All posts by : pkcf1

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

Happy New Year!

The Holidays were joyful and quiet, thankfully, no big bangs, or surprises in our household.
My sister Ann and I have been trying to keep up with the flurry of registrations coming in. Some classes are beginning to fill, with one full already. As classes fill, we will note that they are full on the web pages, so please be certain to check the website, even if you are mailing in a form.

We know that everyone is excited for the opportunity to meet #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber, as well as see our other favorites. We have posted Debbie’s public appearance and book signing schedule here.

Many of our sponsors have responded to support the Festival, as well as some new companies. They will be providing samples and gifts for our attendees at the Fashion Show, the Private Luncheon and Private Dinner with Debbie, as well as prizes and giveaways at the door:

• AslanTrends
• Berroco
  
• Claudia’s Hand Painted Yarns
  
• Lion Brand Yarns
• Martingale Press
• Tahki Stacy Charles

We look forward to seeing their garments displayed at the Revolving Trunk Show or at the Fashion Show. We’ll keep you posted with additional companies as they come in and where to look for them.

As for the January book review and giveaway, we’re doing something special with that on our Facebook and Ravelry Group pages on Jan. 8. Stay tuned!

Last but not least, Ann and I have been working on a new event that will make its debut this August: The Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival! If you’d like to sign up to receive information about this event, please click here.

With Warm Regards,

Barb

Our new sponsors at Martingale have sent this book for one lucky winner. HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Jan. 15, 2014, with the subject line of “All About Knitting.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

We’ll also have a second January book review and giveaway, announced on our Facebook, Twitter and Ravelry Group pages on Jan. 8. Stay tuned!

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2014 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

Navigating the registration process

We’re finding that a few people are experiencing some confusion when using our new Festival registration system. While it’s hardly as plagued as the Affordable Healthcare Act’s website rollout(!), as with any new system, there are bound to be a few issues … many of which we can hopefully avoid for you by sharing these tips:

• Before making your selections, please take the time to read through ALL of the information, classes and events, so that you’re not sending in multiple registration forms.
  
• When sending in your class preferences, please be sure to send in and pay for admission tickets that correspond with the day/s you plan to attend. You will NOT be signed up for any class without an admission ticket. Please also indicate any free activities that you plan to attend.
• If you DO overlook a class or free event on your form, and would like to add them, please indicate in the space provided on the PayPal cart. Just make it a note to me, with special instructions, the extra names, etc. For example, if you are paying admission and classes for you and a friend, please include the friend’s name on PayPal comments box. If you can, also in that box please let me know if this is your second or third form, so I can match everything up.
• If you have received a gift certificate or have a discount coupon for any classes, you MUST send in a mail-in form. PayPal is not set up to take coupons or discounts.
  

I hope this makes it easier to navigate, and I apologize for any inconveniences encountered. Don’t forget, gift certificates are available in any denomination to give as a gift for Christmas … as long as we receive the order prior to Dec. 20. Thanks, and see you in March!

With Warm Regards,

Barb

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

It’s Festival registration time!

Whew, Festival registration is open and the web page is done. If you catch any mistakes, please let us know. It was a huge task because of all the new information, new format, and activities taking place this year. With the new payment options: Please remember, you need to purchase an admission pass in order to attend any classes. You can still download the registration form if you prefer to send it in via mail.

We will be adding information as it comes in, our sponsors, authors, schedule, etc., so please keep reading the newsletters.

Here’s just some of what you can look forward to at the March 2014 Festival:

• Debbie Macomber is coming! We are offering two special opportunities to spend more time with Debbie: the Private VIP Dinner with Debbie Macomber and the Private VIP Luncheon with Debbie as the keynote speaker. She will also be on hand to sign books, mingle and share her stories.
  
• Lily Chin returns to share her knowledge and many talents with classes on Friday (afternoon and evening), Saturday (morning and afternoon), and Sunday morning.
• Nicky Epstein also returns with a VIP Kick Off the Weekend Fashion Show and Luncheon on Friday. Nicky will also be presenting a beautiful 18-inch doll display at her booths. Remember the Barbie exhibit from a few years ago? We can’t wait to see what she brings this time.
• StevenBe returns as our favorite PJ Party host. This year, we are featuring a contest for the Top 10 Ravelry Designs. Plan to bring your version of the shawl patterns featured. Steven will also have his fantastic booth and be a frequent rep at the Revolving Trunk Show, where you can see many of our sponsors garments, try things on and see a wide range of accompanying yarns. He will also have a special gift for his favorite shawl.
  

New this year: If you purchase one of our VIP packages, your three-day Admission Pass and Revolving Trunk Show Pass are included.

My family and I thank each and every one of you for your continued support of this Festival.

With Warm Regards,
Barb

A very special December Sweepstakes: “Connected” Kit

To help us kick off our Festival registration, and to celebrate the event’s tenth year, Kathy Zimmerman and our longtime sponsor Kraemer Yarns have paired up to offer a Sweater Kit: Kathy’s “Connected” pattern, a kit project bag, and 11 skeins of Kraemer’s Alpaca Knitting Yarn, a lovely blend of alpaca and merino yarn, in a creamy white… wow, what a fantastic gift!

“Connected” was featured last year at our evening celebration when we honored Kathy with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Its title is meant to reflect on all of the connections we have made in the last 10 years at the Festival, and she would like to share it with us. Kathy will be in her usual space (Booths 2-3); Kraemer Yarns’ Eleanor Swogger will be in Kathy’s booth and teaching multiple classes during the Festival.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Jan. 1, 2014, with the subject line of “Connected Kit.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

Barb’s book review: A Knitter’s Gallery of Mitered Squares,

by Jane Bigelow and Jill Bigelow-Suttell

The talented mother-daughter duo of Jane Bigelow and Jill Bigelow-Suttell have been teaching and exhibiting with us since our second year. I am pleased to announce the publication of their first book, A Knitter’s Gallery of Mitered Squares: 45 Unique Designs in Color, Texture and Lace.

I was honored to receive a proof copy, which I have been nose deep in for days! It’s a very cleverly designed book, with one page each dedicated to one square, with the knitted piece on the left and the corresponding chart to the square on the right. With 45 designs shown, there is no shortage of ideas for any level knitter.

This book can almost serve as a dictionary for mitered squares, it is so thorough. “It is clear, concise, well organized and easy to follow,” say the reviews. I agree, the explanations are simple and easy to understand, with a step-by-step, how-to guide in the beginning of the book.

The photos are very sharp and simple, making it easy to study the detailed work. There are tips on how to resize, and four projects offered in the back section of the book.

With the knowledge of how to make mitered squares, the possibilities are endless. Over the years, I have seen Jane and Jill in every garment imaginable made from mitered squares: skirts, dresses, vests, sweaters, shawls, capelets… and you can make table runners, handbags and more with this technique.

The e-book version, available on the authors’ B-ewe-Tiful.com website, is raising the funds needed to pay for the printing. Anyone purchasing the e-book now will receive an invitation to purchase the print book for just $8. Jane and Jill will have a booth at the Festival and, of course, will be teaching classes.

Handmade Arcade is Saturday in Pittsburgh

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop has a wonderful feature story on Handmade Arcade (and their own 10th anniversary) on TribLIVE.com. Barb is planning to attend the Dec. 7 daylong, free event, and to get much of her holiday shopping done there.

Learn more at HandmadeArcade.com.

November sweepstakes winners announced

For Gwen W. Steege’s new book KNIT Christmas Stockings, one of two sweepstakes last month, Sharon Jones of Hollsopple, PA, was the randomly drawn winner. The other winner is Vina McLeod Rudolph of Indiana, PA, who receives two skeins of AslanTrends Lecco yarn. Congratulations to both!

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

Festival Registration is OPEN!

The 10th Annual Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival takes place March 14, 15 and 16, 2014. In addition to the exhibitor floor and the quality classes you’ve come to know and expect from the Festival, we are celebrating our anniversary with several celebrity guests and special events, including:

• New York Times and USA Today No. 1 bestselling author Debbie Macomber will be signing books and appearing at two very special receptions during the Festival: a VIP Private Luncheon with Debbie and a VIP Private Dinner with Debbie.
• New York runway designer Lily Chin returns as a Featured Teacher.
• Nicky Epstein will kick off the Festival Weekend with the Nicky Epstein Fashion Show and Luncheon. She will also feature a new doll display, sharing her collection of 18-inch dolls in a variety of knit and crochet patterns that she designed for her new pair of books.
• Steven “StevenBe” Berg returns to emcee the Festival’s wildly popular Pajama Party, as well as its hotly anticipated Top 10 Ravelry Design contest.
• The Revolving Trunk Show returns for a second year, due to popular demand.
• As a nod to the Festival’s educational roots, the Author Area will feature several industry authors for book signings.
• And much, much more!

Register today at www.pghknitandcrochet.com. We’ll have our regular newsletter later this week with a sweepstakes and more news.

With Warm Regards,
Barb

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

It’s that time of year…

We had a lovely time at Bedford Springs Knittreat. There was lots of knitting, sharing stories, laughing and fun times that will create fond memories for years to come. More photos, like the one at left that features Chris Bavola and Kathy Zimmerman, are online on on Facebook page.

We are grateful to all of the gifts we were sent to make this a very special event. We have some extra AslanTrends yarn for this month’s giveaway from the retreat; see below for details.

We are excited to announce the Exhibitor page and the Teacher page for the 2014 Festival are now live on our website. Check out your favorite yarn suppliers, their new locations and all of our new vendors, all of whom we will be featuring in future newsletters. Many of our teachers are returning, as well as some new ones. In December, we will review a book by two of our favorite teachers, the mother-and-daughter duo of Jane and Jill Bigelow.

It’s also “that time of year” when everyone is thinking about the perfect holiday gifts. We have a book to give away with many gift ideas, and don’t forget we have T-shirts and gift certificates. T-shirts that are ordered by Dec. 1 will arrive in time for Christmas. Gift certificates can be ordered at any time, in any denomination, and can be used toward classes, admission or special events packages at the 2014 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival.

Special-event packages will be announced when registration opens, but to give you an idea, we will be featuring a Kick Off the Weekend Fashion Show with Nicky Epstein, a Private Dinner and a Private Luncheon with No. 1 New York TImes and USA Today Best-selling Author Debbie Macomber… and more! Stay tuned, details will be in the next issue of Festival Update.

With Warm Regards,

Barb

Barb’s book review and giveaway: KNIT Christmas Stockings

“It’s that time of year” when everyone is getting into the Holiday spirit. Everywhere I go, it is decorated for the holidays. It seems to get earlier every year! Have you heard your first Christmas song of the season? I have, and I must admit it’s a little too soon for me. But it’s not too early to be starting to make some gifts.

For those who are looking for some creative gift-making ideas, we have a special book to help you with some heirloom gifts for all ages: The second edition of KNIT Christmas Stockings:19 Patterns for Stockings & Ornaments. Edited by Gwen W. Steege, this is the perfect little book for anyone who is looking for a quick easy, “keeper” gift for your friends, relatives and business associates. Stockings are a great place to start for those who have been intimidated by making socks. It uses the same principles as sock knitting, and the various designs in the book make it a fun way to accessorize a sock.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per prize, per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Dec. 1, 2013, with the subject line of “KNIT Christmas Stockings.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

Imperial Yarns chosen for Olympics Sweaters

This video had us tearing up, it’s that inspiring! Congratulations to our friends at Imperial Yarns and Kraemer Yarns for their involvement with Ralph Lauren’s beautiful sweaters for the 2014 U.S. Olympics athletes. Watch it here on YouTube.

Bonus giveaway: AslanTrends Yarns

We had many ideas come up with what to use this yarn for… including slouchy hats, cowls, and boot toppers. This yarn is as soft as can be, and would make an excellent baby blanket, sweater or could be used for any baby accessories; 2 skeins of Lecco, 100 percent cotton, dye lot 3446. You can go to AslanTrends’s website for other pattern ideas.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per prize, per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Dec. 1, 2013, with the subject line of “AslanTrends.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

October sweepstakes winners announced

For the Bryson Distributing needle set sweepstakes last month, Christina Cordle of Moon Township, PA, was the randomly drawn winner. In addition, Grace Abbruzzese of Zelienople, PA, was the randomly drawn winner of Kristi Simpson’s Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet book. Congratulations to both!

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

Counting the days until
Bedford Springs Knittreat

We have been busy sorting yarns, yarns and more yarns… as well as books and giveaways for the Bedford Springs Knittreat. Our Sponsors (including, from top, AslanTrends, Holiday Yarns Dye Studio and SpaceCadet Creations) sent a lovely assortment of yarns, and we’ll have some extra gifts that you will see in upcoming newsletters and in this issue.

Jim Bryson, from Bryson Distributing sent four sets of bamboo needles, complete with a beautiful fabric case. We have three to give away at the Knittreat and one to give away to a Festival Update reader (see later in this issue for details)!

With such a broad selection of needles being manufactured, there are so many choices: Addi’s, aluminum, plastic, acrylic, straight, squares, rounds and various woods. Wooden needles, according to the Waldorf method, is best suited for young people learning how to knit or crochet. Wood is a natural material and is warm when handled. With the holidays just around the corner, the bamboo needle set would be a perfect gift for anyone.

Our Feltloom studio play date is tomorrow (Oct. 17). We have space if your schedule opens up last minute. We’ll be at Terri Stramba’s farm at 1 p.m. for about two or three hours. Just show up if you can make it! Her address is: 2331 Chewton Wurtenburg Rd. Wampum, PA 16157. She is approximately 45 minutes north of the Four Points Sheraton where the Festival is held. If you are unable to attend, you can look forward to working with different Feltloom models that we will have at the Festival.

With Warm Regards,

Barb

Barb’s book review and giveaway: Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet

As you may already know, I personally do not crochet… but I understand the concept, and my daughter Sarah likes to crochet. We both took a look at the book Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet by Kristi Simpson, RAKJ Patterns. Our first reaction to the book was “awww”! It looks as if Kristi teamed up with Anne Geddes, the famous photographer who published many baby books years ago.

The infants here are nestled in crocheted pea pods, in baskets, and in yarn cocoons. The babies are wearing the most adorable hats — a moose hat, a puppy hat, an owl hat, elephant ears hat (the cover photo) and Gatsby-style hats.

Kristi also offers blanket ideas, clothing patterns and not-too-often-seen clothes for boys. All too often, clothing for boys can be stiff and uncomfortable. The boy outfits found in this book are sure to let the little rompers move and play with ease.

Kristi has written clear, step-by-step instructions. She makes recommendations for yarns, and the pictures are as sweet as can be.
Although the use of yarns is always debatable, and a personal preference, many people prefer not to use acrylics for babies. Acrylics are easy for wash and wear, and there are many soft acrylics; however, when choosing a yarn for winter wear and for the very young, don’t forget the many superwash merinos that are perfect for baby use. They do not felt when thrown into the washing machine, making them a good choice for a newborn.

Cottons are another good choice, which Kristi frequently suggests in the book. Bamboos, alpaca, corn, milk or soy-based yarns are also good choices if you are uncertain whether baby will have a wool allergy. One yarn not to use for infants, though, is angora. I was told years ago by an angora breeder that the fibers are too long, and shed, and can potentially present a choking hazard. Regardless of whether this is an old wives’ tale, I would err on the side of caution and not use angora for a very little child. As we know, children have a tendency to put everything into their mouths!

Kristi is a young mother of five children, I don’t know when she finds time to crochet, much less write a book, but a nice comment from her: ” buying cute clothes and hats that your baby will outgrow in just a few months is an indulgence not everyone can afford.” Many of the items are so quick and easy to make, maybe this is the perfect way to unwind after a whole day with five young children.
We have one book for a sweepstakes giveaway this issue, and we’ll have another copy at the Bedford Springs Knittreat for a second giveaway.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per prize, per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Nov. 1, 2013, with the subject line of “Sweet & Simple Baby Crochet.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

Bonus giveaway: Bryson Distributing Needle Set

Thanks go to Jim Bryson and the team at Bryson Distributing for generously donating this set, complete with case, for a lucky reader!

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per prize, per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Nov. 1, 2013, with the subject line of “Bryson Distributing Needle Set.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

September sweepstakes winners announced

For the Annie’s Crafts sweepstakes last month, Nancy Powell of Slippery Rock, PA, was the randomly drawn winner of Karen McKenna‘s Elegant, Fashionable, Chic Accessories to Crochet book, while Barb Wudkwych of Hickory, PA, was the randomly drawn winner of Kim Guzman‘s Learn Drop Stitch Crochet book. Then for Kraemer Yarns’ Perfection skeins, Jeannette Wakim, Wheeling, WV, was the randomly drawn winner. Congratulations to all!

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

2014 Festival continues to take shape

We still have lots to do before the Festival takes place next spring, but here are a couple of updates:

1. Thanks to Terri Stramba at Stramba Farm Alpacas and More, we’ve finished some beautiful felted centerpieces for the dinner and luncheons at the Festival. In fact, we are planning a return visit to Terri’s farm on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m. for a studio play date. We’ll continue to make more centerpieces for two luncheons and a dinner.

2. We’ll have a private dinner and a luncheon with our VERY special guest, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

3. We’re preparing a special charity event involving the donation of 18-inch dolls and handmade outfits for them. Now’s a great time to check your yarn stash so you can start knitting or crocheting the outfits. If you’re fresh out of 18-inch doll patterns, may we suggest Nicky Epstein’s latest two books, which we reviewed in the Aug. 7 issue. We’ll keep you updated with participating yarn stores and drop-off locations. Nicky will feature a full doll display with the dolls dressed in all of the outfits from both books. Remember her Barbie Display at the 2011 Festival? This promises to be just as fun!

4. A Kick Off the Festival Weekend Fashion Show & Luncheon is in the works. Details next issue…

With Warm Regards,

Barb

More shopping opportunities at Knittreat!

If you were unable to sign up for our Knittreat event taking place Nov. 7-8-9-10, but live near the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, we invite you to stop into the Market Friday and Saturday (Nov. 8-9) from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Kathy’s Kreations, Soft n’ Sassy and Embroidered for You will have an assortment of yarns, kits and accessories available.

Barb’s yarn review: Perfection

Kraemer Yarns, also known as Kraemer Textiles, sits proudly on Main Street in Nazareth, PA. Just as their website states, it’s a “living, breathing testament to small-town Americana — spinning dozens of varieties of yarn from natural and synthetic fibers that will become lovingly crafted handmade items. We’re working hard to keep up with the rapidly growing demand for quality yarn.”

We have had a longstanding relationship with Kraemer Yarns. I have come to know their yarns and their staff members, and they are, in a nutshell, reliable, kind and trustworthy!

Eleanor Swogger is one of those people who has been involved with us for years. She has taught many of your favorite classes at the Festival, and Kraemer has always provided the yarn for the students Eleanor is teaching. She will be teaching the Slip Stitch Sampler Pillowcase at this year’s fall Knittreat at Bedford Springs. Kraemer will provide the yarn for the class, and they’ve sent me their latest yarns to review:

Perfection is not a new line, it has been a tried-and-true Kraemer yarn for as long as I can recall. What is new, though, are Perfection Super Bulky and Tapas!

Perfection Super Bulky (Yarn Weight #6) is a blend of domestic merino and acrylic. It is a soft, easy-care wool blend that won’t break the bank. Perfection Super Bulky is soft, but balanced with six plies and enjoyable to knit or crochet. It is very comfortable against the skin. It is great for quick projects such as hats, scarves, jackets, and some home decor. This weight of Perfection is available in a wide range of colors, with many more colors available in the near future. I personally see this as the “perfect” yarn for those oversized cowls that are so popular.

Perfection Tapas is a worsted-weight blend of domestic merino and acrylic. It is another soft, easy-care wool blend from Kraemer that won’t break the bank. The merino wool makes this blend one of the softest around. It is very comfortable against the skin and there is a wide range of colors, the most recent are the” tweedy” ones.

The Perfection yarns work up well and are consistent. I have a skein of Super Bulky (April Shower) and one skein of Tapas (Arugula) for one lucky winner.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Oct. 15, 2013, with the subject line of “Perfection Yarn.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update, along with the winners from our Sept. 3 sweepstakes (which by the way, runs until Oct. 1! Check it out here!).

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC

View online | Subscribe | Visit us online | Archives

Barb is relaxing at the beach

While the summer is winding down, and the kids are back in school, we are relaxing on the beach in Virginia. It’s one final week of R&R until we dive full swing into final plans for the Fall Bedford Springs Knittreat and continue with plans for the Festival.

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to Stramba Farm Alpacas and More with a friend and my sister Ann for an afternoon of studio play. Not only did Terri Stramba give us a full tour of the mill, we worked with the feltloom, making centerpieces for the dinner and luncheons for the Festival. You can see photos from our day that Ann posted to our Facebook page, including the friendly alpaca pictured at left!

At the Festival, there will be an opportunity for you to play on the feltloom, too. We will have a full size loom there, and a free project for you to make on it. The possibilities are endless, from one-of-a-kind jackets, coats and scarves to creative artwork for your home.

We are planning another afternoon studio play day within the next couple weeks. Please let me know if you would like to join us. We’ll have space for about 10 in the group.

With Warm Regards,

Barb

A Fair in the Park takes place this weekend

A Fair in the Park takes place Sept. 6, 7, 8 at Pittsburgh’s Mellon Park. This free event is 45 years old, and features a variety of crafters from across the country. There is music, food and lots of shade in the park. Several of our Festival teachers and vendors showcase their items at the Fair, so be sure to stop by and see them if you can!

Barb’s yarn review: Rimu

I have finally had a chance to review another yarn I picked up in June at TNNA from Zealana. Rimu is a yarn made from the New Zealand brushtail possum.

Yes, possum. I realize that the immediate visual most of us have is that dead critter by the side of the road, but this isn’t the same animal at all! New Zealand’s brushtail possum yarn is as soft as merino, but without any itch associated with some animals. The Rimu is a blend of NZ fine merino and brushtail possum. It’s evenly spun, does not split, works up well and is very soft. It is the perfect yarn for every project on your list, from sweaters to small projects. The yarn comes in a variety of beautiful colors and is machine washable.

Using the possum is actually a form of management for the species’ overpopulation. According to information taken from Zealana’s website: “Since its introduction to New Zealand by fur traders in the late 19th century, the non-native brushtail possum population has reached staggering proportions, largely because of the lack of natural predators that would otherwise maintain an ecological balance. The consequences of their rapidly increasing numbers are many, including damaging impacts on New Zealand’s native flora and fauna.”

Consider that New Zealand’s human population is 4.4 million, and its possum population is 70 million! And that every 24 hours, these animals consume 21,000 metric tons of grass and plants.

Zealana is committed to the responsible management of the brushtail possum in New Zealand. So when you choose their yarns, you’re choosing to be part of their sustainability story.

TWO Sweepstakes Prizes, courtesy of Annie’s Crafts

This month, we have two crochet pattern books from Annie’s Crafts:

If you’re looking for a great booklet that covers the basics, try Elegant, Fashionable, Chic Accessories to Crochet by Karen McKenna. It covers six
Unique Accessory sets made using fingering, sport and worsted weight yarns.

For more advanced crocheters, there’s Learn Drop Stitch Crochet by Kim Guzman. The booklet explains a unique crochet technique made by using a crochet hook and a single knitting needle!

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per person per prize, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Oct. 1, 2013, with the subject line of either “Crochet Accessories” OR “Drop Stitch Crochet.” Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The two winners will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

Sweepstakes winners announced

Beth Kuzma of Erie, PA, was the randomly drawn winner of the Nicky Epstein Knits for Dolls book, while Ruth Glass of Cranberry Township, PA, was the randomly drawn winner of the Nicky Epstein Crochet for Dolls book. Congratulations to them both!

Festival Update is published by

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet

P.O. Box 7706, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 / (412) 963-7030

We do not share our mailing list with any third party.

© 2013 Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

eNews designed by Gooch & Gooch, LLC