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Are You Seeing Red?
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February is the American Heart Association's national Go Red For Women month, so you might be seeing quite a bit of red lately.
Go Red is a campaign to raise awareness of the risk of heart disease for women. Many don't realize that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. This month you will notice all kinds of buildings, landmarks, and people "going red" to draw attention to heart disease and how to minimize our risks.
This month Go Red! and knit something for yourself or a special woman in your life out of a gorgeous red yarn. |
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Finishing Workshop with Deborah Newton
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We are pleased to announce that Deborah Newton will be teaching a Finishing Workshop at Fresh Purls. Deborah has been designing fun and stylish knitwear for years.
She says, "Finishing is so much more than just putting the pieces of a sweater together! It is all about planning ahead for the easiest seaming, knowing the best methods for sewing and picking up edges, having a repertoire of buttonholes-- all based on the kind of yarn and design you are making!"
"I have done the finishing for hundreds of my sweaters ove rthe years that have appeared in books, magazines and yarn company lines -- so many different kinds - and I always enjoy the process so much. I'd like to share my experience with others."
Space for this class is limited, so please sign-up early! For more information see our classes & events page! |
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Three Classes Added by Helen!
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 Helen has added the following classes to our schedule:
- "Knitting Class" - two more classes have been added to the schedule. This class is for people who have never knit before AND for all knitters who want to learn a new skill.
- "The Cosmic Teleidoscope Vest" - many of you may have seen Helen's beautiful vest inspired by Elizabeth Zimmermann's PI shawl.
- "Moebius Workshop" - you will learn Cat Bordhi's unbelievable cast-on A Moebius that has a 180 degree twist with one edge, no seam and it is knitted from the middle out. You will be taught how to do a Moebius cast on, join into the round, knit your first figure 8 round and you will also learn how to do an applied I-cord cast off.
Check the classes out here! Remember to reserve a spot early as these classes sell out quickly! |
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Two Louet Yarns New to Fresh Purls
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We just received two yarns from Louet that are new to the shop:
- KidLin a beautiful lace weight yarn with 49% Linen, %35 Kid Mohair, and %16 Nylon
- Gems sock wieght yarn is 100% Merino and machine washable in many solid colors
Pattern support also came with both yarns, great socks by Ann Budd and a soft cardigan or shawl out of the KidLin - perfect for springtime!
 
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A Cool iPhone/iPod Touch App for Knitters!
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If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch there are some cool apps available for knitters? I recently downloaded this app ($3.99) and have been very happy with the results!!! 
Knit Counter by Cordless Dog
Knit Counter is a convenient way to store stitch counters and project information for multiple knitting projects.
Each project in Knit Counter can include as many stitch counters as you want. You can choose the name, the starting value and even link counters together, so one counter increments another. For example you could set an increase counter to increment at the end of every 12th row.
Other features include a handy frog button that allows you to decrease a counter if you have to rip back rows, and increase/decrease alerts which can be set on specific rows so you never forget an increase or decrease row again.
There is a "Knit Counter Lite" verstion available for free, it only stores one project at a time, but a good way to try it out before spending the money.
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Question of the Month
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What is the best way to store my yarn if I'm not knitting with it right away?
If you have purchased yarn in skeins, don't wind them into a ball right away. Leave them in skeins and store them in a clean, dry place (many people use plastic tubs or bags). When storing the yarn you may want to create some natural herb sachets to keep moths away as well.
Here are some ideas for creating your own sachets and the ingredients can be purchased at health food stores:
Natural Moth Repellent Sachets:
2 ounces each of dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each of dried thyme and ginseng
8 ounces of whole cloves
Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Blend. To make small sachets you can use cotton teabags, or you can sew up small bags either 4x4 or 2x2 with natural fiber with a tight weave, such as silk, muslin. If you don't sew then you can create squares or circles of fabric and drop the sachet herbs in the middle, then use a ribbon to tie up the sachet.
Other herbs that are good for repelling moths include lavender, dried lemon peel, sweet woodruff, eucalyptus, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns and tansy. |
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Tip of the Month
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Ready to get started with those skeins of yarn you have stored away - regardless of the manner in which you wind your yarn, make sure you do it loosely, so the yarn can keep it's natural shape. If you wind the ball to tightly and then knit, the gauge can be different once the knitted yarn begins to relax.
Yarn needs to breath....just like a fine wine! |
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