I am one to evaluate after the fact more than plan ahead and set goals/resolutions.

One thing I am good at is keeping my planner up to date. My paper planner has been by my side for years, a lot of years. While I do my best to keep my digital calendars up to date, I have never found a way to have all my planner needs met digitally.

But, I am tired of hauling so many things around with me, everywhere I go. Planner, tablet, teaching handouts, project, etc.

I did a little research on digital planners and after some days of being unsure I dove in and bought one. It’s a pdf that has to be edited and then viewed. Not exactly a program, not an app. It can’t sync with other programs/apps to stay up to date, it is something that has to be done manually. That part makes me feel like I still have as much control as my undated paper planner system.

But, and this is a big but for me, it is limited to the format as it is (as far as I can see). I will be contacting the designer for a few tips and answers to my questions on using the planner, expanding the planner, customizing for my specific needs.

I didn’t want to spend time over the holidays working, but once I bought it I couldn’t let it be and wait to see if it was going to work for me. Call it the fear of buyer’s remorse. As of right now, after 4+ hours familiarizing myself with it, I just don’t know how to feel about it. I know I can’t go cold-turkey and drop my paper planner. I’d like to be moved over within a couple of weeks, if possible.

New systems take time. I like change, sometimes. I thought I would like this change, now I just don’t know.

Have you considered moving to an all digital planning system? Calendars, note + list keeping?

What have you found that works for you?

If you want to take a look at the digital planner I purchased (at a hefty holiday discount), you can find it on Etsy, https://www.etsy.com/listing/631939152/business-planner-printable-business

Deb Romero and I are happy to be hostessing a guided KAL at the studio beginning Jan 16th.

You can purchase the pattern through Ravelry, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hintermost

Dates: 5:30 – 7:30pm

January 16th

January 23rd

February 6th

February 20th

This pattern includes; brioche in the round, colorwork in the round, steeking

If you are not comfortable with any of these, this would be a good time to get over your fear through team effort. The brioche can be substituted with 1×1 rib on the cuffs and hem, if desired. There are some other simple tweeks that can be done without losing the visual appeal.

Don’t forget to bring your $5, call when you arrive to be let in to the secure studio building.

Looking forward to this squishy, wintery knit!!

2020 is almost here!!
I love the new year, it’s a time to re-evaluate my current projects, and do some serious UFO/WIP evaluation.
I have listed a bunch of new classes at Picket Fence Quilt Co and I am filling the rest of my schedule for the beginning of 2020 with classes and workshops at The Studio.

January + February

Fixing Mistakes

DATES:
Saturday, January 18th 1pm – 4pm
or
Saturday, February 1st 10am – 1pm

No matter your skill level, we ALL make mistakes in our knitting.
The confidence that comes when you learn a few tricks to keep your knitting on track will astound you!
Mistakes help us work smarter, not harder. Don’t let mistakes hold you back,
come and let me build your confidence in your knitting skills, you can do it!

Skills required: Basic knitting (cast on, knit, purl)

You’ll learn how to fix:

• a dropped stitch in garter
• a dropped stitch in stockinette (on the knit and purl side)
• dropped stitches at the edge of a row
• missed yarnovers
• missed increases + decreases
• unfinished stitches

Class Prep REQUIRED:
Arrive at class with three completed swatches approximately 4″x4″ in a smooth, light-colored, worsted-weight yarn:
Swatch 1: garter, do not bind off, leave on a needle
Swatch 2 & 3: stockinette, do not bind off, leave on needle

I recommend that swatches be worked on circular needles.

SWATCHING MANDATORY!!

CLASS FEE: $25

LOCATION: Firebrunette Knits Studio
751 George Washington Blvd, Wichita, KS 67211

Tools to bring to class: 

• set of  double point needles one size smaller than your knitting needles
• crochet hook same size as your knitting needles
• darning needle
• split markers
• notepad + PENCIL

January

KNIT TO FIT

Workshop date:

Saturday January 11th, 10am – 2pm  $25

Learn to knit sweaters that fit you!!
Don’t we all want to bind off, slip on a sweater & jump for joy?
No more panicked hours of endless knitting wondering if the item will fit a Yeti instead of a baby.

This workshop will give you the tools to learn to knit to fit YOUR body. Learn to alter patterns, choose patterns for your body type, and TAKE YOUR ACTUAL MEASUREMENTS.
This advanced beginner to advanced level class will introduce you to some fantastic methods to help you get the results you have been looking for!

Sounds crazy? No! You can do it!

Note: This is ONE 4 hour session with 2 10 minute breaks.

Notions
Soft measuring tape
Pick a pretty notebook and pen for note-taking

January

Mosaic Knitting

The simplest form of colorwork, slipping stitches to make a pattern.
Mosaic has become an integral part of the knitting world and it really couldn’t be more gratifying.
Great for the adventurous beginner!
Date: January 9th, 5:30 – 8:30pm $25

• Supplies:
  Two high contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn, at least 50g each, preferably cotton or wool
  Size US 8 needles, straight or circular are fine
• Pattern will be provided in class

February

Crochet for Knitters

Join me to learn the basics skills of crochet that every knitter should know.
Date: February 1st, 1:30 – 3:30pm  $20

• Chain
• Single Crochet
• Slip Stitch
• Crab Stitch
• Double Crochet

Sellers Get Ready!!
Sale dates: February 7th + 8th

It may seem like a long time away, but believe me when I say that the time flies and before you know it the sale will be here.
The new year is a great time to do a deep stash clean-out, don’t miss this opportunity to make a bit of cash on those fiber items you just don’t, or won’t use!
Please visit the website for all the in-depth details for sellers.

LOCATION:
Firebrunette Knits Studio
751 George Washington Blvd
Wichita, KS 67211

To Register:
Call, text, or email me directly to reserve your place in class.
316.633.3217  firebrunetteknits@gmail.com
You will be emailed an invoice that you can pay with a credit card, or pay me directly in cash or check.

Payment Information
It’s important to me that my customers have choices in payment options. To offer you the most options I will have you pay in one of three ways:
cash, check, Venmo, or Paypal accepted by clicking here.

Send payment to firebrunetteknits@gmail.com

You do not have to have a Paypal account to pay, there is a guest checkout feature to pay by credit card.

Minimum number of 3 registered & paid students required for class to take place. If less than 3 are registered 24 hours prior to event your class fee will be fully refunded to you either by the same means with which you paid or, if you wish, class credit to be put towards another class at Firebrunette Knits.

Classes are non-refundable for absences.

Need a good gift idea?

Here it is; a planner for that knitter in your life. Customizable and oh, so useful!

CLASSES

Starting in Jan 2020

• Buffalo Check Cowl – Double Knitting
  Learn to work double knitting in the round while reading charts in a worsted weight yarn.
  • Advanced Beginner
  • $25 + Supplies
    • Two high contrasting colors of worsted weight yarn – 100g each
    • 24″ Circular needles in size US 8
    • Stitch markers
    • Usual knitting notions; darning needle, measuring tape, highlighters, pencil, notepad, waste yarn for a lifeline, etc.
  • Saturday, January 4th, 10 am – 2 pm
• Skills required: knit, purl, basic chart reading is helpful but not necessary

• Two-at-a-time Socks
  • Magic Loop Technique from the cuff down, heel flap + gusset construction
  • Supplies:
    • Fingering weight yarn, 100g split into two 50g balls
    • 40″ circular needle in your favorite sock size; usually US 0 through US 2
    • Pattern provided in classSkills required: previous sock knitting experience
      • $45 + Supplies
      • 3 sessions, every 2 weeks
      • Feb 13th, 27th + March 12th, 6 – 8 pm

• Simee Dimeh Mosaic Shawl
  
  I LOVE MOSAIC KNITTING!!
  And, you will too! This shawl uses a mix of stitch patterns including lace, mosaic and simple knit/purl designs.
  The pattern calls for 7 colors, but you can easily use 4 or 5 for just as stunning a shawl.
  • Intermediate
  • 4 sessions
  • $50 + SuppliesPattern purchase through Ravelry
    • https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simee-dimeh
  • Saturdays, Feb 15th + 29th 1 – 3 pm, March 14th 1 – 4 pm, + April 4th 3 – 5 pm

• FLAX Sweater
  • • Great for a first top-down seamless sweater; choose from infant through full adult range sizes
    • Advanced Beginner
    • 4 sessions
    • $60 + SuppliesPattern free through Ravelry
      • https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flax
    • Saturdays, March 21st, April 4th + 25th, + May 9th 1 – 3 pm

   

Alhambra Memories Shawl by Stella Egidi

This gorgeous shawl is an exploration of technique and texture.
Worked from the center out beginning with a provisional cast-on, the stranded colorwork is a good lesson in the knit back technique, then some basic techniques of picking up stitches and garter paired with a beautiful brioche pattern. Pick up stitches from the provisional cast on and start out on your second half, same as the first.
All information for project materials, and to purchase the pattern, are available through this link:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alhambra-memories

Experience: Intermediate
-Basic Knitting Skills
-Basic brioche very helpful
-Chart reading helpful

Class Dates + Times:
Saturdays
26 Oct 2019, Sat
1 – 3pm

9 Nov 2019, Sat
1:30 – 4pm

14 Dec 2019, Sat
1 – 3pm

4 Jan 2020, Sat
1 – 3pm

Class Fee: $70

LOCATION:
Firebrunette Knits Studio
751 S George Washington Blvd
Wichita, KS 67212

Call, text, or email to register
316.633.3217
firebrunetteknits@gmail.com
Payment due prior to class: cash, check, Paypal, Venmo, Facebook payments

View this post on Instagram

The sale starts tomorrow!! The location is the same, 751 S George Washington Blvd Wichita, KS 67212, but the sale will be in the Gallery on the main floor instead of the room previously used. Please enter through DOOR 1, the MAIN front entrance to the building. You will then turn right down the hallway at the base of the stairs. I will post more teaser pictures and video in the morning. Grab your shopping bags and get ready!! Friday + Saturday, 9am-6pm … @studioschoolwichita @wichitawoolery @firebrunetteknits #ictdestashsale #destash #wichita #yarnstore #knitlife #knittersofinstagram #spinnersofinstagram #ictknitters #ict

A post shared by firebrunetteknits (@firebrunetteknits) on Sep 5, 2019 at 6:08pm PDT

CALL OR EMAIL TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT or REQUEST A CLASS
316.351.8515
firebrunetteknits@gmail.com

I have been a knitting and crochet instructor since 2003.
All skill levels taught from just learning to knit to advanced techniques such as colorwork, cable work, intricate lace and everything in between.
I love my craft, I love sharing my knowledge, tips & tricks with other fiber enthusiasts to help them further their talents.
Individual or group lessons, $15/hour private lessons per student, groups of 3 or more discounted.

Want to learn something specific? Let me know!!

Upcoming Classes

• Fixing Mistakes

CLASS DATE/TIME:
September 28th
10am – 1pm

No matter your skill level, we ALL make mistakes in our knitting.
The confidence that comes when you learn a few tricks to keep your knitting on track will astound you!
Mistakes help us work smarter, not harder. Don’t let mistakes hold you back,
come and let me build your confidence in your knitting skills, you can do it!

Skills required: Basic knitting (cast on, knit, purl)

You’ll learn how to fix:

• a dropped stitch in garter
• a dropped stitch in stockinette (on the knit and purl side)
• dropped stitches at the edge of a row
• missed yarnovers
• missed increases + decreases
• unfinished stitches

Class Prep REQUIRED:
Arrive at class with three completed swatches approximately 4″x4″ in a smooth, light-colored, worsted-weight yarn:
Swatch 1: garter, do not bind off, leave on a needle
Swatch 2 & 3: stockinette, do not bind off, leave on needle

I recommend that swatches be worked on circular needles.

SWATCHING MANDATORY!!

CLASS FEE: $25

LOCATION: Firebrunette Knits Studio
751 S George Washington Blvd, Wichita, KS 67218

Tools to bring to class: 

• set of  double point needles one size smaller than your knitting needles
• crochet hook same size as your knitting needles
• darning needle
• split markers
• notepad + PENCIL

Call or email to reserve your spot, 316.351.8515 firebrunetteknits@gmail.com
*Payment must be paid 7 days prior to the class date
*No refunds unless the class is canceled by the instructor

Brenton Point Class
DATES:

October 5th, 3:30 – 5:30pm
October 26th, 10am – 12pm
November 9th, 10am – 1pm
December 7th, 10am -1pm

CLASS FEE: $80

This is a great three season, lightweight sweater knit using Berroco Remix Light, a yarn free of animal fibers, and is made from recycled fibers. It works up beautifully in this stranded colorwork pattern. This is a great choice for those knitters that have a hard time with wool.

Knit from the bottom up and seamless, you are highly motivated to get through the ‘boring’ stockinette to get to the simple + fun colorwork yoke.

The yarn is available at Picket Fence Quilt Co in Wichita, half a dozen colors available now with the full line of colors arriving in mid September. Plenty of time to get that swatch done before class.

Pattern available for free through the online knitting magazine, Knitty.com.
http://knitty.com/ISSUEff19/PATTbrentonpoint/PATTbrentonpoint.php

Supply list as given in pattern.

To Register:
Call, text, or email me directly to reserve your place in class.
316.633.3217 firebrunetteknits@gmail.com
You will be emailed an invoice that you can pay with a credit card, or pay me directly in cash or check.

This is an excellent article by the Spruce Crafts on understanding Ply vs WeightLearn whether yarn ply has anything to do with yarn weight in order to clear up any confusion knitters sometimes have on the topic.

Source: Yarn Ply Versus Yarn Weight

Here is what is happening through September:

• Buffalo Check Cowl at Picket FenceSaturday, August 31st 1-5pm

• This is  a great, quick-knit gift
• Learn to work double knitting in the round, read  charts for double knitting
  • Advanced Beginner
  • $25 + Supplies
  • Call or stop in to register316.558.8899
• iCT DeSTaSH SaLe @ the Studio SchoolFriday + Saturday, Sept 6th + 7th 9am – 6pm
  • Shop some amazing stash!
  • All details can be found on the website for selling + SHOPPINGCLICK HERE
• Fixing Mistakes Workshop @ the StudioSaturday, September 28th 10am-1pm
  • Don’t be afraid of your knitting!
  • $25
  • Call/text or email to reserve your space316.633.3217