Denise Needle Question

We all love the Denise Interchangeable Needle set and we sell a boat load of them on a regular basis.




However, a customer recently told me that they had heard a rumor that Denise was coming out with a set with smaller than size 5 needles.

Despite my bashfulness, I contacted Emily, a lovely lady at Denise, and asked her about their plans. Here is her reply:

"I really wish we could make these smaller sizes because we get requests for them daily. Unfortunately, because of the locking mechanism, the needle needs to be a certain diameter to maintain strength, and that diameter is no smaller than the #5s. We've had requests to do regular circulars (joined rather than interchangeable) because people like this needle material, but if we do that, it's going to be quite a ways down the road."

Here's something else that you might find useful about Denise sets.

Denise Needle Tricks and Tips from Cat Bordhi
posted 2006 Nov

Here are some of the Denise knitting tricks I’ve discovered:

-Make a pair of matching circular needles out of just one kit! You can knit with two circular needles of the same size even it you just have one Denise kit. To make a pair of circular needles in the same size, just use the correct size tip on the end held by your right hand. Use a smaller size tip on the left side. This works because your gauge is determined entirely by the right hand tip, which receives the loop and whose circumference determines its size.

-Tight knitters can knit more easily! If you are a tight knitter and have to work to get the stitches moving along your left needle, just replace it with a smaller size, going down as many as 3 or 4 sizes if you like. See above for an explanation of why this will not change your gauge; only make your knitting easier. Incidentally, this will work in circular knitting only. In rows, you would have to keep switching the tips, making certain you always had the larger tip in the right hand (which you could do).

-If you’d just like to speed up your circular knitting, try putting a needle a few sizes smaller on the left side. The stitches will slide easily, giving your hands a break and your needles room to fly. Again, this won’t change your gauge, just help you knit faster!

-Whoops! Got to start over—now it’s easier! Something went wrong, but you’ve only knit a few rounds or rows, and you’re glad you caught the mistake. Just remove the tip from one end of the cable and all your stitches will slide off so fast you won’t believe it. Unravel, and start fresh.

-The cure for uneven stockinette! Many knitters purl more loosely than they knit. This results in uneven stockinette. But with Denise needles, all you have to do is use a smaller tip on the purl side of the circular needle. Do some experimenting, and find out if you need to go down 1, 2, or even 3 sizes. It will vary depending on the yarn and gauge.

-Applied I-cord—a handy tool just the right size! I use a lot of applied I-cord and it is most easily done with a short straight needle. If you have a Denise kit, you have a nice assortment of very short straight needles, that is, all the tips. Just push a rubber needle tip protector on the bottom of the tip to give your very short needle a nice comfy base, and you’ll find it is a great tool for applied I-cord.

-To try on a garment in process to be sure it’s working out as planned, just add a connector and an extra-long cable (30”, 40” or 52”) to your needle and spread out the stitches. Would you like to add shaping to a garment with intricate texture or color work, but not have to insert increases and decreases? It may be gradually shaped by changing tip sizes (which can be done in seconds). For instance, to knit a shaped sweater in the round from the bottom up, begin with a larger tip, shift to the next smaller size to begin shaping, to the next smaller size after another several inches, and so on, then reverse the shaping above the waistline. Sleeves may be shaped in the same way. Row/round count will change a little, but probably not enough to make a significant difference.

-Picking up stitches is easiest with a smaller needle, so use a very small tip to first pick up all stitches, then change to the correct size to begin knitting.

-Change cable length without moving your knitting stitch by stitch. If after lots of increasing or decreasing, you need a longer or shorter cable to fit your stitches comfortably, just remove a tip, add a connector and the new cable, slide all stitches to the new cable, remove the connector and old cable, and add the tip to the new cable.


Click here for Cat’s website

We Got McMorran Balances!

WE ARE NOW OUT OF STOCK!

Ever wondered what your yardage is on a skein of handspun? Wonder no more, the McMorran balance is a scale that allows you to determine the yardage of a particular yarn.

We have these in stock now and ready to go.

For more details click here.

Plymouth Yarn Bamboo Sister Set of Interchangable Needles

From Plymouth Yarns the Bamboo Sister Set of interchangable needles. This kit comes with 6 of the most popular knitting needle sizes - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10, and four connecting cables (16, 24, 32, 40"). That's 24 pairs of needles in a case that measures 3 1/2" X 5 1/2". The bamboo needles join to the flexible cable with a smooth screw joint. Come in and check these out

February Newsletter is now available!

February Newsletter is full of fun things.

Upcoming SHOP HOP Presented by Cactus Needles Knitting Guild in Cooperation with Old Pueblo Knitting Guild

Tempe Yarn & Fiber will be participating in the SHOP HOP sponsored by the Cactus Needles Knitting Guild along with the Old Pueblo Knitting Guild (of Tucson).

This will start on February 1st to run thru the end of April, 2009. Just bring your brochure into our shop and we'll stamp it. We have a limited number of brochures available --only one to a customer, please.

Membership in either guild is not necessary.

Once you have all the shops stamped off return the completed brochure to Bev Walker at 1936 E. Pebble Beach, Tempe, AZ 85282, or you can drop them off at Tempe Yarn, before May 1st.

Please make sure your name and address and phone number are on your brochure.

Prizes will be awarded by the Guild(s) soon after the 1st of May.

For more information, please contact Bev at 480-897-2565.

Cascade New Yarns / ColorsHeritage Paints, Eco Alpaca, 220

Eco Alpaca is about as soft as it comes. It's 100% natural undyed Alpaca in 100 gram skeins of 220 yards.
Heritage Paints Sock Yarn is a 75% Superwash Merino Wool / 25% Nylon with 437 yards in a 100 gram skein.

Also we got a restock of Cascade 220 and Superwash 220.

Come on down and feel the yarn.

Jen Ward Gone But Not Forgotten

When we officially opened our doors in March 2006, one of our first customers was Jen Ward.

Over the years Jen has played many different roles. She has been a customer, a helper, a yarn/fiber/anything else enabler, and most of all a friend.

But all good things must end and Jen and Chris have moved to Maryland (our loss and their gain).

In celebration of her departure (no we held it before she left), a few of her friends got together recently.

Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Begins to Take Shape

Tempe Yarn's portion of the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project is being to come together.
Our second Hyperbolic Crochet Class will be held on February 20th at 6 pm. This is a free class but you must call at least 24 hours in advance to reserve a seat as space is limited.

Also remember that Tempe Yarn will continue to host a Coral Reef Project group every Friday night at 6:00pm.

For more info on the Coral Reef project click here.

Books to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing and more...

Victorian Lace Today transforms sketchy instructions from the world’s first knitting books into exciting, modern-day accessories. Forty patterns and comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting guide the beginner, challenge the experienced, and inspire the ambitious.

If you’ve never tried to crochet before, Amazing Crochet Lace is a wonderful introduction to the charm and beauty of lace. And if you’re a pro, you’ll be thrilled with the lovely, fresh designs you can create with the skills you already possess.

Two hot topics—male knitters and knits for dogs—come together in this one fabulous, fun volume! It’s a stand-out-from-the-crowd collection that features strong, colorful, and masculine designs that will appeal to men of all ages...plus companion items for their four-legged friends. The writing is informative, supportive, and humorous; crowd-pleasing images of well-dressed pooches with their sartorially splendid owners add to the entertainment

Harmony Guide: Crochet Stitch Motifs is a jam-packed collection brimming with 250 crochet motifs to inspire beginner and seasoned crocheters. Featuring motifs such as a simple lace triangle, a delicate popcorn trefoil, and an intricate French square, each motif features a full-color photograph in contemporary yarns and clear and concise instructions for creating each design. An Italian square makes a great base for a casual cushion while a diamond square works wonderfully as a foundation for an easy-going shoulder bag. Tap into your creativity and work a sampler of motifs to produce the ultimate afghan.

Few things are as satisfying as creating the perfect yarn for a special project. This book, first printed by Interweave Press in 1987, leads the new or intermediate spinner gently into the world of super-soft luxury fibers, textured effects, and the dyepot’s miracles. Learn to apply dye to fibers in new and exciting ways, predict how novelty yarns will look in finished fabrics, blend fibers for color and texture effects, and spin singles and plied yarns in ways that will put more zip in your spinning—and your weaving, knitting, and crocheting. Corespun, bouclé, snarl, knotted, and tufted yarns will become part of your spinning repertoire, and you’ll rediscover the excitement of spinning all over again.

This is a practical and inspirational guide to carding fleece, slivers and exotic fibres by Jo Reeve. Written for the hand spinner and felter, and everyone who loves fibre, there are sections on using flick, hand and drum carders, fibre and colour blending, colour theory and four innovative projects. Step by step instructions and full colour photographs envelope you in the world of colour, texture and the endless possibilities of fibre.

The Complete Book of Color in Spinning draws on 20 years of experience learning and teaching color techniques for handspinners, Menz has created an essential manual for any handspinner who wishes to add color to handspun yarn through immersion dyeing, painting rovings, blending, carding, and/or plying yarn to create a product unavailable in any store. Included are 150 color photos, line drawings, and a gallery of pieces incorporating techniques discussed in the book. A very practical book, with step-by-step instructions, dye formulas, and a good selection of self-study exercises at the end of each chapter; highly recommended for textile collections.

(Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc)

Yarn Forward: Vogueknitting Winter 2008/2009

It seems now days that the positives are getting harder and harder to find. I was impressed by the editorial by Trisha Malcolm in the Vogueknitting Winter 2008/2009, and I wanted to share it with you.

Yarn Forward
"The stock market and the economy are in turmoil, unemployment rates are soaring and entire industries are in danger of failing. So where does this leave our beloved world of knitting? Yarn stores are closing -- not at a huge rate, but here and there. Yet others are doing the same business or even better than they did a year ago. The odd yarn distributor has disappeared, so though you many never see certain labels again, new lines from enterprising entrepreneurs have replaced them. Some companies are not selling as much yarn as they did over the past few years, yet other tell us their businesses are holding or, in some cases, doing better than ever. You will continue to see new yarns on store shelves each season, as well as new knitting gadgets and accessories, and Internet businesses will grow as well.

To me, this is very comforting. While there is gloom and doom all around, there is still hope; there is still knitting. After 9/11, when we were all staying home, reassessing our lives, so many people learned to knit. Right now, knitting is experiencing a new resurgence. It is again something we are doing for comfort, but it also a means for making meaningful handmade gifts, for expressing creativity and for getting back to basics. Like the financial world, we are slowing down and turning back to those elements of our heritage that ground us. We're cooking more, shopping less, being more aware of our impact on the earth. Frugal living is suddenly a trend; it's the new way to exist, whether it's out of necessity or choice. It's a new attitude and a new approach to daily life. And, of course, knitting sits perfectly in that place: making beauty from the chaos around us; using a tool of logic to keep us focused and centered; giving us so much pleasure in the simple task of making something beautiful by hand.

In this issue we bring you beauty to knit, to wear and to give. Large or small, these projects will bestow on you a wonderful sense of achievement, add a little more grounding to stave off the bad news we are bombarded with daily and bring a renewed sense of purpose. I hope your lives have not been hit hard by these difficult times, and that you will always look to your knitting for comfort, abundance and joy."

Thanks to our loyal knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, and great yarn suppliers, Tempe Yarn is one of those shops that did better in 2008 than in 2007. We are positive about 2009 and look forward to continuing to be your Yarn Shop of Choice.

Fred

Many of You Know "Ron" the UPS Guy,He'll be Running in the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon On Sunday 1/18

UPDATE: Ron finished in the top 25% of his class! Way to go Ron.

Ron will be wearing a Brown UPS hat that was made by Allari of TYF.

Cheer him on if you see him.

For more info check out PF Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Marathon

Mystery Knitalong (KAL) Registration Starts January 19th

For the Mystery Knitalong, we are making a scarf. The recommended yarn is Cascade 220 Superwash, and it will take two skeins for the scarf. Again, we can't guarantee the results if you choose a different yarn, but we are happy to advise you on substitutions.

The skill/experience level for the Mystery Scarf is Advanced Beginner to Intermediate. Participants should have some knitting and pattern reading experience.

The registration for this KAL is $15. The inspiration for this project came from the book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Those who want to can get a copy of the book to read along together, as we will post the chapter used for the inspiration for each clue.

Registration for the Mystery Knitalong begins on Jan 19th, and there is a $15 participation fee. The first clue will be waiting for participants once they receive their Yahoo! invitations and join the Group. The second clue will be posted on Feb. 3, and the remaining clues will be uploaded on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with the final clue being on March 10 (there are 12 clues total).

Weekly Mystery Knitalong support/social groups will be held on Tuesdays from Noon-2:00 pm and from 6:00-8:00 pm. A celebration Show and Tell has been scheduled for Tues., March 17 at 6:00 pm. Even if you don't finish your project, you are encouraged to attend the Show and Tell.

This KAL will have a "surprise" gift for you which we will provide on the night of the Show and Tell. If for some reason you cannot attend the Show and Tell, your "surprise" will be mailed to you.

In Arizona for theBarrett Jackson Car Event, NFL Playoffs (Arizona / Eagles)NBA All Star GameAnd Need Yarn? Think Tempe Yarn

Here for the Barrett-Jackson car show?

Perhaps you are lucky enough to have tickets to the NFL playoffs (Arizona Cardinals) on January 18th?

Or you are coming for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 15.

and find you don't have the yarn or needles you need to keep those hands busy, or you want to visit an un+ewe+sual fiber arts shop, come on down to Tempe Yarn & Fiber.

We are located at 1415 East University Drive between Rural (Scottsdale) and McClintock (Hayden) and carry a large selection of unique yarns and fibers.

Stop by and check us out!

After Hours "Yarn Night On the Town" (February 14th)

Want to treat yourself to something decadent? TYF has just the event! To put some spark into your February, spend a "Yarn Night On the Town" at TYF's after hours Schaefer Yarn Tasting, which will kick off a week-long Schaefer Trunk Show.

On Saturday, February 14th, we will close promptly at 8:00 pm to set up the model garments for the Schaefer Yarn Trunk Show. Then, at 8:15 pm we will reopen the doors for our wonderful, exciting Yarn Tasting event. Yes, you read it right. This luxury, hand-dyed yarn line that we all covet can be yours to experience first-hand.
We have chosen our Schaefer yarns with you, our customers, in mind. The yarn tasting will offer you a chance to generously sample at least 5 different Schaefer yarns. Be sure to bring needles and/or hooks in a range of sizes, because the tasting yarns will include Schaefer's brand new sock yarn and several other yarns that are new to TYF.

The Yarn Tasting will include a sneak preview of the trunk show, free patterns, yarns to swatch with, decadent finger foods, and a chance to be the first to buy the new Schaefer yarns.

This is a ticketed event ($30), and you must purchase your tickets by the close of business on Monday, February 9th. Seats are limited, so get yours right away to avoid disappointment. If you have questions, please feel free to call us at 480-557-9166.

Mystery Crochetalong (CAL) Registration Starts January 13th @ Tempe Yarn in Tempe, Arizona

For the Mystery Crochetalong, we are making a market bag. The recommended yarn is Cottonwood by FibraNatura. This is a beautiful organic cotton, and it will take four skeins to create the market bag. As always at TYF, we choose the yarn we think will work best, but we are happy to help you find substitutes. We can't guarantee the results if you choose another yarn, but we will do our best to advise you based on what we know.

The pattern for the market bag draws on a number of different crochet stitches and techniques, so participants should have at least Intermediate crochet and pattern-reading experience/skills.

Registration for the Mystery Crochetalong begins on Jan.13 and there is a $10 participation fee. The first Clue will be waiting for participants once they receive their Yahoo! invitations and have joined the Group. The second clue will be posted on Jan. 26, and the remaining clues will be uploaded on Mondays and Fridays, with the last clue being posted on Feb. 20 (there are 9 Clues total).
Weekly Mystery Crochetalong support/social groups will be held on Tuesdays from Noon-2:00 pm and from 6:00-8:00 pm. A celebration Show and Tell has been scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 26 at 6:00 pm. If for some reason you are unable to finish your project by then, we still encourage you to attend this event.

Tempe Yarn Specializes in Knitting, Crochet, Fair Isle & Spinning Classes for Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler & All of Arizona

Check out our current class schedule and class description (see left column of web site) for more information.

Come join the fun!

What is a Mystery Knitalong/Crochetalong?

It's a fun adventure that stretches your skills while creating something wonderful.

There is a participation fee, and the yarn for the project must be purchased at Tempe Yarn and Fiber.

Participants sign an agreement and supply the following information at the time of registration: Name, address, phone number, and email.

Participants know what type of project they will be making, and the approximate finished dimensions, but the rest of the design is a mystery.

The pattern is broken down and presented in the form of "Clues".

Once the -along is underway, Clues are posted in a Yahoo! Group that is set up as the "members only" point of contact for that particular -along. When participants sign up for the -along they submit an email address and, if they already belong to Yahoo!, a Yahoo! ID.

During the two week following the opening of registration, participants will get an e-mail inviting them to join the Yahoo! group set up for their -along. When they log on they will find the first clue waiting, along with other very important information. This includes a schedule of when clues will be posted to the Yahoo! group, Show and Tell and group knitting/crocheting/support dates, gauge, abbreviations used, and anything else we have thought of that will make their projects more successful.

If nothing else, members should read the file titled "Important Information to Get You Started" because it will help them be prepared for when the clues start coming.

Each time a new clue is uploaded to the Yahoo! group, members will receive an e-mail notice, which is sent to their e-mail of choice, letting them know that a new clue is available. So far, if anyone has had difficulty navigating Yahoo!, we have been able to help them, so don't worry if you aren't familiar with Yahoo! Groups.

Continued support is available at TYF for anyone having problems with any of the clues. Knitalong/Crochetalong members can get help by posting questions on the Yahoo! group message area, e-mailing TYF, calling TYF, or visiting us at the shop.

You do not have to live in the area to participate. We have successfully had people all across the US, and even in Europe, participate in our Mystery -alongs. (If you are out of the area, call the store or e-mail us for details.) Thanks to the Internet, we can open the -alongs to anyone who has access to a computer.

Watch here for more infomation on upcoming Mystery - alongs.

Always Wanted to Make Socks...Now is the Time

In this two part class starting on Tuesday January 13 (and 20th) from 6 to 8 pm, you can take your knitting to the next level. The options for making socks are endless--make fine dress socks or warm slipper socks, use different colors for the heels and toes, add an interesting stitch pattern or technique, use a self-striping or patterning yarn, or experiment with different cuffs, heels, and toes. The choices are all there to make your socks as ewe+nique as you are!

For those that wish to make their first sock an adult size sock, this two part class is designed for you. You will start with the single page pattern from Pure & Simple for a worsted weight sock, or with the book Getting Started Knitting Socks and choose one of the beginner patterns. Next, choose one of the wonderful yarns we have in stock, your needle preference (two circulars or double points), and in no time at all you will be making socks.

There are still spaces available for this class. Call and reserve your spot.

Some New Fun Books to Check Out!

Created for knitters who want standard sweater patterns in a variety of sizes and gauges, as well as those who want a template from which to develop their own designs, this book provides easy-to-follow charted instructions for 18 sweaters, three in each of the six most popular sweaters constructions. Each style is then provided in 15 sizes ranging from toddler to large adult, then further divided into six possible gauges: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 stitches per inch combining for 90 options for each of the six styles, or 540 patterns in all. The cardigan and neckline variations make for more than 1,000 patterns. Detailed schematics for finished dimensions are included, along with a glossary of techniques and a chapter on design considerations. This is a definitive resource for the passionate sweater knitter.

Providing technical guidance as well as fun, creative patterns, this resource tackles handpainted yarns, identifying the many challenges—and many opportunities—they provide for knitting socks. Focusing on how to make the most of these much-loved yarns, it explains how to design projects with hand-dyed material versus other types of yarns, how to avoid the pitfalls of pooling and splotching, and how to combine multicolored hand paints with other types of yarns. Fresh, modern sock patterns from a variety of contributors illustrate their successful techniques, showing that with creativity and a little technical know-how, knitters can fully take advantage of these beautiful, yet sometimes tricky, yarns.

From simple stripes to intricate Fair Isle patterns, this resource provides a solid foundation and numerous examples of the best ways to bring knits to life. Full of gorgeous patterns and clear instructions, 15 top knitwear designers—including Véronik Avery, Mags Kandis, Deborah Newton, Kristin Nicholas, and Shirley Paden—provide inspiration and practical projects for the beginning and experienced knitter alike. From an easy-to-knit pullover that alternates narrow stripes of solid and variegated yarns to a multicolored Fair Isle cardigan worked with steeks, this guidebook is filled with projects that take advantage of the countless ways in which knits can be enriched with color.

Anticipation

Webster's definition of anticipation is the visualization of a future event or state.

I'd like to have you visualize three upcoming events and consider being part of the fun.

First and second, we'll be starting our next Mystery Knit Along and our first Mystery Crochet Along later in January.

Next, on February 14th, we'll be having an afterhours ticketed event that will include an unbelieveable yarn tasting and some special foods. There will only be space for 25 people so sign up early.

Watch for more details coming next week.

Hard to Find Ball Winders Now in Stock

Tired of trying to talk someone into holding your skein of yarn while you hand wind it? More importantly would you rather be knitting/crocheting instead of taking hours winding yarn into balls? We have both the Royal Ball winders and swifts in stock. Support your habit with these useful tool.

Ball Winder

Swift

Think Outside the Sox Contest Date Extended

We just received the following email from the director of sales at Skacel.

Dear Friends,
Due to an overwhelming last-minute response from knitters nationwide, the Think Outside the Sox contest has been extended until 1/31/09! That’s right, there’s still time to round up your sock knitters and get them going!

Skacel is sponsoring five different contests, including some creative Trouser Socks! Look to our website for detailed information: Click here for contest info!

The socks will be judged, and prizes will be awarded at Stitches West 2009! With 26 categories and over $21,000 in prizes, your customers could win $6,000!

Remember, Skacel is the number one name in sock yarns! We offer over 30 different types of sock yarns, including the Trekking, Step, Sockina and Fortissima/Socka families!

So spread the news today! We hope to see many of our shop’s customers in the winner’s circle!

Happy Knitting,Skacel Collection, Inc.

Universal Yarn's Newest Creations:Cocoon, Garden and Betty

Many yarn names don't seem to fit the yarn they are describing, not true with Universal's Cocoon yarn. Look closely and you'll see the little "cocoon"in the yarn.



This is 100% polyester yarn that comes in 44 yard balls. It's quick, easy and fun to knit up.

Another new yarn to Universal's line is Garden. This is 100% mercerized cotton 10 weight that will meet the needs of many of your crochet projects.

Customers have repeatedly asked us to stock a 100% acrylic yarn for making baby items. Universal's new Betty is the perfect fit. It is a worsted weight yarn that comes in a range of colors.

Farmhouse Yarns - Fannie's FingeringFine American Made Hand Dyed Yarns

Tempe Yarn & Fiber is proud to offer Fannie's Fingering from Farmhouse Yarns. Fannie's Fingering is a wonderful fingering weight merino blend yarn. Each skein is a generous 4 ounces, with 400 yards of fingering weight yarn. The fiber blend is 80% merino and 20% nylon.

Farmhouse Yarns, LLC is a small family business just like Tempe Yarn & Fiber.

Farmhouse Yarns are made in America--they buy wool directly from sheep farmers whenever possible. Many are small family farms with 20 or fewer sheep; farms that find it very difficult to compete in a global economy where foreign wool has taken over and has driven down the price of wool. Farmhouse Yarns provides local farmers with a valuable market for their wool. Fleeces are inspected and hand-chosen for quality, then the yarns are hand-dyed to bring you the highest quality American yarns available.
Farmhouse Yarns are hand-dyed and by nature, each skein is unique and beautiful. There is no such thing as dye lot. Variegations vary and depend on the location of each skein of yarn in the dye pot.

Party On New Year's Day Was A Hoot!

Lots of great people!

Great food!

Lots of Fun and Laughter!

More Great People!

Same time same place next year for 2010!

Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project

Class Info:
To support the Scottsdale Public Art Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project, Tempe Yarn will be holding free Hyperbolic Crochet classes once a month in January, February, and March. The first class will be held on Friday, January 16th at 6:00pm (watch our Event Schedule for future dates).

Participants should call ahead to register, as space will be limited. Yarn will be provided, but students should bring their own crochet hooks if they have them, or they may purchase them at TYF. Previous experience with crochet (chain and single crochet stitches) is helpful, but not necessary.

Group Info:
Tempe Yarn will also be hosting a Coral Reef Project group every Friday night at 6:00pm, beginning on January 2nd. We are planning to contribute two sets of pieces for the Scottsdale Public Art installation: one made entirely from natural fibers (wool, cotton, etc.) and another created with man-made fibers (plastic, acrylic, nylon, etc.). Group participants should bring or buy their own hooks and yarn (or man-made materials) to crochet with. For those who don't crochet, knitted and/or felted pieces are perfectly acceptable, as well as free form knitted/crocheted shapes to complement the more formulaic Hyperbolic pieces.



So what is a Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project?

"Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef"

"The Great Barrier Reef stretches along the coast of Australia in a riotous profusion of color and form unparalleled on our planet, forming one of the acknowledged wonders of the natural world. Pollutants so threaten this fragile marvel that scientists now believe the reef will be devastated in coming years.
As an homage to the Great One, Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute for Figuring have instigated a project to crochet a woolen reef - an enterprise that now involves hundreds of people around the world. A wide taxonomy of reef-like forms - including loopy kelps, fringed anemones, curlicued corals, and tendrilled jellyfish - may all be simulated using the techniques of 'hyperbolic crochet'.

Over the past three years, the Crochet Reef has grown into a vast installation involving many thousands of models and dozens of aesthetically distinct 'sub-reefs' that occupy thousands of square feet of exhibition space.

Scottsdale Public Art is proud to announce that, in April 2009, the installation will be exhibited at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library in Arizona.

The Scottsdale Public Art program will be exhibiting the Institute for Figuring's (IFF) reef as well as making one of our own. This Crochet Reef will allow people to participate and experiment using modest, inexpensive materials. By participating you can learn a new skill or refine an existing one. A diverse group of individuals will contribute the individual pieces and join together with others to make Scottsdale's own crochet coral reef." (quoted from Scottsdale Public Art promotional materials)

For more information on the Institute for Figuring's reef, click here: The IFF Coral Reef

For more information on the Scottsdale Public Art Coral Reef Project, click here: Scottsdale Public Art Coral Reef

Changing Hands Bookstoreto Host Kate Jacobs Bestseller"The Friday Nigh Knitting Club"

Author Kate Jacobs will be visiting Changing Hands Bookstore with the sequel to her #1 New York Times bestseller The Friday Night Knitting Club.

In Knit Two, Jacobs returns to Walker & Daughter, the Manhattan knitting store founded by Georgia Walker and her young daughter, Dakota. Dakota is now an eighteen-year-old freshman at NYU, running the little yarn shop part-time with help from the members of the Friday Night Knitting Club. Georgia is once again keyed into many of the stresses and joys of being a mother, wife, daughter and friend. Every woman who picks up Knit Two will see herself in its characters—the very thing that made The Friday Night Knitting Club such a huge word-of-mouth success. A true love letter to the power of women's friendships, and, of course, knitting, Knit Two is entertainment with a heart.

Location: Changing Hands Bookstore (6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe)

When: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:00 p.m.

For information contact Changing Hands Bookstore (a fellow member of Local First Arizona) at 480 730 0205

New Year's Day Pot Luck Party

On Thursday, January 1st, TYF will be open during our normal hours (10 am till 8 pm), and we will be holding our third annual New Year's Day Pot Luck.

We will provide the beverages, and we welcome you to bring any goodies that you might like to share.

We hope that you will consider spending part of your holiday with us, and we would like to remind you of that saying we love so much, which tells us that whatever we do on New Year's Day is what we will do throughout the year.

We can't imagine a better way to welcome in the New Year than to spend it sharing our love of yarn and fiber with all of our "ewe+nique" friends!