A Fresh Look, New Yarns & Summer Knitting

Dear Friends,

What a week it's been! Inventory is officially behind us, and while we're all a little tired, we're feeling incredibly grateful. Thank you so much for your patience while we temporarily closed the shop and worked through the seemingly endless counting, organizing, and refreshing.

We're also giving the shop a bit of a facelift, and it's been so much fun seeing everything come together. There are still a few finishing touches to complete, but we can't wait for you to see the finished result.

And because I know some of you are curious, here are a few fun inventory numbers from the week! Inventory stats here:

  • It took seven people two solid work days to count our stock of yarn, needles, and accessories. (Not including a bit of help from Mr. and Miss Monarch.)
  • We counted over 35,000 individual items.
  • Within that, needles had over 500 individual product codes, and yarn had over 3,000.
  • We painted, washed rugs, built furniture, reorganized storage, and the front counter.

Before we jump into this week's projects, I have one more exciting shop update. If you've spent any time in the shop, you've probably met Molly. I'm thrilled to share that, as of July 1st, she's officially stepped into the role of Shop Manager. I couldn't be happier to see her take on this well-deserved role.

With inventory wrapped up, it's back to what I love most: filling the shop with beautiful yarns and inspiring projects. This week we're featuring everything from cozy shawls like Anemoia and Alula to the adorable Naomi Bow Bonnet, playful Leopard Socks, and the breezy Avenue Tank. Along the way, we're also welcoming two wonderful new yarns to the shop: Kelbourne Woolens Mojave, a lovely cotton and linen blend that's perfect for warm-weather knitting, and Sandnes Garn Tynn Line, another beautiful summer fiber I'm excited to see on your needles.

I can't end this note without mentioning that our sweet Benny is celebrating his first birthday this week! Watching him grow into such a wonderful shop dog has been such a joy, and I know many of you have loved following along. Happy Birthday, Benny!

Knit and be happy,

Ann

P.S. We've been keeping one more little surprise! Our new custom Woodland tote and Seascape pouch are here - a little love letter to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Be sure to scroll down for a closer look!

Highlights

Anemoia

A comfort knit if we've ever seen one. Anemoia was an instant "yes" from all of us. Relaxing garter stitch, beautiful texture, and Peninsula Yarns Corrie Woolen make for one seriously satisfying shawl.

Alula Shawl

Three textures, one gorgeous shawl. Alula is playful, engaging, and beautifully paired with Camellia Fiber Company Sylvan Fingering and Spincycle Dyed in the Wool. Texture lovers, this one's for you!

Naomi Bow Bonnet

We're pretty sure it doesn't get much cuter than this. The Naomi Bow Bonnet is as sweet as can be, especially paired with Knitting for Olive Heavy Merino and Soft Silk Mohair. Equal parts charming + timeless!

The Leopard Socks

Leopard is basically a neutral... right? These playful socks from Summer Lee are guaranteed to make every step a little more fun. And a fun way to pair our Fanshell Fingering with Lang Jawoll.

Avenue Tank

Polished, comfortable, and wonderfully wearable. Better yet, it's the perfect pattern to introduce yourself to Kelbourne Woolens Mojave. Your next summer staple!

Kits to keep you stitching…
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!

Newcastle CowlSummer Sophie Scarf

Cityscape HatLittle Raindrops Washcloths

Silica Tee

Featured in the Shop

New Exclusive Tote and Pouch! Inspired by the landscapes that surround us, we're delighted to share two new Monarch exclusives featuring custom artwork created especially for the shop. Our new Woodland Tote celebrates the beauty of our local forests, while the Seascape Pouch captures the charm of our coastal home. We hope you'll love carrying a little piece of the Monterey Peninsula with you wherever you go!

Kelbourne Woolens Mojave

We're excited to welcome Kelbourne Mojave to the shop! This beautiful pima cotton and linen blend is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for warm-weather knitting. With crisp stitch definition and an easy-to-care-for, machine-washable finish, it's a wonderful choice for summer garments and accessories alike.

Sandnes Garn Tynn line

Another new favorite has arrived! Sandnes Garn Tynn Line combines cotton, viscose, and linen to create a yarn that's soft, breathable, and cool to wear. The subtle sheen of the viscose paired with the natural texture of linen creates a beautiful fabric that's perfect for lightweight tops, tees, and summer layering pieces.

In case you missed it...

Laine 10th Anniversary Issue

A decade of beautiful knitting deserves a celebration. Preorder Laine's special 10th Anniversary Issue, featuring 23 stunning patterns from beloved designers and 236 pages of timeless inspiration. This collector's edition is one you'll treasure for years to come.

Foundations by Sari Nordlund

Also available to preorder is Foundations, Sari Nordlund's newest book featuring 20 elegant knit accessories inspired by architecture. With timeless hats, shawls, mittens, socks, and more, it's a beautiful collection you'll reach for season after season.

Amano Sami

Say hello to Sami! This new organic Peruvian Pima cotton offers beautiful stitch definition, a silky-soft feel, and endless possibilities for summer knitting.

CFC Yak DK

If you love incredibly soft yarns, you're going to want to meet our new DK-weight Yak. Silky, warm, and wonderfully cozy, it's destined for sweaters, hats, scarves, and all your favorite cool-weather knits.

Classes & Events
We offer a variety of classes and knitting help, both virtual and in-store. Visit our site to learn more details about each class, to see the list of requirements, and to sign up! When signing up for a class, please note the list of supplies and, if required, the homework.

Private Lessons
$20.00 for 30 minutes
$40.00 for 1 hour

Do you have a new skill you would like to learn, or are you confused by a particular part of a pattern? Come into the shop and work one-on-one with us! Call us at 831.647.9276 to set up an appointment.


We can only offer private lessons on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. There are no private lessons during the hours of Knitting Circle.

Help Table
Thursday mornings

from 11:00 am to noon

Need help with a project or technique? In this hour-long session, we’ll assist you with whatever you’re stuck on—whether it's finding your place in a pattern, fixing a mistake, or brushing up on a skill. After some guidance, you’ll have time to relax and knit with confidence.

Sign up online or in-store—space is limited to 4 per session.

Knitting Circles
Tuesdays, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
First and Third Tuesday of Each Month, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Wednesdays, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Thursdays, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

June
Early Summer Tee Along
Saturdays, June 6th to July 11th
In-store Meet Up Saturdays, from 10:30 am to noon
July
Crochet for Beginners with Kare
Saturday, July 11th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
August
The Saladan Bag-Along with Kare Peacock
Saturdays, August 1st, 8th, and 15th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

@basherandbenny

Shop Your Way: In-Store, Online, or by Phone!

In-Store: Visit us Monday–Saturday, 10:00 am–5:30 pm (closed Sundays)
Online: Browse anytime! If something’s out of stock, just give us a call.
By Phone: Call us at 831-647-9276 during business hours—we’re happy to help!

Shipping is free on U.S. orders over $125.
Need your yarn wound or sending a gift? Let us know when you order—we’ll take care of the rest!

visit our online shop here

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