September 2011 - River City Yarns

River City Yarns… your place to unwind!
We have two locations!
River City Yarns Downtown
#107, 10106-111 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5G 0B4
Phone: (780) 477-9276
Email: rivercityyarns@shaw.ca
September 2011
River City Yarns Southside
3438-99 Street
Edmonton, AB T6E 5X5
Phone: (780) 450-9276
Email: south@rivercityyarns.com
Back to the Books!
We’ve brought in our
“recommended reading list”
including beautiful books for
you and they’re available at
both RCY locations.
Inside this issue:
New Berroco at our
Downtown store
2
Entrelac: The Essential
Guide to Interlace Knitting
New Rowan at our
Southside location
2
BlockBuster workshops
3
Wool, Wine & Wheels
2011
3
The Big Easy with Beth
Brown Reinsel
3
Knit Noro
4
Felt Balls
4
Fleece Artist, Handmaiden & Perl Grey
4
by Rosemary Drysdale is a
beautiful
hardcover
book that
introduces
both the
history and
how-to of
this technique, along
with 20 patterns for a variety
of garments, home décor
items, and baby accessories.
Entrelac is a modular technique that results in striking
basketwork designs of rows
within rows and interlocking
diamond patterns, using only
knit and purl stitches.
2012 RCY Loyalty Club
Register early!
Your $50 membership is
worth every penny! For the
next year, you get 10% off
yarn, needles & books,
invites to special events,
advance notice of sales, a
sign-up gift & other surprise
perks dreamed up by our
creative team. Our 2012
loyalty program runs until
Oct 31, 2012. Buy your new
membership now and receive an additional month of
savings. Renewing members
receive a very special gift!
entrelac, shadow knitting,
and intarsia worked in the
round. You'll discover inventive ways to start and
end socks, shape heels and
toes, and knit soles. On a bonus enclosed DVD, Ann
showcases all you need to
know to knit fun, inventive
socks, including a few special
tricks and tips from this master
sock knitter.
Timeless Knits for Kids by
Chris de Longpre contains 12
fresh, new classics for boys &
girls from the end of toddlerhood through late childhood
(size 4-14). Pop-off-the-page
photography coupled with tips
for successful knitting make
this book a keeper!
Sock Knitting Master Class:
Innovative Techniques and
Patterns from Top Designers is the latest compilation by
master knitter Ann Budd. Divided into two sections (topdown & toe-up construction),
you’ll explore techniques such
as cables,
twisted
stitches,
lace,
stranded
colorwork,
Knitting Patterns 500: In this
compilation of stitch patterns
there are knit-purl textures,
cables and bobbles, lace, and
many designs which combine
different stitch styles. Illustrated techniques at the bottom
of some pages show how to
work a stitch used in the stitch
patterns above. Fully charted
with large pictures of knitted
samples.
Charts Made Simple by JC
Briar teaches knitters how to
read charts--and, better yet,
how to make the most of
them: to see that a chart is a
picture of knitted fabric; to
make sense of the symbols in a
chart without being tied to its
key; and to handle chart quirks-"no stitch" symbols, repeated
stitches, changes in stitch
count, and more--with ease.
And there’s more…
Japanese Stitch Pattern
Books: Though written entirely in Japanese, there are
clear charts to aid the adventurous knitter.
300 Lace Patterns: fully
charted, these lacy designs vary
from all-over lace to panels
and mixes of lace and twisted
stitch.
Knit, Sock, Love by Cookie
A.; Elizabeth Zimmerman’s
Baby Surprise Jacket DVD;
all four of Barbara Walker’s
Knitting Treasuries; Folk
Knitting in Estonia by Nancy
Bush; Lovely Little Things to
Knit and Crochet by Mags
Kandis; Knit to Be Square
and Domino Knitting by
Vivian Hoxbro.
September 2011
Page 2
RCY North: A Bounty of Berroco
Visit our downtown location
(north of the river) and see all
the gorgeous new and renewed
yarn we’ve brought in from
Berroco.
New this season: Berroco
Voyage and Berroco Nanuk.
Voyage is a
“chainette”
yarn made
from 93%
superfine alpaca and 7%
polyester.
Each 50g/114m hank is lofty,
soft and
heathered in colour. It’s beautiful!
Nanuk’s luxe
plush texture sets
it apart. The intriguing mix of wool (67%) and
nylon (33%) produces a tantalizing fabric that begs to be
touched. Every 50g/64m ball is
“...a rich indulgence for the
senses.” You’ll like each of
these yarns on
their own but
you’ll love
them together—as in
the new Caffé
Jacket in
Booklet #314.
Also new for fall—Berroco
Link. Link is
a super-sized
chunky yarn
that is amazingly lightweight. Already in i-cord
(chainette) form, you’ll
knit one 200g/29m hank
on 25mm needles to create fast and fun scarves,
hats and neckwarmers.
Berroco Vintage is a machine
washable, super soft blend of
acrylic (50%), wool (40%) and
nylon (10%). The unique fiber
blend makes laundering a
breeze and it’s perfectly suited
for easy care garments. Each
100g hank has 198m.
Berroco Ultra Alpaca is the
ideal balance of luxurious super fine alpaca (50%) and Peruvian highland wool (50%).
With 100g/198m per hank,
Ultra Alpaca is a great sweater
yarn—soft and warm. Perfect
for winter accessories, too.
Oh so light and fluffy, Peruvia
Quick is a 2 ply twist of 100%
Peruvian highland wool in rich
heathers and natural colours. It
comes in 100g/94m hanks.
Berroco Remix is one of our
favourites. Made from 100%
recycled yarn, it contains nylon,
cotton, acrylic, silk and linen
making it a “transeasonal” blend.
You’ll find Remix in 100g/198m
balls.
Berroco Borealis
has shimmering
prismatic colourways to entertain
your eyes. Quick
knitting and super
soft (60% acrylic,
40% wool), each
100g/100m hank is
a joy to knit and
wear.
We’ve restocked the Berroco
Sox Metallic too. Liven up
your sock stash with shades
reminiscent of Indian saris, full
of gold and silver highlights.
Check out the free e-book Berroco is offering for Link at: http://berroco.com/eBooks/Berroco_Link_eBook.pdf.
The book contains four patterns, two knit and two crochet for a scarf, 2 cowls, and a hat.
Fall Features in Rowan
The new Rowan #50 book is
out and it’s
packed! Arrayed
below is a small
sample of the
patterns and designs included in
this book. And,
for men, there’s a
new Dalesman
book—a wonderful collection
of Scandinavian
inspired knitwear
just for men. Inside, you’ll find
garments made with Rowan
Big Wool, Felted Tweed, Cocoon and Kid Classic.
And, we have new colours
and replenished stock at our
Southside location in Big
Wool (100% soft merino wool,
in 100g/80m balls), Felted
Tweed DK (50% merino
wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose
in 50g/175m balls), Cocoon
(80% merino wool, 20% kid
mohair in
100g/115m
balls), Kid
Rowan’s latest men’s book: Dalesman
Classic (70%
lambswool,
50g/160m balls).
26% kid mohair, 4% nylon in
And, bucking the trend… some
50g/140m balls), Cashsoft 4
of our Rowan yarns have gone
Ply (10% cashmere, 57% extra
down in price. Come and check
fine merino wool, 33% acrylic
out the Alder Wrap in 12 colmicrofiber in 50g/160m balls),
ours of Kid Silk Haze and PasKid Silk Haze (70% super kid
sion - a long sleeve cabled turtlemohair, 30% silk in 25g/210m
neck sweater made in Cocoon—
bagettes), and Pure Wool 4
both yarns at a new, lower price!
Ply (100% superwash wool in
September 2011
Page 3
This fall, take a Block Buster...
We’re offering a new line up of
workshops for the fall that will
inspire you to pick up and
practice new techniques in
short, one-session classes.
This block-buster series is inspired by Nicky Epstein’s new
book, Knitting Block by Block:
150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves,
Bags, Toys, Afghans and More.
We’ll be offering 17 unique
workshops, each focusing on
a knitting technique, with skill
levels that will appeal to new
knitters and experienced knitters alike.
You’ll need to pick up a copy
of Nicky’s book and when you
purchase it from us, we’ll give
you a complimentary seat in
two of the Block Buster workshops (a $50 value).
So consider this fall to be your
opportunity to expand your
knitting repertoire. Knit a
block, knit another and another… and be amazed at how
your skill develops. AND,
even more amazing, check out the
finished projects that Nicky has in
store for your blocks! From fingerless
gloves to hats, scarves, sweaters, handbags and even stuffed animals!
The Block Busters will take place at
both RCY locations at various times of
the day and week. If you can’t make a Take a Block Buster Workscheduled date/time (e.g. you live out shop this fall and get inspired to
of town) please inquire with us about become a great knitter!
taking a Block Buster during our
weekly project tutorial times.
For a full list of the Block Buster Workshop offerings, visit our
website at: www.rivercityyarns.com/BlockBuster.html
There is always a lot taking place at River City Yarns. We have workshops and knit-a-longs. We have drop-in
social events. We inspire you to learn new techniques and knit up warm goodness with our Mitten o’the Month
program. We encourage you to learn to knit and crochet through our beginner program—Knitting 101
& Crochet Fundamentals. To see what’s happening on a day to day basis, bookmark our website:
www.rivercityyarns.com/workshopinfo.html and check in frequently… we’ve always got something going on!
Nicky Epstein Workshops - November 2011
River City Yarns will be hosting Nicky
Epstein from November 3 to November
9, 2011. Nicky will be teaching three (or
more) workshops in Edmonton, on November 3, 9 and 10.
Edmonton to Jasper and back and holding workshops with
Nicky Epstein in Jasper, Alberta. There are only 5 seats left on
this fabulous trip. The price of the entire trip (train fare, workshops, hotel accommodation and most of your meals) is only
$999 (double occupancy).
In between, from November 4 to 8, Nicky
will be the guest instructor on our eighth
annual Wool, Wine and Wheels knitting
excursion. We’ll be taking Via Rail from
Want to come along? Call Wendy at John Steel Rail Tours: 1800-988-5778 to reserve your spot. For more details, visit our
website at
www.rivercityyarns.com/specialevents.html#WWW2011
Knit “The Big Easy” with Beth Brown Reinsel
If you’ve been wanting to knit a traditional sweater (like a British
gansey) but were worried you’d run into issues that you couldn’t
resolve on your own, we’ve got a solution for you. Beth Brown
Reinsel, a knitwear designer who specializes in traditional/
heritage knits, has put together a distance learning package.
the time commitment is extensive, it does mean that you can
have a life outside of knitting
while you complete an adult
size sweater.
You’ll come in to River City Yarns to take the class, delivered to
you by Beth on DVD. We’ll have an instructor on hand as well
to provide hands-on coaching. Twice during the program, Beth
will check in on our progress via Skype (over the computer).
Registration fees for this course
will be approximately $75. At
this time, we’re gauging interest and availability; phone (780) 4509276 or email: south@rivercityyarns.com to let us know if this is a
course you’d like to take. We’ll set it up as soon as we have enough
interest.
You’ll need to commit 12 weeks of time to a once/week session
at RCY. We’ll have 10 scheduled classes with 2 breaks. While
Check out the Big Easy gansey & knit-a-long on Beth Brown Reinsel’s website: www.knittingtraditions.com/knitalong.htm
River City Yarns… your place to unwind!
KNIT NORO: 30 Designs in Living Color
A lush, full-color book of patterns for knitters of all skill levels,
Knit Noro is the embodiment of the uniqueness and vibrancy
of Noro yarns. The classic and innovative designs in this imaginative collection brilliantly capture the essence of Noro.
Projects include:

Chic cardigans, pullovers and vests

Luxurious afghans and throws

Playful hats, gloves, socks and other accessories

Sumptuous shawls and wraps
With so many beautiful projects to choose from, there’s never
been a better time to Knit Noro.
Come and join us for the Knit Noro Trunk Show with 10
sample garments from the book. The trunk show will be
at the each store for one week each from September 8 to
21, 2011.
Knit Noro books are available at both RCY locations and we
have just unpacked new stock in Noro Kureyon and Silk Garden. Stock up now while colour selection is best!
Goodness, Gracious, Great Balls of Fibre!
We have these fun felt balls in stock, in colour-coordinated packages and also in kits. There are so
many fun projects that you can do with these fabulous balls. Squish ‘em for buttons, attach them for
accents, string them for jewelry, add feet and make little creatures. We have project ideas and kits
with everything you need to complete a beautiful project.
Check out these great ideas: www.handbehg.com/uploads/FELTS_PictorialIdeaSheet.pdf
In-store, In-spiration
We’ve brought in new samples for you to see using new yarns. You’ll find a variety of new projects on display at both of our RCY locations, including the Montevideo Capelet made from Manos del Uruguay Maxima
(www.fairmountfibers.com/free-patterns-docs/F6-Montevideo-Capelet.pdf).
Add these handmade felt balls to
your next project… they’re so much
fun, on their own or as an accessory
to your knitted project.
We also have new BFL (Blue Faced Leister) yarn from Fleece Artist, Wool Silk
3 ply and Flaxen from Handmaiden and new kits from Perl
Grey. Check out Toto, Ana
Bandana, Betsy Bucket Hat
and the Jacket kits—all packaged up nicely and in the fabulous handpainted colours that
these Canadian companies are
so well-known for.
Toto Felted Handbag Kit
Betsy Bucket Hat Kit
Ana Bandana Hat Kit