June 5, 2022
The summer newsletter is ready!
You can find it by clicking here:
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! I can't wait to see you!
May 29, 2022
Hello, everyone!
Here's the latest edition of SYAO Creativity. Let's see what's been going on in the shop lately!
STITCH (What I've been working on)
I have a new color of Virtuous Yarn Integrity Sock. I call it "Curious"--one of my favorite virtues in a person! It's a lovely blend of avocado green and turquoise blue. Each skein is of course different, but the "average" one looks like this:
Here it is on the website, if you're interested.
YOUR (What you've been working on)
Margie bought sheep fabric from me to make a sheep quilt for her son and his soon-to-be wife, who raises sheep! We had fun choosing all the sheep-like coordinates--lots of earthy colors.
Margie is a fairly new quilter, but look at her incredible job at free-motion quilting! We're not worthy!!!
ART (Inspired by art or nature)
I don't know about you, but I love stained-glass lamps. This one is from Tiffany, of course. It's called "Hanging Head Dragonfly Shade on Mosaic and Turtleneck Base." (I'm not sure who named it that!) It was made somewhere between 1901-1917. (Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago.)
For kicks, I put some fabrics together with those colors. It's always fun to use a piece of artwork for color inspiration!
We can do that in yarn, too. It's glorious! This is Cascade Ultra Pima, a lovely cotton yarn.
OUT (What's out on the shelves in the shop)
Margie and her sister bought up all the sheep fabric, for a flurry of quilts and pillowcases. BUT I HAVE MY WAYS. I got in more! I love that noisy lamb at the bottom.
And remember that space fabric from the cat quilt I was making? Here's a fabric I just got in that's very similar!
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! I can't wait to see you! (Note that I'll be closed on Memorial Day.)
May 22, 2022
Hello, everyone!
Here's the latest edition of SYAO Creativity. Let's see what's been going on in the shop lately!
STITCH (What I've been working on)
Do you sometimes get back to projects that you've been neglecting for years? (What's in this box?)
About 3 years ago, Centre Pieces Quilt Guild had a competition using a choice of two fabrics in the shop. I immediate chose the "space" fabric, knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I put it aside, planning to work on it.
That never happened, until last week. For the creativity class I'm teaching, I did my homework at the last minute! I got a bunch of blocks cut out, and in the eleventh hour of the class, even completed an entire block.
I think this quilt will be for my guy, Kevin, whose screen saver is this kitten floating in space on a piece of bacon:
Here's the first block of my quilt, which I'm calling Cats in Space. (Kevin doesn't read these emails, so if you know him, do not say a word!)
Kevin, I'm sure you'll have this quilt soon.... by maybe 2028.
Sometimes it's worth waiting, and simply getting things done at your own pace. My natural pace is slow. I speed up because of needing to get things done at work, but under it all, I'm a wanderer. What's your pace?
YOUR (What you've been working on)
Judy's been working on this year's challenge quilt for the quilt guild (everyone has seen it there, so this isn't a secret!), and she's come in to get Kaffe Fassett (rhymes with "safe asset") fabrics for it. Isn't it beautiful?
Note again that she's making the quilt in the SAME YEAR as the actual challenge!
Let's take a closer look at her amazing Dresden-plate center:
Be sure to show me all your finished objects! I love seeing them.
ART (Inspired by art or nature)
Sometimes things that aren't so great in one way have a beauty about them in another way. The other day I was at the Post Office in Pine Grove Mills and happened to glance at the house next door that appears to be abandoned. I literally gasped at an incredible wisteria. This was only about 1/3 of it:
I've always been a fan of close-up photos, so let's walk in, to see what those flowers look like:
Purple and green: Always a classic color combo!
OUT (What's out on the shelves in the shop)
Noro Geshi is a gorgeous summer yarn! It's DK weight, with 660 yards of cotton, viscose, silk, and a minuscule amount of wool. The colors are stunning.
I think it would be perfect for my Between Transitions shawl pattern.
Pick your favorite two colors (maybe purple and green like the wisteria?) to combine in this beautiful shawl!
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! I can't wait to see you!
Cynthia
Land Line (call): 814-238-4151
Text: 856-759-3420
Email: cynthia@stitchyourartout.com
May 15, 2022
Hello, everyone!
Here's the latest edition of SYAO Creativity. Let's see what's been going on in the shop lately!
Before we get started, a quick reminder: My anniversary sale ends this Wednesday, May 18. I'll be awarding lots of door prizes on the 19th. It's been great seeing so many of you! Make an appointment to see all the good stuff!
STITCH (What I've been working on)
In my last note, I showed you yarn I dyed that didn't come out the way I had planned. This time, let's see what happened in the end!
Now that I've shown the yarn to the person who ordered it, all will be revealed. Elizabeth wanted to make the Marauder's Socks from the book Knitting Magic (AHEM .... which I just happen to have in the store). She wanted a parchment color, and a very deep burgundy.
Here's a picture of the sock from the book, and then the yarn I dyed. I'm pretty sure I nailed it. (In fact, I daresay that my parchment color looks even more like actual parchment. I made sure to make it a little blotchy, as requested.)
That was a fun one! If you want to steal Elizabeth's idea, let me know! I have the colors in stock, but even if I didn't, I can wave my magic wand and get more within a few days!
YOUR (What you've been working on)
Judy made an appointment the other day to show me her finished quilt. Honestly, I think this might be my favorite kind of appointment. I love seeing what people make! She finished a block of the month that I had designed in what apparently was 2009. (You know, back when we were all in high school.)
She had Barbara Dann custom quilt it. It's beautiful.
Excellent persistence, Judy! I admit that the center was a bit of a beast, and that if I hadn't been under pressure to finish it before everyone else, I may have wrapped it up in roughly 2040.
Look at the back!
ART (Inspired by art or nature)
We will describe the weather this week as a bit "iffy," but last week was stunning. Here's the redbud tree in front of the store. Let’s all make something that’s pink, blue, white—with an unexpected touch of lime green.
OUT (What's out on the shelves in the shop)
Did you know that the shop has many different kinds of interchangeable needles? You can find the Addi Click sets (both Rockets and Bamboo), Knitter's Pride, ChiaoGoo, and Lykke. I have both the Denim Lykke and the new copper Lykke ones! Needle sets are perfect for summer travel.
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! Seeing everything in person is the best!
Cynthia
Land Line (call): 814-238-4151
Text: 856-759-3420
Email: cynthia@stitchyourartout.com
May 10, 2022
Hello, everyone!
Here's the latest edition of SYAO Creativity. Let's see what's been going on in the shop lately!
STITCH (What I've been working on)
I'm still dyeing yarn, of course.
One of my favorite things to do is custom dyeing for ya'll. But sometimes when I do that, I get a few ... let's call them ... "experiments." But often those experiments can work and be exciting.
Here's one that happened the other day. I love it. I was trying to do a parchment color, but it came out way too dark. I knew it wasn't going to work as parchment, but it was getting pretty nifty, so I added several more colors!
If you want a specific color, I can try making it for you. I pride myself on nailing the colors ... after maybe a few experiments!
YOUR (What you've been working on)
I love this sweater that Katie made! She used Berroco Langley. Did you know that I can get you any Berroco yarn in any quantity, mailed straight to your door? Let me know what you want, and I'll make it happen. I'll split the postage with you. Go to Berroco.com to see it all!
ART (Inspired by art or nature)
You might enjoy more photos from the Chihuly exhibit that I went to in Florida a few months ago. I love red, and it shows itself well against black. A classic combination! It was hard not to reach out and touch it.
OUT (What's out on the shelves in the shop)
There's still so much sale yarn and fabric! Come in and buy it up! Along with other sale yarns, I have a bunch of beautiful yarn at buy 1, get 2 free:
If you want to know what to make with it, I recommend my good old Make a Million Shawl. You can use any weight of yarn (just make them all roughly the same), and as many colors as you want. It has all kinds of options that make experimenting fun--or it tells you how to make a plain, vanilla shawl.
And I still have many bolts of sale fabric at half off. I like this whimsical tree fabric. It's kind of the opposite of the Chihuly sculpture, black on red!
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! Seeing everything in person is the best!
Cynthia
Land Line (call): 814-238-4151
Text: 856-759-3420
Email: cynthia@stitchyourartout.com
April 25, 2022
Hello, everyone!
Here's the latest edition of SYAO Creativity. Let's see what's been going on in the shop lately!
STITCH (What I've been working on)
This is a hat that I just released. I kind of designed it but not really! Valerie Reed designed all the motifs I used in this hat on her version of last year's Maryland Road Trip mystery shawl. (I'm wearing her shawl, too, in this photo.) This project's perfect for leftover fingering-weight yarn. You can pick the pattern up here.
Thanks for the great shot you took of me, Valerie! You know, I have a bit of a Mona Lisa expression in that photo, and now wonder what I was thinking.
YOUR (What you've been working on)
Joanne just finished this stunning shawl. It's called Ho'okipa. Any fingering-weight yarn will work. Love it! I can get it for you on Ravelry. Give me a call with your credit-card handy. I'll buy it "in store," which means it'll go right to your Ravelry library or your email. Every little bit helps when you're a small business!
Here are also a couple more photos from the shop retreat. Chris started a kitty quilt made from one of the shop's cat fabrics. I may need to copy get inspired from her!
And Pat finished piecing this amazing quilt. (It's understandable if you feel a little faint just looking at it.)
ART (Inspired by art or nature)
The daffodils are so cheerful at this time of year!
OUT (What's out on the shelves in the shop)
And I love this checked fabric that just arrived. It has the the colors of a daffodil!
And here's the cat fabric that inspired Chris. It's perfect for the cat person in your life.
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! Seeing everything in person is the best!
Cynthia
Phone: 814-238-4151
Text: 856-759-3420
Email: cynthia@stitchyourartout.com
April 18, 2022
Hello, everyone!
Here's the latest edition of SYAO Creativity. Let's see what's been going on in the shop lately!
STITCH (What I've been working on)
I've been working on the Australian block of the month this past week. I had originally planned to do just one color of purple, but then I looked across the room at this combination sitting together on the shelf. I had to use them both! I used up every inch of both fabrics cutting the kits, but if you want to sign up late, I can make something that'll look just as good from more purple Australian fabrics! Give me a call.
YOUR (What you've been working on)
Having just come back from the retreat, I have so many photos of things that people worked on there. It was truly inspirational! I'll show more of them in future emails, but here are a couple now.
Pat was busy during the retreat, piecing then starting to quilt her strip quilt made from Kaffe Fassett strip sets. She threw a bright-yellow batik into the mix, which gives a terrific point of interest.
Valerie showed her crocheted blanket to all of us. It's magnificent. The pattern is the AMMA CAL, and she used Cascade 220 from the shop.
ART (Inspired by art or nature)
I enjoyed the view that nature gave us all out the hotel balconies at Lake Raystown. Although we all crave sunshine by this time of year, you have to admit that there's a special beauty to light filtered by clouds.
Next year's retreat will be held April 13 through 16. You can sign up with at $100 deposit now! Call the shop at 814-238-4151 for all the details. (Note: Space is limited and first come, first served. We already have quite a few sign ups from returning attendees.)
OUT (What's out on the shelves in the shop)
There are still a few Florida Road Trip mystery shawl packs left. The shawl is beautiful! It's hard to keep it a secret! Valerie Reed and I have spent a year planning and designing it. We think you'll be as pleased as we are with the result. The first clue drops on Local Yarn Store Day, April 30. (More about that event soon! I have bigger plans than just one day will hold!)
You can buy a yarn pack here, and the pattern here. If you want to make up your own colors, stop by, and we can put something together! (Below is the Crystal Clear Waters color combination.)
If Pat's quilt above inspired you, you might want to know that the shop carries strip packs from the Kaffe Fassett Collective. Come on in and see 'em!
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! Seeing everything in person is the best!
Cynthia
Phone: 814-238-4151
Text: 856-759-3420
Email: cynthia@stitchyourartout.com.
April 11, 2022
Hello, everyone!
I hope you'll enjoy this new email idea, SYAO Creativity. You'll be getting an email, but if you want to look over "back issues," here it is on the shop's blog.
I'll have four topics each time to give you the scoop about the shop, with each topic based on the name of the store:
- Stitch is what I've been stitching lately.
- Your is what you've been stitching lately from the shop's fabrics and yarns. (Next time you're in the shop, show me what you've been making!)
- Art is art or crafts or nature that has inspired me, which you might enjoy as well.
- Out is new or interesting merchandise that's out on display in the store.
As always, make an appointment to shop or browse, or just to show off your stuff! Seeing everything in person is the best! If you're from out of town, I'll be happy to mail order. Just talk to me at 814-238-4151, text me at 856-759-3420, or send an email to cynthia@stitchyourartout.com. The website shows only a small fraction of what I have!
Okay, let's look at some fun things!
STITCH
I had a great time this past weekend at our shop's annual retreat at Lake Raystown. One of my favorite things that came out of it was an improvisational quilt I worked on:
It started out as playing with a circle that was split into bars by other fabrics, and then one thing led to another. I love the appliqued lizard from one of my favorite Australian fabrics! (Yes, I have some in stock as of this writing.)
YOUR
How amazing are Patricia's doll sweaters?!? She made them using my book, The Sweater with the Best Fit Ever!She had to make a few minor modifications, such as not making the neck an inch higher in the back than in the front, but otherwise, she measured the dolls, then used those measurements to make these sweaters. (She even swatched!) So cute!
ART
When I was in Florida recently, I was lucky enough to be able to visit a Chihuly exhibit at a museum in St. Petersburg. Oh my gosh. Each sculpture is a delight of color and shape! This one reminds me of a scrappy project. It would be fun to pull these colors as inspiration for a quilt or a fair-isle hat.
OUT
So many things are out on the shop's shelves! For today, let me share a couple--one knitting, one quilting.
Noro makes yarns that don't stripe, believe it or not, and this is a new one for them (and the shop!). It's called Madara, and the colors are stunning. It's also nice and soft! Start a sweater now, and it'll be ready for the cold weather! Or make some basic mittens or mitts!
Did you know that the store has 5" charm packs for quilting? Here are some from the Kaffe Fassett (rhymes with "safe asset") collective, Australian fabrics, and Ruby Star Society. I love them all!
I have this cute table-runner pattern in stock for inspiration on what to do with these.
Make an appointment to come on in for your own creative inspiration!
Cynthia
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Contact Us
- Stitch Your Art Out
235 Pine Grove Rd.
Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868
Call us now: (814) 238-4151
Email: cynthia@stitchyourartout.com
Monday-Saturday: By Appointment
