Stitchy Blog

Hello Friends:

Fall is on its way and we are receiving new fall colors.  I have also just received a new shipment of books.  You name it and we can probably find just what you are looking for.  I have two new 1 ball project books and there is a new One Skein Wonder Book coming out in the fall using sock yarn.

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. Please stop in to check them out.  I have ordered Encore Yarn (washable and dryable) that looks like a candy cane (red and white stripe, also green & white stripe).   I will be restocking 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.

Mark your calendar for our

Taste of Yarn on September 18^th from noon to 3:00.

Bring your needles to try a variety of yarns from Cascade.  There will be prizes, drawings, and refreshments.  I will be offering a 20% discount on Cascade Yarn during the party only.

Please remember you are welcomed to stop by on Thursday nights throughout the year for our sit-n-knit from 6pm-8 pm. We sit, knit, laugh, and sometime Google, but most of all we share ideas or techniques.  The coffee and tea will be on.

If you are interested in spinning, I have become a Louet Dealer and my first spinning wheel is due to arrive any time now.  They have are a variety of wheels to choose from.  We will order looms, carders and other accessories as request.  To accompany the introduction of wheels I have an order of beautiful roving for your spinning needs, which should be arriving anytime now.  If you are interested, please ask about the spinning lessons and dying classes (both yarn and roving) as I’ll organize classes accordingly.

For those knitters, like myself, that may have a hard time seeing to knit, I have just two Full Spectrum Floor Lights available for $39.99, regularly priced at $99 – stop in to pick up yours.

October 9^th is Poultney’s Town Wide Yard Sales.  Again this year, I will have yarn at $2.00 per skein under the outside tent as well as other specials on inside yarns.

In November, I’ll be holding a first day of Deer Hunting Sale – a bag sale of 20% off on all NON-sale yarns, books, patterns & accessories.  The men go hunting and the women go shopping.

I will be continuing to giving private lessons for various projects; everyone seems to want something different so I have found that day classes or even Thursday evening work well.  Please call and we can make arrangements to meet your interest and your schedule.

We accept VISA/Mastercard credit cards and/or personal checks.  We will happily put yarn on layaway with a 25% deposit and payments of 25% per week.

Store hours:

Wednesday and Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday -10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m

Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Our telephone number is 802-287-4114 and e-mail is stitchywomen@myfairpoint.net.  Please check out my website at stitchywomen.com.

Good Morning Knitters:

We have had a slight change in plans for our vacation.  My husband is a dairy farmer and we plan everything around the cows and the weather.  The weather has been great for hay.  We are starting our second cutting and at the moment our vacation is on hold.   We will not close the shop.  It will be open my regular hours.

June Special:  All Cascade Yarn is on sale at 20% off.

July Special.  All sock yarn will be at 20% off.

I will be open on July 4th from 10:00 to 2:00.  Stop in while waiting for parade to pass.  The parade will start at 12:00 noon.

For the summer, we will have classes on demand.  Would you like to learn to do socks on one needle?  I have new kits from Fiber Trend for felted pocketbooks.

Stop in to see the felted flip flops.  I have already had to reorder the patterns.  I have them both for adults and children.

Congratulations to Lucille Burnham the winner of our monthly Gift Certificate Drawing, drawn on the last working day of the month.  The next drawing will be on June 30th.

Summer is here and schools will be out soon.  Vacations, gardening, little league and the beach will keep us all on the run.  Be prepared this is the time for socks as they are small, portable and not hot on your lap.  We have tons of new sock yarn.  We carry Opal, Fixation from Cascade, Cascade Heritage, Plymouth sock as well as an alpaca.

Stitchy Women will continue to offer private classes throughout June & August.  Call with a request and we will meet your schedule. We will be open in July, but I will be on vacation.  Rebecca is knowledgeable with our yarn but does not knit.  If you have a problem, perhaps she can call my daughter Brenda or Hope for help on a Saturday.

Kara, please post.  Thank you.

We have an assortment of cotton for summer knitting such as Kid Cotton and Ultra Pima from Cascade.  There is a sample of a v-neck top made with the Ultra Pima.  It is so rich looking, it can be worn with jeans or dress up too.

We have a children’s book from Brown Sheep.  Not only a story book but with directions to make Phoebe (the character in the book) as well as a dress and sweater for her.  Now for the best part, it also has directions for the sweater in sizes 2, 4, 6,  A perfect gift for a grandchild.  I have reordered this book twice already.

For the month of June I will be offering a 20% discount on Cascade Yarn in the store.  Have you seen the felted flip flops, both in children and adult sizes?  We have the patterns available.  I am making a pair now for a sample.

I only have two Spectrum Lights left.  Cost $39.99 which is about 60% less than most.

Have several things planned for August and will keep you informed.

In the mean time have fun and happy knitting.

Good Morning Ladies:

Just had to share with you the new yarns purchased at the Sturbridge Yarn Show last weekend.  All of the ordered yarns are in with the exception of one and I have a UPS confirmation that it will arrive on the 10th.

I have kits from Fiber Trend for felted pocketbooks (two different types) and felted slipper socks.  We bought the single felting needle to compliment the four needle felting needle tool.

Sock yarn.  Guess I went a little crazy, I bought Steinback sock yarn, Opel and Best Foot Forward Sock Yarn.  These come in a rainbow of colors.

Arcaucania is a blend of wool, alpaca and silk (just one color at this time, a blend of Orange & reds).  Have added Orange to the Baby Alpaca Chunky.  Cascade 109 which is 100% wool.

For you Noro lovers, I have added Noro-Yuzen which is a blend of wool, silk and mohair  I have these is blues and greens.   Also three ndew colorways in Mano.

Wait until you see the Mushishi made by Plymouth. It is 95% wool and 5% silk.  I am stocking three colors at this time but will surely add to them.

From Universal I have coming Baby Cotton with books called Cotton Kids that have kids and toy patterns.

I got carried away with books again.  Everything from Knitting with beads to baby clothes and toys.

Bought yarn for dying and will be having classes when the weather is a little more predictable.  Have you ever tried hairpin lace?  We will be having lessons in that as well soon.

I should say Merry Christmas Ladies with what we woke up to today.

The May Newsletter is a little early as I will be going to the annual yarn show at Sturbridge on May, 1, 2 and 3. I should leave my pocketbook and credit card at home but I won’t. Can’t wait to see the new yarns and maybe new companies that I can add to my line.

I have put on a line of square needles and look forward to adding to them at the Show. You will really have to try them. I will be starting something with them so that you can all get a chance to try them. I have done socks from the toe up, and at the moment have a sweater on size 8 needles with worsted yarn as well as a shell made from the Pima Cotton Ultra. These needles are suppose to help with arthritis and carpel tunnel.

For the Month of May I will be putting the Kraemer Mauch Chunky (100%) wool on sale for 25% off original price for as long as it lasts. You still have a few days for the April Special of 20% off Brown Sheep’s Lambs Pride and Shepard Shades. The colors are limited. Both of these yarns are great for felting.

Lessons: I will be offering during May and June sock classes, toe up, two at a time on one needle and the conventional double pointed ones. Also, a sampler scarf that will incorporate eight new patterns for the person that can knit and purl but wants something a little more challenging. What about Fair Isel Knitting, have you tried it yet. Call and we will arrange to meet your schedule. Have you ever wanted to learn to spin? We now have a lady that has been teaching it here. Please call, if interested and we can set up time for this class.

I now carry Boku from Plymouth Yarns, this is similar to Noro and comes in many different colors. I will have a sample made up soon so that you can see how it stripes.

We are still meeting on Thursday nights to knit and chat from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. All are welcome and as the weather improves we will take the knitting outdoors.

I will be on vacation the month of July. The shop will be open and Rebecca will be available to help you pick out yarn. Unfortunately, she does not knit and will not be able to help you in that capacity. She will be in touch with me, should you need a question answered. Rebecca will also have a couple of knitters that could help you out. It would be necessary for you to make an appointment.

Good Morning and Happy Easter! Can you believe the change in the weather? It hit 80degrees yesterday and expects to reach it again today. It should be a great day for all the Easter Bonnets.

We have a lot of new yarns and patterns for spring. Some of the yarns are: Nashua’s Linen & Cotton, Ultra Pima cotton as well as a Pima cotton DK by Cascade, rayon blends and of course the wool and silk.

Best of all; we now carry square needles. The circular needles have a very flexible cord and metal points; we also carry 6” double pointed needles. They are supposed to be better for your hands and shoulders. I have made by first pair of toe up socks using the 40” size 3 circular needles and must say I am impressed. I am about to start a Fair Isle sweater in the round. These needles are 100% guaranteed.

For the month of April I will be offering 20% off all Brown Sheep Yarn that is in the shop. This yarn is very versatile and great for felting.

We continually restock the Ecological Wool, Malabrigo, Green Mountain Spinnery yarns and adding new colors. Alpaca is in great demand and is restocked every couple of weeks.

Another yarn put out by Nashua called Julia is an Alpaca, Wool, Mohair blend. We also carry pattern books that recommend this yarn.
Speaking of books, have you seen the new Green Mountain Spinnery Book called “99 Yarns and Counting?”

We continue to offer classes upon request. Are you interested in Beginning Knitting; Socks; Felted handbags, animals or bowls and of course, my first sweater. Call and we will try to meet a compatible schedule.

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.