Day: November 5, 2020

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Arizona, Here We Come!!

We have had a very productive two weeks here in Apache Junction, Arizona house hunting. Thankfully the second house we saw fit most of our needs and we immediately put an offer in. It was accepted the next day and we’ve been on pins and needles waiting for inspections to be done and negotiations to begin.
We fly home to Kansas this coming Friday, Nov 6th, and we will start the packing/clearing out process to leave that house in the capable hands of our youngest son to take care of.

We are 99% sure all will go through with this house, but with the housing market the way it is there could be a hiccup along the way somewhere.
Thankfully, my parents are here and able to handle anything in person that may need to be done for us.

What this means for my business through the end of the year; I will finish out the currently running classes, of course, and start the Beginning Socks class on Nov 12th, you can register below.
My goal is to have a couple of 4-hour workshops before the holidays are in full swing, one on beginning steeking and one for Fair Isle Christmas Baubles (ornaments). I know with social distancing and Covid-19 cases on the rise we won’t be attending or hosting many holiday functions and having a few holiday classes to attend with friends will be something to look forward to.

I would also like to host a virtual winter KAL soon, I will determine the dates once the move is finalized.

The Moonwake Cowl by Andrea Mowry is such a snuggly and pretty colorwork piece and it would be a fun, simple KAL with a few tricks to learn along the way. It’s a great way to get social time in the winter when we have a tendency to be a bit more shut-in. (IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE??)

After the New Year, the calendar will be filled up with all levels of classes with offerings for weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays. I plan on offering open knit-help times for a small fee, as well as having all of my patterns listed in the Shop for sale with a direct download link on Ravelry so you can add it to your library.

It feels like the new year cannot get here soon enough with all of the uncertainty and upheaval 2020 has dealt us.
For our peace of mind, hands, and souls I say we keep on knitting, as Elizabeth Zimmermann says, with confidence and hope through all crises.

Don’t forget that you can visit the SHOP for in-stock needles + notions!

Needles, Notions & Tools
Needles, Notions & Tools
Needles, Notions & Tools (62)

Beginning Socks Class

$45.00
Add to cart

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May + June Online Classes!!

I am continuing with online, live classes!
Here is the first round of classes based on the survey results.
Thank you for helping me create classes for you!

Over the years a lot of you outside the Wichita area have stated you’d love to take a class with me. Well, from here on out you will have your chance!
If you are a knitter anywhere in the world you can join me for my upcoming live classes. 

I love having new students, new classes, and inspiration.
Haven’t taken a class with me before and you’re not sure what it’s all about? Don’t hesitate to contact me and we can walk through the general format together.

THANK YOU so much for supporting me in these changing times!! 

I am using Zoom, the app is simple to download and navigate on all devices. I also have access to Google Meet, Hangouts, and Skype for other options in one-on-one lessons. Click here to download Zoom

ZOOM HELP Thank you, stay safe + HEALTHY!!
ONE HOUR VIRTUAL LESSON
EVENT + CLASS LISTINGS ON FACEBOOK
BOOK A VIRTUAL LESSON THROUGH FACEBOOK


Gauge Tips – online


3 hours
$25
Dates:
Saturday, May 16th, 10am – 1pm
OR
Monday, May 18th, 1 – 4pm

Learn the how + why of gauge!
How do you make swatches, how do you measure gauge, how do you interpret gauge?
Why even do a gauge swatch, why worry about half a stitch, why is the fabric important?

Supplies:
– light color worsted weight yarn
– US 8 needles, dpn or 16″ circ
– two 5″ square swatches: one stockinette, one garter

Yarn Substitution – online

3 hours
$25
Date:
Thursday, May 21st, 5:30 – 8:30pm

You don’t have the yarn called for in a pattern?
Not sure if the yarn you want to use will work?
How do you go about choosing a different yarn for a project?
Can you substitute DK weight for a Worsted weight?
Can you use cotton instead of wool?
There are some simple things you need to know to help you substitute yarns in a project.Supplies:
– Notebook
– pencil
– any patterns or yarns you may have questions about

Intarsia – online

3 hours
$25
Date:
Tuesday, May 26th, 1 – 4pm

Learn how to simply, cleanly knit motifs + pictures into your projects.
Great to know for horizontal color or yarn changes as well.
And, did you know you CAN work intarsia in the round?? Yep!

Supplies:
– worsted weight yarn in two high contrasting colors
– US size 8 small circumference knitting needles of your choice, ie dpns, two circs, magic loop
– bobbins, if you have them, but not necessary

Bolan – online

3 sessions + 1 check-in
$60
Dates:

May 23rd, 10am – 12pm
June 6th, 10 – 10:30am
June 20th, 10am – 12pm
June 27th, 10am – 1pm

Skills required:
– advanced beginner knitting including pattern reading
– chart reading helpful
– lace knitting experience helpful
– solid basics of reading your knitting and fixing mistakes

This sideways knit and seamed summer top will be a great addition to your wardrobe! Simple lace design in a drapey fabric is flattering for all.
You must purchase the pattern, available through Ravelry.
Bolan on Ravelry
by Leila Raven
Published in Sparrow 2018Quince & Co.
Suggested yarnQuince & Co. Sparrow
Yarn weight Fingering (14 wpi) ?
Gauge 20 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking
Needle size US 4 – 3.5 mm
Yardage 840 – 1680 yards (768 – 1536 m)
Sizes available 43 (48½, 54, 59½, 65, 70½)” bust circumference

June

Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ)
by Elizabeth Zimmerman – online
4 Sessions
$60
Dates:
Mondays
June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
3 – 5pm

The jacket is knit in a single piece with just two seams that run across the shoulders and down the length of the sleeves. It includes extra ease across the back of the garment to fit well over a nappy (diaper).Commonly referred to as the “BSJ”, the baby surprise jacket is “a very entertaining piece of knitted engineering”

Materials:
3 oz. of baby wool (6 sts to 1”) (sport-weight to dk)
or
2 skeins Fisherman Yarn (5 sts to 1”) (dk to worsted)
1 pr. needles in the size to give you either of these gauges.

Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann
There are a million and one ways to purchase the pattern through Schoolhouse Press, follow the link above to the Ravelry page for all the information.
If you are interested in someday knitting the Adult version of this sweater I would highly recommend knitting this smaller version first.

Cables Untangled – online

4 hours
$25
Date:
Saturday, June 13th, 10am – 2pm
Advanced beginner

Learn the basics of cables and some super neat tricks!
Cabling without a cable needle, repair a mistake cable, how to read a cable chart.Supplies:
– worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn in a light, solid color
– US size 8 circular needle, or longer double points
– smaller size double point needles
– crochet hook or fix-it tool
– a few markers and removable markers
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iCT DeSTaSH SaLe Details

I will be running the drop-offs a little differently for this sale.

There will be a 2 week window for dropping off at the Studio, 751 George Washington Blvd, with specific dates/times:

Start Drop-off Date: March 26th, Thursday, 11am – 5pm
Dates/Times:
March 28th, Saturday, call to set time
March 30th, Monday, 2 – 8pm
April 2nd, Thursday, 11am – 5:30pm
End Drop-off Date: April 4th, Saturday, 10am – 1pm

As per usual, you need to contact me ahead of time to arrange drop-off; call/text 316-351-8515, email firebrunetteknits@gmail.com.

Some of these times coincide with classes at the studio, I will do my best to not take away time from my class to accept Destash drop-offs.

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ICT DeSTaSH Sale starts Tomorrow!

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Announcing: The String Exchange

Winter 2017

Fiber & Yarn

Spunky Eclectic Targhee Fiber & Mountain Sport Targhee Yarn

View Fiber & Yarn »

Suggested Patterns

We’ve chosen patterns for sweaters and accessories that will pair perfectly with our yarn selections.

Shop Patterns »

What Is String Exchange?

We started String Exchange as an attempt to quench the thirst of fiber and yarn enthusiasts in the Wichita area. We may not quench your thirst, but we can keep you regularly hydrated!
Denise Renee of Filament Fiber Arts and Chauntel Ensey of Firebrunette Knits bring you quarterly special offers of yarn and fiber from amazing companies. We also provide pattern suggestions for each offering. This will give us all a chance to sample different talent, breeds, twist, and colorways.
Order the yarn, fiber, and patterns online or with one of us and we will deliver your order at our fiber meet up groups. We are not offering shipping at this time.

You will receive a 5% discount off retail.
Sales tax is included and there is no shipping charge.
The savings will be over a 10% discount in the end!

String Exchange Blastoff!

 
Join us on Small Business Saturday!!
November 25th
Bring your knitting, crochet, weaving, and spinning to spend time with other fiber folks ! We are featuring Targhee wool and yarn indie dyed from Spunky Eclectic. There will be yarn  and fiber to fondle in both of our 2 colorways, Merlot and Last Leaf. You can order at the gathering or in the comfort of your home on our website.
Location and time to be announced.

We are featuring Spunky Eclectic yarn and fiber this season, bringing in the warm colors of fall and the holidays.

Spunky Eclectic:

Amy King (aka ‘Boogie’) is the owner of Spunky Eclectic, a fiber studio that is both a brick-and-mortar and online store. One of the most dedicated and impassioned of the “younger generations” of handspinners, she has played a significant role in the spinning community for years. Known for her fiber prep and dyeing, she is acclaimed by spinners across the country as well as internationally for her fiber samples and innovative fiber club. The Spunky Eclectic shop is focused on spinning and weaving featuring a wide selection of wheels, spindles, looms, fibers, and handpainted yarns as well as instruction; everything a weaver and spinner needs to get going and keep going.
Yarn and Fiber

Yarn and Fiber (2)

FEATURED FIBER

Targhee: Notes from The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook

The Targhee sheep was born of practicality. In 1926, USDA researchers bred Rambouillet rams with Corriedale and Lincoln/Rambouillet eyes and back crossing the offspring with each other. They did this to make a dual purpose sheep, good for meat and fleece.This resulted in a fairly long wool that is fine with loft and elasticity, great for “making soft, cozy, resilient textiles that feel indulgent, yet wear well. Using a light touch in spinning will help keep the fibers flowing and Targhee also felts well.

Order NOW through December 1 – Deliveries in early 2018

Shop by Category

Suggested Patterns

Suggested Patterns (6)

We are also offering this discount on ALL fiber & yarn available at Spunky Eclectic.
In order to receive other items at the sale price you will need to compile your list of items and contact us through the Special Orders link on the Shop Page.
We will then send you an invoice that must be paid by the December 1st deadline for ordering.
Special Orders

Special Orders (1
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Fiber Fun Day & Summer Classes
                                                   

Wichita Knitters’ Guild is happy to host Knit, spin, crochet Day!!

From 10am-6pm, Saturday July 8th we will have an open knit/spin/crochet day at the Wichita Central Library in the Patio Room.

$2 per person goes to paying for the room and into the Guild coffers.

We’ve got the Patio room all day Saturday, June 8th from 10am – 6pm.

The room is located on the 1st floor all the way at the back behind the computer lab.

We can bring in food and drinks, spinning wheels and all our bags of fibery goodness. Chairs & tables provided, if you need a seat cushion, bring your own.
If you are not yet a member of the Wichita Knitters’ Guild this is a good time to take advantage of a social gathering to talk to members and pick guild board member’s brains with any questions you may have about joining a knitting guild and what it’s all about.

Any questions contact Chauntel, 316.633.3217

Summer is a time for lightweight knits, lots of color and some new techniques. In this round of classes we’ll work on a uniquely constructed lightweight sweater, learn to knit socks, and learn to thrum using wool roving in our knitting.

There is also a Beginning Knitting class to encourage your friends to join you in this fiber odyssey.
Call Picket Fence to register today!

Check out these beauties!
Upcoming Classes 

Hachure Sweater by Bristol Ivy
July 6th, 20th, August 3rd, 17th, & 31st
6 – 8pm
Ravelry Pattern Page

  

The unique construction and lightweight fabric of this sweater is a must have in your year-round wardrobe. You can knit the sleeves to any length you prefer, making it ideal to customize to your preference.
Any sock yarn will work, but we have some beautiful yarns at the shop so that you can do a special order before class starts, choosing the colors YOU want!

$60

Thrummed Slippers
August 5th, 12th, 19th
10am – 12pm
Ravelry Pattern Page

With our winter climate changing we don’t exactly reach for thrummed mittens any longer. But, who wouldn’t want a pair of cushy, warm slippers!?
These are so fun to knit and you get to use wool roving to knit with, not just boring old yarn.

$40

Beginning Knitting
July 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
5:30-7pm

I think EVERYONE should learn to knit! Not everyone becomes a Master Knitter, but everyone can enjoy every stitch they knit.
In this 4 session class you will learn the knit stitch, the purl stitch, textured (seed) stitch, increases, decreases, casting on in 2 different methods, and binding off.
It’s a thorough class getting you solidly started on your knitting journey.

$40

Beginning Socks
July 13th, 27th, & August 10th
6-8pm

Socks. Sock knitting can be VERY addicting…and sock yarn…the colors, the texture, the uniqueness!!!
(oh, and it doesn’t technically count as stash)
In this 4 session class you will learn to knit a pair of traditional top-down socks on double point needles. I will teach you how to measure correctly for yourself and for gift knitting for others.
It’s a thorough class getting you solidly started on your sock knitting journey.
You must be an advanced beginner – intermediate knitter, this is not for beginning knitters.

$40
More classes will be coming soon to the Firebrunette Knits at American Maid calendar, keep an eye out!!
And, as always, feel free to contact me for private or group lessons, as well as any other classes you want to see offered.
Thank you to my amazing knitting community!!

Don’t forget the Wichita Knitters’ Guild also meets monthly on the third Wednesday from 10am-12pm, and again in the evening from 6-8pm at Picket Fence Quilt Co
COME JOIN US TO FURTHER YOUR KNITTING SKILLS!!
ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME…YES, EVEN BEGINNERS…
Copyright © 2017 Firebrunette Knits, All rights reserved.
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Fiber Fun Day Saturday July 8th

Wichita Knitters’ Guild is happy to host Knit, spin, crochet Day!!

From 10am-6pm, Saturday July 8th we will have an open knit/spin/crochet day at the Wichita Central Library in the Patio Room.

$2 per person goes to paying for the room and into the Guild coffers.

We’ve got the Patio room all day Saturday, June 8th from 10am – 6pm.

The room is located on the 1st floor all the way at the back behind the computer lab.

We can bring in food and drinks, spinning wheels and all our bags of fibery goodness. Chairs & tables provided, if you need a seat cushion, bring your own.

Any questions contact Chauntel, 316.633.3217

Source: Fiber Fun Day Saturday July 8th

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New Patterns!!

Over there in the left hand sidebar there are some new Buy It Now buttons for patterns.
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Mesh Boot Topper~ $3
Simple crochet boot topper/cuff pattern that would be great for a beginning crocheter to show off. Single crochet through the back of the stitch and a simple mesh pattern on the top. Adorable popping out the top of any height boots!

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The crochet Mesh Boot Topper on the left, the knit Monkey Boot Topper on the right.
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Monkey Boot Topper~ $3
These knit boot toppers are adorable under your short or tall boots keeping your legs warm from that cool draft that likes to creep in. You can flip them inside out and fold the lace top over the cuff of your boots as well. There are tons of ways to wear these beauties!