Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates for the holidays...look up at the tabs above for details.

November Special Topic Classes

Slip Stitch Knitting is the easiest of the knitting colorwork techniques.  Based on color stripes, patterns are created with elongated stitches and horizontal dashes.  You can create tweedy textures, horizontal and vertical lines, boxes, blocks and mosaics.  We’ll cover the basic skills and then experiment with a sampling of these versatile stitches. 

Daytime class to be scheduled after Thanksgiving.  

FILLED Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Tunisian Crochet is a hybrid between knit and crochet.  We’ll start off with the Tunisian Simple Stitch, aka the Afghan Stitch, learning all the basics.  Then we’ll cover some additional stitches and work with a bit with color changes.  Tunisian Crochet is great for outerwear, home dec projects and handbags.  This class will cover Tunisian worked flat only. 

NEW DATE:  Thursday, November 20, 2014 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Monday, November 17, 2014 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Reservations are required.  Class size is limited.

Price:  Each class is $25.00 or one session from your discount package. 

Level:  Both are suitable for confident beginner and up. 

Pre-class preparation:  No homework.  A supply list will be provided to those with reservations.

WANT TO TAKE THESE CLASSES BUT THE TIMES DON’T WORK FOR YOU?  Contact me.  

INTARSIA BASICS -- Special Topic Class

What is Intarsia?  Intarsia is a technique color knitting used to create shapes or pictures in “islands/inlays” of color.  Intarsia knit designs are generally free-form, and each area of color is worked with an individual yarn sources. 

Contrasting Intarsia to Fair Isle…Fair Isle is another color knitting technique that works short distance, repeating patterns stranding two colors of yarn across a row.

In this 2-hour session, we will cover basic intarsia techniques, yarn management and how to correct errors.  Some preparation work will be required. 

This class is designed for experienced knitters who can confidently knit, purl, work ribbing and knit simple color changes like stripes. 

When:  Monday, October 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

or Wednesday, October 29 from 11 am – 1 pm

RESERVATIONS A MUST!  Seating is limited. 

Materials list will be supplied to those with reservations.

Cost:  $25.00 or 1 package session

TKB’s November Special Topic will be Tunisian Crochet Basics. 

I Love Yarn Day! Friday, October 10

Ottawa Bobble Capelet

Can't you see Claire in this?  

Here's the latest free pattern from DMC.  I think it is a great candidate for an Outlander capelet.  It knits up quickly and is easily handled by most level knitters.

Here's the link to the pattern. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8OBZRs1E3AXNnl4SUViLUtNUFE/edit

Knit-a-long to Outlander

Added:  Try this capelet!  http://theknittingbureau.blogspot.com/2014/08/ottawa-bobble-capelet.html

Tonight is the premiere of Outlander.  And, there’s lots of knitters who plan to knit along with the show.  Jimmy Beans Wool has a knit along shawl pattern.  I love the teal/orange color combo they are suggesting.  Bijou Basin has a line of yarn called Outlandish and a cowl/wrister set by Marly Bird that puts me in mind of Cadfael.  There’s more than one Ravelry group for Outlander fans.  Plus patterns.  There’s more. 

What, I thought, might work for us…all of us…that would be useful, economical, within the skill set of most, and a good "extra" project?  People in cold, damp Scotland could do with felted wool mittens…and so could you.  I read that the Polar Vortex is making a return visit…in September. I have a pair of felted mittens I made a few years ago…your hands are warm whether the mittens are dry or wet from shoveling snow. 

This project can be done by most level knitters.  If you mess up, the felting process covers a myriad of knitting sins. 

Any worsted weight wool or wool/other animal fiber will work for this project.  A single skein of Patons Classic Wool (some colors are available in the studio) or Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool from a big box craft store. You’ll also need US 8 double pointed needles…I have a supply in the studio, if you need to purchase a set. 

Free pattern downloads are available here:

http://www.outlanderadventures.com/lord-john-greys-felted-wool-mittens/

http://www.yankeemagazine.com/article/new-england-101/boiled-wool-mittens

Work your mitten during your regular Group Session or attend The Felted Mitten project classes scheduled for Thursday, August 14 from 7 – 9 pm.  Additional dates will be added – please indicate your interest/availability to me.  

Now Open...

...my new Ravelry store.  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/susan-leibowitzs-ravelry-store

The two free DMC patterns for the Aurora Open Back Vest and Aurora 5 Ball Scarf & Headband are there.

Download them, fav them and when you knit them, add them to your project page.

Plein Air Knit/Crochet

July 31, 2014 -- The weather is cooperating for tonight's concert!  
See you at the studio at 6:45 pm or meet you in Memorial Park.

Summer in the Park Concert

Wilmore Memorial Park

Main Street and Wilmore Road, Little Falls

Artwork borrowed from http://www.jerseygirlssing.com/TheNewDimensions.html

Songs from the Girl Groups of the Sixties and

notable women rock singers

The New Dimensions

http://www.thenewdimensions.com/

Thursday, July 31 from 7 – 8:30 pm

Weather dependent. 

Check TKB Facebook or blog for cancellation by 5 pm

Bring a lawn chair and your knitting/crochet.

Meet at the studio at 6:45 pm and walk over –

or join us in the park.

No fee.  Everyone is welcome.

DMC Aurora Vest Drop-In Workshop

Thanks to everyone who attended!  If you missed the workshop but are interested, I have patterns, yarn and needles available at the studio.  

DMC, the company you know as a quality source of supplies for embroidery and needlework, is now offering a growing collection of fine yarns from Italy.    

This Thursday DMC is sponsoring a free project class at The Knitting Bureau.   You’ll get the opportunity to try out their Nordic Spirit Aurora yarn on a vest or ear-warmer | headband combo project designed by yours truly.

You receive a free pattern and instruction with the purchase of yarn at wholesale prices – 6 skeins for $21.00.  Bring your own US 35 (19mm) needles.  Needles will be available for purchase at the studio as well. 

The Drop-In workshop is Thursday, July 17 from 3 – 9 pm. 

PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR YARN COLOR BY TUESDAY, JULY 15.   

Your attendance at this special event will be much appreciated.  

Back view

Side view in 1312

Front view in 1310

Five ball scarf and ear warmer (not shown)

Select your colorway: Orders should be in by Tuesday, 7/15.  Pay $21 (wholesale price) by check or cash in advance or on the day of the workshop.  

There are four color choices.  All colorways are a beautifully blended Italian yarns from DMC.  

37's predominant color is Teal with greens and neutrals. 

1310's predominant color is a denim blue with primary and secondary colors. 

1312 is a gray neutral with warm undertones including a surprising peach and soft golden green.  

When I knit with 1362 all I could think about was raspberries and chocolate.  

Bring your knitting needles:  You'll need a US 35 (19mm) set of straight or 24" or longer circulars.  I will have needles in the studio for purchase -- $7.00 (includes NJ sales tax).  

Bring your Ravelry User Name and Password and we'll post your project.  

Drop-In anytime between 3 - 9 pm.  The project will take 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours to complete depending on your knitting skill/speed.  The pattern, class and instruction are all free.  

  

Main Street Bracelet

This class is over.  Contact me if you are interested in making this bracelet.  

Knit with wire and beads, this project is quick and easy enough for most knitters.  

The class is offered on Wednesday, July 9 from noon - 2 pm or 7 - 9 pm.

The individual class is $25.00 or one package class.  Supplies are additional. Estimated cost of supplies is $12.00 for one bracelet.  

A supply list will be send when reserving your space.  

Neater Knitter – Stash Storage Solutions from Ziploc

Jill H. brought in a box of the XXL Ziploc® Brand Big Bags to class last week to share her discovery. They are huge – measuring about 24 x 32 inches with 3 in a package.  They zip closed, have a pleated bottom, are clear and have a cut out handle.  Perfect stash holders!

She left them in the studio so you can get a first-hand look.

Ziploc also makes XL – 20 x 24 inches (4/package) for more stash storage and L – 15 X 15 inches (5/package) which are also perfect as a large project bag.  
More information on the Big Bags here.

I use the gallon size all the time to group yarn purchases and for smaller projects.

As I was researching this, I see that Ziploc is also offering Flexible Totes – the kind of zipper bag you might get when you purchase a quilt or blanket.  Their shape suggested they could be stackable.

Details on the Flexible Totes here.  

World Wide Knit in Public event at The Fine Grind

Join the The Knitting Bureau in celebrating World Wide Knit in Public - the largest international knitter run event.

The free event will be held at The Fine Grind on Monday, June 16 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Open to all knitters and crocheters. Come on your own or bring a stitching buddy.  Bring a project to work on.  

Click here for WWKIP history. 


The Fine Grind is located Farnise Plaza on Route 23 just south of the Willowbrook.  Click Map to see the location and get directions. 

For additional information about The Fine Grind and their menu, go to www.thefinegrindcoffeebar.com/

...of the Month

They were all supposed to be for May, but they took longer than anticipated.  So now they are early for June.  All are a theme and variation on slip stitches – creating surface dimensions and interesting color work. 

In each class, we’ll make a skill swatch covering all the techniques employed in the project and then get you started on the project.  

The Afghan Block - June is a one color slip stitch pattern with great surface dimension.  Use it as an afghan block or reimagine it as a stroller blanket or a pillow.  The pattern is written with an eye towards easy finishing.  Learn a cast on that matches the usual bind off and how to create a stockinette selvage stitch.

Thursday, May 22 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm

The Dishcloth - June is slip stitch pattern.  This one explores mixing solid colors with variegated.  Only one color is knit or purled per row.  In addition to working the slip stitches, learn the matching cable cast on and cast off and a twisted garter edge stitch.  This too can be re-imagined as a baby blanket or purse. 

Wednesday, May 21 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

The Fingerless Glove - June is another slip stitch pattern in two solid colors.  In addition to the slip stitch technique, we’ll start with a K1, P1 Long Tail Cast on and then learn to use a crochet hook to create a zipper close for a colorful and easy seaming up method.  I’m thinking this might need a tube cowl to match. 

Friday, May 23 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Each individual class is $25.00 or one class on your green Class Card when you purchase multiple classes at a discounted rate.  Price includes pattern.  A supply list will be provided when you reserve your seat.  

Additional dates will be available throughout June.  Requests for dates and times accepted.  

Plein Air Knitting - Presby Iris Gardens

NEW DATE - Thursday, May 29 from 4 - 6:15 pm.

Let's enjoy some of this warm weather we were so looking forward to this past winter...and the blooms at the Presby Iris Gardens. 

Located just 3 miles from The Knitting Bureau on Upper Mountain Avenue in Montclair (map), the Presby Iris Gardens are a showcase of iris varieties in a beautiful outdoor setting.  

Come knit and crochet with us on Thursday, May 22 from 4 - 7 pm. Arrive anytime. Bring your WIP, a lawn chair and a camera. Friends and family are welcome.

This is not a class. There is no fee to The Knitting Bureau although you may choose to make a donation to the gardens to help support their upkeep.  

Driving Directions can be found here.

Parking information is here. READ IT!...so you don't get a ticket.

Thunderstorms and downpours cancel this event. I will post here and on Facebook, in the event of cancellation.

Can't make it? This event will repeat at least once more in the next two weeks.

Open Studio Visits during the NJ Wool Walk

Stop by one of our Open Studio Visits during the NJ Wool Walk*

Thursday 4/24 from 12:30 - 5 pm

Friday 4/25 from 12:30 - 5 pm

Saturday 4/26 from 11 am - 3:30 pm

Sunday, 4/27 from 1 - 5 pm

Each person who visits can enter in The Knitting Bureau’s raffle for free classes and more.

Wahoo!
Thursday winners are Carol K. and Linda J.
Friday winners are Denise L. and John V.
Saturday winners are Nancy R. and Samantha W.
Sunday winners are Susan R. and Gale F.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by...

Free Arm Knitting instruction throughout the four days. Bring your own skein of bulky yarn or purchase at the studio.

NOTE *We are not a part of the official NJ Wool Walk.

Check The Knitting Bureau out in today's Record!

http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/family/arm-knitting-uses-no-needles-just-fingers-wrist-1.857877?page=all

One hour arm knitting classes are available at the studio.  Make a scarf or a cowl.  The class is $10 if you bring your own yarn or $15 for the class and a skein of Wool Ease Thick n Quick from our inventory.  

Call 973-303-3118 or email theknittingbureau@gmail.com to reserve your spot.  If you don't see a time that's convenient for you, talk to me.

Fixing Mistakes in Knitting Rescheduled

Fixing Mistakes in Knitting is rescheduled for Wednesday, April 23 from 6 - 8 pm.  Reservations are available.

TKB Arm Knitting Classes

I learned to Arm Knit from Vickie Howell at Vogue Knitting Live NYC 2014. 

It’s quick.  It’s fun.   

All you need is one skein of yarn…that’s all.  And, you’ll walk out of this one hour class with a fashionable cowl. 

Bring a skein of super chunky yarn like Wool Ease Thick n Quick or Hometown. The cowl in the photo is made from Patons Cobbles.  Or maybe you have one of those skeins of the self ruffling yarn like Sashay or Starbella in your stash. It works up really well, too.  (I have a limited selection of appropriate yarn for sale in the studio.) 

The class is $10 per person, if you bring your own yarn.  $15 for the class and a skein of Wool Ease Thick n Quick.

Reserve your space by phone 973-303-3118 or email theknittingbureau@gmail.com. 
Kids 10 and up are welcome in the company of a parent/guardian. 

Check the calendar at the bottom of the home page for session dates and times.  If there are no sessions scheduled, ask to have one added.  

Fitter Knitter ::: Yoga-Style

Weekly one-hour gentle yoga classes designed with knitters and crocheters in mind will be offered at The Knitting Bureau beginning in March.   

Each session will focus on breathing, stretching and strengthening those muscles we stitchers use, overall stretching, general well-being and relaxation.  All work will be done seated or standing with chair support in stocking feet.  No worries about getting up and down from the floor. 

Phyllis Rowley, a life long knitter and yoga enthusiast, will teach the classes.  Phyllis is near the successful completion of a year-long intensive yoga teacher training program.

The sessions are scheduled on Mondays from 2:15 – 3:15 pm beginning March 10.  No special clothing or equipment is required.  Class size is limited. 

The introductory price is $10.00 per class.  Call or text 973-303-3118 or email theknittingbureau@gmail.com to reserve your space.  Holders of current green TKB Class Cards receive a 10% discount.   

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:  You are advised to ask your physician if gentle yoga is right for you. 

The Knitting Bureau on Pinterest

The new Pinterest page for The Knitting Bureau is http://www.pinterest.com/knittingbureau/.  I also converted my personal page and those pins can still be found on http://www.pinterest.com/susdbella/.

New to Pinterest?  Not sure what it is for?  As I find patterns and projects that may be of interest to you, I "pin" them onto Pinterest boards I've created on my page.  This keeps a visual catalog for you to peruse.  If you like something, click on the pin.  At the top of the pin there's a button marked Website...click on that and it will bring you to the source.  

Ask, if you need a demo.

Arm Knitting with Jasmine at VKL NYC 2014

NYC 2014

VogueKnittingLIVE

Click on the NYC 2014 portion of the caption above 

to see more photos of the event. 

Today's the big day!

I can hardly believe it is real. 

If you are stopping by today between 11 and 2, I marked the buzzer with some purple tape...you can't miss it -- so call up. The buzz-in is broken so I'll pop down to open the door for you. 

If you can't make today and want a peek, contact me and we'll make arrangements.

Open Studio Visit Hours

The Knitting Bureau's first open studio visit is this Saturday, February 1 from 11 am - 2 pm. Stop by, say hello and see the space. We're one flight up. Ring up and I'll come down to let you in.

Schedule and Pricing Up

Look above this post to see the tabs for the February Group Sessions and Pricing.  The schedule for the Learn to Knit and Learn to Crochet classes will be up soon.

One week to go...

Opening Saturday, February 1, 2014.