The Woolie Ewe

Learn to Knit Afghan Class

Jenn — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:36:41 +0000

As part of our summer course catalog, Andy will be teaching a Learn to Knit Afghan class. In each session, students will begin work on a square that introduces a different technique. Squares with features such as textured stitches, ribbing, traveling stitches, cables and more will be covered. Each week will highlight a progressively more advanced technique.

Throughout the course students will gain experience in “reading” their knitted work to determine their place in pattern and mistakes.

Students will observe how stitch patterns affect gauge and size of finished square.

We will be using Barbara Walker’s “Learn-to-Knit Afghan Book” which includes illustrations and descriptions of knitting techniques in an informative yet personable manner. 63 squares are included in the book, so after the class is complete, students can continue to add squares to their collection for a unique afghan.

This class is not limited to raw beginners – if you have previous knitting experience, we still welcome you!

(Click on the links below to register on-line or call us at 972-424-3163)

Session A: Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.; May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 9

Session B: Wednesdays 11:00 – 12:30 p.m.; May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 10

Session C: Thursdays 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.; May 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 and July 11

Tuition: $85; materials purchased for the class receive a 10% discount

Knit Night Cancelled

Jenn — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:44:52 +0000

This evening’s crochet classes and Knit Night have been cancelled. If you are in a class, instructors will be contacting you with details about rescheduling.

Summer Waves Cardigan in Cascade Ultra Pima

Jenn — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:21:26 +0000

I find summer here difficult to dress for, since you need to take into account the blistering heat in parking lots and the icy coldness of air conditioning. Lightweight cover-ups such as shawls or cardigans that can be put on and taken off easily are ideal. In my search for such a garment, I came across this cardigan by Vera Sanon for Cascade Yarns. Short sleeves keep the cold breeze of the air conditioning off the shoulders and the open front allows air to keep circulating.

I chose to knit it in Pink Sapphire because most of my shirts are neutrals and the bright color really pops against a black shirt. The yarn, Cascade Ultra Pima, is a very smooth cotton with just a bit of shine. For those knitting garments to wear in business offices, the slight sheen of the yarn makes a garment a touch dressier. The lace panels on the fronts add sophistication to an otherwise basic cardigan.

Summer Waves Cardigan by Vera Sanon

Cascade Ultra Pima

Shhh…It’s a surprise party!

Jenn — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:40:01 +0000

This is short notice, but we didn’t want the secret to get out — The Woolie Ewe is throwing a Surprise Retirement Party for Roxane! Yep, after nearly 12 years, Roxane has decided to embrace the good life and spend more time with her husband, kids, grandsons and, of course, with her yarn stash. So, when you see her in the store after Thursday, she’ll be relaxing in a comfy chair, just visiting and knitting.

Her last day of work is this Thursday, May 16, so please stop by any time between 10:00 and 4:30 (her scheduled work hours) to wish her well and leave a note in her memory book. Since Roxane is such a huge coffeeholic, we’ve decided to celebrate with free K-cups and goodies all day. Just bring your best leak-proof travel mug to enjoy all the coffee, tea, cider, and cocoa you’d like. We’ll even have a cooler of ice and plenty of flavored syrups and cream so you can recreate your favorite iced coffee flavor. Keep in mind that absolutely no straws or disposable cups are allowed in the store, so please remember to bring your leak-proof travel mug.

In addition to sending Roxane off with coffee and goodies, we’re having a special sale in her honor. This nursery rhyme makes me think of someone who is kind and generous, with a big heart and a bigger yarn stash. That’s Roxane, right?

Bah, Bah, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full,
One for my master, one for my dame,
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane.
Bah, Bah, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes, sir, yes, sir, three bags full.

The Bah, Bah, Black Sheep Sale starts on Roxane’s retirement day, This Thursday, May 16, and continues through Saturday, May 18.

Fill a paper bag with your choice of specially marked yarn for $45, or fill three paper bags for $120.

We’ll provide the bags. Your savings will vary depending on your yarn choices and how much you squish — just don’t tear the bag!

English Parlor Knitting

Jenn — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:45:48 +0000

Jacqui taught her first class on English Parlor Knitting, which is a knitting style with the right needle supported by the right thumb and positioned like a pencil. Andy sat in on the class and I popped over for a few minutes – long enough to realize that I was interested enough that I was neglecting some other work I should have been doing. Oops. The process-knitter part of me took over. Jacqui is going to be teaching more sessions on this method, so I’ll have to arrange my time so I’m free during one of them.

Jacqui is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and able to present this method in a step-by-step way that advances you through everything (such as hand positions and yarn tension). Even though I typically knit holding the yarn in my left hand (somewhat Continental style), learning to use my right hand in this method was not too difficult – but certainly needs some time to master. Practice makes perfect. I also firmly believe that learning something new and/or challenging will keep me young forever.

We would love to see you come in for a class or just drop in to work on your current project. Jacqui will be teaching this class again Wednesday May 15, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Click here to register online.

Summer at the Woolie Ewe-niversity

admin — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:38:38 +0000

We have a fantastic line-up of classes to get your summer started off right. From knitting basics to (yes, we heard your requests!) socks and cables, from beginning crochet to granny square purses, we have class offerings for every skill level.

One of our new offerings is UFO Drop-in. You bring in a project you are struggling with, need help finishing or just want some extra attention or motivation to finish and we’ll help you get it finished. Seating is limited, and we’re starting out with scheduling this every Friday from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. This is Andy’s pile of UFOs that are in her office here at the store….I think she needs to get a seat this Friday, don’t you?

I’m really interested in the Solomon’s Knot Shawl crochet class. The shawl is such a light, wispy accessory that I can see it being one of those great items you just always throw in your bag or toss on before you head out for the day.

We have new lower prices for just about all of our classes and we would love to help each and every one of you learn something new. Classes are scheduled during the day or Tuesday or Thursday evenings, so we hope you find something that fits your schedule.

Cheers,
Jenn

Howdy Y’all

admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:44:46 +0000

Hi, all, and welcome to my first blog! Yes, A Woolie Tale has been part of WoolieEwe.com for several years, but this is the very first time I’ve written a post. Why? I’m embarrassed to admit to my utter lack of technological skills, but, well, there you go. I’ve always been too busy running the shop and knitting to spend much time online, but now that I have someone to show me the ropes, and I do have lots to tell y’all, I’ve decided to carve out some time.
Who is my social media mentor? Jenn Kinzel! Many of you knew Jenn as “the girl behind the curtain” here at the shop, always working on the computer in the front office. I’m thrilled to say she has rejoined the team! In addition to getting me over my blogging phobia, she’s helping us to — knitting needle drum roll, please —reopen our online store.
Yes, it’s been down so long that you may have forgotten The Woolie Ewe ever had an online shop.
We took it offline because of technical difficulties and finally, finally, we’re almost ready to relaunch!
For starters, you’ll be able to sign up for classes. You can click on the “Events” tab up above, or follow this link: Woolie Ewe-niversity Classes

Until next time,

Andy

Winter’s Last Hurrah Ends Wednesday

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:29:53 +0000

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 17 is the final day of our Winter’s Last Hurrah Sale, so come on in to get stocked up for your summer knitting and bid Winter “farewell”!

- Select books 50% off
- Notions 30% off
- Needles and DPNs 30% off
- Interchangeable needle sets 25% off
- yarn 20% off
- Clearance items up to 75% off!

Show your Woolie Ewe spirit with a T-shirt or hat– also 25% off. We’re also selling some of the shop samples from seasons past.

Sale is in-store only, and phone orders are welcome. Call us at (972) 424-3163 or toll-free at 1-800-460-YARN(9276) to place an order. Sale is limited to in-stock yarn only.

Winter’s Last Hurrah!

admin — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:24:52 +0000

The last few days of unseasonably chilly weather have given us a reprise of winter. Maybe you took the opportunity to curl up with that AbFab afghan you’ve been working on, or sew up that sweater you promised yourself you’d finish in time to wear this winter. Or maybe you just enjoyed the chance to wear your handknits one last time before packing them away for the summer.

As much as we love winter, we’re ready for SPRING! Cotton tank tops, lacy shawls, maybe that lightweight cover-up to wear at the beach or an easy project to take with you on your vacation– there are lots of things to knit for summer. Come jump start your knitting! To help you get started, we’re having a sale starting Saturday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 17:

- Select books 50% off
- Notions 30% off
- Needles and DPNs 30% off
- Interchangeable needle sets 25% off
- yarn 20% off
- Clearance items up to 75% off!

Show your Woolie Ewe spirit with a T-shirt or hat– also 25% off. We’re also selling some of the shop samples from seasons past.

Sale is in-store only, and phone orders are welcome. Call us at (972) 424-3163 or toll-free at 1-800-460-YARN(9276) to place an order. Sale is limited to in-stock yarn only.

3/17: Wearin’ o’ the Green SALE

admin — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:00:35 +0000

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to wear green, eat corned beef and cabbage, and save at the Woolie Ewe!

We’ll be closed Sunday the 17th, so come in on Saturday, March 16 and save 17% off yarn and kits if you wear green! Every purchase enters you into a drawing for a $30 Woolie Ewe gift card.

All in-stock yarn, and kits are included in the sale. Patterns, books, needles, notions, etc. are not included. The sale is limited to in-stock items only.

Hope to see you there!