Counting the days until Bedford Springs Knittreat

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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!