Japanese Short Rows

Many of you have asked about the repeat of the Japanese Short Rows class. It's THIS SATURDAY MORNING! Whether you are an experienced sweater knitter or you are just starting out, this class is for you! This technique will produce a smooth, easy-to-seam shoulder decrease. No more stair-step mess and ugly gaps. Bring some left-over yarn and a pair of needles. You'll be amazed at the swatch. I'll also show you how to convert your standard pattern to be done in JSR's. It's easy, and extremely practical!

SUGAR RUSH!

Linen, Bamboo......and Sugar Cane. All plant fibers. Wha, wha, WHAT?? Sugar Cane?? Yarn made of 100% sugar cane fiber, now available at VBYC! Who would have thought that the fields I drive through coming in from Youngsville could find their ways to at least two different places: into our sugar bowls and onto our knitting needles. Come check it out! It's amazingly soft and has quite a beautiful glow! Talk about a fantastic spring and summertime Louisiana fiber!

Two Items of Good Use

Charts driving you batty? Do you keep getting confused in the swirling grid of stitch symbols? Try Post-It tape to underline the line you're working. It's a big roll of tape that's like a post-it note. As you move up in your chart, just un-stick the tape, move it, and re-stick it. Each roll contains 36 yards of tear-free knitting. Plus this: when your woolens need cleaning, you can take them to the dry cleaners, cross your fingers, and hope for the best, or you can use Top of the Lamb woolwash from Brown Sheep. A capfull goes a LONG way, and with great results each time. I've used it myself on Malabrigo. Fill your sink with warm water, follow the directions, let your bits soak, return and gently wash the garment, then rinse and remove excess water, dry flat and you're item is clean and fresh-smelling! Both the Post-It tape and the woolwash are available at VBYC!

Continental Knitting

Continental Knitting is the technique of holding the working yarn in the left hand in such a way in order to feed it continuously to the needles. There is no "throwing" involved, customary to the English style of knitting. The word "continental" in the name refers to "The Continent", that is, the European Continent as opposed to the British Isles. Hence the two terms "Continental knitting" and "English knitting". Of course there are many variations within these two knitting "schools", including a number of hybrid techniques. The picture to the left is our family house in Leopoldshall/Stassfurt, Germany, and the two people in front are my grandparents. My mother learned to knit in this house, and I learned to knit from her. Stassfurt is in central Germany, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt -- practically in the center of "The Continent". The way I knit is the Continental method as practiced by generations of the Dreger family from my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, down through the family tree. It's pretty much as authentic as you can get. Moreover, I learned to knit calling knits "rechts" and purls "links" (right and left). That's why sometimes you'll hear me call the "wrong side" the "left side", because in German, a purl is called a "left". I'm very pleased to pass on this method of knitting to anyone who wishes to learn it. Your next chance to learn to knit in the Continental way is Saturday, May 16th at 10am.

Japanese Short Rows

Many of you have asked what exactly Japanese short rows are. Interesting little technique, the Japanese short rows. Generally described, this is a short row technique (said to originate in Japan) with invisible wraps and turns, much easier and straight-forward than other, similar "inivisible" techniques. Knitters of sweaters and other items which involve the standard "stair-step" shaping (like for shoulders), will especially benefit from the Japanese short row technique, as it replaces the hard-to-seam, ugly-to-look-at stair-steps with one single, sloped bind-off edge. Talk about easy to seam! No more of that searching for a place to anchor a seam on the rise of the stair-step. I've used the technique on sweaters recently, and it works like a charm! And it's really easy to adapt patterns from the old stair-steps to the clever Japanese method. Sign up for the class offered May 2nd and be amazed. You'll never want to stair-step again!

In subter laboro demens

Heri ab amica demonstratus est mihi pilleus in modo 16-imi saeculi perfactus similis illis, qui ab Anglicis tempore octavi Henrici regis gesti erant. Gosh golly! I was so intrigued by the clever motto of the Cornell Univeristy historian, whose patterns I was shown Saturday afternoon, I forgot to remove my Latin teacher hat, and just started off describing these wonderful things! At any rate, my ferver and zeal for most things Renaissance had me glued to the page when a knitter came in to purchase supplies to re-create a historically accurate Tudor flat cap. Those of you who watch the entertaining series The Tudors will recognize that practically every man pictured in crowd scenes is donning one of these groovy headgears. We determined that the cap will work on Brown Sheep Nature Spun lace weight on needles of proportional size -- a zillion stitches, felted. Likewise, this same historian has also made a study of period gloves. She provides pictures of historical gloves from the 16th Century, both for everyday wear and some rather ornate ones to be worn by eccliastic higher-up's for liturgical use. These cool items are also re-creatable by the ambitious knitter. Interestingly, the colors and construction of the re-created gloves resemble almost in every detail my own 21st Century fencing gloves (of course those are made of heavy cloth over the wrists and leather on the hands and fingers -- I doubt a woolen glove could cushion the blow from a mis-aimed foil or keenly targeted epee, not to mention a painful, finger-breaking slash from a sabre). I'm not giving you a picture of those, as they're a bit icky, as most fencer's gloves are. The wool gloves in blue and white would be great to wear to the tournament, but not actually in the tournament. If you'd like to investigate these intriguing patterns of historical knits, visit the website: http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/ms154/ICEDragon03/cap.document.html. It is my understanding that the site may not be up for long, but do visit as long as it is, and give these interesting patterns a try. I plan to make the cap for sure. Oh, and the nifty motto. It aptly describes the knitter who likes a challenge!

THE KNIT KIT! Exclusively at VBYC!

Cute as an Easter Chick and unimaginably practical! You've read about them in Knitter's Magazine, and now they're at VBYC -- exclusively at VBYC! Solve your migrating notions issues with The Knit Kit! It's a complete fiber fan's companion in one single package, about the size of a compact. Each kit contains a crochet hook, tape measure, counter, thread cutter, scissors, markers, and stitch holders. The unit has a white case with pink accents.

VBYC E-Store!

Can't come in and get it? No worries! Click on the link in the upper left-hand corner of our blog and check out the extensive selection of items we're offering for online purchase!

Happy Birthday, Heloise!

Monday, April 13 was a special day at Vermilion Bay Yarn. Our dear friend Heloise was treated to a surprise birthday party staged by a crew of clever party elves. Throughout the day, Acadiana knitters and crocheters visited the shop to deliver cards, gifts, birthday wishes....and of course to come sit and work their projects. We successfully polished off the cake and all the party food by 6:00pm. A hearfelt thank-you from Heloise to everyone who stopped in on Monday, as well as to the many many of you either on or returning from out-of-town Easter vacations who telephoned through the day or wrote special Happy Birthday emails! By the end of the day, our enormous coffee table was full of cards, flowers and wonderful goodies! VBYC wishes Heloise all the best for the coming year!

Tulip Shoes for Spring!

Imagine the little person in your life with an adorable pair of these tulip shoes! We'll be making them next Saturday, April 18th at 10:00am. Don't worry about the complexity of the pattern: all the bugs have been worked out, making the pattern as fun to knit as they are to gift! Our sample is made of Rowan Handknit Cotton. The fibers are firm (yet soft) enough for the petals to stand up properly. Other yarn options: Cotton Glace, Milk Cotton, PureLife Cotton, or Debbie Bliss Prima. A simple color change can transform these darling items from girl's wear to boy's wear. Work them up in solid green for the cutest pair of elfin slippers in the realm!

St. Jude Sweater Winner!

The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company and our project knitters (in the end, we counted over 60 persons!) congratulate Charlene Berger, the winner of the beautiful Summer Tweed/Scottish Tweed vest raffle which benefited St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis. Between December 2008 and Mardi Gras 2009, knitters visiting the shop would set down their own projects and take up our community vest project to knit a bit: a few rows, or a few stripes, to work up this stunning creation. We followed the pattern for the "Community Project Vest" found in Simply Beautiful Sweaters for Men from the expert designers of Tricoter in Seattle. Rowan Summer Tweed is a fine silk and cotton blend yarn -- perfect in Louisiana year round, and Scottish Tweed (Aran) is 100% wool. Both yarns are available at VBYC in a varity of colors.

Thank you very much to all those who created this wonderful garment, those who donated the supplies for our project, and all those who purchased tickets for our raffle!

Della Q, Della Q, DELLA Q!!!

How many ways can you say smart and stylish? How about fabulous, fashion-forward, and functional? At Vermilion Bay, we say it only one way: Della Q. Just arrived for spring and summer projects: large and small project pouches, both of silk and cotton, embroidered and plain. Inexpensive, well-made and eye-catching, keep your project supplies in one place with a Della Q pouch! While you're at it, don't miss Daphne and Chloe! Chloe is a summery, cloth-lined cane basket bag with a draw-string top closure, so she fits twice as much as you think! She'll keep your knitting items safe and secure while you're on the go, and she still has room for summertime beach supplies! Sit surf-side beneath your beach umbrella, pitcher of Mai-tai to your right, Chloe to your left! Surround yourself with summertime sweetness! And then there's Daphne, the sassy sophisticate, available in Green/Blue Dragon Fly print and Black/White hound's tooth. If you don't typically dress up to knit or crochet, with Daphne you'll feel like you should! Remove your knitting gear from Daphne's spacious intererior and all her pockets, throw in your usual purse supplies and she's ready to accompany you to the shops or for a night on the town! Della Q: only at VBYC!

THE LATEST GOODIES FROM BETTZ DESIGNS!

If you haven't stopped in to take a look at the wonderful bags, etuis, and pouches from Bettz, you've certainly been missing out! We've just received some more bags in more fabrics, as well as new etuis for circulars, straight needles, and DPN/Crochet hooks! In addition to all those amazing items, we also have matching zipper pouches for all your notions, doo-dahs, and gadgets. Hint: those zipper pouches are exactly what you need to keep your brand new KnitKit safe and sound! Bettz bags are hand-made of quality heavy-weight fabrics in many, many fabulous patterns! All Bettz products are well-constructed and sewn. Quality workmanship for quality knitters who demand the best! All this: fine workmanship, fashionable, unique designs, exquisite patterns, practical construction at a pricepoint that won't break the bank! Compare similar bags (of lesser quality and questionable fashion!) elswhere at twice the price! You just can't go wrong with Bettz! Express yourself with just the right bag, etui, or pouch! Mother's Day is only weeks away! Make Mom smile with a fine, thoughtful gift of a beautiful Bettz bag!

A Must-Have for Spring and Summer...

...actually, this is a must-have for year-round in Louisiana: The Rowan Milk Cotton Collection. A supply of this handsome pattern book arrived last Friday to accompany our many colors of Rowan Milk Cotton Yarn. The styles in this collection are all fantastically fashionable and wearable by knitters and lucky recipients of all ages and sizes. If you haven't worked with Milk Cotton yet, you're in for a real treat. The yarn contains a modicum of actual milk protein, which makes it silky soft, both visually and to touch! And how does it work up? Mais, like a dream, cher! Smooth, smooth! And the stitches? Even, even! What have we done so long without Rowan Milk Cotton? How have we survived? Milk Cotton DK is in stock NOW. Milk Cotton Fine is on its way! Oh, and don't forget the other fabulous Rowan cotton yarns: All Seasons Cotton (it's like terry cloth, but isn't. Light and fluffy like merinque, but rich and textured like genoise), Handknit Cotton (excellent, all-purpose, high-quality cotton), and of course the Marquise of the cottons: Rowan Cotton Glace, shimmery and elegant, sassy and sophisticated. It's cotton season in Acadiana, and only at VBYC will you find the perfect cotton yarns to create the perfect cotton garment for spring.....and year-round!

Easter is a week away!

For the majority of us, Holy Week in Acadiana traditionally carries with it both family obligations as well as those prescribed by our various faith traditions. That in mind, the VBYC hours will vary a bit this coming week: Monday-Spy Wednesday: hours as usual. Maundy Thursday/Holy Thursday: 10am-4pm (no Knit Cafe that evening!) Good Friday: CLOSED! Silent Saturday/Holy Saturday: 10am-4pm Easter Monday: hours as usual for Mondays (12noon-6pm)

The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company wishes everyone a very Happy Easter!

BRAIN TEASER FOR YOU!

Are you up for a fun and exciting knitting challenge? Here's one for you: The Jojoland modular scarf/wrap made of Jojoland Melody (Merino Superwash!). Currently, there are three knitters at VBYC who are working on this fabulous pattern. You be next! We have several colors of Melody in stock, as well as the pattern sheet.

The project requires 5 balls of melody, and each ball is priced at $6.00. Great price, great fun, and with marvelous results! Stop in and take the Jojoland Melody challenge!

EVERYONE LOVES A SALE!!

April sales at Vermilion Bay: Kaffe Fassett Colorscapes: $15.00 per hank! (Pattern Book in stock!)

Lana Grossa Sock Yarn: 20% Off!

Knitpicks Closeout Sale: All Knit Picks Options tips, cables, and KP Double Points: 50% off!!

Plus, we have only ONE Rowan Fall/Winter 08/09 Magazine #44 left!

It's also available at half price. If you haven't yet picked up your copy of the Rowan Mag 44, snatch this one up before someone else does!

CLASS REMINDER! This Saturday, (10am) we'll be making a crocheted market bag, using Cascade Sierra. The bag is practical to carry groceries, but is stylish enough to be used as a spring or summer purse! In the afternoon (1pm), it's time to think about cooler temperatures with a clever ruff-scarf. Tie it up, it's a ruff to keep your entire neck warm. Untie it, and it's a fashionable ribbed scarf! Our resident vocal coach indicates that the ruff-scarf is an especially good gift for singers, since it will keep the entire neck warm and toasty when the weather isn't.

JUST ARRIVED!

The acclaimed pattern book for children's knitwear, Barefoot Knits, is now available at VBYC! Check out our display near the entrance. All the styles featured in this wonderful hardback book are simple and straightforward and can be embellished in a number of ways by creative fiber fans! Straight-forward, unique, and sassy! What's more, most of these delightful patterns are made using the fine cotton and cotton blend yarns available everyday at VBYC! Perfect for spring and summer knitting!

Addi Clicks!

Addi Clicks are here! Get your set today. The spectacular Addi needle tips with three cable sizes! A wonderful gift idea for Mother's Day! Compare elsewhere at $155! Our Price: $140! Don't get fleeced by needless yarn shop mark-up's! Shop VBYC first!

VBYC: The Blog!

In addition to our monthly personalized newsletters and emails, The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company now has its own Blog for instant, up-to-the-minute news and information. It's an informal, "as you are" forum -- either leave a message here, or feel free to email me from my profile! The month's class schedule is posted at the top of the blog page for easy and quick reference. Plus, the blog is open to everyone, and everyone is allowed to leave comments or questions -- no membership is necessary to read blog posts or to post your own comments. Will there ever be an actual VBYC website? You bet! The VBYC website is currently under construction and will be up and running soon with even more information regarding our current inventory of yarns, needles, bags, and patterns.

I write the text for the newletter, this blog, and the up-coming website -- all our commincations are prepared "in-house", so you hear the news and get the information straight from the source!