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A Slight Reintroduction

Welcome!

I am Chauntel, Firebrunette Knits, a knit, crochet, and spinning instructor living in Arizona.
I work part-time at Tempe Yarn & Fiber for a much-needed hands-on fiber fix.
I have been teaching one-on-one lessons, classes, and workshops in person since 2004 and online since 2018.
While knitting is my number one passion, crochet and I have the longest relationship spanning almost 40 years. I picked up spinning in 2005 and haven’t looked back. It is my place to rest and absorb wool’s magical powers.

Currently, I am reinserting myself in this space; a blog about current projects, collaborations, and teaching experiences.
Life took a turn for most of us a couple of years ago. I am still trying to find my place in the fiber community after moving 1,000 miles away in the middle of the pandemic. I still teach classes and host make-alongs virtually, and I have found growth in this medium.

I have a UFO Friday Make-Along coming up.
Starting June 24th, we will meet live via Zoom for 6 Friday nights to work on unfinished objects that have us feeling a bit guilty or frustrated.
You can register here.

I am a process maker, so I jump from project to project and craft to craft. I have at least 40 projects happening at any given time between knitting, crochet, spinning, and rigid-heddle weaving. I have my eye on needle felting and have dabbled in macrame and watercolors in the last few months.
There is not enough time in the day!

Today, I am working on the Why Knot? by Unwind Knitwear. I love their patterns, and this one does not disappoint me. Wonderful stitch textures are happening in the yoke, and the yarn from Dyelicious is doing a beautiful speckled fade.

copyright Firebrunette Knits 2022

A current class I am teaching is another project I am working on, the Vitamin D cardigan by Heidi Kirrmaier. I am using Coast to Coast yarn and thoroughly enjoying it.

copyright Firebrunette Knits 2022

For now, I will sign off. Watch for more posts, updates, and news to pop up.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for class, events, and make-along news.

Chauntel
aka firebrunette

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Friday Night Virtual KAL ~ Feb-March 2022

It has been a while! Happy 2022!

I love having simple pieces in my wardrobe that I can pull out and use the majority of the year. This is a great layering piece as well as a transition to the hotter/colder months.


This is a guided, virtual knit-along, not a class. There will be guidance during the Zoom meetings as well as instructional videos available for the tricky bits (nothing is really tricky with this knit, just a lot of fun steps.)
This is a great pattern for advanced beginners through advanced knitters.

February 11, 18, 25, March 4 + 11
6 – 7 pm CST

Join me in knitting this super versatile piece using either heavy DK or worsted weight yarn. It doesn’t take much yarn, so it’s a great stash buster or a chance to try a yarn you’ve had your eye on.

Layering pieces are my favorite to wear and knit. And Alanis is just that – a cozy sweater tee/vest that’s perfect for layering is an easy knit yet still features a few fun details, such as an icord edge split hem and an inset pocket (with contrasting color pocket lining!).

PATTERN DETAILS: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alanis-3

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Finished Circumference:
40.5 (44.5, 48, 52, 56.5) (60.5, 64, 68, 72.5)”/
103 (113, 122, 132, 144) (154, 163, 173, 184) cm

To Fit Bust Size:
28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46) (48-50, 52-54, 56- 58, 60-62)”/
71-81 (81-86, 91-97, 102-107, 112-117) (122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-157) cm

Shown in size S, being worn with approx 11”/28 cm of positive ease (it is meant to be worn with approx 10-12”/25-30 cm of positive ease). For a similar fit, refer to “To Fit Bust Size” to pick your size.

Gauge:
19 sts & 30 rnds = 4”/10 cm in St st in the round

Yarn:
• Approx 796 (894, 1008, 1128, 1264) (1396, 1520, 1650, 1766) yds of worsted-weight yarn for body (MC), shown in Owl by Quince & Co (50% Wool, 50% Alpaca; 50g/120 yds), 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) (12, 13, 14, 15) skeins, Cinnamon.
• Approx 30 yds of worsted-weight for pocket lining (CC), also shown in Quince & Co Owl, 1 skein, Tawny.

A few yarn substitution ideas:

Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
Berroco Ultra Alpaca
Manos del Uruguay Alegria Grande
Malabrigo Rios
Berroco Remix
Lion Brand Wool Ease
Cascade 220 Superwash
316 Dye Studio DK

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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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1K IG Giveaway!!


1K Instagram Followers Giveaway!!
 As a huge thank you to all my followers I wanted to throw some goodies your way!
(See photo above and down at the bottom of the page.)
 
+Handspun yarn by me, 212 yards of Polwarth in a 🌈 gradient, fiber from @neighborhoodfiberco
+ Stitch markers from @jennamaymade
+ Lots of fun notions + goodies
 
To enter on Instagram:
1. Follow @firebrunette (obvi)
2. Follow @firebrunetteknits 
3. Tag a friend
  Each comment earns an additional entry
 
Not on Instagram? 
Head over to my Facebook Page, like, comment on the Giveaway post, and share my page or the post to your feed for multiple entries.
 

Copyright © 2020 Chauntel Ensey, All rights reserved.
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Friday + Saturday!! Mittens + A Sweater Class Starting

This morning’s cooler weather has me ready to sit and knit while listening to the wind chimes and watching my huge Sycamore tree leaves falling to carpet my lawn.

There are a couple of really fun classes starting Friday + Saturday, and I really don’t want you to miss out on them.

It is the perfect time for some new mittens, especially if you have the option to make them with or without a liner, full mittens, or fingerless.
These mittens use 3 basic fingering weight yarns:
– a solid dark color
– a semi-solid, speckle, or variegated yarn with NO matching colors to the dark solid
– and a fun contrasting color for the liner
You can even go so far as to hold a lace weight mohair or alpaca yarn together with a smooth yarn to make the liner a really soft, and warm surprise.
You don’t need a lot of yardage for these mittens/mitts so you can stash dive and find something fun.

Now let’s discuss the Vitamin D Cardigan. I absolutely love the finished cardigan that I knit using fingering weight, superwash yarn.
If you check out the Project page on Ravelry you will see just how many options you have when it comes to yarn choice.
In previous classes, I have seen successful, and beautiful, Vitamin D Cardigans made using yarns ranging from lace weight to DK weight, resulting in airy and flowing to more sturdy and draping fabrics.
Again, this a great stash-buster of a project!
There is still time to swatch and prep for Saturday’s class!


GEOMETREE MOSAIC MITTENS

Geometree Mosaic + Lined Mittens Class
$55.00
Add to cart

I have rescheduled this class for Friday afternoons due to some conflicts with schedules.
I am also modifying the pattern to make them fingerless mitts, with or without a liner.
It’s going to be fun!!
Don’t miss out!

Fridays, 1 – 3 pm
October 16th, 30th, November 13th, 20th

Mosaic knitting + Latvian braids make these lined mittens using fingering weight yarn a really fun knit. With an optional solid knit liner these would be perfect for our winters.

I will be demonstrating modifications to make these fingerless mitts, with or without the liner.

Level: Intermediate
Skills required: knit, purl, cast on, basic chart reading, basic mosaic a plus but not necessary

Pattern available through Ravelry, Geometree Mittens, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/geometree


Saturday – Vitamin D Cardigan Class

$70.00
Add to cart

Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm, October 17th, 31st, November 14th, 18th, + December 5th

This swingy cardigan is worked from the top down in one piece. The yoke involves classic raglan shaping for the sleeves and radial eyelet increases for the back. The rounded front edges are shaped with more eyelet increases, as well as short rows. The pattern includes detailed instructions for the short rows; otherwise, only very basic skills are required. Suitable for a knitter with some experience.

Vitamin D Pattern available on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vitamin-d

If you have taken this class before, but not finished the sweater, you can join the class for just the portions you need at a prorated fee.

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Geometree Mittens Start October 16th

Geometree Mosaic + Lined Mittens Class

Good news!
I have rescheduled this class for Friday afternoons due to some conflicts with schedules.
I am also modifying the pattern to make them fingerless mitts ,with or without a liner.
It’s going to be fun!!
Don’t miss out!

REGISTER ON THE WEBSITE BY CLICKING THIS LINK
$55.00

Fridays, 1 – 3 pm
October 16th, 30th, November 13th, 20th

Mosaic knitting + Latvian braids make these lined mittens using fingering weight yarn a really fun knit. With an optional solid knit liner these would be perfect for our winters.

I will be demonstrating modifications to make these fingerless mitts, with or without the liner.

Level: Intermediate
Skills required: knit, purl, cast on, basic chart reading, basic mosaic a plus but not necessary

Pattern available through Ravelry, Geometree Mittens, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/geometree

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Needles, Notions + Tools Now Available In The Shop

You can find all kinds of goodies in-stock in the Shop!
I have listed the remaining stock I have on hand and hope to sell quite a bit of it prior to our moving to Arizona.

You can click the image below to be taken directly to the Needles, Notions + Tools page, add all the wonderful items you need to your cart, and CHECKOUT!

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New Classes Added!!

I have added a few new workshops to the class calendar including Gauge Tricks, Yarn Substitution, a new fun sock, and a second Bolan sweater class for those that missed out on the last class.

Yarn substitution has been a huge topic in the fiber community recently with some new gorgeous pattern releases that collaborate with drool-worthy, indy-dyed, higher end yarns. I want to impart the gift of knowledge to my fellow knitters to help you complete these beautiful designs using yarns that are in your budget.
All patterns can be made substituting yarns at all price points, and turn out gorgeous!!

July


Brioche Workshop – online

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4 hours – 2 sessions
$40 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Dates:
Thursdays, July 23rd + 30th 6 – 8 pm

Learn the ever-so-popular brioche stitch technique in knitting; flat and in the round using two high contrasting colors.
You can choose from a cowl or infinity scarf, directions are given for both in the pattern available on Ravelry.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevelle-ss-brioche-cowl-infinity-scarf

*Intermediate Level Knitters


Finishing Workshop – online

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3 hours
$25 
Date:
Wednesday, July 29th, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Yay! The knitting is done!
BUT…
…there are all those ends and seaming, and picking up stitches, blocking, and, and, and…

Let’s talk about the finishing touches, simple habits to form to give you a lovely, completely finished project you are proud to show off!

*Advanced beginner

August


Gauge Tips – Online

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3 hours
$25
Dates:
Saturday, August 1st, 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
– a swatch or two from previous projects, if you have them


2@ATime Socks – online

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5 hours
$45 + Supplies
Date:
Wednesdays, August 5th, 6 – 8 pm + 26th, 6 – 9 pm

Two-at-a-time Socks:
– Cuff down
– Magic Loop
– Afterthought Heel
– Wedge Toe 

Supplies: 100g sock yarn, split into two balls
– your favorite sock needle size in a 40″ circular needle

*previous SOCK KNITTING a must


Lady February – online

8 hours
$60 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Date:
Thursdays, August 6th, 20th, September 3rd + 17th, 6 – 8 pm

This classic knit cardigan is a great first-time lace garment for advanced beginners as well as advanced knitters.
Easy to modify the sleeves for a more tailored fit and length, plus it works well with numerous weight yarns, all at the same required gauge, this is a really fun knit!

Pattern + Supplies list, plus a million project samples, available on Ravelry,  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater


Yarn Substitution – online

3 hours
$25
Date:
Saturday, August 8th, 10 am – 12:45 pm

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 a cotton instead of a 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


Bolan – online

3 sessions
$70
Dates:
August 22nd, September 12th, + 26th, 10 am – 12:30 pm

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



Turkish Bed Socks – online

5 hours – one session with a 30 min break
$30 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Date:
Saturday, August 29th, 10 am – 3:00 pm

These socks by Churchmouse Yarns are perfect to wear with your clogs, Vans slip-on, Birkenstocks, just about any shoes that need a lower profile. I have not had them slip down and bunch up under my foot, which is a huge deal for me!
In this one day, live online workshop we are going to modify the pattern to make it seamless and the perfect fit for you!

Pattern available through Ravelry, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/turkish-bed-socks
Supplies: – US3 DPNs or size to obtain gauge in pattern

– 50g heavier fingering weight/sport weight yarn, eg Koigu KPPPM or view all used yarns on the Ravelry pattern page here, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/turkish-bed-socks/yarns

– removable markers, markers, scissors, etc
Sample sock knit on size US 3 needles, 8″ circumference foot, using Crystal Palace Panda Soy y
arn


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

ZOOM DOWNLOAD

Google Meet Downloads:
Apple App Store
Android Play Store

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New Classes ~ July/August


July


Learn Fair Isle  – online

4 hours – 2 sessions
$40 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Dates:
Thursdays, July 9th + 16th 6 – 8 pm

Learn the basics of stranded, Fair Isle knitting in this cute and easy hat. Learn to manage yarns, carry floats, catch floats, and enjoy the rhythm of this traditional colorwork technique.

Find the pattern, supply list, + browse projects on Ravelry, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bousta-beanie

Skills required:
– advanced beginner knitting including pattern reading
– chart reading helpful


Brioche Workshop – online


4 hours – 2 sessions
$40 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Dates:
Thursdays, July 23rd + 30th 6 – 8 pm

Learn the ever-so-popular brioche stitch technique in knitting; flat and in the round using two high contrasting colors.
You can choose from a cowl or infinity scarf, directions are given for both in the pattern available on Ravelry.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevelle-ss-brioche-cowl-infinity-scarf

*Intermediate Level Knitters


Effie Mittens – online

7 hours – 3 sessions
$50 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Date:
Saturdays, July 18th, 10 am – 12:45 pm, 25th, + Aug 1st, 10 am – 12 pm

These Selbu Mittens will be a lesson in traditional mitten construction and colorwork. Latvian braids + beautiful colorwork make these a joy to knit.
Pattern purchase available through Ravelry, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/effie-8

*Intermediate knitters: must be comfortable knitting smaller circumference


Arte Nuova Sweater – online

9 hours – 4 Sessions 
$80 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Dates:
Saturdays
July 18th, 1 – 4 pm, Aug 8th, 22nd, + Sept 5th, 1 – 3 pm

I love the angles of this sweater. 
Arte Nuova is a lightweight, draped top, perfect for warmer months. It is worked top-down, in the round, featuring a hybrid raglan/yoke construction. Chevron cables run along each shoulder and down the outside of the sleeve and a section of intricate colorwork decorates the waist. This is engaging, motivating knit that yields an elegant and versatile finished garment.

Pattern and supplies linked through Ravelry, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arte-nuova

*Intermediate knitters


Early Bloomer – online

8 hours
$60 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Date:
Mondays, July 20th, Aug 3rd, 17th, + 31st, 3 – 5 pm

This DK weight shirt is knit from the top-down, in one piece,  with a few little tricks to make the fit just right.
This is a great project for your first stranded colorwork project!
You can find the pattern and project examples on Ravelry, https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/early-bloomer-2

*Advanced beginner


Finishing Workshop – online

3 hours
$25 
Date:
Wednesday, July 29th, 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Yay! The knitting is done!
BUT…
…there are all those ends and seaming, and picking up stitches, blocking, and, and, and…

Let’s talk about the finishing touches, simple habits to form to give you a lovely, completely finished project you are proud to show off!

*Advanced beginner

August

Lady February – online


8 hours
$60 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Date:
Thursdays, August 6th, 20th, September 3rd + 17th, 6 – 8 pm

This classic knit cardigan is a great first-time lace garment for advanced beginners as well as advanced knitters.
Easy to modify the sleeves for a more tailored fit and length, plus it works well with numerous weight yarns, all at the same required gauge, this is a really fun knit!

Pattern + Supplies list, plus a million project samples, available on Ravelry,  https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/february-lady-sweater


2@ATime Socks – online

5 hours
$45 + Supplies as listed in the pattern available through Ravelry
Date:
Wednesdays, August 5th, 6 – 8 pm + 19th, 6 – 9 pm

Two-at-a-time Socks:
– Cuff down
– Magic Loop
– Afterthought Heel
– Wedge Toe 

*previous SOCK KNITTING a must