News From the Shop
News From the Shop
Monika’s Quilt Shop
210 South Main
Park Rapids, MN 56470
218-732-3896
Greetings:
J
Monika’s Retreat
The retreat was quite popular. We will have another one when time permits.
We have added a new monthly activity to our schedule called “The Itch to Stitch”
club. We will meet every 2nd Monday each month from 2:00 PM to 4:00
PM in the classroom to do redwork, hardanger, X-stitch or any embroidery that
you would enjoy. There also is a redwork BOM available if you choose to do that
instead of bringing your own project. We have had our first get together and it
was a lot of fun for those folks that would like to learn. We have a lot of
members that will show you how to do it. This is not a class, however you will
definitely learn how to embroider and there is no charge, even the coffee is
free. Monika's Quilt & Yarn Retreat is planned for March. Scroll
down to find details and registration information.
See you at the shop,
Monika & the girls
PS A note from Mr. Monika...I finally have been able to get the MN Shop Hop recipes on to the Monika's Web Page. It has been a struggle and I have not proof read as well as I should. I believe I have removed all of the toxic and high calorie ingredients but there is no guarantee.
Mr. Monika..
"Recipe of the Month"
|
Monika's Sauerkraut |
|
| 4 strips of bacon, diced 1 cup chopped onion 2 pounds of sauerkraut 3 medium sized tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 cup meat broth or 1/2 cup meat broth & 1/2 cup white wine 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon caraway seeds Freshly ground black pepper |
Cook bacon until almost crisp, remove and set aside. Add onion and cook and stir until transparent, not brown. Add sauerkraut, apples, brown sugar, vinegar, caraway seeds, pepper, meat broth (or combination of broth and wine), and bacon bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until apple slices are tender. |
Recipes from Monika's
|
Red Cabbage |
|
|
Ingredients 1 quart shredded red cabbage 2 tart apples pealed, cored, and thinly sliced 5 tablespoons bacon drippings 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup water 1/2 cup cider vinegar 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
|
Place ingredients in a large, heavy skillet (not iron), bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and cook gently for about 20 minutes, or until cabbage is crisp and tender. Thicken juices with a teaspoon of cornstarch blended with a tablespoon of water if desired. |
|
Neiman Marcus Chili Blanco |
|
|
Ingredients 1 lb. dried great northern beans 2 lb. chicken breast 1 T. Olive oil 2 medium onions chopped 4 garlic cloves, chopped 2 count mild green chilies 4 oz. 2 t. ground cumin 1 ½ t. dried oregano, crumbled ¼ t. Cayenne pepper 6c. chicken broth 3 c. Montery Jack cheese, grated Sour cream, Salsa, Fresh cilantro chopped |
Place rinsed and cleaned beans in a heavy pot. Cover with at least 3 inches of water and soak overnight. Place chicken in large heavy saucepan add cold water to cover and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. (If time permits add cut up onions, celery, carrots, salt and pepper for flavor.) Drain, cool, remove skin, and cut into cubes. Drain and remove beans. Heat oil in bean pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, then chilies, cumin, oregano, cloves and cayenne and sauté 2 minutes. Add beans and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally, about two hours. Beans and chicken can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring chili bean mixture to simmer before continuing with recipe. Add chicken and one cup of cheese to chili and stir until cheese melts. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour cheese into large tureen. Place remaining cheese, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro in small bowls around the tureen so guests can add toppings of their choice. |
|
Wild Rice Soup |
|
|
Ingredients ½ c wild rice 1 lb. bacon 3 T. bacon drippings ¾ cups chopped celery 1 cup chopped onions 1/3 cup chopped green pepper 2- 14 ½ cans chicken broth 1- 4 oz can mushrooms |
Wash wild rice, boil for 15 minutes, drain, and set aside. Fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and discard all but 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings. Sauté celery, onion, and green peppers in drippings until onions are translucent. Put in a large kettle and add rice broth, mushrooms, soup, and diced bacon. Cook on low heat for one hour. Do not add salt. |
|
|
|
Remember…The thimbleberries evening meeting is now on Wednesday evening 6:00 p.m., before the first Thursday each month. TB meetings on Thursdays will stay the same but without the evening session. |
|
|
New Yarns |
|
| From Cascade |
Eco-Alpaca,
100% organic Alpaca, 220 yard worsted weight. This yarn is truly
wonderful product. Alpaca Lace, 100%baby Alpaca, 437 yards lace weight. This is a very fine and soft yarn. Ecological Wool, 100% organic Peruvian Highland wool, 478 yards 3 ½ st./inch This a very soft yarn just begging to be made into something to wear. Lana d’ Oro, 50% superfine Alpaca %0% wool, 219, beautiful colors, cuddly & soft |
| From Rowan |
Cash Soft DK,
57% extra fine merino, 33% acrylic microfiber, 10% cashmere, 142 yards.
5 ½ st. /inch This is a very soft yarn with great colors. Lima, 84% baby Alpaca, 8% merino wool, 8% nylon, 109 yards, st. /inch. This is great stuff, can’t wait to see it made up. Alpaca cotton, 72% Alpaca, 28% cotton An unusual combination that produces great results. Cocoon, 80% merino wool, 20% kid mohair, 126 yards, You won’t be able to keep your hands off this great yarn. Kidsilk Haze, 70% super Kid Mohair, 30% silk, 229 yards, silk weight, a truly wonderful yarn. |
| Miscellaneous…We have a new bamboo sock yarn from Kertzer as well as a new color palette in Encore worsted Marble DK and many new patterns and books to go with the new yarns. | |
Monika’s Quilt and Yarn Retreat
October 21-23
Join us at Northern Pines Assembly Ground in Park Rapids for a day or three of knitting and quilting in a cozy lodge setting. Take your pick of anywhere from one day to three days with 2 overnights. Stop in at Monika’s to see our featured retreat patterns, or bring your own that may have been growing dust lately!
Cost: $20/single day (lunch included), 8:00 a.m. - ?
$50/3 days (lunch included), 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 on the last day
$150/3 days, 2 nights (5 meals dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and breakfast), 8:00 a.m. – 4:00
Registration: Stop in or mail registration and check to Monika’s. Please make out checks to:
Monika’s
210 S. Main
Park Rapids, MN 56470
Lodging: Bring your own bedding, towel, soap and shampoo. Three lodges are
available for housing. The lodges have room for
9 – 10 with bunk beds and a shared bathroom and living area. Space is limited so
register early.
Any questions please contact Monika’s at (218) 732-3896 or monikas@unitelc.com
Registration Form
Name________ ____________________Phone_______________________________
Please check all that apply, you may come to either sessions or a day in each session.
Single Day (check one): Mon.___ Tues.___ Wed.___ Fri. ___ Sat. ___ Sun. ____
Three Day: Mon.-Wed.____ Fri. – Sun. ___
Overnight (3 day/2 night): Mon. – Wed. ____ Fri. – Sun. ___
MONIKA’S YARN SHOP 2012 WINTER CLASS LIST
Knitting skill level definitions
Beginner: No experience. Needs to learn and become proficient at the 4 basic skills; knit, purl, cast on & cast off. Needs to learn basic knitting terms and abbreviations and simple pattern reading.
Advanced Beginner: Has experience in casting on, knitting, purling and binding off. May have experience in increasing and decreasing. Is able to read and implement simple knitting instructions, is familiar with basic terms and abbreviations commonly used in knitting language and is beginning to complete simple finishing techniques. Has had at least some experience with double point and circular needles and is beginning to be able to make measure and use gauge swatches. Is able to begin using reference materials (how to books, instructional videos and the internet) for problem solving.
Intermediate: Is proficient in the skills listed in advanced beginner and is comfortable using circular and double point needles. Can work cable and yarn over patterns and can accomplish mid-level shaping and finishing techniques. Can fix mistakes and demonstrates ability to problem solve pattern and technique questions using the resources listed in the advanced beginner level.
Advanced: Is proficient in the skills listed in the intermediate level, and can work with intricate stitch patterns, fair isle and other multicolor techniques. Has experience with beading, intarsia and lace patterns. Is able to make pattern and gauge adjustments and has a refined understanding of shaping and finishing techniques.
CLASS POLICY:
Students must pay the class fee at the time of registration. Unless payment accompanies registration, student will not be considered registered for the class.
Students who cancel more than 10 days prior to class starting date will receive a full refund of the registration fee. Students canceling 3 to 10 days prior to the class start date will receive a 50% refund of the class fee. Students cancelling less than 3 days before the class will forfeit the class fee.
The instructor reserves the right to cancel the class up to one day prior to the first session/class.
KNIT-ALONG
Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Surprise Jacket
First meeting: Sunday, January 8 Time: 11 – 3 Bring snacks
To sign up, see yarn store staff.
BEGINNING CROCHET: Skill level—Beginner
Date: Wednesday, January 18; remaining 2 sessions tbd
Time: 2-5 Fee: $40 Instructor: Jan Scott
Class minimum: 2
Class maximum: 6
Learn all the basics of crochet while creating a dishcloth or potholder, and then using your new skills begin working on a coaster with finer thread. Students will also learn common abbreviations and symbols used in crochet.
Supply list:
INTRODUCTION TO FAIR ISLE (STRANDED) KNITTING: skill level--intermediate
Date: Saturday, January 21 Time: 1 – 4 Fee: $30
Instructor: Arleen Larson
Class minimum: 2
Class maximum: 6
This class will continue your exploration of multiple-color knitting as you learn how to knit with one color in each hand. This old traditional technique from Fair Isle and Scandinavia uses charts to create beautiful color patterns in your knitting. Students will construct a hat during the class while learning to manipulate two colors into each row.
Supply list:
YOU’VE GOT STEEKS AND YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THEM: skill level-- intermediate
Prerequisite: Previous experience in knitting Fair Isle (stranded) knitting
Note: Session times are approximate. Some may run longer.
First Session: Saturday, February 4: 10 – 12
Second Session: Saturday, February 25: 10 – 12
Third Session: Saturday, March 10: 9 - 12:30
Fee: $45
Instructor: Arleen Larson
Class minimum: 3
Class maximum: 10
If the thought of cutting into your knitting makes you woozy, this is the class for you. Although traditionally, knitting garments as a tube and then cutting the center front for cardigans, slits for armholes, and curves for necks was reserved for Fair Isle or stranded knitting, plain knit garments can be made using the same technique. You will learn how to insert extra stitches into your knitting (called steeks) where the cutting will be done, your anxiety will fade, and you will have discovered a new world of sweater construction.
Be aware that there will be lots of knitting homework for this class.
Session I: Begin knitting a Fair Isle sampler and inserting center front steeks
Session II: Continue knitting sampler and insert armhole and neck steeks
Session III: Cut and finish steeks; pick up stitches for sleeves and neck
Supply list:
This is a chance to bust your stash of lots of left-over colors—as many as
you want. You need at least 2 colors, but the more the better. You’ll
need about 400 yards total. (I will provide both a simple chart and a
complicated chart. This is a good chance to practice your stranding
technique, so I hope you’ll choose the more difficult charts. You must use
at least two colors and you can do the entire sampler with just two colors
and the simpler chart if you don’t have lots of leftovers.)
DOUBLE KNITTING WITH TWO COLORS: Skill level--Intermediate
Date: Sunday, February 5 Time: 1 - 4 Fee: $30
Instructor: Cindy Main
Class minimum: 1
Class maximum: 6
Double knitting creates a wonderfully warm knitted fabric two layers thick. Both layers are knit in the same row of knitting. In this class you’ll learn to knit a scarf with color-work on both sides of the scarf, so your scarf will be completely reversible. Choose from two different scarf designs.
Supply list:
BEGINNING KNITTING: Skill level--Beginner
2 Sessions
Date: Monday, Feb. 13 Time: 12-2 Fee: $30
Date of second session will be determined after the first class.
Instructor: Sonja Tangen
Class minimum: 1
Class maximum: 5
This is a class for those who have never knit before. Learn the four basic knitting skills: cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
Supplies will be purchased at the first class session.
SOCKS ON TWO CIRCULAR NEEDLES (aka SOCKS WITHOUT STICKS):
Skill level—Intermediate
Date: Saturday, March 3 Time: 9 -12:30 Fee: $30.00
Instructor: Arleen Larson
Class minimum: 2
Class Maximum: 5
This is a class for those who have never knit socks before, or those who are already sock knitters but would like to put aside all those double-pointed needles and learn a faster, much easier way to knit small diameters in the round. We will be knitting a small sock that you can use as a model for all your sock knitting. This tiny sock will teach you all the basic techniques used to make socks of any size or weight of yarn. Instructor will stay beyond the allotted class time if students need more time to finish knitting their sock.
Supply list:
INTRODUCTION TO CABLES—Skill level: Advanced Beginner
Date: Sunday, March 4 Time: 1 - 3 Fee: $20
Instructor: Sonja Tangen
Class minimum: 2
Class maximum: 6
This class will introduce you to knitted cables. Although cables look difficult, the technique is very simple. Once you master one simple cable, you’ll have the tools to do any of these beautiful structures that add depth and texture to your knitting. Students will practice knitting many different cables during the class.
Supply list:
ADVANCED BEGINNERS PROJECT PLANNING: Skill level—Advanced Beginner
Date: Sunday, March 18 Time: 1-4 Fee: $25
Instructors: Sonja Tangen, Cynthia Smith, Cindy Main, Arleen Larson
Class minimum: 2
Class maximum: none
If you’ve mastered the basics of knitting and are wishing to take on a new project but don’t know where to start or how to choose projects and supplies, this is the class for you. We’ll suggest appropriate projects, help you choose supplies, walk you through the pattern to make sure you understand how to read it and how to do all the techniques it includes. You’ll leave with your project on the needles, and the skills to finish it at home.
KNITTING REFRESHER
Sonja is offering private classes at your convenience for those who knew how to knit at one time but are rusty and would like to freshen up their skills. These classes are taught on an individual basis, so if you’re interested contact Sonja at Monika’s either Fridays or Saturdays (732-3896) to make an appointment. Fee is $10/hour.
WATCH FOR THESE CLASSES COMING THIS WINTER
Advanced Beginner Project Planning
Double Knit Mitten
Socks on Two Circular Needles
You’ve Got Steeks and Aren’t Afraid to Use Them!
Beginning Crochet
Dates to REMEMBER
Itch to Stitch Club...2nd Monday each Month 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Thimbleberries Club 1st
Thursday of each month 9:30 AM 2:00 PM
The 6:00 p.m. evening session has been moved to the Wednesday before the
first Thursday.
Fiber Fanatics 4th Wednesday each month 2:00-4:00
Fat Quarter Frenzy 4th Friday each month. All fat quarters and fat eights go on sale.
Open Knitting & Crochet...every Wednesday 2:00-4:00 PM Bring needle work of your choice and spend some time with us.
Twisted Stitcher's Fiber Guild (not affiliated with Monika's)... 3rd Saturday of the month at Monika's. 9:00- 11:00 For anyone who likes working with fiber. 15 minute presentation by a member on a different subject every time. Show & Tell. Work on your projects.
So come and see us at the shop and bring some show & tell things, we just love to see what you have been creating.
Click a button to learn more about Monika's
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |