Tempting Tidbits - March 22, 2019

A Note From Karen Dear Friends, With longer days, the weather is beginning to catch up with the calendar. Soon Spring will arrive in central Ohio. In the meantime, Knitting Temptations will celebrate past experiences, launch exciting events and offer interesting classes for knitters and crocheters. Here are some of the highlights: April Fool’s Day will bring games, prizes & DISCOUNTS!  Navajo Intarsia, with our talented Michelle Hunter, is an opportunity to learn a fun technique and create a “show-stopper” shawl. Don’t let the name of the class scare you.  Kagan’s KAL knitters will celebrate the participation of all the “knitted triangles” with a reunion that includes special gifts. LYS DAY, an event sponsored by The National Needlework Association, promotes local yarn shops and provides a day for shops to thank their fiber artists’ communities for their support of local yarn shops. Be sure to read all the details below and mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you! Karen

Beginning April 4! Join Michelle this April for  Cable Channel,  a stylish pillow featuring an original cable pattern. Knit in HiKoo Kenzie, the design creates a rich fabric to add beauty and texture to any decor. Pillows provide the perfect platform to explore new techniques and hone the finishing skills. They also make great gifts! Cable Channel  is knit in one piece with simple seaming and features a button closure to allow for easy washing and assembly. The front and back are knit in different stitch patterns to keep the project interesting and texturally charming. Both written and charted instructions, along with video support, are provided to guarantee success. HiKoo Kenzie, available in the Knitting Temptations online shop delivers the excellent stitch definition and durability best suited for casual luxury. Available in 30 colors, there is a shade to match every décor or provide that perfect “pop” of color. With the wide selection of Skacel Buttons, it’s a snap to find the perfect button. Check out all of the vibrant colors of  Kenzie  and browse the beautiful Skacel buttons . The possibilities are endless! The KAL begins Thursday, April 4th and continues every Thursday in April. There is no registration fee. You can download the instructions at any time on Michelle’s website after 9am on April 4. Helpful tips, videos and photos are available to guide you. Michelle monitors questions daily on her website and in her Ravelry group.   Supplies: Kenzie by HiKoo, 50% New Zealand merino, 25% nylon, 10% angora, 10% alpaca, 5% silk noils, 4 skeins. Shown in #1024 Hokitika US #6 (4mm) 24” circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge 14” pillow form 7/8” buttons, 4. Shown in Skacel coconut button #BU1732C23  Size: 14” square Gauge: 23 sts and 30 rows = 4” in stockinette

Knit for the Love Do you sometimes think, "I don't need another hat, scarf or cowl, but I love to knit!" What about “knitting for the love” of it? Knit for the love of people going through chemo, women who have had mastectomies, premature babies or those who are homeless. Knit for anyone in need, just for the love of knitting. Knitting Temptations is encouraging knitters to come together and knit for others on the fourth Saturday of each month from 1-3pm. We will focus on a different charity/project each month. We will deliver the finished projects. Our focus for April is knitting or crocheting chemo caps. There are several different patterns that we will provide. We are still accepting preemie hats and blocks for Warm Up America!

Give for the Love It is good to help someone in need - to lend a hand to those who can't afford groceries or toiletries or clean clothes. During our March 4 celebration, we began collecting items to donate to the Open Shelter in downtown Columbus. Many have already generously donated items! We will collect items through March 31.  Items that are currently needed are: s oap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant, lotion, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene items, disposable razors, hair brushes, combs, lip balm, diapers, wipes, facial and toilet tissue, socks and underwear.

Kagan's Quilt Reunion Join us on Thursday, April 18, from 6-8pm for Kagan’s Quilt Reunion to celebrate your hard work on the 2018 Summer Knit-Along. Bring your Kagan’s Quilt—whether completed or not. We can’t wait to catch up with friends, see all your beautiful “quilts,” enjoy some light refreshments, and talk about your ideas for the 2019 Summer Knit-Along. Come share in the fun—special gifts for all who attend!

LYS Day, April 27, 2019 LYS Day is an opportunity for Knitting Temptations to say “thank you” to our customers and to welcome new visitors to the shop. Our spacious classroom will be open all day to visit, relax and work on your projects. Snacks and water will be available for our guests. Everyone will receive a special gift from the staff at Knitting Temptations.   Across the country, designers are collaborating with yarn companies to create unique kits with new patterns and yarns dyed to celebrate LYS day. Knitting Temptations will have many of these kits which are made with yarns never before sold in the shop.   Please join us for a fun-filled day!

What's Off Our Needles? Rainfall Scarf , designed by Kristin Eksuzian , knit by Monica. Inspired by the gentle rains of spring in the mountains, the light-as-a-feather Rainfall Scarf is an easy-to-knit project that will become a favorite all season long. An intermittent purl-ridge pattern creates an interesting texture on a stockinette ground. Knit on the diagonal at loose gauge, the optional fringe is added to the finished scarf to give it an updated look. Monica used June Cashmere Lace Weight. The Weekender , designed by Andrea Mowry, knit by Monica. This a favorite of Monica's! It has texture, faux seams, drop shoulder, and some positive ease to create this versatile, flattering sweater! It is perfect for wearing to the office or out on your weekend hike in the woods.

Wedding Bells designed by Katherine Eng, knit by Brenda. Brenda shared her completed crocheted Wedding Bells blanket. It's a great gift for a new couple: a blanket with lacy bells to ring in their special day.

Perky Little Hat designed by Sharon Lentsch , knit by Marianne. This hat, modeled by a Paige, is a fun, quick project - about a movie and a half! It would make a great gift.

Kitty's Cabled Cowl , designed by Carly Rae Thomas, knit by Kitty, the person who inspired this design! Kitty improved her cabling techniques by knitting this design that showcases more advanced cabling patterns. Send photos to knit2temptations@gmail.com so we can post your finished projects! Include the name of the pattern and the name/color of the yarn that you used. Thanks!

Tuesdays - 6:00pm - 8:00pm Fridays - 10am-Noon Knitting Temptations offers two opportunities for friends to gather and create. We welcome all fiber artists, including knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, felters and others of all skill levels. Bring your project and join your creative friends for support and advice.  A member of the staff will be available to answer questions and offer limited guidance. Problems requiring more assistance may be scheduled for a later time.

Knit Kit A Must for Every Knitter! Life can be so much easier when preparations are made. Our advice is to assemble a knit kit for your knitting projects. If you need help picking the best container or items, we can assist with that! Items to include are: Stitch Markers, Tapestry Needle, Waste Yarn, Tape Measure, Scissors, Point Protectors, Pen, Paper, Post-it Notes, Row Counter, Needle Gauge, Fix-It Tool or crochet hook (appropriate to needle size).

Classes You may register for classes in person or by calling the shop at 614.734.0618 during regular business hours. We ask that you make payment in full when registering. It is our policy that unless we specify otherwise, students in our classes MUST purchase their yarn and other class supplies at Knitting Temptations.

More on Class Policies

NAVAJO INTARSIA Class Fee $60 April 17 1-4pm Instructor: Michelle Hunter Learn to knit a whimsical shawl where opaque polka dots dance on a sheer background. The design is made possible through a magical combination of Navajo knitting and Intarsia. Unlike traditional Intarsia, only one skein is used at a time with no ends to weave or no interlocking. Previous experience with Navajo knitting or Intarsia is NOT required. It’s fast, fun and easy to learn.    Using fingering weight yarn, the pattern is available in two sizes. Both sizes are perfect for warming the shoulders on a chilly evening. The large size would make a stunning wrap for the modern bride! Class includes the pattern, expert finishing tips, and lots of hands-on instruction for this unique technique. During the session, we will be swatching and beginning the shawl - be sure to select a fabulous yarn to showcase the design! We will also explore how to incorporate the skill into an endless array of design possibilities.   Size of finished shawl: Small (Large) – 60 (76)” wide, 33 (40)” deep at center point.   Supplies Needed: One color of smooth, fingering weight yarn, 760 (1,100) yards. US #9 (5.5mm) 32-40” circular needle. Gauge will be determined in class - no need to swatch! Bring extra needle sizes to class to adjust gauge, if necessary. Stitch Markers Measuring Tape

INTRODUCTION TO KNITTING Class fee: $30 - yarn and needles provided for class One 2-hour class Instructors: Elaine Sparks, Karen Wilkins, Beth Hanson, Linda Marion Skill level: Beginner Knitting This class is designed for the person who has no prior experience with knitting. Instructors will teach knitting basics: casting on, knitting, purling and binding off the work. Yarn and needles are provided to practice in class. By the end of class, students will have a swatch to take home. This class prepares students for Beyond Intro to Knitting and future projects. Saturday, April 6, 1-3pm Thursday, April 11, 2-4pm Saturday, April 20, 1-3pm Thursday, April 25, 2-4pm Saturday, May 4, 1-3pm Thursday, May 9, 2-4pm Saturday, May 18, 1-3pm Saturday, June 1, 1-3pm

BEYOND INTRO TO KNITTING Class fee: $30 One 2-hour class Instructors: Elaine Sparks, Karen Wilkins, Beth Hanson Skill level: Beginner Knitting While teachers will review basic knitting skills, this class is designed for students who execute confidently the knit and purl stitches, casting on and binding off their work. Participants will gain new skills to determine gauge, read simple knitting instructions and to select yarn and needles for projects. Students will begin a face cloth worthy of pairing with a special soap and gifting to a friend. Supplies needed: Summerlite DK Size US 6 (4mm) Knitting Needles Knit Kit (See Knit Kit article.) Saturday, March 23, 9-11am Wednesday, April 10, 6-8pm Thursday, April 18, 2-4pm Thursday, May 23, 2-4pm

INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET Class fee: $30 - yarn and crochet hook provided for class One 2-hour class Instructors: Elaine Sparks, Linda Marion, Debbie Moore Skill level: Beginner Crochet This class is designed for the person who has no experience with crochet! Instructors will teach the technique of holding a crochet hook with yarn and demonstrate the chain, single, half double and double crochet stitches. While practicing these stitches, students will create a sample of their work. This class prepares students for Beyond Intro to Crochet and future projects. Monday, April 15, 2-4pm Thursday, May 2, 2-4pm Monday, May 13, 2-4pm Thursday, May 30, 2-4pm

BEYOND INTRO TO CROCHET Prerequisite for this class: Knowledge of how to chain and create basic stitches. Class fee: $30, supplies extra One 2-hour class Skill Level: Beginner Crochet While teachers will review basic crochet skills, this class is designed for students who execute confidently the chain, single, half double and double crochet stitches. Students will learn to read simple crochet instructions and create a face cloth worthy of pairing with a special soap for gifting to friends. Supplies needed: Rowan Summerlite DK, one skein US H (5mm) Crochet Hook Thursday, March 28, 2-4pm Monday, April 1, 2-4pm Monday, April 29, 2-4pm Thursday, May 16, 2-4pm

FIXING MISTAKES Saturday, April 13 9-11am Class fee: $30 - yarn provided; other supplies extra Instructor: Karen Wilkins Skill level: Beginner Join Karen to learn more about the most common mistakes knitters make, how to fix and better yet, PREVENT them! Students will make swatches and purposely create mistakes to learn how they happen and how to fix them. Also, use of lifelines, how to "tink" (unknitting stitches), and ripping back rows is discussed. Supplies needed: Size US 8 (5mm) Knitting Needles 4" Handi Tool (or D-F crochet hook) Tapestry Needle

BEGINNING SOCK Class 1: April 30 (1 of 3) Class 2: May 14 (2 of 3) Class 3: May 28 (3 of 3) 6–8pm Class fee: $81.00 Pattern included, supplies extra Instructor: Karen Wilkins Three 2-hour classes Skill level: Easy Knit Learn to make a classic top down sock in the round using the Magic Loop method. Students must be comfortable knitting and purling. Learn numerous sock techniques including: magic loop, classic heel, left-leaning and right-leaning decreases, and kitchener stitch. Each of these skills is applicable to many other knitting projects. Supplies needed: Yarn: approximately 400 yards of fingering-weight. Note on choosing yarn: Sock stitches are small and show up best in LIGHT colors. Needles: 32" circular in size US 1 (2.25mm) Knit Kit (See Knit Kit article.) Please purchase your supplies prior to coming to the first class. There is no pre-work for this class, but there is homework between classes, so please plan accordingly.

Short Rows I Saturday, March 30 9-11am Class Fee $30 Instructors - Barb Kubic and Linda Mihely Skill Level: Advanced Beginner Increase your knitting skills and knowledge as taught by the capable teaching abilities of Barb and Linda! This class will introduce the uses for short rows and explore some of the different techniques for creating short rows. We will spend the second part of the class knitting some swatches to practice the various techniques. Prerequisite — must be confident in your ability to cast on, knit and purl. Practice yarn will be provided. Supplies: US #4 Circular Needles 24 or 32” Locking Stitch Marker

TOE UP SOCKS Wednesday, April 24 (1 of 2) Wednesday, May 8 (2 of 2) 6-8pm Class fee: $56.50 - pattern included, supplies extra Two 2-hour classes Instructor: Linda Mihely Skill level: Intermediate Knit Toe-up socks are all the rage! Why toe-up? By starting at the toe, no grafting is required! Also, there is no need to fret over yardage since the leg is knit from the bottom up until the yarn is gone! Students MUST HAVE previous magic loop and sock experience. This class is a perfect follow-up to our Beginning Sock class. During the first class, students learn a special cast on for the toe and begin knitting a simple, classic design for the foot. In the second class, students learn a classic wrap and turn short-row heel technique. Supplies needed: Fingering Weight Yarn - 400-450 yards Note on choosing yarn: Pattern and stitches show up best in SOLID, LIGHT colors. Needle: 32" circular in size US 1 (2.25mm) Knit Kit (See Knit Kit article.)

Her therapist told her to make some new friends...so she did!

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