April 2008

Dear Knitters and Stitchers,

I love the seasons and, believe it or not, I love the wind which blows most of the time in Estes Park. Regardless of this love, this year I am very ready for spring and warmer temperatures. Since my last posting of my newsletter, I have been to two fiber related shows. One is The National Needle Arts summer show in San Diego. The other was sponsored by Yarn Market News and was in Chicago last week.

The fibers I saw in San Diego were remarkable. I am amazed that each show I go to, the colors, blends and textures of fiber and patterns surpass what I saw at a previous show. Of course, the challenge is picking out the ones which I feel will also inspire my staff and customers. Wait until you see all the new yarns, patterns and accessories I have selected just for you!

The show I just got back from in Chicago was a retailer's conference especially for fiber folk. Oh my Gosh!!! This conference consisted of two days of great ideas for trunk shows, classes, workshops and all sorts of fiber related events. The common thought shared by every presenter and the 70 odd attendees is that the fiber industry is booming and is only going to get better and more exciting. Check out (keep scrolling below) the schedule of upcoming classes and events coming to the Stitchin' Den.

My quote this issue is very appropriate for what is happening in my life. No one truly knows what is going to happen next. Many of you have met Mary who works in the shop in Estes. She has been great to work with and so much fun to be around. However, she has to move back to Texas unexpectedly. Therefore, I need help in the shop so as I can continue to grow and expand my fiber selections and all things related to The Stitchin' Den.

While life is full of challenges and changes, the one thing I know for sure, is that I truly love this shop, my customers and what the art of knitting, crochet and stitching can do for everyone!

Make sure you stop in or e-mail Mary and wish her well on her adventure back to Texas.

Can't wait to see you and hear about all your wonderful adventures in stitching and knitting!!!

Cheers!

Susan

HELP WANTED

Join The Stitchin' Den Team

There are two positions available at The Stitchin' Den.

One position is three to four days per week Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and one other day as needed. Another opening is four to five days per week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and one other day as needed. These openings are all year round. Knitting, crochet, stitching and a love of fiber is a plus.

These are fun, fast paced opportunities for outgoing and cheerful personalities. Come join The Stitchin' Den team while we inspire our customers and create a fabulous and exciting shopping experience.

Interested? Call Susan at 1-970-381-5817 or e-mail me at susan80633@yahoo.com

The Stitchin Den

Classes and Knit-A-Longs
Knit-A-longs
The purpose of a knit-a-long is to have someone help you start a designated project, help with problems along the way and help you stay on track so as you can also finish it.

The group is usually working on the same type of project, but they don't have to be identical. In fact, it is a lot of fun to have everyone working with different yarn and different patterns.

There is no cost for this type of "class" if you purchase your materials from The Stitchin' Den. If you want to work on a project using yarn purchased elsewhere, the charge is $20.00 per class.

Sweater Knit-A-Long
This is a free knit-a-long. We all have just about finished our sweaters. Two are sewing seams, two are on the sleeves and one is somewhere in-between. You are welcome to join this group at any time.

We have one more sessions this month one on April 11th at 1PM. We will start a new sweater knit-a-long May 2nd. We will be doing vests or a summer tee.

Cable Knit-A-Long
This is a free knit-a-long and will focus on learning how to knit cables. Really, cables are not hard. We will be working on a bag.
Dates for this knit-a-long are May 1st, 15th and 29th from 1PM until 3PM.

Felting Class
Love to knit, but don't know how to get to the next step? Love to learn fun, new techniques? If yes is your answer, this class is for you. You will learn how to felt while knitting a bag. Supplies are purchased at the shop and everyone receives 10% off all your supplies throughout the class.
Class cost is $20.00 for two sessions.
Dates for this class are Friday, May 8th and 22nd from 1PM until 3PM.

Warm The World

SD is proud to support Warm The World (WtW). WtW is a 501(c)3 all volunteer organization based in Canon City, Colorado. They create hand made afghans, scarves, gloves and hats for individuals in need of a warm touch. What makes WtW stand alone, is that they provide the yarn, fabric and supplies and our volunteers provide the talent, time and love to create these special gifts for those in need. The volunteers live in 26 states; 299 strong. To make this amazing organization thrive, they need donations of yarn, needles and other knitting supplies.

The SD is an official drop off location. Just bring your orphan or unused stash yarns in and The Stitchin' Den will take care of shipping your donations to where they need to go. You can also bring in finished items too.

Barbara and Lana
Barbara (pronounced Baaar-bara) and Lana (Spanish for yarn) are in big trouble with Susan. They have been holding up the newsletter for months because of a new secret project they have been working on. Susan finally said "Okay sheep, I am putting the newsletter out without your column!" Talk about two indignant sheep. They have been putting together their new fiber studio and have been scrambling to get it all done. It isn't done, but they have allowed Susan a peak into their new scrumptious fiber playground.
Susan's top ten must haves for setting up your own studio space.
Susan wanted to give us a sneak peak into what Barbara and Lana find fabulous to put into their favorite space.
1. The magazine Studios by Interweave is a must for great suggestions for designing your space.
2. Great light!
3. Lotsa storage for all your stuff.
4. Environmentally friendly storage. Help the environment. Lots of earth friendly tips for storage, packaging and much more will be coming.
5. Great ideas to store your eye candy. Ribbons, fabrics, yarns, buttons, thread and much more must be in your studio.
6. A laptop is very helpful for perusing classes (The Stitchin' Den of course), our favorite web stores (The Stitchin' Den of course)and events. Sheep must stay connected!!
7. We love music, so get a docking station for your I Pod or a Bose CD changer or whateeever... We have to have our tunes playing while we create.
8. Your favorite pictures and great eclectic frames. Shhhhh! Lana doesn't know what eclectic means.
9. No clocks!!! We go to our studio to lose ourselves. Now Baaarbara always has her cell phone so she can secretly check the time. She doesn't want to be late for a hot date.
10. A great do not disturb sign for the door to your studio. We like the word quarantined. Livestock (sheep) and the word quarantine usually deters visitation and interruptions.

We hope you enjoy our column. Stay tuned to share more studio adventures.

See ewe soon!
Baaarbara and Lana
The Sheep

Exciting Events
Sock Boot Camp
6/25/2008 through 7/7/2008
Sock Boot Camp is coming to Estes Park. What is Sock Boot Camp???? The mission of Sock Boot Camp is to seek out our remaining scarf knitters (it’s ok, you can still knit scarves) and help you to cross over to other projects like socks. Once you knit a pair of socks (or 12), you will become hostages to this popular, fun project.
During the Sock boot Camp, The SD will deploy a surprise attack. Disguised as friendly knitters, our SD troops will contact all unsuspecting fiber addicts. Once engaged in conversation, sock soldiers will offer samples of Tofutsies Sock yarn from SWTC. In the hands of the unsuspecting, Tofutsies will cause immediate and uncontrollable urges to knit and crochet.
Our mission will be deemed a success when everyone is wearing a pair of SWTC Tofutsies socks they have made themselves.

Amaizing Baby
7/16/2008 through 7/30/2008
Who doesn’t have one or know one? Sooooo the Stitchin’ Den and South West Trading Company is throwing a baby shower. Together, we’re going to show off fabulous ideas for the babies we love in earth friendly , natural fibers. This shower features SWTC Amaizing , 100% Corn yarn (hence the spelling of the name), we have garments for both boys and girls and knitters of all skill levels for you to feel and be "amaized"!

Go Green Tour
9/10/2008 through 9/24/2008
SWTC has pioneered earth friendly fibers in the yarn industry. And, The Stitchin’ Den will be spreading that message in our fun and educational event about GREEN FIBERS and the role South West Trading has played in introducing them. Check out our table top display which will teach you about the different fibers that SWTC has introduced to the knitting world. With yarns, garments, and samples to feel and explore, this will be a fun, hands-on learning experience. This will be a time of eco-pleasures.

Coming later this year

Hip To Be Squared
November 2008
A show featuring garments made using the mitered square technique. The SWTC yarn Karaoke will be showcased AND available.

Therapy
Date TBA
Therapy is a new SWTC yarn using a blend of wool, silk and boulders. Yes!! Stone fibers are in this blend.

Best Friends Forever
Date TBA
Even The SD staff hasn't been briefed on what this mystery fiber will be. It has to been fabulous because of the name.
Joann Conklin Designs

Spring Surprises and Treasures

Bamboozle is a bamboo blend in fabulous colors. We love the drape and feel of this yarn. Scarves, baby items, sweaters and hats are just a few of our suggestions. This is a worsted weight Crystal Palace yarn.

Puffin is a synthetic. Now don't curl your lip at synthetic. This is a soft lite bulky yarn that has the cozy feel of fleece. Hats, scarves and baby anything. This is a yarn from Crystal Palace.

Great Adirondack Yarn Company is a small independent yarn company in New York. Now these yarns are fuzzy, glittery, soft, shiny and colorful. Did I say colorful? All these yarns are hand dyed and not by a computer or a machine. Each hank is an individual statement and will make any project a one of a kind. Felting, vest edging, sweater cuffs and collars, fringe, hat edging. I could go on and on, but I won't. Whew!!!

More Classes

Have you ever picked up a pair of knitting needles and thought they were for trout kabobs around the campfire? Has it been many moons since you've knitted and you want to get started again? Then our Begin To Knit Class is for you and anyone who wants to experience the fun of knitting. This class of offered frequently depending on interest. Want to learn???? Get in here!!!
Dates TBA

Socks Socks and more Socks
Memorial weekend and other dates TBA
Beginning socks and socks on circular needles. Great for vacations, hiking, backpacking or cozy, family times, social get togethers and quiet times in your studio.

Please call or stop in to sign up for your class or to be put on the call list for any of the 2008 Creative Camps, classes, workshops or outings.

Some reminders about classes:
Registration Policy: Advance registration required.
Class Payment Policy: Payment due upon registration.
Multi-Session Class Minimum Enrollment: 3 people or class can be taught as a private lesson.
Cancellation Policy: Instructors reserve the right to cancel classes due to inadequate enrollment or inclement weather. Only in such cases, does The Stitchin' Den refund your class fee by (1) check via mail or (2) credit toward purchase or future class.

Socials at The Stitchin Den:
*Socks on Friday at 3PM until 5PM. All are welcomed. At
*Knit-A-Longs See list above
*Open Knitting and Stitching on Wednesday 11PM until 1PM
Socials Elsewhere:
*Open Knitting at Notchtop on Thursday 2PM until 4PM
*Knitting Margaritas at Casa Grande 1st and 3rd Monday 5PM

No, we don't all have flat feet. The Stitchin' Den has received their first shipment of Flat Feet. This is the new yarn offered by Conjoined Creations. You actually knit your socks while unraveling the yarn. Stop in for a demo or call before we ship you a pair. This yarn challenges your artistic prowess because you know what shade your sock will be, but not exactly how it will pattern. Remember!!! No fear!!!

Purchase this yarn and receive a free pattern and indepth instructions on how to start your sock.

click here

Quote of the Month

I don't know what is going to happen, my crystal ball is covered in wool.
Peggy Williams, Brown Sheep Yarn Company

Project of the Month
This month, the project of the month is any sock knitted with tofutsie by SWTC. The pattern is free and you will save 10% off your Tofutsie purchase.

Every month, the shop features a color of the month. April the color of the month is Pink. May the color will be yellow. June the color will be green. During the month the color is selected, everything that color is 10% off. Decisions regarding whether or not a product is pink enough, yellow enough or green enough is totally at the discretion of the Stitchin' Den staff. The color discount also is applied to any mail orders you may need.

Shop Hours

Even during the "off season" in Estes Park, there are traffic problems. Next time you are backed up in traffic, think of the challenges in my commute.

Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve 10AM - 3PM
Christmas Day closed
December 30th, 31st and January 1st we will be closed for end of year bookwork. Ugh!

Estes Park continues to be open 10AM - 5PM. We close for lunch 1:00PM - 1:30PM

Beginning in January 2008, we will be closed Sundays and Tuesdays until furthur notice so as to work on our new on-line store. Woo Hoo!!! We are open 10AM until 5PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

We are closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

The Stitchin' Den

Address
Sttitchin' Den
Courtyard Shops
205 Virginia Dr.
Estes Park, CO 80517
1-970-577-8210 Ph

(Mailing Address is the Stitchin' Den, PO Box 337411, Greeley, CO 80633)

(E-mail is susan80633@yahoo.com and the web address is www.thestitchinden.com)

Until next time, thanks for all your continued support and suggestions.

Everyone At The Stitchin' Den, Susan, Mary and Anna.