So Much Yarn- Such a Good Price

Our trip to Toronto for fall buying included a raid of our suppliers warehouse for bargains. Our sale wall is now full of  amazing yarns. There are kid mohairs, baby alpacas,  pure cashmeres and lots of novelty yarns and ribbons. Most are available in quantities of 20 balls.  Brands include Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Phildar, Queensland and more.
This cute bolero is from Debbie Bliss in her Cashmerino Chunky- now more than 20 % off. We also have a cute baby jacket pattern in this yarn. Drop by soon and get the best selections.

Gina Brown's Birthday Contest

ETA 5:30 MTN time 5/28/10: Contest is now over. Thanks for participating!

This year Gina Brown's is turning 40!

To kick off our birthday celebration, we are starting to run some fun contests and events.

If you have been to our shop in the last 6 weeks, you have seen our birthday contest. Everyone has been working hard to create an entry. The entries are now in and you can vote for your favorite on our Ravelry group Gina Brown's on Ravelry or right here on the contest page Gina Brown's Contest Page. Just leave the entry number of your favorite as a comment.

Spring Yarns are Here

There may be snow on the ground, but you can be ready for spring with fresh new knits from all our major brands. This cute cardi features feminine ruffles and an asymetric neck line- from Nora Gaughin's latest book. Knit with Seduce Color from Berroco. Other new spring Berroco yarn includes Origami, Pima Cotton and Blackstone Tweed. Vintage will be here soon as well as new yarn and books from Katia and Debbie Bliss!
Need help with your new project? Why not sign up for Pick Your Project, our four week class on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

Classes Spring / Summer 2010

KNITTING & CROCHET

KNITTING FOR BEGINNERS
Learn to knit with a variety of small projects and a simple sweater. We will cover basic stitches, pattern reading and finishing.
Fee includes yarn for first project.

Tuesday Aug 10 - Aug 31
4 classes
7.00 - 9.00 pm
Fee $85


PICK YOUR PROJECT
Choose your next knitting project in any technique. For those with basic skills, who want to learn more. This group has lots of fun!

With teacher Sarah Grieve:

Wednesday Aug. 4 - 25

4 classes
7-9pm
Fee $85


SOCK KNITTING 101

Learn the basics of sock knitting including how to knit on four needles and turn a heel. Hand knit socks- the ultimate luxury! Choose between learning a wrap-and-turn or traditional heel.

Monday June 24 - July 8
3 classes
7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Fee $59

TWO SOCKS AT ONCE ON TWO CIRCULAR NEEDLES
These are the perfect socks for those who aren’t crazy about four needles. Both socks are knit at the same time with two long circular needles. When you’re done you have a pair!
Monday Aug. 12 & 19
2 classes
7.00 pm- 9.00 pm
Fee $39

TOE-UP MAGIC LOOP SOCKS
These socks are worked from the toes to the cuff, one at a time, on one long circular needle using the “magic loop” technique. You will love how easy it is to create the heel!



Monday July 29 & August 5
2 classes
7:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Fee $39

CHARGE BY PHONE 403- 255-2200

- Classes are limited in size so register early
- Registration is confirmed when paid in full
- No cash refunds unless the class is canceled
- Store credits or transfers must be made one week prior to starting date
- Fees cover instruction only unless otherwise stated
- Please arrive on time in consideration of teachers and class mates
- ALL SUPPLIES USED IN OUR CLASSES MUST BE PURCHASED AT GINA BROWN’S
- Your purchases allow us to subsidize the cost of our classes, so that we can offer quality instruction, in small groups, at an affordable price.

COZY NECK WARMERS

This year's cowls and neck warmers are the new scarves. Knit one with a chunky yarn and embellish with a fabulous button. This one is a kit "Coco" from Fleece Artist and designed by Perl Grey. The yarn is a soft blend of wool and silk available in lots of lovely hand dyed color ways and all for under $30

New "Fez" Yarn by Debbie Bliss

This shoulder Shrug is perfect for cool fall weather or worn over your coat when it's really cold.
The yarn, Fez, is a blend of merino wool and camel- soft with great body. Drop by and check out all the new fall yarns. To make room, the sale wall is now full of new bargains.

New from Arucania

This sweater is knit in "Panguipulli" from Arucania - a hand dyed and tweedy chunky yarn in the most yummy colourways. There are several great patterns in the new design book #3 by Jenny Watson, and all are current and stylish. This pure merino is super soft with great yardage. We love it and so will you!

New Fall Yarns

New yarns are arriving every day. This sweater is one of our favorites- knit in Persia by Sirdar.The yarn is a soft boucle in a good range of colours. We have the model on display, closed with a leaf shape shawl pin by Perl Grey.
Other new display sweaters by Sirdar are in the new Crofter Chunky and Escape Chunky. The designs are modern and wearable and the yarns are easy care and affordable. Drop by soon while all colours are still in good supply.

Attention Twitter Knitters

As you can probably tell from the feed box on the right, Gina Brown's is now on twitter! Look for updates from me and the staff on when new stock arrives, new classes and class times and all other things yarn related.

Happy Knitting

Diana

Fuzzy Caterpillar Scarf

Here is a fun knitting project that's a big hit this year. The yarn looks like multi coloured caterpillars with a few inches of yarn in between. You knit a total of eight stitches with fine needles, only on the yarn part and the "caterpillars" line up. Drop by and we'll show you how!

New Beginner Knitting Class for April has been added on Thursday evenings.
Call for details 403-255-2200

Kureyon Sock Yarn is Here

It's finally here- the new sock yarn from Noro, and we have all 12 colours! Just like the ever popular Kureyon, this yarn features rich blends of self striping colours with the added strength of a bit of nylon in a new standard sock weight. Each 100 gram ball will make a pair of socks.

Open House with Jane Ellison

Mark your calender for Friday, October 5. British designer Jane Ellison will be at our shop from 10am-4pm, as part of her Canadian tour. Jane is the designer behind many of the Noro books and her latest book,The Mirasol Collection.
She will bring the entire collection of sweaters from her new book. Drop by and chat and have a coffee and a goodie. Jane will be able to answer all your questions and tell us more about her Peruvian experience with Mirasol.
Gina Brown's will have plenty of Mirasol yarns on hand.You have to feel them to discover how soft baby llama really is. We will have all of Janes books available for you to purchase and get your copy autographed.
For more details on the Mirasol Project check out their web site at mirasolperu.com

Hand-dyed shawls for summer

On the May long weekend, Kristina and I packed our bags and did a whirl-wind yarn tour of Vancouver. One of the highlights was meeting Jana and her adorable baby at the Hand Maiden studio. It was wondeful to be able to pick some colours right of the studio walls, (our little suitcases were full to the brim with silk by the time we left). As a result, we now have new coulours in bias shawls and shouler wraps in stock. These simple silk cover-ups are great summer projects for at the cottage or on the deck. The beautiful colours remind us of flowers from the garden .

New Summer Debbie Bliss

Debbie Bliss has two new books and two new yarns for summer 07. The 'Summer Essentials' collection features lightweight basics in yarns like Cathay and Pure Silk. The simple shell featured bellow is one of our favourites. The Stella/Pure Cotton collection features aran weight patterns, like the cute little cardigan shown above, for her two new well-priced yarns Stella and Pure Cotton. They are both very soft to the touch.

BAMBOO YARNS ARE COOL

The newest innovation in yarn is bamboo. Soft as silk, durable as cotton, and with a natural coolness to the fibre-- bamboo yarns are ideal for creating sumptuous spring creations. Bamboo is an ecologically sustainable fibre, and the yarns created from it have a natural anti bacterial quality. (This makes it a good choice for baby garments.) We now have bamboo yarns and patterns from Phildar, RYC, Sirdar and Madil. The sweater featured here is from Sirdar, in their "Just Bamboo". It's a soft bamboo ribbon yarn at only $6.99 per ball. This is a yarn that needs to be touched to appreciate!

The Best Source for Knitting Classes in Calgary for Over 30 Years

There is still time to register for our Knitting and Crochet classes. Whether you are looking to learn from stratch, get some help with a tricky project, or master that technique you've always wanted to try, we have the class for you, just check out our current offerings below. Don't see a class that fits your needs? We are happy to book you a private lesson with our expert teachers at a time that fits your schedule for only 15 dollars per half hour. For all your knitting class needs in Calgary, call us today at 255 2200 and sign up!

Ruffle Scarf in 'Solo' by On Line

Ruffle scarves are big, but previous techniques were just too hard and time consuming. However, this scarf is unbelievably simple to knit, and with just seven stiches to the row, it can be whipped up in a few hours. Made with On Line's new wool- blend tape, Solo, nobody will believe how easy it was to make. And since we at Gina Brown's strive to make your lives even easier, we've found away to simplify the 'special technique' used to make this sumptuous project. Just come on in and we will give you a free tutorial on the stitch with any Solo purchase. If you can make a knit stitch, we can teach you all you need to know about how to make this scarf in a couple of minutes!

NEW YARNS FOR FALL

New yarns are arriving every day through out the month of August. So far we have the new Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in a rainbow of wonderful colors and the new book to go with the yarn. This makes a total of five weights in this popular soft yarn. Shown here is a longer jacket with an easy cable pattern all over. Make it in a pastel or something deeper. If you love Debbie Bliss you are probably waiting for the new Rowan book. Yes it's here. Drop by soon and we'll show you all the new goodies.

MAKE IT and TAKE IT at the STAMPEDE

Join us at the Calgary Stampede on Sunday July 9 and Monday July 10. We will have a display of new products from Canada's fabulous Fleece Artist, felted bags and patterns by Noni and a new line of luxurious and affordable rosewood knitting needles. You can learn to knit a flower from Nicky Epstein's new book "Knitted Flowers" and make it into an attractive pin to take home. The book will be available for a special Stampede price. It all takes place in Hall D of the Round up Centre 11am-8pm. There's lots to see in the Creative Arts and Crats area. Over a thousand entries and a new Art of the Western Boot display. See you at the greatist outdoor show on earth!

THOUSANDS OF FREE PATTERNS!

This is just one of the great patterns available for free from garnstudio.com. They have put most of their designs from the Drops books on line. The plan is to have every pattern available soon. We have a color copy of the new books at the shop but the instructions are only on the web. We love our Garnstudio yarns including their ultra soft Alpaca, Vivaldi and Vienna mohair blends, silky Cotton Viscose, chunky wool Eskimo, and Salsa ribbon. The cardigan shown here is done with about 10 balls of Salsa. If you visit their site be patient, it's a bit slow but worth your patience. Select Ladies patterns and sort by Drops number to get the most current patterns first.

PURE SILK INDULGENCE

Debbie Bliss has done it again! A new luxury yarn and a great book of fabulous patterns. Choose from five delicate colours. There are several must have shrugs as well as this stunning cable shell.
They say you never regret your small extravagances just your economies. This yarn will give you a classic sweater to enjoy for years.

New Spring Yarns!

Fight the winter blaghs with a new spring knitting project. We love all the shrugs and boleros for a little cover up. This cardigan with bracelet sleeves is knit with Katia's "Arc en Ciel", a self- striping cotton blend.
New yarns are now in from Sirdar, Rowan, Phildar, Louisa Harding. More on the way!

78 DIFFERENT YARNS ON SALE

We're making room for the new spring yarns. Our sale yarns include select Sirdar, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, and many more. Drop by soon and pick up a bargain. Shown here is Soft Comfort Mohair from the Queensland Collection,now at 30% off.

Mad about Marbles

New this year from S.R. Kertzer is a yarn called Marbles. So far, it is flying off the shelves. A beautifuly soft dk, this self-striping variagated tweed is only $5.99 per 100 gram ball! The colour ways range from soft ocean tones to rich berry hughes. It has several cute patterns for children and adults, and at this incredible price, it is great for afghans. Our favourite pattern has to be this simple cardigan shrug. Knit it for less than $30!!*

* Size Small is made with 5 balls= $29.95, prices for other sizes differ.

Holiday Gift Ideas with Noro

With the Holiday season fast approaching, everyone at the store is making lists of all the gifts we want to knit. Nothing makes a lovelier present than a cozy hand knit item, but with so many people on our lists, it's essential to find small special projects that are easy and quick to knit. No matter what age, everyone loves a nice warm scarf, (perhaps with a matching hat or pair of mittens if the recipient made Santa's nice list). To make these quick gifts extra special we like to use bright interesting yarns. A perfect choice are the yarns of Noro from Japan. Made of bright tufts of natural fibers like wool, angora, cashmere and silk that are spun together to create beautiful waves of colour once they are knit, these yarns will jazz up any small project. With Noro, simple scarves and hats will look anything but simple.These projects are all made with Kureyon, but can also be knit in Silk Garden or Silver Thaw. All three are available in-store in a wide range of colour combinations.

Popsicle Prism Hat

The perfect sprout hat for our chilly winters. This easy project from Colinette knits up quickly and only requires 1 ball of Prism !!! The colour featured was insipred by the bright and cheery colours of those classic summer treats. Popsicles may cool you down, but this hat will keep you toasty all season. The matching mittens also only take one ball.

WILD COLOURS OF NEPAL

Everyone loves this yarn! It's a self striping bulky weight wool that knits up in a flash with 7mm needles. This little jacket with asymetrical closure is like a bolero with a cosier collar and knit with just 6 balls of yarn! There is also a full length coat pattern and a selection of great kids patterns. From Katia of Spain, the new designs are fresh and modern.

Hot New Scarves From Handmaiden

Today we received an exciting new shipment of kits from Handmaiden, all featuring handpainted exotic fibres. The company is an off shoot of Fleece Artist , of Nova Scotia and headed up by Katherine's daughter Jada. We have a great selection of the new scarf kit,Textures 2 featured here ,as well as new cashmere hats and delicate Angel scarves. With so many luscious color combinations, it's hard to pick just one!

WHAT'S HOT: Sweater Shrugs and Boleros

This season, the hottest shape in knitwear is the SWEATER SHRUG, or the BOLERO. It's the perfect choice for those who want the comfort and the layering convenience of a cardigan with the streamline and sophisticated look of a shrug. New patterns are arriving daily from Sidar, Rowan, Noro and Debbie Bliss. Our favourite is this one by Debbie Bliss from her new book "SIMPLY SOFT". Shown here in her new yarn, CASHMERINO CHUNKY, which will be in stock any day now, this fabulous piece is quick and easy to make, and will add modern luxury to any knitter's collection.