Had a slow start to your January? No problem, we’ve got classes starting in the next couple of weeks, plenty of time to sign up and learn something new! We also have a ton of QnA times if you have a project you are stuck on, just give us a call!

MONDAY

MR. FOX STOLE YOUR HEART

(advanced beginner)

(With Deanna Krushinsky)

This whimsical stole is reminiscent of the foxes round the ladies of the 1940”s. Deanna walks you through the steps and techniques to knit this vintage piece.

Supply requirements: pattern (Tiny Owl Knits); yarn suggestion: Lima, Silk Cloud, alpaca cotton, pastaza; 7mm needles & DPNs

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Dates: January 23, 30 & Feb 06

Cost: $75.00 + HST

MONDAY

BEGINNER CROCHET

(beginner)

(With Deanna Krushinsky)

Learn the basics of crochet with stitches such as the slip stitch, single crochet, half-double crochet double crochet, and the triple crochet, increasing and decreasing, and crocheting in the round. You will also learn chaining and working back and forth in rows from a foundation chain. If time allows, basic pattern reading skills will be taught. Most will have time to start some sort of beginner project, or you can make swatches and turn them into a scarf in the end.

Supply requirements: crochet hook 5mm; DK weight yarn (wool or acrylic is best, opposed to cotton or novelty yarn.

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Dates: Feb 20, 27, March 05 & 12

Cost: $95.00 + HST

TUESDAY

BEGINNER KNITTING

(beginner)

(With Amanda Kaffka)

Have fun learning the basics of knitting. This is a techniques based class where you will learn to cast on/off, knit and purl for the first time, or if you have learnt years ago but need a refresher this is the class for you. It is always encouraged to start a simple and easy project in this class that will help solidify the techniques in practice and teaches pattern reading skills.

Supply requirements: For first time learners, any chunky yarn & 6mm; or yarn for a project of your choice (we can help you during class time pick the appropriate yarn/pattern/needles).

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Dates: January 24, 31, Feb 7 & 14

Cost: $95.00 + HST

TUESDAY

BEYOND BEGINNER KNITTING

(advanced beginner)

(With Amanda Kaffka)

Wanting to go to that next level? Join the beyond beginner class with Amanda where she will help you pick a pattern, yarn and needles that will challenge you to learn new skills and techniques. Learn to read patterns and understand the abbreviations and new stitches along with finishing techniques

Supply requirements: A pattern & yarn of your choice (we can help you select a pattern & yarn)

Time: 12:15-2:15pm

Dates: January 24, 31, Feb 7 & 14

Cost: $95.00 + HST

TUESDAY

FIDDLEHEAD MITTENS

(intermediate)

(With Alexa Ludeman)

These classic Fiddlehead Mittens are super popular and fun to knit! Alexa takes you through the techniques of Fair Isle and chart reading.

Supply requirements: Pattern (purchase on line); yarn suggestion: BSA sport/mélange (2 main colour, 1 each of contrasting colours, 2 brushed suri)

Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

Dates: January 17, 24, 31 & Feb 07

Cost: $95.00 + HST

TUESDAY

TRENDY SLOUCHY HAT

(advanced beginner)

(With Michael Wynne)

This fashion foward hat suitable for both men and women is a great knit for your self or as a special gift; just in time for the cooling weather and holiday season.  Join Michael as he walks you through the techniques needed to knit this perfectly slouchy hat, like i-cord cast on, and basic cables.

Supply requirements: Pattern Fulton; yarn: 20 – 22 st yarn (ideas: Madelintosh, peartree 8ply); 4.5mm & cable needle (optional)

Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm

Dates: Jan 17 & 24

Cost: $50.00 + HST

TUESDAY

CABLE SAMPLER PILLOW

(advanced beginner)

(With Michael Wynne)

Knit this timeless cable sampler pillow to add the perfect accent in any room. Knitted décor always adds a soft, beautiful look to any space.

Learn the basics of cabling creating a 4 square pillow and solid back.

Supply requirements: 18 st gauge yarn in a light colour 500 meters (250m for front & 250m for back. & pattern sold in store.

Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

Dates: January 31, Feb 7, 14 & 8

Cost: $95.00 + HST

WEDNESDAY

KID’S CLUB

(all levels ages 6 – 12)

(With Amanda Kaffka)

Let’s have fun knitting and learning the basics, making a simple garter stitch scarf or fingerless gloves or little simple animals. All levels welcome from learning to knit for the very first time to pros!

Supply requirements: first timers, we recommend a chunky yarn and 6mm needles; those wanting to start a project 1 ball of anything and needles to match yarn (novelty yarn is not encouraged).

Time: 3:30 – 4:30

Dates: January 25, Feb 1, 8 & 15

Cost: $50.00 + HST

WEDNESDAY

BEGINNER KNITTING

(beginner)

(With Amanda Kaffka)

Have fun learning the basics of knitting. This is a techniques based class where you will learn to cast on/off, knit and purl for the first time, or if you have learnt years ago but need a refresher this is the class for you. It is always encouraged to start a simple and easy project in this class that will help solidify the techniques in practice and teaches pattern reading skills.

Supply requirements: For first time learners, any chunky yarn & 6mm; or yarn for a project of your choice (we can help you during class time pick the appropriate yarn/pattern/needles).

Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Dates: January 25, Feb 1, 8 & 15

Cost: $75.00 + HST

WEDNESDAY

JUNEBERRY SHAWL

(intermediate)

(With Alison Holley)

Jared Flood’s patterns are always spectacular and the Juneberry Shawl is no acception! Alison will take you through the steps of this lace pattern and chart reading.

Supply requirements: yarn 480 yds of worsted or sport weight; pattern; 5.5mm needles

Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

Dates: January 25, Feb 1, 8 & 15

Cost: $95.00 + HST

THURSDAY

KID’S CLUB

(all levels ages 6 – 12)

(With Amanda Kaffka)

Let’s have fun knitting and learning the basics, making a simple garter stitch scarf or fingerless gloves or little simple animals. All levels welcome from learning to knit for the very first time to pros!

Supply requirements: first timers, we recommend a chunky yarn and 6mm needles; those wanting to start a project 1 ball of anything and needles to match yarn (novelty yarn is not encouraged).

Time: 3:30 – 4:30

Dates: January 26, Feb 2, 9 & 16

Cost: $50.00 + HST

THURSDAY

BEYOND BEGINNER KNITTING

(beginner)

(With Sandra Dunkin)

Now that you’ve learned the basic’s of knitting, and can’t wait to make a more advanced project, come join the beyond beginner knitting class. From learning to read a pattern, to finishing techniques, Sandra will coach you through the obstacle course of your first garment.

Supply requirements: Basic pattern of your choice and the yarn and needles that is specifies.

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Dates: January 19, 26, Feb 2 & 9

Cost: $95.00 + HST

THURSDAY

GENTLEMEN’S KNIT CLUB

(all levels)

(With Michael Wynne)

Got Balls? Then join us in an exclusive weekly men’s knit night. Bring your knitting or start a new project. All skill levels not only welcome, but encouraged. Let’s see how much testosterone we can drum up in a knitting store!

Time: 7 – 9pm

Date: Weekly

Cost: FREE

SATURDAY

SOCK BOOT CAMP

(advanced beginner)

(With Jackie Blackmore)

Learn to knit a sock in just one evening! Basic knitting skills are required and knowledge of knitting on DPN’s expected. You will knit a top-down, mini training sock on 4 DPN’s by the end of the 3 hour class.   An educational “Sock Knitting” handout and a free sock pattern will be included.

Supply requirements: 3.25mm or 3/5mm DPN and a small ball of aran weight yarn

Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Dates: Session A: January 7

Session B: Feb 04

Session C: March 04

Cost: $40.00 + HST

SATURDAY
ENTRELAC SCARF WORKSHOP

(advanced beginner)

(With Alison H.)

Entrelac looks complex but the technique is easy to understand and looks impressive! In this class you will cast on and then knit 3 base triangles. Once the set up is complete we will work 2 passes across the scarf, which are the fundamental rows for knitting entrelac.

Supply requirements: Pattern provided; 4 skeins Noro Silk Garden, or similar weight yarn; 4mm needles

Time: 1:00 – 4:30pm

Dates: January 21

Cost: $40.00 + HST

SATURDAY
SOCKS KNIT ON 2 CIRCULAR NEEDLES

(intermediate)

(With Alexa Ludeman)

Are you an avid sock knitter who wants to learn a new technique to knit up your feet warmers? Well, this might be the course for you! Alexa shows you the steps to using 2 circular needles instead of DPN’s.

Time: 10:30 – 12:30pm

Dates: January 28, Feb 11 + 18th

Cost: $75.00 + HST

SUNDAY

PTARMIGAN

(advanced beginner; able to read charts)

(With Alison H.)

Brooklyn Tweed’s Ptarmigan is a simple, yet warm and lovely lace cowl knit in the round. This cowl is the perfect neck piece to transition from winter to spring.

Supply requirements: Brooklyn Tweed’s pattern Ptarmigan pattern; 175 – 220 yd sport/DK yarn; 4 – 4.5mm 16- 24” needles

Time: 3:00 – 5:00

Dates: January 22 & 29

Cost: $50.00 + HST + cost of pattern + supplies

I so enjoy perusing the projects of friends on Ravelry. There’s a certain amount of excitement whenever I see that someone has finished an ongoing project or even popped up with something I didn’t even know they were working on. It feels a little bit wrong somehow, just checking up on people without them knowing it, but their projects are so full of pride and inspiration when they post them!

Kynna never disappoints, her two newest projects are just stunning. Both in colours I have a serious affinity for, Madelinetosh Glazed Pecan and Tart. First up is Rose Red by Ysolda Teague. I think Kynna has knit more than half of all the Ysolda patterns by now, if not she’ll get there soon!

Next is a popular pattern, the Honey Cowl. Simple but fun, the pattern shows off the stunning yarn and subtle colour variations. To make a Honey Cowl of your own you will need about 400 yards of a dk weight yarn, something soft and sumptuous to kick off the new year!

It’s resolution time again and here are a few suggestions for new years knitterly goals:

First up: Organize/knit the stash. I usually want to decrease the stash (or at least avoid increasing it) so the new year is a perfect time to recommit to old projects. There are many ways to accomplish this goal, some more serious than others.

1. Knitting one old project for every new project. Depending on how extensive your stash is this can be a great way to get it down while still enjoying fresh and exciting projects.

2. Only knit from the shash: this is a great goal for January but lets be real, you will probably need new yarn just to use up your old yarn and who can resist the allure of the fresh new project for a fresh new year?

3. Knit 2 balls of stash yarn for every new ball of yarn. I tried this one last year and while I did end up with a bit of debt (I owe myself knitting a few balls) I did manage keep myself under control.

4. Organize first and make a plan. I find a plan helps me keep on track and stay productive.

Another great way to start the new year is by looking through your patterns. Scope out your Ravelry queue or your binder of patterns (what? not everyone has these things?!) and come on in to UY to look through books and binders for inspirations. Is there something you have been planning to knit for ages and haven’t gotten around to? It’s time!

I’m personally plotting a project number for 2012. Not only do I want to complete more projects but I also want to remember to put them on Ravelry and take good photos. I find gift knitting is the most difficult in this respect because I tend to finish them at the last minute and miss my photo opportunity (winter and it’s lack of daylight thwarted me several times this year). I can’t decide what a good project number is for me. I want to use other knitters productivity as a guideline but it’s important to pick someone with a normal pace (KT, you are out you crazy girl!).

Knit Along! How about doing a knit along this year? If you haven’t joined us yet it’s a lot of fun and we are starting our Tiny Owl Knits KAL tomorrow so cast on!

Happy New Year from everyone at Urban Yarns!!!!!

Christmas dinner tonight? No problem, a little DK weight yarn and some dedication will get a couple of these done just in time! Little Sock Ornaments

It’s time to start thinking bulky people, the 24 hour countdown has begun! The following are 2 quick and cute projects that anyone would love to see under the tree!

I know it might sound crazy but I’m thinking about casting on for a Jane hat for a friend. I might think better of the idea and just get the knitter the yarn and wool….. I was spurred on to start this project by seeing Kim’s pretty hat. It’s such a simple but great design, I might need one for myself as well. 1 skein of worsted weight will do it!

There are so many festive fair isle projects in the world. I don’t know why fair isle makes me think of cozy winters, perhaps it’s the double thick fabric, or the bountiful number of snowflake patterns. Whatever the reason, here are a few great fair isle patterns to check out:

I think a teeny tiny sweater adorning the tree is probably the perfect housewarming gift. It’s even better if it tops some cookies, or a bottle of wine, but each year they will haul out the box of Christmas decor and unwrap the little sweater all over again. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Cheers by Cheryl Niamath is just adorable, and there are instructions for the little hanger in there too!

I have handed off my Christmas Knit exchange items. I wasn’t knitting them at the last minute this year but don’t worry, I just picked up a couple of extra projects that I’m sure to be furiously weaving in ends on the 24th. They are the ever popular (and easy!) Mistake Rib Scarf, and I polished off another Hunter Hat (pattern available in store) while I was at it. Both knits are going to boys so my brother Jordan was good enough to model the combination for me. A couple of skeins of Tosh Vintage for the scarf and one skein for the hat.

Heading outside to view the wonderful light displays? Taking a trip to Whistler Village to watch the people or hit the slopes? Perhaps just a walk around the Sea Wall with friends? All of these activities have something in commom: they need some nice warm mittens! I recommend a pair of Antler Mittens, designed by moi.

2 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes will do a pair (with some pretty long cuffs) although I’ve been eying the Madelinetosh Vintage in Twig, one skein for a pair. They knit up quick and they are the epitome of toasty.