67% Cashmere, 25% Wool 8% Nylon.  Fabulous is the only way to describe this breathtaking yarn. Marketed as a sock yarn, this machine washable, yes, I said machine washable, yarn is great for projects for a baby or for a pair of socks.  It is two ply cashmere with one ply of a wool/nylon twist.  The yarn is soft, luxurious, with lovely loft and spring.  Unbelievable: Machine-Washable Cashmere Sock Yarn.

One skein will make a pair of short cuffed socks out of one of our favorite sock books.  Most sock projects will use two skeins.  Call or e-mail the shop to check out color availability and pattern ideas. 

 

     I've just finished the late summer,early fall and, yes, winter class schedule.  Check it out.  Call or e-mail any questions or to reserve your spot in this fun list of classes and fabulous instructors!!!

Beginning To Knit

Meets from 3PM – 5M every Thursday

$10.00 plus supplies.  Free pattern, Chunky Alpaca (approx $14.98) one hank, needles to obtain gauge (approx $8.98).  Needles will be more if wanting to knit in the round.  Then must add double points in same gauge as circs)

Instructor Deb Blackman

 

Needlework Shop Hop

When: All throughout the month of July

Shops included:  TBA

Theme: Christmas Ornaments

Each shop will have a free cross stitch chart for a Christmas Ornament.  Fiber packs will be available for purchase.  You will have a passport that will be stamped at each needlework shop participating.  The Stitchin’ Den is a bonus shop.  Register for a drawing for a $25.00 Stitchin’ Den gift certificate.  There will also be a drawing for a Shop Hop drawing. 

 

Knit A-Long

Crayon Jacket by Chris Bylsma

Cost: $10.00 per session

Time: 1 PM – 3PM

Instructor: Susan Mock

Beginning Wednesday, July 7^th through August 11^th, six sessions total, The Stitchin’ Den will be hosting a Knit-A-long featuring the Crayon Jacket.  This is a unique cardigan style sweater.  It is knitted with mitered squares and a variety of yarns.  This is a great Stash Sweater project.  You should bring your stash to the first class for help to see what will work together and what you may need to add. 

Supplies: Crayon Jacket pattern for adult or child.  $7.98, needles to obtain gauge, knitting tools, an imagination and sense of adventure!!

 

Beginning To Knit Socks

This class is for a confident beginner.  You must know how to independently CO, Knit and Purl.  You will knit a basic sock on double pointed needles.  After completing this class you will be able to knit most socks and start to experiment with adding stitch patterns.

Saturday, July 31^st, August 14^th and 21^st.

Instructor Judy Zuniga

Time:  11AM – 1PM

Cost $30.00 plus supplies.  420 yds yards sock weight yarn (price will vary with choice of yarn), needles to obtain gauge (approx $9.98), (homework is a gauge swatch), free pattern.  Supplies at 10% off.

 

Puddle Scarf

This is a great class to learn how to use short rows to make a beautiful scarf out of Misti Alpaca.  It is not your typical scarf, yet it is easy and fun.  If you have knitted at least one project independently, this is a great next project.

Monday, August 9th

Instructor Susan Mock

1 PM – 3 PM

Cost $20.00 plus supplies at 10% off, Full length scarf uses 2-3 hanks Misti International Alapaca, needles to obtain gauge.  Misti Handpaints are $22.98.  Solids are $14.98.  This is not your typical scarf.  Learn to work short rows while creating a beautiful scarf for you or maybe get a jump on Christmas.

 

Market Bags (Knit or Crochet)

Market bags are all the rage now.  Who needs one more Safeway bag?  Right?  Save the environment while making a market bag for your shopping, knitting, crocheting, stitching, lunch or for a great gift.  Confident beginner class.  You need to know how to CO, knit, purl and bind off independently.

Saturday, August 14th and 21st

Instructor Bev Goodwin

10AM – 12PM

Cost $30 plus supplies.  Free pattern in most cases

Knit or crochet.  Crochet bag uses one hank Louet Linen $23.98 and one hank Mango Moon Silk $21.98.  More if bag is made bigger.  Knitted bag is made with SWTC Amaizing approximately 6 balls $9.98 each.  Needles and hook to obtain gauge.

 

 

Swing Skirt

Shirley has designed a pattern to knit a beautiful swingy, drapey skirt that will fit any body style and still be comfortable and cool in the summer or warm in the winter.  You will learn how to make this skirt as well as how to use increases and decreases in any project to make your garments fit.  Confident beginner class.  You need to know how to CO, knit, purl and bind off independently.

Saturday, August 14^th, 28^th and September 18^th.

Instructor: Shirley Wagner

Time: 11 AM – 2 PM

Cost: $40.00 for three sessions.  Optional embellishment session by appointment $21.00.  Other supplies include Tofutsie x 5 balls $16.98 each.  Embellishment yarn’s prices will vary and are optional.  Needles size 3 or 4 circular 24” cable, Size 1 or 2 circular 24” cable for waistband.  Bring $5.00 cash separate for Shirley’s pattern

This class is a design class and is for a confident beginner and beyond. 

Instructor: Shirley Wagner

Limited to six students

You will begin by swatching to understand the construction of the skirt, waist band and shaping.  Before session two, you will have worked the skirt to the beginning of increases.  Session two will show you how to design the skirt so as to fit your hips.  Session three is focusing on finishing the skirt and creating the ruffle.  The optional embellishing session is by appointment and provides one on one time with Shirley so as you can learn how to make a one of a kind ruffle.

 

Felted Vessels

This is a fun stash busting class.  Bring your stash and knitting supplies and see how to make a variety of felted storage projects.  This is a class for the beginning knitter and beyond.

Friday, August 20^th

Instructors: Donna Saunders and Susan Mock

Time: 1PM – 3PM

Cost: $20.00 and pattern (approximately $7.00).  Bring your stash yarns to this class as well as your knitting or crochet supplies.

Instructors: Donna Saunders and Susan Mock

In this class, you will learn the basics of felting while creating several cute vessels.  Each vessel will use different yarns and can be embellished in a variety of ways. 

 

 

Double Fair Isle Hat Series

Elizabeth Zimmerman's series of Reversible Fair Isle Hat Classes

Saturday, August  21^st, September 4^th and 11th.  Instructor Shirley Wagner

Time: 100 PM – 400 PM

Cost $45.00 plus supplies at 10% off. 

Supplies: Graph paper, 16" circular needles to obtain gauge of 5 sts/inch, matching double points, Book Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmerman, Size G Crochet Hook, 2 – 4 colors of Cascade 220.  Pick from four color combos or use two colors throughout.  Call or e-mail for color options.  This hat can be worn right side out or wrong side out. 

 

Homework:  Work swatch flat in stockinette, but don't turn and purl.  Knit a row and carry the strand around the back of the swatch and knit the next row. 

 

You will learn pattern reading, Fair Isle Technique, pattern design, knitting in the round, an exclusive way to pick up stitches.  This hat is knitted in such a way as you end up with two hats.  Turn hat inside out for a completely different hat.

 

Informal help session August 28^th 1PM – 3PM

 

Next class in series is a reversible hat with flaps.

 

Project Finishing 101

This is a UFO day.  That is Un Finished Project’s Day. 

Tuesday, August 24th

Instructor Shirley Wagner

1PM – 5PM

Cost $20.00 plus supplies if needed.  Bring your UFO's including sweaters for a fun afternoon of learning how to finish your projects.  Rare opportunity to learn at the knee of a master knitter.

 

Dueling Sweater Class: Beaded Bolero or Wooly Jumper

We did the Beaded Bolero Jacket earlier in the spring and it was a hit so we are reoffering this fun class.  The Wooly Jumper is a Crew Neck pullover with very little finishing and options for finishing the cuffs and collar.  It’s an Australian thing J.  Take this class and choose either design.  This can be your first sweater class.  You must know how to cast on, knit, purl and bind off independently. 

Saturday, September 11^th, 18^th and October 2nd

Instructor Ann Young

Time: 1PM – 5PM

Cost $50.00 plus supplies at 10% off.  You will need the pattern for either sweater, Lamb’s Pride wool and beads for the Beaded Bolero and Serendipity wool cotton blend for the Wooly Jumper.  Bring your knitting supplies and needles.  Sign up early and you can special order a color if we don’t happen to have it on hand.  We have a bunch of choices.

 

Fall In Love With Color

This class is for all skill levels.  Pay $20.00 and come to one day or both days.  The same material will be covered in both classes, but you can come to both if you want extra help.  Learn how to work with colors and textures, what techniques to use to achieve different use of color work and how to combine different colors and textures.

Friday and Saturday, October 8^th and 9^th.

Instructor: Marilyn Mueller

Time: 1PM – 3PM

Cost: $20.00 plus supplies if any.  This is a stash busting class so bring your stash and knitting supplies.  10% off any supplies purchased during your class.

Magnificent Mittens and Socks

We have all seen them and we have all fallen in love with those magnificent mittens and socks that Anna Zilboorg created in her book.  We all are just a bit intimidated by the complex appearance of these projects.  Well, Marilyn Mueller makes it look easy as she creates numerous mittens and socks in all kinds of color combinations.  Learn how to work Fair Isle patterns while combining beautiful colors of your choice.  These are great projects for gift giving or gearing up for this years ski season.  Confident beginner class.  You need to know how to CO, knit, purl and bind off independently.

Saturday, Oct 16^th, 23^rd and 30th

Instructor: Marilyn Mueller

Time: 9AM – 12PM

Cost is $30.00 plus supplies at 10% off.

Supplies include size US 5 double pointed needles both size 5" and 7".  Encore or Brown Sheep worsted.  Socks would be best in encore so they would be machine washable.  Choose 2 – 4 colors for each project.  Student’s choice of colors.  Also the book by Anna Zilboorg Magnificent Mittens.

 

 

Magnificent Hats and Headbands

Love FairIsle?  Love color? Love fun and fast projects?  Need to get started on Christmas gifts?  Want lo learn how to design your own hat or headband?  Just want to knit?  If you said yes to any of these questions or if you just want to hangout with new people and learn a new technique, this class is for you.  Confident beginner class.  You need to know how to CO, knit, purl and bind off independently.

When: Saturday, November 6^th and 13^th

Instructor: Marilyn Mueller

Time: 9AM – 12PM

Cost is $40.00 plus supplies at 10% off.  Hats A Knitter's Dozen, Lamb's Pride Wool or Encore.  Chose three colors to combine.

 

Brioche Knitting

Brioche knitting is a beautiful technique that twists stitches to make a lovely pattern in your projects.  Learn this technique while making a headband or scarf.  Confident beginner class.  You need to know how to CO, knit, purl and bind off independently.

When:  Friday and Saturday, November 19^th and 20th

Instructor: Marilyn Mueller

Time: 1PM – 3PM

Cost: $20.00 plus 10% off supplies.  TBA

Take one session or both for $20.00.  The same material will be covered on both days.  Come when your schedule allows or get extra help by coming both days.

 

 

 

It is a beautiful day in Estes Park.  So much happening.  Don't forget about the book signing at the Stitchin' Den.  Joanna Johnson will be signing her book Phoebe's Sweater from 2PM – 4PM.  We will also have the actual garments knitted from the book.  Way cool!!!  Refreshments will be served.  You can order any color for any sweater or project in the book.  Yarn is shipped for free.  There is free personal delivery to Greeley by appointment.

New Farmhouse yarns are now in.  The fun colors of summer are exploding from these yarns.  Peach.  Mango, Sedona, Taos and many more.

Rooftop Rodeo is still going on today and tomorrow.  The weather is outstanding for this.  Tonight is the Queen's Dance.  Put on your cowboy boots and let's do a bit of two steppin'

Wild flowers are exquisite after all of the great rain we have had.  I am heading out for a horseback ride tomorrow to really get a first hand view.  I am taking my lunch and my cool summer shawl project.  Don't tell the shop I am not working on my Knitting Master swatches.

Hope to see you this afternoon!!!

Saturday, July 10th local arthor Joanna Johnson will be at The Stitchin' Den to sign her new book Phoebe's Sweater.  She will read her book as well as personnally sign each copy.  Come enter the world of Phoebe Mouse as she lives and grows through the changing seasons.  Join her adventures in her woodland world as the year brings a special surprise for her family.  At the end of the story, you will discover a series of knitting patterns which allow Phoebe's story to be brought into real life through the skilled hands of a knitter.  You will also have the opportunity to order the exact yarn, Phoebe used to knit her patterns and choose the colors you like.  Your yarn then can be picked up at the shop, mailed to you without charge or delivered to you if between Estes Park and Greeley along Highway 34.  Questions please call 970-577-8210 or e-mail thestitchinden@yahoo.com. 

Summer has hit the mountains and it is beautiful and very warm. This may make it alittle hard to think about Christmas. That is why The Stitchin' Den and area needlework shops are making it easy to get into the holiday spirit and get working on your Christmas stitchin'. All during the month of July, check out the 10th annual Needlework Shop Hop. Visit Country Crafts in Greeley, Fanci Mats & More in Littleton, Ewe Count in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Main Street Stitcher's Garder in Longmont to receive free project charts for Christmas ornaments. Accessory and embelleshment fiber packs to complete your ornaments will be available. Visit all four shops and have your passport stamped to be entered into a drawing to be awarded at the end of the hop. For extra fun and prizes, Visit The Stitchin' Den and Country Crafts in Estes Park.  The Stitchin' Den will be holding a drawing for all shop hoppers for a one night stay in Estes Park.

Its turning out that the road to becoming a Master Knitter through the Nation Knitter's Guild can be Rocky.  Our merry group has had two set backs.  Donna hurt her hand in a wierd fall.  Susan punctured her had with a small stick while riding.  So, needless to say, both Donna and Susan have notbeen knitting.  Debbie has been slowed up because of graduation preparation.  Pam is just trying to humor all of us and not knit rings around us while we get our lives to settle down.  I tell you all this because we all have things we want to do.  Life just happens.  It doesn't mean you aren't going to accomplish what you want.  It just means that you had to take a small detour as you move past life's little challenges. 

They are working on the road today, so you will have to head to the shop through Drake if you are coming via highway 34,  We had a rock slide in Big Thompson Canyon on the 21st of May. 

The Stitchin' Den Presents a Weekend of Lace and Japanese Knitting by Donna Druchunas

165 Virginia Dr
Estes Park, CO 80517
970-577-8210
thestitchinden@yahoo.com
www.thestitchinden.com
 
Successful Lace Knitting
 
Lace Knitting 1-2-3
When: June 5th
from 10AM – 5PM
Cost: $60.00 includes yarn
Lunch on your own or can be purchased for $10.00

See special offer below!!!
 
Japanese Knitting
When: June 6th from 10AM- 5PM
Cost: $60.00 includes yarn
Lunch on your own or can be purchased for $10.00
 
See special offer below!!!
 
Lace Knitting 1-2-3 Workshop

6 hours 
For years I tried to learn how to knit lace, and was frustrated as I failed each time. I finally gave up because I wanted to have fun knitting and enjoy my hobby. I was able to knit cables, fair isle, intarsia, and even entrelac with no problems, but lace stymied me over and over again. I thought I would never be able to knit lace, until I stumbled onto Dorothy Reade's simple techniques.

Working from charts, understanding decreases, and knitting with worsted-weight yarn and larger needles gave me the confidence and practice I needed to ease into lace knitting. If I learned how to knit lace after years of frustration and failure, I know other knitters can, too!

In this workshop we will discuss the tools and yarns used to knit lace, learn how to follow lace charts, and make one swatch in worsted-weight yarn and one in sport-weight yarn. Students will then be ready to knit a lace-weight swatch on their own, and move on to making a simple project such as a lace scarf or hat.

For the advanced-beginner to intermediate knitter. Students should know how to cast on, bind off, knit, and purl, and should have completed several projects.
 
Explore Japanese Knitting
6 hours
Japanese knitting books are hot right now. Although the patterns are written entirely in Japanese, they are not impossible for American audiences to read. Very light on text and very heavy on charts and schematics, with a cheat sheet of translations, any adventurous knitter can enter the world of Japanese knitting. In this class we will learn how to read Japanese patterns, focusing on the charts and schematics. Because Japanese patterns usually are written for one size — small or extra-small — we will also learn how to resize the patterns for larger American bodies. In addition, we will learn a few interesting Japanese stitches and techniques that can be used to add an extra level of finesse to any project.

Bring Size 5 and 3 US needles short straights, stitch markers, row counter and other knitting tools to both classes. 

Be prepared for alot of fun!!!

Wool Market special!!!  Take both classes for $100.00 ($20.00 savings).  Classes individually are $60.00 per class and includes fiber.  Other purchases during this weekend are all 10% off. Donna's new book Successful Lace Knitting will be available.

Other Books by Donna:
The Knitted Rug
Kitty Knits
Ethnic Knitting Exploration
Ethnic Knitting Discovery
Discover Ethnic Knitting
Explore Ethnic Knitting

Many of you have heard me talk about my friend Lenore from Wisconsin.  She knits many of the beautiful models hanging in the shop and appearing in our newsletter, web site and other publications.  I forgot to mention that she came all the way to Colorado a couple of weeks ago to visit me and the shop.  Well, we played so much it was time for a siesta.  Of course Duncan and Tessa didn't want to get to far away from their pal. 

The Stitchin' Den and staff have all started the Master Hand Knitter program sponsored by The  Knitter's Guild.  The first level tests a knitter's ability to perform many different tasks.  Susan, Donna, Pam and Deb have started their first swatch.  On paper, the instructions appear simple.  We begin with a 2 x 2 rib, do an invisable increase and finish the swatch with Garter stitch.  Easy huh?  Weeellll, it is a bit intimidating knowing that each swatch will be inspected by Guild members who are Masters themselves. 

I have ripped out three times.  I don't know yet how many times the rest of merry band has ripped.  We meet again on the 10th of May to compare notes, swatches and confess how many times we have ripped. 

I will be blogging as we progress through 15 swatches.  I feel like it will be a bit like the movie Julie and Julia.  This movie followed the adventure of Julie as she worked through Julia Child's French cookbook recipe by recipe.  You can follow us swatch by swatch.  We would love to hear from other Master Knitters past or in process.  Moral support will be appreciated.