stitch & bitch crochet

Dear toronto stitchers 'n bitchers,

Please forgive my bum-rushing your email list.

I'm writing to tell you about my latest Stitch 'n Bitch book project, and to
invite you to contribute to it. The subject of this next book is going to be
crochet. I know‹ blasphemy!!‹but where I'm from, if you're a needleworker
you're a needleworker, and there's no reason not to add more mad skillz to
your repertoire. Besides, crochet has it's benefits: It's much easier to do
on the beach (I always pick up a few crochet projects over the summer); if
you're already a knitter, some of your skills can easily translate over to
crochet (especially if you knit left-handed); and crocheting is just plain
better at certain things than knitting is. This book will be the perfect
crochet primer for both total newbies as well as those with developed
knitting skills, and will include special "for knitters only" tips to help
you get through the rough spots. Not only that, even if you've never felt
the urge to get hooking before, the projects in this book will be so cool,
they'll make you want to give it a try.

Speaking of cool projects, that's where you come in: I'm looking for
contributions of the funnest, most awesome, hippest crochet projects, using
any and all crochet methods (the book will cover it all), from the simple to
the more challenging. The projects can range from clothing to accessories to
household items to jewelry to baby things and pet items. Whether you're a
closet or out-in-the-open crocheter, I'd love you to contribute to the book.
Even first-time designers are invited to contribute. If you're familiar with
my two knitting books, you know the kinds of things I'm looking for.

But get crackin', because the deadline is March 7th!

To contribute, please send the following:

1) If you have a completed project, please send a few good-quality photos of
the item, along with a detailed description of it. Please email your photos
and description to me at stitchnbitch@bust.com, and be sure to include your
full name, email addresses, daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing
address. You can also mail these to me here: Debbie Stoller, BUST Magazine,
78 Fifth Ave, 5th floor, New York, NY 10011.

OR

2) If you have an idea for a project but have not yet completed it, that's
okay too. Just send me a very clear, detailed sketch of your idea, along
with a photo of a swatch made in the yarns and stitch pattern you plan to
use. This swatch should be rather large: 10" x 10" would be the best, if
it's possible (for some types of projects that might not be possible.) Email
that to me at stitchnbitch@bust.com, and be sure to include your full name,
email addresses, daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. You
can also mail these to me here: Debbie Stoller, BUST Magazine, 78 Fifth Ave,
5th floor, New York, NY 10011.

If your project is accepted, you will be provided with the yarn you need to
produce a sample, which will be photographed for the book and kept by me (to
take on tour, 'natch!). You will also be paid for your submission, and will
receive a free copy of the book once it is completed.

If you have any questions about the process, feel free to email me. Thanks
in advance, everyone!

xxxooo debbie stoller
Author, "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook" and "Stitch 'n Bitch
Nation"
http://www.knithappens.com

*** PLEASE NOTE: BE SURE TO SEND ANY EMAIL ABOUT THIS DIRECTLY TO ME AT
STITCHNBITCH@BUST.COM, AND NOT TO THE ENTIRE EMAIL LIST.***

p.s. Knitters, don't fret. You haven't seen the last of my knitting books
yet.

pattern books discounted

I've decided that from now on i'm going to sell yarn company pattern books at a discount (unless the distributor sets a retail price) to make them affordable. i'm doing this because copyright infringement is a thorny problem in the knitting industry and it undermines the hard work of a lot of people: pattern designers, art directors, photographers, printers, distributors, retailers, etc. I strive to carry single patterns to make projects more affordable, but sometimes the yarn distributors don't have a choice and must produce a book. So, from now on I won't be making money on the sale of company pattern books but the patterns will be accessible, even if you only want to make one of them.

best,

Haley

more new stuff

The new issue of Knit.1 has arrived! pictures follow .... there's lots of crochet in this issue, and if you want to lern how to do it the next class starts Feb 22nd - to reserve a space please contact the store & pay the class fee. Thanks!

and more new stock has arrived ....

- OPAL hand dyed sock yarns
- OPAL BATIK sock/sweater yarns
- FLEECE ARTIST Slubby & Big Loop capelet kits have arrived, dyed to knitomatic
specs in dazzling colours!
- 12mm DPN have arrived for those making chubby teddy bears
- Araucania cotton: a chunky, nubbly cotton in pretty kettle dyed colours at a very
reasonable price.

pretty things for spring 

time to learn how to crochet! lots of great crochet in this issue of Knit.1 

teva durham bias knit raibow tank 

ribbon top & beaded curtains 

The deal with Regia Jubilee "India"

people have been asking for Schachenmayr "Regia Jubilee" sock yarn in colour "india". the deal with this yarn is that it was olny available as a special purchase from the company (it was sold in something like a 29 kilos package of mixed colours) and is not available through the distributor on a regular per/bag basis. the distributor says that if you want this yarn on a regular basis you should contact the company to let them know that there is a demand for it. so here is the company contact information, drop them a line and let them know what you want:

For hand cord yarns Schachenmayr, Regia and Gedifra in Germany
Email: Gertraud.Sabatowski@coats.com
Coats GmbH, Eduardstr. 44, 73084 Salach
Tel. +49 7162 14-346, fax. +49 7162 14-260

oh, and i found some really cute freebie patterns on their webpage but they are in german so you might want to filter them through Babelfish Translation

What's New

so what's new around here? well, sale continues, many customers are leaving very happy with deals. I'm working hard on my stuff for SPUN, due out Feb 14th - very exciting. I've also been doing some shopping and the results will soon be arriving - excellent yarns & ready-made stuff for spring-a-ling.

what's arrived of late:
- new colours in MANOS del uruguay wool (hint hint, cotton will come eventually)

- new colours of CRYSTAL PALACE Cotton Chenille

- ROWAN Cotton chenille (chunkier than the CP and it come in BIG balls)

- a full assortment of bright colours in LOPI LITE to keep your felting fetish affordable

- BerrocoFLAX at a special price, 50% off because it is discontinued

- new colours of CRYSTAL PALACE Squiggle arrived - a very pretty pink for spring

- BAMBOO and SOY SILK have arrived from South West Trading (the soysilk people) & they also have some cute freebies

- Spring & Summer bags from MATT & NAT, our fave montreal vegan (PETA approved) designers of stylin' bags have arrived and they perfect as knitting bags for the urbanite! Pics will be posted toute suite.

- spring cottons & synthetics are coming in too: multicolours in NEEDFUL Kikki, Kelly, Labrador, and more to come! Infact, Needful's spring/summer line is soooo gorgeous that we are organizing a FASHION SHOW featuring their stylin' stuff. Needful's designs are elegant, sexy, totally wearable, and their highest quality Italian yarns are divine and stand the test of time and wear. (their Colour Baby and Wool Gatto yarns also make a kick ass Big Bad Baby Blanket from Stitch n' Bitch

- fancy capelet & bolero kits from NEEDFUL YARNS have arrived in very cute little tins - something quick & pretty & glam for a special night out.