Stitch Therapy Brooklyn: March 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

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.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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.

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YELP FILTERED REVIEWS

... I stopped in about a year ago with the idea I would make a hat for my husband. It was a very busy day and I watched Maxcine's curt manner in dealing with her customers. I mustered up the courage to ask for help and was surprised. She took the time to help me select what I would need and directed me to a website that would teach me the basics. I walked out of there with everything I needed to get started and with minimal damage to my psyche.

I was a little intimidated to go back but did. When I returned after completing my hat I left feeling like I could do anything. They were so encouraging and supportive of my finished project. I signed up that day for one of their free knitting circles to learn how to make a mitten.

They have helped my pick new projects based on my skill level and what would be a challenge to help me advance my skill. So one year later I have completed a dozen hats, two sweaters, a scarf and mitten. I have learned cables and lace and some basic shaping for my sweaters.

... The owner Maxcine has always been welcoming to me and really helpful with picking out the yarn I need. Maybe people are expecting free lessons and lots of free advice without buying yarn? I would stop getting offended so easily and give her a chance. She's knowledgeable and really good at what she does. Her yarn is gorgeous and she offers good classes too for people looking for a project.

... The new location on 5th Avenue is very convenient and the yarn selection is great. There are lots of knit/crochet samples to give inspiration too, which is helpful when I want to knit but don't have a particular project in mind. I have always gotten good help and advice here too, even though I can be pretty indecisive about colors and fibers.

... I love this place! I have been a customer since day one and have always been able to find a fantastic selection of yarns to choose from for a project. Note the tag line of the store "a fine yarn store" - so you will not find cheap stuff but it is all high quality. The yarns carried are beautiful and soft. You will find it is easy to work with, priced well for what you are getting and great customer service and support after you have made a purchase. (If you are a beginner, learn to work with good yarn on a small project - it will be more forgiving in the long run). For a store of this size, there is a wide range of patterns, books and tools - if you don't see something, all you have to do is ask. Maxcine is great at making recommendations for substitutions.

Maxcine, the owner is warm, friendly, smart, skilled and seeks to encourage a community of knitters that have a place to come to meet each other and build their skill. Maxcine is a fantastic teacher - really knows her stuff! I have to say that my knitting skills have improved tremendously since I have become a customer and I have met some great people as well.

I have seen Maxcine take time with new customers and exhibit patience that was unbelievable. One should consider that this is a small store and Maxcine has to cover all roles on a busy day (that includes administrative needs that all small business owners have to endure). So expecting her to give you a 30 minute lesson when you did not buy the yarn or pattern from her is a bit much. Because Maxcine understands the importance of cultivating a customer base, walk in help is always available - whether you purchased from her or not.

I highly recommend that you stop in, take some time to browse, meet the owner, take a class and support the place. Make up your own mind about the service.

... There is an integrity to the store that I don't often see, and I think it reflects the proprietary attitude of Maxine, the owner. That's why I was a bit puzzled to read on this site that others aren't of this opinion. Yes, Maxine is a stickler about the quality of the yarns she offers and I don't think she is the kind of person who will carry something just because it will "sell." I think that indicates a respect for the efforts of her customers, who will be spending many hours working on a project. I often see Maxine perusing yarn samples and researching different brands, as well as seeking feedback from her customers. So it's not surprise that the the store is constantly evolving and growing. There is always something new to try out, while trusted core yarns are also available in a different selection of colors from the last season. I find this refreshing, when so many businesses fall back on dusty formulas and become stagnant, or chase trends and lose sight of the basics.

I like to touch yarns, and look at pattern books to be inspired, and this is very much encouraged here. Maxine always takes time to find out what you want to work on and I can always trust her to tell me if a yarn she carries may not work for a particular project I have in mind. Any other knitter can always go on-line to find yarns, but the hands-on approach at this store works if you want sound and honest advice. It's good to know that the owner knows her stuff and will share her knowledge and experience with you.

In the past, I've been rather intimidated and turned off by the clique-like quality of regulars in other stores. At Stitch Therapy, I've found that the customers are genuinely open and communicative as they are diverse. It certainly helps you feel welcome when the owner makes the extra effort to introduce her customers to each other, whether they are regulars or newcomers. Thanks to Maxine, I've met a number of lovely, creative individuals here and I think that says says something about this store.

... Stitch Therapy is my happy place - and it's all mine.
Maxcine is a warm, kind, calm, clear, direct, giving and welcoming person, who also happens to be one of the most knowledgeable and gifted people I know with regard to knitting.

I am sometimes what people might call a "difficult client." I am constantly changing pattern gauges, am stubborn, sometimes don't understand what is being explained to me, and am always wanting more and more yarn at reasonable prices.

Whichever it is, Maxcine simply smiles and when I'm done, she suggests yarns for my new adventure. There are many times I look for yarn, patterns or tools for well over an hour while I pick her brain. Then I decide to buy nothing. She always welcomes me to sit , chat and knit at my leisure.

I, for one, am very grateful that cell phone calls are not allowed in the store - mostly because it keeps the space peaceful.

The yarns range in price and if you know yarns, you will quickly realize Maxcine does not carry run-of-the-mill yarns so you are getting a much better quality for your money. And there are always lovely yarns in the sale corner.

Over the years, and because of Maxcine's introductions, I have become friendly with many Stitch Therapy knitters. It's to the point that when any of us happens to show up on the same day, we have something of a family reunion; the chattering and sharing of projects seems endless.

It's a wonderful place to visit, shop and enjoy...the regulars are very warm and no matter how experienced or not we are, we all learn many things from each other. New customers are always welcomed by other knitters because they may become new friends.

...Nice cozy shop, excellent service, and a sense that when your buying from this place that your also buying into the community

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Crocheted Hat of the Month

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

THE BARTER SYSTEM

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CLOSED for a new adventure

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