Summer Picnic Napkins -- Free Pattern

Alan's birthday was last week and on Sunday we had a family picnic.  Alan is allergic to bees so we can't eat outside so we did the picnic inside and then went out to play games with all the kids.  Nora's Portland cousins are in town for the week.  So Nora wanted to make some special items for the picnic.  We decided to make cloth napkins.  I let Nora pick out the colors and she even seamed most of the napkins herself. 

I'd like to share this easy project.  Instead of using tons of paper napkins, why not make a few easy cloth napkins that can be thrown in the wash and used over and over again. 

Materials to make 8 napkins.
* 4 fat quarters of two matching cottons.  (Nora picked out Kona Orange and All American Girl Leaves)  * thread
* rotary cutters
* measuring tape.

Nora and I made these from start to finish in about 2 hours yesterday.  So you still have time before tonight's barbeque to make a few pretty napkins!

1. Cut each fat quarter into four equal pieces -- 11 by 18 each
2.  Matching two different patterns, sew right sides together on three sides and leave a 3 inch hole in fourth side.  All seam allowances are 1/4 inch.
3.  Trim triangles off the corners and turn inside out. 
4.  Press flat and with a contrasting color thread sew a 1/4 seam around all four sides.

That's it!  Enjoy!

I "heart" fiber

I also love Valentine's day. So this Valentine's Day, spend a weekend of fiber with Stitch DC.

Saturday At Capitol Hill:

* We "heart" fiber workshop.... Join us for a yarn tasting... a little worsted, lace, cotton, and cashmere... Better than chocolate because NO CALORIES! Marie will be sharing mini skeins of old and new favorites. From 12 to 2 pm -- $20 per seat / Call to reserve your seat. No more than 10 people in the workshop.

* Learn to knit Entrelac... I've been playing a lot with entrelac. I'll share my new hat pattern with the class and teach everyone some simple tips to make entrelac as easy as knitting stockinette stitch! A free class with the purchase of materials at the the Store... 2:30 to 4:30.

Sunday At Capitol Hill:

* Join us for our first Craft Along... Cables and stuff...

Here is how it will work...

Step 1: Pick a cabled pattern... For beginners, it could be the mega cabled scarf or the cabled beret (two patterns by Stitch DC) this new free pattern from Vogue Knitting or maybe this one, SILVI from the Twist Collective.

Step 2: Marie will help you pick yarns and swatch bigger projects and understand the cabled patterns.

Step 3: Knit along with us on on Sunday.

This is a free workshop/class* at Capitol Hill from 1-3 pm.

*Classes given at Stitch DC are designed for our materials and supplies. We thank you for supporting our store. Free classes and workshops are held for the enjoyment of students who work with yarn purchased from the store.

Chinese New Year

Celebrate the Year of the Ox with Stitch DC.

Learn to Crochet with Knitting Needles on Saturday 1/24 from 1-3pm and make this adorable Chinese Zodiac character. Here is the link for the entire zodiac. Make an Ox or make your sign.

Afraid to crochet. We're working on a knitted version so come on by and help us finish our knitted and crocheted zodiac.

If you just want to learn to crochet, Marie will also be showing how to crochet this pretty scarf.

The class is free with purchase of materials. Saturday 1-3 pm.

Please be our guest... as we celebrate Stitch DC's first book, The Expectant Knitter.

After months of waiting, the book arrives on our shelves on November 11th. We are celebrating this arrival on Saturday 11/15 with a day of fun, food, knitting.

More about the event:
Where: Stitch DC Capitol Hill
When: Saturday, November 15 from 3 pm to 6 pm
Why: To celebrate with friends and family and maybe do a little knitting. Food and Fun provided by Craftynation.com

As many of you know, this book is a collection of 30 projects for a growing family. You can stitch your way the nine months of pregnancy - and have the best dressed baby and family on the block!

I hope to see you on Saturday! Be the first to get your copy and start knitting for some special baby!

New Free Pattern & New Free Class

Come and de-stress at Stitch DC this Saturday from 2-4 pm. We'll learn how to Fair Isle and Felt. I love the combination because felting airbrushes imperfections away. Exactly what we need during these stressful times!

So here is the purse before felting. And below you'll find our the easy pattern too! We used 1 skein of O-wool classic and 1 Skein of Crystal Palace Taos. Elise is making a second purse with the leftovers!

Another great idea for holiday gifts -- two purses for less than $25 worth of yarn!

Felted Fair Isle Purse

Designed by Marie Connolly, Stitch DC

Yarn: 1 skein each of two different skeins of 100% wool.

Sample used: O-Wool Classic for the Main Color and Crystal palace Taos for the Contract Color.

US 11 circular knitting needles

Gauge: pre felting -- 14 sts and 20 rows=4" in Stockinette stitch.

Cast on 45 stitches with Main Color, place marker, cast on 45 stitches with main color, Place second marker and join round. Knit in the round in stockinette stitch for 3”

Next row join Contrast color and start fair Isle Motif. The repeat is 15 stitches across, so you’ll have 3 repeats on each side.

After working 17 rows of motif, work 1 inch in main color. Next row knit 15, bind off 15, work 30 stitches, bind off 15, knit to end.

HANDLE: Next row: Knit 15, cast on 15 stitches, knit 30, cast on 15 stitches and knit to end. Work 1 more inch and bind off loosely.

Sew bottom seam. Weave in ends.

Now let’s Felt the purse –

1. put in a lingerie bag and wash with a small amount of detergent in Hot Water in washer machine.

2. Wash for about 5 minutes.

3. Stop machine and check purse.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until desired size and texture. The more times you repeat the steps the smaller and tighter it will get. Take care between 3-4 washes as the purse will also felt at a faster rate the more times you wash it.

5. Rinse in cold water.

6. Shape purse and set to dry.

(

(chart thanks to Amber)

An original design by Marie Connolly. All rights reserved, Copyright 2008. For personal use only.

Bellamoden

"Bella, beautiful. Moden, of the hands. Things made by hand. My hands. Thank you so much for supporting the bellamoden dream of providing luscious works of fiber art for your stitching pleasure!" -- Rebecca of Bellamoden.

A new indie dyer available at Capitol Hill. We got a partial shipment today.

Feels like Fall... Things to do this weekend

Lots of classes this weekend at Stitch DC. Our Craft Along classes are free. Classes are a great way to learn a new technique and meet other crafters. Hope to see you this weekend!

Saturday At Capitol Hill....
1. Our ongoing Mitten Along -- Join in or come share your progress. Capitol Hill / Saturday from 1-3
2. Ongoing Cable Along -- such as success last week, never cabled this is the class for you. A very fast scarf and we are completely restocked with Cascade Magnum. Capitol Hill / Saturday from 2-4
3. Class #2 of the Hemlock Blanket -- Rachel will help you grow your doily into a beautiful blanket.

Saturday at Georgetown
There are still a few slots in the Fair Isle Class.

Sunday at Capitol Hill
Our fabulous Blanket Along class. Another month, another swatch. Still working on the pattern so you'll have to come to the class to see the final piece. It's free and you can join anytime. This started out at 2008 Blanket Along. After many requests, I'll probably extend the class into 2009 too. So it's never to late to start. Capitol Hill / Sunday / 2-4:30

Cabled Scarf

For the newbie cabler or seasoned veteran, a fun quick (maybe holiday) free project. If you like this project or want to learn more about how you can join the cabling craze, join us for our All Things Cabled this Saturday from 1-3. The free event will include cabling demonstrations, pattern reading, cable designing and more. Saturday, September 13 / 1-3 pm/ Stitch DC Capitol Hill / This event is free, come and enjoy good company and learn or improve a few knitting skills!

MEGA CABLED SCARF

designed by Marie Connolly

Materials: 1 skein Cascade Magnum, US 19 Knitting Needle, Cable Needle, Darning Needle and Large Pom-Pom Maker.

With large needle, cast on 12 stitches.

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: Knit

Row 3: CF8 (slip 4 stitches on cable holder, hold in front, knit 4 stitches from left hand needle, k4 from cable holder), K4

Row 4: Purl

Row 5: Knit

Row 6: Purl

Row 7: Knit

Row 8: Purl

Row 9: K4, CB8 (slip 4 stitches onto cable needle, hold in back, knit 4 stitches from left hand needle, k4 from cable needle)

Row 10: Purl

Row 11: Knit

Row 12: Purl

Row 13: Knit

Row 14: Purl

Repeat from row 3 to row 14 until desired length.

To Finish, work row 3, 4, and 5 and bind off.

Cinch cast on and cast off edges and attach large pom-pom.

Weave in ends and Enjoy.

This Week's Events At Stitch DC

As always, it's a full week of crafting at Stitch DC.

Here are some classes and events you might want to take advantage of...

Monday
Independent Study: Design your own class. Bring your project, get expert advice and enjoy a pleasant knit/crochet group. Knitter and Crocheters welcome. $20 per session. Capitol Hill Location / 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Tuesday
Learn to Knit: The first of three classes. Take one or take them all. This class we will cover casting on (getting starting) and the knit stitch. Capitol Hill / 6:45 to 8:45 $35 plus materials

Wednesday
Late Knite: It's free to come, knit or crochet, chat, eat, and drink. Always popular and always fun. Capitol Hill. Anytime to 8:30pm.

Hemlock Ring Blanket: Opporunity knocks twice for the Hemlock Blanket! Because Ike and Hannah interrupted some of our plans on Saturday (thanks to those who showed up in the pouring rain!) Rachel is generously going to do a redo of Saturday on Wednesday night. Starting at 6:30. Capitol Hill

Thursday
Late Night at Georgetown.

This Weekend at Stitch DC

Hanna and Ike may come for a visit, so I plan on a great weekend for knitting. I've finished a couple of deadlines and contracted knitting projects so I can enjoy some personal knitting. One is a new school sweater for Nora. Maybe I'll share the new pattern too when I'm finished.

As for this weekend, if you're looking for new knitting project or just some knit inspiration, try out a couple of our classes.

At Capitol Hill on Saturday...

Make Brooklyn Tweed uber-fabulous Hemlock Ring Blanket. Just two skeins of Cascade Eco Wool and you're ready for the knitting. We have a wonderful sample at the store thanks to Rachel, who also will be teaching the class on Saturday from 1-3 pm.
(Photo credit: brooklyntweed.blogspot.com)

Also this weekend, the second installment of our Mitten Along. If you missed the first class, no worries. Just come from 1-3 pm at Capitol Hill and we'll get you started on easy or hard mittens. Your choice!

Sunday at Georgetown
Learn to make a Cabled Hat with Amber. Make a stylish cabled hat to spice up your fall/winter wardrobe. Learn to make cables, as well as knit in the round if you’ve never tried it. September 7 & 14 / 11 am to Noon / $45 plus materials

If you are just a beginner, we have a few slots left in our beginner class that starts on September 9 on Capitol Hill too. Check out the website for all the classes

Fall Class Schedule

Just in time for the cooler weather. Stitch DC's 2008 Fall class schedule.

To sign up call Stitch DC 202-544.8900 or email Marie at mconnolly@stitchdc.com

We have tons of new classes. Some free, All fun... Learn a new skill, join a craftalong, or take an indie study class to finish up that problem project.

Here are just a few highlights... The complete class schedule can be found at http://www.stitchdc.com/schedule.html

Join us for our free Stitch DC Blanket class each month. Each month, join us at our Capitol Hill Stitch to knit or crochet square. Learn a new knit or crochet stitch and work on 1 of your 12 blanket squares. Missed last month. No problem. Just come and ask for last month's pattern
Capitol hill / September 21 / 2-4 pm / Capitol Hill

Learn to Knit: Three steps to knitting. The first class will cover just the beginning – casting on and knitting. Class 2 we explore the other stitch – Purl – and start to learn stitch patterns. In class number 3, you’ll learn how to fix basic mistakes and bind off. You can choose to take one, two or three. If you decide to take all three, you must sign up for all three at the same time. Materials are not included in the class fee.
One class -- $35
Two class--$60
Three class: $90
Capitol Hill Location Only / check out www.stitchdc.com for dates.

Learn to Crochet: Single, double, treble. We’ll cover all of them. This two hour crash course will get you crocheting your first scarf. Capitol Hill / September 18 / 6:30 to 8:30 / $35 plus materials

Independent Study: Design your own class. Bring your project, get expert advice and enjoy a pleasant knit/crochet group. Knitter and Crocheters welcome. $20 per session. Buy 4 sessions and get one free! Capitol Hill / September 8 & 22 / 6:30 to 8pm

Hemlock Ring Lace Blanket KAL This is not your grandma’s doily! This lap blanket is lace done “large” with worsted weight yarn and big needles. This is an intermediate level lace project, using charts. We’ll choose yarn and get started on the center medallion, plus we’ll teach/review increases and decreases, a circular cast-on, and reading charts / Capitol Hill / September 6 & 20th / 1-3 pm / $45 plus materials

SOCKS -- Cuff Down on Double Pointed Needles.Socks are a great project for people on the go – they take up very little space, don’t require a ton of attention, and require very little finishing. The perfect project to take on the metro! So come learn to knit socks using double pointed needles. Feel free to bring a sock pattern with you, if there’s something in a book or on a website that really caught your eye. -- Georgetown / September 3, 10 & 17 / 7-8pm / $55 plus materials

Cabled Hat: Make a stylish cabled hat to spice up your fall/winter wardrobe. Learn to make cables, as well as knit in the round if you’ve never tried it. Georgetown / September 7 & 14 / 11 am to Noon / $45 plus materials

SOCK SUPPORT: Is your sock giving you trouble? Holes at the gusset? Bind off too tight? Can’t figure out how to graft your toe? Want some help figuring out how to substitute a different heel? Then join us on the last Wednesday of the month for Sock Support and get all your sock questions answered. (a.k.a. Independent Study for Socks) Bring to class: your sock, needles, and pattern!Georgetown / September 24 / 7-9pm / $20

Top Down Raglan: Do you worry about running out of yarn for your sweater and want to shorten the sleeves? Want to try your sweater on as you go to make sure the body or sleeves don’t end up too long? Just want to try knitting a sweater in a new direction? Then try a top down raglan! Using a swatch, a calculator, and a tape measure, everyone will have a custom sweater – crew neck or v-neck? Cardigan or pullover? It’s up to you!This class has a small, pre-class homework assignment: Pick out your yarn at Stitch DC and make a swatch (approximately 4 inches by 4 inches) with corresponding needles. WASH your swatch! Many yarns “bloom” when they get wet, and it would be a real shame to spend all that time, energy, and money crafting a beautiful sweater just to have it grow to an unwearable size the first time you have a mishap with a coffee cup.Georgetown / September 28, October 12 & 26 / 11 am to Noon / $85 plus materials.

SOCKS -- TOES UP!: Do you worry about running out of yarn when you make socks? Find double pointed needles fiddly? Then this class is for you! We’ll use the magic loop technique to knit a sock from the toe up – make it as tall or short as you want. Both first time sock knitters and experienced sock knitters are welcome!Georgetown / October 8, 15 & 22 / 7-8pm / $55 plus materials

HAT -- Top Down Much like knitting socks from the toe up, knitting hats from the top down is a great way to get the most from your ball of yarn. There’s no second guessing and ending up with a too-short hat – you can try it on as you go! If you know how to knit and purl this class is for you!Georgetown / October 5 / 10:30 am to Noon / $45 plus materials

Hat -- Just the Basics So, you’ve made a scarf – now make a hat to go with it! We’ll cover knitting, purling, working in the round, and decreases. It sounds like a lot, but hats make great second projects! (They also make great holiday gifts, if you’re thinking ahead!) Plus, hats are a great way to use up random bits of yarn, or that one special ball you bought as a souvenir. Georgetown / October 11 & 18 / 7 pm to 8 pm / $45 plus

NOVEMBER

Great Gifts -- One Day, One Hour ways shake up your holiday gifts -- Projects include Hats, Mittens, Cowls, Berets. Saturdays in November.$10 plus materials/session / Georgetown /

Custom Sized Fingerless MittensYou made a Fetching. You made a Dashing. You made any number of other fingerless mitten patterns out there on the internet. Now, make your OWN mitten pattern using your hand and your yarn! Bring your swatch, double pointed needles, any ideas (like a stitch pattern), and an adventurous spirit!Georgetown / November 5 & 12 / 6:30 pm to 8 pm / $55 plus materials

Learn to Knit -- So you’d like to learn to knit? Try a hat! Because hats are pretty small compared to a scarf, you’re less likely to get bored or burnt out. We’ll cover casting on, working in the round, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and decreasing. It sounds like a lot, but you’ll have a great new wearable item at the end. -- Beginner Knitter this class is for you! Georgetown / November 9 & 16 / 10:30 am to noon / $55 plus materials.

DECEMBER
SOCKS -- Cuff Down Magic Loop -- Never worry about dropping a double point on the metro again when you learn to use magic loop to knit socks. Feel free to bring a sock pattern with you, if there’s something in a book or on a website that really caught your eye – even if it doesn’t call for magic loop, we can talk about converting it. December 3, 10 & 17 / 7-8pm / $55 plus materials / Georgetown /
Great Gifts -- One Day, One Hour ways shake up your holiday gifts -- Projects include Hats, Mittens, Cowls, Berets. Saturdays in December (12/6, 12/13 and 12/20) $10 plus materials/session / Georgetown /

Pre-payments are required for all classes. Please be sure to confirm your schedule upon registration as we cannot accomodate individual make-up classes. Classes may be cancelled due to insufficient registration - less than 3 students. If classes are cancelled, students receive a full refund. For students can withdraw from any class within 7 days and receive 75 percent refund. No refunds for withdrawals less than 7 days before class. Classes given at Stitch DC are designed for our materials and supplies. We thank you for supporting our store.

Free Mitten Pattern

Just in at Stitch DC Capitol Hill -- PolarKnit. The yarn is soft and cozy, knits up fast, dries quickly, and is super warm! Made with the great outdoors in mind, the yarn has a tight knit construction that provides 4 times the wind resistance of traditional fleece. Its amazing comfort will keep you happy during a walk in the park or a day on the slopes.
Rain, wind, or snow you’re prepared with PolarKnit!


How about using the PolarKnit for Mittens. Here is a great free pattern to try out.

Just remember, Stitch DC's mitten knit along on the 16th of August at Capitol Hill from 1-3pm.

If you want to join, just pick up the materials at Stitch DC and mention this blogpost to receive 10% off your purchase. The knitalong is FREE, I just ask that you support the store with your yarn and tools purchase. If you want to knit other mittens, just bring the pattern, we'll help you find the right yarn and needles. All are welcome!

Vogue Knitting Mitten Along

There is always room for a new one project...Especially if it's mittens.

The woman who taught me to knit at Girl Scout so many years ago also knit mittens. The first brisk Fall day, she would show up at school with handknit mittens for the entire class (Her youngest son was in class from 1st to 8th grades). So in honor of Mrs. Hunter, let's knit mittens.

As I stated yesterday, I want to knit these mittens. And it looks like some of you do too. So, how about we start our knit along on the 16th of August at Capitol Hill from 1-3pm . I'm using O-wool 2ply for mine. I've started to swatch -- sorry no photo to share.

If you want to join, just pick up the materials at Stitch DC and mention this blogpost to receive 10% off your purchase. You'll need to also buy the pattern -- we have copies at both stores but they go fast. The knitalong is FREE, I just ask that you support the store with your yarn and tools purchase. If you want to knit other mittens, just bring the pattern, we'll help you find the right yarn and needles. All are welcome!

New at Stitch DC

Just in today... Namaste Bags. Pretty and fashionable totes for all your crafts.

Summer Sale at Stitch DC Starts Today

Red Hot Deals at Stitch DC

It may be hot and steamy outside, but Stitch DC is preparing for Fall. We need to make room for new Warm Woolens.

That means -- SALE!
At Least 20% off everything -- yarns, needles, books, etc.
Some deeper discounts include

* Karabella Cashmere is 50% off. Buy 1/ get 1 free. Make the Cashmere sweater you've been dreaming of.

* Fiber Company yarn are 50% off. Great fibers again at unbelievable prices.

Or just take advantage of 20% off... Denise Interchangeable Needles, O-Wool, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, Notions, or Della Q Messenger Bags.

Sale starts today friday. See you this weekend!

The sale is at the Capitol Hill and Georgetown (where the Jade Sapphire, Debbie Bliss, and Alchemy Lives) stores. Chevy Chase will reopen August 15 after we complete our renovation.

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

Stitches.... Some I like and some I don't

Just a little ramble today. Everyday, I think about stitch patterns. New patterns for my designs; or what will be this month's Stitch DC blanket pattern stitch; or someone needs help with a stitch pattern. I can handle all these questions. I love to try new stitch patterns. I have a few sites that I check out for new ideas like VOGUE KNITTING or reference books such the HARMONY GUIDES or classic Barbara Walker TREASURIES.

Last night, I learned a new stitch. It was a multiple of 4. After working them for many hours last night, I hope I never have to do it again. It took 2 doctors and many nurses. No knitting needles were involved. Cole had a fall at the house and needed 4 stitches just below the eye. He was a trooper at the emergency room. Alan brought him in all bloody but my little guy was smiling and happy. It was until the doctors (who were all great!) got close that he became upset and showed how loud he could be.

So thanks everyone about Wednesday's late night that was cut a little short. I also missed the fedex drop off for a new design project. That will go out today instead. If I missed anything else, I'm sorry. We have a doctor's appointment this morning at 11 am and then I'll be around to post out STASH CLUB for JUNE.

Also, just a reminder, this weekend at Stitch DC Capitol Hill...
1. Saturday-- FREE Fair Isle Along from 1 to 3:30
2. Sunday -- 2008 FREE Blanket Craft Along -- I'm working on the stitches for JUNE.
3. And maybe something more at Capitol Hill. More news tomorrow.

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.

Fair Isle Along at Stitch DC Capitol Hill

A few crafters from Capitol Hill's Late night have convinced me to do a fair Isle Knit along in the store.... Some brave crafters wanted to learn fair isle knitting, knitting in the round, perhaps continental knitting (either way is okay with me) and steeking. This will be a 2 month class starting the second week of June (Sundays -- i think)(free as long as project materials are bought in the store). We will meet bi-weekly to answer questions and keep pace with our Stitch DC custom fair isle sweater.

For the class, I'm designing with Tilli Tomas Milan yarns (a yummy blend of silk, cashmere and merino -- wonderful fibers!) a custom tunic length Fair Isle yoke sweater. The great part of the sweater is that the fair isle sections are working in a multi-hued yarn. Some lucky late nighters got to preview a baby version of the sweater.

If you are interested please contact me about the yarn selection -- we will be working with Tilli Tomas Milan-- a solid and a multi. I've place my initial order of Milan and can order more.

Note -- this is not the only class for the season. I'm busy working out the rest of the schedule but