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March 14, 15, 16, 2014

Countdown to Fiber Fun

The clock is ticking, and we are just a month away from our 10-year anniversary! (You can see our countdown clock on our home page.) Although we won’t have an opening ceremony quite as elaborate as Russia did for the Olympics, we’ll have handmade sweaters on our backs, too. Kudos to our friends Imperial Stock Ranch and Kraemer Yarns for supplying and milling the yarn for the sweaters that Team USA wore.

We have had a great deal of support come in for our 10-year anniversary. Our sponsors, along with your support, have made this Festival possible. We are grateful for the fantastic gifts that have been sent in previous years, and the gifts that have been sent this year are beautiful as well. Our sponsors for the Festival this year include:

• Lion Brand Yarns
• Tahki Stacy Charles
• Claudia’s Hand Painted Yarns
• Kraemer Yarns
• Skacel Collection, Inc.
• Berroco
• Pat Catan’s Craft Centers
• AslanTrends
• Plymouth Yarn Co.
• Coats and Clark
• Yarnsisters
• Martingale
• Be Sweet

In addition, UPMC Senior Communities is once again sponsoring Senior Sunday: All seniors pay just $5 admission at the door on that day.

Just a reminder, many classes are full. Please be certain to check your class selections prior to sending in a mail in form. Also, no tickets will be mailed out. All tickets will be available for pick up at the registration tables when you arrive.

Our newsletters will come weekly from now until March 14. I may not have time to review a book each issue, but we WILL have a giveaway each week until then, with winners to pick up at the Festival. Stay tuned!

With Warm Regards,

Barb

The Top 10 Ravelry Shawl Designs are as follows:

1. Hitchhiker by Martina Behm
2. Color Affection by Veera Valimaki
3. Wingspan by Maylin Tri’Coterie Designs
4. Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes
5. The Age of Brass and Stream Kerchief by Orange Flower Yarn
6. Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
7. Leftie by Martina Behm
8. Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
9. Spectra by Steven West
   
10. Stripe Study Shawl by Veera Valimaki

We can’t wait to see yours!

On Jan. 8, Barb did a special book review and giveaway online on Tammy Hildebrand’s first book. The winner from that sweepstakes was Beth Caporali of Vandergrift, PA (congratulations!). But Tammy and her publisher, Stackpole Books, generously provided us with a second book to give away in this issue of Festival Update.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per person, please) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Feb. 16, 2014, with the subject line of “Crochet Wraps.” 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 Feb. 19 issue of Festival Update.

Martingale Crochet Books:

• Jen Duker, Pittsbugh
• Carol GIbson, Clinton, OH
• Sharon Jones, Hollsopple, PA

Martingale Knitting Books:

• Vicki Grey, Springdale, PA
• Margie Jones, Pittsbugh
• Judy Weinberg, Pittsburgh

Congratulations, everyone! See you in a few weeks, when you pick your book up at the Festival’s registration desk!

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.

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Books, Books and More Books

I have received a box of assorted books as well as six pattern books from our sponsor Martingale for review and giveaway. I am going to do something a little different since I am up to my neck in details and registrations for the Festival, now less than two months away! I’ll give a brief description below of each pattern book, and we will select six lucky winners for each one in the next newsletter. Please note, however, that the winners will need to pick up the pattern books at the Festival.

We have another fun announcement: One lucky winner at the Weekend Kick Off Nicky Epstein Fashion Show and Luncheon will get a chance to win one of the garments being modeled at the Show! Nicky has been gracious enough to donate a garment, and it will be a surprise for us all as to which one she selects. We will randomly select a name for one Fashion Show Luncheon attendee at the end of the luncheon.

We have been busy making various centerpieces for each of the VIP events: the Fashion Show, the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Debbie Macomber Luncheon and the Debbie Macomber Dinner. One person at each table at each event will win a centerpiece, such as these FeltLOOM vases:

Last but not least, please keep in mind as you are registering for the Festival that many classes are already full. To avoid disappointment, please double check the website to see whether your class selection is available.

With Warm Regards,

Barb

Salvation Army Fabric Fair

If your New Year’s resolutions included clearing out those closets, remember to set aside your unwanted fabric, yarns and notions for the Salvation Army for its Annual Fabric Fair. We will once again be a drop-off site for them at the Festival, all three days.

Special Martingale Books giveaway…

• Crocheted Snugglers, Easy Blankets for Baby: Ten beautiful and colorful patterns that are suitable for a welcoming blanket or for a special occasion.
• Crochet Baby Style, Children’s Clothing, Accessories, and More: Twelve unique patterns for baby, including Christening dress, vest, booties and more.
• Crochet Bright, Scarves, Hats, Booties, and More: Fourteen exciting projects, perfect ideas for gift giving for the little munchkins for any occasion.
• Knit for Kids, Patterns for Boys and Girls: Fourteen adorable designs featuring a cupcake hat (aww!), coatdress, booties and more.
• Knit Bright, Scarves, Hats, Booties, and More: Twelve flattering little hats and scarves, booties, blankets, mittens with rolled edges, stripes and more.
• Knit Boutique, Children’s Clothing, Accessories, and More: Fourteen fun-to-knit projects, clothes and accessories, including jeans! There are also pillows, blankets, t-shirt, cuddly toy and more.

HOW TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES: Simply send an email (one entry per person per category, please, for a maximum of two emails) to pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com by Jan. 31, 2014, with the subject line of either “Martingale Knitting Book” or “Martingale Crochet Book.” Three winners will be selected for each category, for a total of six winners. Please include your name and a phone number where you can be reached. The winners will be drawn randomly from the entries and announced in the next issue of Festival Update.

New Year’s Day Sweepstakes winner

The winner of our Jan. 1 sweepstakes, for Martingale’s All About Knittings paperback, is Lynn Puckett of Manawa, Wis. Congratulations!

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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