Episode 18: Monarch Knitting, lots of Ann(e)s and elephants too!

Welcome to episode 18 everybody! In this field trip episode, Marcy shares the fun experiences that she had while visiting Monterey, CA and the beautiful LYS, Monarch Knitting.  We have an interview with owner Ann Patterson and also designer Anne Ginger. We sneak a few of our WIP's and FO's in  and there're many elephants in the room! Go grab your knitting, a soothing beverage, a snack and, if possible, a cute kitty to sit in your lap. Enjoy the show!

Episode 18 Audio

Marcy and Kim after recording. Marcy is holding her Om Shawl
and Kim is holding her Spooky socks.

What's in our Lesson Plan?

• A short show and tell
• Field Trip notes and an interview with designer Anne Ginger
• Field Trip notes and an interview with the owner of Monarch Knitting, Ann Patterson
• What's on our Black Board?

Show and Tell

Kim was working on her "Spooky" socks while recording. She is using a skein of her hand dyed yarn which is KnitPick's bare stroll glimmer yarn. In addition, last week she decided to finally delve into her 2016 knitting goal, which was to try brioche knitting. Kim cast on the "Brioche for Beginners" cowl by Emma Galati and it's a free pattern on Ravelry. She used another skein of her hand dyed yarn (named "Spruce and Friends",) and some tag less deep stash. She learned that brioche is terrifically fun and highly addicting! The cowl was quickly finished and there will be more brioche in Kim's future.

Kim's hand dyed yarn on the left
and some unknown deep stash
at the beginning of the brioche
cast on.

The finished brioche cowl.

Marcy finished Kobe's Xmas stocking! Yay Marcy! I think she deserves a parade. The pattern is the New Ancestral Christmas Stocking by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne from the Mason Dixon Knitting  Outside the Lines book. She used Cascade 220. 

Interview with Anne Ginger

Anne & Marcy

Marcy was able to get together with one of our knitting friends while vacationing in Monterey, Ca. Anne Ginger (agsewnsew on Ravelry,) is a part time knitting designer and has three beautiful sweater patterns published in Twist Collective. They are all also available on Ravelry. She is currently working on some new designs that she is going to self publish. We can't wait to see them Anne!

The shop motto!

Monarch Knitting LYS and interview with Ann Patterson

While in Monterey, Marcy was also able to interview the owner of the gorgeous yarn shop, Monarch Knitting. Ann Patterson has owned and operated her shop for 3.5 years and she has created a knitter's dream yarn shop! There's a cozy place to sit and knit, amazing yarns and a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Monarch hosts many trunk shows,  KAL's and fun events for its' customers. They have an incredible selection of beautiful yarns, including: Shibui, Quince and Co., Brooklyn kTweed, Madeline Tosh, Sweet Georgia, Indigodragonfly, Sincere Sheep, Wool Folk, Zen Yarn Garden, and Wool and the Gang, just to name a few.

They have a small online shop and a monthly newsletter. Kim bought the yarn for her Itineris shawl from Monarch Knitting in 2014 and she loves the yarn and the  shawl and  she had a great experience with the friendly and kind staff.

Marcy & Ann

Please check out our Yarn Shop Evaluation form for more information about Monarch.

What's on our Black Board?

In our next episode, Kim and Marcy will share all of their new cast ons, WIP's, FO's, HO's, spinning, dyeing and any other craftiness that they have been pursuing. I'm sure there will be brioche knitting and Marcy has hinted that she has a surprise to share with all of us! Happy knitting everybody!