HOLIDAY NEWS

Happy holidays to everyone -- Yes it is true - Stitch Therapy has a new home on 5th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn all I can say is "I love it here", we opened on November 1st. Some of you have found the shop and seen the work in progress I am still decorating, last week I hung the mirror and a few rug beaters. For more information go to: http://stitchtherapybrooklyn.com/

This week is the Snowflake Festival, the shops on 5th Avenue will be open until 8pm with special offers - come to the new location 335 5th Avenue between 3rd & 4th Street and take advantage of the Snowflake Festival discount - 15% discount Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn.

Look for a new Hat of the Month and class schedule in January.

Quick Holiday Knits: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/jejune/jejune.html

Quick Holiday Crochet: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/phannie/phannie.html

Guest Post — The Bountiful Turkish Yarn Shop

By Charlotte Bloomberg

On a recent trip, my husband and I traveled to Sinop, Turkey, which is about 650 kilometers from Istanbul. After touring the fortifications of this Black Sea town and the Sinop museum, I turned to our guide and said, "Enough! Are there any yarn shops in Sinop?" With a grin, our guide took us to the shop shown in the pictures and introduced us to this lovely woman who was delighted to show me her yarns. As you can see, the store was packed to the rafters. It's a bit smaller than Maxcine's and loaded with amazing yarns.

This was our last stop in Turkey so my husband and I pooled all of our Turkish lira and I held it in my hands. The shopkeeper immediately understood, counted the lira and began pulling skeins. Soon, there was a small pile of beautiful yarns on the table and, selection complete, I left the shop, liraless, but with a bag of lovely yarns to add to my stash. The created garment will be a wonderful reminder of an afternoon spent in a yarn shop in this quaint little town.

***

Reminder: The Stitch Therapy LYS has moved to 335 5th Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11215, between 3rd and 4th Streets. Please stop by to say hello and see our beautiful new space!

STITCH THERAPY HAS A NEW HOME

In the five years that Stitch Therapy has been on Lincoln Place I have met quite a few amazing people. Years ago a friend reminded me that my mantra was "all I want to do is knit" and now knitting and crochet have become my full-time work, but it is through you, my talented and creative customers and friends, that I have experienced the joy of our craft.



I take pleasure in supporting you through your projects, and if you don't mind, I share the pride that I hope you experience when your project is complete. Stitch Therapy will continue to be an inspirational haven for you in her new home at 335 5th Avenue between 3rd and 4th street, opening November 1st – continuing to be a part of the fabric of Park Slope Brooklyn.



This is a move to a future that offers more classes like "Men's Night Out" "Fingerless gloves and Mittens", "Beginner Circle for new Parents-that means you can bring your new baby", "Weekend Kid Camps", "Mystery Squares", a backyard, and more events like the recent book reading. 335 5th Avenue is now the home of Brooklyn Mercantile a wonderful fabric and home shop owned by Tamara Plummer - both shops will now share this address - two shops under one roof!



This change for Stitch Therapy is a good thing! We will be open seven days a week and still be in Park Slope. Did I mention the backyard? The spring will allow for outdoor classes and entertainment. Just as the Lincoln Place spot evolved into the space that it was (if you could see it at this moment you would not recognize it) so will 5th Avenue. I have spent quite a bit of time at the shop and what I love the most is the way the sun floods in through the front window.



This is Phase 3 for Stitch Therapy, Phase 2 was the online shop, I expect this part to be filled with fun and creativity and I hope that you will continue to be a part of it. Check out the new hours on the website and the schedule for the additional classes.

NYC Yarn Crawl - Reading, Trunk Show & Art Exhibit

Click to Download full-size poster PDF

Just a reminder about our fantastic reading and trunk show on Saturday, October 10th at 4pm! Take a moment to pop over to the beautiful website for author, Beth Hahn's Miss Flit.

Mark your calendars for NYC's very first Yarn Crawl

featuring 13 shops and all kinds of carrying on, will be happening over the Columbus Day holiday weekend, October 9-12, 2009.

For details, go to www.nycyarncrawl.com

Join author Beth Hahn at Stitch Therapy during the yarn crawl, as we celebrate the first issue of The Adventures of Miss Flitt, , an Illustrated 19th C. Tale with Knitting Patterns, with a reading and a trunk and art show on Saturday, October 10th, 2009, at 4:00. Beth will also have some limited edition books to sign and sell.

Hope to see you here!

Sophie Digard: Pretty in Paris

Clothing as a form of art is often mocked by those who seldom see the creativity, skill and expression that are often found within design. The appreciation of apparel on a serious level is sometimes confused with vanity, arrogance and almost always pretence, yet it could be argued that the beautiful crochet creations of Sophie Digard show, to the unfamiliar eye, the potential of regarding fashion as an art form.

The French designer's hand-crafted designs come in an array of shapes and forms, from scarves to necklaces, bags to berets – just about everything you could wish for is covered. Rich in earthly shades and complimentary tones, her use of colour is inspirational; creating a mood that is reminiscent of the English countryside – a peaceful elegance.

In particular her scarves are to be adored. The spring connotations that arise when studying a Sophie Digard scarf are so vivid that only memories of bright summer days enter your thoughts. Most are comprised of tiny 'fleurs' and crochet circles stitched together, creating a classic vintage look as well as an artistic master piece. So detailed, so innovative and yet so at ease, Digard's beauties are faultless. Using fine wool, linen, or a simple sewing thread the Parisian's crocheted idiosyncratic pieces are garments to be treasured for years to come.

It's the final days of summer and the air conditioning is on!

The first yarn for the fall season has arrived - I love it. Schulana Merino Cotton 135 - 149 yards of 53% cotton 47% wool - 5.25 - 6 stitches to the inch - 17 rich colors - 12 colors are in 5 more to arrive next week.

Starting today Yarn Sale -

• Summer yarns 15% off - cotton, bamboo, soybean, and linen blends
• Noro Silk Garden Sock - 20% off
• Trekking Hand Art Sock - 20% off
• Ella Rae Lace Merino - 15% off
• Berroco yarns 15% off
• Debbie Bliss yarns - 15% off
• GGH Lara 50% off
• All books and pattern books 20% off
• Back issues $2.00 each
• Clearance 25% off
• Free patterns books

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

With all the amazing fibers and colors available in the yarn world today the opportunity for creating your own cloth offers a wealth of freedom for expression. I knit these hats and swatches about six years ago when I was working in another yarn shop that offered a great variety so I had the chance to experiment with fibers and stitches.

The blue, white and red hat are a single ply -- practically roving -- and the multicolored swatch uses remnants of a light blue yarn for weaving, and hand dyed merino wool. Playing with my Harmony Guide, I picked a two color cable with the idea to knit ear flaps for a hat, add stitches for the back of the hat, and keep the two color cable going.

Well, they do somewhat resemble mutton chops, and the chevron stitch in the red and blue are a bit subtle, but this hat was a hit on the runway last year at the Brooklyn Conservatory where my friend Raphael used it in a fashion show. In muscles and swim trunks the model walked the runway with confidence and my hat covered the beautiful locks of an Adonis. This hat is one of a kind and what initially looked like a odd pairing of yarn worked in the end. Trying something out of the norm can create a fresh new twist on a classic stitch.

Summer classes for kids

Stitch Therapy is thrilled to announce a new series of summer classes for children at the Brooklyn shop!

Summer Camp: Knit

Want to learn how to knit? Then this is the class for you! In one week children will learn long-tail cast-on, continental knit stitch, bind-off, continental purl stitch, and knit/purl rib stitch. During the four day camp you'll Knit a pair of fingerless gloves or a hat, or for those of you who already know the basics of knitting - knit a shrug. Beginner's learn the foundation of knitting. Materials cost approximately $40.00 and must be purchased at Stitch Therapy.

Teacher - Kim Davis
Date: June 23,24, 25, 26, 2009 - Fingerless Gloves
July 14, 15, 16, 17, 2009 - Hats
July 28, 29, 30, 31, 2009 - Shrugs
Time: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Cost: $300.00
Prerequisites: Min. age 10 yrs old

Summer Camp: Crochet
Children will learn to crochet in a fun and encouraging environment during this four day camp. They'll learn to read stitch instructions and crochet their own hats using the basic chain, single crochet and double crochet stitches. Materials cost approximately $30.00 for beginners and must be purchased at Stitch Therapy.

Teacher - Kim Davis
Date: July 21, 22, 23, 24, 2009
August 4, 5, 6, 7, 2009
Time: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Cost: $300.00
Prerequisites: Min. age 10 yrs old

Summer Camp: Finger Knitting for Parent and Child
Knitting is a wonderful way to strengthen dexterity and spatial relationship recognition, as well as enhance basic math skills. Children love the feeling of success when they can create something with their own hands. Beginner sessions will learn to use their hands and fingers to knit rectangles. Advanced sessions will knit a doll blanket.

Teacher - Morgan Hultman
Date: (choose one session at a time)
Beginner
June 13
June 14
June 27
June 28
July 11
July 12
Advanced
July 25
July 26
Time: 10:30 am - 12 pm
Cost: $50.00

Prerequisites: Your child must be at least 5 yrs old, be able to count to 5 and know right and left. Materials included for beginner sessions.

Stop in or call the shop to sign up!

NEW PATTERN BOOKLETS

Of all the patterns that arrive in yesterdays mail these three booklets stand out the most - the first is filled with charming neckdown knit sweaters in a heirloom leaf pattern for babies that includes booties and a blanket. The leaf pattern is just one of a few stitch patterns.

The last two are spanish language booklets for knit and crochet. The first is a book of knit blankets and the latter is a booklet of 63 stitch patterns - affter sampling all 63 stitches the squares can be turned into a blanket.

BAG SALE 25% OFF!

The Belle Bag

The lovely people at Stitch Therapy are continuously thinking about your needs. These hard-working fellows have realised that tiny needles, loose threads and all the wonderful pieces of haberdashery that you’ve been collecting can easily be misplaced causing bouts of heartache and anger among you Knitters and crocheters.

The answer to all your problems? The Belle bag. A cute little bag, in denim or adorned with flowers, to hold all your precious bits in. This exclusive bag, designed and made by Rapheal Huggins, could even double up as a bag to use when out and about. Worthwhile and easy to maintain, the Belle bag is well suited to all your needs.

At $40.00 these limited edition bags are going to sell out fast! You'd better hurry if you want the ones embellished with Rhinestone...

Also, the Knitting Messenger Bag with all the compartments - Great for the summer! Knitting Needle cases are also on-sale.

Additional Classes Added

Technocolr Entrelac Wrap
Additional Dates: Saturday: May 23, June 6, 20, July 11, 2009 - 2:00 - 4:00pm.




Knit in the Round on 2 Circular Knitting Needles
New Date: September 30th 6:30 - 8:00 pm

- See class schedule at http://www.stitchtherapybrooklyn.com/

Save The Date

Event: World Wide Knit in Public Day

What: Jam Session

Host: Grace Shanahan

Start Time: Saturday, June 13 at 10:00am

End Time: Saturday, June 13 at 1:00pm

Where: The steps of the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library

Hot Off The Presses

The new summer issues have arrived - -Linked!

Yarn Theory: Knitting, Crochet, Math and Science

April 25 - May 17

150 First Avenue,
(enter on 9th Street bet. 1st Avenue and Avenue A)
T: 212-228-4249

ps122gallery.org

Victorian Lace In Hardcover

I just received three hardcover copies of Victorian Lace from my distributor - Last year the word was they would only be available in softcover - If you are a lace knitter it is worth the space on your coffee table

The summer 2009 issue is in!

Leg Warmers, Gloves, Mittens, Socks, Sweater: Knit in the Round on 2 Circular Needles

Using two circular knitting needles

learn to knit in the round

- - in one lesson

Date: September 30, 2009
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Class Project: Leg Warmers
Materials : Oat Couture: Leg Warmers - choose from 3 styles, 3 sizes and 3 weights of yarn

Where: Stitch Therapy, 176 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, 718-398-2020
Price: $35.00

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Greatest benefits of circular knitting:

• Circular needles fit far more comfortably in the palms of your hands so you‘re not constantly fiddling with double pointed needles that slip and slide through your stitches.


• Circular needles are less unwieldy to use than DPNS - stitches rest safely on the cable of the circular needle.


• Don’t have to worry about losing a needle – I find the DPNS have a tendency to slide out.


• With two circulars you can knit a project of pretty much any size you don't have to worry about stitches dropping off the end of the DPN.


• Two circulars make a project very easy to carry along with you anywhere, and easier to knit in any situation--even while standing on the subway.


• Circulars allow you to move the bulk of the knitting closer to your lap, making it easier to balance. With a heavier weight yarn, this can make it a much more comfortable project.

Crocheted Hat of the Month

The first crochet Hat of the Month is fashioned after an African wedding hat - and is the first of many crocheted hats to come from Stitch Therapy. I learned to crochet in shop class at Nathanial Horthorne JHS 74 in Bayside, Queens when I was in the sixth grade. This was about two years before they allowed girls to take wood shop and the boys had to learn how to cook and sew.

This hat is an any gauge any yarn hat - I have given the formula to this hat to many crocheters over the past four years, and have added a few stitch embellishments to make it entertaining. This pattern is in single crochet, but it can also be made with half double or double crochet stitching. Download the pattern in the sidebar.

THE BARTER SYSTEM

I have always said that "people buy your expertise" so in an effort to endure the economic condition of 2009 I have entered into barter arrangements and lent out my hands for services rendered.

In all I have committed to custom knit four or five items: one pair of purple tweed cashmere cable knit fingerless gloves; one tan alpaca lace beret; one aubergene alpaca lace shrug with a slite belle sleeve; a luxurious pair of long southwestern colored fingerless gloves made from alpaca, merino and silk; cable knit sleeves in Joker purple and green; and possibly one pair of socks.

The other day I started my third item "the lizzy" -- a spring/fall staple at the shop that has evolved into a stylish knit since its incarnation three summers ago - the neckdown shrug knit in the old faggoted lace rib is an effortless four row repeat and easily doubles as a scarf on a cool day.

I'm doing the knitting and in exchange received: a suitcase full of yarn from abroad; professional financial services; design and editing services; a Super Bowl poem, and time. The barter system in lieu of cash makes the exchange a priceless value between friends.

Fashioning Felt

On view March 6–September 7, 2009 - COOPER HEWITT Museum/NYC

This exhibition will explore the varied new uses of felt—an ancient material, believed to be one of the earliest techniques for making textiles. Made by matting together wool fibers with humidity and friction, felting requires little technological expertise and is an extremely versatile material. The exhibition will begin with historic examples of felts, showcase innovations in handmade felts, and feature contemporary uses of industrial felt in a range of fields, including product design, fashion, architecture, and home furnishings. http://www.cooperhewitt.org/EXHIBITIONS/Fashioning-Felt/

Calling All Knitters - Crocheters too!!!!

Do you spend hours searching for the perfect yarn and patterns to knit something fantastic? Is knitting a “must-have” in your life? Well, Martha Stewart has the perfect show for you! Coming up in March we are dedicating an entire show to knitting!

Whether you love to knit scarves, blankets or sweaters, whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter, we want you in our studio audience with your favorite knitting project in hand!

If you’re interested in requesting tickets for our knitting show please be sure to tell us about your knitting passion and what project you plan to bring with you…the more details the better! (If this show does not apply to you please do not request it).

Please visit the Martha Stewart website to request tickets.
www.marthastewart.com/get-tickets
Hurry before tickets run out!

Superbowl Poem #3

2008 was a very fine vintage
Obama made history at home
Phelps at the Olympics

2009 so far a bit less certain

Burress fired his arm

a sure sign the economy is hurtin'

Enter Superbowl XLIII

featuring two teams

no less polar

The winter-hardened Steelers

versus the Cardinals

powered by solar

rewind a minute

to bygone yesteryears

when FDR urged us

to rise above our fears

in 1944 two opponents

joined lockers and played as one

as the country stood united

vs. the fascists to overcome

stitching together what men they could

Card-Pitt lost every game

until the boys finally came home

and they became opponents again

Back to the Future

fast-forward to the present day

past all those Steeler championships

lined up along the way

Not so for Arizona

who have suffered long and hard

whether in Chicago or St. Louis

it was never easy to be a Card

But a change is gonna come

a wise man once did say

through loops and twists and turns

the Cardinals might crochet

A Superbowl Shocker

a bold new look

proving that Larry Fitzgerald

is certifiably off the hook

But Mike Tomlin and his D

have spent a lot of time knitting

Terrible Towels into a Steel Curtain

they hope #11 will be hitting

Whether the Knitters or Crochet-ers

are bound to come out on top

there is only one place in Park Slope

they would both agree to shop

For the quality materials

and knowledge they need to prevail

there's Stitch Therapy: proud sponsor

of the 3rd Annual Superbowl Sale -- by John Lovrich

20% off all yarn and books from 12-5:45 pm.

Brooklyn sidewalk stalker

The other day I was running errands and I spotted the most chic hat on a young woman rushing up the sidewalk ahead of me. It turned out to be one of my customers - this is not the first time that this has happened. I felt myself picking up the pace, pushing my laundry cart faster and faster in front of me, trying to catch up to her.

She was walking at a good clip -- in a hurry on a Monday night to get home from work, or rushing to get past the Häagen-Dazs shop and it's daily, delicious temptation. At the red light I caught up and tapped her shoulder, "Excuse me, did you make your hat?" She recognized me from the shop and said that yes, she had made the hat.

This hat was so beautiful, the body was knit in a fluffy rich black angora that rolled under at the bottom, creating a french curl of a brim and giving the hat a cloche look. The fluffy angora made most of the hat crown and two other yarns topped off the hat with two wide bands. Above the black was a yellow and green tweed that knit up a bit stiffer than the angora, followed by a tomato red. The crown was shaped in a mirrored decrease squaring the top off.

I am always amazed at what my customers come up with -- this hat was a feast for the eyes! Unfortunately, you'll have to use your imagination because I did not have my camera with me. But then, sometimes life is meant to simply be lived and savored!