September 2010

In this issue:

 

‡ Closed Monday, September 6th for Labor Day

‡ Classes and Workshops

‡ New and Fun Stuff (including a great story about a new spinner making it big time)

‡ Events and Activities

‡ Pre-loved Looms and Equipment



Howdy all you Fiber Fans!

It's peach season here in Colorado, and although Georgia makes great peaches and some just wish they all could be California (sorry Beach Boys) peaches, those lovely fruits grown here are simply the best. From Hotchkiss to Palisade, and from Cresthaven to Hale, these juicy gems make August and September particularly tasty! Think, peach pie, peach preserves, peach cobbler, peach smoothies, peaches and (ice) cream, or just. plain. peaches. Yum!

 

But speaking of tasty in the month of September, we want you to mark your calendars for the Third Annual Recycled Lamb Yarn Tasting event! On Friday evening September 17th (our usual Knit Knite evening) we'll be holding our "Tastes of the World" yarn tasting. Mark your calendars and don't miss this fun evening where we'll be taking a fiber tour of at least four continents--and this year, we'll have door prizes and special guests to enhance your tasty travel experience. Watch your email for more information, but be sure to save the date!

 

FUN STUFF

Handknitters around the world are helping penguins and other waterfowl survive oil spills. Knitting sweaters for penguins? Yup! Check out this site http://www.infoplease.com/spot/penguinsweater.html for the whole story. It's amazing that each of us could actually assist in the recovery of water birds after an oil spill.

 

We all love silk, to knit with, weave with, and spin, but recently there was a little piece on the news that makes silk all the more interesting, and yes, lovable! You've heard about Kevlar, the man-made material used for protective clothing for law enforcement and soldiers, but according to David Kaplan in an article for Science Daily (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100729141140.htm) silk has been used for protective armor for thousands of years and could be developed into a more comfortable, more protective armor than Kevlar! Visit the website for a very interesting history and possible future of this versatile, soft, and wonderful natural fiber. And if you'd like to learn more about silk, silkworms, and all sorts of related trivia, visit www.wormspit.com.

 

A fellow knitter sent this link and we thought the sweater knitters would like a little chuckle! http://thatispriceless.blogspot.com/2010/08/masterpiece-310.html

Weavolution.com has a new look! Easier to navigate and full of great weaving information, experienced Weavolution visitors as well as newbies should go and check it out. There's so much fun stuff out there, from drafts to project photos, from loom reviews to groups and forums! Tools, too--here are a couple of very useful pages for weavers: Weaving sett calculator can be found at http://weavolution.com/weaving_sett_calc and a reed substitution table can be found at http://weavolution.com/reed-substitution-table.

 

Worldwide Spin-In-Public day has been designated for Saturday September 18th, so get out your wheels and spindles and make some yarn where others can see you! Take a photo and we'll post on our website.

 

NEW YARNS

As always, August and September are filled with big, brown boxes, filled with lots of new yarns and fibers, and it's especially exciting this year because we've decided on three new yarn manufacturer's lines to enhance our already incredible inventory. First, we have Frog Tree Yarns, already so popular that we've had to reorder some colors! We're carrying their Alpaca Sport, Alpaca Sport Melange, Suri Alpaca, all 100% alpaca, and for the spinners, Meriboo roving, a merino/bamboo roving that's just a joy to spin. Frog Tree is a company that operates as a not-for-profit, providing wool producers and mill workers in Peru and Bolivia a fair, living wage to produce this luscious yarn. Available for the Alpaca Sport yarn is the very popular "Origami Sweater" pattern, a perfect first-sweater pattern that fits most everyone comfortably and attractively. (More people have tried on this sample in the shop than any other sample we've ever had!) Visit www.frogtreeyarns.com to view their mission statement and history. We think you'll not only love this yarn but love the idea and people behind the company. We sure do!

 

Next, we have the Punta Yarns line, a South American merino yarn from Uruguay in available in space-dyed "Merisoft", hand-painted "MeriTwist", space-dyed "Punta Lace"(oh, this one is so nice!) and "MeriSock," a superwash merino with a little nylon for wear that your toes will want to wear as soon as you lay eyes on it!

 

And pushing the envelope a little for our shop is Habu Yarns. Still on order, (we expect delivery direct from Japan sometime this month) we'll be carrying Sosenshi Paper yarn, Stainless Steel Silk and Stainless Steel Wool (yes, you can knit, weave, and crochet with these, they are soft and easy to work with but have a substance that allows them to hold a shape, like ruffles!), a lovely kid silk/mohair, and some novelty yarns. Together with this fun and different line, we'll have the new book called Ori Ami Knits: Fiber Geometry, a self-published artful volume by Olga Buraya-Kefelian and Vanessa Yap-Einbund. Habu yarns are also featured in Haiku Knits, by Tanya Alpert. This season's Interweave Knits features a pattern for a lace cowl using the Stainless Steel wool. No, it doesn't feel like chainmail, promise! And Habu yarns are especially great for weaving, too.

 

New for spinners, in addition to the Meriboo, we've got Frabjous Fibers in several varieties. Hand-painted braids of Blue-faced Leicester, Silk/Cashmere/Merino blend, 100% Merino and a Merino "Sparkle", your spinning will become an event filled with color and texture.

 

We've got many more sock yarns for you, too--Alpaca Sox (oh so soft), Berroco Sox Metallic with just a little sparkle to perk up your holiday footwear, new colors in Noro Silk Garden Sock and Plymouth Happy Feet. Just in last week was a new shipment of Pagewood Farms Denali, Yukon (their bamboo blend) and Alyeska (cashmere blend), and they are moving fast. For those who just don't like wool in their boots, we've got Berroco Comfort Socks, and Cascade Fixation in solids and paints. Remember, sock yarns aren't just for sox! Think lace, as these yarns come with lots of yardage and are the perfect weight for those lacy shawls and scarves (and yes, lace socks!). And because sock yarns are most often washable, they make great yarns for baby and children's wear as well. Weaving with sock yarn is a pleasure, too, with the variegated colors and fun self-striping.

 

We've got more--new colors from Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande and Encore; new colors of Noro Silk Garden and Kureyon, Debbie Bliss and Sirdar Snuggly; new yarns soon to arrive from Tahki Stacy Charles (wait till you see the fun Cincilla and Opera D'Arte!); new colors from Brown Sheep and Berroco; new colors of Lush from Classic Elite....the list goes on and on, you'll just have to come in to see them in person!

 

NEW BOOKS AND PRINTED THINGS

This year we have CALENDARS! Last year a fiber calendar was a rare find, but this year, WOW! We've got the 2011 Handwoven Calendar, and the 2011 "It Itches" knitting cartoon calendar, and the Interweave Knits and the Interweave Crochet Calendars. We've got a calendar for every room and everyone on your gift list. But, most excitingly, is this story! We have a customer and knitting instructor here at the Recycled Lamb who, in January, decided it was time to learn to spin. Janeen took a handspindle class here at our shop in January (Anita was her instructor!) and was SO INSPIRED that she continued to spin and in the spring (just weeks after spinning for the first time ever) submitted a hand-dyed sample and an original knit design with her handspindle-spun yarn, and was chosen to be "Miss September" in the 2011 Spin-Off Calendar! This is a must-have calendar for our spinners and spinners-to-be, knitters and dyers, for not only is Janeen featured but each page highlights tips and techniques, and lists events and activities around the fiber universe.

 

Already many of you have been in to purchase yarn, fiber, and patterns for holiday gifts, and this year we've got a couple of great new books out for knitted and crocheted gift items! First, Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet, by Mags Kandis, contains patterns for small items and accessories that are just plain fun to create. Then, One Ball Knits Gifts: 20 Stylish Designs make with a Single Ball, Hank, Skein, or Spool by Fatema Habibur-Rahman, Khadija Habibur-Rahman, and Hajera Habibur-Rahman contains, not surprisingly, 20 patterns for everything from cabled mule slippers (way way cute) and driving gloves to table accessories and socks. By the same authors, we have One Ball Knits Purses, a book of 20 stylish purses and bags, perfect for yourself or for gifting (or both!). For sock knitters and wannabes, we've a new fancy sock book called Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs by Stephanie van der Linden, and Knit Socks!: 17 Classic Patterns for Cozy Feet by Betsy McCarthy. More Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Haverson and Anna Williams is yet another book for those of us needing almost instant knitted gratification! Including not only patterns showcased in multiple colors and yarns, these two inspired authors also suggest creative wrapping and embellishments that will make you and your giftee smile.

 

Colorado's own Jane Patrick has a brand new book out for weavers, The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom. Bursting with great patterns and creative techniques, these ideas shouldn't be limited to the rigid heddle but can be applied to any loom weaving to expand your weaving expertise.

 

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Well, our fall classes are in full swing but we've got new classes starting every week! Here are a list of upcoming classes in September, and the first part of October, that still have seats available. If you'd like to sign up, please give the shop a call at 303-234-9337 to make your reservation. For more information on any of these classes or to see the schedule for the rest of the year, you can visit our website at www.recycledlamb.com/classes/index.html.

September Classes:

Beginning Knitting--6 sessions, starts Thursday September 2, 6-8pm AND starts Monday September 20th, 6-8pm

2 and 3 Dimensional Needlefelting--4 sessions, starts Thursday September 2nd, 6-8pm

Beginning Tapestry Weaving--6 sessions, starts Wednesday September 8th, 6-8pm

Dyeing with Koolaid (really!)--1 session, Saturday September 11th, 9:30-12:30pm

Exploring Rigid Heddle Possibilities (A Beginning Rigid Heddle Class)--4 sessions, starts Thursday September 16th, 6-8pm

Now You See It--Now You See It, Double Knitting!--4 Sessions, starts Monday, September 20th, 6-8pm

Beginning Knitting--6 Sessions, a WEEKEND CLASS, starts Saturday September 25th, 10:30-12:30 pm

Beyond Beginning Knitting--6 Sessions, starts Tuesday September 28th, 6-8pm

READ THAT PATTERN!--1 session, Wednesday September 29th, 6-8pm

October Classes

Beginning Knitting--A DAY CLASS, 6 sessions starts Wednesday October 6th, 12:30-2:30pm

Sock Knitting for the Newbie--4 sessions, starts Wednesday, October 6th, 6-8pm

Rainbows, Batts, and Boucles: Intermediate Spinning--4 sessions, starts Wednesday October 6th 6-8pm

Shalom Cardigan (this is a great one-button sweater!)--4 sessions, starts Thursday, October 7th, 6-8pm

The Joy of Handspindling--1 Session, Saturday October 9th, 2-4pm

Lace, The Final Frontier (a beginning lace class)--A WEEKEND CLASS, 4 sessions, starts SUNDAY October 10th, 1:30-3:30

 

PRE-LOVED WEAVING EQUIPMENT

Occasionally we are asked to sell on consignment used spinning wheels, looms, and other equipment for weavers and spinners. In August we were blessed with quite a few pieces and would like to highlight them here. For photos and more information, please visit our consignment page at www.recycledlamb.com/consignments/index.html.

 

4-shaft Baby Wolf--this loom in excellent condition is in the shop and comes with a bench, warping board, multiple shuttles and bobbins, swift, and lamp. Everything you need to start weaving, at only $995.00 for the package.

 

60" Glimakra Regina Tapestry Loom. This loom is out of production but is an excellently-designed loom for the serious tapestry weaver, includes some shuttles and accessories. $1000.00

 

40" Macomber, 10-shaft 16-treadle, double warp beam (one sectional, one not) also in very excellent condition. Includes built-in lamp, shuttles, bobbins, pirns, warping board, and other accessories. $1400.00

 

40-spool Pendelton bobbin rack and large horizontal warping reel, both in the shop to look at, each $125.00.

 

If you or anyone you know is interested in purchasing any of this equipment please call or stop by the shop and ask for Cheryl.

 

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

NOW OPEN SUNDAYS! 12:30-4pm.

Knit Knitewill be Friday September 17th and will be our Annual Yarn Tasting, from 4:30-8pm! We'll also be collecting the last installment of our hats for K*4*O*T for delivery to the USO--thanks everyone for working so hard on this and we'll have a final count at the end of the month. Join us for a fun evening, meet new friends or old ones, ask questions and feel the fiber love!

 

Because of the holiday, we won't have a spin-in in September but in celebration of National Spin and Weave Week, (more about this next month) Friday October 8 from 5-8pm we'll have our 1st Friday Spin-In of the fall! Bring your wheel and/or spindles, a snack to share, and we'll have some fun twisting fiber into beautiful yarn!

 

COMMUNITY KNITTING

The Recycled Lamb community knitting group meets at the shop on Thursdays from 12-1pm to knit, crochet, chat, and plan, and everyone is welcome. Bring your lunch if you like! We're currently knitting for Family Tree (www.thefamilytree.org) headquartered in Wheat Ridge.

 

Remember, we have a group on Ravelry where you can stay up-to-date with shop activities and see projects and messages from other shop customers--click www.ravelry.com to sign up to be a user, or just search groups for "The Recycled Lamb Yarn and Fiber Group" to join our group! We also have a Facebook page and you can sign up for Facebook by linking from our website, HERE, clicking on the blue Facebook link--then be sure to sign yourself up to be a fan of The Recycled Lamb! We post events, pictures, and other good stuff from time to time and you won't want to miss out! We are also on Twitter (@recycledlamb) and you can follow us there also by clicking on the link on our website HERE. Watch for "Twitter Specials" and announcements.

 

Well, fiber friends and family, that's enough for now! Keep those needles clicking, shuttles flying, hooks a-crooking, wheels a-spinning, dyepots simmering and visit us often at The Recycled Lamb!