Wednesday, November 30, 2011

What can you do with a penny?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Samaritan Ministries Penny campaign. Our friend Doris, who helps us price yarn and assists us when we're short-handed, saves her change all year long for this event, so we're collecting in her honor.


You can visit the Samaritan Ministries website here to learn more about this wonderful organization. Did you know that 5 pounds of pennies equals $8.35 which equals 5 meals at the Soup Kitchen? The Samaritan volunteers know how to make those pennies go far!


There are two ways you can help us raise money for the Penny Campaign:
shop hop quilt
Shop Hop Quilt
First, our fun, fifties quilt from the shop hop will be raffled to benefit the Penny Campaign. The drawing will be held on December 10th. Raffle tickets are $1 per ticket or $5 for 6, $10 for 12 tickets.


Second, and this is the really fun part, we are sponsoring a friendly competition among our teachers. We will have jars near the front of the store labeled with each teacher's name. Vote for your favorite teacher with your pennies, nickles, dollars! There already seem to be several challenges brewing with this talented and loved group of women! We'll total the results on Saturday, December 10.


You can begin bringing in your donations Friday, November 25. We will conclude our collections on December 10 at our Holiday Open House. More details about the Open House will follow soon!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Pre-Thanksgiving Sale

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday,
November 16th -19th


Selected Fabrics $3.00 per yard
if you clear the bolt

An Additional group of over 200 bolts--50% off


Select Yarns 30-50% off


A Large Group of Knitting Books 50% off

Come join us!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Scarf Time!

There's a chill in the air today and it looks like we're in for a beautiful fall weekend! Don't you need something to keep your (or your loved one's) neck warm?

Several years ago the eyelash scarf knitting craze was in full swing. Now the scarf-knitting trends are more diverse. Lots of beautiful scarves and cowls and shawls are knit with luxurious natural fibers and intricate pattern stitches...

But sometimes you need a quick scarf to make an outfit zippier or you need a quick gift (the holidays ARE approaching!).

My friend Matilda agreed to model some of the newest scarf yarns for fall. She's a great model--she doesn't talk back and she stands very still while I try to focus my camera--unlike my family who roll their eyes if I take too long trying to get the right shot!


Here Matilda is wearing our Black and Gold Special. Great for certain sporting events and elegant holiday parties. Made with one skein of Moda Lame` by Filatura de Crossa.


This scarf is made of the new Kidsilk Haze Creation. Kid mohair and silk make a luxurious but quick ruffled scarf that you can knit in an evening or less. Very soft and cozy! The pattern on the label calls for casting on 2 stitches, but I did three stitches, just to be different!

When you need a a REALLY quick scarf these two are are the Fastest!

The one on the left is Katia Aloha. The pattern is on the label. We call it the 15 Minute Scarf!

The turquoise scarf on the right is from Filatura di Crossa and we call it the 1 Minute Scarf!!! You work a crocheted chain stitch with your hand. what will they come up with next?

This scarf is made with Berocco Link. The pattern is on the label. The Berocco website has several other free patterns that can be make with this yarn.

For a more tailored look, Matilda likes this Herringbone neck warmer. The pattern was inspired by this free pattern, but we made ours with much bigger needles and thicker yarn. The shawl pins make a great accessory and easier than making buttonholes!


This ruffly neck warmer is made with Manos Silk blend and feels great up next to your neck. Martha has a trick for casting on the 300+ stitches that she'll share with you if you want to make one of these!!

Matilda has asked for a big, cozy cowl next. There are lots of free cowl patterns out in cyberspace! Martha is knitting a Stockholm cowl in Cascade Epiphany, but it is taking awhile. Jandell is making a Honey Cowl out of Cascade 220 Superwash. Or, maybe this easy and luscious Souffle cowl will be just the thing!

Happy Stitching,

Martha, Shirley, Susann, and Jandell

Thursday, November 3, 2011

November Classes

Knitting Classes
Beginning Knitting $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions. Monday, November 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.
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.

Beginning Knitting $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions. Tuesday, November 8, 15, 22 and 29, 6:00 - 8:00p.m.
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.

First Project Class - $45 plus supplies. 4 sessions. Thursday, November 3, 10 and 17, December 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The next class after beginning knitting, you'll get help all along the way to complete your first project!

New! Felted and Embroidered Mittens $45 plus supplies. 3 sessions. Friday, November 4, 11, and December 2, 10 a.m.-noon.
These are the cutest mittens! You'll learn how to shape that thumb and embellish with Scandinavian-style embroidery. You must know how to cast-on, knit, purl, and rib.

New! Magic Loop Crash Course $20 plus supplies. 1 session. Saturday, November 5, 9:30-11 a.m. Want to make a hat, sock, fingerless glove, or other knitted tube without using those dreaded double-pointed needles? This is the class for you! Come learn this wonderful technique. Bring your pattern, yarn and needles to start your project or just needles and yarn to practice with. You'll love it!!

New! Turn Your Heel $20 plus supplies. 1 session, Saturday, November 12, 9:30-11 a.m.
Started a sock and need help with that intimidating heel turn? We'll get you "over the hump" so that you are on the way to a finished sock!

Monday Night Sweater Group Meets the first and third Monday of each month 6-8:30 p.m. $25 per month. November dates are the 7th and 21st.
Add some fun to your Monday nights! Join this on-going group of knitters as they begin the Rocky Coast Cardigan. Click here to see this fabulous pattern. Learn to make your sweater fit while enjoying a great group of knitters.


Knitting Workshop $10 for 1 session or $30 for 4 sessions:
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon or
Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. or
Thursday 1:00-3:00 p.m. or
Friday 10:00 a.m. - noon
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.

Quilting Classes


New! Holiday Wreath $25 plus supplies/kit. Tuesday, November 8, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. OR Thursday, November 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
This beautiful holiday wreath is lots of fun to make. Kathleen will show you how to "twist" and create a wreath you'll use year after year. Stop by the shop and see the sample! Limit 4.

New! Machine Appliqué $25 plus supplies/kit. Saturday, November 19, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join Shirley in this technique class and make this Funky Tree! A fun and quick project that will make a nice gift or keep for yourself. The sample is hanging in the shop.

The Golden Girls will meet the 2nd Thursday each month, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This is a fun group for early intermediate quilters. Space is limited. Call the shop for more information.

Beginner Hand Appliqué $70 includes kit. Monday, November 14 and 28, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
In this class you will learn the freezer paper technique, perfect circles, bias for stems & vines, points - all the basics for a beautiful hand appliqué table runner. Visit the shop to see the sample. Limit 4.


New! Christmas Tree of Life Wallhanging $40 plus supplies/kit. Tuesday, November 29 and December 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This class will cover beginner appliqué and advanced beginner piecing. Come by the shop and see the sample. Limit 4.


Beginner Wool Appliqué
1 session. $30 includes needlecase kit. Saturday, December 3, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Come learn how to appliqué with wool in this technique class. Wool appliqué is lots of fun and you'll pick up pointers. This needlecase will be a nice addition to your sewing basket or a gift! Limit 6.

Theresa is hosting a special 2 hour make and take Christmas project on Saturday, December 3; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Classes for Smocking and Embroidery

Picture Smocking $30 includes supplies. Friday, November 11, 3-5 p.m.
Learn to stack those cables like a pro!

Box Insert $28 plus supplies. Friday, November 18, 3-5:30 p.m.
Learn to insert a square insert into a t-shirt, romper or jumper. You must have your smocking ready before class so register early! You'll leave class with a finished project!!

Sewing and Smocking Workshop - $10.00 per session
Mondays 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Not just for smockers!!! Get help on any sewing project while you make new sewing friends and get inspired by what everyone's making. Open to beginners and beyond! Call the shop at least one day before the session to reserve your space.

Embroidered Dish Towel or Breadcloth $28 plus supplies. Thursday, November 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Come learn the basics of embroidery and how to finish your cloth with a decorative fabric band. You'll leave class with a completed cloth ready to give as a gift or enjoy yourself!

Embroidery Workshop $15 plus supplies. November workshop meets Monday, November 28, 6-8:30 p.m.

New Store Hours!

We are tweaking our shop hours for the winter. Here is our new schedule:

Monday through Friday--10 am- 6 pm

Saturday--10 am-4 pm

Simpler and easy to remember! This change does not affect evening classes, it just means that we are not open to general shoppers in the evenings.


Hope to see you soon!

Martha, Shirley, Jandell and Susann