Christmas Stockings

I grew up in a Ranch style house on Long Island without a Fireplace. So my family didn't do stockings.



I now have a great old Victorian with two fireplaces. So each year, I plan on making stockings for the whole family. Well, this year I got one step closer, I designed this easy stocking pattern. I'm still working on mine but Jen Dumas finished her stocking. Here it is and the free pattern. Enjoy!







(pboto credit: Jennifer Dumas)

June Blanket Craftalong

As you may know, Stitch DC is sponsoring a FREE class each month where Marie teaches a new Knit and Crochet Stitch to be used in a swatch for a blanket. We are now 6 months into the project. Join anytime. Just come in. All we ask that you support the store with a purchase of yarn for each swatch.

Here is an easy one for June. I made it simple so you can all have a chance to catch up on previous months. Have fun...

June 2008 Blanket Craft Along Patterns
Suggested Materials:Knit Swatch
200 yds of worsted weight yarn
US 8 knitted needle
Darning Needle

Crochet Swatch
200 yds of worsted weight yarn
G or H Hook
Darning Needle

KNIT MITERED SQUARE [makes 6" (12") squares. For larger square work the stitches inside the parenthesis]
Cast on 60 (120) stitches.
Row 1: Knit 1 row
Row 2: Knit 28 (58), k2tog (TWICE), k28 (58)
Row 3 and every ODD row: Knit
Row 4: K27 (57), k2tog (Twice), k27(57)
Row 6: K26 (56), k2tog (Twice), k to end.
Row 8: K25 (55), k2tog (Twice), k to end.
Row 10: K24 (54), k2tog (Twice), k to end.
Continue as established knitting 1 less stitch, knitting 2 decreases, and knitting to end on all Even rows and knitted all Odd rows until you have only 4 st remain, and you're on the Even Row side.
K 2 tog, K 2 tog, Turn.
K 2 st. Turn
K 2 tog.


CROCHETED MITERED SQUARE
Chain 2.
Row 1: 3 sc in 2nd chain from hook, ch1, turn.
Row 2: 1 sc in 1st stitch, 3sc in next stitch, 1 sc in last stitch, chain1, turn.
Row 3: 1 sc in each of the 1st two stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (center stitch), sc in last two stitches.
Row 4: 1 sc in 1st 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (center stitch), sc to end, chain 1, turn.
Continue as in Row 4 working 1 sc in each stitch EXCEPT the center stitch, in which you work 3 sc. Continue until square measures desired length.

Abbreviations:
BO: Bind Off
CO: Cast on
Ch: Chain
DC: Double Crochet
K: Knit
K2tog: Knit the next two stitches together
P: Purl
P3tog: Purl 3 stitches together
SC: Single Crochet
Sl St: Slip Stitch
YO: Yarn Over

Next Class:
Sunday, July 27, 2:00 to 4:45 pm

Prepared by Stitch DC

Let's Celebrate -- Party, Sale and Fun

Stitch DC opened in June 2004. I've been so lucky to have enjoyed 4 years of great crafting with so many new friends. June has been so busy that I nearly didn't have a party to celebrate. So better late than never, I say!

What better way to celebrate, then with a blow-out sale! 10-70% off everything in Capitol Hill. We have cool cottons, shimmery silks, wonderful wools, beautiful bamboo and truly terrific tools.

When: June 28 and 29th
Where: Stitch DC Capitol Hill. The biggest and most diverse selection!
Why: To celebrate 4 years and many more to come!

Other Events this weekend:
Beside a super-duper sale (10-70% off), we have some fantastic free events at Stitch DC Capitol Hill.
Saturday 1-3 pm: Free Fair Isle Along with Marie
Sunday 2-4 pm: Free Blanket Craft Along.

I also suspect snacks and treats and some free giveaways on Saturday and Sunday. Giveaways will be from 1-4 pm both days!.

Thank you again for supporting Stitch DC over the past 4 years. This year will be something special. Stitch DC's first book is scheduled for release in November 2008.


I designed all 30 patterns in THE EXPECTANT KNITTER. (and yes, that's Coley on the cover!)

Also look for my designs in Interweave Knits in the Fall 2008 as well as Living Crafts Magazine Fall 2008 issue.

We also have great new yarns and old favorites arriving in the stores almost everyday as we get ready for the Fall Season.

And the Stitch DC family is expanding again... Not another store... No just another baby. I'm the Expectant Knitter again this fall.

Happy Crafting and Thanks Again,
Marie

Annie Modesitt will be at Stitch DC June 23rd

You May Want to Call in Sick on Monday June 23rd....
Stitch DC has a very special guest teacher for you on June 23rd.
ANNIE MODESIT
It may be summer, but there is always great things happening at Stitch DC. We have our summer FREE Fair Isle Knit along, our FREE 2008 Blanket Craft Along, tons of classes, and now we secured a very special day with ANNIE MODESITT.

In the morning, she will introduce us to "Combination Knitting". Christened "Combination Knitting" by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts (Fall 2000 Interweave Knits magazine), this combination of Western and Eastern style knitting is faster, creates a nicer tension with less "rowing out" and less wrist strain. Established knitters may enjoy this different method, new knitters can mistress this right away.

Marie will serve a lunch for all guests and then we will cocoon ourselves...

Each student will create a swatch based on the Fall Vogue Knitting 2005 cover sweater (shown left and designed by the instructor ). In this class students will use their own body measurements to determine the correct size of a cocoon sweater and perfect sleeve placement. The student and will work up a swatch utilizing all techniques used in creating the VK sweater.

Details about the day
When: Monday, June 23rd
Session 1: 3hr class starts at 9:00 am
Session 2: 3hr class starts at 1:00 pm

Where: Stitch DC Capitol Hill

Cost: Class will be $90. This includes both sessions and a very special lunch. As part of the fee, yarn will be provided for session 1. In addition, all attendees will receive a 10% discount off yarns supplies for session 2. Thanks to our friends at Lorna's Laces, we will tons of colors and choices for the Cocoon Sweater in time for the class.

How do I sign up: Registration is limited. Please call 202.544.8900 to register your seat.

Any questions: Just call 202.544.8900 or email Marie at mconnolly@stitchdc.com

More News about the Fair Isle Along at Stitch DC

I'm writing the pattern right now. I just got the first shipment of Milan. Here they are in order... Little Red Ridinghood, Stormy Waters, Parrot Tulip, Multi-Ginger..





Here is a photo of my swatch...
-- I used Black Cherry and Parrot Tulips.

So about the class. I'm designing the sweater. Some of you previewed a baby version. It will be a yoke (round neck) with fair isle motif around the neckline, waist and wrists. It will be a pullover (for you steekers, I'll also have a cardigan version). This is a modern fitted fair isle. It will fall fashionably at the high hip with a little swing at the hip, it will shape in at the waist and then the neckline will be a bit more open and flattering. I'm working on sizes from 34 - 42 chest.

Here is a very rough sketch of the pattern.


The class will start June 14 at 2:00 pm. To participate in this free class, simply call the store or stop by to pick up your fair isle sweater kit yarn and we'll have fun knitting together.

Nicole Knits

Norah Gaughan's Knitting Nature is a favorite book here at Stitch DC. I'm proud to present Nicole's sunflower tam knit with Debbie Bliss Donegal Chunky Tweed (less than 2 skeins), with size 6 and 8 needles. (all materials thanks to Stitch DC) A beautiful tam for next Fall! Congrats Nicole.





Show off your knits too. Send me finished photos or stop into the stores. Don't be ashamed to ask for your photo to be taken. Then you too can be on our Blog's "Wall of Fame".

May Blanket Along

We are into the 5th month of our 2008 free blanket craftalong.

Here are May's Patterns.

Suggested Materials
Knit Swatch
200 yards of a worsted weight yarn
US 8
Darning Needle
Cable Needle if you want it

Crochet Swatch
200 yards of a worsted weight yarn
G, H, I Hook
Darning Needle


KNIT STITCH: HONEYCOMB
(Multiples of 8 stitches plus 6 [3 at each end])

C4F: Cable 4 Front : Slip 2 stitches on cable needle. Hold in front of work. Knit 2 from left hand needle and then 2 from cable needle.
C4B: Cable 4 Back: Slip 2 stitches on cable needle. Hold in back of work. K2 from left hand needle and then 2 from cable needle

Row1 (WS): p1, k1, p1, purl 16, p1, k1, p1
Row 2: (RS): p1, k1, p1 *C4B, C4F, repeat from * to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 3: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 4: p1, k1, p1, kni to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 5: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 6: (RS): p1, k1, p1 *C4F, C4B, repeat from * to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 7: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 8: p1, k1, p1, kni to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Row 9: p1, k1, p1, purl to last three stitches, p1, k1, p1
Work 1-9 then repeat from rows 2 - 9

For the class, cast on 22 stitches and work 9 rows. Then measure to determine how many stitches to repeat the 8 stitches to make a 6” or 12” swatch.


Crochet Stitch: Double Treble pattern
(Multiple of 6 stitches plus 1)
DTR: yo3 times, insert hook in next st, yo and draw up a loop (5 loops on hook), [yo, and draw thru 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw thru remaining 2 loops.
DTR Cluster (dtr cl): yo 3 times, insert hook in next stitch, yo and draw up a loop, [yo and draw thru first 2 loops on hook]3 times, *yo 3 times , insert hook in same stitch, yo and draw up a loop, [yo and draw thru first 2 loops on hook] 3 times; repeat from * 2 times; yo and draw thru all 4 loops on hook.
Double DTR cluster (ddtr, cl): 3 dtr in same sc as last dtr clu until 1 loop on each st. remaining (4 loops on hook), sk5 sc, 3 dtr in next sc until 1 loop of each remaining on hook (7 loops on hook), yo and draw thru all 7 loops.



Pattern: (multiple of 6 stitches, plus 1)
Row1: (WS): ch1, sc in each sc across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dtr), sk first 3 sc, dtr cl in next sc, ch5 *Ddtr cl, ch5; rep from * to last 3sc; 3 dtr in same sc as last cl until 1 loop of each rem on hook (4 loops on hook), dtr, in last sc until 5 loops remain on hook, yo, and draw thru all 5 loops, turn.
Row 3: ch1, sc in top of dtr cl, 5sc in 5 ch space, *sc in top of ddtr cl, 5 sc in ch 5 space; repeat from * to last group, sc in 5ch of turning chain; turn.
Row 4: ch1, sc in each sc across, turn
Repeat rows 1-4.

Chain 13 and work 2 repeats of the 4 rows. Measure and chain for your swatch.

Late Night

No not a review of Letterman. Just a reminder that Stitch DC hosts two late nights each week.

Cap Hill is open to 8:30pm every Wednesday and I love the crafters who come and keep me company and often help me lock up at 8:30.

Georgetown is open to 9:00pm every Thursday, as I often have classes I don't get to Georgetown every Thursday but in Jess's absence, I will be hosting late night tonight in G'town. Hope to see you there!

To Mom

Happy Mother's Day. Thanks for teaching me how to knit so many years ago.

Just a reminder, Mother's day is this Sunday. Stitch DC has a wide range of great gift ideas from


Della Q knitting bags to

new Amy Butler note cards

and of course beautiful yarns and needles. We also offer gift certificates so Mom can pick out whatever she wants.

If you need help with ideas, come by our late night on Wednesday at Capitol Hill.
P.S. Alan if you're reading the blog, anything cashmere is a good choice.

March Memories

I had a great time planning out March National Craft Month Projects. Thanks to everyone for participating. I wanted to share some fabulous crafts from Stitch DC version of March Madness....

From our Fair Isle Class...
Neotoma-- Endpaper Mitts


From our Aran and Cables Class....
Lauren's Cabled Beret

Working on more free Saturday classes for April, May and June. Watch the blog for a schedule later this week.

And just a reminder the Blanket Class is this Sunday from 2 to 4.



Come and learn a new stitch. Meet new and old friends.
First time to the class, no worries, just ask for the patterns or look to the side of this blog for previous months.

Jolie Knits

Pretty Knits for Baby...

Knitter Nicole showed off what she did with less than 2 skeins of the Karabella Cashmere Elite for a lucky niece-to-be. This is a free pattern that can be found here at Saartje's Knit Blog.

Nicole barely used any yardage to make the booties so she came in yesterday to ask about an easy hat pattern. I quickly recommended this Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap

(photo credit to http://grosblog.wordpress.com/) that I spied on Ravelry but it's a free pattern on the web too and can be found here.

Just some new ideas for wee knits.... Also check out our class schedule, we have a Wee Knits class coming up.

February 2008 Blanket Patterns

Here are February's patterns. Missed last month, don't worry, just starting crafting. All you have to do is 12" in a month.



Crochet Pattern : Bushy Stitch (multiple of 3 chain plus 1)
For a 6” (12”) square Chain 19 (37). Row 1: Turn, skip 3 chain (1 dc, 2ch, 1sc) in next chain, skip 2 chain, (2dc, ch 2, 1sc) in next ch repeat from * to last stitch. Row 2: Turn, Chain 3, (1dc, 2ch, 1sc) in first ch2 space, (2dc, ch2, 1sc) in next ch2 space repeat from * to last stitch. Repeat row 2 until square measures 6” (12”) long.

Knit Pattern: Herringbone Eyelet Lace (multiple of 9 sts plus 2) For a 6” (12”) square
Cast on 47 (92) stitches.Row 1 and all WS rows K2, *p7, k2; rep from * to end. Row 2 *P2, RT twice (HOW TO RT (right twist) Skip next st and insert needle into 2nd st through front lp, draw up a lp, then insert needle into skipped st and let both sts fall from needle), k2tog, yo, k1; rep from *, end p2. Row 4 *P2, k1, RT, k2tog, yo, RT; rep from *, end p2. Row 6 *P2, RT, k2tog, yo, RT, k1; rep from *, end p2. Row 8 *P2, k1, k2tog, yo, RT twice; rep from *, end p2. Row 10 *P2, k2tog, yo, RT twice, k1; rep from *, end p2. Row 12 *P2, k1, RT 3 times; rep from *, end p2. Rep rows 1–12 until square measures 6”(12”) long.

DC Preemie Hats

Thanks to all who joined Stitch DC for Fiber Bowl 2008. As you may know, we did charity crafting. In fact, we made over 30 preemie caps on Sunday afternoon. I called Georgetown University Hospital Pedriatric Center today and they are pleased to accept our donation of preemie caps. I plan to bring the caps around Feb 20 so there is still time to join in and help. You can join us for late night on Capitol Hill and knit or crochet a hat. Or just use the pattern below and drop caps off at any of the stores before 2/19. Thanks again.

FINISHED MEASUREMENT 8”-10” circumference / 5” tall.

Crocheted Preemie Cap
With 4-4.5 mm crochet hook, chain 30 stitches.
Turn, Half Double Crochet (hdc) into third chain from end. Continue to hdc across row (28 hdc) Turn, Chain 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc across row.Repeat last row until hat measures 4” (10cm). Next row: Turn, chain 2, hdc 4, hdc2tog, hdc 5, hdc2tog repeat from to end.
Next row: Turn, chain 2 hdc across row
Next row: Turn, chain 2, hdc2tog, hdc, hdc2tog, repeat from to end of row.
Next row: Turn, chain 1, sc2tog across row. Finish off and sew seams.


Knitted Preemie Hat
With US 6 Knitting Needle, Cast on 46 stitches.
First row: k1, p1 across row. Repeat this row for 1”
Change to stockinette stitch and work until 4” (10cm).
Next row: (right side):K3, k2tog repeat from to last stitch k1.
Next row and all wrong side rows: Purl.
Next RS row:k2, k2tog, repeat from to last stitch k1.
Next RS row: k1, k2tog repeat from to last stitch, k1.
Next RS row:k2tog, repeat to last stitch, k1.
Pull thread thru live stitches and sew side seam

Amazing Edythe

I decided to start this blog because of the daily inspiration I gain from guests and friends of Stitch DC. Crafters who pick out yarn and create, really create, wearable art. Edythe Ferguson is such as friend. She is always working on something amazing. This is her Noro Skirt. She knit alternating strips of Noro silk garden, Noro kureyon and Karabella Kid Mohair. Then she recycled an old denim skirt by cutting it and sewing the knitted strips to the skirt. She trimmed it off with a beautiful ribbon.

Thank you Edythe. Thank you to all the crafty people who have walked thru the doors at Stitch DC. On this blog, I will continue to share more projects from Stitch DC friends and staff. So please, come and show off your creations. Look to this blog for fiber inspiration in free patterns, customer creations, staff projects or just to view the beautiful new yarns that arrive in the stores.