Our Gift to You!

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December 11, 2019

With the Holidays rapidly approaching, we wanted to offer a Holiday Giveaway for 4 Lucky People (a special treat – just for you!!)

The 1st giveaway is a Free One Night Stay for one person at the DoubleTree by Hilton the weekend of the Festival. We will randomly select a winner for the Hotel night from all registrations sent in by December 23, 2019 and announce the winner in the next newsletter. So, if you have not made any class selections, you can do so now and be eligible for the automatic entry to win a Free Night Stay! If you have already registered for classes (by mail in or online), you are automatically eligible to win.

 

The 2nd giveaway is for Yarn Lovers:

An assorted bundle of Yarn from our sponsors.

 

The 3rd giveaway is for Sewers, Quilters and Fabric Lovers:

An assorted bundle of Fabrics from our sponsors.

 

The 4th giveaway is a Book for Makers:

Making, Volume #6, Black and White, with projects for Knit, Sew, Embroider, Crochet, Quilt and More!

 

Happy Holidays and Good luck!

 

Please see details below to enter the Sweepstakes Giveways.

 

Sweepstakes Giveaways:

 

1. Free One Night Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton:

No need to email us, your preregistration qualifies you to enter.

 

2. Yarn Lovers Bundles: 

email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the subject line: Yarn Bundles

 

3. Fabric Lovers Bundles:

email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the subject line: Fabric Bundles

 

4. Book for Makers:

email pghknitandcrochet@gmail with the subject line: Making #6

 

Stuck on Gift Ideas for the Holidays? Don’t forget the favorite crafter on your list and get them a Gift Certificate (valid for admission and classes).

 

Make sure to reserve your room at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA. $115.00 Room block rate.  Stay the weekend, have fun at the Saturday Night Block Party and catch up with old friends and new!

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Registration for 2020 Festival is Open!!!

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November 27, 2019

It is time to register for the 16th Annual Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival, March 20,21,22,2020.

Don’t miss out on exciting new classes, new teachers, the vibrant marketplace and more!

New this year:

 

To avoid any congestion at registration and to insure you have adequate time to get to your classes, we will be mailing out advanced registration packets to all attendees who register for classes.

Your completed advanced registration should include:

  • Admission tickets (# of days attending)–
  • Classes
  • Address: Please keep in mind that the address you provide us with online is the address we will use to mail your Advanced registration packet. This applies only to attendees registering for classes.
  • New Marketplace Hours:​
    • ​​Friday, March 20: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    • Saturday, March 21: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    • Sunday, March 22: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM

READY, SET, GO!!!  Register now and reserve a space for your favorite class or with your favorite teacher, space is limited.

 

 

 

 

 

Stuck on Gift Ideas for the Holidays? Don’t forget the favorite crafter on your list and get them a Gift Certificate (valid for admission and classes).

 

Make sure to reserve your room at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA. $115.00 Room block rate.  Stay the weekend, have fun at the Saturday Night Block Party and catch up with old friends and new!

 

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

 

 

Sweepstakes Giveaway Winners:

 

Layers, 19 Knit Projects to Fit, Flatter and Drape by Kristin Omdahl.  Lisa Simpson of Pittsburgh, PA

 

Layers, 18 Crochet Projects to Fit, Flatter and Drape by Kristin Omdahl.  Kathie Duso of Apollo, PA

 

Tips for Quilters, A Handbook of Hints…by Rachel T. Pellman.  Heather Bryda of Carlisle, PA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Sneak Peek at 2020 Teachers!

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October 24, 2019

We have made all of our class selections. While we post all of the class information to the web pages to prepare for registration opening next month, we have the teacher page ready for you to preview.  Check them out HERE!

Something new for 2020!

Each time we have moved to a new location, it presented new challenges and we are never quite sure what those are until after the first year. We know that all of you loved the DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree location and so did we.

We realize that check in at the registration area was tight and we have come up with a way to make life easier and eliminate waiting in line for those who have preregistered for classes.

Next year, we will be mailing out your complete registration packet so that you can skip the lines entirely and go straight to your classroom. Please note that this will only apply to those who are taking classes and have completed and prepaid for their entire registration. More details to follow.

 

We have some new books to review and each will be given as a Sweepstakes Giveaway. See details below to enter.

 

Yarn Lovers:

Kristin Omdahl, a long time friend, has published 2 new books, one for crochet and one for knitting enthusiasts.

Layers, 19 Knit Projects to Fit, Flatter and Drape

Layers, 18 Crochet Projects to Fit, Flatter and Drape

 

Both of the books are well written with easy to follow steps, instructions on how to read patterns and charts as well as links to a library of stitch video podcasts.

Both books feature stylish garments and accessories for every occasion.

Her attention to detail is impeccable and her use of color is striking and she even makes recommendations on the correct care of your garments. Our very favorite teacher, Robyn Chachula is the editor of the Crochet book.

Kristin has signed both copies and each one is available for a giveaway.

 

Quilt Lovers:

Tips for Quilters, A Handbook of Hints, Shortcuts and Practical Suggestions from Experienced Quilters by Rachel T. Pellman.

 

In this book there are hundreds of time-saving tips and suggestions for every level of quilting and sewing enthusiasts, from people across the country. The tips featured are those that maybe your Grandma or a seasoned sewist might have passed along to you to prevent you from making these same mistakes.

Some of the tips included are: Tips for Doing Applique, Making Templates, Marking Fabrics, Tools of the Trade, Removing Spots, Planning Color Layout, Binding Quilt, Making Knots, Sore Fingers and many more categories. This book is a must have for everyone who has ever picked up a needle and thread!

An additional tip: (my favorite):  If I must eat chocolate while quilting, I eat M & M’s, from Holtsville, NY. (maybe because they don’t melt in your hand!)

 

Sweepstakes Giveaways:

 

Layers, 19 Knit Projects to Fit, Flatter and Drape by Kristin Omdahl. Please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: KNIT LAYERS

 

Layers, 18 Crochet Projects to Fit, Flatter and Drape by Kristin Omdahl.  Please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: CROCHET LAYERS

 

Tips for Quilters, A Handbook of Hints…by Rachel T. Pellman. Please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: TIPS FOR QUILTERS

 

All winners will be selected and announced in the next newsletter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Autumn is Here!

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September 18, 2019

Fall has arrived and you wouldn’t know it! The weather continues to be hot and we know many of you are itching to get started on your fall and winter projects. We also have our fall work lined up for us and we fell slightly behind with keeping you up to date in August. Many of you knew our mother, Irene Kierski. She came to all of the festivals except the last few due to her physical limitations and health. She traveled with us the last couple of years to some regional and local shows. Even though she was no longer able to knit, crochet or stitch, she enjoyed the beautiful colors seen on the show floors and appreciated the work of our hands in the exhibition halls. Our mom passed away in August. She taught us many good lessons in life, among them, to appreciate the beauty of simplicity. Whether a hand made sweater, a quilted bed cover, an embroidered pillowcase or a lace handkerchief, she showed us the value of an item made by hand with love is an item to treasure.

 

We know that each and every one of you who works with their hands appreciates a gift made from a loved one, no matter how small. Keep on stitching, knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning and know that your work is more valuable than a pot of gold!

 

Fall is the time for Festivals, markets, fairs and shows. Some of the fall shows are included in our travel plans. We attend them to keep fresh, get new ideas, seek out new instructors and exhibitors to enhance the Festival in March.

 

There is no shortage of regional shows to attend in the upcoming weeks:

 

 

 

Fall is also the time when we begin making our final class selections. We also love taking walks when the weather starts to cool and enjoying the splendor of the autumn colors.

Sweepstakes Giveaways Winners:

 

One Skein of Berroco Aurora Borealis: Maryann Tarr of Pittsburgh, PA

 

One Skein of Lang Mohair Luxe yarn: Jeannie Turney of Girard, OH

 

One 5″ Embroidery Hoop and Hand Dyed Fabrics: Rose Weber of Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

What’s coming this Fall

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July 24, 2019

We’ve been traveling to some of the industry trade shows to see what’s coming this fall.

 

Yarns:

Gradient tonals and solids are making a comeback. Self striping and hand dyed yarns are here to stay but we’ll see some softer gradients making their way back to the shelves.

Mohair is back, that thin wispy yarn that is light as a feather and perfectly suitable for every lacy accessory. You’ll see it in every color under the sun and in a variety of variegated colors too, with blends of alpaca, wool and nylon making them loftier and more lustrous. Thick and chunky yarns will still be part of your fall selection. They’re softer, easy to work with and great for quick or large projects.

 

I have one skein of Berroco’s Aurora Borealis to give away and a skein of Lang Mohair Luxe as well.  See below for details to register for the sweepstakes.

 

Fabrics and Stitching:

Sustainability is the key to some upcoming fabric trends. With the continued innovation of seamless fabric runs and small textile production, the fall fabrics feature small and large geometrics, organic, large bold florals alongside small scale prints. There will be a trend towards mixing all of those patterns and fabrics. Simple as well as complex textural designs will complete finished quilt tops, with sashiko, boro and slow stitching techniques becoming the perfect tool for a throwback to a simpler, mindful lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

I have one 5 inch embroidery hoop and an assortment of hand dyed fabrics for one lucky winner.  See below for details to register for the sweepstakes.

 

We have begun to accept class submissions for the the Festival in March 2020 and are finalizing contracts with our headliners. If you have considered teaching a class, please be sure to let us know and we can send out a class submission form.

 

Save the dates for the 2019 Steel Valley Yarn Crawl.There are 11 shops participating this year. Be sure to stop into every one and show your support for local yarn stores!

 

Sweepstakes Giveaways:

Winners will be announced in the next newsletter.

 

One Skein of Berroco Aurora Borealis: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: AURORA

 

One Skein of Lang Mohair Luxe yarn: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: MOHAIR LUXE

 

One 5″ Embroidery Hoop and Hand Dyed Fabrics: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title: HOOP AND HAND DYES

 

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

What we are up to!

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June 26, 2019

Newsletter takeover….it’s Ann this time, so you know there won’t be a lot of news about yarns or fabrics…but here I go!

Barb just returned from the Summer TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) trade show in Cleveland, OH. She brought back some goodies that we will share in the next newsletter for giveaways. She was able to see the newest yarns that will hit your local yarn stores this fall and preview some beautiful threads and accessories for needle arts as well. It is always fun for Barb to connect with our sponsors and see some of the vendors from the Festival too!

So as most of you know, Barb and I are very close and we love to poke fun at each other. It keeps us sane! I always tell her that she is a know it all (ok, she does have a lot more knowledge of yarns, fabrics and techniques than I do, so I will give her that). This is a cute comic I shared with her yesterday to brighten her day and to let her know that I did know a few things as well.

Barb is going to have some minor surgery this week, so keep her in your thoughts. That is the real reason I am taking over the newsletter this month, I am sure she will have more to add on what she discovered at TNNA and her travels in the next newsletter. Until then, enjoy the official start of summer and keep on working on your summer projects.

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Ann

Summertime plans

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June 1, 2019

It’s summertime and we hope you are enjoying the warm weather and longer days.

Ann and I are taking some time to explore some of the techniques and products we learned at the Festival in March.

The next couple of months allow us time to play, as well as a little research and development for the 2020 Festival: stop in on stores, guilds, local shows and exhibitions and attend some of the well known national trade shows.

We’ll be checking out the newest products and latest trends in the yarn and fabric world and will let you know what we find.

We’ll be interviewing teachers and exploring classes and techniques.

Barb continues to make hearts for the Pgh HandMade Hearts campaign. Check out the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Facebook and Instagram pages where she has joined the #100dayproject and #100daysofstitchingtogether and is posting 100 days of HandMade Hearts. She has completed another outdoor installation with some fabrics and yarn flowers pictured below.

 

Ann has been playing in her flower and vegetable gardens and making polymer clay jewelry.

 

We would love to see what you are working on! Post your photos to our Facebook or Instagram pages with the hashtag #mysummerprojectpgh. Click on the icons to the right of the newsletter to get to the pages.

 

Don’t forget that Saturday, June 8th is World Wide Knit in Public Day!

Make plans to be somewhere with your friends!

 

2 other events just opened are the Quilt National ’19 at the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, OH and the FiberArt International 2019 in Pittsburgh, PA.  Make sure to check them out over the summer!

 

 

Sweepstakes Giveaways Winners:

 

Yarn Lovers:

 

1. One NORO Pattern Book, Designer Mini Knits 2 of Jenny Watson Designs.

Margaret Havran of Bethel Park, PA

 

 

2. Two Berroco Pattern books with a skein of organic cotton/wool blend yarn in each one.

Jude Gordon of Monroeville, PA

 

3. Three skeins of Vanna’s Choice Peacock Yarn from Lion Brand Yarn Co.

Claudia Millradt of Vienna, VA

 

4. Two skeins of True Blue Cotton Supreme DK yarn from Universal Yarn Inc.

Cassandra Williams of Erie, PA

 

Fabric Lovers:

 

1. Four spools of Dual Duty All Purpose Thread from Coats (variegated purple, variegated blues, variegated reds and a solid red) and a package of Anchor Gold Plated Cross Stitch Needles.

Barb Beideman of Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

2. An Embroidery/Quilt Book: Stitched from the Heart, Quilts and More to give with Love by Kori Turner-Goodhart.

Carol Ann Hart of McDonald, OH

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 20, 21, 22, 2020

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Registration is now closed

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March 11, 2019

 

Both online and mail in advanced registration is  now closed.

 

We do not mail out tickets. If you have paid for classes or tickets in advance please proceed to ADVANCED registration to pick up your registration packet in the name you registered under.

 

Day passes are available at the door. Some classes are still available for registration on site. Please make sure to read the class description and materials lists before you sign up.

 

Marketplace & Registration Hours:

 

Friday: 12 noon to 7:00 PM (Market)

Registration opens at 11 AM for ADVANCED registration.

Registration opens at 11:30 AM for DAY PASSES.

 

Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Market)

Registration opens at 8:30 AM for ADVANCED registration.

Registration opens at 9:30 AM for DAY PASSES

 

Sunday: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Market)

Registration opens at 8:30 AM

 

Advanced Registration opens early in order to allow you to get to your class on time.

 

 

 

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Creative Open Studio & Maker Space Takeover!!

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March 4, 2019

Mail in Registration is now closed! You still have time to register for classes and admission until March 10th online!

 

For several years we have dedicated 2 spaces, the Creative Open Studio and the Maker Space. These are both designed for you to try your hand at new activities, crafts, techniques and sewing machines.

 

We are please to welcome Kreinik Mfg. with a takeover of the Maker Space:

 

 

  • Doug Kreinik and his team from Kreinik Mfg.take over on Friday & Saturday at the Festival, including both nights of the Block Party! They will feature interactive make it and take it activities and demos including string art, embroidery, card making, weaving and more!
  • Every Child Inc. takes over the Maker Space on Sunday, March 17th. There will be kids crafts, heart making actvities and the facilitation of a quilt made from blocks created by attendees.
  • Pgh HandMade Hearts – hang out with Barb all weekend long and make a variety of hearts as part of her family’s campaign. (all materials provided.

Creative Open Studio:

 

Photo shown above is from Petra Fallaux’s Formations Quilt Series

 

We welcome Quilt National ’19 and The Dairy Barn Arts Center from Athens, Ohio. All weekend long you can visit with guest artisans including Petra Fallaux, Denise Roberts, Peggy Black, Michael Ross, Ann Judy and Stefani Danes. You can take part in the heart challenge, try out new sewing machines and techniques. Enjoy presentations and education with the featured quilt artists and more. Make this a must stop all weekend long, including both nights of the Block Party!

 

DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 3/8/19). With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

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

2 Weeks Away…. Randyland and some reminders

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March 1, 2019

We are 2 weeks away!

 

Mark your calendars:

  • Monday, March 4th is the last day to send in a Mail-In Registration for admission or classes.
  • Sunday, March 10th is the last day to register online for admission or classes.

No Advanced tickets will be mailed. You may pick up your registration packet at the Advanced Registration tables.

Day and Multi-Day passes will be available at the door, as well as some classes, based on availability.

 

 

How fun was it to be involved in the iconic Knit the Bridge Yarn Bombing 5 years ago. We are supporting the upcoming:

FLOWER POWER: A YARN BOMBING at Randyland, one of Pittsburgh’s most colorful spots. Randyland, located in the Mexican War Streets North Side neighborhood is an open air museum that has evolved over the past 25 years to an internationally recognized site. Visitors have been registered from over 140 countries.

 

 

FLOWER POWER is a themed yarn bombing  and everyone is invited to participate to create a flower or piece to be added into the “installation”. This community event will be held both Friday and Saturday nights from 8-11 PM during the Block Party Weekend. All materials will be provided for participants to make bright flowers to keep Randyland “a breath of fresh air and whimsy for the soul”, as stated on Trip Advisor. No crochet or knitting skills required.

 

 

Be sure to make your reservations now for the DoubleTree hotel at a discounted rate of $125.00 per night. (Offer expires 3/7/19). With all of the additional evening activities, you won’t want to leave! Remember, the Block Party is included in the cost of your admission ticket! All activities are listed on the website here.

 

 

 

 

 

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