Wool&More – April 2016 Newsletter

In this Isssue:

1. Mother’s Day Special – just for you and gift vouchers for Mom
2. Odd-Ball Sale
3. Our Kits
4. Community Project Programs
5. New yarns now in stock
6. Packaging
7.  “Reversible Crochet” Lessons – Special offer
8. Winter Trading Hours
9. Button Hole tip 

We recently had a good chat to the wife of a meteorologist who was saying that we can expect a longer and colder winter than average this year – that’s music to my ears (especially after the ridiculous day earlier this week when the temps in Plett hit 36,5*!) ….not only do I personally, prefer cooler temperatures but also, it’s so much better for business …. And if we thought that last month, the shop was bursting at the seams … it’s now crazily overstocked!!  And to this end, there are some really great Specials for you in this issue – here goes:

Mother’s Day Special:

Mother’s day this year falls on Sunday 8^th May so whether you are a mother or not, we will have ALL YARN in the store (except already reduced items) at a discount of 10%!!  That could amount to a great saving, right in winter – just for you.  This 10% discount on ALL YARN will only be applicable for Saturday 7^th May and Monday 9^th May to give everyone a chance to stock up on great yarns at a discounted price.  And whilst on the Mother’s Day subject, please remember that we have gift vouchers which make a great gift … let that someone special in your life come in and treat herself to some gorgeous yarn!  For each gift voucher over R100 sold for Mother’s Day, we will supply a beautiful gold gift box at no charge.  Please remember that our Loyalty Cards are not applicable for any sale or already discounted stock.

Odd Ball Sale:

There are a number of discontinued lines which need to be cleared (to make space for new yarns) so we will be having an Odd Ball Sale from Friday 22 April to Friday 13^th May.  There will be a number of yarns from which to choose and at ridiculously low prices … some even below cost!  Perfect for matching up and using your imagination to create something special or to do smaller projects.  This Sale is not to be missed!!

Our Kits:

The Blanket-In-a-Bag kits are really going well.  We keep a few in stock but are very happy to make up a kit or two in colours to suit your requirements.  The finished blanket is approximately 1,7m x 1,9m, is simple to make and highly addictive to knit!!  And each one is totally unique.

Our newest kits are the Swing Knit Shawls … this beautiful shawl is very elegant (or funky fun, as you wish) and also a delight to make.  Perfect for the long winter days and nights.  Pop in to get yours soon.  The Baby Blankie kit will be available from May so watch this space…

Community Project Program:

The maroon kid’s beanies for Harkerville Premier (primary school) are coming in well – thanks to all those who have managed to knit a few.  We do need around 60 more maroon beanies … a simple pattern is available below (or on our website www.woolandmore.co.za) and a 100gm ball of Charity DK knits a large size and two smaller sizes (3 beanies in total) which is great!  Hopefully we will have the 80 beanies for them by end May (or before) so that when the weather turns, their little heads will be warm!  (Reminder:  this school will be holding a jumble sale to raise much needed funds so please clear out some clothing – adults and children – and some kitchen ware for them.  You are welcome to drop these off at wool&more for Barbara to collect.  Thanks in anticipation.)

Thankfully, we have the 50 beanies in already, for the crèche in The Crags – thanks to all who have brought in lovely colourful beanies (special thanks to Annie for her great contribution!) – we are sure that the Lions Club in Plett appreciate all your efforts!

Please continue to knit balls and simple bears (or other toys) for the clinic in town – these will also be distributed by the Lions.  And as you realise, knitted or crocheted blankets are always welcome for those at risk in winter like the elderly and children.

The simple toddler jersey is so easy to knit and a great way to use up your stash – the pattern is on the website too.

BEANIES  FOR  BARBARA

Using double knit maroon yarn and 4mm needles

Cast on 82 (90; 98) sts

Row 1:  k2, (p2, k2*) Repeat * to end of row

Row 2:  p2 (k2, p2*)  Repeat * to end of row

Repeat last 2 rows twice more (six rows worked).

Change to 4,5mm needles and continue as follows:

Row 7:  knit

Row 8: purl

Repeat last two rows (stocking st) until work measures 14 (15; 15) cm from beginning.

Shape crown:

Row 1:  (k4, k2tog) repeating to last 4 (0; 2) sts, k4 (0; 2).  69 (75; 82) st remaining

Row 2: purl

Row 3:  knit

Row 4: purl

Row 5:  (k3, k2tog) repeating to last 4 (0; 2) st,  k4 (0; 2). 56 (60; 66) st remaining

Row 6: purl

Row 7:  (k2, k2tog) repeating to last 4 (0; 2) st, k4 (0; 2). 43 (45; 50) st remaining

Row 8: purl

Row 9: (k1, k2tog) repeating to last 4 (0; 2) st, k4 (0; 2).  30 (30; 34) st remaining

Row 10: purl

Row 11: (k2tog) repeating to end of row. 15 (15; 17) st remaining

Row 12: purl

Do not cast off:  cut good length of yarn and using sewing up needle, pull yarn through last st, pull tight and use the yarn to sew up the edges.

Thank you!!

New Yarn in Store:

As we mentioned before, the shop is bursting with yarn so forgive the piles on the floors, under display units, above units and in boxes!!  It’s my belief that no yarn shop ever has enough space!

Katia has sent the Cotton Merino which is luscious and in gorgeous shades – knits up beautifully and is soft and cuddly to wear.  Velour is absolutely cuddle-perfect and in stunning colours – a must have.  Katia have supplied a free neck warmer pattern which uses one ball of Velour – just gorgeous! The Silk-Alpaca and pure Angora has also come in … these are fantastic for that very special project you may want to do for yourself or someone really deserving!

The very thick acrylic XXL (ideal for scarves, throws, arm knitting, etc) has arrived in some stunning colours and we hope to get the XXXL in around the end of May … this should create quite a stir and be perfect for that quick, cuddly and easy project.

Elle have sent in four new shades of Rustica (double knit and chunky) – these are printed and make a really lovely garment – and Rustica is always a pleasure to use.

Packaging:

Talking of stock, we always like to hand over your purchase in packets to keep them clean yet we are mindful of the extent of plastic which leaves our shop.  The stock arrives mostly in large, thick plastic bags, each 500gms wrapped in its own plastic bag … Perhaps you can remember to bring your own shopping bags (preferably in fabric so that the plastic doesn’t eventually filter into the ocean) so that we all feel that we are contributing to saving our planet.  Every little bit helps so let’s bear this in mind wherever and whenever we shop.

Reversible Crochet lessons:

These have been going really well and the ladies who have learnt the technique are making such beautiful items!  Annette has kindly offered to run a limited Special for her reversible crochet lessons:  From 22^nd  April to 20^th May, if you come for a lesson with two friends (three in total), the lesson will only cost R100-00 per person (for two hours).  This is a great price and excludes crochet hook and yarn.  Book soon for mornings or afternoons (10.30-12.30 or 2.00 to 4.00).  Payment in full will secure your spot.  Also remember that Annette offers normal crochet lessons as well.  Contact us for more details.  And next month we will be letting you know when Doortjie will be back in Plett for her crochet magic!

Winter Trading Hours:

Reminder:  From now until 30^th July, we will be here for your convenience every Saturday and Public Holiday from 09H30 to 12H30.  Our normal Monday to Friday hours apply:  10H00 to 16H00 (unless it is a Public Holiday, in which case, 09H30 to 12H30).  Whilst we are normally here at around 09H30 in the mornings, we are dependent on banks, medical appointments, collections, etc being on time for us to be at the shop earlier than 10H00.

Button Hole Tip:

We recently came across this tip to get a really good finish to a knitted button hole:  work the cast off stitches then cast on one extra stitch, slip this back onto the left hand needle and knit it together with the first stitch.  It gives a firm and trim buttonhole.

And now it’s time for me to button up, wrap up and wish you all a happy, peaceful and very creative time.  But please let us share, with her permission, what a customer said which really tickled us pink:  In walking around the shop oooh-ing and aaah-ing at all the yarn, Roz blurted out: “I am so frustrated:  my eyes see faster than I can knit”!!

On that happy note, bye for now and “chat” next month.   Watch out for a terrific shoulder wrap pattern in our next issue….

Joy Sachs

PS  If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, we will be sorry to see you go … but please do just send us an email with your name and email address and we will do the necessary.

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wool&more, 7 Gibb St, Plett  044 533 3182

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