Sci-Fi(ber) Group

Do you wish you had Mrs. Weasley's Knitting needles?

Have you made Jayne's Hat?

Are you working on the Doctor's scarf?

Did you learn the art of amigurumi just to make an Ewok?

...you're invited to join DYNT's new group - Sci-Fi(ber).  We'll meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6(ish)pm to 8pm or so.  All types of fiber crafters are welcome, I don't care if you use a hook, needles or spindles... the only common thread is an enjoyment of sci-fi.  We don't even have to enjoy the same sci-fi and you need not be working on a project related to your favorite show.

I have wanted to start some groups for quite some time, and have mentally noted a small number of people asking about Jayne's hat and other related projects...and that got me thinking...what if we all got together?  So we are... I hope you'll join me.  The first meeting will be April 9th @ 6pm.  I'll be coming from Saxonburg, so if I'm a few minutes late...just hang out a bit.  I'll be here (weather permitting - I hope we still aren't receiving snow by the 9th!).

Happy Birthday DYNT

DYNT is 3 years old this week!

I find that very exciting!  Thanks to all of you for making it possible.  I've got cookies from Tin Man Sweets in Evans City to help celebrate.  You'll have to stop in at Wunderbar and see Meadow or Vicki to get some coffee to go with the cookies ...as a small business I just feel silly offering coffee when I share utilities with a coffee shop, after all we want them to do well too.

After my rounds at the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival this past Sunday, I'm even more determined to concentrate on the US made yarns - which means more small hand dyers!  For some of you, this is a drawback, as the hand dying process can lead to variations in your yarns from batch to batch and even skein to skein.  For me, that's part of the beauty of it as it makes each handmade item that much more unique.  

If you are a spinner or felter, you'll also be happy to know that many of the hand dyers also do roving!  This also is something I'm going to try and concentrate on more vigilantly.  I'd like to carry certain dyers and try to carry their special or unique colorways.  Maybe it's just my genetics, but I like trying to plan my roving purchases almost more than my yarn purchases - as each bat of roving can yield a completely different end result when spun or felted.  The possibilities are what keep me attempting new things.

And did any of you see the local sheep farmers at the festival?  I can't wait to carry some local wool!  Sure there are many alpaca farms and I have some local alpaca yarns, but there are not many local shepherds!  They were very friendly and willing to share their knowledge so watch for local wool this year too.  

Easter baskets all around

A few days ago I was looking at a few really tiny balls of scrap yarn.  Then I realized that Easter is coming up, quickly!  So I started a small basket. I didn't use a pattern, and it's crocheted in the round using the single stitch.

Have you ever made baskets or storage units using your craft?  It's great fun!  And you get a very unique piece.  I love making bags and purses, so it just seemed natural to make a tiny little basket.  Projects like this are great, they don't require and accurate gauge and you can use any yarn, hook or needle.  The variations just change the look of the stitch and the overall basket.  And, if you plan it accordingly, you can personalize it for the recipient - a great way to make a reusable Easter Basket worthy of handing down and keeping for years, just like many of us have kept our Christmas Stockings.

I was wondering if there would be an interest in a workshop or class on basket making.  It's too late this year to plan one before Easter, but if I can remember and get a jump on it, I might try to schedule one for next year.  Any thoughts?

Class Projects

So you saw that DYNT has a full schedule of knitting classes coming up, but you're not sure about them...here are a few photos of some of the projects in which you will learn a new technique!

The baby hat on the left and the headband on the right are both projects that feature short row shaping.  Shaping Your Knitting with Short rows will be held on this Saturday, March 9th from 10:30am - 12:30pm.  Cost is $30.  Call the shop to register. 

Also this Saturday is a Finish your Garments class.  This is a great class for all you knitters who are tentative about starting a project that requires certain finishing techniques that you aren't sure of - like seaming.  It will be held from 1pm - 3pm this Saturday and also is $30.

If you've always wanted to learn how to knit lace, register for March 23rd's Knitting Simple Lace class.  We'll learn how to make these simple washcloths while learning the techniques of lace knitting!  Class will be from 10:30am - 12:30 pm.  Cost is $30.  As with all the classes at DYNT, registration is required, so call today to reserve your spot!
 If you're wanting to learn how to knit using circular needles, join us for the Working with Circular Needles class on Saturday, March 30th from 10:30 - 12:30pm.  You must already know how to knit.  Class size is limited.  $30.  We'll be making the Basic Baby Hat from Heather Tucker - as seen in the photo above, left.  If you don't like working with Double Point Needles, but still want to work on things like this hat, this interesting method will help!

Other upcoming classes include Knitting Know How: Gauge Swatch, What is it and why is it important.  The Gauge class will be on Sat. March 23 from 1pm - 3pm.  $30.  

If you plan on joining us for any of the classes - please call 724-473-0983 to register or e-mail dynt10@gmail.com.  Because these are hands-on classes, class size is limited - so we need to know if you're coming!