These past weeks, I have been re-reading two of my favourite novels – Middlemarch and A Confederacy of Dunces. I adore these books and can read them over and over again. They are both very sad but also hilariously funny and hopeful. They display all the failures and foibles of human nature while still allowing us to love ourselves. And of course, these stories make me think about knitting (or crocheting or rug hooking or punch needle, or weaving and spinning) because our crafts are stories – of learning and sharing, of failure, of making mistakes and starting over, of caring and of giving. When I open up the pages of Middlemarch for the 4th or 5th time, it’s like returning to a favourite pattern, starting again but feeling so comfortable. As we enjoy these last days of summer, we can start planning and thinking about new projects, new things we want to make, new stories we want to tell, or maybe just stories we want to return to, like a favourite yarn with a new twist… Cathy
Some New Yarns for the Fall...
Say hello to King Cole Baby Comfort DK and its variegated cousin Little Treasures. We chose this yarn because it is so soft and so economical. 100g/310m; 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon; 22 stitches or 18 sc = 10cm on 4mm needles/hook; 11 colours; $10/ball.
If you’re looking to make something for the wee one in a soft Wool blend, we’ve now got Vintage Baby DK in the store. This Berroco favourite is machine washable and good for adults too! 50g/133m; 52% Wool, 40% Acrylic, 8% Nylon; 22 stitches or 18 sc = 10cm on 4mm needle/hook; 13 colours; $5.50/ball.
We know you want more variegated yarns so we brought in Creative Chic Unique DK from Rico Yarns. 200g/760m; 75% Acrylic, 15% Wool, 10% Polyamide; 22 stitches/18 sc = 10cm on 4mm needle/hook; 6 colour ways; $28/cake. Shop Here
Silk Harmony from Estelle is a light blend of 50% Silk, 30% Wool, and 20% Cotton in a Worsted weight. Slightly tweedy, it’s so beautiful we sold out of three colours before we even got it on the floor! 100g/240m; 20 stitches/14 sc = 10cm on 4.5mm needles/5.5mm hook; 12 colours; $17/skein.Shop Here
Estelle Wave is our second new variegated yarn. This one is a stunning blend of 86% Virgin Wool and 14% Nylon. 100g/200m; 20 stitches/14 sc = 10cm; 4.5mm/5.5 hook; 7 colours; $17/ball
It's finally here! Álafosslopi is one of the oldest wool yarns still in production in Iceland. It’s perfect for outdoor wear and cosy garments (think gorgeous yoke sweater). 100g/100m; 100% New Wool; 13 stitches = 10cm; 6-6.5mm needles; 11 colours; $13/ball.
At the suggestion of our customers, we’re doing something new this Fall and we’re so excited! We’re going to open up the store for 4 Sundays this Fall and invite our community to come and knit or crochet together. We’ll offer 4 choices of patterns and offer something for crocheters as well as knitters. There is no charge to participate. We just ask that you purchase your yarn at Riverside Yarns. Check out the details below and mark your calendars! Dates: Sunday, September 17, October 1st, October 15th, October 29th Time: 1pm-3pm
Click to see your choices of Patterns on ravelry.com
This is not a drop-in event. Space is limited and we ask that you sign up for the 4 Sunday sessions and purchase your materials before September 17th. Please call the store if you have questions about the patterns or would like to sign up.
Need a Bit of Guidance with Your Own Project?
Once a month, our experienced knitter Joan and crocheter Miguelle will host an informal gathering around the table at the store. If you would like to bring your project and receive some guidance and advice from an experienced knitter or crocheter, this is for you. Please note that these gatherings are not classes or private help sessions. They are opportunities to receive some guidance on your current project and share with others. Please come with your project cast on and underway. A nominal non-refundable fee of $10 will be charged when you reserve your spot at the table.
Knit with Joan: September 16th and October 21st from 10am to 12pm. Crochet with Miguelle: September 30 and October 28th from 10am to 12pm.
Please call the store to register and pay your fee. Space is limited.
Community Stitches Riverside Yarns welcomes our community to sit around the table and knit or crochet every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 1-3pm beginning on September 6th. Please join us to chat, stitch, share stories, skills, and tips. It’s free and it’s fun!
A Word About Classes
Riverside Yarns will not be offering classes this Fall. The good news is that our neighbour The Georgian Bay School of the Arts will be offering both Knitting and Crochet classes at their location two doors down from us. If you sign up for a class at GBArts, Riverside Yarns will offer a 15% discount on a set of needles/crochet hook and the yarn of your choice to help get you started on your class project. Just let us know you are taking a Knitting or Crochet class at GBArts.
Store Hours for the Fall: Wednesday to Friday 11am-6pm; Saturday 10am-4pm. Our webstore www.riversideyarns.ca is open 24/7. 519-371-4311
And finally.... The Project Gallery!
Denise Teasdale did a beautiful job with these two projects. Top: The Swallowtail Shawl knit with Woolies in the Country Sock (free pattern on ravelry.com). Left: the Gemini knit with Cascade Ultra Pima Cotton (pattern on ravelry.com).
Marilyn Griffiths knit this adorable sweater using Cascade 220 Superwash. She used a plain raglan sweater pattern (for example, Tin Can Knits Classic Cardigan) and added the stripes herself.
Marilyn Perkins used Berroco Remix Lite to knit her stunning Stephen West Dustland Shawl (pattern on ravelry.com). Thank you Miguelle for showing it off.
Julie Gagnon creates her delightful flowers using Estelle Sudz Crafting Cotton and a magical crochet hook.
Margaret Tirpkoff used Kremke’s Lazy Linen to make her lovely 4-ever in Blue Jeans Shawl (pattern on ravelry.com).
Carol Ann Wright made this beauty using Uneek Fingering and Urth Cashmere (pattern for the Papillon/Butterfly Shawl on ravelry.com).
We thank our customers for sharing their creations with us.
Our team at Riverside Yarns wishes you all a peaceful and happy Fall season, with lots of time to knit and crochet!
