Meet people. Try projects. Find a piece of ewe.Yarn Blog
Stop by weekly and learn more about knitting and crocheting, shop our online yarn store, and check out all of our different types of yarn. We also have great
yarns for fiber arts projects.
Weekly: Facebook Lives
March 24, 2023
🧶Stop in-store April 29th, 2023 for our Local Yarn Store Day & 5th Saturday! 20% off what you can fit in your 5th Saturday bag. Loyalty 6 box program.
4/29 in-store only. We are OPEN 10 - 3 pm today. See you there 💜
Weekly: Facebook Lives
March 20, 2023
Join us weekly for our Facebook Lives with Susan! We meet 3 times a week, with some amazing project ideas, new yarn, and tips and tricks on how to use the stash you're holding onto. You don’t have to watch live either. Hope to see you soon on Facebook Live or in the store! We would absolutely love for you to stop in or share with a friend.
See our Schedule below:
- Pop Up: Tuesdays On Facebook Live
-
Stash Buster: Thursdays On Facebook Live
My stash is primarily fingering weight as you probably guessed; what is your stash comprised of?
If you want new ideas, Susan does a weekly “Stash Buster Thursday” live on our Facebook page
every Thursday at 9:30 am EST. If you have something in your stash that needs guidance, send me a message or stop in and
I would love to help you out! -
Live Selling: Saturday On Facebook Live
A Piece of Ewe Live Selling, Saturdays at 11:30 am EST. Join Susan live for fun AProject Kits and fantastic color combinations of yarn!
Green Yarn Features
March 10, 2023
New Crochet Classes
March 7, 2023
Register for our Beginner Tunisian Crochet Class starting March 13th! Grab your spot before they're all gone! This is a prerequisite to our upcoming Tunisian Crochet Sampler Shawl Class! ;-) Click the link for access and more!
Lucky Bucks
March1, 2023
Please stop in and visit us anytime during March and earn some Lucky Bucks for your next purchase! For every $10 you spend (pre-tax), you will earn $1 in Lucky Bucks. There is no limit; in-store through 4/15/23. Not redeemable for cash.
Fiberside Chat
February 22, 2023
Yoga for your Knitting & Crochet Rhythm!
Mary Ann will be sharing the healing aspects of knitting and crocheting. The class will cover gentle hand and shoulder movements to relax the muscles you use most. We’ll explore knitting and crocheting as a form of meditation incorporating the sounds of the Tibetan singing bowls. Join this class to combine your passions or learn a new compliment to your needlework!
Mary Ann Gebhardt has studied yoga and meditation for over 40 years. She is a registered member of the Yoga Alliance E-500 hour and a Chopra Certified Instructor. She runs workshops on mindful practices such as knitting meditations and sound meditations using Tibetan singing bowls. Her deep respect for meditation comes in part from her experience working as a Medical Technologist in Hematology and Open Heart Surgery at Hackensack Medical Center. There she witnessed first-hand the powerful connection between the mind and body in the healing process.
Mary Ann began knitting at age seven and started yoga in her twenties. Picking up her needles and quietly sitting to knit is pure peace for Mary Ann. Instagram @Mary_Ann_Gebhardt www.yogabymaryann.com
This is a live Zoom Event on Sunday, February 26th at 1:00pm Eastern, 12:00pm Central, 11:00am Mountain, 10:00am Pacific
This Fiberside Chat will be recorded - a link to the recording will be available for one week and shared with registered attendees only.
Register Here
$300 Gift Card - Free Yarn Every Month
February 20, 2023
This gift certificate does not expire and can be used on any purchase online or in the store. Must be purchased by February 28, 2023, to be eligible for the free skein of fingering/sock yarn (retail value up to $18 each month or $216 total for the year).
Watch Susan’s Facebook Live video about all the details here!
There is no cash value to the monthly coupon, so if you buy a sock yarn for less than $18, no cash will be given. If you purchase a fingering/sock yarn that is more than $18, you will pay the difference. We can ship the yarn if you pay the shipping fee.
We Love Ewe 14% Off Sale
February 12, 2023
Project Bag Bingo - See if you can win a $30 gift card
February 1, 2023
Get It Done, Knit & Crochet Along
January 5, 2023
Are you like me and the New Year is a time for New Beginnings (i.e., NEW PROJECTS!)?
Well, this year I thought I would try something NEW and I would try and finish up some of my old “new beginnings”. As a result, A Piece of Ewe is hosting our first annual “Get It Done” KAL/CAL!
What does this mean for you? Gather together some of your favorite projects that for some reason fell to the back of the cubby, the shelf, the bookcase, the tote, and let’s Get Them Done!
Each month, you will choose a project to finish that month. It doesn’t have to be a huge project, but it needs to take at least a couple of days to finish. What I mean is that it can’t be just to Kitchener a toe on a sock or do the ribbing on one sleeve.
I started this project in January of 2020 and then COVID hit, and I became the master of the Facebook Live and I was too tired at the end of the day to finish this beautiful sweater. I need a sleeve and a half to complete the project, so it just needs to be done!
Now, your project doesn’t need to be a sweater (I just have a lot of ½ sleeved sweaters in my “someday I will finish these” bookshelf). It could be a shawl that has been in time out, it could be a half dozen socks that need the toes finished, etc.
Post a picture on our Facebook post regarding the “Get it Done! KAL/CAL or send us an email info@apieceofewe.com with a picture by January 10th. Let us know if we can post your pic on Facebook. We will all post a picture at the end of the month with our finished projects! Watch our Facebook page for finished projects as we will all post a FINISHED PROJECT by the end of each month! All who finish a posted project by the end of each month, will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to A Piece of Ewe!
The KAL/CAL runs from January-April with a winner chosen each month! If you can’t submit one month, join in the fun the next month. You won’t regret getting those projects DONE!
I know I can’t wait to wear my finished sweater! What are you going to finish this month?
December Check-In
December 16, 2022
How is December ½ way over? Christmas is almost here. Are your loved ones asking you what you want from Christmas? Below are some items
you may want to purchase or add to your Christmas list. Best of all, there is no hassle for you or your loved one playing Santa!
Register Before Slots Close!
As we approach Christmas and the New Year, we want to ensure you’re in the loop! Starting off with our winter classes, registration has opened up,
and all available courses can be found on our site. Our courses range from beginner knitting/beginner crochet courses to sessions focusing on
specific garments like sweaters, socks, and even blankets!
Join the 2nd Sunday Club!
This yearly membership is an opportunity to have dedicated knitting/crocheting time with like-minded souls. 2nd Sundays include special events such
as exclusive make & takes, raffles, and trunk show previews. This membership also gives members 10% off all purchases on Club Sundays. This
membership is $110 for a limited time only! Purchase before Christmas day and snag this membership for a fantastic deal! Any purchases after
Christmas will be $20/month made out as an annual payment, totaling up to $240, Registration ends on January 7th.
Gift Cards: The Perfect Gift For Yarn Lovers!
You can never go wrong with an A Piece of Ewe gift card! This gift works perfectly for any knitter and will get them that particular item they’ve been window shopping for! There’s no better time of year to gift one than now!
The store will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day for our team to spend time with their families!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and news!
November Project Kits
November 25th, 2022
This month we are featuring the Capo! Is it a caplet with armholes or a poncho? I think it’s a little bit of both so
I named it “Capo”! This top is a fun layering piece that is super cozy and really easy to make too. This simple
sleeveless top is snug but not too warm, for when there's an unexpected warm front. It’s worked seamlessly in
the round from the bottom up and uses bulky-weight yarn. Each kit contains five skeins of Juniper Moon Beatrix
(54% merino, 30% angora, 16% nylon). The pattern is available on Ravelry for $5.50. Stop by and pick one up or
add it to your phone order with your purchase from Facebook Lives. Get a better look here!
Next up is the bide shawl.Bide is such a quiet word. It speaks of stillness, steadiness, and learning to stay. Sometimes
it means being able to endure: to bide a winter storm is to withstand its mighty winds. Sometimes it’s just a gentle 
visit: bide awhile, put your feet up, get comfortable, and catch up on all the chat. One definition for bide is “to wait calmly
for a good opportunity to do something” which is delightfully specific. There’s so much in that one line. Patience, wisdom,
and also a kind of peaceful optimism. If you know how to bide your time, you must trust that something wonderful is coming.
The pressure to rush around in an exciting holiday whirl seems to come just at the time when the urge to remain close to
home and loved ones and quiet pursuits is strongest. It requires a calm and steady intention to stay put instead of saying
yes to every invitation and opportunity that comes along. It takes a willingness to bide.
Knit from bulky yarn with simple texture and eyelet rows, a smart garter border and playful tassels, this triangular shawl is a deeply satisfying, quick knit. It makes an exceptional present as it’s achievable even at the last minute but is substantial enough to make quite the impression. It would also be a lovely thing to knit for yourself, for those cozy moments biding by the fire. Gain access to the project kit which is currently on sale here!
Join The Fun & Register For The 2nd Sunday Club
November 16th, 2022
A Piece of Ewe would like to kick off the holiday season with a special promotion just for ewe!
We are currently presenting an opportunity to join the 2nd Sunday Club, a chance to collaborate
and network with like-minded individuals! Prepare for special events such as raffles, make and takes,
and trunk show previews as well as 10% off all purchases made on Club Sundays. Brace yourself for
even more deals when you join by December 22nd and get one session free, plus a free 2nd Sunday
tote bag (total value of $135 for just $110) Sign up here to gift someone special, or yourself
a year's worth of 2nd Sunday fun days!
November Check In
November 9, 2022This November kicks off our holiday season! We have a lot of exciting promotions and events going on
and we want to give you the rundown! Here’s everything you need to know for the rest of November!
We are conducting weekly drawings in celebration of our18 year anniversary! Tune in Monday mornings
at 9:30 throughout this month to see if you are a lucky winner!
The next Fiberside chat is set for Sunday, November 20th at 1:00 pm via Zoom! This event features Bristol Ivy,
join her as she breaks down the simple math behind pi shawls and how one can expand on it to make their own personalized pi shawl! For those who are interested, click here for more information.
We are closed on both Thanksgiving eve and day. Susan will be hosting a Facebook live for
Black Friday, be sure to arrive on time at 9:30 and secure your kit while supplies last! Stop by for
Small Business Saturday for our mystery bags ranging
between $5-$75 and more!
Celebrate Our 18th Anniversary With Us!
November 1, 2022
A Piece of Ewe turns 18 on November Fourth! We wouldn't be here without the support and engagement of loyal customers and community members like you! This month expect four chances to win a free kit! All interested participants must make a purchase the week prior to each drawing and tune into our weekly Facebook live broadcasts for the big reveal! Tune in at 9:30 AM on November 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th to see who the lucky winners will be!
Wool & Whisky With A Piece Of Ewe!
October 20th, 2022
We are so excited to announce an amazing once in a lifetime experience!
In collaboration with Rowan Tree Travel and Fibercraft, A Piece of Ewe has planned a ten day tour through the beautiful and historic country of Scotland. Be prepared to take in all the attractions of the rich culture and enjoy whisky from some of the world’s best distilleries. Appreciate the vibrant Scottish fiber community through visits with artisans, farms, shops and mills. Also prepare to experience the iconic, breathtaking Scottish scenery and a wonderful array of cuisine. It's going to be an absolutely unbeatable, sheep-on-green-hillsides, kilt-sighting, ocean-crashing-on-cliff-walls, sticky- pudding-tasting adventure. Join us! Click here for more details including the trip itinerary and access to the registration form.
October Project Kits
October 14th, 2022
Now that fall is truly here, we have some great recommendations for knitters of all levels! Our first kit focuses on a bottom
up knit (The 27 Color Snood) and is a great option for advanced beginners.The kit includes one 27 Color Bundle and four
50 gram hanks of Woolstok. This style offers an opportunity to add some variety to your fall wardrobe without having to
compromise warmth and comfort.The pattern can be found on Ravelry for $6 and the kit can be found here on our
online yarn store website.
The Persimmon wrap is another garment that is very ideal for this time of year due to its lightweight texture. The wrap is a
very versatile piece, especially with its potential to be worn one way and then reversed. This particular kit contains five
skeins of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light.The pattern is available on Ravelry for $6 and the kit can be found here on our
online yarn store website.
Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 10th, 2022
In honor of this holiday, A Piece of Ewe would love to take this time out to discuss a knitting style that originated from The First Nation people of the Cowichan Valley, located in southern British Columbia. This style of knitting always includes a distinctive design that would highlight geometric shapes and wildlife like deer, eagles, and whales. Historically, Cowichan women would knit such sweaters out of cedar bark fibers as well dog and goat hair. Many knitters use certain patterns that depict personal stories, allowing such patterns to hold symbolic meaning. A key factor in spotting an authentic Cowichan garment would be to check if it is made out of unprocessed bulky home-spun wool. Authentic Cowichan garments are usually labeled “Genuine Cowichan”, which is used to protect against the imitations and sets guidelines for other designers.
I Love Yarn Day Buy Back Event 
October 4th, 2022
It's back! The I Love Yarn Day Buy Back Event. Do you have yarn you really don’t know why you bought?
Do you have those one or two extra skeins you thought you needed for a project, but you didn’t need the
extra after all? Do you have yarn that doesn’t speak to you like it did when you bought it?
Don’t beat yourself up, we all have those balls of yarn that don’t make us want to find a project and
cast on! We just keep shoving them in the back of the cabinet or box or bin hoping one day…
OR you could come to our Annual I Love Yarn Buy Back Sale at A Piece of Ewe!
When is it you ask?
Saturday, October 8th from 10 am-2 pm
What is a “buyback sale”?
A Piece of Ewe yarn store will be giving you a $1 per pound (up to 25 lbs, and that’s a lot of yarn!) in the form of
store credit to use in the store THAT DAY! Not only will you get to the part with those nagging balls of yarn,
but you can get new yarn that day that you really want to knit or crochet!
We just ask that the yarn is free from smells (smoke, mustiness, lavender, mothballs). We will have a table
set up and scales so we can weigh your yarn right then! All yarns turned in for this promotion will be donated
to area charities so they will find a good home after all.
Bring your patterns and check out our website so we can help you find the perfect items to use your voucher
money on. The voucher is only good on Saturday, Oct 8th and is good on anything in the store.
Fall AProject Kits 
September 29th, 2022
The weather here in Michigan is getting chilly, but we don't mind. It's the perfect time
to get some fantastic projects done. The half-moon shawl (The 14 color Woolstok Light Shawl)
is a great project to keep your knitting interesting with alternating slip-stitch patterns of
dots and stripes, punctuated by rows of eyelets. With a deep, knit-on border that finishes
off this colorful and must-have piece it could be the perfect gift. The pattern is available
on Ravelry for $6.00. You can find this knitting kit here on our online yarn store website.
The Amulett Hat is a colorful slouchy hat knit sideways, with short rows creating rainbow 
gemstones. It is meant to have a slight negative ease initially, as the garter stitch tends
to stretch and relax a bit with time. If you want a larger hat you can just add an extra
repeat of the two charts. The sample is knit as the pattern states. You will get really good
at knitting short rows. We use stitch markers to indicate where we did a short row so if you do it
that way too, you will need about 14 stitch markers (not included in the kit). Each kit
contains (1) skein of Schoppel Edition 3 (100% Extrafine Superwash Merino, 164 yds)
and (1) skein of a coordinating solid sport weight yarn. The pattern is available on Ravelry for $8.
You can find this knitting kit here on our online yarn store website.
Don't Forget About Your Yarn Crawl Cash
September 16th, 2022
As most of you know and were there! Our very first Middle of The Mitten Yarn Crawl was a huge success. So we wanted to thank all of you who participated in the crawl again with a little gift.
We are giving you $5 off your $25 purchase when you bring in your yarn crawl passport or bag to any of the participating yarn crawl stores in September.
Each store keeps their own hours so please check your passport for information. Remember A Piece of Ewe is open 10 am - 3 pm Monday - Saturday, and open til 7:30 pm on Tuesdays!
Crochet & Knitting Classes For Fall
August 27th, 2022
Happy September to you! We have been busy getting ready for our fall classes. They start mid
September and go through mid October. There are so many to choose from. There's Beginner
Crochet, Beginner Tunisian Crochet, Beginner Knitting, The Harvest Sweater Evening and Daytime,
Beginner Sweater, Plein Air Pullover, Two At A Time Cuff Down Socks, Leafy Beanie Hat, Fluxus Shawl,
and Beginner Socks to choose from. They are all at various times so we can hopefully fit them into your schedule.
You can sign up for any of them here in our online yarn store.
Upcoming Fiberside Chats
August 19th, 2022
Have you signed up for one of the Fiberside Chats? These next few in chats throughout September
and October are planned to be out of this world fun! Starting with Melanie Berg on September 11th.
Then, on September 25th Vivian Hoxbro will be back (if you missed her the first time you don't want
to miss out this time). As if that wasn't enough, in October Nancy Bates and Stephanie Pearl McPhee
will be our Fiberside Chat hosts.
Melanie Berg (September 11th, 2022) will chat about what turns a project into a true favorite, how to make
sure you'll get a lot of wear out of it and what's currently on her needles. She will also give you a sneak
peek on upcoming designs. This is a live Zoom Event on Sunday, September 11th at 1:00pm Eastern. This chat
will be recorded and the Zoom link will be sent the evening before as well as about 1 hour before the event.
To sign up for this fiberside chat head to this site and sign up under A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop here.
Vivian Foxboro (September 25th, 2022) will be chatting about traditional Danish knitting. For instance, what do
you do when you find there aren’t any books on your home country’s knitting heritage? Well, if you’re Vivian Hoxbro
– you make it your mission to write that missing book. Visiting her local museum and others, she has diligently
measured, photographed and drawn the patterns of 89 historical sweaters and six years later her book
Traditional Danish Sweaters (including 200 patterns and 11 sweater designs) was complete. She will be zooming
in live from Denmark. This is a live Zoom Event on Sunday, September 25th at 1:00pm Eastern. This chat
will be recorded and the Zoom link will be sent the evening before as well as about 1 hour before the event.
To sign up for this fiberside chat head to this site and sign up under A Piece of Ewe Yarn Shop here.
Nancy Bates (October 9th, 2022) will be chatting about her new book - Knitting The National Parks. It's a
beanie-knitting journey through all 63 U.S. national parks! You can find out what it takes to turn nature into knitting,
where the inspiration comes from, and why hats are a great place to learn a new skill. She'll talk about choosing 
colors, adding embellishments, and having fun while you’re doing it. Discover the joy of creating a project that’s
not only fun and beautiful, but also brings back memories of special places with the people we love. This is a live
Zoom Event on Sunday, October 9th at 1:00pm Eastern. This chat will be recorded and the Zoom link will be sent
the evening before as well as about 1 hour before the event. To sign up for this fiberside chat head to this site
and sign up under A Piece of Ewe yarn Shop here.
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (October 23rd, 2022) will berg coming to us with strange and true facts about knitting
along with some history and stories. Did you know that some mirror neurons, stilts, a red pair of stockings and
the truth about video games go into the French Revolution? While we can't pretend that’s the set up for a
good joke when you join her for her chat she will tell you what they have in common.
(Hint: It’s knitting, and everything about it that is strange but true and it’s going to be a lot of fun.) This is a live
Zoom Event on Sunday, October 23rd at 1:00pm Eastern. This chat will be recorded and the Zoom link will be sent 
the evening before as well as about 1 hour before the event. To sign up for this fiberside chat head to this site
and sign up under A Piece of Ewe Yarn Shop here.
Thank You For Coming Out To The Middle Of The Mitten
Yarn Crawl 2022
August 12th, 2022
Our very first Middle of The Mitten Yarn Crawl was a huge success. We wanted to take a moment and thank all of you who participated in the crawl and we hope you had a fabulous fiber adventure.
Since we had so much fun with the yarn crawl we have decided to give you $5 off your $25 purchase when you bring in your yarn crawl passport or bag to any of the participating yarn crawl stores in September.
Each store keeps their own hours so please check your passport for information. Remember A Piece of Ewe is open 10 am - 3 pm Monday - Saturday, and open til 7:30 pm on Tuesdays!
AProject Kit Perfect For Summertime
August 5th, 2022
We know in the Summer we tend to want a lighter project or two so we have found you the Frosted Shawl.
The Frosted Shawl is a crescent-shaped shawl with simple stitch patterns and intuitive shaping.
It is worked on the bias, starting at the tip of the shawl with a few cast-on stitches, and is finished
with spaced picots along the bind-off edge at the opposite side. The shaping is done with simultaneous
increases along one side and partial bind-offs at the opposite side of the knitted fabric, gradually
increasing the total number of stitches as you progress. The curved, almost swirling shape, occurs
naturally as a result of the different stitch patterns’ tensions. We are making the small version so
each kit contains (1) skein of KFI Indulgence Kettle Dyed fingering (75% wool, 25% polyamide,
494 yards) and (1) skein of either Ella Rae Silky Kid (76% Super Kid Mohair, 24% Silk, 219 yards)
or (1) skein of Berroco Aerial (65% Super Kid Mohair, 35% Silk, 284 yards). Total yardage required
for the small is 400 yards for the main color (fingering) and 190 yards for the contrast (mohair).
The pattern is available on Ravelry for $6.50. You can find this knitting project kit in our online yarn shop here.
Don't Miss Out On The Middle Of The Mitten Yarn Crawl
July 21st, 2022
Many of you have participated in the I-75 Yarn Crawl in the past but it isn't happening this year.
So we have made our own for mid-Michigan! It is The Middle Of The Mitten Yarn Crawl.
Grab your friends and go on a fiber adventure! You can explore 13 of mid-Michigan's favorite
yarn shops and discover new yarns, pick-up pins for your tote bags, and win some great
prizes! This year's Yarn Crawl will be from Thursday, July 28th through Saturday, August 6th.
The Yarn Crawl is centrally located in mid-Michigan and includes 13 shops, from
Brighton to Clare to Bay City to Alpena.
We will be bringing back the paper passports! We love these as it is a pocket guide
to each shop, their address, special yarn crawl hours, and specific directions to get
there. Paper passports are great as you can write down notes in the margins!
The Middle Of The Mitten yarn Crawl will also have a limited edition souvenir project
bag you won't want to miss and each shop will have it's own logo pin you can attach
to your bag! Order yours when you order your passport and they will both be waiting
for you at your specified shop.
Each store has it's own hours so please check your passport for information and to
plan your route. Inside the front cover of the passport is a map of all the stores to help
you plan your adventure.
Don't forget to turn in your coupon (out of your passport) at the last shop to be eligible for prizes!
Sign up for all the yarn crawl fun here.
New Project Kits For July 
July 16th, 2022
Who's ready for new project kits for July? We have a couple that are sooo pretty. The first one
is our Blossoms Garden Yarn Club. It's so popular there are only four colorways left! The second
one we have this week is the Frosted Shawl. The way this shawl lays in it's crescent shape
is just beautiful.
The Blossoms Garden Yarn Club kits are either fingering weight (80% superwash merino, 20%
nylon, 425 yards) or sport weight (100% superwash merino, 344 yards) depending on the
month. We will indicate which one in the product name. Each kit contains an exclusive
gradient cake, an exclusive stitch marker, inspiration postcard, and a pattern from Frabjous
Fibers designed specifically for that yarn. These kits have limited quantities and are only
sold in yarn shops who have subscribed to this club. You can find them in our online yarn shop here.
The Frosted Shawl is a crescent-shaped shawl with simple stitch patterns and intuitive shaping. It is 
worked on the bias, starting at the tip of the shawl with a few cast-on stitches, and is finished
with spaced picots along the bind-off edge at the opposite side. The shaping is done with
simultaneous increases along one side and partial bind-offs at the opposite side of the knitted
fabric, gradually increasing the total number of stitches as you progress. The curved, almost
swirling shape, occurs naturally as a result of the different stitch patterns’ tensions. We are
making the small version so each kit contains (1) skein of KFI Indulgence Kettle Dyed fingering
(75% wool, 25% polyamide, 494 yards) and (1) skein of either Ella Rae Silky Kid (76% Super
Kid Mohair, 24% Silk, 219 yards) or (1) skein of Berroco Aerial (65% Super Kid Mohair, 35%
Silk, 284 yards). Total yardage required for the small is 400 yards for the main color (fingering)
and 190 yards for the contrast (mohair). The pattern is available on Ravelry for $6.50.
You can find this knitting project kit in our online yarn shop here.
The Middle Of The Mitten Yarn Crawl 2022
July 7th, 2022
Many of you have participated in the I-75 Yarn Crawl in the past but it isn't happening this year. 
So...The Middle of the Mitten Yarn Crawl is happening in mid-Michigan and is the first of,
what we hope to be, many more to come! This year's Crawl will be Thursday, July 28th
through Saturday, August 6th.
The Yarn Crawl is centrally located in mid-Michigan and includes 13 shops, from
Brighton to Clare to Bay City to Tawas.
We will be bringing back the paper passports! We love these as it is a pocket guide
to each shop, their address, special yarn crawl hours, and specific directions to get
there. Paper passports are great as you can write down notes in the margins!
The Middle of the Mitten Yarn Crawl will also have a limited edition souvenir project
bag you won't want to miss getting. To make the bags more fun, each shop will have a
logo pin you can attach to your bag! Order yours when you order your passport and
they will both be waiting for you at your specified shop. (Scroll all the way down for the
limited edition Souvenir Bag.)
Every store is keeping their own special crawl hours so please check your passport for
information and to plan your route. Inside the front cover of the passport is a map of all
the stores to help you plan your adventure.
Grab your friends and go on this fiber adventure! Explore 13 of mid-Michigan's favorite
yarn shops to discover new yarns, pick-up pins for your tote bags, and win some great
prizes! Turn in your coupon out of your passport at the last shop to be eligible for prizes!
Sign up for all the yarn crawl fun here: https://www.apieceofewe.com/shop/c/p/Yarn-Crawl-2022-x62022501.htm
Project Kits For June 2022 
June 23rd, 2022
Summer is here and we know you need some projects to keep you busy. We have a couple of
great ones that we know you will love. A simple stripe blanket is a great project for you or to
make as a gift. We also have the Easy Goes It Kit (DK Version) in some beautiful colors.
The simple stripe blanket is perfect for a throw or a baby blanket. Each kit contains a total of (5) skeins
of Ella Rae Cozy Soft (75% acrylic, 25% wool, 213 yards) and the pattern. There are (3) skeins
of the main color and (1) skein each for the contrast stripes. This blanket will be hand wash or
machine wash on delicate, lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low. You can find it here in our online yarn shop.
The Easy Goes It Kit (DK Version) is written for 2 different sizes, based on 100 grams and 200 grams.
Just wet/wash, lay flat and shape to dry. Keep in mind though that these measurements are just laying
them flat to dry with no stretching. You could stretch them out considerably by pin blocking if you
wanted them larger. Just like the original, it’s pretty easy to customize. A fairly simple pattern with a
slipped stitch edge. Sections broken up just enough to keep it from being too boring, but still good
TV knitting. I’ve made the Small sample with the lace edge and the Large sample with a garter edge
so you can see the difference. Each kit contains (1) skein of Araucania Confeti (100% Organic Cotton,
306 yards) and (1) skein of Berroco Pima 100 (100% cotton, 219 yards) and the pattern
You can find this fabulous kit here in our online yarn shop.
If these knitting project kits aren't to your liking stop in-store or shop online in our online yarn shop
and we would be happy to find the perfect project for you.
2022 Fall Knitting Retreat 
We are so excited!
A Piece of Ewe's Fall Retreat 2022 is just around the corner!
Sunday
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Check-in is at the Presidential Suite @ 5 pm EST on Sunday, Sept 25.
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We will be serving dinner Sunday at about 6:30 pm.
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After dinner, Lori, our Blue Sky Fibers rep, will be chatting with us about
how she got into doing what she is doing and about the Blue Sky Fibers yarns!
Monday
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Breakfast will be around 8-10ish. It is really quiet up at Boyne Mountain so if you
sleep in, we won’t tell.
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Lunch will be around noon and dinner around 6 pm.
We don’t have a specific schedule, but we do have some fun things going on and we will fit them in as we go.
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We will be focusing on Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light, and we will be knitting the Henrico Hat during the retreat.
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We will also be doing a fastest knitter contest (and don’t worry there will be a prize for the slowest too 😊) You will need your favorite US 7 needles for this!
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We will have a trunk show of all the fantastic patterns featuring Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light and we will bring other kits too so, of course, A Piece of Ewe will have shopping!
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If the weather is nice, this is a great place for a walk outside and we may even set up a table on the patio outside if the weather holds. Last year, many of us even took chair lift rides to check out the area!
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If you have any completed Blue Sky Fibers projects, bring them with you as we all would love to see them. Maybe we will even have a fashion show?
Tuesday
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Checkout is at 10 am. We will have breakfast items available until about 9:30.
Do I need to bring food?
We learned the last time that knitting can work up an appetite. Dinners will include a hot dish, a salad and, of course, yummy desserts (we’re on vacation and retreat food has no calories!) Lunch will be sandwiches and for breakfast I have baked blueberry muffins and I will have bread from Crust Bakery for toast. For those of you who need to eat healthier, there will also be quiches. It wouldn’t be a retreat without the snacks so I’m also bringing up popcorn, caramel corn, and pretzels. I will have coffee from Panera and water available. If you like to drink something different, please feel free to bring it with you (there is a fridge in both the main building and in each of your condos).
What supplies will I need?
Your condos have all the amenities of a hotel room so for that bring what you would normally bring on vacation. They do have hair dryers.
As far as knitting supplies, you will have a few items in your swag bags, and we will have a swift and winder available.
For the Hat Project, you will need US 5 circular 16” and US 5 double points, and a cable needle. A Piece of Ewe will be bringing Blue Sky Woolstok Light for purchase for the KAL and some additional yummy yarns and notions. Bring your Ravelry name with you in case you want to make one of the fabulous samples you see!
Accommodations:
We have reserved 2 types of condos: 1 bedroom (King plus pullout, sleeps 3 people max) or 2 bedrooms (King, Queen, pullout, sleeps 4 max). Prices include lodging, swag bag, dinners Sun/Mon, lunch Mon, continental breakfast Mon/Tues, and snacks.
We will fill these rooms as first come, first served. We will try to accommodate everyone as best we can.
Bring a friend or two or come yourself and meet new friends!
Call the store at (989) 892-6400 to sign up for the 2022 Fall Knitting Retreat!
Knitting Projects For Traveling
Well now that the summer vacation season has officially started, what is your portable project?
What’s your favorite thing to knit or crochet when you are on the road or at the lake or sitting at a
sporting event?
When I recently traveled, I took top-down sweaters. I used the larger balls of yarn so not a lot of
yarn to pack. Of course, I had gotten past the short row parts on the sweater as you don’t have
much room on a plane these days to move things back and forth. I think planes are truly getting
smaller!
As you may know, I will be traveling on a trip that had been postponed from 2020. Yes, I will be
traveling to Ireland! I’m very excited! I took my dad there in 1999 and we had a wonderful trip.
But I wasn’t a knitter then! I will definitely see the trip in a whole new view this time! I will be taking
a couple of samples I want to knit for the store to keep me busy on the long plane flights.
One project will take a Zauberball Perlen and I’m knitting the Gradey Fadey Cowl. I Hope
mine looks like the picture! I’m thinking I’m doing this color, but you never know, I might
change my color choice. We have lots of colors to choose from! Which one will you choose?
And we had our exclusive Tall Ships 2019 fingering dyed on a new base, Tangofoot
from Mountain Colors, and I can’t wait to knit a new sample! I’ve chosen the Belle Cowl pattern.
This cowl is knit flat on a circular needle and then sewn together after blocking.
Can’t wait to see it knit in our Tall Ships 2019!
Of course, I’m also hoping to bring some yarn projects home with me! I’ve packed my
“I NEED A HUGe amount of yarn” bag with me!
And don’t worry, the store will be running smoothly with Angie, Joyce, Lorena, and Marilyn
there to help you find just the perfect things! And while I’m gone June 9-18, you can do
something fun too! In the store, we will be playing Pattern Palooza!
For every $35 you spend, you will get to pick a pattern from one of the baskets. For
instance, if you buy $350, that means you get 10 free patterns! Personally, I would look
through the baskets first and then get the yarn for the pattern I picked! We have sweater
patterns, shawls, accessories, felted projects, and many more! Feel free to come in as
many times as you want and take advantage of this promotion!
Also, remember we will be celebrating Knit in Public Day right at the store on June 11
from 10 am-3 pm. Bring your knitting and your lawn chair and hang out with us!
Holiday Weekend Knitting
When you are young, the days take forever and as you get older, the days pass by faster and faster.
I find that holiday weekends like Memorial Day are a great way to slow down and enjoy those you are
with and what you are working on. Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who served
our country (my dad was in WWII).
In Michigan, it is also time to get our flowers in their pots (and pray we don’t get a frost!) and have
barbeques with friends. For me, I like to finish up some WIP’s (“work in progress” projects) and maybe 
work on some new brainless ones. Once the warmer weather hits, I personally enjoy reading while
knitting and the more suspenseful the mystery is the faster I knit. Kill two birds with one book and needle!
What are you working on this weekend?
I’m leaving “sleeve island” on a sweater (love using my Ewe Cords for holding the sleeve stitches!)
(“On the Road Pullover” in Sheperd’s Wool sport weight that is supposed to be packed in my suitcase 
for my trip to Ireland in June. Nothing like cutting it close since the plane leaves in a couple of weeks!
I made another one of these sweaters in a different yarn and it looks so much better with sleeves!
I’m also knitting The Bright Side in the new Stitch Together Color Burst Smooth Sock, so we have a 
sample for the Facebook Live on June 5th. 
I Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend! We will be closed on Monday, May 30 but you
can always shop our online yarn store here. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 31st at 10am. Remember
we are open Tuesday’s until 7:30pm for your convenience to shop or just come in and knit with us!
Teacher Appreciation Gifting
We have all had that favorite teacher who we wanted to get the best end of year gift for. And we all know
that being a teacher can be rewarding but it can also be a challenge as well. Giving the educator in your
life a thoughtful gift can be a great way to show you appreciate them, especially after long work hours
and an endless amount of patience. A lot of our teachers knit and crochet so we thought we would give
you a few ideas for end of the school year gifts.
Here are our top four ideas for teacher gifting:
1) Knitting Books and Magazines are great for those that don't know what to knit or maybe they haven't
decided what they would like to try for their next project. You can stop in the store or find a wide selection
of knitting books and magazines here in our online yarn store.
2) Our AProject Kits are the perfect gift because they have the most of what the receiver needs to get started
on the project. This is a great gift for those of us that are a bit indecisive. You can shop our knitting kits
here in our online yarn store or stop in-store.
3) Any of our New Yarn brands would be a thoughtful gesture, especially with the phenomenal colors that
we have in stock. You could try our Bad Sheep yarn in fingering or DK weight, our AJHC Wools also has
many beautiful colors of sock yarn or our Knitterly Things Vesper Sock yarn. You can find all of these and
so much more here.
4) Lastly, Gift Cards are the best for a knitter that loves to choose their own yarn and project. Shop our
gift cards here.
Our teachers go above and beyond for the children and don't get a whole lot back in return.
No matter what gifts you choose we know the teachers will be grateful for the thought.
Mother's Day Gifting For The Knitter
May 6th, 2022
It's Mother's Day weekend! Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing women. If you haven't had a chance
to stop in and get your mom that perfect gift we have gift certificates for even the most picky knitter. We are also
OPEN in-store tomorrow (Saturday, May 7th) from 10 am to 3 pm. We would be more than happy to help you
pick out the perfect gifts for mom. If having it all together in a package is more your thing, we have AProject Kits
available as well.
The Breezeway Sweater is a fun and simple, body-skimming tee knit seamlessly from the top down with
yoke and then raglan increases and an elliptical hem. You can choose to wear either the stockinette or
reverse stockinette side facing out. The pattern is available on Ravelry for $7. If you want to knit the larger
size or longer sleeves, you may need an additional skein but you will have plenty. You can find it here in our
online yarn store.
You could also get her an Explore the Rainbow Kit From Knitted Wit. The colors are magnificent. The 2022 versions
are available here. Join in and explore and knit the rainbow in 2022 with ShannaJean. Each month’s kit comes
with (2)full skeins of Knitted Wit fingering (80% Superwash merino, 20% nylon) and a corresponding pattern.
We are sure no matter what it is we can help you find that perfect Mother's Day Gift for your knitter.
Local Yarn Store Day!
April 22nd, 2022
This weekend is LOCAL YARN STORE DAY (April 30th)!
We know that every day is really local yarn store day but this is the official day to celebrate your
favorite local yarn store. We hope A Piece of Ewe is your favorite!
The boxes have arrived, and we are introducing some fantastic new yarns and notions! 
We have added another Michigan-dyed yarn to hit A Piece of Ewe this weekend!
A Piece of Ewe is an exclusive supplier of Knitterly Things Vesper Sock. These yarns
are dyed in small lots, in small batches. Each colorway is an “almost solid” self-striping yarn.
We also have shawl pins from MAB Elements! They are handmade in Ohio. These shawl pins are
fantastic and lightweight. An accessory for all seasons to be sure. Adorn your sweater in
Spring, a shawl in Summer, your favorite scarf in Fall, and a cozy hat in Winter.
For more fun we have put together more Casapinka Ric Rac Shawl Kits! You will get a 
coupon code for you to get the pattern for free (need to use the coupon by 11 pm
Sunday, May 1st on Ravelry). Check out the one Susan made!
And we still have kits for the Coterie Shawl available! Another shawl with a free coupon 
code to use on Ravelry by May 2 by 11 pm. This shawl is beautiful and I think you
can dress it up or down with so many outfits.
In addition, the boxes have been coming in steadily these days. All that yarn we thought
we would get in February, or October for that matter, is now being delivered! I know you
will love it as much as we do! And as always, we are happy to give you project ideas!
Remember, while you are in the store, sign up for a knitting class or two! We are adding knitting classes
each month and we intend to have knitting classes this summer. If we don’t have openings or
there is a knitting class you wish we would offer, please let us know. We are always looking for
new class ideas.
If all of that fun isn't enough, our customers will get a FREE Blue Sky Fibers pattern
with Blue Sky Fibers yarn purchase and a free Berroco pattern with Berroco yarn purchase!
Also, if you have a "Just One More Row" bag, you can receive 20% off any regular priced items
in the store (AProject kits and sale items excluded). It's going to be a great Local Yarn Store Day! We
hope to see you there.
The Perfect Layer For Spring & Summer
April 15th, 2022
We have the perfect layering piece for this in between time and for those Summer nights.
The Sedona Sunset Shawl has simple textures and lace patterns that allow the saturated and
subtle color shifts to flow and fade into one another. It comes in a variety of colors for you to
choose from here.
This piece can be worked flat and on the bias. It consists of three sections. The Increasing Section
begins with a point and increases along both right and left edges. The Mid Section decreases
along the right edge and increases along the left edge. The Decreasing Section decreases along
both right and left edges, ending in a point. You can find this knitting kit in our online yarn shop here.
Spring Knitting in Michigan!
April 4th, 2022
Is anyone else feeling the angst of spring? One minute it’s warm and sunny, the next, it’s snowing!
And that’s in one hour! I was lucky enough to go to Florida for spring break and enjoy the warm
weather and cotton sweaters. Now that I’m back in Michigan, I’m back to wool sweaters and
turtlenecks. I know it is April in Michigan!
But what’s a knitter or crocheter to do?! I know when the first warm day hit, I started working on summer
sweaters. Wanted to make sure I was ready for the upcoming warm weather. I blocked my summer
sweaters. But then the weather went cold so I brought them into the store for display.
Tea with Bread and Jam knit with Spud & Chloe Sweater, a cotton/wool blend.
Purl Strings knit with Juniper Moon Zooey.
I’m just finishing up a new summer sweater, Breezeway out of a new yarn we are just getting in! Katia Harmonia. 
It is a fingering weight gradient (590 yards per skein) and will be in our store and online next week. Here are a
few of the colors. I used less than two skeins for a M3 size.
But the weather since I got back from Florida has been cold and snowy so I’m back to knitting with wool. 
I’m currently knitting the On the Road Pullover using Sheperds Wool and Kelbourne Woolens Andorra.
These are great lightweight sport weight wools that will be fine for spring!
More Spring & Summer yarns are arriving every week at the store. It is the perfect time to knit or crochet now
for the warm weather that will just happen one day! The new Noro Magazine Issue 20 has lots of Summer
sweater and shawl ideas to knit or crochet. Pick up one today in-store or in our online yarn shop here!
Open Knitting
March 24th, 2022
It has been a long time since we were able to have OPEN KNITTING at our yarn store.
We are so excited to be able to see and chat with all of our wonderful customers. We now
have open knitting in store on Thursday's from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Stop in and have
knit with us at our yarn store in Bay City.
Knitting Project Kits For March
March 18th, 2022
Who needs a gift or a new project? We have a couple of fun ones that won't take up all of your time.
You can choose from the Fisherman's Rib Cowl, the Gumdrop Shawl or the Twinkle Town Shawl.
Each project perfect for the right knitter.
This Fisherman's Rib Cowl has oomph and structure and is still so soft in Berroco Dulce (50% Cotton,
20% Nylon, 16% Alpaca, 14% Wool, 175 yards) The blend of brushed alpaca, cotton, nylon, and
wool creates a yarn that is light, warm and easy to work with. We chose the worsted weight version
of this cowl. Each kit will contain (2) skeins of Berroco Dulce and the pattern. This cowl is generously sized.
You can find it in our online yarn shop here.
The GumDrop Shawl has large eyelets and is knit in diagonally using stockinette and garter stitches. 
You can knit this design with more eyelets (purple sample) or just an eyelet border (yellow sample).
After you block this the measurements are 72” across neck edge and 23” deep. You will need 660 yards
worsted weight yarn, US 7 needles, US 5 needles and 1 stitch marker. You can find this in our online
yarn shop here. 
To those looking for adventure the Twinkle Town Shawl is for you. This pattern is knit flat from
side to side, increasing on one side. The size can be easily adjusted by knitting more/ less rows.
Different weight yarn and/ or needles can be substituted to achieve different effect and size. The
skills required are beginner/intermediate using slipped stitches. The finished measurements are a
wingspan of 190 cm/ 75 inches and a centre depth of 80 cm/ 31.5 inches. You can find this project
here in our online yarn shop.
March Madness Knitting Style
March 11th, 2022
It's almost time for the most wonderful time of the year (for basketball fans that is). Over the next several
weeks hundreds of college basketball games will take place as part of 2022 March Madness tournaments.
It will be a sporting extravaganza that captures America’s attention like none other. We say why let them have
all of the fun?
Join us on Facebook here. Over the next few weeks we are having March Madness Yarn Style! We will post brackets weekly on Mondays (on Facebook) for you to vote on. Then at the ned of the week (or the beginning of the next week) Susan will choose a random winner to get a GIFT! So join here in the fun and watch for our
weekly post!
Your Reviews Make A Difference
March 5th, 2022
We always appreciate when we receive a review from one of our happy customers. We’re thrilled to know we’ve
impacted your knitting or 
crocheting hobby in a positive way. Your reviews not only let us know that we’re doing
our job in the best way possible, but it lets others in our community know that we’re a great place to stop by for
their knitting and crochet needs as well.
When you support us with a review, you are supporting us as a local thriving business. New customers frequently
look at reviews on Google and Facebook before visiting a shop, so when they see your great reviews of A Piece
Of Ewe, it’s a wonderful thing!
If you’d like to review us on Google, click here (http://bit.ly/APOEGoogle).
Mystery Hat Of The Month Club 2022
We are going on a journey of hats, and we are so excited! This all started when I was trying to knit 6 pairs of socks in
less than two weeks before Christmas. The stress was unbelievable, and the projects were boring! I couldn’t do
anything fun as I had to just crank them out.
Not everyone enjoys making socks so I thought I would try something different. Most people, even those who live in
warmer climates, will wear a hat. And hats are good for women, men, and children. You can wear them yourself
or give them as a gift.
So, you don’t have to do what I did right before the holidays, we have decided to curate a different hat each month
of the year with our Mystery Hat of the Month. What does that mean? Each month, you will receive a box with
a dedicated project…yarn, pattern, notion, and a fun little gift.
We have also decided to celebrate little-known holidays throughout the year and the hat patterns will reflect that holiday.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to knit a pizza hat for National Pizza Day! We didn’t go that crazy. I think you will have
fun, nonetheless. Some months we may even be celebrating one of our employee’s favorite picks.
Each month will use a different weight of yarn, a fun pattern, and a different technique (i.e., you won’t have to make
12 cable hats). Some of the kits will have yarn we do not offer in the store, so they are even more exclusive. If it is a
yarn we sell in the store, we will not offer this particular pattern/project in a Facebook Live for a year. These kits will
be exclusive just to this group, “The Mystery Hat of the Month Club”.
Take the stress out of gift knitting and join our “Mystery Hat of the Month Club”. We take the stress out of trying to
figure out what to knit as we pick it for you.
You can sign up for 6 months or 12 months. There is a small registration fee ($25 billed at the time of sign up)
and then your credit card will be billed every month. We will bill on the 6th of the month and the boxes will be
ready for pickup or shipping on the 12th (or the next business day depending on the month). Sign up for the
plan that works for you. You can sign up for 6 months or 12 months (if you sign up for 12 months, you essentially
get one month free!) 
Note: Each month’s payment will be billed on the 6th of the month and your box will ship on the 12th or the next business day.
Knitting Project Kits For February
We have some fun knitting kits left from the last Facebook Live. The Flicker and Flame Hat,
Empowering Beanie and the Soundtrack Cowl will make you want to finish the project as soon
as you cast on. Each of these kits come in an array of colors to suit everyone.
The Flicker and Flame hat knitting kit has hats for the whole family in two different yarn weights!
These fun colorwork beanies can also double as your swatch for the Spark Cardi or Sparky Pullover!
These hats are knit from the bottom up, with the colorwork motifs being read from a chart. Don't get
me started on all of the techniques you can use like the Long tail cast on, Knitting, Purling, Ribbing,
Increasing, Stranded colorwork, Chart reading (the colorwork in this pattern is CHARTED ONLY)
and Decreasing. You can find the Flicker and Flame kit here in our online yarn shop.
Our next knitting kit need is the Empowering Beanie. This is such a beautiful mix of fingering, 
mohair and cables. Each kit contains (1) skein of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light (100% fine
highland wool, 218 yards) and (1) skein of Katia 50 Shades of Mohair (67% superkid mohair,
30% nylon, 3% wool, 218 yards) and the pattern. The pattern uses a twisted stitch to
give you the look of cables. Find it in our online yarn shop here.
Last but certainly not least is the Soundtrack Cowl. An easy-to-make cowl featuring 2 
contrasting colors worked in a simple (yet entertaining!) slip stitch pattern. Like a catchy
melody, Soundtrack’s stitch pattern is a bit addictive - you’ll have a hard time putting it
down! Each kit contains (2) skeins of contrasting colors of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50%
alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool, 219 yards). Pattern available on Ravelry for $5. Be sure to
find this knitting kit here in our online yarn shop.
Open Late On Tuesday's
Starting on February 1st our yarn store started staying open late on Tuesday's. Every Tuesday the
store is open until 7:30 pm. We decided to make some longer hours for those who are back to
work and can’t get into the yarn store during our regular hours. Stop in on Tuesday evenings
and see what's new or check out our online yarn store here.
Join Us For 5th Saturday
Have you been shopping in-store at A Piece of Ewe for a while?
Have you filled at least two of our Ewe Loyalty Cards? Do you have one of the bags (pictured here)?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then make sure you stop by A Piece of Ewe this Saturday,
January 29th from 10 AM to 3 PM with your bag and receive 20% OFF all the regular priced goodies
you can fit in your Just One More Row bag with the 5th Saturday tag! Don't miss out on this sale.
It doesn't come around very often.
*The 20% discount is not valid on AProject Kits, clearance items, or shipping. In-store and in-stock items only.
No cash value. One offer per household.
Winter Knitting Classes
We have new knitting classes available starting January eighteenth. There will be three classes available.
The Wildwood Sweater Class, a Beginner Knitting Class and a Beginner Sweater Knitting Class. Along with these
classes we will be bringing back Open Knitting on Thursday's Starting at 10:30 am and we will also
be staying OPEN late on Tuesday's starting February 1st.
Wildwood Sweater Knitting Class ($60)
The Wildwood Sweater Class is a great first color work sweater. It is worked from the top down so no
sewing! You will learn chart reading and colorwork. Using a dk weight yarn, we have lots of yarns and
colors to choose from! Yarn, needles and pattern are additional.
While this sweater looks very difficult, it is actually much easier than you think as the "floats" are very
short (that's a good thing). This class will meet every week for 5 weeks so Joyce will guide you through
your sweater at your pace. This is an intermediate skill level class. You will learn how to read a chart
and how to do colorwork. You must have completed the Beginner Knitting Class. You should be
comfortable with using circular knitting needles. Joyce is our Instructor for the class.
This class is 1 PM - 3 PM Tuesdays, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15
Beginner Knitting Class ($70)
Want to learn to knit? Know how to do the knit stitch but don't know how to purl? The Beginner Knitting
Class will teach you: knit, purl, basketweave, seed stitch, yarn overs, and a basic cable. You will
learn to cast on/off, what "stitch to gauge" means and how to read a written pattern, as well as a
chart. By the end of the class, you will learn basic finishing. The class will meet twice a week
for 3 weeks. If the class is sold out, please use the waitlist. We will contact you if an opening arises.
This is a beginner skill level class. You will learn to cast on/off, basic knitting stitches and how to
read a pattern. Materials are included with added supplies available for purchase. There are no
skills needed or this can be a refresher class. Susan is our instructor for this class.
This class is 6 - 7:30 PM Tuesday's and Thursday's, 1/25, 1/27, 2/1, 2/3, 2/8, 2/10
Beginner Sweater ($60)
This Beginner Sweater Class is a great class if you have never knit a sweater or if it's been a while. 
These sweaters are knit from the top down and there is no seaming. We are doing this class as a
lunchtime event. Bring your sack lunch and come knit your sweater with us! You can pick either
the Knitting Pure & Simple 9724 Neck Down Pullover for Women (worsted weight yarn) or the
Knitting Pure & Simple 993 Neck Down Vneck Tshirt for Women (dk weight yarn). Patterns
available on Ravelry or in the store. This is a beginner skill level class. You must have
completed the Beginner Knitting Class. Joyce is our instructor for this class.
This class is 11:30 - 1 pm every Tuesday, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22
Fun Cowls & Shawls for January
How fun are knitting patterns for cozy cowls and shawls in Michigan? Great fun! Knitting them is so rewarding because they end up useful and pretty. Cowls are so versatile and can be so snug around your neck to keep you warm. The shawls also provide both warmth and style for those of us that have made it back to working in the office and those areas might be chilly.
The Soundtrack is an easy-to-make cowl featuring 2 contrasting colors worked in a simple (yet entertaining!) slip stitch pattern. Like a catchy melody, Soundtrack’s stitch pattern is a bit addictive - you’ll have a hard time putting it down! Each kit contains (2) skeins of contrasting colors of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50% alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool, 219 yards). Pattern available on Ravelry for $5. You can find this knitting kit here in our online
yarn store.
The Pick A Pop Cowl is designed for color play. This pattern combines color and texture to create a fun, fast knit. As you switch from eyelet to broken ribbing to faux cables (that’s right, they’re aren’t any actual cables in this pattern), you will be shocked at how quickly this cowl flies off the needles. Worked from the top down, it knits up quickly (like any good cowl should), but wears like a hassle-free shawl. Unlike traditional tube cowls that rumple into a pile of knitting around your neck, this shawl-shaped construction lets your knitting shine by creating a triangular front and shortened back. The shape is wonderful, wearable, and just plain fun to knit. You can shop the kit here in our online yarn shop. This kit contains (4) color coordinated mini skeins of fingering weight yarn (each ball is approximately 25gms/
The last kit in our blog for this week showcases shawls. The Felicitous is a triangular, asymmetrical shawl that
fades gradually from one dominant color into another. It is knit on the bias and features bobbles, eyelet lace,
and garter stitch stripes of varying widths. Each kit contains two coordinating fingering weight skeins and the
pattern. No charts. Shop it here in our online yarn shop.
Both Cowl and Shawl knitting patterns often just take 1-2 skein of yarn and are great stashbusters. Have you
joined us on a Stashbuster Thursday Facebook Live? Every Thursday Susan goes live at 9:30 am on
Facebook to talk about the many different items you can make with your leftover stash.
Join us on Facebook this Thursday.
What Do You Have Planned To Knit In January?
Phew. I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be done with holiday knitting! Now it is on to knitting
something for myself! Yeah! Will it be a sweater? Of course! I’m going to try The Throwover from Andrea Mowry.
We have some new yarn that I’m dying to use, Juniper Moon Blue Faced Leicester for my main color.
Because you don’t need a lot of yardage for the contrast colors, I’m going to use Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok
But “Houston I think I have a problem…”
I also have eight projects in limbo. I think I’m going to try finish at least a couple of those in the next couple of months. I have one customer who likes to knit a little on each of her projects each day and she has several projects going. I have other customers who won’t start a project until they finish their current one. Which one are you? As a yarn shop owner, the latter would be near impossible. We are always trying to knit up a sample for a new yarn or to have a sample for a Facebook Live.
I also have a bad case of “oh, it’s bright and shiny and new!” It is hard to not touch new yarns and/or try a new pattern. Here is what is waiting for me in my “to do” shelf…
For the Sian pullover I’m using two colors of Kelbourne Woolens Scout.
This is the Bainbridge Tam & Cowl from Blue Sky Fibers. I am using their new Woolstok Light. 
The Black Mountain Hat which I’m using the cool bundle kit and one skein of Woolstok in midnight sea.
This one had been in timeout as I didn’t read the chart correctly and I had to rip out about 3 inches.
I worked on this one last night and I think I’m past where I left it. It is going quickly and I’m hoping it will be on display at the
store next week.
Tea with Jam and Bread is one of my favorite sweaters so I decided to make it again in Spud & Chloe
Sweater. This sweater is going to feel like your favorite sweatshirt it is so soft.
And there's more...
The olive yarn (discontinued and no longer available) was a 90% finished Beekeeper Cardigan. 
Then I realized I don’t wear cardigans. So it is now combined with Kelbourne Woolens Scout to
become the Sturgill sweater. Just a reminder, you don’t have to stay with your original thought
for a project. This is probably the oldest WIP in my collection and I’m not sure why as I love
the colors and the pattern.
I love the feel of The Fibre Co Cumbria fingering and the Evenfall sweater is mindless. We have
many fingering weight yarns to choose from. If you like this sweater, I suggest trying the new one 
we have from Ella Rae, the Heathered Merino Superfine.
With our last batch of Stonehedge Crazy yarn, everyone was knitting the Gracious sweater
so of course, I had to start one too! This is great with any fingering or sport weight leftovers
or do it color block like they did.
Everyone was working on Shawlography from Stephen West and I felt left out. I didn’t want to do something
quite that large so I decided to knit Shawl Party. Stephen likes to do everything in fruity flavors (ie super bright)
and I wanted to show people that you could use more traditional colors. I’m using Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light.
I’m moving along quite quickly on this one. I might not get to my newest want, The Throwover, this week but I know
it is on the horizon. Wish me luck on my quest to move a few projects along!
What is on your list to knit or crochet in January? Are you still finishing up holiday gifts or can you be selfish and work on something for yourself?
Merry Knitmas
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy knitting while you finish up all of those yarn
projects for the upcoming holiday. I cannot thank you enough for all of your comtinued support through out 2021.
We will be closed from December 24th through the 26th to spend time with our families. We will re-open on
December 27th from 10 AM to 3 PM. Our store hours for the new year are Monday - Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
You can shop our online yarn store 24/7 for your knitting needs here.
Construction Sale
Oh, my goodness we are so excited our construction is about to begin! Help us not have to move
everything out of the way…
It’s your lucky week! We are going to do something we have never done before…
Buy One, Get a Similar One for 50% Off! * Am I crazy, yes so just take advantage of it!
How does it work? Come into the store Thursday, Dec 16 - Thursday, Dec 23. Purchase two skeins
of yarn or two needles or two books (you get the idea) & the second one of equal or lesser value
will be 50% OFF! Unfortunately, our register will not let us do this as an online event so just call
the store at 989-892-6400 and we will be happy to help you out. I know a lot of you wait until the week
between Christmas and New Year’s to spend your extra holiday shopping money but don’t wait. This
sale is only good while we are preparing for the construction and while they are here.
You can pick up your items after the holidays if that is easier for you since we know everyone is crazy
busy this time of year. And we are always willing to ship them to you.
* Every sale needs a disclaimer. If the item is already on sale or AProject Kits, it doesn’t qualify for this sale
Special Facebook Live
We are so excited for this Sunday’s Facebook Live. We will have Mid Mitten Designs with all of their
fun and functional project bags and accessories along with a Sample Sale and a few new
AProject Kits. YAY!
If you haven’t heard of Mid Mitten Designs yet, they are a small business that makes project bags with
vinyl windows. They are known for project bags that come in different sizes to accommodate projects from
sweaters & afghans to socks and one skein shawls along with a few other items. Each bag is
designed to provide for more efficiency and better organization. We can’t wait to have you join
us on Sunday at 7 PM for our Facebook Live. If you can't join us on Sunday, you can always shop
our online yarn store here.
Give The Gift Of Yarn
Give the gift of creativity this holiday season. Those knitters you love would be thrilled to get a gift card from
A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop. You can find them by shopping our online store here
or stop in-store between 10 am and 3 pm Monday - Saturday and see us in Bay City, MI. We will then
email the gift certificate for you to give and then the receiver can use it to shop our store.
Happy Thanksgiving
We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time for us to hit pause on all the upcoming
holiday madness to reflect on and acknowledge what we’re thankful for.
Despite all the ups and downs many of us have experienced in the last two years, thinking through
all things that gave us a positive outlook is a great way to uplift and plan for the upcoming year ahead.
We are incredibly thankful for our customers and staff because without both we wouldn’t be here. We
watched during the pandemic so many great businesses suffer and close due to labor shortages and
supply chain issues. It’s these times that make us take a look back and appreciate our customers and
our staff that stuck with us and are still here today.
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday 2021
We always love this time of year! For 2021 we will start Black Friday and Small Business Saturday at 9 am EST
with a Facebook Live. We are doing it this way, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your couch to join in the
festivities and get some great deals too!
This year we are doing another fun blanket kit for Black Friday, the Fern Lake Blanket from Berroco!
This slipstitch blanket has a simple ombre texture which flows through the blanket period you'll lovemaking this blanket as well as getting cozy beneath it.
It's completed size is approximately 45" x 68" and we have chosen Berroco Ultra Wool due to its easy care
properties (Machine washable/dryable, always a plus!).
If there are remaining kits they will be available for purchase in-store while supplies last or we may be able to do a
drop ship directly from Berroco.
On Small Business Saturday we are doing mystery bags!
Each bag will be numbered and have a brief description of what's inside (for instance, sport weight, 346 yards)
and a price.We have tried to make a notation when the contents are all cotton (as some people can't use wool) and
we have tried to make a note if it is Noro yarns inside. Each bag also contains a pattern that can be made with the
yarn enclosed. There is a wide range of yarn weights and yardages. I think this will be so much fun! Just like
Christmas morning when you don't know what's inside the box!
Winter Knitting Project Kits
Did you miss last week’s Facebook Live? We still have a few kits available that will make great gifts.
Get them before they are gone!
Did you know a Howl is both a hat and a cowl? These Howl's are made from Noro yarn and make
the perfect gift because sometimes you need a cowl and sometimes you need a hat! If you undo
the tie it's a cowl, snuggly and warm. Tie it back up and you have the perfect hat - keeping your
ears toasty on a walk! The Noro yarn makes it colorful and the super soft Juniper Moon Fourteen
makes it soft enough for even tender heads! Not only is it a great gift, but it knits up super quick.
It's 45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Wool, 109 yards) and (1) skein of Juniper Moon Fourteen (90%
merino wool, 10% cashmere, 147 yards). We have the yarn here in our online yarn store and the
pattern is available on Ravelry for $3.95.
Another project that would make a good gift for yourself or a friend is the Breathless Hat and Mittens set.
This kit allows you to make one of each or two of either as each takes one skein of yarn. The Juniper Moon
Herriot Great yarn is so squishy and soft you will want to make a set for yourself and one to give away!
Each kit contains (2) skeins of Juniper Moon Herriot Great (100% Alpaca, 131 yards) and the pattern.
You can find you favorite color here in our online yarn shop or call the store at 989-892-6400 and they
can help you.
Facebook Lives Are Moving
Along with the colder weather (and snow), the holidays are coming. Since we know it can be
hard to be everywhere at once with family and friends coming and going, we thought we would
help out a bit and move our Facebook lives so you don't have to fit that into your already busy
weekends. You can just spend more holiday time with your family and friends. Our next two
Facebook Live’s will be on Monday nights, November 8 and 15 @ 7pm EST.
Stay tuned for some fun Black Friday (9 am Nov 26th) and Small Business Saturday
(9 am Nov 27th) specials too!
Our Last Fall Knitting Class
You will love the Bermuda Shawl Class. You will create a shawl that evokes the movement
of waves along the Bermudian shore. The short rows look like waves of water (hence the name Bermuda).
This shawl is best done with a long repeat yarn and we prefer Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn.
Two skeins are all you need. Check out the colors we have in stock at our local yarn store here!
The pattern is available on Ravelry as “Bermuda Scarf” by Ilga Leja. (The pattern, yarn, and
needles are additional.)
The Bermuda Shawl is a 2-day knitting class at the store Wednesdays, Nov 10 and 17 from 6-8 pm.
Falling For Halloween Knitting Patterns
It's the season for all things pumpkin and skeletons. In honor of this festive time, we thought we would share
a few of our favorite Fall/Halloween knitting patterns. The handsome cable pumpkin pattern, the popcorn pumpkin,
the cute little pumpkin patch, the party bones mittens, and the easy scrap yarn pumpkins.
This Handsome cable pumpkin pattern is available on Ravelry (https://ravel.me/handsome-cable-pumpkin).
It's perfect for Fall and has both decor and cozy cables. The final size is roughly 12-14 inches but may vary
depending on the stuffing. You can find yarn to go with this pattern here in our online yarn store.
This popcorn pumpkin (https://ravel.me/popcorn-pumpkin) is a super easy fall decor item for your home
or a great gift for a friend. Either way, it screams Fall vibes. With its popcorn cuteness and texture, it's
the perfect pattern to add to your collection. It works up super fast, with easy size customization, and
can be made with any yarn/hook. We have lots of yarn for this project in our online yarn store here.
Looking for a cute little pumpkin patch (https://ravel.me/cute-little-pumpkin-patch)? Look no further.
These come complete with leaves and vines. Perfect for Halloween or other autumn-inspired
table decorations. You can either knit a pumpkin with just a little stem at the top or create
vines and leaves for a full patch. There is barely any sewing involved in shaping these
pumpkins and it’s mostly simple decreases and increases that make them look that way.
Find the perfect yarn for your pumpkins here in our online yarn store.
It's time for The Party Bones...mittens (https://ravel.me/party-bones). They are made by knitting
in the round and using stranded colorwork with a fingering weight yarn. They are worked from
the bottom up in the round. You will work with 2 strands of yarn throughout this pattern.
You will never have to use more than 2 strands. This pattern provides instructions for knitting
an unlined or lined version. They are so cute and so worth it. Find yarn to make this pattern
with here in our online yarn store. 
We all need something to use our scrap yarn on and these easy scrap yarn pumpkins
(https://ravel.me/easy-scrap-yarn-pumpkins) fit the bill. They are not only a great way to make
use of leftover yarn, but they're also addictive to knit! This Scrap Yarn Pumpkin Knitting Pattern
uses double point needles to knit a ribbed tube. Once you are finished knitting, both ends are gathered. The
pumpkin is stuffed with Polyfill in the ends and closed. Running the yarn on the inside of the pumpkin, from
one end to another creates the shape. Insert some twigs as the stem and you're finished! We have so many
festive colors of yarn for you to use with this pattern here in our online yarn shop or use up some of that scrap
yarn you haven't found another project for.
Shawls & Upcoming Knitting Classes
Let the colors of Topaz work their magic in this entrelac shawl (The Marit Shawl). Made from the bottom
up, we love the Marit Shawl for that extra statement look.
According to Wikipedia, “Entrelac is a knitting technique used to create a textured diamond pattern.
While the result resembles basket-woven strips of knitted fabric, the actual material comprises
interconnected squares in two different orientations. Unlike many textured knitting techniques,
Entrelac allows for colorwork as well.” Although this technique requires a lot of steps, each step is
small and easy to learn.
The Marit Shawl is approximately 68” across the top x 27” down the center (not including the fringe).
And guess what? We still have kits available here!
If you live close to our local yarn store, we have a class at the store. It is a 2-day class meeting from
1-3 pm or 6-8 pm on Mondays, Oct 18/Nov 1. Sign up here as spots are going fast!
If short rows are more your thing, you will love the Bermuda Shawl! The short rows act like waves
of water (hence the name Bermuda). This shawl is best done with a long repeat yarn and we prefer
Noro Silk Garden Sock for this project. Two skeins are all you need. Check out the colors we have
in stock at our local yarn store here! The pattern is available on Ravelry as “Bermuda Scarf” by Ilga Leja.
The Bermuda Shawl is also a 2-day knitting class at the store Wednesdays, Nov 10 and 17 from 6-8 pm.
We still have spots left but sign up soon as this class will fill up fast!
October Project Kits At A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop
The Noro Hitchhiker or cowl in Kanzashi is a piece of art. It's an elegant cowl. It's a perfectly easy project
and makes a warm and cozy knit scarf or shawl! It's made with US 10 1/2 needles and one skein of
Noro Kanzashi yarn. The yarn weight you would use is super bulky. The project kit is available here in our online
yarn store here.
This Sierra top is a sweater that gives flair to any outfit. It's made side to side in a simple eyelet pattern,
you can style it with a pair of jeans or over a dress. The bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to
make this worsted weight yarn a perfect choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, easy to work with,
and self-striping. The knitting project kit is available here in our online yarn store.
A Piece of Ewe’s 1st Annual I Love Yarn Day Buy Back Event
Do you have yarn you really don’t know why you bought? Do you have those one or two extra skeins you thought you needed for a project, but you didn’t need the extra after all? Do you have yarn that doesn’t
speak to you like it did when you bought it?
Don’t beat yourself up, we all have those balls of yarn that don’t make us want to find a project and cast on! We just keep shoving them in the back of the cabinet or box or bin hoping one day…
OR you could come to the “1st Annual I Love Yarn Buy Back Sale” at A Piece of Ewe!
When is it you ask?
Saturday, October 9th from 10 am-1 pm
What is a “buyback sale”?
A Piece of Ewe yarn store will be giving you a $1 per pound (up to 25 lbs, and that’s a lot of yarn!) in the form of
store credit to use in the store THAT DAY! Not only will you get to the part with those nagging balls of yarn,
but you can get new yarn that day that you really want to knit or crochet!
We just ask that the yarn is free from smells (smoke, mustiness, lavender, mothballs). We will have a table
set up and scales so we can weigh your yarn right then! All yarns turned in for this promotion will be donated
to area charities so they will find a good home after all.
Bring your patterns and check out our website so we can help you find the perfect items to use your voucher
money on. The voucher is only good on Saturday, Oct 9th and is good on anything in the store.
National Scarf Day Fun
National Scarf Day is September 27th. It's getting chilly here in Michigan. We will soon need more scarves for
those cooler days ahead. Whether it's bright and bold or muted and tonal, a scarf makes your look your own.
Celebrate by wearing and sharing your favorite scarves.
Our yarn store is giving away a scarf kit on National Scarf Day (September 27th, 2021). All you have to do to
enter and win is watch our Facebook Page and find the post for that day (September 27th). Then, post in the
comments your favorite scarf pattern with the link to that pattern and you will be added to the drawing.
Humulus Sweater Fall Class
According to Isabell Kraemer, Humulus (the botanical name for hops) is a lovely sweater that celebrates the elegant hop flower, its flavors, and its decorative qualities. The plant is described variously as zesty, piney, earthy, and floral. This sweater encompasses all of these with its delicate colorwork pattern knitted in a warm and slightly rustic yarn. It is like being wrapped in a hug.
The Humulus is a great first colorwork sweater. It is worked from the top down so no sewing! You will learn both German short row shaping and colorwork. Using a worsted weight yarn, we have lots of yarns and colors to choose from! The yarn, needles, and pattern are additional. This class starts on September 20th. We have a daytime (1-3 PM) or evening (6-8 PM) class for your convenience. The class meets for two weeks in a row to help get you started and then gives you a couple of weeks to get your project moving along before the last class.
Not sure if you can knit this? Have you knit in the round? Maybe a hat? Cheryl is very patient but there is
some homework between classes. You will love to see it as your sweater progresses. And sweaters are
not that intimidating, especially when you have help from A Piece of Ewe Yarn Store!
Other knitting classes are available as well. You can choose from all of them here.
September Project Kits
Building in color blanket kits are the perfect gift for the holidays. Do you give them the kit or do you make it for
them? We have a few color combinations left in our online yarn store. Learn to expertly manage multiple colors while creating a gorgeous sampler afghan. If you loved Building Blocks then this follow-up book is for you! Many of the
designs are timeless favorites, some are original creations, and ALL of them are deliciously fun! 10 colorwork panels combine to make this blanket. As an added bonus, all of the techniques featured in this book are supported with FREE online video instruction available at www.KnitPurlHunter.com. You can find the kit here.
This Milestone Baby blanket is not only reversible but it appears remarkably three-dimensional as well.
For best results in creating this fascinating effect, use a light-toned, solid color yarn. The seed stitch border
flows seamlessly into the body of the blanket, and the slipped stitch edging makes for a tailored border.
The pattern is conveniently written in 4 sizes ranging from a lovie to an adult throw. Please call the store for yarn
availability if you would like to make a larger size. We like to make sure you get all the same dye lot for your project.
Instructions are clearly charted and written with full abbreviations for personal preference. You can shop the knitting project kit here in our online yarn store.
September's Knitting Classes
Highlighting our September Knitting classes, we have a class for Beginner Socks - Toe Up Method starting September 15, 2021, at 6:00 pm. If you want to learn to knit socks this class will use the Toe Up Method. The basic pattern is included in the price. You will need to purchase the "Fish Lips Kiss Heel" pattern yourself ($1 on Ravelry). It's a great class if you have completed the Beginner Knitting class. This class is $60.00 and you can sign up here.
Another great class for September is the Humulus Sweater knitting class starting September 20, 2021, at 1:00 pm and the evening Humulus Sweater knitting class at 6:00 pm. This is a great first colorwork sweater. It is worked from the top down so no sewing! You will learn German short row shaping and colorwork. Using a worsted weight yarn, we have lots of yarns and colors to choose from! Yarn, needles, and patterns are additional. Remember we have a daytime or evening class for your convenience. This class is $50.00. You can sign up here.
Last but definitely not least is our Beginner Knitting Classes that start on September 21st at 10:30 am and 6:00 pm. If you want to learn to knit? Know how to do the knit stitch but don't know how to purl? The class will teach you: knit, purl, basketweave, seed stitch, yarn overs, and a basic cable. You will learn to cast on/off, what "stitch to gauge" means, and how to read a written pattern, as well as a chart. By the end of the class, you will learn basic finishing. We have a daytime (10:30 am) or evening class (6:00 pm) for your convenience. This class is $65.00. You can sign up here for the daytime or evening classes.
Fall Knitting Classes
Fall knitting classes are live and Susan is here to show you just how to shop A Piece of Ewe Yarn
Shop & sign up for the perfect knitting class you will love (Check out the video on Facebook).
We have classes for Beginner Knitting and Beginner Socks, Fair Isle Techniques, a Humulus
Sweater, Hats, Shawls, and Shadow Knitting. Sign up for your class here.
Fall Knitting Kits
We are heading towards Fall and that means more knitting. Do we need to remind you Christmas is
just around the corner? We have AProject Kits for all of your friends and family.
The Twistmas Hat is a fun and easy pattern that features a twisted rib throughout. The simple
stitch pattern creates an interesting texture while allowing your beautiful hand-dyed yarns to take center
stage. It’s knit with two strands of fingering weight yarn and one strand of a laceweight mohair blend -
all held together.
Each kit contains (1) skein of KFI Kettle Dyed Fingering (75% merino wool, 25% nylon,
494 yards) and (1) skein of Katia 50 Shades of Mohair (67% superfine kid mohair, 30% polyamide, 3%
wool, 218 yards) and the pattern. If you don't add any length to the hat, you can get two hats from one
kit! If you want a pompom, we suggest the Furreal Poms located in the Notions section of our online
yarn store, or come and see us in our Bay City MI yarn store.
We all need a Summer Shawl whether it be for style or those cooler nights. This one uses some of
our best yarn brands (Berroco Chai, Berroco Liana, and Juniper Moon Zooey). Our version is
kind of a sampler shawl. If you run out of yarn, just go on to the next yarn. There are no strict rules.
You will want to hand-wind the Berroco Liana and put it in a sandwich baggie as it sometimes
has a life of its own as it is used. It is not hard to use, just likes to go poof. Find it here in our
online yarn store or stop in and shop our brick and mortar store in located Bay City MI.
Joyce & Susan Go On A Road Trip
it’s time to move to Arizona where her kids and grandkids live. So after the I-75 Yarn Crawl is over on Saturday,
August 7th, Joyce and Susan are loading up her car and headed out with a KAL
of course!
The Pine Lake Shawl KAL! Each day she will post her progress and if you comment on your progress each day,
you will be entered to win a prize! Each photo you post will get you entered! We’re not sure what the prize will be
yet but I’m sure it will be great knitting fun! What do you need to participate? One skein of Juniper Moon Cumulus
(rainbow, dappled or solid) yarn and the pattern Pine Lake Shawl pattern by Jaala Spiro. The pattern calls for a
little more yarn but I think we will be fine. It is over 3,000 miles to Arizona so we had to do something fun!
seven years and she is always welcome back.
Knitting Project Kits For Summer
A knitting project for summer is a hard one because we are out enjoying the weather and there are so many other
Summer activities to distract us, but we still have a couple of suggestions for those Summer road trips with nothing
to do but ride. The Noro Wavy Triangle Shawl has undulating waves that are created with sections of short rows
making a very unique shawl. To hope you keep your place have three stitch markers that are distinguishable from each
other so you can ensure you're working in the right stitches. This shawl begins with a garter stitch tab.
Blocking is always important to ensure those short row sections don't bump out.
Each kit contains (3) skeins of Noro Sock Yarn although some include (2) Sock Solo and (1) Silk Garden
Sock and some kits include (2) Silk Garden Sock and (1) Sock Solo. The single skein will be your contrast
color. The pattern is included in this kit. You can find this knitting project kit at your local yarn store
(the best place to buy yarn) here.
Looking for a little mystery in your Summer? We have Mystery Sock Yarn Bags!
These fun bags are filled with so many goodies! There is at least (2) full skeins of wool/nylon blend
sock yarn (suitable for socks of anything else), a couple of teenie weenie wools (88 yards each),
several different notions, and a couple of free patterns (not necessarily for use with the sock yarn)
and a great A Piece of Ewe logo drawstring bag! Each color number is different in what is included.
If you order two of the same numbers, you will get duplicate kits. Kits 10 and 11 are wool-free
versions so the mix is slightly different.
This is a $75 retail value for $50! You don't want to pass this up.
Berroco Ultra Wool Hand Paint Trunk Show
It is almost time for the I-75 Yarn Crawl and that means it is almost time for
the Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint Trunk Show!
At A Piece of Ewe Yarn Store from Saturday, July 24 – August 7.
We are so excited to see all the samples in person and check out the colors.
Here are a few of our favorites…
The Turmeric sweater is a classic and oversized simple circular yoke sweater combining
Berroco Ultra Wool Handpaint and Berroco Aerial for an allover dreamy look. We added
small textured pockets for your phone or any other need-to-carry items. This sweater is
knit top-down and has sizing from 36” – 68” chest. We are bringing in both yarns to our
yarn store in Michigan so you can pick your favorite color!
The Peppercorn Shawl is a stunning mosaic shawl using both solid and handpainted 
Ultra Wool, two skeins of each. We love mosaic projects as they look difficult but only
one yarn is used at a time. This shawl is approximately 64” long x 23” wide (not including fringe)
after blocking. Pattern available on Ravelry for $6. All of the yarn needed for this project is available in-store in our local yarn shop.
If you are looking for a one-skein project, the Cilantro is a fun garter stitch hat that is worked
from side to side. It will fit a child to adult large head. Pattern available on
Ravelry for $6. You will want to make one in every color!
The Chamomile is a long, oversized cardigan that is sure to become a favorite! This
one is knit top-down with raglan shaping and a shawl collar. The textured stitch pattern
adds a little zest! Sizes range from 35” to 63 ½” with 2-4” of positive ease. The fronts have
quite a bit of overlap, so the fit is very forgiving. Pattern available on Ravelry for $8.
Remember to stop in-store for the Berroco Ultra Wool hand Painted trunk show and we will be more than happy to
help you find the perfect project to go with all of the beautiful yarn you choose from our Michigan yarn store.
2021 I-75 Yarn Crawl
We are excited to be a part of this year’s Yarn Crawl. A Piece of Ewe is located near the
waterfront and downtown Bay City. We have over 2100 sq. ft. of yarns including Noro,
Juniper Moon, Lykke, Berroco, Kelbourne Woolens, Ella Rae, Blue Sky Fibers, and many more (42 brands and counting!) We have lots of samples to help you find a project! All Yarn Crawlers will receive 20% OFF their regularly priced purchases. We know once you visit us,
we will see you again and again!
We have special hours through the yarn crawl.
Monday 9 AM - 2 PM
Tuesday 9 AM - 2 PM
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 9 AM - 2 PM
Friday 9 AM - 2 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 2 PM
Sunday CLOSED
Directions from I-75: Take I-75 to US-10 and go East on US-10 toward Bay City. Go over the bridge. You will see DoubleTree Hotel/Comfort Inn on your left. Continue through one light (Saginaw St; Comfort Inn is on that corner). At the next light, Washington Ave, turn right. You will pass McDonald’s on your left. The next light is Columbus Ave. Turn left. We are on the right across from the flea market. If you get to Rally’s you have gone too far. We are on that side of the street but you missed us. Parking and entrance are at the rear of the building.
Yarn Stash
As lovers of all things fiber, we tend to have a lot of “stash”.
Stash | Definition by Merriam-Webster
To store in a usually secret place for future use.
While our significant others, and those who are not afflicted with yarn stashing like we are, don’t really
understand this need to have lots of fiber and accessories around us, we KNOW it is all very necessary.
I equate it to be like a person who likes to golf and has 3 putters and 5 drivers. You just need it!
Why We Have Yarn Stash
Some of our stash is to:
-
remind us of a place we have been,
-
a local yarn shop we visited,
-
a project we will never make but just had to have,
-
or just because.
Don’t you agree?! It is also nice to have those one or two skeins that are nice to just hold in your hand
to destress and bring calm to your life.
I know I tend to have hundreds of skeins, full skeins down to little bits, of fingering weight yarn.
Fingering weight/sock yarn is not just for socks anymore. For me, it started as a penchant for knitting
socks. I could make a pair in a weekend. Everyone I knew received a pair for Christmas year after year.
Then I found out you could knit sweaters with sock yarn! My entire yarn world changed overnight!
Some of my favorite yarn stash patterns include:
-
Quality in a Square (no longer a digital pattern on Ravelry but on her blog),
I knit with my leftovers and scraps. And you don’t have to do just fingering weight! I made the
Easy Relaxed Pullover using a strand of fingering and two strands of mohair held together.
One of my favorite sweaters!
I’m currently working on a new pattern from Andrea Mowry with yarn that didn’t work for the shawl 
I had picked out. You don’t have to buy the yarn specifically for the pattern, although that is easier.
Sometimes the yarn says “I’m not working in the pattern you picked out” and you need to find a
different idea. Never limit yourself like that! It may be the yarn needs to take a break, be rewound,
and start out as something fresh.
Stash Buster Thursdays On Facebook Live
My stash is primarily fingering weight as you probably guessed, what is your stash comprised of?
If you are looking for new ideas, I do a weekly “Stash Buster Thursday” live on our Facebook page
every Thursday at 9:30 am EST. I don’t limit myself to fingering or sweaters! Check out my previous
ones on Facebook. You don’t have to watch live either. Hope to see you soon on Facebook Live or in
the store! If you have something in your stash that needs guidance, send me a message or stop in and
I would love to help you out!
Susan's Birthday Sale
While it happens every year, I’m always surprised when my birthday comes around! Anyone else feel this way? 
Well, my birthday is here again. This Saturday, I will turn @%$ years old! To celebrate, I’m having a SALE!
(I love people to give me money on my birthday!)
When: July 3rd, 2021
Where: In-Store & Online
Use code “25wasagoodyear” online or stop in-store and get 25% OFF all regular-priced knitting or
crochet merchandise.
We are happy to put a yarn project together for you so you can take advantage of the sale. Is there a yarn
project you have always wanted to knit or crochet but need help with choosing the right yarns? Now is your
chance! Have you been coveting that interchangeable needle set? Now is the time!
The store is open 10 am-1 pm Saturday, July 3rd. We will be closed on Sunday, July 4th but we will be open
Monday, July 5th, 10 am-1 pm for your shopping needs. Due to Monday being a federal holiday, any items
purchased during this sale will be shipped on Tuesday.
A Piece Of Ewe 2021 Michigan Fall Knitting Retreat!
Saturday, September 11th - Monday, September 13th
Join your fellow knitters to enjoy the fall colors and knitting activities in Boyne Mountain, Michigan,
just a 2-hour drive North of Bay City, right off I-75.
Knitting Fun
The fun begins when you check-in with Susan at the Bluegreen Presidential Suite at 5 pm and receive your room assignments and swag bags. The Presidential Suite looks like a European ski chalet and will be our main building for dining and activities. We have several Bluegreen condos for sleeping. These 1-2 bedroom condos include living rooms and kitchens and are a short walk or drive to the main building.
Special Guest: Jill Zielinski, Knitterella
After settling into our rooms on Saturday, we will gather together at the Presidential Suite for dinner
and introductions. Jill Zielinski, better known as Knitterella, will be joining us during our retreat this year.
Jill is a freelance graphic designer by day and knitwear designer by night. In 2000, while earning her
BFA in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University, she found herself spending so much time
in front of a computer that she missed her desire to create with her hands. After picking up a book
on knitting, she quickly learned the craft and hasn’t put her needles down since!
Publishing her first pattern in 2009, (the Smocked Slouch), Jill continues to add to her growing line
of knitting patterns. Mostly self-published but also for books, magazines, and yarn companies.
Jill’s graphic design background is evident in her unique designs and bold colorwork. Her designs
range from simple accessories to uniquely constructed garments. Not limited to one design
aesthetic; Jill designs patterns that are both simple and classic, as well as designs that are bold
and colorful with a modern flair.
What she loves most about knitwear design, is seeing her vision come to life. And what she thinks
is even better than that, is seeing others knit her patterns! We will work on one of her favorite hats,
Northern Peak, during the retreat. How appropriate since we will be up north! The pattern uses one
of her favorite knit stitches, the Twisted Stitch and she will give us a little tutorial on the best way to
do the stitch and why she loves working it into many of her patterns.
Pop Up Yarn Shop
New this year, we will have a popup shop in the main building in case you need yarn or needles or anything else. Jill will also be bringing a trunk show with samples for us to see in person. We can’t wait to see them! We might even have kits available for you to make your own versions!
Yarn Side Trips
If you get up north early, feel free to stop by Stonehedge Fiber Mill in East Jordan, MI. They are the home of the famous “Crazy” yarn and other wonderful yarns. Open until 3 pm on Saturdays and open again on Monday at 10 am when the processing machines will be in operation. Also, Wool & Honey yarn shop is a 30-minute drive northwest, located in Cedar, MI.
The property where the retreat is taking place is set in the wooded beauty of northern Michigan. We may even get to see some fall colors while we are there.
Spots are limited so sign up early! Call the store at (989) 892 - 6400 or stop in to sign up!
Two Condo Options:
1 Bedroom: King bedroom plus pullout in the living room, sleeps 3 people max
or
2 bedrooms: King bedroom, Queen bedroom, plus pullout in the living room, sleeps 4 people max
Michigan Knitting Retreat Pricing Options
King Room by yourself $386
King Room with a roommate $275/person
Queen Room single $350
Pullout $275
1 bedroom by yourself $400
Prices include lodging, swag bag, dinners Saturday and Sunday, lunch Saturday, and
continental breakfast Sunday and Monday, and snacks.
Note: Full payment is required at the time of sign-up.
There will be a $100 non-refundable deposit for those canceling after August 20th.
Summer Solstice Sale
While it has been sweltering hot the last few weeks across the country, it is not technically “summer”
yet. The first “real” day of summer is June 20th this year, the official Summer Solstice in the Northern
Hemisphere, which means it is the longest day of the year.
While the Mayans and the Aztecs used this longest day to celebrate summer and how to plant or
harvest crops, we as knitters and crocheters are more interested in the “Sale” part of the Summer Solstice.
To celebrate, A Piece of Ewe Yarn store is offering you an online discount on June 20th and in-store
on Monday, June 21st. Now is your chance to stock up on those knitting items Susan hasn’t put in
a kit during a Facebook Live event! 😊
Beginning at 12:01 AM on Sunday, June 20th EST, use the code “summersolstice2021” and receive
20% off all regular-priced merchandise in our online yarn store. You can choose shipping or curbside
pickup. You can also stop in the store during our open hours (Monday, June 21st from 10 AM -1 PM) and we
can help you pick something out! The code will expire at 11:59 PM EST Monday, June 21st so
get all of that yarn and yarn accessories your knitter’s heart desires.
Our shelves are stocked to the brim with fun yarn and knitting accessories that you are sure to like.
The sale also covers all regular-priced needles, notions, yarn, and pattern books.
We have also added some items to our clearance area that you are not going to want to miss either
(remember the code doesn’t work on these items, they have already been greatly discounted)!
World Wide Knit In Public Day!
We checked the weather in our local Bay City town and it’s going to be sunny and nice (not scorching)
this Saturday, June 12. Why? It is WWKIP Day (WorldWide Knit In Public Day!)
What is WWKIPD?
“World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005. It began as a way for knitters to come together and
enjoy each other’s company. Knitting is such a solitary act that it’s easy to knit alone somewhere and sink
into your work without thinking about all the other knitters out there. Neighbors could spend all their lives
never knowing that the other knits. This is a specific day to get out of your house and go to a local event
(with your knitting in tow) just for you and people like you. Who knows you might even bump into your neighbor!”
We at A Piece of Ewe decided to stay close to the store (as there is a/c, bathrooms, and of course yarn
readily available inside) so we will be putting up our pop-up canopy and we have some snacks from
American Gourmet (Pretzels and Caramel Corn). Bring your knitting (or crocheting), a chair, a beverage,
and let’s get together at our Michigan yarn store! Feel free to bring any finished projects you want to show
off to! It’s been so long since we have seen you and your projects we can’t wait.
If you can’t be there in person, post a picture of where you are “knitting in public” on our Facebook or
Instagram pages. Show your love for your yarn and A Piece of Ewe. (Please let us know what pattern you
are working on as we know others will want to know!)
A Knitting Project Kit Just For You
May 28, 2021
Let's talk inspiration. Noro yarn has got it and it's in our Bay City shop. Noro Bachi and Kanzashi inspired this
Bachi Ball Shawl. The oversized yarn balls from some of the best yarn brands make up this
asymmetrical triangle shawl. The colors are consistent between the two yarns allowing you to
knit with the same colors throughout and the garter ridges of boucle-like Kanzashi contrast with
the smooth stockinette of Bachi creating both a colorful and textural feast for the senses
while wrapping you in pure warmth. Find your perfect AProject Knitting kit here.
Looking for that perfect summer sweater? The Etta Sweater is made from a worsted weight yarn that
is the perfect summer choice with bright and happy shades of colors that ebb and flow. The cotton blend yarn
is light to the touch, easy to work with, and self-striping. With a subtle lace yoke, this sweater makes the perfect
everyday piece. Find this AProject Knitting Kit - The Etta Sweater here.
Events & Happenings At A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Store
May 21, 2021
Spring has sprung and A Piece of Ewe is working with Midland's Open Door for our charity effort.
They fix up donated bikes, so they are available for shelter guests to ride to work, etc.
They also allow others in the community, like those who come to their soup kitchen, to work
10-12 volunteer hours to earn a bike of their very own.
To help them buy the combination locks they need to keep the bikes safe, A Piece of Ewe
will be donating a portion of every sale from April and May to this great cause. If you would
like to contribute a monetary donation, we will be accepting donations at our local yarn store until May 29. 
We love doing Sunday Facebook Live’s. Now that the weather is getting nicer, we have decided
to move them to 7 PM EST. That way we can enjoy the day and still be able to shop for great yarn in the evenings.
Our Sneak Peak’s will still be around noon on the Saturday prior to the Facebook Live.
Watch us on Sunday, June 6, 13, and June 27 @ 7 PM EST.
Do you have extra yarn laying around? Items in your stash that you have no idea what
to do with? Don’t like the pattern you originally picked out for some yarn in your stash?
If you answered yes to any or all of the questions above, you are not alone!
We all do! Susan is now doing Stash Buster Thursdays! Just a quick Facebook Live
on Thursdays at 9:30 AM (or you can watch the replay at your leisure).
While we would love to sell you new yarn, this is more about project ideas for a yarn weight
or maybe ways to use that leftover half a skein of a particular type of yarn. Please feel free
to message suggestions for what you need help with and it might be used in an upcoming Live Event!
Summertime Knitting With Shawls and Cowls
May 13, 2021
design cowl for you. The Laurel Cowl is worked in the round and can be made as either a 24-inch cowl or
48 inches if you like to double wrap. This cowl’s pattern is made in a lace design, and options are provided
to finish it off with either a icord edge or ribbing. Each kit is set for the 48" length for a double wrap and
contains (2) skeins of Juniper Moon Herriot (100% baby alpaca, 218 yards). The pattern is available on
Ravelry for $4. Shop the yarn kit in our online yarn store here.
Where are the slip stitch lovers? The Massallo Shawl will definitely keep you entertained. It’s asymmetrical in design
and completely reversible. The slip stitch side has a woven look to it and the other side features a 1x1 rib. There is no wrong side! It’s knit in DK weight yarn and the design can be easily modified to make it bigger or smaller
by knitting more or less repeats. The original shawl pattern calls for 6 different colors. We cheated and used one
main color (Kelbourne Woolens Scout, 100% wool, 274 yards) and one contrast color (Noro Tabi, 65% wool,
35% nylon, 410 yards). These yarns are the same weight so all is good and the Noro Tabi stripes so it looks like
you are using more colors! A win-win. The pattern is available on Ravelry for $7.00. Shop the yarn kit in our
online yarn store here.
Spring & Summer Knits
April 30, 2021
That means cotton, linen, and lighter-weight yarns. A Piece of Ewe is embracing this change this season with
lots of new yarns and some new colors for yarns that we have had in the past.
kits to make this season-spanning knit accessory.
The Reunion Cardigan is a great summer cardigan. We knit ours with Spud and Chloe's sweater yarn.
This machine-washable cotton/wool blend keeps its shape and is oh so soft. You will want to knit more than
one! We have 14 colors in kits for this Sunday's Facebook Live. This cardigan is a high hip length,
but our kits have a bit of extra yarn as we know most of you like your sweaters a little longer. Joyce
really loves this yarn and I know you will too.
Both are in our online yarn store. One ball makes one pair of socks. Check out the colors and the fun patterns. The first
is Online Supersocke Beach and the second is Online Primavera. Both of these new yarns will be part of our Facebook Live on Sunday!
the live sneak peek or watch anytime before 1 PM EST on Sunday. Our Facebook lives are super popular and
an easy way to shop our knitting kits from your lawn chair or couch!
New Knitting Project Kits At Your Local Knit Shop
April 21, 2021
It's always fun to make something that tests your creativity. The Stitch Sampler Shawl and 50 Shades Mohair Scarf
from our online yarn store are going to do just that.
This fun Stitch Sampler Shawl is great for learning new stitches. The pattern is written row by row and is easy to follow. It's made with our Noro Taiyo yarn and it comes with the pattern. You can shop the knitting kit here but act fast there's only one left.
Make a versatile and fashionable accessory in different-sized stripes with the 50 Shades Mohair Scarf. You will be able to
wear this large wrap with all your outfits! Do the stripes like the pattern or mix it up, your choice. Wear it long, double twist it,
and tuck in the ends so it looks like a cowl, or wear it as a wrap, the options are endless. You won't want to make just one.
This kit is made with Katia Concepts yarn. Find the kit in your favorite shade of yarn here.
Local Yarn Store Day Knitting Fun 
April 15th, 2021
LYS Day or Local Yarn Store Day is a brick-and-mortar yarn shop appreciation day.
The fourth annual LYS Day will take place on April 17th (although we are celebrating from the 15th to the 17th)
and is designed to show support for small businesses while bringing together a unique community of knitters, crocheters, weavers, and spinners to drive awareness and celebrate the craft. Vendors and retailers alike are coming together to showcase the benefits of locally owned yarn stores through an array of special knitting products! We are getting in new
products and kits daily for this LYS Day. Stay tuned and watch the daily Facebook videos for all new
yarns and knitting kits. We are OPEN online 24/7 and in-store from 10 AM to 1 PM
at 506 Columbus Avenue Bay City, Michigan if you wanted to stop in and see what new spring
skeins and kits we have.
Knitting Hats & Mitts
April 9th, 2021
This week's star knitting kits are the CC Beanie and the Simplicity Mitts. Both of these kits are available in
our online yarn store. The copycat C.C. Beanie is the perfect hat for all (men, women, and children).
One of the most popular knit hats for the past few years, it turns heads everywhere and it's super easy
to make. Each kit contains (1) skein of Juniper Moon Moonshine (40% wool, 40$ alpaca, 20% silk,
197 yards) and the pattern. The yarn used is worsted and you will want to hand wash it in cold water
and lay it flat to dry. It's available in our online yarn store here. You are also welcome to call the store at (989) 892-6400
and we will set aside the kit you are looking for. Our yarn store is located in Bay City Michigan.
The Simplicity Mitts are a simple pair of fingerless mittens, with an easy stranded colorwork,
perfect for a beginner in stranded knitting. They are super stylish for those cold and snowy days.
Who knows when you will need them in Michigan. With this kit, you will receive a pdf file (8 pages)
including text instructions, pattern charts, and photos. You can size the mitts from XS to M for adults.
Order this mitt kit in our online yarn shop here.
New Spring Yarns
April 2nd, 2021
Well, the weather may or may not be cooperating in your area, but A Piece of Ewe is looking forward to spring!
So many fun new yarns are coming in! Let’s start with Berroco’s new summer yarns…
I think Berroco Zinnia is going to be a superstar! This yarn is a cotton/nylon blend so it will keep its shape. A
two-tone strand of yarn with flecks of color woven throughout the yarn gives this knitted fabric a fun texture.
Featuring a soft color palette, this DK weight yarn is perfect for all your spring and summer pieces. We are
carrying all nine colors of Zinnia in our online yarn store. We have a sample of the Perrin top in our store in
Bay City Michigan. It's a fun knit that will look good on a variety of body shapes (sizes range from 32-68” chest).
Check out our selection of Berroco Zinnia here in our online yarn shop.
The Tay sweater is a two-tone sweater with a free pattern from Berroco. 
There are five more patterns
designed by Berroco for Zinnia yarn so there is something for everyone. You can call the store (989) 892-6400 or
come in-store to 506 Columbus Avenue Bay City, Michigan and we can help you find the perfect summer knit!
Are you a linen lover? You will love Berroco Chai! This silk/linen blend 
becomes more lovely as you work
with it. It is light and airy and perfect for summer! Whether it is an accessory or a summer top, you will love this yarn.
Everyone loves Berroco’s Sesame yarn and now there is a summer version…Summer Sesame! This DK 
weight yarn has fun color striping and it is just fun and so are the patterns! We should have
all of the colors in stock in our online yarn shop shortly. We can’t wait to see what you decide to knit or crochet!
Want to check out the yarns before you get started? You can order a Berroco Spring/Summer Yarn Tasting Kit!
Margaux from Berroco gives you all the info on each of the yarns in this video. We are happy to order a kit for
you and Berroco will ship it right to your home! You can call the store at (989) 892-6400 and mention the Berroco
Spring/Summer yarn tasting kit and we can get that shipped out to you from our yarn store in Bay City, Michigan.
Bay City Yarn Shop Knit Kits
March 24th, 2021
A Piece Of Ewe is one of the only yarn stores in the upper Michigan area. We only carry the best quality
yarns and yarn brands. Usually, twice a month we have a knitting project kit Facebook live where we have
knitting projects that we have put together from our online yarn shop for you. This week we have a couple
of new kits from one of those lives. There are only a few left so you may want to grab them up while you can.
Our first kit comes from our Bay City shop and the colors will have you pacing until your kit gets to you so
you can grab your needles and get started. The Maryland Road Trip kit is celebrating knitting, local
yarn shops, American history, natural wonders, and Maryland landmarks. The shape is a bit of a
mystery. It's a shawl that is a combination of a triangle and a scarf, with motifs based on things seen as
we’ve traveled throughout the beautiful state of Maryland.
Each leg of the trip contains two options (one designed by Cynthia, the other by Valerie), setting every
knitter up for a grand choose-your-own knitting adventure. Each option is a creative tribute to a landmark,
or historical event, or region that can be encountered on a Road Trip around the great state of Maryland.
Knitting Notes
The “Start Your Engines” clue will release on April 17
Leg 1: April 24
Leg 2: May 8
Leg 3: May 22
Leg 4: June 5
Leg 5: June 26
Leg 6: July 10
The Finish Line: July 24
Our kits contain three solids and one variegated—that work together but also offer some contrast with one another.
You should have one light, one medium, and one dark solid, and the variegated should play nicely with all.
Color A (dark solid or tonal): 400 yards Color B (medium solid or tonal): 400 yards Color C (variegated): 400 yards
Color D (light solid or tonal): 400 yards
The pattern is available on Ravelry.
Our second kit this week (also from our Bay City shop) is the Building In Color Blanket kit.
You can learn to expertly manage multiple colors while creating a gorgeous sampler afghan.
If you loved Building Blocks then this follow-up book is for you! Many of the designs are timeless favorites,
some are original creations, and ALL of them are deliciously fun! There are 10 colorwork panels that combine
to make this blanket. As an added bonus, all of the techniques featured in this book are supported with
FREE online video instruction available at www.KnitPurlHunter.com
Each kit contains (4) skeins each of three coordinating colors of Ella Rae Cozy Soft (75% acrylic, 25%
superwash wool, 213 yards), the Building in Color book, and a new logo bag from A Piece of Ewe.
Yarn: dk
Needle: US 6
Gauge: 22 sts = 4" in stockinette
Care: machine wash in cold water, gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low.
Approximate size: 40" x 54"
St. Patrick's Day Sharing Of The Green Sale 
St. Patrick's Day is a big tradition here in Bay City Michigan and A Piece of Ewe is celebrating too!
Do you need new interchangeable needles, a coffee mug, a knitting book, or maybe it's just that you want
some more yarn? You choose. Then at checkout, you can choose curbside pickup or we can ship it to you!
No matter what it is that your knitter's heart desires you will want to join us and save some green
in our online yarn store on March 17th. The building may be closed for St. Patrick's Day, but our
website is always open! Use the code "sharingofthegreen" and get 17% off all regular-priced
merchandise!
(AProject kits, gift cards, and clearance items are excluded.)
Knit A Shawl, Swancho & Wrap For March 
Well, here in Bay City, Michigan, our days are finally a bit warmer but it's awfully windy. It seems to be the
perfect time for a smaller layer when you are out for a walk around the Bay City shops. This week is all about wraps,
swanchos, and shawls.
The Van Gogh Shawl is a piece of art. A simple triangle shawl with squishy garter stitch stripes and
gorgeous colorways showcased with a simple drop stitch treatment. Each kit contains (1) skein of
Stitch Together Dreamy Dk (100% superwash merino, 250 yards) and contrast color.
The pattern is included in the kit.
The Ninilchik Swoncho is both functional and comfy. Some say it's like being wrapped in a blanket.
This is the go-to knit that you will reach for all year long. The pattern comes in two sizes and they are
available on Ravelry for $7. We think size 2 will fit most and it goes up to a 3XL. This kit comes with
(4) skeins of the main color and (1) each of three contrasting colors. Hint: the main color is the sleeves
and the bottom of the swoncho. Pick one of the contrast colors to be next to your face (I skipped chart
A and went right to CC1 to start mine). It is great as a first colorwork project since the charts are
so easy to follow!
Last but not least is our Alisa Wrap. Made with chunky yarn it is a bit heavier than the others.
However, It will still be a great layer for those colder nights we have yet to come. The slipped stitches and
stripes create polka dots of color in this top-down shawl. Each kit contains six balls of Juniper Moon
Beatrix (54% extra-fine merino wool, 30% angora, 16% nylon, 109 yards each) with 3 of one color
and 3 of a contrasting color and the pattern.
Blanket & Poncho Knitting Project Kits
This week brings us some new and oh so cozy knitting projects for ewe. We are highlighting two projects
that we hope you will just fall in love with. Blankets and ponchos are almost always a necessity
throughout those colder months and here in Michigan, it is frigid.
To The Point Noro Blanket
We think the name says it all but this will be your go-to blanket for those cold nights. It's got a lot going for it.
The To The Point Noro Blanket has mitered squares worked in garter stitch. It basically has its own rainbow and
it is available in two different colorways. One square is approx 9” square. The To The Point Blanket kit
contains (4) skeins of Noro Ito (100% wool, 437 yards each). The pattern is available on Ravelry
for $5. Please do a gauge prior to knitting this blanket as you may choose to go up a needle.
Its approximate end size is 42" x 53".
Glymur Poncho
Yes, everyone needs a poncho-style wrap. An effortless layer of warmth with simple lines and textures
that flatter most outfits. This slouchy poncho will be your go-to during those chillier months.
The Glymur Poncho has that leafy edging to give a special touch. It is mainly a stockinette stitch
with a panel of lace running along one edge. The lace is intuitive and makes this a mesmerizing
knit — you will find yourself wanting to finish just one more pair of leaves, and then one more.…
The instructions are fully written or you can use the optional chart. We found that most people liked
the shape and drape of the smallest size so our kits include (2) skeins of The Fibre Co Arranmore Light
(80% Merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% silk, 328 yards each). The pattern is available on Ravelry for $6.
Its approximate size is 26" x width 15" (folded length).
Virtual Knitting Classes 
Right about now we would be in the midst of a heavy class schedule. But you know, COVID.
With so many things changing it's hard, but thank goodness our love for knitting hasn't changed!
You’ve all seen me try to work my tripod during Facebook Lives, I have no idea how I would finagle a camera for my hands and watch everyone on a Zoom call. But fear not I have found a fantastic source for us to all have classes safely again!
Pam Grushkin will be partnering with us! She offers a fantastic selection of classes from beginner to
more advanced. You can find and sign up for her classes here on her website! When you click on a class you will get all of
the details for that class, the type of skills needed, and the dates/times it is available.
When signing up for the classes, please use our unique coupon code! This is really important!
Our Coupon Code is: apieceofewe-mi-10 (note, it is case sensitive with no spaces!) After you have signed up,
show us your class registration receipt, and you will receive 10% off your materials needed for your class.
You can always shop our online yarn store here.
I hope you enjoy these classes! There will be a day when we can have in-store classes again, but for now, this is
a great way to learn something new! Happy knitting!
Sock & Hat Knit Project Kits For February
It's almost Valentine's Day and what better way to say I love you than to give a knitting project kit.
We are still stuck at home for the most part so we will all need something extra to do. Why not have something you love?
This knitting project kit is a fun and quick holiday-themed sock. It is called Have A Heart Valentine's Socks. Everyone loves holiday socks. The pattern is available in child’s Medium, child’s Large, women’s Medium, and woman’s Large This would be a fun
mother and daughter project too! You can find it on our online yarn store here.
A peanut butter sandwich is the ultimate comfort food. Fresh bread and a layer of peanut butter create a simple
and irresistible combination. It's just like this hat. This simple design has a tight-fitting brim and looser fabric for
the main body of the hat. There's an accent color on the inside of the brim and a rapid 8-point crown decrease.
It is the perfect knitting project. Shop it here in our knitting project kits.
This hat is a beautiful quick pattern to give someone you love like your sweetheart. You will use a bulky yarn
that allows for a god amount of stretch, so the hat will fit several sizes. You could also use this hat as a stash
buster. The best part is that you should be able to get 2 hats from each kit. You can find the knitting project
kit here in our online yarn store.
Multiple Knitting Project Motivation 
Anyone else surrounded by half done, almost done, who knows if I really want to finish it and all I need to do
is block it projects? January didn’t help me to finish anything no matter how hard I tried. I just started more!
I had to get something blocked for a Facebook Live event. Oh my goodness that was the incentive I needed!
I even wove in my ends! That one project lead to finishing the last 15 rows on another project and putting that
in a basin of Eucalan! My whole house smelled like wet wool but it was well worth it. Once one was done drying,
another project that had been done for months but not blocked went into the basin! Yes, that was liberating!
It’s like emptying the dishwasher or getting clothes out of the dryer, folded, and put away!
Now, what about those projects that just aren’t right in the yarn you chose? Well, I just started my third shawl
with some wonderful fingering weight. It just wasn’t the right yarn for the first two ideas. Don’t feel that you
have to finish a project when you just aren’t feeling the love. It may be destined to be something you don’t
know about yet! I ripped out a sweater that was 3/4 done and it is now on its way to being a much better
sweater by adding some additional colors. I can’t wait to show you the final project (but don’t hold your breath
as it is my fun project and not for a live). We have many different yarn choices for the project you just can't
seem to find the right yarn for here in our online yarn store.
What I have found works for me is to have different types of knitting projects on your needles. I always have
a pair, or twelve, socks available for me to do while I’m on zoom meetings (yes I am paying attention, but I
need something to do with my hands). I always have a brainless project. That is to say, one that doesn’t take
too many brain cells to work on. We all need one of these during these times. I try to have one that uses a
chart or is fair isle as that uses my brain more and keeps me engaged. Some people like to work on one
project until it’s done and that’s great if that works for you. Don’t worry about your speed as all of us work
at different speeds and have commitments some weeks and not as many other weeks. Just find knitting
projects that feel good for you. We have a great selection of knitting books with a host of patterns here
as well if you need help finding your next knitting project. As always, if you have knitting project ideas, send me a message and maybe your idea may wind up
as a Facebook Live project!
Some Of Our Best New Knitting Projects
We all know that knitting is amazing. It allows you to make beautiful knitting projects to share or to keep to yourself.
Here are three new knitting projects for you to try. There is something for all of the creatives. If you haven’t learned
how to knit, now is your chance.
The Hug Hug Kiss Kiss Shawl combines squishy garter, elongated stitches, bobbles, soft drapey yarn, and
some pops of color. What more could you ask for? These are prime ingredients for a fun-to-knit and cozy-to-wear
shawl! The elongated crossed stitches and bobbles remind me of X’s & O’s - wrap yourself up in some hugs
and kisses!! Each kit contains four colors of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok (100% highland wool). And the pattern
is available on Ravelry for $7.
In the Noro Wavy Triangle Shawl project kit, undulating waves are created with sections of short rows make it a
really unique shawl. Three stitch markers, distinguishable from each other, will help you keep your place among the waves and ensure that you’re working the right stitches. The triangular shawl begins with a garter-stitch
tab. Blocking is important to ensure that the short-row sections don’t bump outward. Each kit contains
(3) skeins of Noro Sock Yarn although some include (2) Sock Solo and (1) Silk Garden Sock and
some kits include (2) Silk Garden Sock and (1) Sock Solo. The single skein will be your contrast color.
The pattern is included in this kit.
Windows bring us happiness as we can look out into the world and stay protected and cozy in our
homes. This hat will inspire you in its simplicity. Imagine yourself making it in the colors of your choice, as you
gaze out your own windows with hot tea in hand. It even has a design choice to be a slouch hat or a beanie!
With sizes from child to adult, it is perfect for the knitter with a little experience and is familiar with working fair
isle charts. You can shop the Windows Hat knitting kit here in our online yarn shop.
You can find all of our available project knitting kits here on our online yarn store.
Sharing My Favorite Knitting Projects
Everyone has a favorite knitting project or two or three. Is it one that takes no brain cells or one where you have to concentrate
so it takes you away (I remember a Calgon ad with that tag line…boy am I dating myself)? Do you have a favorite for
each type of project?
I love to make socks! I collect sock yarn when I travel to different yarn shops or fiber fests. Socks are a great travel
project as they are small and don’t take much room even if I’m bringing 3 projects with me in my suitcase. I also love
to give socks as gifts and have knit many a pair.
I love to make sweaters. That really has been a new development in the last couple of years. In 2019, I even
challenged myself to a sweater in a week/month and I finished several. Four were fair isle (Soldotna Crop, Navelli,
Alaska Sweater, Ninilchik Swoncho), one mosaic (Shifty), and four were just soft squishy yarn (Haven, Capo,
Tea with Jam and Bread, Churchmouse’s Easy Relaxed Pullover). I’m currently working on the Sturgill Sweater
from Caitlin Hunter and finishing up my Gracious using my sock yarn leftovers. Ok so I don’t have much of a life,
but a hand-knit sweater is like wearing a hug!
Shawls are another of my favorite projects. I love to make them but I’m not so good at wearing them. I love, love, 
love the Bermuda Scarf using Noro Silk Garden sock or any other long repeat yarn. I have made ten of them
over the years and I kept two. I will say that pattern is not good in a variegated yarn. I did try it for a friend.
was pretty but you didn’t see the movement as you do with a long repeat yarn. If I need a no brainer, I will go
to that one only because I have knit so many. Shop our online yarn store, call us (989-892-6400) or stop in-store
to pick out yarn for any one of these projects.
Knitting Project Kits For Ewe
Any of these knitting project kits would be perfect for a Valentine's Day Gift for your knitter!
The Noro Heart Blanket
This kit comes in a prepacked kit for the "Heart Blanket". It includes 19-50g balls of Kureyon, a craft brown paper bag,
and one Free copy of the pattern leaflet. You can shop this kit here. 
The Aspen Cable Hat
This hat is knit in the round and is an easy cable knit. Good for a beginner or for someone who just wanted
an easier cable knit. This hat comes in two different styles, Slouch and Beanie, and the kit contains enough
yarn for the largest slouch size. You can shop this kit here.
The Himani Hat
Lace hats are lovely to make and lovelier to wear. Indulge yourself with this pattern for a delightfully soft and
lacy hat that is ever so quick to make! Shop this kit here.
Knitting Reflections Of 2020
Boy, 2020 has been a whirlwind! Who would have guessed last year at this time we would have experienced all of this? 
Well, the end of the year is always a time to reflect on the previous year and make resolutions for the new year.
Last year, A Piece of Ewe was just a little local yarn store. Now, because of you, we are a LYS across the country. And we love it! We had never done a Facebook Live before the end of March and now we are in your living rooms on a weekly basis with our knitting project kits! And we love talking with you every week! You have become part of our family and we are so glad you found us. We love seeing the photos of your completed projects.
What’s ahead for 2021? Don’t worry, we will continue to do Facebook Live Events on Sundays and we love adding in our random Pop Up Project Deal of the Day’s. We are also going to add some fun to 2021! I think we could use it, don’t you?!
We are going to add Knit-A-Long’s (KAL). We started with the Blue Sky Fibers Pemberton Pullover which officially starts January 11th. We already have a couple more sweaters (cardigans in fact) in mind. If you aren’t into sweaters, we will find some other fun KAL’s. Maybe it’s socks or charity hats or … stay tuned!
We are also going to add some celebrations, so stay tuned to our emails and Facebook for more info.
But first, we are taking a little break to get caught up on our knitting, find new projects for Facebook Live’s and Pop Up’s, and maybe sleep in a little. You can always shop our online yarn store here while our store is closed for the holiday. Thank you again for all your support in 2020 and we can’t wait to see you in 2021!
Yarn Shop Gift Cards For Easy Gifting
You can give the perfect gift and have it sent right away....from your home. It is perfect for the holiday season. A gift card to A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop is what we are talking about. Put a smile on someone’s face with the gift that is zero contact but it has100% connection and online ordering makes last minute no problem. Everyone loves getting a gift card because they can go and buy whatever it is their heart desires. Order them here: A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop
Easy Last Minute Knitting Gift Projects
Tis the season for knitting.....quickly. We have many knitting project kits that are perfect for the last minute project gift. There is the Boneyard Shawl, CC Beanie, Himani Hat, Noro Hat, or the Rochambeau/Providence Shawl. You can find them in our online yarn store here as well.
Tis The Season For Giving Back!
When COVID hit, I knew we had to change the way we did business at A Piece of Ewe. Many of you were there for our first Facebook Live event when we had no idea what a shutdown would mean. We scrambled and you were patient. Thank YOU!
You were so supportive of A Piece of Ewe, then and now, and I felt we had to pay it forward. So for every sale, in the store, online, or from a Facebook Live event, we donate towards an organization in need within our local community.
We have fed many first responders both at the hospitals and rehabilitation centers. We have fed more than 200 flood victims. A Piece of Ewe is located very near the town hit by the famous “100-year flood” and I used to live there for a time when I first moved to this area of Michigan.
“Tech Support Marcy” is also a first-grade teacher in Bay City and your purchases made it possible for us to not only provide each student in her class a Scholastic book each month but supply them with school supplies. I always loved getting a new Scholastic book each month as a kid and thought that this help was a no brainer.
A portion of each sale in September gave us the money to partner with the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission and that donation provided a meal for 158 people. We hope to partner with them again in January to assist with their Hope & Care totes filled with new hygiene products for those in need.
From our October and November sales, we are donating to Toys for Tots. I had a few Christmas holidays in my life where resources were scarce so it felt right to provide a toy or two for a child who might go without. We are taking donations (monetary and new unwrapped gifts) until 1 pm on Thursday, December 3rd here.
YOU made this happen! By supporting A Piece of Ewe through gift card purchases, Facebook Live events, online orders and stopping in the store to shop. Every purchase you made helps those around us. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. You have kept us going through these unprecedented times. A Piece of Ewe hopes to continue being your “Local Yarn Store” no matter where you live and we hope to continue to help those in need.
Thanksgiving Pattern For YOU!
This is a fabulously easy pattern and absolutely adorable for those littles. You can get the yarn from our online yarn shop here. This is a crochet pattern so follow the below information for instructions and details.
Skill Level: Easy
Size:
0 – 3 months, 3 – 6 months, 6 months – 12 months, 12 months – 3 years, 3 years - 10 years, Teen/Adult
NOTE!!! I tend to crochet loosely. If you find that you crochet tighter, you may want to switch to a larger hook to get the correct size!
Materials Needed:
- 1 skein Aran weight (#4) yarn (Color A – Silver Grey) (I used Lion Brand “Vanna’s Choice” for this hat.)
- Small amount of White for Eyes
- Small amount of each of the following colors (One color for each of the Curly Feathers…Cranberry, Mustard, Chocolate, Honey, Terracotta or Rust)
- Small amount of Cranberry for Wattle
- Small amount of Terracotta or Rust for Edging around hat
- Small amount of Radiant Yellow or Radiant Orange for the Braids or Claw Ties
- Small amount of Mustard or Radiant Yellow for the Beak
- Crochet Hook, Size H/5.00 mm (for all sizes)
- 2 Buttons (For the Eyes) Refer to pictures for options for eyes….black round buttons; colored flower buttons, or whatever you choose to add unique personality to your turkey!
- 2 Yarn Needles (Large one used for working in loose yarn ends and smaller one for sewing eyes to hat.
Black Friday & Shop Small Saturday Specials
Black Friday Bonus!
Get this adorable "I need a HUGe amount of yarn" limited edition bag, FREE ($26 value) when you buy our Building Blocks Kit on Black Friday.
On Tuesday, November 24th at 12:30 pm EST there will be a sneak peek preview of this kit you don't want to miss!
The Building Blocks Kit contains:
1. Seven skeins of Berroco Ultra Wool
2. The Building Blocks Book by Michelle Hunter, and our
3. A Piece of Ewe Exclusive project bag! If you order online use the code: blackfriday2020 to get the FREE bag with your kit.
This offer is available online (at www.apieceofewe.com starting at midnight) and in-store, but you will have to hurry because there are limited quantities available.
(While supplies last. Offer expires midnight Friday, November 27, 2020)
Shop Small Saturday Special!
When you shop small with us on Saturday, November 28th you will receive a very special FREE surprise with every purchase of $50 or more. (Valid in-store or online. Curbside pickup available.) Just a small thank you for supporting my small business!
Here's a hint: It has a great squishy feeling.
(While supplies last, valid on November 28th, 2020 only)
Our Sunday Knitting Project Kit Facebook Live
This Sunday, November 15th we have a Facebook live event at 5 pm. There are many times at the beginning of
our lives that people miss out on project kits. Be sure to tune in just before 5 pm and refresh your screen so
you don't miss out on any of those must-have yarn kits from our online yarn shop.
Grab One Of These Amazing Project Kits
Before They Are Gone!
Grab one of these aproject kits from our online yarn store while you can. There's just a few of each.
You can choose from the Sadie's Lace Scarf, Earflap Hat, Above The Woods Shawl, Yew Shawl,
Travelers Cowl.
Favorite Halloween Pattern
Happy Halloween! We really like our holiday patterns here at A Piece Of Ewe yarn shop. Since today is Halloween we want you to post your favorite ones with the link to the pattern so we can all enjoy it. If you have made them post a picture. Susan and her staff will draw a winner for a $30 gift card to A Piece Of Ewe on November 2nd. Good Luck everyone!
Here is one to get you started: https://ravel.me/halloween-party-banner
A New Spooky Pattern For YOU
Are you in need of some new Halloween decor?
These friendly faces will add a festive note to your Halloween décor. Fill them with sweet treats, liquid spirits, or utensils on your party buffet table. We have many different yarn brands to choose from in our online yarn shop to help with this project.
Grab the FREE pattern here: https://ravel.me/halloween-jar-cozies
Knitwords By Cori Eichelberger
We are always on the hunt for a new and exciting pattern. Some of the books have great patterns, but do they have everything you
want and need? This ebook by Cori Eichelberger is all that and a bag of yarn. Cori is the one who does the 50 shades of sweaters and 50 shades of shawls. We even have a coupon code for $7 off! (Use code KNITWORDS) It has 8 patterns, a coloring page, an extra set of charted alphabet letters to add your own spin on each project, tips, and tricks for better projects, a sheet of knitting graph paper, and 10 stories to make you laugh!
It's a must-have for any knitter. Check it out here in our online yarn shop.
Noro Magazines & Books
Noro is known for its creative use of color and fiber in its yarns.
Their patterns reflect this creativity and are written to show off the best details of these yarns. Many result in wearable pieces of art!
Noro produces both bi-annual magazines and books. Of the 17 magazines published, A Piece of Ewe has 15 of them in stock in our online yarn store
and we just restocked the fall/winter 2020 magazine.
We also have their beautiful books. Among the 13 Noro books we have in stock, we are highlighting a few of our favorites…
While we don’t currently carry Noro Kureyon, we still love the “Noro Kureyon: The 30th Anniversary Collection”.
For these patterns, we replace Kureyon with
Noro Silk Garden (similar yardage, but we like it better as it is softer). This yarn really shows off the patterns with its unique colors.
If blankets are your thing, “Knit Blankets” gives you a fantastic collection of 25 unique blankets. They have gathered together 
some of the most popular patterns from their magazines and books, along with some brand new and exclusive designs.
You will refer to this book over and over!
Noro Silk Garden is one of our favorite Noro Yarns! As a result, we love “Silk Garden: The 20th Anniversary Collection” book 
filled with sweaters, hats, scarves, and shawls that showcase this yarn’s hand-dyed, vibrant colors, and luxurious texture
(45% silk, 45% kid mohair, and 10% lamb’s wool).
Kalona Cardigan
Did you Kalona will become one of your fall staples with its classic lines and delicate cuff and hem detailing. It is also perfect for breezy weather without adding the weight of a heavier garment. I love this yarn as it is washable too.
Sizing
Bust: 35 1/2 (381/2, 42, 451/2, 481/2, 52, 551/2, 581/2)
Berroco Ultra Woll Fine (100 grs): 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) balls #53147 Stonewashed or one of the 25 colors this yarn comes in.
If you are interested in this project, please call the store 989-892-6400 and we can discuss colors and place the order for you. The kit will be sent from Berroco directly to your address.
Books, Books And More Knitting Books
Did you know that A Piece of Ewe has several books to help you with your knitting expertise?
Artful Colors Mindful Knits helps you work with hand-dyed yarns to get the look you want to achieve. This book will teach you how to analyze the colors and intentionally pattern your finished garment from scarf to sweater and everything in between.
Cast On, Bind Off shows you 50 ways to start and end your knitting project. It is a great reference guide and a book you will refer to over and over again.
How To Knit is a how-to book that covers the basic techniques used in knitting. Filled with easy-to-follow diagrams, this booklet is clearly written and illustrated for the beginning needle artist.
Are you really into knitting hats? Knit Beanies is a great book filled with step-by-step instructions to knit 20 beautiful hats.
Knit In New Directions shows you how to free your inner knitter and introduces the pure fun of knitting in strips and modules, creative short rows, crazy quilt pieces, and free form shapes.
Do you have a lot of stripey sock yarn and you are tired of just making socks? Not Just More Socks uses basic stitches and features patterns that take advantage of the complex techniques and construction methods to exploit the color changes in self-striping yarns.
If you’re into cables, Power Cables is the book for you! From simple to sculptural, the original cable patterns explored in this must-have resource create a foundation of techniques for designing signature knitwear. Basic twisted stitches, complex interpretations of cables, reversible cables, adding texture and color, turning stitches around, constructing cables with I-cord, and wrapping stitches to create the illusion of cables are some of the integrated techniques detailed in this guide. Contained within are more than 15 original cable patterns for pullovers, jackets, bags, socks, and accessories. Also included is information on a new charting system for predicting cable behavior as well as tips on cabling without a cable needle, choosing the best yarns for specific cable effects, and designing original cable patterns.
Get ready to spice up your knitting! Every knitter needs a good stitch dictionary, and this volume is perfect for new and experienced knitters alike. Knit Stitch Dictionary offers 250 knit stitches, from simple knit-purl combos to fancy textured, color, and lace stitch patterns. Knowing that not every knitter works in the same way, this indispensable guide has both written and charted instructions that clearly explain how to knit each stitch. Knit Stitch Dictionary is divided into sections including basic knit and purl stitches; eyelets and lace; cables; traveling and twisted stitches; bobbles, puffs, and clusters; slip stitches; chevrons, ripples and waves; tucks and ruffles; and colorwork patterns.
Sally Melville Book 3: Color is the closest thing to a knitting coach, this primer on knitting describes simple approaches to choosing, using, and wearing color. Knitters move from being intimidated by the choices of being excited by the possibilities as the skill-building chapters put color into practice. Clear, step-by-step photographs lead knitters through a progression of new methods punctuated by fabulous and fun projects to knit. The 36 designs range from simple to classic to unexpected and are presented multiple times showcasing different techniques, mixing and matching to yield more than 80 total projects. With advice, tips, and techniques, this tutorial inspires learners to take their craft to the next level.
Sally Melville Knitting Pattern Essentials will bring your vision to life with pattern drafting essentials.
What’s the number one mistake that knitters make? They follow a pattern exactly! In this comprehensive guide to sweater construction, acclaimed knitting instructor Sally Melville reveals the secrets to creating or modifying a pattern so the finished project looks and fits exactly how you want it to.
Sally Melville Styles began with a problem that all knitter's share: What to do with a growing collection of yet-to-be-knit yarns? Too little to do anything with, too much to toss. How to put a bit of this and a little of that with more of something else and make it all beautiful? Many knitters just give up: the stash (and the guilt) grows while storage space shrinks. Sally Melville found creative solutions and her ideas will help you organize, use, and replenish your collection. Learn why the key to finding what you need, when you need it, is color. And why sometimes to use the yarn you have, you need to buy more! For Styles, Sally developed stitch patterns that are enhanced by a combination of colors, textures, even weights, of yarn. Grab one of these books at the links above to buy them at our online yarn shop.
Baby and Children's Knitting
Pattern Books
Do you have a new baby coming? We have Sublime and Sirdar books full of cute patterns from ages 0-4 years on
up to 7 years old. You can find them here in our online yarn store.
Knitting Books
Need a new pattern? Did you know we have knitting books? We may have exactly what you are looking for. There are
so many to choose from like Sirdar, Noro, Vintage Knits, Katia, Knit beanies, Nikki Epstein, Sublime, Berroco, Building
In Color, Debbie Bliss, Noro Lace, Sally Melville, Big Girl Knits and so many more. Take a look here at our website
selection here in our online yarn store. Let us know if you have any questions. We would be more
than happy to help.
Central Park Hoodie
Heading out for a Saturday brunch with friends at your favorite neighborhood spot? Better bring Heather Lodinsky's comfy
hoodie in case the weather turns chilly (you never know here in Michigan). Tahki's Donegal Tweed wool singles yarn delivers beautiful cable structure and insulation from the cold. Now offered in extended sizes. Check out the pattern here.
We chose a worsted weight yarn like our Ultra Alpaca for this sweater from our online yarn store.
Yarn: Ultra Alpaca
Needles: Sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) needles, or size to achieve gauge, Size 6 (4 mm): 32-40” circular needle
Gauge: 17 sts and 24 rows = 4” in St st on larger needles.
Sizes: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)“ bust.
Lopi Blankets
These ready-made blankets are gorgeous heirloom pieces, perfect for your home or cottage, ideal in the living room or at the end of the bed, and they also make beautiful gifts. Made of Icelandic wool, they are extremely durable, lightweight, breathable, and warm. The fabric is additionally combed after weaving to make it soft. The blankets come in a wide variety of patterns and all are reversible. The offerings are extensive this year with twenty-seven styles available, so there’s something for everyone.
Please note, these are ready-made blankets, they are not a knitting kit and unfortunately do not come with a 
stunning
landscape as a back-drop.
There are 27 styles available for 2020. The blankets are fully reversible and made in Iceland. Hand Wash (or machine wash on delicate alone) in cold water with delicate wash (Eucalan or soak), lay flat or hang to dry.
Pre-Orders
All pre-orders must be received by September 15th and will ship/be available for pick-up in Late October/Early November 2020 (exact date will depend on when we receive our order). We will only be ordering these blankets once this year, and will ONLY be filling pre-orders, so be sure to place your order if you want one! If you just can't wait then you can order here.
Campfire Cozy Shawl
How do you spend your summer nights? Cozied up in front of a campfire perhaps? We have the perfect project for that. It is one of the biggest and most luxurious
wool wraps of all summer nights. It provides warmth and extra insulation. Don't camp? No worries, this piece can be taken almost anywhere.
Having spent many summer nights bundled up in front of a campfire longing for the perfect woolly companion, this luxurious wool wrap is part shawl, part blanket. The Campfire Cozy provides warmth on a cool summer/fall evening. Knit from the top down, this wonderful accessory will be a staple for all those moments you crave a little coziness in your life. We chose Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50% Super Fine Alpaca, 50% Peruvian Wool, 219 yards) for this kit from our online yarn store. Each kit contains (7) skeins and the pattern.
Yarn: worsted
Needles: US 10 circular 40"
Gauge: 15 stitches = 4 inches in Garter, after blocking
Size: 112" x 41"
Check it out here.
FREE Pattern
Oh, what a beautiful summer day and I’m thinking about Berroco Ultra Alpaca! It is August and it is time to get knitting on those fall and winter garments, so they
are ready for when the weather turns cooler. According to the Berroco website, “Ultra Alpaca is the ideal balance of luxurious super fine alpaca and Peruvian Highland wool blended together and spun up perfectly round and light.” There are 72 shades of which A Piece of Ewe has 49, including 7 discontinued colors. These shades include heathers and solids. This worsted weight yarn is 50% Super Fine Alpaca and 50% Peruvian Wool and has 219 yards in a skein. It is a staple at A Piece of Ewe, and we love working with it!Check out Barley from Tin Can Knits. It's a free hat pattern on Ravelry.com and uses one skein of Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Make one for any member of your family as the pattern goes from baby to adult large.
Watch for additional project ideas this month during our Sunday @7pm EST Facebook Live Events.
How Can We Help
In light of our recent store reopening, we have had a few customers that aren't quite ready to shop in person. We wanted to let you know we completely
understand and we will welcome you back when you are ready. In the meantime, you can still shop online and have your packages shipped to your door or choose curbside pickup and we will make sure your items are ready for you. When doing an online order, please continue to provide your email and phone number in case we have questions. If you end up having questions on your order, this information allows us to track your package and provide you with an update. As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to call the store at (989)892-6400, Facebook message us, or email us at apieceofewe@yahoo.com. We would love to help you!A Pattern For You!
Executive Mask Order From Governor
We will be following the executive order that was handed down from Governor Gretchen Whitmer that requires masks to be worn when in an indoor space or crowded outdoor spaces. This new order also requires businesses to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a mask. The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off daily. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we're out and about. We know that masks can reduce the chance of spread by about 70 %.
Opening Our Doors To Welcome You Back!
We are so excited to announce our plans to re-open on Monday, July 6th! We have had a truly great time with our Facebook Lives and are getting this curbside pick-up down pat but there's nothing like welcoming you back to explore our samples and yarns in person! The health and safety of our guests and staff is of utmost importance to us so we will be taking the following steps to ensure your safety:
- We will be scheduling appointments in 30-minute and 60-minute sessions so as to safely limit the number of guests in the store. You can sign-up to schedule an appointment here.
- Week of 7/6 - appointments available Monday, July 6th - Friday, July 10th from 10 AM - 12:30 PM.
- Week of 7/13 - appointments available Wednesday, July 15th - Saturday, July 19th from 9 AM - 1 PM.
- Week of 7/6 - appointments available Monday, July 6th - Friday, July 10th from 10 AM - 12:30 PM.
- All guests must wear a mask and use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.
- Payment will be by credit card only for the first two weeks.
- To support all of our customers, we will still be doing online orders and curbside pickup at this time for those interested.
- Please hold onto your projects that need fixing until after July 20th. Thank you for your patience!
We're Giving A Gift To YOU For Susan's Birthday!
A very happy birthday to Susan means very good savings for you! We love any reason to celebrate at A Piece of Ewe and birthdays are just about our favorite. But why do the expected! For her birthday this year, Susan has decided to GIVE ALL OF YOU A GIFT! On Friday, July 3rd, you can enjoy 30% OFF all online orders (excludes AProject Kits and clearance items). Happy Birthday, Susan... and happy shopping, friends!
Don't Miss Our Next Facebook Live!
This Tuesday, June 30th at 7:00 pm EST is the next Project Kit Facebook Live. There will be some can't miss kits in great color combinations and we get started right away so you don’t want to be late!
Any remaining kits will be posted within 48 hours to our website here: https://bit.ly/2Kw6nJ6
Our Summer Solstice Sale Is Here!
Who doesn't love summer with its relaxing breezes and warm sunshine? Get ready to make the most of this season and save this Saturday, June 20th during our Summer Solstice Sale! Enjoy 25% OFF online orders ONLY from 10 AM - 1 PM this Saturday with curbside pickup.
Pick up everything you need to sit on your back porch and work on your latest project... or kick back in the AC and tuck away in a cool corner. Use coupon code: 2020 solstice. Does not include clearance and AProject Kits.
"Buy BC" Cards Available Now
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Bay Future, Inc., and other partners have been working hard to keep our small businesses working as a vital part of our local community. If you are looking for ways to support A Piece of Ewe and all of our great Bay City area businesses, encourage your friends and family to purchase "Buy BC" cards while supplies last. Over 60 Bay County small businesses in the retail, restaurant, and service industries are participating.
The program will create an opportunity to engage community members in supporting local businesses by providing an additional 25 percent to the gift certificate to that same businesses at no added expense to the purchaser or business. Customers will be able to purchase a $25 gift card for $20. Customers will be able to purchase these gift cards on a first-come-first-serve basis, with no quantity limit, until the gift cards are sold out. There will be over 4,500 gift cards available for purchase which amounts to over $125,000 injected into these Bay County businesses. Gift cards can be used beginning June 12, 2020.
Coming Together Makes A Difference
And we want to extend a very heartfelt "Thank You!" to everyone supporting us at A Piece of Ewe these past couple of months. As we've received phone and online orders from all of you during this time, we've been able to work together with our friends at That Guy's Barbecue to continue to feed first responders. Along with the recent flooding in the Midland area, times are tough but when we work to help each other, it makes a difference.
Helping Michigan Small Businesses Get Back On Track
Did you know 99.6% of Michigan businesses are considered small? They employ almost half of the state's workforce. Many of the businesses we all rely on are currently in need of loans, grants, and your help to survive the global pandemic.
Our friends at Coyer Candle Co. are supporting A Piece Of Ewe and other local businesses with the creation of their Community Fundraiser candles. Just select A Piece Of Ewe from a provided list of businesses and they will give back $8 for every purchased candle to the partnering business of your choice!
Each candle is made to order by hand. These dark, smokey 9 oz. glass jars are an elevated style featuring a local business on our side label. All of these candles are dye-free with 100% soy wax, and cotton wicks with an approximate burn time of 50 hours. Scents are made with phthalate-free fragrances!
Coyer Candles Co.'s Community Fundraiser is ongoing until Tuesday, June 2nd (or longer if needed). If you'd like to support A Piece Of Ewe, Coyer Candles Co., and enjoy a beautiful candle in the process, consider picking one up today!
Memorial Day Weekend Snuck Up On Us!
We are getting closer and closer to summer! Just wanted to share a reminder that Susan will be out of the store Friday, May 22nd - Monday, May 25th to recharge her knitting needles. But don’t worry, she'll be putting together some fantastic projects for you after the holiday! Make sure you follow A Piece of Ewe on Facebook for upcoming Live events and it is always good to watch the teaser 1-2 days prior for a sneak peak.
Lighting The Way Forward
We love being part of the wonderful Bay City community of small businesses! Last week was Small Business Week and our local small businesses have been teaming up together to support each other during this global pandemic. Our friends at Coyer Candle Co. have created a collection of lovely, made-to-order handcrafted candles to benefit local businesses, of which we are fortunate to be a part of.
For every candle purchased, Coyer Candle Co. will give back $8 to the partnering business of your choice! These dark, smokey 9 oz. glass jars are an elevated style featuring a local business on our side label. All of these candles are dye-free with 100% soy wax, and cotton wicks with an approximate burn time of 50 hours. Scents are made with phthalate-free fragrances.
So consider supporting A Piece Of Ewe and other local businesses by purchasing one of these special creations.
Celebrate Mother's Day This Sunday
What better gift than the gift of creativity this Mother's Day! Consider purchasing the ones you love in your life a gift certificate to A Piece of Ewe. You can place your order by either calling us direct at the store from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Friday or shopping via our online store. We will email the gift certificate for you to give and then the receiver can use to shop our online store.
A Piece of Ewe Is Donating Meals To Bay City First Responders
April 26, 2020We wanted to share with you a press release about our recent efforts to provide local first responders with meals. It is only due to your continued support during this time that we are able to help give back to our community. When we all work together, we all move forward!
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Susan Glenwallis, Owner
(989) 892-6400
Info@apieceofewe.com
A Piece of Ewe Is Donating Meals To Feed Bay City First Responders
April 17, 2020 – A Piece Of Ewe Yarn Shop is giving back to help feed the Bay City first responders. The state of emergency mandate due to COVID-19 went into effect on March 23, 2020. Since then, the city’s first responders have been on the front lines constantly giving their all for Bay City’s most in need. The yarn store wanted to make their lives just a little bit easier and help feed these dedicated health care workers and first responders. A Piece of Ewe is able to do so because of their customers' continued loyalty even though their store is temporarily closed. The sales from their online yarn shop, in-store call-ins, and Facebook Live orders has been amazing. They wanted to give back.
“We have teamed up with That Guys Barbeque and Taste of Bay City. Each of these businesses will be getting checks that will feed more than 50 meals to those working on the front lines like emergency medical technicians, hospital staff, and urgent care workers. We cannot thank our customers enough for their support during this time,” says Susan Glenwallis, owner of A Piece of Ewe. A Piece of Ewe is so grateful to be able to help out their community in such a positive way. They hope to continue to support these two local businesses and our Bay City community with additional meal donations.
A Piece of Ewe has one of the largest selections of yarns in the Great Lakes Bay, Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland Region, carrying brands including; Berroco, Blue Sky Fibers, Ella Rae, Juniper Moon, Mountain Colors, Noro, Stitch Together, and Sweet Georgia. They offer tons of brands and types of yarn, including an impressive selection of sock yarn. With knitting’s popularity on the rise—particularly with millennials—they offer a variety of Facebook Lives, classes, and open knitting for people of all skill levels.
For questions about classes, supplies, or any other questions you may have, call A Piece of Ewe at (989) 892-6400 or visit their website at www.apieceofewe.com.
"Bay City Strong" T-Shirt Deadline - April 24th
A Piece of Ewe is excited to be a part of this creative effort to support our local businesses and come together for Bay City! From t-shirts to hoodies, toddler tees to tank tops, there's an option for everyone to show their love for our city. The deadline for ordering is April 24th.
$13 from every shirt will go to the local Bay City business or organization of your choosing, or you can pick to donate to all of the businesses involved. If we sell 1500 tees, that's $19,500 to be donated to local area businesses that REALLY need it! Consider placing your order here today!
We're Here To Help
Online OrderingNo Curbside Pick-Up At This Time
Due to recent government mandates, we are suspending curbside pickup at this time. We are sorry but know that I am here at the store for phone orders 10 AM - 1 PM. If you get a busy signal, I am most likely helping another customer. If you could please try calling me back, emailing Susan at apieceofewe@yahoo.com
Picking The Perfect Yarn
I'm also more than happy to help you pick out yarn for your next project, just call or message me. We know that sometimes you’ve found the perfect pattern but need help picking yarn. We love working with you to match the right elements for your project.
"Bay City Strong" T-Shirts - Order Deadline 4/20
Interested in helping support A Piece of Ewe and other Bay City small businesses during this difficult time? Consider ordering one of these cute shirts which will feature all participating local businesses.
Each shirt costs $20, $13 of which will be donated to the participating business of your choice or contributed to a general fund that will be evenly distributed between all. Shirt sizing is unisex so plan as if you are ordering a men's sized t-shirt when placing your order.
A Letter From Susan: Store Hours, Online Store & Looking Ahead
- Our hours will be shorter starting, Tuesday, March 17th. We will be open 10 am to 2:00 through Saturday. We will be here entering inventory into our computer system and will be available to open the door if you need anything.
- Our March Project Madness is still going on through our Facebook page - be sure to post your completed projects to enter to win a $50 gift card to our store. Drawing will be April 3rd on Facebook Live.
- We are more than happy to do curbside pickup for you. We can even potentially drop off in the Bay City area if we need to accommodate someone's situation.
- Our "Saving Green" Sale (17% OFF) ends today. We can take orders via Facebook Messenger as we can do curbside pick up to you OR please order online and have it shipped right to your door!
- Our Spring Retreat (50 Shades of Sweaters/Shawls) have been postponed. As soon as we can comfortably reschedule, we will contact everyone.
Susan & The A Piece of Ewe Team
March Is National Knitting & Crocheting Month
You don't say? That's every month of the year for us here at A Piece of Ewe!
Crocheting could be for you if:- You prefer projects that can be done quickly
- You can roll with it and creatively work through spatially challenging patterns that aren't as numerous as knitting patterns
- Are a fan of being able to fix mistakes easily without losing much work
Knitting is more your speed if:
- You like to spend time on projects that can be more detailed
- You prefer more logical projects and pulling from a large variety of patterns available
- You enjoy picking the right needles for every project
Jump, Hop, Or Run To Our Leap Day Sale
However you make it to A Piece of Ewe, just make sure you get here! On Saturday, February 29th, we're celebrating this special day with 29% OFF all regularly-priced boot sock and fingering weight yarns. This one comes around only once every four years so you don't want to miss out on the savings!
Valid 2/29/20 ONLY. Valid in-store and online at www.APieceOfEwe.com (coupon code: LEAPDAY).
Offer valid on in-stock items ONLY. While supplies last, no rain checks.
Knitting Does A Body Good
We already love to knit, crochet and craft but these bonus health incentives only confirm what we all know - our favorite pastime is the best!Super Clearance Sale EXTENDED Through Sunday, February 16th
Our SUPER CLEARANCE SALE extension is underway! Stop into A Piece of Ewe through Sunday, February 16th during our normal business hours and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!! All of our top brands and products are 20-60% OFF so stop by and stock up. Valid on in-store and online in-stock items until 2/16. While supplies last. No rain-checks.
Register Now For Our Spring Staycation Retreat -
March 28th & 29th
A Piece of Ewe is excited to bring Cori Eichelberger from irocknits.com to Bay City! This time we are celebrating 50 Shades of Sweaters and 50 Shades of Shawls right at our store in Bay City. Join us March 28 and 29 for Cori’s high energy, inspirational workshops. In each day’s 3-hour workshop, you will receive a detailed list of the more than 50 sweaters or shawls Cori brings with her and she'll explain which styles are the best fit for you. Not only will you get a detailed packet of info on each of the garments in your workshop, but you will have a chance to try on any and all of the sweaters or shawls!Price: $45 (includes lunch and a $10 gift certificate to use that day toward your purchases)
When: Sunday, March 29th 11 AM - 3 PM
SIGN UP TODAY - Registration Closes Wednesday, March 26th
“This winter at StevenBe, Cori taught her Sweater and Shawl Inspiration Workshops to a packed house. Needless to say, her variety of samples and detailed database of patterns were a huge hit. Cori’s excitement and experience is contagious–many attendees now have a long list of items to knit themselves. We can hardly wait to work with her again!!" – Missy Ridley
“Cori presented her Shawl Inspiration Workshop at Thunder Willow Community Arts on October 6th, 2016, and our knitters are still talking about how wonderful it was. Her energetic presentation immediately engaged the audience. She made us laugh and shared personal stories to which we could all relate as knitters. She encouraged questions throughout her presentation and remained focused to make sure all of the material was covered. Cori provided the class with a detailed account of each shawl, including pattern and yarn information, which was appreciated by everyone. She presented half of her projects, and during a break, the class was able to try them on and ask questions. She continued with the second half and invited the class to try on the shawls, and always remained available to answer questions. her presentation flowed smoothly and was delightful! Many of the participants have requested her return. I will continue to work with her and highly recommend her to any knitting group." – Diane Augustine
MORE ABOUT CORI
Cori Eichelberger is a former high school English teacher for at-risk students, whom she also taught to knit. She has over 20 years of experience teaching beginning knitting and technique classes. Cori is also the co-author of Minnesota 52: 16 Knits Inspired by the Road. The book showcases 16 easy to knit, clever designs for knitters of all skill levels.
A woman of many talents, Cori’s classes are extremely popular at yarn shops and retreats throughout the United States. She produces a YouTube podcast – “Irocknits” – where she inspires knitters to make beautiful sweaters. While “Iroc” is Cori spelled backward – she is definitely a forward-looking person. Cori is known for her love of color and she enjoys knitting in her rocker recliner. Home is the southwest area of Minneapolis, with her husband, daughter, and a large chocolate labradoodle. Learn more at her website here; rocknits.com
Super Clearance Sale Kicks Off Sunday, February 2nd
Our SUPER CLEARANCE SALE is getting ready to kick off this Sunday, February 2nd! Stop into A Piece of Ewe from February 2nd - 9th during our normal business hours and get ready to save. All of our top brands and products are 20 - 60% OFF so get your projects in line and stock up!Valid on in-store and online in-stock items only, 2/2 - 2/9/20. While supplies last. No rain checks.
Focus on Yarn: The Queensland Collection
January 22nd, 2020
With the news over the past several weeks about the devastating fires in Australia that are still ongoing, our hearts are with the people and amazing animals of this beautiful country. We are proud to carry the Queensland Collection of yarns. This brand offers an eclectic collection of yarns taking inspiration from The Outback and aboriginal peoples. With wool sourced from lamb, llama, yak, goat, and alpaca, natural fiber options of cotton, linen, and silk, and synthetic options using nylon and acrylic, the Queensland Collection has something for every project on your list.
Best Yarns to Weather the Weather!
January 16th, 2020
With snow expected this weekend in our area, we couldn't think of a better time to start your next small winter project. Whether looking to knit a warm hat and gloves or get plans in line for a stylish scarf or sweater for the fall, what yarn you choose does truly depend on the weather.
Fiber Choices For Frosty Climates
What fiber you choose for your winter-focused projects can mean the difference between warm mittens or cold hands. Knitted pieced are great for capturing heat so let us help you optimize that warmth with the right yarn selection.
Wool and animal hair sourced yarns are cold-weather standards. There are many options available to you and the weight can play a role in what best to select for your project. Coarse wool will not protect from the cold as well as fine wool so there are different things to consider when selecting your yarn.
Some options of wool and even hair-sourced fibers are:
- Merino (sheep)
- Cashmere and Mohair (goat)
- Alpacas (alpaca)
- Angora (rabbit)
https://www.marthastewart.com/7562359/warmest-yarn-for-knitting-projects
Top This Cute Topper!
January 8, 2020
We always love the excitement of starting a new project! We came across this little cutie and his adorable hat and see a great project and gift in the making! Only seven-months old, little Archie, son of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (aka Prince Harry and Meghan Markle), is already setting trends. So many eyes are always tuned in to the British royal family so it comes as no surprise that this little cutie's hat is one of the first fashion trends of 2020. In this photo from New Year's Eve, Archie can be seen sporting the bobble hat while being held by Prince Harry. The knitted cap is made by Make Give Live, a company based in Auckland. The parents received one as a present when they visited in 2018. The store is now selling out of this cute topper and we can only guess how many little heads around the world will be a bit warmer this winter season because of it. If you'd like to make one of these sweet hats for your favorite little one, come into the store and we'll help you find the perfect yarn. You don't need to be royalty to wear this cozy cap!
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50981194
What's Your Vision For 2020?
December 30th, 2019
As the holidays slowly become a great memory, it's comforting to think of all of those knitted treasures you gifted loved ones being put to good use after all that hard work! As we head into the new year, it's the perfect time to take a little breather and plan ahead for what your upcoming projects will be.Whether you'd like to start your year off by diving into a project just for you or want to do some research on good ideas for the next holiday season, there's no wrong way to start things off. Maybe taking inventory of all your current yarn stock and how they match with your plans is a good jumping-off point. Or perhaps hunkering down to close the loop on works-in-progress that got gently pushed aside as you finished up your holiday gifts would be an ideal way to clean the slate for future projects later in the year. Stop into the store in January, take some time to let the colors and textures of some of our newest yarns help guide you into what your next project will be.
Stressed This Holiday? Take Time To Knit!
December 18th, 2019
This time of year can be wonderful, so many celebrations and good times filled with family and friends. But it can also be a hectic time as we may be sleeping less and eating more. We rush to get all the things we need and want to do done during this busy season and sometimes forget to take time for ourselves!Knitting can be a great antidote to the frantic pace of December. From its soothing, rhythmic motions and the subtle clicking of your needles, to the satisfaction in seeing row after row develop, knitting can be the perfect balm to settle those frazzled nerves on festive overload! Whether you feel the satisfaction of finishing a project to gift a loved one for the holidays or are planning ahead and starting a fresh idea for the new year, it's nice to step out of the moment and get lost in your yarn! Whether you choose to take some time alone in your favorite cozy nook at home or look for companionship in a knitting group that meets at your local yarn store like A Piece of Ewe, find the time to give yourself a little breather this month. Ewe'll be so happy you did!
What Are You Calling Ugly?
December 11th, 2019
Tacky, loud, bright, or just plain quirky, ugly Christmas sweaters took holiday parties by storm a few years ago and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon! Whether you pick up one of the now mass-produced red, green and light up variety from a local big box store or raid the thrift stores for an authentic "ugly" Christmas sweater of old, you can't lose. But perhaps one of the best ways to receive one of these beauties is to knit one yourself! Go wild with colors, patterns and design, let your imagination run free and get in on the fun.
Winter Classes Are Here!
December 2, 2019
Pick Your Blanket - Jan 10, 2020 @ 10:00 amInterested in knitting a blanket? Joyce loves making blankets and has several for you to choose in a variety of yarns and weights. Mitered squares, intarsia, log cabin and more. This class meets once a month.
Cost: $ 10.00
Over the River Cowl / Through the Woods Hat - Jan 14, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
We are bringing back a favorite! Simple fair isle knitting and you will learn to read a chart. We used a solid worsted yarn and Noro Silk Garden so we only had to work with two colors. You can make the cowl or hat or both! Yarn and patterns additional.
Cost: $ 45.00
Interwoven with Love Blanket - Jan 15, 2020 @ 6:00 pmCheryl is excited about this beautiful blanket! It incorporates many of her favorite stitch patterns. Learn entrelac as well as lace, eyelets, cables, bobbles, mesh, double seed stitch, and an applied i-cord edging. You will also learn to read charts to add letters (A, B, C) and numbers (1, 2, 3). Cheryl assures me she will take you step by step through the techniques and it is really fun to make. Sample in the store.
Cost: $ 60.00
Beginner Knitting - Jan 16, 2020 @ 10:00 am
Want to learn to knit? Know how to do the knit stitch but don't know how to purl? Class will teach you: knit, purl, basketweave, seed stitch, yarn over's, and a basic cable. You will learn to cast on/off, what "stitch to gauge" means and how to read a written pattern as well as a chart. By the end of the class, you will learn basic finishing. This is a 6 week class.
Cost: $ 85.00
Learn to Crochet a Granny Square - Jan 19, 2020 @ 12:00 pmLearn to crochet a granny square. Basic crochet skills are helpful but not necessary. Pattern included. Yarn additional.
Cost: $ 15.00
Lemon Difficult - Jan 20, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
Did you miss the brioche classes in the fall? Have one of those fantastic sock yarns in your stash that you don?t know what to do with? Want to try flat brioche? A striped sock yarn and a solid work best and we have lots to choose from! Pattern and yarn additional.
Cost: $ 25.00
Boho Style Mosaic Shawl - Jan 22, 2020 @ 6:00 pmThis top down triangle shaped shawl is a great project for learning Mosaic Knitting. by choosing from 4 tone (light, mid, dark, and pop), you can easily create your own boho chic style! Mosaic knitting is easier as only one color is worked over 2 rows. You will also learn icord edging. This is a 4 week class.
Cost: $ 45.00
Pick Your Blanket - Feb 07, 2020 @ 10:00 am
Interested in knitting a blanket? Joyce loves making blankets and has several for you to choose in a variety of yarns and weights. Mitered squares, intarsia, log cabin and more. This class meets once a month.
Cost: $ 10.00
Pick Your Blanket - Mar 06, 2020 @ 10:00 am
Interested in knitting a blanket? Joyce loves making blankets and has several for you to choose in a variety of yarns and weights. Mitered squares, intarsia, log cabin and more. This class meets once a month.
Cost: $ 10.00
Upcoming Specials & Sales At The Store!!!
November 27th, 2019Black Friday (November 29th, 10 AM - 5:30 PM)
Want to shop but can't make it to the store? No problem! Use coupon code: Black Friday2019 to get 25% off in-stock regularly priced merchandise online!
Small Business Saturday (November 30th, 10 AM - 3 PM)
Come shop with us on Saturday, November 30th and the first 6 people to make a purchase will get a Shop Small bag with goodies from A Piece Of Ewe.
Free Pattern Downloads! Several of our yarn vendors have FREE Ravelry Coupon Codes for pattern downloads with yarn purchase on Shop Small Saturday. These codes are only good for Saturday and Sunday downloads, so don't miss out!
Cyber Monday (December 2nd, 12 AM - 11 PM)
Shop Cyber Monday with us! On Monday, December 2nd only, Save 25% off and get FREE SHIPPING! Use coupon code: Cyber25 to get 25% off in-stock regularly priced merchandise online and shipped FREE.
Spend the day staying in and shopping online at www.apieceofewe.com.
To Knit During Football Or Not To Knit During Football... That Is The Question!
November 18th, 2019Fall brings about many things to love... Cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, boots, cardigans, holidays, but most of all, it brings football. You don't have to a hardcore football fan to know what football is or be able to name a team or two. A football game is a great time to sit back, kick up your feet, and grab that unfinished project you're been staring at for days. If you are interested in the game, knit during commercial breaks and halftime! If you're not and it's just something to watch on TV, well then, get to knitting sisters and brothers!
Regardless of how you feel about America's fall sport, it's always a great time to get your needles and get to knitting.
Famous Celebrities Who Knit Or Crochet
November 9th, 2019
Sometimes I find myself wondering if any celebrities knit or crochet like us normal (and awesome) people do. They have to, right? We can't be the only ones enjoying this craft! Yes, the celebs, they're just like us!- Julia Roberts
- David Arquette
- Audrey Hepburn
- Lorde
- Amanda Seyfried
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Cara Delevingne
- Uma Thurman
- George Lucas
- Ryan Gosling
- The Queen and Prince Charles
- Meryl Streep
- So many more!!!
What Can I Knit With One Skein?
October 29th, 2019
Have you ever wondered what you can knit with one skein? Me too. It seems we always end up with one skein we think can't make anything out of. That skein sits around for ages until alas, you've found my blog post! I've gathered a handful of one-skein patterns you can whip up and get rid of those old skeins you've been dying to use.- Garter Drop Stitch Scarf
- Double Looped Scarf
- Easy Ribbed Woodland Scarf
- Sailor's Rib Cowl
- Refreshing Zen Hat
- Short Fingerless Gloves
- Cable Knit Hand Warmers
Knitting Ideas For Pet Lovers
October 17th, 2019
Do you have a furry friend at home? We spoil our pets at home so often already, so why not make them a handmade gift from the heart? They might not be able to say it, but we know they'll adore those gifts you make them.- Doggie sweaters! Who wouldn't want their furry friend to be fashionable and warm? Pattern here.
- A cat hat. I repeat, a cat hat. I don't think an explanation is even needed for this one, folks. Pattern here.
- A jingly fish toy. Can you imagine the joy on your cat's face when they hear and see this adorable toy? Pattern here.
- A paw stocking. Fit for a dog or cat, fill this stocking with goodies for your fur babies! Pattern here.
Halloween Craft Ideas
October 8th, 2019
If you're like me, you tend to get festive pretty early during the holiday season. And the holiday season starts off with none other than Halloween! If you're looking for a few cute crafts to get your hands busy this month, boy do I have the list for you!- Adorable Mini Candy Corns
- Got extra fingering weight yarn laying around? Try this adorable addition to every trick-or-treater's basket! Pattern found here.
- Pumpkin With Personality
- With some DK weight yarn, you can make this smiley pumpkin! Pattern found here.
- Jar Cozys with Flair
- Want to spruce up those mason jars you've got sitting around? Check out this pattern here.
- Skull Boot Cuffs
- Boot cuffs are a snuggly way to show some attitude! Check out the pattern here.
Fun Fall Projects For This Season
September 23, 2019
Fall is here! Fall is here! Fall is here!P.S.- we even got the patterns! Simply click on the project name.
- Long Weekend Knit Cardigan: Cardigans are a staple piece for any fall wardrobe! And the best part? You can make this cardigan in varying lengths!
- Cozy Knit Cabin Socks: Perfect for cuddling up on the couch, curling up to read a good book, or just about any other fall activities, these socks are too cute to pass up!
- Hat & Scarf Set: Who doesn't need a basic hat and scarf set to prepare them for the cold months ahead?
- Cable Knit Sweater: A chunky cable knit sweater never hurt anyone!
- Crochet Ponchos: Calling all crocheters! You can even make one of these for your mini-me!
- Two Colored Afghan Throw: These make a GREAT Christmas gift!
- Crochet Pumpkins: Spice up your home decor with these adorable pumpkins.
Fall Class Preview!
at 1:00pm and again at 6:00pm
Two separate times are offered for your convenience. We will reveal information on upcoming classes in a fun new way! Class yarn and supply selections will also be available.
During the preview ONLY, we are offering 20% off your purchase.
This is an IN STORE ONLY EVENT!
Boyne Mt. Fall Knitting Retreat
August 9, 2019The retreat will be held Saturday, September 21 to Monday, September 23, 2019
. We're having our first
- A Piece of Ewe Fall Knitting Retreat! The details:
- Room & Food included.
- Swag bag.
- Skein to Skein Game.
- Funny knitting podcaster & teacher, Cori Eichelberger, will be with us all weekend and will hold an informative workshop.
- Other nearby adventures: Stonehenge Fiber Mill, Wool & Honey Yarn Shop, plus Boyne Mt. Village.
- Transportation is not included. Early registration discounts are available. Get a roommate & Stop in the store & Sign up quick!
I-75 Yarn Crawl is here at Last!
We have SO many AMAZING things for this event! You have to check it out. With or without a passport, just stop on by!We're Going Bagless
July 25, 2019
A Piece of Ewe now has custom reusable bags available for purchase.
The bags are $7 each. When you use the APOE bag, we will donate the $.50 to a charity.
This quarter our chosen charity is the Bay City Humane Society.
The charity donation will continue through the end of the year. If you use another non-APOE bag, we will donate $0.25 cents to charity. We are committed to do our part to reduce waste, so by the end of the year, APOE will be bagless.
Starting in December 2019, you will need your own bag or you may purchase a reusable bag when you purchase with us.
Tall Ships Arrive This Week!
The Tall Ships will
be in Bay City from Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21, 2019 Celebrate their return with A Piece Of Ewe's exclusive Tall Ship Yarn! Our first shipment of 2019 Tall Ship custom yarn has already sold out, but don't worry, we are expecting another shipment this week in time for the festivities. Don't delay!You may learn more about the Tall Ship Celebration here: https://bit.ly/2JM17Ac
We also have our 2016 exclusive Tall Ship yarn available. Both of these would make a lovely gift to commemorate the Tall Ships stop at our lovely port. Both of these great yarns may be purchased in our store and they are also available online: https://bit.ly/2xQbGN6
Tall Ship Yarn - APOE Exclusive!
July 13, 2019The Tall Ships will be in Bay City again this year from July 19 - 21.
We will be ready with our custom-dyed yarn for 2019 as well as a few from the 2016 Tall Ship celebration. While we wait for the party to begin, peruse this article from ROUTE Bay City that tells the story of our shop and custom Tall Ship yarn.
https://www.secondwavemedia.com/baycity/devnews/APieceOfEwe.aspx
I-75 Yarn Crawl August 2 - 11, 2019
July 5, 2019
A Piece of Ewe is the northernmost stop on the I-75 Yarn Crawl.
There are 21 yarn shops in Michigan involved, but the I-75 Yarn Crawl goes all the way to Tennesee! This might be a fun opportunity to plan a Road Trip with some knitting pals!
Passport
You will need a Passport for the I-75 Yarn Crawl. A Piece of Ewe has a few passports available or
you may order them from the 
I-75 Yarn Crawl website (http://thei75yarncrawl.com/purchase_your_passport_here).
Make sure to select A Piece of Ewe as your passport pick up location. Passport availability is LIMITED, so act fast!
Details
At each participating Yarn shop, you will stamp your passport. You choose how many or which shops to visit. Prizes are available based on how many shops visited and/or if you made to the northernmost (APOE) and southernmost shops. A Piece of Ewe will also have a couple of trunk shows during the I-75 Yarn Crawl.
More details in our video below:
Our Summer Sale Continues Online!
June 18, 2019
SAVE on EVERYTHING in on our website through 6/21/19!
Enjoy 25% off our entire yarn store online, http://www.apieceofewe.com/online-yarn-shop.htm/ including clearance items.
Just use coupon code: Summer25 at checkout.
You can have them shipped to you or you can pick up at the store to avoid the shipping charge.
Summer Came Early Sale
June 14, 2019
We're celebrating Summer early with a special sunny sale!
Monday, June 17, 2019 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
What time can you get here?
- 7a-9a 40% off
- 9a-11a 30% off
- 11a-12p 20% off
- 12p-1p 30% off
- 1p-4p 20% off
- 4p-6p 30% off
- 6p-8p 40% off
NOTE: Most items will be part of this sale with only a couple of exclusions.
WWKIP Schedule 6.8.19
June 4, 2019
Join us to celebrate World Wide Knit In Public Day!
Saturday, June 8, 2019
10a to 2:30p
We have an eventful day planned at our store.
Check out the schedule below!
Sock Yarn Challenge
May 28, 2019
This summer we are celebrating Sock Yarn with a challenge. The challenge includes Socks or Shawls made with Sock yarn, so these knitting & crocheting projects will be convenient to take along on your summer travels.
Our Sock Yarn Challenge begins on June 1, 2019, and lasts until September 30, 2019. You can sign up at any time, as long as you can complete your challenge by September 30, 2019.
- Click here to learn more and for entire rules.
- Click here for our registration form and then print from your browser, complete the information and return to the store to be signed up!
Any questions? Just stop by the store and we'll sort it all out. We can't wait to see all your projects! Have fun!
World Wide Knit In Public Day 6.8.19
May 22, 1019
This year WWKIP, World Wide Knit In Public Day, is at our store on June 8, 2019. 
We have some great events lined up.
Mark your calendar!
Please note: some events require advance sign-up
DeStash Sale
Clear out your excess yarn & supplies then sell them to make way for new stuff!
Sign up for a trunk to trunk sale spot at our website, under Classes / Special Events, or at the store.
Hurry, space is limited!
Trunk Show
Don't miss the amazing hand-dyed yarns of Mint Rain, featured at the trunk show.
Finishing & Seaming Technique Workshop
Rescheduled from Local Yarn Store Day.
Sign up for the workshop at our website, under Classes / Special Events, or at the store.
There is a little homework before you get there, so be sure to get the details in advance.
Fastest Knitter Contest
Don't worry if you consider yourself a slow knitter.
Enter for the fun of it & you could end up the winner of a $25 gift certificate!
Destash Sale & World Wide Knit In Public Day
May 14, 2019
June 8, 2019 is World Wide Knit In Public Day (WWKIP) and we will have lots of fun activities to celebrate.
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Join our trunk to trunk Destash sale. Here is your chance to clear out your excess yarn and supplies. Think of it like a Garage Sale just for knitting and crocheting supplies, plus much more. The sale spots are only $10 and are first come first serve, so hurry in to pick your favorite location
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Yarn Trunk Show - more details to come
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Fastest Knitter Contest at 2pm with a $25 gift certificate to our store for the winner.
This year our WWKIP will be held at our store rather than the park. Bring a chair and your fiber project and let’s knit together outside if its nice weather.
Please Note: We will be opening up the sale spots to other crafty folks after a short, exclusive, hold for our knitter and crocheter friends.
Stop in and reserve your Destash Sale spot today and mark your calendar for June 8th WWKIP Day!
Mother's Day
May 6, 2019
Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 12th!
Go ahead give your family a hint about a gift certificate from A Piece of You...so you get something that you'd really like!
Our hours are:
M-F: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Join us for Local Yarn Store Day on April 27th!
April 22, 2019Supporting a local yarn store day is super important. We know many folks like to buy their yarn online and we offer an online store. However, only in stores will you be able to get the help and classes you need to become a better knitter and crocheter. We are here to help you one on one and in person. Nothing beats that kind of customer service.
So, take an hour or two and stop into your Loyal Yarn Store and show them some love by supporting them with your purchases.
- We have exclusive patterns for Casapinka, Blue Sky Fibers, and more free with purchase on 4.27.19 to celebrate.
Bay City Open House at A Piece of Ewe
April 15, 2019
Downtown Bay City is celebrating spring with Open Houses all over on Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th!
A Piece of Ewe invites you to join in the celebration. We will be open from 10 AM - 5:30 PM on Friday and from 10 AM - 3 PM on Saturday. Purchases made during the Bay City Open House will qualify you to enter to win $25 APOE gift certificate.
Stop by, check out what’s new and let us celebrate spring with Ewe!
The Gift Certificate drawing will be during the week of 4/22/19. Stay tuned to our FB page for a live video from Susan!
https://www.facebook.com/APieceOfEwe
Tax Day Sale Coming Soon!
April 8, 2019
On Monday, April 15, get 20% off all regularly priced items in-store only! Stop by between 10 AM and 5:30 PM to take advantage of our official Tax Day Sale at the shop.
Don't miss out on this well-earned sale.
Alpacas, Llamas, Sheep... Oh My!
March 11, 2019Whether you knit, crochet, or just love animals, this is the blog post for you! Today, we’re going to tell you interesting facts about alpacas, llamas, and sheep; the animals that give us plenty of different types of fibers for us to knit and crochet with. Let’s dig in.
Alpacas
- There are only two breeds of alpacas: Suri alpacas and Huacaya alpacas.
- Alpacas are significantly smaller than llamas as far as body size, but they have quite the long necks which make them tall.
- Alpacas were originally bred strictly for their fibers due to the fact they have no lanolin in their fibers, making them hypoallergenic.
- Alpacas can come in about 52 different colors including black, brown, white, silver-grey, rose-grey, and so much more.
- Alpacas can live up to 20 years.
Llamas 
- Llamas are members of the camel family.
- Llamas can grow to 6 feet tall.
- Llamas are social animals and prefer to live with other animals.
- They are smart and easy to train.
- Llamas don't bite. They spit when they're agitated, but that's mostly at each other.
- A llama’s pregnancy lasts about 350 days, and they usually only have one cria (a baby llama) at a time.
Sheep 
- An adult male sheep is called a ram, an adult female is called a ewe, and baby sheep are called lambs.
- Sheep have an excellent sense of smell and have scent glands both in front of their eyes and on their feet.
- They can learn and recognize human faces, and some will learn to respond to their name if trained from a young age.
- There are approximately 1 billion sheep worldwide and about 900 different breeds.
- Sheep have best friends. Just like humans, sheep form close bonds with other sheep.
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about these three awesome animals!
Our Spring Class Schedule Is Here!
March 4, 2019
Sign up here!
Mom & Me Learn to Knit ($45)
Saturdays 9-10 am 3/16, 3/23, 3/30
Do you have a child who wants to learn to knit? This is a great way for the two of you to learn something new while spending time together! We are doing this class before the store opens so there are fewer distractions for the little ones. This is not limited to moms only, but the child must be accompanied by an adult. Class size is limited so sign up early! All materials included.
Sign up here!
Beginner Hat Class ($30)
Mondays 6:30-8:30 PM 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 
Have you taken our Beginner Knitting class? Do you want to learn how to knit a hat? We'll be using the School Colors Hat pattern, or ask us about using another pattern. This uses sport, worsted, or bulky weight yarn and a circular 16” needle. The School Colors Hat pattern available on Ravelry.
Sign up here!
Gingham Neck Warmer in Double Knit ($40)
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM 3/6, 3/13, 3/20
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Mondays 6:30-8:30 PM 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 
Learn how to do the Double Knitting Technique in this fun cowl project. The result is a reversible cowl. You will learn an icord cast on, double knitting, and reading a chart. This project uses (2) skeins of DK weight yarn and a US 7 circular 16” needle. Pattern included in the price.
Sign up here!
Steek This Coffee Cozy ($45)
Wednesdays 6:30-8:20 PM 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 
Steeking is a technique used to safely and securely cut your knitting to create holes. It's often used with complex colorwork sweaters because it is easier and faster to knit colorwork in the round. It can be scary to steek a big sweater, so we created this scaled-down steeking project to help knitters try out the technique fearlessly. Think of this project as a mini-sweater vest for your coffee cup. You will need stitch markers, US F or G crochet hook and 3 ½” buttons. This is a great project to try it out without the fear of cutting your whole sweater!
Sign up here!
Silverleaf Shawl ($30)
Mondays 6:30-8:30 PM 4/29, 5/13, 5/20 
This lovely shawl is light and drapey and would be great for spring and summer! It uses sport weight yarn (500-650 yards) and a US 6 circular 24” needle. We have lots of options and colors to choose from. Use one color or accent the lace in another color. You will learn lace knitting and increases/decreases on both the right and wrong side. The pattern is fully written out! The pattern is available on Ravelry. Bring your username and we'll help you get it.
Sign up here!
Our Semi-Annual Clearance Sale Is Here!
February 28, 2019
Our pop-up Clearance Sale is being held in the room formally known as the Baby Room! No, we aren't going out of business, we just want to make room for the tons of new Spring stuff we've got coming in soon!!!
We have items like lace weight, Debbie Bliss, patterns, Kid Cotton, sock yarns, DK weights, worsted weights, and so much more! Our Clearance Sale is starting at up to 20% off, but keep an eye out for more updates coming soon!
The History of Crochet
February 11, 2019
Crocheting was originally invented as a ‘cheap’ sort of alternative to lace. The craft struggled to shake off the reputation as the inferior craft in the crafting world. However, everything had changed when Queen Victoria gave it the royal seal of approval by buying crocheted lace made by Irish women who were struggling to make a living after the terrible potato famine. Queen Victoria even took it upon herself to learn to crochet. It was said that she even made eight crocheted scarves for veterans of the South African War. By the end of her reign, much of England was hooked on this great craft.
The 1920s and 1930s saw crochet move from being an accessory garment to being used for entire outfits. Later on in the 1940s, crochet became part of the wartime effort in both Britain and the US – women on the home front could contribute to the war effort by hooking up items for the troops. Let’s move on to after the war. Crochet moved with the times and evolved with the fashion trends of the times. The sixties was the decade where the crochet boom really began. Alongside the swinging fashions of the age, there was a huge trend for crocheted homeware.
Crochet has evolved from a small ‘inferior’ craft to a largely enjoyed and cherished hobby and craft. While many other forms of crafting have become machine-automated, crocheting remains hand-made with love and care.
Why You Should Shop Local
January 28, 2019Shopping local makes more of an impact than you think! Here are a few reasons to shop locally: 
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Shopping local build a community. It brings about a sense of cohesiveness to the local neighborhood.
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Each dollar you spend at a local shop or restaurant returns three times more money to your local economy than each dollar you spend at a chain store. Everyone can benefit from this.
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Local businesses are more likely to buy from local businesses. When you support one local business, you’re truly supporting more than one of them!
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Local businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue.
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When locals take part in doing their share to keep local businesses alive, it shows an overall healthier local economy and community!
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Buying from a locally owned business uses less fuel for transportation and less packaging, therefore it’s environmentally friendly.
So let’s work together and keep our community strong and dotted with local businesses!
Why Your Reviews Make A Difference
January 21, 2019We always appreciate when we receive a review from one of our happy customers. We’re thrilled to know we’ve impacted your knitting or crocheting hobby in a positive way. Your reviews not only let us know that we’re doing our job in the best way possible, but it lets others in our community know that we’re a great place to stop by for their knitting and crochet needs as well.
When you support us with a review, you are supporting us as a local thriving business. New customers frequently look at reviews on Google and Facebook before visiting a shop, so when they see your great reviews of A Piece Of Ewe, it’s a wonderful thing!
If you’d like to review us on Google, click here (http://bit.ly/APOEGoogle).
If you’d like to review us on Facebook, click here (https://www.facebook.com/pg/APieceOfEwe/reviews/?ref=page_internal).What's The Difference Between All These Fibers?
January 14, 2019With so many fiber options available to you, it’s easy to get confused about them. Of course, that’s why we’re here to help you out. We’ll be going over the different kinds of fibers you can get, and what each fiber’s qualities are like.
First of all, the different types of animal fibers are alpaca fiber, llama fiber, and sheep fiber. These fibers sound pretty familiar, right? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty now.
Alpaca Fibers
Alpaca fibers all have some degree of hollowness to them. The hollowness gives it a lightweight property. Alpaca fleece is soft, smooth, warm, strong, and water resistant. This kind of fiber contains no oils, lanolin, or grease and is therefore hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause your skin to itch. Alpaca fibers also come in 22 different natural colors ranging from white, grey, black, browns, and many colors in between. This fiber is environmentally friendly!
Llama Fibers
Just like alpaca fibers, llama fibers have a few different degrees of hollowness. So while being lightweight, they are also extremely warm and durable. This fiber is also a hypoallergenic option! The natural colors can range from white, silver, dusty rose, and so on. Unlike the alpaca, however, llama fibers can be solid, patterned, broken, or spotted. There’s no need for dyes with cute patterns like these!
Sheep Wool
Sheep wool isn’t as soft and fine as llama and alpaca fibers. This fiber is not hypoallergenic, but a better way of processing is in the works to make sheep wool more hypoallergenic! This fiber is much more dye-friendly and can, therefore, be made into a plethora of colors to your heart's content. Wool is elastic and very strong.
We hope this has been of good use to you and helps you in finding out what type of fiber best suits your needs!
Different Types Of Yarn Weights
January 7, 2019
We've all heard about yarn weights, but have you ever thought more about them? What exactly does each weight mean? What is each weight best for? Let's dive right in!
Yarn weights can range from level 0 to level 7. We'll go through each weigh and give a few examples of each. If you know these already, we're just giving you a little refresher.
- 0 - Lace (Fingering, Size 10 Crochet Thread) Lace yarn or thread is extremely thin and used to give a lacy appearance to doilies.
- 1 - Super Fine (Sock, Fingering, Baby) Superfine yarn is lightweight and usually used for baby items and delicate pieces.
- 2 - Fine (Sport, Baby) This weight of yarn is best for lightweight socks and delicate sweaters.
- 3 - Light (DK, Light Worsted) This is slightly heavier than the fine weight but can be used for heavier baby items.
- 4 - Medium (Worsted, Afghan, Aran) Worsted weight is most frequently used. It's easy to work with which makes it fantastic for beginners. It's double the weight of DK yarn.
- 5 - Bulky (Chunky, Craft, Rug) Ths yarn is about twice as thick as worsted yarn. It works up quickly when using larger needles or hooks and is great to use when making a thick sweater or throw blanket.
- 6 - Super Bulky (Roving) This weight of yarn is most commonly used for cowls, scarves, and hats.
- 7 - Jumbo (Roving) This class of yarn was added in 2014 to classify the super thick yarns that began showing on the market in recent years. Jumbo yarn is great for arm knitting!
We hope this has been a great lesson or refresher for you!
Let's Play Bingo!
January 2, 2019
Let's play Bingo! Make a purchase between January 2 and January 9, and you'll be given a Bingo Card to play. We will begin calling out words daily on our Facebook page beginning on January 10 and will go until we get our top three winners. When you get Bingo, let us know via Facebook message! You can only win once. We will have 3 winners. Here are the prizes:
-1st Bingo: $50 A Piece Of Ewe Gift Card
- 2nd Bingo: $75 A Piece Of Ewe Gift Card
- 3rd Bingo: $100 A Piece Of Ewe Gift Card
These gift cards have no cash value. They can only be used at A Piece Of Ewe. Only one Bingo win per person, please.
Watch the video here.
Our Winter Class Schedule Is Here!
December 24, 2018
With your help, we were able to create our new Winter Class Schedule for January and February of 2019!
We're so excited to offer our first Pick Your Sweater class.
This new class will be a great one, and we can't wait to see what unique and fun sweaters you bring to work on with us!
Are sweater classes not exactly your style? Don't fret!
We've got our signature Beginner Knitting and Beginner Socks classes for you!
Learn the basics of knitting, then take a fun socks classes and learn how to keep your feet cozy all winter long!
And as always, we have our wonderful Group Open Knitting sessions!
Daytime sessions are every Monday from 1-3 PM and our evening sessions will be held on January 7 and February 4 from 6:30-8:30 PM.
Check out our classes in detail and sign up for a few on our Classes Page.
Wish Lists! 
December 10, 2018 Do you know what you want for Christmas? Of course!
The real question is, do your friends and family know what you want for Christmas?
This question might be a little harder to answer.
If you want to help them out and take the stress out of Christmas shopping for you, fill out a wish list from A Piece Of Ewe!
Simply fill one out at our store or at home, and either hand it to us or scan it to your computer and email it to us at info@APieceOfEwe.com!
We'll help you get what you want for Christmas. Just consider us Santa's little helpers!
We Want Your Opinion!
November 29, 2018
We've created a survey to gather your thoughts on our upcoming Winter class schedule. We'd truly appreciate your input!Take Survey Now
Cyber Monday Means Free Shipping!
November 26, 2018
Shop Cyber Monday with us! On Monday, November 26th only, get FREE SHIPPING, no coupon code needed!
Spend the day staying in and shopping online with your favorite shops, including us here at A Piece Of Ewe!
Shop Now
Shop With Us On Small Business Saturday!
November 24, 2018
Shop at your favorite local yarn store on Small Business Saturday! We appreciate our customers more than you could imagine. As a small business, we depend on you. You can keep us thriving year after year. You are what makes A Piece Of Ewe the best local yarn store around! Come shop with us on Saturday, November 24th and the first 10 people to make a purchase will get a Shop Small bag with goodies from A Piece Of Ewe.
We're Expecting... A Baby Room!
November 5, 2018
Have you noticed we have a little bit of baby fever here at A Piece Of Ewe lately? We'd like to introduce you to our Baby Room!It's the season of giving, our goal is to collect donations for the Bay Arenac Diaper Bank to help moms and babies in need this holiday season. Donate a package of diapers, wipes, or $15 and pick a discount on your purchase up to 25% off! We are so very excited to announce our new baby room. You'll find Sirdar yarn (a great washable yarn!), patterns for baby blankets, first baby sweaters, hats, and plenty more fun patterns.
“The Bay-Arenac Diaper Bank has given out about 100,000 diapers since opening in 2014 in both Bay and Arenac Counties. In Bay County last year, they provided over 18,000 diapers to parents in need.”
Join Us For Our Clearance Sale!
October 8, 2018As most of you know, we're located on Columbus Avenue. So why not celebrate Columbus Day with the beginning of our amazing
Clearance Sale! Everything is marked between 20-75% off from October 8 - October 20! We have yarns like Berroco Macro (which makes a great one skein scarf), a miscellaneous bin for yarns we're almost out of, patterns for sale, Inca Tweed yarn, solid colored Noro yarn, and so much more! Supplies are limited and they are first come, first serve so make sure to get here quick to get the best deals while they last. Check out the rundown on our Clearance Sale here.
Different Types Of Yarns
October 1, 2018
When you think of knitting, do you think of the many different fibers you can use for your projects? There are so many different types and fabrics of yarn that you may not know of them. We’re here to tell you not every skein is the same.
Yarn can be made from animal-based fibers, plant-based fibers, or synthetically-made fibers. We’re going to go over some of the most common fibers used for yarns.
Wool
One of the most popular types of yarn, wool is spun from the fleece of sheep. It’s durable, water-resistant, and great for keeping warm. It’s often mixed with other fibers to make it even more durable. The downside to wool is that it will pill over time.
Mohair
This fluffy fiber is known for its softness and light feeling, although it is also one of the warmest fibers. Mohair is extremely stretchy so it resists wrinkling and sagging. It can be somewhat itchy to wear by itself.
Cotton
This natural plant-based fiber is almost one of the most common. It is fairly inexpensive, though it is not very elastic and therefore prone to splitting mid-project.
Cashmere
Because of its quality, cashmere is considered a luxury yarn. It’s lovely to use for winter cardigans and accessories. Again, the downside to this wonderful fabric is the pilling.
No matter the type of yarn you use, it’s always best to ask and see what type of yarn is best for your projects. If you visit us at A Piece Of Ewe, we’d be happy to help you pick out the best yarn for your projects!
Knitting During World War II
August 28, 2018We’ve all heard about knitting during World War II. It was called Knitting For Victory, and there was even a Life magazine cover 
dedicated to teaching you how to knit! But how much do we really know about this craft during that hard time? Let’s take a little history lesson.
Knitting to keep soldiers warm during World War II was a major hobby for many Americans. More and more Americans were picking up their needles to knit hats, sweaters, scarves, and socks for soldiers to keep them warm during the winter months. When asked what they could do to help the war effort, knitting was always the most common answer. It gave people at home a way to help when all else failed. Many of the earliest knitters for the war were children or young adults who knitted during World War I. For them, knitting was a natural response to the war. Time magazine said “The men hardly have time to grab their guns before their wives and sweethearts grab their needles and yarn”, which proves the natural response that was had.
The First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was often seen carrying her knitting bag. She effectively launched the Knit for Defense tea held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on September 31, 1941. It was wonderful to see the First Lady even participating in these efforts!
It was questioned why hand-knit garments were wanted in the first place. Well, these garments cost the military nothing during a time where money wasn’t the most plentiful, to begin with. These items also outlasted machine-made items time and time again. What was not to love about this? Knitting during World War II was a game changer and it will forever be remembered how our nation helped our soldiers during wartime.
The Health Benefits Of Knitting and Crocheting
August 21, 2018
Did you know knitting is good for your health? Knitting and crocheting produce the same effect practicing yoga or meditation does. The repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state. Once you get past the initial learning curve of knitting and crocheting, these hobbies are great for lower your blood pressure and your heart rate. The blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol can even be lowered as well!
What separates knitting and crocheting from the likes of yoga and meditation is the fact these activities will result in tangible items. Just seeing the items you’ve created by hand gives you a sense of accomplishment-- and something to show off to others!
Knitting and crocheting have long been used to help some smokers quit smoking, or help others in their journey of weight loss. While you are holding knitting or crochet needles, it is hard to hold other items such as a cigarette. Knitting is great for redirecting the pain of chronic diseases such as arthritis, to focus on the crafts as well.
With all the health benefits of knitting and crocheting, it’s hard not to pick up a set of needles and a skein of yarn and get started!
Blue Sky Fibers At A Piece Of Ewe
August 14, 2018Did you know we carry Blue Sky Fibers exclusively at A Piece Of Ewe? We love this brand so much, we’ve decided to tell you all about
it. Read on below!
Blue Sky Fibers originally started off as a small project. After the founder, Linda Niemeyer, graduated from college, her interest in alpacas led her to purchase one. Soon thereafter, Linda had a lot of yarn on her hands. What should she do with it? She took it to a local yarn store where they were willing to buy it from her and sell it. And so Blue Sky Fibers was born.
Blue Sky Fibers is a worldwide known brand of yarn, known specifically for their consciously-crafted wide selection of yarns made from natural fibers. Among their many yarns are ones such as Alpaca Silk, American Scenic, Metalico, Eco-Cashmere, and so much more. Stop by A Piece Of Ewe to see the lovely variety of Blue Sky Fibers we have available!
Join Us For The I-75 Yarn Crawl!
August 7, 2018
The I-75 Yarn Crawl is here! We’ll be having a few awesome things going on here at the store during the Yarn Crawl from August 7th - August 12th. We’re about 10 minutes off the highway, so we’d love for you to stop by and make us one of your stops during the Yarn Crawl! Three shops had to drop out for various reasons, so your passport will already have three shops stamped! That means you’ll only have to visit us and one more store, and you’ll get the first level prize already! It’s that easy.
So what are we doing for the Yarn Crawl? Well, we have a few new products in the store that we’ve never had before! We’ll also be having a Blue Sky Trunk Show and Yarn Tasting during the Yarn Crawl! With the Yarn Tasting, we’ll be holding a Fastest Knitter Contest on Sunday, August 12 at 1:30 PM. The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to A Piece Of Ewe!
So come on out and visit us during the I-75 Yarn Crawl! We can’t wait to see you!
Watch Video Here
Anyone Can Knit
July 30, 2018Back in the day, cartoons associated balls of brightly colored yarn with white-haired ladies in rocking chairs and their mischievous 
kittens, frolicking by the fire. Fast-forward a generation, and you can find a fiber artist just about anywhere – she’s the fifth grader in your dentist’s waiting room, the chatty group in the good corner at Panera on Wednesday nights, that 20-something guy at the student union who somehow manages to stitch and study at the same time.
I could never do that!
I hear it every time I KIP (knit in public). “You’re so talented!” they marvel. “I tried to knit once, but I just couldn’t do it.” They tell me about their great aunt, who could make anything except a knitter out of them. They’d love to learn, but their fingers get all tangled. The patterns are all gibberish. And who can keep all that lingo straight? They don’t really know anyone who can help them.
And I smile at the classic struggles of the fledgling fiber enthusiast: clumsy hands’ learning to allow the yarn to wrap and pass at just the right tension to achieve gauge; the age-old debate between charts and written instructions; the thrilling intimidation of that one technique. (Mine’s steeking, in case you wondered. #bucketlist)
Why not?
It’s true, really. If you can tie a shoe, you can learn to manipulate fiber. The real question isn’t can you do it but how should you learn?
My grandmother, deciding age 8 was high time, bought 2 skeins of purple variegated yarn (bribery – purple is my signature color) and boxed it up with a set of needles and handwritten instructions. Then she sat me down at the foot of her mother’s rocker and started to teach.
In my 20s, I decided life could not go on without a doily. (We’re blaming an adolescence riddled with Anne of Green Gables marathons.) Armed with an illustrated Oh My Stars, I Can’t BELIEVE I’m Crocheting! book, I chained and triple crocheted and ripped and restarted until it finally happened.
These days, I often consult YouTube videos or online forums for advice. In the back of my mind, though, that steeked fair isle cardigan lurks. The time will come that its clarion call will not be denied (remember the doily demand of ’96?), and I’ll be heading to a class at the local yarn store for plenty of expert advice and moral support from the professionals.
Whether it’s learning the basics, getting yourself out of a pickle or tackling a new technique, you just can’t beat the connection that happens around those big tables at the local shop, surrounded by knitters and crocheters, weavers and spinners – artisans, all – joining creative forces with a common thread.
12 Days Of Christmas Day 12: Last Chance!
July 28, 2018
For one last day, you'll get the last chance to grab some of the Christmas In July deals! These consist of what we have leftover from the event, such as tape measures, yarn bowls, wine glasses, sheep shawl pins, ablets, and the other gorgeous shawl pins! Grab these items before they're gone for good!
Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 11: Shawl Pins
July 27, 2018
On the eleventh day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... another gorgeous shawl pin for $25! What better way to dazzle up your favorite shawl or sweater than with a cute pin? Just like our previous Lamb Kabob shawl pin, this one fits into any material you've made your shawl with. We have various styles in stock here at the shop, so first come, first serve!
Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 10: Noro Yarn
July 26, 2018
On the tenth day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... 20% off all Noro yarn! Come check out the selection of Noro yarn we have and get it for 20% off while you're at it! Had your eye on a specific color? Come get it at a great price! We've scattered the yarn around the store so check out the video below to see where to find it!Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 9: Yarn Bowls
July 25, 2018On the ninth day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... yarn bowls for $36! We have a couple different colors and designs, so come
in first to get your pick! These yarn bowls are perfect for keeping your skein together while only giving you the amount of yarn you need. With the sassy designs on the side, you'll be glad you snatched one up before they're gone!Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 8: Ablet Row Counters
July 24, 2018
On the eighth day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... Ablet Row Counting Bracelets! We've got a 2-tier bracelet for $26, or a 3-tier bracelet for $36! If you've wanted a row counter but needed a more convenient one that's easy to reach, check out these bracelets. Why do you need a row counter? You're less likely to lose your spot in your current project. And who wouldn't find that useful?Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 7: Sock Yarns
July 23, 2018On the seventh day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... 20% off all sock yarns! This is the perfect time to stock up on sock yarns.
Even if you don't want to start on a pair of socks at the moment, don't forget you can use sock yarn for much more than just socks! We've made shawls and scarves, and we'd be more than happy to help you begin on one of these projects. Come see us today!Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 6: Gift Certificates
July 21, 2018
On the sixth day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... gift certificates! Today, when you buy a $25 gift certificate, you'll get a $5 gift certificate! And when you buy a $50 gift certificate, you'll get a $10 gift certificate! This is a great time to stock up and get some for yourself, or buy gifts for your friends or family! Stop in and take advantage of this great deal while it lasts.Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 5: Knitting Needles
July 20, 2018On the fifth day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... 20% off all needles in the store! Have you been looking for new needles to
get started with that new project of yours? Look no further! Come in today only and get 20% off all needles, whether it is a set or individual needles! You don't want to miss out on this amazing deal. Don't wait, stop by today! This deal is while supplies last and on July 20th only.Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 4: Tape Measures!
July 19, 2018
On the fourth day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... adorable tape measures for $12.50! What better way to measure your projects and yarns than with this adorable little companion? They even make great gifts. We have a few different types, so get here first to get the one of your choice! This deal is while supplies last, on July 19th only!Watch Video Here
12 Days Of Christmas Day 3: Berroco Yarn!
July 18, 2018On the third day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to me... 20% off all Berroco yarn! Yes, you read that right. All Berroco yarn in the
store is 20% off! Imagine all the projects you could begin, from scarves to ponchos and even hats. Stop by and check out the limited variety of Berroco yarn we have before it's gone. This deal is while supplies last only on July 18th. Watch Video Here
12 Days of Christmas Day 2: Wine Glasses!
July 17th, 2018
We're already on Day 2 of our Christmas In July event! Can you believe it? For today, we're offering cute stemless wine glasses for $12.50 each. Or you can buy two for only $20! The more you buy, the more you save! These glasses are perfect for the gorgeous weather we're having. Imagine lounging around knitting a cute pair of socks with this sassy wine glass by your side. Perfection, isn't it?
Watch Video Here
This deal is for today only, so come and get yours while supplies last!
12 Days Of Christmas Day 1: Shawl Pins!
July 16, 2018On the first day of Christmas, A Piece Of Ewe gave to you... cute Lamb Kabob Shawl Pins for $25!
These adorable shawl pins fit snugly
into any fabric of your choice. They'll stay put so you can add a little extra to your shawls or sweaters! We only have a limited number of these, so get here quick!
You don't want to miss out on the first day of Christmas special!
Watch Video Here
It's Christmas In July!
July 16, 2018 
Are you looking forward to Christmas as much as we are? Well, you’re in luck! Start making your list and checking it twice because we’re going to be holding A Piece Of Ewe’s Christmas In July!
For this awesome special event, we’re going to have one deal for each day from July 16 to July 28, excluding July 22, as we are closed as usual. Each of our items or deals will be for that one day only, so come in while supplies last to get your deal! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for hints and details for each deal.
We hope you all enjoy this exciting event as much as we do! We’re so excited to be able to give you all great deals and surprises throughout this event. And remember, stay on the nice list!
What Is There To Do In Bay City?
July 9, 2018 When you make your way to Michigan, there are plenty of things for you to do, and plenty of places to stay! Bay City, Michigan is divided by and located on the Saginaw River. We’re going to give you some things to check out while you’re here, and places to stay!
What is there to do in Bay City? Check out these attractions below:
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If you like museums, try checking out the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. This is a Vietnam Era Forrest Sherman Class destroyer is one of only two left in the United States. About 95% of the ship is open to the public for a self-guided tour.
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The Bay City Riverwalk is a beautiful place to take a walk on a lovely day.
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If you like antiques, check out the Bay Antique Center! This is an antique wonderland for antique collectors of all sorts.
For more places to check out while you’re in Bay City, check out our rundown of what to do in Bay City while you’re here: http://www.apieceofewe.com/going-up-north-michigan---check-out-bay-city-and-our-yarn-store.htm
There are plenty of hotels to stay in while you’re in Bay City, but one of the most interesting places to stay in is the Historic Webster House. This historic bed and breakfast is anything but ordinary. Each guestroom is uniquely designed. This bed and breakfast offers modern luxuries with the feel of an old-fashioned home. Each room has cable TV, WiFi, and Netflix to make you comfortable during your stay. Check out a few more places to stay in Bay City while you’re here: http://www.apieceofewe.com/places-to-stay-in-bay-city-michigan.htm
While you’re in Bay City, make sure you stop by A Piece Of Ewe! We’ve settled at 506 Columbus Avenue in Bay City now. With a beautiful variety of yarns of all different weights and colors, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got the accessories you want and the help you need here at A Piece Of Ewe. We offer classes, open knitting, and a genuine love of knitting and crocheting! Stop by while you’re in Bay City-- you won’t regret it!
Knit And Watch The Fireworks!
July 2, 2018 
Remember our World Wide Knit In Public Day event on June 9th? Of course, you do! Our goal was to bring knitters together in public to meet other like-minded knitters, and we had a grand time minus the rain. Well, now we’ve got a new idea to get knitters together in public once again.
On July 5th and 6th in Bay City, the Bay City Fireworks Festival will be going on! Why not knit or crochet while you watch the gorgeous fireworks? Maybe you’ll even get a few ideas or make a few friends while you’re at it! Here are the details. On Thursday, July 5th, at the East side of Wenonah Park from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, festivities will be taking place. There will be music and fireworks. On Friday, July 6th, head to the East side of Wenonah Park once again for more music and fireworks from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM!
Why would you want to knit or crochet while you watch? Well, think of it as a movement. We want to normalize knitting and crocheting in public! We want to meet like-minded crafters like ourselves. What better way to gather new friends and ideas while watching a gorgeous fireworks event at the same time? We hope to see you there!
Find more info here: https://baycityfireworksfestival.com/
The Four Day Sweater Challenge Is Here!
June 27, 2018Join us, and Olive Knits, for the Four-Day Sweater Challenge! This year the sweater is called the Beekeeper Cardigan. The pattern is 
online on Ravelry, and the challenge actually begins July 1. Get your pattern, buy your yarn, create a swatch (yes, you really need to do one!), and get ready to knit with us. Please share your progress on our Ravelry page or follow along with us on Facebook by using the hashtag #KAL.
From July 1st - July 15th, we will be taking part in this challenge! We will be knitting the Beekeeper Cardigan in FOUR days! Put yourself up to challenge and knit along with us. Pick four days from July 1st until July 15th and knit this sweater. Susan is already working on this sweater challenge so that she may help you if you have any issues.
So, what if you don’t finish in four days? That’s okay! Take the time you need. This challenge is just for fun and by no means absolutely has to be done in four days. We want to challenge ourselves and gain experience with this challenge, and we hope you will too!
Share your progress on our Ravelry page: https://www.ravelry.com/people/apieceofeweMI
Get your pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beekeeper-cardigan
Summer Solstice Yarn Sale
June 20, 2018
Welcome summertime with a Piece of Ewe. Hopefully, the heat is not too much for you and all your knitting and crocheting projects. To celebrate the warm weather and sunshine, we would like to offer you progressive discounts throughout the day on Thursday, June 21st!
Please grab a yellow bag before you shop to receive the correct discount for your arrival time.
7 AM - 9 AM - 40% off
9 AM- 11 AM - 30% off
11 AM - 4 PM - 20% off
4 PM - 6 PM - 30% off
6 PM- 8 PM - 40% off
We look forward to the longest day of the year with you!
History of Yarn
June 13, 2018
Have you ever wondered where yarn came from many years ago? No, we’re not talking about alpaca or sheep! We’re talking about where the idea of yarn came from! Let’s dive into this one, shall we?
Birth of spinning.
The art of spinning fiber into yarn is such an ancient art that the origins of it are truly unknown. In fact, the oldest known artifacts made with yarn were string skirts that dated back around 20,000 years ago. Around 5,000 BC, spindles started popping up. Even this was estimated to be around 1,000 years before the wheel was even invented! Do you see how ancient this art is truly is now? Though the first spindles were nothing more than straight sticks to wind the yarn onto, it progressed.
Enter the whorl.
According to CrochetRevolution.com, “A whorl is a weighted disk was added to the bottom of the spindle to make it spin longer and more steadily.” The whorl was an important advancement because it allowed you to spin longer strands of yarn before having to wind it up.
The invention of the spinning wheel really revolutionized yarn and textile production. No one knows when spinning wheels were truly created. It’s believed they originated in India between 500 AD and 1000 AD. These early spinning wheels are still used today, even! The invention of the spinning wheel sped up yarn production from 10 to 100 times.
Textile mills.
Fast forward and we’re in the 1760s, where rapid innovations allowed for the first textile mills to be created. By 1780, steam power allowed these mills to be semi-automated. Of course, this grew and grew and spinning mules with 1,300 spindles at piece were at work.
We’ve come quite a long way! Now you don’t have to rely solely on mass-produced yarns. Crocheters and knitters alike can buy yarn from small, independent businesses, like A Piece of Ewe with the ability to spin yarn. We always love diving into the history of our craft, so stick around for more fun information soon!
Introducing Your Six Box Loyalty Program
June 4, 2018
A Piece of Ewe is very excited to launch your new customer loyalty program. It is a way for us to show appreciation to you, our customers for continuing to shop with us.
How The 6-Box Program Works:
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Stop in and shop. When you bring your items to the register, we will sign you up using your loyalty program sign-up sheet (see image below).
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We will put your name on your loyalty program card (Last Name, First Name - see image below). Once your information is added, the card is filed in alphabetical order in one of our card files.
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Your new loyalty card contains a gift from us -- $25 purchase in the first box (see image below). We really appreciate your business! In addition, if you have a punch card that isn’t finished, don’t worry we will give you a credit for $10 for each punch on your card!
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Initially, you will get a WHITE card. Once filled out, the card is filed in alphabetical order in one of our card files in store. Stop in and make your purchases. Grab your card and bring it up with you to the register. You will get one box filled in for every time you shop. We will fill it in with your pre-tax purchase (Includes classes and sale items) amount. Once all six boxes have been filled out, we will total your purchases and you will earn 5% back.
For example, your first box is $25 (our gift to you), second box purchase is $30, third box purchase is $20, fourth box purchase is $50, fifth box purchase is $25 and sixth box purchase is $50. Your total purchases equal $125, you will receive a gift certificate attached to your card for $6.25 for your next visit to our store. The more you spend the more you earn!
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Once you complete the white card, you will earn the BLUE card to complete six more boxes to earn 8% back on your purchases. You are moving up!
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But wait there’s more...once you complete the first two cards, you will receive a special gift from us! This super cool A Piece Of Ewe Bag (see image below)! And...if you complete three cards you will become one of our exclusive VIP members with private invitations to preview nights, special sales, and more. Keep an eye for more details in the near future!
2018 World Knit In Public Day - June 9th
May 31, 2018
We are hosting our 1st World Wide Knit in Public Day on Saturday, June 9, 2018, from 10 am - 2 pm. Bring your own chair (there will be benches and picnic tables) and KNIT, CROCHET, WEAVE OR SPIN! COME HELP US TAKE OVER Battery Park next to City Market in Bay City!
There will be coupons for local food vendors and giveaways.
In 2017, there were 1125 Worldwide Knit in Public Day events in 54 countries. World Wide Knit in Public Day was started in 2005 by Danielle Landes as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
Knitting can be such a solitary act that it’s easy to knit alone somewhere and sink into your work without thinking about all the other knitters out there. This day was set to get out of your house and go to a local event (with your knitting in tow) just for you and people like you.
Come to help us celebrate knitting and show others how fun it is!That’s A Wrap!
May 24, 2018We’ve all done it. That one colorway calls to us, and it doesn’t matter that we’re not fans of variegated or self-striping or
fine weight yarns. It’s immaterial that we’ve never knit a sock in our lives nor plan to start now. That fingering weight
bundle of gorgeous hits the top of the purchase pile…and we haven’t the slightest idea what will become of it.
Springtime brings the perfect opportunity to pull out those impulse buys. No strays in your stash? No problem! A Piece
of Ewe carries a full array of lighter weight yarns in a broad spectrum of colors, brands, and fibers. You don’t even have
to knit socks to enjoy them. In fact, today’s post highlights two patterns that’ll make people turn on their heels and take
notice every time you wear one.
The best part: you end up with a fantastic lightweight layer that stows easily in your bag, ready for sunset walks along
the water or the chill of an air-conditioned building.
Nearly 8,000 Ravelers have cast on Noora Laivola’s Reyna wrap since its release in June 2015. A simple mix of alternating
garter stitch and mesh sections, this design showcases variegated colorways and requires only one skein to complete.
Find it free of charge on Ravelry or in the store.
level: beginnerskills: cast on, bind off, knit, purl, eyelets
materials: US 4 needle, stitch markers, 380-420 yds. fingering weight yarn
Ewe’s pick: Mountain Colors Tall Ships in Montana, dyed exclusively for us
photo copyright: Noora Laivola
Ready to go a little spicier? Try the Bermuda Scarf by Canadian designer Ilga Leja, who says that “everybody’s version of
this pattern turns out differently as the colors play across the piece.” Access the pattern via Ravelry or the designer’s
website. Better yet, drop by A Piece of Ewe and let us help you pick supplies. We love to plot projects!
level: advanced intermediateskills: cast on, bind off, knit, purl, eyelets, short rows
materials: US 7 needle, stitch markers, 766-853 yds. fingering or sport-weight yarn
Ewe’s pick: Noro Silk Garden Sock, Noro Taiyo Sock
photo copyright: ilgaleja.com
Cotton: It’s What’s for Summer
May 16, 2018
Now that winter’s finally leaving The Mitten, it’s time to get out from under those wool sweaters and blankets and throw lighter, cooler projects in the go bag. For warm-weather stitching, a great cotton yarn is hard to beat. Breathable, durable and hypoallergenic, cotton can be worn next to the skin without aggravating sensitivities, and its easy-care fabrics get softer with every wash. Every stitch pops brilliantly, and you can find dye lots in nearly any color under the sun.
Working with 100% cotton doesn’t limit you to dishcloths and coasters. A Piece of Ewe’s line of Ella Rae Phoenix DK Prints comes in fun self-striping colorways that make adorable baby sweaters and soakers, fun summer pouch purses and more. It also works well with the Knitted Knockers prosthesis pattern.
Cotton blends beautifully with other fibers, natural and manmade. Adding wool brings more memory to the fabric while keeping cotton’s stitch definition and pilling resistance.
In the store, look for:
Sublime Eden DK (55% wool, 45% cotton)
Silk lends its shine and drape to reinforce cotton’s strength.
in the store, look for
Berroco Summer Silk (DK: 45% silk, 43% cotton, 12% nylon)
Noro Taiyo Sock (fingering: 50% cotton, 17% wool, 17% nylon, 16% silk)
Noro Taiyo (Aran: 40% cotton, 30% silk, 15% wool, 15% nylon)
Noro Kagayaki (worsted: 40% wool, 24% cotton, 18% silk, 18% viscose)
Synthetics add stretch, helping fabric keep its shape. They also lower the fabric’s weight and reduce drying time.
in the store, look for
Berroco Modern Cotton (worsted: 60% Pima cotton, 40% modal rayon)
Katia Top Rainbow (DK: 50% cotton, 50% acrylic)
Stop by A Piece of Ewe and let us help you find your perfect project for knitting through concerts-in-the-park, ball games, or the drive up north!
Ewe Tips
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Use bamboo needles to keep slippery stitches in place while working.
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Work a tighter gauge to create a denser fabric that’s less prone to sagging.
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Take breaks and stretch hands and wrists to prevent fatigue.
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Wash your swatch to predict fabric behavior and color bleeds – especially in stripes!
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Split yarn and weave plies in several directions to hide ends.
Dream In Color Trunk Show Is Here!
May 8, 2018
Do you dream in color? We do!
Come into our yarn store from May 8th until May 14th to check out our Dream in Color Trunk Show! We have so much beautiful yarn in that we can't fit it all in one spot in the store!
Join us at A Piece Of Ewe to see Classy and Classy with Cashmere, which is worsted weight yarns. Worsted weight yarns are fairly easy to work with!
When you walk to the left room, you’ll see Everest, which is a chunky yarn, and it’s actually a very fun yarn we’ve never had in the store before. Also on the table with Everest is Cosette! This is a DK weight yarn that we’ve also never carried at the store! Both of these yarns are super squishy and soft. So amazing to feel!
In the middle room, where we usually keep our cotton and whatnot, you’ll find the Smooshy sock yarn, Smooshy with Cashmere, BFL sock yarn, BFL with Camel and Silk, and even some BFL Cashmere and Silk!
When you walk out of the cotton room towards the middle of the main room, we’ve cleared off a display for more Dream yarn! This display has Jilly yarn, which is a fingering lace weight yarn. We don’t usually carry lace weight yarns. We’ve also got the Jilly with Cashmere. Some of these have cashmere, and some do not. Along with the Jilly sits the Dream In Color City yarn, which is a heavy worsted weight. We kept them in the packages for now, but don’t feel forced to buy them in the package! They come separately so you can get only as much as you want.
We have plenty of yarn, and so much more than we expected! We love the variety we’ve got, and we know you will too! Stop by until Monday, May 14th to check out all the amazing Dream In Color yarns! There’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Meet Lizzie
April 30, 2018Sometimes, we realize certain things are just meant to be. Right before Christmas, Susan lost her beloved pal, Gideon. Although Susan and Squeaky, her 12 ½-year-old cat, were perfectly content with the human/kitty pair being by themselves, they both received an expected surprise.
Susan soon found out that one of her friend’s nieces had a pregnant cat. Not too long after, her friend Michelle brought over two of the kittens for a lovely visit. Curious, Susan brought the orange female kitten down to Squeaky’s hiding spot in the basement. The tiny kitten climbed right into Squeaky’s hiding spot and snuggled up to Squeaky, who didn’t mind this new furry friend at all! Susan had thought she needed to get a male kitten for Squeaky instead of a female, so she brought down the male kitten and Squeaky-voiced his disapproval with a hiss. Susan gave both kittens back to Michelle because again, they were just fine on their own.
Later on, the little female kitten had no takers for adoption. Susan tried and tried to find her home. She found one, but it, later on, fell through so Susan decided to keep the sweet girl for her own. She deserved a loving home too, after all! This adorable kitten is now known as Elizabeth Grace, but you can call her Lizzie! Lizzie is full of energy and loves to climb whatever and whoever she can. She learned a new trick Susan calls the Superman, in which she runs and leaps at you with all four paws outstretched.
This sweet girl won’t be a shop cat, but she’ll be happy to keep Squeaky and Susan company at home!
Inaugural Local Yarn Day Event On April 21st From 10 AM-3PM
April 12, 2018
Calling all knitters and crocheters!
We know yarn stimulates your senses: soaking in the entire spectrum of color, sinking your fingers into decadent skeins of the softest fibers, settling into a cozy chair to page through the latest patterns. We also know the only place to get the full experience is in the store.
Come celebrate everything you love about yarn at our Local Yarn Store Day event, featuring many items from your favorite yarn companies and designers available only at brick-and-mortar local yarn shops. Have friends who'd like to learn more? Bring them along! Remember to check in on social media and share your excitement.
A Piece of Ewe
506 Columbus Avenue
April 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Makin’ Bacon Food Truck will be on site. We will offer a $1 Bacon Buck to be used for food for every $10 you spend in our yarn store.
Limit $5 Bacon Bucks per person.
Makin’ Bacon Menu:
Whole Hog Special (WHS) choice of entree, side of bacon-topped Mac and Cheese, and a dessert
Street Style Steak Sandwich
A 5 ounce ball-tip steak, served on a Barney’s Bakery bun, with mayo, cheese, grilled onions, and bacon. $9.50 WHS $14.00
Street Style 1/4 pound Bratwurst, served on a Barney’s Bakery bun, with mayo, cheese, grilled onions, and bacon. $6.50 WHS $11.00
Street Style 1/4 pound All-Beef Dog, served on a Barney’s Bakery bun, with mayo, cheese, grilled onions, and bacon.
$6.50 WHS $11.00
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Slow roasted pulled pork, piled high on a fresh bun, topped with BBQ sauce $6.50 WHS $11.00
Pulled Pork Street Bowl
Creamy Mac and Cheese, topped with pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and grilled onions. Regular $6.50 Large $8.50 Add bacon $1.00
Five cheese, Bacon-Topped Mac and Cheese. Regular $4.50 Large $6.50 X-Large $8.50
Chocolate Bacon Brownie $2.00
Join us for a fun day with some baconlicious food, while supporting A Piece of Ewe!
On Hooks and Needles
April 9, 2018
It happens all the time. You’re sitting in a public space, hook in hand, and the voice of a stranger breaks through your reverie: “Hey! What are you knitting?” (Knitters’ work gets confused by non-yarnies, too, although maybe not as often.)
At this point, a discussion can become an enthusiastic, even spirited, defense of one needle art or the other, but what’s “better” tends to be determined by a stitchers’ personal history, aesthetic preference or range of comfortable physical motion – not to mention what kinds of projects they enjoy.
Knitting vs. Crocheting
Both arts have a lot going for them. Crochet’s textural interest and inherent sturdiness make for beautiful and practical versatility – the same stitches that create intricate lace also shape lovable toys and durable, trendy baskets and rugs. Building with a single stitch at a time gives the artisan ease of free-form design and more flexibility in sharing hooks among multiple projects. True, finding a great sweater pattern can be a challenge, and you do need to pay attention to US vs. British pattern language. But, overall, the projects work up quickly, and the coziness of a crocheted afghan on a chilly evening can’t be denied.
Knitting uses only two kinds of simple stitches to make rows of loops that interlock. Working with many loops at a time (instead of just one) creates a finer, softer fabric that lends itself more easily to modern-looking wearables – and the problem isn’t finding those patterns; it’s choosing which one to make first. Of course, working with so many live loops increases the opportunity for errors that may not be as easy to correct. However, the sheer number of knitting resources is staggering in comparison, and standardized pattern language minimizes confusion.
But why stay rooted in one spot?
Why should knitters learn to crochet?
Shaped edges clean up beautifully with a quick slip stitch border. Chained loops make great buttonholes, and that lace we mentioned earlier can take your work up several notches. Many knitters swear by using foundation chains for provisional cast-ons. And nothing picks up stitches – dropped or deliberately added – like a hook.
When would a crocheter use needles?
Your flowers and other appliques shine on a field of stockinette. Color work is possible with crochet, but you can tackle more intricate detail with knitted fabric. Good-looking socks can come off a hook, but their knitted cousins have the edge on stretch for an even more comfortable fit. Finally (for this post, at least), many stitchers alternate with knitting or even switch arts altogether because crochet’s repetitive motions caused discomfort or aggravated arthritis or other injury.
The real question isn’t which needle art is better – it’s which one suits your purpose today?