Saturday, August 28, 2010

Teaching, Learning, and Watching Them Grow

I was planning to write a post about children: the ones we sew and knit for, and the ones we teach our craft to. I was going to talk about how 14 years ago when we opened Shirley, Ruth and I had 8 kids between us.
Ruth is the big winner with 4, I come in second with three, and Shirley (the smart one) has 1. The ages of the eight then ranged from the 40's (Ruth) to 15 months (me). Ruth's girls were some of our first customers and my youngest was sometimes with me in the backpack as I worked. Shirley's son, who was about 11 at the time, came to see us occasionally but mostly was busy with other pursuits (he's smart like his mother!).

We three sewed and knitted for those eight as they were growing up, just as our mothers and grandmothers had done for us. We passed on our knowledge and love of creating to them as our mothers and grandmothers had done with us. They have been patient and supportive in their role as the cobbler's children. They have taken out the trash, fixed the computer, built shelves, brought us our lunch, and waited as we did "one more row" without rolling their eyes -- not!

When Susann and Jandell joined us we added five more kids to the family and then Susann's six Grands! Jandell and Susann both have very creative girls who are talented with thread and yarn. They quilt, sew, embroider and knit, write poetry and win ribbons at the Dixie Classic Fair.

I was then going to tell you about our friend Pat who teaches at South Fork Elementary and has an incredible group of boys and girls knitting after school. I looked at the South Fork Yearbook and the kids in the Knitting Club group picture filled the risers way more than any of the other clubs!
A group of our knitters donated lots of needles and yarn to them last year. The Knitting Club made this great notebook as a thank-you. Come by the shop and look at the album. It is filled with pictures of happy kids, having fun creating. Their thank-you letters and fabulous and will cheer you if you are having a yucky day. They are gearing up for a bigger group this year, so feel free to clear out your stash and drop off a donation at the shop or the South Fork School office.

That was what I was going to write about, but then I decided to look at Katherine's blog first--procrastination at its best! The photos of her smocking took my breath away! You see, I know the occasions behind every one of those beautiful creations. I am so very proud of her and proud to have had a tiny part in helping her talent to blossom. She only shows SOME of her smocking on this post, but she has done much, much, more. She also does beautiful embroidery, such as the handkerchiefs she made for her wedding attendants and the framed piece she shows here.


So now I have to write about my wonderful students and the beautiful things they create for themselves and their families. Katherine's gorgeous photography has captured some of her work, but LOTS of you have also knitted, quilted and sewed little pieces of love. Everyday I see you all get so much joy from making beautiful things. I also see the satisfaction that comes from succeeding at something that is challenging and sometimes out of your comfort zone. I love sharing that process with you. That's where my joy comes from. I know all the teachers here at Knit One agree. Thanks for letting us be a part of your creative life.

Martha

Monday, August 16, 2010

Season's Change

Someday it will be cooler! Shirley's new lacy sweater will be just the thing for those first cool days. It's made of Cotton Classic. The pattern is from this book.

The pretty bag of yarn to the right is a kit for this wrap and the lacy wrap on the wall is made of Euroflax. The patterns and yarns for the wraps and the sweater are available here at the shop.

Turn down your AC and think cool!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

August class schedule

Sit and Stitch:

This fun group meets every Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30 pm for good conversation and inspiration from other like-minded folks. No charge. Bring your knitting, smocking, crocheting, needlepoint, etc. and join us! We always enjoy having you drop in and sit and do your handwork.


Punch Needle Classes

Punch Needle Halloween Class $20 plus kit. 1 session.
Saturday, August 28, or Saturday, September 11, 9:30-11:30 am
No previous experience required! Come see this cute pumpkin and black cat. The picture doesn’t do them justice!


Crochet Classes

Beginning Crochet $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions

Wednesday, August 18, 25, September 1 and 8, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m

Learn the basics of crochet. Crochet a sampler with different stitches. Learn to read a pattern. You will be ready to crochet a simple project after this class. Limit 4.


Knitting Classes

Beginning Knitting $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions.

Thursday, August 19, 26, September 2 and 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

You will learn the basics of knitting! You will learn to knit and purl, do many pattern stitches and follow a pattern. You will be ready to begin a project of your choice after this class.



Knitting Workshop

$10 for 1 session or $30 for 4 sessions:

Tuesday 10:00-12:00 p.m. or

Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. or

Thursday 1:00-3:00 p.m. or

Friday 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

This is the “clinic” for all your knitting emergencies! Get help on your project or pick a new technique to learn. For those who already know the basics.

You must call to register for workshop each week, space is limited.


Weekend Vest $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions.

Monday, August 9, 16, 23, and 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

A fun vest you’ll enjoy wearing this Fall! If you know the basics this is a great first project.


Origami Sweater $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions.

Monday, August 16, 30, September 20 and October 4, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This is an up to date sweater that will become a favorite! You must know how to knit, purl, cast-on and pick up stitches.


Quilting Classes

Beginner 9-Patch $ 65 plus supplies. 4 sessions, Monday, August 23, September 13, 27 and October 4, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

This class teaches the basics of machine piecing. Learn how to select colors, strip cut, chain piece, and add mitered borders. You'll learn lots and end up with a beautiful 9-patch quilt. Limit 4


Quilt Club This Club will meet monthly and work on a quilt from start to finish. The next quilt will be a Double Wedding Ring. Theresa will guide you with picking out your fabrics, and improving your piecing skills, … from start to finish. A great way to stay focused! You may join this group the 2nd Wednesday evening or the 3rd Sunday of each month. Call the shop for information. The cost is $15.00 per month. Seating is limited.


Coming in October! The Southern Album This class will be offered beginning in October. If you are interested please call as there are a limited number of spaces available for this 10 month block of the month. Stop by the shop to see these beautiful quilts and be inspired!

Smocking and Embroidery


T-Shirt with Insert $30 plus supplies. 1 session, Sat., August 7, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Learn to place a smocked insert into a t-shirt or onesie! It is best to have your insert smocked before class, so register early to receive instructions for smocking your insert!


Sundress/Bubble/Jumper $50 plus supplies. 4 sessions: Thursday, August 19, 26, September 2 and 9, 6-8:30 p.m.

This cute bubble (for boys) or dress is a great first sewing and/or smocking project. Both the bubble and dress may be smocked or not! Beginners are welcome! A cute outfit for back to school.



Smocking and Sewing Workshop

$10 for 1 session or $30 for 4 sessions.

Available sessions: Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. OR Thursdays 10:00-12:00 p.m.

Come join Martha for some quality sewing and smocking time. Work on the project of your choice and enjoy the fellowship of others. Call the shop at least one day before the session to reserve your space.



Embroidery Workshop $15 per session plus supplies

Meets monthly: Monday, August 23, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Join us on the fourth Monday of each month for stitching time and fellowship! Learn how to prepare a project for embroidery or get help with embroidery you are already working on. Each month Martha will teach you a new embroidery technique or tip to make your stitching more enjoyable. Come see what everyone is making!


Class policies

You may register for classes in the shop, by phone or by mail. Full payment is needed at the time of registration to reserve your space in class. Class fees will be refunded up to 48 hours before class; thereafter no refunds will be given. You receive a 10% discount on all supplies purchased for a class.

All class supplies must be purchased at Knit One Smock Too.

Friday, August 6, 2010

What's New?

The UPS and FedEx people have been very busy lately! They come in to the shop hot and sweaty like it's August outside, slinging around huge boxes, but we act like it's Christmas!
First they brought us this beautiful ribbon
.

We're going to sew with it, but also make this sweater. Isn't it pretty?


This fun Halloween set came in last week. I told someone that all the Halloween fabric had arrived and then we got this surprise. It's hard to remember what's coming when you place your Halloween order in February!

These cute boy fabrics came yesterday. They are going to be made into pillowcases, lunch bags, maybe even a quilt!

New fall yarns are starting to arrive. More about them next time.

Have a wonderful, creative weekend!

Martha