May Events

Welcome to the land of crafty fun!

We have lots of fun projects and knit- and crochet-alongs for you. The Taste of the Tower is happening on May 13 and Stitch 'n' Pitch is coming up soon. Read everything to find out all the details!

We have loads of older pattern books and magazines that we are giving away free. Come on in and ask about them.

Remember, we are open late on Thursday nights along with our regular Tuesday nights.

Love you all!
Meg

Taste and Toast of the Tower


We will be featuring Gordo's Gourmet Fudge from our own Mark Guardado. Tickets are $15.00 and are available at some Tower businesses.

For more details click below.
Taste and Toast of the Tower

Vine Yoke Caridgan
We are starting a sweater knit-along this month!
The group choice is the Vine Yoke Cardigan using Lorna's Laces Shepard Worsted or any other worsted weight yarn.

Please feel free to play along with us even if you choose a different sweater. We want everyone to participate in our Sweater Madness!

All yarns for the knit-along will have to be ordered in advance, so please come in soon and pick your perfect color.

Babette Crocheted Afghan
We are having a crochet-along using the Babette pattern from Interweave Crochet. The pattern is made up of individual squares in 6 different sizes. This makes it perfect for summer crocheting, as there are no big squares on your lap. If you are on Ravelry you can see the many variations that are possible.

The estimated start date is Thursday, August 5 2010. We aren't starting until August so we can pick out your colors and collect deposits before ordering the yarn. We have two choices of yarn for you to choose from, Dream in Color's Smooshy and Brown Sheep's Naturespun Fingering. If you want to use Smooshy we will have color kits available, and if you want to use Naturespun we will help you pick your colors.

CLASSES

We have added more great classes for you to enjoy! Phone 559-264-1874 or email to ancientpathways@sbcglobal.net to have some fun with us in one of our new classrooms.

BIAS KNIT SCARF
Another great beginner scarf! In this project you will learn how to increase and decrease. It kind of looks like magic knitting; straight rows turning on a slant. Any weight of yarn will look good in this pattern.
Date: Tuesday, May 11
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer

BEGINNING LACE SHAWL
This shawl is a quick knit using only one skein of fingering weight yarn and is a great starter project for the beginning lace knitter. The pattern is both written out and charted so you can learn with either method. I have scheduled it as a one session class as it's easy to knit, but you are always welcome to drop by for more help.
Date: Tuesday, May 11
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

LITTLE SLIP OF A THING
This is a wonderful medium sized felted bag that uses two colors and a slip stitch pattern. This will enable you to make a sturdy bag that sits up on its own with only one strand of yarn. Come learn a new technique and then felt it so some mistakes don't show! Sign up early so that we can order the perfect colors for you.
Date: Tuesdays, May 18, 25
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $66.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer

TWO SUMMERS SUNDRESS
What a wonderful thing to make for any little girls in your life! It is designed to last two summers by crossing the straps the first year and wearing them uncrossed the second year. The bodice is easy knitting and your sewing skills can be very basic. We will have a sewing machine here for anyone who wants to use it but the sewing can all be done by hand. Please come in before class to pick your yarn, as you will have to go to a fabric store also to purchase fabric and thread. You will need one yard of fabric to coordinate with your yarn choice.
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 25
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

MULTNOMEH SHAWL
Does lace make you a little nervous? This shawl will help ease you into the fun world of lace knitting. It starts with garter stitch and then moves into the lovely Feather and Fan stitch. We have even figured out how to add beads! The shawl uses one skein of sock yarn and a size 3-5 needle. Not bad!
Date: Thursdays, May 20, 27
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer

STASH BUSTER AFGHAN
"We will show you how to 'paint' with your stash, weaving color and texture in ways that standard crochet or knitting just don't easily allow. Use up those novelty yarns and odd skeins or go ahead and purchase a selected palette of yarns for a special heirloom project that is easy, fast and really, really fun." Jennifer Hansen.
Meg will be special-ordering the hooks needed for this project, so please let her know as soon as possible if you will need one.
Date: Saturday, May 22
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $11.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

FREE WASHCLOTH CLASS (NOTE TIME CHANGE)
Washcloths have been so popular lately that we are having another free class! Our cloth patterns for May will be a surprise for now as I have to get this schedule done. Bring your size 6 or 7 needles and have some fun! There is a $5.00 kit fee for the yarn and pattern.
Date: Saturday, May 22
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Fee: Free
Instructor: Meg Smith

KNIT ’N’ NOSH
We will be having a potluck and knitting, crocheting and spinning night, so add it to your schedule and plan on a great time. Please bring your favorite dish, one or several projects and your fun attitude. We will eat until we can't see straight and then knit the night away.
Date: Friday, May 28
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Fee: A potluck dish

A TASTE OF KNITTING
Come see what all the knitting excitement is about! This is a two-part class in which you will learn to cast on, knit, purl and bind off. If you have taken the class before and feel that you need a refresher, come and join us again.
Date: Tuesdays, June 1,8
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Mark Guardado

BABY SURPRISE SWEATER
We will be knitting Elizabeth Zimmerman’s most enduring baby sweater. It is all garter stitch and you end up with an amorphous shape that amazingly sews into a baby sweater. We have a row keeper written out that will make your knitting of the sweater easier. Please call soon to order your book. You will need either The Knitters Workshop or The Opinionated Knitter.
Date: Thursdays, June 3, 10, 17
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $66.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer

Stitch ‘n Pitch is happening!!!!

The Fresno Grizzlies are holding their annual Stitch ‘n Pitch baseball game on Saturday May 22, 2010. All types of crafters are welcome to attend along with family members and friends. Tickets are $10.00 per person and each attendee will receive a knitting related goodie bag.
Ancient Pathways is holding a tailgate party at the store, before the game. Darren will have the grill fired up and ready to cook at 4:30pm. Bring something to grill for you and a dish to share.
Game time is 7:05pm
You may call Freddie at 320-2536 to purchase your tickets.

Sidewalk Sale!

We will be having a Sidewalk Sale tomorrow, April 10 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. All clearance books, patterns and yarn will be buy one, get one free. Prices have been dropped to $5.00 for books and as low as .50 for patterns!

We will hold your purchases while you walk the Tower Classic Car Show or better yet, send the family to look at cars while you shop peacefully with us.

Free Classes

(Knit or Crochet this time)

This Saturday, April 10, we are having Two Free Classes. Our monthly washcloth class begins at 9 a.m., and the theme is Spring! Meg is dying the yarns as you read this, and there are patterns for knit and crochet cloths. Flowers and fun are what's going on. In the second free class, we will make the Ergonomic Handle Crochet Hook. Drop in anytime after 11:00am and we will get you started on your own custom hook. We will even bake them here while you wait. The toaster oven is ready to go! Each class has a supply fee of $5.00 per kit.

The Tower Classic Car Show is Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Bring the family and let them walk the show while you take one of our two free classes. There may be road closed signs but the street is usually open up to the shop. Even if it isn't the day should be lovely for a walk.


More new classes

We have added more great classes for you to enjoy! Remember to check the website for the full schedule of classes. Phone 559-264-1874 or email to ancientpathways@sbcglobal.net to have some fun with us in one of our new classrooms.

CABLES
They really are easier than you think! Join us for a quick lesson on the various types of cables and you will be ready to add them to everything you knit. Meg will have some easy patterns available if you want to start a project during class.
Date: Friday, April 9
Time: 9:00am -11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

FREE WASHCLOTH CLASS
Washcloths have been so popular lately that we are having another free class! Our cloth patterns for April will be some lovely patterns with flowers. Bring your size 6 or 7 needles and have some fun! There is a $5.00 kit fee for the yarn and pattern.
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: Free
Instructor: Meg Smith

ERGONOMIC CROCHET HOOK
You will learn how to make your own colorful easy-to-grip crochet hook using polymer clay. We will have some fun colors for you to play with. There will be a toaster oven here to bake the hook while you wait. There is a kit fee of $5.00 per project.
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: Drop in anytime after 11am
Instructor: Meg Smith

CABLES AGAIN!
They really are easier than you think! Join us for a quick lesson on the various types of cables and you will be ready to add them to everything you knit. Meg will have some easy patterns available if you want to start a project during class.
Date: Tuesday, April 13
Time:6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

FAIR ISLE KNITTING
Let's make a little baby hat while learning a new technique! You will need two colors of yarn in the same weight and the needle size recommended by the yarn to start. Meg will customize a hat pattern for the baby head size of your choice.
Date: Friday, April 16
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

BOOMTOWN SCARF
This Scarf simple scarf is quick to knit and fun to wear. It uses an interesting way of knitting into yarn overs. Any size of yarn will work and you can customize the width of the scarf to your own taste.
Date: Tuesday, April 27
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer

MULTIDIRECTIONAL SCARF
I have a great way to use up some of your leftover yarns. The pattern is easy and great for beginners using simple increases and decreases to create interlocking triangles. Bring all of your scraps and we will work with you on putting all of the colors together.
Date: Tuesday, April 27
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

The Remodel is Done!

We have a new look for the store! It's so exciting you just have to come by and see it. We removed part of the flooring
and it looks spectacular.
There is now a boutique area for selling finished items and two new classroom spaces.

My wonderful, tireless volunteers and I are so excited!

Thank you for your support!


SPRING BREAK CLASSES

We have 7 classes to make your Spring Break more enjoyable. Be sure to call and reserve your space soon! Phone 559-264-1874 or email to ancientpathways@sbcglobal.net to have some fun with us in one of our new classrooms.

PROMENADE NECKWARMER
"A scarf for the most blustery of weather. A simple but effective and eye - catching cable pattern makes this warm and luxurious to boot." Mimi Hill. This would be a great way to learn how to make cables. Any soft, worsted weight yarn would make a lovely neck warmer.
Date: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

EASY LACE HEADBAND
Headbands are really popular right now. We have a lovely lace one for you to learn. It starts and ends with a 2x2 rib and the middle is an easy lace pattern. This would be a great way to learn basic lace if the word LACE makes you nervous.
Date: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Mark Guardado

MOEBIUS SCARF
Meg loves these! They are fun to knit, can be mindless if you want and work up fairly quickly. You will be using fingering weight yarn for this project. We have some really pretty skeins of sock yarn in the shop that would make a lovely scarf. You will need 300 to 400 yards and a set of 40" or 47" circular needles in size 7, 8 or 9.
Date: Wednesday, March 31
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith



FREE CLASS ERGONMIC CROCHET HOOK
It's not an April Fool joke! We are having a midweek Free Class for everyone on Spring Break. You will learn how to make your own Ergonomic grip crochet hook using polymer clay. There will be a toaster oven here to bake the hook before you are ready to leave. There is a kit fee of $5.00 per project.
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: Free
Instructor: Meg Smith



ENTRELAC SCARF
Entrelac knitting gives you a cool woven look in your regular stockinette knitting. It is an intriguing technique and a great way to advance your knitting skills. You need to know how to knit, purl, increase and decrease for this technique. We will teach you the rest!
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


BOOMTOWN SCARF
This simple scarf is quick to knit and fun to wear. It uses an interesting way of knitting into yarn overs. Any size of yarn will work and you can customize the width of the scarf to your own taste.
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer


INSIDE OUTSIDE SCARF
"What makes this scarf inside-outside? Using a long-repeat variegated yarn, work from the inside of one ball and the outside of another. The colors of each column progress through the sequence in the opposite direction, intersect partway through the scarf, and then diverge." Elise Duvekot, designer. We will be using Crystal Palace's Mochi Plus, a super soft self-striping yarn, for this project. You will also need size 10 circular needles.
Date: Friday, April 2
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith

Anzula Trunk Show

Tuesday, March 23 through Saturday, March 27 we will have a plentiful selection of lovely new yarns and spinning fibers from Anzula. These are locally dyed luxury fiber yarns from our own Sabrina Famellos-Schmidt. During the show many of the yarns will be 25% off. Come and pick up some of your favorites!

March and April Classes

WATERFALL BEADED SCARF
Jane Davis has designed another stunning scarf with worsted weight yarn and beads. Big surprise, more beads! This is one of the simpler ways to knit with beads; if you know how to knit and purl you can make this. The beads will need to be strung before class so please come in early to order your yarn. We used size 5/0 Triangular beads which can be purchased at Jewelart or www.kandrasbeads.com. The pattern has detailed directions for grafting the two sides together and you can always come in when you finish both sides for some hands - on help.
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith



LUCITA HAT
“Where lace meets cables at the intersection of bead blvd.” Yes, Meg is fascinated with beads this season, why do you ask? This pattern will need to be purchased online at www.wovenspun.etsy.com before class. You will also need 200 size 5 or 6 seed beads. Homework is to string the beads and knit the ribbing so we can get started right away on the beads.
Date: Thursday, March 25
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer



PROMENADE NECKWARMER
“A scarf for the most blustery of weather. A simple but effective and eye - catching cable pattern makes this warm and luxurious to boot.” Mimi Hill. This would be a great way to learn how to make cables. Any soft, worsted weight yarn would make a lovely neck warmer.
Date: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith



EASY LACE HEADBAND
Headbands are really popular right now. We have a lovely lace one for you to learn. It starts and ends with a 2x2 rib and the middle is an easy lace pattern. This would be a great way to learn basic lace if the word LACE makes you nervous.
Date: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Mark Guardado


MOEBIUS SCARF
Meg loves these! They are fun to knit, can be mindless if you want and work up fairly quickly. You will be using fingering weight yarn for this project. We have some really pretty skeins of sock yarn in the shop that would make a lovely scarf. You will need 300 to 400 yards and a set of 40” or 47” circular needles in size 7, 8 or 9.
Date: Wednesday, March 31
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


FREE CLASS ERGONMIC CROCHET HOOK
It’s not an April Fool joke! We are having a midweek Free Class for everyone on Spring Break. You will learn how to make your own Ergonomic grip crochet hook using polymer clay. There will be a toaster over here to bake the hook before you are ready to leave. There is a kit fee of $5.00 per project.
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: Free
Instructor: Meg Smith


ENTRELAC SCARF
Entrelac knitting gives you a cool woven look in your regular stockinette knitting. It is an intriguing technique and a great way to advance your knitting skills. You need to know how to knit, purl, increase and decrease for this technique. We will teach you the rest!
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


BOOMTOWN SCARF
This simple scarf is quick to knit and fun to wear. It uses an interesting way of knitting into yarn overs. Any size of yarn will work and you can customize the width of the scarf to your own taste.
Date: Thursday, April 1
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer



INSIDE OUTSIDE SCARF
“What makes this scarf inside-outside? Using a long-repeat variegated yarn, work from the inside of one ball and the outside of another. The colors of each column progress through the sequence in the opposite direction, intersect partway through the scarf, and then diverge.” Elise Duvekot, designer. We will be using Crystal Palace's Mochi Plus, a super soft self-striping yarn, for this project. You will also need size 10 circular needles.
Date: Friday, April 2
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith



A TASTE OF KNITTING
Come see what all the knitting excitement is about! This is a two-part class in which you will learn to cast on, knit, purl and bind off. If you have taken the class before and feel that you need a refresher, come and join us again.
Date: Tuesdays, April 6, 13
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Mark Guardado



QUEEN ANNE CROCHETED SCARF
“This pattern is really easy, and can be done in all kinds of different yarns! I just recommend not using textured yarns, such as boucle, as they would take away from the lacy appearance.” Kevin Gibbons, designer.
So far, this scarf looks great in everything I have seen it made in. I would say this is an intermediate level project.
Date: Thursday, April 8
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


BABY SURPRISE JACKET
We will be knitting Elizabeth Zimmerman’s most enduring baby sweater. It is all garter stitch and you end up with an amorphous shape that amazingly sews into a baby sweater. We have a row keeper written out that will make your knitting of the sweater easier. Please call soon to order your book. You will need either The Knitters Workshop or The Opinionated Knitter.
Dates: Thursdays, April 8, 15, 22
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $66.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer


FREE WASHCLOTH CLASS
Washcloths have been so popular lately that we are having another free class! Our cloth patterns for April will be some lovely patterns with flowers. Bring your size 6 or 7 needles and have some fun! There is a $5.00 kit fee for the yarn and pattern.
Date: Saturday, April 10
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am
Fee: Free
Instructor: Meg Smith


WATERFALL BEADED SCARF
Jane Davis has designed another stunning scarf with worsted weight yarn and beads. Big surprise, more beads! This is one of the simpler ways to knit with beads; if you know how to knit and purl you can make this. The beads will need to be strung before class so please come in early to order your yarn. We used size 5/0 Triangular beads which can be purchased at Jewelart or www.kandrasbeads.com. The pattern has detailed directions for grafting the two sides together and you can always come in when you finish both sides for some hands - on help.
Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


BABY EINSTEIN COAT
This is a wonderful, smaller version of Sally Melville’s Einstein Coat. It uses very simple garter stitch and rectangular shapes with minimal sewing. The pattern calls for DK weight yarn but we used worsted weight to make a toddler jacket. You will need to purchase the book The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville.
Dates: Saturdays, April, 17, 24, May 1
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Fee: $66.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer


BROADRIPPLE SOCKS
“The pattern is a deceptively simple ripple stitch, comprised of only two rounds, one of which is a work even round. Using just a few well-spaced increases and decreases, you create a wonderful ripple fabric that looks more intricate than it really is.” Designer Rob Matyska. Jolene can help you with the stitch count so you can use sock yarn instead of the yarn called for in the pattern.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 20, 27, May 4
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer


BASIC BEGINNER BEANIE
Hats are a good warm weather project, as they don’t sit on your lap. It’s also an easy one to master. You will learn how to make a circular swatch and to use circular and double point needles.
Date: Tuesdays, April 20, 27
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Mark Guardado


INTRO TO SPINNING
It’s time to learn the real meaning of spinning. It has nothing to do with exercise! You will learn how to use a spinning wheel to make your own yarns. The class will discuss different fibers, have hands-on time with the wheels
Date: Thursday, April 22, 29, May 6
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $66.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


BEGINNING CROCHET
We have been getting a lot of calls expressing interest in crochet. Now’s the time to learn a new skill. You will learn how to make a slipknot, chain, single crochet, half double and double crochet. There are lots of fashion forward patterns being written now so you’re sure to find something interesting to make after you learn the basics.
Date: Wednesdays, April 28, May 5
Time: 9:00am – 11:am
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith


DOTTED ARGYLE HAT (FAIR ISLE TECHNIQUE)
A hat is a good way to learn the Fair Isle technique. You use one skein of a variegated yarn and one skein of solid. It looks like you are an amazing knitter with very little work! You will learn how to manipulate 2 strands of yarn and how to follow a chart.
Dates: Thursdays, April 29, May 6
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Jolene Meurer


KNIT ’N’ NOSH
We will be having a potluck and knitting, crocheting and spinning night, so add it to your schedule and plan on a great time. Please bring your favorite dish, one or several projects and your fun attitude. We will eat until we can't see straight and then knit the night away.
Date: Friday, April 30
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Fee: A potluck dish


A TASTE OF KNITTING
Come see what all the knitting excitement is about! This is a two-part class in which you will learn to cast on, knit, purl and bind off. If you have taken the class before and feel that you need a refresher, come and join us again.
Date: Tuesdays, May 4, 11
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $44.00 plus materials
Instructor: Mark Guardado


TUNISIAN CROCHET
This is an old technique that is new again. It combines parts of knitting and crocheting and makes a fabric that looks almost woven. Join us for a one - day class to learn this newly popular technique.
Date: Tuesday, May 4
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fee: $22.00 plus materials
Instructor: Meg Smith