Dear Friends,
Things are finally settling into a normal routine two weeks after introducing Benny to our little household. I am back to playing cards and Mahjong with friends, and we even took our Sunday walk and had breakfast in Carmel. (Don’t worry, Benny was in his stroller, so his puppy feet did not touch the ground.) I am in a more normal work schedule and finding time to knit. Benny is already learning that stealing yarn is a big no-no!
I am just going to split the sleeves on The Classic by Espace Tricot. This sweater is just what I need, an easy and satisfying knit that I can set to the side when one of the dogs needs a bit of attention. The fabric created by the combination of Peninsula Yarns Glitter Fingering and Suri Fluff is so soft and cozy. I just have to decide if I want to keep the sweater as a turtleneck or sew the collar down for a crewneck. I tend to wear crewnecks a bit more…. Thoughts?
Are you leaning into fall vibes like we are at the shop? If you need a bit of inspiration, check our blog post, Cast on Cozy: Our Fall Project Picks. You will see what we are all casting on for fall. There is a vest, socks, a blanket, a cowl, and lots of sweaters. After looking through the projects, I might add a couple more things to my list!
Pam Powers from Ikigai and Amy Opie, the amazing knitwear designer, will be joining us at the shop on November 7th and 8th. Friday evening, Amy will be teaching a Color Workshop for 20 lucky attendees. You will have time to chat with Amy and Pam, have a glass of champagne, and peruse the Ikigai Trunk show. Pam will be teaching two crochet classes on Saturday: Granny Square Design and Crochet Borders for Knitters. The trunk show will be in the shop all day if you would like to stop by for a bit of color and community.
Knit, and be happy,
Ann
Highlights
Knit, Blog and be Happy!
🍂 Fall is calling and so are our needles! This week on the blog, the Monarch team is sharing their favorite yarns and cozy WIPs for the season. From cozy textures to projects we can’t put down, get inspired by what we’re casting on as the leaves start to turn. Get inspired ---> Cast On Cozy: Our Fall Project Picks
An Inspiring Ikigai Weekend Awaits!
Come sip, celebrate, and explore the art of color! Start Friday evening with a Color Workshop and Bubbles with Amy Opie workshop, complete with champagne, a one-on-one consultation, and an exclusive hat pattern. The fun continues Saturday at the shop! Pam and Amy will be here in person with the full Ikigai Trunk Show, plus two inspiring classes with Pam Powers:
🌸 Granny Square Design
🧶 Crochet Borders for Knitters
It’s a weekend full of color, creativity, and community - you won’t want to miss it!
BAO BAO Shawl
Float into fall with the softest, sweetest shawl around: this fun shawl is giving us all the retro vibes with its playful dip-stitch stripes and cozy triangle shape! We’ve kitted it up in mYak Tibetan Cloud, a woolen-spun dream that’s as airy as it is warm. Gentle on the hands, big on charm...This one’s a must-knit!
Pit Stop Bandana
Ready, set, knit! Inspired by checkered flags and built for speed, this fun design uses a fun mosaic stitch for high-impact results with minimal effort. We’ve paired it with vibrant shades of our Cypress Drift DK for a playful, head-turning finish. Whether you’re knitting for your furry co-pilot or accessorizing your own race-day look, this speedy little project is sure to cross the finish line in style. Should we knit one for little Benny?
Little Boat Socks
Sail away with these whimsical socks featuring cheerful sailboats bobbing along a sea of wavy stripes. Designed to delight, this playful pattern adds just the right touch of nautical charm to your sock drawer. We’ve kitted them up with Lang Jawoll, our go-to sock yarn for its durability, softness, and vibrant colors. Perfect for capturing every wave and mast! Whether you're knitting them for yourself or a seafaring friend, these socks are sure to make a splash.
Owl in the Thicket Hat
Hoot! Hoot! Twisting branches, hidden owls, and leafy details: this charming hat is like a woodland tale in stitches. Knit with cables and optional beaded eyes, it’s offered in both slouchy and beanie versions. We’re casting on with Magpie Fibers Swanky DK, a buttery-soft yarn that makes every cable pop. Pick your favorite fall shade and let the forest magic unfold.
The Classic
Your next go-to sweater has arrived: The Classic by Espace Tricot is everything its name promises - timeless, versatile, and effortlessly wearable. We’ve paired it with Peninsula Yarns Glitter Fingering and Suri Fluff for a fabric that’s light, soft, and with just a hint of sparkle for charm. With its simple raglan shaping and relaxed silhouette, The Classic is a staple you’ll reach for over and over, whether you’re knitting it in a bold hue or a wear-everywhere neutral.
Kits to keep you stitching…
here is a recap of last week's projects!
Featured in the shop!
✨ Stitch marker restock alert! ✨
The beloved Anna B. Stitch Markers are back, including the best-selling flower, hollow heart, and smiley face sets (they flew off the shelves last time!). Ann swears by her hollow heart set and is already eyeing the flowers…
We’ve also added two adorable new arrivals:
🍒 Red Cherries - So sweet and playful!
🖤 Black Hearts - A little love with a touch of edge!
Boxes of Ikigai arrived at the shop which means we have more Madison Cowls! This cute cowl flew off the shelves last time, so we've put together more kits. A cheerful gift option: Madison Cowl
In case you missed it...
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.
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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
Color Workshop and Bubbles with Amy Opie
Friday, November 7th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Granny Square Design with Pam Powers
Saturday, November 8th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Crochet Borders for Knitters with Pam Powers
Saturday, November 8th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Plaid Crochet Workshop with Kare
Saturday, November 22nd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Friday , November 28th and Saturday, November 29th
