I’d parked and was walking to McWalker Yarns Sunday afternoon to knit. Took a quick snap. Then I turned back to try to get the face of this sweet and patient St Bernard waiting for his or her master.
Tag: Millvale PA
Arachne and NaKniSweMo2019- You Need Fifty Thousand Stitches
In Greek mythology (and later Roman mythology), Arachne (/əˈrækniː/; from Greek: ἀράχνη “spider”, cognate with Latin araneus) was a talented mortal weaver who challenged Athena, goddess of wisdom and crafts, to a weaving contest; this hubris resulted in her being transformed into a spider.” Wikipedia
Sunday afternoon you can get together and work on holiday (or other projects). The stitch circle is open to all. It’s a lively and creative group, talented, too. I dropped by to get some help on achieving gauge for a sweater project. I knew it was off. Proper gauge is important, (just ask my friend Deb in this Previous blog post illustrating the multiple factors that affect gauge)
After being advised by Jes and another master knitter, it was clear that even after the second opinion, I needed to rip out and start again. It was barely an inch of knitting I had on the needles. Perhaps an hour’s work. After reluctant deliberation and a bit of consternation I ripped out the one inch I’d started Saturday night. Jes had advised me to make the next size or it would be a form fitting tube on me which is never a good look on my body.
Here is Jes. If she is not teaching Choral Music or Band, you could find her working out at the gym or working at McWalker Yarns in Millvale. She is a prolific knitter of garments. Perhaps you saw the hat I knit with hearts last winter? Love Actually Hat. Jes taught that Knit Along (KAL)
Jes is wearing her recently completed Arachne Sweater by Untangling Knots.
Lauren knit an identical sweater and was on McWalker Yarns Facebook post here
The yarn Jes used is BC Garn Semilla.
See below Jes’ photo for information on NaKniSweMo
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SWEATER IN a MONTH FASHION SHOW FROM LAST YEAR’S BLOG POST
November is National Knit-a-Sweater-In-A-Month NaKniSweMo 2019
An Excerpt from McWalker Yarns Latest Newsletter by Amy – Are you ready for NaKniSweMo?
As I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, we are going to do another NaKniSweMo challenge at the shop. We had so much fun last year, we’d love to have more of you join us. As a reminder, NaKniSweMo is a challenge to knit or crochet a sweater of at least 50,000 stitches in November. You can cast on no earlier than 12:01 a.m. on November 1, 2018 and must be completely done (including weaving in ends, sewing on buttons, etc.) by midnight, November 30, 2019. To be eligible for prizes here at the shop, you must be stitching using yarns from McWalker Yarns.
We are meeting here at the shop on Saturdays in November (except Small Business Saturday, 11/30) from 2-4 p.m. to work on our projects. Those who are participating and attend each Saturday will be eligible for weekly prizes drawn at random from those who attend. Those who complete their sweater within the parameters will be eligible for grand prizes, including a $50 gift certificate to McWalker Yarns, to be drawn at random from those who complete the challenge. Official national rules are here: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/nakniswemo-kal/pages/NaKniSweMo-Rules-FAQ. If you can come on November 2nd at 2 p.m., then you can sign up in person. If not, just shoot an e-mail to yarns@mcwalker.us with the subject “NaKniSweMo” letting me know you are participating
There’s still time to stop in the shop to purchase yarns, supplies or finalize your plans so you are ready to go on the 1st! #MYnakniswemo2019
And don’t forget to tune in and watch the 1990 film Arachnophobia
Wordless Wednesday
Wordless Wednesday
Philadelphia’s Primrose Yarn Arrives in Millvale PA
Monday afternoon, McWalker Yarns in Millvale unveiled the beautiful line of Primrose Yarn Co, an Indi-dyed yarn company featuring a variety of weights and fiber content. A huge box bursting with softness and luscious colors was just shipped from Philadelphia and is now displayed at McWalker Yarns.
Joanna had seen the yarn at Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival and has used Primrose Yarn Co for many sweaters, She’s an ardent fan of it. See her model one of her creations below.
It was a great Primrose Premier Party at the yarn store, with a spread of spanakopita, hummus, carrots, fruit flavored Italian sodas, cheese and crackers, topped off with chocolate covered marshmallows and Peanut Butter Cups. Mmmmmmmmm.
Each attendee received a gift of a colorful mini skein of Primrose Yarn. Christine got right to work on a crocheted octopus and was borrowing some fiber fill to stuff it, right as we partied.
I’m not sure why I didn’t photograph her eight legged creature but am kicking myself now.
Nicole checks out the pom poms
Pattern is Storm Shawl by Joji Locatelli
Joanna in her Primrose Mohair Yarn Sunday Cardigan
It was a nice party
One skein of colorway Forbidden Forest ( 100% Superwash Merino Single) makes this gorgeous Storm Shawl pattern by Joji Locatelli available at McWalker Yarns via Ravelry
More goodies to munch on
Joanna knit this cowl using 4 mini-skeins and has enough leftover for a hat
So many pretty colors to choose from
Spanakopita
Yanr
The Steel Valley Yarn Crawl Continues
Two stops today for The Steel Valley Yarn Crawl.
and Yarns by Design in Oakmont
Meet Kristi Howard – Pittsburgh Yarn Company,
established a year ago
The screen printed bags are by Danielle Clemons – two designs Yarnivore and Carpe Filum
SUPPLIES FOR SPINNERS
This holds the yarn when being spun
How fun are these cans of gourmet crochet?
Crochet Animal kits include a hook and are rated in different levels
Yarns by Design in Oakmont Pennsylvania Established in 2006
Meet owner Sandra Donatelli standing by the Woolfolk Yarn display.
Trunk Show Guest Christina Danaee knitting
Knitting Designer Christina Danaee of Ashville NC
Trunk Show guest Christina Danaee website
Her book “Modern Heritage Knits will be coming out September 24th. Check out her patterns available on Ravelry.
Steel Valley Yarn Crawl bag All eleven stores buttons on display at Yarns by Design in Oakmont
Soldotna Crop(Caitlin Hunter Design) expertly knit by Natalie Belmont
Natalie Belmont on left with her best friend
Knitters gather in Yarns by Design
Yarns by Design in Oakmont
*If you missed the first post of the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl see Kathy’s Kreations in Ligonier and McWalker Yarns of Millvale at this link
Steel Valley Yarn Crawl Off to a Great Start
August 2- August 11 are the dates to participate in the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl.
It’s not too late to join the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl. (click for more info)
Here are the two stores I visited today.
There are 11 yarn stores on the “passport” where the yarn crawlers get a stamp and a cute pin to put on the specially printed bag, finishing the center of each of the flowers in the design. Every store has different types of yarns, accessories and supplies for sale.
The bags were/are for sale at each store (if they haven’t already sold out). My friend Vincie and I started the crawl this morning, wending out way out to Ligonier and visiting Kathy’s Kreations on East Main Street. Thirty nine years in business! See photos below.
Three Knitters from Altoona were going to ALL eleven yarn stores in a single day!
Kathy’s Kreations in Ligonier Pennsylvania
Faerie Garden Theme Tinkerbell is all around the store
One of the prize baskets
Yarn to knit up Black and Gold sports team items
Tink is Knit backwards. Tinkerbell and the Faerie Garden Theme at Kathy’s Kreations
Owner Kathy Zimmerman and Karen on the right
Gorgeous samples all around the store
Every Friday morning as many as twenty knitters gather around this table to knit.
How about the detail of this gorgeous dragonfly?
Stop #2__________________________________________
McWalker yarns in Millvale PA
Amy McCall Owner of McWalker Yarns sporting her beautiful Soldotna Crop Sweater designed by Caitlin Hunter
Good Night Steel Valley Yarn Crawl. Extended hours- opening at 8AM in Saturday morning.
McWalkers Yarns just celebrated their first anniversary in April.
This Yarn Crawler visited FIVE yarn stores the first day! See her pins on her bag.
At the end of the day, Friday evening, my daughter Laura drove me (and my grandkids Charlie and Maura) over to Millvale to get in on the extended hours at McWalker Yarns. I wanted to get a few more photos for the blog to generate some more excitement for the crawl.
Although this is the sixth year for the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl, it’s my first time to join in on the fun.
My grandkids Maura and Charlie pose for a photo at McWalker Yarns in Millvale
Exclusive COLORWAYS at McWalker yarns
Millvale Marigolds by Stitch Party of Millvale
Neighborhood Fiber Company dyes Fireworks Over Pittsburgh for McWalker Yarns
Fibernymph Dye Works in the Laurel Mountains PA
Jes is always ready to help you select yarn and figure out what you need to create your design. She is a great teacher and a prolific knitter.
Fun Tshirts for Knitters
Knitted Wit Yarn is luscious
Come get your photo taken to remember the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl
NEXT STOP YARNS BY DESIGN In OAKMONT PA
Carnations Curbside on Sedgwick Street
Carnations, curbside. Found Sunday morning as I parked the car on Sedgwick Street. Millvale PA. I was headed to Holy Spirit Church for a First Communion.
McWalker Yarns in Millvale Celebrates First Anniversary
You might remember my post last April of McWalker Yarns opening in Millvale PA.
Click McWalker Yarns website for class schedules, hours and directions.
Today knitters and friends gathered in the LYS (Local Yarn Shop/Store) to celebrate the first anniversary. 
Hospitable, knowledgeable and skilled staff on duty. Owner Amy Walker McCall second from left and Jess, Joanna and Lauren, Ready to welcome you to McWalker Yarns and assist you in choosing the perfect yarn for the projects you want to create, whether it be knitting, crochet or spinning.
Class schedules, Monthly Knit Alongs and Knitting Community gatherings and events are listed on the website. and on FB page here
It was a happy celebration with Chocolate cake and champagne. Congratulations McWalker Yarns and wishing you many more anniversaries to come.
Man’s Best Friend and Books
The sculpture of the dog with a stack of books on his head has always caught my attention when I drive by the Millvale Community Library. Tonight Steve and I walked down Grant Avenue after dinner to see it up close. What an invitation to come inside and find a good book to read.
The artist is Pittsburgh sculptor James Simon and the sculpted dog’s name is Pages.
And how about those magnificent door handles? I know there’s a story there.
Miilvale. Just across the Allegheny River from the city of Pittsburgh. You’ve seen my posts of Panza Gallery, Grant Avenue Bar, McWalker Yarns, Jean-Marc Chatellier Bakery, Tazza D’Oro, bicycle racks and Esthers’s Hobby Shop -to name a few.
Millvale Community Library 213 Grant Avenue Millvale, Pennsylvania
Silent Sunday
Silent Sunday
