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

MEN’S KNITTING GROUP

We have had so many men coming into the shop this winter, asking about knitting. Usually shy, uncertain about encroaching upon what might be considered a woman’s domain, men come in and out of the shop very quickly. But, my hope is that if they knit together, they will begin to enjoy knitting for the creative and restful act it is and learn to love hanging out at Millicent’s. And so, by popular demand, we are starting a new knitting group called Knitting With Balls, For Men and One Lady.

Men cite a number of reasons for knitting: trying to quit smoking is one I’ve heard, needing to lower blood pressure, curiosity about the endless array of goodies one can create with knitting, using knitting as an art form, or seeking an activity that leads away from today’s crazed schedules and demands.

We will hold our first Knitting With Balls, For Men And One Lady group on Sunday, March 11, from 2:00 to 4:00. We will discuss then how often to meet, what projects are available and fees. My goal is to take each knitter at his own level and help him towards his own goal. Two guys have already said they are coming. We can take as many as 6, or even 8. Beginners are welcome.

WEAVING RETURNS TO MILLICENT’S - Hurrah!

We’re really happy to announce the return of weaving classes to Millicent’s. Mary Mumper, who is an enthusiastic weaver, experienced teacher, and Frostburg University professor of chemistry, will hold a ___ session class using table-top rigid heddle looms. You will learn to warp a simple loom, then create a sample to learn a variety of methods and weaves. Finally you will create a project that can be used as a table runner, scarf, or placemat. Millicent’s has a number of Ashford Looms which can be rented for $20 per week. Any rental fees can be used to purchase the loom at the end of the class. Weaving is an intriguing and ancient skill. Try it out!

BETH BROWN-REINSEL WORKSHOP

We have had a good response to the upcoming workshop by nationally reknowned teacher and author of books on knitting history and technique, Beth Brown-Reinsel. We have knitters joining us from Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. I want to encourage and invite local knitters to join us too. It is a rare opportunity to learn from an expert. Those of you who have knitted Christmas stockings or patterned hats, or who have worked with double pointed needles have the skills to be in this class. But most important, Beth is known for welcoming all levels of students and helping them build skills.

The fee for the two-day workshop is $200. It is $75 more than Beth’s fee three years ago when she gave her first workshop at Millicent’s. But she is quite frank about her fears for her for retirement years, as she has worked as a knitting teacher, pattern designer and author throughout her working years and has no institutional retirement plan to fall back upon. So, what am I saying? Frankly, our fees have had to rise because of her need to increase her fee.

BUT, for this fee you receive 12 hours of expert instruction (that’s less than $10 per hour!), a free 18 page booklet of pattern and history, yarn for your workshop project, luncheon and snacks both days of the workshop, and memories to last a lifetime! Call me soon.

Beth’s workshop will be held April 14 and 15. Millicent’s will be closed to customers both days.

MAY WORKSHOP: CONTINUOUS THREAD WEAVING

Great joy! Carol Leigh with her knowledge about continuous thread weaving is returning to Millicent’s for a three-day workshop. We had a wonderful time last summer learning about this method of weaving on triangular, square and rectangular looms. Carol Leigh and her husband travel from their home/shop/workshop/teaching studio to Maryland to show at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Show, which is held on the first weekend in May yearly. She will be coming to Millicent’s on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday following the Show (May 9, 10, 11). The continuous thread weaving is yet another ancient craft (some think it goes back to the Vikings) that has come back to tground us in our busy, frantic world. I’ve yet to see someone who has tried this and not fallen in love with what they can create anew with yarn. Please call me about details!

SAD NEWS FOR AREA KNITTER

A highly experienced knitter from our area lost her home to a fire this winter. She is very positive about the experience – trying to think about it less as a loss, but as an opening of new possibilities. Her family and young children are safe, and that is most important. BUT, she lost all her needles and her large stash of yarns!! Because of the experience of this knitter, she uses high quality needles and yarns and replacement costs will be prohibitively high.

We would like to ask knitters who can to donate needles (Clover or Addi Turbos) and high quality yarns to create a community gift for our burnt out knitter. You might want to donate a gift certificate to Millicent’s for $5 or $10 or $15. Or look at your stash, pull out one of your more magnificent yarns and contribute to our gift. Millicent’s will collect items and ensure that are received. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

WHAT DOES “WORSTED” MEAN?

I get asked this a lot! Worsted is a confusing term because it is ued in two entirely different ways. Most frequently you’ll see references to “worsted weight” yarn or “knitting worsted,” the yarn weight most frequently used by knitters. It nits up to 5 stitches per inch. The other meaning of worsted refers to the way wool fiber is spun. Worsted-preparation yarns are very even, smooth surfaced yarns that wear well. In a knitting context, worsted almost always refers to the thickness of the yarn, whether it is a worsted preparation or not. (Info from “The Knitting Answer Book” by Margaret Radcliffe, Storey Publishing)

TEENS KNIT

Our newest knitting group for kids is Teens Knit, which meets Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30. Teens learn fast and are especially enthusiastic knitters. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to attend.

Spring yarns are coming in. Look for them all this month!

Afghan Knitters meet Sunday, March 4 or Wednesday, March 7.

Plan in advance!

Millicent’s will be closed from April 14 through May 2.

We will reopen on Thursday, May 3rd to the 8th,

and then close again for a workshop on May 9, 10, and 11.

Happy Knitting and Crocheting

Millicent’s News

March 2007