Hi All!

Quick post today….so enjoy!

Tonight starts another series of Intro to Sew with Moo. We have 2 spots left so grab your materials and join us! You can use this class to improve your new sewer skills or learn from the beginning. Moo also welcomes you to this class if you would like to try quilt making. Call us NOW to get in on this great class!

Saturday Marie Zelmer Wu will be taking Halloween pictures from 3-6pm. No reservations required.. just stop on by! We’ll also have some fun activities for the kids while you wait. Pictures will only take a few minutes and costs $15 and includes a 5X7 pic of your cutie. The picture above is a sampling of her last round of Halloween pics.

We still have some room available for our weekend (NEXT WEEKEND!) with Nora from Noni Designs. Some of you want to join us but can’t commit to the full weekend. So… come for one day - and pick your day. I am so excited about this workshop and want you to come. Don’t worry if your bag isn’t done because we can finish it together and wash it here (yup, we have a machine downstairs). There are no excuses now! The flyer is attached. Please help me spread the word.

Home Dec meets Wednesday nights and just started this week. If you would like to join for the remaining 3 weeks you can for a reduced rate of $75. Join Julie and fellow sewers for a great time learning how to make your own beautiful drapes and Roman Shades.

Kids Club meets tomorrow night from 5-7pm. We have a few more seats if you would like your kid to have some Friday night fun! All materials are provides and we also provide pizza and a drink for $15.

Thanks to all the teachers that stopped by yesterday - we had a great turnout throughout the day… who should we do next?? Let me know!

Thank you!

Annissa

So first things first…my “owls” sweater has eyes. Check out the cute pattern on ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owls-2

New Yarns! We have a few new things in… NORO SOCK Yarn, new colors of Noro Taiyo, Kureyon, Iro and Kochoran. More colors of Debbie Bliss Baby and the new Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (this is an awesome yarn.. so awesome I am going to scale way back on my collection of regular Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK). Then.. after getting the request too many times, I finally tracked down the Baby Surprise Jacket Pattern. I have a bunch in stock and it has the instructions for the Surprise Child and Adult. This is a fantastic pattern and the smallest sizes are usually great for one skein! Finally…. The Debbie Bliss Magazine is HERE and new beads! Check out all the colors we just got in…. perfect for making a beaded shawl or spiral hat this Sunday with Nicole.

Next week we’re hosting a Teacher Appreciation Day at Stitch House. Join us Wednesday, October 28 ALL DAY (for you that are enjoying retirement, come during the day). Teachers with a union membership card or staff ID are welcome to a 10% discount on your entire purchase! During the evening we’ll have the tea pot going and light munchies for you to enjoy!

If you don’t know how great our class offerings are try one in the next few weeks. A few starting NOW include:

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 Tuesdays from 6-8 OR Saturdays 11am-1pm (both ongoing enrollment). Classes are $75 (not including materials) for 4 weeks. Join Claire or Katie for this great class!

Beaded Spiral Hat: This close-fitting knit cap adds a bit of sparkle with elegant glass seed beads worked into the spiral design using the crochet hook method of beading. This 2-session class will teach a modified version of the popular “Odessa” pattern by Grumperina (a free download at www.ravelry.com). This is a great project for beginners who want to learn knitting in the round, or for experienced needle crafters looking to jazz up their hat-making skills. Come in to Stitch House to see the shop model! This Class will run two Sundays 12-2pm on October 25 and November 1. The cost is $30,
not including materials, and is due at the time of registration. This is a great prep class for the Beaded Shawlette coming in late November.

Toe-Up Socks Workshop If you’ve got the basics of sock knitting down but want to try something new, come to this one-day workshop. This class will teach you different possibilities for starting a toe-up sock, and will also handle the turning of the heel in reverse! Bring a toe-up sock pattern and materials to work on. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-4 pm. $15.

***Noni Felted Bag Workshop join Nora Bellows, creator of Noni Designs, as she presents her innovative ideas for creating and embellishing a unique felted bag. Beginners welcome! Participants will prepare for her arrival by selecting and beginning the bag project at free knitting nights. Two days: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 & 8,
10am-4pm. $150 includes morning refreshment and light lunch. Materials not included.

Home Décor – Window Treatments This four-week class will provide you with the skills and confidence to construct a custom lined, window treatment. Students can select a treatment such as a Roman Shade or pleated drape. Students can meet a week earlier for an additional fee to shop with Julie to purchase materials. A class materials list and directions on measuring will be provided the week prior to class. Learn the correct way to measure your window(s) to assure a proper and custom fit. At the completion of this course you will have a functioning shade and instructions on how to mount and install your beautiful Roman Shade at home. This class runs 4 Wednesdays October 28, November 4, 11 & 18 from 6-8pm ($100, not 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) 2 Saturdays October 24, 31 from 10:30-2:30 (with Casey) OR November 14 and 21 (with Moo). Light lunch provided.

Next Friday evening is Kids Club! Kids Club filled up last month so get your spaced reserved for this fun time!
The Last Friday Night Kid Club meets from 5-7pm and is designed to provide kids ages 8-12 an opportunity to sew or create a quick craft. Kids don’t need any experience to participate – just the desire to learn something new! Parents are invited to observe during the first and last 15 minutes of club time. Pick-up and drop-off times should be honored. There is a $15 fee to participate in this 2 hour club and includes all project materials and a slice of pizza and drink. Pre-registration required to collect contact information. Club size is limited to 10.

So - that’s it for this week - I hope to see you soon!

Annissa
(remember to get more frequent updates on Twitter and Facebook)

I bet you all think I am ready to go for Halloween? I know I play this role of the super organized woman really well… but no I am not. It doesn’t help that the kids just now decided they all want to be Spiderman this year - - and Douglas says that I have to make it (imagine a store bought costume for my kids!). So that is on the agenda for next week. I will be sure to post some pictures after Halloween so you can check out my kids all dressed up. If you want to get some good pics of your kids  - - Marie is doing a Halloween Day Quick Shoot which we’re calling “Spooky Pics”, although there will be nothing spooky about it. Right now I am finishing a beautiful lace wrap in Nashua Geologie. I love it! But not as much as my Blueberry Metalic Sparkle Clapotis - that is my favorite new accessory. If you haven’t made one yet, you need to. It is a free pattern through knitty.com and here’s the link: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html I am happy to suggest some great yarns to make it in!

And for all of you who have been driving me crazy with this request - guess what!? I now carry Spud & Chloe yarns! We have most colors in all 3 weights and a ton of great patterns that go with the collections. For a sneak peak check out: http://www.spudandchloe.com/.

Katie is running two great sock workshops this weekend and next. The first if Magic Loop and the second in Toe-Up Socks. Here are the descriptions:

Magic Loop 101 Want to do things 2-at-a-time? Socks, sleeves, legs and more? Come for this one-time workshop and we’ll get you making two things at once on a long circular. Please bring a project of your choice – socks are a great     choice, but sleeves etc. are also welcome. Saturday Oct. 17, 2-4 pm. $15.

Toe-Up Socks Workshop If you’ve got the basics of sock knitting down but want to try something new, come to this one-day workshop. This class will teach you different possibilities for starting a toe-up sock, and will also handle the turning of the heel in reverse! Bring a toe-up sock pattern and materials to work on. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-4 pm. $15.

Next weekend is another Intenstive Sew weekend if you would like to register for a great class with Casey and more wonderful offerings are listed on our website or print out the attached class listing. Join us tomorrow night for unfinished projects club.

A special thank you to all our new Stitch House followers who we met last weekend at the Irish Heritage Festival in Adams Village, Dorchester. I had a great day and look forward to meeting you at the Stitch House. Check out the class list and join us to learn or develop a new talent.

Marie is back for several photo days and we still have some times available for Saturday morning if you would like to get some fantastic professional pictures of you and your kids.. Call us for details.

So - I’m done for now, but stay updated by following us on Twitter and Facebook. We’re @StitchHouse on both!
Talk soon,
Annissa

Marie Zemler Wu will once again be bringing her photo studio to the store for the holidays. We’re now taking sign ups (call or visit the shop) for sessions on Saturday, October 17; Sunday, November 1; or the school holiday on Wednesday, November 11. The cost is $75 for a session and an 11×14 print, with a $15 discount for those getting an early jump and taking the October date. We’re also having Marie at Stitch House on Halloween, Saturday, October 31. Bring your little ghosts and goblins anytime from 3 to 6 p.m. for a quick portrait, a holiday craft, and a sweet treat. No sign ups needed on this one; cost is $15 and includes the craft, treat, and a 5×7 print. Cards with more information about the Holiday and Halloween portrait sessions are attached. Marie also has some other holiday specials outside of Stitch House, details are on the card or her website www.mariezemlerwu.com.

I am so excited to be able to participate in this weekend’s Irish Festival in Adams Village Dorchester. I hope you can join us at this FREE event, this Sunday, October 11. In addition to checking out my table there will be tons of fun for everyone in the family and some live performances. You can get more info at www.irishheritagefestival.com.

We also have another boatload of classes starting up. Here’s the skinny on that:

TONIGHT Cabling Mini- Workshop If you are ready to learn cabling techniques but don’t want to commit to a four week class –we have the perfect one-skein project for you! In two weeks you’ll complete a cabled neck cozy (one of our favorite things to make) using one skein of chunky yarn. Imagine, learning to cable and leaving with a completed project, in just 2 weeks! Participants should be familiar with knitting and purling. This mini-workshop is $30 and includes the pattern and a ball of yarn for the cozy (needles are not included) and runs for 2 Thursday, October 8 and 15 from 6-8pm.

TOMORROW Kid’s Knit- For kids only! Ages 8-12 are invited to learn to knit or refine the skills they learned in one of our summer camps. This class will teach you the basics and together we will create a fantastic project – of your choice. Not only will you leave with a finished project, but you’ll have the motivation and the tools to keep knitting! After this class they’ll have the skills to make great gifts for all their friends. Kids will learn how to understand and follow pattern instructions, cast on, and bind-off. Starting Friday, October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 3-5pm for 4 weeks ($75, materials included)

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, October 6, 13, 20 from 6-8pm for three weeks for $60. Katy is our Butler Bag specialist – you’ll have fun learning to sew with her! Join for weeks 2 and 3 for $40

Basic Quiltmaking This introductory class will teach basic quick and easy quiltmaking techniques for beginners. Using rotary cutting and machine sewing you will create a quilt top suitable for a baby, lap or to hang on the wall. You will also learn how to baste the three layers of a quilt together, hand quilt it, and how to bind the edges. Using the recommended book Last Minute Patchwork Quilt, participants will select a pattern based on their experience level. This class will be taught by Moo and held 4 Thursdays, October 15, 22, 29 & November 5th from 6-8pm for $75.

We’re also prepping for our spectacular weekend with Noni in November - please consider joining us and her and make a fabulous bag!

Oh ya! Check us out on Twitter and Facebook! Follow us and hear from us all the time!

Talk soon,

Annissa

Did that catch your attention? Yes! I know some of you love yarn so much, if you could you would!

Friday evening (tomorrow night) we are hosting a Rowan Yarn Tasting. This means we’ll have a huge sampling of all the newest Rowan yarns for you to feel and imagine all the great creations you could make. So join me tomorrow night for some touching and feeling … and I’ll add some munchies and beverages and a SALE! on Rowan Yarns in stock. Just tomorrow between 6-9pm all Rowan yarns, books and magazines will be 25% off regular retail. I hope you can join us in the fun.

In other news.. classes are filling up fast so here’s a few to consider:

Steeks 101 - Terrified of letting scissors near your work, but want to make a fair-isle cardigan (or set in sleeves in the round)? Conquer your fears by learning the basic techniques for steeks! We’ll be going over basic, crocheted, and sewn steeks. Bring 2 colors of worsted weight yarn, needles (anything from size 6-10), and a crochet hook. This Quick Class with Katie is THIS Saturday, October 3 from 2-4pm and costs $15 per person.

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) 2 Saturdays October 3, 10 (with Moo) OR October 24, 31 from 10:30-2:30 (with Casey). Light lunch provided.

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, October 6, 13, 20 from 6-8pm for three weeks for $60. Katy is our Butler Bag specialist - you’ll have fun learning to sew with her!

Kid’s Knit- For kids only! Ages 8-12 are invited to learn to knit or refine the skills they learned in one of our summer camps. This class will teach you the basics and together we will create a fantastic project - of your choice. Not only will you leave with a finished project, but you’ll have the motivation and the tools to keep knitting! After this class they’ll have the skills to make great gifts for all their friends. Kids will learn how to understand and follow pattern instructions, cast on, and bind-off. Starting Friday, October 9, 16, 23, 30 from 3-5pm for 4 weeks ($75, materials included)

Please keep on your calendar the fantastic weekend we have planned with Nora Bellows of Noni Designs. Here are those details:

***Noni Felted Bag Workshop join Nora Bellows, creator of Noni Designs, as she presents her innovative ideas for creating and embellishing a unique felted bag. Beginners welcome! Participants will prepare for her arrival by selecting and beginning the bag project at free knitting nights (October 10, 16, 20, 27 and Nov 3). Two days: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 & 8,10am-4pm. $150 includes morning refreshment and light lunch. Materials not included.

Chelsea posted all of our 2 year birthday bash photos on our Facebook Fan page and you can also follow us on Twitter - so if you want to hear from me MORE, that is the place to be… We are StitchHouse on Twitter and follow this link to our Fan Page on FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dorchester-MA/Stitch-House-Dorchester/117869962126?ref=ts

We also JUST (literally minutes ago) got the newest Stitch Magazine in. I got 10 copies so if you would ike me to hold one for you - reply to this email and in the hold bin it will go.

What else? You ask…. You’ll have to come in and see for yourself! I can’t wait to see you! Oh yeah- I am almost done with my Metalic Blueberry Blue Heron Clapotis wrap - - and I LOVE it! I wish you would make one with me. Smile

Annissa