It is done. She has finished! Jan has completed her Elizabeth Scarf! Knit with Rowan Kidsilk Haze, this scarf is knit by creating a base of 48″ of 1×4 rib, and then picking up 311 stitches in each K1 rib. That’s the easy part folks. It then increases over 20 stitches every right side row. It became a habit of everyone to ask how Jan was coming along with it. She would spend a full Thursday afternoon knitting and MAYBE get through a full row – and believe us, Jan is not a slowknitter. This scarf was a huge undertaking and we were all excited as she neared the end, but no one was more excited than her. Here she is with her amazing scarf, in all its glory. Great job Jan.

Amanda helped us kick off our Tuesday evening knitting group with bringing her finished socks for everyone to see. Beautiful job Amanda!

As you know, GVF was at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday past, but as fate would have it, it also happened to be World Wide Spin in Public day as well! Brenna and Manda thew in a wheel and spindle along with the other goodies from the shop and headed down to the market. A great day was had, meeting lots of people and having great conversations about the farm, sheep and shop. The highlight had to be in the afternoon though when our corner of the market contained Brenna on drop spindle and Manda on spinning wheel, Melinda and Claudia (two friends in Wolfville) on their spinning wheels and Allison from Manitoba on her mini Turkish spindle! They had people stopping in their tracks and even had the kids enthralled. Good things happen when fibre folk get together. Be sure to mark this date on your calendar for next year.

Dagmar and her teeny, tiny needles have been at work once again. This Thursday she brought in her latest projects – these absolutely beautiful butterfly pouches. The detail work is amazing. Wonderful job Dagmar!

Crystal is getting geared up for the months ahead with these great mitts. Made to look like Sock Monkeys, these mitts are made out of Briggs and Little wool and Crystal used a duplicate stitch to put their faces on. Can’t wait to see these guys out and about Crystal!

Heather came into the shop to add the finishing touches to her Baby Surprise Jacket. Knit with Lamb’s Pride Superwash, this jacket is going to keep someone very cozy this winter. We love it Heather and think you made a great choice with the buttons!

Nicole, who is in her first year at Acadia University, decided to add spinning to her list of things to learn this year. She stopped into the shop one afternoon to learn, and before we all knew it, she had spun, plied and balled this beautiful wool! Great job Nicole, keep it up!

Gaspereau Valley Fibres will be going mobile! Stop into the Wolfville’s Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September the 18th to say hello to Brenna and Manda as they set up shop and get ready for a fun day at the market. They will have all things Maritime including some River Road Wool, sheep milk soap, MacAusland blankets, finished knit items, cards and much, much more. Hope to see you there!

We are happy to announce that we have finalized our workshop schedule for the upcoming fall season. Below you will find the classes and the prices. Please note that all participants of the workshops, will receive a 15% discount on any purchases made the day of their workshop. Participants are asked to pay for their class when they call to register. Class fees are non-refundable, but can be redeemed as a store credit if participants are unable to attend their workshop. Please call or email the shop to register or for any questions you may have.

Block a Week with Brenna
September 26, 2-4pm and every Sunday thereafter until January 23, 2011

Spend your Sunday afternoons with Brenna and create a new and beautiful block a week. These blocks will be put together at the end of the workshop to create an heirloom aran afghan. Each block will be different from the last, using different cable and aran knitting techniques. This workshop will be spaced out over 15 Sunday’s with no class on October 10 or 24, or December 26. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop.

Workshop cost of  $200 which includes yarn, needles and instructions. Class limit of 6 people.

One Pot – Many Colours Dyeing Workshop with Marilyn Rand
Wednesday, September 29, 9am-12pm

Multi-colour dyeing for colour harmony. This is Marilyn’s favorite dyeing process for her spinning fibres. This method allows the blending of many colours in your yarns without getting the look of a variegate. Participants will learn to use the colour wheel, and experiment with triads, split complementariness, analogous mixtures and colour intensity. Each participant will dye three lots of fibre that will be supplied by Gaspereau Valley Fibres. Workshop fee will include a variety of 300gm of wool locks including Cotswold, Merino and Mohair.  Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves, apron (or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained), a notebook, pen and a plastic grocery bag to take home your wet fibre. Workshop fee is $60 and maximum of four participants.

Painted Rovings with Marilyn Rand
Wednesday, September 29, 1-4pm

Participants will learn the technique of painting rovings. This method of dyeing uses dye made into a paint consistency to prevent running and ensures the colours will grab where you want them to. Participants will experiment will colour harmony, used in the One Pot workshop as well. This method of dyeing is popular since it has other applications, as you can paint finished knitted or woven garments as well. Workshop fee will include three lots of 100gm of rovings for participants to paint, supplied by Gaspereau Valley Fibres. Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves, apron (or old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained), a notebook, pen and a plastic grocery bag to take home your wet fibre. Workshop fee is $60 and maximum of four participants.

*Please note, if you are interested taking both dyeing classes from Marilyn, we are offering a two class special of $110 for both classes.

Thrumming Workshop with Manda
Friday, October 1st 1-3pm

Explore the world of thrumming with Manda in this two hour workshop. We will look at the different fibres you can use to thrum, and the different ways to thrum. We will discuss the various projects you can make and have a hands on time for everyone to try their hand at it. Workshop cost is $25 with all materials provided for you.

Knit Sheepskin Booties
Wednesday October 27, 10am – 2 pm

Learn how to make these great little sheepskin bottom booties with Brenna. Materials include wool, pattern, and sheepskin soles. This pattern can also be adapted to work with the adult slipper bottoms as well. Workshop fee is $40 with a maximum of 6 participants. Please remember to bring a lunch for this workshop.

Beginner Spinner with Marilyn Rand
Saturday, November 6 10am – 3pm

This workshop will take you through all the different parts and function of a spinning wheel. Particiapants will learn fibre preparation and will also create spun wool. It is encouraged that participants have their own spinning wheel, but Gaspereau Valley Fibres does have two or three wheels that could be loaned for this workshop. All fibres will be included in workshop fee. Workshop fee of $50 and a maximum of six participants.

Knitting for Beginners
Wednesday, November 10 1-4pm

Spend the afternoon with Manda, learning how to knit right from the cast-on. This workshop will take you through the various methods of casting on, the knit and purl stitch, and explaining how to read patterns. Yarn and needles will be provided. Workshop fee of $30 and a maximum of six participants.

MiniKnit Socks
Saturday, November 13 12-4pm

This is the first of a series of “MiniKnit” workshops that Gaspereau Valley Fibres will be offering. In these workshops, you will be making projects that are small and quick to complete in the four hours. The main goals of these workshops are to equip you with knowledge and skills, rather than just a finished project at the end of the day. This first workshop will take you through knitting a small sock, from the cuff down. You will learn about the heel flap, how to turn the heel, and how to pick up stitches for the foot of your sock. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop. All materials will be provided. Workshop fee of $35 maximum of six participants.

Crochet for Beginners
Wednesday, November 17 1-4pm

Learn the basics of crochet with Brenna. She will lead you through creating your first chain and how to add on from there. She will also cover how to read a crochet pattern. Yarn and hooks will be provided. Workshop fee of $25 and a maximum of six participants.

Card Weaving
Friday, November 19 11-4pm

Card Weaving is a technique that uses only cardboard cards and yarn or threads to produce narrow patterned  bands of woven fabric. The resulting bands have characteristics of both loom work, cording and braiding. Participants will learn how to set up and use the cards. They will also explore all the different techniques that can be used and projects that can be made. Workshop fee of $40 and a maximum of six participants. Please remember to pack a lunch.

MiniKnits Mittens
Saturday, November 27 12-4pm

Learn how to create your own mini mitten. Brenna will take you from the cuff up, and help you understand the construction of a mitten as well as thumb gussets. A basic knowledge of knitting is needed for this workshop. Yarn and needles will be provided. Workshop fee of $35 and a maximum of 6 participants.

Katrin is looking pretty in pink in her brand new pullover. Knit top down with Nature Spun sport by Brown Sheep, this Knitting Pure and Simple design is ideal for a beautiful project without being too complicated. Wonderful job Katrin!