Reporter looking for Jewish Crafters

Hi there,

I got an email from Stacey Palevsky a staff writer with the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California. She is looking to talk to Jewish crafters (crochet,knit, sew, etc.) for a piece.

To get in touch with her call her at 415-263-7200 ext. 28 or email: Stacey@jweekly.com.

Cheers,

Suzie
www.thepurlygates.net

Marin Fiber Arts Holiday Events!

There is a lot going on at Marin Fiber Arts as we are getting well into the Holiday Season. Many of you knitters out there are still searching for "that perfect gift" for friends and family, so why not give them something hand-made? To help manage the holidays, there are several specials happening at Marin Fiber Arts that are available through the end of the year:

Clearance Shelf!! Right now the entire Bollicine line as well as some Cascade yarns are on sale at 50%.

Last-minute holiday gift classes FREE of charge. On December 2 and 9 (both Saturdays) there will be a short series of free classes on getting together holiday gifts. Topics include: Modular Felted Coaster, Multi-directional Scarf, Star Ornament, Modular Circular Stuffed Ball Ornament, and Keyhole Scarf. Classes are taking place throughout the day and last approximately 1-1.5 hours. All you have to do to participate is buy the materials that you will be using.

A Jo Sharp trunk Show will be taking place Thursday November 30- Tuesday December 12. Many beautiful garments featured in Jo Sharp's new book "Knit" Vol.1 will be on display, from cardigans to pullovers, featuring two new yarns for fall: Alpaca Silk Georgette and Alpaca Kid Lustre. During the trunk show, all Jo Sharp yarns will be on SALE for 15% off!

Cash for Stash is still happening! Clean out your stash, bring it in and Marin Fiber Arts will donate it to charity. In exchange for every pound of yarn you bring in, you get a $5 store credit. It doesn't matter what kind fo yarn it is, as long as it is clean and wound into balls/hanks/skeins.

All of these events (unless otherwise noted) are running until the end of the year! And as always, Thursday nights the store is open late for the knit night. Come in, bring a project, and knit with us!

Marin Fiber Arts is located at:
1026 Court Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 459-4600
http://www.marinfiberarts.com/

Full Thread Ahead Anniversary Sale

From Friday, November 17th and to Sunday, November 19th, everything in the store is 20% off. More details on the store blog

Please remember our seasonal hours through Christmas:

• Monday 11am - 9pm
• Tuesday 11am - 6pm
• Wednesday 11am - 6pm
• Thursday 11am - 8pm
• Friday 11am - 9pm (Open until 10pm on LACY Dance nights)
• Saturday/Sunday 11am - 5pm

We're adding Fridays to open knit nights, but as always you're welcome any time the store is open to come and knit with us.

Full Thread Ahead
169 Main Street
Los Altos, CA 94022

(650) 948-9036
(888) Go-Knit1

Marin Fiber Arts: Stash for Cash!

The holiday season is fast approaching and that means coming up with cash for gifts for friends and family. If you plan on knitting gifts, or just want to endulge in buying yourself a gift of knitting goodies, but have that much too common oversized stash of yarn you may never use, have no fear. Marin Fiber Arts in San Rafael is having a Stash for Cash event than runs through December 31, 2006.
Clean out your stash by bringing in all your unwanted yarn... doesn't matter what kind; it can be dime-store acrylic from 25 years ago to novelty yarn you bought last year on sale but just don't like. The yarn will be donated to local schools and charities, so while you are narrowing your unwanted yarn stash and getting great deals on new yarns, children and those in need are also benefiting from your generosity!
For every pound of yarn you bring in, you will receive a $5 credit towards your purchase. Bring in 5 pounds, and you get a $25 credit! Your credit must be redeemed on the day you bring in your yarn, and the credit can be applied towards the purchase of anything in the store with the exception of class fees.
Thank you for your holiday support, and happy knitting!

Marin Fiber Arts is located at:
1026 Court Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 459-4600
http://www.marinfiberarts.com/

Another Great Event at Nine Rubies Knitting

Just one week after our book signing with The Dominitrix, Jennifer Stafford (http://ninerubies.com/knitting/blog/whip-your-knitting-into-shape), we will be joined by the co-author of one of the most talked about knitting books of the fall. Yarn store owner Mel Clark has co-written a wonderfully witty book called Knit 2 Together with the gifted actress Tracey Ullman. The book is filled with fun and wearable projects such as a shrug, a cardigan and a darling baby cape. Mel will be here for a book signing, trunk show and Q&A session on Sunday, December 3rd, from 2-5 pm. Mel will talk about her experiences as a yarn store owner and author, and how she and Tracey came upon the idea of working on a book together.

In order to get a sense of the quantities we need to order, we’re asking that you pre-order the book if you will be coming to the signing (or if you just want a copy). Please stop by the store or call us if you are interested. We’ll have extra copies of the book at the event if you don’t want to pre-order. Of course, you are more than welcome to come to the event even if you don’t order the book J.

Nine Rubies Knitting is located in downtown San Mateo at 28 E. 3rd Avenue, just east of El Camino. There is street parking as well as a parking structure located around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The store phone number is 650-685-6205. Hope to see you there.

Yarn! last day is November 18th

Yarn! on Santa Clara Ave. in Alameda, is going out of business. Stock is depleted but everything left is 40% off.

Last day open is November 18th.

Whip Your Knitting into Shape at Nine Rubies

Nine Rubies is delighted to announce that The Domiknitrix AKA Jennifer Stafford, will be coming to Nine Rubies on Saturday, November 25th from 3-7 pm. Nine Rubies is honored to be her first book signing event.

Jennifer has a unique, fun and funky approach to knitting. The book teaches the basics of knitting, purling and finishing, but Jennifer’s real talent is apparent in the more than 20 great patterns. She is the most adventurous knitter - hates those seams and will do anything to avoid them altogether. Her designs are very San Francisco hip - parents and teenagers are going to argue over who’s wearing this look. And you’re going to love making them…

In order to get a sense of the quantities we need to order, we’re asking that you pre-order the book if you will be coming to the signing (or if you just want a copy). Please stop by the store or call us if you are interested. We’ll have extra copies of the book at the event if you don’t want to pre-order. Of course, you are more than welcome to come to the event even if you don’t order the book - Jennifer would be happy to help you boss your yarn around.

The store is located in downtown San Mateo at 28 E. 3rd Avenue, just east of El Camino. There is street parking as well as a parking structure located around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The store phone number is 650-685-6205. Hope to see you there.

Ann Norling at Nine Rubies Knitting this Wednesday

We are delighted that the popular knitwear designer Ann Norling will be appearing at Nine Rubies Knitting this Wednesday, October 25th from 6-8 pm. Ann will talking about one of her latest patterns “The Perfect Tee” - which is all about knitting up the perfect Tee sweater for anyone, in any yarn, with or without sleeves. She'll also be showing some of her beautiful patterns knitted up.

On the occasion of the Ann’s visit to the store, we will be providing 15% off on all Crystal Palace Yarns. We will also be taking special orders on any Crystal Palace yarns ordered by you, even if we do not carry that specific yarn.

Nine Rubies Knitting is located at 28 E. 3rd Avenue in downtown San Mateo. Parking is available on the street, or around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The phone number is 650-685-6205.

looking for new Bay Area Knitter Moderators

Hi All,

I am so happy this Bay Area Knitters ring has taken off! We have 146 members now.

Some of you who follow the ring may know that I recently moved up to Seattle, WA for graduate school. I've found I'm not having enough time to manage the ring. I'm looking for a couple people to help take over the moderation of the ring and community blog.

Shoot me an email at crafteratheart AT gmail DOTcom if you are interested.

thanks,
Lori

Knit Out At Full Thread Ahead and Save

Do you have a knit group; are always looking for knit friendly places to meet and like to save money? Then this is for you!Book a time for your knit group in our well lighted living room and receive a discount based on the number of people that come - for 5 and over in your group save 10%, for 10 and over save 15%, for 15 and over save 20%. The more who come, the more you save!
You can meet during the week or weekend; day or evening. Just contact us for full details and to book your time out!

Red Scarf Project

Full Thread Ahead is proud to announce their sponsorship of the Red Scarf Project.

Now through January 7th, we'll be a drop off point for those completed red scarves.
Drop off a completed red scarf with us, and you'll save 10% on any purchases during your visit.

Join us for Knit For The Red Scarf Sundays - the first Sunday of every month from 1-3pm we'll be knitting our red scarves, join us in the living room for this great cause. Our first Knit for the Red Scarf Sunday is October 1.

Nine Rubies Knitting Customer Appreciation Day

Nine Rubies Knitting (www.ninerubies.com) is having a Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 30th, beginning at 10 am. Everything in the store will be discounted 15% (more for store members). In addition, there will be a party from 4-7 pm to celebrate the store's first nine months in business. New and existing customers are invited to join in the fun and stock up on some great yarns, needles, accessories and more. We carry an extensive selection of Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Artyarns, Schaefer, Mountain Colors, Misti Alpaca and many, many more.

The store is located in downtown San Mateo at 28 E. 3rd Avenue, just east of El Camino. There is street parking as well as a parking structure located around the corner at 2nd Avenue and El Camino. The store phone number is 650-685-6205. Hope to see you there.

Knit Flicks

Thursday, August 31 is Knit Flicks night at Noe Knit. Movie start at 7:00. Chairs are first come first serve but feel free to bring your own or a pillow for the floor. Looks like this month's movie is Sense and Sensability but there is still time to cast your vote. All Knit Flicks movies are free!

Noe Knit is on 24th St between Sanchez & Castro.

noni bag trunk show

noni bags
Originally uploaded by katbaro.

The Noni Bag Trunk Show is commin' to town! The celebration of its arrival will be August 24th. 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Noe Knit (24th street between Sanchez & Noe) We will discuss and delight in the designs. Eight of the bags from the collection will be live in the store. If you can't come to the party Thursday night, they will all be on display through Aug 28th. Stop by and have a look at these beauties!

Clear Out the Clearance Sale @ Full Thread Ahead

We have some exciting new fall yarns coming in and its time to make room! So we've filled the clearance wall to overflowing with many new yarns in their first appearance at the sale wall, and are offering all skeins for only $3 each.

Every skein is at least 50% and many are 70% off or more. There's Bamboo, Silk, even a little Alpaca, and lots of summer/fall transition yarns. Hurry selection is limited. All sales are final. Sorry this is an in-store sale only.

Full Thread Ahead
169 Main Street

Los Altos CA 94022

650 948 9036

Open 7 days a week:

Mon 10am-9pm
Tues 10am-6pm
Wed 10am-6pm
Thurs 10am-6pm
Fri 10am-6pm
Sat 10am-5pm
Sun 11am-5pm

Skein Lane is going out of business!

Skein Lane in El Cerrito is going out of business. The sale started yesterday, and is currently 20% off all yarn. Here is a short excerpt from the email announcement I received:

THE RETAIL OUTLET IS CLOSING AND YOU ARE THE FIRST TO KNOW. All of the merchandise, store fixtures, furniture, equipment, and draperies must be sold. So, this SPECIAL INVITATION is being extended to you, our loyal customers and our wonderful Skein Lane community to come to the store on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 27th through August 2nd, one week before this sale is publicly announced in the newspaper. Feel free to bring a friend or relative who
did not receive an invitation as your guest. You will have the FIRST OPPORTUNITY to shop and save on the entire inventory before many items are sold out.

I went today (the second day of the sale) and there was still a lot of yarn around, and 75% off of most embroidery and needlework items.

Stitch n Pitch

Anyone going to the Giants Stitch n Pitch next Thursday?
If you are bring you ticket stub into Noe Knit within a week of the game & they'll give you 10% off!

Leah Kramer at Diesel Bookstore

Hi Lori,

I was hoping you could post an announcement on Bay Area Knitters about Diesel's July 26 event with Leah Kramer.

Ms. Kramer will host a craft swap, and demonstration and answer any crafting questions to promote her book, Craftster's Guide to Nifty, Thrifty and Kitschy Crafts.

We will also host a raffle to win a hand sewn apron (by me) from the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book.

The event will start at 7:30.

Thanks so much.

Melissa Lion
www.dieselbookstore.com


DIESEL, A Bookstore
5433 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618
510.653.9965

&
3890 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
310) 456-9961
www.dieselbookstore.com

Noe Knit Flicks

Hey all,

Noe Knit is having their Knit FLicks night again next Thursday, June 29th. They show a movie on a big screen & we all knit. Go here to put in your suggestions for films.

The Yarn Harlot is Coming!

The Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl McPhee, put up her new tour spots last Friday and announced that she will be coming to Full Thread Ahead on September 9th at 5:30pm!

Space is limited to the first 200 reservations, and there are only 30 seats left so please RSVP today.

In honor of Stephanie’s visit to Full Thread Ahead, 10% of all proceeds from September 9th sales will be donated to Doctors Without Borders in the name of Knitters Without Borders.

I'll look forward to seeing you there!

Snuggle Up!

Calling all needle artists! Beginning in July on a Sunday afternoon, Hands On Bay Area will start a new project in conjunction with The Snuggles Project. Join us to make small blankets and bring comfort to animals who live at the Peninsula Humane Association/SPCA. Please bring supplies including machine washable yarn. For more information on how to participate, visit here.

If you're not currently a member of Hands On Bay Area (it's free!), drop me an email; the address can be found on my knit blog. This project is good for folks who want to learn more about volunteering in their communities.

[cross-posted at Knit Together]

Knitters Needed for Cultural Swapping

Sent to Bay Area Knitters Email... posted by moderator

Hi Everyone at Bay Area Knitters,
I've been reading your knitting group blog and I hope you might be interested in a new blog we’ve created called "Gimme Your Stuff". It’s about cultural exchange, where people can use blogs to swap culturally significant items from their area.

I'm trying to get some knitters involved because there are so many of you around the world, and there's so many different wools and patterns from different countries to swap! It’s only a new blog and we’re trying to get it some publicity. I hope you like it, we’d really appreciate it if you'd write a short note about us on your blog so heaps of people can get involved!

You can check it out here:
http://gimmeyourstuff.blogspot.com

Thanks for your time, have a great day :)
Rikki
Australian Ambassador for Gimme Your Stuff.

KIP and SAVE!!

Grab your favorite knit or crochet project and come out for the 2nd Annual World Wide Knit in Public event. The closest event to Full Thread Ahead is being held at the Plaza on the intersection of State and Main Streets from 10am - 2pm hosted by Freecia and Stacie.

Your reward for joining them? We'll be handing out coupons worth 20% off all regular priced items through June 18. (that's 20% off your entire regularly priced purchase!)

Can't join us? Then come in or email us a picture of yourself KIP and we'll get you your own 20% off coupon to use in the store or online. Good through June 18.

See you Saturday!

Hope to see all you Bay Area Knitters Saturday from 11 to 1 in Union Square for World Wide Knit in Public Day!

SF- Show Your Sticks in 2006

Saturday, June 10th is World Wide Knit in Public Day. San Francisco will be showing off their sticks in Union Square from 11am until 1pm. Find out more here I so think the Chicks need to represent!
The only thing you might want to bring besides your knitting, is a
jacket. The Macy's food court is nearby for food, drinks, and
wash rooms. Public transportation is recommended as parking
prices are high. There's also lots of shops around for your
browsing pleasure, and if it rains they provide coverage.

Point Reyes - Knitters Retreat 2006

Skein Lane in El Cerrito hosts an annual Knitters retreat at the Marconi Center near Point Reyes. Registrations are open right now for their September retreat. Retreat instructor will be Nancy Bush (Socks on the Road and Vintage Socks).

The retreat info is as follows:

Day/Date/Time: September 8-10, 2006
Fees: Triple occupancy rooms - $300 per participant

Fee includes room for 2 nights, meals (Culinary Institute Chefs) Fri evening through Sun noon, and instructor Nancy Bush

Location: Marconi Conference Center

Near Point Reyes Station, in Marin County

Here are a couple of shots from last years retereat

Knit Flicks

Best in Show
Originally uploaded by katbaro.

Noe Knit on 24th Street in San Francisco hosts a monthly movie night called Knit Flicks. They even have a silver screen! The next movie is Best in Show on Wednesday, May 31 at 7:00pm. Seating is first come first serve & some people bring their own folding chairs or pillows. Of course everyone brings their knitting. Its really great fun!

knit (or crochet) in public in the south bay

June 10 is National Knit in Public Day, so if you live in the South Bay come join me at Memorial Park in Cupertino (across the street from DeAnza College) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket if you like. Within walking distance are Jamba Juice, Togos, and Coffee Society at the Oaks shopping center. I'll have a table with a sign!

QuiltyKnitWit

Silicon Valley Stitchers

The Silicon Valley Stitchers is a group of women in the South Bay who meet every Thursday evening from 7 - 9 at the Coffee Society in the Pruneyard. Knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiders, all are welcome to join our small but friendly group. All skill levels are encouraged.

This Thursday, the 25th, we will be starting our very first Knit-A-Long by attempting the Branching Out scarf from Knitty.

If you'd like to find out more about our group please feel free to drop me an e-mail (Sakkasie@hotmail.com) and in return I'll send you an invite to join our Yahoo group.

Happy Stitchin'!

Weekend Sale @ Knitting Arts

15% Off Storewide
30 - 40% Off Additional
Selection of Merchandise

The entire store is 15% off - new arrivals, old favorites, hard-to-get yarns, knitting bags, needles, books, purse handles, buttons and more - a great opportunity for that special Mother's Day gift!

Plus we've taken selected yarns and marked them down 30 - 40%, with quantities enough to make shawls, sweaters, tops, afghans, scarves, and more.

All Prism Yarns 30% off!!

So think summer tops, capelets, and scarves as well as your projects for Fall for HUGE savings.

Shop early for the best selection. Doors open at 10am Saturday, May 14th.

Store hours during the 2-day sale:
Saturday, May 13th -- 10am - 6pm
Sunday, May 14th -- 10am - 6pm

We do not punch Stash Cardsduring the sale, however, we are glad to redeem fully punched cards for your $20 off.

We are unable to wind yarn during the sale. We will be glad to wind your yarn after hours and have it available for you at a specified time.

Thank you for your understanding!

Knitting Arts
14554 Big Basin Way, Saratoga CA 95070
408.867.5010
www.GoKnit.com

Live in the Tri-Valley- East Bay? Stuck in Traffic? Come Knit With Us!

The Tri Valley Knitters meet every Thursday night from 7 to 9 p.m. at "That Yarn Store" located at 7164 Regional Street, in Dublin (across from Mervyn's plaza). We are a fun and relaxed knitting group, and all skill levels are welcome. So come and knit with us!

If you need directions, email me at cpurl17 AT hotmail DOT com!

Mother's Day Sale

Full Thread Ahead is having a sale for Mother's Day - details on the website.

Open House at West Valley Alpacas

This might be more spinning related than knitting related, but I thought I would share:

You’re invited to our annual
West Valley Alpacas Open House!

Sunday, May 7, 12 Noon - 4 PM

19190 Road 87B, Esparto, CA

Meet our herd & learn all about alpacas! See shearing, spinning & other demonstrations. The store will be open & we'll have raffles, prizes & refreshments. No charge. Rain or shine!

For more information, contact Pat Meade or Jon Robbins:

530-662-8630 • mail@westvalleyalpacas.com • www.westvalleyalpacas.com

Unfortunately I can't make it - so someone go and tell me how fun it was!

WWKIP Day

Saturday, June 10th is World Wide Knit in Public Day. That means that you grab your needles, and some yarn, and knit where the public can see you. This is the second year it's being held, and I'm eager to hang out with a slew of other knitters.

Hi, my name is Kathryn, and I live in San Francisco. I'm the organizer (along with Kathy of the Noe Valley Chicks with Sticks) of the event.

Here's the rundown: we will meet (and knit!) in Union Square from 11am to 1pm. Please bring a hat, a jacket and sunscreen to protect you from the elements. If you have a lightweight folding chair, please bring it- we're not sure what the seating will be like. One last thing: please patronize muni; the parking is pricey, and bussing it is good for the environment. (Check out sfmuni.com for a trip planner.)

You can tell us you're coming, too! Check out our blog for more info.

-Kathryn

Jo Sharp at Noe Knit!

A conversation with designer Jo Sharp.

Jo Sharp is not only a pattern designer, but also has her own line of yarns. Silk Road Ultra, Silk Road Aran, and the beautiful Rare Comfort Mohair are among our very best sellers. While color has always been the primary influence in Jo’s work, the creation of wearable designs that are within reach of the ability of most hand knitters has also influenced her design direction.

Jo's presentation will be on the less formal side. She will talk to us about the process of design, and about where she draws her inspiration from. The seats at this event will be limited. Please call early to register. 415-970-9750

Where & When

Noe Knit
3957 24th Street

San Francisco, California 94114

June 18, 2006

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Enabling stash enhancement

For those in the San Francisco area...I received an e-mail from Imagiknit...their 4th Annual "Take some yarn off our hands" Sale starts Saturday, May 13...200+ yarns on sale for up to 30% off.

I went last year, and there were a great many people. I am not allowed to buy more yarn, wanted to share the news with others who can!

South bay knitting meetup, first & third Wednesday

Hey, thanks Lori for inviting us to contribute to the Bay Area Knitters blog. I hope this turns into a great place to find out what's going on in knitting around the bay.

South Bay knitters are invited to join Santa Clara County Knitting Meetup, http://knitting.meetup.com/48/. We meet first and third Wednesday every month in Saratoga, once at a yarn shop & once at a coffee shop. Knitters of all skill levels are welcome, even very beginners, and we even have a few crocheters who come to knittng meetup. So don't sit home & knit alone, come knit with us!

Carmel Retreat This Weekend (Knitting Arts)

Day rates still available for this weekend (4/28-30) for the Knitting Arts Carmel Retreat. Details at: http://goknit.com/events.html (scroll down page)