Lunch at the Skorupa Bistro!

Lunch at Skorupa Bistro!
Originally uploaded by thenobleknitter

Enjoying a day off from Renaissance Yarns! Al & I started our day with breakfast at the Golden Steer with friends. From there, we went to see the movie Public Enemies at Kent Station. I REALLY want to go to Trophy Cakes, but it looks like that is not going to happen today. Just finished a bit of lunch. Now it is time to get back to work on Miss Lambert's Lace Sampler, a Franklin Habit design. Pictures later...

May Day, 2009

What a beautiful day in the great northwest! It is days like today that remind us of why we put up with the gray skies for more than 1/2 the year. As I look out to the blue skies and watch the flags sway to the gentle breeze, I find myself drifting to this shawl I want to make. I wanted to make it as soon as I saw it, but then, it walked in last week. Yes, a fabulous knitter known to all as Allicatrix made the Aeolian Shawl. All I can do is think of this project, especially now since I've seen it knit up with my own eyes. Allicatrix embellished her shawl with beads, so yes, I must do the same. Now, what yarn to use? Maybe Fino by Alpaca with a Twist or Winter's Lace by Mountain Colors.

Hmmm, but Allicatrix used a sport weight. It will definitely go faster. Hmmm, Zauberball? I have two balls of Raspberry Mocha in my stash. Or, maybe Jojoland's Melody. Too many decisions!!

Kristeen Griffin-Grimes returns to Renaissance Yarns for a four hour workshop covering the five methods of working seamlessly. These techniques are used is Kristeen's bestselling book, French Girl Knits. Even if you have never constructed a seamless garment, Kristeen will inspire you to pick up your circular needles and start knitting without seams. This is a completely hands-on workshop covering all techniques needed to create a seamless sweater.

The workshop is broken down into two parts. The first half focuses on special cast-on techniques, increases/decreases, methods of picking up stitches and joining, as well as creative use of circular needles. Practical tips for sizing seamless patterns for the perfect will be included. In the second half you will make a mini sweater using one of the 5 seamless methods covered.

Date: Saturday, April 25th
Time: 2 - 6 PM
Skill level: Intermediate
Cost: $50*
Space is limited, so don't delay in reserving your seat.

*no discounts on workshop fees. All participants will receive a 10% discount of workshop supplies.

Saw My First Hat Trick!

I experienced my first hat trick in the last game of the Seattle Thunderbirds regular season. It took me a moment to realize what just happened. Jeremy Boyer, just scored. At first, I thought fans were just throwing something on the ice. I had no idea what. Finally, I made out one of the objects as being a ball cap. I frantically search my brain's storage, looking for the file that tells me what's going on. Found it! Hat trick: when a player scores three goals in one game. I keep searching my brain's databanks for more information - what's with the hats? Found it! As a sign of respect and appreciation, the fans throw their hats or caps on to the ice.

It was an exciting, high scoring shut out! We won 10 - zip! The team played a goalie that I never heard of before, one Kyle Jahraus. Looks like tonight was his only game all season. I must say he did an amazing job keeping the Everett Silvertips off balance.

I started the season not knowing a thing about hockey. Now that the regular season is over, I am happy to say I've learned quite a bit about the game. I've also learned that this sport is not as violent as I had envisioned. Sure, a few skirmishes occur, but nothing like what I had thought of. I hope I can figure out how to get to a playoff game!

Seattle Thunderbirds' game summary as reported by the Seattle Times.

Spring into Art 2009!

March is National Youth Art Month! The City of Kent, Kent School District (KSD), Kent Downtown Partnership and downtown businesses join forces to bring you Spring into Art 2009! Spring into Art provides children of KSD an opportunity to have their artwork displayed around town. The children are very proud! Also, the event provides awareness to children about the arts.

Renaissance Yarns is excited to host the artwork of 3rd & 6th graders of Springbrook Elementary. The artwork will be on display through Sunday, March 15th. On Friday, March 13th, from 5 - 8 PM, children will have the opportunity to learn how to finger knit. Plan on this mini class to start on the hour and half hour and go for about 15 - 20 minutes. The cost is FREE to children ages 7 - 12. Light refreshments will be available. Additionally, there are many activities that will be available for children to participate in, including candle making, face painting, cookie decorating and so much more! Click here for more details as well as a link to download the Kent Student Art Walk Map.

Spring into Art is a great family and community event. Now more than ever it is important to get involved in and support your local community. This event can also be used as a tool to model your community support to your family. No school age children? That’s OK. Your community needs your support! I hope to see all of you throughout the weekend!

Alright Already!

Today is March 9, 2009. The place: Kent, WA. Once again I wake up to what appears like confetti falling from the sky. I rub my eyes and cannot believe that it is snowing again! I love snow and am happy to see what certainly must be the last snow of the season. I have never seen flakes as large as the ones falling. They must easily be at least 1 square inch, maybe slightly larger. This stuff is wet and heavy, but beautiful.

Most people around here are ready for this stuff to go away for many months. I'm just happy to be able to get a few more hours of the snow covered lavender and this mini winter wonderland that I've enjoyed this year.

Kristeen Griffin-Grimes! aka: French Girl

Bonjour! Renaissance Yarns is honored to host Kristeen Griffin-Grimes. Kristeen is a world renown knitwear designer who loves to design without seams. I don't know about you, but I can certainly speak for myself - love those seamless designs! When I'm done knitting a piece, I want to be done!

You can check out Kristeen's amazing designs in her new book French Girl Knits. The piece pictured here is Delphine, knit by Michelle. This gorgeous piece is in Blue Sky Alpaca's Alpaca Silk (a 50/50 blend of alpaca & silk). Below is a close up of the lace work.

Kristeen also puts together several knitting & cooking tours to France. You can learn more about these tours by going to her website. I personally find myself daydreaming about a week in France with Kristeen and a few friends!