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.

Early Morning Breakfast Hop, Stitch and a Jump

Steven and Cis of 3 Kittens Needle Arts are cohosting Hop, Stitch and a Jump this weekend and have guests Cookie A and Lucy Neatby in town teaching at their stores. Here is a little slideshow taken at the breakfast this morning.

.

This is an exciting opportunity to meet and greet some of the top knitters in the country. Stephen West is also at StevenBe's. Yarnover is tomorrow in Hopkins. What a great Spring weekend for fiber artists!! Call the shop and you might be able to get into one of the fabulous classes this weekend.

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.

Jessie France

Jessie France shows some new yarn to some of the folks at The Glitter Jam at the Rosemount Starbucks. She is one of the new Glitter Knitter Divas you can meet at the Yarn Garage.

The New, The Exotic, The Must Haves

I have all the fun.  Here are some of the exciting things I have gotten in for your springtime knitting.  Tools, Storage, and knowledge are today's offerings.  How did we get along without some of these exciting things coming out for fiber artists?

Come on over to the shop, we have some new things to show you.

Tomorrow I am beginning the exciting felting class and unfortunately we are sold out.  Wish you could be there.  Watch for your next opportunity to learn this easy and exciting fiber art.

Mighty Bright L.E.D. Task Lights Mighty Bright L.E.D. task lights  The perfect compact light to leave in your knitting bag for those times you find yourself needing more illumination. Now you can knit on those late night drives to the cabin. Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Circular Needles   Hiya Hiya Interchangeable Circular Needles.   I look forward to opening the boxes delivered from Hiya Hiya, because there is usually something new and exiting inside.  I wasn't disappointed! Housed in lovely silk brocade storage pouches is your choice of sizes  1 to 7  or 8 to 13 steel needle points and various lengths of cable.   Eureka! the points screw on seamlessly!  You will be ready for whatever project you choose next!

Knit One Below, One Stitch, Many Fibers

Knit One Below, One Stitch, Many Fibers, a book by EliseDuvekot.  Once you have learned this creative & complicated looking new stitch you will want to keeping going.  With beautiful photographs and a variety of projects, I am betting this will become one of your favorites , too.

More Steven Video from the shop, WHATS NEW

Here he goes again!! Have a visit with Steven.

Steven Showing New Things at the shop.

Exciting things coming up!!

There is just so much going on.  This next monday, The Glitter Knitter Jam will be at the Rosemount Starbucks from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.  Bob will be fiddling, and Steven will be teaching and showing off four fabulous trunk shows from:

• Be Sweet
  
• Big Needle Knits from BagSmith
  
• Handpainted Knitting Yarns
  
• Mac & Me
  

Outstanding! Email Steven at steven@yarngarage.com  if you can attend so we save you a seat.

Yarnover, the Annual Knitter's Guild event will be next Saturday.  Once again we are going to be at the Yarnover at Hopkins High School, April 18th. Come to the 23rd annual Minnesota Knitters' Guild Yarnover, an all-day event. Featured are vendors galore from the Midwest and Canada, along with classes taught by nationally and regionally known teachers. You thought Steven was brassy, wait till you have experienced this years keynote speaker, Lily Chin. Entrance to the market is free. Check the MKG home page (http://www.knitters.org) for a downloadable brochure (updated as classes fill) and registration form for classes.

The Phenom Know as Urban Knitters is Expanding!

Steven has arranged for both a brunch session from 11 AM to 1:30 PM AND A LUNCH SESSION FROM 1:30 PM TO 4 PM on Sunday April 19th at Wilde Roast Cafe. You too can be an Urban Knitter if you are industrious, fun loving, witty, chatty, and always looking for new fiber adventures. If you fit this description, grab your knitting bag, your latest "show and tell" and your $10 fee per session and join us. Catch the skein by skein recap of Saturday's Yarnover and see the Encore of the "Best Of" Four fabulous trunk shows. Come hungry and enjoy this great fiber party. (Party Hint: The classic pairing for the Wilde Roast Savory Mac and Cheese is a good Burgandy.) Space is limited so please email us if you want a seat reserved.

Email Steven and let him know which session you will attend by clicking here.

Get the Knit Kit Now.

I am so excited about this new tool for us.  Everything you need is in this tiny portable kit,  just grab the yarn, the needles and your knit kit and you are ready to go.  Check it out today and pick one up from The Yarn Garage.

Steven

Come one, Come all to teach the world to knit, eat and enjoy!

Celebrate Wilde Roast Cafe's 5th anniversary this coming Sunday March 22nd, from 11am to 4 pm.

We will be offering all newbies yarn, needles and lesson for only $10.
I am encouraging all my friends of the Yarn Garage and especially all those that have enjoyed
Urban Knitters these last couple of years, to join Steven and the gang to help teach the masses to knit

We will offer all brunch and lunch guests the opportunity to have a teacher sit with them at their table
and The Yarn Garage will provide yarn and needles.

In addition Steven will have great sale yarns available for purchase as well as his usual entertaining presentation

Knitter's email Steven at Steven@yarngarage.com if you wish to join us this Sunday.
Steven is waving the $10 event fee for those that volunteer to help teach the basics.
No obligation if you just would like to come and sit back eat and knit. Specify in the return email that you would simply
like to reservc a seat in the private room.
As always I ask that you purchase food and beverage helpping to support the wonderful Wilde Roast Cafe, we have all come
to love and enjoy.

Saturday Afternoon at the Yarn Garage

It is a lazy and cold Saturday afternoon.  Well we had fun at the shop.  A Junior High guy named Andrew learned to knit.  Lots of customers caught up on the latest yarns that come in weekly to the Yarn Garage.  Monika and Steven worked with each and every customer giving them tips, helping them with project problems, found them just the right color palettes for their new project, set them up with the free skein for the latest charity knitting projects the shop is famous for.  In the back room, Don Sparish and Bob White began the setup of the new Point of Sale system that will be phased in over the near term.  The place was toasty warm which helped folks stay a bit extra to warm up from the cold.  The Yarn from floor to ceiling made a kind of fiber cocoon for creativity and relaxation.  Where were you?  We missed you.

The Glitter Knitter and the Yarn Garage at the 2009 Knitout at the Mall of America

Man we had a party at the MOA. Steven had a booth that spilled out into the walk and thousands of knitters and crocheters turned out and met Steven and the top quality Yarn Garage team.

Something new this year, Bob White, who is generally the Webmaster and the fiddler for the Yarn Garage served as a chauffer and shuttled folks out to the Yarn Garage in his 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton. There they were able to shop for the fine fibers that Steven has in abundance at the shop.

One woman commented, "We wanted to thank you for the great time we had at the Yarn Garage. We would not have been able to make it without your driver service. We really appreciated Bob's willingness for the early pick up on Sunday. He even didn't complain when I made the call at 6:00AM on Sunday morning. ( I really didn't expect him to answer. I thought I would be leaving a message). We were able to get our shopping done and still make it back to the Mall for the afternoon of madness with thousands of other knitters.
We had a great time at the Yarn Garage. The staff, Lori and Tori ( I may be screwing up the names) were terrific. They climbed ladders, searched for colors and fibers just so we would get the perfect combinations. I will definitely be keeping your name and number when searching for fiber and stuff.
Thanks again

Fabulous Urban Knitters at Wilde Roast

We had another wonderful Urban Knitters at the Wilde Roast Cafe in NE Minneapolis today.  There were 25 people there and they all got the latest in insider information and tips from The Glitter Knitter, Steven Berg.  Christa Berg, the senior Glitter Knitter as also there lending her tips and wisdom. 

 One of the items Steven had was Bison Yarn, yes that's right, Bison.  Made from the underbelly hair of the Bison it is super soft, very workable, and very warm. 

These folks also heard about the Upcoming Knit Out at the Mall of America, Saturday, February 17 - Sunday, February 18. The Craft Yarn Council of America is traveling to Mall of America. Beginner to expert, Knit-Out & Crochet has something for everyone. Join us at Mall of America for a fun and exciting knit and crochet extravaganza. 

The Glitter Knitter and the Senior Glitter Knitter Meet Ravelry and others at TNNA

Steven holds court with creators of the hot new trend knitting site "Ravelry", Jessica, Casey, Mary-Heather, if you haven't joined. Join now....Click here.

Nora Gaughan, Berroco's creative genius celebrate her 4th book celebrating Spring 09. 12 Copies in stock in addition to all of Berroco's other new spring '09 books. Steven, Christa, and the infamous Nora Gaughan, in the Second Photo.

Last Photo, Steven on the Beach in San Diego.

The trip was fantastic.

Steven has returned from The National Needlework Arts Show (TNNA) in San Diego.
He has brought back, not just one bag of tricks, but eight.(Mom had to help carry)

Ask Steven about all the new trends for this season.
1. New spring summer yarn trends
2. The new hot knot "cowl"
3. Hear of Steven's "meet and greet" with knitting celebrities.
4. Reveiw all autographed copies of the newest books on the market.
5. Two new gadgets to reveal....
6. Cashmere and silk that you can only touch and feel right now.
7. New colors in Malabrigo sock and worsted.

Steven is at the heart of the latest and greatest trends in Fiber Arts.

The Urban Knitters at Wilde Roast

It was a Wild Holiday Sunday at Wilde Roast today. Steven was there with last minute assistance for knitters with Holiday Stallout. He showed some super yarn with super prices for the attendees, Ozark Handspun for a super quick and fun, 2 skein, winter hat with flaps and a tie. It was particularly apt for this icy day. We can't even tell you of the super prices he gave to the attendees. Urban Knitters is going to be on again January 11th and then every other week following, every two weeks. You need to get reservations to Steven to be a part of this. Get on his mailing list so you know everything that is happening with the Glitter Knitter and the Yarn Garage. Click here to get on the email list.

Saturday Afternoon at the Yarn Garage

The Yarn Garage is as close as your dreams. Here is a group from the Northern Twin Cities Suburbs, hearing about the Yarn Garage, they came down and met with Steven. They will be back. This is now their yarn store. The Yarn Garage is as near as your dream projects. Steven has it all there. Come on in and see for yourself. We have people who have come from all over the world to the Yarn Garage.