Winter 2013 Class Schedule is Up!

Our Winter 2013 class schedule is up and available for browsing on our website here. We're featuring a  bunch of great new project classes (Wispy Wristees or Inspira Cowl, anyone?) as well as classics like Socks 101, Finishing Made Easy, and Correcting Mistakes.

Pick up some new skills, finish a cool new project, meet some new friends! These classes fill up fast -  call the store at 215-242-1271 to reserve your spot.

Holiday Hours At The Web!

Happy holidays from all of us here at The Tangled Web!

We'll be open Sunday, 12/23, from 12-5pm, closed Monday 12/24, closed Tuesday, 12/25, and will re-open on Wednesday 12/26 from 10am - 6pm (time to use all those gift cards you received!).

We'll be open Sunday, 12/30, from 12-5pm, closed Monday 12/31, closed Tuesday, 1/1, and back open again on Wednesday, 1/2, from 10am - 6pm.

Garter Stitch Glove Class Coming up Sunday

Have you ever wanted to knit a pair of gloves but were scared off by the thoughts of double-pointed needles and those little finger tubes? Fear no more! Take our Garter Stitch Glove class - they're knit flat, all in garter stitch. They're beautiful and they fit great!

Call the store at 215-242-1271 to sign up. We're meeting this Sunday, December 23 from 9am - 12pm. Cost is $30.

Support Philabundance By Making A Mitten for our Mitten Garland!

We love the Smitten Mitten Garland! This year, we're gathering mittens knit by our customers to add to our garland. For each mitten you make and donate to our garland, we will donate $1 to Philabundance and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a lovely holiday prize. We're accepting mitten donations through December 30.

The designer of the Smitten Mitten Garland, Emily Ivey, has graciously allowed us to publish it here, so you can get going on your wee mitten! The mitten is knit with worsted weight yarn, so it goes really quickly and can use up all those smidges of yarn you have leftover from other projects. (Hint - the thumb is knit flat and sewn up, so there's no kooky fiddling with double-points on 10 sts!)

Smitten Mitten Pattern

Materials #5 double points or 29” circular (for Magic Loop
Worsted weight yarn Gauge 5 sts /1” yields mittens that are approximately 4.5” from fingertip to cuff.

Note: M1- lift the strand between the stitches from front to back with the LH needle and knit through the back loop

Cast on 3 stitches leaving a 6" tail, work I-cord (see below for explanation) on these three stitches for 3" (about 18 rows). With a knitted cast-on, cast on 21 more stitches for a total of 24. Arrange stitches evenly on three double pointed needles and join to work in the round. (8-8-8) or (14-14 for Magic Loop) Rounds begin and end opposite the thumb.

Rounds 1-8: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end of round (8 rounds of ribbing) Switch to stockinette and begin the body of the mitten
Round 9: K3, M1, K6, M1, K6, M1, K6, M1, K3 (28 sts)
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: K12, M1, K4, M1, K12 (30 sts)
Rounds 12-15: Knit (4 rounds)
Round 16: K12, M1, K6, M1, K12 (32 sts)
Rounds 17-19: Knit (3 rounds)
Round 20: K12, M1, K8, M1, K12 (34 sts)
Rounds 21-22 Knit (2 rounds)
Round 23: K12 and move them onto needle 1, K10, move the remaining 2 stitches on needle 2 onto needle 3 for safe keeping (12-10-12)

Work back and forth on the 10 stitches on needle 2 to make the thumb.
Row 1 (WS): Purl
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: Purl 2 together 5 times
Break yarn, leaving a 6" tail. Draw the tail through the live stitches of the thumb, pull up and secure. The tail will be used to sew up the side of the thumb when finishing.

Continue Round 23 by attaching the yarn at the beginning of needle three and knitting all of the stitches on it. Rearrange stitches evenly on three needles and mark start of round if needed. (8-8-8) (14-14 for ML)
Round 24-30: Knit (7 rounds)
Round 31: SSK twice, K6, K2TOG, SSK, K6, K2TOG twice (18 sts)
 Round 32: Knit
Round 33: *Knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (9 sts)

Break yarn, draw tail through the remaining stitches, pull up and secure. Hide tail inside. Using the tail on the thumb, sew up the side of the thumb. Fold the end of the I-cord to the mitten cuff and sew in place with the cast-on tail to form a loop for hanging. Weave in (or hide) all yarn ends.

I-Cord 
1. Cast on 3 sts
2. Knit one row
3. DO NOT TURN THE WORK. Slip your work to the other end of your double-pointed needle or circular needle. Your working yarn will be coming from the left end of your work.
4. Pull the working yarn firmly along the back of your work and knit the next row.
5. Repeat 3. and 4. until you have I-cord of the desired length

Class Samples! Sparkly Cable Bracelet

Every six months or so, I have the distinct pleasure of coming up with the next round of classes. Sometimes I pick projects that I've worked on recently; sometimes it's a popular project on Ravelry that people have asked for; and sometimes I pick the class because a beautiful yarn comes into the store that I fall in love with.

That was the case with the Sparkly Cable Bracelet class, which will be on Saturday, September 16 from 9am-12pm.  Full disclosure: I am a complete SUCKER for sparkly. Whenever a sparkly yarn comes in to the store, I swoon. That was the case with Katia Gatsby, which first came in last year.

I wanted to make a project out of Gatsby and I also wanted a kickoff for our Jewelry Box Series, which is running all through the fall. I looked at Ravelry (the best source for inspiration!) and found a pattern which was perfect.

Here's the Sparkly Cable Bracelet:

I'm more sparkly in person!

One big cable knit in a soft sparkling yarn. Easy and great looking. We have Gatsby in tons of colors and beautiful neutrals as well. One ball makes multiple bracelets - perfect for teens, teacher gifts, or a nice gift for yourself!

Call the store at 215-242-1271 to sign up. 

Tech Savvy Knitter Wanted at The Tangled Web

We are looking for a creative, high energy, fun person with strong leadership and customer service skills.  The primary objective of the position is to provide ongoing technical support for the Shop’s website and social media, as well as, sales and customer service. This is a part time position with the possibility of becoming full time in the future. 

Please do not contact the shop directly. Email a copy of your resume with contact information to:  contact@tangledwebb.com

Position requirements:

Must be a proficient knitter.

Knowledge of crochet and needlepoint is a plus.

Prior Sales experience a plus.

Ability and willingness to teach private lessons.

Self starting, motivated, outgoing personality.

Computer/social media experience is a must.

Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays.

Job Description: Tech

Review and update the Tangled Web website for content: Ensure that the Shop’s product listings of yarns, needles, patterns, etc. are up-to-date, complete and accurate Update the News from the Blog weekly  Ensure that the Shop’s contact information & hours are current Upload information on upcoming classes and special events Make recommendations for improvements to the website, with the goal of increasing sales Maintain all links to the current social media Facebook Twitter You-Tube Shop’s Blog Ravelry Google Pages and Yelp Keep abreast of changes in the industry, and make recommendations to the Shop’s Owner & Manager for revisions to the website & social media Monitor the website statistics and make recommendations for utilizing this information to increase Shop traffic & sales, both in-store and on-line Assist Shop Owner and Manager with technical issues around the website, e-mail and other applications

Job Description: Sales

• Staff the front desk of the Shop, including:
  • Update customer database
  • Ring up sales on the cash register
  • Answer customer questions and provide assistance
  • Answer the phone
  • Schedule customers for classes
  • Offer suggestions for additional supplies
  • Complete Frequent Buyers Cards
• Provide sales support by assisting customers with selections of yarn, needles, etc.
• Assist customers with quick knitting problems on their projects
• Provide back-up support for other employees, including:
  • Serve as back-up teacher for private lessons
  • Help set-up front window & internal displays
  • Assist with pricing items & stocking shelves

Olympic Fever

We are very excited about the upcoming summer games in London. So excited, in fact, that we have decided to host our very own Knitting Olympics right here at The Tangled Web. Here's the skinny.

The Basics:
Start the project on Friday, July 27.
Complete the project on or before Friday, August 10.

The Project:
Gold Medal: A project of our choosing that will be announced in our July e-letter. Winners of the Gold Medal Race will receive a voucher worth 30% off a future purchase.

Silver Medal: A project of our choosing that will be announced in our July e-letter. Winners of the Silver Medal Race will receive a voucher worth 20% off a future purchase.

Bronze Medal: You choose the project. Winners of the Bronze Medal Race and will receive a voucher worth 10% off a future purchase.

Rules:
You must register at the shop with empty needles on or after Friday, July 27. We will be open until 7 p.m. on the 27th for those who want to get started. Don't worry, Opening Ceremonies don't begin until 7:30 p.m.

You must return with your finished piece on or before Friday, August 10 to receive your prize. We will be open until 8 p.m. on the 10th so that you can show off your finished pieces and claim your prize.

Would you like to help us choose a project for the Gold and Silver Medal races? Email me at contact@tangledwebb.com with your suggestions and if we choose your idea you'll receive an extra 5% off savings voucher.

This is so exciting!!

Celebrate Spring with Cotton

Have some fun this spring knitting with one of our favorite cotton yarns, TyDy by Knit One, Crochet Too. Come in and check out all the fabulous TyDy models that we have on display (including April's Project of the Month) and get knitting for summer.

Wool Leaves Blanket Class January 15!

My son's beloved 3rd grade teacher, Felix, and his wife welcomed a baby last fall. As a knitter, of course, this presented me with a golden opportunity to choose from that most beloved of categories, the knitted baby present!

I happily pored over tiny cardigans and teeny baby bootees patterns, but ultimately decided on a baby blanket. Fortunately, my favorite designer, Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed, had a terrific baby blanket pattern on his website, the Wool Leaves, that was neither saccharine nor too babyish.

 

And (bonus!) it was knit in chunky weight on big needles. The chunky lace pattern was easy and fun. This turned out to be one of my favorite baby gifts ever.

Here's my version (Encore Chunky with a single crocheted border):

Join me on Sunday, January 15 from 10am - 12pm (2nd session Sunday, January 29 from 10am - 12pm) as I teach this project class. The two sessions spaced apart will give you plenty of time to get this quick, elegant project done. Cost is $45 - space is limited - call the store at 215-242-1271 to sign up today!!

Traditional Icelandic Knitting

Ragga Eiriksdotti Teaches

THE LITTLE LOPAPEYSA

Class level: advanced beginner

January 17, 2012

11:00 - 5:00

$100.00

We are so excited to have Ragga back at The Tangled Web. Ragga last visited us in June while she was visiting from Iceland and we were fortunate enough to have her teach a steeking class for us.

In this class Ragga shares her knowledge about Icelandic wool and the classic and popular patterned yoke sweater that symbolizes Icelandic knitting in many knitters’ mind, the Lopapeysa.

The class consists of practical information about lopi knitting and the knitting of a tiny classic Lopapeysa containing all the elements of a full sized one. Through knitting the miniature version participants will learn techniques necessary to knit a Lopapeysa of any size. Participants receive written instructions containing a pattern for a tiny Lopapeysa and various tips and tricks about Lopi knitting.

During the class Ragga tells the participants about the Icelandic knitting heritage and how Icelanders have truly been a nation of knitters for centuries.

Techniques covered: German twisted cast on, invisible rib increases, working in the round with the magic loop method or DPN’s, combining sleeves and body for the yoke, stranded knitting of the yoke pattern, yarn management for stranded knitting, decreases in yoke pattern, loose cast off for neckline and steeking.

Refreshments will be provided.

A Taste of Britain

A little taste of Britain is coming to The Tangled Web.

Come Have Tea with Jenny Watson
Designer, Author and Instructor

Tuesday
October, 25, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please call to RSVP 215-242-1271

Spend the morning at The Tangled Web with one of the industries top designers.

Jenny Watson has worked in the hand knitting industry for over twenty years and has worked as Chief Designer for Sirdar, Emu, Robin and Studley. In more recent years she has worked as a freelance designer for Noro, Queensland and Arucania. Living in a small Yorkshire (England) spa town of Ilkley, she is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, heart of the hand knitting industry, which is a constant inspiration to her.

During her visit she will discuss her background and how she came to be in the industry of knitting. Find out what inspires her and the thought process involved in the compilation of knitting patterns, as well as the ins and outs of publishing, from design to photography and book completion.

Later in the session there will be some hands on work while Jenny demonstrates her favorite knitting tips and techniques. Lots of knitted garments from her latest Noro book "City Girls" will be on hand to inspire you. This event is free but registration is required. Please contact the shop to reserve your seat.

Join Us for A Year of Fun!

Ysolda Teague’s “Whimsical Little Knits 2” is one of the most charming collections of patterns that we’ve seen in a long time. We love these smaller, pretty, fun projects! Join Diana as she works through all 12 projects in the book over the next 12 months.

We’ll gather one Wednesday a month to see our newest project, talk about recent projects, get guidance and generally have a lot of fun. At the end of the year, you’ll have 12 beautiful projects finished to give as great gifts or keep for yourself, though knitting all 12 is optional - we're all about lowkey and fun here! Knit as many as you like!

Price includes the fabulous book, refreshments, guidance, test knitter notes, and good company.  Please note that Tangled Web Knit-Alongs are not classes; they're a group of folks working on the same project with the help, guidance and encouragement of all the other participants. We'll be here to guide you along the way.
                           

12 sessions: $125.00

Wednesday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Our first project, starting this Wednesday, September 21, is the marvelous Damson Shawl pictured here:

 

Call the store at 215-242-1271 to sign up. Pictures of all 12 finished projects can be seen here. We also have samples at the store. Hope you can join us for the fun!

Juniper Moon Comes to the Web

Book Signing

Wine and Cheese Event

This fall we are thrilled to announce that we will be stocking the "Juniper Moon" line of commercial yarns and that the founder of Juniper Moon, Susan Gibbs, will be at the shop on September 23, 2011. She will be talking to us about how she got started as a shepherd and the inspiration behind her her new line of luxury yarns. We will have lots of yarn and pattern books available and Susan is bringing lots of samples garments for us to try.

Come join us for this great event. Space is limited so get your ticket today.

Here is a little excerpt from her website on how she got started.

"Not so long ago, I left my job as a network news producer in New York City in search of a “more authentic life.” I was pretentious enough to actually use those words. Out loud. To strangers.

A few months later, a chance encounter with Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep in a California bookstore changed my life in one amazing moment- I was born to be a shepherd. One year and many, many books later, I purchased a farm, five sheep and my first livestock guardian dog. Every day since has been an adventure.

When I’m not working sheep, I can be found dyeing yarn, directing my three new commercial yarn lines (to be released Fall 2011!), and photographing my flock. Spare time is kind of at a premium right now, but when I have some, I like to spend it reading, cooking for the people I love and playing with my dogs."

Come meet Susan Gibbs

Friday, September 23, 2011

5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets $10.00

Our trip to Juniper Moon Farm

My family and I set off on Wednesday to visit Juniper Moon Farm in Palmyra, Virginia. The Tangled Web is stocking their commercial line of exquisite yarns and I wanted to see, first hand, the inspiration behind the product. After 5 hours in the car we finally arrived at our destination and we were not disappointed.

The red barn is currently home to some very large pot belly pigs who were definitely ready for their closeup. Oops, let's not forget about the chickens. A few times a year there are baby lambs in the barn that anyone can view online via the farm's "Lambcam".

Lauren had lots of fun getting to know the livestock guardian dogs, Fettucini, Sabine and Lucy who are there to protect the flock from predators. During the day they play and sleep in the sun but by night they stand guard over the flock, protecting them from wild predators and roaming domestic dogs. Thanks to their hard work, they have never lost a sheep or goat to predators, something very few fiber farms can say.

Here are all the momma sheep.

Lauren and Olivia hold the newest addition to the flock. What a cutie.

Caroline, our gracious host, took time out of her busy schedule to give us a tour of the farm. She certainly has her hands full tending to all of the critters on the farm. Thanks Caroline. We saw sheep, goats, llama, and this very friendly donkey. Check out our photos.

All of the fiber grown on the farm is available for purchase through the Juniper Moon Farm CSA. You can purchase a knitter's share or if you prefer to make your own yarn you can purchase a spinner's share. Find out all the details on their website: www.fiberfarm.com/yarn-csa
Here's a bit of CSA yarn drying after spending some time in an indigo dyebath. So cool!!

Needless to say, it was a long trip and a lot of time spent in the car. Everyone was a little tired and a bit cranky by the time we got home last night but what an adventure. Special thanks again to Caroline for taking the time to show us around. Now we are more excited than ever to have Susan Gibbs, owner of Juniper Moon Farms at The Tangled Web on Friday, September 23. We'll have more on that in just a few days so stay tuned.