Color Me!
Color Me Mosaic!
An easy way to learn colorwork
Mosaics are colorful works of art made from small bits of color. When we talk about mosaic knitting, we mean we’re using two or more colors of yarn to create a geometric design. While it may sound complicated, 
it’s as simple as striping and slipping stitches with high-contrast yarn. Striping means you change colors at the end of a row. Slipping stitches means what it says: instead of knitting or purling the stitch, you move it from the left needle to the right. When you combine slipped stitches with striping, you create complicated looking but easy to make patterns, like the Oh So Chic cowl by Alina Appasova (knit, $8 Rav/in-store).
Mosaic patterns are more dramatic when you use two or more colors that are very light and very dark (i.e., high contrast). Black and white are the ultimate high-contrast combo but you can use nearly any color combination as long as one is much darker than the other. How do you tell if the colors are high contrast? Check out our tip jar this week (at the bottom of this newsletter).
If you’d like to learn to mosaic knit, check out Denise’s Introduction to Mosaic Knitting, using the Slip Stitch Coasters pattern by Emily Kintigh (knit, free Rav/in-store/Knit Picks website). Feel like making the Oh So Chic cowl? We'll be hosting a cast-on party for this project. (Cast-on parties are informal social gatherings and not intended as instruction.) You can find the class and the cast-on party using the above links; they're both on our July calendar. For mosaic knit-nerds, we also have Barbara Walker’s Mosaic Knitting Book, with tons of stitch patterns.
For crocheters, we’ll talk about mosaic crochet in next week's newsletter!
Upcoming Classes
Click the title to learn more and to register.
Space is limited & sign-ups close a week before class begins, so sign up now! Class fees due at time of registration. You can find all available classes on our Calendar.
Intermediate Crochet with Moses Take the next step in your crochet journey! You'll learn to design a basic hat and then how to increase and decrease (intentionally!) while you crochet it. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Come knit with Wendy! This is for knitters of any skill level with any kind of project! Learn with others in a friendly, supportive environment! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Bring your projects and questions; Suzy will answer your questions and will break down the principles involved so that everyone can learn! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Amigurumi Crochet Moses opens the gates for you to the exciting world of Amigurumi - You'll make your own stuffed penguin friend to keep or give away! Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Saturday, July 6 & 13 at 1 pm - 4 seats available
Stitching Workshop with Nancy Bring your needlepoint or cross stitch projects for support, problem-solving, and camaraderie! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Sunday, July 7, 3pm - 3 seats available (See class description for more dates.)
Beginning Knitting with Denise! Learn the basics, including about yarn & knitting needle sizes, how to cast on, knit, purl, & bind off. When you've mastered these stitches, you'll be ready to start your first project. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Knitting: Argyle Christmas Stocking - Masks required
Knit the Papillon with Suzy! Join Suzy as you learn the tricks to making your own stunning version of the Papillon! She'll guide you through starting your Papillon and the steps to mastering short rows, stitch marker placement, and striping. After the two sessions, most students will finish on their own; students who need additional guidance can join Suzy's one-session workshops. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Thursday, July 11 & 25, 12pm - 4 seats available
Introduction to Mosaic Knitting with Denise!
Knit & Felt a French Market Bag with Suzy! Shop News - Featured Yarn
Love a yarn with a halo (fuzzy texture) but don't want mohair? We love Fyberspates Cumulus for its soft texture! It's made from Baby Suri Alpaca and Silk, two very touchable luxury fibers. Even better, it's luxury at a great price, $10.50 per 25g ball!
We are also carrying The Cumulus Collection, a book of five beautiful patterns using Cumulus. At $14, we think it's a great value for a pattern book.
11-7 Wednesday-Friday
11-5 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday
Wander Luck Fibers Trunk Show, Saturday June 22, 11am - 4pm. Come see this north Texas dyer's lovelies!
Zorn Junction Trunk Show, Saturday July 13, 11a-4p. This south Texas dyer specializes in boutique batches of unique colors!
Private Lessons
Learn 1x1 or in small groups with your choice of project or technique! One-on-one (one student, one teacher) Personal lessons are $25/hour & group private lessons are $15/person per hour. Visit us in-store or call 210-979-8255 to schedule.
Some stitches look better with high contrast yarn, like mosaic. How do you tell the difference? It’s easy if 
you use the camera on your smartphone: Go to the camera, then change the filter to black and white and look through the camera to see the yarn. If the colors look like the same shade, then they’re not a good choice for mosaic work. If they look very dark and very light, then they’re a good choice.