Mix and mingle with a pre-show reception that includes live models, gourmet snacks, and a "zebra carpet" photo op in your favorite knits!

Our show at the Pillsbury House Theatre will have you on the edge of your seat as professional models work the stage in handmade creations from around the corner and around the world. Be inspired as you are surrounded by wearable art, music, and the commentary of StevenBe himself.

Your minimum $28 donation for the evening, supports our new foundation and its mission of engaging the community with fiber arts to Enliven, Inspire, and Uplift! Seats for this magical evening fundraiser are limited. We are offering a limited number of VIP packages as well:

General Admission: $28 donation **Limited seating in remaining sections**
- Includes pre-show lobby reception and theater seating.

Buy Tickets Here

Fall Into Fabulous Fall Classes!

Register today for our Fantastic Fall Line-Up.
Visit our calendar for events added weekly including a Special  Guest on October 18th (hint hint)...

Enjoy the View!
Landscape Shawl Class
3 Session Class - Wednesdays, October 10th, 17th, and 24th
5:00 to 7:00 PM

Rows of eyelet separate chevrons of garter, seed, stockinette, moss, and reverse stockinette stitches, creating a landscape of patterns on this shawl and scarf. These reversible designs show off the beauty of handpainted yarns and also make a wonderful casual shawl in solids, tweeds, or heathers. Nancy Wynn is your guide and gives you the tips and tricks to knit like a pro!

Class Fee: $68
Learn More and Register...


Shrug it off!
ElleMyra Shrug Class
4 Session Class - Fridays, October 12th, 19th, 26th, and November 2nd!
5:00 to 7:00 PM

This feminine and flirty pattern was created by the design team of Ellene Warren and Myra Wood. ElleMyra is a little lace shrug that is a fast knit with chunky yarn and big needles. Wear it over a tank or camisole for a little extra fashion statement on warm days or over a long sleeve T as a winter vest. Close it with a fabulous shawl pin or let your ruffles fall open in a fluttery cascade!

Join our resident Rockstar Instructor, Nancy Wynn, for this class that will take you into your first garment or refresh your techniques in a chunky lace pattern.

Class Fee: $78
Learn More and Register...


Break Free for Fall!
Beyond the Basics Class
3 Session Class - Saturdays, October 13th, 20th, and 27th
12:00 to 2:00 PM

Are you ready to take your knitting to the next level and beyond?

This is the class series for you!

Join celebrated instructor Nancy Wynn for Beyond the Basics, an exclusive class series at StevenBe. 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.

Your exploration and instruction will have you creating a shawlette you can be proud of, full of techniques to move your knitting beyond the basics.

Class Fee: $68
Learn More and Register...

Luncheon Fiber Lounge

It's Thursday, so it must be time for the Luncheon Fiber Lounge at StevenBe!

If you've never been, come by from 12:30 to 3 p.m. to knit, relax and take a look around. 

Our weekly meet-up luncheon is designed for you to experience all things new at StevenBe.

Expect trunk shows, special guests, and the occasional musical surprise. 

Day passes are available to join us for treats and a light lunch. Discounts may apply to groups who book in advance.

As always, luxurious shopping is open to all for the day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.


Members: $10.00

Non-Member Day Pass: $19.00

You can register here.

"Totally Over the Top"

It's official! The Yarn Harlot said it! We love being over the top. Come by and check out the view for yourself.

The Harlot in the Cities

Last Thursday, we had a lovely sock class at StevenBe with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (otherwise known as the Yarn Harlot), then, we partnered with our friends at the City of Lakes Waldorf School in South Minneapolis to bring you even more Harlot goodness.

She gave her fantastic "This is Your Brain on Knitting" lecture.

Proceeds went to support the StevenBe Creative Community Foundation and creative fiber arts programs at the school.

"This is Your Brain on knitting" is a hilarious talk about what's happening in your brain while you knit. Using research and years of experience with knitters, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee talked about why you knit, why you can't stop if you do, and why you should start if you don't.

She’s the funniest, most kind, positive person, and a great speaker!

Jeremy setting up our information table at the Waldorf School.

On Friday, we had two more Yarn Harlot classes: Knitting for Speed and Efficiency and Knitting with Mawata.

Knitting for Speed and Efficiency starts with a short history of knitting, a look at knitting styles from around the world, then moves on to what Stephanie calls "lever knitting." Some people call it Irish Cottage Knitting. It is fast, efficient, and doesn't wear on your hands in the same way as other kinds of knitting.

Be careful on YouTube, though. Some people have posted videos that they label as lever knitting, but they're actually not doing it, well, correctly! Here is the real McCoy. And, just for fun, here's a video from the final heat of the Speed Knitting Competition at the Knit Out in Minneapolis from 2008. More than one method is used here, but if you look closely, you'll see that at least one of these knitters is using the lever knitting method.

We don't have any photos from Friday, because we were all too caught up, but, fortunately, Stephanie has awesome photos that kind of hint at the silk process (starting from hankies, not cocoons) in this blog post. There's also a Q&A from her here. If you're still curious, there's a little more information on someone else's blog here (we don't know this blogger, but we love her photos).

Mawata knitting involves degumming silk cocoons, and stretching them over frames to make silk hankies. Then you just pull on the strands and knit with it. It is really the coolest thing ever, it's a weird, mystical kind of experience to go from just a little pile of cocoons, to the fiber, to knitting it all in four hours.

Overall, it was a fantastic two days with a wonderful knitter and teacher.

Want to know more about upcoming awesome events? Sign up for our email newsletter.

You can also see what's coming up on our calendar.

Have an idea for an event or talk we could host? Contact StevenBe by emailing steven (at) yarn garage dot com. (Replace the words with the symbols to get the actual email address, but you knew that already!)