Maggie Jackson is coming!

It is our great pleasure to welcome Maggie Jackson of Maggieknits to our store. She’ll be here Oct 2-4 with a fashion show on Friday evening and workshops on Saturday and Sunday. This is your opportunity to learn from one of the most awarded designers of our time. Samples of Maggie’s Knits will be in this week for you to admire and try on as you wish.

Friday night’s Fashion Show will feature Maggie’s creations modeled by some of our knitters. It starts at 6:30, will run about an hour with refreshments. You’ll also have time to try on the garments and talk with Maggie afterwards.

Saturday’s class is “Oh No, Not Another Scarf” where you’ll learn rags, splits, some finishing techniques and more. I can guarantee it’ss be a fun time where you’ll learn lots of new techniques to add to your knitting.

Sunday’s class is “Knot It, Knit It,” the place to work with feathers. leather, yarns and thinking outside the box. Each class is approximately 5 hours with a lunch break, costs $100. including all the supplies you’ll need except needles. They’re a bring your own. I’ll tell you the appropriate sizes when you register.

If you register for both classes, the fee becomes $180. I know it’s a lot, but you’ll be learning lots from a Master Knitter who has a well developed imagination when it comes to knitting. She’s also a great storyteller and tons of fun, absolutely delightful. It will be one of the best learning experiences you’ll have.

All knitting guild members are welcome and will get 10% discount with a current membership card.

You can now also find me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ribsinc.

I look forward to seeing you there!

It’s Showtime, Folks!

As the days get shorter, we look for things to do in the longer evenings, and that’s where knitting comes in. To warm your spirit, and get your fingers itching to knit, come see, and feel, the magnificent yarns at the Great Adirondack Trunk Show.

Trunk Shows originated long ago, in the horse and buggy days, as a way for manufacturers to get their goods out into the far flung marketplace. So, they would send out trunkloads of dresses, pants, pots and pans, you name it practically, and it went out in a trunk.

Nowadays, with the marvels of modern science, cars, planes and trains, we still ship stuff from here to there, usually in cardboard boxes. The purpose of a trunk show today is to show a fuller array of yarns, colors and textures than I usually carry.

With that said, we have gotten in 5 huge cartons of yarns from one of your favorites, Great Adirondack. To give you an idea of the magnitude, that’s over 500 skeins of yarn in many colors, textures, with sequins, holo hoops, plain and fancy. It is really a feast for the senses. I can’t wait to get my fingers going with some of the yarns and the patterns. There are also kits for sweaters and shawls, where the picking of yarns is done for you. You’ll have the right amount to make the project in the colorway you choose.

And did I mention the scarves that just came in? Great for holiday or any gift-giving. These are double layer of sheer silk with threads going through as the middle layer. Hand woven and unusual.

                                      And some selections from our            Bragging Corner which showcases finished projects from our regular knitters.

This is Leslie’s poncho, and this is Myrna in her hat and sweater

They’re Coming, they’re coming! They’re Here!

Thanks for making the Summer Sale such a huge success. We have made room for all the fabulous fall and winter yarns that are on their way here. And…..Koigu is in. So, too, is Debbie Bliss, her magazine and many of her fall yarns, including Como – oh, so soft, worked on a big needle so it goes fast!

For those of you who are not familiar with Koigu, let me introduce you to a merino and merino and silk combination, hand painted by artists in Canada. It’s different from the other hand-dyes. The colors are rich, deep, saturated. The seques from color to color are subtle, different. Even the pastels and the brights. They felt very well for fabulous effects. A felted hat is devine, as is a cape done in many colors. Take a look at their book for some exciting samples of what you can do with the yarn. We also have the individual patterns…exciting, even though it’s mostly the color combinations that take your breath away. They are worked on a small needle, it goes quickly, and you’ll be delighted with the results. Barbara knitted a scarf, 2 skeins, in a wavy pattern. It’s just fabulous!

For news from the fashion show at TNNA in June, subscribe to our newsletter at www.ribbonesqueinc.net. It’s free, comes out when there’s something to say, and of you don’t like it, you can always unsubscribe. The most recent newsletter has photos of some of the hot trends, class info and lots more. I get notified when you sign up, so I can send you a copy.

We’re also gearing up for the holidays and much of the fun stuff (it’s really all fun stuff!) has arrived. We have shopping fish ornaments, new fairies flying in any day now, and spectacular booties to warm your tooties on those cool autumn and winter evenings. I’ve worn mine outside, the purple ones with flowers, of course, very comfortable, but people did stare. So what! I was having a good time, and so were my feet.

Did you ever hear of the Long Island Fair? www.LongIsIandFair.org I hadn’t until I was asked to judge the junior division of hand-made items. First, the fair. it’s been in existence since 1842 and is held each year at the Old Bethpage Restoration in Old Bethpage. Just so happens it’s on right now through Sunday, from 10-5pm. It’s got everything from homemade cakes and cookies, live animals including roosters, cows, sheep and more, old farm implements, food to eat, places to run and play, you get the idea.

The judging…I didn’t really now what to expect, but it sure was a lot of fun. There was macrame, knitted wearables, crocheted throws and bags, wreaths, puppets, marionettes, stenciling and tons more stuff. The age categories went from 5 and under up to 17. I was amazed by the creativity and the level of execution that I saw. It became very difficult to award prizes. If you can, stop in and spend a while. Kids love it, it’s a good old fashioned afternoon of fun. I’m going to try to get there on Sunday. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Oops, time to make the cookies. Actually, not until my birthday in Nov., but I don’t want to spill the beans about that event just yet.

It’s the Ribbonesque Summer Sale

Hi All,

Yep, it’s summer and that means the sale is here. From now until July 12th, everything throughout the store is on sale for 20% off. Yep. storewide! Some things are even more of a sale.

Now is the time to get that knitting bag from Offhand Designs, or other bag you’ve lusted after, jewelry, leathergoods, or the expensive yarn you’ve been dreaming of. There are lots of new pattens from Bergere, Tilli Tomas, Skacel and more. It’s for only what’s on hand and doesn’t apply to special orders, birthday club or prior purchases.

So come early, shop often and enjoy the experience. Reward yourself for being as great as you are.

The mannequins

The Store on Sale

I’ll be open late Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 8 PM during the sale. On July 4th, since so many of you asked, I will be open from 11-4.

See you soon.

Vacations are wonderful

Hi, I’m back from a fabulous time of wandering and relaxing. The wandering was in Italy, mostly the Lake Como region, and the relaxing was onboard ship for 6 glorious days with no cell phones and nothing to do but dream of new stuff to make.

The time in Italy has given me lots of new ideas for new designs and projects. Yes, I know, I have to finish some that I’m working on. I did have time to tear out part of the wrap I’m designing from the Blue Heron yarns. You know, the one with the ruffles knit in? Anyway, I figured out how to make the ruffle in the back to give a softness to the point, and now I’m on the downward stretch to finishing it, again.

As you can see from the photo, Lake Como is absolutely beautiful. I could easily live on the lake. And, no, I didn’t see George Clooney, but I did look for him. Maybe next time.

This is along Lake Como, heading north. Can you see this as an afghan? I can. Shades of green, with some dark browns thrown in for trees. Now all I have to do is figure out a pattern.  

Some fabulous news, Bridgette Reydams, who designs and knits for Great Adirondack Yarns is coming here to teach. Just one day, Saturday June 21, with 2 classes.

Born in Belgium, Bridgette’s been in the US for 35 years. She learned to knit when she was 5 years old. When she grew up, she worked at Wooly Knits for 10 years, refining her techniques and learning design. For the past 10 years, Bridgette has been designing and knitting for the Great Adirondack Yarn Co. that you all know and love. Most of her designs are in Knit and Style; one was in Vogue Knitting, and the picture and pattern are downloadable. She happily tells us, “I love colors, ‘bling-bling’, and new yarns. Sometimes I design around buttons that I like.” (Sounds good to me!) She currently lives in Colorado. You’ll really enjoy meeting, and learning from, her.

The first, from 9am – 1pm will be on finishing. You’ve spent hours knitting a beautiful garment. You will learn the finishing techniques that will make it perfect. This is how the professionals do it: the best techniques for sewing seams; picking up stitches for bands, edging, and necklines; placing and making buttonholes. You’ll practice these techniques on swatches and receive hints on blocking and so much more. If you have an unfinished garment, bring it to class. We’ll work on it and do show and tell.
You will have homework to complete before the class (the homework will be handed out with your registration), so you’ll have something to finish – don’t panic, it will be small and easy to knit. This is open to all levels of knitters.
Total class size is 10. Cost is $65.

The second class 2:00pm – 6:00pm is for more experienced knitters who want to enhance their skills, do a little designing, amend a pattern, and learn different forms of stitches from mitre to freeform. You will need to bring yarns from your stash and needles. No homework for this one. It should be a lot of fun. You’ll learn new and wonderful ways to express your individuality in the projects you make.
Class size is 15. Cost is $65.

Again, as before, class space is limited, so prepaid registration is a must to hold your place.

HOW TO REGISTER: Register by phone at 516-432-8936, or in person.  Full payment is required to hold your space.  Please note that classes are limited in size, so make your reservation early.

CANCELLATION POLICY: You can cancel up to 7 days before the class date and you will receive a store credit.  If you cancel less than 7 days before the class, I cannot issue a store credit unless I can fill your space. Ribbonesque reserves the right to cancel a class.  If we cancel a class you will receive a full refund.

Please Note: We will need a MINIMUM of 5 people registered for EACH class! Without those 10 people we won’t be able to bring her in, and these sessions will be cancelled. (As noted in our policies below, if we have to cancel the class, you will get a full refund.) there are a few places open in each class. Hope to see you here.

A sweet note. All the Bella Cuccina gourmet treats are on sale, now through June 7th. A whopping 20% off. It’s a good time to stock up for your summer entertaining, make it something more special. I’ve eaten, or served, just about all of them, to rave reviews. The tomato pesto left the bowl before I could even get a chip in to dip. And the porcini mushrooms, tossed with some pasta, olive oil and garlic, yummmmmm. Look like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove with no clean up to do.

And finally, in the Bragging Corner, we have Ellen with her exquisite wrap done in Tilli Tomas Pure and Simple and Disco Lights.

 

‘Tis Spring, Hooray!

Time to knit summer shells, sweaters and shawls. And to help you that end, join the little birdies that are flocking to Ribbonesque for the Blue Heron Special Closeout Event. It comes only once a year and it’s here until April 30th, so come early and shop often. It’s 5 cartons of closeouts, special colors, yarns and other delectables at incredible prices. Perfect for knitting or crocheting those summer projects for the hot days and cool nights. We have lots of patterns to help you with that. The new Vogue Knitting and Knit.1 are in with lots of ideas for fun and easy things to make. There’s a lace shawl that’s just gorgeous!

This is the sweater that Barbara’s making…

I mentioned in the most recent newsletter the review of the studio written by the Long Island chapter of The Knitting Guild, and if I can do it right, here it is: woolly_news1 Let me know if it works. If not, I’ll try to have a link put in on my website.

It’s Coming…..It’s Here

denisedressfrontdenisesdressback.jpgAll

Well, I finally got a picture in! Now if only I can get it in the right place. And a smaller size! Oh well, little steps. This is Denise’s dress knit from Tilli Tomas Pure and Simple silks. the back is more interesting than the front, and that’s what I could get on the page )

That yummy stuff I got at TNNA and the NY Gift Show has been arriving almost daily. Yesterday it was 15 cartons of goodies….yarn, yarn, super delicious slipper boots and summer/vacation flip flops and more yarns and patterns. The early birds are already picking out their goodies.

And the slipper booties, like a very hip Ugg, but nowhere near the price, and fun! I got mine in purple, of course, but they’re also available in tiger stripe with red piping. They are so comfortable, I forgot I had them on and went to Costco in them. My feet were really comfortable and they didn’t mind the stares. (Karen’s picture really belongs here.)

Bergere de France is here, along with the model for the sweater that’s in the Winter 2007/2008 issue of Vogue Knitting. It is just stunning. So far, it looks great on everyone who has tried it on. The model is in Magic wool and acrylic, but, you know me, I’m probably going to knit it in their Coton Fifty-Fifty, cotton and acrylic, probably in the navy which is so rich! And the feel is sooooo soft. Or maybe something else. I just can’t decide.

The knitted mittens class finishes this Wednesday, the 19th. There’s still room if you want to brush up on the technique. That way you can get started on holiday gifts early and avoid the crush. (Mittens are great gifts!)

I thik I’m going to close now so I can post this and go back to the drawing board with the pictures. Have a wonderful day!

Oh What Fun

Hi All,

The response I’m getting to the lastest newsletters is overwhelming. I thank you. If you’re not on the emailing list, go to my website www.ribbonesqueinc.net where you can sign up for it. I get notified and then I can send them to you. They’ve got the dirt on the TNNA meeting in January, the lowdown on the NY Gift Show and plenty of hints as to what’s coming down the pike.

We will be carrying Bergere of France, www.bergerefrance.com and you will be wowed and excited to get your needles going with their patterns and yarns. Their designs are just fabulous. Barbara’s already picked out the one she wants to make, and you can be sure hers will be done way before mine. I expect both yarns and patterns in about 10 days or so. There will be cottons as well as wools. These are solids in some of the most wonderful colors. I can’t wait to get started.

Already in are some of the spring and summer yarns and I just can’t wait to get my needles going on all of them. So like you, I’ll have to pick and choose. I know, I know, I have to finish something, so I can start on the new yarns. One of my favorites is the cultivated silk from Schaefer Yarns, www.schaeferyarns.com.  It is sooooooo soft to the touch. I think a loose airy shawl, maybe the one from Runway Knits with the sleeves. Knit it double so you can see the colors. Oh! I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

I better get to work on my zippered sweater, the one where I had to rip out the sleeves, and reknit them. Then, I can start on something new while I finish up my Einstein Coat and the sweater I’m designing. But more about that another time.

After the Ball

Well, the TNNA show was visually enticing, as usual. Got all my creative juices flowing. The fashion show was so exciting. The spring/summer trends are towards softer, easier on the eyes, colors; lace, lace, lace everywhere, especially on wraps and shawls, in all fibers. (Of course, this leads to a class in lace. We’re picking out an easy pattern with an interesting border. You’ll learn many new skills, and have a fabulous wrap to show for it.) There was even a knitted bikini, and we’ll do a class on that, too, for those who dare. For those not so daring, we’ll also do a sarong.

And then the yarns. Sigh, I wish I could use them all. I think even if I sat and knit all day, every day, I still couldn’t make all the things I want to make. So, like you, I’ll pick and choose, and enjoy the process.

It’s Warmer in New York

Or at least it was when I left. Now, in not-so-sunny sunny Long Beach CA, the classes have already started. There will be many new exciting ones for you. I’ve gotten so many ideas already! And this time, you’ll have lots of notice so you can make plans. If there are any nights that are NOT good for you, please let me know and I’ll try to work around them.

First up will be the mittens class that so many of you wanted to take, but with the holidays and all, just couldn’t make the time for. I’ll give you dates when I get back next week and have a chance to talk with Gail.

There will be some guest instructors, the who, what, when is to be decided. A lot will depend on their schedules. Ah, the mystery! Just know that they are very, very good at what they do and that you will learn lots.

Tomorrow is my all day class with Brandon Mably. He works with Kaffee Fasset and you’ve seen his book in the store. It’s the one with the “V” shape sweater on the cover. His forte is color so you know I’ll be in seventh heaven, knitting away like crazy, learning new color combinations and patterns. Maybe I should have a class on what I’ve learned here at TNNA? What do you think? )

The other highlight for tomorrow is the fashion show. I’ll see what’s new and what’s hot so I can order the right yarns, patterns and books for you on Friday, Saturday, and if I haven’t spent it all, on Sunday morning before I head back home. It’s so exciting!

Watch for the newsletter for pictures, classes and more.