The Blue Jar

2011-06-16T15:32:00.001-04:00

PINK IS THE NEW BROWN

Seems like everything I made last year was some shade of brown. This Spring, inspired by Blossom, our resident cherry tree fairy, everything is coming out pink. A pink dress in French General's Petite Ecole, a pink shawl in morehouse lace, a pink short sleeved lacy sweater in Tosh Light, and finally, the easiest quickest project start to finish ever - a pink tie.

The dress and the tie were sort of made up with some vintage patterns providing some building blocks. This tie was so easy to make, really. Two hours is all you need. You are welcome to use our sewing studio for free this week to make one in honor of Father's day.

	Madeline Tosh Back in full force! Un-earthly colors in Merino Lightand Prarie. Both yarns are perfect for summer knitting. They are yearning to be knit up as light and airy cardigans for all those beach walks or Promenade strolls.
	Imperial Stock Ranch Batten down the hatches, you will be blown away by these new yarns from my favorite new friend. Anna is a hand-dyed cotton wool blended and plied beauty. Erin is a hand-dyed wool, a bit lighter than it's worsted weight sister.
	Cascade Ultra Pima Eight new summer colors in this fabulous silky smooth cotton.

New Summer Plaids

I haven't made a shirt for my Dad since I was in high school. My Dad is 6 foot 5 and always sports a big plaid shirt. He definitely needs a new one out of one of these fabrics.

Kona is back

As always, an inspiring rainbow of colors.

Oil Cloth

Now fully stocked and ready for all your decks, kitchen tables, and picnics. A good Oilcloth makes the whole family happy.

	New Patterns from Colette Check out our newest patterns from Colette. Dresses, shirts, skirts and even lingerie.
	75 Birds, Butterflies and Little Beasts to Knit and Crochet A small book packed with garden creatures. We are building a garden in our window. Any creatures that would like to inhabit it are welcome.

Teeny Tiny Toy Knits with Anna from Mochimochiland

June 19th 1-3 pm

Take knitting to the extreme by learning to make miniature toys no bigger than a peanut! In this class, Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land will show you the basic techniques and minimalist details needed to knit an adorable Tiny Panda or one of her other toy patterns. Knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, making an I-cord, and simple embroidery are some of the techniques explored. These miniature objects make cute trinkets, embellishments, or accessories.

Sign up here

Toy Design with Anna from Mochimochiland

June 26th 1-4 pm

Design and make your own huggable doll, animal or other character that is all your own! Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land will guide you in starting with a sketch and turning it into a plan for a knitted toy design by using some simple geometry and math along with lots of tips and tricks from her years of experience exclusively designing toys.

Sign up here.

Crocheted flower Workshop with Cal Patch

Friday June 24th 6:30-8:30

May flowers may come and go, but you can whip up some colorful spring cheer with your bits of leftover yarn and a crochet hook. Learn how to make a variety of styles of flowers to adorn any kind of handwork! We will explore several methods of construction, and you'll leave with a bouquet of new skills.

Sign up here.

Zippered Pouch Workshop with Cal Patch

June 25th 10 am-12 pm

Here's a quick project that can be adapted for all kinds of uses: the classic zippered pouch. Whether you need a business-card holder, laptop protector, camera case, or crochet hook carrier, here's the solution! We will learn how to insert a zipper and sew a pouch to suit your style.

Check us out at Groupon!

Coming soon.

2011-04-30T23:44:00.002-04:00

BUNNY LOVE

Meet Pollo, my Slick Back Angora bunny. He is the cutest bunny on the block. I don't think he sneaks around hiding eggs but he reminds me that the little ones and the big ones need holding and stroking and even though they seem independent, they always appreciate unconditional bunny love. In my world, Easter is an excuse to get some more bunnies in our midst whether they be stuffed, wooden, edible or alive.

	Schulana Angora 100% Angora yarn. in a worsted weight. Perfect for baby booties or any accessory far away from the nose.
	Jamie Harmon Yarns Merino Wool and Angora blend 2-ply and single ply yarn. Hand spun and dyed in Vermont.

Wooden Bunnies

Hand carved and painted woodenbunnies from Germany

Felt Bunnies

All natural wool felt bunnies from Germany


Vintage laundry bag Appliqued with a bunny and a bird	Pewter Bunny Frame

Bunny Cups

Hand made in Brooklyn, these cups are perfect for drinking or holding your tools and notions.

Naked Trees

2011-02-19T07:47:00.021-05:00

I'd like to devote this post to the naked trees of Brooklyn. Whether they are big, old and craggy, beautiful and delicate, piney, fruity, or stinky, they all are steady, strong reminders of the magic of nature in our midst. We only have them for a few more weeks so let's take notice.

When trees are in bloom they bear fruit, they breath out their perfume, they show off. We count on them to shade us, shelter us, clean our air and feed us. When they are naked, we see them as sticks, quietly waiting for their leaves to come back. Naked trees are just as beautiful - calm, still, and strong, webs of shooting veins, sleeping. This is the time when our neighborhood trees take time to rest, to be quiet before they have to come out and show their colors again. Such wisdom! I wish I could be more like a tree.

Last year I built a tree in the shop. Last Spring it was filled with squirrels. Like it's out door friends, it lost it's leaves and has been naked for the winter months. Also like it's out door friends, it is about to bloom and I'm wondering who should inhabit it this Spring? Email or comment with your ideas! Tree frogs? Sparrows?

So take some time to honor the naked trees outside your door. Go and read Shel Silverstein's book, The Giving Tree again. It will make you cry. Google images for tree houses - it will inspire you. Look at this knitted tree house - it will make you laugh. Here are two projects for you to consider: The first is Tree of Life fingerless gloves by Jenny Williams. The 2nd is Tree of Life mittens by Janel Laidman. I love them both.

On a completely different note, how many of you would make the trip across the BQE for some fresh home made cider doughnuts and really good coffee on Sunday mornings? We are thinking of getting a doughnut maker and a neon sign.

The Artisans In Our Neighborhood

2010-09-09T12:51:00.032-04:00

Spending a few hours at Brooklyn General chatting up the employees and customers is always a stimulating experience. From the hardcore neighborhood knitters and stitchers to the eclectic artists and artisans who keep studios in Red Hook to the many professional designers and stylists who live and work in the area, Brooklyn General is always a melting pot of creative talent. The only thing more satisfying than watching someone deep in their creative process, sitting on the sofa surrounded by bolts of fabric or skeins of yarn, is seeing the final product: the garment or curtains or artwork conceived from that moment. It's a nice counterpoint to the online lives we increasingly lead to have a physical meeting place filled with colorful, tactilely varied materials in which we can come together and create.

In an attempt to bring a bit of the in-store Brooklyn General experience to our online friends, we've decided to profile some of the wonderful folks who frequent the shop. Where better to start than with the people who lend their talents to the shop every day: Heather Love and Marcie Farwell.

Heather Love aka Hello Mello

Heather Love is a self-proclaimed lover of fiber, and she revels in the instant sense of comradery she feels when she meets other knitter, spinners, and stitchers. She teaches our knitting, spinning, and quilting classes and offers expert advice on all things crafty four days a week at Brooklyn General.

Heather learned to sew and knit as a small child, and has been doing both her entire life. As a young adult, Heather's love of art and craft lead her to the Museum School in Boston, where she studied photography and glass. During and after her student years she created and ran an accessories company, for which she made scarves, hats and mittens. When her boyfriend’s job brought her to New York, she settled in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and landed a job working for artists Mike & Doug Starn. During that time Starn Studios was located on Union Street in Brooklyn, just up the street from Brooklyn General. Heather was so excited when she realized Brooklyn General would be a yarn store. She and a friend began stalking the shop before it was even open, frequently peeking in the windows to chart its progress. Heather became one of Brooklyn General’s most frequent customers and eventually began working in the shop on Sundays and teaching the quilting class. About five years ago she took a spinning class at Brooklyn General, and spinning quickly became her primary fiber-arts passion.

Three years ago Heather moved fully into the world of fiber arts. She left Starn Studios to work and teach full time at Brooklyn General and to create her own hand-spun and hand-dyed yarns and patterns company, Hello Mello. Hello Mello (taken from her middle name and her grandmother’s maiden name, Mello) offers primarily luxury fiber yarns. In her spinning, Heather uses a lot of rare fibers such as pashmina, guanaco, vicuna, and yak, and her favorite fiber, BFL (Blue-Faced Leicester). She loves both undyed fibers and bright colors and enjoys working with a broad color palate. Most of the yarn she creates is small-gauge, such as sock and lace weights, but she also enjoys doing a variety of custom spinning.

For Heather, spinning provides a sense of relaxation that doesn’t come with other things, and she enjoys that the yarn she makes becomes someone else's (or her own) raw material and has another life as a garment, object, or work of art. Still, for Heather, the fiber arts world always comes back to the wonderful ad hoc community it inspires. She loves the fact that anytime you knit in public, you can almost guarantee you will be approached by other knitters. People from vastly different backgrounds who otherwise have little in common are connected by the creative process, and that connection is half the fun.

Marcie Farwell

Marcie Farwell teaches several of our sewing classes and adds a bit of mid-century flair to the shop three days a week with her gorgeous vintage dresses. She is also an artist who enjoys working with fiber and other mixed media and collaborating with other artists.

Originally from the San Fernando Valley in California, Marcie’s interests in vernacular architecture and photography brought her to New York City where she earned her BA in Architectual History at NYU and studied photography through the work/study program at the International Center of Photography. Later, a job at wedding dress designer Mary Adams’s shop, The Dress (then on Ludlow St), and an ever-growing vintage fabric, clothing & sewing pattern collection reawakened her childhood interest in sewing and the history of women’s costumes.

Eventually Marcie returned to the West Coast, this time to San Francisco, where she managed a knitting store. A friend, Katrina Rodabaugh, asked if she would take part in a show called The Dresses/Objects, in which several artists were asked to make a 1920s-inspired dress from fabric swatches printed with text from Gertrude Stein’s Tender Buttons. The show was exhibited at Mills College, and again last summer at Z Space in Theatre Artaud in San Francisco. In much the same way that Marcie connected with architecture though the history of the everyday, she has long been fascinated by what certain culturally prescribed items of clothing--such as a wedding dress, a morning dress, or a spinster’s dress--have signified to both the larger culture and the person wearing it. Inspired in part by Mary Adams’s self-taught style, Marcie began making more “art dresses,” elaborate machine and hand-sewn dresses that take several months to make and that are meant to be experienced much like sculpture. Her next art dress, entitled “Wede,” a mourning dress/childrens’ fort based on widow’s weeds, was exhibited as a part of T^nts for Rock Paper Scissors Gallery in Oakland, CA. In 2009 Marcie returned to New York, this time to Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. She collaborated with dancer/choreographer Lindsay Gilmour and created a modern-day spinster dress and costume for a dance piece called “East Wind In a Petticoat,” performed at Ithaca College.

Last year Marcie and her friend Massie Jones, along with five other artists, created a women’s art collective based in Cornwall-on-Hudson called The One Stone (a play on the name of their studio, Two Birds). They had their first show in June 2009, and are now working on the third show, for which the theme is Blue.

Spring Leaves For the Fall

2010-08-29T11:44:00.031-04:00

If you like classic vintage knitting patterns and woodland fairy tales as much as we do, you'll love our leaf-trimmed baby hoodie--and we're giving away the pattern for free right here! Designed to be versatile and timeless, this fun, light-weight sweater will keep you and your little one outside and exploring nature into the fall.

The sweater's hood circles baby's face, keeping drafts out and them snugly and warm. The convenience of the back closure (either a zipper or buttons) lets you dress them without a struggle.

From the overall construction to the smallest details, this project is a joy to knit. It's worked sideways in garter stitch, and short-rows create nice shaping and a little swing to the body of the sweater. If you've never tried short rows, you will be pleasantly surprised at what a difference they can make in the finished garment. The leaf trim around the bottom edge of the sweater and the single-leaf detail on the tip of the hood add an adorable, whimsical touch.

We used Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool, but this is a great project for any dk weight yarn, including The Fibre Company's Savannah (a merino, organic cotton, linen, and soya blend), or Cascade's Ultra Pima cotton.

Enjoy making this sweet sweater and wrapping up your little one in a bit of spring all fall!

Ode to a Peach Party

2010-08-15T23:42:00.020-04:00

Everything in our little corner of Brooklyn seems to have an interesting back story, even the tiny green space behind our shop. Step out of our back door around this time of year and you will find that what is usually an unremarkable, narrow ribbon of land crossed with chain-link fences and cables has been transformed into a tiny fruit grove filled with hundreds of ripening peaches and apples! What a treat it was to discover that the fruit trees behind most of the buildings on our block are the remnants of what was once a small orchard. Apples are a crisp treat, but oh how we love a nice ripe peach. Soft and pleasant to hold, sweet and uncomplicated in flavor, peaches bring a bit of farm-fresh country goodness to a hot summer day in the city. Biting into a perfectly ripe peach on a Brooklyn street corner while watching the world go by is truly a marriage of two perfect moments.

This year we've decided to bring our little secret out of the backyard and into the shop for all to enjoy. We hope you will join us for our First Annual Peach Party! What is a Peach Party, you ask? Really it's just an excuse for us to gather with you, our dear friends and neighbors, to knit and enjoy each other's company while snacking on peachy treats. In order to get you into the spirit, Catherine has created an adorable knit peach pattern, available here. Help us turn our squirrel tree into a peach tree by bringing in a knit peach to hang on its branches. If your leftover yarn stash is peach-free, bring a peach baked good to share! All knitters of peaches and bakers of treats will receive 20% off on the day of the party.

Ode to a Peach Party!

Sunday, September 5

3 pm - 5 pm

Brooklyn General Store

128 Union St.

Brooklyn

Mark your calendars! We hope to see you then. If you're thinking about baking something, share your recipe in the comments, below!

So Pretty AND So Practical

2010-06-25T07:29:00.022-04:00

We just love oilcloth in all of its retro glory. It fills an important niche in home decorating: You want your table/chair/floor to look beautiful, but your child wants to use it as a plate/stool/easel. For those of us with *busy* households, oilcloth saves the day. It is incredibly useful to have a few large pieces at hand to use as table clothes, art mats, and under-the-highchair food catchers. Oilcloth is the height of old-school practicality, yet your company will invariably comment, "how pretty!"

Feeling inspired? We just love Heather Cameron's oilcloth chair cushion tutorial for her HGTV blog.

What else can you do with oilcloth? Check out these ideas from Oilcloth International:

What is your favorite use for oilcloth? Leave us a comment and let us know!

An Abundance of Leaves

2010-05-24T23:27:00.104-04:00

Brooklyn General Store is located just outside of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, arguably one of the greenest neighborhoods in New York City. It boasts a natural display rare in an urban landscape: large front yards and garden beds filled with trees and flowering plants. The showy springtime blooms have fallen from the cherry blossom and magnolia trees, and a beautiful, verdant wall of ginkgos, London planes, maples, mimosas and oaks now blankets the neighborhood's industrial waterfront, softening the edges of the shipping yards and inspiring this leaf-motif round-up.

Try one of these small, fresh projects (most are free patterns!) in our suggested yarn--perfect for when the weather gets warm and you just can't bear to lug around that bulky sweater project.

Satchels

photo credits (clockwise from upper left): Gale Zucker, Pam Powers, Geminime (on Ravelry), Mindy Lewis

We love these sweet bags--wooden handles seem to be a natural choice for leaf satchels. The delicate Leafy Reticule (upper left) by Ann Hahn Buechner from Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines calls for a DK yarn--we recommend one of the soft springtime colors of Rowan Pima Cotton. The latest edition of Interweave Knits features a romantic, fabric-lined satchel (upper right) by Pam Powers in a worsted cotton--try Lana Grossa's Linea Pura Organico. The Leaf Satchel (lower left) by Teva Durham from Loop-d-Loop, Volume 2, is fashioned with a double-strand of DK-weight yarn such as Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool, and the Cop Cat Bag (lower right) by Mindy Lewis will work up nicely in the worsted-weight Cascade 220 .

Small Comforts

photo credits: Cybele (on Ravelry), NorwayKate (on Ravelry)

Bring nature indoors with an elegant tea cozy from Sublime Book #614, (also a perfect project for trying out one of the many, many beautiful colors of Rauma Strikkegarn) and lacy summer-weight socks by Corey Laflamme (try Rauma Babygarn or Claudia Hand-Painted).

Delicate Washclothes

photo credits (clockwise from upper left): Eva Skulbru Eriksen (both top photos), Smariek (on Ravelry), MissMandiGirl (on Ravelry)

A handmade cotton washcloth is a small project, but a big luxury. The patterns for Leafy Cloth, Apple Leaf Cloth, Twin Leaf Cloth, and Vignes (Vineyard) Dishcloth are all available as free downloads on Ravelry and are a great way to try out a new cotton yarn!

For Baby

photo credit: Rowena Sweeney

It's never too early to encourage a love of nature! This aptly named baby blanket, Ready for the Floor by Rowena Sweeney looks beautifully fresh and modern while giving baby a soft space to explore.

Beautiful Leaves

photo credits (clockwise from upper left): Midorisan (on Ravelry), RaeA (on Ravelry), Colleen Teerling, Monique Boonstra

Knitted and crocheted leaves have their own appeal as embellishment, or jewelry, or just as pretty objects. Have fun experimenting with different weights and styles of yarn to create your own Mountain Laurel Leaf, Feuille de Ginkgo, Lacy Leaf, or Leaf Lace Cotton Cuff.

Finally, for an inspiring read, check out the article in Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine #47 about knitting outdoors, and then take your project outside!

And the winners are...

2010-05-17T23:00:00.012-04:00

We had a great time on Saturday night celebrating the end of our Squirrel Contest. The squirrels came down from the tree for the judging and stayed for the live bluegrass music, good company, and salted almonds. While we certainly love a good party, the highlight of the night was finding out which squirrels took home which prizes. So, without further ado, we'd like to announce the winners of our Handmade Squirrel Contest!

First prize was awarded to Abernathy Bland's minimalist, expressive squirrel, seen here mourning the unexpected loss of another contestant (crocheted by The Dark Side of Cute):

We have a sneaking suspicion our Second Prize winner, a fox in squirrel's clothing knit by Kusi Merello, was probably to blame:

Thankfully, our Third Prize winners (there were two--we had a tie!) were having a much more peaceful time in the mushroom patch. Lara Allen's sleek, modern, embroidered squirrel spent a pleasant evening relaxing with Pamela Marshall's tiny, tiny submission knit on toothpicks (really--it's about the size of a very small grape!):

Because we were so impressed by the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by all of our entries, we went a little nuts ourselves and awarded a few extra prizes. Honorable Mentions went the following squirrels, from left to right: Stephanie Rall's knit squirrel with a bagel, Jo Cogan's crocheted mama and baby squirrels, Elizabeth Smith's sewn orange squirrel holding an acorn, and Amy Plew's felted cutie.

A very big thank you goes out to everyone who entered to contest--we wanted to give every one of them a prize. We'd also like to thank everyone who came out to the party for supporting the contest and joining in the fun!

All of the squirrels will be on display in the window of Brooklyn General Store until mid June. Stay tuned--we will be announcing the details of our next contest here soon!

Eat, Drink & Be Nutty This Saturday Night

2010-05-09T00:27:00.006-04:00

Please join us at Brooklyn General Store this Saturday, May 15, for a party to mark the end of our Handmade Squirrel Contest and to hear us announce the winners. There will be live music, beer, wine, nutty treats, and a craft to entertain the kids. We're excited to spend some time relaxing with old friends and making new ones too, so we hope you'll come out!

There is still one more week to enter your squirrel in the contest. Entries must be received by noon on May 15 in order to be judged, so get crafting. Remember to get the kids involved--separate prizes will be awarded to youth entries.

Squirrel Party!
Saturday, May 15
7 pm-10 pm
Brooklyn General Store
128 Union St.
Btwn Columbia & Hicks
718-237-7753

Download Our Squirrel Pattern!

2010-05-01T12:05:00.038-04:00

Because so many of you have asked if a pattern is available for our little squirrel... here is a pdf of the pattern.

We'd also like to welcome some new residents to our tree:

They are even cuter than we could have imagined. Keep them coming--you still have until May 15th at noon to send us your creations.

Happy squirrel making!

Learning Fair Isle

2010-04-19T21:42:00.062-04:00

Beginning that first Fair Isle project can be intimidating. There's the double-strand thing to work out, and then there are the charts...but once you take the leap and learn the technique, Fair Isle knitting can be extremely rewarding. The style has a unique history and, along with stranded colorwork, presents you with the chance to play with color in more complex and varied ways than any other kind of knitting. Fair Isle projects have a big "wow factor"!

Want to try it, but don't know where to start? Learning about where Fair Isle began and how it developed can really enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the style. Here is some information and a few resources to inspire and guide you.

The History

Fair Isle knitting is named for the place it was developed, a small, remote island in the United Kingdom, north of Scotland and south of Norway. Some people believe shipwrecked Spanish sailors introduced the idea of colorwork to the people of Fair Isle, but it is thought by many scholars that Fair Isle designs were actually developed over time based on Norwegian banded, geometric patterns. It makes some sense that knitting took on importance to a population in constant need of protection from severe wind and rain. Although Fair Isle knitting as we know it today has probably been around since the 1850s, it was popularized throughout Europe and America in 1921 by the Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) when he began wearing Fair Isle sweaters to public golfing events. For the inhabitants of Fair Isle, knitting has long been and remains a main source of income for many women.

The Aesthetic

Traditional Fair Isle patterns are formed with two alternating colors per row, sometimes with several two-color bands of varied colors stacked on top of one another in order to create more vibrant pieces. Common design motifs are simple, geometric shapes such as crosses, diamonds, stars, and dots, but images from nature are also plentiful. The designs are generally small in size because the method of changing color is a stranded one. The unused color is carried across the inside of the work, therefore the color has to be changed frequently in order to avoid large strands on the back of the work that could catch and snag. All Fair Isle knitting was originally done in the round on double-pointed needles, and socks or undergarments were the most common projects. A nice yarn choice for Fair Isle knitting is Rauma Strikkegarn. It is 100% wool, made in Norway, and available in a beautiful range of colors. It easy to work with, with nice durability and stitch definition, yet softens up quite a bit with washing for a comfortable wear.

The Technique

Sheila McGregor's Traditional Fair Isle Knitting and Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting are two classic guides. Both include a brief history of the art of Fair Isle, instruction, and charts for traditional patterns. In addition, Knitting In the Old Way provides the basic fundamentals of Fair Isle design and construction, allowing the knitter to draft their own styles and chart their own patterns. Favorite Mittens is a collection of some of the most popular traditional "roots" knitting designs from Robin Hansen.

Of course, Fair Isle knitting is a skill that has been passed from generation to generation, and learning it from someone else is the easiest way to get started. Brooklyn General Store's Fair Isle class begins on Monday, May 31, and runs for 4 weeks. It is a project-based class, so in addition to learning Fair Isle technique, you will create a beautiful pair of mittens or socks. Read the full course description and sign up here!

Handmade Squirrel Contest! It Takes a Tree...

2010-04-05T23:06:00.030-04:00

At Brooklyn General Store we have a real soft spot for handmade creatures. So to celebrate spring, we thought it would be fun to sponsor a handmade creature contest honoring one of our favorite furry muses, the squirrel. We have created the perfect habitat in our storefront window - a warm, wooly tree. Now our tree needs some new friends!

Send us an original, handmade squirrel to live in our tree and join our squirrel family. We will love it and treat it as one of our own...and maybe you will be one of the lucky winners!

OFFICIAL RULES

What Counts as a Squirrel? Any rodent-type animal with a fluffy tail who likes nuts. Squirrels must be 3-D.

They may be knit, sewn, crocheted, felted or fabricated out of any naturals you desire. Please no taxidermy or you will be bitten!

Call for Entries: First 10 entries get a free Brooklyn General t-shirt. Entries can be hand delivered or mailed to Brooklyn General Store, 128 Unions St,, Brooklyn, NY, 11231. They may come from any part of the world. Squirrels will be judged on originality, craftmanship, and all around cuteness.

Dates and Deadlines: Call for entries begins on April 15^th. Contest ends May 15^th and squirrels must be received by that date. Squirrels will be kept on display in the shop until June 30th. Winning squirrels will be posted on our blog the week following the contest with links to winner’s blogs if desired.

Rules & Restrictions: All squirrels must be hand made by the participant. Youth entries must be made with minimal parent involvement. They can be made from patterns or self-designed. You can submit up to three squirrels. They can be as small as you like, but no bigger than 15 inches. If you want your squirrel to be returned you must include a self-addressed, appropriately sized, padded envelope with the correct postage already on the envelope. Postage for the return of squirrels will be the sole responsibility of the participant. There is no insurance on return shipping and safe delivery of wayward squirrels is not guaranteed.

Prizes!: A public judging and Squirrel Party will be held on May 15^th at Brooklyn General Store. (Party details will be announced soon here on this blog.)

1st Prize: $200 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

2nd Prize: $100 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

3rd Prize: $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

Youth Prizes (0-15 yrs): Three squirrels will each be awarded one $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

Good Luck! We can't wait to welcome our new tree tenants to Brooklyn.

Wee Inspiration for Spring

2010-03-22T12:45:00.016-04:00

With the return of spring our thoughts have turned to nature-inspired crafts. One of our long-time favorite craft books, especially for those of us with small children, is Salley Mavor’s Felt Wee Folk. Her miniature dolls and fairies celebrate the natural world and are fun projects for needleworkers of all levels to explore, from beginning stitchers to advanced embroiderers. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Salley about her work, what inspires her, the resurgence of crafting, and her love of natural fibers.

What inspired you to create a craft book featuring “wee folk” and fairies?

Since I was a girl, I've been intrigued by dollhouses and dollhouse-sized dolls. Before I wrote the book, I had started a business selling kits to make fairies, and I had taken many photographs of the fairies in different natural settings. I also taught handwork projects to parents at a Waldorf School, and the dolls were the most popular projects to make and sell at the school’s fairs. The book started out being about the little dolls, and I added other felt projects later. For me, the 90's was the decade of fairies.

Most of your pieces are three-dimensional illustrations created with textiles, fibers, beads, and found bits from nature. How do you choose what images to illustrate?

My first pieces were individual illustrations, interesting pictures from my own mind. When I moved on to illustrating books, I looked for very compelling stories. There needs to be enough action and places and characters for me to work with to make the images powerful and interesting. It takes so long for me to create a book—I live with the character for a year and a half--that I have to be in love with them. I lucked out in working with writer Judy Richards. Lately I’ve returned to working on classic stories. I began my illustration career working with fairy tales, and now I’m illustrating a new series of board books featuring nursery rhymes.

You use a lot of natural fibers in your work. What is it about these materials that speaks to you?

Once people start using natural fibers, they realize their feel and integrity is so different than acrylic. It is real material with real value. Natural fibers are more permanent and more tied to our past and our history. When I use acrylic materials they feel temporary, like something you should use a glue gun to put together and that you will throw away after a short time. Also, wool felt doesn’t fray and is more accessible than other fabrics. My very first crafting projects involved sewing with wool felt, so working with it makes me feel connected to those early experiences from my childhood. When my children attended a Waldorf school, I was reintroduced to working with natural fibers. Wool felt is great for teaching children to appreciate the integrity of their materials and about conservation. When you’re working with more valuable materials you need to think about your pattern and how to lay it out--you don’t just start cutting from the center.

How has the resurgence of crafting affected you?

I am excited by the current resurgence of interest in handmade things. I went to art school in the 70s when craft was looked down upon. People couldn’t understand why I enjoyed it. Now crafting is a cool thing. I think maybe our increased connection to technology makes us long for and appreciate handmade things.

Do you do other needle crafts?

I sew clothing to give as gifts to my friends’ children. I really like to make children’s clothes, and I occasionally make clothing for myself. I also make potholders!

Felt Wee Folk and a nice selection of 100% wool felt are currently available at Brooklyn General Store. Many thanks to Salley Mavor for this little peak into her creative process. Read more about Salley and her work on her blog.

Hot Chocolate & Knitting Festival!

2010-02-01T12:30:00.015-05:00

Baby it's COLD outside! Escape the icy chill that is February in NYC at City Bakery's Hot Chocolate Festival & Night of Knitting. Join Brooklyn General Store's own Catherine Clark & Mary McKenzie for a night of chocolate-themed knitting workshops and dinner, including beer, wine and hot chocolate, of course.

Brooklyn General Store’s contribution to the event is this little guy, Manny the Marshmallow (pattern here) designed by Mary, our Felting and Toy Knits classes teacher:

City Bakery's Hot Chocolate Festival & Night of Knitting

Thursday, February 18 @ 7 PM

The City Bakery

3 W. 18^th Street

Tickets: $30

Purchased in advance at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/96164 or at the door on the night of the event.

Admission price includes: all-you-can-eat dinner, all-you-can-drink hot chocolate, beer and wine, and access to five knitting workshops and one demonstration:

How to Knit a Marshmallow Man (Brooklyn General Store)

Yarn Spinning Demonstration (Downtown Yarns)

How to Knit a Hot Chocolate Cozy (Gotta Knit)

How to Knit a Marshmallow Hat (Knitty City)

How to Knit a Chocolate Bar Coaster (Purl Soho)

Beginner Knitting (Wool and the Gang)

Hope to see you there!

Finishing the Sweaters

2010-01-25T11:26:00.008-05:00

What a great couple of weeks it has been at the shop! The in-store 25%-45% off sale is in full swing, and EVERYONE seems to have just completed a sweater--and they're all beautiful.

Catherine's Owl Sweater from Kate Davie's pattern (available for purchase on her web site) in Rowan Cocoon generated a lot of excitement. More than one regular customer threatened to walk out of the store in it:

It took seven skeins of Cocoon and 40 plus beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons. The pattern calls for Rowan Purelife British Sheep Breeds, which also looks lovely.

Next up on the finished sweaters list: Melissa & Lauren's Elizabeth Zimmermann Green Sweaters are divine! First Melissa's:

...and Lauren's in Elsabeth Lavold Silky Wool:

The 25%-45% off sale (in store only) continues until the end of January!

See you at the shop...and now online!

Cute Stuff!

2009-12-21T11:08:00.005-05:00

With the launch of the new web site I just haven't had as much time as I would have liked this holiday season to devote to handmade gifts. While I did manage to complete several knitted gifts, I thought I might not be able to finish anything in time to give to my two young daughters. Then I remembered this book, Cute Stuff:

Translated from Japanese, this full-color book has all the charm of a Japanese sewing book. Detailed directions are provided for each step of a project, so even if you don't have very much sewing experience, you will be able to complete these simple projects in no time.

After you work your way through the 18 adorable things in Cute Stuff, try your hand at Cute Dolls:

...and don't forget Fun Dolls! Making these projects is sure to add some cheer to your day! Happy sewing!

The Perfect Little Gift: A Free Wrist Warmer Pattern

2009-12-07T21:22:00.033-05:00

As the holiday knitting countdown continues, it seems that everyone at Brooklyn General Store has made at least one pair of wrist warmers. They are perfect little gifts.

Catherine made hers from Road to China, The Fibre Company's luxurious blend of Baby Alpaca, Cashmere, Camel, Soya Fiber, and Yak. It is softer than soft, and the colors have beautiful warmth and depth. Any gift made from this yarn will be something special.

If you order two skeins of Road to China or any worsted-weight yarn, we'll send you Catherine's wrist warmer pattern for free! Just write "wrist warmer pattern" in the notes at check out.

Wrist warmers seem to be a favorite gift from one knitter to another; such a nice thing to give to anyone who creates beautiful things with their hands. Mothers, mother-in-laws, sisters, aunts and daughters love them too.

Don't forget, you have one more week to use the discount code LAUNCH15 to take 15% off your first purchase at our new online store.

See you at the shop...and now online!

Happy holiday knitting.

One-Skein EZ Hat Project for the Holidays!

2009-11-30T10:52:00.020-05:00

While everyone else is counting down their shopping days, knitters are keeping track of how many days they have left to work up something cozy to give to their loved ones. Last Friday at knitting breakfast I asked the group what type of garment they make when they knit gifts for the holidays, and everyone answered in near perfect unison: "hats!"

So, if you are still casting about for knitted gift ideas, I'd like to suggest our modification of one of our favorite hat patterns, the Maltese Fisherman's Hat, from Elizabeth Zimmermann (of course!) using just one skein of one of our favorite yarns, Morehouse Bulky. This is a very fast knitting project and extremely affordable as well:

The version, above, is in Willow. Here it is again, below, in one of the lovely variegated colors:

If you've never worked with Morehouse Bulky, you are in for a treat. It is soft and homey, straight from the farm in Red Hook, NY. It isn't unusual to find little bits of hay in the skein as you're knitting.

The hat pattern is available in KNITTER'S ALMANAC by Elizabeth Zimmermann, and if you purchase the book or the yarn from us we'll send you our own version of the pattern with our modifications for making the hat with just one skein of Morehouse Bulky for free! Just write "Fisherman's Hat" in the notes during checkout.

The yarn is available here. You'll also need one pair of 16” size 13 circular needles, and one set of size 13 double-pointed needles, available here.

Still need more motivation? Use the discount code LAUNCH15 for 15% off a one-time purchase online! (Expires 12/14/09)
See you at the shop...and now onlineHappy holiday knitting.

Welcome to our new web site!

2009-11-18T18:51:00.005-05:00

We have worked very long and hard for this moment, and now it's here: the launch of our brand-new web site! We hope you'll find our online presence just as unique and cozy as our store and that you'll enjoy browsing our lovingly selected yarns, fabrics, knitting and sewing tools & notions, books, cards, bags, and other goodies.

Please take a minute to sign up for our e-mail list, become our fan on Facebook (Brooklyn General Store), follow us on Twitter (bklyngeneral), or join our Ravelry group (Brooklyn General Store Groupies). Of course, we hope you'll read our new blog post every week, too. We just can't get enough of you! (Plus we don't want you to miss out on any of the free patterns, contest announcements, promotion codes or sales we'll be sending out over the next few weeks.)

See you at the shop...and online!

The Sleeping Blog Awakes!

2009-10-08T09:55:00.002-04:00

This blog (or its, ahem, author) has been asleep for so long that some kind folks have contacted us to let us know that the year is wrong on our last post. The embarrassing truth is the date is correct. Why have we let our little blog slumber for such a long time? Because all of our attention has been focused on...our new web site! We're thrilled to announce that in a matter of days we will be launching our beautiful new retail web store. It has been a labor of love; one we hope you will enjoy. All of that beauty sleep has allowed us plenty of time to dream up some fun project ideas, knit-a-longs, and even a contest or two. And we promise to update our blog on a regular basis from now on. Please check back soon!

FALL CLASS SCHEDULE!

2008-08-27T12:56:00.005-04:00

We've decided to upload our extensive Fall class schedule here on the blog while we wait for it to go live on the classes page.

All of your favorites are back with some special workshops thrown in. Try our Lace Knitting or Fair Isle Workshops, or try your hand at Spinning--now with half an hour of studio time.

Session begins SEPTEMBER 8th. Call 718.237.7753 to register!

Fall 2008 Classes

Brooklyn General Store offers a variety of classes in the needle arts— from basic techniques to more advanced explorations of fabric and fiber. We have something for everyone, from the novice to the more experienced crafter. We hope you’ll be inspired to join us for a class. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on this schedule, please let us know! We’re always developing fun new class ideas.

To register, please call the shop at 718.237.7753 (leave a message!). Questions can also be directed to classes@brooklyngeneral.com. You must register in advance in order to insure a spot in the class.

If you are interested in a class you don’t see offered, please contact us! New classes will be scheduled when there is adequate interest.

Knitting & Crochet

Beginner Knitting $125
Four 1 1⁄2 hour classes
Learn how to knit! We’ll teach you everything you need to know to make a scarf or another basic project. Skills include: casting on, knitting, purling, binding off, a few pattern stitches, and problem–solving.

Materials: one skein of smooth, worsted weight yarn in a light or bright color (easier to see your stitches) and size 7 or 8 needles.

Session A: Wed, 7 to 8:30 pm, 9/10, 17, 24, 10/1
Session B: Mon, 6:30 to 8 pm, 10/6, 13, 20, 27
Session C: Wed, 7 to 8:30 pm, 11/5, 12, 19, 26
Session D: Mon 6:30 to 8 pm 12/1, 8, 15, 22

Project Knitting $125
Four 1 1⁄2 hour classes
Ready for a new challenge? Stuck on something? This class will help you take your knitting to the next level, whether you want to try your hand at something other than a scarf or you're ready to tackle your first sweater. Decreasing, increasing, knitting in the round, reading a pattern, piecing your work, blocking… these are just some of the skills you might learn while working on your project.

Materials: Bring a pattern, a project in progress, or project ideas to the first class. Those continuing from the Beginner class will work on hats!

Session A: Mon, 6:30 to 8 pm, 9/8, 15, 22, 29
Session B: Wed, 7 to 8:30 pm, 10/8, 15, 22, 29
Session C: Mon, 6:30 to 8 pm, 11/3, 10. 17, 24
Session D: Wed 7 to 9 pm, 12/3, 10, 17 (class hours extended to accommodate short session)

Mama/Baby Knitting $130
Four 2-hr sessions
Learn to knit or get help with a project in a relaxed, baby-friendly atmosphere. You are welcome to bring your baby (non-cruising please). This is a great alternative to “new mom” groups. This class is limited to 6 mamas and babies.

Materials: see Beginner and Project knitting. A blanket for your baby to lay on is recommened.

Session A: Monday 11 am to 1 pm, 9/8, 15, 22, 29
Session B: Monday 11 am to 1 pm, 10/6, 13, 20, 27
Session C: Monday 11 am to 1 pm, 11/3, 10, 17, 24
Session D: Monday 11 am to 1 pm, 12/1, 8, 15, 22

**new!** Mitten Workshop
Three 2-hour classes
Make your first pair of mittens in this class! The workshop will teach basic mitten construction from an easy to follow pattern. Learn to make a thumb gusset and use double pointed needles. These mittens make great, easy holiday gifts for friends and family.

Materials: 1 skein Morehouse Bulky yarn, 1 set US10.5 double pointed needles, stitch markers, size K crochet hook. Optional: Weekend Knitting by Melanie Falick and Ericka McConnell.

Session A: Thurs, 7 pm to 9:30 pm, 9/11, 18, 25

Knitted Toy Workshop $125
Four 1.5 hr classes
Make your own knitted toys! This class will teach you the basics of three-dimensional shaping and have you on your way to knitting toys for all the tots you love. Basic knitting skills required.

Materials: one skein of bulky weight yarn in a light or bright color (easier to see your stitches) and size 9 or 10 needles, stuffing for toys (wool stuffing is available at the first class). The instructor is happy to help you choose materials at the first class.

Session A: Monday, 6:30 to 8 pm, 10/6, 13, 20, 27
Session B: Monday, 6:30 to 8 pm, 11/10, 17, 12/1, 8

Fair Isle Workshop $150
Five 1.5 hr classes
Ever looked at some gorgeous fair isle and thought, "I'd love to make that, but I never could!"? Well, you can! Learn the basics of Fair Isle knitting (also called stranded colorwork) while making a pair of winter socks. Your skills will translate to many projects. Prerequisites: comfortable knitting in the round on double-pointed needles. Sock knitting recommened, but not necessary

Materials: 115 yds in each of 2 contrasting colors of fingering weight yarns (wool recommended), 1 set of wood/bamboo dpns to obtain gauge of approx. 8 sts per 1", range of size 1, 2, or 2 1/2. All supplies available at first class.

Session A: Tues, 7 to 8:30 pm, 9/16, 23, 30, 10/7,14
Session B: Tues, 7 to 8:30 pm, 11/11, 18, 25, 12/2, 9

Knitted Lace Workshop $125
Four 1 1⁄2 hour classes
This class is designed to teach you the basics of lace knitting so that you can make your very own lace scarves, shawls, and include lace motifs in anything you knit! You will learn cast on techniques suited to lace, how to read a lace chart, and tips to help you correct, as well as avoid, mistakes. Prerequisites: Comfort with decrease (k2tog, ssk) and yarn over techniques recommended.

Materials: If you plan to purchase materials, it is recommended to you do so at class so that the instructor may assist. If you have something in the stash: smooth, light color, light weight yarn (fingering or dk) yarn for practice and straight or circular needles at 2 sizes larger than recommended for gauge (pointy tips are preferable to blunt tip needles).

Session A: Thurs, 6:30 to 8 pm, 10/16, 23, 30, 6

Beginner Crocheting $125
Three 2 hour classes
Learn all the basics of crocheting (chain, single, double and triple crochet stitches) and how to use them to whip up hats, scarves, amigurumi toys and more! Shaping and circular crocheting are introduced, as well as stitch pattern like meshes, scallops and bobbles. Begin a scarf in the first class and continue on to either a hat or shawl by the end of the session.

Materials: one skein of smooth yarn in a light or bright color (easier to see your stitches) in either worsted or bulky size. For worsted bring a size G or H crochet hook, and for bulky a J or K.

Session A: Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 9/10, 17, 24

Spinning

Introduction to Spinning $125
Four 1 1⁄2 hour classes
Learn how to spin and design your own yarn on a drop spindle. Class includes an overview of animal and plant fibers, how to card and blend different fiber types and colors, plying instruction, and an introduction to the spinning wheel. Also included is ½ hour free studio time per week.

Materials available at first class.

Session A: Thurs, 7 to 8:30 pm, 10/2, 9, 16, 23. STUDIO TIME is 6:30 to 7, just before class.

Sewing

Sewing 101 (Beginner) $150
Four 2 hour classes
This class will teach you all the basics: how a sewing machine works, cutting from a pattern, and how to sew a simple wrap skirt. With these techniques, you’ll be on your way to stitching up all kinds of projects!

Materials: 2 yds light- to medium-weight woven fabric, 1 pkg extra-wide, double fold bias take to match, thread to match, scissors, pins and pincushion, seam ripper, tailor's chalk.

Session A: Saturday 11 am to 1 pm, 9/13, 20, 27, 10/4
Session B: Tues, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 10/7, 14, 21, 11/4
Session C: Saturday 11 am to 1 pm, 11/15, 22, 12/6, 13

Sewing 102 (Beginner/Intermediate) $150
Four 2-hour classes.
Step up your stitching skills with this very practical “All-Day Tote” bag from Lotta Jansdotter's book Simple Sewing. You'll learn how to do pockets, linings, topstitching and straps and become much more confident with your sewing. Beginner sewing skills required.

Materials: 1 yard medium- to heavy-weight fabric for bag, 1 yard medium-weight fabric for lining, 1/2 yard of twill tape (1" wide), thread to match. Optional: quick-release metal key clip. Basic sewing supplies (see Sewing 101)

Session A: Tues 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 9/9, 16, 23, 30
Session B: Saturday 11 am to 1 pm, 10/11, 18, 25, 11/8

Sewing 103 (Intermediate) $190
Five 2-hour classes
You can make your own pants! In this class you will make and customize your very own low-rise, carpenter style pants. You’ll learn how to sew a fly zipper, patch or flap pockets, belt loops and buttonholes.

Materials: Built by You/Simplicity pattern 4110 1 1/8 to 2 3/4 yards fabric, depending on width and chosen style (see back of pattern), lightweight fusible interfacing (3/8-5/8 yard depending on style), thread to match, one to three 7" nylon zippers, one to three 7/8" buttons (depending on style), basic sewing supplies (see Sewing 101).

Session A: Tues 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 11/11, 18, 25, 12/2, 9

Patternmaking $160
Four 2-hour classes
If you love to sew, but are frustrated by the patterns you find in stores, this is the class for you. Here you will learn the basic principles of flat patternmaking to start having fun designing the clothes you picture in your mind! You will draft patterns for a t-shirt and an A-line skirt based on your own measurements. You will manipulate these patterns into other style variations. We will also cover how to 'rub off' a pattern from a pre-existing garment. Basic sewing experience is helpful to benefit from this class.

Materials: a roll or pad of newsprint, drawing paper or patternmaking paper, at least 14" wide; see-through 18" ruler, tape measure, pencil and sharpener (or mechanical pencil), eraser, scissors (for paper), 1 yard of muslin or similar inexpensive woven fabric, 1 1/2 yds of t-shirt jersey or similar knit.

Session A: Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 10/15, 22, 11/5, 11/12

Quilting Workshop $150
Four 2-hour classes
You will cut, piece together and assemble a quilt top and then back and bind it to make a complete crib-sized quilt. This is a great way to use up leftover fabric! Our instructor’s organic teaching style lends itself to novice as well as a more experiences quilter. While hand sewing is an option, you may find it useful to have a sewing machine at home.

Session A: Sun, 11 am to 1 pm, 10/5, 19, 26, 11/2
Session B: Sun, 11 am to 1 pm, 11/30, 12/7, 14, 21

Embroidery & Appliqué

Embroidery Workshop $80
Two 2-hour classes
There are so many uses for embroidery; you'll wonder how you survived without it! It's a perfect way to customize items for gifts, for you, or for sale. It's also a great compliment to knitting or crocheting. Create a sampler of a dozen basic stitches, learn how to transfer designs, and begin your first embroidered project: the classic tea towel.

Materials: one fat quarter (18"x18") of gingham, one or more skeins of embroidery floss, embroidery needle (look for a larger eye), scissors, embroidery transfers, and a tea towel.

Session A: Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 10/1, 8
Session B: Wednesday, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 11/19, 12/3

Holiday Appliqué Workshop $90
Two 2-hour classes
Whether cute and whimsical on children's clothing, classic and elegant on home furnishings, or fantastically avant-garde on a bag for you, appliqué can transform all kinds of projects. You'll learn three different hand-stitched techniques and apply them to your own, perhaps holiday, project.

Materials: for first class session, all supplies will be provided. For second session, you will need a base fabric (or finished item), appliqué fabric (felt or other), embroidery floss, and needles for your own project.

Session A: Thurs, 6:30 to 8:30 pm 12/10, 17

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT CLASSES:
Full payment is required at time of registration in order to hold a spot in a class.

All classes have a minimum of four students and a maximum of eight.

Materials needed for class projects can be purchased at the shop—see www.brooklyngeneral.com/classes.htm for supply lists. Students receive a 10% discount on class materials. We encourage you to select yarns and fabrics before the first class when possible. Please visit us anytime for help choosing materials.

We are not able to offer make up sessions.

Summer Schedule

2008-06-20T15:58:00.002-04:00

We've got some fun stuff scheduled this summer!

Call soon to be ensure your spot in class. 718-237-7753.

Knitting Camp $150 per week plus materials.
3 three-hr sessions per week. Sign up for one or more weeks.
Learn to knit this summer! Knitting is a creative hobby that has the potential to entertain and educate for a lifetime. Students who knit are found to have improved hand/eye coordination, small motor skills, and communication skills and research has shown that knitting has helped students increase their math and reading skills, as well as levels of concentration, control, follow-through, and sense of mastery. Open to students ages 9 to 13. A snack will be provided.

Session A: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
July 8, 9, 10
Session B: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
July 15, 16, 17
Session C: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
July 22, 23, 24
Session D: Tues, Wed and Thurs 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
July 29, 30. 31

Beginner and Project Knitting $125
Four 1.5-hour classes
Learn how to knit or work on that challenging project. Beginners, we'll teach you everything you need to know to make a scarf or another basic project. Skills include: casting on, knitting, purling, binding off, a few pattern stitches, and problem-solving. Project knitters, are you ready for a new challenge? Stuck on something? This class will help you take your knitting to the next level, whether you want to try your hand at something other than a scarf or you're ready to tackle your first sweater. Decreasing, increasing, knitting in the round, reading a pattern, correcting mistakes, cables, blocking--these are just some of the skills you might learn while working on your piece. Bring a pattern, a project in progress, or project ideas to the first class.

Session A: Mon 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 7/7, 14, 21, 28
Session B: Mon 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 8/4, 11, 18, 25

Mama/Baby Knitting $130
Four 2-hr sessions
Learn to knit or get help with a project in a relaxed, baby-friendly atmosphere. You are welcome to bring your baby (non-cruising please). This is a great alternative to "new mom" groups. This class is limited to 6 mamas and babies.

Session A: Thurs 7 to 8:30 pm, 7/10, 17, 24, 31

Knitted Toy Workshop $125
Four 1.5 hr classes
Make your own knitted toys! This class will teach you the basics of three-dimensional shaping and have you on your way to knitting toys for all the tots you love. Basic knitting skills required.

Session A: Wed 6:30 pm to 8 pm, 8/6, 13, 20, 27

Introduction to Spinning $125
Four 1.5 hour classes
Learn how to spin and design your own yarn on a drop spindle. Class includes an overview of animal and plant fibers, how to card and blend different fiber types and colors, plying instruction, and an introduction to the spinning wheel.

Session A: Thurs 7 to 8:30 pm, 7/10, 17, 24, 31

Quilting Workshop $150
Four 2-hour classes
You will cut, piece together and assemble a quilt top and then back and bind it to make a complete crib-sized quilt. This is a great way to use up leftover fabric! Our instructor's organic teaching style lends itself to novice as well as a more experiences quilter. While hand sewing is an option, you may find it useful to have a sewing machine at home.

Session A: Thurs, 7 pm to 9 pm, 8/7, 14, 21, 28

Sewing 101 (Beginner) $150
Four 2-hour classes
This class will teach you all the basics: how a sewing machine works, cutting from a pattern, and how to sew a simple wrap skirt. With these techniques, you'll be on your way to stitching up all kinds of projects!

Session A: Wed 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 7/1, 8, 15, 22
Session B: Wed, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm, 8/5, 12, 19, 26

See you at the shop!

Plucky Fluff in Brooklyn!

2008-01-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

We are very pleased to announce that Brooklyn General will be hosting a freestyle spinning workshop, CAMP PLUCKYFLUFF with fiber artist, Lexi, of Pluckyfluff fame. To participate in this amazing workshop, you must have basic spinning experience. The two-day workshop will take place on January 19th & 20th from 10 am to 5 pm and costs $200.

Camp Pluckyfluff is two FULL days of spinning classes and workshops. Going from 10am to 5pm both days, it will cover a broad spectrum of techniques. The emphasis, however, will be on helping you to learn to create your own new and original styles. A list of materials needed is provided on Lexi's website, here. Call the shop at 718.237.7753 with any questions and to register!

See you in the shop!

Be the first to know!

2008-01-06T13:35:00.000-05:00

Our email list is the best way to be the first to know about upcoming classes, special workshops, sales and the latest exciting new items in the shop...

We hope you'll take a moment to sign up...

Classes Starting Soon... Take your skills to the next level!

2007-10-30T12:37:00.001-04:00

Please call 718.23737753 to register! I'm sorry, we cannot take registrations via email. Supply lists are available here .

STARTING THIS WEEK--only a few spots left!:

BEGINNER KNITTING, Thursdays 7 pm to 9:30 pm (11/1, 8, 15, 29). $125

EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP, Saturday 1:30 to 3:30 pm (11/3, 10). $80

BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER

PROJECT KNITTING, Monday 6:30 to 8 pm (11/12, 19, 12/26, 12/3). $125
Ready for a new challenge? Stuck on something? This class will help you take your knitting to the next level, whether you want to try your hand at something other than a scarf or you're ready to tackle your first sweater. Decreasing, increasing, knitting in the round, reading a pattern, piecing your work, blocking…these are just some of the skills you might learn while working on your piece.

SEWING 102 (Beginner/Intermediate). $150

SESSION B (Wednesday 11 am to 1 pm (11/14, 28, 12/5, 12/12).

SESSION C (Sat 11 am to 1 pm, 11/10, 17, 12/1, 15).

FAIR ISLE MITTEN WORKSHOP, Monday 7:30 to 9 pm (11/19, 25, 12/3, 10). $125
Ever looked at some gorgeous fair isle mittens and thought, "I'd love to make those, but I never could!"? Well, you can! Learn the basics of fair isle knitting (also called stranded colorwork) while making a pair of 2-color mittens. Your skills will translate to many projects.
Prerequisites: comfortable knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.
Supplies: 115 yds in each of 2 contrasting colors of fingering weight yarns (wool recommended), 1 set of wood/bamboo dpns to obtain gauge of approx. 8 sts per 1", range of size 1, 2, or 2 1/2. All supplies available at first class.

Vestee Complete!

2007-09-11T15:45:00.001-04:00

Just in time for fall, I've completed the Vestee sweater for my daughter.

Vestee by Marjorie Bringham from Knitty Spring 2007

Yarn: 3 skeins Rowanspun dk, two in Sugar Almond and one in Goblin. I also carried along a strand of Dewberry Kidsilk Haze by Rowan. This compensated for the slight difference in gauge between the purple and green yarns.
Difficulty: Definitely intermediate, but not bad for your first sweater attempt! Especially if you follow Marjorie's original directions, provided here

I bought all my yarn right here at the shop--this Rowanspun has been discontinued... how sad that I only just discovered it! Lucky for me, the store still has some.

~Kaitlyn

2007-08-26T11:54:00.000-04:00

Learn to
KNIT, CROCHET, SEW, QUILT, EMBROIDER and
DO YOUR OWN ALTERATIONS

Daytime, Evening and Weekend Classes begin after Labor Day at

128 Union Street between Columbia & Hicks

Visit our website for details and call 718.237.7753 to register!

revised Vestee pattern available here!

2007-07-05T11:55:00.001-04:00

update to add: revised Vestee pattern! (Word format)

Today I came across a small decanter of the perfume I used to wear in high school, Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle . It's never suited me, but for some reason, I put it on. I expected horrible, icky high school flashbacks and got nothing. Except confirmation that this perfume has never been right for me. I probably stuck with it for so long because my grandmother, ever a lady, was a Shalimar woman and I idolized her. She taught me to knit and also taught me how to drag a project out for yeeeeeaaaaaaaaars, although this second teaching was unintentional. (After her passing, my sister and I plotted to finish the sweater she started at my birth only to find the yarn disintegrated.)

Segway: I am almost done with my Vestee! I just need to attach the shawl collar. We have more Vestees to show, but certain lucky people are on vacation or moving into new homes right now ;). This vestee will have a shawl collar and is made using Rowanspun dk with Kidsilk Haze carried along for softness (no. 7 needles). And now for something special--an updated version of the Vestee pattern! Marjorie Brigham, the sweater's designer, has generously allowed us to offer her second version of the pattern. It includes more detail on the yoke shaping and some really great schematics. You can download the word document at the top of this post!

Speaking of smells, I am close to getting my whole house to smell like moth repellent and that's good thing. this. stuff. smells. awesome.

If you need to name something quickly and cleverly, ask a four-year-old! "Shoo!" was an obvious choice to name BG's own brand, but not one that came to any of us adults.

until next time,
Kaitlyn

Peaceful Savannah

2007-06-08T19:11:00.000-04:00

I was just coming off a very difficult sweater that I finally finished after almost 4 years. I think Katie and I started those sweaters when Arlo and Oliver were about 18 months. Here it is. Like that fancy hem with the peacock feathers on the inside too? I don't know why I love to do that color work. Figuring out which colors must follow each other is the great challenge and often what you least expect will look perfect together.

So this is what happened...

When the vestee idea came up at the Friday morning breakfast, Jennifer was so excited about it that I just had to do it.
I didn't really want to use the pattern decided upon, so I thought I would make something similar using the Savannah that has been beckoning me for months. I thought I would make the sweater for one of my sweet clients who just had a baby, Mae, about 2 months ago. This client is really in to organic fibers and NO COLORS. So I picked the natural white and started from the bottom...

Ahhh, Savannah is divine. How peaceful to knit with natural white. The lack of color enables my hands and mind to relish in the feel of the fiber. My mind stays blank. Now I can see my client's attraction to a peaceful palette of whites. Well the pattern is turning out to be not at all like the vestee except in its size. It is knit from the side because I wanted the body of the sweater to flow nicely from the leaf border. (see picture below) It has a hoody and will zip up the back. Unfortunately, I ran out of yarn and am waiting for it to come in to finish the sweater. In the mean time, I made this shirt for Katie's birthday out of Liberty of London fabric. Peacocks again.

--Catherine

wrap it up!

2007-05-30T00:49:00.000-04:00

hi!

i'm cal, the new sewing and embroidery teacher, and i wanted to share pics of the lovely wrap skirts from our first round of sewing 101, completed last week! everyone had a great time, and two of the girls even managed to add pockets to their skirts.

the next session of this class begins this saturday; sign up while you can!

Sewing 101    $100  STARTS SATURDAY JUNE 2nd 11am to 1pm
The best way to learn to sew is to sew.  We will get you sewing!  We 
welcome kids (over 12 please) and adults.  This is a hands-on project 
based class.  We focus on a flattering wrap skirt.  Terms and 
techniques are discussed along the way.  Meets once a week for four 
2-hour sessions.

updated class schedule

2007-05-24T18:34:00.000-04:00

Please call 718.237.7753 to register!

Beginner Knitting $100 START TUESDAY MAY 29th 7-8:30 pm
Learn to knit in a friendly relaxed atmosphere! We’ll teach you all the basics you will need to know to begin your first project, including casting on, knitting, purling, and casting off, along with other techniques. Meets once a week for four 1.5-hour sessions.

Beyond Scarves $100 STARTS MONDAY, MAY 28th 7-8:30 pm.
Ready to move beyond the rectangle? Got a project you’re stuck on? This beginner-intermediate class is for you. Bring a project and we’ll help you through it. Focus is on pattern reading and techniques.
Meets once a week for four 1.5 hour sessions. Beg knitting skills required.

Quilt workshop $100 JUNE 24TH. 11 am to 1 pm
We will teach you all you need to know to make your own crib sized quilt. Supplies are available in the store, or bring your own. A great way to use up leftover fabric! Meets for four 1.5-hour sessions.

Tween Knitting $15/session FRIDAY, ONGOING. 3:30 to 5 pm.
This is a drop in knitting circle for children ages 8-12. Knitting and Crochet help available. Children must know basic knitting skills. Registration not required. This is a drop in circle.

Sewing 101 $100 STARTS SATURDAY JUNE 2nd 11 am to 1 pm
The best way to learn to sew is to sew. We will get you sewing! We welcome kids (over 12 please) and adults. This is a hands-on project based class. We focus on a flattering wrap skirt. Terms and techniques are discussed along the way. Meets once a week for four 1.5-hour sessions.

Sewing 102 $100 STARTS WEDNESDAY MAY 30th. 7-8:30 pm.
Take your beginner skills to the next level! The class will take you through the construction of Simplicity’s Built By Wendy Dress, Tunic, or Top pattern (#3964). Beginner skills required. Pattern available in the shop. Meets once a week for four 1.5-hour sessions.

Embroidery Workshop $40 Saturday, JUNE 2nd. 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
This two-hour workshop will teach you eight to twelve basic stitches. Embellish anything and everything! Supplies are available at the store or bring your own. Meets one time.

Embroidery Workshop II $40 SUNDAY, JUNE 3rd. 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
This two-hour workshop will get you going on a Sublime Stitching project. Supplies are
available at the store. Meets one time.

Beginner Knitters

2007-05-23T07:51:00.000-04:00

Well, another session of Beginner Knitting has come to a close. We've had a lovely four weeks of learning, creating, and laughing together. I will miss these guys (unless I see them in our beginner-intermediate session)! I wanted to show our readers how everyone's first projects turned out. They are downright inspiring...

We've got two drawstring bags and two i-pod/cell phone bags here. Since this was a Spring class, I didn't want to force the traditional scarf project on the group. Plus, everyone learned to cast on, knit, purl, cast off, AND to yarn over and complete a mattress stitch. Two other added bonuses are that you finish your project during class and you get to pick fun ribbon and buttons...

Next session starts with Mary on May 23rd! Call us to register.

~Kaitlyn

Blogging Breakfast

2007-05-18T12:54:00.000-04:00

I was so disheartened to wake up to the cold, cloudy morning, but my
heart warmed at the cozy vibes of our regular knitting breakfast* on Friday.
What an inspiring group of projects today!

Amy's quilt for the P.S. 29 auction...

Wendy's incredible mohair shawl for a bride (with baby Samirah)...

Pam's crocheted jewelry...

Liz's Manos del Uraguay scarf...

Lulu's crocheted vest...

Mary's cardigan sleeve (her own pattern in Organik)...

Lulu's dress (made without a pattern) looks so good on her...

We have the cutest babies!!!!

And some everyday magic- Masuko's journal. Masuko drew this picture of
Lulu in December after spotting her in Manhattan and liking the way
she looked. They had never met before this morning....

~Katie

*knitting breakfast is an open circle held from 9:30 am to noon every Friday.

Vestee Progress

2007-05-05T23:36:00.000-04:00

Yarn selection for the Brooklyn General Vestee knit-a-long is all over the map. I, for one, had a hard time choosing. Cotton is perfect for right now, but wool would mean a jump start on next fall's toddler wardrobe.

I think yarn choices often reflect the knitter. This time though, I am just not seeing it. Jennifer always picks green and she's gone with an icy blue Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton; Melissa is using Noro Silver Thaw(I guess I never pegged her for the self-striping type). After some serious swatching I've settled on a tweed over something soft and squishy--Rowanspun DK in purple and green. If I am not mistaken, Rowan discontinued this yarn, but the shop still has some--score! I decided to carry along some lavender Rowan Kidsilk Haze for a softer effect and I'm pretty happy with the results. My nose feels differently and this will be, sadly, my last hurrah with mohair.

This lovely leaf trim belongs to Catherine, one of the shops owners. She's using Savannah by the Fibre Company and she can't stop raving about it! This yarn is a unique blend of organic cotton, merino, linen, and soya fiber. Earth friendly and fun to knit with--does it get any better for a Brooklyn knitter? Catherine's sweater will be "Vestee-esque"and the pattern will be available in the store soon...

~Kaitlyn

A Knit-A-Long!

2007-04-28T21:40:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn General has been in its new location for over six months, and Space has turned the once humble Friday Morning Knitting Breakfast into a sprawling, raucous free-for-all. With eight to twelve (!!) women and various pre-school age children and babies (including my own) in regular attendance, I have to admit, I was, at first, pretty overwhelmed with all of the energy. I missed the precious intimacy of the old Brooklyn General space. Walking down the stairs into that tiny, garden-level store, it was easy to stay for hours, breakfast running into lunch, long, lazy conversations undisturbed by telephone calls (or customers!) for the better part of the morning. I wasn't sure I could embrace this cacophonous new experience. New faces felt like interlopers; conversations constantly interrupted mid-thought, never to be completed; gleeful children running the length of the store and crawling underfoot...food EVERYWHERE.

A few months into the "new" Friday Breakfast, something shifted for me. In part, it was the realization that becoming a mother necessitates embracing chaos. Now I cherish this gathering just as much as I did its prim predecessor. The new faces have become friends, neighbors I look forward to seeing around the block or at the playground. The larger group also means more fun project ideas floating around, more constructive input when you can't decide which yarn to choose or what decrease will work best--as well as more practiced hands to feel a child's forehead when they seem like they might be coming down with something. Intrusiveness has become exuberant camaraderie.

I don't know why the Vestee pattern from the most recent issue of Knitty appealed to me as immediately and strongly as it did, but as soon as I saw it I wanted to knit it. I shot off an e-mail to a few of the BG regulars with the subject: "We have to knit these for our girls!," and Melissa responded immediately, "I'm in for the knit-a-long." A knit-a-long. Of course. So in celebration of my renewed love of this playful, loud, creative, messy event, I offer a communal activity and a Brooklyn General first: a knit-a-long.

Please, join us! Create your own vestee. Send us a picture. Or even better, stop by the shop one Friday morning, have a blueberry muffin, and knit-a-long for a while.

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring07/PATTvestee.html

--Jennifer