Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Upcoming Shop Schedule - November 17 to December 5, 2017

We will have temporary shop hours November 17th - December 5th while Claudia stays home and recovery from surgery.  Saturdays will be open as normal. Scheduled classes will run as normal.

However, weekdays will be by appointment only. With holiday gift knitting in full swing we couldn’t close the shop entirely and leave our knitters hanging. Candy (our knitting instructor) will be available for evening appointments for purchases and get help sessions. Please contact her at coffeeandwoolblog@gmail.com or through her page “Coffee and Wool” here on Facebook to schedule. She’ll respond to appointment requests as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Friday, October 27, 2017

November Classes are listed! Happy Thanksgiving!

November is here and it already feels like Christmas is around the corner! OOPS, we all don't want to here that, right?


In October we created a new concept for classes at the shop! We've had a lot of great feedback on our new schedule, as well as a lot of bookings for private lessons and "get help" sessions. We're now offering classes in the morning and evenings, and on Saturdays, to fit everybody's schedule. 

To do so, we have changed the shop hours as follows:

Tuesdays-Fridays: 12pm-5pm
Saturdays: 10am-5pm
Sundays & Mondays: Closed

Private lessons and "Get help" sessions can be scheduled Tuesdays-Fridays from 9am-12pm and from 5:00pm-7:30pm.

Remember our new skill level definitions for classes and knitalongs:

Rookie: You picked up needles andv yarn recently, know knit and purl, and you're ready to add more skills to that knitting toolbox.
Apprentice: You're confident with knit, purl, basic increases/decreases, and have likely begun adventuring into knitting in the round, and have began creating shapes other than long scarf like rectangles.
Virtuoso: You're confident in your abilities and are looking for challenges, unique projects, and new tricks. There isn't much out there that you would shy away from trying as long as you were in love with the pattern teasing you on Ravelry.
Genius: You are a knitting master, nothing stops you, not even a bad pattern. You're looking for a challenge, continuing to master skills, and love projects with very complex construction and stitch work.


So what's on the schedule for November?

Image result for knitting wip

Don't we all have them ? WIPs - Work in Progress Projects!
Here is our chance to work on them, get help with where you are at, get a boost to finish, knit up all the Christmas presents you need!

Morning Sessions: November 1-15: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Evening Sessions: November 1-15: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays - 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Price: 30$ for 6 sessions (when you pay for your sessions, please also pick your dates when you want to come in!)



First things first, Christmas Stockings, one of the most requested holiday gifts a knitter will be asked this time of year. Never made one? Don’t worry I’ll get you through this one. This is a 3 session Apprentice Level Class
Sessions will be held November 4, 18, & December 2 at 10:30am and ending at 11:30am. Price $60.
You should be confident with most basic stitch techniques, cast on, bind off, knit, purl, basic shaping (decreases). You will learn stranded color work techniques and afterthought heel techniques.
Homework: Choose your colors and chart choices from the pattern before session 1.
Bring to class: Size 7 – 16” circular needles and your chosen yarns


Session 1. Begin leg, learning stranding techniques for color work.
Session 2. Learn how to put live stitches on hold and continue working.
Session 3. Learn how to pick up stitches on hold and finish heel.
There’s a bajillion of beanie patterns out there, but you’re on mission for something specific, something one of a kind, something…Just. For. You. Why not Design Your Own Beanie
This is a 2 session Apprentice Level Class, with two separate offerings. Price $40Set 1: Wednesday, November 1 & 15 at 6:00pm and ending at 7:00pm.Set 2: Saturday, November 4 & 18 at noon and ending at 1:00pm
(Please note, the set dates are not interchangeable, you’ll either be committing to Wednesday only sessions, or Saturday only sessions)
Basic hat construction knowledge and stranded color work knowledge would be helpful but not necessary.
Homework: Turn on your imagination and think about what you would like to designBring to class: Markers or color pencils. Size 6&7 – 16” circular needles and your color choices in DK weight yarns
Session 1. You will learn how to lay out a stranded color work design for your own hat, and a few pointers on how to make your knitting life easier once you cast on your completed design.
Session 2. Trouble shooting, and finishing.
Nothing says snuggly warm like a good cowl, but it’s Georgia, so snuggly warm usually means lighter weight yarns and some lace work so that good feeling doesn’t evolve into smothering hot. The Daylight Savings Cowl is a good fit! This pattern features Japanese lace motifs (Scared of charts? No worries there are written directions too.) and is designed to make the most of a small gradient kit or ombré yarn. Personally I think it would look just as wonderful in a solid or a slightly speckled. All you need is 400 yards of a fingering weight yarn you are in love with. This is a 3 session Apprentice Level Knitalong (I’ll help you along if you hit a sticking point while you work at your own pace). 
Sessions will be November 4, 11 & 18 at 1:30pm and ending at 2:30pm. Price $30
Bring with you: Size 5 – 24” circular knitting needles and 400 yards of fingering weight yarn
Sessions 1-3: Knit at your own pace (Knowledge of basic lace work needed)
And for the last offering of the month, meet the Beeswax Scarf! This is a bold pattern knitted in worsted weight yarns, so it’ll work up fast and would be a great gift for anyone, male or female. This is a 3 session Apprentice Level Knitalong. 
Sessions will be November 4, 11 & 18 at 3:00pm and ending at 4:00pm. 
Price $30.
Bring with you: Size 7 needles (straights or a shorter circular will work) and at least 600 yards of worsted weight yarn. This pattern has several size options from a standard scarf, wide scarf, or a wrap. Yarn requirements increase accordingly.
Session 1-3: Knit at your own pace (Knowledge of basic lace work needed)
So there it is! Some solid knit work waiting for you to pick up and cast on.  We hope to see you soon. You can sign up for the classes either by calling the shop, drop by or through the PayPal link below!
November Classes & KALs

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Knit-A-Tit-Athon 2017


Yes, you read that blog title correctly, the Knit-A-Tit-Athon is the name of our October community crafting project. 

For the entire month we are encouraging our local knitters and crocheters to make special, handmade breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures of the breast.  Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable.  They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can't be worn for weeks after surgery.  Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful, and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast.  Knockers are knitted by volunteers and are freely given to those that request them.  Knitted Knockers can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and are easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some stuffing. 

So why are we knitting tits, knockers, and boobies?

It's another chance to do something for those in our community, locally, nationally, and internationally.  A staggering number of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, and many of those women will require surgery that will change or remove a breast.  Despite the number of women whom go through this battle there is still a great deal of secrecy and many misconceptions about the recovery process. 

Even though reconstruction surgeries can be performed at the same time as mastectomies there are times this cannot be done for a myriad of reasons, and some women choose not the reconstruct since this process often involves several surgeries.  Many women feel the need to look as they did before their surgeries as quickly as possible. 

Medical prosthesis are usually made of silicone and cannot be worn near surgical scar tissue for at least 6-weeks after surgery.  Even after these prosthesis can be worn, they are often considered uncomfortable because they do not breathe and can aggravate sensitive skin.

Knitted Knockers provide an excellent alternative to typical medical prosthesis and can be worn as soon as it is comfortable to do so, and we believe women should always feel comfortable in their own appearance through the treatment, reconstruction, and recovery process. 

Please join us to help this cause!  We will provide you with free patterns and a list of approved yarns.  Yarns purchased for this project will recieve a 30% discount for supporting the shop and this cause.

Saturday, October 7, 14, 21 are dedicated to those that want to come knit and crochet knockers at the shop, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have or help if needed. 


Thursday, September 21, 2017

October Classes

FINALLY, FALL IS HERE!

We have created a new concept for classes at the shop! You'll love it! We're offering classes in the morning and evenings, and on Saturdays, to fit everybody's schedule. To do so, we have changed the shop hours as follows:

Tuesdays-Fridays: 12pm-5pm
Saturdays: 10am-5pm
Sundays & Mondays: Closed

Private lessons and "Get help" sessions can be scheduled Tuesdays-Fridays from 9am-12pm and from 5:00pm-7:30pm.

Remember our new skill level definitions for classes and knitalongs:

Rookie: You picked up needles and yarn recently, know knit and purl, and you're ready to add more skills to that knitting toolbox.

Apprentice: You're confident with knit, purl, basic increases/decreases, and have likely begun adventuring into knitting in the round, and have began creating shapes other than long scarf like rectangles.

Virtuoso: You're confident in your abilities and are looking for challenges, unique projects, and new tricks. There isn't much out there that you would shy away from trying as long as you were in love with the pattern teasing you on Ravelry.

Genius: You are a knitting master, nothing stops you, not even a bad pattern. You're looking for a challenge, continuing to master skills, and love projects with very complex construction and stitch work.

So what's on the schedule for October?

We're having a bunch of easy ROOKIE projects on the schedule for you. Lately, lots of new knitters have asked for projects as a next step. We have socks, a scarf, a hat and a lace shawl, all easy, I promise!

Levi Scarf













Knit this up as a scarf that can be worn dressed up or down for both men and women. Or skip the ribbing and graft both ends together as a statement cowl that can be worn long with drape or twisted once for extra warmth. This pattern is worked in part from a chart.
Finished Measurements (after blocking): 10 inches wide & 64 inches long
Offering Type: Class
Skill Level: Rookie
You need to know: Cast on, knit & purl, bind off
You will learn: Cables, read charts, grafting, blocking 
Price: $60 (Yarn and pattern needs to be purchased at Yarn Rhapsody)
Morning Dates: 10:00am - 11:00am, Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 17 & 31
Evening Dates: 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 17 & 31
Bring to Class: US #8 needles and 500 yds of worsted weight yarn

Session 1: Cast on, ribbing (or not if you knit the cowl), introduction to charts, start chart with cables  (homework work 1/2 of scarf)
Session 2: Continue chart with cables (homework work to ribbing)
Session 3: Ribbing (or not if you knit the cowl, grafting for cowl version, blocking


Mendia Hat



















Mendia features twisted ribbing merging into a fun twisted eyelet chevron pattern. Choose between Regular or Slouchy fits and 3 sizes. This project knits up quickly in your favorite yarn making a fun addition to any wardrobe or a perfect gift. 

Offering Type: Class
Skill Level: Rookie
You need to know: Cast on, knit & purl
You will learn: Knitting in the round, twisted stitches, decreases, make a pompom
Price: $60 (Yarn and pattern needs to be purchased at Yarn Rhapsody)
Morning Dates: 9:00am - 10:00am, Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 & 20
Evening Dates: 6:30pm - 7:30pm, Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11 & 18
Bring to Class: US #6 DPNs and 120-210 yds of DK/sport weight yarn

Session 1: Cast on, work rows 1-6  (homework work row 7-15)
Session 2: Work rows 16-23 (homework work row 23 eight more times)
Session 3: Start crown decreases, make pompom

Rose City Roller Socks
Roll-top ankle socks perfect for easy knitting and wearing. These socks are knit from the top down, with a tradition heel flap and heel turn and have several size options (from newborn to adult). It’s a great pattern for a beginner sock knitter, and a fun quick knit for more advanced sock knitters. We will knit the newborn size in class and get you started on an adult size during the last class session. 

Offering Type: Class
Skill Level: Rookie
You need to know: Cast on, knit & purl
You will learn: Knitting in the round, sock construction, heel flap, short rows, 3-needle-bind off, 
Price: $60 (Materials are included)
Morning Dates: 10:00am - 11:00am, Fridays, Oct. 6, 13 & 20
Evening Dates: 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11 & 18
Bring to Class: US #3 DPNs

Session 1: Cast on, cuff and start heel flap (homework finish heel flap)
Session 2: Finish heel with short rows, gusset, start foot (homework finish foot)
Session 3: Toe and 3-needle-bind off. Start an adult size sock.


One & Done Shawl





















We often long for a “one and done” project that is repetitive and fool proof, where the yarn does most of the work. This is best used with a variegated yarn, preferably a skein that you love so much you don’t know whether to knit it or frame it. With periodic garter ridges, ribbing that widens out after dropping stitches, and an eyelet border, this shawl will display that special skein of yarn without pooling. You could even frame this shawl!

Offering Type: Class
Skill Level: Rookie
You need to know: Cast on, knit & purl
You will learn: Basic lace stitches, garter tab, dropping stitches (on purpose), picot bind off 
Price: $60 (Yarn and pattern needs to be purchased at Yarn Rhapsody)
Morning Dates: 10:00am - 11:00am, Thursdays, Oct. 12, 26 & Nov. 9
Evening Dates: 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Thursdays, Oct. 12, 26 & Nov. 9
Bring to Class: US #6 32" circular needle and 400 yds of sock yarn

Session 1: Cast on, make a garter tab, work row first two pattern repeats (homework work rows 1-6 six more times)
Session 2: Dropping stitches (on purpose!), work garter ridge border
Session 3: Picot lace edge and blocking

Kulkulkan Scarf/Shawl
















Inspired by the Mesoamerican deity Kukulkan this scarf/shawl is striking. This is certainly one of those projects that will having people asking "where did you get that" and then it's up to you how you spill the beans about being an accomplished knitter. The unique shape and construction of this project, as well as the use of gradient sets should keep anyone motivated to finish this project before the fall chill really sets in.

Offering Type: Class
Skill Level: Rookie
You need to know: Cast on, knit & bind off 
You will learn: Color changes, short rows, stitch pickup, cast on mid-project, mitering
Price: $60 (Yarn and pattern needs to be purchased at Yarn Rhapsody)
Dates: 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Saturdays, Oct. 7, 14 & 21 
Bring to Class: US #6 40" circular needle and 630-700 yds of DK/sport weight yarn

Session 1: Cast on, make one of the 6 rectangles (homework make five more rectangles)
Session 2: Pick up stitches, connect the rectangles and start working the body of the shawl
Session 3: Finishing shawl and blocking demonstration


Qwist Mitts







Playful stitches twist and twine through Qwist, a cozy fingerless mitt with a mischievous texture. The diagonal weave pattern creates both interest and an extra bit of warmth, while a mock cable runs the length to frame the thumb gusset. Twisted (or, shall we say “qwisted”?) ribbing at the openings keeps them snugly in place. Silky-soft Sophie De Luxe, a cashmere/silk/alpaca blend, is a treat for chilly hands.
Offering Type: Knitalong (we will help along while you work on this project)
Skill Level: Apprentice/Virtuoso
You need to know: Cast on, knit, purl, work with DPNs or Magic Loop, & bind off 
You will learn: Twist and twine stitches
Price: $30 (Yarn and pattern needs to be purchased at Yarn Rhapsody)
Dates: 10:30am - 11:30am, Saturdays, Oct. 7, 14 & 21 
Bring to Class: US #4 DPNs and 200 yds of sock weight yarn

Session 1 - 3: Work on your own pace, get help when needed.


Twisted Trails Hooded Sweater


















The Twisted Trails Hooded Sweater is a cozy pullover designed to keep your little one snug on those brisk autumn days. This cabled raglan sweater is knit in the round from the bottom up. The six cabled trails twist and turn across the body of the sweater up to the neck opening where two of the trails end. The four remaining cables continue winding their way, two along each side of the neckline. The hood is picked up and knit around the neckline, where the twisted cables continue their path until they meet and are grafted together at the top of the hood. This pullover is a necessary addition to a breezy day out in the woods.

Offering Type: Knitalong (we will help along while you work on this project)
Skill Level: Virtuoso
You need to know: Cast on, knit, purl, cables & bind off 
You will learn: Sweater construction
Price: $30 (Yarn and pattern needs to be purchased at Yarn Rhapsody)
Dates: 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Saturdays, Oct. 7, 14 & 21 

Bring to Class: US #5 & 7 16" and 24" circular needles and 250-600 yds of worsted weight yarn

Session 1 - 3: Work on your own pace, get help when needed.


And as always, we're available for individual instruction for brand new knitters and crocheters, and those looking to master new techniques.  Please contact the shop to discuss what you would like to learn and availability. 




October Classes & KALs
SAFF BUS TOUR 2017
 

Saturday, September 16, 2017

What's New! - September 2017

There’s been a lot of news here at Yarn Rhapsody since our last update.


We had a great set of classes featuring historical knitting styles with Beth Brown-Reinsel.

We survived Tropical Storm Irma, most of Hall County was without out power shortly after the worst of the storm rolled in, and there are still some without out power this morning 4 days later.  If you are still without power come to the shop, we have internet, snacks, and hot coffee for you.


And last,but not at all least, Claudia completed her last round of chemotherapy this week! Things should begin to get a bit more normal around here soon.


Then we’ve had a few boxes show up filled with soft, and squishy things this week too.


New to the shop today…


Mondial Hat Kits
These hats will work up quickly for those upcoming holiday gifts or, are packed up to be given as gifts to the knitter or crocheter on your list.  These kits come with enough yarn for an adult sized hat and a pompom.  The yarn is 35% Merino and 65% Microfiber.  Claudia cranked out a hat in a little under 3 hours while binging on her new favorite TV series this morning.


We’re also pleased to announce we will now begin to carry yarns from independent dyers! Claudia discovered these amazing fiber artists earlier this year at TNNA.


The Fiber Seed - Sprout Worsted
The Fiber Seed is a Florida based dyer that uses fibers grown, carded, spun, and dyed in the good ol’ US of A.  This yarn is soft and the colors are spectacular.  Pun intended! Sprout Worsted is 90% Superwash Merino 10% Nylon. The Fiber Seed recommends using Soak soaps for blocking and laundering that we carry here as well.


The Knitted Wit - Victory DK
The Knitted Wit hails from Portland, Oregon with deep saturated colors.  Candy has been running around with a hat made from her yarns for a couple of months now, so if you see her wearing a mostly black hat with blue and pink stripes feel free to rub her head (head rubbies actually put her to sleep).  We have not only full size skeins but 40 yard mini skeins giving you plenty of options for all those great patterns out there featuring smaller color sets.  


We look forward to all of you dropping in and checking out our new yarns!


Sunday, August 20, 2017

September Classes and Knitalongs

We're running right into September, with its hints of golds and reds beginning to appear in the landscape, chillier evenings, and warmer projects being cast onto needles and hooks.

Over the past several months we've had some questions about our skill level definitions for classes and knitalongs and have found it's easier to simplify them.

The new terms are:
Rookie: You picked up needles and yarn recently, know knit and purl, and you're ready to add more skills to that knitting toolbox.

Apprentice: You're confident with knit, purl, basic increases/decreases, and have likely begun adventuring into knitting in the round, and have began creating shapes other than long scarf like rectangles.

Virtuoso: You're confident in your abilities and are looking for challenges, unique projects, and new tricks. There isn't much out there that you would shy away from trying as long as you were in love with the pattern teasing you on Ravelry.

Genius: You are a knitting master, nothing stops you, not even a bad pattern. You're looking for a challenge, continuing to master skills, and love projects with very complex construction and stitch work.

So what's on the schedule for September?

Well first, we can announce that you can still sign up for any nine sessions of the Building with Lace knitalong by Michelle "Knit Purl" Hunter for $45, as long as the book is still available for purchase at the shop. There's already been one round of books sold, and round two just arrived. Weekday sessions will be offered Wednesdays, 6pm-7pm beginning September 6 and carrying on through Wednesday, October 25th. Weekend sessions will continue on Saturdays, Noon-1pm until October 14th.

Skill level: All skill levels - this is truly a skill building knitalong, the book, associated videos, and the support of the rest of the knitalong participants will get you through if you're a beginner, and teach you a few more tricks even if you're a knitting expert.

There are also two more knitalongs featuring Michelle Hunter's patterns for September.

Hat season starts up towards the end of October in the south, mid-September virtually anywhere else, so it's time to start WIPing some up. Corkscrew Hat by Michelle Hunter, uses an interesting, yet easy to grasp two color technique that creates an almost braided appearance and unisex design. This pattern is also available in three sizes, baby, child, and adult.

Offering Type: Knitalong

Skill Level: Rookie/Apprentice

Techniques Used: Knitting in the Round, Multiple Colors, Shaping 

Price: $30

Dates: 10:30am - 11:30am, Saturdays, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14


Oh wait, glove and mitten season is coming up too! The second of Michelle's patterns this month is the Reciprocation Fingerless Gloves. These fingerless gloves will keep your hands warm and your fingers free for chilly weather knitting.

Offering Type: Knitalong

Skill Level: Rookie/Apprentice

Techniques Used: German twisted cast on, special design stitches, stitch pickup, thumb gussets 

Price: $30

Dates: 10:30am - 11:30am, Saturdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 21

With September a few days away,
Halloween is right around the corner and we've got a couple of fun and spooky classes for you.

First up, these Spider Socks are going to be a blast. These will look great in a solid, or subtly variegated yarn, you want your handiwork to show through on these.

Offering Type: Class

Skill Level: Apprentice/Virtuoso 

Techniques Used: Top down construction, heel flap & gusset construction, mock cables, cable stitches, special design stitches

Price: $60

Dates: 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Saturdays, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14


The Counting Crows mittens will fit the bill for chilly, late October evenings with a few secrets hidden inside. These are a great challenge for someone wanting to increase their color work skills.

Offering Type: Class

Skill Level: Apprentice/Virtuoso

Techniques Used: Knitting in the round, color work and chart reading, shaping, stitch pickup, thumb gussets and finger construction

Price: $60

Dates: 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Saturdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 21


It's also time to start working on those warm statement pieces for Fall and Winter. This scarf is the first of many showstoppers we hope to offer over the next several months.
Inspired by the Mesoamerican deity Kukulkan this scarf/shawl is striking. This is certainly one of those projects that will having people asking "where did you get that" and then it's up to you how you spill the beans about being an accomplished knitter. The unique shape and construction of this project, as well as the use of gradient sets should keep anyone motivated to finish this project before the fall chill really sets in.

Offering Type: Class

Skill Level: Apprentice/Virtuoso

Techniques: Color changes, short rows, stitch pickup, cast on mid-project, shaping

Price: $60

Dates: 3:30pm - 4:30pm, Saturdays, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 21

And as always, we're available for individual instruction for brand new knitters and crocheters, and those looking to master new techniques.  Please contact the shop to discuss what you would like to learn and availability.


SEPTEMBER CLASSES, KALs & CALs

SAFF BUS TOUR 2017