A new year and a knit-along

Welcome 2010!

Let's do a knit-a-long. Join me at Stash on Mondays 1 - 3 during the Coffee Club, starting right after the New Year and knit this awesome scarf with me. It's called the "just enough ruffles scarf" and it is sure to get many compliments. Check out the link and if it's the scarf for you, then I hope to see you on Monday!

What was old, is new again!

I know most of you felt the way I did when I heard the Amy Butler Lotus line was no linger being printed. But alas the fabric gods heard our prayers and 10 of the most favorite Lotus prints have returned and are now at Stash!!! Here you see a small sample.

Manos Rittenhouse Merino

Manos has a new yarn and it is AMAZING! Lot o' skeins just arrived today. I may be a little selfish and keep them for myself. Just kidding, this yarn is just too great to keep for myself. As described by the manufacturer: Pure, extra fine merino wool in a worsted-weight yarn with an unbeatable combination of wonderful softness, excellent stitch definition, and rich color. Come in quick and see the great colors and feel the softness.

Mini Sweaters - Free Pattern

You've been asking for it and now here it is...

The Mini Sweater Pattern! Hang 'em in your tree, wrap 'em around a bottle of wine for a gift, use 'em as gift toppers, the possibilities are endless!

Pattern:
Mini Sweater

Worsted weight yarn
Size 9 needles

CO 16 sts and work 3 rows garter st (knit all rows)
Next row: Purl
Work Stockinette stitch for 4"

CO 10 sts for sleeve (row 1) work next row as for pattern and CO 10 sts for other sleeve. (row 2)
work three more row for a total of 5 rows.

Knit 15 sts BO 6 sts, work to the end of the row
Next row: knit 15 sts CO 6 sts and work 4 rows

BO 10 sts on each end for sleeves.

Work to match the front.

BO all sts and sew up the sides; weave in loose ends.

This is a great pattern to use up scrap yarn. Don't be afraid to experiment with different yarn and needles, maybe a sport weight with a size 5 needle for a smaller sweater, try stripes for the first time, or a fair isle pattern. Have fun!

New Store Hours

I 'm excited to announce new store hours

Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm

Thursday 12 noon - 8pm (Needle Arts Night Every Thursday 5:30pm - 8:00pm)!

Sunday 12 noon - 4 pm

Still closed on Wednesdays

New Amy Butler Patterns and Anna Maria Oil Cloth

I'm so excited about Anna Maria's newest oil cloth. I can't wait to sew up something wonderful with this amazing fabric!

I can't decide witch of these new Amy Butler patterns to whip up first!

Scarf - Free Pattern

This is a great and easy scarf to whip up just in time for holiday gifts.

I used SWTC Karaoke 50/50 Soy and Wool blend in colors 347 and 349

and size US 8 needles

CO 25 sts with MC

Row 1: k2, p2, to last st, K1
Row 2: k2, p2, to last st, K1

Change to CC and repeat last two rows

Alternate MC and CC every two rows

BO sts, block and enjoy!

This pattern creates an interesting rib pattern, also known as mistake rib

Show and Tell-Sheila Fuselier

Look at the witch Sheila came up with for Halloween. Wouldn't you just love this for your own Halloween Decor?!? She used the felted pumkin pattern along with the felted bird house roof pattern and thought outside the box. Way to go Sheila! I love the little wort on her nose.

New Pink Fig Patterns

Who Knew?!?

5 Ways to Cope with Money Stress
By Nancy Palmer
Take Up Knitting
According to research at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, the repetitive motion and focus of needlework can elicit what's known as the relaxation response—a calming meditation-like state that slows heart rate and causes blood pressure to drop. In addition, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that knitting is associated with a lower risk of dementia for those 65 and older.

This excerpt was taken form here, I found this surfing the net.

Scotts Bluff Valley Fiber Arts Fair

Sponsored by Brown Sheep Co. and Barn Anew Bed and Breakfast

Make plans with your group of knitting friends to go to the

First Annual Scotts Bluff Valley Fiber Arts Fair.

Saturday, October 17th 10am - 4 pm

You will find exhibits, demonstrations, informational booths, lessons, music, door prizes and food

Held at the Farm and Ranch Museum

2930 M St

Gering, Nebraska

Just under a 3 hour drive from Denver across the border.

for questions call: Brown Sheep 308.635.2198 or Barn Anew B & B 308.632.8637

New Erin McMorris Park Slope

Welcome Fall Outdoor Market

Join Stash and The Ruffled Nest and welcome fall at our first outdoor market. Saturday, September 12th 10am-3pm. For more information on how you can obtain a space at the market visit www.therufflednest.com All vendors welcome!

I saw this fabric, by Annette Tatum, and got all nostalgic, it really reminds me of my dear Grandma. She loves roses and blue. I guess I figured if I get blue I should get pink too.

Grand Open

Stash has offically moved. It was a crazy mad dash to get everything ready for the grand opening weekend, but we did it. Thank you to all who made it and a big congrats to all the door prize winners!

I have now been in the new space for over a week and am so glad to be here. It is ever so very awesome to have a space of my own (with no stairs and with circulation)! I've added more yarn, fabric, and crafting supplies. With more to come in the upcoming months.

Check out the blog, I'll try realy hard to post more, to see the new things that have arrived.

News I Love to Share!

News I love to share: Recently, after a long and exhaustive evaluation process, Manos del Uruguay has been admitted as a full member of WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization), the global representative body of over 350 organizations committed to 100% Fair Trade. This recognizes the mission of Manos del Uruguay to eradicate poverty through sustainable economic development, pioneering social and environmental policy and practice, and continual reinvestment in marginalized artisans, farmers and producer communities. To learn please visit the web site of Manos distributor Fairmount Fibers

Manos is and has always been a favorite of mine. It works up beautiful garments, warm and cozy hats, and felts like no other yarn out there, in my opinion. Look for more Manos colors coming soon after I move into the new space at 301 Jerry St in Castle Rock, CO

BIG NEWS!

Here’s the big news…Stash is moving! I’m thrilled about the big move. You can find Stash at 301 Jerry St. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump from The Barn. Here you will find a great little white cottage house filled with yarn, fabric, and crafts. I am expecting to have a Grand Opening on August 1st, I’ll keep you posted! I’m excited to offer more yarn, more fabric, new and exciting classes, and much more.

I thank you for all your support over the past year and look forward to seeing you in the new shop.

Have a stitchin' good day!

Crystal

New Mod Kid Patterns at Stash

Adorable patterns for the cuties in your life. The patterns include sizes 2T - 7. We have Patty Young to thank for creating these fashionable patterns.

Visit her site modkidboutique.com

What Have You Been Doing?

I've been knitting fun little things and...

...will be felting

These little beauties will soon be felted and will make cute little circular coin purses. Find the pattern in the book Alterknits Felt the newest and greatest book by Leigh Radford

...sewing

These were fun checkbook covers to make.

I found a great pattern and tweeked it a little to add strap and the pearl snap closure.

...and Buttons!

Teen Knitting Contest at Phillip S. Miller Library

Hey teens, GET YOUR KNIT ON! Now through May 30th, The Phillip S. Miller library in Castle Rock, CO is sponsoring a teen knitting contest. Enter your projects by May 30th. Voting on the projects will take place June 2-30th. Teens 12-18 register at the Aloha Teen Tower in the library or here

Snow Day = Craft Day

I love snow days, especially Colorado snow days. You know it'll be over soon, the sun will come out, and warm weather is on it's way! Emma took this time indoors to learn the art of needlepoint. She loves it. Her first project was the strawberry. She couldn't do a project like this without trying a dog! I had a chance to craft too. I made an adorable look-a-like doll for Emma. Seems she can't part with it long enough for a picture. I'll try again later!