Riverside Yarns

2010 Knitters’ Olympics

Colleen — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:27:19 +0000

We want to celebrate the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in our own special way, by having our own games. Ours will reward effort, no matter what the skill level. To participate you must choose a project and register it at the store before the Opening Ceremonies on Feb. 12th. You may start your project during the Opening Ceremonies, and must finish it before the end of the Closing Ceremonies on Feb. 27th. You must provide proof of finishing by dropping into the store with your project, on or before our wrap-up party. We will award a gold, silver, and bronze medal ( $100, $50, $25 gift certificate from Riverside ) to three participants through a draw. So start planning your projects now, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself – it is the Olympics after all.

Winter Classes 2010

Colleen — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:03:11 +0000

The following is a list of upcoming classes for Jan. – Apr. 2010. Class sizes are limited. Please drop in or call the store at 519-371-4311 to sign up. Classes must be paid for in full at the time of sign up. Materials are not included in class fees except where noted. There is a one-time discount of 10% on any materials purchased for classes.

Felted Slippers – Wed. Jan. 27, 6:30-8:30pm $20

Get a head start on next Christmas by learning to make these slippers now. They are a quick and interesting knit, with many new techniques learned, and best of all – everyone loves them.

Mittens – Tues. Feb. 2 and 9, 6:30-8:30pm $30

We`ll knit mittens on a set of four double pointed needles – the way Grandma used to. You`ll see how quick, easy and fun they can be. Mittens are another great gift, and a perfect project for charity knitting.

Knitting 101 - Wed. Feb. 3 and 10, 6:30-8:30pm $30

Whether you are brand new to knitting, or have been away from it for awhile and need a refresher, this is the class for you. You`ll learn to cast on, knit and cast off as you create a great scarf or hat. Patons First Steps 1 Booklet is included.

Socks on Circulars – Thurs. Feb. 4,11 and 18 6:30-8:30 $45

This is always one of our most popular classes. Socks are a perfect project year-round, and easy to take with you everywhere. Knit a child`s sock on 2 circular needles using Cat Bordhi`s Socks on Circulars book ( which is included) in this class.

Hans – Wed. Feb. 17, and 24, 6:30-8:30pm $45 includes kit

Are you getting really bored knitting scarves? This is the class for you. We will make fingerless mittens on straight needles. You’ll learn to purl, increase and decrease stitches, and sew up a seam as you make these very trendy mitts. A kit from FleeceArtist with the pattern and a skein of beautiful hand-dyed wool is included.

Top-Down Sweater- Thurs. Mar. 4,11 and 18, 6:30-8:30pm $45

Join us as we knit a childs/baby sweater from the neck down. This great technique creates a sweater in one piece with no sewing. If you can cast on, knit and purl, you can make this. A great first sweater project, or a new technique for those who have knit sweaters before.

Easy Baby Hat – Tues. Mar. 9 and 16, 6:30-8:30pm $30

Learn to knit in the round using 4 double pointed or 2 circular needles. These cute hats make great baby shower presents, and don’t take long to make. Only the knit stitch is required, making this a great beginner project.

Just Enough Ruffles – Wed. Mar 10, 6:30-8:30pm $20

These popular scarves have a few tricks to them. Come and create a sample swatch of this scarf in our one-night workshop. A copy of Laura Chau’s “Just Enough Ruffles” is included

Knitting 101 – Wed. Mar. 17 and 24, 6:30-8:30pm $30

Another time slot for our beginner knitting class. See descritpion above.

Cable Workshop – Tues. Mar. 23, 6:30-8:30pm $20

Come and see how easy this complicated looking technique really is. After one 2 hour class, you’ll be able to follow any cable pattern. A copy of Patons Next Steps 6 is included.

Yarn Shopping 101 – Wed. Mar 31, 6:30-8:30pm $15

Always confused as to what yarns to use with your patterns how to substitute, how to test your tension? We will be talking about all this and more in our two hour session.

Socks on Circulars – Tues. April 6,20, and 27 ^:30-8:30 $45

See description above.

Fair-Isle Workshop – Wed. Apr. 7, 6:30-8:30pm $15

Love the look of colourwork, but not sure how to do it – join us for this one night of experimenting. You can create your own patterns, or follow charts to practice. Just bring your needles, we’ll provide the yarn.

Branching Out – Thurs. Apr.8, 6:30-8:30pm $15

If you’ve never tried knitting lace before – maybe it’s time for you to “branch out”. This popular scarf is a great first lace project. Ou’ll learn to read charted and written patterns, and how to manuover the stitches. A copy of this free pattern must be downloaded from www.knitty.com and brought to class.

Beaded Lace Scarf – Wed. Apr. 14, 6:30-8:30pm $?

Add a little extra pazzaz to your lace knitting by adding beads. Pricing will be determined shortly when we get our supplies worked out.

Toe-Up Socks – Thurs. Apr. 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30pm $30

This technique can be done with either 2 circulars or 4 doublepointed needles. You will never run out of yarn at your toe knitting your socks this way. Learn a new way of casting on and a wrap and turn heel in this class. Previous sock experience necessary.

Finishing 101, Wed. Apr. 28, 6:30-8:30pm $15

Do you hate sewing together your sweaters? You’re not alone, most people feel the same way. A few new hints and techniques can make a big difference. Bring your knit pieces ready to put together.

KNIT NIGHT – last Thurs. of the month, 6:30-8:30 free

Come and join us for a night out of knitting/crocheting. Whether you need help with a project, or just want a fun night of crafting and conversation – we hope you’ll join us.

Colleen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:16:19 +0000

CLASSES

We have finished our classes for 2009, but are busy working on our 2010 schedule. If there are classes you’d be interested in, please email or tell us when you are in. Some of the classes we are adding for the new year include: easy fingerless mittens, cast-on methods, yarn label info – how to substitute yarns in patterns, etc. and many more. Look for a list of classes towards the middle of January.

KNIT NIGHT -We are finished our last Thursday of the month knit club for this year. We will begin again on Thurs. January 28. Come and join us for a free night of knitting/crocheting, show and tell, and helpful advice. If once a month just isn’t enough – consider joining a group at the Ginger Press Bookshop and Coffee Bar every Monday from 2-4pm.

Colleen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:09:30 +0000

SALVATION ARMY TREE – We are collecting hats, mittens, scarves, socks, etc. for the Salvation Army again this year. Last year we had over 50 knitted items donated. Thanks for your generosity. If you have new knitted or crocheted items without homes, or have time to make some, the folks at the Salvation Army sure appreciate them. Please have all items to the store by Dec. 17th.

December 2009

Colleen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:06:16 +0000

Dear Knitters,

Has anyone else been lured into the idea that Christmas is a long time away because the weather has been so nice? This is a reminder that we are less than a month away from the big day. Yes it’s time to get into high gear with our knitting and crocheting. There’s still lots of time depending on what you’re making, and how many, but it is time to get serious. And to all of you who started Christmas knitting long ago, and are almost done – I admire you and aspire to be more like you. Maybe next year. Here are some of the new things we have in the store for you.

GIFT REGISTRY

Are there certain needles, yarns, knitting bags that you are wishing for? We have a gift registry that you can use to give your loved ones some ideas. Just drop into the store and pick out a special item, or two, or three, and we’ll keep a list.

YARN

KOIGU – You’ve been asking for this beautiful wool, and we’re proud to say it’s here. In case you haven’t heard of Koigu, this wool is locally dyed by a mother and daughter near Dornoch,Ont. It is often featured in popular knitting magazines like Vogue Knitting, and Interweave Knits, and there is a beautiful book that features their story and unique knitting patterns “Knits from a Painters Palette`. We are carrying their KPPPM fingering weight, and Kersti d.k. weight wool.

CASCADE 220 – This is one of the best selling yarns in North America. We are now carrying 36 colours in this pure wool from Peru. It is a very soft medium weight yarn perfect for just about everything.

ULTRA ALPACA – Berroco makes this very popular alpaca and wool blend yarn. It is available in a worsted weight – great for sweaters, hats, and scarves, and a new fingering weight ( with 20% nylon) - ideal for light weight sweaters and socks. We are also carrying the full selection of Norah Gaughan pattern books from Berroco.

NATURALLY ASPIRE – Another alpaca and wool blend, but this time in a super chunky weight. If you need to get a project done fast – this is the yarn for you. Great for scarves in a variety of varigated colours.

ZAUBERBALL – This German made sock yarn gradually changes colour throughout. We have the regular Zauberballs in shades of solid colours, and the Zauberball crazy which are wonderful tweedy mixes. This yarn comes in a beautiful unique ball that would also make it a great gift for a fellow sock knitter.

SNOWBALL – Are you looking for a quick Christmas project? This is it. A one-skein fluffy, bulky scarf that knits in less time than it takes to watch a movie. Beautiful, unique, and fast – what could be better.

TOOLS

ADDI-TURBO CLICKS – I hesitate to even mention these as they sell almost as fast as I get them, but I do have some right now. These very popular kits have 10 sets of the famous addi needle ends, and 3 lengths of cord to enable you to make up almost any size of circular needle. And they’re all packed in a neat travel size case.

Sirdar Persia

Colleen — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:16:11 +0000

Persia is a softly textured wool rich chunky, designed to create wonderfully easy winter hand-knits. Persia comes in gorgeously subtle greys and stones, beautiful teal greens, soft winter purple and dramatic black and cream. Simple patterns for hats, scarves, fashionable waistcoats and softly shaped jackets are all quick and easy to knit.

Sirdar Supersoft Aran

Colleen — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:05:49 +0000

Supersoft Aran is a fabulously cosy, easy to knit aran yarn designed for lovely soft childrens’ knits. And no matter how dirty they get, this easy care yarn is machine washable. The new book “Farmyard girls and Tractor Boys” is full of cable cardies and berets for girls, and toughie ribbed sweaters , hats , mitts and scarfs for boys. In wearable shades of crushed fruity pinks and plummy purples, grassy greens and autumn sky blues, your boys and girls will look great this fall.

Sirdar Crofter

Colleen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:30:43 +0000

Sirdar Crofter is magic yarn. It’s secret is that it looks like a real Fair Isle, but it’s so much easier to knit. The Fair Isle colour effect is in the yarn, so you just keep knitting with the same ball of yarn, and the pattern reveals itself. There are great patterns for the whole family – from easy sweaters and vests, to socks and legwarmers.

Patons Bamboo Baby

Colleen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:51:20 +0000

Patons new baby yarn is a dream to work with. It is supersoft and has just a bit of sheen. The bamboo and acrylic blend is easycare – perfect for baby garments and blankets. New patterns include cabled sweaters, earflap hat, and a really cute girls jumper. But don’t let the name fool you, it’s great for adult garments too.

Silk Maiden

Colleen — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:53:04 +0000