SWAK’s the Place to Be . . .
5. 10. 2008. . .in Guthrie next weekend. Even if you’re not attending the Knit Out, you won’t want to miss out on all of the fun. Here are the highlights.
Madelinetosh Trunk Show
Friday & Saturday - May 16-17
Gorgeous hand-dyed yarns from Madelinetosh, plus one lucky customer will get to design their very own hand-dyed color way named after them, plus get two free skeins of their personal yarn color too. What an opportunity!
Trunk Shows!
We have fabulous trunk shows arriving next week for our fashion show. Included are tons of gorgeous garments, accessories, and throws from Colinette, Prism, Berroco, and Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2008 issue. On display for one weekend only, so come up and see these fabulous creations in person. These garments will only be on display through early Saturday afternoon, then they will reappear at our Saturday evening fashion show. Anyone can attend the fashion show and Saturday night dinner. Tickets are $45 so call today!
New SWAK Tee’s
Yes, our new t-shirt design will be making its debut this weekend and I think you all are going to like! Sizes get picked over quickly, and we will be adding them to the website after the weekend activities are through.
And when Valentina Devine, Beth Brown-Reinsel, and Nancie Wiseman aren’t busy teaching classes, you are likely to spot them roaming around the yarn shop!
Last but not least - we have ONE opening in Beth Brown-Reinsel’s Sunday Swedish Cast On class. This was the first class to fill up and this opening was completely unexpected. So if you are interested call or email us right away.
Come on up to Guthrie and enjoy all of the fun & excitement next weekend. Hope to see you there!
Knitting Alfresco
5. 1. 2008
Enjoy the beautiful spring weather with our new outdoor knitting venue at SWAK in the City. The patio furniture has arrived, with lots of tables and chairs for outdoor knit & crochet activities. Dad and Mason are trying out the new chairs in the photo and gave them a two thumbs up. The best coffee and treats in town are next door at the Red Cup. If you’re a sugar junkie like me - pop, chocolate bars and candy are next door at the 7 Eleven. Oh, and we can take care of all your yarn junkie needs. What more could you want? Come and join us anytime!
Our new store is located in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Asian district. The best Asian food in town is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Customer favorites include Lido, Grand House, Sushi Neko, and Musashi’s. The last two are right out of the district, but so close they were worth a mention. I also think you could eat at a different PHO restaurant every day for a month and still not get through the entire list of pho restaurants within a mile from our new store. Its pho, pho, and more pho. (In case you’re wondering, pho is soup in Vietnamese.)
And if you’re new to the area, you must at least drive by the Super Cao Nguyen market. It’s like a cross between Crest and Caesar’s Palace. I knew they had moved to a new really big store, but the orange and green metallic palm trees really flipped me out! Like I said, you really need to go see this place.
That concludes this mini-tour of our new neighborhood. Don’t forget the Knit Out is only 15 days away, in our old neighborhood of course. We still have a few openings left, so call today!
Shorties!
4. 19. 2008
Warm weather has arrived and I don’t know about you but it puts me in the mood for summer knits. If socks are your thing, then these new Shorties are perfect for summer. The pattern is written in two gauges - quick-knit (we used Love It) and sock-weight. It also features an optional diagonal heel and toe for those looking to try something different. We currently have a class on this sock - see Tennis Socks on the class schedule..
For more of a girly-girl style, check out the Eyelet Shorties featuring a picot edge, eyelet design, and standard heel. This pattern is also written for quick-knit and sock-weight yarns.
And while we’ve been busy writing patterns, we also have a new Ridges sock pattern that features a cool checkerboard heel. A great way to show off those gorgeous hand-dyed yarns and use up oddiments of solid color sock yarn at the same time. We made ours using Prism’s Saki.
All three of these designs may be knit using DPNs, two-circular, or magic loop.
Back when we first started over 15 years ago, we were one of only a small number of self-publishing designers in the industry. While publishing a pattern may seem as simple as jotting down notes while you knit, typing them up and hitting print, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes. Mom has been busy working out these designs - socks are her area after all. If you don’t like to rip out, well then designing may not be your thing in that we have to knit, rip, and reknit these over and over to get the desired result.
After typing all of her notes into some semblance of a pattern, I entered the picture. Her notes technically qualify as a pattern, but I like to kick them up a notch to turn them into an official SWAK pattern. It often takes several days to lay out these patterns, photograph and insert graphics, check them for accuracy, make sure the wording is consistent and follows standardization guidelines, etc. Then we have to squish (or stretch) it all into a manageable size pattern. Not always an easy task!
We have found over the years that patterns for small things can be just as time consuming to create as those for large things, and that the simpler the pattern the easier it is to make simpleton mistakes. For example, we have sold oodles of our Felted Coaster patterns, even used it in three different classes only for someone to point out just a few weeks ago that it said Felted COATERS (oops). Everything we do is usually a group effort, with different parts of the design process delegated between the two of us, with employees pitching in to help too.
One team member that is sometimes a little too much help during this process (and often to blame for delays) is the little man who is really in charge around here. Mason had his first haircut on Sunday. He did great, I didn’t do so great. It was hard to watch those little curls get cut off, but they are quickly reappearing. He will be 15 months old tomorrow!!
KNIT OUT 2008
3. 30. 2008
Our annual May retreat is just around the corner, and this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest ever! Usually by this time of the year every other word out of my mouth is to encourage everyone to come and join us. This year I have been a bit tentative because quite frankly I’m not sure whether or not we’ll have a spot for you! As it stands now, we do have a few openings. But this is also the time of year that “something suddenly comes up” and people have to cancel, etc. so it’s anyone’s game at this point.
Here’s where we stand at this very minute - Beth Brown-Reinsel’s Saturday and Sunday workshops are both full, with waiting lists. Her Friday lecture is open. I spoke with Valentina Devine on Friday and we will be able to open up several more spots in both of her workshops. This is good news for all on the waiting list, in that everyone will get in her class that wanted it as their first choice. There will be a few spots left open, but those will probably fill up quickly. Nancie Wiseman has room in her Saturday workshop but her Sunday one is questionable. We are just now at the point of starting a waiting list. Things will tend to shift and shake from now until the event, so if you have your heart set on a class that is full at this point there is a possibility that things could shake in your favor. Get on the list and we’ll let you know if something opens up.
For those of you traveling from out of town (or who just don’t want to go home), our hotel situation is pretty full too. We have sold out three Bed & Breakfasts and a big block of rooms at the Sleep Inn. We tripled our room block at the Sleep Inn, and still filled up. We have a room or two that we could snag if need be, so if you need a place to stay you need to let us know now.
For those who won’t be able to join the entire weekend of fun, we just opened up our Pick-n-Choose individual workshop registrations. These were supposed to begin on March 15, but the computer blew up and we weren’t sure what, if any classes would be available. It looks like we will be able to take a limited number of these requests.
If you would just like to come up and enjoy the retreat “vibe”, and maybe catch a celebrity instructor sighting or two, Madelinetosh will be here with their trunk show on Friday & Saturday, May 16-17.
If you are simply wondering what in the world I’m talking about - go over to our website for all of the juicy details. All of the Knit Out fun is held at our Guthrie location, and we are expecting knitters from coast to coast!
Smooches!
3. 30. 2008
Our new frequent buyer program starts April 1st!
Join our Smooches! frequent buyer club and start enjoying the benefits today. The only action required on your part is to treat yourself to beautiful yarns, inspiring books, nifty supplies, and whatever else your heart may desire. We’ll surprise you several times throughout the year with little presents in the mail that we know you will enjoy!
Want to kick it up a notch? Sign up for our Preferred Customer program and save 5% every time you shop! Also save 5% off class fees and enjoy other benefits such as special events & sales for Preferred Customers only. Preferred Customers are also automatically enrolled in the Smooches! frequent buyer program, and accrue rewards points at an accelerated rate! If you spend as little as $35/month on your yarn habit, this program will pay off quickly with our generous rewards program! $50 annual membership fee. Benefits start accruing from sign-up date.
Got wheels? Think you have to climb up a bunch of stairs to visit our new OKC store? Well, think again. We not only have a handicap ramp but a handicap potty too. Yes-sir-eee, we are uptown city folk. Handicap parking is available in both the south and east parking lots, and the ramp is located on the south side of the building.
Spring Schedule
3. 29. 2008The spring/summer class schedule is finally complete. Go online to view schedules for both SWAK locations.
Let’s start with classes and events at our new OKC location. Are you looking to get out of the house to gather and meet with other fiber enthusiasts? We have several weekly meet-ups on the schedule including a Sock Group that meets every Sunday afternoon, a Lace Group that meets every Tuesday morning, along with our Wednesday night Happy Hour/Stitch ‘n Bitch fun. These are fun, free events. While we love it when you knit with SWAK yarns, feel free to bring whatever project you choose. No instructor will be on hand during these events.
Several project classes are on the schedule including these cute Tennis Socks. These are a great project for those wanting to learn to knit socks, or for those looking to learn something new with a nifty diagonal heel and toe. The standard heel and toe will also be presented, as well as the two-circular and Magic Loop method. Friday, April 18th & Friday, April 25th at SWAK in the City. Can’t make it on a Friday? Don’t worry, this class comes back in June with Saturday dates just for you!
Learn2Knit and Beginners classes return in April as well. If you have never knit before, come to the morning session and make a scarf. Those looking to move beyond the scarf, come in the afternoon and we’ll help you select the perfect project. Saturday, April 12th & Saturday, April 26th at SWAK in the City.
The April project class for our Guthrie location is a cool Felt Vase. What a great way to spice up your home décor, and you can show off your beautiful needles too. This class will be offered on Tuesday, April 22 and repeated on Saturday, April 26. Lunch is not included in the class fee, as with previous offerings, but we will be ordering out or you can bring a snack if you want.
Wish there was a class where you could pick the project and have a wonderful instructor on hand to guide you through? Well your wish is now a reality - customized classes just for you! Knitters, you can Knit with Laura at SWAK in the City beginning April 17 or Knit with Sherry at our Guthrie location beginning April 3. All projects are subject to instructor approval, and must be purchased at SWAK. Limit 2 projects per person, per class session. See schedule for class dates & times.
And finally, we haven’t forgotten about the crocheters out there. Introducing Crochet with Catherine beginning April 19 at our SWAK in the City location. This class will take the same format as our customized knitting classes. Catherine will work with you to select a project. All experience levels welcome. See schedule for class dates and time.
These are just the highlights, be sure to go online for the schedules for April through August. We won’t be sending them out in the mail this time, so don’t be stalking the mail man. Advance registration is required for all classes, and payment is required at time of registration. No refunds or transfers if cancelled less than 7 days prior to the date of the class.
Red is the new Green!
3. 18. 2008
SWAK not only loves yarn, we love the planet too. In an effort to become more earth friendly, we are working to reduce the amount of plastic bags littering our landfills. We explored many, many bag options but going to a different type of plastic bag seemed a bit backwards for a progressive store such as ours.
To encourage all of you to skip the sack, for a limited time we are offering a free reusable bag with a purchase of $75 or more. While I would love to go on and on about the biodegradable properties of these bags, they indeed fall short of our organic goal. Part of loving the earth is to not create more mess when you already have usable things lying around. So we’re going to use these bags that we already have first, then we’ll be able to explore other earth-friendlier options. The good news is that they are NOT plastic, which when combined with pointy needles are doomed for the landfill no matter how handy they may be.
So help us love our yarn and the earth, and skip the sack!
Limit one bag per person, while quantities last. Offer limited to in-store purchases at either SWAK location.
In Living Color!
3. 13. 2008
A huge shipment of Koigu Painter’s Palette Pure Merino (KPPPM) yarn arrived today. We’ve been waiting on this since last summer, and boy was it worth the wait. No need to start a stampede, we have plenty to go around. KPPPM will be available at both SWAK locations.
We also received Jawoll’s Aktion sock yarn in a cotton blend for spring. As always, the colors are beautiful. A big shipment of Jitterbug also arrived with 30 wonderful shades in stock. Jitterbug and Jawoll Aktion are available at both SWAK locations.
Its not too late to join our Emperor’s Scarf class - we think it should be renamed the Peacock Scarf. Catherine knit the model and it turned out beautiful. Catch this class on Saturday afternoons through March 22 at the Guthrie location.
If you haven’t joined us on Ravelry yet, what are you waiting for? Well, maybe for your invite to arrive. To join go to the Ravelry website and add your name to the invite list. It takes about a week or two before you receive an email invitation. Once you’re on, get ready for the fun. Even if you’re not a social butterfly, you will find the networking of information about patterns and yarns simply priceless. You can do a pattern search and often find many, many people who have made the same item, see what yarns they used, compare notes on how theirs turned out, etc. You can also join numerous discussion groups - be sure to join the SWAK group. What a fun way to keep up with the latest SWAK chatter and fun.
Don’t forget that SWAK in the City is now open late on Wednesdays until 10. Join us for happy hour knitting on Wednesdays after 5, and then stick around if you wish for another weekly night of fun with the OKC Stitch ‘n Bitch group beginning at 8. Hope to see you there!
Lemons!
2. 15. 2008
Sometimes, despite our best effort we pick a project that is just a lemon. See, it happens to the professionals too. I am referring to the Colinette Shawl Jacket that we chose for our sweater project for this class schedule. What looked to be a fun and easy project, well it isn’t so fun, and it sure isn’t easy. Mom’s been cursing and complaining about it for some time, and I had hoped it was just due to general malcontent. Apparently she has some legitimate complaints after all. For one, the triple wraps on this twisted drop stitch pattern are not much fun when working with laceweight mohair. She had to use straight needles because it would catch on the cables, even with a quality needle like Addi. She also had to do the triple, twisty wrap things a bit different - or switch to American knitting which wasn’t going to happen. She is a long-time continental knitter after all. Sewing in the sleeve was tedious as well. She ended up grafting it in, which is really a good time with loosely knit stitches.
On the upside, it is turning out beautiful and will be worth all of the effort once its finished. We’re afraid it’s not a good project for newer knitters, and sure isn’t a good first sweater project!
So it is time to make lemonade. We are happy to tell you that we are adding another project to this class. This one is easy - I promise! This 3-Button Wrap takes on three different looks depending on how it’s buttoned. The pattern is written for multiple gauges of yarn, and is perfect for year-round wear. We made ours out of O-Wool Balance and Colinette Banyan. 
Classes are on Thursdays at our Guthrie location, from now through March 20th. See our class schedule for the dates and times. Mom will also be happy to help you with the shawl jacket if you have your heart set on making it.
Can’t make the class but would like to make the wrap? The pattern is available at both SWAK locations - free with purchase of yarn for this project.
Happy Valentine’s Day
2. 14. 2008The Vogue Knitting trunk show arrived today. It is from the Holiday 2007 issue. Although it arrived a bit late for the holiday season, at least it arrived on a holiday. Hope everyone is having a great Valentine’s Day. It is one of our favorite holidays around here for obvious reasons. Back to the trunk show.
Among the highlights is this gorgeous cardigan from Brandon Mably knit in Rowan’s Tapestry. We also are digging this colorful Turkish Pattern Dress, although I don’t think I’d wear it as a dress. It works more like a tunic, unless you like for your bum to hang out. Maybe I’m just getting old.
There is also a gorgeous beaded lace scarf, and a stunning intarsia shawl. Don’t forget that you can click on these little pictures and a big picture will magically appear (mom, or AARP liaison, wanted me to remind everyone.)
And it wouldn’t be a Vogue trunk show with out a few of the “oh my” pieces. We’ll start with the shawl/sweater for someone with sticks for arms. The upper arm is about as wide as an average sleeve cuff. Even in my Olive Oyl days I couldn’t have worn this! I feel especially fetching in this red number - don’t I look like a Valentine’s present with the big bow and all? Oh, mom just found the photo of it in the magazine and its supposed to be tied like a man’s tie. That would be so much better - not! My very favorite piece wouldn’t photograph well. The yarn ends are poking out everywhere! Looks like someone needs to read mom’s latest lesson on tails in her Online Classroom. If we had a photo, we could have subtitled it “So it seemed like a good idea to knit in those manufacturer’s knots!”
These garments, plus many more from this issue will be on display at SWAK in the City starting Saturday February 16 until Wednesday February 27.
New Store Hours
We are changing things around a bit here at SWAK. SWAK in the City will now be open late on Wednesday nights until 10pm. In addition we will be hosting the Oklahoma City Stitch ‘n Bitch group on Wednesday nights from 8pm to 10pm. Feel free to come and join the fun! Our Guthrie location will be closed on Sundays beginning March 1st, however our OKC location will remain open on Sundays.
So our new hours are:
SWAK in the City
3124 N. Classen - Oklahoma City - 405.600.YARN
Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm
Sealed With a Kiss
109 E. Oklahoma - Guthrie - 405.282.8649
Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm
closed Sunday
That’s all for now!
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