Fun with blocking!

So this is what we do for fun around the Yarn Garage - we block new samples!  I know, we are just wild!  Our newest sample is the French Market Shawl from Don Waalen (MinnesotaSticks).  We made it in our new favorite yarn, Blue Heron Rayon Metallic.  We are using this for every version of the Mermaid Shawl, as well as, Knitty's Clapotis.  Steven is also creating a new Cropped Cardi using the Rayon Metallic.

Ok, let's get to the blocking!  First, Missy soaked the shawl in a tub of lukewarm water.  In the water she put a cap full of Soak (a rinse free wool wash) and vinegar.  The vinegar will set the color.  This is important if the yarn used is a hand-dyed, such as, Malabrigo or Madelinetosh.  She let the shawl soak for 5-10 minutes.  Then, she used a towel to wring out the excess water.

 

We spread the shawl out on our blocking mats.  These mats are great because they are interlocking so you can assemble them in whatever shape you need.  

Missy then took blocking wires and wove them through the edge of the shawl to create a nice straight line. 

Finally, she used T-pins to block out the points of the shawl. 

Once the piece has air-dried, we will have perfectly blocked shawl.  Never underestimate the effects of blocking.  It can transform an item!  Happy blocking!

Beaded Knitting Show and Tell!

Joanna hosted a beaded knitting class awhile back and here are some of the finished projects!  


Lori used a buttery yellow Frog Tree Pediboo for her bag.  Her bead choice perfectly compliments the design and bag color.  

 Kate chose a lovely white to go with her multi-colored beads.  I think both bags turned out beautifully and I bet they will enjoy using them for a special occasion or even everyday.  Good job, ladies!

Joanna had the class use the Exploring Spirals pattern from Ravelry.  The bag takes fingering weight yarn.  You do not have to chose a solid color as the pattern would be beautiful in a hand-dyed fingering weight such as, Madelintosh Light, Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock, or Malabrigo Sock.  It would also look amazing in Cascade Heritage Silk.  That is what Joanna chose to use for her project. 

Email us if you have been inspired by Steven or one of our staff and you want to show off your complete project.  You may see your project featured on our blog or our 

Best in Show page on www.yarngarage.com!

We are crazy about beading in our knitting lately.  Lori is holding a Beaded Cuff class in August.  This is a great introduction to beading in your knitting!  

Are they accessories or jewelry?  Hard to say but either way they knit up quickly, make great gifts, and fun additions to your winter wardrobe.  Wear them for warmth or wear a sparkly pair with a plain black top and you will be dressed for a night on the town.  If you missed Susanna Hansson's beaded wrister class in April, then take this class with Lori to create the same pair of beaded cuffs!  Don't miss it again!

It is a single session class for $22 on Monday, August 6th from 10:30AM - 12:30PM.  

Click here for more information!

Lori is going to follow-up with a beaded, fingerless mitt class.  Steven, of course, wants his made with skull motifs.  It is either that or a zebra pattern.  Lori is still working on that one!  You will be required to know magic loop to attend this

 intermediate class.  

Watch for more information!

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!

Stephen West Mystery Shawl Knit-A-Long

Get ready for a summer shawl KAL, Westknits style! Join the group at the Yarn Garage as we discover a new clue each week. Our expert staff will be knitting along with you every Friday a clue is released. Visit us for an exclusive color consultation and we will get you set up with everything you need to join the fun. 

SCHEDULE at the Yarn Garage:  

Join Michelle for the following KAL dates! 

Consultation and Yarn Selection July 9 - 15   

Clue 1 - July 15 (KAL circle 1 to 3PM)
Clue 2 - July 22 (Skype date at StevenBe 1 to 4PM)
Clue 3 - July 29 (KAL circle 1 to 3PM)
Clue 4 - August 5 (KAL circle 1 to 3PM)

Learn MORE about WestKnits and this year's Mystery Shawl by joining the group on Ravelry HERE.       

SPECIAL EVENT! - Skype Date with Stephen West at StevenBe...Sunday July 22nd
1 to 4PM at StevenBe 

Reserve your spot for this special addition to our Knit-A-Long month. We will do a live Skype chat with the designer himself. Show off your progress on the Mystery Shawl and participate in a Q & A about upcoming designs, patterns, and books! This is your V.I.P. access to hip!Present your offer, ensure it is specific, and includes a call to action and time frame.

Learn More and Register NOW...

Introducing the highly anticipated addition to the Yarn Garage

The Yarn Garage and StevenBe welcomed Cameron David Andrs into our fiber family on 

Saturday, May 26th.  He was 8 pounds 13 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long.     

Here he is 3 days old and modeling his first Malabrigo sweater with owl buttons.  

Lori came to visit and he had to show off the hat she created for him.

  

Formerly known as the Brimmed Baby Beanie class, Lori is teaching Cameron's Cap on Monday, June 11th from 10:30-12:30 at Yarn Garage in Rosemount.  Click here for more information.

We thank everyone for their love and support!  Visit often as you never know when Cameron will make an appearance at either shop.  He may just be the new face of StevenBe Baby.

NEW NEW NEW at StevenBE. Take a look...

Check out my #constantcontact newsletter

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!