New Month, New Stitches, and of course Stripes!
Dear Friends,
As you read this, Mr. Monarch and I have just arrived in Berlin! We’re here to watch a friend’s son play for the German National Basketball Team. (Don’t ask me how a kid from the Bay Area ended up coaching basketball in Germany!) Afterward, we’ll explore southern Germany and Austria before heading to Scotland. I’m especially excited to visit St. Andrews. We had planned this trip last year, but postponed it for the very best reason: Ben’s first few weeks at home!
What did I pack in my carry-on? My Olga Sweater for the Fall Stripe Along, of course! I cast on at home on Tuesday to get through the short rows, and I’m really enjoying working with Bramble & Fleece Sheepsoft DK. Olga kept me busy on the long flights. This project is already bringing me so much joy!
Speaking of stripes, it’s not too late to join us! You can knit an Olga or choose any striped sweater that inspires you. This week we’re featuring Simple Stripes, which I knit back in 2021 and still wear today. In fact, I pulled mine out of my closet and sent it to the shop for a little inspiration! You can visit my Ravelry project page to see all the details. Pick your pattern, choose your yarn from Monarch, and stripe along with us through September. And yes, there will be prizes!
And how did everyone do with the August Finish Along? I want to see what you finished! Send us a photo of your completed projects so we can celebrate all that finished knitting.
One more thing to put on your calendar: Margaret Holzmann will be joining us at Monarch on November 21st for two workshops! She’ll be teaching her Safe at Home Block Workshop along with a new colorwork class, The New Colorwork - Geometric Knitting Basics. Margaret is such a wonderful and creative instructor, and I’m thrilled to have her joining us at the shop.
Knit and be happy,
Ann
P.S. Speaking of Ben’s first few weeks at home…scroll down to see just how tiny he was. Hard to believe now!
Highlights
Sunset Frost is the kind of project that lets the yarn shine. Connie knit our gorgeous shop sample using Zauberball Crazy, and the flowing color changes make every row a delight. If you're looking for your next shawl cast-on, this one is sure to keep you hooked.
Looking for a smaller project with big impact? The Poet Scarf pairs beautifully with SweetGeorgia Trifecta DK, creating an elegant accessory that's as enjoyable to knit as it is to wear.
Sweet Fair Isle flowers and classic styling make the Anemone Vest an irresistible fall knit. We love it paired with the beautiful palette of West Yorkshire Spinners Morris yarns. Such a charming vest for little ones!
Cozy socks for sweater weather.
Some sweaters deserve a second look! While gathering inspiration for our Fall Olga / Stripe Along, Ann rediscovered her Simple Stripes sweater and we couldn't resist bringing it back. We've paired the pattern with our new Bramble & Fleece Sheepsoft 4ply kits, making it easy to create your own colorful striped sweater.
Kits to keep you stitching…
In case you missed out on these featured favorites,
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Ocean Mist • Terrazzo Hat • Onshore Breeze Socks
Bash's Beach Morning Walk Hat • Olga Jacket
Featured in the Shop
Zauberball Crazy has landed at Monarch! With two individually dyed strands plied together, no two stretches of this self-striping yarn are quite the same. Grab a ball for your next pair of socks, shawl, or accessory and enjoy watching the colors unfold with every row.
Our favorite Anna B stitch markers are back, along with two charming new sets: Pumpkin Patch and Fruit Basket. Tiny details to make your knitting even sweeter!
Lemonwood favorites are back in stock, including The Mini Minder and The Whirl! These beautifully crafted pieces are as useful as they are lovely—a welcome addition to any knitter's toolkit.
in case you missed it...
New Book! One Skein Knitting by Ksenia Naiddyon of Life is Cozy
Ksenia Naidyon's debut book features 18 beautiful accessories designed to make the most of a single special skein—perfect for stash yarn, souvenirs, and gift knitting.
Now at Monarch! Discover Bramble & Fleece's beautiful British yarns, from the woolly Sheepsoft collection to colorful Wooltrace DK Makers Palette minis.
MK Progress Keeper Post-It Notes
They're back! Keep track of rows, repeats, and project notes with our handy MK Progress Keeper Post-It Notes.
California Love Stitch Markers
A little California love for your knitting bag! Choose from six stitch markers or six removable progress keepers from Blue Bird Makery.
Classes & Events
We offer a variety of classes and knitting help, both virtual and in-store. Visit our site to learn more about each class, see the list of requirements, and sign up! When signing up for a class, please note the list of supplies and, if required, the homework.
September
The Basic Granny Square Workshop with Kare
Thursday, September 17th, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Fixing Knitting Mistakes 101
Saturday, September 26th, from noon to 1:30 pm
Build Your Knitting Confidence: Increases and Decreases
Saturday, September 26th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
October
Knitting 101
Saturdays, October 3rd and 10th, from 10:30 am to noon
I'm So Basic Sock Knitting Workshop
Saturdays, October 3rd and 10th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm +
October 17th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Knitting 102 - The Sophie Scarf
Saturdays, October 17th and 24th, from noon to 1:30 pm
Fixing Knitting Mistakes 101
Saturday, October 24th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
November
Knitting 101
Saturdays, November 7th and 14th, from noon to 1:30 pm
The New Colorwork: Geometric Knitting Basics with Margaret Holzmann
Saturday, November 7th, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Safe at Home Block Workshop with Margaret Holzmann
Saturday, November 21st, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Shop Small Weekend
Friday and Saturday, November 27th and 28th, all day
