Labors of Love
Labors of Love!
Fiber Fanatics Enjoy Making Things by Hand But Its Still Work!
Happy Labor Day folks! That phrase (Happy + Labor) seems like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? What’s so happy about work? (We’re SO GLAD you asked!) We find joy in our stitching, don’t we? Us fiber fanatics are drawn to making things and every project we make is a labor of love. So labor can be happy, or at least peaceful.
But labor is still work, and, while there are some who crochet or knit for profit these days, this is not as common as, say, 16th century Britain, when the Trade of Cappers supplied residents with caps, like this one at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the U.K. Protecting local tradesmen (because they were generally men) was so important that the English Parliament passed laws like The Cappers Act in 1488, forbidding residents to wear foreign-made caps. Later, in 1571, The Caps Act required everyone over the age of 6 to wear a cap made by the Trade of Cappers on Sundays and holidays. Welsh-made caps, one of the acceptable caps and often called Monmouth caps for the place they originated, were said to be so well made that the sponsors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered them for their sailors in the 1620s.
Speaking of the knitting trade and the 1600s, it was around this time that master knitters (primarily men) formed guilds (what we would call unions these days) across Europe. Knitters trained for three years and had to make several pieces to demonstrate their skills before they could be admitted. The guilds produced such fine work that only the upper class could afford them. There is a lot to knitting history, we’ll try to share more in future newsletters!
If you’re wondering why we haven’t mentioned crochet, it’s because there isn’t as much documentation on production of crocheted items before the 19th century. We plan to discuss this and needle arts history in future posts.
-Caryn and the Yarnivore CrewP. S. We're making room for fall yarns and have filled up our Clearance section. Come see what we've just marked down!
P. P. S. Check out the Texas Knit and Crochet group on Facebook! This group is for everyone from the great state of Texas who want to come together and share their love of knitting and crochet. Yarnivore is their September sponsor! (search for Texas Knit and Crochet on Facebook to find them and ask to join)
P. P. P. S. Crawl Passports & Bags are not available yet, we'll let y'all know when they are!
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.
Knitting Workshop with Suzy Bring your projects and questions; Suzy will answer your questions and will break down the principles involved so that everyone can learn! Class is one 2-hour session.
Tuesday, September 10, 12 pm - 4 seats available
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.
Beginning Crochet with Moses
Get started crocheting with Moses! You'll learn the four basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet) and the skills to do them well. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Saturday, September 7 & 14, 1pm - no seats available
Knit & Felt a French Market Bag for Fall with Suzy! 
Intermediate Crochet - Basic Hat with Moses - Masks Appreciated, but not requiredTake the next step in your crochet journey! Take the next step in your crochet journey! You'll learn to design a basic hat and then how toincrease and decrease (intentionally!) while you crochet it. Class is two 2-hour sessions.
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.
Shop News - Featured Yarn: Cascade Heritage 6
We’ve just expanded our Heritage 6 selection! Cascade Yarns Heritage 6 is made just like their popular Heritage sock yarn, just a bit thicker! It’s super soft but durable and is machine washable (we recommend cold, gentle cycle).
11-7 Wednesday-Friday
11-5 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday
Zorn Junction Trunk Show, Saturday September 28, 11a-4p. This south Texas dyer specializes in boutique batches of unique colors! Come see her before she heads north again!
The Best Little Yarn Crawl in Texas, October 11 - 20, 2024. Passports aren't here yet; we'll announce when they're available for purchase. Early birds will get a Crawl bag!
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.
Speaking of history and our labors of love, it’s important to preserve both handmade family heirlooms and newly finished projects! After all, today’s project may be future generations’ heirlooms.
To keep up with our activities and real time announcements, please follow us on social media:
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If you have a question for one of our teachers, you can email us at yarnivoresa@gmail.com.