Memorial Day has arrived and brings with it a remembrance of those who have given to allow us the freedoms we have today. We take this time to thank them for their sacrifice and bravery.
Memorial Day also embodies the arrival of Summer… Summer often means school is out – but here at The Tinsmith’s Wife, Craft School is in!
The school is informal – but we will have sessions to focus on different things that we love. You can check our website calendar for more details – or give us a call. Some of our sessions will be introductory and others will be more advanced. Bring and take what you would like – similar to a great summer pot luck!
Cross Stitch
Many of you haven’t cross stitched in forever, and/or you may have forgotten how awesome it is. There are so many elegant, fun, and joy-filled projects to be created. On Friday, June 7th we have time set aside to get back in the groove with cross stitch…
Here are a few of the projects on my short list for creating this Summer:
Needlepoint
Needlepoint is back in a wonderful way – and this isn’t your grandma’s needlepoint. You can be feisty and colorful and wicked.
We are blessed to have Terri at the shop on Thursday and Sunday to provide assistance and ongoing support as you jump into or back into needlepoint. She has an amazing calm that helps as you are learning and expanding your skills. We have also really expanded our fibers and canvas selections!
On June 9 and June 23, we will have introductory session time to get you needlepointing. We have a variety of great canvases to meet your individual style. We also have great Pippin Designs “First Stitch” kits that include everything (including the frame) to get you going fast (see the pic of the seagull below).
Knitting and Crochet
I don’t think I will ever learn all I can do with knitting and crochet. Working with yarn is just so darn fun.
If you want to learn either of these – we would start you on an amazingly simple and fun washcloth. No stress as you learn the stitches – and so functional at the end. If you want to learn – just set aside 1-1/2 hours on a Wednesday, June 12th or Sunday, June 30th, and we will get you going. And how cute is a patriotic washcloth?!
For those who want to take their skills forward – let’s talk Socks, Sweaters, and Lace!
Socks
If you are new to socks or just want to continue to learn greater techniques we have set aside Friday, June 14 to get going. AND we have a great new cotton/acrylic yarn that self-stripes in fruity funnest – in all six new colors! Plus there is a great free pattern available too…
We also have the journey with Knitted Wit’s National Park sock yarns happening that pair beautifully with Shannon Squire’s Socks for Busy B’s 4 for #socksonvacay. Yup – a great way to travel…
Each Thursday, I post on Instagram and Facebook the colorway / National Park of the week. Here is the first week – Haleakala National Park. If you collect four of the parks, you will also earn a great patch. Collect all 16 of the park colorways, and you have an enamel pin for your knitting bag! (Please note – this Thursday I will be posting park 4.)
Lace
Mark your calendar for July 1st when Boo Knits begins her Venus Rising knitalong. If you haven’t had the joy of knitting one of her patterns – you are in for a treat. The pattern is Venus Rising – and calls for 800 meters of lace weight, subtly solid yarn and approximately 1050 size 6 beads. Who is with me for this summer project?!
Sweaters
Sweaters are so much fun – and often there is a lot of great plain knitting/crocheting to them! If you haven’t tackled one there are so many options to pick from for Summer.
Consider knitting a Shibui Amos – I just knitted mine in Shibui Vine and Fern – and love it!
Or how about crocheting this amazing sweater, Maldives, in Berroco Medina…
We will also have more coming in July with the Olive Knits 4-Day Sweater Knitalong – details will be released this Thursday, May 23rd with the pattern being released on June 27th. We are excited about this one – and cannot wait to get us all ready for the party that we have planned July 4th through July 7th!
Punch Needle
Several have been asking for another introduction to punch needle class – and we have it coming up! Visit us on Friday, 6/28 from 1 – 4 pm to learn this super fun craft that you can pick up in an hour. Just think mini rug…
Below is Teresa Kogut’s American Primitives that is on my list to punch…just love the subtle starts in the red background not to mention the adorable sheep!
Happy Summer!
Whew – thank you for reading to the very end. We love the crafts we carry – and there is always more than enough to fill a newsletter!. Mom says I am too chatty – but hey, it is neat stuff!
It is hoped that we will see you this summer in person, or remotely via Social Media, to celebrate various handcrafts and the art of making. Until then – have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.
