Dear Friends,
What a week! Life with a puppy means there's never a dull moment, but I am happy to report that Bash and Benny are getting along well. Bash has always loved other dogs, so the decision to get a second Berner was an easy one. Benny trails his big brother everywhere, and was especially excited to help celebrate Bash's 6th birthday on Tuesday! Yes, the big man is six, and after his bout with cancer, nothing makes me happier than to celebrate his birthday. Every day with him is a gift, and I am so happy that he is back to his joyful self, full of energy.
Needless to say, my knitting time is in short snippets. In the evenings, when Mr. Monarch is on puppy duty corraling our new land shark, I've been working on my Coomo Cardigan. But I also needed something simple that I could pick up and put down easily, so I cast on The Classic by Espace Tricot, a project I've been dreaming of since Peninsula Yarns visited us last February. I'm using their Glitter Fingering held with Suri Fluff. Now, I'm not usually a glitter person, but this pairing creates the loveliest fabric with just a subtle hint of sparkle. A cozy touch of shimmer for fall? I'm here for it. We'll have kits available in next week's newsletter if you'd like to join me!
I love this week's projects. This week's featured projects are tempting me! How fun is the Ovis Hat? I don't wear beanies often, but this one might just change that. The Ooey Gooey Cowl is another standout, a modern take on traditional Fair Isle that's both stylish and satisfying to knit. And Infinity highlights our newest yarns on the shelf, Katia. The gradient striping of these yarns is absolutely fabulous. Check them out in our "New to the Shop" section!
Knit, and be happy,
Ann
Highlights
Knit, Blog and be Happy!
Even though the days stay warm through September here on our coast, your summer knits don’t need to hibernate once the chill finally rolls in. From breezy tops to lightweight scarves, we’re sharing our favorite ways to layer and style handmade pieces so they shine all season long. 🍂 Read the full blog post → Transition Summer Knits into Fall
Ooey Gooey Cowl
Ooey Gooey Cowl by Andrea Mowry is here and ready to bring some playfulness to your fall wardrobe! This playful design makes colorwork a breeze, with no endless ends to weave in.
We’ve paired it with our newest yarn, Peninsula Yarns Suri Fluff, a cloudlike suri alpaca and silk blend, plus the shifting colors of Spincycle Dyed in the Wool. The result? A cozy, dynamic cowl you’ll pop on all season long.
Katia Infinity Scarf
Say hello to effortless color and cozy texture! This vibrant, beginner-friendly knit lets the yarn do all the heavy lifting. Using a beautiful self-striping yarn from Katia, each row reveals a new band of painterly color, no need to switch skeins or weave in extra ends. Knitted entirely in simple garter stitch, this scarf is a soothing, meditative project that’s perfect for fall evenings, weekend travels, or whenever you need a relaxing rhythm on your needles.
Riptide Scarfette
Allow this chic little accessory, perfect for adding just a touch of warmth and style, to become your favorite go-to this season. Knitted tip-to-tip, with two sizes to choose from, we’re featuring it in Magpie Fibers Swanky DK, a luxurious blend that gives this simple, stylish piece an elegant drape and sheen. A versatile, modern scarf that’s simple, stylish, and endlessly wearable.
Ovis Hat
Welcome the season with the Ovis Hat by Caitlin Hunter, featuring charming sheep motifs nestled into bold, graphic colorwork. We’ve paired this playful yet classic design with Kelbourne Woolens Scout, a lofty 100% wool yarn that brings warmth, structure, and gorgeous stitch definition to every row. Whether you're out for a coastal stroll or cozying up with your knitting at home, this hat adds a touch of rustic whimsy to any outfit.
Comebackigan
Texture, structure, and style - this cozy cardigan checks all the boxes. Knit in North Bay Fibers Elemental Sport, this vibrant, cropped cardigan brings a bold energy to your handmade wardrobe with a modern fit and timeless details. One that you’ll keep coming back again.
From the plush waffle-like texture to the crisp button band and generous patch pockets, every element is designed for wearability and flair. Elemental Sport’s soft but springy 3-ply structure gives the fabric beautiful bounce and stitch definition, perfect for showcasing this all-over textured stitch pattern.
Kits to keep you stitching…
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Featured in the shop!
Peninsula Yarn Suri Fluff
Just In! Say hello to Suri Fluff from Peninsula Yarns, a dreamy lace-weight blend of baby Suri alpaca and mulberry silk. It brings a soft halo, gentle shine, and cozy warmth to any project. Use it solo for something light and ethereal or pair it with another yarn for extra loft and texture.
Katia yarns have arrived at Monarch! Known for their playful colors and clever effects, these yarns are as fun to knit as they are to wear. From stripe-perfect sock yarns to soft, versatile blends, Katia brings fresh inspiration to every project. Come take a peek and see what’s new...
- Add a splash of color to your needles! Katia Symmetric Socks & More Illusion stripes effortlessly and is a soft, durable superwash blend. Perfect for socks and everyday knits & ready for everyday adventures.
- Katia Symmetric & More Degrade - flows through a full gradient with each ball, creating seamless color shifts. This soft yet sturdy wool/nylon blend is perfect for socks and just as stunning in sweaters and shawls.
- Katia Symmetric Socks & More Infinity - We're loving this clever, colorful yarn with a mirrored gradient. Just start your second sock at the undyed thread in the center and voilà…perfectly matched socks!
- Katia Polar Extreme is a soft, faux-fur style yarn that knits up fast on big needles (or even your fingers!). Perfect for voluminous bags, scarves, and statement accessories.
In case you missed it...
🦊 Fox & Pine Stitch Stoppers - Big Restock!
Our favorite stitch-saving cuties are back! We’ve restocked all the classics and added a few fun new shapes. These snug little stoppers keep your stitches secure and your project bag tidy. Grab your favorites before they disappear again!
🧵 Skein Coats - New Fabrics Just In!
Skein Coats are back and better than ever with tons of new fabric prints! These handy sleeves keep your yarn clean, contained, and tangle-free. An absolute must-have for knitters on the go.
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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. 
September
September 6th to October 11th
In-store Meet Up: Saturdays, 10:30 am to noon
Top Down Sweater Workshop: Novice Jr. Pullover
Saturdays, September 20th, 27th and October 4th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Crochet for Beginners Crochet with Kare
Wednesday, September 24th, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Building Block Series
Thursdays from noon to 1:00 pm
Fall Series: Sept. 25, Oct. 9 & 23, Nov. 6 & 20, & Dec 4
Winter Series: Jan 15 & 29, Feb 12 and 26, & March 12 & 26
Block Party Knit Groups: off-weeks from noon to 1:30 pm
October
Knitting 101
Saturdays, October 4th and 11th, from noon to 1:30 pm
Knitting 101
Tuesdays, October 7th and 14th, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Saturday, October 11th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Knitting 102
Saturdays, October 18th and 25th from noon to 1:30 pm
Fixing Mistakes 101
Saturday, October 18th, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Saturday, October 21st, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Saturday, October 25th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
November
Tuesday, November 4th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Plaid Crochet Workshop with Kare
Saturday, November 22nd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
