Last week I had a very wonderful vacation in Florida (no, not Disney). We spent some time on the beach, in the pool and visited a very neat safari/zoo with the kids. My oldest, Douglas, on our last day in sunny Florida asked “is it summer at home too?”. Unfortunately, the answer was no. Man… it is cold here. March is coming and Spring is just around the corner so I am planning my great thaw. Can you tell how much I don’t like the cold winter months?

So this week I want to hear back from you! We have a question from Kathy. How do you track your needle stash? iPOD has a very cool Knitty Bag found in the iTunes store… Mary shared that cool program with us last month. Now it is your turn to share… How do you record your needle stash? We’ll post your responses on our website and the best I’ll share as I get them.

We also are hoping to get a few more entries into the baby sweater contest. Join - you might win… Visit our current class list - feel free to give any suggestions! Also please visit our first weekend warrior workshop event listing.

Malabrigo is on the way and scheduled for delivery Tuesday, March 2. I order worsted weight and added more chunky, aquarella and lace weight. Spring parties are under way as well. Book your night now. Happy almost March!

Annissa

I love Blue Sky yarns and Louisa Harding yarns and to show you how much I love them I’m putting them ON SALE between now and Sunday, February 15th! Take 20% off any Blue Sky or Louisa Harding yarn you like … and after using them you will love them. In Blue Sky we carry Bulky, Hand Dyed Worsted, Cotton, Melange, Sport Weight, Alpaca SIlk and Royal. In Louisa Harding we carry Glisten, Ca’Doro, Grace, Kashmir Aran, Kashmir DK, Jasmine, Mariposa and Mulberry. All these come in a number of great tones from jewel to pastel to primary and natural dyes. Don’t miss out!

Advanced Knitting: Cabled Bag - The cabled bags on display at Stitch House have been the subject of much discussion, and now you can learn to make your very own! Some knitting experience is required, but novice cablers are welcome. Meets 2 Sundays February 15 & March 1 from 1-3pm for 2 weeks ($60, includes materials)

Last Minute Sew Class - take this class if you need help wrapping up a project you started with us or on your own. Work with our instructor to insert that zipper, buttonhole, hem or just get reacquainted with your put away sewing project. Or, use this time to start a more complicated project and get expert guidance from a fabulous teacher, Jen Paulousky of Blue Alvarez fame. Two week session March 4 and 11 from 6-8pm for $30.

Introduction to Sewing: Butler Bags - Amy Butler is the designer of beautiful fabrics and patterns. Using her patterns and fabrics in just two sessions you’ll have a great new tote or bag to show off to all your friends! This class will give you experience in the basics of sewing so that you will have the knowledge and confidence to undertake projects on your own. You will learn how to understand and follow pattern instructions. All materials for this class are available at Stitch House. This class will be held Tuesday, March 10, 24 & 31 for three weeks from 6-8pm for $60

Fair Isle Noro Hat - Katie is back to teaching colorwork - and this is a fun and useful way of doing it! Make a very cool, fair isle hat using Noro yarn contrasted by a dark solid contrast. The effect is stunning - you can check out Katie’s samples in the shop. Meets 3 Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 from 2-4pm ($60 includes yarn and pattern)

Enter the Baby/Toddler Sweater Contest this month. Buy your yarn between now and March 15 and display your garment the month of April - winner announced in May!

I hope to see you at one of our upcoming classes.

Annissa

Annissa and the Stitch house were featured in a Mamaprenuer series by Stephanie at Bellini Portraits. It has lots of gorgeous photos and some really great tidbits about the store and Annissa’s family.

Check it out: http://bellinipics.com/blog/

(permanent link here: http://bellinipics.com/blog/index.php/archives/134)

Stitch House Introduces the First Weekend Warrior Workshop
Painterly Felt on Wool Canvas
Contemporary felt work with artists Theresa May-O’Brien & Mehmet Girgiç

Saturday & Sunday March 14&15, 2009          10-6:00 pm each day
$250 includes all materials and light refreshments
(bring your own lunch please)
Instructors are Theresa May-O’Brien, contemporary American fiber artist and Mehmet Girgiç, internationally renowned felt maker from Konya, Turkey.
Felt is an old world woolen textile created from adding heat, moisture and pressure to wool fiber in order to craft a nonwoven fabric.  The textile of felt has been used for centuries as yurts, rugs, garments and more.  Felt has been rediscovered in the last 10-15 years and these instructors have worked at crafting this textile into fine art as well as fine craft
Students will practice layout of wool fibers in painterly fashion and then follow with traditional and contemporary techniques for hand rolling felt.  All of the materials are natural organic wool which has been hand dyed using only natural plant dyes.  The art of felt makng takes patience and energy.
In this two day workshop, students will be able to craft their own small felt wall hanging or cushion cover.
For more photos of the artist’s work visit  www.woodscapeartistry.com

Sign up soon – Space is Limited to 15 participants.
Deposit Due at Registration.