Last week I went camping with the family, in the woods, in a tent! We had a great time, now it's back to work. When I arrived at the shop Thursday morning there were boxes waiting for me, then more boxes arrived that afternoon, and still more Friday afternoon. I'm finally caught up. Inside those boxes were:

New bolts of Fecility Miller Gypsy fabric.

Skacel lace-weight Filigran in beautiful blues and neutrals. This skein is 656 yards of wonderfully soft 100% superwash merino.

And new books too! Joel Dewberry's book Sewn Spaces may be my new favorite sewing book. Great patterns for all the spaces you work, play, and live. Sandi Henderson's Sewing Bits and Pieces has 35 projects to help use up all your fabric scraps.

Star Wars Amigurumi Crochet-a-long!

We are doing a Stars Wars crochet-a-long the first and third Thursday night during Needle Arts. We started last night and had a good time. It's interesting to see how many different personalities come out in everybody's project. To start off, we decided to do the Stormtrooper. I can't wait to show more pictures of these little guys. We all pretty much got as far as having the heads done. If you would like to join us and make one yourself go to this Etsy site and purchase the pattern. Then join us in two weeks when we start the next Star Wars project. I believe Chewbacca is next!

Stash is now on Facebook!

Check out Stash on Facebook! Become a friend and leave a comment, now until June 30th, and you could win a prize. I promise it will be wonderful...yarn, fabric, books, fun notions. First you will have to join, then wait and see if you are a lucky winner.

Minnie's New Hat

Little Sophie (AKA: Minnie) came to the shop with her mom, picked out the hat and the rest is history. Mom says it's the only hat she will keep on. Maybe because it was "made for her!" Too bad the weather is heating up. The hat pattern is found in the book

Itty Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson

A trip down memory lane...

We all loved The Cosby Show right? Last Thursday night during Needle Arts Night we were talking about sewing disasters and a few of us brought up the Cosby show when Denise attempted to make Theo a designer shirt by Gordon Gartrell. Heather found a You Tube video of the episode we were talking about and I'd like to share it with you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crnPfls0fHw

This should make everyone feel a little better about any mistakes you may have made with any project. Enjoy!

Read what Heather had to say about her Gordon Gartrell experience here

Please share your "Gordon/Denise" moment in the comments!

New Books Just Arrived

Handmade Beginnings is Anna Maria Horner's newest book for new moms and their babes. This is a stunning collection of nursery décor, keepsakes, maternity wear, baby clothing, and more.

Summer is perfect for sock knitting and these books are sure to inspire!

Find something sweet and adorable to knit for a new addition to your family

Start your next sweater and have it ready for fall. Northern Knits is full of great patterns inspired by Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and the Shetland Isles. Knitting 24/7 offers 30 projects to knit, wear, and enjoy for the on the go knitter. Many projects in this book are designed to be small and easy to transport, great for taking to appointments and to soccer practice.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

For the Knitter or Crocheter

Zauber Ball Sock yarn if sock knitting is what she likes, organic chunky cotton for the eco friendly knitter, or a skein of cashmere if luxury is what she likes.

This afghan book will get any knitter or crocheter inspired to make an afghan for everyone. Mother-Daughter knits is full of great patterns.

Grab her a set of handmade stitch markers...the sushi are my favorite.

For the Sewer

Create your own fat quarter bundle of all her favorite prints, Amy Butler's newest pattern The Sweet Harmony Bag, or a book with great patterns such as Sew Liberated or I Love Patchwork.

Other Great Crafting and Gift Ideas

Crafting books like Feltique for inspiration and great ideas for all felting, a sock monkey kit from Woolpets, or Jenny Hart's newest book Embroidered Effects.

Treat her feet, lips, and hands to Plum Island products.