Today Spring has returned to Dorchester, and I can only hope the beautiful weather continues. We have our Spring/Summer flowers planted out front (thank you Paul) and love that they symbolize the return of warmth. I know I am obsessed with the weather but I am a native and that’s what we do! Plus cheer on our sports teams like crazy!

Claire and I are winding down our training for our big run in 10 days! I can’t wait. On Mother’s Day I ran my first ever (and I mean ever!) road race and I had so much fun! It was empowering and I actually had tears running down my face as I finished is good time. It is rewarding, emotionally and physically, to put so much effort into training and have a finish line to cross and a completed effort. It’s not that I don’t get things done in my life, it is just wonderful to have an accomplished goal in hand. I am sure you can relate. Now we’re on to our 9k Run to Home Base on May 23rd!

At Stitch House we’re opening the doors and enjoying the fresh air. We’re celebrating Spring with a mini-bridal shower this Saturday for Katie - yup! She’s getting married next weekend. We’re hosting a surprise Bridal Shower THIS Saturday from 5-7pm at the Stitch House. Join us - we’ll have some good food and beverages - but feel free to bring your favorite appetizer or desert.

On Friday of Memorial Day Weekend Stephen West (yes, that Stephen West) will joining us for an afternoon and evening of fun, demonstration and lessons. Please save the date and make your weekend plans starting after Friday!

We’ve also planned out our summer camp sessions and have a few new series starting for adults this coming weekend and week. Check them out and give us a call! Also in the works is our 2nd annual Fabric Shopping Trip to New York City and a one day intensive on Sewing the Amy Butler Daisy Chain Quilt. And, don’t forget your (you’ll be welcome to sell your yarn for this sale) Yarn Sale on Sunday, June 27.

Quick Sew: this month’s project is a quilt square from Amy Butler’s web site. You may have noticed the beautiful quilt Claire and I made for our fund raising efforts. We will be using Amy Butler Fabric to create one square from her online, free pattern: Daisy Chain Quilt. Tomorrow, Friday, 6-8pm, $30. Please call or email to let us know you are coming so we can prepare the materials.

That’s it for this week. I hope to see you in the shop soon!

Annissa

Greetings!

Last week I told you how Claire and I are running the Run to Home Base 9k. As part of the effort we need to each raise money for this great partnership between the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital. The money raised will benefit the lives of New England servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with combat stress disorders and/or traumatic brain injury through clinical care, innovative research, education, family support and community outreach. We need your help to raise money…. So, Friday night we hosted a sewing event for knitters! & we’ll have more events to come… If you didn’t make it but would still like to donate, visit my Run page at:

http://www.runtohomebase.org/runtohomebase/Annissa

This week we also set all our dates for Summer Kids’ Camps. We only scheduled a few weeks out of the summer but will book private sessions for groups of 4 kids or more - check it out!

July 6-9 Full Day 10-3:30 $225 includes materials, snack and lunch
July 13-16 Half Day 10-12:30 $100 includes materials and snack
Aug 24-27 Half Day 10-12:30 $100 includes materials, snack and lunch
Aug 31-Sept 3 Full Day 10-3:30 $225 includes materials, snack and lunch

If you’re looking for more immediate satisfaction join us for one of our upcoming Adult Classes such as:

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! Classes are $75 (not including materials) for 4 weeks. Offered Saturdays 11am-1pm OR Thursday evenings, 6-8pm (both ongoing enrollment).

Knit your First Sweater–This series will help you do more with your knits and purls. Claire will teach you the techniques needed to increase, decrease, and seam as you construct a simple raglan sweater. Using Ann Norling’s patterns for either an adult or child’s cardigan or pullover, you can choose from a variety of yarns and gauges. Check out Annissa’s Irish Flag child’s pullover for inspiration. Class runs 4 Tuesday evenings in May & June with a rolling start – you pick! Class time is 6-8pm for $75. Pattern and yarn not included.

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 runs 2 Saturdays for$75 (does not include materials) Light lunch provided. Choose from the following sessions: May 1 & 8, 10:30-2:30 do just May 8 for $40 and make yourself a quick sew! *OR* May 15 & 22, 10:30-2:30

Home Decorating 101: Window Treatments - This 4 week class will provide you with the skills and confidence needed to construct ONE window treatment for your home. You will review the correct way to measure your window to ensure a proper fit. At the completion of this course you will have a functioning treatment and instruction on how to mount and install it in your home. During the series you are welcome to use the shop machines, when available, to make another one to compliment the one you’ll work on during class time. Offered from 6-8pm on 4 Wednesdays starting May 5 th for $100, materials not included. Join us for the next 3 weeks for only $75!

On the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend I am so excited to tell you - Stephen West is coming! He’ll be here that Friday afternoon into the evening. Join us throughout the afternoon or that evening before you pack up for the weekend. More details to follow but save the date NOW!

Until then - - Thank you!

Annissa

I know… what’s this? Knit, Quilt Run and more of the same?! Let me explain. First, keep knitting. Even though the temps are about to hit 70 this weekend, keep knitting. There are so many wonderful projects to pick up this time of year… including our very popular Stimulus Package yarn. We got these awesome, mixed skeins of yarns and they were selling before we had a chance to officially “receive” them into our inventory! So.. we just ordered every colorway offered by Dye Lot yarns and I would be happy to hold a skein of your request for you NOW. Check out the colors here and let me know your first and second choice for colorway and it will be yours! In the meantime you can come in and see my shop sample: a great, one skein project scarf.

This Friday night (check your calendar because it could be today) Claire and I are attending a local fundraiser supporting a local group of runners who are running the Red Sox Foundation and MGH/Run to Home Base 9k… here’s the kicker - Claire and I are doing too! I know I can’t believe how my training has been going, and the few pounds I’m officially down (cheers for me!). Claire and I have been making it our mission to get this done, have fun and improve our shape. At Friday’s event we’re raffling off a BEAUTIFUL Amy Butler quilt. I love this quilt and it worked up so quickly I want to run a one-day intensive using this FREE pattern (I attached it for you here). I’ll keep you posted on the schedule for this class but in the meantime, join us Friday at the Boston Teachers’ Union Hall here in Dorchester or donate on our behalf at www.runtohomebase.org and find our pages.

So that’s the Quilt and Run bit of this week’s email. Here’s the same. We have more classes starting this week including Friday’s (could be today) Kids Club from 5-7pm. We’re making a special Mother’s Day project and boys and girls are welcome. Saturday’s Intro to Sew (2 week intensive) still has room so call NOW to sign up and reserve your seat or send us an email… And all the rest is attached for your reading pleasure.

Thank you!

Annissa

P.S. We’re starting to think about the summer. I want your feedback: Should we stay opened on Sundays in July and August or close? What’s your feeling?

Join us THIS SUNDAY for a fantastic FABRIC SALE!! We have several customers (and me) that have accumulated too much fabric over years and years of sewing… and need I say just years and years of buying fabric. So I invite you to come in and shop some great deals on our fabric stashes. We have some pieces with great yardage as well as trims, accessories, pillow forms and cordings all for sale. We won’t make any cuts so bring the wagon or mini-van and cash because we prefer cash or check sales (we will accept credit cards for sales over $100). The sale starts at 12noon and runs until 6pm. If you want to participate we have a few slots still available if you would like to sell your goods. Please email us NOW if you are interested so I can forward you the information to participate.

And those you you wanting this for your yarn… Don’t worry! We will be hosting a Yarn Sale in late Spring or early Summer. So all of you with stashes (and I am confident that means ALL of you) start saving them and getting ready to join us to sell off your stash! This won’t be a swap, it will be an opoprtunity to make some of your money back on all that yarn you never got around to using. I will keep you posted as those plans progress.

Here are some more classes to wet your crafting appetite including some additions to our regular offerings. I listed the ones starting sooner and the rest are on our attached class list. We’re trying to get more creative in our classes and would love to hear from you - give us some ideas! If you are signing up for a class we gently ask that you pay at registration and remind you that class registrations are not refundable unless we fill your vacancy.

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! Classes are $75 (not including materials) for 4 weeks. Offered Saturdays 11am-1pm OR Thursday evenings, 6-8pm (both ongoing enrollment).

Knit your First Sweater–This series will help you do more with your knits and purls. Claire will teach you the techniques needed to increase, decrease, and seam as you construct a simple raglan sweater. Using Ann Norling’s patterns for either an adult or child’s cardigan or pullover, you can choose from a variety of yarns and gauges. Check out Annissa’s Irish Flag child’s pullover for inspiration. Class runs 4 Tuesday evenings in March, April, May with a rolling start – you pick! Class time is 6-8pm for $75. Pattern and yarn not included.

FREE Boutique Knitting Hat Chelsea’s April project comes from Boutique Knits: a beautiful slouchy beret with a little bit of lace. Our shop sample, knit by Annissa on the flight to Seattle, is knit in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a sassy red. What color will you choose? You should know how to knit and purl but we’ll go over the pattern and help you manage the repeat design in this pattern - we just ask you buy your book and yarn from us! Wednesday evenings 6-8pm.

Intro to Lacework – Now that you’ve mastered the knit and purl stitches, add something extra special to your knitting: lacework! Join Claire for this afternoon workshop featuring the Classic Elite Yarns pattern: Firefly Scarf. Choose from our beautiful linen blend yarns to make this lovely summer scarf. One Sunday, April 18, 4-6pm, $15. Materials not included.

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 runs 2 Saturdays for$75 (does not include materials) Light lunch provided. Choose from the following sessions: April 17 & 24, 10:30-2:30 *OR* May 1 & 8, 10:30-2:30 *OR* May 15 & 22, 10:30-2:30

Introduction to Sewing - “Learn to Dress Yourself” This four week 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, cut out patterns and make minor pattern alterations for a better fit. In addition you will learn clothing construction fundamentals such as seams, darts, waistbands, zippers, buttonholes and hem techniques. The cost is $75, materials not included. Choose from the following sessions: Thursdays May 6, 13, 20, 27, 6-8pm *OR* Tuesdays May 18, 25, June 1, 8, 6-8pm

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 on 2 evenings for $60. Wednesdays April 14 & 21 *OR* Tuesdays May 4 & May 11 from 6-9pm

Many of you know how important my community is to me and as we get closer to the Summer we get closer to Dorchester Day (June 6). With that great day approaching so start all the activities around it. Like last year I am the event chair for the Little Miss Dorchester (ages 7-8-9) Contest. Along with several community members and my sister Sonia (a former Little Miss) we have been working to plan a fun day for our future Little Miss. This year we are also adding an age category - Young Miss Dorchester for girls ages 10, 11 and 12. If you have any of these girls in your life please forward them the attached applications. If you work for a business that could donate a prize, I would appreciate that too. We could also use volunteers the day of each contest - so if you could help us out - please let me know that too.

I would like your help in supporting the local Boys and Girls Club (where Doug & I went as kids and where my kids now belong). They are participating in a contest through Pepsi for a HUGE grant for $250,000 and local celebrity Mark Wahlberg (a very proud Dot Rat) is using his foundation to promote kids programming at the Club. You can vote every day through the end of the contest and there is no fee. Please take a minute today and tomorrow to vote. I attached a full description of the promotion but if you want to act quickly, get online now and follow the link to vote. Thank you in advance! Here’s the link: www.refresheverything.com/votemark

So - I think that’s it! Oh - I know how much you love free patterns from me but in honor of the Opening Week at Fenway Park I am going to ask you for something… email me a picture of something baseball oriented that you have made and I will share it with everyone. I’m also looking for a good Red Sox “B” for hats from my boys. I think at least one of you can do better than what I’ve found so far - - so get pattern designing for me.. please… Thank you!

Annissa

P.S. No Quick Sew this month. I promise to make it up to you next month with an awesome project!

Can you believe it? I couldn’t imagine what I was seeing mid-day today - it was a bright, round golden thing in the sky. I was frightened for a moment until I realized…the sun had returned!

We are so excited in the shop today because Amy Butler Sweet Life bags have arrived!! And, we’re offering them at a great discount. The styles we’re carrying are: Hampton ($92) , Dew Drop Sling ($65), Pearl ($42) and Sanibel ($100). These prices are much lower than regular retail price - so come and get what we got! I already picked out mine - a fantastically well compartmented Sanibel. Claire has selected a Hampton and Chelsea is eyeing the Pearl.

Also in this week is more colors and stock of the Marble Chunky. Marble Chunky retails for $12 and has 341 yards. It is an acrylic yarn but the perfect pick for a last minute, chunky knit. I know I’m a yarn snob and not particularly fond on acrylic… but sometimes it is just what you need! And, at that price you can justify making another sweater for the neighbors kid!

Claire is hosting a “free with book purchase” workshop on Sunday, April 18th from 4-6. Lacework will be Claire’s lesson’s focus and she’ll be using the attached scarf pattern (check out the free pattern). If you purchase the Harmony Book Guide to Lace & Eyelets you can participate in Claire’s workshop. It is great excuse to learn a new knitting technique. Knitters should be able to cast on, knit and purl. She’ll take care of the rest!

Some other classes are starting this week and next as well… Here’s a taste:

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! Classes are $75 (not including materials) for 4 weeks. Offered Saturdays 11am-1pm OR Thursday evenings, 6-8pm (both ongoing enrollment).

Finish It Techniques—Join Eliza the first Thursday of the month as she demonstrates the basics of seaming and blocking. These finishing touches are just as important as the knitting itself and gives you work a polished look. Bring a project that you need to seam or block. Thursdays, 6-8pm, April 1, or May 6, $15.

Knit your First Sweater–This series will help you do more with your knits and purls. Claire will teach you the techniques needed to increase, decrease, and seam as you construct a simple raglan sweater. Using Ann Norling’s patterns for either an adult or child’s cardigan or pullover, you can choose from a variety of yarns and gauges. Check out Annissa’s Irish Flag child’s pullover for inspiration. Class runs 4 Tuesday evenings in March, April, May with a rolling start – you pick! Class time is 6-8pm for $75. Pattern and yarn not included.

FREE Boutique Knitting Hat Chelsea’s April project comes from Boutique Knits: a beautiful slouchy beret with a little bit of lace. Our shop sample, knit by Annissa on the flight to Seattle, is knit in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a sassy red. What color will you choose? You should know how to knit and purl but we’ll go over the pattern and help you manage the repeat design in this pattern - we just ask you buy your book and yarn from us! Wednesday evenings 6-8pm.

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 on 2 evenings for $60. Wednesdays April 14 & 21 from 6-9pm or Tuesdays May 4 & 11 from 6-9pm

We’re accepting reservations now for kids’ school vacation week. For 3 half days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) we’re hosting kids for sewing and crafting camp. If you’d like to sign up your kid give us a call. Kids should be between the ages of 8-12. We’re also starting to plan summer vacation weeks so we’ll keep you posted!

On Sunday, April 11 Stitch House is hosting a FABRIC SALE. If you have a stash of fabric (good quantities) and would like to sell it at our Fabric Sale please email us and I will give you the specifics of the day’s plan. I have collected so much fabric over the years and have a nice stash of some great fabrics and I am certain there is a new, loving home for it out there. So, send me an email and I’ll get you the details! Those of you interested in shopping this event… next week I’ll get you all the gritty details. Until then…

I would also like to thank everyone who donated a dress for our Belle of the Ball dress drive. They are being delivered today and will be much appreciated by the young women who will wear them with pride this prom season. I hope to do this drive again next year so keep it in mind as you do your Spring cleaning.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend and enjoy this thing called warm weather while you’re at it! Oh - and if you’re inspired to I attached a very cute bluebird, free pattern, that if made in yellows in the perfect chick! make one and take a picture - - I would love to post a collection of our pics on my blog.. Also, a firefly scarf pattern. Enjoy!

Talk soon,

Annissa

Thank you to everyone who had a chance to stop in on Saturday and participate in the Red Line Yarn Crawl. The day was such a huge success for Stitch House, Windsor Button and Mind’s Eye, we’ve already decided to make it an annual event! SO mark your calendars for March 2011. I want to thank all of our “regulars” who came in and welcome all our new Stitch House friends. It was a wonderful day full of food, fun and great guests including our Cascade reps Marina and Warren, Jen of Blue Alvarez Designs for the great Steeking Demonstration and to those who brought wine for our After Hours event. The first time I sat was at 7 (that night) and enjoyed a glass of what I thought was the best glass of wine I have ever had!

We’ve been working this week to get back into the swing of things. Great new yarns have come in for all of those great Spring and Summer projects, we have new classes scheduled for the next few weeks, and we’re still collecting dresses for the Belle of the Ball organization.

Last week one of the most beautiful cottons I have ever seen: Cascade Ultra Pima Cotton. It has a stunning glaze and holds the color so brilliantly you might think it was silk. We currently have 11 colors and a few on back order. I am thinking of a cool summer skirt. We got more colors of the Blue Sky Cotton in too. This is one of our shop staples in yarn. Beautiful, soft and my boys each have a great hoodie in this yarn. We also got more color sin of Classic Elite’s Sprout - perhaps most popular because of the fun twist in this yarn’s spin. Check them and all of our cottons out and get moving on a warm weather project!

This Saturday from 3-5 Katie is hosting her first FREE Sock Showcase—All you ever wanted to know about socks but were afraid to ask! Join Katie as she describes and demonstrates various techniques and patterns for knitting socks. We also have the following open for sign-ups(full listing attached):

Finish It Techniques—Join Eliza the first Thursday of the month as she demonstrates the basics of seaming and blocking. These finishing touches are just as important as the knitting itself and gives you work a polished look. Bring a project that you need to seam or block. Thursdays, 6-8pm, April 1, or May 6, $15.

Knit your First Sweater--This series will help you do more with your knits and purls. Claire will teach you the techniques needed to increase, decrease, and seam as you construct a simple raglan sweater. Using Ann Norling’s patterns for either an adult or child’s cardigan or pullover, you can choose from a variety of yarns and gauges. Check out Annissa’s Irish Flag child’s pullover for inspiration. Class runs 4 Tuesday evenings in March, April, May with a rolling start – you pick! Class time is 6-8pm for $75. Pattern and yarn not included.

Learn to Crochet – This one day workshop is designed to introduce you to the craft of crochet. Join Jeanne for a two hour workshop and learn the first steps to a fun and portable craft! This class costs $20 and includes a hook and one ball of yarn. Choose Sunday March 28th from 12-2pm *OR* April 25th from 12-2pm. Returning students can participate for $10 not including 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 runs 2 Saturdays for$75 (does not include materials) Light lunch provided. Choose from the following sessions:
April 3 & 10, 10:30-2:30 *OR* April 17 & 24, 10:30-2:30 *OR* May 1 & 8, 10:30-2:30 *OR* May 15 & 22, 10:30-2:30

Alterations - Do you have a closet full of “off the rack” clothes that need to be hemmed or a pair of favorite pants that need a zipper replaced? Bring your jeans, jackets, dresses and skirts and learn to do your own alterations. You will also learn to do perfect hand and machine stitches on your delicate fabrics. Some sewing experience is necessary. Class offered Saturday March 27th, 1-4pm for $30.

Pre-Teens: Sewing for Kids Ages 10-12–Students in this class will make a simple tote and pajama pants in fabrics of their choice. After this class they’ll have the skills to make great gifts for all their friends. Participants will learn how to understand and follow pattern instructions, cut out patterns, and use basic machine stitches and hand sewing techniques. The first class will introduce the participants to the shop machines. Running 4 Thursday afternoons, April 1, 8, 15, 29
4-5:30pm, $75.

We are also still collecting prom dresses for Belle of the Ball. Please drop off your gently worn dresses here at the Stitch House before April 1 and we will deliver them for cleaning and then to the Belle of the Ball foundation for eventual donation to girls in need of that very special dress.

Tomorrow Night is Kids Clubs for both the Younger Kids (4-5:30) and the Older Kids (5-7). Call and reserve your spot NOW!

So give us a call or drop us an email with any questions to or sign up for a class. I hope to see you soon!

Annissa

Tomorrow is the day! After all the talking and writing I’ve done, we’ve all done, the Red Line Yarn Crawl is here! I hope you can join us for the FUN day! The morning starts with great Door Buster Deal morning at 9am and ends with a “the most fun I hope you’ll ever have in a yarn shop” after hours BYOB gathering. Here’s the schedule of events through the day. Add in an hourly raffle drawing for freebies, great discounts and awesome yarn deals… and it will be a fiber lovers heaven!

The Plan for the Day:

9-10am: Early Bird Specials - You know the saying - “The Early Bird…yada… yada.. .yada…” Well, I’m not much of an early bird for sure, but what the heck! Help me kick off the day with Stitch House “Doorbusters.” It’ll be a surprise for you (and me at this point) so stop by and help me turn on the lights and start the day.

10am-12noon: Cascade & Coffee - Join Stitch House for * free coffee * and a fabulous yarn tasting sponsored by Cascade Yarns.Special on Cascade Yarns during this time!

12noon-2pm: Designer Lunch - Local Designer Jen Paulousky, of Blue Alvarez Designs, will be in the shop discussing her knitwear, design process and displaying her products. Jen will feature a Steeking Demonstration!

3-6pm: Afternoon Spectacular - Join us as we celebrate a young local’s birthday party Stitch House style and enjoy a piece of cake! We’re hosting a Princess Party - come by, eat some cake and join in the festivities and check out what the world’s youngest crafters can do between 3-6pm.

6-8pm: Afterhours Ultimate Knit Club - after all your shopping and hopping is done - unwind at the Stitch House from 6-8pm for a relaxing evening of knitting and chatting about all the deals of the day. Light bites on us… you bring your beverage of choice!

That’s all I have for this week’s email… because I need to back to pulling some great yarns off the shelves for sale tomorrow! I hope you can join us!

Annissa

First and foremost on my mind is that this weather clears up for Sunday’s big parade in South Boston. My kids LOVE the Saint Patrick’s Day parade and the Spring just doesn’t ever kick off right if we don’t have nice weather for the great celebration in South Boston. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a little sunshine, and no rain! Plus, my kids can get one more year out of their Irish Flag sweaters and I want to take advantage of it - next year they will certainly be too small. I’ve also been working my crossed fingers to the bone trying to finish Doug’s beautiful (if I do say so myself) Irish cable knit sweater.

Next on my mind are the great plans we’ve been working here at Stitch House for a fabulous day on Saturday, March 20th for the Red Line Yarn Crawl. We have some fun things planned for our shop (as does Windsor & Mind’s Eye) including a Cascade Yarn Tasting and free coffee from the Sugar Bowl, Jen P’s Blue Alvarez Design showcase, a birthday party and a little after hours hanging out… We’ve also been stockpiling giveaways for our hourly raffle (yes hourly, with no purchase necessary) and cutting the coupon we’ll share with Mind’s Eye and Windsor Button. I’ve also been sewing up a storm with some of the new Amy Butler prints so I can display them for next week as well. I attached a times list for you to help plan your day on the Red Line!

I also spent some of this past week planning for tonight’s Quick Sew project. Claire borrowed a great sewing book from the library and in it is a great pattern for a cloth shopping bag. So we’re making it tonight! Using 2 contrasting Amy Butler fabrics (yest - this week we’re using Amy Butler fabric!) we’ll make this fantastic, reversible bag. Please call us at 617-265-8013 or email us to reserve your spot for TONIGHT! This Quick Sew will cost $30.

This weekend, next week and the week after we have some new classes starting. Attached is the full class listing, including newly added sewing classes. Here’s a few to get going on right away:

Hat Class: Quincy by Jared Flood—The Quincy hat, from Jared Flood’s Made In Brooklyn, is good old garter stitch with a twist. For advanced beginners or seasoned knitters who want to learn some new techniques, this class will cover: provisional cast-on, built-in i-cord edging, kitchener stitch for garter fabric, and picking up stitches to knit in the round. We will meet for two sessions, Saturday, March 13 from 11-1 & Tuesday, March 16 from 6pm-8pm. $30 plus materials.

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 (of Blue Alvarez Design) for a One-Day Workshop on Saturday, March 27th from 10-11:30am for $15.

Alterations - Do you have a closet full of “off the rack” clothes that need to be hemmed or a pair of favorite pants that need a zipper replaced? Bring your jeans, jackets, dresses and skirts and learn to do your own alterations. You will also learn to do perfect hand and machine stitches on your delicate fabrics. Some sewing experience is necessary. Class offered Saturday March 27th, 1-4pm for $30.

And finally, for those of you who love a free pattern attached to my emails… here’s a beautiful shrug to consider. I am making this “posh wedding shrug” for a wedding I’ll be attending next month (congrats Marianne). It is stunning and simple! I’m using a strand of mohair with a merino wool and some sparkle beads! I think you should make one too!

So I hope to see you soon… Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Annissa

We’ll be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4th.

We have our own March Madness going on here at Stitch House! We have the Red line Crawl coming up (I will describe exactly what that is later), a ton of new classes (some listed in the email, the rest attached) and mini adventures (clubs are one of my favorite things to do at the Stitch House) and new product in (Amy Butler Fabrics and oil cloth) and arriving soon (did anyone say cotton?). We also have some community news to report and ask for support with.

First, let me start with the Red Line Crawl. Some of you have asked ““What is the Red Line Crawl?”“, “Do we need to drink while doing it?”, Where do we start?”, “Where do we finish?”, “Will you offer specials?”. So here are your answers. The Red Line Crawl is a spectacular yarn shopping event on Saturday, March 20th hosted by Stitch House, Windsor Button and Mind’s Eye. All three of us are located within a very short walking distance to the Red Line T and working together to have a very fun day! Our hope is that you will use the MBTA and visit all of our shops and do some shopping! You can start at any shop and work your way back and forth and end where you started or finish at the other end… it is all up to you. Consider it a self-guided tour of three of the finest yarn shops around. We will all be hosting specials events and offerings throughout the day and I think we have some great things in store for you. I attached the list of events here at the Stitch House to help plan your day better. Some of you are familiar with other types of “crawls”, you know, the kind that you don’t knit your way through. To celebrate the history of the crawl we will be offering coffee in the morning, cake in the afternoon and hosting a BYOB event in the evening. We will also feature the book Pints and Purls for your enjoyment! We have put a lot of thought into designing a great day for all our customers - I hope you can join us.

Over the next few weeks we also have our regular assortment of very cool classes starting up. Our sewing classes have been filling up quickly so check out the attached list and get yourself signed up! We are asking folks to pre-pay for those classes in high demand to ensure our classes are full and those who want to be here can be. In the meantime we have a few starting now:

Knit your First Sweater–This series will help you do more with your knits and purls. Claire will teach you the techniques needed to increase, decrease, and seam as you construct a simple raglan sweater. Using Ann Norling’s patterns for either an adult or child’s cardigan or pullover, you can choose from a variety of yarns and gauges. Check out Annissa’s Irish Flag child’s pullover for inspiration. Class runs 4 Tuesday evenings in March and April with a rolling start – you pick! Class time is 6-8pm starting March 9th (last start date April 6th) for $75. Pattern and yarn not 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 2 Tuesdays March 16 & 23 from 6-9pm for $60 * OR* April 27 & May 4 from 6-9pm for $60.

Hat Class: Quincy by Jared Flood—The Quincy hat, from Jared Flood’s Made In Brooklyn, is good old garter stitch with a twist. For advanced beginners or seasoned knitters who want to learn some new techniques, this class will cover: provisional cast-on, built-in i-cord edging, kitchener stitch for garter fabric, and picking up stitches to knit in the round. We will meet for two sessions, Tuesdays March 9 & 16 from 6pm-8pm. $30 plus materials.

Tomorrow night is our Sweater Club night. You can join at any time and only come when you want. All of our club listings are here but here is the blurb for Sweater Club: 1st Friday Sweater Club: The Friday Night Sweater Club is a motivated group of knitters with a wide range of abilities wanting to knit and chat while making a sweater. By creating this atmosphere knitters will have an opportunity to enjoy the company of other knitters working on similar projects. Limited technical assistance will be provided during this club time. There is no fee charged to participate, but we encourage, and it is our hope, you will purchase your project materials from Stitch House. The 1st Fridays through June include Mar. 5, Apr. 2, May 7 and June 4 from 6-8pm. Space is unlimited so join us! We provide the munchies- you bring your beverage of choice!

If you’re in the neighborhood stop by and check out the newest from Amy Butler. This last week we also got a ton of Amy Butler fabrics in too! This includes some of her newest prints from her LOVE Collection and some prints made into oil cloth. Check them out and maybe consider a Butler Bag class. For the Red Line Yarn Crawl I am making up a bunch of samples for you to check out.

Many of you know I am also a teacher at East Boston High School. Every year our girls struggle to find the perfect prom gown at the perfect price. This year I am so happy to be a part of the Belle of the Ball program. Stitch House is a collection site for prom gowns. Please bring us your gently worn, but clean, prom gowns and as a part of this program I will make sure they get to a deserving girl. If you would like a flyer to post at your work please let me know and I will forward it to you.. in the meantime dig out those old gowns ladies!

There is also a local group of teachers-in-training who are part of the a program called Boston Teacher Residency. They will be teaching knit and crochet to Boston Public School students at the Hyde Park Education Complex (former Hyde Park HS). Many of their students are from Haiti, and our aim is to unite them in community while engaging in constructive activity and working to diminish the stress in their lives. These teachers are hoping to get help with to teach knitting and/or crochet and looking for leftover yarn or seldom used needles or hooks. Any contribution of time or materials, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Stitch House or to the the Hyde Park Education Complex. They will meet on Tuesday afternoons through June. You can contact Melissa Wender (melissa.wender@gmail.com) or Amanda Chaloupka (amandachaloupka@gmail.com) for more information.

And lastly, Saturday night, March 6th, is the “Last Dance” at Saint Williams School in the Savin Hill Section of Dorchester. Those of you originally from this area may remember those good old days… well I went to St. Margaret School so I didn’t attend many of those dances… but I will be going Saturday! The “Last Dance” supports the Savin Hill Baseball League (which my boys will be in this year) and is certainly a good cause - and will be fun for sure!

What else? I think that is enough for today! I hope to see you soon.

Annissa

What a let down Wednesday was! Imagine all the snow we were supposed to get and then… for at least us we gone just a dusting. Well, I’m sure most of you spent the day listening to the complaints all day so I will stop now. There.

Here’s what’s happening here in the meantime: Our GREAT sale is still on and fabulous - 20% off all 100% Alpacas, Sparkle Yarns and Amy Butler fabrics and patterns. We also have some regular clearance items at 50% off and a few $2 balls left - just for you. We also have Kids Camp next week. Send us your precious ones for three days of fun! Call and reserve your spot NOW 617-265-8013. Or simply reply to this email.We also have some great classes coming up. Check out the attachment with all the classes and see the few I have highlighted below..

Intro to Cabling – Now that you’ve mastered the knit and purl stitches, add something extra special to your knitting: cables! Join Bill for this 2 weeks series on Cabling Techniques. You’ll learn two to three cable patterns and how to read them in patterns and charts. You can start a new project (we recommend a reversible cable scarf) or work on a swatches. This is a 2 week series meeting Thursday February 11 & 18th from 6-8pm and costs $30 (not including materials).

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. Saturday, February 20th from 2-4 pm for $15.

Beaded Shawlette Workshop - This one-day workshop will teach you how to incorporate beads into your knitting to add a little extra glamour! Make your very own fancy scarf using crochet hood bead technique and a simple stitch to produce a beautiful accent piece to add to your wardrobe. Come in to Stitch House to see the shop model! Class is $30 and offered on Sunday, February 21 from 10am-2pm. Materials not included.

Introduction to Sewing - “Learn to Dress Yourself” This four week 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, cut out patterns and make minor pattern alterations for a better fit. In addition you will learn clothing construction fundamentals such as seams, darts, waistbands, zippers, buttonholes and hem techniques. The cost is $75, materials not included. Choose from the following sessions:
Tuesdays in February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 6-8pm Thursdays in March 4, 11, 18, 25. 6-8pm

Home Decorating 101: Window Treatments - This 4 week class will provide you with the skills and confidence needed to construct ONE window treatment for your home. You will review the correct way to measure your window to ensure a proper fit. At the completion of this course you will have a functioning treatment and instruction on how to mount and install it in your home. During the series you are welcome to use the shop machines, when available, to make another one to compliment the one you’ll work on during class time. Offered from 6-8pm on 4 Wednesdays starting February 24th for $100, materials not included.

Join us for a class, a club or the Red Line Crawl on Saturday, March 20th.

I hope to see you soon!

Annissa