Twisted Yarns

New Newsletter & Class Calendar

2012-01-26T14:57:00.001-06:00

The newsletter and class calendar for the months of February through May 2012 are now available for access on our website and blog. Twisted Yarns soon will be 8 years old and we are planning a sale and celebration for the dates of Thursday, February 9 through Saturday, February 11. Be sure to join us!

The very popular Coiled Basket workshop taught by June Huber is on the class calendar for three separate dates in February, March and April. These classes fill up very quickly so call soon to reserve your spot!

If you are a crocheter as well as a knitter, look for Randi K's Kaja's Jacket class, taught by Randi herself, which uses both of these crafts to make a darling child's sweater. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kajas-jacket

Advanced beginner knitters who want to learn to read charts should take a look at the new Wayfarer Scarf class which uses a beautiful pattern by Jared Flood. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wayfarer-2

And as winter gives way to warmer weather, we have put the Sleeveless Shell and Summer Cardi classes back on the calendar. If you are nervous about making your first garment, these classes will help get you through it.

Lots of new spring and summer yarns have been arriving daily! Come on by the shop and take a look at what is new...and while you're there, why not sit for a bit, relax, and do a little knitting or crocheting!
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Annual Gumball Sale this Week

2011-11-30T08:38:00.001-06:00

It's time for our Annual Gumball Sale! If you've never joined us for this sale, here's how it works:
You bring your selection of regular priced merchandise to the counter, put a penny in the gumball machine, and the color of your gumball determines your discount!

Red, Pink or Orange = 10% off

Blue or Purple = 20% off

Green = 30% off

Yellow = 50% off

White = $50 Gift Certificate!

Sale discount is for regular priced, in-stock merchandise only. Does not apply to merchandise already marked down, or to special orders (even if they are in stock). The discount is good on regular priced yarn, books, needles, accessories, bags, etc. You will also be earning points toward our rewards program!

The sale runs Thursday through Saturday, December 1-3. We'll be open late Thursday, 10-7, and open Friday and Saturday 10-5.

Don't forget we have Gift Certificates in any amount, and we have a gift registry. Just come in and fill out the form, or e-mail in your selections, and we'll help your family and friends find the perfect gift for you! We look forward to seeing you this weekend! We'll have a few door prizes you can sign up for as well. Don't miss out on the fun!

See you then!

Holiday Gift Registry

2011-11-22T07:59:00.001-06:00

Wishing for some fiber related goodness under the tree this year? Need a way to suggest ideas to your non-yarnaholic loved ones? Come by and fill out a Twisted Yarns gift registry wish list! Forms are available at the front counter for you to fill out, or if you are not able to come by just email us your wish list and we will put it in the registry. Gift certificates also are available in any amount and they never expire.

We will be open late two nights in December. We will be open Thursday, December 1st until 7 pm during our annual Gumball Sale, and we will be open Thursday, December 8th until 8 pm during the Holiday Sit & Knit. Stop on by after work for some knitting, crocheting and shopping!

Fall Newsletter and Calendar

2011-09-27T07:49:00.000-05:00

The newsletter and class calendar for October through January are available for viewing. Click on the links to the right to access them.

To help you get that holiday knitting done, we have scheduled some Sit and Knit times for you to get away from every day stresses and focus on your holiday projects. See the calendar for times.

New classes include Magic Loop Socks, a child's top down sweater, two color Brioche scarf, and a Fair Isle tube scarf. Artist Gika Rector is offering a holiday felting class in November in addition to her Nuno felting.

New yarns continue to arrive weekly at the shop. Recent arrivals include The Fibre Company's Acadia, Rowan's Heritage Tweed and Fine Tweed, and Prism Yarn's Plume and Surf. Our Koigu order will be arriving this week!

There still are spaces available in the Lucy Neatby workshops. Call the shop to sign up!

Love Mountain Colors yarns? Come by and check out their trunk show currently on display!

Lucy Neatby workshops

2011-09-07T22:01:00.000-05:00

Well known knitting instructor and designer Lucy Neatby will be in Houston in October and Twisted Yarns is her host for two workshops to be held on Wednesday, October 26. Lucy's Hot Sock Tips will be offered in the morning and her class on Ambidextrous Knitting will be held in the afternoon. Each class is 3 hours and each costs $50. The workshops will be held at Immanuel United Church which is just a couple of blocks away from the shop. More detailed information about the workshops and the sign up information can be found here at this link. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knitting knowledge by learning from such an experienced instructor!

It's raining yarn!

2011-08-09T07:09:00.006-05:00

There may be a drought outside, but inside the shop we are swimming in yarn. Each day seems to bring a new cloudburst of boxes full of the beautifully colored yarns we ordered at the beginning of summer from our reps and at Yarn Market. We are restocking some of our favorites and welcoming many new yarns to our inventory.

Two of our new yarns are Sea Sock and Double Sea Silk by Hand Maiden. Sea Sock is a silk, merino, and Seacell mix in a fingering weight. Double Sea Silk is a silk and Seacell mix in a DK weight. Both drape beautifully and we have a lovely assortment of colors. We've also received Fleece Artist's Kidazzle, a merino, kid, and nylon sock yarn blend.

Another new yarn is Mountain Color's Jeannette. This cashmere and silk sport weight yarn will make an elegant gift for someone special. It is super soft!

We are dreaming of cooler days ahead when we can wear some of the new yarns we've received that have a little sparkle! On the shelf now are Adriafil's Malizia, a wool and acrylic blend in a bulky weight, Plymouth's Juli, an alpaca and nylon blend in a chunky weight, and Berroco's Flicker, an alpaca and acrylic blend in a worsted weight. All have a little metallic twinkle to brighten up the winter days.

Stop by on Saturdays through the end of August to give some of our new yarns a test knit or crochet! Some of our recent Sample It yarns were Juniper Moon's Willa, Universal Yarn's Classic Shades, Debbie Bliss' Paloma and Riva, Asland Trend's Royal Alpaca and Cascade's Eco Alpaca. Enter our weekly Saturday drawing for a door prize and check out the overflowing sale bin!

Beat the Heat Sale this week!

2011-07-11T17:59:00.002-05:00

Join us for our annual Beat the Heat sale this Thursday through Saturday, July 14 to 16 during our store hours of 10am to 5pm each day. As the temperature rises, the yarn prices go down! We will check the temperature at the top of every hour and will discount all regular priced yarn as follows:

up to 94 degrees = 15%
95 to 99 degrees = 20%
over 100 degrees = 25%

The sale is on all regular priced yarns only and cannot be combined with any other discount. However, you will continue to accrue customer reward points! So, come escape the heat at Twisted Yarns and start planning your fall and holiday knit and crochet projects!

New Newsletter and Class Calendar

2011-05-29T11:29:00.002-05:00

Our newsletter and class calendar have been updated for the months of June through September 2011. Simply click on the links to the right of this page. There are several new classes on the schedule, including the fun to knit Eyelet Twigs Hat, a Granny Square blanket for beginning crocheters, and the Stitch Sampler scarf for beginning knitters. The Basic Beginner class and the Sleeveless Shell class have been revised. If you want to do more with fiber, remember that we also offer Beginning Spinning, Beginning Weaving and Nuno Felting classes. If you don't see a class that fits your schedule or if you need help with a specific technique, we are happy to help you with a private lesson. And as always, you are welcome any time to sit and knit and relax! We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Rozetti Marina yarn is here

2011-05-26T12:41:00.006-05:00

Just arrived! A new scarf yarn from Universal Yarn Company, Marina by Rozetti. This honeycomb yarn ruffles as you knit it. We have a nice selection of colors for fun summer knitting. There also is a nice YouTube video which demonstrates cast on to bind off. Come in soon for the best selection!

Filling the shelves!

2011-05-17T07:32:00.007-05:00

We have been busy the last few weeks meeting with all of our yarn reps and looking at the new yarns and yarn colors for fall. And now, some of those new yarns are arriving at the shop! Here is our Manos wall with a new supply of the super soft Maxima yarn! These bright colors will make an awesome snowboarder hat for that young person in your life.

Our Plymouth Encore wall has been replenished with a large assortment of colors! If you need to make an afghan for a new grad, new baby or newlywed couple, now is the time to come in for the best color selection!

One of our favorite customers was singing the praises of Cascade Yarn's Pacific and when the yarn rep showed it to us, we had to agree! This merino wool and acrylic yarn is so soft and pretty! It is a worsted weight yarn that knits up to 4.5 to 5 sts per inch on a US 7 to 8 needle and has 213 yards per skein.

Also new in the baby yarn section is Cascade's Cherub DK and Cherub Baby. Both are nylon and acrylic blends for easy care and they are oh, so soft! The Cherub DK has 180 yards and knits to 5.5 to 6 sts per inch on a US 4 to 5 needle. The Cherub Baby has 229 yards per skein and knits to 6 to 7 sts per inch on a US 3 to 4 needle.

Oh, my! What's this in the box we just opened? A new supply of Madelinetosh's Tosh Sock yarn! Last year's Sock Club members used this yarn in one of their kits and we sold out very quickly. Each of the different colorways is so beautiful that it is hard to choose for a project! Come by a take a look. We'll be getting these onto the shelves today!

Get a head start on your Christmas knitting! Come see what is new at Twisted Yarns!

More Staff Projects

2011-04-19T07:57:00.007-05:00

Here are a couple more projects on the needles of the TY staff. Johanna is nearing the finish of the Salvador sweater featured in Berroco's Origami book #305 and she is using Berroco's Origami yarn to knit the sweater. It is an acrylic/linen/nylon/cotton blend that is multicolored and wrapped in a cord-like manner. This should be a nice sweater for a Houston summer wardrobe.

The finished sweater will look like this!

Alisa is working on the Vesper sweater by Heidi Kirrmaier. It is a light weight short sleeve top that can be downloaded from the Ravelry website. The yarn she chose is Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold, a hemp/cotton/nylon blend that can be machine-washed and has a nice drape.

Some of our current projects

2011-04-07T17:03:00.012-05:00

Frequently customers ask us what we are knitting or crocheting. Here are a few projects some of the TY staff have in progress!

Eve and Debbie were inspired by our recent crocheted afghan project and worked together to make another one for a mutual friend. They used Shibui sock yarn to crochet basic granny squares and single crocheted them together. It is now finished and ready to gift.

Cindy is working on a Fair Isle project using Jamieson's Spindrift yarn. The colors are lovely together!

Ann is knitting sweater Six from the Noro Flowers 2 book by Jenny Watson. She is using Noro's new Taiyo sock yarn which is 50% cotton blended with wool, nylon and silk. It should make a nice lightweight top great for wearing during our hot, humid Houston summers!

We'll have some more project pictures soon. Come by and show us what summer projects you are working on!

Cute hat, cute book!

2011-03-28T17:17:00.005-05:00

Look at this adorable baby hat that Cindy knit! The pattern is named Sheep Hat, of course, and is designed by Renee Lorion in the book 60 Quick Baby Knits: Blankets, Booties, Sweaters & More in Cascade 220 Superwash.

If you have a new baby to knit for, you will find lots of great patterns and gift ideas in this book from Cascade Yarns.

Crochet!

2011-03-14T15:20:00.004-05:00

So, what has the Twisted Yarns gang been up to recently? Crocheting! One of our staff was due to become a first time grandmother in March and since she and the expectant mom both were crocheters, it seemed only right that the new baby boy should have a crocheted blanket. The skills of the staff ranged from experienced to newbie, but all learned to crochet a simple granny square pattern and made squares for the blanket.

Later, everyone got together to help sew the squares together! Getting together for a knitting or crocheting "bee" is fun and a great way to make a gift for a special occasion.

New Yarns for Spring

2011-02-22T06:08:00.019-06:00

New lightweight yarns for spring knitting have been arriving at the shop. Pictured here is Plymouth Yarns Vizions, a rayon/linen/nylon blend that would be great for a colorful tank or cardi. This yarn has 98 yards per 50 gram ball and knits to 5 1/2 sts/inch on a US 6 needle.

Here is Queensland's Dream yarn, a polyamide/cotton blend that has a lovely drape. There is a selection of both earthy and bright colors, and it would make a beautiful shawl or shrug to wear on cool spring mornings. There are 101 yards per 50 gram ball, and it knits to 5 sts/inch on a US 7 needle.

Need to make a sweater for a baby this spring? Classic Elite's Cotton Bam Boo now comes in self striping colors! The cotton/bamboo blend will keep little ones protected from cool spring days and air conditioning drafts this summer. Each ball has 130 yards per 50 grams and knits to 6 sts/inch on a US 5 needle.

We have lots of yarn for your spring and summer knitting. Stop by the shop and see what's new!

Tul Scarf!

2011-02-17T10:29:00.002-06:00

This scarf was made with 1 skein of the Katia Tul. I used a size 13 needle (an 11 would probably do just fine as well), and cast on 7, and the scarf is about 41" long. You could always use 2 skeins for a much longer, fluffier scarf, but this one is plenty long and ruffly! The pattern for this yarn suggests a size 7 needle, but it's much too closely knit, and the ruffles don't have room to do their thing. We still have a good array of colors in the shop, so stop in and check it out!

Local Alpaca Fiber at TY

2011-02-12T09:57:00.007-06:00

Come by the shop and check out the yarn, roving and rugs we have in stock from Rancho Inca Alpacas, an award-winning alpaca ranch located just up the road in Navasota, Texas. Each skein of yarn is labeled with a picture of the alpaca whose fleece was used to make the yarn. Or spin your own yarn with roving from Yukon Charlie or Fresia. It's so soft! We also have a couple of lovely rugs in stock woven from alpaca fiber; other sizes and colors can be special ordered. We are proud to support our local fiber producers and we wish Bill and Mario luck at the upcoming Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!

Open at 10 today!

2011-02-10T06:11:00.002-06:00

Good morning! Looks like the roads are clear, so we will be opening at 10 a.m. Join us for our Anniversary Sale today 'til 8 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 to 5. Yarn will be 20% or 30% off!

We have door prizes, a free gift with purchase while supplies last, and some yummy treats!

We also just received a big shipment of Tul, another one of those fun ruffle yarns that are quick and easy. See you soon.

7th Anniversary Sale & Celebration!

2011-02-08T08:24:00.002-06:00

Join us this Thursday, Feb. 10 to Saturday, Feb. 12 as we celebrate our 7th anniversary! We will be open 10 to 5, with extended hours to 8 pm on Thursday. All regular priced yarns will be 20% off and some select items will be 30% off. There will be yummy treats, door prizes, a chance for an extra discount on your purchase, and each customer will receive a gift with their purchase (one per person, of course, and while supplies last). Come celebrate 7 wonderful years with us!

Open at 10 today!

2011-02-05T07:54:00.002-06:00

We will be opening at 10 a.m. today, as the roads look like they are in pretty good shape. If you need a break from the family after having a snow day, stop by and see us!

Closed Today

2011-02-04T08:44:00.001-06:00

On this icy Houston morning, we have decided to stay closed. It looks like dangerous driving out there, and we can all use a day to knit and crochet, can't we? Enjoy the day!

Weather!

2011-02-03T10:34:00.002-06:00

We will be closing at 3:00 p.m. today due to the approaching ice and snow! We will most likely be closed tomorrow, but will post an update here to confirm that. We may open tomorrow afternoon if the streets are clear. You may want to call before coming out!
Stay warm and safe and enjoy the knitting weather!

Beginning Weaving

2011-01-31T21:42:00.004-06:00

Curious about weaving? Want to give it a try? We will be offering a very basic Rigid Heddle Weaving class here at the shop in March, April and May. In this one time class, we will show you how to warp a rigid heddle loom and start basic weaving. Pictured here is the Schacht Cricket loom that will be used in the class and some scarves woven by Shelley and Ann. Imagine making your own custom fabric out of your stash! We also have the new DVD companion to the The Weaver's Idea Book by Jane Patrick in stock. Check the newsletter and calendar for class details and dates.

Franklin's Visit

2011-01-28T18:30:00.008-06:00

We were very honored to host the delightful Franklin Habit for a book signing at the shop this past Thursday! We enjoyed getting to know the author of It Itches, a book full of whimsical and funny knitting humor and cartoons.

Today Franklin was back to teach two workshops: the History of Lace Knitting and Photographing Your Fiber. Both were very enjoyable and informative! We've offered up the best weather we could think of to a traveler from Chicago and hope that Franklin will come back and visit us again! Visit Franklin Habit's website at The Panopticon.

Support Ovarian Cancer Research

2011-01-24T22:05:00.004-06:00

We just received a shipment of Skacel's Trekking XXL sock yarn in the Suzanne colorway. For each skein purchased, Skacel will donate $10 to the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research. Twisted Yarns will match Skacel's donation, so the entire cost of your purchase will be going to help subsidize research into finding an early detection test for this insidious disease.

Nuno Felting!

2010-10-20T18:09:00.002-05:00

Check out this amazing pillow that Shelley made recently....

We have a class in the Nuno Felting technique this Friday morning....only a few spots left! Call the shop to sign up ASAP!

It's a fun technique with endless possibilities.

Super soft Rocketry Blanket!

2010-09-29T21:49:00.004-05:00

You have to come see this baby blanket.....you won't believe how soft it is. The cute Dream in Color pattern for the Rocketry Blanket was used with Cotton Supreme from Universal Yarns. The model will be in the shop for a couple of weeks.....it's awaiting the arrival of a cute little baby boy, and will be sent away to its new owner very soon. This is super easy and would be great in any yarn, or with a self-striping yarn. Let your creativity take hold!

Cotton Kids Trunk Show!

2010-09-27T12:28:00.002-05:00

Come see this adorable Trunk Show from Universal Yarns. The garments are so cute, and the dolls and toys are even cuter! The Trunk Show will be here through October 7th.

2 fun yarns!

2010-03-22T08:44:00.007-05:00

We just had to show you these two projects, made out of a couple of our favorite new yarns!

Ann Norling's popular Short Row Scarf pattern, is knit up in Isager's Highland Wool. We used 3 skeins, 3 different colors, and knit double-stranded, changing out one of the colors when starting each new section. The result is beautiful!

One of the most popular patterns on Ravelry this winter is the Citron pattern from the Winter 2009 Knitty issue. It's made up here in the fun new Noro Sekku Lace. Cindy used a size 2 needle, and alternated knitting 2 rows from each end of the skein. We think the effect is very bright and happy!

Come check out these 2 new yarns at the shop. There is a lot of spring knitting going on, and we have a lot to inspire you!

Shadow Knitting

2010-02-26T18:40:00.005-06:00

Another new class being offered this spring is Shadow Knitting. In this 2 hour class you will learn this technique of creating "holographic" designs in your knitting. Pictured here is a scarf with triangular shadow designs. For the class you will need 50 yards of light worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors (a tightly spun cotton is preferred), size 4 needles and stitch markers. You will be making swatches in the class, and learning the technique, so you can knit a project of your choice. The class fee is $25. The pattern for this scarf is found in Vivian Hoxbro's Shadow Knitting book. Check the calendar for class dates and times.

Baby Aran Sweater

2010-02-25T21:04:00.003-06:00

Pictured is the model for the Baby Aran Sweater class being offered on the new March-June calendar. In this three part class you learn how to knit an aran sweater, but on a very small scale. Materials needed are 350 yards of worsted weight yarn, needles to achieve a gauge of 5 sts/inch in stockinette stitch, cable needle, and 5 buttons. The pattern is included in the class fee which is $50. Check the calendar on our home page for class dates and times.

Baby Surprise!

2010-02-22T13:31:00.003-06:00

Come see the Baby Surprise sweater on display in the shop.....it's very much like this one, only in pink and lilac! The first photo is what the sweater looks like "before" and then once it's folded, it looks like this.....

This one is just waiting for the buttons to be added. Am thinking little monkey buttons would be good! The little girl version in the shop has really cute bunny buttons. I used the Kertzer Down to Earth Cotton for both, it's organic and lovely to work with, and brand new in the shop! Makes a great Baby Surprise, don't you think??

It's almost that time again

2010-02-05T09:03:00.004-06:00

Twisted Yarns' Sixth Anniversary Sale is coming up - February 11 - 13! Watch this space for more information and subscribe to our Twitter to find out about the latest arrivals as they happen.

2010 Twisted Toes Sock Club

2010-01-30T08:00:00.003-06:00

Registration is going to end on Tuesday, February 2nd, so if you've not already signed up, you won't want to miss it. Details were sent via email earlier this month and posted to our Ravelry group as well. Here's the info:

The Twisted Toes Sock Club is back!

Registration opens Tuesday, January 12 and ends on Tuesday, February 2. There will be a total of six sock club kits which will be available every other month starting in February and ending in December. The first kit will be available for pick up on Saturday, February 20. Subsequent kits will be available for pick up on the second Saturday of the month in April, June, August, October and December.

Each kit includes a pattern and yarn for knitting the sock. Plus, you will receive the exclusive Twisted Yarns small tote bag—perfect for carrying your Sock Club projects! With some of the kits, Sock Club participants will be the first to receive new yarns and/or patterns before they are offered for sale in the shop. The February kit features Mountain Colors’ new sock yarn, Crazyfoot, and a pattern by Anne Hanson of Knitspot.

Cost for the club is $150 which can be paid in full at registration or in two installments of $75 at registration and $75 with the April kit pick up. You will NOT be able to buy sock club kits individually. You must sign up for the entire Sock Club package. We will be happy to mail your kits to you throughout the year for an additional charge of $18. You can register for the Twisted Toes Sock Club by phone or at the shop!

Remember, registration ends Tuesday, February 2nd so sign up ASAP. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Nicky Epstein today!

2009-11-14T09:55:00.002-06:00

Nicky Epstein will be here from 2 to 4 p.m. today! Nicky will be signing copies of her newest book, Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch, along with many of her other fabulous books. It makes a great Christmas gift, or gift for yourself.....what knitter wouldn't love to have one of Nicky's terrific books signed just for them??

We also have her trunk show in the shop today, with many of the designs from her books. We hope to see you there, it's going to be fun!!

Easy alpaca fingerless gloves!

2009-10-06T12:40:00.002-05:00

These fingerless gloves were made with 1 skein of Plymouth's Alpaca Worsted yarn! It's a free pattern at the shop, with purchase of the yarn. Notice the cute little sig'nits charm added in to personalize for the gift recipient! This one says "good omen" on the back, and flips over easily.

There are many different charms to choose from.

Come by the shop and see what's new. We have a lot of great ideas for the gift-giving season!

Keep the Fleece!

2009-09-24T09:03:00.003-05:00

Only a few days left to knit/crochet on the world's longest scarf! Join us as we raise money for Heifer International through the Keep the Fleece project. The scarves will be available to work on through this Saturday, the 26th. We'll be sending them off to the New York Sheep & Wool Festival next week so they can be included in the world's longest scarf. Stop by and knit or crochet a row or two, make a donation to Heifer Int'l and help provide fleece-giving animals to families in need around the world. You can also enter a special drawing for a Lantern Moon bag each time you knit or crochet and donate! Don't miss out on being a part of this special project! See you soon.

Spud & Chloe Trunk Show

2009-09-05T13:44:00.009-05:00

Come see the Spud & Chloe Trunk Show! The samples will be here through September 23, 2009. Everything is super cute! The Spud & Chloe yarns are machine washable and very soft.

Calvarium Skullcap

2009-09-03T10:08:00.005-05:00

Come by the shop to see a sample of the hat featured in the upcoming workshop by Drew Emborsky. The Crochet Dude will be giving the workshop on Saturday, October 10 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am here at the shop. The hat uses a clever combination of stitches for a cool ribbed look and there are no increases or decreases. While you can use any weight yarn to make this hat, for the workshop you'll want to use a bulky weight so you can leave with a completed (or nearly complete!) hat. Our sample was crocheted with Manos Wool Clasica and used just one skein!

Come visit with the charming and funny Drew Emborsky after the workshop from 1 to 3 pm when he will be with us for book signing! Come on by or call for details and sign up!

Woodlands Shawl!

2009-08-21T08:28:00.011-05:00

Here it is! The Woodlands Shawl designed exclusively for participants of Lynn Anne Banks' lace workshop at Twisted Yarns!

The light one is worked in Zephyr's wool silk blend, in the Mushroom color, and used 630 yards. The other is knit in Jamieson's Spindrift, color #292 Pine Forest, and used 915 yards.

Remember, sign ups for the workshops with Lynn Anne begin Saturday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. We will be able to take a few more than expected in each class, however space is still somewhat limited, so sign up early.

Wow, what a beautiful design. We'll see you soon at the shop!

Details:

The Woodlands Lace Shawl Friday, September 18 9:00 – 4:00

The students will knit a sample size of the triangular shawl "The Woodlands". There will be step-by-step instructions with different cast-on methods, the knitting of the lace body, and the more intricate knit-on lace edging. The students should be able to knit and purl as well as feel comfortable with manipulating stitches. Some lace experience will be helpful, though not required.

Class fee: $65

Reversible Stitches Saturday, September 19 9:00 – 12:00

One of the "hot" knitting topics is reversible stitches so that your knitting will look great on either side, whether it's a scarf, afghan, or trim on a sweater. We will learn the construction of many of these stitches and discuss the application of them. The student should know how to knit and purl, as well as have an adventurous spirit when playing with stitches.

Class fee: $35

Fix-It and Make it Fit Saturday, September 19 1:00 – 4:00

Many times newer knitters are faced with the seemingly daunting task of correcting "unplanned events" in their knitting. In this class we will purposely make mistakes (we won't tell) and then learn how to correct them (we'll shout for joy!). Added to this class will be information and helpful hints for getting that sweater to fit your body - how to lengthen, shorten, make the shoulders narrower or wider, etc. The students should know how to knit and purl.

Class fee: $35

If you will be signing up for all three classes, the fee will be $130.

Hats, hats, hats!

2009-08-21T08:19:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday, we mailed 69 hats off to Afghanistan for the troops! We let the troops know that we love and respect them for the job they are doing for our country.

Thanks to all of you for participating in the charity event. We also donated 7 bears to Common Thread Circle for area children in hospitals. Thanks for all the hard work!!!

Cascade 220 - freshly restocked and organized

2009-08-12T14:11:00.003-05:00

Just in time for Fall knitting and felting projects -- the Cascade 220 section has been refreshed and restocked. There are several patterns in the shop that call for Cascade 220, including the Great American Afghan (which has a section of its own). Remember - we also have a great selection of the Superwash version of Cascade 220.

Happy knitting (and crocheting!)

Calendar & Newsletter

2009-07-29T13:39:00.002-05:00

The calendar and newsletter have been updated!

Links are in the right sidebar.

Beat the Heat Sale!

2009-07-16T06:59:00.006-05:00

Our annual Beat the Heat Sale begins today, Thursday, July 16th. We'll be open 'til 7:00 tonight, and the sale continues through Saturday the 18th. We're open regular hours Friday and Saturday, 10 to 5. Here's how it works: As the temperature goes up, the yarn prices go down! You judge the hottest hour of the day, and stop in for the savings. We check the temp every hour on the hour. From 90 to 94 degrees you save 15%, 95 to 99 - 20% and 100 up is 25%. The discount applies to regular priced in stock yarn only. May not be combined with any other discount.

This is a great time to stock up on yarn for this project...

.........Shelley's Manos Geometry Throw! It's great fun to make, and with all the Manos colors, the possibilities are endless!

Another great project is the Girasole Shawl from Jared Flood, a.k.a. Brooklyn Tweed. We have 2 in the shop, Gayle's in Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool, and Eve's in Jamieson's Spindrift. Here's the one in Spindrift......

We also have the new Spud & Chloe Bumble Scarf in the shop, and the new Mountain Colors Silk 'n Ewe scarf for you to see. Both are quick knits and look amazing! Shelley has finished a terrific fair isle hat out of the new Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair. Will get pictures on the blog soon.

Please join us for the fun! Get out of this awful heat and soak up some savings! See you soon!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-06-27T17:05:00.003-05:00

Happy Fourth of July to everyone! We hope you all have a fun and safe holiday and find some way to beat this heat! As a reminder, we will be closed on Saturday, July 4 so all of our twisted gang can enjoy the day with their families.

We had a great turnout for our Charity Knitting Night - over 50 people came to sit and knit for charity together. It was great to see. The completed bears and hats are arriving daily. Remember, you have until August 1 to bring in your finished product. We also have a few signed copies of Warren Hanson's Kiki's Hats if you still want a copy.

We went to market in mid-June and are so excited about the new things we found there. If you have been in the shop this week, you know it is like Christmas around here - new boxes to open every day!! What fun! In order to make room for all of the new yarns, we have put many great yarns on sale - come in and check it out! There are also some great project bags at 50% off!

We wanted to let you know about some of the new products we have received and what is yet to come. From Blue Sky Alpaca, we have received their new line, Spud & Chloe. There are three great, washable yarns. "Fine" is a wool silk blend with a gauge of 7-8 stitches per inch. "Sweater" is a worsted weight blend of their popular organic cotton and superwash wool. "Outer" is also a bulky weight blend of organic cotton and superwash wool. They have a whole new pattern concept and selection as well. Eve is almost finished knitting the Bumble Up Scarf made with "Outer". We also completely resupplied our stock of Blue Sky's popular Alpaca Sport Weight with 18 colors to choose from!

We have introduced Mountain Mohair from Green Mountain Spinnery. It is a beautiful wool/mohair blend in a great array of colors. Green Mountain Spinnery is a small mill in Vermont. The entire process is done in Vermont from sheep to yarn, with organic certification. Their first book Green Mountain Spinnery has been out since 2003, but their new book,99 Yarns and Counting will be out in October. We also have some of their patterns. Shelley has already finished the Stain Glass Hat - what fun!

From Frog Tree, we have received their soft cotton/bamboo blend which is machine washable. From Habu, we have a new shipment of their Cotton Gima, which is great for making loose, light garments for our climate.
We received a new shipment of Shibui sock yarn in over a dozen fun, vibrant colors. This yarn is great for socks, baby clothes or lace projects.

Other new items include Clover bamboo needles - now in sizes 0 to 2! We have them in circular and double points. They have also introduced 9" circular needles which we have in the small sizes for making socks. We have introduced Kollage's metal square double pointed needles - they have a nice feel. We are expecting our next shipment of Skacel's Addi Clicks next week. Please call if you would like us to reserve a set for you.

Some of the new items on the way include a new sock yarn from Dream in Color - "Starry", which is just like their popular sock yarn, "Smooshy" but with a hint of sparkle! It comes in all the same great colors as their other yarns, so we ordered many colors! A new line for us will the the worsted wool yarn from Punta, called Merisoft. We ordered their unique hand paints. The color repeat is very short to avoid the pooling effect of other hand painted yarns. (Sally Mellville told us to order it - so we did!). Another new line for us will be Kami from Fibre-Isle. It is a beautiful bamboo/wool/bison blend. We have a skein sample if you would like to see it - very soft and the different fibers take the dye differently leading to a great depth of color in the yarn. From Jade Sapphire, we have ordered their cashmere scarf kits for both men and women. The kits provide you with 7 different pattern options. A great gift for that special someone (even you!). From Hand Jive, we are anxious to receive their Thick n Thin Yarn and Laceweight yarn in all of their great natural dyes! Namaste has another hit with their Hermosa and Zuma bags. These are on their way, so we expect them to be here next week.

As always we had fun picking out new buttons, shawl pins, etc. We have many new shawl pins on the way - glass, metal, and wood - so you will have many options to choose from!

There are many other items on their way - we can't list them all here. But expect new things to be arriving weekly for the next couple of months!!

Come on in and see what is new (and on sale)!

....red fish, blue fish!

2009-05-08T10:17:00.003-05:00

We recently had the Blue Sky Alpaca trunk show in the shop, and Alisa fell in love with the cute One Fish, Two Fish pattern from them. She recently made the fish for her grandson's. Pair these with the classic Dr. Seuss book, and you have a terrific gift! They are knit out of the ever popular Blue Sky Dyed Organic Cotton. Happy knitting!

Kiki-Mariko Felted rug

2009-05-01T07:11:00.007-05:00

Felted rug from Knitting Outside the Lines
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

Alisa knit the "Kiki-Mariko" rug from the book, Knitting Outside the Lines, and this one's on display at the shop.

Here is the pattern information on Ravelry: Kiki-Mariko

May, June & July Class Calendars

2009-04-29T10:12:00.002-05:00

The class calendars are ready!

May, June & July Classes - [pdf] (click pdf to download the calendar - you can view and/or print the calendars)

Newsletter for May, June & July

Knitting Pure and Simple Summer Cardigan

2009-04-27T08:39:00.003-05:00

Knitting Pure and Simple
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

Knit by Shelley, with Noro Chirimen (new for Spring 2009), a wool/silk/cotton blend.

View the pattern details on Ravelry: Knitting Pure and Simple Summer Cardigan

Great American Afghan!

2009-04-15T12:15:00.003-05:00

We just received the Great American Afghan from Cascade Yarns! Stop in and take a look at this beautiful work of art. It is truly inspiring. We'll have the sample in the shop through the end of April.....don't miss it!

Come visit the clearance section

2009-02-17T08:41:00.004-06:00

Clearance section @ Twisted Yarns
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

The 5th Anniversary Sale is over, but there are still many great deals to be found in the clearance section! Everything in this section is at least 30% off and several yarns are 50% off.

Geometry Block :: Sample

2009-02-07T09:58:00.003-06:00

Geometry Block :: Sample
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

Geometry Block – NEW!

Learn from the Design Source pattern book called Geometry, how to knit in the round on circular and double pointed needles. This is a great “next step” class for those beginners who want to advance their skills. You can experiment with color and design along with learning the skills you’ll need to take the Socks 101 class. Go on to create an afghan, or a child’s blanket with this fun pattern. Materials: Geometry pattern book, Size 9 – 24” circular and DPN’s, 2 skeins of Manos Clasica, or approx. 225 yds of a worsted weight yarn of your choice. Blue Sky cotton worsted would make a lovely child’s throw. Fee: $30. Level: Advanced Beginner

Snowboarding Hat at Twisted Yarns :: Class

2009-02-05T08:49:00.002-06:00

Snowboarding Hat at Twisted Yarns
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

Snowboarding Hat - NEW!

Snowboarding hats (or hats with ear flaps) have become very popular. You can knit up this hat in one evening since it is made on bulky yarn! This is a one-session class. Materials: 150 yds bulky yarn, size 15 needles (16” and DPNs). Fee: $25 includes the pattern. Level: Advanced Beginner

You can sign up for classes being held on
February 11, February 27, March 7, & March 18

Call the shop during business hours to reserve a spot in the one-session class

February Lady Sweater - Shelley's

2009-02-04T08:43:00.005-06:00

February Lady Sweater - Shelley's
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

February Lady Sweater (Pamela Wynne) - NEW!

This is an easy cardigan with a touch of lace and no finishing. The pattern is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic February Baby Sweater, but adapted for women’s sizes. The sweater is knit from the top down making it easy to try on as you knit. In this three-session class you will learn an easy lace pattern, buttonholes, and sizing. Materials: 750– 1400 yds worsted wt. yarn, #8 needles (32” circular and DPNs), larger needle for bind off.

Fee: $65 Level: Advanced Beginner
(Call the shop during business hours to reserve your spot in the class - 1st of 3 sessions begins March 6, 2009)

On Ravelry: February Lady Sweater

Schaefer Yarn :: Nichole

2009-02-04T08:39:00.001-06:00

Schaefer Yarn :: Nichole
Originally uploaded by Twisted Knitter

Schaefer Yarns' "Nichole" has arrived at Twisted Yarns! There's also a recent shipment of Dream in Color "Smooshy" and some new Araucania "Itata" sock yarn containing wool, silk and bamboo - it's soft and luxurious.

2009-01-30T11:30:00.003-06:00

Our newsletter's available -- you've probably already received the link via email, but just in case you didn't: NEWSLETTER

Be sure to put a reminder on your calendar about the 5th Anniversary SALE and celebration (involves yarn and chocolate - what could be better?!) The sale begins on Thursday, February 12th and continues through Saturday, February 14th. You won't want to miss it!

Happy Knitting!

February, March & April Class Calendars

2009-01-29T06:46:00.004-06:00

Class calendars are ready to view and/or print. (See the previous post for class descriptions). If you've ever wanted to take a class at Twisted Yarns, you'll be excited about the line-up this quarter; book your spot early by calling the shop during business hours.

Twisted Yarns Class Calendar

See you soon!

New classes beginning February through April 2009

2009-01-28T19:53:00.003-06:00

Here's a sneak peek at the class descriptions for the next three months. Calendars coming up shortly!

Anthology Baby Blanket

Manos has a fun new pattern for a baby blanket. They’re calling it an “Anthology Blanket” because it is an anthology of different stitch patterns. It is a great way to learn several new stitches and how to read a pattern. Plus the end product is an adorable baby blanket! Materials: Pattern Booklet, 930 yds worsted weight yarn, stitch holders, and appropriate needles. The pattern uses Manos Cotton Stria (8 skeins, 2 of four colors each; 116 yds per skein). If you want to make a solid colored blanket, you would only need about 700 yds. The fee is $20 per session. The class will meet once a month for 6 months. Level: Advanced Beginner

Basic Beginner

In this class you will be introduced to this great art and will learn how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease and bind off. By the end of the 3-session class you will have completed a felted bowl and have the skills to knit scarves, hats, shawls and many other projects. We have classroom yarn and needles available for your use for the first class. During the subsequent classes you will be working on your first project, so will need about 100 yds of 100% worsted wt. wool and 16” circular needles size 11. Fee: $55 includes the bowl pattern. Level: Beginner

Fair Isle Sweater - NEW!

This is a great pattern for learning how to make Fair Isle sweaters. This sweater has a Fair Isle yoke pattern. Since the pattern is made for child to large adult sizes, it is a pattern you can use several times. In this three-session class, we will be making the child’s sweater. Materials: total of 500 – 600 yds worsted wt. yarn, in 3 or 4 colors.
Fee: $65, including the pattern. Level: Advanced Beginner

February Lady Sweater - NEW!

This is an easy cardigan with a touch of lace and no finishing. The pattern is based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Classic Baby Sweater, but adapted for women’s sizes. The sweater is knit from the top down making it easy to try on as you go. In this three-session class you will learn an easy lace pattern, buttonholes, and sizing. Materials: 750– 1400 yds worsted wt. yarn, #8 needles (32” circular and DPNs), larger needle for bind off.

Fee: $65 Level: Advanced Beginner

Geometry Block – NEW!

Learn from the Design Source pattern book called Geometry, how to knit in the round on circular and double pointed needles. This is a great “next step” class for those beginners who want to advance their skills. You can experiment with color and design along with learning the skills you’ll need to take the Socks 101 class. Go on to create an afghan, or a child’s blanket with this fun pattern. Materials: Geometry pattern book, Size 9 – 24” circular and DPN’s, 2 skeins of Manos Clasica, or approx. 225 yds of a worsted weight yarn of your choice. Blue Sky cotton worsted would make a lovely child’s throw. Fee: $30. Level: Advanced Beginner

Girasole Blanket or Shawl - NEW!

This is a great pattern to learn lace charts, lace pattern repeats, and a new cast on method. It provides lots of practice knitting in the round. This can be knit as either a blanket with worsted weight yarn or a shawl with fingering weight yarn. Girasole means “sunflower” – watch yours grow! This is a four-session class. Materials: 1800 yds worsted/1150 yds fingering wt. yarn, needle size 10.5/6 in dpns, 16”, 24” and 36”, crochet hook. There is homework for this class. Fee: $60 includes pattern. Level: Intermediate -must be able to knit in the round on dpns

Introduction to Spinning

What is yarn? And how do we make it? Join us for this basic class using a drop spindle and wool roving to make your first chunky worsted yarn. The fee is $25 and a supply kit is available for about $16. Level: Beginner

Knit in the Round Hat

This is a good class for beginners who want to learn shaping. As long as you know how to cast on, knit & purl you are ready! You will learn to knit in the round on double pointed needles, make ribbing, decrease, and finish your hat. This is a great class to take before learning to make socks. Fee: $25 including the pattern. Materials: Yarn and appropriate needles in 16” circular and DPNs (or just DPNs if you are taking this before taking Socks 101). Level: Advanced Beginner

Learn to Crochet

Learn the basics of crochet, including single and double crochet and chain stitch. When you are done you will have an I-pod or cell phone case! This is a one-session class. Materials: approx 100 yds worsted weight yarn in light color and a size H crochet hook. Fee: $25. Level: Beginner

Portuguese Knitting

In this class you will learn how to knit and purl using a knitting pin attached to your shoulder. This is a great technique for people who have arthritis or carpal tunnel. It is also a great way to do color work knitting (Fair Isle or intarsia). This is a one-session class. Materials: worsted weight yarn in two light colors and needles in size appropriate for your yarn. Fee: $30 and includes the knitting pin. Level: Advanced Beginner

Reversible Scarves

If you dislike wrapping a knitted scarf around your neck, and seeing the wrong side showing, this is the class for you! These fun techniques are easy to master, and have endless possibilities. This is a 1 session class, and you’ll make swatches to learn two different patterns: a reversible cable, and the other has one side solid, and the other striped. Patterns for both scarves will be included in the class fee. Materials: Homework swatches, cable needle, size 8 needles and DPN’s, and a small amount of a smooth worsted weight yarn in two colors (preferably wool). Fee is $25. Level: Advanced Beginner

Snowboarding Hat - NEW!

Snowboarding hats (or hats with ear flaps) have become very popular. You can knit up this hat in one evening since it is made on bulky yarn! This is a one-session class. Materials: 150 yds bulky yarn, size 15 needles (16” and DPNs). Fee: $25 includes the pattern. Level: Advanced Beginner

Socks 101

You will complete a small sock and learn all the techniques needed to make socks for you and your family. You need to already know how to knit and purl in the round on double pointed needles. The Knit in the Round Hat or Geometry Block are good classes to teach you this skill before taking the socks class. Materials: size 7 DPNs and 1 skein of worsted weight yarn in a light shade. This is a one-session class & the fee is $30. Level: Advanced Beginner

Two at a Time Socks

Say good-bye to second sock syndrome or the worry that your socks won’t be the same length! This class will guide you through the steps for knitting both socks at the same time. Over three sessions you will learn the cast-on, the heel flap, turning the heel, and toe decreases. At the end of class you will have a pair of socks to wear or give to a special friend! This is a three-session class. Materials: enough sock yarn for a pair of socks, two 24” circular in size appropriate for your yarn and stitch markers. The class fee is $55. Level: Intermediate-must have taken Socks 101 & must have knit a pair of socks.

Wave Stitch Scarf - NEW!

This is a fun, easy and quick scarf to knit. In the class you will learn how to read a simple pattern, and do decreases and yarn overs. The finished product looks great in any yarn, but is particularly nice for those hand painted or multi-colored yarns. Crystal Palace Panda Silk DK is a great choice for a summer scarf – or any of our many multi-colored wool yarns for a warmer scarf. Materials: 200 to 250 yds yarn (scarf can be made in any weight yarn). Fee: $25. Level: Advanced Beginner

2008-12-26T09:46:00.004-06:00

We hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

Please join us for the Twisted Yarns Annual After Christmas Sale! The sale will run from Friday, December 26 through Wednesday, December 31. We will be open our normal business hours December 26th through 30th. We will be closing early at 3:00 on December 31st.

Select yarns, baskets, bags and kits are 30% off! Select books are 35% off. Christmas kits are 50% off.

Yarns include:
Cottons
Berroco Linen Jeans
Berroco Naturlin
Claudia Handpaint Linen
Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille
Louet Euroflax Sport
Louet Merlin
Mirasol T’ika and Samp’a
Nashua - All Cotton Yarns
OnLine Linie 164 Java
OWool Balance
Queensland Hyacinth
Rowan Summer Tweed

Wools
Blue Sky Royal
Blue Sky Suri Merino
Blue Sky Brushed Suri
Classic Elite Inca Marl
Jade Sapphire Handspun
Katia Ingenua
Muech Touch Me
Natural Wool Aran Knit 10 Ply
Noro Silk Mountain
Queensland Kathmandu DK
Queensland Rustic Wool
Rowan Felted Tweed
Schachenmayr Ecologico
Sublime – All wools

Baby Yarns
Plymouth Oh My
Plymouth Heaven
Plymouth Heaven Lite
Sublime – All wools

Specialty
Prism Tencel Tape
Prism Kid Slique
Prism Wild Stuff/Cool Stuff
Trendsetter Natasha
Trendsetter Crystal

Happy 2009!
The Twisted Yarns Gang

Annual Gumball Sale!

2008-12-10T10:27:00.004-06:00

Time to put on your sweater and head for the Twisted Yarns Annual Gumball Sale! The sale starts Thursday, December 11th and runs through Saturday the 13th. We'll be open Thursday from 10 to 7 to give you some extra shopping time, and Friday and Saturday 10 to 5.

We hope to see you there!

Portuguese Knitting

2008-11-01T10:58:00.006-05:00

Debbie is offering the Portuguese Knitting class (see calendar) and I wanted to recommend this and share the class description:

Portuguese Knitting
In this class you will learn how to knit and purl using a knitting pin attached to your shoulder. This is a great technique for people who have arthritis or carpal tunnel. It is also a great way to do color work knitting (fair isle or intarsia). This is a one-session class. Materials: worsted weight yarn in two light colors and needles in size appropriate for your yarn. Fee: $30 and includes the knitting pin. Level: Advanced Beginner

Here's a video of a knitter using a knitting pin to knit Portuguese-style:

Debbie will also show you how this makes Fair Isle knitting a little bit faster and easier. I like this technique because it speeds up my purling.

Class Calendar and Newsletter

2008-10-31T11:29:00.003-05:00

The class calendar for November 2008 - January 2009 has been posted in the blog sidebar. Click the link and you'll see 3 months' worth of calendars you can print at home (or view on your screen).

The latest newsletter is also in the sidebar; press that link and view the newsletter in its entirety. We'll be sending these links via email as well, so check your email!

Happy Knitting!

We have Cookie A Sock Patterns!

2008-10-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

We have several of the Cookie A sock patterns that many of you have been asking about. Please check the Sock Binder the next time you are at the shop or feel free to ask us about specific patterns you're looking for.

Here's a list of the patterns we have at the shop:

Marilinda
Mingus
Stricken
German Stocking
Mona
Flicker
Thelonious
Ornette
Mosell
Django

Please click here if you'd like to see more pattern details on Cookie A's website. If you're a Ravelry member, you can also check her designer page for more information and inspiration.

New Sock Yarns

2008-10-05T10:09:00.008-05:00

In addition to the Dream in Color Smooshy, we also have a few more new sock yarns to tell you about: Knit One Crochet Too "Ty Dy" sock yarn that self stripes in wide sequences. Sold in 100 gram balls, there's enough yardage for a pair of socks -- the shop has six different colorways.

We also received our first shipment of Shibui Sock:

You'll need two skeins for a pair of socks.

Finally, the long-awaited "Flat Feet" sock yarn is now here:

Make a Difference Night - rescheduled for October 16

2008-10-03T17:16:00.003-05:00

The "Make a Difference Night" originally scheduled for September 18th will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on October 16th. We’ll have wine and cheese and some other organic goodies to nibble on.

Our eco-friendly and organic yarns will be available for you to sample, and we’ll show you how you can Make a Difference with the yarns you purchase. We’ll also teach you more about what it means for a yarn to be organic, or low-impact. We have plenty of great yarns and products which responsibly utilize our planet’s resources. The fee is only $5, and you will receive a $5 coupon for purchases of $15 or more. Please call to sign up and reserve your spot!

In conjunction with our special evening, we will be collecting knitted items for the people of Iowa. Carol Anderson of Cottage Creations is sending out a plea to knitters for the following items: mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dish cloths, socks, and sweaters for infants, children and adults. She will be distributing them to the communities that flooded along the Cedar River, and tornado-ravaged Parkersburg. If you would like to knit something, she is asking that you only donate one or two items. Please attach a card to your item with the following information: Name of item, size if applicable, fiber content (should be machine washable and dryable), and if desired, your name and address and any words of encouragement. Thanks for helping to “make a difference” in someone else’s life.

Free Felted Bag Pattern

2008-10-01T08:56:00.002-05:00

One of our customers, Barbara L., knitted this tote bag from my free pattern:

If you have several balls of leftover Noro Kureyon (you can also purchase about 5 full skeins), you too can knit one of these tote bags. Information is on my blog post -- the pattern download link is at the bottom of the entry.

The project page on Ravelry can be found here.

Happy Knitting!

Mountain Colors Trunk Show

2008-09-27T12:06:00.005-05:00

We have the Mountain Colors Trunk Show with great new projects and patterns including one for the new "River Twist" yarn and more. We'll have the trunk show here till October 10th - come by and see the great knitted samples and patterns!

Revised Class Calendar - September and October

2008-09-24T10:54:00.003-05:00

We've revised the class calendars for September and October 2008. Please click here to download and view or print the new calendar.

We are OPEN - but classes cancelled this week

2008-09-19T10:03:00.003-05:00

We are very grateful to have power! We are open our regularly scheduled hours, but have cancelled classes for this week. We have reworked the schedule and will be calling you if you were signed up for a class that was cancelled either before or after Ike blew through!

We will also be reposting the new schedule hopefully soon.

Please give us a call if you have any questions. (281-528-8664)

Thank you!

Eve and Shelley

We have power!

2008-09-17T12:26:00.002-05:00

Twisted Yarns has power! We will be open beginning Thursday, September 18th, at 10:00 a.m. We hope all of you are safe and sound, and getting life a bit back to normal after the storm. The Make a Difference night is still postponed, and we will have the new date for you very soon. We hope to see you all at the shop!
Eve, Shelley & the twisted gang

Make a Difference Night - POSTPONED

2008-09-16T09:43:00.002-05:00

Due to loss of electricity in the Hurricane Ike aftermath, "Make a Difference Night" scheduled originally for the evening of Thursday, September 18 has been canceled.

We will do our best to keep you posted here on the blog, so be sure to check back for news and updates.

Hurricane Ike aftermath

2008-09-15T18:15:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! We hope that everyone is safe and sound. The shop is fine, we are very thankful. We will, however, be closed until further notice. We will re-open once power is restored. We have no idea how long that will be, but will post a blog and will send an e-mail out once we have power and phone. Hopefully all of you will be able to receive the e-mail and read the blog! This is a difficult time for all of us, and hopefully things will get back to normal some time soon.
Please take care and be careful! We hope to see you all soon. Keep knitting on that stash, you'll be able to replenish soon! :)

Hurricane Ike update

2008-09-11T13:01:00.003-05:00

We wanted to let all of you know that we will be closed on Friday and Saturday, the 12th and 13th. In addition, we may close early today if it looks like traffic is getting worse. You might want to call before heading our way! If we have power and things are back to normal, we will re-open on Tuesday, September 16th at 10:00.

Everyone be safe!
Shelley, Eve & the twisted gang

For local news and updates: KHOU and the Houston Chronicle

Supercotton Sock Puppets

2008-08-20T14:40:00.002-05:00

The yarn and pattern books are in stock for these cute little sock puppets:

Sample knit by Alisa

Yarn: Schulana Supercotton
Pattern book: Supercotton Sock Puppets by Kathy Gometz

Tropical Storm!

2008-08-05T06:44:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! We wanted to get the word out that we will most likely be closed all day today, Tuesday August 5th.
They are predicting heavy rainfall and high winds, and it doesn't make sense for anyone to be out in all this! We will keep an eye on things, and if it looks like things are clearing up, we'll head to the shop. Please call before trying to head our way.....our number is 281-528-8664. Thanks for understanding, and everyone be safe! See you Wednesday!

Twisted Yarns Knitalong :: Lizard Ridge

2008-07-29T07:21:00.007-05:00

At Twisted Yarns, we've been involved with many knitalongs, but this was probably one of the most ambitious -- not only did we have to each knit squares for the Lizard Ridge (2 or 3 squares each), we also had to keep it a secret from Lynn Anne, our co-worker and friend whose daughter Ashley was the intended recipient. (Ashley is also a former Twisted Yarns employee and she married Phillip in May 2008).

Shelley had already knit her own Lizard Ridge, on display at the shop. She used Noro Kureyon and knit hers in strips rather than squares. Eve is currently working on one as well, but her Lizard Ridge will require no seaming -- she's knitting Version 2 of the Lizard Ridge in a single colorway. I'm knitting the squares and am buying the Kureyon two skeins at a time. I can usually manage to knit a square in a weekend and it's a great way to experience the new colors of Kureyon as they come out. It's likely that no two squares of mine will be the same colorway.

Click here for a Lizard Ridge slideshow

If you have rogue Kureyon skeins in your stash or are looking for a great project using one of our favorite yarns, print the pattern and stop by and let us help you get started. If you're a Ravelry member, there are two groups that might interest you: Nuts for Noro and Lizard Ridge KAL.

Happy Knitting!

Cotton, Organic Cottons and Cotton Blends

2008-07-13T16:36:00.010-05:00

If you've not been at the shop in a while, you might have missed some of the new cotton yarns we have in stock:

Sublime Organic Cotton:

Sublime Soya Cotton

Rowan Purelife

Blue Sky Alpacas Skinny Cotton (several colorways)

We also have the patterns for the Sleeveless Wrap Top and Skinny Cardigan.

Not pictured but also a complement to our cotton collection are Mirasol Yarn Company's T'ika and Samp'a.

All of these new yarns have excellent pattern support in the form of books, booklets, and/or individual patterns.

Happy Knitting!

New (and re-stocked) Yarn at the Shop!

2008-05-24T11:03:00.003-05:00

For those of you who have been waiting for MORE Noro Kureyon sock yarn, we have some additional colorways: 233, 219, 226, 236 (these four new colorways correspond to the Kureyon colors), 149 (several left), 185 (1 skein left), 102 (several left) 40 (several left); there's even more Noro sock yarn on the way, including SILK GARDEN sock yarn!

Also, we wanted to let you all know that Spring Beads in Old Town Spring is still in business. There was a rumor several weeks ago that they were closing, but they're still open for business!

Happy Knitting!

Summer 2008 Newsletter

2008-04-23T09:14:00.005-05:00

Our Summer 2008 Newsletter and class calendars are now up!

Thank you to all our customers and recent visitors to the shop -- we enjoy meeting you and getting to know you!

Please check out the monthly calendars in the blog sidebar. The shop will be closing early (3:00 p.m.) on Saturday, May 10th so that we can all attend the wedding of a member of the Twisted Yarns family!

Photo bonus: Donna K's cute "Rosebud" hat (From Itty Bitty Hats, by Susan B. Anderson):

Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic (we have several of your favorite colors in stock)

Wrap Me Up Knit-Along - Group 2

2008-04-06T10:07:00.005-05:00

Here's the second group of Wrap Me Up Shawls:

Pattern: Wrap Me Up by Knitting at Knoon Designs
Ravelry details here: Wrap Me Up on Ravelry

NORO Silk Garden seems to be the yarn chosen most often for the Wrap Me Up pattern, but we've seen several wonderful shawls in different yarn choices as well. On the right, Gayle's Wrap Me Up is knit with NORO Kureyon.

I'm sure there are many other completed Wrap Me Up's out there, and I'd love to take a photo -- email me or the shop and we'll work out details for an informal photo shoot (or you can send us your photo to post on the blog)

Happy Knitting!

Wrap Me Up Knit-Along - Group 1

2008-04-02T21:57:00.004-05:00

Here's the first group of completed Wrap Me Up Shawls! More details to come -- along with a list of yarns used and another group shot with the second group on Saturday.

Pattern: Wrap Me Up by Knitting at Knoon Designs
Ravelry details here: Wrap Me Up on Ravelry

Think Outside the Sox

2008-03-25T21:04:00.004-05:00

Early details regarding Knitters Magazine's Think Outside the Sox Contest are available! Join us and win!

Twisted Yarns is a Sox Hot Spot for Colinette's Jitterbug Sock Yarn. On the Jitterbug shelf at the shop, you can find sought-after colors like Elephant's Daydream, Velvet Plum, Velvet Bilberry, Velvet Olive and more of the variegated colorways. See you soon!

No Thursday Night Sit & Knit this month!

2008-03-12T17:30:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! We are enjoying this glorious weather! We wanted to let you know that due to Spring Break, there will be no Thursday Night Sit & Knit this month. We will not be staying open late on the 20th. We apologize for any inconvenience, and will see you in April at Sit & Knit.

Also, the people making the Wrap Me Up shawl in the Knit Along have decided to have "wrap up" sessions in April. The Wednesday group will meet on Wednesday, April 2nd @ 1:00. The Saturday group will meet on Saturday, April 5th @ 1:00. Please join us no matter where you are in the project! All the Wrap Me Up Shawls are turning out great! We'd like to get a picture for the website and blog of all the different shawls. We hope to see you then!

We have several classes that are beginning soon that still have openings. The Adult Surprise Jacket begins on the 21st, and uses the Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern. The cable hat class on the 20th is a great class to learn cabling with and without a needle! For the beginners out there who want a project that's not too hard, but stretches your skills, the Washcloth Quartet class begins on the 26th. It will give you a lot of valuable instruction to build your knitting knowledge. Just call the shop to sign up!

Remember -- you can ALWAYS see the current calendar and newsletter here on the blog. Click on the link that appears in the upper right hand corner. And if you want to be notified of updates to this blog, you can subscribe to a feed reader like Bloglines or Google Reader -- both are free. (It looks like 6 of you are using Google Reader and 11 of you use Bloglines).

March Calendar here
April Calendar here

Have a safe and terrific Spring Break! We hope to see you soon. Don't forget, no Sit & Knit this month!

Knitting at Knoon Wrap Me Up Shawl

2008-02-24T19:35:00.009-06:00

Shelley has finished her Knitting at Knoon Wrap Me Up Shawl (Ravelry link here) and you can see it at the shop this week. Here are three photos showing some of the details and stitch patterns (click on the photos for a larger view):

Happy Knitting!

Come see Debby Ware on Sunday!

2008-02-21T10:47:00.001-06:00

Debby Ware will be at the shop on Sunday, February 24, 2008 for a book signing and trunk show from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. We will have her cute kits available as well as the Tahki Cotton Classic yarn that she uses for her designs.

Come visit the shop and meet Debby!

Highlights for the week of February 19, 2008

2008-02-17T17:50:00.000-06:00

For more information see: February / March / April Newsletter & What's New

This week at Twisted Yarns, there are several classes and activities:

February 19, 2008 (Tuesday): Knit Round Hat (Session 2 of 2) - 1:00-2:00 p.m.
February 20, 2008 (Wednesday): Advanced Beginner 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and the Wrap Me Up Knit-along beginning @ 1:00 p.m.
February 21, 2008 (Thursday): Basic Mitten (Session 2 of 2) - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and
Sit n Knit til 8:30 p.m.
February 22, 2008 (Friday): Socks 101 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
February 23, 2008 (Saturday): Basic Beginner - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and Wrap Me Up Knit-along at 1:00 p.m.

Call the shop during business hours if you have any questions!

New at the shop is Rowan Yarns' Purelife Cotton (I'm not sure how the yarns appear on your monitor but in person, they are more pale and soft looking than they appear on my monitor).

February Class Highlights

2008-02-11T09:36:00.001-06:00

For the latest class calendar, click here: February / March / April 2008 Newsletter

This week's classes include:

February 12 (Tuesday): Knit Round Hat (Lesson 1 of 2) - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
February 13 (Wednesday): Wrap Me Up Knit-along * - 1:00 p.m.
February 14 (Thursday): Basic Mitten (Lesson 1 of 2) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
February 15 (Friday): EZ Baby Surprise Jacket (Lesson 1 of 3) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
February 16 (Saturday): Wrap Me Up Knit-along - 1:00 p.m.

Call the shop (281-528-8664) during business hours and sign up or get more information.

* Wrap Me Up Knit-along - We will be offering assistance getting started the first day of the knit along for $10. After the first session, it will be a good chance for knitters to get together weekly to knit on the same project. For each session after the first, will be offering assistance for the $10 fee for those who need extra help. If you don’t need assistance, you can meet every week without a fee. We will be offering this knit along on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The first sessions will be Wednesday, February 13 and Saturday, February 16. Check the calendar for times.

Come by the shop to see Eve's Wrap Me Up Shawl on the mannequin; she used Noro Cashmere Island and it's amazing!

Ravelry info here: Knitting at Knoon Designs Wrap Me Up

February, March & April 2008 Newsletter

2008-01-30T11:35:00.000-06:00

Click the links below for the current newsletter and class calendars:

February, March & April 2008 Newsletter

February 2008 Class & Event Calendar
March 2008 Class & Event Calendar
April 2008 Class & Event Calendar

NEW Yarns
Berocco Sox
Berocco Comfort Socks
Noro Sock Yarn
Plymouth Happy Feet
Araucania Ranco Multi

Berroco - Comfort & Comfort DK
Berroco - Linen Jeans, Bonsai, Seduce, Lumina and Naturlin (plus patterns/books)
Nashua Handknits – June, Cilantro and Ecology Cotton
Rowan - All Seasons Cotton & Purelife Cotton (certified organic cotton and all-natural plant dyes)
Sublime - Soya Cotton & Organic Cotton (plus books)
Malabrigo - Lace and Worsted expected to arrive in February.
Manos del Uruguay - Silk Blend (NEW) 30% natural silk & 70% extrafine merino

In some parts of the country, there's snow

2007-12-16T09:00:00.001-06:00

. . . but sadly, there's no snow in SE Texas
Eve's Knitting at Knoon Sampler Wrap in progress (with NORO)

This is a quick update in photos of some of the NEW yarns we have in the shop.

Click the photo for details.

The shop now has:

Plymouth Happy Feet sock yarn
Crystal Palace Panda Silk sock yarn
Crystal Palace Panda Cotton sock yarn
Crystal Palace Maizy sock yarn

Berroco Comfort (come see the generous yardage and affordability)
Berroco Comfort DK
Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille

We've restocked:

Cascade 220
Plymouth Jeannee (NEW colors!)
Manos del Uruguay Wool

We now carry Crystal Palace double-pointed needles and straight needles; last but not least are books:

Barbara Walker Treasury of Knitting Series (ALL FOUR BOOKS!)
Knitting for Him (Rowan)
Knitting New Scarves
Boho Baby Knits
The Knitter's Book of Yarn

After Thanksgiving Sale!

2007-11-18T19:12:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already upon us!

After you have stuffed your bird, your family and yourself, come by on Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving for our GIVE & TAKE Sale!

For every non-perishable food item you GIVE, you can TAKE a dollar off your purchase!

We will also GIVE you

15% off all yarn
25% off all kits and
35% off all Louisa Harding Yarns

Come on in and TAKE some home!

As a reminder, we will close at 3:00 on Wednesday, November 21st.

We will be open our regularly scheduled hours from 10 to 5 on Friday and Saturday, November 23rd and 24th.

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Eve, Shelley and the rest of the Twisted Yarns Gang

Fall......finally, knitting weather!

2007-11-07T19:02:00.000-06:00

As we finally see the temperatures dip to pleasing numbers, many of us are kicking the holiday knitting into high gear!

I just finished some of the Dayflower Fingerless Gloves (Hand Jive) for my daughter for Christmas (ssshhhh!) and fell in love with the yarn and the quickly worked, well-written pattern. Am currently trying to find someone else to make some for so I can do another pair! We have re-ordered the pattern as it flew out the door at amazing speed, and should have more in a day or two. Only one skein of the Hand Jive Nature's Palette makes it a very economical gift.

Shelley just finished a hat out of the Aysen yarn from Araucania. It is a beautifully soft yarn, and the colors really pop once they are knit up. I don't think that how it looks on the hank does it justice. Come see it for yourself.....another quick gift idea!

The "Kiss the Baby" sweater has been completed by Lynn Anne and is in the shop! You need to come check out the model and get signed up for the class which begins in January. It is a really cute sweater, and a great introduction to cables!

We are headed to Fredericksburg this weekend for a fall knitting retreat, with a Saturday trip to the Kid 'n Ewe Wool Festival in Boerne. Shelley and I (as well as an employee or two!) are more than ready to walk out the door and leave the kids and their troubles behind - as well as the spouses and pets - and have a glorious weekend with friends, fiber, a bit of wine, and mostly, chocolate! We love having the chance to spend a bit of time away from the shop, getting to know some of our customers better, and getting some REAL knitting time in. It promises to be a fantastic weekend, and I hope that if you aren't coming with us, you will have the chance to attend one of our retreats in the future - we always have fun! (Don't worry, the shop will be open this weekend!)

As we begin to enter the holiday season, it is important to remember what an amazing creative link there is between us and our ancestors. I remember watching my Mom knit those Christmas stockings year 'round (tho' usually quite close to Christmas!) for family and friends, and marvel at how quickly she would move, with such sure fingers, having knit them so many times, she really didn't need to look at the pattern! I feel a tremendous connection to her through knitting, and now have a bit of a sense of how she must've felt knitting for those she loved so very dearly. We hope that this holiday season, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Festivus you will tap into that creative link, and allow yourself to experience the loving connection to holidays past through knitting or crocheting for those you dearly love.
Happy knitting!
Eve

Grayson E Accessories

2007-10-18T10:56:00.001-05:00

Quick post to let you all know that we have a new shipment of Grayson E accessories in the shop!

We have the "rolled handle" versions in two sizes. If you're not quick to get them, I know of a few employees who have their eye on some too -- so hurry!

(And remember - we have some patterns and flowers too)

Twisted Yarns & the Yarn Harlot in the news!

2007-10-06T10:09:00.001-05:00

There's a great article in the Houston Chronicle today about the Yarn Harlot and her visit to Texas! Pick up a copy of the newspaper today and check out some great articles about knitting and yarn.

The Lorna's Laces Trunk Show is here and we've restocked the Jojoland yarns (worsted, lace, fingering) as well.

Yarn Harlot's Visit to Houston 2007

2007-09-22T13:53:00.001-05:00

The Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, made her appearance here at Twisted Yarns on Tuesday, September 18.

She is awesome! We had such a great time!

We picked Stephanie up at the hotel at 5:00. Her first question was about the weird lizards we have here in Houston. If you read her blog entry, you'll see her lizard photos. She tried to get a picture of the lizard (anole) and her traveling sock, but they weren't cooperative! When we arrived back at the shop, Stephanie had a scheduled podcast interview with Christine and another interview with the Houston Chronicle, which should be published soon!

Everyone went over to Carl Wunsche High School for the event by 6:15, which gave Stephanie some time to chill before her talk. We drove from the shop to the school and pulled into the back parking lot. Stephanie was a little concerned at that point since she saw only 6 cars in the back parking lot (the Twisted Yarns employees). Stephanie said she thought we had a problem because there weren't many people there. "If this is all that is coming, let’s ask them to join us for a beer instead of staying at the school!" We assured her that there was another parking lot full of cars on the other side of the building!

While we were giving Stephanie some time to chill and all of the guests were getting settled in the school, Lynn Anne and Yolanda handed out door prizes. We had over 55 door prizes from our generous vendors. A huge thank you to Vicki, for organizing all of the door prizes!

Then it was finally time for Stephanie to begin. She had the audience rolling with laughter. Her story about the cocktail party was priceless. If you were not able to attend, you will have to have someone share the story with you (although, Stephanie tells it sooo well). One of the things that impressed us about Stephanie’s talk was how she made knitters feel great about being knitters. We are a diverse community of individuals who have power as a group. The best example is her ability to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Doctors Without Borders when non-knitters told her it couldn’t be done!

The other thing that so impressed us during the book signing process, was her ability to relate to each individual knitter. We had a line of people weaving through the store waiting to get their books signed, and Stephanie stayed until they were all signed!

We had a wonderful evening, and were so happy that so many of you were able to share it with us. Thanks to all of our employees and our extra volunteers for helping that evening, we couldn’t have done it without you!

We still have openings for the retreat, so get signed up fast and join us!
Details are here. Call or email the shop if you have any questions.

Remodel progress and NEW yarn

2007-09-15T19:20:00.000-05:00

It seems like an entirely new store now -- it's brighter (more light fixtures!) and we think it's roomier now.

We have several new yarns in stock, so please come see everything soon!

In the sock yarn section, we have the new Kaffe Fasset sock yarns and the Online Supersocke 100:

We now have the Malabrigo and Manos del Uruguay displayed on the back wall:

Malabrigo:

Manos del Uruguay:

And also . . . Zephyr Style Patterns! We have Rusted Root, Wicked, Green Gables and Glee

Yarn Harlot Event Details

2007-09-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

We recently sent an e-mail to those of you who have signed up for the Yarn Harlot event to be held Tuesday, September 18. We received several non-deliverable messages, so are posting the logistical details here.

We have about 300 people coming, so it should be a great evening! If you are still interested in attending, but have not signed up, it is not too late! Please visit our websit for details. www.twistedyarnstexas.com

Here are some logistics -

The event will begin at 7:00, but the doors will open at 6:00.

Remember the event will be at Carl Wunsche Senior High School. The book signing will be back here at Twisted Yarns (walking distance!).

You will not need tickets to get into the event. However, for those of you who would like to have Stephanie sign a book, we are handing out tickets for specific time slots for book signing. This way, you will not need to stand in a long line for the book signing. The time slots will be:

8:45 - 9:15
9:15 - 9:45
9;45 - 10:15
10:15 - 10:45

We will be handing out the book signing tickets at the shop starting Saturday, September 8th through Tuesday, September 18th. If you are traveling from out of town, you can also get your book signing ticket at the door. Don't worry - everyone will get their book signed! We are just trying to keep it somewhat organized!

Stephanie will be pre-signing some books, so if you prefer to just purchase one of these books, you can do so.

If you have already purchased her books, you can bring them. You don't need to purchase the books here. However, we will have copies of Casts Off and her other books, including the audio versions of Casts Off and At Knits End.

As many of you know, at several of these similar events, knitters bring hand knit hats to donate to charity. We will be accepting hats at the door. Hats can be in any size or color of your choice. They should be soft and washable. Hats will be donated to either Star of Hope, MD Anderson, Texas Children's Hospital or Ships Project. If you are knitting for Ships Project (for our troops), the hats need to be in "guy colors" - blue, green, brown, tan, grey, black, etc.

http://www.theshipsproject.com/ItemGuidelines.htm

We are so excited for this fun event!

Eve and Shelley

Twisted Yarns
www.twistedyarnstexas.com
702 Spring Cypress Road, Suite A, Spring, TX
281-528-8664
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 to 5
Join us the 3rd Thursday of the month for Sit & Knit from 5 to 8:30!

New and improved yarn shop coming soon!

2007-09-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everybody who visited the store during our Topsy Turvy time -- things are really starting to shape up and you will LOVE the improvements!

Impromtu Topsy Turvy Sale and Retreat Reminder

2007-08-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Labor Day to everyone!

If you have been in the shop lately, you know things are a little topsy turvy!! We are reorganizing the shop, so its a little crazy.

We decided why not add to the craziness and have a sale!?!?!?

The more yarn we sell during the sale, the less we have to move this weekend!

So, for every $50 you purchase, we will give you a $5 gift certificate to be used that day or in the future. The $50 will include the guild discount if you are a member of the Knit at Night Guild.

The sale will start tomorrow, Thursday, and run through Saturday.

Also, remember, if you are interested in joining us for the Fall Knitting Retreat in Fredericksburg, the sign up starts Saturday, September 1. Registration must be mailed in and post marked no earlier than September 1. Details about the retreat are available on our web site under "What's New".

Join in our craziness and stop by!

Eve and Shelley

Mountain Colors Trunk Show is here!

2007-08-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

The Mountain Colors trunk show is here with many gorgeous garments - hats, scarves, vests, sweaters and socks!

We also received our fall shipment of Mountain Colors - so we have a lot to choose from! More 4/8ths, Mountain Goat, and Bearfoot! New colors!

Stop in and check it out!

Knit in the Round Hat

2007-08-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, guys and gals - this is THE class to take if you want to learn how to knit in the round.

Knit in the Round Hat
This is a good class for beginners who want to learn shaping. As long as you know how to cast on, knit, and purl you are ready! You will learn to knit in the round on double pointed needles, make ribbing, decrease, and finish your hat. This is a great class to take before learning to make socks. Click here to view the rest of the class description and click here to see the dates this class is offered.