The Advent Calendar Is Back (and We're So Excited!)
Dear Friends,
This note will be brief as I am heading off to shop at H+H Chicago. It is truly inspiring to walk the trade show floor. There will be so many new things coming to the shop over the next few months. I wish we had a bigger store and an unlimited budget!
Pre-orders for Monarch Knitting’s 2026 Advent Calendar are now live. The calendar is filled with lovely yarns, fun little surprises, and a few special treats along the way. This year, you can choose the bag in which you would like us to package the calendar. As always, I have one rule in mind: it’s something I’d happily use myself or gift to a friend.
If you would like more information about the Monarch Advent Calendar, Leslie Friend chatted about last year’s calendar in her YouTube video “A Friend to Knit With.” You should check out her other videos, too; she is one of my favorite podcasters.
I hope you enjoy all the goodies in this week’s newsletter. The Astrid Sweater, oh, that one is trouble for me! It’s just the kind of thing I love to wear. I need to knit faster!
Knit and be happy!
Ann
Highlights
A Season of Stitches
Our 2026 Advent Calendar is here for preorder! Inspired by the coast and thoughtfully curated with 24 days of delightful surprises, this year’s Season of Stitches Advent is filled with a joyful mix of whimsy, practicality, and everyday magic. Each item is something we’d happily use ourselves or gift to a friend, making this a truly special way to count down the holiday season.
Explore all the details online: Monarch Knitting 2026 Advent Calendar
Nebulae Shawl
We were instantly smitten with Nebulae by Joji Locatelli, a soft, crescent-shaped shawl with delicate lace and an effortless, flowing shape. We’re knitting it in two colors of Merino Silk Fingering for a light, luminous fabric with beautiful drape. An easy yes for your queue.
Colossal Fluff Up
Playful, bold, and full of personality, the Colossal Fluff Up by Casapinka is a shawl that’s all about joy. Featured for LYS Day, this frilly, statement-making design brings together texture, movement, and a touch of whimsy. We’re pairing Hedgehog Fibres Twist Sock with a coordinating fingering skein for a bold, colorful take on this fun piece.
Dern Kerchief
A perfect in-between-projects knit, and a lovely way to treat yourself to a single skein, the Dern Kerchief is a sweet, versatile accessory that’s as fun to knit as it is to wear. Knit with Woolfolk Tynd, it’s a quick, satisfying project with a soft, refined finish, perfect for an easy cast-on and a great all-season accessory.
Frilly Gingham Socks
A delightful way to bring colorwork into your sock knitting, these cute socks by Polite Duck Studio are playful, cheerful, and full of charm. We’ve paired three colors of Lang Jawoll to create bright, spring-ready combinations. A fun, feel-good project that adds a little color, and a lot of personality, to your knitting.
Astrid Sweater
The Astrid Sweater is a simple, elegant knit that lets the fabric shine. We’re pairing Knitting for Olive Merino with Soft Silk Mohair, one of our favorite combinations, for a soft, airy fabric with a delicate halo. Truly dreamy!
Kits to keep you stitching…
In case you missed out on these featured favorites, here is a recap of last week's projects!
Otto Baby Sweater • Verdina Socks
Featured in the Shop
Salty Blonde Fibers Sock Sets
Perfect for contrast cuffs, heels, and toes or a playful pop of color, these sock sets are soft, vibrant, and so much fun to knit. Smooth, lightweight, and full of personality, it’s an easy choice for socks and small projects!
In case you missed it...
Peninsula Yarn Merino Silk Fingering
Soft, luminous, and quietly luxurious, Merino Silk Fingering blends 21-micron non-superwash merino with mulberry silk for a fabric with beautiful sheen and elegant drape. With a palette of soft, muted tones, this yarn is ideal for shawls, garments, and pieces you’ll treasure for years to come.
Back in stock! Lenny Mudd Yarn Bowls
These charming, handcrafted ceramic yarn bowls from Lenny Mud are as functional as they are delightful. With a smooth swirl cutout to keep your yarn feeding neatly, and no more runaway skeins, they’re the perfect companion for your knitting nook. Practical, sturdy, and full of personality, just the kind of tool that makes stitching even sweeter.
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
May
Ribbon Street Pop Up Shop
Friday, May 1st to Tuesday, May 26th
A Cardigan Crochet along with Kare
Saturdays, May 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th, and June 6th and 13th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Knitting 102: The Sophie Scarf
Saturdays, May 9th and 16th, from 12:30 pm to 2:00pm
Knitting 101
Thursdays, May 14th and 21st, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Fixing Mistakes 101
Saturday, May 23rd, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm
Crochet for Beginners with Kare
Saturday, May 23rd, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
June
Knitting 101
Saturdays, June 6th and 13th, from 10:00 am to noon
Follow along for more Basher and Benny boop content! @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!
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Photo Credits: Monarch Knitting, Patterson Puptography, Some Kit Favorites and projects of the week found via links and/or Ravelry.
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