VKL Chicago 2013!

Vogue Knitting Live Marketplace opens today and we're doing it up in true StevenBe style! To those of you lucky folks who are enjoying the weekend in Chicago, we've got a crazy assortment from Be Sweet, Skacel, Alchemy, Feza, and Malabrigo along with some fabulous exclusives from Madelinetosh, Three Irish Girls, Batts in the Belfry (thrummed mitten kits!), Handmaiden, Zen Yarn Garden, Wild Hare Fiber Studio, and MORE.

The StevenBe mini-shop is hardly "mini"!

 Make sure you check out Steven's Knit It In a Minute presentation and pick up a free copy of his Deep Rib Collar Cowl pattern--then head to the booth to check out the Icelandic Edition! You'd never believe Lopi could feel so soft or that you could have such a huge cowl in so little time.

Steven and his Divas: Brenda in her Cabled Ponchini, Mama Christa in her
Color Block Ponchello, and Sue in her sparkly Laurel!

We've got a group of Glitter Divas roving Chicago, recruiting for our new Glam Club on the brand new StevenBe website.

Mama Christa and Steven making travel friends!

 And, of course, Steven and his mother are collecting new friends, as they do wherever they go.

Vanessa Putt shops our booth and shows off her fantastic designs
in Malabrigo Book 5!

Say hi to Missy and Jeremy in the booth, too. They did an amazing job yesterday turning our booth into an experience you won't soon forget. Tag your StevenBe stash on Ravelry and comment here to let us know what classes you're taking and how much fun you're having!

If you're still in the Twin Cities, don't worry--there's still fun to be had! Yarn Garage is having a huge sale this weekend so head to Rosemount and check it out!

Fiber Fest 2013: Select Classes Still Available!

There's still time to grab a seat and take in some knowledge from your favorite knitting celebrities! There are still a few spots left in select classes! Register through the links here or come in to StevenBe or Yarn Garage and we'll help you get signed up and pick out your class materials at the same time.

The best way to start your Fiber Fest experience is with Steven at the Pillsbury House Theater tomorrow night for our Kick-Off Party! Steven will be interviewing our fabulous teachers in the style of Joan Rivers-meets-Oprah-meets-Wendy Williams (or as we usually just call it, "StevenBe-style").

Ragga & Stephen West--a package deal!

4/25 @ StevenBe: Icelandic Chevron Mittens from 10am-1pm
The Icelandic Textile Museum has a few very interesting pieces of mittens and socks knit in beautiful chevron patterns. Most of these pieces are older than the lace shawls that also show many variations of chevron and feather and fan patterns. Learn how to create your own Icelandic Chevron Mittens with the expert!

4/25 @ StevenBe: Ragga & Stephen West Exclusive Preview Trunk Show from 2pm-5pm

In this two hour program Ragga and Stephen share their experience of working as a design team on their collection, to be released in fall 2013. Samples will be shown and photographs and videos from photo shoots shared. The book is due to be released in October 2013 as a part of the Iceland Airwaves music festival.

4/26 @ Yarn Garage: Mixology with Ragga & Stephen West from 10am-1pm

In this class it's all about mixing, matching and juxtaposing different yarns, shapes, techniques, colors and textures. We'll break down the walls between knit and crochet and disregard all boundaries between bulky and fine. Participants will find new confidence in planning projects and taking control over their stash.

4/29 @ StevenBe: Ragga & Stephen West Present Party Tricks for Knitters from 10am-1pm

In this class we cover various tricks that will come in handy in a wide variety of projects. We will cover 4 different types of casting on, 4 different types of casting off, various uses for i-cords and different techniques of making buttonholes. We’ll discuss how you can take control of your knitting and make smart decisions that will refine your knitted pieces and make you the master of your knitting!

Mary Scott Huff!

 4/26 @ StevenBe: Two Strings = Not Scary from 10am-1pm

In this introduction to stranded colorwork, we will learn the basic moves for handling two strands at the same time, and what is special about the construction of stranded colorwork.  We will practice stranding by swatching in class, then begin this stranded colorwork hat pattern.  No stranded knitting experience is necessary and we promise--it's not as scary as it seems!

Julie Weisenberger of Coco Knits!

 4/26 @ StevenBe: Pick Your Girl from 10am-1pm

This is your chance to have your own "Cocoknit-along" where everyone chooses a Cocoknits pattern to fit her own personal style and shape and choosing the right yarn for the project is a guided experience. What a perfect opportunity to make something to suit you and work with the designer!

4/26 @ StevenBe: Coco Knits, Habu, & Claudia Handpaints Trunk Show from 2pm-5pm
FILLED!
Learn how to read Japanese patterns from expert Takako Uekei, owner of Habu Textiles. This class will give you the keys to decipher a Japanese pattern and the confidence to knit one of Habu's beautiful garment kits! Experience fabulous fibers coming together in Julie's amazing designs!

4/28 @ Yarn Garage: Seamless Sweater Construction and Japanese Pattern Reading from 10am-2pm
Do you hate seaming sweaters? This class will teach you how to transform a seamed sweater pattern into a seamless pattern. We will use the Gisela pattern from cocoknits and go through the pattern in class to transform it into seamless construction featuring set-in sleeves and English Tailored shoulders. Also includes Takako's Japanese pattern reading workshop!  

Melissa Leapman!
 
4/26 @ StevenBe: Two Color Double Knitting from 2pm-5pm FILLED!
With this fascinating knitting technique, both sides of the knitting appear to be stockinette stitch. In just a few fun hours, learn how to knit—and even design!—these beautiful reversible fabrics. 

4/28 @ StevenBe: Flatter Yourself from 10am-1pm
In this fun hands-on workshop, learn how designers use fully fashioned shaping to create flattering sweaters. No matter your shape, use your knitting prowess to create knockout pieces that fit and flatter.

Franklin Habit!

4/28 @ StevenBe: History and Methods of Lace Knitting from 10am-1pm FILLED!
In this three-hour session, we’ll examine the fundamental principles and techniques of knitting's grandest tradition. Students will learn about the history of lace knitting, and the development of the art in three parts of the world (Russia, Estonia, and the Shetland Islands) in which the craft was developed to the highest level of artistry. We will not only discuss, but practice and play with some of the methods and motifs that distinguish each of these traditions. 

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, the Yarn Harlot!

  4/28 @ Pillsbury House Theater: Exclusive New Lecture by the Yarn Harlot from 6pm-8pm
Even if you were lucky enough to see Stephanie in October when she was last here with us, you'll be in for a treat on Sunday night. She has created a brand new lecture just for StevenBe and you get to be the first to hear it! Also, the last hour will be our fabulous wrap-up party, another not-to-be missed opportunity to see Steven interact with Stephanie and our other teachers.

Show and Tell: Art Yarns Mixing It Up!

This piece was knit with:
Feza- Chanel
Malabrigo- Rasta
Steven Be- Exclusive Handspun Feather Yarn
Prism- Plume
Fringe- Raw Silk

On size 13 knitting needles.


This is a simple slant scarf achieved by adding a stitch to the beginning of every right side row, and knitting two together at the end of every right side row. Wrong side rows are just knit across.


I knit between 6 and 10 rows of each yarn before changing to a new yarn.

Using different-weight yarns can feel uncomfortable to knitters, but I feel it opens the door to unique beauty and individual creativity.


The decision to change was based on yardage and how much the individual yarns stood out against the others. I wanted the stripes to look fairly similar, while allowing the thinner yarns a space to show without losing their shape.

- Jenn Weidner
J. Rae Fashion

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

Thanks for sharing, Jenn!

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

StevenBe's Amazing Adventure in Amsterdam!

Chunky knits was my theme for this past fall but didn’t get much done as life took over. Nice to see someone was on the same game plan. These were all super-chunky hand knits and crochet for the rope-like yarn we have at StevenBe. This is one of my favorite pages on Pinterest. Follow all of my boards for the latest on all these fun, fashionable fantastic trends.

This was the mood of the whole store. Very casual and strewn about. Notice in particular the mega chunky shell stitch crochet pillow in the center. All the neutral tones worked so well together. I really want to go back to this shop one more time.

The whole store was filled with these types of hand crochet and knit. I am in love. Want to make some for the store and my loft.

Love the idea of how these knits work with all the elements of style for our lives. Check out the huge cowl on the mannequin behind the flowers. All the men here are even wearing them. Also love the chandelier. The rug in the bottom left was amazing too as it was all made of felted locks like the Ozark fleeces we have.

KnitSimple Fall 2012 Preview featuring StevenBe Ponchini!!

We are so proud to announce that Steven's Ponchini design has been featured in Fall 2012 Knit Simple magazine.  Stop into Yarn Garage or StevenBe to get your copy today!  Maybe you can even get Steven to sign your copy!  

Many of you have made the Ponchini, but for those of you who have not yet experienced the fabulousness that is the Ponchini, pay attention!  First of all, this is NOTHING like those ponchos you bought on Spring Break in Cancun.  It is not even close the fringed, acrylic ponchos from the 70's.  A fiber fusion of Be Sweet Bamboo and Extra Fine Mohair create a look that is chic and versatile.  

                                                                       

 Now, I know you have heard me sing the praises of the Ponchini before, but I just can't get enough of it!  We have kits and classes available.  Two of our Wild Women of Wednesday were seaming theirs together last night!  We shall see how many ways they can come up with to wear their fabulous creations!

Shepherd's Harvest!

It is that time of year again when Steven ventures to Lake Elmo for Shepherd's Harvest!  Mother's Day weekend is perfectly spent roaming through the barns taking in all the amazing fiber and other delights!  My favorite part is watching someone spin directly from an angora rabbit.  Those rabbits are the cutest!!

Look at those ears!!  Be warned!  I know a couple customers who walked away with Angora Rabbits as they could not resist their charms.

Steven and Jeremy are loading up the U-Haul on Friday night and unveiling all the StevenBe lovelies on Saturday and Sunday.  They are in the normal spot so make sure they are on your list of MUST SEE booths.  Check out Jeremy's spoiler alert on Ravlery.  Here is a tidbit - we just got the new Signature Needles size 10!!!  The boys will have them at the booth, so go see the new size 10 needles for yourself.

SOCKS! SOCKS! SOCKS! 
Due to overwhelming demand, Lori is once again hosting her Two-at-a-Time Toe Up Sock class at the Rosemount location on Wednesday, May 16th, 30th, June 6th, & 20th 10:30am-12:30pm.

Click here for more information!

PONCHINI!   PONCHINI! 

Steven's FAMOUS Eyelet Ponchini is now being taught in Rosemount!  You may have seen it featured by Be Sweet in their April 2012 newsletter.

It will also be featured in the Fall 2012 edition of Knit Simple magazine!  This class is your chance to make an amazingly versatile garment!  Wear it as a poncho, a cowl, or a scarf!  

As a ponchini

As a cowl

This is the perfect project if you haven't made a garment before.  There isn't any shaping, but you will still learn about fitting and finishing.  The combination of Be Sweet Bamboo and Extra Fine Boucle make this garment perfect for all seasons.  Click here for more information on the class! or
click here to purchase the pattern immediately!

Sneek Peaks from Stephen West and more from today's Skype Chat!

Hey Gang... we just finished our hour long Skype with the amazing Stephen West. The hour flew by. He started with some insight into his knitting past, current travels, and future inspiration.

 The group shared their color choices for the Mystery Shawl KAL and asked questions about the pattern, the process and the clues! Stephen hinted at some variations he's been working on for a future pattern using intarsia  and color blocking similar to the mystery shawl.

Mr. West treated our group to a gigantic fall preview that included samples that will be in WestKnits Book 3 that is due out in October. My favorite was an earflap hat that he was finishing from the comfort of his Mother's back yard. Other highlights included a chunky cowl with buttons and a cable edged scarf that will be perfect for Minnesota Fall and Winter.

Stephen shared his favorites for fall. We were all WOWed by a fabulous felted bag with a suburst motif he created in Noro and a similarly inspired circular blanket.

Here are some more pictures below. Visit me at StevenBe for a full wrap-up of the chat and details on upcoming patterns. Happy Knitting! -Jeremy

Pittsburgh Wrap-up

Steven is home from Pittsburgh and oh, the stories he has to tell!  If you remember, he took Mama Christa, and they rocked it out!  They got in on Thursday night, and as we neglected to arrange a shuttle from the airport,  he had a $100 cab fare!  Let's just say, he was annoyed, until he walked into the hotel lobby and was greeted by Sarah, who declared, "Oh my god!  You're StevenBe!  I am your BIGGEST fan!  Will you sign my Vogue Knitting?"  Steven told me he was mobbed everywhere he went and he felt more like Justin Beiber than Rod Stewart!

He signed so many autographs I had to put him in a wrist brace when he got home!  Friday night he hosted the fashion show and gave it the StevenBe energy and humor!  Steven and Christa set up their booth with Steven's handspun and sparkle and opened for business on Saturday.  They also showed our favorite Mosco sweaters and shawls from Skacel.

Steven had 50 people gathered at all times to see his demonstration on our handspun, mohair, sequin cowls.  Steven and Christa worked non-stop bringing the StevenBe flare to Pittsburgh.  People ate it up!

Pioneer Press!!!

Our Minneapolis shop, StevenBe, was featured in the Pioneer Press!

Check it out!

HSJ Swag Bag Teaser

Check out the hot new swag bags that Victoria and Tally made for Hop, Stitch & A Jump! Can you believe we're just giving them away?!?! I take that back, we're not just giving them away, we're giving them away chalk FULL of fiber surprises. 3 Kittens and StevenBe have this great event worked out for all you amazing knitters that love to come to Mpls for the Yarn Over. I will be our version of a Minnesota Knitting movie premier complete with parties and chauffeurs.
More information about Cookie A. and Lucy Neatby seminars on April 16th and April 18th at StevenBe and 3Kittens Needle Arts.

Register for all 4 classes and receive the Academy Award Swag Bag!

The Glitter Knitter Gang delivers Charity Knitting to Mary Jo Copeland's Sharing and Caring Hands.

We had a blast taking the gifts to Mary Jo Copeland's Sharing and Caring Hands. I wish all of you who so selflessly gave of your time and the wonderful Yarn Companies who donated the yarn could have been with us.

Thanks to all.

Steven is doing a wonderful seminar for the Minnesota Knitters Guild, Northern Lights Affiliate at Fitger's Inn, Duluth today. Note the worlds largest fiber color wheel. This is the core of Steven's super stashbuster which all in attendance will understand when the day is done.

Elegant Day at StevenBe

What an elegant opening day!!! Jazz playing live, multiple demos, brand new products, a fantastic Fiber Artist Disneyland and the Glitter Knitter was in the house, in fact, his house. (He lives upstairs.) If you have not been there, you are out of the creative fiber artist loop.

Don't hesitate to get on the email list and find out when you can next visit StevenBe's