Greetings from AC Stitch House! Yes we have AC and we are happy about that! The heat is on outside but join us at the Stitch House for some cool air. While you’re here learn something new or join one of our club nights…

As the summer winds down (please don’t hate me for saying it, but the big retailers of the world have been celebrating back-to-school for a month now) I am gearing up for Fall! We have a few last minute summer classes to consider. This weekend Jen is hosting a “Get to Know Your Machine” Workshop from 10-11:30am and then next weekend Katie is doing her fantastic Sock Workshop. All the classes for now and September are listed on the class registration page.

Cascade is still on sale through the end of August - get it while you can! And while cleaning the shop and making room for new Fall yarns - I added some new yarns to the Clearance Bin. Check out the great deals in the bin!

We have some great new things happening this Fall - starting with clubs! We have our regulars like Sweater, Quick Sew and Unfinished and Sock Club, but we’re adding Crochet Workshop and Kids Craft Night! It is time to consider one - or all! It is a great way to meet new people and hang out for a few hours and knit, sew, crochet or craft. I hope you’ll think about it! And don’t think you have to come everytime. We welcome you when you’re ready!

Last but not least - if you want to reserve a night for us to host a Girls Night Out, and afternoon for a Kids’ Birthday Party or a Work Event - let us pencil it in NOW! We want you to have your special event here this Fall and Winter so start thinking about it and let me know. We have a great time.

Enjoy the weekend and the cooling off we’re supposed to get the next few days!

Annissa

Claire says I should start this week’s post with a “hiddie-ho” and so that’s just what I’m doing - Hiddie Ho! The toughest thing is starting these weekly posts because I have so much to say and I don’t know where to start. So here’s a good story to share and a thought for you to consider. I had lunch today with a group of women in Charlestown during their lunch hour. They are starting an office knitting group and asked if I could come in and talk about the Stitch House, my experience and thoughts on knitting. Some of them have great skill and far more advanced than me and a few were real beginners, nervous to start. One of them said “I just want to be able to hold 2 sticks together - that would be success”. I’ll continue to assist them in their new adventure and can’t wait to watch them develop as knitters and share their experiences. Thank you to Julie who organized this great work idea.

My thought for you to consider - start a knit group at your workplace. I would love to come visit you during lunch and even set up some lessons for the beginners in your group. It is a great way to meet folks in your office or building and who knows - maybe learn or improve your skills. I would be happy to help you anyway I can, just let us know.

As some of you may heard Sheep Shop Yarn Company is going through a transition. They have put on hold all production going forward. As many of you, I am a huge Sheep Shop fan. I have used these yarns for many different projects. We have a lot in stock but since we won’t be able to re-order let us hold your favorite colors until your next visit.

Cascade is on sale for 25% off this month! This is a fantastic deal, one worth taking advantage of. Call ahead to check is we have in stock your color choice. Cascade Wool 220 is great for felting and we’re hoping to Noni in here October to do a workshop. I will keep you posted for sure!

Just as I am working on this email new Blue Heron Metallics came in. As soon as I am done with this email I am winding 2 skeins of the Blueberry color to make a Clapotis wrap (free Ravelry download). I can’t wait! I am pausing to wind and will be back to finish this email…… Ok. Done. (and I thought I would have nothing to write about this week)

This Saturday, August 8th, Nicole will be here and running Crochet drop-in help. Call to reserve and hour for $10.

Finally we have a few classes coming up. Here’s what’s open:

Knitting 101/ Intro to Knitting - If you have no knitting experience, or have tried a few times but quit because that scarf was just taking too darn long and you got bored, then this is the class for you! This class will teach you the basics, and together we will create something small, manageable and fabulous. Not only will you leave with a finished project, but you’ll have the motivation and the tools to keep knitting! Offered Thursday, August 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 6-8 OR Saturdays 11am-1pm (ongoing start, not offered Aug 8). Classes are $75 (not including materials) for 4 weeks. Join Claire or Katie for this great class!

Beginning Sock Workshop - Some people just love making socks - come find out why! In our one-day workshop, we’ll take you from start to finish to make squooshy, comfy, lounge-around-the-house socks. Participants will (hopefully!) finish the first sock during the workshop, and fast knitters will get started on the second one. The pattern takes you step-by-step through a ribbed sock from the cuff down, on double-pointed needles. For advanced beginners - some experience on DPNs is helpful. Saturday, August 29, 2-5pm, $30. Join Katie for this great workshop!

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 3 Tuesdays, August 18, 25 and September 1 from 6-8pm for three weeks for $60. Katy is our Butler Bag specialist - you’ll have fun learning to sew with her!

Get To Know Your SEWING MACHINE better! - Do you own a sewing machine and have a great fear of getting starting or trying more than a straight stitch - join Jen for a One-Day Workshop on Saturday, August 22nd from 10-11:30am for $15. Jen Alvarez can’t wait to share what she knows!

I hope to talk with you soon!

Annissa

Stitch House is proud to offer the following classes. Please contact us for more information.
We are continually adding classes to our schedule – and we accept recommendations!

Knitting

Knitting 101/ Intro to Knitting - If you have no knitting experience, or have tried a few times but quit because that scarf was just taking too darn long and you got bored, then this is the class for you! This class will teach you the basics, and together we will create something small, manageable and fabulous. Not only will you leave with a finished project, but you’ll have the motivation and the tools to keep knitting! Offered Thursday, August 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 6-8 OR Saturdays 11am-1pm (ongoing start, not offered Aug 8). Classes are $75 (not including materials) for 4 weeks. Join Claire or Katie for this great class!

Beginning Sock Workshop - Some people just love making socks - come find out why! In our one-day workshop, we’ll take you from start to finish to make squooshy, comfy, lounge-around-the-house socks. Participants will (hopefully!) finish the first sock during the workshop, and fast knitters will get started on the second one. The pattern takes you step-by-step through a ribbed sock from the cuff down, on double-pointed needles. For advanced beginners - some experience on DPNs is helpful. Saturday, August 29, 2-5pm, $30. Join Katie for this great workshop!

Drop-in Help - Learn to knit (or crochet August 8 only) or get help with a tricky part of your current project. Space is limited to no more than 2 people per session. Call to reserve your time slot today! Saturdays from 1-4 ($10 per hour) Katie is happy to help you!

Sewing

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 3 Tuesdays, August 18, 25 and September 1 from 6-8pm for three weeks for $60. Katy is our Butler Bag specialist – you’ll have fun learning to sew with her!

Sewing for Beginners and New Sewers – So you want to learn to sew or continue developing your skills? Pick your own project and get started. You will learn how to read and follow pattern instructions, cut out patterns and make minor pattern alterations for a better fit. We start sewing the first week so come with a pattern and fabric ready to go. This class will be taught by Moo in August for 3 weeks, August 13, 20 and 27 from 6-9pm. ($75, non-inclusive of materials)

Saturday Sew Intensive for Beginners and New Sewers – So you want to learn to sew or continue developing your skills? Pick your own project and get started. You will learn how to read and follow pattern instructions, cut out patterns and make minor pattern alterations for a better fit. We start sewing the first week so come with a pattern and fabric ready to go. This class costs $75 (does not include materials) and will be taught by Casey 2 Saturdays August 8 & 15 from 10:30-2:30 (light lunch provided).

Get To Know Your SEWING MACHINE better! – Do you own a sewing machine and have a great fear of getting starting or trying more than a straight stitch - join Jen for a One-Day Workshop on Saturday, August 22nd from 10-11:30am for $15. Jen Alvarez can’t wait to share what she knows!

FYI for DIY
If you are registered for a sewing class you will be given a card good for a one-time 10% discount at Sew-Fisticated Fabrics located at 735 Morrissey Blvd. near Lambert’s Fruit Market. Fabric can also be purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Winmil Fabric at 111 Chauncy Street in downtown Boston.

Summer Camps for Kids
Kids ages 8-12 are welcome to Join us for week of fun, crafting, sewing and knitting. All camps run Tuesday through Friday and are either half days or full days. Discounts given for multiple weeks and children. Sign Up Early!

Aug 11-14 Half Day 10-12:30 $100 includes materials and snack
Aug 25-28 Full Day 10-3:30 $225 includes materials, snack and lunch

Stitch House SUMMER CLUBS!

First Fridays are Sweater Club nights, 2nd Fridays are Quick Sew and 3rd Fridays are Unfinished Projects. We are adding a Thursday Night Winter Knits and Gifts Night with Claire!

Save the DATE: Sunday, September 20th for our 2nd Anniversary Party!

Hi All! Can you believe August is Saturday? I know you hate me for reminding you. But August 1 means a few things at Stitch House. Cascade will be on sale! Yes! 25% off Cascade Yarns for the month of August but I’ll start today if you happen in. August 1st also means an increase in the Massachusetts Sales Tax. Yarn is not taxable but books, patterns and accessories are. If you were thinking of buying the Addi Click system - get it now and save a few bucks!

August also means new classes and workshops. I’ve attached a class list but a few to give special consideration to are:

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 3 Tuesdays, August 18, 25 and September 1 from 6-8pm for three weeks for $60. Katy is our Butler Bag specialist - you’ll have fun learning to sew with her!

LIMITED SPACE! Sewing for Beginners and New Sewers - So you want to learn to sew or continue developing your skills? Pick your own project and get started. You will learn how to read and follow pattern instructions, cut out patterns and make minor pattern alterations for a better fit. We start sewing the first week so come with a pattern and fabric ready to go. This class will be taught by Moo in August for 3 weeks, August 13, 20 and 27 from 6-9pm. ($75, non-inclusive of materials)

LIMITED SPACE! Saturday Sew Intensive for Beginners and New Sewers - So you want to learn to sew or continue developing your skills? Pick your own project and get started. You will learn how to read and follow pattern instructions, cut out patterns and make minor pattern alterations for a better fit. We start sewing the first week so come with a pattern and fabric ready to go. This class costs $75 (does not include materials) and will be taught by Casey 2 Saturdays August 8 & 15 from 10:30-2:30 (light lunch provided).

Get To Know Your SEWING MACHINE better! - Do you own a sewing machine and have a great fear of getting starting or trying more than a straight stitch - join Jen for a One-Day Workshop on Saturday, August 22nd from 10-11:30am for $15. Jen Alvarez can’t wait to share what she knows!

I would also like to congratulate Danielle on the birth of her son, Robert Duncan Jingwei MacIsaac. Danielle is a teacher at Boston Latin Academy and worked part-time here this past year. Robert was born June 28 and weighed 6 lbs. 1 oz., 19 1/4 inches.

Noro Fairisle Flower Hat: these hats were designed by Katie Rose as part of a introductory colorwork class at Stitch House Dorchester, in Dorchester MA, where they are still displayed.
Using just two balls of yarn, you can get a great variation of color!
This is a great first project for someone tackling stranding, and walks you through holding yarns in two hands (picking/throwing). Enjoy!
Here’s the link to the pattern - the first is on Ravelry, and the second where it directs, on Katie’s blog:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/noro-fair-isle-flower-hat
http://spinspinspin.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/noro-hat/

Annissa