It's not too late!

It's not too late to get some great gifts. Locally...

Betty---

Betty has been knitting her fingers off.....she has a nice selection of cowls (this year's hot item) available for purchase.. Betty's cowls make a nice, affordable gift for a teacher, or any fashionable person in your life... The cowls seem to sell as soon as she binds off, so the selection changes often, come and see....

Michele----------
I swore I was never going to make another Santa, but I got the urge to create one yesterday,,, who knows, he may be the last.....

The new Santa is similar to these, but in green.... available at Loose Ends.  $55
I also made another flock of wool birds for your tree,,,, get one before they fly away...


Come see all the handmade gifts, there is something sure to please!

Need a gift?

Gift giving season is in full swing, and, no worries, Loose Ends has got you covered!

If you are interested in making a gift, come to December's technique class, Tuesday, December 6 at 6 pm...we will be sharing and learning all about cowls, methods of construction, various yarns to use and ways to incorporate your stash!  A cowl is a great, quick gift to knit, and there is still time to get quite a few finished. Come and learn, bring your stash and some size 10 or larger needles...  class is $5.


If you don't want to knit a gift, Betty has been knitting for you!  Come in and see the beautiful garments that have been flying off her needles.
A few examples include, a grey step shawl with silver buttons - $28,  a gorgeous shoulder cowl/hood -$42,  a black multitextured wrap - $25  and a selection of gift cowls at $9.... all so very affordable..  Tell your non-knitting friends that Loose Ends is a place to find handmade, LOCAL, gifts...

A little bird told me

A little bird told me that you may need a little something,,,,a little something for a teacher or the carpool person or whomever you may want to remember this holiday season.

Made from  bits of upcycled felted wool and twigs, right here in Mayville, the birds are a nice way to buy local. Each bird comes attached to a clothespin to easily attach to a Christmas tree or wreath.... Just $6 each or
$15 for a flock of three....

Available December 1st, while they last.

Small Business Saturday

 

Pledge your support for Small Business Saturday®

The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday® is
a day dedicated to supporting small businesses
on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
On November 26, we're asking millions of people to Shop Small^sm at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge.
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Loose Ends is a perfect example of a small business that can use your support this Saturday and every day.  Not only does your money stay in the community, but what big box store offers the service, camaraderie, and sense of place that a local business can provide?

Shop local, and be part of the solution.
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New yarns in today from Feza!  Great buys to fuel your holiday knitting! Stop in and see..........

A bargain!

Don't miss this bargain! We have just received a big shipment of yarn at A FANTASTIC PRICE! We are passing the savings on to you, just in time for holiday knitting, lots of high quality yarns at $4 per skein..while they last!

Are you attending?

 

Here is an example (in progress) from the "Not your Mother's Embroidery" class being taught by Lynda Lagodney at the Escape to Create weekend, November 19 and 20.......... see finished pillow at Loose Ends,,, so cute!

 

 

Do you need to escape to create? Here is your chance! Escape to Mayville, November 19 and 20, 2011. Join us in creativity at various outposts around town, have fun and learn something new.

The workshops are designed to give you a "taste" of each technique, and to make a usable product....great for gift giving season coming up!

Cost is $25 for both days, includes all workshops and classes, soup for lunch on Sunday and prizes! Materials fees not included and are to be paid to instructor on day of class. Limited number of kits available for each workshop.

Register NOW at Loose Ends Yarn Shop

920 387 9960

Escape To Create …November 19 and 20, 2011

Saturday we will be exploring creativity at various
Attend as many or as few workshops as you wish……… or just hang out at the shop.
Loose Ends will open at 9AM and close around 6PM
Some workshops have small materials fees, please bring scissors and your knitting notions bag.
At each outpost and at Loose Ends, pick up a playing card for the chance to win a prize in our “poker run”, make sure you visit at least five outposts to make a good poker hand. Prizes will be awarded at 6 PM at Loose Ends, if you cannot be there you can drop off your cards earlier.
Please consider having lunch at one of our local restaurants on Saturday…..
Workshops do not have specific “start and stop” times, just drop in and learn, come and go as you wish…outposts around Mayville .Saturday Outposts What: Color Inspiration and Theory Where: Mayville Floor Covering 1024 Horicon StreetWhen: 12-2
With: BettyCost: None



What: Knitted BraceletsWhere: Celtic Crossroads Café 40 South Main StreetWhen: 9-11 and 1-4
With: TerriCost: $10 makes three different bracelets, also bring knitting needles sizes 4 (double points) and 8



What: Embellished ButtonWhere: Marsibilio’s Italian Eatery 114 Bridge StreetWhen: 2-4
With: SueCost: $7



What: Hoot Owls, Charity Knitting and SpinningWhere: Gateway Community Church 16 South Main StreetWhen: 1-4
With: MicheleCost: Owl kit- $3 , Food pantry item



What: Not your Mother’s EmbroideryWhere: TATI Photo Studio 119 South Main StreetWhen: 9-11 and 1-4
With:
　
　Lynda Cost: $5　
　
Tying up Loose Ends on Sunday
What: Loose Ends will be the place to be on Sunday, opening at 10 and closing at 6.
Sunday will be our social time, hanging out, sharing and relaxing and creative expression
A time to practice what you learned on Saturday, most of Saturday’s instructors will be available on Sunday for help on your projects.
Free soup for lunch! Bring a treat to share, if you want to…
A vat of black walnut dye will be bubbling away, available for yarn, roving or fabric
Surprises
Prizes
　
　Knitting needle braceletsWhere: Loose EndsWhen: 10-noon
With: LisaCost: $4




What : Easiest Christmas Stocking EverWhere: Loose EndsWhen: noon - close
With: MicheleCost: none, bring scraps of worsted weight yarn and a set of double pointed needles, any size between 6 and 9

　
We are planning a few more “impromptu” classes and projects for this weekend, come and see what inspires you!
Remember, classes are designed to give you a “jumpstart” for each project….stay and work on one thing all day or migrate from class to class, it’s up to you. Classes have scheduled “open times” at the various locations, but the “teaching” is ongoing….students do not have there at the start time, drop in at any time during “open hours.”
　
Celtic Cross Roads Café is hosting a wine tasting and appetizers event from 4-6 pm on Saturday, discount coupons are available at Loose Ends! Sounds like a lot of fun!
Some folks are making a weekend of this event by staying Saturday night at The Mayville Inn…A wonderful place to socialize and relax. Join us?
Many thanks are in order to the places that are allowing us to use their “spaces”. Please consider supporting them in the future. Mayville is a great place to be, whether you live here or are visiting

Tonight

Tuesday, November 1 is technique class, from 6- 8 PM.  This month we will learning finishing techniques, seaming, weaving in ends, etc.  Please bring some swatches to practice on.. No need to preregister, just drop in, $5

What's New?

Tonight, October 27, we are having a costume party at knit night.  Come wearing a costume, mask, crazy hat, whatever, should be good for a laugh or two..

Tuesday, November 1 is technique class, from 6- 8 PM.  This month we will learning finishing techniques, seaming, weaving in ends, etc.  Please bring some swatches to practice on.. No need to preregister, just drop in, $5


New this week------------- Sparkle! One skein makes a nice scarf as seen here

All you need to do is knit, no purling, increasing or decreasing....The pattern is here   Just 9.95 a ball! We have five colors, including the black/silver combo shown on the model.

See you in costume tonight!

Learn This!

Do you need to knit a Christmas stocking for someone?  Or just for your own holiday decorating with a unique color scheme ?


We will be learning how to make these EASY stockings on The Escape to Create weekend coming up November 19 and 20.....

This technique is simple and can use ANY yarn, and size needles, any color, and voila!!!! You have a totally unique stocking Using our basic instructions,,, no pattern!!

Join us November 19 and 20, only  $25 for this and lots of other classes, prizes and fun!

mittens, fingerless or traditional

Have you knit mittens?  If you haven't, I recommend giving them a go...
Mittens can range from super simple to challenging....knit flat or in the round, using fine yarn to chunky, plain or patterned,  for fashion or warmth or both... stop in at Loose Ends, we can help you find a mitten project to meet your needs and skill level.

Mittens are a quick knit, if you discipline yourself to finish the second mitten.... otherwise they can linger in your knitting bag like this one has been.... I started these lined mitts  in January, it's now October, time to finish them, I think....
Fingerless mitts are very popular these days, initially I thought "What's the point?", but then I tried wearing them and found how nice they are to keep your hands warm and fingers free to work.
Fingerless mitts are even quicker than mittens and take very little yarn.. and make well received gifts...try them!

Escape to create

Do you need to escape to create?  Here is your chance! Escape to Mayville, Noveber 19 and 20, 2011. Join us in creativity at various outposts around town, have fun and learn something new.

The workshops are designed to give you a "taste" of each technique, and to make a usable product....great for gift giving season coming up!

Cost is $25 for both days, includes all workshops and classes,  soup for lunch on Sunday and prizes! Materials fees not included and are to be paid to instructor on day of class. Limited number of kits available for each workshop.

 Register NOW at Loose Ends Yarn Shop

920 387 9960

The schedule below is posted to give a sample of what is to be offered...It is NOT to be considered a final schedule..

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Escape To Create …November 19 and 20, 2011

　Saturday Saturday Outposts
Attend as many or as few workshops as you wish……… or just hang out at the shop.
Loose Ends will open at 9AM and close around 6PM
Some workshops have small materials fees, please bring scissors and your knitting notions bag.
At each outpost and at Loose Ends, pick up a playing card for the chance to win a prize in our “poker run”, make sure you visit at least five outposts to make a good poker hand. Prizes will be awarded at 5 PM at Loose Ends, if you cannot be there you can send your cards along with a friend..
Please consider having lunch at one of our local restaurants on Saturday…..no classes will be held between 11 and 12
Workshops do not have specific “start and stop” times, just drop in and learn, come and go as you wish…
What: Color Inspiration and Theory Where: Mayville Floor Covering 1024 Horicon StreetWhen: 12-2
With: BettyCost: None
What: Knitted BraceletsWhere: Celtic Crossroads Café 40 South Main StreetWhen: 9-11 and 1-4
With: TerriCost: $10 makes three different bracelets, also bring knitting needles sizes 4 (double points) and 8
What: Embellished ButtonWhere: Marsibilio’s Italian Eatery 114 Bridge StreetWhen: 2-4
With: SueCost:
What: Hoot Owls, Charity Knitting and SpinningWhere: Gateway Community Church 16 South Main StreetWhen: 1-4
With: MicheleCost: Owl kit- $3 , Food pantry item
What: Not your Mother’s EmbroideryWhere: TATI Photo Studio 119 South Main StreetWhen: 9-11 and 1-4
With: LyndaCost: $5
What: Knitting needle braceletsWhere: To Be determinedWhen: 10-noon
With: Lisa


Cost: $4
What : Easiest Christmas Stocking EverWhere: To be determinedWhen: to be determined
With: MicheleCost: none,bring scraps of worsted weight yarn and a set of double pointed needles, any size between 6 and 9　
Tying up Loose EndsLoose Ends will be the place to be on Sunday, opening at 10 and closing at 6.
Sunday will be our social time, hanging out, sharing and relaxing and creative expression
A time to practice what you learned on Saturday, most of Saturday’s instructors will be available on Sunday for help on your projects.
Free soup for lunch! Bring a treat to share, if you want to…
A vat of black walnut dye will be bubbling away, available for yarn, roving or fabric
Surprises
Prizes

Some thoughts on patterns

If you have been to Loose Ends Yarn Shop you have noticed that we don't sell patterns....  No, that's not exactly accurate, we offer and sell far fewer patterns than most yarn shops... Here are the reasons;

 The Internet-----------so many great patterns are available FREE on line...why pay when you can get it for free..

The Internet-------------so many wonderful designers offer paid, fabulous patterns for immediate download.....Boom! There you have it! In minutes!  No need to go to the yarn shop. (except, of course, to get some fabulous yarn to go with your instant pattern)

Pattern? Who needs a pattern?--------------this is the reason that resonates with me.  Simple shapes make up much of what knitters are creating these days. Simple shape are easy!  I encourage using your own skills to design your project and make it your own.... So many folks say " I can't do that" or " I don't knit that well"..... I tell them to try it.....just jump in and see what happens...use a basic pattern as a guideline, or a safety net....and play....see what happens... learn from it....

Patterns or not, most of us knit because we enjoy it, I encourage you to use the tools available to you to make knitting something that brings you pleasure.

Last Call

Still want to dye in 2011???  This Saturday, October 8 will be your last chance for this year at Loose Ends!  The prediction for weather is nice, and we have some new, sparkly yarns to dye.  10:30 to 1:30, see you then!

Inspiration

1. in·spi·ra·tionNoun/ˌinspəˈrāSHən/

   1. The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative: "flashes of inspiration".

What inspires you?  At this time of year, I almost always take my inspiration from nature... The colors, sure, but it's much more than that....textures, layers, movement.  Can you feel it?   Go outside.  Take your knitting with you...

Look around.

Take a walk.

You can walk and knit at the same time....

Let nature inspire you, I did.

Felted wool bag with buckskin flap

Anniversary Sale

Come October 1st, Loose Ends Yarn Shop will have been in business for 7 years!  Seems like just yesterday we opened our doors....
We have survived street construction, bathroom remodeling, water issues, moving, and the downturn in the economy...Our loyal customers have kept us going through it all, Thank you!

To celebrate we will have a SALE starting, Thursday Sept 29, through Saturday, October 1st... 10% off ALL yarn , needles, notions, bags.....And remember, this is Audubon Days in Mayville, lots of fun things to participate in.

Michele, Dave and Betty thank you for your continued support.

Save the dates!

Why does planning an event always take longer than I think it will?  I don't know the answer.....
By this time I was hoping to have a Big Announcement ready abut our upcoming event, you know, things like locations, prices, times, etc......I wanted to give you all the details in one fell swoop.... I am not ready.


Not ready to tell you:
What specific workshops will be offered
Where each workshop will be held
How much the event will cost to attend
How many participants we can register
Times of each workshop
What participants should bring

Nope, I am not ready with these details.....but........


I AM ready with a few items:
 Title of the event-   "Escape to Create"
Dates- November 19 and 20
General Location: Outposts near Loose Ends Yarn Shop 


So here is the deal----- we are hosting a creative event on November 19 and 20, not just knitting and crocheting, but other creative workshops like jewelry making, color inspiration, etc.  Some will be at the shop, some at other, fun, locations around town....A great way to see what Mayville has to offer and learn something new at the same time.....Oh, and there will be prizes, and drawings, and food and drink and laughter and lots of fun....

We are not ready for registration, but I wanted to give you all a chance to save the dates.....It is November 19 and 20 and that is Deer Widows weekend, there is always lots of stuff going on that weekend, save room for "Escape to Create" in your schedule..

Staple yarns

Lately, I've been posting about new yarns and products, but today I'd like to focus on our "old" stuff.....Oldies but goodies.....our bread and butter yarns......
workhorse yarns,,,, enough analogies....

Cascade 220!  A great worsted weight yarn, 220 yards of Peruvian highland  wool at an affordable price.  So many colors to choose from.. It's not a flashy yarn, but it is so versatile....use it for mittens, sweaters, afghans, felting, the list goes on...

Baby Ull  Nothing better than Baby Ull for a fingering weight yarn... Made by Dale of Norway, 180 yards in 50 grams.  Lot of colors, and it's machine washable, SOFT wool.. great for childrens wear and socks, mittens. Baby Ull is a nice economical yarn to carry along when you need to beef up a finer novelty yarn.

Yarns come and go, but Cascade 220 and Dale's Baby Ull are two staples at Loose Ends.

Where's Betty knitting?

WINNNER

Remember this post???  Fall classes and contest
Well, it is September 15, time to draw the name of the lucky winner!  drum roll, please..............
=
=
=




Ellen V....you are taking the cabled headband class for FREE!  claim your refund at Loose Ends..  Congrats!

Cool fall weather

A frosty morning here in Mayville, Wisconsin.  The cool air brings to mind pumpkins, fall color, festivals and all those things that we love about living in a four seasons region..

The cool air also brings to mind KNITTING! Fall is a great time to start new projects, finish things up, learn a technique. 

What are you Knitting?

JoJoland

Did you know that Loose Ends carries Jojoland Yarns?   Check out their website to see lots of ideas and examples of Jojolands offerings.

New to our shop is Fanatsia, a superwash chunky weight yarn.....just what you all have been asking for, easy care wool yarn in a chunky weight at an affordable price.

Keep watching for that upcoming announcement......still working on it..

Odds and ends at Loose Ends

Fall classes have begun!  There is still time to sign up...except for the Woolie Bullie class, which is full....... see the class list here....

New yarns this week include Berroco Boboli and Berroco Blackstone Tweed Metallic

Lots of folks are planning on attending the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival which begins on Friday..Loose Ends will be open for those of you who are unable to attend, or those of you traveling through Mayville to the festival. 10-5 Friday 10-3 Saturday.

Watch this blog for an exciting announcement----coming soon!

September Technique class is TONIGHT!

This month's technique is a lesson in amgurimi, crocheted figures.  We will be learning the basics while making this cute little fall pumpkin.

This is such a fun, quick project..

Students should know how to single crochet.

Class is just $5, bring some orange yarn, and some crochet hooks.. See you at 6!

Santa in September

It's time to start knitting those holiday gifts, don't get caught knitting at Midnight on Christmas Eve, Santa might not approve!

 Speaking of Santa, here are two Santa figures that I whipped up today, September 2... One will be for sale at Loose Ends, the other is for an auction to support St. John's School here in Mayville.. The auction is September 17, and has lots of great things to bid on...

Come see the Santa at the shop, or at the auction...

New Yarns!

Just in are some new yarns from Universal Yarns.  Bamboo Bloom and Bamboo Bloom Handpaints are really cool, thick and thin.

Polaris has sequins!

 Also arrived are new colors in Patchwork, Classic Shades, and Tapestry.

Earlier, we received a shipment of new hand dyed sock yarns from a company called "Done Roving"

Really nice colors, come in to see them, Live At Loose Ends!

Mix it up a bit!

This is a sample of the bag that students taking the "Mix it Up" class will be creating.

the info on the class:

　

Wednesday September 21- 6 pm
Mix it up

mixing fabric and yarn
Knit a unique drawstring bag and learn to line it with fabric, or purchase a ready made liner.. $20

call 920 387 9960
See the rest of the fall class list here

We're dying again!

We are dying at Loose Ends, Saturday, August 27, 10:30 am to 1 pm........ weather permitting.....$10 per skein, includes 100 grams sock yarn, or 100 grams worsted weight, dye and sundries required...Color application takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1/2 hour, and then heat setting requires at least another 1/2 hour, so figure 1-2 hours for this fun project...
..
Live at Loose Ends!

Headband Class

Here's a photo of the cabled headband that we will be doing in class on September 28... learn to make cables! Easy and fun this class is only $10, and that price includes the yarn! Sign up now.

Fall classes

Here is the class list for the upcoming months, remember the drawing on September 15, the winner will attend for free !


Wednesday September 14 - 6 pm
Woolie Bullie Mittens
Cute, designer mittens, $32, includes pattern, “woolie” yarn for trim…Student provides about 150 yards bulky yarn and needles. Maximum 10 students, sign up early.
　
　
Wednesday September 21- 6 pm
Mix it up mixing fabric and yarn
Knit a unique drawstring bag and learn to line it with fabric, or purchase a ready made liner.. $20
　
　
　
Wednesday September 28- 6 pm
Cabled headband One skein project makes a nice gift…includes yarn $10
　
Wednesday October 12, and 19 - 6 pm
Basic socks
top down, on double points OR two circulars $35
　
Wednesday October 26 - 6 pm
Beginning knitting Learn to cast on and knit, increase and decrease. $15
　
Wednesday November 9 - 6 pm
Ruffled Shawl  learn or perfect your short -row technique
Pattern included, $20

Supply list available upon registration
All classes must be paid in full at time of registration
No refunds

Upcoming classes and contest

Watch this spot for  a fall class list to be posted on Thursday of this week.... Sign up for one of the classes, and be entered into a drawing to get your class for free!  On September 15th we will randomly pick a winner from all those registerd and paid....the winnner's class fee will be refunded...

Learn something new this fall, perhaps for free!

Don't forget!

Don't forget that today is dying day on the deck in back at Loose Ends.. Express your creativity with color handpainted on wool yarn.  200 yards of worsted weight or 400 yards of sock weight merino, $10 per skein, includes dye and supplies.. We will be dying from 1 PM to 6PM. No need to make an appointment, just show up...It's always a fun day!

more new knitting bags

New at Loose Ends, knitting bags from Namaste.  We have the mini messenger bag in red, black, eggplant and peacock.

Cross-body design for hands-free function, the Mini Messenger has a padded adjustable shoulder strap, quick access exterior pocket, and lots of individual pockets for ultra organization. This bag is perfect for an active, busy lifestyle. The interior material is a faux microsuede (PET) which is made of recycled plastic bottles.
We are selling them at $55, far below comparable bags.                                                Come in to see!

Maxwell Street Sale -August 6

Maxwell Street Day from 10am – 10pm in downtown Mayville. A day full of summer fun! Many exciting events including, the Taste of Mayville, our green market, a cheesecake contest, kids area in Foster Park, and our annual street dance featuring Revolution Day. Come participate in the fun. For more event information call 920-387-1167. Sponsored by Main Street Mayville.--------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Here at Loose Ends we will be participating  by having lots of goodies out on the sidewalk, yarn sales inside and just a general good time!

All Noro Kureyon just $5 per skein!  Come and have fun, Live at Loose Ends!

Dying

Bev's socks knit with her own hand-dyed yarn

Skeins just dyed drying on the deck

We are dying at Loose Ends, Thursday, August 11, 1pm to 6pm........ weather permitting.....$10 per skein, includes 100 grams sock yarn, dye and sundries required...Color application takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1/2 hour, and then heat setting requires at least another 1/2 hour, so figure 1-2 hours for this fun project...and it is knit night, so relax and enjoy the camaraderie...
Live at Loose Ends!

Photos for August 2nd class

 Here we have the lovely Kay graciously modeling the sample cowl for Tuesday night's class..

Step Away From the Pattern!

Use any yarn , any needles and make it your own....this class will focus on construction without a pattern.  Yes, you CAN do it, it's easy and fun...
August 2
6-8 PM
$5
bring (or buy) yarn and two (same size) sets of needles appropriate for the yarn

Just who IS in charge?

Just who is in charge of your knitting? You are, of course.  In much of our lives we have no control.  Knitting is not one of those situations.

A big portion of what a yarn shop owner does every day is give advice...advice on what needles to choose, pattern, fiber content, etc...   Let's face facts, knitting is NOT an inexpensive hobby.. we invest a lot of cash in our projects, and we expect a successful outcome...that is the plan.  Advice and suggestions from fellow knitters are a help to achieve that success.  So we seek advice and sometimes follow it...and then we are disappointed with less than successful results.. But who determines what a successful project is?

 Oh,,,,am I being too vague?

 What I mean is, do you desire your knitting to look EXACTLY like the pattern photo?  That is okay, you can work towards that end.

Do you want your item to look like the photo, but in a different color?  You can do that.

Do you like the style but not the stitch pattern?

Is it too long/short/loose/tight?

Are you using the pattern just for guidelines and inspiration?

Maybe you are working from a sketch of an idea.

All these methods can provide satisfying outcomes, the knitter has to know what he/she wants.  The bottom line is YOU are in charge of your own knitting... Do you like it? Then you've done it right.  You need to be satisfied.
Your own expectations are what matters.

For example, a number of years ago, I started knitting a circular blanket using Noro Silk Garden.  For a long forgotten reason I stopped working on it after a good portion was knit...shoved it in a bag...
Last week I unearthed it and reviewed my progress, and rethought the whole project..do I need another blanket??? Do I really want to pick up where I left off?? Just where DID I leave off?  I did not want to shove it back in the bag,,,so I decided the blanket would become a shawl and a few finishing rows of knitting and crochet later, It was a shawl. Ta Da!

My point is, please yourself.. if you like it, be satisfied. The heck with Aunt Martha's opinion....of what it's Supposed To Loook Like.

  You are in charge! Take control.

August 2nd is coming up soon

Why should you care that August 2nd is coming up soon?

 Because the first Tuesday of every month we have technique class at Loose Ends..  This class is an incredible bargain at just $5, and there is no need to pre-register, just drop in. 6pm to 8pm.

On August 2nd we will be focusing on making a ruffled cowl...In July we learned entrelac, which was quite intense. In August we will taking it a little easier.. this cowl pattern is simple, yet has enough to hold the knitter's interest..Makes a nice Christmas gift, too.
Come join us!

Where's Betty knitting?

where's betty knitting? be specific, please... if you can't be specific,  being silly is also accepted. :)

comments on the blog

I have changed a few settings to make commenting directly to the blog (not on facebook) easier, someone please give it a try... if it works better this way, I will leave the settings this way unless we get a lot of spam....

Ten Stitch Blanket

I have discovered the very best thing about the Ten Stitch Blanket!!! 

What? You don't know what the Ten Stitch Blanket is?? http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ten-stitch-blanket <--here is a link... go look, but come right back, Ravelry can suck you right into the swirling vortex of patterns, yarn and ideas, you may never return....:)  just kidding..

So we all learned the basics for this blanket at this year's winter retreat...

Here is our friend Linda P.'s ten million stitch blanket. Simple gorgeous.

I started a blanket using bits and bobs from my stash in whites and and light tan.  Way different than many, but it has it's own appeal.

I am happy to report that I did not use ANY 'new" yarn, all leftovers from a long knitting history. I worked on this so blanket sporadically,, and this week I decided I was sick of it lingering in the ufo basket,,,,so guess what? It's done!

So,,, the Best Thing About The Ten Stitch Blanket..................

The TEN STITCH BIND OFF !!!!

Dam(n)

There is a river behind our shop....did you remember that? Did you even know that? Just look out the back door during your next visit to the shop..

 Mayville Main street runs parallel with the Rock River for a good distance.  Visitors entering our town from the south are treated to a nice view of the mighty Rock as the river also runs parallel to Hwy 67.  Some of our customers who enter town from a different direction are surprised to find the river in Loose Ends "backyard".  We have the river, a nice sized muncipal parking lot, a foot bridge, a boat launch, and a dam. 

The dam is being renovated this summer.  In order to work on the dam, it was opened and almost all of the water drained away.  The river bed is exposed, leaving a shallow muddy canyon decorating our "backyard"... The recent dry and hot weather has encouraged a green carpet to grow on the riverbed.  It looks strange, but kinda pretty in post-apocalyptic way...

Another effect of the dam(n) construction is the diminished size of the parking lot. Large construction equipment occupies more than half of the parking stalls...  Luckily it is a large parking lot.  And we have lots of easy angle parking in the front on Main street. 

With lots of easy parking you have no excuse not to stop by this week, we have air conditioning...:)

Aloha!

Aloha!  I just love Hawaii, don't you?  I love the state of Hawaii and I love the "Hawaii" yarn we just received at Loose Ends.

Don't ask me why the yarn is named "Hawaii"......nothing about it reminds me of the islands...but the yarn is really nice.

It's kinda a ribbon/ tape yarn with generous yardage for a reasonable price. Nice for summer into fall...
Worsted weight. Lots of colors, see here...  actually we don't have ALL the colors, but a nice assortment.

Peria is a new line of yarns distributed by Feza...come and see it!

Favorite knitting mags

My favorite knitting magazine is Interweave Knits.

Many customers like Knitscene and Knit Simple.

Betty's favorite is Vogue Knitting.

Knit n Style has had lots of nice patterns lately.

These are some traditional -paper- magazines......Knitty  is an online mag that never disappoints. 

Today I purchase the new Interweave Knits special....Weekend.   I have about twenty minutes set aside tomorrow morning to spend on the deck with a cup of coffee and this issue....

What about you? What is your favorite knitting publication? 

Holiday knitting?

Do you knit for the holidays?  Lots of us enjoy making gifts for friends and family.... In my experience, I see the knitters fall into two camps...

In the first camp we find the year- round gift knitters, those folks that start knitting for the next holiday in January.. Well prepared for occasions, they have a closet, drawer or box that hold finished items...All blocked, ends woven in, care labels attached. Ready and waiting for the happy recipient.  The knitters in this camp are likely the same folks that have their stash a neatly organized by color, fiber content and yardage.. the same folks that never late for a dental appointment and cross the street only at the light..

The second camp contains the knitter that wakes up on December 1st and decides to make two pair of socks, an afghan and an entrelac neck gaiter for Christmas gifts...oh, and finish that baby blanket for the shower on New Years Day... Often these knitters have their stash in the trunk of the car, still in the bag from the shop.  Procrastinators, they are the ones buying a frozen turkey on Thanksgiving morning.

I really identify myself with the second camp, although I am trying to plan ahead more as I get older... That "catch up at the last second" way of life is exhausting..

Wherever you fall, now is the time to at least think about knitting for holiday gifts, unless you are still working on last years presents.
Come see us, we got ideas (and yarn) to help!

New bags have arrived!

We have just received a shipment of new knitting bags...Bags from Hadaki are printed with lively patterns and have pockets and pouches to hold all your gadgets.

Hadaki Bags are very well made, with nice linings and feet on the bottom. We have large bags and small project bags, all at prices less than elsewhere.

 Also in this week are Bags from Amy Butler...big and little bags, for every need....they have lots of pockets and an efficient magnetic closure so your yarn doesn't get caught..  These bags are also priced at much less than suggested retail price....

Come and get your new bag,,,

~Live at Loose Ends~