Time: 10am-3pm
Date: June 11, 2011
How to get there:
We are located in downtown Montclair. Parking is available in the municipal lot.
Please bring:
Grab your knitting or crochet project and a chair and join us at the shop to celebrate WWKIP day. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
The backup plan is:
We will be in the shop in case of inclement weather.
This KIP is not knitting exclusive
There are free bathrooms available nearby
'
Our poker chip sale will be from today through Saturday, May 28th.
Plan your summer projects or start your holiday gifts.
Come in , pick a chip, and take 15-40% off your purchase.
Please understand that we can not wind yarn during a sale.
If we don’t see you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Reminder: We close on Sundays from May through August.
Sale is Thursday from 10-9, Friday from 10-4 and Saturday from 10-4.
The Fall brings many things we love, knitting, holidays, and pumpkins. Jacob, that would be Sheila's grandson, is modeling a pumpkin hat that you may have noticed in the shop. The beauty of the pumpkin hat (besides wonderful photo opportunities like this one) is that it is a quick and easy knit.
Jacob's hat is following this pattern and used one skein of GGH Aspen. The pattern calls for 4 stitches to the inch. As for the stem, you can use scrap yarn in green or brown.
If you use Ravelry's search tool, you are sure to find other patterns in other weights. If you are looking for a fun and quick knit that will make everyone "oh" or "ah", then try knitting a pumpkin hat!
It is very easy to see clothing inspired by knitting styles in Anthropologie (or vice versa) but usually when we see knitting in furniture store catalogs, like Crate and Barrel, it is usually as accessories in the photos. For example, balls of yarn artfully placed in a basket.
After receiving the recent CB2 catalog (Crate and Barrel uber-modern catalog) I noticed a few felted boxes that reminded me of ones located in the Mason Dixon Knitting book.
If you are interested in making some felted and decorative storage containers, check a few of these out:
Felted Pods
Mitered Bowl
Felted Alien Egg (ok, I couldn't resist including this one)
First up is Lang Yarns Mille Colori Big. It's a wool acrylic blend with 207 yards and gets 12 stitches to 4".
Berroco Campus is a wool, acrylic, alpaca blend with 130 yards. The gauge is also 12 stitches to 4" on a 10.5 needle.
Thick n Quick Merino is 100% merino wool. It has 175 yards and is 2.5 stitches to the inch on an 11.
Berroco Borealis is an acrylic and wool blend. It's 108 yards and 12 stitches to 4" on an 11.
Viking Balder is 100% machine wash wool! It's 137 yards and also 12 stitches to 4" on an 11.
Schulana Pinturas is wool and self stripes. It's 87 yards and gets 3 stitches to an inch on a 10.
Schulana Rodeo is super kid mohair, merino, and nylon. It's 109 yards and the gauge is 2.5 to 3.5 stitches to an inch on an 11 to a 15.
Sculana Cambada is 87 yards and merino wool. It's gauge is 11 stitches to 4" on an 11 to a 15.
Ester Bitran Tirua is wool and 132 yards. The gauge is 3.5 stitches to the inch on a 10.
Cascade Magnum is wool and 123 yards. It's super bulky and gets 2 stitches to an inch on a 15.
Austermann Murano is a wool and acrylic blend. It's 262 yards and has a gauge of 13 stitches to 4" on an 11.
Finally, we have Feza Fanatic. It's a self striping yarn that's an acrylic, wool, nylon blend. It's 231 yards and gets 16 stitches to 4" on a 10. This would make a great "team" colored scarf. Monica suggests using this yarn to make Frankie Brown's Ten Stitch Swirl or Ten Stitch Blanket.
stix-n-stitches will be open on Sunday, August 29th, from 12-5pm. Please come out and support this event.
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Hi All,
January is almost gone and we have not had our yearly January sale.
We can fix that!!
Sale will be:
Thursday January 28 (10-9)
Friday January 29 (10-4)
Saturday January 30 ( 10-4)
Pick a chip and apply the discount to your total bill.
ravelry discounts do not apply!
Yarn Swap - stix-n-stitches
214 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 - 973-744-3535
Coming off the resounding success of the first event back in June, it’s time to chase away the winter doldrums with stix-n-stitches second salacious yarn swap!
Take this opportunity to pass on those yarns that have gone from “love at first sight” to “old flames” who just don’t quite inspire you the way they originally did.
Since you’re freeing up all that room in your stash, be sure to see what others have brought.
Maybe that perfect “just gotta have it” yarn has been hiding away in someone else’s stock and is ready to be made into that project you’ve been dreaming about.
The swap is a great time to get your fiber groove on in the company of other yarn fanatics and meet new friends. Come on in and have a great time!
We will be hosting the swap on:
Friday, January 29th 6pm-9pm
and
Saturday, January 30, 11am-3pm.
All yarns must be in separate plastic bags and tagged to indicate fiber content, gauge, yardage, price, and your name.
Friday will be a secret “email members only” swap direct between parties and you may leave your items to be sold in store to the public on Saturday - all monies go to you.
You may drop off bagged and tagged items at the store any time during business hours the week of Tuesday January 26- Friday January 29 from 10am to 4pm.
Please feel free to call with any questions or comments.
Sheila
The KAL for balaclavas for the soldiers has been going great. We are still accepting balaclavas, so stop by the shop to pick up a pattern and yarn.
There are plenty of projects that still need to be knit. We have lovely colors of Lustre which is oh so shiny and looks great in this crocheted hat pattern. This yarn has a sheen that will attract your eyes.
Deb stopped by to show off some of her latest creations. She has been on a hat binge.
The hats are coming out great. The fashionable trend is towards the slouchy hats. Go on ravelry and check some out!
stix-n-stitches is participating in the Local Yarn Store National Helmet Liner Drive. You can support a soldier knit/crochet a helmet liner. The helmet liners will be shipped to our soldiers serving oversees. Stix-n-stitchers can pick up yarn and the pattern at the shop. There are specific requirements that need to be adhered, so it is very important to pick up information from the shop. We have already received several (see photo above) but it would be great to have everyone contribute.
Monday December 21- 11-5
Tuesday December 22- 11-5
Wednesday December 23- 11-9 Sit and Knit
Thursday December 24- 10-3
Friday December 25- CLOSED
Saturday December 26- 11-5
Sunday December 27- 12-5
Monday December 28- CLOSED
Tuesday December 29- 11-5
Wednesday December 30- 11-9 Sit and Knit
Thursday December 31- 11-3
Friday January 11 CLOSED
MAKE YOUR OWN STITCH MARKERS CLASS
Fee $25 Friday Evening- October 23rd. 6:30-9PM
This class is for all levels of knitters, from beginner knitters to experienced knitters. You will make your own beaded stitch markers (or make them for someone else as a gift). You will leave with at least 5 beaded stitch markers at the end of the class. There will be an optional knitting trivia quiz. Winners will win stitch marker samples designed and handmade by the instructor. Tool Kit with beads will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. People who require reading glasses need to bring them to the class Maximum Students- 15
COBWEB LACE FRILL CLASS
Fee $35 Sunday November 1 2-4PM
Come in the store to see the samples! Cobweb Lace Frill is a wonderful beginning lace pattern, fun to do, looks very impressive with very little work, very delicate and showy at the same time. It’s based on a pattern from Barbara Walker’s Treasury Vol. 2, makes a great edging for around the waist or wrists of sweater, or a stand-alone collar, cuff, or scarf. The frill is also easily changeable from a very lush full frill, to a much smaller, simpler one. The type of stitch doesn’t change, just some of the numbers. The class will cover the structure of the pattern. We’ll knit a sampler of it, and go over how to make a few simple projects, including children’s cuffs, and a narrow scarf. Requirements for sampler made in class:50 yards of sock or lace weight wool, (heavier weight might need more) with appropriate size needles. Some lightweight waste wool or, even better, crochet cotton for running markers. (I’ll have extra with me) Skill level for sampler: low intermediate. Must be able to cast-on (long-tail cast on preferred, but others might work, too), knit, purl, bind off. I’ll be teaching yarn over, knit two together, pass slip stitch over, and very simple chart reading.
KNIT YOUR FIRST (OR SECOND OR THIRD) SWEATER
Fee $175 Sundays, November 1, November 8, November 15, December 6 and December 13 10AM-12PM - 6 sessions
This is a class for those who know the fundamentals, but who wish to go farther than knitting scarves. You will learn about sizing, how to do a gauge swatch, how to read a pattern, shaping, and anything else that comes up in your pattern. You will select a sweater after consulting with the teacher. This should be arranged in advance. Please note that there will be no class on November 29.
STASH REDUCTION AFGHAN KNIT ALONG – Fee $60 Tuesdays, November 3, November 10, November 17, 6:30PM- 8 PM - 3 sessions Is your stash taking over your life? Turn those stray skeins into a gorgeous showpiece for your home. We will be offering a class/knit along with any options for knitted blankets that use odds and ends. Examples will be shown in the store so students can choose their favorite. Some of the patterns are free, some are downloadable patterns to purchase, and some are from books. Students are responsible for obtaining them
SOCKS ON Friday
Fee $75 Fridays November 6, November 20, December 4, 3PM-5PM – 3 sessions
Socks are great portable projects and are easier to knit than you might think. After wearing hand knit socks, never again will you want to wear “store bought”. You will learn how to cast on in the round, knit in the round, turn a heel using the short row method, and graft a toe. We will teach both “magic loop” on one circular and double pointed needle. We will also explore tips and tricks for neater sock knitting. Please purchase yarn and needles prior to the class. Requirements: Must know how to knit, purl, cast on and bind off. Please note that the class meets every other week, to facilitate knitting to the next step of the sock.
HOW TO KNIT, A PARENT CHILD CLASS
Fee $125 for 1 parent and 1 child Saturdays, November 7, November 14, November 21 10AM-11AM
This is a beginner’s class or a class for parent and child. You will learn how to cast on, knit and purl, and cast off. We will be knitting a simple scarf, in your choice of yarn. Age minimum for children is 8.
FELTING FOR THE FIRST TIME
Fee $95 Wednesdays, November 11, December 2, 9, 10:30- 12:30
In three sessions, learn how to: design a square or rectangular handbag or tote; select yarns and needles appropriate for felting; knit, felt, block, and dry your bag; and care for your felted accessory. As a bonus, you’ll also learn knitting in the round, I-cords and I-cord bind-off, yarn over buttonholes, and some simple exercises to keep your wrists and hands relaxed while you knit! Requirements: Ability to knit, purl, increase, decrease, cast on and bind off. Class fee includes a nifty binder with reference materials for sizing and designing bags, felting do’s and don’ts. Plan to select yarn, needles, and notions at the first class.
FINISHING FUNDAMENTALS
Fee $35 Wednesday - November 18 - 10:00AM-12:00PM
Do you love to knit but hate to sew the sweater together? Learn how to seam, pick up stitches, make buttonholes, darn in ends, and much more. Included are tips and tricks to make your sweater a garment you will be proud to wear. Intermediate knitting skills required. Requirements: Finishing class fills up fast. Please register early and pick up your homework assignment.
PRIVATE CLASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY
Fee $30 per class
Do you have a knitting project that has you stuck? Have you been interested in learning a new technique? You may have an old project sitting in your knitting basket just begging to be finished, but that has you frustrated. This is the opportunity to take a private class that will help get you going again. Must call to reserve your spot.
House Rules
• Pre-payment/Pre-registration is required. No reservations accepted without payment.
• Payment must be made by check or cash directly to the instructor.
• If you need to cancel, notify us as soon as possible. Your registration fee is refundable if and when your spot is filled.
• If a class is cancelled by stix-n-stitches, registration fees will be refunded.
• If the weather is bad, call us to confirm. We will reschedule if a class is cancelled due to inclement weather.
• Yarns used in the class must be purchased at stix-n-stitches. No exceptions.
• Many classes require purchase of materials in advance. See class descriptions for details.
• Private knitting and crocheting classes available. Please call 973-744-3535
Judith is paying attention to Anne's question, while Mary Claire searches for something in her bag.
Judith brought a bunch of samples demonstrating what they can make using the skills they pick up in this class. How cool is that glove?
Here is Anne knitting up a storm!
Judith Durant is a founding editor of Interweave Knits magazine. Her books include: Never Knit Your Man a Sweater* (unless you’ve got the ring!) One-Skein Wonders 101 Designer One Skein Wonders Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders Her designs and articles have appeared in Interweave Knits, Beadwork, and Piecework magazines. She lives in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Sunday October 11, 2009
Book Signing 12-1
It could have begun with the EZ sweater that Sunday interpreted and redesigned utilizing her knowledge of Elizabeth's kntting techniques and historical travels. A sweater which Sunday took time, thought, and a mental database of knitting prowess those of us who know her admire. Some ladies from Twist Collective learned of this re-imagination and then Sunday was writing an article (or should I say the article) for Twist on this process. EZ's god-daughter, the recipient of the sweater, also wrote an article enlightening us a little bit more of this inspiring woman. Within hours of the article's online publication, threads popped up on Ravelry asking for the pattern. (Something Sunday is writing, yeah!)
Well, along the way, Sunday brought the original sweater and the recreation to the photographer's apartment in New York. The photographer was none other than Jared Flood. Mr. Flood, also known as Brooklyn Tweed, has inspired the noro-striped scarf, the hemlock ring blanket, the girasole, and so many patterns that we sit back and wait for his latest creation. Jared also write a post about his experience photographing this found treasure.
So many connections and intersections, we feel blessed to witness the sweater's arrival to every debate Sunday (had with herself) on the meticulous details within the sweater, to the articles, and her pattern's arrival.
Along the way, we met Jared Flood as he celebrated the release of his new book Made in Brooklyn by visiting us last Sunday.
Here is Sheila's sample of one of the patterns within the book.
We had a lot of visitors, old and new friends, that sat and chatted with Jared, played with fall yarns, or relaxed for a few minutes knitting on the sofas.
At the end of the day, Sunday and Jared caught up for a quiet and relaxing talk.
We loved having Jared visit us. He was humble, intelligent, and charming; everything we expected.
We are incredibly excited to announce that Jared Flood, the designer of the Cobblestone sweater, Girasole, and the individual who innovated the Hemlock Ring Blanket and the Noro striped scarf, will be at stix-n-stitches this Sunday, September 13th, from 1-3pm. Jared has published a new book, Made in Brooklyn which he will be promoting in this special book signing and meet and greet. We will have books available in case you have not picked yours up recently.
Crystal Palaca Merino 5 Prints yarn is a worsted weight yarn that knits at 20 stitches to 4 inches. Each wool ball contains 110 yards. There are some great colors and we have a store sample in the Yankee Knitter Stocking Cap pattern.
We also have a self-striping yarn from Crystal Palace that is called Mochi Plus. While this 95 yard ball knits at 16-18 stitches over 4 inches which would be fabulous for a Baby Surprise Jacket or an entrelac pattern or even the Ten Stitch Twist blanket (Ravelry download). This yarn is incredibly soft.
Also in the shop, from Sandness Garn, is Alpakka. It is made from alpaca (big surprise) and yes it is machine washable. Each skein has 120 yards and knits at 22 stitches at 4 inches on a US 6.
Happy Knitting!
Here is another shot!
Speaking of "ohmygoshgorgeous"-check out Lucie pleated cardigan in Berroco Comfort. Modeled by another Thursday knitter (who totally rocks) this sweater is so cute and yet incredibly soft and machine washable.
I thought I would throw a random shot of the new Berroco Lustra that has come into the shop. The yarn has an amazing shine probably due to the tencel and wool. It is worsted weight yarn at 18 stitches to 4" and contains 197 yards. Come check out this and the way too many new fall yarns that are arriving in the shopp (did I say too many? ha! just kidding).
Stay cool and keep on knitting!
Very cool.
The knitting elves put of the Cotton Classic in a new color order which reminds me of pantone colors.
For those in the stix-n-stitchers Ravelry group, one of our knitters wants to make a sweater for her man based on a sweater he has and loved for a long time. She brought in the sweater and launched into a new project. We have faith she can do this. We investigated the look of the yarn, the gauge, the pattern, and so much more. We can't wait to see where she gets.
We also had this knitter and her lovely dog come into the shop. Isn't she adorable? Don't mind the Gentle Leader which is for dogs who tug on the leash and not a muzzle. This sweetheart found out we had dog cookies and decided it was a good place to be: beautiful fibers, air conditioning, and dog biscuits- she was in heaven.
More photos to come!
Stay Cool!
