Inventory, Ugh...

We'll be closed on Wednesday, February 20, to count our inventory. It's a loathsome job but it must be done.

We'd rather sell the stuff than count it so we're having a big Pre-Inventory sale, starting tomorrow. The entire sale list is right here. It's a great time to add some lovely new yarn to your stash...

New Spring Knits

Have a look at Interweave Knit's Spring issue. As usual, there are many wonderful, inspiring projects that we'd love to tackle. The magazine will be available in a few weeks.

We love the Good Stripe Dress by Mareike Sattler:



Look here for some additional views. It's knit with Louet Euroflax sportweight - a big box of this yarn has just been shipped to us. We may not receive these exact colours but if you want them, we'll order them. Simple as that!

We also have Louisa Harding's gorgeous Cinnabar yarn that's used to knit the cute Frock Camisole by Katie Himmelberg:

More views of this one right here.

This is Connie Chang Chinchio's Drawstring Chemise that's knit with Cotton Glace, part of our Rowan collection:

Have a closer look at the details here.

And check out the Dovetail Pullover by Kathy Zimmerman that's knit with Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, we have loads of colours in stock:

Of course we're always happy to help you find a substitute yarn for any project. Finish whatever's on your needles right now (or not) and pick a pretty new project for Spring!

Need Some New Needles?

We've just put a bunch of needles and hooks on sale at 40% off. There are some Addis, Clover, Crystal Palace and Lantern Moon (yes, the lovely rosewood and ebony ones...) among others. We're overrun with needles right now so we have to say adieu to at least a few of them... If you happen to need some rosewood dp's, sizes 4.5m, 5m or 5.5m, for example, you're in luck:

We've also culled our leaflet patterns. We've put hundreds of leaflets on sale, some at half-price and others at $1. If you like felting, check out the Pick Up Sticks hat, bag and flower patterns. And have a look at the Blue Sky Alpacas designs, like the pleated skirt:

Or the One Cable Vest:


There are loads more patterns sitting in our sale bins. We sometimes get a little carried away with our orders, we have a hard time saying no to lovely new things. When our leaflet binders start to burst at the seams, we know it's time to part with some of them.

Our bookshelves are also overflowing so we've added some magazines and books to our sale bins, most at 40% off. If you are a book junkie, now is the time to add to your collection.

Our special yarn today is Jaeger Aqua, on sale at 40% off. This is a lovely dk-weight mercerized cotton that's machine washable.

Check out all of our specials right here. We've reduced the price of some of our current specials including Alessandra Gemma, Berroco Candy FX and Jewel FX, Italyarns Iris (30% cashmere!) and Plassard Symphonie. We're just bursting with bargains for you this week...

Coriolis Socks

Learn how to knit the phenomenal Coriolis Socks from Cat Bordhi's book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters:


This book has received a lot of buzz for it's unique sock-knitting methods and designs. Cat Bordhi has created eight different sock 'architectures' with the arch expansion in different locations on the foot rather than the standard expansion on either side of the heel.

Each of the 'architectures' is introduced with a baby sock so you can learn the basic principles before moving on to the real deal. And there are several patterns for each architecture. One of the best features of the book is that the patterns allow you to create your own designs with any gauge of yarn, any foot size, top-down or toe-up, whichever you choose.

Our favourite design is the Coriolis, named after the Coriolis Effect. In this design, the expansion occurs in a spiral coriolis band that swirls around the foot.

We've just scheduled a new Coriolis Sock Class, starting on Wednesday evening, February 13, from 7 - 9 p.m. Learn how to knit a Coriolus Sock and discover how to perfectly customize your sock to your own measurements. This class will continue on subsequent Wednesday evenings for a total of four classes, with the talented Sivia Harding instructing. Check our class schedule or phone us for more information.

Jennifer knit these beautiful Coriolis Socks last Fall after taking Sivia's class:

They're knit with just one skein of Cascade 220. It's a lovely subtle pattern, with calf-hugging ridges. And they're a perfect fit. Nice work Jennifer! Thanks for sharing.

Valentines Day is Coming

Knit and felt some hearts for Valentines Day:


This is a Fiber Trends pattern that can be knit with either worsted or bulky weight yarn. Try the Garnstudios Eskimo yarn for this pattern, the fuchsia and red colours would make perfect Valentines.

We have lots of different Fiber Trends patterns, like the Felted Clogs:


They're a fast and easy knit. A customer recently knit a pair and absolutely loves wearing them. She said they're like woollen Crocs. They're knit with double-stranded worsted weight yarn.

If your dog needs a new coat, try The Dandy Dog Coats pattern:


This pattern has three different designs that will fit a large variety of dogs. These are quick knits in worsted weight yarn.

Or there's the popular Everyone's Favourite Hat and Scarf:


It's a great set that's knit in K2 P2 rib. The pattern works for worsted, bulky or super-bulky weight yarn.

Apparently there's snow on the way this weekend. A good time to grab a new project and cocoon with your knitting...

Lovely New Lace

We've just received some scrumptious Malabrigo Lace that's spun from the finest merino wool. Malabrigo is a small, family owned yarn company in Northern Uruguay. Here's a sample:

Look what Sivia Harding knit with 2 skeins of Malabrigo Lace. Another absolutely stunning shawl, this may be her most beautiful one yet. We'll have the pattern soon.

We've also re-stocked our Fiddlesticks Zephyr Laceweight supply with some great new colours.:

And we have the new Fiddlesticks Lace Sensation yarn that's 100% raw silk. Use this yarn to knit the new Fiddlesticks pattern, Silken Dream, featuring a beautiful Japanese lace motif:

Or Enchanting, a cute lace top that's knit in the round to the armholes so there's very little sewing up:


Lovely new lace, indeed!

Luscious Cashmere and Silk

We've been gushing about the Handmaiden Swiss Mountain Cashmere and Silk ever since it first arrived in our stores a couple of months ago. It's a sumptuous mix of 65% cashmere and 35% silk. We often have customers do a 'touch test' of this yarn and it never disappoints. It's simply divine. Knitters Review recently described this yarn as an 'extraordinary cashmere'. And Clara Parkes has touched a lot of cashmere. Read the entire review right here. Here's a hat pattern that uses just one skein of SMCS. The hat is on display in our Point Grey store.

Knitters Review also likes Lantern Moon's new Sox Stix:

Here's the review. Sox Stix are 5" rosewood or ebony dp's, sizes 2 to 3.75 mm, that are packaged in a cute organza fabric pouch. One of these sets would be a great 'needle and notion' bag to accompany your latest sock project. They'd also make a great gift for a fellow sock-knitter.

And if you've caught the pervasive sock-knitting bug, you should check out the Knitters Review top-four picks of the many recently published sock books. We have three of these books in our stores. The popular Getting Started Knitting Socks, by Ann Budd, has a wonderful collection of tips and techniques for any sock-knitter, from beginner to experienced:


Amongst the many great sock patterns in this book is a versatile basic sock pattern that's provided in 5 different yarn gauges and 5 different sizes.

Interweave's Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs is a collection of nineteen of the best sock designs from past issues of Interweave and Spin Off magazines:

In addition to the wonderful patterns there are some very useful technique illustrations.

And then there's Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book:

This book has some sock-knitting history, great technique descriptions and twenty-five beautiful patterns. A very handy feature of this book is the "sock calculator" that allows you to modify two basic sock patterns, one top-down and one toe-up, for 3 different yarn gauges and 10 different sizes. Casting all modesty aside, Vogue calls this book, "...the most complete guide to sock knitting ever published." Check it out and see if you agree.

Spring is Coming

We've had a few brilliantly sunny days in Vancouver so it's fitting that the first of our new Spring yarns arrived today. It's the gorgeous Noro Taiyo, an aran weight yarn that's 40% cotton, 30% silk, 15% wool and 15% nylon. A great addition to our Noro collection.

Speaking of Noro, I finished the Iro scarf last week. It's Jared Flood's "You're My Iro":

I have to say, I love this scarf. It's quick to knit, the colours are superb and it's a pleasure to wear. I used two skeins of Iro, no. 43. Just cast on 18 stitches with 7mm needles and knit until you're done.

And now on to our special of the week which is Alessandra Gemma, on sale at 30% off. Gemma is a beautiful ribbon effect yarn that comes in gorgeous vibrant colours.

Check out all of our current and upcoming specials right here. There are some great bargains waiting for you.

Look What's New

We've added four new luxurious RYC yarns to our collection. First up is Baby Alpaca DK, a wonderfully soft pure alpaca. The Classic Alpaca Collection book features many designs for both men and women, all knit in this sumptuous yarn. Try knitting the stylish Linden Sweater:


Or the Cambridge Tank Top that's available for both men and women:


Also have a look at the RYC Cashsoft Aran, a fantastic blend of wool and cashmere. We love the Sydney Cardigan from the Classic Travel Collection:


And be sure to check out the popular Cotton Jeans yarn that's featured in one of our favourite RYC books, Classic Coast. The Hartland Jacket is a striking design with a ribbon tie and textured edging:


Last but not least is Cashcotton DK, a beautiful blend of cotton and cashmere. The Classic Cafe book has twelve Cashcotton DK designs, including the Empire Sweater, a contemporary fitted crew neck sweater with lovely cable and bead detailing:


We think you'll enjoy these latest additions to our collection...

The Amazing Babette Blanket

We were smitten with Kathy Merrick's Babette Blanket when Kim Werker showed it off at our Crochet Me event last October. Here's a photo of this stunning creation:


We've been pestering Kim for the pattern ever since and it's finally available. You can download the pattern right here.

The blanket is crocheted with 17 different colours of Koigu KPM and we've added all of these colours to our pending Koigu order. Let us know if you'd like a phone call when it arrives.

As promised, we'll offer a Babette Blanket crochet class sometime in the Spring. Let us know if you're interested and we'll call you when the class has been scheduled.

And please, don't forget to send us photos when you've finished your blanket!

Indulge Yourself

We love the Blue Sky Alpacas yarn and patterns. The yarn is to-die-for and the patterns are perfect. Look what Anina's been knitting lately:

This is the gorgeous Scoop Neck Vest, knit with a sumptuous combination of Alpaca Silk and Brushed Suri. It looks even better on Anina. Our friend Cathy also knit this vest and I overheard her tell someone, "...it's one of the nicest projects I've done in a long time. It turned out exactly the way it's supposed to." What more can you ask for?

Anina also knit the popular Armwarmers, with the luscious Melange:

She then moved on to the Worsted Hat, knit with the lovely Worsted Hand-Dyed yarn:

A classic, good-looking hat that's comfy to wear. The pattern also has a matching scarf, it's a great set.

We love the Blue Sky yarns so much that we keep adding new ones. This week we received the gorgeous Duotones:

It's a stunning handpainted yarn that's 50% alpaca, 50% wool. You could knit the adorable Bulky Baby Hat or the Fitted Jacket with this one.

We carry most of the Blue Sky line of yarns including Alpaca & Silk, Brushed Suri, Dyed Cotton, Melange, Organic Cotton, Royal, Sportweight, Suri Merino and Worsted Hand-Dyes. Look at them all hanging beautifully on our Blue Sky wall:


Watch for five bright new Spring colours of Alpaca Silk and the new yarn, Skinny Cotton, coming very soon.

We also carry most of the fantastic Blue Sky patterns for all kinds of garments and other beautiful things that you can make with these luxurious fibres.

Looking to indulge yourself? This would be a great place to start...

New Edgemont Classes

We've scheduled our new 2008 classes for Edgemont Village.

On Monday evening, February 4, we'll run another Sock Boot Camp, with Sergeant Jackie Blackmore in command. Learn to knit a top-down training sock in just one day. Carol sent us an email after her Sock Boot Camp with Jackie this week. She wrote, "...I wanted to say thank you for a great class. I decided to come at the last minute and I'm glad I did. The directions were so clear when added to her patient demos that I feel I can continue on my own now. She's really an excellent teacher!" Thanks for the kind words Carol, we're glad you enjoyed the class.

On Wednesday evenings, join Donna LeClair for an Intermediate Knitting Class. If you're ready to move beyond the basics, this class will help take you to the next level. Choose a challenging project and Donna will help you work through it from start to finish. This class will run on four consecutive Wednesdays, starting on February 6.

It's not to late to join the Aran Block of the Month class with Sandra Dunkin on Thursday evenings. You'll learn a new cable pattern each month, creating blocks for an incredible afghan. We'll pro-rate your class cost if you join part-way through the session. The next class is on January 24.

Learn the basic knitting skills on Sunday afternoons with Donna LeClair and Nicholas Jacques. This beginner knitting class will run on four consecutive Sundays, starting on February 3.

Have a look at the entire Urban Yarns class schedule right here. Many of these classes will fill up very quickly so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. If you're interested in another type of class, please talk to Becky in Edgemont or Kathleen in Point Grey and they'll try to schedule or customize a class for you. Or grab a few friends and organize a class that fits into your schedule. We have lots of instructors who would love to teach you a new skill!

Look What's Coming Soon

We sure hope you like all the new stuff we bought at the TNNA show because there's a ton of it! Listed in random order, check out some of the great products that will soon be arriving in our stores. There's a shortage of photos because cameras aren't allowed at the show. Also, many of these products are so new that the photos aren't yet shown on the companies' websites. We'll try to post photos as the products arrive.

From Art Yarns, we ordered the stunning Beaded Rhapsody yarn that's 70% mohair, 30% silk, with glass beads. This photo doesn't really capture the beauty of this yarn, you have to fondle it to fully appreciate it:


We'll finally have some of the fantastic Louet yarns. We like to support our fellow Canadian companies whenever possible. There's the Euroflax sportweight that's 100% linen, machine washable and dryable. Also the Gems sportweight that's 100% wool. Both of these yarns have a beautiful contemporary colour palette. There are some great patterns available on the Louet website, like Lacey, a lovely feather and fan stole that's knit with Euroflax.

There's a great new Skinny Organic Cotton from Blue Sky Alpacas, together with some superb new patterns for this yarn including the Lacy Wrap Sweater, Skinny Cardigan, Sleeveless Wrap Top and Tie Sweater. These products aren't yet on the BSA website but they'll show up sometime soon.

We re-stocked our Koigu yarn supply and added some of the beautiful Kersti yarn to our collection.

We also re-stocked our Alchemy yarn supply of Silken Straw, Haiku and Silk Purse, the yarns used in Alchemy's new book, Destination Alchemy, with twenty of their best-selling designs. Coming soon.

The Spring Rowan Magazine 43 will be shipped to us this week and you'll like the lower price tag. The stronger Canadian dollar is finally resulting in lower pricing for some of our products. We've ordered Rowan's new organic cotton yarn, Purelife, together with the accompanying pattern book, The Organic Cotton Collection. We've also ordered the new pattern book for Rowan All Seasons Cotton, All Seasons at the Mill. And we're finally able to order some of the Rowan books you've been requesting, like Classic Knits for Real Women and Knitting For Him. All coming very soon.

We've broken into the Nashua yarn line with a big order of their Creative Focus Cotton that's 100% mercerized cotton. We think you'll like this yarn and the accompanying kids' pattern book.

And we ordered some of the gorgeous Misti Alpaca handpainted baby alpaca. This family company goes back four generations and remains linked to all stages of the alpaca industry in Peru, from raising alpacas to processing and marketing the alpaca yarn.

There are bunches of new kits on their way. From Bully Woolies, there's the Three Blind Mice kit with enough yarn, bells and catnip to make five felted mice cat toys. Knitwhits has some very cute new Easter Egg kits. Make them with or without the basket:

From Pick Up Sticks, we'll soon have the attractive new Ripple Tote Bag kit and we've re-stocked some of the popular Snugs kits. And we ordered the cutest new Happy Bunnies kits from Appalachian Baby Designs, with enough bright cotton yarn to knit either a sweater or a hat, mitts and booties. These kits are beautifully packaged in a gift box with a matching gift card.

We also ordered a few new pattern collections, including the adorable little dinosaur designs from the Knitting at KNoon collection:

And we'll soon have the fantastic Circular Clutches and Zhivago Bags from Offhand Designs. Knitty called the Circular Clutch "..the best case I've found anywhere for storing circular needles, period." Anina and I will each be taking home a Clutch and a Bag. A girl just can't have too many bags.

All this (and much more) will be arriving over the next few weeks. Feel free to phone and reserve any items that you can't live without. We'll call you when they arrive.

Almost forgot to report on the fashion show which opened with a stunning crocheted evening dress from Blue Sky Alpacas. We've ordered the pattern for anyone who'd like to crochet a brand new gown for summer parties. Just shorten it up if you'd rather have a knee-length dress than a floor-length gown. There were three gorgeous wedding pieces from Vogue Knitting - a wedding section will be part of Vogue's Spring issue. We also loved the striking crocheted top that's featured on the cover of the new Gedifra Highlights book. Gedifra always has a few cutting-edge designs in it's collection and this year is no exception. Crochet is definitely working it's way into the mainstream thanks to the efforts of Kim Werker and others. There were almost 100 garments in total, very inspiring!

And one last thing, our special this week is Rowan Scottish Tweed Aran, at 30% off. Check out the Brooklyn Tweed blog for Jared Flood's version of the Zeebee hat, knit with the discontinued Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran. Scottish Tweed Aran would be a great substitute. Here's Schmeebot's pattern for the Zeebee hat.

Wait til you see all these lovely new things. We think you'll be very inspired...

Rain Rain Go Away

We tried to bring back the California sun but had no such luck. Sometimes it seems like the rain never stops in Vancouver this time of year.

As usual, the show was a crazy whirlwind. All the new products and designs seemed fresh and exciting on the first day but by the end of the second day, after many miles of aisle-walking, we were bleary-eyed, blathering and exhausted.

Some highlights of the show included Kaffe Fassett telling us he'd love to visit Vancouver - stay tuned, we're working on that one. His new book, Kaffe Knits Again, will be shipped to us this week:

We had a lovely chat with Louisa Harding and Jane Ellison and we're hoping for a visit from them later this year. Louisa has an uber-cute new baby book out this Spring and Jane is excited to be involved with the Mirasol project. A new book of her designs for the Spring/Summer Mirasol yarns will arrive very soon.

We chatted by the pool with Debbie Stoller and Shannon Oakey and with Kim Werker on aisle 300. Saw Erika Knight at the Rowan booth and met Ken, Mr. Big of Westminster Fibers. You're going to love the new products and pricing from Rowan, RYC and Nashua. More news on that subject later... We also met Russell, Mr. Big of Sirdar and Sublime. He told us that some great new products will be released this year but wouldn't divulge any details, even after a couple of glasses of wine.

Gina and Austin Wilde of Alchemy yarns were as charming as ever. They've self-published a new book that will soon be in our stores. We'll have an Alchemy trunk show sometime this Spring. Their booth is always stunning, with unbelievable colours, textures and edgy designs everywhere you look:

And most importantly, we ordered loads of new products. Details will follow....

Happiness is...

Sunshine, knitting, the beach, the pool, a mojito... You get the idea. I have to confess, we haven't seen much yarn yet, but we've had lots of sun.

Sadly, I lost the coin toss and it's me in the bikini photo.

I'm knitting Jared Flood's Iro Scarf and absolutely loving it. I cast on 18 stitches using 7mm needles, garter stitch all the way. Jared knit his scarf in only one day, I think mine will be done in two.

Anina just finished a pair of slippers using some ultra-soft yarn that she purchased on her travels at (gasp!) another yarn store. A luscious combo of french angora, tussah silk and fine wool. If we find it at the show we will buy some and share with you.

Now we're off to the Fashion Show where manufacturers and designers display their latest beautiful creations. The best of show receives first prize and bragging rights for the rest of the weekend. Should be fun...

California Here We Come

Today's special is Rowan Scottish Tweed Chunky, on sale at 30% off. This is a beautiful tweed yarn with a 12 st gauge. Perfect for a nice chunky scarf for your guy or for Elizabeth Zimmermann's Ribwarmer, from her book "Knitting Workshop". Check out Jared Flood's version of Ribwarmer, knit with Scottish Tweed Chunky, colour no. 17.

Now I know what's going to happen, you're going to want to buy "Knitting Workshop" and sadly, we don't have it. We hate to send you to a big American behemoth like Amazon, but just this once, we'll do it in case you really need to have this book.

By the way, don't stop at Jared Flood's Ribwarmer. When you have a bit of time, pour yourself a glass of wine or make a cup of tea, sit down and have a closer look at his Brooklyn Tweed blog. It's a veritable hotbed of knitting inspiration. I am normally not a big follower but I have to say, I want to knit pretty much every project posted on this blog. Check out his Iro scarf. The perfect movie-watching project that couldn't be simpler, yet the end result is absolutely stunning. For something a little more challenging, check out his Hemlock Ring Blanket that's an updated doily. Yes, I said doily. Please have a look before passing judgment. It's an awesome contemporary take on a classic project. And how about his cutest-ever Christmas sweater ornaments. I know, we're way past Christmas but I've just started my Christmas knitting list for this year and the first item is one of these ornaments. What a fantastic idea, he builds up a little collection of sweater ornaments, one or two per year. Anyways, if you haven't visited lately, go to his blog and have a look at his jaw-dropping projects. Talk about inspiration!

Anina and I are off to Long Beach, California tomorrow for the sun National Needleworks Association annual West Coast show. We'll try to find some great new products for you. Let us know if there's anything you'd love to see in our stores. Might post from the show if we don't have too many martinis meetings. See you next week...

Our Latest Favourite

We're loving the Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran. It's a superwash merino wool with a tight twist for a lovely light, spongy feel. Cables, bobbles and stitch patterns are beautifully defined by the quality of this yarn. And there's a gorgeous colour palette with winter whites, berry shades, misty blues and soft greens. Sandra recommends this yarn for her Aran Block of the Month class.

We also like the Rialto Aran book that's full of striking photographs shot in Haworth, home to the Brontes, and on the surrounding Yorkshire moors:


The collection has a few childrens' designs, including a cute little bobbly bolero:


There's a classic Guernsey for men:


Modelled by a classic English lad, he can drop by anytime...

And of course there are some lovely womens' designs, including this curved edge cardigan:


You should also have a look at Kieran Foley's stunning Fair Isle Rapids scarf that's knit with Rialto Aran, in Knitty's Winter 07 issue. He says the scarf is reminiscent of the deltas and rapids of New Zealand's braided rivers. If you follow the link, be sure to go to the final photo for a close-up of the fabulous design. It's very inspiring.

And while we're on the subject of Debbie Bliss yarns, we'd be remiss not to mention another favourite, the luscious Luxury Tweed Aran that's 85% wool and 15% angora. It's a super soft tweed which is a bit of a rarity. Use this one to knit Jared Flood's Cobblestone Pullover, a Dublin inspried rustic men's sweater. I'd love to knit this sweater for my handsome groom but he's not really a sweater guy. That's good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it. Anyways, when I showed him the photo he mumbled something about finishing my other projects first. Okay. Fine. I'll cross the humungous XL pullover project off my list. Really, see if I care. Trust me there are many other options on that list...

Random Show and Tell

Remember Linda's version of Ruthie Nussbaum's Minimalist Cardigan, knit with the super-soft Mirasol Miski?

She's already finished and it's absolutely gorgeous:


Love the 3/4 length sleeves. The photo doesn't do justice to the beautiful cardigan. Sorry, just couldn't seem to get a good photo that day. It can be quite dark and dreary in Vancouver this time of year.

Here's a brighter close-up:


Thanks for the photo-op Linda, we love it when you drop by to show us your latest treasures!

Anina finished her So Called Scarf. Here's Jackie modelling:


Seem to be missing the flash on this photo. Have to work on that flash concept. Here's a brighter close-up:


It's knit with two skeins of Manos del Uruguay, on 7.5mm needles. Cool stitch pattern. Simply stunning scarf.

I recently knit a quick little scarf for a last-minute gift:


This one's knit with two balls of the soft and bobbly Filatura Puff on 7mm needles. Cast on 14 stitches and knit, knit, knit til the yarn is used up. Slip the first stitch of each row for a nice straight edge. Couldn't be simpler. The finished scarf is about 4.5" wide and 58" long.

Right now I'm knitting a black mohair/alpaca shawl, with scattered silver sequins and silver threads running through it. Unfortunately it wasn't finished in time to be worn to the Christmas events for which it was intended. Oh well, it's almost done and will be well-used this winter. Photos will follow soon.

What have you been knitting or crocheting lately? Send us a photo by email or drop by the stores with your finished projects - we'd love to have a look!

Loads of New Lessons

We've scheduled our new 2008 classes for Point Grey. Check them out right here. The new Edgemont classes will be added soon.

Monday night is crochet night. Learn the crochet basics on January 7 & 14, then add to your repertoire with a crocheted flowers class on Jan. 21 and a crocheted rug class on Jan. 28. Sounds like fun!

Learn the basic knitting skills on Tuesday evenings for 4 sessions, starting on January 8. Then progress to Beyond Beginner Knitting for 4 sessions, starting on Feb. 5, where you'll learn to read a pattern and make your first sweater.

Wednesday evenings are for lace knitters, with the talented Sivia Harding instructing. Learn to knit the beautiful lacy River Rock Scarf on January 16 and 30 or join the Lace Knitting for Adventurous Beginners on January 9, 23 and Feb. 6.

The popular Sock Boot Camps will continue to run on Thursday evenings, with Sergeant Jackie Blackmore in command. Choose either January 17, January 31 or February 21. Or if you'd like to learn the joys of felting, sign up for the Felted Bags Class that will run January 14, 24 and February 7.

On Friday afternoons, join Christa Giles for help with your current project. Eavesdropping is encouraged and laughter recommended! Or on Sunday mornings, have Astor Tsang help you with pattern reading, complicated stitches or finishing.

Many of these classes will fill up very quickly so please sign up early to avoid disappointment. If you're interested in another type of class, please talk to Kathleen in Point Grey and she'll try to schedule or customize a class for you. We've organized some great classes recently, including a wedding shower where everyone learned to knit and a mother and daughter class where a mom and three kids learned the craft together.

We hope you'll find the perfect class and enjoy learning a new skill this year!