Shop Improvements

Hi All! I want to let everyone know our brainstorm we've had here at Kitschy Stitch. We have posted a color coded system for telling what yarns are what weight. See the groovy "key" in the photo to the left? Each and every yarn in the store now has a number posted next to it, so you can know from a distance what weight the yarn is. We're finding this is a great thing for quickly scanning the store, and finding the right yarn for a certain pattern. Come on in, and see how easy we've made yarn selection. Just remember - you saw it here first. Don't be surprised if all the other yarn stores start using our great idea! ;)

In other news, we now have Addi Click kits in stock - both the "older" lace and the "long tip" lace sets. Frog Tree Yarns' Pediboo is now a staple here in the shop. If you don't know about Frog Tree, google them, or come into the shop to learn about them. They are a not for profit which give moneys to education. You can buy yarn and tell the non-knitter in your house that you made a charitable donation. ;)

Don't forget that tomorrow (March 17th) is our monthly Spinning Meeting from 10 to Noon. Come with your spindle, or wheel. Should be lots of fun!

Happy Stitching (and Spinning),
Allison

Now In Stock

Today I received even more of these self ruffling yarns that are so popular right now. Come by, and pick your favorite color today before they too are gone!

Cardigan Highlight #1 - Aidez

Many of you have probably already seen Aidez; either online,
or here in the store since I never seem to take mine off. But I thought it would be a fitting one to
highlight since it’s so loved. Aidez is
a free online pattern which is available on Berroco.com. The pattern calls for a bulky yarn, and has
different cables on the front and back which make it not only interesting, but also a fast knit. Head's Up: There is an error on the back cable chart which is easy to spot and correct as long as you know to look for it. I (not surprisingly) opted to use Cascade Eco+, which works out well since
it’s one of my favorite yarns. This is my favorite sweater beyond a doubt. Fun to knit, quick, beautiful, great fit, and stylish. Check out the Aidez pattern here - http://berroco.com/exclusives/aidez/aidez.html - and then pop into the store to see all the beautiful colors of Ecological Wool or Eco+, or maybe another yarn altogether.

Still Knitting

Some of you already know that Mary and I started joking that this would be the "year of the cardigan". As with a lot of jokes I'm involved in, this one grew to silly proportions. Mary and I each made a list of our top 8 cardigans, and even picked out yarn for them. I've even started 3 already. This beautiful orange cabled piece is the back to my "Opposite Pole". I know that a lot of you have gotten in on the excitement and are planning away like crazy for the perfect cardigan. In the spirit of this, I'd like to highlight a cardigan pattern each week to get the rest of you in the mood too. I'll post soon with the first cardi.

In other Mary news, I'm so pleased to announce that Mary is now working here 3 days a week, and is already proving an invaluable addition here. (that's not a surprise to anyone who knows her - myself included) Mary is a long time knitter, teacher, crocheter, and all around awesome lady. Come by the shop Monday, Wednesday, or Friday mornings to meet her or say hi. I'm sure you'll agree that she's an asset.

I am currently making even more linen stitch scarf kits. I've already made and sold out of 2 batches. I'm trying something a little different though. There will be 3 new color choices this batch; a jewel/cool tones kit, a neutral kit (which because I'm me will include one little bit of fuschia), as well as an autumn colors kit. I hope to have them done by the weekend. Feel free to call the shop and check on my progress if you're interested in purchasing one. ( (302)260-9138 )

I still need to update my class list on the side of the page here, but a head's up to everyone on what's coming up - entrelac, cables, slipped stitches, steeking, shawl knitting, and socks. Call if you'd like more detailed information before I update the page.

Last little tidbit for this post is that we're adding a SPINNING group to our sit and stitch meetings. If you'd like to join us for some drop spindling, some wheel spinning, or just to gawk at the crazy spinners, come by Kitschy Stitch every month. Our first meeting will be February 18th from 10 to 12:30. Our meetings will be held monthly on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Our first meeting we'll be having a potluck brunch to kick it off. We hope to see you there!

Happy Stitching (and spinning!),
Allison

A Million Stars Sock Yarn

A Million Stars Sock Yarn, originally uploaded by Kitschy Stitch.

Now Available At Kitschy Stitch.

Laura hand paints each of the hanks herself so that they will stripe up as shown in my mitt cuff. They're beautifully dyed, fun to knit with, and have a great twist. Come by and grab your favorite hank.

Happy Stitching,
Allison

I Surrender

Ruffling Yarns Now In Stock.

Linen Stitch Scarf Kits

Linen Stitch Scrap Scarf, originally uploaded by Kitschy Stitch.

Linen stitch is very basic, very mindless, and very beautiful. It’s one of my favorite stitches to use, giving an almost woven look. I recently completed a lengthwise scarf using the linen stitch, and am so tickled with it, that I want to share it here. By changing colors every row, I got a much more complicated look than with just one color, and it’s rather whimsical. I’ve had many requests for instructions on how to make one. I’ve done one better though. I currently have kits made up for purchase in the store. There’s enough yarn to make a huge scarf, and I’ve taken various colored hanks, and cut them into smaller pieces. This way, you can buy 200g of yarn, and still get 15 or more colors. Much more cost effective than buying the same colors in 100g hanks. If you’d like a beautiful linen stitch scarf of your very own, come by the shop and pick up a bag of Mini Hanks, which all include free directions on making the scarf. If you are a nut like me who just happens to have 30 different colors of the same wool in his or her stash, you can just pop in and grab the free directions too.

Cheers and Happy Stitching,
Allison