Happy New Year!

Families have gathered, the carols are sung, and the gifts are unwrapped.  Now it is time to ring in the new year!  In anticipation of 2018, many are thinking about New Year Resolutions.  Perhaps you've made some of your resolutions....exercise more, eat healthier and lose those extra pounds.  You know...those promises we make to ourselves every year. 


But....have you made your really important resolutions?  Your fiber arts resolutions?  Many of us let our fiber arts interests take a back seat in our life, and they end up being neglected.  If you often wish you had more time to quilt, needlepoint, knit or pursue another fiber art interest, do yourself a favor. Make a resolution to make this happen in 2018. 


Do you want to learn something new this year?  Our class schedule has recently been published and includes a knitted and felted bag, hats, sweaters, afghans and mosaic knitting.  The Stitchin' Den has recently added punch needle rug hooking supplies to our collection.  Such beautiful results!  Stop in and see our sample and supplies.  This might be the new needlework you would like to learn this year. Check out our website for a complete listing of classes.  If you don't see a class for what you want to learn, call us and we will create a class for you.

Your 2018 resolution doesn't have to involve taking a class and learning a new skill, but perhaps you want to pursue a personal goal...Is this the year you're going to do major stash busting?  Knit or crochet your first sweater?  Finish the needlepoint you started 3 years ago?  Crochet one scarf a month?  Quilt a table runner for your dining room?  Gift your son and new daughter-in-law with a needlepoint commemorating their wedding day?  Knit, crochet, or sew a blanket for your first (or second or third!) grandchild?  

At the beginning of 2017, I resolved to knit one hat a month.  I made my goal!  If I hadn't made that resolution, I would not have used so much stash yarn.  I would not have been so diligent in spending time knitting.  I would not have learned several new knitting techniques.  Most important, I not have gained that great feeling of accomplishment.   

Do yourself a favor and make your own fiber arts resolution.  I guarantee it will increase your productivity and grant you a great deal of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.

Susan and the Stitchin' Den staff hope you had a good year in 2017 and wish you a great 2018!

Happy Thanksgiving!  The Stitchin' Den staff wishes you a very special day with family and friends.  Take time to relax today, because we all know what comes next...holiday madness, filled with shopping, stitching, decorating, stitching and entertaining.

Come to Estes Park and avoid the crazy crowds of department and discount stores.  As you stroll the streets of town, you will hear Christmas music, meet Santa Claus and other holiday characters, and visit many unique stores.  The annual Christmas parade is Friday night on the main street of town. 

Visit The Stitchin' Den while you're in town.  We want to make your holiday shopping easy...and save you money!  

Visit us on "Black Friday" and save 20% on our local yarns...

                Mountain Meadow yarn from Wyoming is on sale!
                MJ yarn from Lafayette, Colorado is on sale!
                Chimera yarn from Bennett, Colorado is on sale!
                Willow Creek yarn from Estes Park is on sale!
                Storyteller yarn from Estes Park is on sale!
                Have you noticed we have a lot on SALE!!
  
Susan has NEVER put these yarns on sale.  Don't miss this one day opportunity to save money and support local yarn companies.

Join us on November 25, Small Business Saturday, for a special promotion from Plymouth Yarn Company.  The first 10 customers who make an in-store purchase of $50 on Plymouth yarn will receive a coupon for $20 off their next $50 purchase of Plymouth yarn products.

Monday, November 27th is Cyber Monday, when you can put your feet up and do some online shopping.  Make at least a $100.00 purchase from our online store (www.thestitchinden.com) and receive free shipping by using the code: CYBER100.  

We hope to see you soon!

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins...

If you were/are a fan of Dr. Suess, you recognize the title of his much loved children's book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.   Do you suppose Bartholomew's mother was a knitter or crocheter?

Take a look at hats on Ravelry and you will discover Bartholomew had nothing on Ravelry.  If one were to write a book about Ravelry's hats, it would be titled "The 104,000 Hats of Ravelry."  I do not exaggerate.  There are about 67,000 knitted hat patterns on Ravelry and 37,000 crocheted hat patterns.  Here is another interesting fact:  31,230 of those hat patterns are free.  Stitchers will never run out of hat patterns!  And better yet, with all those free patterns, you can spend more money on yarn!

I have spent a great deal of time looking at hat patterns on Ravelry this year. My knitting resolution for 2017 was to knit knit 52 hats in a year, 52 weeks.  This has been a challenge which I will meet.  I am right on target to have my 52nd hat done by January 1, 2018.  Ravelry is a great resource for hat projects, but also, a distraction.  I can spend hours looking at all those hat projects!   Take a look....you'll see what I mean.

I embarked on this challenge for several reasons:
   1.  To overcome my extreme "Startitis".  You see, I so love starting new projects, I rarely finish knitting items.  There is always a new, exciting project waiting for me!  Working toward this knitting goal has really given me a taste of the satisfaction one gets when a project is finished.
   2.  To use up stash yarn.  This goal has met with mixed results.  When I go to work at The Stitchin' Den, the temptation of buying new yarn is ever present.  But I have made a dent in my stash, clearing space for new yarn!
    3.  To knit Christmas gifts before the middle of November.  This has been accomplished!
If you're on my Christmas list, count on receiving a hat!
This was a fun New Year's Resolution for me.  You may want to try it in 2018!

Visit The Stitchin' Den this month to get inspired to knit/crochet a hat for that special someone on your Christmas list.  Our project of the month for November is hats, which means you can shop online or in the store and receive 25% off patterns and yarn to knit or crochet a hat.  What a deal...your chance to gift a unique handmade gift AND save money.  There are only a few weeks until Christmas, but you still have time to make a hat for someone special.  Hats are a quick, useful and much appreciated gift.  You do not have to craft as many hats as Bartholomew Cubbins wore, Ravelry has, or I made, but you have time for a couple head warmers.

Happy Hat Stitching!

Write Haiku to win HiKoo

Journey back in your mind to your school days.  Next, zero in on English class.  Do you remember learning how to write Haiku, the ancient Japanese poetry form?  If not, let me refresh your memory...

A Haiku poem has 17 syllables and 3 lines.  The first and third lines contain 5 syllables each, and the second line has 7 syllables.  Haiku poems generally do not rhyme.  Nature is often, but not always, the subject of Haiku.  Perhaps seeing an example will refresh your memory.  This is a Haiku written by Basho Matsuo in the 1600's: 

An old silent pond

a frog jumps into the pond,

Splash! Silence again.

You are probably wondering why a crafting blog is presenting a lesson on poetry.  There is a good reason!  Skacel yarn company, producer of HiKoo® yarns, is sponsoring a Haiku contest.  I'm writing about the contest because we at the Stitchin' Den want one of our customers to win the prize...$500 worth of HiKoo® yarn.  Imagine the exciting projects you could knit or crochet with $500 worth of yarn! All you need to do is write the winning Haiku, submit it by December 15th, 2017, and redeem your prize at the Stitchin' Den. 

Here is a modern example of a Haiku poem, written by Skacel yarn company:
                                
                                       HiKoo® yarn is great.
                                   My needles are addicted. 
                                 Must feed them more yarn.

Some of our favorite HiKoo® yarns are Simplinatural, Kenzie, CoBaSi, Sueno, Rylie, and Luma.  Stop in, check out these yarns, write 17 syllables, and win!

For more information and an entry form, stop in at the shop or go to www.HikooHaiku2017.com.

Good Luck! 

You still have time...

to save 25% on our October Specials.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can save 25% on anything pink!  This special includes yarns, fabric, stitching threads, buttons, and notions.   Choose any pink item, and save 25% through October 31st.  Here is a sampling of  Stitchin' Den pink:  

Our other October special is Christmas ornaments and stockings...all for 25% off!  Christmas will be here before you know it, so it's time to start crafting that special something for your loved ones.  

For me, decorating the Christmas tree is a heart-warming time, an occasion to remember people associated with a special ornament.....Grandma crocheted those snowflake ornaments; Dad carved those wooden ornaments; Child #1 made that angel out of a toilet paper roll in Kindergarten.  Oh, I could go on and on!  (My children will vouch for that!)  But, you know what?  Those children have started telling their own "ornament stories."  That's the magic of Christmas decorating.  

So what will you add to your family's Christmas memories this year?  The Stitchin' Den is here to help you find just the right thing for 25% off this month!

My sister gifted my children with a new handmade ornament each year, so as they go  out on their own, they have the ornaments and the stories.  A new ornament is always a welcome hostess gift.  We have a selection of kits from Mill Hill and Val's Stuff for you to stitch up for some lucky recipient.  Here are just 2 examples of ornament kits:

          

Did a new baby join your family this past year?  Or did you gain a daughter-in-law?  If so, you need a new Christmas stocking.   We have many patterns and kits  to knit, crochet, cross stitch or needlepoint a stocking for a new member of your family.  

It's all about the stitch!

Have you admired placemats, scarves or other items knit with the Linen Stitch?  The Linen Stitch is easy to master and quick to impress!  It creates a very pretty, dense texture that looks like woven fabric.

               

The Linen Stitch is always worked on an even number of stitches.  It consists of 2 rows:
               Row 1:  *K1, slip1 with yarn in front.  Repeat from *to last stitch, K1.
               Row 1:  *P1, slip 1 with yarn in back.  Repeat from *to last stitch, P1.
              
              Repeat these 2 rows for pattern.  When slipping stitches, always slip as if to purl.
              

Yes,  that's all there is to it!  Now you see how easily  this stitch could be mastered!   If you worry you might get bored with these two rows, add some fun to the stitch by adding color. You can use as many colors as you wish.  Have fun changing the look of a project by changing the color scheme.

If you choose to work in a single color, you will create a solid fabric with texture.  The wrong side looks like Seed Stitch, creating a reversible fabric, great for scarves.  Knit with two colors and alternate colors every two rows.  Two colors really enhance the woven effect. Choose three or more colors, and you will make a speckled fabric, an option that might be great for stashbusting.   Using colors allows you to see how colors work together...don't be shy about making your own combinations!   Linen Stitch allows you to use as few or as many colors as you wish.  Do you have some variegated yarn you would like to use?   It will look nice in Linen stitch.
  
Linen Stitch is lovely in fine yarns;  more graphic in bulky yarns.   Available patterns include home projects and projects for both men and women.  Following are some free Linen Stitch patterns available on Ravelry:

       The Mini Mania Scarf
                                                       by Sara Core requires Fingering Yarn.   

                                                         



  


Linen Stitch Wristwarmers
     by Pepii require Sport Weight Yarn.




Next time you visit the shop, don't miss our "Linen Stitch Scarf" model by Fiberlicious. This beautiful scarf is knit in 5 colors of  "Colors by Kristin."  Choose one of these patterns and give the Linen Stitch a try.  You'll be glad you did.

  

Fall is in the air.  The temperatures are cooler, the dark of night comes earlier, and the kids are back in school.  From my own Kindergarten days through 30-plus years of teaching, Fall is 'back to school' time for me.   I'm guessing many of you have similar memories.  To me, Fall asks the question, "What will you learn that's new to you?"  If life asks you the same question, perhaps The Stitchin' Den can help you. 


Remember, you are never too old to learn something new.  In fact, research is showing that learning will help keep your brain young!  We don't teach French or calculus, but if you would like to  learn a new fiber art, we may be able to help. We offer classes in knitting, crocheting, needlework, and quilting. 

Current, on-going knitting classes include Building Blocks, Building in Color, and Building with Lace based on Michelle Hunter's books.   We welcome new students in these classes.  Please call the shop or visit the website for details. 

     
Beginning Crochet classes are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.  Beginning Knitting classes are held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.  Each of these classes is $20.00 with 20% off all materials for the class purchased here.  Reservations must be made in advance.

A new Beginning Sock knitting class begins October 2 with Alison.  Classes will be held at the shop on Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 2, 16, & 30.  The three classes are $60.00, with 20% off of materials for the class.  Reserve your spot now.

We will announce other classes soon, but we do like to customize our classes to our students' needs and wants. Would you like to learn to knit cables, or a hat, or ????  Or would you rather crochet that vest you saw in a magazine?  Or maybe you're ready to learn how to needlepoint or quilt?  If you don't see what you want, ask. We are open to suggestions. We do offer private classes, but there is always a chance someone is interested in learning the same thing.  Maybe you have a group of friends that have a common desire to learn a stitchin' skill.  We will arrange a class that works for your group.  Let us know what you want!

Enjoy your fall by learning a new stitch or two at The Stitchin' Den!

Shop Online

Great News!  You can now shop online and opt to pick up your items in the store! www.thestitchinden.com

Hot August is here, and The Stitchin' Den is boiling!  Well, okay, the morning temperatures have been in the 50s this week in Estes Park.........but our shop is hot!   Knitters and crocheters are coming here for Hot August Knits--the annual southern Wyoming/northern Colorado Yarn Crawl.  

For us, Yarn Crawl this year features the Building With Lace book, the third in Michelle Hunter's "Building" series.  The pattern calls for HiKoo Rylie yarn, a scrumptious mix of baby alpaca, mulberry silk, and linen in truly beautiful colors.  Paula's class based on this book has started, but there is still room for you to join.  Start now and by this time next year, you will be a master lace knitter!  Call the shop for information on this class.  



          




The "Sisterhood of the Sweater" is another Hot August Knits special.  This sweater reflects the designer's awareness of how many times women see a pattern they like, but think they shouldn't make the garment because they don't look like the model.  Katie Rempe found 8 women ranging in age from 20 to 60 in different shapes, sizes, and heights  and asked them to choose their own colors and knit the same sweater in their respective sizes.  The result is a sweater that looks great on everyone!
                                          

The Stitchin' Den carries the three HiKoo yarns used in this sweater:  Kenzie, Simplinatural, and Sueno.  Come pick out your colors.  This would be a great sweater for the coming fall weather.  




                                  
When you are in the shop, be sure to see our large collection of Arequipa yarns, which include Worsted, Boucle, Fur, and Adventura.  All of these yarns, in combinations of wool and alpaca, are available in neutral shades of grey, ecru, and taupe. The yarns in this collection are a true delight to a crafter's sense of touch!  For our Yarn Crawl, we have MANY models to inspire your creative juices. Here are a few: 

The Fibre Co.'s Luma yarn is another Hot August Knits trunk show item.  Luma is a mixture of merino wool, organic cotton, linen, and silk.  This DK-weight yarn has been intentionally crafted with subtle texture and color variances.  The Fibre Co. has nicknamed this beautiful yarn "Threads of Sunlight", a unique name for a unique yarn.  Knit this into a  'Stone Point Poncho' or 'Bennett Creek Sweater', then stand back and enjoy the compliments while wearing it.

                                                   

Last but not least, Hot August Knits at The Stitchin' Den includes 25% off any Christmas project you choose for crafting.  That includes fabric, cross stitch, needlepoint, and yarn!

Christmas is only four months away, so come in and start gathering ideas AND saving on your crafting!

                         

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Roll out those lazy, crazy days of summer!

Summer is the time to slow down and enjoy your favorite fiber art.  Fiber lovers who attended the Estes Park Wool Market got a great start to their summer, observing animals, attending workshops, and visiting the marketplace.   If you missed the Market this year, mark your calendar now to attend in June, 2018.   Many more fiber related events are yet to come this summer.                   

The Collective Stitch, June 1 to August 31, provides a fun summer adventure for cross stitchers.  The theme for this year's designs is, "A Postcard from...".   From June 1 to August 31, each participating shop will feature an original post card design in a uniform size, so you can stitch them together if you wish.   This is The Stitchin' Den's design, created by Sharlotte Devere of The Queen Stitch:
        

Visit the shops, collect your free charts, and stitch them under a shade tree or by your campsite.  

Quilters:  The Row by Row Experience is a great summer stitching opportunity for you. Shops throughout the world each present a quilt block based on the current year's theme, which is "On the Go" for 2017.  Visit participating shops and pick up your free, original design pattern.  This is our row: 

Also, kits with the fabric you need to create our row are available at the shop.

We created two Row by Row blocks for juniors.  What a fun way to learn beginning quilting skills!  Your junior "wannabe" quilter may choose one of these designs:                                              

 "Rover" What a cutie with his pom-pom nose!

"Friendship Bracelet" allows for lots of creativity.  
Make it your own by adding ribbon, beads or...

The Row by Row Experience began June 21st.  Visit quilt shop during your summer travels.  These quilt blocks may keep you in stitches throughout the winter!

The big event for yarnies, "Hot August Knits Yarn Crawl,"  takes place from July 29 to August 13.  Grab your fellow "yarnies"  and visit yarn shops from Southern Wyoming to Northern Colorado!  Get your passport online or at your first stop.  Each shop you visit will stamp your passport to make you eligible for that store's prize.   Visit every store to be eligible for a Grand Prize, containing donations from your favorite yarn companies.   Last year, ten Grand Prizes were given to ten lucky winners.  This photo shows one of last year's lucky winners: 
            

Gift yourself by enjoying one or all of these events.  Slow down, kick back, and RELAX!  That's what summer is for!

            
    

Button, button, who's got the button?

The Stitchin' Den has the buttons!

We have buttons from Favour Valley Woodworking in Henniker, New Hampshire.   This small manufacturer uses local wood and antlers to make one-of-a-kind buttons.  The material is cut, polished, and tumbled to smooth all edges. Then the wood buttons are soaked in natural tung oil for protection. This company utilizes low impact and sustainable manufacturing practices.  

Materials used include purple lilac, red oak, cherry, walnut, honey locust, and deer antlers. The material is clearly marked on each button card.  




If you wear scarves, come see this company's unique scarf buckle.  Scarf buckles come in three different sizes to match the weight of your scarf.  The buckle is not only unique but also easier to use than a scarf pin. 

                             
Button, button, who has toggle buttons?  The Stitchin' Den has toggle buttons....

   

   

         Button, button, who has buttons made from 
         coconuts?  The Stitchin' Den has unique buttons 
         made from coconut shells.








Button, button, who has extremely unique handmade buttons?

The Stitchin' Den has Incomparable Buttons that are made in South Africa by a women's empowerment group.  All  buttons are shaped and painted by hand.  These buttons are truly one of a kind!  

Where else have you seen buttons in such beautiful geometric shapes in buttons?

                                  


 We have buttons in the shapes of butterflies, cats, and owls, oh my!  

Many more button designs are available in our shop.  Remember The Stitchin' Den next time you need a special button.  Do not settle for a plain button.  Buttons can be the crowning glory on your project.  







  

Hop on in!

The Stitchin' Den will be closed Easter Sunday, April 16, so the Easter Bunny has made special arrangements to visit the shop early.  Customers are invited to hunt for Easter eggs hidden in the shop on Saturday, April 15th. 

Brightly colored eggs will be hidden throughout the shop on Saturday.  Find an egg  and take it, along with your purchase, to the front desk.  We will crack open the egg to reveal your discount.  Discounts will range from 10% to 50%.  Relive your childhood memories of searching for eggs and enjoy a surprise discount on the purchase of your choice.  The hunt is on from 10 to 5 on Saturday!

Happy Easter!