Special Sockista Workshop - June 4

Calling all Sockistas!  We are offering a special sock workshop, Tuesday, June 4th 2-4 pm. Cost for the 2 hr. workshop is $25.00 per person.
Pre-registration is necessary.
 "Sock Knitting Designer" Nigel Pottle will be visiting Powell River in early June.  We are honoured that he is ready and willing to give us a workshop on some specific techniques: increasing and his version of a short-row heel.

This workshop is intended for intermediate and expert sock knitters.

He has asked that you arrive at the workshop with one toe-up sock
cast-on using either the method we have taught here at GBOW or any
other method that starts with the toes joined.
Please use 4mm needles, a smooth (not bumpy) DK (or similar yarn) which is light
coloured so you can see your stitches.
Either the 2 circular needle method or magic loop method will work.
If you will be using the magic loop method. please make sure your cord is long enough.
He will teach his method of increasing at the toe first, then you will
knit a few rows and on to his short-row heel.
Nigel developed this unique short-row heel while designing a sock for
Skacel Knitting. It makes a heel that looks, feels and fits great.

If time permits--or you want to hang around for a bit after 4pm-- he will teach the Turkish cast on method with magic loop.

Nigel is a former teacher-librarian, has been knitting for many, many years, is a member of the West Coast Knitters' Guild, and is knitting designer Holli Yeoh's step-father.

We look forward to seeing you and having a fun afternoon.

Some examples of Nigel's socks...



Roisin knit these using Nigel's "Baronial Slippers" pattern, published by Skacel.

New Yarns

New In Stock  - for gorgeous summer wear (it has sparkles in it...I love sparkles). 

Louisa Harding  -Jasmine  48% cotton, 39% Bamboo, 10% Silk, 3% Polyester 

22 sts on 4 mm needles - 98 metres/50gr for $7.95. 

Summer Sale!

Announcing the Summer Clearance on yarn brands you love to make way for Fall Wonders!

And if you purchase 10 balls, you will get a 10% discount....add to your stash!

Felted Slipper Class

Lynda's Knitted Felted Slippers Class starts Thursday May 23rd, 10 am - Noon (Roisin said Wednesday in her recent email...).

There are spaces available, but with a limit of 6 participants not many!

Please register by email (greatb.wool@gmail.com) or phone (485- 4859).

We're closed Monday but will be checking e-mail.

Hope you're enjoying the sunny weather! 

Sockistas

Sockista Jenny's second pair of "knit two at once" socks at their pre-surgery stage.  The yarn is Sandesgarn multicoloured.  Knits up interestingly, doesn't it? 

Sockista Katrina's Noro Sock Yarn lo-o-ong up-and-over-the-knee socks and still growing. 

Katrina is at the open-heel surgery time.  Heels now happening, and the next photo should be the on-leg(s) model.

We Are Closed May 20

If you are running low on yarn, make sure you come by and pick up some more today or tomorrow because the store will be closed Sunday and Monday for the Victoria Day long weekend. We don't want you to suffer Yarn Shortage Anxiety over the weekend!

World Wide Knit In Public Day

It's coming up...the date for the Great Balls of Wool KIP Day 2013 is June 8, from 11 am - 3 pm. Mark your calendars. And we are going to have a contest that involves you being given a ball of cotton to whip up an item with...details to follow soon!

Where: Lawn in front of "Great Balls of Wool", 4722A Marine Ave, Powell River.

(Between the Artique and Ecossential)

(tel: 604-485-4859)

Please bring:

Knitting or crochet project and a woolly type article to add to clothesline art fence (clothes pegs provided), a chair, and a drink & snack

The backup plan is:

In the Loopy Lounge if raining

Some more info about KIP, from the website. 

"In 2005, there were about 25 local events around the world. In 2006, there were about 70 local events, and in 2007, almost 200. In 2008, there were 800 events, and in 2009, 751 events.

Over the years there have been local events in Australia, China, England, Finland, France, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, United States and so many more countries.

WWKiP Day takes now takes place from the second Saturday to the third Sunday of June each year; making it a week long celebration of knitting and other fiber arts."

Big Sale of Big Balls!

Such a deal....these large balls of very nice variegated cotton are on sale for $12.99! 550 metres is enough to make a Baby Surprise Jacket, or a summer top or a kid's summer sweater...pretty colours too. 
Hurry up though....Lynda has her eye on some of it.

Knitting Patterns For Dolls

Recently, Christine Fergusson from Ottawa contacted Roisin. She wrote, "I am a Canadian designer who designs & creates unique doll knitting patterns. These designs are suitable for dolls 16" to 18" in length & fit antique dolls as well as popular dolls such as the Maplelea Doll, American Girl Doll, Corolle Doll, Baby Born & other suitably sized dolls.

Almost exclusively, I use yarns by Sandnesgarn. I find it to be the perfect yarn for my outfits & I use both Lanett & Mandarin Petit."

Her web site is Doll Knitting Designs, http://www.doll-knitting-designs.com/ and you can purchase PDFs of her patterns there, or on Ravelry. Go have a look! She has lots of patterns, as well as lots of information....there is even a little collection of "Princess Kate" patterns modelled after a few of Kate Middleton's outfits, including this one from the Royal Visit to Canada. 
                                 

Tweedy Hoodie Jacket

Roisin's been experimenting...this is a Garter stitch Jacket/Coat, with a hood. She used Chunky Sirdar Kid's Rock for this sample.  It is knit sideways, starting at a sleeve - all in one piece.  Come and see it!  Bring your 5-7 yr old to try it on, we need a model!