And the 2019 Teachers are……

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

October 24, 2018

We are thrilled with the diverse line up of teachers and designers we have for the 2019 Festival. Bringing you their amazing skills and knowledge, they’ll offer you a wide range of the newest techniques and projects in their classes, demos and mini workshops.

Our headliners are stars in many venues across the country:

  • Laura Barnes: Pfaff Educator, Sewing and Quilting Instructor
  • Robyn Chachula: Crochet by Faye, our local and National Crochet Queen!
  • Miriam Coffey: Janome Educator, Modern Quilter, Sewing, Surface Design and Embroidery, owner of Coffey Quilt Lab
  • Jolie Elder: Knitter Extraordinaire and Fiber Artist from Atlanta, making her debut here in Pittsburgh!
  • Steve Fegert: Leading Men Fiber Arts Show stopper, Dramatic Knitter and the hottest guy on the fiber circuit!
  • Jen Lucas: Author of several outstanding Sock and Lace Knitting Books
  • Heather Zopetti: Knitwear Designer, Spinner and owner of Stitch Sprouts, a company dedicated to helping your stitches grow.

The variety of classes these teachers submitted was overwhelming. We made the very best selections for you in Knitting, Sewing, Crochet, Quilting and Creative Arts. Check out the Teacher Page and see the rest of the line up for the 2019 Festival in March!

 

September Sweepstakes Winners:

1. 8 Skeins Of Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky: Cathy Bremer of Pittsburgh, PA

2.  Table-Runner Round Up book: Victoria Long of Derry, PA

3.  Fat-Quarter Favorites book:  Susan Getter of Aliquippa, PA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Fall has arrived!!!!

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

September 25, 2018

Fall has officially arrived and we are happy about it. Warm clothes, brisk walks and a whole list of upcoming events happening (and Octoberfest for beer lovers!). Photo credit above: Kathy Jenkins.

For Yarn Lovers:

Fall is the time for Fiber Festivals, hot chocolate, warm sweaters, shawls and scarves. Mark your calendars for some upcoming events:

We are celebrating National I Love Yarn Day by giving away 8 skeins of Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky for one lucky winner. A perfect yarn  for the fall and winter season. 100% Superwash, the color is ice rustic. Knit or crochet in public, decorate your neighborhood or library with a yarn bombing or teach someone to knit, crochet or learn any yarn craft.

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Join Lion Brand Yarn in their #HatNotHate campaign. There are many ways in which you can become involved and include your community to end bullying. We will be hosting Lion Brand’s Hat Not Hate campaign at the Festival. In the meantime, see how you can get involved in the link above.

For Sewing, Quilting and Fabric Lovers:

We attended the Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza in Oaks, PA earlier this month and were amazed at all of the talent, including some pieces by our Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild members. Our favorite (shown below) is titled Levitation Fascination by Di Jobbins from Australia. It was fascinating!

 

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is hosting their first Fall Sale. It is this Saturday, September 29th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. See all details here.

 

We are giving away 2 books to get you started on some holiday projects. See below for entry information.

Table-Runner Roundup, 13 Quilted Projects to Spice Up Your Table, a Patchwork Place book, compiled by Amelia Johanson. 

“Grace the space in which you gather” from classic chic to a fresh farmhouse look, the versatility of a table runner is timeless. The designs shown in the book include scrappy stars, pineapples, savory olives and a clever hexagon runner that transforms into a place-mat. Fun and easy techniques from traditional patchwork to fusible applique’ to stitch and flip triangles and dimensional curves.

Fat-Quarter Favorites, 13 Eye Catching Quilts You’ll Love to Make, a Patchwork Place Book, compiled by Karen M. Burns.

Fat Quarters are everybody’s favorite fabric cut.  In this book you’ll find more ways to use those fabric pieces and create a new spin on some old classics: Jacob’s Ladder, Churn Dash and Pinwheel. A variety of techniques used include traditional piecing and fusible applique’ with today’s popular designers leading the way and sharing their ideas.

 

September Sweepstakes:

1. To enter sweepstakes for 8 Skeins Of Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the Title: “Deluxe Bulky Yarn”

2.  To enter sweepstakes for Table-Runner Round Up book email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the Title: “Table-Runner Round Up”

3.  To enter sweepstakes for the Fat-Quarter Favorites book email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the Title:  “Fat-Quarter Favorites”

Winners will be selected and announced in next newsletter.

 

 

 

 

Summer Winding down…..

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

August 27, 2018

As summer winds down, are you beginning to plan your fall projects? We’ve had a good amount of time to spend on our favorite past times: gardening, outdoor artsy installations, painting, sewing and knitting (when it rained), crafting and rafting. Photo shown above is of our daughter Sarah (who many of you know) guiding on the Lower Yough River in Ohiopyle, PA. Now our focus becomes fully devoted to additional plans for the 15 Year Anniversary Festival in March!

We have been dedicated to providing you with a diverse series of educational classes. Many of you have been attending for so many years and are quite sophisticated in your abilities and techniques. We are thrilled to be receiving submissions from so many new teachers (as well as our returning favorites).

We take great care in jurying in new exhibitors to ensure you have the newest and broadest assortment of materials, accessories, supplies and techniques offered to you in the Marketplace. We also have many new exhibitors joining us along with many of your returning favorites.

What else we’ve lined up so far:

  • Teaching Headliners have been selected and we will devote a special newsletter to them.
  • We are the last stop on the 2018 Quilt Con Exhibition Tour – a 1st time in the region!
  • We are thrilled to be hosting the Cherrywood Prince Challenge Exhibition!  They will post the full schedule on their website October 3, 2018.
  • The Block Party Weekend Evening plans are coming together for lots of fun after market and class hours.
  • We will be holding a Scavenger Hunt, with additional prizes awarded to each person who completes their scavenger hunt form!
  • We are working with another new charity to promote their mission.

 

July Sweepstakes Winners:

1. French Farmhouse by Marie Claude-Picon: Carrie McConaughy of Beaver, PA

2.  Quilling Paper: Christine Herbstritt of New Kensington, PA

3.  5 Fat Quarters of Black and Gold fabric:  Carmela Tempero of North Huntingdon, PA

4.  2 Mini Skeins of Yarn in purple and grey from Frabjous Fibers:  Jane Wick of Elmore, OH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

2019 15 Year Anniversary Block Party Weekend!

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

July 31, 2018

Thank you to all who took the time to fill out the survey we offered in the last newsletter.  You can still fill it out if you have not done so, just click here. Your feedback helps us make the best possible selections based on your requests.

We are really thrilled about your responses to the evening activities! We are planning a Block Party Weekend to celebrate our 15 Year Anniversary. Weare offering many fun new activities on Friday and Saturday nights in addition to daytime classes, demos, Creative Open Studio, Maker Space and of course a marketplace where you can find the latest yarns, fabrics, supplies and more.

 

Barb happens to be away right now and I am writing the newsletter and staying at Barb’s house with our mom. When there is any opportunity to raid Barb’s stash, I always do. She won’t miss it!  I am giving away a variety of items. I am not reviewing the books as Barb does, you would not want to see my review!!!  I will give you my descriptions, I hope you enjoy my perspective. All the details on the giveaways are below, just email us by the next newsletter for your chance to win.

 

July Sweepstakes:

Email us to win these prizes!

1.  Book: French Farmhouse by Marie Claude-Picon. So who wants to build a farmhouse?  I guess it is too long of a class for the Festival so I may as well give the book away. Oh wait, I just noticed the subtitle, it is a book about Quilting. “Quilts with Rustic Simplicity”  Ok so never mind my description….  Email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title French Farmhouse.

2.  Quilling Paper:  Now we are supposed to make Quilts with paper?  I have no clue how I am going to wash it when it gets dirty. Oh no, I guess I read that one wrong too. It says Quilling, not Quilting. Anyway, it is a pretty colorful pack of quilling paper.  Email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title Quilling Paper

3.  Fabric: There are 5 Fat Quarters of some pretty speckled Black and Gold fabric here. I don’t understand why they call them fat quarters. They are not so fat, they are actually kind of thin. Can you tell I don’t sew? But hey, with football season around the corner you might be able to use these Pittsburgh Colors! Email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title Black and Gold Fabric.

4.  Yarn:  2 Mini Skeins of Yarn in purple and grey from Frabjous Fibers. They are pretty and I like the colors, so if Barb had a project planned for these, she can just forget about it. Email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title Mini Skeins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Ann

Help us by filling out our online survey

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

July 10, 2018

We hope you will take the time to help us and fill out the brief survey in the link featured here.

 

We are approaching the middle of summer and our area seems to have been slammed with a heat wave , heavy rains and floods. Hope to see the weather improve so that we can all enjoy some time outdoors!  Speaking of outdoors, if you are going to the Stitch N’ Pitch Pirates game on July 15th in Pittsburgh, share your photos with us on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages! We would love to see what you are stitching!

 

June Sweepstakes Winners:

 

Elegant Embroidery by Reiko Mori:  Lynn Plusa of Pittsburgh, PA

 

Floral Motifs to Remember by Reiko Mori:  Mary Kosis of Sewickley, PA

 

Visible Mending by Jenny Wilding Cardon:  Sarah Wong 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

New Dates and Location for 2019

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

May 23, 2018

 

 

 

We have exciting news. We are moving the location of the Festival. Throughout our 15 year journey we have sought out the very best venues to accommodate your requests and our growth. The Convention Center offered a lovely exhibition hall but we were faced with many other challenges in Downtown Pittsburgh. We have heard your suggestions and have decided to go back to our “roots”. For those of you who are newer to the Festival we spent many years in an intimate setting that a hotel provided.

 

Which is why we are pleased to announce our new location at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Greentree, PA. The dates for 2019 are March 15,16,17th. The hotel has many great benefits for guests to enjoy, all listed below:

 

  • Free parking
  • Free internet included in room cost
  • All classrooms, exhibit space, social areas and activities are on the 1st floor
  • 3 on-site restaurants, including mobile kiosks for Grab ‘n Go meals
  • Free airport shuttles
  • Free shuttles within 3 miles of the hotel
  • $125.00 room rate for Festival attendees
  • Fitness Center and Pool

To help us celebrate our new location, the DoubleTree by Hilton has graciously donated 3 free One Night Stay certificates. At this time we are giving away 1 of these prizes. Certificate is valid from 3-11-19 to 3-20-19. There will be a link added to our website for reservations at a future date, however, you can also call to book your stay for the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival by calling the hotel directly at 412-922-8400.

 

Free One Night Stay Sweepstakes:

Email your entry to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the subject line: DoubleTree. We will select a winner in our next newsletter.

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Greentree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Summertime!

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

June 20, 2018

Photo credit:  Brooklyn Haberdashery

 

We have just returned from the Annual Summer Market Trade Show – TNNA. What’s hot beside the weather?

Yarns, stitching and accessories galore graced every aisle. Thinner weight yarns seem to be trending and mohair is making a comeback, which is good for Barb. It’s always been her hands down favorite but many find it too itchy for their skin (Ann is one of those people!). Mohair, paired with other yarns, alternating every few rows into shawls and scarves is a perfect use giving your garments texture and dimension.

Many handbags and project bags were featured. Our favorite was a newcomer to TNNA, Brooklyn Haberdashery. They are a very eclectic, hip store with a variety of items for all needle work crafts. From knitting needle cases and stitch markers, to scissors, contemporary DIY kits, linen, felted and leather bags, natural dyed ribbons and fabric packs, vintage Japanese fabrics and the cutest little accessories for all stitchers and embroidery enthusiasts. Pictured above is one of the felt bags with a pom pom zipper pull that we bought for our mom.

Look for all of the latest new products at all of your local yarn and fabric stores by the end of summer.

 

With visible mending, embroidery and artful stitchery gracing jeans, sweaters, hats, dresses and blouses, the 3 books below are sure to be “must haves” for the latest techniques. It’s refreshing to see the mending craze taking hold and it brings back many memories from days gone by.

 

Elegant Embroidery and Floral Motifs to Embroider, both by celebrated artist Reiko Mori are 2 books that explore way beyond the boundaries of creativity!

 

The books were originally written in Japanese, Reiko’s native language. Intricate designs are featured with simple easy to follow instructions. The embroidery designs and patterns in the Elegant Embroidery book are relatively simple and self explanatory whereas the Floral Motifs are a little more challenging.

Teeny tiny gift boxes or boxes for your dresser are shown with seasonal designs, a floral selection, ceremonial, alphabet, bridal accessory designs and even some delicate lingerie and clothing patterns. In many cultures, learning from one teacher (master) is a preferred method rather than learning from a book. We’ll be sure to offer some trendy stitching classes next year.

 

Visible Mending by Jenny Wilding Cardon is the book that shows the latest techniques with over 150 photos and endless possibilities.

 

This is the book to inspire you to recreate your wardrobe. Jenny is a quilter and has been designing since her high school days. She is the author of The Little Box of Baby Quilts and she spends most of her time writing for Martingale’s Stitch This! blog. Whether it’s a rip in your jeans or a snag in your sweater, don’t toss it, mend it! Hand mending methods include boro, hand embroidery, patches darning and mending by machine. From traditional to hip and contemporary, this book is a great resource for beginners.

 

You are certain to find a few of your favorite things within the pages of these books. Enter below for a chance to win one!

 

June Sweepstakes:

 

Elegant Embroidery by Reiko Mori:  email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the subject title ELEGANT EMBROIDERY

 

Floral Motifs to Remember by Reiko Mori:  email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the subject title  FLORAL MOTIFS

 

Visible Mending by Jenny Wilding Cardon: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the subject title VISIBLE MENDING.

 

Winners be selected and announced in next newsletter.

 

 

 

Free One Night Stay Sweepstakes Winner:

Marti McKinley of Marlton, NJ is the lucky winner of 1 Free Night Stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton, our new location for 2019!

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Take Part in the Free Activities at the Festival!

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

January 29, 2018
 

Each year at the Festival, since it’s beginning 14 years ago, we have offered a free interactive activity for everyone to participate in. We now have a dedicated Maker Space with 3 free activities, a different one each day.  We also have the Creative Open Studio, a space for you to play all weekend long. This year we are putting a new spin on Fabric Slashing. With ongoing support from our sponsors, we provide machines for your use, materials and new ideas, all included in the price of your admission ticket.

 

This year one of the activities we are offering (all day Saturday) is a Hexie Fabric Pin, hosted by the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild. We are pleased to have the participation of the talented and creative ladies from the guild show you how to use the English paper piecing technique to make fabric pins. We’ll provide all of the materials and you’ll leave with a new pin and the skills to make more at home. If you have some favorite fabric scraps, 3-6 inches in size, that you would like to make into a pin, you are welcome to bring it to incorporate with the fabrics we provide.

 

 

4 of the members of the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild are also teaching sewing, quilting and color classes at the Festival this year including:

 

 

Sweepstakes Giveaway:

 

We are giving away a book this newsletter.

Scrappy and Happy Quilts, Limited Palette, tons of fun by Kate Henderson.

 

 

 

 

To register please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the Title SCRAPPY AND HAPPY by Feb. 11th, 2018.

 

Sweepstake Winners:

 

 

The 2 winners of the Knitted bead necklaces from Jenny Tabrum are:

Sandra Davis of Toledo, Ohio

Jennifer Fry of Mount Airy, Maryland

Pamper Yourself at the Festival!

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

January 21, 2018

 

After a long day of classes, playing, talking, walking  and shopping, take some time to treat yourself at our specially planned Saturday evening event:

Pamper Yourself.

Relax, unwind and enjoy a variety of gentle and soothing activities designed with YOU in mind. Enjoy light refreshments and satisfy your sweet tooth with a Fondue bar, tea and coffee.

 

Your evening ticket includes:

 

  • Fondue bar and beverages
  • An opportunity to try some new organic body products in a relaxed atmosphere
  • Experience pure essential oils
  • Indulge in mini foot therapy sessions
  • Restorative mini chair massages
  • Gentle seated mini yoga sessions
  • Intro Zentangle sessions
  • and you’ll have the chance to spin for additional prizes on the Color Wheel!

Also part of the evenings activities is a Wild Legging Contest hosted by Jenny Tabrum and Lularoe. Jenny will be onsite with leggings in her booth and will donate a pair to 3 lucky winners who attend the evening. Plan to wear your wildest leggings on Saturday night. They can be store purchased, hand made, recycled, embellished, anything goes!!

 

Purchase your tickets for the Pamper Yourself Eveninghere!

 

Sweepstake Giveaways:

 

 

We have 2 of Jenny’s necklaces to give away to 2 people who have signed up for or sign up for the Pamper evening this by January 26, 2018.  Winners will be announced in next newsletter.  The image above does not represent exact colors of the necklace you will receive.

 

Sweepstakes Winners:
Last newsletter included 3 colorful giveaways for 3 lucky winners who signed up for the Luncheon.  Winners selected are:
  • A Package of 24 Variegated Cotton Embroidery Floss – Sharon Keith of Marietta, OH
  • 4 Colorful Skeins of Lion Brand 100% Cotton Yarn (Magenta, Jade, Lilac and Ecru) – Lois Rosenberger of Quakertown, PA
  • 9 Color Fat Quarters (Red, Orange, Yellows, Blues, Green, Lilac and Pink Shades) – Valerie Wampler of Ellicott City, MD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

April 6,7,8th, 2018

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com

Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival
Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival
P.O. Box 7706
Pittsburgh, PA 15215

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Festival Special Event! Color Themed Workshop for all interests

       View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives     

January 13, 2018

 

Start your Festival weekend off with a fun, interactive, color workshop and lunch. Join Julie Stunden, a multi-media artist who teaches color theory to artists, architects and interior designers, as she takes you on a journey through the color wheel. You’ll receive a Pocket Color Wheel as a gift and a goodie bag too, based on your interest: fabric, yarn, etc. Take part in a fun, interactive luncheon workshop as Julie helps you to realize what colors mean for each of us and what colors might make you feel better! It will be a great way to start the weekend and help you break out of the traditional color choices you make. Also try your hand at making a block print on a variety of beautiful hand-dyed fabrics for a personalized square to include on your garments, pillows, wearables. Block printing intro will be presented by Jody and Addie Best from the Confluence Art Center.
Your Luncheon includes:
  • An opportunity to bypass registration lines and be the 1st ones on the market floor!
  • A Color Workshop
  • Goody Bag and a Pocket Color Wheel
  • A chance to spin the Color Wheel for additional fabulous prizes: Sweaters, garments, accessories, gift-cards, fabrics, yarns, books, all provided by our sponsors
  • A personalized color block print
Boxed Luncheon choices:
  • Turkey and Cheddar on a croissant
  • Tuna on a croissant
  • Each lunch box also includes chips, a cookie and your choice of bottled water, soda, juice or iced tea.

Click here to register for the luncheon!

Sweepstakes Giveaways:
This newsletter we are including 3 colorful giveaways for 3 lucky winners who have signed up for the Luncheon OR register for the luncheon in the next week.  Winners will be announced in the next newsletter!
Prizes include:
  • A Package of 24 Variegated Cotton Embroidery Floss

 

 

  • 9 Colorful Fat Quarters (Red, Orange, Yellows, Blues, Green, Lilac and Pink shades)

  • 4 Colorful Skeins of Lion Brand 100% Cotton Yarn (Magenta, Jade, Lilac and Ecru)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
       Connect with us!

 

I

April 6,7,8th, 2018

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

This message was sent to annsz@live.com from pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com

Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival
Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival
P.O. Box 7706
Pittsburgh, PA 15215

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –