Stitchy Blog

How about this weather, it was 51 degrees yesterday.  Must say it was not helped my yard or even my road (mud everywhere).

Thank you one and all for your support at my Third Year Anniversary Open House a week ago it was certainly a roaring success.  There are a few door prizes to be picked up.  I have ordered the yarn for those of you that wanted special orders and it should be in this week.

Remember the Block a Month Club that meets the second Thursday of each month.  You can join anytime.  There is no membership fee, just come in to pick out blocks and yarn.

The new Kertzner yarn has been a great success.  I will be reordering and adding new colors as well.  This is 100% acrylic, for those of you that may be allergic to wool.

Alpaca, Alpaca, Alpaca – everyone loves it whether it is pure alpaca or a blend.  We have the baby alpaca in a chunky as well as a good variety of alpaca sock yarn.

We have just received notice that our Cascade spring yarn is on its way.  I can hardly wait to see it.  I ordered it so long ago.

We continue to have classes at your convenience; whether you want Beginner 101, Socks, Felting, or your first sweater.  Have you tried Fair Isle or Entralac?

I have a lady that comes in to teach spinning.  If this is something you think you would like to try, let me know and we will try to set up a time for you.

Looking forward to seeing you, have a great day.

Don’t forget the Lucky Leprehaun Game going on in Poultney with a $300 Gift Certificate and a $200 Gift Certificate presented at 4:00 p.m. on March 27th.  You can pick up your game card at any participating businesses.

I am celebrating my Third Year Anniversary with a Gala Open House on February 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be refreshments, many third year anniversary specials, drawings and giveaways. We extend an invention to all the friends that we know and friends we’ve yet to meet to join us.

In reflecting on the last three years, I note that retiring from 40 years in office management and accounting to running a yarn shop was a wonderful idea. I have enjoyed this time meeting new friends, learning new knitting techniques, including an attempt at spinning and expanding my hobby to an occupation. The benefit of retirement is enjoying the company of friends while knitting up a new creation and being surrounded by beautiful fibers inspiring new ideas; so many years and now there is time.

Stitchy Women carries a large inventory of yarns, patterns and needles perfect for all levels of fiber artists, from beginners to experts. We carry yarns such as Cherry Tree Hill and Green Mountain Spinnery which are from Vermont. Also, a large selection of Cascade, Reynolds, Classic Elite, Plymouth, Brown Sheep, Kramer and many more.

Alpaca is big this year for sweaters, hats and scarves, let your imagination run wild. We have a selection of Alpaca Sock Yarn from Classic Elite too. Alpaca is so soft you want to walk around hugging it like a teddy bear.

Summer will be here before we know it. We carry a variety of cotton yarn and have samples of a child’s sundress with a knitted top and a fabric bottom as well as ladies’ tank tops. Cotton is perfect for dishcloths and many other uses.

For sock knitter, everyone loves the self patterning sock yarn which is knitted on size 0-3 needles. We carry several brands of sock yarn such as Cherry Tree Hill, Plymouth, Kramer and Tofutsies. For knitters wanting a quicker knit, Plymouth has a self patterning yarn that knits nicely on size 6 needles. This yarn is great for children’s sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens. Drop in to see just how quickly you can create a pattern without the fuss of changing colors. In addition we have yarn from Universal that will give you a tapestry pattern all by itself.

Felting is still popular whether you are making pocketbooks, animals or mittens. You cannot get any warmer mitten than our Minnesota Felted Mittens. We carry many feltable yarns such as Cascade, Lopi, Lambs Pride, Shepard’s Shades, Cherry Tree Hill, Green Mountain Spinnery to name a few. Mauch Chunky which is made by Kramer has a white that felts, come see our felted rabbit. Be sure to see the felted Alpine Boot Slipper pattern.

Another popular pattern is the Snowboarder Hat, a quick knit using two stands of bulky yarn on a size 15 needle. This is not a felted pattern. We have samples in the shop.

We now carry a selection of Ecological Wool from Cascade which has 478 yards in a skein. These have been a big hit for felting, sweaters as well as afghans. In addition to the Ecological Wool from Cascade we now have Ecological alpaca/ merino blend to add to our Cascade line

Classes are scheduled throughout the year. Please call for more information or visit our web site at stitchywomen.com. We are happy to give private lessons as well as group ones and are very flexible in meeting your needs. In addition we are now scheduling spinning lessons by appointment.

Thursday evenings we have a Sit & Knit from 6:00 – 8:00. We have the knitting circle in the front window where we can sit and knit. We have a self serve coffee and tea area, lots of laughter and even some knitting. Also, the second Thursday of each month some of us are knitting a block a month for an afghan. You can join at any time.

Can you believe it 2009 has come and gone; now to get our taxes filed to make IRS happy.  Can you believe that snow storm shedding 33” on Burlington.   Weather like this inspires getting those needles out and get a start for next year.

We are excited at Stitchy Women about the new yarn that has already arrived and the new yarn that has been ordered.  We have taken on the Kertzer Line of acrylic yarn (for those of you that are allergic to wool) with pattern support as well as yarn from Westminster Yarns.  These yarns have arrived and I must say are quite impressive.  I added several new yarns from Cascade including the superwash and the superwash 128 (a bulking version).  Have restocked the Classic Elite Alpaca Sock Yarn and the self patterning yarn from Universal.  No one but you needs to know that the yarn is doing the work for you.
With the addition of these new yarns we need to make room so for the first two weeks of January we will be having sales on some yarns from 30% to 80% off the original price.

We continue to have open knitting on Thursday Evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the Block of the Month Club meeting the second Thursday of the month.  This month it will be the 14th.  Have new patterns as well.

January Classes:

Felting has continued to be popular and we are offering the felted mittens on January 9th and 16th at 2:00 p.m. ($30 plus materials).
Beaded Scarf has returned time and again by popular demand.  We will start anyone on January 9th at 1:00 p.m. and when you are ready to attach the two halves we will set a date to meet your schedule for a finishing class. ($20 plus materials)
Beginner or Advanced Beginner.  The beginning scarf will include casting on, garter stitch, stockinette stitch, rib stitch and binding off.  Whereas the Advanced Beginner who knows the basics will have an opportunity to add 8 more pattern stitches to their scarf on January 13th and January 20th   at 11:00 a.m. (Cost $30 plus materials)
Reading Patterns:  Do you have a problem reading patterns?  We will have a short course on pattern reading on January 23rd at 1:00 p.m.  (Cost $15).
Everyone can use a pair of warm socks and your loved ones will really appreciate the gift.  Beginning socks will be taught on double pointed needles.  This will extend over three classes, first is to start working in the round on double pointed needles, second step is turning the heel and the third step will be decreasing for the toe and finishing.  This is a beginning pattern using size 6 double pointed needles.   Starting the week of January 23rd and continuing for three weeks.
Do you have a class that you wish to see offered, please call and let me know 802-287-4114.

Look for our annual One Skein Hand Knit/Crochet Contest coming soon.  This will be the third year and have received quite a collection of entries.

Thank you..

A heartfelt thank you to all the knitters that helped the Castleton Senior Knitting Network with their helmet liner project; they were able to supply 1300 to the troops deployed and are now working on liners for the Air National Guard to be deployed this year.
Also, thank you ladies for the chemo hats that you knitted; these have been given to the Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Cancer Unit for Breast Awareness Month.

“HAPPY HOLIDAYS” (Also Happy Birthday to Me – December 24th)

I will be open on my birthday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for your last minute gifts. We can fix up gift baskets, gift certificates or you can send your husband in for his last minute shopping. I will be having many unadvertised specials from 30% to 80% off the original price for this day only. If I am going to be here on my birthday, we shall have a party with goodies as well as great sales.

I just received in some Baby Alpaca Grande that is so soft. Also new is Candy Cane and Peppermint in Encore. The Candy Cane is a strand of red and one of white while the Peppermint is a strand of green and one of white. Also, we have the Audi Click Set of interchangeable needles and you can also buy them separately. They are finally caught up with their back orders. We still have quick gifts like scarves, mittens and hats that can be knitted quickly for that last person that you almost forgot.

I am looking at new spring yarns with several salesmen. It seems funny to be looking to spring with winter has just arrived. The snow was beautiful while it lasted and it is so festive with all the lights blazing and the Christmas Music playing.

We will begin classes after the first of the year, including felted mittens, beaded scarves, my first sweater as well as spinning. Give me a call and we can set you up with a class to fit your schedule. The “Block a Month Club” will be meeting the second Thursday of each month. The next one is January 14th. Come and join us or stop in to see a couple of the ones from last year. Social Knits will continue on Thursday’s Evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24th 10:00a.m.to 3:00p.m., Closed Christmas Day, Open again on December 26th 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. We will be closed December 30th and 31st for Inventory. We will open again on Saturday, January 2nd.

Hello Ladies:

The foliage has been gorgeous these last few weeks but it looks it about over with the rain and wind that we have had. On my walk this morning (yes I am trying to exercise every day) the dog and I had to dodge puddles. Now that the weather is colder and the gardens have been put to bed for the winter it is time to start thinking Christmas.

As a kick off for the holiday season many of the Poultney businesses are hosting a “Prance Around”. You will be furnished with an entry form and given from November 7th to November 20th to visit each business (no purchase necessary) and have your form initialed. On November 20th many of the shops will be open until 8:00 p.m. with chestnuts roasting on an open fire. (Maybe we should do some Holiday Songs, no I guess you wouldn’t want me to do that.) On November 21st there will be a drawing for a Gift Certificate in the amount of $500.00. It will be good until December 31st at any of the participating business.
You can use in all at one business or divide it up and go to several businesses. It is a great way to get a head start on Christmas.

I have restocked the Universal Tapestry yarn. This yarn will pattern for you and gives the impression that you have incorporated a difficult pattern. We also have Encore yarn that will do the same thing. Stop to see some of the holiday yarns. Wait until you see the full length coat that my daughter just finished. I will have to fight her to have it in the shop for awhile.

On Thursday night throughout the year we host a sit and knit from 6pm-8 pm. Come sit, knit, laugh and share ideas or techniques. Many of our Thursday ladies have finished or almost finished their block a month afghan, we will continue to meet the second Thursday of each month as there have been requests that we do it again this year. Last year we all did the same blocks but used our own choice of colors. My afghan is on display. If anyone from last year has not finished, please join us to complete your project. If you are new, that is ok too as I have two more I have to make for the two remaining grandchildren. We can use a variety of blocks some of the old and some of the new, whatever you want to do.

Want to stick with a scarf but add 8 different patterns? November 21st I will be giving lessons on this scarf, three panels will make a shawl or seven panels will make a lap robe.
I have been giving private lessons for various projects. Everyone seems to want something different so I have found that day classes or even Thursday evening work for individuals. Call and we can make arrangements to meet your schedule.

The chemo hat project went very well for Breast Awareness month. I still have the yarn and pattern and will keep the price at $3.50 per skein for the next couple of weeks. Four skeins will make five hats. You may bring them to the Cancer Center at the hospital or drop them off to me and I will deliver them for you.

Credit cards, VISA/Mastercard and/or personal checks are acceptable. We will put yarn on layaway with a 25% deposit and payments of 25% per week.

Hello Ladies:

There is no question, fall is here. First day I haven’t kept my door open. Guess the flies will have to find somewhere else to live.

As the weather gets colder we start thinking of Christmas. I have some new yarns that can be used for one skein projects along with new books for knitted gifts. Stop in to check them out. I have ordered Encore Yarn (washable and dryable) that looks like a candy cane (red and white stripe). The shipment will probably arrive here by the end of next week.
Also, I have restocked the Universal Tapestry yarn. This yarn will pattern for you and gives the impression that you have incorporated a difficult pattern. I won’t tell, if you don’t.

Stop by on Thursday nights throughout the year. we host a sit and knit from 6pm-8 pm. Come sit, knit, laugh and share ideas or techniques. The coffee and tea will be on. Many of our Thursday ladies have finished or almost finished their block a month afghan. I have had request that we do it again this year. We will meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Last year we all did the same blocks but used our own choice of colors. My afghan is on display. If anyone from last year has not finished, please join us to complete your project. If you are new, that is ok too as I have two more I have to make for the two remaining grandchildren.

Don’t forget October 10th is Poultney Town Wide Yard Sales. I will have yarn at $2.00 per skein as well as other specials. Watch for my first day of Deer Hunting Special. The men go hunting and the women go shopping. I will be having a 20% off bag sale on all non-sale items.

There is till opening in the Victorian Beaded Scarf Class which will be held on October 10th at 2:00 p.m. I have been giving private lessons for various projects. Everyone seems to want something different so I have found that day classes or even Thursday evening work for individuals. Call and we can make arrangements to meet your schedule.

Credit cards, VISA/Mastercard and/or personal checks are acceptable. We will put yarn on layaway with a 25% deposit and payments of 25% per week.

Our store hours: Wednesday and Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday -10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our telephone number is 802-287-4114 and e-mail is stitchywomen@myfairpoint.net. Check out my website at www.stitchywomen.com.

Good Morning Everyone. Hope you had a great summer. My husband and I took the motor home and traveled to all but six states east of the Mississippi. While you were having rain everyday we were having 105 degree temperatures One of our stops was New Orleans and you would not believe how devastated it still is from Katrina. Whole shopping centers and communities are still in shambles. If you get to Myrtle Beach, be sure to go to the Dixie Stampede.

It does not seem possible that September is here and it is time to get the knitting needles out and start your projects for Christmas. I know many of you have done just that. We will be starting classes again now that it is cooler.

CLASSES: Call for further details on the classes and request any that you would like to see offered.

Beginning knitting – Sept 12th at 2:00 p.m. Let us get you started on a new craft. You will learn the basis of casting on, knitting and purling. If you have this basic knowledge we can continue with teaching you 8 new patterns.

Basic socks – September 19th at 2:00 p.m. You will learn to knit in the round on four needles, turn a heel and decrease for the toe.

Felted Mittens – September 26th at 2:00 p.m. (Remember this is Chilli Cookoff Day and the lessons will follow the cook-off.) These are knitted with bulky yarn and then felted. This are the warmest mittens I have every seen. The wind cannot go through them.

Victorian Beaded Scarf is back by popular demand. October 10th at 2:00 p.m. This is fun to knit and makes beautiful gifts.

We are restocking Noro Kureyon and the Noro Silk Garden, mixed with a solid color it makes into a beautiful purse. We have many suggestions on how to incorporate these together. We have restocked the sample packets of colored roving for those of you that like to needle felt.

We have a large selection of buttons all at 50% off including the handmade kiln-fired decorative clay ones, pewter and the basic button. We have decided not to carry them as to have more room for needles and other accessories. We carry the bamboo needles and Audi Turbo needles at this time and will be adding square circular needles. I know that sounds strange but it is suppose to be better for your wrists and shoulders. We also have kits that included your circular needles from size 4 to 15 with a variety of size cables.

Congratulations to Marie DeLuca who won the $25.00 Gift Certificate for the month of August. The next drawing will be September 30th. Also, starting today we are instituting a punch card system whereas when you fill it you will get $25.00 off your next purchase.

Good Morning Everyone.  Summer is here and I take full credit.  I have just returned from New Orleans with temperatures reaching 105 degrees.  Hopefully the gardens will flourish with this sunny weather.

I have purchased twelve skeins of yarn which I have put aside for a dying workshop.  We will have tables set out front with different color dyes so that you may be as creative as you wish.  We are planning this workshop for August 22nd.  The cost will be only the price of the yarn ($15,00) and a lot of laughter as the amateur tries to become the expert.  We are limited to 12 participants so please call and reserve your place early.

Classes:  Spinning $50 for three 2 hour lessons, learn to draft using a drop spindle and if you wish to continue to the wheel, we have one here that you can try to see how you like it.
Beginning lace $10 per hour.  If you have an interest in these classes, we will set up a convenient time.

Additional classes will be offered.  Please call and request a class and we will work something out even, if it is only for one or two students.  We can do felting, socks, necklaces, mittens and of course, beginning knitting or work with you for just about any other class.  Do you know how to read a pattern?

For summer knitting we carry a variety of cotton yarn and we have samples of a child’s sundress with a knitted top and a fabric bottom.  We also have a lady’s tank tops, knitted with a spandex mix yarn, for perfect fit.  Cotton yarns are perfect for dishcloths and many other uses.

For sock knitting everyone loves the self patterning sock yarn which is knitted on size
0-3  needles.  We carry Cherry Hill, Cascade Fixation, Sockotta, Tofutsies,  On-line and Universal.  For knitters interested in quicker knits, Plymouth and Universal have a self patterning yarn that knits nicely on size 8 needles,   the yarn is also great for children’s sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens.  Please drop in to see just how easy you can create a pattern without the fuss of changing colors.  Have you ever completed one sock and put off doing the second one.  We have books on knitting a pair of socks on one 40” circular needle as well as a pair at the same time on two circular needles.  We give lessons on the pair on the 40” circular.   If you try it, you probably won’t go back to one at a time.

Throughout August we will be hosting a contest using novelty yarn.  The yarn will be half price and there will be a $3.00 entry fee.  This will be much like out Spring One Skein Wonder Contest only this time there will not be a limit on how many skeins you can use.  Call for more information.  We will be judging the first week in September.

Stop by on Thursday nights throughout the year; we host a sit and knit from 6pm-8 pm.  Weather permitting, throughout the summer we sit outside in the fenced area and enjoy the Vermont evening  knit, laugh and share ideas or techniques.  Many of our Thursday ladies have finished or almost finished their block a month afghan.  If there is an interest, we can do it again this fall.

Christmas is coming early to Stitchy Women.  For the remainder of July and the month of August we will be having weekly specials to help you get a start of your Christmas Gifts.  Stop in to see what we have.

Credit cards, VISA/Mastercard and/or personal checks are acceptable.  We will put yarn on layaway with a 25% deposit and payments of 25% per week.

Our store hours: Wednesday and Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday -10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Our telephone number is 802-287-4114 and e-mail is stitchywomen@myfairpoint.net.

Good Morning Everyone.  It is questionable whether summer is here or have we skipped to fall.  It certainly feels like it today.  Hopefully the gardens like this wet weather.

As you know I purchased the contents of another yarn store just before going to Sturbridge for the annual needlecraft show.  I went crazy as usual and added to my Feza line baby yarn and baby bulky as well as a dk weight Cayenne and of course Jewel.  My daughter is knitting a full length lacy coat with it.  From Universal yarns I have added a Classic Worsted Tapestry yarn which will pattern for you.  We now carry sock yarn that self-patterns as the Opal does and other sock yarns as well.

Hopefully everything will fall into place so that Feza Yarn Company will be coming to Poultney and putting on a fashion show with you as the models.  It is tentatively set for August 15th.  As the plans come together I will keep you informed.

I have purchased twelve skeins of yarn which I have put aside for a dying workshop.  We will have tables set out front with different color dyes so that you may be a creative as you wish.  Plan to set this up for the end of July or early August.  It seems like the summer is flying by already.  The cost will be only the price of the yarn and a lot of laughter as the amateur tries to become the expert.

I will be on vacation from the middle of June to the middle of July.  The shop will be open.  Rebecca will be here the usual hours including the Thursday night social knit.  As Rebecca is not a knitter, if you need help with a project, please call for an appointment and she will call one of the two people that will be able to help.

Classes:  Spinning $50 for three 2 hour lessons, learn to draft using a drop spindle and if you wish to continue to the wheel, we have one here that you can try to see how you like it.
Beginning lace $10 per hour.  If you have an interest in these classes, we will set up a convenient time.

Please check out news release on my website relative to knitting helmet liners for our troops.  We are in need of both donations and knitters.  We are trying to provide 1600 helmet liners to the groups being deployed starting November 2009.  There are about 460 National Guard soldiers leaving from Rutland in November.  If you wish to help knitting these helmet liners, the yarn and needles will be provided to you.  We are also knitting comfort dolls for the soldiers to give the children rather than candy.