She also finished her custom design from the Top-Down Raglan design class this spring. Hers is a 3/4 sleeve with Plymouth’s Llama Cotton Worsted. Love it!

Have you started your Einstein Coat yet? It’s not too late to get yours going and finished in time for cooler temps. Mom and Phyllis both finished theirs. They used Cascade Eco Wool. Couldn’t get mom to model hers, but Phyllis was game.

This was Phyllis’ first sweater to complete and she did a fabulous job!

Laura always has an eye for finding an incredible project. This jacket is from Sally Melville’s The Knitting Experience: Book 3, Color. I have to admit that her jacket looks 1000% better than those in the book. Knit with Plymouth’s Mushishi, it is easy as pie. The jacket is made by attaching garter stitch strips. So if you can make a garter stitch scarf, you can make this jacket.
Machelle also brought in her EZ Adult Surprise Jacket for everyone to see. This was our fall class a few years back. Machelle did a super job on this too!

She also has a great eye for picking projects, and a knack for encouraging everyone to join her too. She showed up with this “leaf scarf” (aka Saryoan, you can see why we call it the leaf scarf), and pretty much everyone who’s seen it wants to make it too. This pattern is a free Ravelry download. Machelle used Pure Merino.

However when this next yarn walked in the door last week….

Waterlily from Classic Elite. Steve the UPS guy brought a big box last Friday, I took it with me to SWAK in the City on Saturday and don’t know why I even bothered putting it out on the shelf. Instead it left the shop in little bags for the leaf scarf, a February Lady sweater, and the cute little wrap shown on the cover of this pattern. I think that is going to be our next contagious project.

More Waterlily coming soon, so give us a shout if you want to get in on the next shipment before it all disappears. The wrap on the cover of the pattern takes 10-12 skeins. Machelle’s leaf scarf takes 4 if you make the size on the pattern, or 6 if you enlarge it like she did.

I finally received another update from Addi regarding the status of the Lace Click sets. Last word was they’d be available late summer. I hope you weren’t standing by your mailbox (again) waiting on them to arrive because they have been delayed AGAIN. The new expected arrival date is early fall.

We’ll be closed Monday @ SWAK in the City for Labor Day. We’re always closed Mondays in Guthrie so it’s not much of a holiday for the mothership. Hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend!

Sign up by September 10 to receive special pricing!

12 hours of classes for $199* plus one complimentary ticket to the Saturday night party & dinner with Big Truck Tacos
*save up to $66-additional party tickets available in advance for $20 ea.

9 hours of classes for $175* plus one complimentary ticket to the Saturday night party & dinner with Big Truck Tacos
*save up to $25-additional party tickets available in advance for $20 ea.

Featured instructors/workshops include…

VALENTINA DEVINE
Valentina is simply amazing! Her creativity is contagious, and her depth of knowledge and experience will astound you. Her signature workshop, Creative Knitting will be offered on Saturday. On Sunday, she’ll share with you the intriguing Mitered Corner technique that was created by her close friend Horst Schultz.

ALISSA BARTON
We first met Alissa at our Knit Out last May and were blown away by her expertise and teaching prowess. Tired of knitting with handpaint yarns and winding up with an unpleasant result? This rock-star Texan will guide you through Knitting with HandPainted Yarns for a fabulous results. Do knitting patterns baffle you or give you a headache? Alissa will talk you through and help you to Knit Smarter. Does finishing give you fits? Finishing with a Professional Flair is for you, including the opportunity to finish a completed sweater if you’d like.

DEB WAGGONER
Fiber artist Deb Waggoner, creator of the Knitty Bits yarns, will guide you through creating your own original Handpaint Yarn.

DONNA HILTON
Owner of the Weavery at indian Meridian, Donna is one of the leading authorities in our area on weaving and spinning. Learn to Weave using a double heddle loom!

For more information, including complete class descriptions, visit the Colorfest website. Register today to receive special pricing! You can register online or give us a ring.

We’ve been reporting impending a/c issues to the landlord since last month. Not sure why repair people can’t seem to fix a problem before we have a crisis, however the a/c went out today.

The Einstein Coat class was scheduled for tomorrow @ SWAK in the City. We will be moving the class to our Guthrie location. For those unable to make the trek north, we will be able to help you with your coat any other Saturday in August at our OKC location.

If you heard a mild rumble a little before 6 this evening, it was probably me when I received the news. Here’s a visual…

I probably should go lie down now before my head actually explodes.

The colors of the yarn used in the pattern weren’t doing it for us, so I poked around and decided Brown Sheep’s Burley Spun would be perfect. Now we just have to pick our colors, and that’s the hardest part.

It looks like ruby red is going to be a popular choice, followed by wild oak, orange you glad and oregano. I’m thinking about stepping outside my box and using amethyst…or maybe cream. I briefly considered lemon drop, but after hearing Phyllis tell her story about her yellow coat and looking like a bumblebee I decided I should save that color for spring.

Join us in knitting this stylish winter wrap! Our daytime Knit with Sherry group is currently meeting at Guthrie on Thursdays, but will be moving to Tuesdays in September. We’ll resume evening Knit with Sherry at Guthrie on Thursday nights, or join Laura in OKC on Thursday mornings. Can’t come knit with us during the week? You can join our virtual group on Ravlery or Facebook, or give us a shout if you get in a bind and we’ll arrange a time to together and help you out.

I’m getting ready to put together an order of the Burley Spun for everyone, so it’s not too late to pick your color. You can see the color card by enlarging the little pic. I don’t recommend the hand paint colors in that they might be a bit too much with all these cables, plus they cost a bit more.

The capelet will take 2 skeins @ $17.50 a skein, for a total yarn cost of $35. You will also need to purchase the Snow Day pattern booklet from Classic Elite if you don’t have it already. Naturally, we have those available for purchase too.

If you want to join in just drop me a line or give us a shout with your color choice. We’ll be ordering late next week. If you miss the special order deadline, don’t worry. We’ll have plenty of other colors on hand too.

I hope you can come and join the fun! Our Guthrie group orders lunch from Missy’s, with great sandwiches on homemade breads and delicious cake. Our OKC group has taken to ordering in from BTT (big truck tacos), and that REALLY is a treat. We in Guthrie are quite jealous, but then again they don’t get hummingbird cake either.

and that’s plenty of time to have this cabled capelet ready to go!

Check out this picture of my baby! He starts Montessori school at St. Mary’s in a few weeks. We went for final enrollment and he wanted to put his new school uniform shirt on immediately. We are so excited!

Are you wanting to learn cables? Get your cable on with us at SWAK in the City this Saturday and learn to knit this needle cozy. Make it a bit shorter and it turns into an iPod cozy. Class is free, pattern is free; you’ll just need to buy one ball of Princess yarn, and size 5 needles & a cable needle if you don’t have them already.

I just finished this gorgeous cable neckwarmer that’s knit with Ariosa, a yummy cashmere blend yarn. The pattern calls for 3 skeins, yet I only needed 2. We have a class for this project at SWAK in the City on Saturday, August 31. The class is free, you’ll need to purchase 2-3 skeins of Ariosa, the pattern, and if you don’t already have them - size 10.5 (long straights or 24″+ circulars) and a cable needle.

Many of you have asked about next year’s Knit Out. The dates are May 20-22. We’ll have more on this soon so stay tuned!

For those of you who are jonesing for a hint as to who will be teaching next year, I have to refer you to our unofficial SWAK theme song for the answer. When we make our music video, I get to be Belinda - complete with the animal tooth necklace. SWAK Peeps - who gets to be Jane, Charlotte, Kathy and Gina? Can you tell I’m a Go-Go’s freak?

My first thought was “Who, us? Creative? Umm, okay.” But after reading the article and further pondering of the idea I came to the conclusion OF COURSE US! Now keep in mind that by creative they are not necessarily talking about fun creative things like we do, but are focusing more on innovation, technology and things of that nature. They are still related, but I don’t think they are going to host a lecture about knitting either.

If you too are scratching your head as to how OKC became the most creative spot on our continent, consider this. Those of us who are multi-generational Oklahoman’s embody the pioneer spirit. My relatives gave up social stature and wealth in Europe to move to this country to live in a sod house. When you have absolutely nothing but a prairie going for you, let’s face it - you’ve gotta get creative.

My Great-Granny Wright plowed the fields alongside her brothers, and my Opal Granny was a Rosie the Riveter at Frederick AFB during the second World War. I’m from a long line of tough women who know how to get the job done. I guess you could say our family motto is “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

I think that same esprit de corps applies to many fellow Okies as well. So maybe creativity isn’t something achieved by those with resources, culture and leisure time. Someone with a stake of land in the middle of a dustbowl and a wagon full of mouths to feed - now that is where you’ll find creativity. My Granny Stuever could feed 8 kids with one chicken, and even made spinach patties with baby food once when the cupboards were bare (although I don’t think they were much of a hit).

So it is no wonder our state provided the world with shopping carts, parking meters and other great innovations. Perhaps the reason Oklahoma has managed to duck the brunt of the recession isn’t because we’re insulated by the oil industry, but put this “can-do” spirit to the test during these difficult times, finding creative solutions to formidable problems. Just a thought.

Come up and see us in Guthrie for a taste of the creative wild west. Check out this new commercial that highlights how modern of a town Guthrie has become!

The restaurant shown near the end is one of our favorite dining spots - The Stables, and they are now serving wine! Check them out next time you’re in town.

And our OKC location is smack dab in center of the most creative part of OKC. You really need to come and check out our new awning. Bill is almost finished, and every time I’m there I see something new that I just love about it. It is amazing!

This is a VERY simple jacket that is easy enough for a new knitter to make. A perfect first sweater project, and you can finish it just in time for cooler weather. Pattern is only available with purchase of HPKY Giant Skein yarn. I made the 36″ with a 16oz skein in worsted weight. Sizes 40-44″ require a 24oz, 48-52″ a 32oz. This yarn comes in dozens of multi and semi-solid shades. Come in and let us help find the perfect color for you, or browse through them online.

Laura also finished her Girasole, using K1C2’s TyDy Sock.

She’s been very busy! You can catch Laura at SWAK in the City on Thursday mornings. She’s not only a fabulous knitter, but she is a whiz at putting yarn and projects together. Come in and let her help plan your next project!

Speaking of having someone help put you together…I’ve never been much of a shopper, and prefer to do it alone without much input from others. Since Mason was born I’ve come to the realization that my old clothes no longer worked with my new physique. The last time I went shopping at the mall, I was so happy to find LONG shirts that covered me up. I even asked random strangers if they made me look pregnant and was assured that they didn’t. I thought I was looking pretty cute until I saw this picture…

Mason looks cute. I not only look pregnant, but TWICE my real size. It was time for professional help.

So I go see my good friend Ann who owns the dress shop down the street from our Guthrie store. I left there with awesome new tops for summer. I would give you my video presentation of why they are so great, but I would probably embarrass my family. So here’s the verbal rundown - I can bend over without flashing myself or having my bum show, I can raise my arms without my stomach showing, and NO ONE has asked me if I’m pregnant. All of that and I look great, plus much of her summer merchandise is currently on sale! She also outfitted me for a funeral 2 weeks ago. It’s not very proper to gloat about your attire at a funeral, but let’s just say if I were at any other event I would have been the best dressed there.

Carol Ann’s a family outfit, with three generations of women including mom (Carol), Ann and her daughter Courtney. I tell her she’s the Pawn Stars of clothing stores. A visit there is just about as entertaining. All that’s missing is a Chumlee …and a website! I keep nagging her but may have to break down and do one for her myself. So if you are in need of professional assistance, go see Ann! Carol Ann’s is located at 107 W. Oklahoma, or give her a ring at 282-1272.

Sign up today!

On a side note, here’s a behind the scenes look into how we make all this magic happen at SWAK….

I need to do laundry, really need to do laundry. So I rolled into work today in my best capri sweatpants with matching shirt. Within the first 10 minutes my black outfit was covered with yarn fuzz.

We decide to start filming the preview, so I nab a sweater out of the window. I still looked pretty tacky in my black sweatpants, so mom and I swapped pants. It’s a good thing we can wear the same size. After watching the video it is obvious we could use a makeup and hair person, but that isn’t in the budget. I could also use a good night’s sleep, or perhaps a spokesperson who did their laundry.

This program is scheduled to run for the next year, but we’re going to break it down into smaller groups to make it easier for you. Here’s the first trio of projects for the months of September - November.
(be sure to clicky for bigger pics)

Cable Rib Hat and Cowl - September
You will love the subtle sparkle of the Glisten yarn, a yummy alpaca/silk blend. The kit includes enough yarn to knit both the hat & cowl. This class will be on the September schedule at both Guthrie (9/11) and OKC (9/25).

Cassandra Cowl - October
Learn to master cables and charts with this stylish cowl knit with Scrumptious, an angora/silk blend. This class will be on the October schedule at both Guthrie (10/9) and OKC (10/16).

Dog Walking Mitts - November
Tri-color convertible mitts. Kit includes 3 colors of Solace alpaca/silk yarn. This class will be on the November schedule at both Guthrie (11/13) and OKC (11/20).

If you are interested in these classes (or just getting the kits) we have a full-trio special for you. Sign up now to receive these 3 kits. You’ll be guaranteed a kit, a spot in the class, and will be notified upon their arrival so you can have first dibs on the colors. The cost for all three kits, including patterns and yarn for all three projects is $85, a $22 savings plus you’ll get the VIP perks.

Just interested in one kit/class? We’ll put you on the list and let you know when the kits arrive. You too will be guaranteed a kit and/or spot in class. While our VIP folks will get first pick, we will have plenty of kits left for you to choose a great colorway. The cost for the individual kits are $32 (September), $30 (October), $45 (November). Classes, as always are free so there is no additional charge to attend the class.

Are you a procrastinator? Not a problem. Give us a shout and we’ll work with you to get you a kit and/or spot in class as long as supplies last.

If the class dates don’t work with your schedule, you’re welcome to come to Knit with Sherry or Knit with Laura for help with these projects, or give us a ring and we can hook you up with one of our knitting specialists.

Interested? Don’t delay! The deadline to sign up for the first installment of Feed Your Creativity is August 10th. Our first installment of kits is scheduled to arrive mid-August.

I’ll be back soon with a video presentation of the entire program. These are just a small sampling of the fabulous projects/yarns to come. Stay tuned!

…these sparkly crochet lips from Lily Chin. If you had blinked you might have missed it she was going so fast. It’s no wonder she was the world’s fastest crocheter.

…finally getting Nancy Bush’s smooch. This was no easy chore, considering she had never worn lipstick before. Sally Melville came to the rescue, pitched in as her makeup artist and we finally got a smooch out of her. It was touch & go there for awhile though!

…we still have no clue what this one says.

…and the most asked question after this year’s event was “so did you get Jared’s smooch?” Here’s your answer! Since I had successfully nabbed Barry Klein and Rick Mondragon’s smooch, I had a little peer pressure working in my favor, but all of the guys have been great sports.

You can see our complete Wall of Fame online, or check it out next time you’re at our Guthrie store.

This project was long overdue! The old frames were beginning to show wear & tear about a year or so ago. Then they started falling apart, leaving broken glass all over the hallway. I got tired of sweeping up glass and took them all down until I had time to figure out a solution. Our collection had also outgrown the space in the hallway. After rearranging the store this spring, I found them a perfect new home.

The new frames (sans glass this time!) arrived just before the retreat in May, but with all of the added drama this year there was no way I could get it done. I am so glad I finally got around to completing this project. It’s so nice to have them back on display where they belong!