The Holidays are upon us! YIKES!

I just wanted to drop you all a line and say my last Merry Christmas or if you celebrate Hanukkah, Happy Hanukkah or if you celebrate no holiday except life, then Happy Day! I want to post some pictures of projects that customers have finished for Holiday gifts...and the next two weeks of hours just as a reminder: I will be OPEN tomorrow (Saturday the 22nd) from 10-3. Pat will be here from 1-3 for her class. If you would like to join them please just stop by! Monday the 24th, Christmas Eve, I will be here from 11-2. The 25th I will be closed and the 26th I will be closed. I will be OPEN the 27th,28th and 29th. Pat will be here on the 29th from 1-3 for her class. I will be closed the 31st, the 1st and the 2nd. I will reopen January 3rd and Diana's class will be starting January 3rd from 6-8pm. After the new year I will post the class schedule for January and hopefully February.

Show and tell:

This gorgeous scarf was made by Carol. She made it with Ultra Alpaca. It felts so soft! I have received several compliments on it and decided after the holidays there are several of us that are going to make one for ourselves! I love the color too!

The beautiful scarf below was made by Patty. The buttons are gorgeous and I love the colors. Several customers were in when she brought it by and we all loved it! I saw it as an excellent window topper and Patty saw it as an excellent table runner also! For Christmas it could be reds and green, for Easter, pinks and purples, YOU GET THE IDEA. Patty made hers with Lambs Pride. She used the pattern in Felt It!

I also received several new books and some NEW YARNS!

Barbara Delinsky wrote a new novel, Family Tree. Berroco has come out with a knitting collection inspired by her novel. There are 4 designs in Ultra Alpaca and Pure Merino. Both Stitch Style Mittens and Socks have several awesome patterns. I wish these would have gotten here several weeks ago. They are both a small sized book and would be great for stocking stuffers!

Now for the new yarn. I just received BOKU from Plymouth! It's beautiful! Here are some of the colors and I can order any you might want but don't see. Its just like Noro but with a much lower price tag and excellent quality.

I also received Encore Boucle Colorspun...and several prayer shawl books to go with it. I also have an Afghan book with a bunch excellent pattern!

I have some real nice colors in Cherry Tree Hill's Supersock and Silky Kidd.

Last but not least...I received some Kaya from Crystal Palace. Gorgeous colors and felts well also. Check out the swatches here http://www.straw.com/cpy/yarns/kaya-preview.html

Well, I hope everyone has a great few weeks and I will blog with you again in the New Year! Donna

Tis the Season!

Its getting close to Christmas and Hanukkah has started !In a few weeks it will be a new year already. Boy the year goes fast, I remember sitting on the beach at the Jersey Shore this summer. It doesn't seem like that long ago.
I have several pictures for you..Just Please Please ignore the model. I'm sure several of you will say "Hmmmm that back round looks familiar". Can ya guess where the pictures were taken? HEHEHE! Yes Yes I know I'm nut's...Its the ones that don't know that ya gotta watch out for! Ok, ok pictures already!
I am posting these because they are gifts that can be made quick. Just make a few and put them under tree without a tag, you could even have it in a nice Holiday bag and when you receive a gift you did not expect, You have one READY and waiting! I hate when someone gives me a gift and I have nothing to give back, I know, I know tis the season for giving not receiving, but still...So here we go: THE TOP TEN GIFTS FROM A YARN SHOP !

THE BEADED BAG: Here is the cutest little bag with a draw string and beads..You can make it quick. I wrote the pattern and have it here so, If your interested please let me know... I know it seems like it might be hard but knitting with beads is soooo easy!

Several of you wanted to see my daughter Kallie acutally using the bag..I made it for her to take to Saucon Valley's Christmas dance. See it on her left hip. She loved it and several of her friends asked her where she got it!
2 HATS:
Ok now this is where I said "IGNORE the model!"

Just look at the hat's (really I mean it) The first is a pattern from Norah Gaughan's new book (very easy) and the second is an earflap hat that my kids love and it can be made in a day! REALLY! As you can see it fits me also. (don't look though)
A SCARF:

A HEADBAND:

The one on the left is a scarf from Norah's book also. You can make it as long or short as you like and you could make the hat to match. If you like headbands better you can whip this one up in a jiffy! It's just ribbing and short rows..Add a large button on the back and your done.

A NECKWARMER:

If you have decided you are just not going to make another scarf, that's ok too. Here is a neck warmer! It works to keep the cold out and guy's love them. They are great for skiing and hunting. What guy is going to sit in the woods with a scarf on? BUT a NECKWARMER...AHHH!

WASHCLOTHS:

I had to post another picture of the neck warmer. Also the neck warmer is resting on a washcloth and to the right of the white washcloth is a ball band washcloth. They are great gift also. A couple of wash clothes tied with a ribbon or in a small basket. What a great hostess gift to take to a party!

UNRUFFLE BAG:

Here is another little bag without all the ruffle's. If you know someone that isn't ruffley(is that a word) then this is the bag for
you. Quick and easy baby! That's what I say..(Uhh maybe I shouldn't say that anymore)

FINGERLESS GLOVES:

Who can pass up fingerless gloves? I know I cant. I love them and use mine everyday. They are great for driving and guitar playing and OHmygoodness KNITTING or golfing, or working on the computer or working on the car or walking the dog or drawing or construction or....You get the idea!

AND THE NUMBER ONE CHRISTMAS GIFT (drum roll plzzzz)

A GIFT CERTIFICATE! (for yourself)

This is the gift certificate tree..Here's my idea...copy and paste from (And the number one Christmas gift is...) and forward it onto your family members. Maybe just maybe they will get the hint and stop to pick a gift certificate off the gift tree!

BABIES GALORE came to SIT N KNIT!

First things first! Last night at our Sit N Knit we had visitors. (the really cute kind) Ladies I'm talkin about the BABIES! This is Victor with his Mama knitter Jill. He is 4 months old and as cute as can be. Listen, when it comes to the male species ya gotta start-um knittin early!

Now, here is the youngest person ever known to knit.....Lydia!(notice her name is highlighted lavender?) As you can see she is taking a quick cat nap before she finishes her Christmas Stocking. Santa is just around the corner!

Katie and Jill thanks so much for bringing both the cutie pies!

Just check out the pictures below and you will see just how much these ladies loved playing pass the baby!

We had a full house last night. Cindy even brought snacks! Some of the women that were here decided they wanted to come every Thursday from 6-8 for class. They didn't want to wait until January. So I am just waiting for a confirmation then I will spread the word.

I am attaching this link for you all to check out...Its from Knitting Daily. You can win a $300 shopping spree at your favorite (knitwitz of course) yarn shop. You do not have to sign up for anything, just fill out the form. No one can turn down a YARN SHOPPING SPREE!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ATWIeITMggZ3gRfZBGpBrw_3d_3d

Ohhh, I also received a few new yarns. The ribbon yarn I used to make the Annie Modesitt Ruffle Scarf is back in stock and I got a few new colors. They are real nice! I also just received two boxes of yarn from Crystal Palace. I dont have pictures yet but I will post them soon.

I will have more to add on Monday. Today at 4:00 JoAnne and I are going to a Lehigh sorority to teach a group of women how to knit on double pointed needles. They are doing a charity hat knitting group. So until then...KNIT ON!

Dont worry Mrsb. I'll getcha asap!

CLASSES STARTING NOW!

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to send you the updated class schedule. I have linked our class calendar to the right side of the blog, just click on "Knitwitz Class CALENDAR" and it will take you right to it. Each day that there is a class scheduled, the calendar will be marked with the word class in red. Click on the word "class" and it will take you to the class information. Imagine that! Below I'm adding the info for Joanne Turcotte's sock and sweater classes. Also don't forget that Diana is going to be here on Saturday, November 24th from 1-3pm if you need help with any of your projects. The cost is only $5! Pat Walkers class on Saturday December 1st already has 4 people so join now! The class will be going on from 1-3pm. Please let us know if you will be attending. (610-838-2864) Cost: $5

Saturday, December 8th & 15th Join JoAnne Turcotte and make some socks. She will be making socks on a smaller scale. If you have never made socks or just want someone to be there for support this is the class for you. Time 10-12am Cost: $5 each class Beginning knitting skills required. Please let us know if you will be attending, classes fill up fast! (610-838-2864)


First Sock Class
Make your first sock in just a few short hours. Learn all of the basics of sock making while creating DK weight socks for a baby or toddler. Project cost: Under $9.00. Additional patterns will be given out for your second larger pair in a yarn of your choice.

Saturday, January 19th & 26th join JoAnne Turcotte from 10-12am. Have you always wanted to make a sweater? Have a grandchild on the way? or maybe a friend who is having a baby? This is the class for you! Learn how to make a sweater from casting on to finishing! Cost $5 each class plus supplies


Sweater Class:
Learn all of the basics of constructing a cardigan sweater while creating a baby sweater to gift when the need arises. Using a worsted weight yarn, you will learn about reading patterns, working ribbing, increases, decreases, picking up sts for collars and buttonbands, and sewing it all together using proper finishing techniques to produce a quality finished sweater. Just add buttons (and we'll show you how to properly sew those on too). Project cost: Under $12.00

LOOK! what joined us at the shop! Yea! JoAnne was nice enough to bring this cute little fella in. He is a hard worker! THANKS JOANNE!

Last but not least I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

PICTURES GALORE!

I decided today I was going to bring my camera and snap some pictures of new things around here..First things first though..I want to appoligize if any of you have tried to contact me through email in the past few days. I changed from dial-up to DSL and you all know what a nightmare that is! They say "It's easy" They say "it will be no problem" YEAH RIGHT! I don't know who THEY are but THEY don't know what THEY are talking about! Anyway, it's fixed now (after I called the Verizon tech crying and ready to smash my comp.) and hopefully it's working much better from now on. UGH!

This is the new Interweave Knits Winter 2007 Magazine. We just received it a few days ago and love it ...There are several things I want to make from it already. I love the Celtic Tote and the Twisted Cable sweater. There are several other things in the mag. that I love but "Time keeps slippin slippin slippin in to the future" We all know how that is. So it's on my todo list. HA! If you click here you can preview all the patterns and see what I'm talkin about. http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/2007_winter.asp

We also have received several new books, both of these by Nicky Epstein and both great books.
Hundreds of ideas for edges and beyond. (obvious huh?) Well anyway, they are great books if you want to learn a new techneque or just add to a sweater or dishcloth for that matter.

Also if you havent noticed on the sidebar of this blog I have added hundreds maybe THOUSANDS (hehe) of FREE pattern sites that I love and use all the time. When you have a chance to sit and look you will be amazed at the patterns out there.

SWEATERS: We also just received lots of patterns from COTTAGE CREATIONS. Pat has been knitting like a mad woman. She let me borrow some of her sweaters to show off. If there are any here that you would like to make please reply to this blog and we will set it up. She is able to do Mondays, Tuesdays and or Saturdays from 1-3. Please let us know what day is better for you. This is the Babies & Bears Sweater for Grown-ups. (She also Crochets)

This is The Wonderful Wallaby Sweater for all sizes! (toddler to adult) These are some of the best patterns availible. This one is made without a hood. You have several choices. You can make a custom sweater without all the work. One of JoAnn's friends made this for her grandaughter and let us borrow it.

This is the Rambling Rows Afghan. Pat made this one with some georgous colors. This pattern is also from cottage Creations.

This is one of the earflap hat's from Cottage Creations. I made it without the flaps...My son loves it. He has fingerless gloves to match!

This is a sweater that JoAnn Turcot made. So cute! The pattern is from Plymouth Yarns. Let us know if you want to make any of these patterns!

I am also adding a picture of the new colors of Encore I received in the last few weeks. I will be adding even more colors and if you want or need a color and I dont have it I will order it for you.

Two things, then I will leave you alone (for now). This past Saturday (the 10th) the class from 10am-12 with JoAnn Turcot went great. The snowmen are coming along. Next week when they are done I will have a few pictures to share. Also Dont forget, Dianna the "Knit Doctor" will be here Saturday the 24th from 1-3. Stop by and learn something new!

Did I say two, ok ok three, Pat wants to teach some classes. We need to know what hours or days are best for yall. She can teach knitting and crochet. Please, If you want her to come and give classes ,reply and let me know if Mondays or Tuesdays 1-3 and or Saturday's 1-3 are ok for you. If not please let me know what day and time is better and we will figure it out. I hope to show more pictures before next week but if I don't get to have a great Thanksgiving!
The Knitwit

CLASSES A PLENTY!

Hi Everyone,
I hope you all are coming along with your Christmas shopping? Oops I think I'm supposed to say Holiday shopping...Not politically correct am I? I have to tell you this...My daughter came home from school yesterday and said that all employees of the school are supposed to say HOLIDAY vacation not Christmas vacation. Are we really offended by the word Christmas? I have to say if someone said to me happy Hanukkah, I would not be offended! I'm not Jewish and I still wouldn't be offended. Is it actually an offense? Is it offensive? I thought an offense was something like "The language he/she was using was offensive to me". Offensive, I need to look this up in the dictionary- is it morally offensive?-Here is the meaning of offensive: causing offense; arousing a visceral reaction of disgust, anger or hatred. Does saying Happy Hanukkah or Merry Christmas or Happy Kwanzaa cause me to feel disgust, anger or hatred? Ohhh my goodness NO! Sometimes I cant, won't and don't understand this America we live in. What I'm starting to understand is why our children and teens are becoming so violent and disrespectful...could it be we are to concerned with what is offensive to them, instead of being parents and taking responsibility for teaching our children that love and respect of others and their beliefs are some of the most important things in life?
I think this seems to be a pattern....First I rant...hehe! Then I am onto knitterly things: If I am offensive to any of you wonderful people please let me know....If you have an opinion on anything I have said here please post it. I know I can't be the only one out here who thinks maybe we are a little off.
Ok Here we go: Classes are filling up so please don't wait to long!
There are several people signed up for the November 10th class already.... We can't wait to make our cute snowman.... Several people have asked me what JoAnne will be doing on the 17th. You tell us. What is it that YOU want to do??? Please respond and Let us know ASAP....
We also have a NEW TEACHER, Pat is willing to do Monday's 1-3, Tuesday's 1-3 and or Sat. 1-3...She is a Knitting teacher and a Crochet teacher...So if any of you want to learn Crochet or just want to brush up on your skills...Please let me know...I need to know what day is best for the majority of you. If you want a class in the afternoon during the week please email or call me and let me know so we can accommodate as many people as possible....Also, JoAnn wants to do a baby sweater class in January.If anyone is interested please let us know....If you have never done a sweater before and are nervous, a baby sweater is the perfect project to start with....Remember All supplies for classes are 10%off

CHANGE IS A COMMIN!

I know how busy we all are believe me..I am in the same boat! I appreciate so much that you all tolerate me sending you my crazy thoughts....Sometimes I don't know how we make it through a day never mind a week. Run here, run there, make dinner, do laundry, clean work, work ,work, Oh yeah and Halloween parties at school...I'm feeling stressed can you tell? Ok I'm done now....onto knitterly things,
Did you ever wake up and your taste has changed? (Nothing to deep here, makes...my....brain...hurt...) Like the colors you thought you liked.....ummm...not so much anymore. I remember this happening to me around 25 years old, and much more recently. A good customer came in yesterday ( your all good) and said she just woke up and decided that today she didn't like the colors she liked last week... I wonder if its a ten year thing....like a cleansing of old feelings and ideas.. maybe growing? learning? Example: Three months ago I didn't like dark chocolate or red wine, Now I LOVE, love, love dark chocolate and red wine....I'm thinking, What's wrong with me?...I really disliked dark chocolate and never drank wine... any of it..now I can eat and drink it for breakfast...HAHAHA! No really I don't... I didn't say I wouldn't like to but I don't! (Must...have ...some...restraint...) I have people counting on me!
Where am I going with all this you ask? I have been reading Knitting Daily lately ( very good) and they just did a survey about why knitters have tons of projects on their needles at the same time and a lot of us don't finish them..Including me! Do you think it is because we just get sick and tired of a project we know is going to take more effort then we first hoped....or do you think its because you have this little voice in your head (like me) saying I need to make something for my four kids and my mom and so on....So I figure ok, I'm almost done with this so I will start that and finish up the other and it gets so out of hand before I know it I have 10 things all waiting to be finished? Or do you think sometimes its because you just woke up one day and didn't like it anymore as much as you thought you did and you changed your mind? I have a sweater that I found in Interweave last year and I loved it....I decided to make it out of Steadfast Fibers Mohair..I couldn't wait to start it. Well needless to say guess where it sits half done..You guessed it, in my kitchen! Ughh! I haven't even been able to look at it....Its not the yarn that annoys me...I LOVE the yarn...Its just the sweater or the whole idea of this sweater that I just don't like anymore....I need a personal sweater maker...lol...Although I think maybe I would take a maid and chef first...YES! a maid..Ohhh what about a pool boy?
Ok, ok, I know I'm dreaming...but what is it for you that has you stuck with unfinished projects? OR are you the rare person that doesn't have lots of stuff on YOUR needles? If so let us know how you do it? Must...have...restraint....We would really like to know....Please share your knitterly ideas and opinions on how and why... We cant wait, maybe you will be the one that changes it for all of us. (got a pool boy? hehehe!) Oh by the way, last but not least.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

CLASSES: We have added an extra class in November. November 24th we will have a class from 1-3 pm with Diana. You can bring what you are working on and she will help you if you are stuck or just need some guidence and moral support. Keep in mind you will receive 10% off any supplies you buy at Knitwitz for any class. If you have something in mind that you want to make and do not have the supplies just come in a little early and we will help you decide on a pattern and yarn. Diana's class will also be only $5 for two hours.

Dont forget classes with JoAnne Turcott start Saturday November 10th The snowman class is from 10-12am.($5) We already have several people signed up, and the 17th YOU can decide what you want to do..Please respond if you would like to attend any of these classes.......

TAAA DAAAA! THE WASHCLOTH SCARF! AND OTHER THINGS

Ok so I went kinda far with the washcloth scarf...but...but....I love it. YOU have to try it. I made it out of Mission Falls Superwash 100% Wool it's also great for left over yarn that's for sure! My coat is plaid blue,cream and brown. You know I had to throw in some pink for fun! If you have any questions about it (you know you want it) just reply and I will get back to you asap. Most of you can figure out how to do it like I did....but just in case! OK on to other things:




CLASSES: Class will be November 10th and 17th from 10-12. so far...I am posting a picture of the first project. Its an easy Snowman that you can decorate your house with or give as a gift. It will be easy for beginners and fun for the more advanced. The cost for the project will be around $10 plus the class fee ($5). Please give the snowman a chance, and while your at it get to know JoAnne. We can accommodate more students if you COME and let us know what YOU want to do! We would love to see you and I will bring the snacks....(I know I can entice you with food and knitting)




We all know how it goes...Your knitting a project and suddenly, you have the urge (not that urge) the urge to start something else. The is a scarf pattern that I have had for a long time from Annie Modesitt. I emailed her awhile back and asked her a question about a pattern and she emailed me this. I had several customers who wanted to make it but I couldn't find the ribbon yarn. It was extinct all across the United States. Finally, finally, Skacel has come out with a ribbon yarn that is similar and works great. They have limited colors but I loved this one. If you want to learn lace, or love lace already, this scarf is perfect. It has a small chart and each row is written . I don't think this picture does it justice. I wish I could scan the scarf itself...(hey not a bad idea). It is made by making each side of the scarf separate. (2 pieces) When you are done with both side you will need to do a 3-needle bind-off. You will be practicing VDD and YO, Vertical Double Decrease, Yarn Over and a 2x2 rib. Its great fun and gorgeous also. See how the ribbon roses tuck under your neck? As you can see from the picture I did mine all in black ( and it's not blocked yet)! This is for certain people (and you know who you are) that love the elegant color of black and only black! Sorry the ribbon yarn has some red. I ask you ,what's more elegant then red and black?

WASHCLOTHES!!! AAAAAAAA!

Ok so I said last time that I was addicted to washcloths...Well I wasn't kidding, I decided I loved the ballband pattern so much I made it into a scarf to match my new jacket...lol.. I know sounds crazy but it looks great! I have been getting compliments on it since I started it. When I'm done I will post a picture and then we'll see how many of you want my washcloth scarf...(I know you want it)! Its so easy and you can use left over yarn and add NEW yarn to make it perfect. ( I wouldn't be a yarn shop owner if I didn't try at least)
Onto other things, JoAnne Turcotte will be here in the near future Hopefully the second week in November. She is a designer for Plymouth yarns and an excellent teacher. She will be having classes here on twice a week. So I think we have decided on Saturdays and we will figure out the other day...If you have anything to say about these classes like what you want to learn please respond to this blog and we will try to take that into account when putting together the schedule. Spaces may be limited so please let me know if you want to be included....Oh yeah...lol the cost is amazing, $5.00 and the class runs for 2 hours...You cant beat that! Hope so hear from some of you....

Its outta the kitchen!

Yeah! The yarn that was in my kitchen(Plymouth) is now sitting very happily in cubbies waiting to go home with a few gentle knitters that will love it! I also just received several new books. If you want to knit a sweater for your pet, I have just the book for you. I'm also am addicted to knitting washcloths at the moment and just received the Mason Dixon book and I love it. One Skein Wonders just arrived also and a book that I have been looking for and finally found: Knits for older kids. This book has great patterns for kids sizes 2 - 10+. The Interweave Knits special addition mag. HOLIDAY GIFTS came yesterday and has some great patterns. One more book I just have to tell you about is Ocean Breezes, knitted scarves inspired by the Sea by Sheryl Thies you will love it!

THANKS!

Ok, I'm over my breaking out into a sweat over starting a blog. I want to thank The Knitouious Mrs B for all her help getting this thing going.....She was very patient, even when I couldn't think of the most simple thing to type about myself..So, a HUGE thanks to you teacher! Tell your hubby I am proud and he should be too.
Now onto other things, Just a quick overview of some NEW things we have received in the last few weeks, I have 4 boxes on Plymouth Yarn sitting in my kitchen..At the moment I"m not sure where it's going..If anyone has superior organisational skills...please stop by and HEEEEEELP! I also have all colors in the Mission Falls Super wash Wool and the new Berroco Jasper 100% wool (gorgous!) and Berroco's new Comfort an acrylic and nylon blend (love it)Oh yes, last but not least, again thank MrsB, I have several new colors in Peaches and Cream cotton and thanks MrsB, Now you have me hooked on washcloths and have made 2 and started my third. Two from the ballband pattern and one of my own. It will look like (hopefully) a log cabin quilt for all you quilters out there. Hopefully I will be able to post the pattern..Until next time

Hello, this is my first blog. I can knit better than blog! Stay tuned for weekly updates about whats new at my yarn shop KNITWITZ & SEW MUCH MORE!

I love this washcloth! Hope you do too