Wool dyeing & Spinning Class

Here are some pics of the class Brooke Atherton arranged for those who wanted to learn how to dye fibers and learn spinning techniques. The morning was spent learning to dye wool and the afternoon spinning lessons. They learned techniques in twisting and looping the sections of wool to "tye-dye" the sections of fiber, then we placed each section in the dye pot for various periods of time (last section in was the first section out); then we rinsed and dryed the filber. After the sections were (mostly) dry, we did a bit of pre-drafting and started spinning. Roni is spinning hers on a drop spindle - the rest are using our wheels. Each dye pot was unique and no two had the same exact shade. As the fibers are drafted, the dye shades will change again in the finished product. The most dramatic example is the orange fiber in the center (above picture). The darkest orange on the far left, was only slightly twisted when it was set in the dye pot - the section of the far right was "knotted" rather tightly. The two sections in the middle of the picture were knotted more loosely. We'll post an "after" picture as soon as one of them has a completed bobbin of handspun!!

Venezia Yarn

Here is a new yarn (Venezia) we have in with a sample of what it looks like. We actually have this top in the shop, so you can see first hand what it will REALLY look like. It's actually very stunning and would make a real nice gift for someone or of course make it for yourself...........even better.

Mother's Day

Does your hubby or kids need an idea of what to get you for Mother's Day? It's less than a month away. We have a great idea, if they don't have a clue what to get you. How about a Knit Wit gift certificate? We have them for "any" amount. They can even call it in, with a credit card and not even have to leave the comforts of home or office. We will even mail it out to you (from them of course).
Happy Mother's Day!

Something New!!!

If any of you are looking for something new to do or are just curious about the world of spinning fibers into yarn, the Paradise Spinning Guild (http://paradisespinningguild.blogspot.com) will be holding the third and final of three upcoming classes at Knit Wits. It is called "Graduated Shades from a Single Pot", which will involve learning how to dye your own wool, drafting and spinning your new fiber into yarn. The class held here will be on Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with lunch from 12:00-1:00. The "a.m." session will involve the dyeing portion, while the afternoon will be the drafting and spinning portion. The cost will be $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. If you are interested in finding out more, the Thursday, April 19th class, Friday, April 20th classes from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or the Saturday one, here at Knit Wits, please contact Brooke Atherton at ParlegalBAM@sbcglobal.net.

Knit Wits is now carrying spinning wheels and supplies. In most cases, for now anyway, wheels, supplies and fibers will be special ordered. We do have one wheel here for sale and a small amount of fiber to spin. As interest picks up we plan on stocking more. Tell us what you want and we will be happy to order it for you.

What's next?

Sock class 3 sessions, starting Sunday April 15th at 1:00PM - $30.00

Cat paw shawl class- 4 sessions knit with Lorna's Laces. Starting around May 17th or when the yarn comes in - $25.00.

Have you always wanted to learn continental knitting??? Call and sign up for this class!

SALE, SALE, SALE, Debbie Bliss "Cathay" book 30% off with purchase of Cathay yarn. Cathay Yarn is 10% off while it lasts.

We also have 20 or so "anytime classes", so pick a class, any class, date, time and let's get you going! We already have people working on Christmas gifts.

We also just received our summer Filatura Di Crosa yarn, Venezia . Stop in and see the summer top made with this great yarn.

Mystery Knit Night

Well, from our friends comments Mystery Knit Night went over very well and we plan to do it again or something similar. Here are a few pics and what we ate.

We had prawns with cocktail sauce, hot caramel onions and brie with sourdough bread, Smoked Salmon with cream cheese and capers for appetizers. We had Champagne, wine, water, sodas and coffee to drink. For dinner we had Ceaser salad,brocolli salad, BBQ Itallian sausage, sun dried tomoato raviolli's with red sauce, portabello mushroom raviolli's with a white portabello mushroom sauce. For desert we had cookies and one of Kelly's great low-cal cakes.