Hello friends, spring is coming. Did you finish all the winter
projects you were hoping to do? It's time to make some spring
fashions now. Dust off those pastel colors and make something nice to
dress up your kitchen or bathroom.
NATIONAL EVENTS:
Our shop is involved in sponsoring the "Purls of Joy" Seminar each
year, a national seminar for knitting and embroidery. The Purls of
Joy Seminar is April 29-30, at a hotel 10 minutes north of
Minneapolis or Saint Paul. The hotel has an attached water park,
bowling lanes and event center so you can bring the family.
Registration forms are available in the "files" section of our Yahoo
group... follow the link at the bottom of this message.
Another event worth attending is SEPTEMBER SEMINAR 2005. We can
assist you with travel advice if you live away from our area.
Northwest Airlines flies directly into St. Cloud, 10 minutes away
from the Seminar site and hotel.
EMBROIDERY AND SEWING DEMONSTRATORS:
Shari Morningstar
Barb Kuklok
Jerome Jensen
KNITTING MACHINE INSTRUCTORS:
Joyce Anderson
Skip Grettum
Marcia Hauser
Charlene Shafer
Missy Zirzow
...and more to be announced later
Downloadable/printable registration forms for SEPTEMBER SEMINAR are
in the "files" section.
If you haven't attended SEPTEMBER SEMINAR, go to our companion
website at http://home.earthlink.net/~rhfarm/ and click on "September
Seminar" to see pictures from 2004.
ROCKING HORSE NEWS:
Our print publication is ready to be mailed. In the Spring 2005 issue
(scheduled to be mailed in April, but available now) you will find
several pattern and project ideas, articles, commentary and news.
Pictures of the patterns and projects will be up at the companion
website (the website, not the yahoo group) at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~rhfarm/
Click on "Rocking Horse News Pattern Publication" to see the
pictures. The pictures for the spring issue will be up next week when
the mailing is done.
(The Rocking Horse News is not available online, sorry.)
EMBROIDERY NEWS:
Did you know that Jerome has hoop cleaner available in our shop? A 4
ounce bottle is $2, 8 ounce is $3. He also has a nice stock of new
Design CD's from Buzz Tools. The special price is $39.90 (list price
$49.90) for these design collections: Colorful Clowns, Victorian
Childhood, Enchanted Rose, Snowflake Savvy, and Celestial Sensations
(sun, moon, stars, etc).
Buzz Tools also offers some Design CD's complete with project
instructions. A popular look for kitchens right now is REDWORK. The
Buzz Tools REDWORK KITCHEN cd has 20 designs and project instructions
for a variety of items. Suggested price $89.90, shop price $69.90.
HAND KNITTING NEWS:
The Lion Brand Yarn company is announcing a new pattern coming soon
for Martha's Poncho. Their announcement says this:
"After receiving the largest number of requests ever for a pattern,
Lion Brand is creating a Homespun® pattern to match the poncho that
Martha Stewart wore for her return home this week.
Our newsletter and web site next week (we're working as fast as we
can!) will feature the pattern and picture of the new poncho."
Check out their website to see the progress on this project.
MACHINE KNITTING NEWS:
We are pleased to announce that Marcia Hauser is returning to the
September Seminar this year. Marcia is a Fiber Artist and Instructor
from Long Island, New York. She has many new patterns that you can
see on her website. (There is a link to her site on the "links" page
at http://home.earthlink.net/~rhfarm/ and go to "links.") You can
order patterns direct from Marcia, or purchase them at our shop. In
particular, we sell her Book/CD called "Shapes and Things" for DAK.
YARN SALES:
Trenzi by Tamm is a great acrylic yarn for standard gauge and some
mid-gauge machines (tight tension) in many nice colors. It is on sale
for $14.40/pound cone until March 31.
Nordic by Tamm is designed for Mid gauge and Bulky machines, but can
be used on standard machines EON (every other needle). Nordic is on
sale for $12.60 until March 31.
We are now carrying Lamb's Pride Bulky by Brown Sheep yarn company,
$7.99/skein. Use for hand knitting or on the Mid-Gauge or Bulky
machines. Great for felting.
FIBER ARTS:
Don't forget that we have all the Ashford Spinning Wheels and
supplies to get you started in the popular (and rapidly growing)
hobby of yarn spinning. Ashford spinning wheels are great to PLY
yarn, too. We've sold spinning wheels to machine knitters who use
them only for that purpose. They create fantastic one-of-a-kind yarn
blends by plying with the wheel.
In February, our regular "Fiber Friends" class featured a session on
Wagon Wheel Rag Rugs. The rugs were so popular when shown at Knit
Club, we have decided to offer the class at the September Seminar. A
list of the supplies required to make the rug will be in the July
issue of the ROCKING HORSE NEWS.
OF LOCAL INTEREST:
"Fiber Friends" spinning and hand knitting club will meet Tuesday,
March 15th, 6-9pm. No charge, all invited.
KNIT-IN SWEATER WORKSHOP: Saturday, March 19, 9-6. Bring your machine
and knit a Sideways-Knit Sweater or other project. Regsitration form
in the "files" section.
BUZZ TOOLS EMBROIDERY EDITING: March 26th, register with Jerome at
greenwing@...
Embroidery Club: Saturday, April 2, 10am.
Machine Knitting Club: Saturday, April 2, 1:30pm.
Carole will be teaching at the Mid America Knitting Extravaganza in
Kansas City, Missouri on April 8-9... but the store will remain open.
If you are in the Kansas City area and want to attend this fantastic
seminar, contact knitcraft@...
Machine Embroidery class on EMBIRD software: Saturday, April 16th.
Contact greenwing@...
The next DESIGNAKNIT SOFTWARE SEMINAR will be Saturday, May 15th.
Complete schedule and registration form in the "files" section.
Thanks for reading! Happy spring.
Received this message from a reader today:
"Bernat sent me an email that they also have a version and a free
pattern
for knit or crochet on their site.
http://www.bernat.com
Kathy"
Thanks Kathy!
Martha Stewart's "Coming Home" poncho sure has created a buzz for
knitters. News stories about it and the buzz around it seem to be
showing up daily. Some are crediting it with creating a lot of new
interest in knitting, while some others are that the PR is nice but
knitting/crocheting was on a big upsurge without the help of Martha's
famous poncho.
Lion Brand Yarn is now offering the hand knitting pattern on their
website, free. (The crochet pattern was available previously, as I
mentioned in a past message.)
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/khs-scallopEdgePoncho.html
The yarn is called "Homespun" by Lion Brand. For a machine knit
version, I recommend one of the new patterns by Marcia Hauser that
has similar texture and design elements. One is called "Essence" and
the other is called "It's not Crochet Poncho." Price for either is
$15.99 +2.50 s/h. We have this pattern in stock.
The Spring Issue of the Rocking Horse News has been mailed. Color
pictures of the knitting patterns are available (as always) on our
website, on the "Knitting Machine Pattern Newsletter" page.
Hello, welcome to spring. Carole is currently in Kansas City
attending the Silver Reed knitting machine Dealer Meeting, after
which she is a featured demonstrator at the Mid America Knitting
Seminar. She is teaching felting (hot & cold bath), needle felting
(dry), knitting tuck stitch garments, G Carriage knitting machine
attachment, and other classes. If you are not in the central US to
attend this seminar, you can see Carole teach at other upcoming
events in the US. More about that later.
EMBROIDERY NEWS------------------------------------------------
Creative Machine Embroidery has several free downloads for
subscribers at their website
http://www.cmemag.com/offers.htm
Choose from these and others:
"Delicate Accents" Free Download
Add lace accents to a breezy summer blouse with this free Battenburg-
lace inspired download. Offer expires July 15, 2005.
"Stripe Zone" Free Downloads
We've brightened a pretty pillow sham with these three outline
quilting motifs. What will you make with these free downloads? Offer
expires July 15, 2005.
If you haven't done these downloads before, read the helpful article
about downloading zip files on the same CME page.
KNITTING NEWS------------------------------------------------
Hopefully everyone had a chance to make some nice garments for Spring
holidays. People at knit club are busy making Poncho's in spring
colors. At last Knit Club, Carole demonstrated the tuck stitch poncho
from her book "Sensational Shawls." She will repeat this class at the
Mid America seminar in Kansas City and at the Purls of Joy Seminar on
April 29-30.
New Pattern Books: We are working on two new books that should be
ready by the end of Spring. One is a collection of patterns for Bulky
9mm knitting machines. Check for info in the next issue of the
ROCKING HORSE NEWS.
HAND KNITTING NEEDLES: Fred has been spending time in his workshop
crafting wooden knitting needles to use with heavy or novelty yarns.
They are selling for $9/set. Call or stop by for info.
We have a "4-H Project Day" event here on May 1st and someone will be
giving free hands-on demonstrations to anyone. Last year we had
several youngsters and adults take this class and report that they
are still knitting.
UPCOMING EVENTS at ROCKING HORSE FARM:
Embird Embroidery Workshop, Saturday April 16, bring laptop. Register
ahead.
Fiber Friends spinning, Tuesday April 19, 6-9pm. Free, no
registration required.
We are closed on April 28-30 because we are all teaching at the Purls
of Joy Seminar in Moundsview, Minnesota.
Community Open House/4-H Project Day event: Sunday, May 1, 1-3pm. The
public is invited to participate in classes about knitting, sewing,
embroidery, forestry, cooking, woodworking, and other topics. Live
ALPACAS will be on hand.
Embroidery Club: Saturday, May 7, 10am.
Machine Knitting Club: Saturday, May 7, 1:30pm.
DesignaKnit knitting software Seminar: Saturday, May 14 10-6.
Antique Round Sock Machine gathering: Saturday, May 21 10-6.
Knitting Camp: June 16-18.
Sewing & Embroidery Camp: July 14-16.
September Seminar for Fiber Artists: September 22-24.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS we are participating in:
Visit the ROCKING HORSE FARM booth at the Mid America Knitting
Extravaganza in Kansas City (April 8-9), Purls of Joy Knitting &
Embroidery Seminar in the Twin Cities of Minnesota (April 29-30), and
the Circular Sock Machine of America Conference in Michigan (June 26-
28).
Remember that the time for this event is drawing near! If you haven't
registered yet or need more info, check for a downloadable/printable
registration form in the "files" section of this group.
Quick details: Purls of Joy Seminar for Machine Knitting and
Embroidery... April 29-30, 2005. Location: Mermaid Events Center, near
the Junction of Highway 10, I-694 and I-35W in Moundsview, Minnesota.
More than a dozen demonstrators, separate sessions for machine
knitting, machine embroidery and DesignaKnit software run
concurrently. Banquet & Style Show, Accessory contest.
Vendor Marketplace for hand knitting yarns, machine knitting yarns,
pattern books, machine embroidery backings-threads-designs-tools, and
much, much more.
Marketplace open Thursday evening. Classes on Friday and Saturday.
See you there!
Sorry for the two messages! After sending the other, it occured to me
that people might like to konw what we are teaching at this seminar.
Here is Carole's list:
Blocking
This can be a hands-on class of various techniques. Pros and cons of
different methods and blocking products are explained. Experience
the "TLF" (tender-loving-feel) of your fabric. Bring questions about
Jiffy or Europro steaming products, and blocking wires. Class will
be conducted on a Jiffy Steamer and blocking board.
Garter Carriage Tips, Tricks, & Techniques
Class is a very thorough description of the Garter Carriage. Learn
the uses for all the "extras" that came with your G Carriage. Discuss
various uses, appropriate tensions, trouble shooting, care and
maintenance. This class features question and answer time. Based on
the user-friendly book by Carole. Class taught on a Brother
electronic with G Carriage. Learn how to make sure your G Carriage
stays in tip-top shape.
Felted Hats and Other Felting Projects
Using the Rocking Horse Farm Guide to Felting Wool the entire process
is covered from start to finish. Class attendees will be eager to
knit fabric and cut & sew into projects such as a felted bear, baby
booties, or sweatshirt cardigan bands; or felt a knit swatch and
calculate a garment pattern. Use your Silver Reed mid-gauge to knit
wool fabric to felt. This is a great use for wool that biases. We
will also discuss "needle felting" (sometimes called "dry felting").
Felted teddy bear kits will be available for purchase.
Knitting with Exotic Yarns
There are many beautiful hand knitting yarns that we can use
on the machine. Learn how to make the most out of novelty and exotic
yarns by combining them with cone yarns or using on their own. Don't
let the hand-knitters have all the fun and get all the enjoyment from
exotic yarns.
Bulky & Mid-Gauge Knitting
Tips and Tricks of making great garments on Bulky or Mid-
Gauge knitting machines. Topics covered include yarn recommendations
and Tension settings. Carole will show patterns written specifically
for mid-gauge knitting machines.
____________________________________________________________________
Jason's Class List:
DesignaKnit: Stitch Designer Overview
DesignaKnit software has 4 major elements: Stitch Designer, Garment
Styling, Original Pattern Drafting and Interactive Knitting. We will
start from scratch to learn about the Stitch Designer element. Bring
a laptop with DAK installed to do hands-on work. Kaleidoscope,
Birdseye and stencil tools will be explored.
DesignaKnit: Interactive Knitting
We will knit new fairisle patterns designed by Dr. Wurst on a Silver
Reed machine, but with instructions for Passap, Brother or KnitKing.
All Silver Reed machines are electronic patterning masters whether
they are fine gauge 3.5mm, standard 4.5mm, mid gauge 7.0mm or bulky
9.0 because they all connect to DAK on your PC with one simple cable.
No more outdated disk drives needed. Class will be conducted on a
Silver Reed knitting interactive with DAK.
Mood Indigo
Dying with indigo has been a practice since biblical times.
Dr. Wurst interprets the ancient art of indigo dye technique for
modern knitwear designers. Historic methods of design creation, such
as wax-batik, plangi (tie dye) with seeds, and stenciling will be
discussed. Instead of authentic indigo dye, there are several modern
ways to duplicate the appearance. This can be an exciting approach to
creating unique artistic garments from natural fibers.
Beanies: Hats for Skateboarders
New updates in the world of extreme headgear! A beanie, a
skull cap, a toque: what are they? Skateboarders and snowboarders
wear them year round, and the under-25 set pay top dollar for them in
specialty stores. This year stripes and design elements are the rage.
Racking the ribber can make unique hand-knit look beanies. Revised
patterns are now available for standard, mid and bulky machines, as
well as G Carriage.
Weave-Easy
Finally you can use those heavy and hand-spun yarns that have been
cluttering your shelf because they were too heavy for the standard
machine! Demonstration is a Woven Placemat with simple "built-in"
fringe from the Practical Knitting series, Woven Scatter Rugs, Saddle
Blankets or the Woven Tam Hat. Weaving can be done on the bulky, too.
A new pattern is available for woven placemats on the bulky 9mm
machine.
For a limited time, you can download a ( .jpg ) of some of Carole's
machine knitting handouts. The Boo Boo Bunny handout has illustrated
instructions to make any knit discloth into a Boo Boo Bunny. The
Ribbed Neck Insert pattern can be done to add a knit collar onto a
sweatshirt or sweater.
Carole ran out of these handouts at her Mid America Knitting
Extravaganza classes, so I've decided to make them available to all.
Go to the home page of this club and click on the "files" section. The
handouts are in the !machine knitting handouts! folder.
Hello, hope everyone is having a nice spring. The Purls of Joy
Seminar is history for another year, so we are now focusing our
energy on upcoming summer events. Remember that registration forms
for Sewing & EMbroidery Camp and Knitting Machine Camp are in this
yahoo group "file section" (make sure you have logged in to be able
to access the file section) AND also in the last issue of the Rocking
Horse News.
New stuff to know about: We finished several new books and prodcuts
in time for the last Seminar.
For owners of Bulky knitting machines, we now have THE BULKY BOOK.
This is the last book you may ever need for this machine. There are
tons of patterns, for things ranging from hats and mittens to items
for the home, to vests and crewneck sweaters. There are great hints
and technique pages as well. Cost: $20 +2.50s/h.
MOODS OF INDIGO is a book about the ancient art of dyeing with indigo
and the processes and history. It includes some ideas for modern
applications of the ancient patterns. For machine knitters, there is
a disk of fairisle designs that mimic ancient Asian and African
fabric patterns that can be knit into sweaters or other items. Cost:
$15 +2.50 s/h
Events: DesignaKnit Seminar is May 14th, 10-6. Bring laptop with DAK
already installed if you want to do hands-on learning. Cost: $25,
includes lunch and workbook.
Machine Embroidery: stay tuned for announcements of digitizing
workshop days and the class list for Camp in July.
Round Sock Knitting Machines: for those in the Upper Midwest, you are
invited to join us for our quarterly gathering on Sat. May 21st, 10-
6, potluck lunch. For readers in other parts of North America, be
sure to visit us at the National CSMSA (Circular Sock Machine Society
of America) Convention in Michigan this June. Carole is teaching and
having a vendor table there.
Lastly, if you are in Minnesota on Mother's Day weekend and are
interested in learning about natural fibers, there is a great Sheep
and Wool Festival in Lino Lakes (inbetween Saint Paul and Stillwater)
with a lot of vendors and classes. Do an internet search for "Lino
Lakes Wool" for more info.
Passing along a message from Round Sock Machine Group leader Deb
Oswald:
"HI All,
It is time for our spring get together. It will be May 21st at
Rocking
Horse Farm in St. Cloud. We will start at 9:30 and end at 4:30. It is
pot luck
lunch so bring something to share with everyone. Not sure what we
will work
on, will be puppets if I get my stuff done or else you can work on
making a pair
of socks. Bring yarn to work with, if you don't have any Carole has
some you
can purchase.
Deb Oswald
White Bear Lake, MN"
Directions to Rocking Horse Farm are on the homepage of our website.
There is still space available for the ~hands-on~ DesignaKnit
seminar, Saturday, May 14th ~ 10-6 at Rocking Horse Farm in St.
Cloud, Minnesota. Beginners are more than welcome,
Topics covered will include:
I. Software versions (Dak 5-6 vs. Dak 7, etc.) and cable compatibility
II. Live "Knit from Screen" session, using PC connected to knitting
machine
III. Stitch Pattern Design: creating from scratch
IV. Pattern Drafting
Participants should bring laptop with DAK already installed. We will
not take time to deal with computer installation issues. If you do
not have a laptop with DAK installed, contact us to use one here.
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase DAK resource CD's and
books at a reduced cost. These include resources by Irene Sumler,
Michael Becker, Marcia Hauser, and others.
Registration fee is $25, includes lunch and booklet ($15 value) about
using DAK.
Registration form and complete schedule for the day is available in
the "files" section. (You must be logged in to yahoo to access the
files section).
Hello everyone, here is what we are up to this month. We are
accepting registrations for knitting camp and Sewing/Embroidery camp.
Regsitration forms and details are available in the "files" section
here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_ne
ws/
We now have a great stock of Brown Sheep "LAMB's PRIDE" yarn in Bulky
AND Worsted weights. The yarn comes in many colors and is sold on
skeins. Great for felting, or fine wool heirloom knits. Knit it by
hand or use it on your Mid-Gauge or Bulky knitting machines.
For hand knitters, we have Circular Needles in all sizes provided by
Skacel. They are nickel-plated and manufactured in Germany. High
quality! Also, Fred makes large wood knitting needles for heavy and
novelty yarns. Perfect for the Lamb's Pride Bulky! They are $9/set
plus shipping. Comparable wooden needles from catalogs sell for $20+.
---
Sewing and Embriodery news: Barb and Jerome are busy planning
EXCELLENT sessions for Camp this July. You will definitely get your
money's worth. We will be providing a list of things you should bring
as well as a tentative schedule of project sessions soon. There will
be a CD of designs you can purchase to do some nice projects. Here is
a teaser: we will be doing something creative with a pair of old
jeans...
An old sewing hint, from the files: When sewing buttons on children's
clothing, use dental floss and the button will never come off.
-------------
Machine Knitting hoopla: Response to our BULKY BOOK has been
tremendous. Thank you for the compliments and messages. To know that
people are actually KNITTING from a book they purchase is a testimony
in itself. (How many times have you purchased books at seminars and
not used them??? heheheh) We've seen and heard about a lot of
projects people are making from our BULKY BOOK. We've sent them all
over the US, and to Canada. The BULKY BOOK is $20 +shipping.
Remember to support your local knitting machine dealer. I've seen
several messages on the "Knitlist" with people asking for dealers.
It's very easy to go to either the Silver Reed website at
www.silverreed.com
or the Artisan website at
http://dknits.com/artisan/
and use their "dealer locators" to find dealers in every part of
North America and Europe. I suppose I could say that our store would
gladly supply needles, sponge retainer bars, etc for all the people
that ask, but we WANT you to support your local dealer too.
---
Round Sock Knitting Machines: Carole and Fred will be attending the
North America Convention of Circular Sock Machine collectors and
users. It is June 26-28 in Midland, Michigan. They will be having a
vendor table of yarn and knitting supplies (hand and flat knitting
machines too) as well as felting supplies. The store will be open
regular hours, Jason is here...
EVENTS-----------------------
KNITTING CAMP, June 16-18 at Rocking Horse Farm. Registration Form is
available in the Rocking Horse News or in the "files" section of the
yahoo group. Space is limited....
SEWING & EMBROIDERY CAMP, July 14-16. Registration Form available
in "files" section.
++++++Most readers of this message live many hours away from our
store... YOU are most welcome to attend these classes and events.
Most of our events have many attendees from far away... contact us
for travel info. (Northwest Airlines flies into the Saint Cloud
Airport approximately 10 minutes away from our site). Hotel info is
included on the registration form. ;)+++++++++++++
SEPTEMBER SEMINAR, September 22-24, 2005. Complete class list will be
posted on our website soon. Registrations now being accepted.
CLASSES---------------------------
Embroidery Club, Saturday June 4, 10am
Machine Knitting Club, Saturday June 4, 1:30pm (demo: AFGHAN CLINIC)
Hand Knitting & Spinning, Tuesday June 21, 6pm
---
Charitable Knitting: remember to do some extra knitting (use up that
closet yarn stash) for charity.
Our friend who received a pair of Toasty Toes knit slippers while
stationed in Korea has informed us of his new address.
SGT Robert Gallovitch
K-16, Box 475, Unit # 15427
APO AP 96202
Have a good summer, everyone.
It's fun to have so many group members with such diverse interests.
We have a busy week ahead, many people bringing knitting machines here
for Knitting Camp Thursday-Saturday. After that, we will be busy
preparing lots of great things for Sewing and Embroidery Camp.
Watch for a message listing specific projects and more information.
For those of you far away from our shop, remember that we welcome
visitors for Camps and Seminars. I can help you with travel and
accomodation information. Maps to our store are accessible in this
Yahoo Group, under "files."
Jason
Knitting Camp is over, and everyone had a blast... we are now getting
ready for Sewing & Embroidery Machine camp in a few short weeks. Barb
and Jerome have fantastic things planned. The camp is full, so we
can't take any more registrations. For those who have already
registered, you will receive information about supplies needed and
kits available soon.
Carole and Fred still haven't returned from teaching at the National
Antique Circular Sock Machine Conference in Michigan. I am sure they
will have a lot of stories to tell.
We are hosting Embroidery Club at 10am and Knitting Club at 1:30pm on
the first Saturday of July, as usual. It is a holiday weekend, but
it's worth a break from the festivities to come to club. If you live
away from our area and would like to participate in club, simply send
me a short email about your latest project or question and we will
share it with the group. I will send back the response.
I hoped to have pictures of Knitting Camp posted already, as well as
some hints that people learned. I will do this as soon as I can.
Jason at Carole's
(Im sending separate knitting / embroidery emails for readers to
choose which they would like to read!)
Hi group, we are busy working on Embroidery Camp. Jerome and Barb have
fantastic things planned for the annual Sewing/Embroidery event next
week. Some of the details are listed in the "files" or "photos"
sections of this group. For those of you who can't attend, I will be
taking pictures to post here so you can get some ideas from the
projects they work on.
On the first day of camp, Barb will be teaching a class called "Jeans
Purse." She will be introducing a pattern from her collection "TRASH
BAGS" due out this fall. The Jeans Purse is a casual hand bag made
from a pair of old adult-size jeans.
Other things Barb is teaching at Camp include: Raw Edge Placemat, Fall
Leaf Cardigan, and Aztec Vest. I will try to post pictures of the
completed articles after camp.
Don't forget about Shari Morningstar (PE Design expert instructor)
coming to teach at September Seminar! Details can be found in the
yahoo group "files" section.
Hello, this is the knitting update from Rocking Horse Farm!
(Im sending separate knitting / embroidery emails for readers to
choose which they would like to read!)
The dust has settled from knitting camp, all our yarn displays are re-
stocked and ready for the next big event. I've posted some pictures
from the event in a folder in the "photos" section of the yahoo group.
ROCKING HORSE NEWS.... The Summer issue of our machine knitting
pattern & info newsletter has been mailed. Color pictures of the
patterns and some techniques are on our website (not yahoo group, but
website), on the "newsletter" page.
This issue features afghans, a topic requested by many readers. There
is an article about afghan latching, as well as lists of recommended
yarns and patterns. The featured pattern is "Irish-Look Afghan" with =
instructions for standard or bulky machines (translatable for mid-
gauge) which is entirely patterned by hand.
Registration forms and course list for the September Seminar are also
included, as well as new patterns available:
"The Bulky Book," hand-knit look on bulky 9mm machines with patterns
for many items including socks, mittens, hats, sweaters, vest, etc.,
Some of the hints include a new way to do under-arm shaping to
eliminate bulk, also many hints about tensions and yarns. $20
+shipping
"Homestead Rug," using pieces knit on any knitting machine -
instructions for standard, mid-gauge, bulky, Passap and antique round
sock machines, instructions for easy loom. No sewing required for
this rug, $6 +shipping
"Moods of Indigo," a book about the history and techniques of dying
with indigo. Includes modern applications for machine knit sweater
and knit/felted shawl. Comes with disk of sweater designs for Brother
or DAK, $15 +shipping.
Hello everyone, here is a hint that we've given to knitters for many
years, but also came in handy at our recent Sewing Camp with one of
the attendee's projects.
Fiber content can be determined by burning of the fiber. "Burn Tests"
are commonly done in the industry. We've always given the hint to
burn a bit of the yarn tail to see if your mystery yarn is actually
cotton or not... but at Sewing Camp, one of the ladies was making a
Baked Potato Bag. She told the story of someone else who made a Baked
Potato Bag (it is used in the microwave) but used fabric that wasn't
completely cotton. Yes, there was a small fire. Therefore only cotton
fabric should be used.
Carole found some fabric to make a Baked Potato Bag of her own, and
to be sure it was cotton she burned a bit of the excess waste fabric
cut from the side. Cotton has a particular odor that is like burning
paper, because it is a natural fiber. If the odor has a chemical
smell, the fabric isn't completely cotton. Also, cotton will turn to
powdery ash when burned whereas man-made fibers will melt into a hard
crust or ball.
In other news....
It's finally rained here, for the first time in several weeks. This
means we may have some tomatoes this year, after all.
Hello, this is the August message from Carole, Fred and Jason.
We are busy with preparations for the September Seminar, but more
about that later...
During the first week of August the three of us (with help from
knitting and fiber friends Helen, Skip, Sharon, Jan, and Connie)
demonstrated knitting and embroidery in the Heritage Building at the
Benton County Fair. This is the third year that Rocking Horse Farm
has coordinated the exhibits. Each day during the fair, Carole
demonstrated knitting machines, Brother Pacesetter Embroidery
Machines, and antique round sock knitting machines. Jason
demonstrated on a Silver Reed knitting machine. Other knitters took
turns knitting "Easy Bulky Double Slippers" for charity (pattern
available, $6 +shipping). Sharon showed spinning wheels and Jan
demonstrated the Wagon Wheel Rag Rug she will be teaching at
September Seminar. The fair ran from August 2-7, so if you tried to
reach us during that time, you probably had to wait for an answer.
UPDATE ON Barb's "TRASH BAG" EMBROIDERY DISK:
This will be available in September. At that point I hope to have
pictures of the items in the Autumn issue of Rocking Horse News, and
I can also post them on this group page. Watch for details!
UPDATE ON KNITTING MACHINES...
A while ago we mentioned that a bulky knitting machine similar to the
Brother Bulky Punchcard machine might come on the market. There is no
further news to report on this. In the meantime, we do have the well-
liked Silver SK155 bulky punchcard machine, for sale *new in box*
$899 +shipping. A perfect compliment would be our book THE BULKY BOOK
with patterns for everything from hats to sweaters, all with a hand-
knit look.
UPDATE ON YARNS...
We received a new shipment of yarns from Brown Sheep TODAY! We have
practically every color of Lamb's Pride Bulky and Worsted in skeins,
as well as Naturespun Sport on cones. We also have some Top of the
Lamb and Naturespun Fingering. Come see the selection, or go to Brown
Sheep's website to see colors.
SEPTEMBER SEMINAR...
I hope to post the class schedules for the machine knitting and
machine embroidery classes soon. I will send an alert when I do.
Remember, the "early-bird" discount is scheduled to end on August
15th....
AUGUST CLASSES and EVENTS...
(((Our clubs are always free to attend. If you can't attend, send an
email about your latest project and it will be shared with the
group.)))
Machine Embroidery Club, Saturday August 13, 10am
Machine Knitting Club, Saturday August 13, 1:30pm
(after August, those clubs return to the first Saturday of the month.)
Fiber Friends spinning and hand knitting, Tues. August 16, 6-9pm
Carole will be demonstrating antique round sock knitting machines at
the "Forest City Stockade" in Forest City, Minnesota on August 20-21.
Other events are shown on the store calendar in the Rocking Horse
News.
Happy August!
Hi! The 14th annual "September Seminar" for machine knitters and machine embroidery will be held Thursday-Saturday September 22-24, 2005. The seminar is held in the shops at Rocking Horse Farm in St. Cloud, Minnesota. (St. Cloud is accessible from Interstate 94, Amtrak, Greyhound, or Northwest Airlines.)
The seminar begins on Thursday evening with registration, marketplace, and "Table-Top" Mini-Sessions. Each mini-session will be a short demonstration or hands-on craft that you can finish and take. This is shaping up to be a fun night. The topics will cover machine knitting, embroidery and other fiber crafts. There will be something for everyone. Each participant will be able to attend several of the mini-sessions on Thursday evening.
The seminar continues with classes Friday and Saturday, 9-5. Knitting Machine demonstrators include Charlene Shafer, Marcia Hauser, Missy Zirzow, Joyce Anderson, Skip Grettum, and of course Carole Wurst and Jason Wurst.
Besides the machine knitting sessions there will be hand knitting, antique round sock knitting machine, spinning wheel, and machine embroidery classes to choose from. Our featured Machine Embroidery demonstrator is Shari Morningstar from Indiana (famous for her on-line digitizing and editing instruction courses). On Friday evening there is a banquet and style show.
The seminar is known for it's good food and comfy atmosphere. Inbetween classes you are free to wander through the yarn rooms, looks at thousands of book & software titles, or relax in the "Secret Garden."
A new addition to the seminar this year will be a Wagon Wheel Rag Rug workshop. This will be conducted by Jan Ebner in the style of the rag rugs made long ago on wagon wheels. She will conduct a demonstration of the modern adaptation to this, using a round loom she will have for sale (Cost is approximately $20.) If you would like to participate in this part of the seminar, there is a separate list of supplies to bring we will send you upon receipt of your registration. (Please make a note to request this info.)
Registration is $10 for Thursday evening, $45 for Friday, $20 banquet/style show, $45 Saturday. Seminar package is $99 OR--- $89 if registered by August 15.
Registration includes workshops, meals, seminar book ($20 value), handouts, special sales.
Register over the phone with C. Card or send a SASE for a form.
Official Seminar hotel is: Comfort Inn of Waite Park, 320-251-1500 and ask for Rocking Horse Farm rate (rate may not be available after September 1). Self-contained campers can park on site, $5/day.
____________________
CONTEST!
Back by Popular Demand, we are having the "WURST" KNITTING & EMBROIDERY CONTEST again in 2005. Bring your funniest mistake, and we will all laugh (maybe cry) and learn together. Prizes will be awarded!
But we've purchased a new PC and are slowly getting things back in
order. If you've sent us a message and didn't get a response, please
re-send your inquiry or order.
Sorry for any inconvenience!
The embroidery and knitting class schedule has been finalized for the
September Seminar! I will be posting it as a file to this group soon,
hopefully tonight. You will be able to see the excellent classes
offered by Shari Morningstar Zabroski, Jerome Jensen and Barb Kuklok
... and the machine knitting sessions given by Joyce Anderson, Marcia
Hauser, Skip Grettum, Charlene Shafer, Shawn Dolan, Carole Wurst, and
the others.
If you are unable to attend this year, I will try to post a collection
of helpful hints and pictures of the demonstrations exclusively to
this group... almost as good as being here. Except you miss out on the
good food. heheh
I won't be posting a list of the Thursday night Mini-Sessions, so I
would like to tell you about them here:
The seminar begins on Thursday evening with registration, marketplace,
and "Table-Top" Mini-Sessions. Each mini-session will be a short
demonstration or hands-on craft that you can finish and take. This is
shaping up to be a fun night. The topics will cover machine knitting,
embroidery and other fiber crafts. There will be something for
everyone. Each participant will be able to attend several of the mini-
sessions on Thursday evening.
~~~Planned Mini-Sessions: Scarf Matrix, Charlene Shafer's Afghans,
hands-on needle felting, Washcloth Sweater (boutique gift item),
folded paper boxes, porcupine quill jewelry, and more.
The seminar continues with classes Friday and Saturday, 9-5. The
seminar is known for it's good food and comfy atmosphere. Inbetween
classes you are free to wander through the yarn rooms, looks at
thousands of book & software titles, or relax in the "Secret Garden."
A new addition to the seminar this year will be a Wagon Wheel Rag Rug
workshop. This will be conducted by Jan Ebner in the style of the rag
rugs made long ago on wagon wheels. She will conduct a demonstration
of the modern adaptation to this, using a round loom she will have for
sale (Cost is approximately $20.) If you would like to participate in
this part of the seminar, there is a separate list of supplies to
bring we will send you upon receipt of your registration. (Please make
a note to request this info.)
Hello, I've uploaded some files to the group "files" section. One of
them is an article about contributing items to Hurricane Katrina
survivors. Since the article was typed, some of the information has
changed, so instead of contacting the National Gaurd Installation
listed on the article, contact your local Red Cross to contribute
knitted or sewn items.
MORE NEWS....
The schedules for the September Seminar have been finalized. You can
look at "jpg" files of them in this group or on the September
Seminar page at our website:
Click on them and make them large enough to read:
http://home.earthlink.net/~rhfarm/id6.html
There is also information about required supplies for our Wagon
Wheel Rag Rug classes.... look for it!
Don't forget to check out the latest designs for machine embroidery
at www.cmemag.com/
and the latest in knitting news at www.inknitters.com/
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 : /Choosing A Stabilizer.pdf
Uploaded by : rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
Description : article about machine embroidery stabilizers
You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rocking_Horse_Farm_knitting_and_fiber_news/files/C\
hoosing%20A%20Stabilizer.pdf
To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files
Regards,
rockinghorsefarmminnesota <rhfarm@...>
Hi friends. The Autumn issue of the Rocking Horse News is finished
and will be mailed in a few days. Those attending September Seminar
in a few days will receive their copy at the Seminar.
This issue marks the 11th year of publication. Wow, time flies. Some
highlights in this upcoming issue:
-ordering info for Jerome Jensen's "In the Hoop CD Coaster" for
embroidery machines... it's a way to turn the free throw-away cd's
you receive all the time into coasters without having to re-hoop the
project.
-knitting machine pattern for poncho, suitable for Passap machines
-"Back to Basics" on the knitting machine (by request!)Easy to
follow instructions with real photographs showing how to do a latch-
tool bind off or crochet cast-off.
-the much anticipated instructions for "Fuzzy Feet" type felted
slippers.
-pictures of new patterns available
-article about a new steamer on the market, and how it compares with
steamers we've sold in the past
-recipe, tech tips, letters to the editor, charity knitting & sewing
information, and more.
This publication is only available via First-Class mail to the US or
abroad. It is not available online, sorry.
By the time the newsletter arrives in your mailbox, full color
pictures of the included patterns will be available on our website:
http://home.earthlink.net/~rhfarm/
In the meantime, get busy embroidering or knitting! The holidays are
coming.
P.S. If you didn't register for the September Seminar coming in a
few days, you may still call or email about partial or single-day
registration availability.
Hello! We have uploaded a couple dozen pictures from the September
Seminar held last weekend. Look in the "photos" section of the Yahoo
Group page (you will need to sign in with your password to access this
page). A full recap of the machine embroidery, knitting and rug
classes will be written later.
A quick note to say that of the two demonstrators that were unable to
attend due to health or personal reasons, we have heard from Joyce
Anderson and she is doing fine. She is back on the teaching circuit
already, having taught at a club meeting this week.
Yarn sales: the Tamm yarns sale during the Seminar has expired. We
will announce a new yarn sale in a few weeks. Plan to stock up on yarn
for holiday knitting and charity giving. Keep in mind that yarns are
not currently listed on our website, consult the new issue of "FIBER
WORLD" for a full price list and some color charts.
Sewing/Embroidery Thread: I received an email asking if we stock Fufu
Thread. We do have a large stock of this thread, and also have some
Madiera Polyneon in stock. If there are changes in the threads we
carry, we will be sure to let people know.
ROCKING HORSE NEWS: the newsletter has been mailed. If you believe you
didn't receive a copy, please let us know so we can check our
subscription records. The subscription rate in the US is still $6/1
year, $10/2 years. This is the same rate we've had for over eleven
years... (I bet no other publication can say that! heheh) Featured in
this issue: advertisement for "In the Hoop" Coaster CD for all
embroidery machines (available in CD form only), listing of new
knitting pattern books, "Back to Basics" for machine knitters, recipe,
letters to the editor, product updates for Garter Carriage owners,
product updates about steaming and blocking equipment, announcement of
new knitting machine model coming onto the market, Tech Tips, shop
calendars, pattern for felted slipper socks "FUZZY WUZZY FEET." Single
issue price is $2.50
LOCAL NEWS, CLUBS & CLASSES in October, all held at Rocking Horse Farm:
Machine Embroidery Club meets Saturday, Oct. 1, 10am (free)
Machine Knitting Club meets Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:30pm (free)
Fiber Friends (Hand Knitting and Spinning Guild) meets Tuesday, Oct.
18, 6-9pm (free)
Antique Circular Sock Machine Knitters of the Upper Midwest & Canada
meet Saturday, Oct. 15 10-6 (free but bring pot-luck for lunch)
"Easy Bulky Double Slipper" on any knitting machine Class, Friday,
Oct. 7, 1:30pm (free but call ahead, 320-252-2996)
Machine Embroidery Stabilizers and Basic Tips class, Saturday Oct. 8,
1:30pm (free but call ahead, 320-252-2996)
Cotton Dishcloths and Afghans on knitting machine Class, Tuesday Oct.
11th, 1:30pm (free but call ahead, 320-252-2996)
BLocking and Steaming class for any knits, quilting or sewing
projects, Saturday October 29th, 1:30pm. (free but call ahead, 320-252-
2996)
COMING IN NOVEMBER:
Needle Felting Workshop, Hands-On: make holiday ornaments or other
items. Saturday, November 19th, 1:30-4:00. Cost: $10
We will AGAIN be collecting items for our MITTEN TREES in November and
December. These items will be distributed locally by food shelves AND
nationally by the Red Cross. Accepted items include: mittens, hats or
scarves for children or adults; and baby blankets.
We have A LOT of new patterns for knit items by Charlene Shafer,
Marcia Hauser and the Brown Sheep Yarn Company. I will list these next
time I send a message.
Happy sewing and knitting!
Hi group, many of our customers are into Alpaca fiber for knitting &
spinning. Some of our customers even raise Alpacas! Here are two
events that are being held to promote Alpaca fiber and items.
All of this information has been sent to me or copied from a website. if you
live out of the areas mentioned, there may be links on the websites listed to
similar events in your area.
JW
-----------------
On Oct 1 & 2 38 alpaca farms across Minnesota will be having an
open house. We've dubbed this event the "Alpacas of Minnesota Farm
Tour" and it sure is gaining momentum. Many newspapers are already
listing it and we're on over 200 website calendars. We got listed with
Explore MN and lots of other sites have picked it up now too. I think
this is going to be huge! I'd appreciate it if you'd pass this along
to the folks in your knitting or spinning groups. If you log onto www.
AlpacasofMN.com we have a complete list of farms, their driving
directions and a printable map. We hope the fiber folks all over MN
will take advantage of this event and get out and shop around for
alpaca fiber. Many shops and farms have lots of beautiful alpaca
products available for sale.
------------------
ALPACA MATTERS MIDWEST is sponsoring Field Days October 15 & 16, from
10am-4pm. This event happens at farms in Iowa, Minnesota and
Wisconsin. "Join us in learning more about alapacas and their
luxurious fiber. This is the perfect opportunity to visit alpaca farms
adn explore the possibility of raising these beautiful animals.
Discover the unique qualities of their premium fiber by attending
workshops on Basic Alpaca Care, preparing a fleece for processing and
show, carding, spinning, felting alpaca fiber, jewelry making with
alpaca fiber, and many more. Vet students from the University of
Minnesota will be available at some famrs to answer yourhealth related
questions. Visit www.alpacamatters.com for directions to farms and
workshop information.
Hi, friends. When you are knitting and sewing, don't forget to make an
extra item or two for charitable giving. There are many opportunities
to donate items this year, including our own Mitten Tree project (as
pictured on the front page of the Yahoo Group). Over the next few days
I will be sending some info about project ideas.
Today I am highlighting our Operation Toasty Toes project. We have one
of the earliest-formed groups of this project. Since 2001, we have
sent more than a thousand pairs of slippers to troops stationed
overseas. Read more about it at our website, on this page:
In 2001 TV personality Jason Davis came to Rocking Horse Farm and
taped a live segment that has been shown on stations across the
country. Here is a link to the segment details:
http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/s12202.html
A free pattern is available here:
http://www.house.gov/latourette/issues_make_toasty_toes.htm
And finally, this page has information about the origins of the
project. It began in Ohio, in the jurisdiction of the senator that
hosts this page:
http://www.house.gov/latourette/issues_toasty_toes.htm
In the past few weels we have received shipment of several parcels
containing slippers to be sent. They will be used to decorate our
store "mitten trees" for a few weeks and then passed along to the
local coordinator to be shipped in the next shipment.
You can participate by donating money for postage, yarn, or completed
slippers. They can be hand knit, crochet, or machine knit.
Let's make it a happy season for everyone by continuing to be
charitable!
> Hi, friends. When you are knitting and sewing, don't forget to make an
> extra item or two for charitable giving. There are many opportunities
> to donate items this year, including our own Mitten Tree project (as
> pictured on the front page of the Yahoo Group). Over the next few days
> I will be sending some info about project ideas.
>
> Today I am highlighting our Operation Toasty Toes project. We have one
> of the earliest-formed groups of this project. Since 2001, we have
> sent more than a thousand pairs of slippers to troops stationed
> overseas. Read more about it at our website, on this page:
>
> http://home.earthlink.net/~rhfarm/id8.html
>
> In 2001 TV personality Jason Davis came to Rocking Horse Farm and
> taped a live segment that has been shown on stations across the
> country. Here is a link to the segment details:
>
> http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/s12202.html
>
> A free pattern is available here:
>
> http://www.house.gov/latourette/issues_make_toasty_toes.htm
>
> And finally, this page has information about the origins of the
> project. It began in Ohio, in the jurisdiction of the senator that
> hosts this page:
>
> http://www.house.gov/latourette/issues_toasty_toes.htm
>
> In the past few weels we have received shipment of several parcels
> containing slippers to be sent. They will be used to decorate our
> store "mitten trees" for a few weeks and then passed along to the
> local coordinator to be shipped in the next shipment.
>
> You can participate by donating money for postage, yarn, or completed
> slippers. They can be hand knit, crochet, or machine knit.
>
> Let's make it a happy season for everyone by continuing to be
> charitable!
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