It's that time of year…

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It’s that time of year…

Knittreat photo 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.

Lecco 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!