I am bummed the Pats aren’t in the Superbowl and I actually don’t even know who is playing this year. I am usually a better sports fan… but I guess not this year. In celebration of both the Superbowl and Valentine’s Day we’re having a one week sale on some of our most beautiful yarns! Come in anytime from Sunday to Sunday and get 20% off all 100% alpaca yarns (Blue Sky has some great choices), 20% off all our yarns with sparkle (did someone say Blue Heron?), and 20% off Amy Butler Fabrics and Patterns (this will the only time this year Amy butler will be on sale). We won’t be able to special order for this sale so make sure you get here early - or call us to hold what you want!

Our plans are in the making for the Red Line Crawl on Saturday, March 20. We’ll start getting the word out as more details get set but we are going to include a special appearance by local knitwear designer, Jen Paulousky of Blue Alvarez Designs, yarn samplings and specials throughout the day. A few of you have already asked about any festivities that may happen that evening and including crawling of a different sort… we’ll see. Stay tuned and save the day (& night if you’d like!).

Madeline Tosh DK (formerly lightweight worsted) and Sock are in stock and look FABULOUS! I am so excited to have them in store… and Claire and I considered for a moment to just keep them all for ourselves. But that wouldn’t be fair - so come in and check them out before our stock is gone again!

Saturday, Jen is teaching a mini-workshop on “Get to Know Your Sewing Machine“. All of you with machines still in the box or barely used, this is the class for you to get moving on sewing. Later this month we’re following up with a “Get to Know Your Serger“. Please take advantage of these mini’s. They are great motivators!

We have some other classes and workshops happening, as well as our FREE Clubs.The following are happening SOON:

Magic Loop101 Want to do things 2-at-a-time? Socks, sleeves, legs and more? Comefor this one-time workshop and we’ll get you making two things at once on along circular. Please bring a project of your choice – socks are a greatchoice, but sleeves etc. are also welcome. Saturday,February 6th from 2-4pm for $15.

Saturday Sew Intensive for Beginners and New Sewers – So you want to learnto sew or continue developing your skills? Pick your own project and get started. Youwill learn how to read and follow pattern instructions, cut out patterns andmake minor pattern alterations for a better fit. We start sewing the first weekso come with a pattern and fabric ready to go. This class costs $75 (does not include materials) 2 Saturdays from 10:30-2:30. Light lunch provided. Choose from thefollowing sessions: February 13 & 20 *OR*March 6 & 13.

Home Decorating 101:Window Treatments - This4 week class will provide you with the skills and confidence needed toconstruct ONE window treatment for your home. You will review the correct wayto measure your window to ensure a proper fit. At the completion of this courseyou will have a functioning treatment and instruction on how to mount andinstall it in your home. During the series you are welcome to use the shopmachines, when available, to make another one to compliment the one you’ll workon during class time. Offered from 6-8pm on 4 Wednesdays starting February 24th for $100, materials not included. 3 Spots Left!

Thank you! And go (Fill in the blank for your Superbowl Team)!

Annissa

Hey All!

We have a few things in shop, lots going on NOW at Stitch House and a few great things in the works for LATER… First with the NEW:

We have some new products in shop that are fabulous (I really only try to buy the fabulous if I can help it!). We have in stock every color of Louet Gems sock yarn. With a purchase of this yarn you get a FREE Louet sock pattern. This week we also got in a great line of greeting cards from Itty Bitty Witty Knitties. If you thought our Zippy Pins cracked you up - spend a few minutes digging through and reading these very cute note cards for most occasions. And, finally, MORE MADELINE TOSH!

Classes! Classes and more Classes! I feel sometimes I can’t keep up with all the classes you are asking for but I will continue to do my best. Here are a few upcoming and happening NOW and the whole current list is attached.

TONIGHT Last Friday Night Kids Craft Club: The Last Friday Night Kids Craft 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. The Last Friday Night Kids Craft Club meets through June including Jan. 29, Feb. 26, Mar. 26, Apr. 30, May 28 & June 25 from 5-7 pm. Pre-registration required. Club size is limited to 12. Only 1 spot left!

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 Tuesday evenings 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!

FREE This Way Up Scarf - Chelsea’s January run with her Free Clapotis night has turned into a new FREE Workshop night with her. Join her Wednesdays in February to work on a new project – the This Way Up Scarf (free Ravelry download). Check out the sample in the shop, made in Rowan Cocoon. It is a subtle detail for a great gift – especially for the men in your life. 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 yarn for the Stitch House.

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 February 2 & 9 *OR* March 16 & 23 from 6-9pm for $60.

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, February 6th from 10-11:30am for $15. Jen of Blue Alvarez Design

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 in February 4, 11, 18, 25. 6-8pm *OR* Thursdays in March 4, 11, 18, 25. 6-8pm

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, February 6th from 2-4pm for $15.

If you can’t make it in soon, we have a few things to keep in mind for the LATER-

February Sale: 2/7-2/14: Celebrate the Superbowl and Valentine’s Day in luxury with special prices on our sparkly yarn, alpaca, and Amy Butler fabric.

February School Vacation Week - Kids Camp! Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:30-12:30 $75

Hattitude Trunk Show in Mid March featuring the collection of 40 hats from Cathy Carron’s new book Hattitude

March Red Line Yarn Crawl: Saturday March 20th. Visit some of Boston’s best creative shops along the T’s Red Line: Mind’s Eye Yarns, Windsor Button, and Stitch House Dorchester. Specials, Prizes, and Fun!

So there is the NEW, the NOW and the LATER for you - enjoy and have a good week!

Annissa

First, I want to thank all of you for your kind words of support and prayers as my family mourns the sudden loss of my Dad. The last 12 days have very difficult. A few of you had the opportunity to meet my Dad in the shop and I am sure he charmed you as he does everyone he meets. He loved coming in and being the shop owner’s father- it made him very proud and I was so happy to introduce him and show him off. He always pushed me hard to be successful at all the things I did throughout my life. He set the bar high for my and my sisters and brother and we will continue to be the best we can because of the hard work him and my mom put in for us.

This Friday, Jen Paulosky will be joining us for a first time special event. We are hosting our first (in a hopeful series) Local Designer Series. Stitch House is thrilled to invite you to meet Jen Paulousky of Blue Alvarez Designs on Friday, January 22 from 6-9pm. This evening will include a showing of Jen’s designs, a mini-workshop on one of her favorite knitting techniques and casual discussion on knitwear design. Jen designs and sells knitwear and other clothing through her company, Blue Alvarez Designs. She has shown her fashions at Rockin’ Runway, Craftland Providence, Seamless (Boston Museum of Science), and elsewhere. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University, with additional training at Rhode Island School of Design. Jen is also an instructor at Stitch House in both sewing and knitting. She teaches our “Get to Know” series on sewing, serger and knitting machines. She is scheduled to teach in February – meet her in January, learn from her in February!

I also wanted to formally thank the contestants who entered the Mitten Contest in December. Heather’s Shark Mittens took home first place! She got a great gift certificate to Stitch House and a small prize. Everyone that entered a mitten took home a thank you gift. I want to run another contest in the month of March but I need your suggestions… what should I do? Let me know over the next few days and I’ll announce the contest next week!

We also have a surge in upcoming classes. I attached the class listings and here are some that are starting this week and next:

Intro to Lacework – Now that you’ve mastered the knit and purl stitches, add something extra special to your knitting: lacework! Join Bill for this 2 weeks series on Lace 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 the Yang Most Exquisite Scarf or the Figheadh Mavis Lace Scarf) or work on a swatch. This is a 2 week series meeting Thursday January 21 & 28 from 6-8pm and costs $30 (not including materials).
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 Tuesday evenings 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!

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 from 10:30-2:30. Light lunch provided.
Choose from the following sessions: January 23 & 30 OR February 13 & 20.

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 February 2 & 9 from 6-9pm for $60.

Tonight!! is our January FREE Clapotis Nights - Chelsea loves her Clapotis and wants to share her knitting experience! Join her on Wednesday nights in January to make your own. This is a fabulous wrap, made popular on Ravelry and designed by Kate Gilbert, is sampled in the shop, one made in SWTC Bamboo (golden yellow), the other in Blue Heron Rayon Metalic (blueberry). Check them out and join Chelsea any or all Wednesdays starting January 6th. 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 yarn for the Stitch House.

And Friday is the first meeting of the NEW for 2010! Friday Afternoon Young Kids Craft Club: The Friday Afternoon Young Kids Craft Club meets from 4-5:30pm and is designed to provide kids ages 6-7-8 an opportunity to 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 $10 fee to participate in this club and includes all project materials and a snack and drink. The Friday Afternoon Young Kids Craft Club meets through June including Jan. 22, Feb. 26, Mar. 26, May 28 & June 25 from 4-5:30 pm. Pre-registration required. Here is a list of all our clubs.

Again, thank you and I hope to see you soon!

Annissa

This is the most fun I’ve had for Christmas in a long time! The kids are at the perfect age to really enjoy this holiday and celebrate the joy of all that’s going on. They, like me, love the lights and decorations and the bustle the season brings. Today was their Christmas show at school, they have their list and wrote their letter - and are not so patiently waiting for Santa next week. Every night Kayden, the middle triplet, asks “Is Santa coming tonight? Is Rudolph coming too?” Is is as sad as it is cute. I am lucky to report they all basically want the same thing with only some variation. This year it is all about hockey!

For me and the rest of us that aren’t all done with shopping TONIGHT is the Last Minute Shopping party. Claire and I are plugging away at setting up and all the handmade products are great! You will love them too! They are all made by local crafters and some of the gift options included: very cute baby hats, wine bottle cheese trays, jewelry, handbags, belts, papercrafts, silky scarfs, dog coats, little girl dresses, hand towels… and more! I hope you can make it this evening. We are also holding a coffee Saturday morning form 9-11am for those of you who can’t make it in. I hope you will join us and celebrate the season either tonight or Saturday.

We also have a great selection of gifts for you to request of your loved ones, or to pick up for someone special. We have ready made beginner knitting kits, kits for kids (boys & girls), fun teacher gifts, needle sets, reference books and gift certificates! We will be closing at 5 Christmas evening so make sure get in here before times runs out! (7 days left!). We will also be closing early New Year’s Eve and closed both Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Our mitten contest is underway and you have some awesome choices to vote for! When your in next make sure you pick a pair and cast your ballot. Mittens are also a great last minute gift to knit, as are chunky scarves, cowls and wraps. We are happy to help you pick out the last minute gifts you still need to make!

So… I hope you all enjoy the last weekend of running around and make time to sit and relax. Happy Holidays!

See you soon!

Annissa

Last Minute Shopping Party

Thursday, December 17, 2009

6-9pm

§

Special Coffee Morning Shopping Event by Popular Demand

Saturday, December 19th from 9-11am

Join this special event featuring a fabulous selection of handmade gifts from local crafters.

Tuesday(12/15) 10-9pm
Wednesday (12/16) 10-8pm
Thursday(12/17) 10-9pm
Friday (12/18) 10-9pm
Sat (12/19) open at 9am-6pm
Sunday (12/20) 12-6pm
Monday (12/21) 4-8pm (we’re usually closed on Mondays)
Tuesday (12/22) 10-8pm
Wed (12/23) 10-8pm
Thurs (12/24) 10-5pm
Friday 12/25 - Christmas Day - Closed

Regular hours until:
Thursday Dec 31 10-5
Friday Jan 1 Closed

All other dates and times are as usual.

My hands are cramped for cranking out these last minute gifts for Christmas! But I know how much they’ll be appreciated so I keep plugging along… what we crafters do for those we love! Last week I told you about my School Spirit Scarf for my sister so here it is! Using Magnum in Bright Yellow & Black, I cast on 15 stitches, row 1 knit across, row 2 knit 3, p9, knit 3, change colors and repeat throughout. Before you know it you’ll have an awesome gift for someone full of school spirit! The response has been overwhelming and many of you are taking this quick project on for a last minute gift too. Yesterday Anne was nice enough to forward along her version of the school spirit scarf. We didn’t have both her colors in the Magnum so she opted for Lana Grande and Sheep Shop and worked a garter stitch pattern lengthwise. Here’s her picture next to mine.

Many of our Mittens for the Contest are in (you still have time to drop your mittens off) and I hope you find some time to come in and take a look and vote for your favorite one. Here’s a group photo and soon each one will be posted on our blog site.

Interweave is offering a rebate of $5 on purchases of their books and magazines. I have attached a copy for you and we have more in the store if you would like one. While you’re in check out the Nantucket Bags that just arrived - they make the perfect Christmas gift. We also have gift certificates and a good list of gift options in various price ranges. Send them in for you or let us know what you would like….

Last Minute Shopping Party is NEXT week, Thursday, December 17 from 6-9pm and then we’re hosting a Last Minute Shopping Coffee on Saturday, December 19 from 9-11am for those of you who can’t make it in mid-week. Most of the items will still be on display through the weekend if you get inspired. Please join us for what I think will be a very festive evening or awakening morning (does that make sense?). Between now and then our sale items will still be on sale so we can make room for our Last Minute Shopping Party. We are still accepting a more vendors for this event.

Lastly, we have our class listing online and a one-night sewing event. Think about signing up for the Quick Amy Butler Reversible Chef’s Apron - This easy, quick sew project is geared towards beginners, new sewers and folks just looking for a night out to sew! This one night class includes all materials to make a reversible apron in two of our very cool Amy Butler prints. Join this one night class on Tuesday, December 16 from 6-9pm for $30.

We have a few special hours to help support you during this holiday season… We will be open late many evenings (call ahead) and on Monday, December 21 from 4-8pm. We will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Our website will have more specific times - - but call ahead and we will make sure to be here for you!

I hope to see you soon!

Annissa

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were lucky enough to enjoy a few days off from work. We’ve been busy at the shop getting our Christmas decorations up - - and I have to say they look fabulous! The tree is huge (although we could use a few more ornaments) and Paul did a great job on my window boxes. I love Christmas. I love everything about Christmas. I love the glitter and lights and decorations and even the craziness of shopping. I love get my kids excited about Christmas and the general good feeling of generosity and extra kindness that seems to be contagious during this season. Simply, I am a fan of this season!

So the mittens are making their way in so come on in and vote for your favorite pair - - one vote per visit. We’ll get pictures posted as soon as we can so you can admire yours and theirs. If you still have your pair bring them in so we can show them off.

Our clearance table is still bubbling with great yarns and a huge discount. There is a good selection of $2 a ball yarns and the rest are 50% off… good amounts still available in Debbie Bliss Aran, Noro Maiko and Louisa Harding Grace. These will only be on clearance through December 16.

We’re starting to collect applications for our Last Minute Shopping Party on Thursday, December 17. Save the date to come shop and join us as a vendor with your homemade goods! We want to display, promote and sell your beautiful, handmade crafts. Some of what we have coming in include: beaded necklaces, handbags, sewn scraves, knitting accessories… and so much more! Please participate as a vendor and reserve the date to celebrate the season with us!

There are a few last minute classes too. If you would like to make a last minute sewn gift, join me on Tuesday, December 15th to make a reversible Amy Butler Chef’s Apron. All materials included for $30. Or, come in on the next two Tuesdays to knit a Bella Hat with Claire…. or start a pair of socks this weekend with Katie. Julie is teaching a one-night decorator pillow class on Wednesday, December 9 from 6-9pm. If you want to get a jumpstart on Christmas vacation we have a a three day craft/sew/knit/crochet bonanza for kids. This school vacation week “camp” will be held on Tues-Thurs, Dec 29, 30 and 31 from 10-12:30. We’ll include all the materials and a snack for $75 per child. This camp is geared to kids ages 8-12yo.

We also have a few fantastic knit projects for a last minute gift. I would recommend my own pattern for the Sculptured City Cowl in the gorgeous Blue Sky Bulky Wool/Alapca. This is beautiful gift that will only cost you $24! This is perfect and QUICK (if I do say so myself..)

Another last minute gift I’m making is for my youngest sister, Sarrah. She is a senior in high school and her school colors are yellow and black (Boston Latin Academy). I’m using Cascade Magnum to make a chunky striped school spirit scarf for her. I am using two skeins and one is enough so I will use the extra to either make a second one for her best friend or maybe coordinating mittens. I made a solid scarf in this a few weeks back for a shop model and using size 17 needles, this scarf took no more than 2 hours!! That was a seed stitch pattern, so a stockinette scarf should take no time at all! If any of these interest you I would be happy to put your colors on hold or drop them in the mail to you… let us know!

Wow! I said a lot this week. So join us this weekend or next week for a quick class, stop in to get some clearance yarn, or make plans to shop our Last Minute Shopping Party.

Annissa (here’s me in my Sculptured City Cowl)

Well this will be the last weekend before the real craziness of the holiday seasons gets to us. I know a few of you are already done shopping and all the plans are made - well good for you! But for the rest of us… this is the last moment of peace. I hope you can start this season off with us at the Stitch House TONIGHT for our first annual Thanksgiving Pot Luck & Toy Drive. This evening (Friday, Nov 20) from 6-9pm we’re hosting an evening of fun and music and food and hopefully collecting toys for our local police department’s kids Holiday Party (they lost a major supporter this year and I hope we can help out). Join us regardless but if you can please bring a toy valued between $15 and $25 (or a gift card in that amount) and I will extend a 10% discount for your purchases tomorrow night. I think this is a great way to help out, hang out and eat! Let us know if you can bring a food item and we’ll add it to the menu. A few delights to wet your appetite include Eggplant Parmesan, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Wine and of course Pecan Pie!

We have some classes starting up over the next few weeks and into the holiday season. A few to consider now are:

SUNDAY 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, November 22 from 12-4pm. Materials not included.

TUESDAY Bella Mitten - Free Mini-Lesson - So many people have been raving about the Bella Mitten by Marielle Henault (www.subliminalrabbit.com) posted on Ravlery. To really get you going we’re holding two Bella Mitten nights - join Claire to work on your mittens on Tuesday evening November 17 and/or November 24 from 6-8. You should know how to knit and purl but we’ll teach you to cable the design in this mitten pattern - we just ask you buy your yarn from us and the mini lesson in cabling will be free!

DEC 1 & 8 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, December 1 and 8 from 6-9pm for $60.

DEC 5 & 12 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 December 5 & 12 from 10:30-2:30. Light lunch provided.

We have a ton of new clearance yarns too! All Jo Sharp stock is NOW $2 a ball - yes! I said $2 a ball. It is fabulous and I can’t order it anymore so it is that cheap. We’re also clearing out of Debbie Bliss Aran, Classic Elite Bazic & Four Seasons, Louisa Harding Grace, Cleckheaton Country and Noro Maiko. They are all 50% off! This week we got Madeline Tosh yarns and new Rowan and more colors of Magnum… so we needed room. Come in and check out what’s on sale and what’s new. All will certainly please the pickiest of knitters!

We are also planning our 2nd Annual Last Minute Shopping Party featuring all handmade items. If you are interested in having your items on display for sale at this event please let me know and I will forward you details. The only requirement is that your crafts are made by you! We had some great things last year… we just got whacked with an early snow storm. This year will be bigger and better - join the night!
And last, but certainly not least… we want to make sure your loved ones get you what you want for the holidays. Let us know what you want them to buy you and we will be happy to put it aside, email them the info - even wrap and ship it… Shoot - just buy yourself and send it to your self from him… I mean them I don’t mean to insult my wonderful guy customers… you men just have a way of not knowing what to get us so I’m offering you a hand. Let us know!

Oh! I almost forgot - - the Mitten Contest. I can’t wait to see all the great mittens people have been planning. Get knitting and get creative! If you want to enter call or email and we’ll get you the instructions (basically - make a pair out of our yarn - and plan on winning!).

I hope to see you tonight!

Annissa

I haven’t done this in a while so here it is - - I attached a pattern this month to promote our current contest - Mittens! So many people have been raving about the Bella Mitten by Marielle Henault (www.subliminalrabbit.com) posted on Ravelry so here it is - get knitting and enter our contest. All you have to do is purchase our yarn and put your mittens on display for the month of December and you can win a great prize. All contestants get a small gift and the winner gets even more. To really get you guys going we holding two Bella Mitten nights - join Claire to work on your mittens on Tuesday evening November 17 and/or November 24 from 6-8. You should know how to knit and purl but we’ll teach you to cable the design in this mitten pattern - we just ask you buy your yarn from us and the mini lesson in cabling will be free!Once you get a pair done - I know you’ll want to enter them in our contest - and then make another pair for a gift.

Speaking of gifts…(note the smooth transition, thanks) we just got in a ton of new Amy Butler fabrics to make some beautiful, sewn gifts. In fact I have a friend who is having twins! and getting TWO lovely quilts (saying it out loud will give me the strength to get them done in time) and anything Amy Butler comes out fabulous! We also have very cute kid craft sets for boys and girls and for young ages as well. We will only get this one shipment in and they are a great gift for the aspiring little crafter in your life.

Tomorrow, November 13, is our monthly Quick Sew Club from 6-8pm. We’ll be making a vintage half apron in Amy Butler fabric in preparation for our Thanksgiving Dinner NEXT Friday, November 20. We’re hosting our First Thanksgiving Pot Luck dinner here at the Stitch House. I am so complimented by how many of you think of the Stitch House as your home away from your real home, and I want to do what families do - celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with you. Join us from 6-9pm and bring a side of your choice. If you will be coming please let us know what you would like to bring and we’ll start up a list so we don’t have too many mashed potatoes (or whatever - you get my drift). During this event I would also ask you bring a toy for our local police station’s toy drive. They host several hundred kids every year for a Christmas Party and this year they lost some funding and are short on toys. Please bring an unwrapped toy valued between $15 and $25 or a gift card and get a 10% discount on your entire purchase that evening.

Other classes starting in the next week include:

Bill’s Bootie Workshop Bill is our in-house baby bootie expert. We’ve designed three 2-week workshops, each session increasing the difficulty of the booty design. Participants should expect to complete the bootie pair in each session. Each session is $30 and includes the pattern and a ball of yarn for the booties (needles are not included) and runs for 2 consecutive Thursdays from 6-8pm. November 12 & 19.

Kid’s Quick Sew - For kids only! Ages 8-12 are invited to learn to sew or refine the skills they learned in one of our summer camps. 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 sewing! 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, cut out patterns, and use basic machine functions. Two consecutive Fridays, 3-5pm, November 13 and 20, $30.

Fix-It Class-Learn how to fix mistakes in your knitting! From picking up a dropped stitch to changing a knit stitch to a purl, learn some valuable tips from Katie that can help rescue your project and sanity. Class is $15 on Saturday November 14, 2-4pm.

Beaded Shawlette Workshop - This two-day afternoon 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 2 consecutive Sundays, November 22 and 29th, 12-4pm. Materials not included.

There are two local events you might like to drop in on this weekend. First is the Holiday Craft Fair at Dorchester’s First Parish Church on Meetinghouse Hill from 10-4 on Saturday, November 14. The other event is a Girls Night Out Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, November 14 from 5-9pm at Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy in Neponset (formerly Saint Ann’s School).

Also,This week’s Crochet Club is ON but Nicole won’t be here so come in and join your fellow crocheters - but no instruction this month! Nicole will be back next month…

Last, but not least, thank you to all that attended this weekend Noni Design Workshop. We had so much fun - - and did a lot of knitting. I hope you’re all ready to show off on Friday, November 20 at our Pot Luck Dinner. Call us or stop in if you need help!

Talk soon,

Annissa