Apologies and South Bay info from Spinnity

I am terribly embarrased that I posted yesterday's personal blog entry on the Sorry Bay Area Knitters blog entry. So sorry! I am deleting my useless personal meme and replacing with some information about a couple knitting groups in the South Bay I am involved in.

I am the organizer of the Santa Clara County Knitting Meetup - we meet the first and third Wednesday of every month. First Wednesday: Knitting Arts in Saratoga. Third Wednesday at the Panera in Cupertino. All are welcome.

Another group I belong to is the Knitspiration Knitting Guild which meets the fist Monday of every month at Knitting Arts in Saratoga. We explore a topic at each meeting, educating each other and inviting speakers to help us learn and grow as knitters. The next few meetings are as follows:

• July 16 - Knit a modular scarf... why not a red one? (Red scarves will be donated to the Red Scarf project
• August 20 - Spinning demonstration. Group members who spin will bring wheels and spindles and fiber so everyone gets a hands on chance to spin
• September 17 - Resize, reknit, recycle. Tips for resizing a finished knit, reusing yarn, and recycling sweaters into felted objects.

Again everyone is welcome at the guild meetings. $12 annual dues will give you access to our Yahoo! group and help defray the costs of teachers who come to present at guild meetings.

Finally, this is a list I have put together of South Bay knitting groups I know about. If you have updated information about any of these or information about other public knitting groups, please let me know at : spinnity-at-yahoo-com.

Second Annual Knitting Retreat & Yarn Swap in San Anselmo

Hi All,

I'd like to announce to everyone the second annual Knitting Retreat and Yarn Swap sponsored by Marin Fiber Arts of San Rafael, CA.

The retreat takes place October 26-28, 2007 on the beautiful grounds of the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo.

There are no formal classes or workshops planned during this retreat; like last year, attendees will spend Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning enjoying eachother's company in a wonderful restored Victorian home, knitting the hours away (and dining on some really good food).

Last year's retreat was a great success - I hope some of you can make it!

For more information, click here:

http://marinfiberarts.com/retreat_2007.html

Thanks for reading,

Warren
Marin Fiber Arts
A Local Yarn Store in San Rafael
www.marinfiberarts.com
415.459.4600

Luckiest Day Sale at Nine Rubies Knitting

July 7th is a hugely popular day to get married this year. We don’t want to marry you, but we do want you to come to our Luckiest Day of the Year Sale! You’ve got a couple of weeks to think about all the garments you’ll want to knit this fall or the scarves you’ll be giving as holiday gifts or the felted bag you’re dying to make. Maybe you’re just looking for a good opportunity to enhance your stash? We’re here to help!

All merchandise in the store will be 15% off its original price. Sales merchandise will be an additional 10% off. As always members will get an additional 5% discount. Store members can also shop during the week before (starting Monday, July 2nd) and avoid the rush (and get the best selection). We will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, so plan accordingly. We will not be having Social Knitting night on July 4th either, so if you would like to come in on the Thursday, July 5th for late night knitting, please let us know.

*Classes and gift certificates are not eligible for discounts.

*Returns only with receipts.

*Unfortunately, we won’t be able to wind your yarn on sale day. We will be happy to wind it for you on another day.

Nine Rubies Knitting is located at 28 E. 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo. Summer hours: M-F, 11-7, Sat-Sun, 10-5. Please call with any questions, 650-685-6205

MeetUp in San Francisco this Thursday

Dolores Park - June 14th

Photo courtesy of Dolores Park Movie.

Bay Area Meet-up - June 14th, 2007.

Who's Invited: Creative Types & their friends.

When: June 14th, 2007. Music begins at 8pm, movie at 9pm.

Where: Dolores Park in San Francisco's Castro/Mission neighborhood.

What the Heck Are You Talking About?: It's movie night in the park! A giant outdoor screen is set up & a movie is shown during certain nights in the summer. It's a big ol' community thing, where peeps come out, lay down a blanket, chow down on some summer-time pic-nic food and hang out with their friends. You can find more info here.

What to Bring: (all optional) A snack to share. The movie starts pretty late, so if you've already eaten dinner, them maybe some sweet snacks to share. Or chow mien...beverages...a 6-pack, maybe? Or just some popcorn and hot tamales. It's really up to you and what you might want to share. Some people (like me!) eat dinner late, so those people can bring dinner foods. Others, eat dinner early (like Marisol!), so those people can bring snacks & drinks.

A blanket might make you more comfortable, and of course, a crafty project of your choice. Those glow-in-the-dark knitting needles you've been dieing to use?

There Are So Many People, How Will I Find You?: Well, besides spotting the group of friendly, crafty peeps, we'll have a flag up. We'll post a photo of the flag a few days before so you know where to find us.

Do I need to RSVP?: Nah, but it would be nice to have an idea of who's coming out so we can keep an eye out for you. A simple note here in the comments is enough, that way, we'll have your email address if anything changes last minute. If you know what you might bring, include that in the comments too.

For questions, contact:

Cristina at knottieknitter [at] hotmail [DOT] com

or

Marisol at marisol_molina [at] intuit [DOT] com

Or drop us a comment at this MeetUp page that Christina set up at her site.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Sock Yarn 25% off at Marin Fiber Arts

All sock yarn is on sale for 25% off the regularly marked price!

Now is the time to plan your travel & vacation knitting... socks make for great summer knitting, and we're helping by putting all sock yarn on sale for 25% off!

The sock yarn special runs until this Sunday, June 17th.

Marin Fiber Arts
1026 Court Street (San Rafael City Plaza)
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.459.4600
www.marinfiberarts.com.
marinfiberarts.blogspot.com

WWKIP in Los Altos

Grab your favorite knit or crochet project and join with us for the 3rd Annual World Wide Knit in Public event. The closest event to Full Thread Ahead is being held at the Plaza on the intersection of State and Main Streets from 10am - 2pm on Saturday, June 9th.

You are also welcome to join us afterwards for a knit-in at the store. Your reward for joining us? We'll be handing out coupons worth 20% off all regular priced items (Full Toes Ahead Club not eligible) through June 17.

Can't join us? Then come in or email us a picture of yourself KIP (even at another event) and we'll get you your own 20% off coupon to use in the store or online. Good through June 17.

Meet up at Nine Rubies before Maker Faire

The Maker Faire is happening this weekend (May 19th and 20th) at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds - it’s a fun event - a unique combination of do-it-yourself craft projects, robot-building and so much more. Your kids and family will love you for taking them there.

On Sunday, the 20th at 10:30 am, a group of knitters (yes, knitting is part of the Maker Faire) will be meeting up at the store to knit and chat and then some of them will head over to the event.

Come join Nicole and Jenny, the girls behind the podcast called Stash and Burn - they have invited their listeners here that day. We’re looking forward to meeting the entertaining duo.

Nine Rubies Knitting is located at 28 E. 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo. Call us at 650-685-6205 with any questions. There is street parking or a parking structure around the corner on 2nd and El Camino. Parking is free on Sundays.

Knit In Public Day Celebrated in San Rafael

Marin Fiber Arts in San Rafael is hosting an event to celebrate World Wide Knit In Public Day in downtown San Rafael at the San Rafael City Plaza. The event takes place at 12:00 noon on Saturday June 9th, which just so happens to coincide nicely with San Rafael's Italian Street Painting Festival! Lots to see and do. Come out and show everyone how cool knitting and crocheting can be! The city plaza has many wooden & concrete benches along the walls, and there are plenty of food options.

The official link to the event is here: WWKIP in San Rafael

Marin Fiber Arts is located at 1026 Court Street in downtown San Rafael. Call 415.459.4600 for questions.

Lily Chin Coming to Nine Rubies Knitting in June

Nine Rubies Knitting will be welcoming Lily Chin, one of the nation’s most renowned knitters, for a series of workshops on Monday, June 18th and Tuesday, June 19th. We’ve planned a jam-packed series of events with Lily. The schedule and pricing information is below. You can get additional class descriptions and the homework assignments (!!) when you register.

Monday, June 18th,
3-5 pm: Book signing, trunk show, reception - Lily will be talking about her line of yarn - the Lily Chin Signature Line and her patterns that support these yarns.
6-9 pm: Short Row Shaping - (intermediate skill level): this technique allows you to create smooth curves and lines in knitting. Techniques that will be taught include horizontal bust darts, seamless hat on 2 needles instead of 4, a sock heel…


Tuesday, June 19th
9 am – 12 pm: Tips and Tricks - this great class will make your knitting life easier and better. Learn to cast on in a 2-tail method without ever running out of the 2nd tail! Learn from a master knitter, her invaluable tips and techniques.

1:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Reversible Cables - Learn how cables work, which stitches, yarns and needles are ideal for reversible cables. You’ll also learn how to chart them so you’ll know what you’ll be getting beforehand. (some cable experience required)

All sessions are priced at $65 each. Be sure to let us know if you are a store member - your membership discount applies. We anticipate high demand for these classes and have limited space. Please call the store (650-685-6205) or stop by to register. That is the only way to guarantee your spot. Our store address is 28 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo. We are open 10 am - 7 pm, 7 days a week.

Upcoming Events at Full Thread Ahead

Purls Forever Book Signing and Trunk Show- Sunday March 18 2pm

Jonelle Raffino, founder and chief designer, for SWTC has published her first book, Purls Forever and is coming by to share her secrets for creating natural fibers.

She'll be bringing new spring designs for soy, corn, and bamboo fibers ideal for the Bay area climate.

Join us for a fun romp through the fiber garden. Please RSVP by emailing info@fullthreadahead.com or calling the store to make sure we have enough seats for everyone. See you there. And since this is Full Thread Ahead, you know there'll be prizes and surprises!

International Knit For Peace Day - Wednesday, March 21 11am-6pm
No matter what your political affiliation, your economic status, or position on world events, the one common theme we all share is a wish for peace. This year we'll be spending the day, from 11am to 6pm working on our warm woolies projects and projecting peace. Please join us.

WWKIP Day 2007

Once again, Danielle has taken it upon herself to organize World-Wide Knit In Public Day.

Last year, I organized San Francisco's meetup, and had a really good time. There was a good turnout, and since it took place in Union Square, gave the public an eyeful. I hope even more will come to the event this year, and for those of you who don't live in San Francisco, you may want to organize a meetup in your town.

It may seem as though February is a bit early to start talking about this, but now is the time to scout out a great location. Cafes and parks are ideal (and abundant), and you want to take weather into consideration.

This year, it's on June 9th, which is the second Saturday in June (same as last year).

For more info on becoming an organizer, and to check out all the cool places the event was held last year, you'll want to go to the WWKIP Day website.

Nancy Bush Workshop at Nine Rubies Knitting

We are honored and delighted that renowned author Nancy Bush will be coming to Nine Rubies Knitting. She will be teaching her popular 6-hour workshop based on her book Knitting Vintage Socks . This class sold out in hours at Stitches West.

You’ll make a sampler in this class, using techniques adapted from Nancy’s new book including a very interesting heel and toe shaping not commonly used today. Students should have intermediate knitting skills and be familiar with using double point needles. Prior sock knitting experience preferred.



Here are the details:

Date: Monday, February 26th
Time: 9 am – 3 pm (with ½ hour break for lunch, which will be provided)
Cost: $115 (10% discount to store members)

We anticipate high demand for this class and have limited space. Please call the store (650-685-6205) or stop by to register. That is the only way to guarantee your spot. Our store address is 28 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo. We are open 10 am - 7 pm, 7 days a week.

If you are unable to attend the workshop, stop by our booth at Stitches (# 804, 806). Nancy will be signing books from 12:30-1 pm on Saturday, February 24th. Knitting Vintage Socks will be available for purchase at the booth or at the store.

Reporter looking for Jewish Crafters

Hi there,

I got an email from Stacey Palevsky a staff writer with the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California. She is looking to talk to Jewish crafters (crochet,knit, sew, etc.) for a piece.

To get in touch with her call her at 415-263-7200 ext. 28 or email: Stacey@jweekly.com.

Cheers,

Suzie
www.thepurlygates.net

Marin Fiber Arts Holiday Events!

There is a lot going on at Marin Fiber Arts as we are getting well into the Holiday Season. Many of you knitters out there are still searching for "that perfect gift" for friends and family, so why not give them something hand-made? To help manage the holidays, there are several specials happening at Marin Fiber Arts that are available through the end of the year:

Clearance Shelf!! Right now the entire Bollicine line as well as some Cascade yarns are on sale at 50%.

Last-minute holiday gift classes FREE of charge. On December 2 and 9 (both Saturdays) there will be a short series of free classes on getting together holiday gifts. Topics include: Modular Felted Coaster, Multi-directional Scarf, Star Ornament, Modular Circular Stuffed Ball Ornament, and Keyhole Scarf. Classes are taking place throughout the day and last approximately 1-1.5 hours. All you have to do to participate is buy the materials that you will be using.

A Jo Sharp trunk Show will be taking place Thursday November 30- Tuesday December 12. Many beautiful garments featured in Jo Sharp's new book "Knit" Vol.1 will be on display, from cardigans to pullovers, featuring two new yarns for fall: Alpaca Silk Georgette and Alpaca Kid Lustre. During the trunk show, all Jo Sharp yarns will be on SALE for 15% off!

Cash for Stash is still happening! Clean out your stash, bring it in and Marin Fiber Arts will donate it to charity. In exchange for every pound of yarn you bring in, you get a $5 store credit. It doesn't matter what kind fo yarn it is, as long as it is clean and wound into balls/hanks/skeins.

All of these events (unless otherwise noted) are running until the end of the year! And as always, Thursday nights the store is open late for the knit night. Come in, bring a project, and knit with us!

Marin Fiber Arts is located at:
1026 Court Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 459-4600
http://www.marinfiberarts.com/

Full Thread Ahead Anniversary Sale

From Friday, November 17th and to Sunday, November 19th, everything in the store is 20% off. More details on the store blog

Please remember our seasonal hours through Christmas:

• Monday 11am - 9pm
• Tuesday 11am - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm
• Thursday 11am - 8pm
• Friday 11am - 9pm (Open until 10pm on LACY Dance nights)
• Saturday/Sunday 11am - 5pm

We're adding Fridays to open knit nights, but as always you're welcome any time the store is open to come and knit with us.

Full Thread Ahead
169 Main Street
Los Altos, CA 94022

(650) 948-9036
(888) Go-Knit1

Marin Fiber Arts: Stash for Cash!

The holiday season is fast approaching and that means coming up with cash for gifts for friends and family. If you plan on knitting gifts, or just want to endulge in buying yourself a gift of knitting goodies, but have that much too common oversized stash of yarn you may never use, have no fear. Marin Fiber Arts in San Rafael is having a Stash for Cash event than runs through December 31, 2006.
Clean out your stash by bringing in all your unwanted yarn... doesn't matter what kind; it can be dime-store acrylic from 25 years ago to novelty yarn you bought last year on sale but just don't like. The yarn will be donated to local schools and charities, so while you are narrowing your unwanted yarn stash and getting great deals on new yarns, children and those in need are also benefiting from your generosity!
For every pound of yarn you bring in, you will receive a $5 credit towards your purchase. Bring in 5 pounds, and you get a $25 credit! Your credit must be redeemed on the day you bring in your yarn, and the credit can be applied towards the purchase of anything in the store with the exception of class fees.
Thank you for your holiday support, and happy knitting!

Marin Fiber Arts is located at:
1026 Court Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 459-4600
http://www.marinfiberarts.com/

Another Great Event at Nine Rubies Knitting

Just one week after our book signing with The Dominitrix, Jennifer Stafford (http://ninerubies.com/knitting/blog/whip-your-knitting-into-shape), we will be joined by the co-author of one of the most talked about knitting books of the fall. Yarn store owner Mel Clark has co-written a wonderfully witty book called Knit 2 Together with the gifted actress Tracey Ullman. The book is filled with fun and wearable projects such as a shrug, a cardigan and a darling baby cape. Mel will be here for a book signing, trunk show and Q&A session on Sunday, December 3rd, from 2-5 pm. Mel will talk about her experiences as a yarn store owner and author, and how she and Tracey came upon the idea of working on a book together.

In order to get a sense of the quantities we need to order, we’re asking that you pre-order the book if you will be coming to the signing (or if you just want a copy). Please stop by the store or call us if you are interested. We’ll have extra copies of the book at the event if you don’t want to pre-order. Of course, you are more than welcome to come to the event even if you don’t order the book J.

Nine Rubies Knitting is located in downtown San Mateo at 28 E. 3rd Avenue, just east of El Camino. There is street parking as well as a parking structure located around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The store phone number is 650-685-6205. Hope to see you there.

Yarn! last day is November 18th

Yarn! on Santa Clara Ave. in Alameda, is going out of business. Stock is depleted but everything left is 40% off.

Last day open is November 18th.

Whip Your Knitting into Shape at Nine Rubies

Nine Rubies is delighted to announce that The Domiknitrix AKA Jennifer Stafford, will be coming to Nine Rubies on Saturday, November 25th from 3-7 pm. Nine Rubies is honored to be her first book signing event.

Jennifer has a unique, fun and funky approach to knitting. The book teaches the basics of knitting, purling and finishing, but Jennifer’s real talent is apparent in the more than 20 great patterns. She is the most adventurous knitter - hates those seams and will do anything to avoid them altogether. Her designs are very San Francisco hip - parents and teenagers are going to argue over who’s wearing this look. And you’re going to love making them…

In order to get a sense of the quantities we need to order, we’re asking that you pre-order the book if you will be coming to the signing (or if you just want a copy). Please stop by the store or call us if you are interested. We’ll have extra copies of the book at the event if you don’t want to pre-order. Of course, you are more than welcome to come to the event even if you don’t order the book - Jennifer would be happy to help you boss your yarn around.

The store is located in downtown San Mateo at 28 E. 3rd Avenue, just east of El Camino. There is street parking as well as a parking structure located around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The store phone number is 650-685-6205. Hope to see you there.

Ann Norling at Nine Rubies Knitting this Wednesday

We are delighted that the popular knitwear designer Ann Norling will be appearing at Nine Rubies Knitting this Wednesday, October 25th from 6-8 pm. Ann will talking about one of her latest patterns “The Perfect Tee” - which is all about knitting up the perfect Tee sweater for anyone, in any yarn, with or without sleeves. She'll also be showing some of her beautiful patterns knitted up.

On the occasion of the Ann’s visit to the store, we will be providing 15% off on all Crystal Palace Yarns. We will also be taking special orders on any Crystal Palace yarns ordered by you, even if we do not carry that specific yarn.

Nine Rubies Knitting is located at 28 E. 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo. Parking is available on the street, or around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The phone number is 650-685-6205.