Millicent's • Great Yarns • Personal Service • Mountain Air

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

COLOR AND CRAFTING HELPS US GET THROUGH WINTER

As you may already know, we are all profoundly affected by light. It is now a medically accepted fact that some people become chronically depressed when deprived of adequate daylight. They suffer from what is called Seasonal affective Disorder (or S.A.D.). Is it any wonder that fiber fanatics hone their craft more during the cold and overcast winter cays? We calm our souls and work on projects that will get us through the cold nights. A lot of the benefit has to do with the colors used -- we use color to cheer us up and brighten dark winter days.

At Millicent’s, walls full of color attract attention. And particular colors attract each of us – ever notice how everything you knit is blue? Or green? Or has to have black in it? Believe it or not, our color choices show something about our personalities:

Reds: courageous, confident, strong-willed, spontaneous, honest, extroverted

Oranges: enthusiastic, happy, sociable, energetic, sporty, self-assured, constructive

Yellows: good humored, optimistic, confident, practical, intellectual

Greens: understanding, self-controlled, adaptable, compassionate, generous, humble

Blues: loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring, cautious

Indigo: intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise, truth-seeking

Violets: inspirational, kindly, just, self-sacrificing, creative, strong mentally

Do you see yourself in these descriptions? Now you know why I never wear green – no self-control what-so-ever! I have way too many projects underway to claim any self-control at all!

FLOWER GARDENS IN WINTER

To help us out with the winter blues, we are offering a class in knitting and felting flowers! Create one or a whole bouquet to decorate your home! We’ll meet on Sundays. Please see Classes page on our website.

AFGHAN CHALLENGE- Don’t poop out now!

Dear Afghan Knitters – Don’t poop out now. Not when you are almost half-way done! Mark your calendars and come to our knitting circle on the first Wednesday evening of every month and first Sunday afternoon of every month. Newcomers are always welcome.

Here is a listing of dates for 2007:

Wednesday meetings (5 – 6:30 pm) –2/7/07, 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) –2/3/07, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, 6/3, 7/1, 8/5, 9/9, 10/7 (afghan construction time)

BETH BROWN-REINSEL WORKSHOP: APRIL 2007

Yes, this is getting to be a tradition! Beth Brown-Reinsel is returning to Millicent’s on the weekend of April 14 and 15, 2007. She will be offering this TWO-DAY WORKSHOP on the Fana Cardigan, a traditional Norwegian Sweater. The Fana Cardigan is an easy-to knit, two-color sweater with a single steek down the front which we will reinforce with sewing machines and then CUT!!! This workshop will be great for those of you who have been practicing your stranded color-work (aka FairIsle knitting) in hats and Christmas stockings! So have no fear!

During Beth’s last two visits to Millicent’s we have learned what an excellent and patient teacher she is. She understands learners, encourages questions, and travels around the room checking on all projects. She is a joy. The nice thing is that Beth finds her visits to Millicent’s a joy as well: she remarks on how supportive we are to one-another and on the lack of mean competitive spirit. But, of course . . . that is what we are all about!

Fee for the two day workshop is $200. A down payment of $50 will secure a spot for you. This workshop fills up quickly – please make your reservation soon. Travelers to Cumberland can either stay at our local Holiday Inn or at the Inn at Walnut Bottom, a charming bed and breakfast only a three minute drive from our shop.

We have had many out-of-towners already registering for this class. Make sure to save a place for yourself!

CAROL LEIGH’S TRI LOOM WORKSHOP: MAY 2007

Hurrah, another of our successful workshops will be repeated this year! Carol Leigh Brack-Kaiser of Hillcreek Fiber Studio from Columbia, MO, will come to Millicent’s following the Maryland Sheep and Wool Show to give a THREE-DAY WORKSHOP, May 9, 10 and 11, 2007 on Continuous Strand Weaving on Triangle, Square, and Rectangular Looms. Fiber-istas get hooked on the beauty and simplicity of what Carol Leigh calls the “magical continuous strand weaving method.” Because there is no preliminary warping of these looms, they give weavers an immediate sense of the woven structure – in other words, this is the weaving method for those of us who need gratification early on in our projects! This is a wonderful method for beginners and can be utilized with great skill with more advanced techniques. What can you make with triangular looms? head scarves, shoulder scarves, shawls, blankets. Add the triangular shape with the continuous weave on a square loom and you have the raw materials for garments. Work on the Rectangular Loom and you have table runners, throws, long shawls.

During the 2007 three-day workshop, students will complete a full 7-foot Triangle Shawl as well as learn some intermediate and advanced techniques such as twill, leno lace, log cabin, double weave, plus color patterns such as tartan plaids and color blending. Some students may choose to work on square looms. Students should bring their own looms or may rent looms for $15. Our first evening meal together will be included in the price of the workshop, although students will be responsible for all other meals. Students are asked to purchase all yarns from Millicent’s Yarns & More. Travelers to Cumberland can either stay at our local Holiday Inn or at the Inn at Walnut Bottom, a charming bed and breakfast a three minute drive from our shop.

The fee for this workshop is $175. A $50 down payment will secure a spot for you. We have a limit of 12 participants. This workshop fills up quickly with participants from afar. As a local weaver (or wanna-be), you’ll want to make your reservation now!

KID’S KNIT: Tuesdays between 3:30 and 4:30 have become our established Kids Knit time. We have “kids” from 6-year-olds and up gather to knit together. Kids Knit costs $5.00 per hour plus project materials – first lesson is free. This current group of kids are mostly 6 years old and they are knitting up a storm. I am humbled by them all. Drop-in any time.

NEW!! TEENS KNIT: Wednesdays between 3:30 to 4:30

Because so many young children are attending the Kids Knit on Tuesdays, we want to offer a time just for teens (middle school and high school students). We will be able to present projects more appropriate to teens. Teens are also welcome on Tuesdays if Wednesdays don’t work for their schedules.

CRAFTS FOR KIDS: Thursdays between 3:30 and 4:30 Crafts for Kids will start up again on January 4. These are 4 week classes. Tuition fees are $20 and families are asked to purchase all materials at Millicent’s Yarns and More. Winter/Spring 2007 topics are:

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 8:00 on Wednesday evenings. $2.00

Millicent’s News

February 2007