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!

 

 

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

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March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Help us by filling out our online survey

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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 

 

 

 

 

 

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March 15, 16, 17, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green tree, PA

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

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March 20, 2017
 
Please read below for news in Quilting, Fiber, Fabric, Knit, Crochet.

 

ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

 

Tickets for admission and classes will be available for sale at the door. Please note that if you are interested in a class that is not sold out, read the homework and supply list before coming.

 

Festival location:

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Hall C

2nd Floor

EAST LOBBY ENTRANCE

 

REGISTRATION OPENS 1/2 HOUR BEFORE MARKETPLACE HOURS:

 

Luncheon attendees may proceed to the 3rd floor on Friday  – ROOM 330 as early as 10:30 AM

 

Marketplace Hours:

  • Friday, March 24:   12:00 Noon to 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, March 25:  9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Sunday, March 26:  9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (registration opens at 8:30 due to 9:00 am class start times)

Day Passes:

All day passes at the door are $15.00. No discounts will be given on multi day passes on site.

 

UPMC SENIOR SUNDAY:  All Seniors 65 and older pay only $5.00 at the door on Sunday, sponsored by UPMC Senior Communities.

 

We do not mail tickets in advance. You may pick up your tickets as a “will call” at the advanced registration table under your last name when you arrive. For directions, parking information,food concession hours and any other questions please visit the website here.

 

Classes in Knit, Crochet, Sewing, Quilting, Surface Design and MORE!!!
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March 24, 25, 26th 2017

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann

Wrapping it up!

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November 8, 2016
 

Please read below for all news in Quilting, Fiber, Fabric, Knit, Crochet and More!

 

As we approach mid November, we are wrapping up the final touches on the 2017 Festival Plans to open registration by the 1st of December. A new website, class edits, sponsorship details, Maker Space activities, Quilt Shop Hop Plans, Movie Room line up, 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge, Lunch with StevenBe, demos, exhibitor contracts…whew!!!

 

While we are wrapping it up, we are staying focused with no extra time for reviews. Instead, we are including a few creative ideas for unconventional ways to wrap your gifts this coming holiday season or just for that special someone. Do you get your inspiration from friends, teachers, classes, stores, tutorials or Pinterest? We’ll have many more ideas and sources of inspiration for you at the Festival.

Using the materials we all have on hand can make a gift extra special using fabric or hand painted paper, embellishing and tying with yarns, fibers and silk, cloth ribbons, Ric Rac, tassels etc.

We are including in this issue a surprise gift for 2 lucky winners, one for fabric lovers and the other for yarn lovers.

Knit, Crochet, Fiber:

 

 

 

This photo shows packages using yarn for ribbons and a bow, yarn pom poms, cotton yarn and cotton sprigs in place of a bow.

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

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Quilting, Sewing and Fabric:

 

 

 

These gifts are wrapped in fabric, making the wrapping part of the gift, perfect for guild gift exchange.

 

Sweepstakes winners from last newsletter:

 

Sock-Yarn Accessories Book winner: Marilyn Mensch of Valencia, PA

Brazilian Bracelets Book winner: Kim Witherow of Mayville, NY

 

 

November Sweepstakes:

 

Yarn Lovers Mystery Gift

To enter the Sweepstakes, please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by November 19th with the Title “Yarn Mystery Gift”.

 

 

Fabric Lovers Mystery Gift

 

To enter the Sweepstakes, please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by November 19th with the title “Fabric Mystery Gift”.

 

 

March 24, 25, 26th 2017

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann



Barb is Away!!!

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October 16, 2016
 

Please read below for all news in Quilting, Fiber, Fabric, Knit, Crochet and More!

 

Barb is in Columbia visiting her daughter Sarah, who is studying abroad for a semester.  She left me in charge to write the newsletter…. so here goes nothing!!!! This may well be the last time she leaves me alone.

Knit, Crochet, Fiber:

So I always heard that knitting and crocheting were to be relaxing and good for your health. Then why all the nail-biting? I just don’t get it, I was about to take up knitting and now I am reconsidering. Do I really want to end up biting my nails? And when I read about it, it says that this technique dates back before crochet and knit, so there are a lot of women out there that could use some stress counseling. As if I need more stress! Oh wait I just noticed that the correct spelling is Nalbinding, an ancient technique that combines knit and crochet dating back to to 300 AD. So much for my review.

Even though the book I am giving away this month has nothing to do with Nalbinding, I can’t seem to figure out a use for it.  Why would anyone use their socks as an accessory?  Oh well, someone may want it. I can give away whatever I want because Barb is not home and I raided her stash of books.

 

 

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Quilting, Sewing and Fabric:

 

My skills in quilting and sewing are about the same as my knit and crochet skills. Maybe one day I will take up sewing, but for the life of me, I cannot figure out what all the hype is about paper piecing.  I always thought a quilt’s purpose was to keep you warm. A paper quilt would last about 10 minutes in my house, the cats would rip it to shreds. If they didn’t notice it, I am sure it would not do a very good job of keeping me warm on those cold winter nights. Perhaps I should stay away from quilting until I have a better understanding of it. I guess I should have read up on paper piecing before I wrote this as I just realized it’s real purpose. Again, I am sure you all will be happy to see Barb back to writing the newsletters, I am just not quite as creative as she is. We will be offering paper piecing classes at the Festival. The giveaway I have for the fabric world is a book on Brazilian Bracelets, only because I remember making friendship bracelets when I was a young girl.

 

Sweepstakes winners from last newsletter:

 

2 Skeins of Irresistible Red Heart Yarn winner: Wendy Stemple of Shanksville, PA

6 Yards of Free Spirit Fabric winner: Sandy Rosenthal of Erie, PA

60 Quick Cowls Book winner: Karen McCullough of Ligonier, PA

 

October Sweepstakes:

 

Sock-Yarn Accessories – 20 Knitted Designs with Style and Savvy by Jen Lucas:

To enter the Sweepstakes, please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by October 28th with the Title “Sock-Yarn”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brazilian Bracelets – Making Friendship Bracelets & More! by Florence Beilot: 

To enter the Sweepstakes, please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by October 28th with the title “Brazilian Bracelets”.

 

March 24, 25, 26th 2017

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Ann

 

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October 3, 2016
 

Please read below for all news in Quilting, Fiber, Fabric, Knit, Crochet and more!

 

Remember to visit the Re:new Festival this Friday night October 7th for the Fashion Extravaganza in Pittsburgh, PA. This promises to be an eclectic and creative fashion show we are proud to sponsor!

 

Knit, Crochet, Fiber:

Now that the cold weather has finally arrived, we can review a book we received months ago. We’re getting out our jackets, sweaters, shawls, warm socks andCowls! We love them and can’t have enough in our closet. Whether they are lightweight or chunky, Cowls are in!

 

60 Quick Cowls, a book from Cascade Yarns

 

Over sized cowls, geometric, slip stitch, cables, lace, textured, long and loopy, short and close fitting, they are all fashionable and everyone can wear one! In this book, we are treated to 60 ultimate, fantastic and creative Cowl designs for every skill level. Our previous teacher, the talented (and funny) Charles Gandy features a “Sweet and Simple” cowl done in stockinette stitch and garter ridges to compliment rich tonal colorways. Our very own Linda Voss Plummer’s design is featured in this book, “Wrap Party”, a reversible cable that is versatile and can be worn as a wrap or a cowl with the use of a shawl pin. Linda will once again be joining us with some exciting new classes, one especially for dog lovers! The book is beautiful, colorful, and the patterns are detailed and well explained. We would be hard pressed to pick a favorite in this book. We are giving away this book, see details below on how to enter.

 

While many of us can’t wear the trendiest styles (due tohot flashes!) chunky yarn is making appearances in every magazine. From couture to home decor, chunky yarn is a great choice for many quick and easy projects. Affordable, mega thick and soft, Red Heart Boutique’s Irresistible is a good choice for a quick easy chunky cowl. With many color choices, it also provides options for other home decor projects. A warm and cozy crocheted rug at the side of the bed would be nice to step onto on those cold winter mornings, fast and easy to make! It’s a soft acrylic yarn with a touch of wool. We have 2 skeins of “Irresistible” for giveaway, see details below on entry.

 

 

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Quilting, Sewing and Fabric:

 

We are pleased to announce our participation in the

1 Million Pillowcase Challenge! For those of you not familiar with the challenge, make sure to visit the link above. We are in the process of selecting the charity in the Pittsburgh area where all of the pillowcases will be donated.

The Festival is featuring the return of the Creative Open Studio, a space devoted to trying out all of the latest machines, equipment and accessories. This area will have representatives onhand to assist you with the machines and participate in the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge. Full details to follow on the available patterns and challenge information soon.

Free Spirit Fabrics will support the challenge with donations of all of the fabrics needed to make the pillowcases during the 3 day festival.

 

To celebrate we are giving away 6 yards of beautifulcotton fabric from Joel Dewberry’s Flora collection from Free Spirit for one lucky winner, details below on entry.

 

 

To enter the October Sweepstakes: (one lucky winner will be selected in all 3 giveaways)

 

60 Quick Cowls, a book from Cascade Yarns: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title QUICK COWLS by October 16, 2016.

 

2 skeins of Irresistible Yarn in Purple/Gray: email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title RED HEART YARN by October 16, 2016.

 

Free Spirit Fabric:

6 yards of Joel Dewberry’s Flora Collection:

email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com with the title FREE SPIRIT FABRIC by October 16, 2016

 

 

September Sweepstakes Winners:

 

Boho Crochet Book:

Jenny Wetzel of Wheeling, WV

 

Clover Rotary Cutter: 

Dale Anna Young of Ellwood City, PA

 

March 24, 25, 26th 2017

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann



Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet | pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com | Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival | P.O. Box 7706 | Pittsburgh, PA 15215

Upcoming Teachers and More!!!

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September 14, 2016
 
We are changing the format of the newsletters. In this and future issues, you will see it divided into 2 segments, possibly more, to bring you reviews, sweepstakes and to showcase everything we have to offer at the upcoming festival March 24, 25, 26, 2017!

Knit, Crochet, Fiber:

We are thrilled to have Marly Bird join us at theFestival! Marly is a Crochet and Knitwear Designer Extraordinaire! You can tell a lot about Marly just by the hats that she wears. She is an avid crocheter and knitter who loves to share her passion with her students. Balancing her day as a wife, mommy, designer, National Spokesperson for Red Heart Yarns, teacher and pod cast host is a challenge, but Marly wouldn’t change any of it. She’s joining us in Pittsburgh with a series of exciting classes and will be on hand when not teaching with Robyn Chachula at the Crochet Superbooth.

To celebrate crocheting, we are giving away this cool book “Boho Crochet” for one lucky winner, see below.

 

Michelle “Knit Purl” Hunter, best known for all of herwildly popular KAL’s (Knit -Alongs), has been collaborating on KAL’s with skacel since early 2011. You are probably most familiar with the Scoreboard KAL, Building Blocks and Building in Color that are offered in local yarn stores regularly. We are pleased to have the talented Michelle join us and offer 5 of her newest classes.

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

Quilting, Sewing and Fabric:

 

We continue to be inspired and in awe of all of the talented people in the quilting world! The fabrics alone are spectacular but what is being done with fabric and the surfaces of quilts often leaves us amazed. We are now accumulating a stash of books and fabrics, and have spent a good bit of time looking at quilts and quilting on Pinterest.

Our very own Kitty Spangler, A Fiber Arts Guild member, teacher and artist, will be teaching multiple classes, one of which is an English Paper Piecing style class.  Her large quilt seen below, was done to commemorate Pittsburgh’s 250 Year Anniversary.  She took the image on the left (map of Pittsburgh neighborhoods) and turned it into an art quilt pictured on the right, connecting all of the neighborhoods with thread.

 

September Sweepstakes:

 

Boho Crochet Book:

To enter the Sweepstakes, please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by October 5th with the Title “Boho Crochet”.

 

 

 

 

 

Clover Rotary Cutter: 

To enter the Sweepstakes, please email pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by October 5th with the title “Clover Rotary Cutter”.

 

March 24, 25, 26th 2017

David L Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh, PA

 

 

See you at the Festival!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Barb and Ann