Millicent’s News

October 2006

 

Millicent’s Yarns & More

27 N. Centre Street, Cumberland, MD 21502

Winter Shop Hours:  Tues – Sat, 10 –5,
Wed open late until 8
Sunday 1:30-4

Sundays at Millicent’s

After Labor Day weekend, we will be open on Sundays during the fall and winter seasons, 1:30 to 4:00.   I know that for many of you, it is the only time you can get into the shop to take classes or browse.  Please note: We will be closed the last Sunday of each month.

Folk Hats and The Mad Hat Show

We have a visiting trunk show of samples from Folk Hats, part of the great series of “Folk Books” such as Folk Shawls, Folk Socks, etc.  The hats use indigenous head gear as a starting point and then make them available in knitted form.  I wasn’t so keen on the book when it first came out, but the samples have made me want to start knitting right away!  The show came Sept. 14 and will be with us only until Sept 26. so please don’t miss it!  The hats are blended with the artistic Mad Hats in our front window.  Please ask if you would like to see one up close and personal.

 

Brown Sheep/FiberTrend Patterns Trunk Show

You also want to be sure to see the visiting trunk show from Brown Sheep Yarns (makers of the beloved Lamb’s Pride Worsted and Bulky Yarns).  All samples are knitted (and felted) using FiberTrend patterns.

FiberTrend patterns are staples for most knitters – they are instrumental in getting the interest in felting underway with simple but beautiful patterns for felted bags, hats, mittens, even jackets.  You’ll enjoy looking at the samples of felted and unfelted items hanging at Millicent’s now through the end of the month. 

 

New Yarns for Fall

The store is brimming with yarn, all stocked and ready for your fall and winter knitting!  Let me take you on a virtual tour:

*  We have many new colors of super bulky Burly Spun, including some great bright multi-colored ones.

*  New in bulky yarns are the softest of the soft Chunky Baby Alpaca from Cascade, a thick and thin yarn called Ara from Dale of Norway, and new to our shop:  Iro from Noro.

*  In heavy worsted we have Freestyle from Dale of Norway which not only is machine washable and comes in a wide selection of colors, but also has many terrific patterns for all levels of knitting.  We also brought in new colors of Kureyon from Noro, and restocked Lamb’s Pride and our much beloved Manos del Uruguay.

*  Our yarn in light worsted include Cascade 220 Superwash.  We brought it in a range of pastels and brights that will be great for machine washable baby items. Needless to say, we have restocked our Cascade 220, another much loved yarn at Millicent’s.

*  New in sport/dk weight yarns are Falk from Dale (also machine washable with many many new patterns) and Frog Tree Alpaca in both solids and handpaints.  I can’t say enough about Claudia Handpaints, which is fast disappearing, and about Silky Wool which has many new colors this year.  Our Sport/DK area is growing because you have become better knitters, no longer satisfied with the quick result of thick yarns and fat needles with a bit of fur or lash knitted along for effect.  The more experienced you become, the more you will want to do color work, or textured knits, or cables.  All these of course can be done in heavier wools, but they are just that: heavier.  The sport/dk weight yarns allow you do create lighter weight knits that are comfortable to wear even if you are not in a snowstorm!

*  We have introduced many colors in laceweight mohair, perfect for pairing with a wool for a softer effect in garments and scarves.

And finally, well, not really finally, we have new sock yarns and are awaiting more, new baby yarns and are awaiting more, and some new yarns of interest.  Cherry Tree Hill has become one of our favorites in hand-dyed yarns, as has Colinette, and you’ll find many wonderful yarns from both companies at the shop.  We’ll continue to update you as more yarns arrive.

 

Afghan Challenge  -  Join in the Fun!

We had such a great time for our first meeting -- lots of knitters for both our Wednesday and Sunday sessions.  Folk are quite earnest about this project, which is good, because we’ll need all the stamina we can muster as the months go on!  The fun, of course, will be watching everyone’s afghan develop and grow.

 

New folk have heard about the project and are drifting in to purchase their first skein of yarn and pattern to “catch up” with the group.  You are all welcome to join in any time.  Here is a review of the project:

You can think of this as a Block-A-Month project.  The beauty of this challenge is its economical approach to buying yarn. The yarn of choice is Manos del Uruguay and it is moderately expensive.  Purchasing enough to knit an entire afghan is out of many folks’ budgets, but, buying one skein per month is very manageable.  The fee for each session is $5.00.  Please purchase your yarn and needles at Millicent’s. (US Size 9 is recommended --- make accommodations to suit your personal tension)  Please purchase your new skein and have it wound in the weeks BEFORE each meeting so that you do not have to wait in line to get your yarn wound instead of having fun knitting with the group.

 

Our Afghan Challenge will be held on the first Wednesday evening of every month, starting Sept. 6, and first Sunday afternoon of every month, working around holidays.

 

Here is a year’s worth of dates for you who like to mark your calendars:

Wednesday meetings (5 – 6:30 pm) – 9/6/06, 10/4, 11/1, 12/6, 1/3/07, 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, 6/6,

7/11, 8/1, 9/5, 10/3 (afghan construction time)

Sunday meetings (2:00 to 3:30pm) – 9/10/06, 10/8, 11/4, 12/3, 1/7/07, 2/3, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, 6/3,

7/1, 8/5, 9/9, 10/7 (afghan construction time)

 

Kids’ Activities at Millicent’s

KID’S KNIT:  Tuesdays between 3:30 and 4:30 have become our established Kids Knit time.  We have “kids” between the ages of 6 and 16 gather to knit together.   There is a graduated kind of activity going on – the youngest are working on a knitting spool.  The oldest – teenagers from public, private and home schools -- are working advanced knitting projects (the kind with two and sometimes four sticks!) Kids Knit costs $5.00 per hour plus project materials – first lesson is free.  This is a drop-in time although I recommend that your child attend at least one month at a time.  (Moms are invited to start knitting during this hour as well.  Moms gather on the comfy chairs and learn at their own pace.  Mel’s attention is first with the kids, but any other free time can go to moms.  Moms also knit at this time for $5.00 per hour plus materials).

 

CRAFTS FOR KIDS:  Thursdays between 3:30 and 4:30 in September starts a series of monthly project classes for children: Crafts for Kids. Children between the ages of eight and eighteen are welcome to join us.  We will be exploring the following topics: 

Needlepoint, October 5, 12, 19, 27; 

Needle Felting (sculpting with wool), November 2, 9, 16, and Nov. 30. 

We will take a break in December and continue in January with embroidery.

Tuition fees will be $20.00 for each topic (four lessons) plus material fees which can range between $5.00 and $25 depending upon the complexity of the project.  Please register early so that we can have the right amount of materials for your child.  Classes are limited to 6.

 

Looking for Helpers at Millicent’s Yarns & More

YOU CAN BE ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES!

EVEN A FEW HOURS AT A TIME CAN BE TREMENDOUSLY HELPFUL.

YOU’LL HAVE FUN!

PLEASE CALL MEL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

 

Fiber Arts Show at the Gilchrist Museum of Arts

From Sept. 10 through Oct. 8, the C. William Gilchrist Museum of the Arts at 104 Washington Street, will be hosting an exhibition by the Fiber Arts Study Group of Washington, a member of the Creative Crafts Council.  The Council is an association of fine arts guilds in the D.C. area.

 

Fiber arts includes any objects made for the sake of creative expression from some sort of fiber.  Members work in many media including art quilts, altered and art books, bead work, crochet, dolls, embellishments, felting, fiber collage, knitting, silk painting, soft sculpture, surface design, wearable art, weaving, and woven wire.  The opening reception will be held at the Gilchrist Museum on Sept. 10 from 1-4 pm.  Members of the group will be available to discuss their work.  The exhibit will continue from Thursday – Sunday from 1-4 through October 8.

 

Appalachian Festival -- Saturday, September 23

A one-day Festival of Appalachian arts and crafts, music and cooking will take place at Frostburg State University on Saturday, September 23.  There will be demonstrations, concerts, a fiddle-banjo-mandolin contest, and a wagon train!  Millicents will be setting up a tent to demonstrate fiber arts:  knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, embroidery.  I am looking for volunteers to help me demonstrate the traditional crafts we are keeping alive.  The Festival is also looking for volunteers for the Kids’ Tent and for general assistance.  If you’d like to help at the Millicent’s tent, please call Mel at 301-722-8100.  If you’d like to help at the Festival itself, please call Kara Rogers Thomas, professor of folklore and folklife at 301-687-3124.

IF YOU HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO BE AT THE MILLICENT’S TENT, PLEASE CONTACT ME AGAIN BEFORE SEPTEMBER 16 TO SOLIDIFY PLANS.

 

Stitches East in Baltimore -- November 2 – 5

This is more than wonderful.  Stitches East, sponsored by Knitter’s magazine, is one of the premier gatherings for knitters and it is happening in our state!   There are classes galore, plus a market place, book signings, demonstrations, a style show, a student mixer and banquet.  And who are some of the teachers??  Wow –they are some of the best:  Chris Bylsma, Lily Chin, Kaffe Fassett, Vivian Hoxbro, Melissa Leapman, Sally Melville, and our most beloved Beth Brown-Reinsel.  There are classes for beginners through advanced knitters, and I understand that classes are filling quickly.  You can visit online at knittinguniverse.com or phone 1-800-237-7099 to request a brochure.

 

 

We have Cross Stitch and Needlepoint Kits !!

 

Join Our Knitting Community! 

Kids Knit takes place at Millicent’s on Tuesdays.  We have knitters ranging in age from 6 to 16.  This is instructional time – fees are $5.00/hour.  Moms are learning to knit with us at the same time.

Knit-ins for adults are every Wednesday are from 12 noon to 2:00 and every Friday from 1:00 to 3:00.  Fee: $2.00

Hook-Ups with a crochet focus are on Wednesdays, from 3:30 to 5:00.  Fee: $2.00

Knitter’s Night Out (otherwise known as Knitter’s Therapy Night) 5:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday evenings. $2.00

 

Farewell to Amy

We all knew it was coming, didn’t we?  We could watch Amy’s cute pregnant tummy grow and grow and we knew that such a great thing as her working at Millicent’s couldn’t last forever, although we wished it could.  And then, darn it, didn’t she come in to say that she and her husband were moving somewhere in the hills between Martinsburg and Winchester.  And double darn it, doesn’t this now happen NOW!! 

 

I’ve sighed and moped -- I’ve thought of ways to kidnap her -- I’ve thought that her friends would convince her to stay here -- I’ve hoped that this was all a bad dream. 

 

But no, Amy is moving away.  We will miss her enthusiasm and the personal piece of sunshine she brings into Millicent’s.  We’ll miss her laughter and her warmth and caring.  She promises to return often to see friends and to visit Millicent’s.  And to show off her baby girl in the new year!  We wish you all the best for your move, for the birth of your baby girl, and for this new chapter in your life.  We love you, Amy.  You’ll be mightily missed.

 

And on a personal note . . . .

My mother is not doing very well.  We are beginning to explore options for her other than living at home.  Dick and I are burnt out and can’t provide the care she needs now.  But this is a tough one.  How can one feel relieved and reluctant at the same time?  I’m burdened with guilt but simultaneously know that we’re not going to be able to have mom indefinitely, and between you and me, she’s going to live to be 100!      I want to thank all of you who have taken time to ask after mom and who have helped me with your own personal wisdom about aging mothers and how to take care of oneself.  I feel enveloped by your love and caring.

 
        Happy Knitting and Crocheting

and Tatting and Weaving and Spinning

and Embroidery

from

Millicent’s Yarns & More!

 

 

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Millicent's Knits and Yarns • 49 North Centre Street • Cumberland, Maryland 21502
phone 301-722-8100 • mel@millicentsyarns.com