Hello group, August is here! Soon we will need to think about warm
things to wear when the weather changes.

As I write this message, I am a bit distracted by the news of the
Highway Bridge collapse in Minneapolis that occured about an hour
ago. I'm also distracted by the lack of rain in our area that has all
but decimated our garden.

These occurences serve as a reminder that it's important to take time
for ourselves once in awhile, to give our mind a rest by doing
something relaxing or stress-relieving... and what better activity
than a fiber art project! Stitching, sewing, knitting (etc.) are
excellent activities that challenge the mind but help us temporarily
forget about our worries. And there is always a brilliant "pay-off"
at the end of the project when there is a hand-made item to enjoy.

Remember that we have a large stock of FLORIANI sewing and embroidery
threads, with a special in-store price. We can also ship to your
door! This is a reliable high-quality thread at a great price.

****  HINT!  ****
Attention machine knitters: Floriani thread can be used on your
knitting machine too! Run it through the yarn feeder along with other
yarn to add an accent (such as a silver thread with red yarn) or to
add strength to knits (such as a slipper heel area).
*****************

For those who prefer working only with yarn, TAMM Trenzi YARN is on
sale until the end of August. This is excellent yarn on 1 pound cones
for knitting and crochet. Are you a hand-knitter or crocheter who
hasn't tried knitting from cones??? Wow, are you in for a surprise!
You will love the ease of knitting or crocheting when the yarn comes
off the cone gracefully while you work. And forget about checking all
the Lot and Dye numbers on a bunch of regular skeins... but best of
all, forget about knotting skeins together! TAMM TRENZI fingering
weight easy-care acrylic is $17.95/pound, all colors except white.

**** BUTTONHOLE HINT! ****
Carole recently knit some fairisle buttonhole bands for a cardigan
project. She passes along this hint, suitable any time you are doing
a knit project that requires buttons: When knitting the side that
will have buttons attached (opposite of the buttonhole side) place a
YARN MARKER at the precise location where the button needs to be
attached. Use small scraps of leftover waste yarn, approximately 5
inches long, to hang in the knitting machine needle latch. You can
remove these very easily later, and won't have to guess or "eyeball"
the location for the buttons! It's so much easier to mark the
location while knitting.
**************************

Upcoming Events for area readers or travellers:

Embroidery Club at Rocking Horse Farm, Sat. August 4, (free) 10am.

Knitting Club, Sat. August 4, (free) 1:30pm. Bring snack to share
and "show & tell."

Fiber Friends knit/spin/crochet is off for this month.

September Seminar for machine knitting & embroidery, Sept. 6-8.

***************

Thanks to everyone who have sent feedback about the ROCKING HORSE
NEWS. People seem to love the "multi-purpose" knit sock pattern, and
have reported using a variety of yarns with success. Don't forget to
take advantage of the special subscriber offer for G Carriage
knitting patterns, or the felted animal template kit!

Happy knitting and sewing!

Hello friends, while it is true that we have been knitting away the
time and the embroidery machine is humming... the telephones at
Rocking Horse Farm have actually been down for the past few days. If
you've been trying to reach us, we've been completely without phones
inbetween the hours of 9am and noon for several days this week. It's
a bit of a mystery, the only way we have of knowing the phones are
working is when someone is finally able to get through and asks why
we haven't been answering the phone!

Even if technology may fail now and then, people can always count on
knitting-sewing-spinning and fiber fun to keep life interesting. We
hope people are exhibiting at fairs, markets and festivals this
summer. We just heard from someone on the telephone this afternoon
who is selling organic homemade soaps at Farmers Markets in the San
Francisco, California area and wants to add knit dishcloths to his
offerings. Isn't that great? Another new knitter!

Carole spent all day Wednesday judging at a Fair in Princeton,
Minnesota. It's great to see young people getting active in fiber
craft and arts. And it isn't just girls, there are plenty of boys
knitting and sewing, too.

Meanwhile, I've been working on a special knit design that will be
ready in time for our September Seminar and the Fall Issue of the
ROCKING HORSE NEWS. I am using DesignaKnit software to design a knit
item that ties in with the Seminar theme of "An American in Paris."
Stay tuned for details.

Everyone is thinking about "Back to School" already and that means
autumn will be here soon. Here is a link for some nice autumn floral
embroidery designs I stumbled upon:

http://www.threadartist.com/embroidery_large_fall_florals.htm

Don't forget that we have an ample supply of embroidery designs,
Floriani threads, machine knitting patterns and designs with fall
themes, and wool roving for spinning or felting in fall colors. And
of course, the sale on Tamm Rayito yarn for knitting or crochet
continues until the end of August.

Please remember that if you try to phone or email us and don't get a
response, it might be because we are outside enjoying the warm
weather but it could also mean our phones are causing trouble again!
Keep trying!

Until next time, Happy knitting and sewing.
Jason on behalf of Carole and Fred.

Hello group, our membership has just passed 500! It's exciting to
know that there are so many others interested in working with yarn,
fabric, threads and all the other fun fiber projects that allow us to
be creative.

I've posted new and updated information about the knitting machine
classes and sewing/embroidery sessions happening at our SEPTEMBER
SEMINAR, Sept. 6-8. Go to the "files" section and take a look at the
list of classes by these excellent demonstrators: Sandee Cherry,
Shawn Dolan (machine repair & maintenance), Skip Grettum, Jerome
Jensen & Barb Kuklok (machine embroidery and sewing), Diane Juul
(PASSAP knitting machines), Cindy Schmatz, Carole Wurst, & Jason
Wurst. Even if you are unable to attend this year's event, it is
worth looking at the class list. You never know where you may see
something that inspires your own creativity!

Besides all the Seminar preparations we are doing, we have a busy
weekend ahead. Carole and Fred will be working in the Upper Midwest
Knitting Machine Dealer booth at the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday
and Monday. Carole will be demonstrating knitting machines and
selling cotton dishcloths. Fred often sits at the machine and knits
dishcloths while Carole speaks with fair-goers. There are usually
machine embroidery notions for sale in the booth, too. It's a great
way to promote knitting and fiber arts.

Jason is headed to the Wisconsin Knitting Machine Guild picnic event
on Saturday. You may have read about this in the Rocking Horse News
or on the WKMG webpage.

Here are some things we are currently working on at the shop:
recently we published a knitting pattern called "The Multi-Purpose
Sock Pattern." It mentioned a sock measuring device we were hoping to
make available for sale soon. We will be showing this new device off
at September Seminar and I will make a blog posting about it here.
Carole is also working with knitting instructor Florann (Skip)
Grettum on a new knitting pattern for a knit skirt and jacket
called "Our Favorite Suit." Jason is experimenting with hand-
manipulated stitch transfering to create something that looks like
a "fleur de lis" design. Speaking of which, the owner of
the "Knitters Edge" website has graciously allowed us to include
Tricia Shafer's pattern for a handknit Illusion Dishcloth with a
Fleur de Lis design in our upcoming edition of "FIBER WORLD." There
will be a post when the new edition becomes available.

Enjoy the rest of summer, and start thinking about winter or holiday
projects! Happy knitting & stitching.

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the
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   File        : /SeptemberSeminar2007.pdf
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   Description : SEPTEMBER SEMINAR 2007 REGISTRATION FORM

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Regards,

rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>

I found a fiber arts website that I feel compelled to share with you.
It's a unique project (okay, some might call it a bit strange...)
happening in the state of New York. Here is a description of the
project:

"The goal of the International Fiber Collaborative is to provide an
opportunity for people who enjoy working with crafts, whether
professional artists, hobbyists or students to come together from all
over the world to express their concerns about their countries
extreme dependency on oil for energy. Those who participate will
crochet, knit, stitch, patch, or collage 3 foot square fiber panels
that will express each participants concern about this topic. By
designing and creating a panel and participating in this project you
are, in the larger picture, expressing your concern about this
important subject to the rest of the world. Once all 800 panels are
received, they will be sewn together to completely cover an abandoned
gas station in central New York State."

You might need to see the website to believe it. Check it out:

http://www.internationalfibercollaborative.com/

You definitely have to give the people who came up with this idea
credit for being CREATIVE!

Hello friends, it's almost time for fall. We are busy getting ready
for autumn and winter knitting and stitching, harvesting cucumbers in
the garden, and preparing for some upcoming events.

There is still time to register for the SEPTEMBER SEMINAR for machine
knitting & Fiber Arts, September 6-8. I have posted updated class
lists, schedules and info on the website and in the "files" section
of this Yahoo Group. I plan to send a separate email with more
details.

We received a nice message from a reader in Indiana who said she
is "too far away to attend your classes or seminars, but just wanted
to say I hope you are hi and dry up there and the shop is safe." It's
always nice to hear from readers! We thank everyone for thinking
about us during the recent Minnesota storms and events. We didn't
suffer any damage but we know of several readers who did. Let's all
keep them and anyone else working through hardships in our thoughts.

I responded to the writer from Indiana and said that I appreciated
her message, and I will also use it as a reminder that there are many
readers that live a distance from our store. I will continue to do my
best to include useful information or hints when I send announcements
so people don't have to weed through a lot of messages pertaining to
local events. I know we have blog readers from all over the world, so
we want to make our messages worthwhile.

Keeping that in mind, here are some nice hints I ran across recently:

-when seaming knits hold the edges together with brightly colored
plastic toothpicks.... they show clearly and slip easily in and out
between the stitches

-kinks will stay out of thread if you draw it through a sheet of
fabric softener

-an old newspaper clipping has this suggestion for patching holes in
knitted clothing: place a patch of mosquito netting or nylon net in
the underside to make the patch more durable

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Embroidery Club, Saturday Sept. 1, 10am (free, public invited)

Machine Knitting Club, Saturday Sept. 1, 1:30pm (free, public
invited) demonstration: methods of binding off. Bring show & tell.

SEPTEMBER SEMINAR, Thursday Sept. 6: potluck picnic begins at 6pm,
shopping and pre-registration at 7pm, Mini-Sessions (make-it & take-
it bracelet class, Alpaca Fiber, and more) at 7:15pm.

SEPTEMBER SEMINAR, Friday Sept. 7: continental breakfast and
registration begin at 8:30am, classes 9am-4pm. Banquet and Style
Show, 6:30pm.

SEPTEMBER SEMINAR, Friday Sept. 8: continental breakfast and
registration begin at 8:30am, classes 9am-4pm.

Fiber Friends knitting/spinning/crochet/etc., Sept. 18, 6-9pm. (free,
public invited)

CSM Antique Round Sock Knitting Machine gathering, Saturday October
20, 10-6.

Felting Class: hands-on needle felting workshop, Sat. October 27th,
1:30pm. Pre-registration required.

I will be sending a separate message with more details about the
September Seminar, including information about how to purchase class
materials or kits for those unable to attend. Kits and pattern books
will be available at the Seminar for sewing projects, felting items,
machine knitting patterns, and a knit Smokering (pictured on the
homepage of this Yahoo Group/Knitting Blog).

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the
Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news
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   File        : /!! 2007 SEPTEMBER SEMINAR/schedule.pdf
   Uploaded by : rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
   Description : Schedule & Demonstrator Class List for September Seminar

You can access this file at the URL:
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21%21%202007%20SEPTEMBER%20SEMINAR/schedule.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
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Regards,

rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>

Hello group, our annual Seminar is underway and I've posted some
pictures of Thursday night's mini-sessions in a photo album in this
yahoo group. The mini-sessions included an Alpaca Fiber presentation
by Sharon Rassier, who showed incredibly soft alpaca teddy bears and
knitted items as well as hand-dyed alpaca yarn; a session by designer
Sandee Cherry about combining yarns of various textures and colors; a
copper bracelet workshop and a class on knitting with cotton thread
or yarn.

We know that not all of our readers are able to attend the September
Seminar, but we know that people get inspired by seeing what other
fiber artists are doing so we like to share news and pictures of our
events with you.

The next two days will be busy class and workshop days here. Please
keep this in mind if you would like to place an order but don't
receive a speedy reply.

After the Seminar, I will write up a description of some of the new
and exciting things shown during the weekend. I'm sure I will have
some pictures of the machine embroidery projects, machine knit
garments, and other things to share with our readers.

Until then, happy knitting and stitching!

Hello friend, we are excited about new yarns that have just come in
to the store. Lamb's Pride is now available in bulky and worsted
weights in eight brand new variegated colors! A picture of the new
colors is on the home page of this yahoo group. The color names give
a great description of the delicious colors: Strawberry Smoothie,
Cranberry Swirl, Royal Purple Flutter, Cafe au Lait, Prairie
Goldenrod, Forest Shadows, Ocean Waves, and Blue Skyways. The yarn is
incredibly soft and perfect for felting. Order some today! The new colors are
available at the same old price, $7.99 +s/h per skein.

-----
In other news, more pictures from the September Seminar have been
uploaded in the "photos" section. Check out the pictures of the
contest winners: an elegant dressy shawl by Kathy P. and a knit wine-
bottle cover with the Eiffel Tower in hand detail by Helen K.


Here's a hint shared by one of the Seminar attendees (Linda Bushby of
www.knittersedge.com ): make use of the containers that writable
CDR/CDRW's and DVD's are packaged in. They make excellent holders for
balls of yarn, and the yarn won't roll around while it is being knit
or crocheted. (Thanks Linda!)

Next year's SEPTEMBER SEMINAR will once again be held on the third
weekend of September, September 18-20. The theme will be "Think
Green."

-----

The autumn issue of the ROCKING HORSE NEWS has been mailed to all
current subscribers. Features in this issue included an article about
Qiviut fiber from northern Canada and a knitted lace Smoke Ring
pattern, a pattern for a shawl with shell edging using mercerized
cotton, a reprint of the Sweater Tips article and instructions for
adding stripes in Carole's Sideways Knit Sweater Pattern (requested
by several readers), and advertisements for new products: Sock Sizers
and a new knitting machine pattern book called "Our Favorite Suit."

If you are not a subscriber but would like to purchase this single
issue, the cover price is $3.00 +2.99 s/h to addresses in the USA.
Email rhfarm@... to order.

Happy knitting and stitching!

Hello again, I just re-read my previous message and in the paragraph
where I mention Linda from Knitters Edge it looks like I was making a
sad-face emoticon. I was actually just trying to use parenthesis and a
colon, (like this) but with : near it. The result looked like this sad face ):

The marvels of modern communciation.... I tried to use the grammar and
punctuation the way my 7th grade English teacher taught me but instead
it looked like I made a sad-face. Sorry!!!

The correct address of the website I was referring to is:

http://www.knittersedge.com/index2.php

It is a subscription site, but there is plenty to look at before
deciding to sign up. There is a handknitting section and a machine
knitting section. The creator was Tricia Shafer, and the new webmaster
is Linda Bushby who was a guest at September Seminar a few weeks ago.

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
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   File        : /fiber space patterns.jpg
   Uploaded by : rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
   Description : new knitting and felting patterns, $4.99 each +s/h

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Regards,

rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>

Hello group, we have some exciting news to share.

We have an exciting Trunk Show planned for our October Knitting Clubs,
but for those of you who aren't able to attend can look at the pictures
of the items in the "files" section of this yahoo group, here:

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/wJcGR2UH2sxcuebL7Vv_LhYzfVK6jB3j2CLPQxHAfop
TQwz0lWnmOtRgST4xf4SlhryIJUw15YAWe9XPc1I4GA/fiber%20space%20patterns.jpg

The patterns are all $4.99 +s/h:

Felted Fish
Fanciful Felted Fish
Felted Starfish and Sea Turtle
Felted Seahorse
Felted Baseball Caps
Felted Barrel Cactus
Slip-Stitch Felted Bag
Debi-Brim Felted Hats
Head Turning Hatbands
Little Miss Seamless Bag
Felted Baseball Bag

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't forget about the new variegated colors of Brown Sheep Lamb's
Pride bulky and worsted weight skein yarns we have! It's worth a trip
to our yarn store to see them!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Embroidery Machine News: are you familiar with "The Country Needle?"
Check out their website for fun angels and more.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thecountryneedle/

Don't forget that we have a lot of meltable soap base on hand for any
soap projects you can dream up. The basic instructions for making soap
with embedded stitching was in a previous isse of the ROCKING HORSE
NEWS and in the Fiber World 2007-2008 edition.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Knitting Machine News: a recent newspaper article talked about the
trend called "Scarves Before Snow." As the title suggests, the scarf
has become a trendy accessory to wear year round with any shirt,
sweater or jacket. They are showing up on Hollywood's red carpet
runways being worn by men and women as a fashion accessory.

To celebrate this idea, we are doing a special showing of scarves for
each month of the year at our October knitting club meetings. The
scarves are part of the trunk show from our knitting machine pattern
book SENSATIONAL SCARVES, $15.00 +5.49 priority mail s/h. This book
features patterns for all gauges of knitting machine, as well as Passap
patterns and G-Carriage scarf patterns. Some fun examples are: the
basic latched scarf, ribbed scarves, felted scarf, elegant pashmina
wrap, tuxedo scarf, and more. The knitting machine instructions suggest
using any built-in or punchcard (or hand manipulated) designs so the
book is suitable for any brand and type of knitting machine. No
electronic patterning disk is required.


We also published a companion book called SENSATIONAL SHAWLS & PONCHOS,
featuring a hooded scarf, tuck circle scarf, tuck stitch "shrug" (wrap
with sleeves), and several ponchos. This book does have a stitch
pattern disk available, with several tuck stitch designs. Price for
this book is $15.00 +5.49 priority mail s/h, which includes the disk.
Specify disk for Brother machines or DesignaKnit.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

EVENTS CALENDAR:

Embroidery Club, Saturday October 6, 2007 at 10am. Free, public
invited. Bring show-and-tell.

Knitting Club, Sat. Oct. 6, 1:30pm. Free, public invited. Program:
TRUNK SHOW of FIBER SPACE knitting and felting patterns, and "Scarves
Before Snow." Bring show-and-tell.

Fiber Friends, Tuesday Oct. 16th, 6-9pm. Free, public invited. COME
SPIN WITH US! Short program will feature some of the trunk show items.
Bring your spinning wheel and/or knitting needles and project you are
working on.

Antique Round Sock Machine (CSM) Gathering, Sat. Oct. 20, 10-6. Pete &
Deb Oswald are here to assist you with your antique round sock
machines. Lunch is potluck. Free, public invited.

FELTING WORKSHOP, Sat. Oct. 27, 1:30-4pm. Hands-on needle felting for
beginner through advanced felters. We will use several types of felting
needles and the new Clover Felter Tool(available for purchase, $16.99
+s/h). Workshop cost: $10 plus materials. Call ahead to register.

Hi, you are invited to come spin and/or knit with "Fiber Friends" on
Tuesday Oct. 16, 6-9pm at Rocking Horse Farm. Bring your spinning
wheel, knitting, crocheting or anything else you are working on. (If
you live too far away from our store to attend, we encourage you to
find a local guild or start your own group of Fiber Friends!)

We have a special trunk show of knitted and felted items from FIBER
SPACE that we will share this month. The trunk show includes knitted
and felted hats in 2 styles, bags, fish, seahorses, turtles, and
other novelty items including a felted barrel cactus to decorate your
table top! All of the items in the trunk show are made from Brown
Sheep yarn, and we have a great new selection of colors in stock to
make the projects. We even have an advance shipment of the brand new
variegated colors that aren't even in all of the stores yet!

We will also have a short program called "Scarves before Snow"
featuring a wide range of scarf and shawl examples suitable for year-
round wear.

We hope to see you on Tuesday evening! Bring something to work on, a
show-and-tell item (if you wish) and a snack to share (optional). We
will provide coffee and tea. If you need directions or other info,
call Carole at 320-252-2996. There is no charge for this event. Bring
a friend!

P.S. If you can't attend this event, we will continue to gather each
month on the third Tuesday, 6-9pm at Rocking Horse Farm. Mark your
calendar!

----------------------

Antique round sock knitting machine owners of the Upper Midwest are
invited to our next gathering on Saturday, Oct. 20th. We have had CSM
owners from several states and Canada join us for this gathering in
the past. We will begin at 10am and continue til 6pm (or earlier).
Lunch is potluck, there is no charge for this event. Bring your
working sock machine to knit something, demonstrator Deb Oswald is
here to assist you. OR--- bring a non-working machine to show Pete
Oswald for assistance with cleaning/maintenance/repair.

If you are not familiar with antique round sock machines, there are
pictures available in the "photos" section of this yahoo group. Some
familiar manufacturer names are Auto Knitter, Gearhart, Harmony, Home
Profit, Lamb, and Legare. The machines have round cylinders holding
specific gauges of needles and a crank to knit. Some machines have
ribber attachments.

The machines were manufactured mostly in the late 1800's and early
1900's. A good reference book with pictures of the historic and
collectible machines is available for purchase. Contact our store for
price.

Other items we have in stock for antique round sock machine owners:

~instructional videos called "The Joy of Sox" by John Loeffenholz,
Video 1 (socks) and Video 2 (mittens) $19.95 each +s/h.

~new replacement 12 gauge needles for Gearhart machines, $1.00 each
+s/h (quantity limited)

~Fred's Tool, a long handled latch tool for picking up dropped
stitches (also used by regular machine knitters) $5.00 +s/h

~yarn, yarn and more yarn... suitable for CSM round sock machines,
$6.99/lb and up.

The national CSMSA convention for antique round sock machine knitters
will be held on June 22-26, 2008 in Nashville, Indiana. Carole and
Fred plan to attend this event to operate a sales booth for Rocking
Horse Farm.

Visit the official event website here:

http://www.crankin08.com/

Hello group, we have some new publications in stock we thought you
would like to hear about.

Sandee Cherry's newest book is called "A COLLECTION OF FUN AND EASY
ITEMS TO KNIT." It is #45 in her popular knitting machine book
series. Patterns included are: aprons in 2 sizes, golf club covers,
lined mittens, oversized cover-up or night shirt, Christmas Tree
skirt, lace Christmas Tree angel. For any standard gauge knitting
machine, no disk required. $10.00 +s/h

We have all of Sandee's other publications in stock, too... some
popular titles:

DROP SHOULDER CARDIGANS FOR THE FAMILY (Includes 32 sizes. This
complete book of cardigans features crewneck and v-neck, long or
short sleeve, a choice of bands and finishing techniques), $18.00 +s/h

KWIK & EASY INFANT APPAREL (raglan, gown, bib, blanket, socks, skirt,
washcloth, towel, afghan, scarf, hat, T-Top, panties, ruffled dress,
tailored pants, ruffled baby bonnet, lined thumbless mittens, jogging
pants, more. For all standard gauge knitting machines. Book only,
$18.00 +s/h; Book with disk (specify Brother/KnitKing or DAL) $28.00
+s/h.

YEAR ROUND TALK TOPS (23 sizes of tank tops, includes a variety of
tops to wear for summer or winter under a cardigan. Lower or higher
scoop neck. Buttoned lower and high scoop neck and elasticized tank
top. Sizes: newborn - womens 54) $22.00 +s/h

EASY MIX & MATCH COORDINATES (4 sizes of ladies' tunic tops, stretch
pants/leggings and straight skirts. Mix and match this long or short
sleeved tunic top with the pants or skirt for summer or winter. Sizes
S, M, L, XL) $12.00 +s/h

GIRLS EASY MIX & MATCH COORDINATES (same as above but sizes Small
(7/8), Medium (10), Large (12/14), & X Large (16) $12.00 +s/h

CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI (stockings, wreath, ornaments, designs) Book &
disk, $20.00 +s/h (specify Brother/KnitKing or DAK)

EASY YEAR-ROUND SHRUGS AND BOLEROS (juniors and womens sizes 32-54,
numerous variations, hints and 3 set-in sleeve lengths, for any
standard gauge knitting machine, stockinette-G-Carriage-lace-woven-
fairisle) $15.00 +s/h

SHORT ROWING IN COLOR MADE EASY (techniques for adding color without
floats, suitable for all knitting machines) $12.00 +s/h

---

We frequently receive requests for womens plus-size patterns.
Recently we acquired a small stock of books that included the title
KNITTING IS FUN ALL YEAR. The books are new but were printed a while
ago. Much to our surprise, the subtitle inside the book is KNITS FOR
THE PLUS SIZE WOMAN and the pictures show very pretty and timeless
fashion designs. So we were very pleased to make these books
available. The patterns include: raglan jacket and simple shell, vest
and blouse with ties, simple shell with collar, raglan top, top with
cape sleeves, vest, and summer cool top. The patterns are suitable
for any standard gauge knitting machine. $8.00 +s/h

---

The November/December issue of NEWS & VIEWS contains: knitted rag
rug, beginners series on turning toes and heels, skating sock,
Christmas sock, preemie hats, casual cotton top, baby blanket, greek
coat, treat bags for halloween, twirl skirt, bulky baby cupcake hats,
pumpkin hat, measurements for fitted sleeve tops, cabled raglan seam
for passap, childs capri pants, french sailor jersey, mini pumpkins,
baby booties, slippers, trims, and more. $5.99 +s/h

---

Our seminar book and annual catalog FIBER WORLD 2007-2008 is
available. This edition is an 82 page spiral-bound book with
accompanying CD.

The pattern section of the book includes: Fashion Forecast 2008
(colors, styles, fabrics and more), "An American in Paris" afghan,
afghan latching technique, rules for knitting machine lace, lace
angel, lace smoke ring, child's earflap hat on standard gauge
machine, worsted weight socks on mid-gauge machine, Carole's sweater
tips, chunky handspun yarn sweater top (handknit), illusion dishcloth
(handknit), article about knitting machine pattern storage
(punchcards, mylar sheets, floppy disks, DAK software), Passap cast-
on information, Passap mittens, Passap start position information,
monogram placement for knitting/embroidery/felting, needle felting
instructions and ideas, machine embroidery troubleshooting, and
instructions for soap with embedded stitching.

The store catalog section of the book includes prices and ordering
information for books and patterns (hundreds of titles), embroidery
machines/equipment/threads/software, knitting
machines/parts/accessories for all manufacturers, knitting machine
cleaners and lubricants, punchards and mylar sheets, sponge retainer
bars and needle presser bars, knitting machine tools, combs and
weights, knitting DVD's and videos, software, felting supplies,
spinning wheel supplies, steamers and blocking equipment, yarn dyes,
winders, yarn balance devices and many yarns.

The accompanying CD features the entire book in pdf form (E-book)
complete with color pictures, and several DesignaKnit files. The cd E-
book can be read on any computer or laptop with Adobe reader (free
download).

The book and CD can be ordered for $20.00 +s/h.

-----
ORDERING INFORMATION:
To place an order using a credit card, call 320-252-2996 during
regular business hours Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6 central. We also accept
check or money order in the mail.

To calculate shipping: one or two books/disks/cds will be sent to US
addresses via Priority Mail for $5.49. If ordering 3 or more
books/disks, add $.55 for each.

We are excited to announce a new arrival at our store. The PC10 knit
patterning device is here and ready for you to see!

This compact device (see picture on the home page of this yahoo group)
is compatible with  most modern electronic knitting machines (all the
currently-available electronic machines by Silver Reed) for easy
pattern storage, retrieval and creation. The PC10 allows you to create
and store knitting patterns up to 200 stitches wide and 1000 rows long.

It is being advertised as an easy-to-use alternative to knitting
interactive with DesignaKnit. This will be of interest to machine
knitters who prefer not having to knit while the machine is plugged in
to a computer or laptop.

Each PC10 device comes with many built-in stitch designs including
Fairisle, weaving and lace... and a power cord, color booklet showing
the built-in patterns, instruction manual, and handy quick-reference
card. The introductory price is $1095 and will come with a free gift
when purchased from our shop.

This device has been available previously in other countries so the
technology is sound and worry-free. There is no need to worry about it
being a new or untested product, Silver Reed has been selling it to
satisfied knitters in other countries for several years.

We are pleased to have this brand-new item on hand. Visit our store
soon for a free demonstration!

-------------------------------
NOVEMBER EVENTS -plan a trip to Rocking Horse Farm to participate-

MACHINE KNITTING CLUB, Sat. Nov. 3, 1:30pm. Free, all invited.
Demonstration: Shirley G. will demonstrate mittens. Bring show-and-tell
item and snack to share (if you wish).

MACHINE EMBROIDERY CLUB, Sat. Nov. 3, 10am. Free, all invited.

FIBER FRIENDS handknitting-spinning-fiber arts, Tues. Nov. 20, 6-9pm.
Free, all invited. Bring show-and-tell item and snack to share (if you
wish).

-------------------------------
New Magazine!!!

We are now selling SPIN OFF magazine. This publication is from
Interweave Press, famous for excellent magazines for handknitting,
crochet, beading and more. SPIN OFF has articles and ads covering all
yarn crafts, but also focuses on spinning and felting of wool.

The first issue we've received is the FALL 2007 "Anniversary Issue"
featuring: 4 Socks to Spin and Knit, Quick and Easy Fiber Blending,
Dyeing and Self-Striping Yarns, articles about Camel hair and Llama
wool, and more. The magazine is not just for fans of spinning wheels,
there are knitting and crochet patterns in each issue making it of
interest to any fiber fanatic.

We decided to offer this magazine when it was brought to our attention
by some of the girls at our FIBER FRIENDS club. They really like the
magazine, and brought this issue to share in October. This issue
featured an article about Circular Sock Machines and the different
types or weights of yarns to use on them.

We have a limited number of this issue available for $7.99 +s/h. The
next issue (Winter 2007) will be available at our store in a few weeks.

-----------------------------------

MITTEN TREE

It's almost time to set up the artificial trees that we decorate each
year with donated hats, mittens and other children's items. We've
already received several boxes and bags to get started! Stay tuned for
details.

Hello group, I've posted new photos at the yahoo group page and on the
website. There is a whole new gallery of pictures in the "photos"
section called: (what else?!?) November Gallery. There are pictures of
some brand new specialty yarns that have just arrived, equipment for
sale, views of the store, and some pictures of a recent machine embroidered
Wedding Gift Set that Carole worked on. Remember that when looking at our
photos, you can click on them to see a larger view.

Besides her embroidery, Carole has been busy knitting hats and matching
scarves using the new Lamb's Pride variegated yarns. She has also done
some great rolled-brim hats using our new yarn called "Moods." You
really need to see this yarn in person, it actually graduates from one
color to another after it is knit. It is a bit like Jason's FADE TO
GREY fairisle knitting motif, except the yarn does the "fade" design
for you. Carole has also been making socks using Ditto and Trekking
Natura with Bamboo, among other yarns.

We are planning a special Customer Appreciation Day for Saturday,
December 1. Stay tuned for details!

We are pleased to welcome designer and instructor ELIZABETH JOHNSON
to our annual Customer Appreciation Day, Saturday December 1st. She
will be teaching a free class on felted bags and showing samples of
her special lining techniques.

Elizabeth has been a knitwear designer and educator for many years
and is an author of several books by "Bee's Knits." Her published
work includes garment patterns and advanced technique instruction.

The day's events also include special sales, new yarns on display,
and a complimentary light lunch at noon. Elizabeth's class begins at
1:30pm. Everyone in attendance will receive a copy of Elizabeth's
pattern.

As a special thank-you to our customers, all purchases on Saturday
will receive a free gift. This includes telephone and internet sales.

To see some examples of Elizabeth's work, go to the "photos" section
of this yahoo group:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news/phot\
os/browse/a8f6

But keep in mind that it's always best to see
these items in person! Visit Rocking Horse Farm to see Elizabeth's
work up close and in person.

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the
Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news
group.

   File        : /2007customerappreciationsale.pdf
   Uploaded by : rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
   Description : Customer Appreciation sale December 1-10, 2007

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news/files/2\
007customerappreciationsale.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>

Hell friends, today was Customer Appreciation Day and we enjoyed an
excellent class by Elizabeth Johnson. I've posted pictures of her
WORSTED WEIGHT BOX BOTTOM FELT PURSE class in the "photos" section.

Cut and paste this link to see the pictures:

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_n
ews/photos/browse/a8f6

Elizabeth demonstrated knitting the bag, discussed yarns and felting
methods, and explained how she uses a cereal box to shape the bottom of
her purses. Her instructions for lining the bags were a hit. She had
Carole do a sample lining on a sewing machine during the class. Take a
look at the pictures. You are sure to be inspired.

Several people let us know that they were excited to attend the class
but felt the weather might be a problem. Perhaps in the future
Elizabeth will do her workshop for us again. We will make sure to let
our readers know.

---------------------

In the meantime, we have a Mitten Knit-a-thon planned for Thursday,
December 6, 10-6. This includes the free class EASY BULKY DOUBLE
MITTENS by Carole Wurst at 10:30am, repeated again at 1:30pm if
necessary. Bring your knitting machine or hand knitting needles, or let
us know ahead of time (call or email) if you would like to use one of
our machines. We have plenty of machines here! Carole will furnish yarn
and pattern for those who wish to knit mittens here for our MITTEN TREE
project, or bring your own.

Speaking of the MITTEN TREE project... we have four Trees set up in the
store and they are already showing a lot of color from donated hats,
mittens, scarves, shawls and slippers. We will continue to accept these
donations by mail or in person at the store, until December 22. One
agency has stopped by to collect items to be sent with Operation Toasty
Toes packages, and another agency will collect more items on December
22. In January we expect to start collecting again for next year's
projects.

Everyone who contributes something to the Mitten Tree project receives
a hanging ornament that says "Thank you for participating in the 2007
Rocking Horse Farm "Mitten Tree" Project.

-----------------

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE!

You will receive a separate message with a link to information about
our Customer Appreciation Sale. The sale continues through December
10th or while supplies last.

Here are some sale highlights:

FREE FELTING NEEDLE with purchase of 5 or more balls of wool roving in
any color ($2.00 each, limited to colors in stock)

$1.00 off Yarn Skeins, including Lamb's Pride, Moods, Trekking, Step,
Mermaid, No Kidding, and more (limited to colors in stock)

10% off all Brown Sheep cone yarns (limited to colors in stock)

30% off selected pattern books by Sandee Cherry (title list available
on request)

Magazines... all in stock back issues of Knitwords, News & Views,
Creative Machine Embroidery, Machine Knitters Source, Machine Knit
America and Inknitters: buy one, get one half price! (send list of
wanted issues)

GLOVES IN A BOTTLE lotion for quilters/stitchers/knitters: $4.95

"Chill of Winter" RUBBER STAMP set: $9.50

"Special Occasions" holiday RUBBER STAMP kit: $5.95

Yarn Winders, regular $49.95: $34.95!

"Christmas Keepsakes" knitting pattern books, regular $10.00: $2.50!

Garter Bar sets, for standard gauge knitting machine, regular $54.00:
$29.00!

Yarn Trees, $19.00 and up

Studio SK360 standard gauge Punchcard knitting machine & ribber,
tested: $175.00

Brother standard gauge Punchcard knitting machine, tested: $145.00

Brother KH260 bulky Punchcard knitting machine and ribber, tested:
$1395.00

Silver Reed bulky Punchcard machine, brand new: $895.00

Tilt Stand for knitting machine, new: $129.00
Tilt Stand for knitting machine, used: $69.00
Jiffy J2000 Steamer, new: $189.00
used Jiffy J2 Steamer, tested: $89.00
Folding Blocking Board: $75.00

All sale items available while supplies last. Prices do not include
shipping. Place order by mail, email or phone 320-252-2996 during
business hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10-6 central time.

We appreciate our customers! All orders placed before December 10th
will receive a free gift!

Hello group, we would like to share some information about a friend
and frequent guest demonstrator at Rocking Horse Farm.

Charlene Shafer is a knitting pattern author and instructor from
Peru, Indiana. She and her husband operate the Knit Knack shop, sole
importers of Tamm yarn and distributors of Bramwell and Cotton Tale
yarns.

In a message posted for Charlene by another knitting shop owner and
instructor, Charlene says:

"We find ourselves being very thankful this season for our family,
friends and neighbors. Saturday, December 1, 2007 the main building
of our shop was destroyed by a fire. Fortunately no one was harmed
during this tragic event. Although we lost inventory we were blessed
to have our second building (The Outback) untouched. We are on the
fast track to setting up our full operations within the Outback along
with ample inventory of Tamm Yarns and Cotton Tale yarn."

Charlene reassures us that they are working hard to continue with
business as normal, so we shouldn't have an interruption in
availability of yarns.

In the meantime, we hope everyone will keep Charlene and her family
in their thoughts.

Carole, Fred and Jason at Rocking Horse Farm

As a follow up to the previous message, I want to add that Rocking
Horse Farm will continue to stock our large quantity of Tamm, Cotton
Tale and Bramwell yarns.

Here is a link to Charlene's website. Click on "Bramwell," "Cotton
Tale," or "Tamm" to see color charts for each of the yarns:

http://www.knitknackshop.com/yarns.html

(You may need to copy and paste this link)

Rocking Horse Farm honors all advertised sale prices.

For example, we currently have "Can Cun by Tamm" on sale for
$17.55/pound. Can Cun is 70% Acrylic/ 30% Nylon, Machine washable
(gentle cycle). It is a Basket-weave, medium weight yarn suited for
sweaters and children's clothes.

Another sale yarn is "Micro-Tamm" which is great for sweaters and
general knitting. It has a look of cotton but the soft feel of suede.
Micro fibers are extremely popular with today's designers, and this
yarn is the answer to continue that trend. 100% micro fiber acrylic,
machine wash and dry. Sale price: $23.40/pound.

We have both yarns in stock, in a wide variety of nice colors. The sale continue
through December 14. (And don't forget about our Customer Appreciation sale
continue through December 10th.)

Let's all continue to support Charlene and her family by using these
high-quality yarns!

Everybody likes free stuff, so here's a quick and easy pattern for a
Fun Fur scarf on the bulky knitting machine. Some of our readers have
been making these for awhile, but they are still in demand and they
were a H-U-G-E hit at the 2007 Minnesota Quilting Expo where Carole
and other knitting machine dealers demonstrated Silver Reed knitting
machines.

We whipped up this scarf in a jiffy, using a pre-owned KH260 Brother
bulky 9mm knitting machine that we have for sale. Check out the
picture of the scarf (in progress) being knit on the machine, on the
home page of this yahoo group!

FUN FUR SCARF ON BULKY KNITTING MACHINE

Machine: any bulky 9mm
Pattern: no patterning necessary
Yarn: Fun Fur, Shimmer, Stradivarius, Tingle or similar yarns
Tension: 6
Difficulty Level: basic beginner, great for kids

E-wrap cast on every third needle, starting at L30 and ending at R25.

(Every third needle... means the needle set-up diagram would look
like this:   I..I..I..I..  across the needle bed)

Tension 6, knit 1 row and hang cast-on comb and weights.

Continue knitting, moving weights up when necessary. Watch end
needles for dropped stitches. (Dropped stitches may mean that the
sponge retainer bar needs to be changed.)

Knit enough rows to use up two balls of yarn, or desired length. Each
ball is 1 ounce, so be prepared to knit quite a few rows! Hopefully
the knitting will go smoothly but take care not to let the end of 1
ball go through the yarn feeder before tying on the next ball!

P.S. the pictured bulky knitting machine is still available for sale,
$1395 for the machine AND ribber, tested and in excellent shape!

There is just one day left to take advantage of our Customer
Appreciation sale. Check out the flyer posted in the "files" section of
this yahoo group to see the sale prices for yarns, wool roving, pattern
books, and equipment. We still have a large selection of yarn and fiber
to choose from, and several of the equipment pieces are still available.

----

Has everyone been busy preparing for holiday gift giving? Remember to
keep your favorite charity in mind as you sew and knit. Our MITTEN TREE
project is still going strong, with more items than ever! We will
continue to collect items until December 22, when organizers from
several charities arrive to pick up what we have collected for local
and national distribution at shelters and food shelves. But we start
all over again after the first of the year, hoping to collect items for
charitable giving in 2008.

One of the activities that we collect for is OPERATION TOASTY TOES. A
nice card arrived at Rocking Horse Farm today:

     "Thank you on behalf of the Granite Post 428 Auxiliary and the
troops, for your large donation of knit articles for the Troop Care
Packages. They were all greatly appreciated. I spoke with a soldier's
mother last evening and her son serving in Iraq said the slippers are
wonderful, as the floors are very cold there. Thank you!"

----

MACHINE EMBROIDERY: MUSICAL SNOWFLAKES

Ann the Gran's website has some really clever designs for embroidered
snowflakes that incorporate musical motifs. At first glance, you might
just see a nice snowflake design. But looking further, you will notice
treble clefs, notes, or other musical symbols. Check them out here:

http://www.annthegran.com/musicalsnowflakes.html

----

FREE STUFF ON THE WEB

Lion Brand Yarn has a fun e-newsletter the send out several times a
month. It's called BK4K (which stands for By Kids, For Kids) and is
always full of fun ideas that even grown-ups will enjoy. And best of
all, it's free! The most recent mailing is called "Winter Wonderland"
and includes: Fun Fur Snowball; Candy Cane Coat Hanger; and Holiday
Decorations. Sign up at the Lion Brand website, here:

http://cache.lionbrand.com/byKidsForKidsRequest.html

***I forgot to mention in the previous pattern message that when you
knit the furry novelty-yarn scarf on the bulky knitting machine, no
steaming or blocking is required. After you bind-off the last row, the
scarf comes off the machine ready to wear. It will not curl or twist! **

The following SANDEE CHERRY knitting machine pattern books are on sale
as part of our Customer Appreciation Sale. These aren't old or out of
print books, they are all currently available titles. We are promoting
them because SANDEE was a hit at our September Seminar this year, and
we want to share her great books with our friends and loyal customers!

Take 30% off these titles, sale ending soon, while supplies last:

SOCKS FOR THE FAMILY, $10.00
KWIK & EASY INFANT APPAREL, $18.00
SHORT ROWING IN COLOR MADE EASY, $12.00
CHILDREN'S EASY MIX & MATCH COORDINATES, $12.00

GIRLS EASY MIX & MATCH COORDINATES, $12.00
EASY YEAR-ROUND SHRUGS & BOLEROS (JUNIORS & WOMENS sizes 32-52), $15.00
GIRLS CLASSIC WOVEN COATS (sizes 4 - 14), $13.00
YEAR-ROUND TANK TOPS (sizes NEWBORN - WOMENS 54), $22.00

WRAP SWEATERS FOR ALL SEASONS (JUNIORS & WOMENS sizes 32-54), $15.00
MY FAVORITE KNITTING MACHINE HINTS & TECHNIQUES, $10.00
HOODS AND POCKETS (Instructions for adding them to any garment), $12.00
SET-IN-SLEEVE TUNIC & 30 MINUTE CAPRI PANTS (WOMENS S-XXL), $20.00

COLLECTION OF FUN & EASY ITEMS TO KNIT (APRONS, GOLF CLUB COVERS, LINED
MITTENS, CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT, LACE CHRISTMAS TREE ANGEL), $10.00
TO YOUR HEARTS CONTENT (G-CARRIAGE AFGHANS), $20.00 book & disk
SHIRT JACKET WITH REMOVABLE COLLAR (WOMENS S-XXL), $18.00

KWIK & EASY SWEATSHIRT STRIPS, CHILDRENS DESIGNS (I'm the Big Sister,
I'm the Little Sister, I'm the Middle One, etc), $15.00 book & disk

KWIK & EASY SWEATSHIRT STRIPS, HOBBY DESIGNS (I Love Crafts, I'd Rather
Be Quilting, I'd Rather be Sewing, I Love Machine Knitting), $15.00
book & disk

KWIK & EASY SWEATSHIRT STRIPS, (Dieting is My Life, Chocolate Is My
Weakness, Shop Til You Drop), $15.00 book & disk

CHRISTMAS POTPOURRI (STOCKINGS, WREATH, ORNAMETNS, DESIGNS), $12.00
DROP SHOULDER CARDIGAN FOR THE FAMILY, CREWNECKS/V NECKS, $18.00

WOMENS DROP SHOULDER CUT 'N SEW V-NECK & CREWNECK CARDIGANS (sizes 38-
54), $12.00

KWIK & EASY TOTE BAGS, (Baby, Shop Til You Drop, I'd Rather Be Sailing,
#1 Nurse, I Love Tennis, #1 Grandma, Save the Earth, Sports, On the
Road Again, more), $15.00 book & disk, or $11.00 book only

CD's - CD's - CD's - CD's -----

LEARNING THE GARTER BAR WITH SANDEE, $25.00
DESIGNING 101 USING THE MAGIC FORMULA WITH SANDEE, $25.00

Prices do not include shipping or handling. Take 30% off all listed
prices while sale lasts. Free gift with every order until Dec. 22!!!

Hello group, the holiday season is in full swing. We've been very
busy shipping patterns and supplies, and today (Friday) is the last
day we can ship SpeeDee (to Upper Midwest zip codes) or Express Mail
(continental US) for delivery before Christmas.

A new gift idea that has just come in to the shop is a CD about
antique knitting machines. There are video clips, pictures and text
pages on this CD featuring information about vintage round sock
knitting machines from the late 1800's and early 1900's.

This seems like a great stocking stuffer for anyone interested in
antiques, especially someone into fiber arts. Men will like the
mechanical and engineering topics on the CD, and ladies will like
seeing the articles knit on the machine.

This CD is an excellent teaching tool, too. In fact, the reason we
decided to offer this CD is because the Instructional Videos for CSM
(Circular Sock Machines) that we used to carry have become
unavailable so we've been looking for an alternative.

To order this CD with videos, pics and E-book by Bonnie Smola, call
or email us. Price: $20 +s/h.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MACHINE EMBROIDERY design to see: The Country Needle is selling a
Tulle Nativity Scene at a discount.

http://www.countryneedle.net/index.php?
main_page=product_info&cPath=13_44&products_id=275

(you may need to copy and paste links in your browser)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NEW YARN IN STOCK

We are proud to be an authorized seller of FIBRA NATURA yarns by the
new yarn company Universal. I am preparing an article for the January
issue of our print publication ROCKING HORSE NEWS about this
fascinating new yarn called MERMAID. We have it in stock, and it is
really interesting seeing people's expression when we tell them what
it is. When people feel it, they say it feels so nice that they don't
want to put it down.

Here is a link to the official Universal Yarn Company page:
http://www.universalyarn.com/yarn.php?id=129

We have MERMAID with SEACELL at our store, $13 +s/h per ball.
Wouldn't you love a pair of socks or mittens made of this yarn? It's
suitable for hand or machine knitting.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

INTERESTING WAY TO KNIT

A video has been posted at Youtube by someone who uses a plastic
container as a knitting loom. She calls it "Cool Whip Knitting." She
has several videos, showing how to cut the Cool Whip (or other
plastic container) into a loom, how to knit on the homemade loom, and
how to finish a scarf.

Here is the video that shows her knitting on her Cool Whip device:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GW9G4dmzlM

What will people think of next? Actually, I noticed that her
container isn't from Cool Whip but actually from Country Crock
margarine spread. But she called the video Cool Whip Knitting. ;)

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the
Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news
group.

   File        : /class list Carole 2008.pdf
   Uploaded by : rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
   Description : Carole Wurst's list of Seminar and Workshop classes... contact
her to teach at your event: rhfarm@...

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news/files/c\
lass%20list%20Carole%202008.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.htmlfiles

Regards,

rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the
Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news
group.

   File        : /class list JW 2008.pdf
   Uploaded by : rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
   Description : Jason J Wurst's list of seminar, workshop and fiber lecture
topics... contact him to appear at your event

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news/files/c\
lass%20list%20JW%202008.pdf

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/web/index.htmlfiles

Regards,

rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>

Dear friends, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

Thanks to all who participated in our annual MITTEN TREE drive. We
received several dozen more items just yesterday, the last day of
collection before the end of the year. Members and their parents of the
Wide Horizons 4-H club from Benton County, Minnesota visited Rocking
Horse Farm and brought several items. An article and picture of their
visit is scheduled to appear in the St. Cloud Daily Times newspaper.

Our store hours for the rest of the year are as follows: We are open as
usual Tuesday - Saturday 10-6, except being closed Tuesday December
25th and Tuesday January 1st. We will be able to process orders and
ship items as usual.

We look forward to sharing a list of Upcoming 2008 Events and a special
New Year Sale in our next message.

Happy Holidays!

Happy new year! I have some news about a class and some events that I
was supposed to send earlier this week, but time has passed too
quickly. So I apologize if you are not close enough to us to attend,
but this is the quickest way to let people know about our upcoming
events!

--------------------
POLAR FLEECE HAT CLASS, Saturday Jan. 5, 10am

Barb Kuklok is doing a polar fleece hat class here and will offer the
free pattern to all who can attend. If you would like to draw out the
pattern, feel free to bring a piece of polar fleece. We will also
have some extra polar fleece here. Barb says the piece should be 1/2
yard, and the width (the stretchy part) 25". This will be suitable
for any size hat. After cutting out the hat, there will be machine
embroidery options for the fleece. So... you may not want to have too
much of a print on the fleece you bring.

--------------------
NEW SWEATER PATTERN in the ROCKING HORSE NEWS

The new Winter 2008 issue of the ROCKING HORSE NEWS is being mailed
(or handed out at club meetings) this week. The featured pattern is
called ANCIENT COLUMNS SWEATER. A picture is on the homepage of this
yahoo group. The design motif is based on an architectural column,
and the sweater's unique look is achieved by changing background
colors instead of motif colors.

Other features in this issue include: an article about using beets to
dye yarn, felted purse, new yarns, tech tip, machine embroidery
corner, article about knitting designs on postage stamps, and more.
As always, there are special sale offers for current subscribers.

Cover price for each issue is $3.00, or subscribe: 2 years for $12
(US addresses). The newsletter is never available online, it is a
print-only publication.

--------------------
JANUARY EVENTS at ROCKING HORSE FARM

Embroidery Club (Fleece Hat Class), Sat. January 5, 10am (free)

Machine Knitting Club, Sat. January 5, 1:30pm (free)

Fiber Friends (spin/knit/crochet/felt), Tues. January 15, 6pm (free)

Gathering for Antique Round Sock Knitting Machine owners, Sat.
January 19, 10-6 (free, potluck lunch)

---------------------
2008 WORKSHOP AND SEMINAR SCHEDULE for ROCKING HORSE FARM

(Registration Forms printed in the Rocking Horse News, or send a SASE)

Winter KNIT-IN, Sat. February 16 (optional extra day on Friday, Feb.
15)

KNITTING MACHINE "CAMP" June 19-21
EMBROIDERY MACHINE "CAMP" July 17-19

SEPTEMBER SEMINAR, Sept. 18-20

Monthly classes and Store Calendar are printed in the Rocking Horse
News.

Hello friend, I have some interesting websites to share. Hopefully
these will spark your imagination to warm a chilly winter day (unless
you already live in a warm place!)

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VOGUE KNITTING recently sent an email announcing that "after some
technical difficulties, www.vogueknitting.com is back and here to
stay." Check out their free handknitting pattern downloads, including
a cute racer hat, here:

http://www.vogueknitting.com/vkm/?q=node/406

(some readers will have to cut and paste this link)

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ELLE magazine also has new free handknitting patterns. This offer
requires signing up at this website: http://www.knit1.co.za/

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Machine Knitters are probably already familiar with the website for
Knitwords magazine: www.knitwords.com

We will soon have an announcement about a special guest at Rocking
Horse Farm who will be familiar to Knitwords readers. Stay tuned for
details about our February 2nd Silver Tea and Knitwear Style Show.

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We now sell SPIN-OFF magazine at Rocking Horse Farm. This magazine is
for anyone who loves yarn. Each issue features articles of interest
to spinning wheel enthusiasts, felters and fiber artists. There are
also knitting and crochet patterns. The current issue was reviewed in
the Rocking Horse News. Visit the SPIN-OFF website here:

http://www.interweave.com/spin/

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NEW PICTURES...

I've just uploaded new pictures from this month's Polar Fleece Hat
Class by Barb Kuklok, the January gathering or Antique Round Sock
Machine (CSM) enthusiasts, and pictures from the Winter 2008 issue of
the ROCKING HORSE NEWS.

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POLAR FLEECE HINT

At Embroidery Club this month, Barb gave a great demonstration of a
sewn polar fleece hat. Everyone had a chance to get a pattern
template or cut fleece to make a hat. She demonstrated hooping the
hat, embroidering and seaming. One of her extra hints was to save the
thin strips cut from the stretchy side to embellish garments. Some
people actually call this "Polar Fleece Yarn." It can be used to
embellish the top of a pocket, as a hatband, or anywhere else your
imagination can take you. There is a picture in the photos section
(click on "2008 January fleece hat class" ) of some Polar Fleece Yarn
braided into a strip suitable for use as a bit of decor on a felted
hat.

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KNITTING MACHINE CAST-ON TROUBLESHOOTING

Consider this a "Back to Basics" hint...
We've received several emails in the past few weeks from people who
are new to machine knitting and are having trouble casting on. I've
just added this information to the Q & A page on our website:

Q: I'm new to machine knitting and eager to get started but I'm
having trouble casting on.

A:  Machine Knitting is an enjoyable pastime and shouldn't be
frustrating. But sometimes it seems as if the cast-on described in
knitting machine manuals isn't always easy to follow. We've had the
best experience using the following cast-on, suitable for ANY
knitting machine even if the manual doesn't describe this cast-on
method:

Do this method for a permanent E-wrap cast-on:
1. Pull selected needles all the way out.
2. Place carriage on the right.
3. Starting with yarn at the left, loop the yarn around each needle,
from left to right, counterclockwise (as if handwriting "e").
4. Push loops back to stems of needles, close to the sinker posts.
5. Thread the carriage.
6. Move the carriage across needles to the left.
7. Hang cast-on comb and weights. Always hang comb immediately for
best results, not after a few rows.
8. Continue knitting.

If problems persist, check the condition of the knitting machine and
carriage. Ask yourself some troubleshooting questions:

Does the sponge bar have firm, fresh sponge?
Has the carriage been lubricated and is it free of any excess fuzz or
lint?
Do all the brushes and wheels on the underside of the carriage move
freely?
Are all the levers and settings on the carriage in the proper
position for cast-on?
Are the needles in good working order, or are the latches difficult
to open and close?
Is the yarn easy to pull off the cone or ball?
Does it flow freely through the tension mast and yarn feeder?
Does the take-up-spring on the Tension Mast pull the excess yarn out
of the way so a loop doesn't form on the side of the carriage? (Take-
up springs can be replaced if they don't function properly.)
If skein yarn is being used, has it been wound into a somewhat loose
ball?
Is the yarn too thick or of poor quality making it unsuitable for
machine knitting? Does it have enough elasticity?
Is Knitting Machine Wax or Yarn Spray needed to help the yarn flow
freely through the Tension Mast and carriage?
Is there a problem with static electricity?


All of these things can cause problems with the cast-on or general
knitting.