A Full Service Yarn and Needlepoint Store on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Hi!
Meg is back from Market and we thought you might like to see what she found.
http://www.winnetkastitchery.com
http://thepointofitallshop.com
http://needleworks.ehclients.com/index.php/julia/
http://www.kellyclarkneedlepoint.com
http://www.brendastofftdesign.com
http://www.wellesleyneedlepoint.com/AnnieLaneDesigns.shtml
http://www.susanrobertsneedlepoint.com
For Inspiration!
Today we have a quick update for you.
First up…Classes
This Saturday is…
Knitting 101. August 23 & September 6. $50 for two sessions — includes materials.
This will be a great class to invite a friend to. It will be two sessions and we will cover the basics of knitting. We will also discuss fibers, yarn weights and the language of knitting. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to learn to knit, this is it.
Crochet 101. August 16 & 30. $50 for two sessions — includes materials.
Learn the basics of how to crochet, starting at the very beginning. In this class you will learn how to: make a slip knot, crochet a chain, make a slip stitch, single crochet, Half Double Crochet stitch, and Double Crochet Stitch.
You will choose from cotton to make a washcloth or wool to make a scarf.
If you didn’t make it to the first session, you can still come to the second session ($25) and catch up.
Toe-up Socks (two at a time, if you like). September 20 & October 4. $65 for two sessions — includes materials.
Learn Judy’s Magic Cast On and a short-row heel. The sock on the right is knit toe-up with a short-row heel. You can choose to do one or two at time.
Needlepoint 101 Oct 25 – $40 (includes canvas & threads)
Come learn to needlepoint. If you have put off needlepoint for some reason, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. You will learn eight stitches and end up with an adorable mini Christmas stocking.
August Yarn Sale
For the month of August both Provence and Silky Wool are 25% off.
Provence
Silky Wool
Don’t forget the back room is full of clearance items and all knitting books are 50% off.
A Couple New Canvases!
New Mini Stuffers
It’s been a few weeks since we’ve had an update. That’s because we have been very busy around here. We’ve been doing a little tidying up and moving of stuff. Come in and see the changes.
The thread room looks a little different as well.
Now for the stuff you need to know.
We have some yarn on sale and it’s not just the clearance stuff. For the month of August both Provence and Silky Wool are 25% off.
Provence
Silky Wool
Knitting Books are also 50% off.
Classes
Crochet 101. August 16 & 30. $50 for two sessions — includes materials.
Learn the basics of how to crochet, starting at the very beginning. In this class you will learn how to: make a slip knot, crochet a chain, make a slip stitch, single crochet, Half Double Crochet stitch, and Double Crochet Stitch.
You will choose from cotton to make a washcloth or wool to make a scarf.
Knitting 101. August 23 & September 6. $50 for two sessions — includes materials.
This will be a great class to invite a friend to. It will be two sessions and we will cover the basics of knitting. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to learn to knit, this is it.
Toe-up Socks (two at a time, if you like). September 20 & October 4. $65 for two sessions — includes materials.
Learn Judy’s Magic Cast On and a short-row heel. The sock on the right is knit toe-up with a short-row heel. You can choose to do one or two at time.
We’ve got new stuff!!
Um… Madelinetosh!!!!
For Needlepointers
Finished Objects
… but now we are back.
We are Alive and Well.
We have heard from a few concerned customers that they have heard we are closing. Let me assure everyone that we are open and excited.
Welcome Michelle.
Next up, we would like to welcome Michelle to our team here at The French Knot. She is a very accomplished knitter, crocheter and cross-stitcher.. Welcome aboard, Michelle.
Classes Will be Resuming.
We are planning some classes for next month.
Crochet 101. August 16 & 30. $50 for two sessions — includes materials.
Learn the basics of how to crochet, starting at the very beginning. In this class you will learn how to: make a slip knot, crochet a chain, make a slip stitch, single crochet, Half Double Crochet stitch, and Double Crochet Stitch.
You will choose from cotton to make a washcloth or wool to make a scarf.
Knitting 101. August 23 & September 6. $50 for two sessions — includes materials.
This will be a great class to invite a friend to. It will be two sessions and we will cover the basics of knitting. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to learn to knit, this is it.
Speaking of classes, we have had an interest in Tuesday night classes. What do you think? Would you like to see some evening classes? Leave your opinion in the comments.
New Canvases
Here are a few new canvases. Also, Meg & Hunter will be going to Market in August, so now is the time to make your wishes known…
Tour of the Sale Room
We’ve been moving stuff around. So far, we’ve put all the sale yarn in the back room. I think you’ll like it. Come check it out.
Speaking of sales… Halloween canvases are 30% off through the end of July. We have also put books, patterns, and a bunch of canvases on sale to make room for whatever Meg finds at Market.
Finished Objects
An announcement.
Two of our talented employees have elected to leave the French Knot. As you know, Leona Cola has been a mainstay at the shop for a number of years and she has decided that it is time to retire. And although she will continue to be an avid knitter and needlepointer, she looks forward to the extra time to enjoy things in her life other than the day to day routine of working the shop.
Georgie Breard has also notified us that she will be leaving as she anticipates the joy of spending quality time with a new grand baby soon to arrive.
While there will be some changes and new faces, our goal is to maintain a high level of service to our customers, to provide a fun atmosphere of camaraderie for sharing our passions, and to provide you with new lines and quality products. While we will continue as before, please feel free to make recommendations that you feel will improve your experience at The French Knot.
Thanks to Leona and Georgie for their dedication and time to the French Knot.
A Sale
Since the finishing deadline for Halloween is July 31, The French Knot is putting all Halloween items on sale. You can choose a canvas and work it up in time to have it back for “Ghouling Day”. Stop in the store to view the many Halloween themed items we have. If not Halloween, you’re sure to find something else to stitch.
New Canvases
New Yarn
A New Book
Finished Objects
Once there was a store, with friends far and wide,
That was invited to go on the road,
So they packed their wares in a great big truck,
It was an impressive large, heavy load.
The walls left behind, were a little bit sad,
And we’re sorry to those caught off guard,
By the shock of seeing the needlepoint gone,
When their day of shopping was marred.
We arrived at the show, and the hard work began,
To set up for our new friends to shop,
Their kindness and praise made it all worthwhile,
And the next three days went by non-stop.
Now we are home and somewhat recovered,
Still unpacking and setting things straight,
We are looking forward to what comes up next,
So keep checking in, it’ll be worth the wait.
Hello from Baton Rouge. Your favorite needlepoint shop was invited to the South Central Region of the Embroiders’ Guild of America’s 2014 Seminar to be their boutique. So we packed up the needlepoint half of the shop and trucked it over. It’s been an adventure and we will be quite exhausted, I’m sure, when we head back home on Saturday… Hopefully much lighter than before.
A very special thank you to Aubrey and Sarah who have been handling the shop while Meg, Leona, Georgie and Deanne have been away.
Currently in the shop…
These awesome canvases will be in the shop for the rest of this week. Then we will take them to Baton Rouge next week and they will back in the shop from June 17- June 21.
Speaking of Baton Rouge… in case you haven’t heard, we are taking the needlepoint half of the shop to the Louisiana Lagniappe Chapter of the EGA next week. Don’t worry, yarnies, you can still come in to get something great for that new project or to strengthen your stash.
And as if a Melissa Shirley Trunk show wasn’t enough, the Jude Trunk Show starts on June 17.
Felting, or boiled wool, is the process of converting your knitted wool into something solid. Sometimes we want to felt our knitting. Other times, well… then it’s a tragedy. When done intentionally it is a great affect. When unintended, it becomes a doll sweater.
Wool felts so well because when wetted and agitated, the scales on the wool swell, rub against each other and bind together. This results in a denser, smaller fabric. Remember to check the label carefully since you do not want to use superwash wool. Superwash wool is treated either by a soak in an acid bath that removes its scales or it is coated with a polymer or resin and thus coated to prevent felting. Additionally, yarn with less than 60% wool will not easily felt.
Of course, as with all things knitting, there are multiple ways to accomplish your goals. An upright washing machine with an agitator and hot water is probably the easiest method, though it is possible to hand-felt certain items with lukewarm water. Some people add boiled water to assure that the water in the machine is good and hot. A zippered pillowcase will protect the item (and your washing machine) add jeans, tennis balls, towels or other bulky items to help with agitation. Check on it about 10 minutes into the washing process.
Since part of the felting process is shrinkage, it is important to consider how large you should knit your item. A good rule of thumb is 50% shrinkage in height and 30% in width, and swatching is recommended for garments. If you swatch, you won’t be surprised. Often, a felted project doesn’t have to be an exact fit. If the final dimensions are important, you should knit and felt a swatch.
24.5 inches before felting
21.5 after felting
Stop in and see some examples of felted knitting.
And now… finished objects.
Remember our Storewide Sale.
Canvases and most yarns 20% off.