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Welcome to the Best Time of Year: Relaxed Crafting

Each year, it's time to reflect back on the year that passed with an eye toward having a fresh start in the new year. We all have a chance to reflect, plan, breathe, and renew. With the frantic pace of the holidays over, and Pennsylvania blanketed in a peaceful, quiet cold, it’s also a time to return to the simple pleasures and pure enjoyment we gain from creating. Let's all slow down and enjoy.

Our newsletter is full of lots of wonderful classes, with great teachers, all of which are sure to inspire you. Come out of the cold and visit our shop this winter and spring to make your home bright and happy. Take a class or two or start a new project—and then relax at home, creating in front of a cozy fire.

And never worry about the weather when you sign up. If it is bad, we shift classes to times that are clear and safe.

You can sign up for classes any time of the day or night online on the website. Just go to www.stitchyourartout.com, click on classes, find the class you’re interested in, and the system will walk you through what to do. Of course, you’re always welcome to call or stop in to sign up. It’s just nice to have one more option.

A quick note that you should make sure we have your e-mail address. I send out occasional e-mails between newsletters that I am sure you will find helpful. I try to keep emails to those times when there is something to tell you! Lake Raystown Retreat Annual Spring Retreat!

Our annual spring retreat will be held this year on April 7, 8, and 9 at Lake Raystown, PA. You will have an entire three days to hang out with friends, knit, quilt, eat (without having to cook anything!), and go for beautiful walks. It’s always fun and relaxing. (Just ask our many repeat retreaters!) When you take a weekend to get away, there are no distractions, and so you get much more accomplished!

At the end of this newsletter are more details. You may want to sign up soon. We are more than half full as of this writing, and space is limited!

SUPER Sale Every year we have our Super Sale on the Sunday of a certain big game. Come in for the best bargains of the year! And while you’re there, guess which team will win! If you’re right, you will take 20 percent off the yarn or fabric for a project later that week. If you’re wrong, you can still have 15 percent off! See you on Feb. 5 from 10-4!

Connect with Stitch Your Art Out on all kinds of Social Media www.stitchyourartout.com and www.reallyclear.com Facebook and Ravelry: Stitch Your Art Out and Really Clear Instagram: Stitchyourartout Twitter: @stitchyourart Pinterest: reallycleardesigns And best of all—please come by in person! Read on now about our spring classes—and stop by for a full selection of … the rainbow!

Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Contact: Cynthia Spencer cynthia@stitchyourartout.com

(814) 238-4151

235 East Pine Grove Road P.O. Box 528

Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868 www.stitchyourartout.com

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Pesky class policies: The price of the class does not include supplies unless otherwise noted. Payment in full is expected at signup. Cancellation will result in shop credit only; we are unable to give refunds. Sorry, no cancellation once the class is 7 days away. For all quilting classes, bring basic sewing supplies—machine, scissors, pins, rotary cutter, etc. For knitting and crochet classes, bring the needles and hooks you own, plus the usual notions, such as scissors, stitch markers, and so forth. Now let’s get to the fun stuff!

Crochet Crochet 101

Learn the basics of crochet, from the foundation chain to making several different types of stitches. This is a technique class rather than a project class—you will get the basics down pat. $38 Supplies: Crochet Answer Book, size I hook. Purchase one skein of Cascade 220 or a similar yarn. Mondays, May 8 & 22, 6-9 p.m.

Color Color Me Beautiful

When the computer matches your own personal rainbow to your own skin, hair, and eye coloring, you will not only look radiant every day, but all your clothes will match! $125 includes personalized palette Supplies: Come to the shop with no makeup on. Feel free to bring handwork while you wait your turn (although everyone is always so fascinated by the process that they don't do handwork!). Wednesday, Jan. 4, starting at 6:00 p.m., OR Wed., May 31, starting at 6:00 p.m., OR by appointment if you have a few friends with you!

Creativity for ALL! Creativity for All Sometimes your creativity gets stuck in a rut. Sometimes you think you could never be creative. Sometimes you want someone to play with. If any of this is true for you, then this is your class, not matter what the situation! Any type of fiber is welcome: knitting, quilting, crochet. We will have assignments each month to stimulate our creativity, and to bring to each other inspiration and joy! $48 Supplies: You will receive an assignment each month. Pick up your first one when you sign up for the class. Tuesdays, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, Apr. 18, May 30, 6-9 p.m.

Needlefelting Needlefelted Panda or Owl

Needlefelting is one of the most relaxing crafts there is—and it's even more relaxing when Cindy Alley teaches it! She will take you through how to poke and prod and shape felt into your choice of a panda bear or owl. From there, you can do anything! $28 Supplies: We will have kits available for purchase at the shop. Monday, Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m.

Knitting Baby Surprise Sweater

Elizabeth Zimmermann was known for her clever creations, and this little baby jacket is no exception. It will look like a potato chip for a long time—and suddenly it becomes a sweater! $38 Supplies: Pattern plus yarn and needles as suggested. Thursdays, Feb. 16 & Mar. 2, 6-9 p.m.

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Brady Scarf

Everyone is always intrigued by this scarf! How on earth did it get its holes? This texture is irresistible! $28 Supplies: Brady Scarf pattern at the shop, 400 yards of Kauni or another self-striping fingering yarn. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Brioche 101

Brioche is smooshy to wear, and fun to make! There are tricks to keeping it straight, however, and Eleanor will teach them to you! $38 Supplies: Eleanor will help you choose a pattern and yarn the first day. We will start with a scarf or cowl! Sundays, Feb. 26 & March 19, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Cabling 101

As long as you know how to knit and purl, cabling will be a snap! Cynthia Mazzant will teach you what cabling is, how to do it, and even how to cable without a cable needle! $38 Supplies: Practice yarn and appropriate-sized needles. Wednesdays, Feb. 15 & 22, 6-9 p.m.

Cabling 102 You've learned how to cable, and now Cynthia Mazzant will take you to even greater heights! Talk to her about project ideas or sample ideas the first night. She is always filled with ideas! Or bring your own hopes and dreams! $38 Supplies: Talk to the instructor the first night of class, or also feel free to talk to us in the shop beforehand. Tuesdays, March 14 & 21, 6-9 p.m.

Efficient Knitting Maybe you'd like to get your projects finished up a little faster. Maybe you'd like that arm to stop aching. Chances are good that for either thing, efficiency is the key. $28 Supplies: Practice yarn and needles. Monday, May 1, 6-9 p.m.

Entrelac 101

Everyone has been drooling over the entrelac cowl in the shop! You, too, can learn to make it! And yes: If you want beads, we can do beads! $38 Supplies: Really Clear pattern, yarn of your choice (hand-dyed yarns look lovely), optional beads and very small crochet hook. Fridays, Jan. 6 & 13, 9-

noon, OR Mondays, March 13 & 20, 6-9 p.m.

Fair Isle 101 (Hat or Headband of Your Choice)

If you've never done Fair Isle before, it looks a little scary. But after one night, you'll wonder why you thought it was so intimidating—it's really easy! And fun! Join us and learn how. $38 Supplies: Either come in early to choose your project, or talk to the teacher the first night about patterns and yarns. We have plenty of ideas in the shop to inspire you! Bring along all your 16" circular needles. Tuesdays, Feb. 7 & 21, 6-9 p.m.

Fair Isle Pom Pom Hat

Cynthia Mazzant designed a cute 2-color Fair Isle hat with a super-awesome pom-pom. Come learn to make it! $38 Supplies: Pattern, and supplies as listed. (Bring along all your 16" circular needles.) Tuesdays, April 11 & 18, 6-9 p.m.

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Finish in February

That afghan is still sitting as a pile of blocks. The sweater just needs a collar. The hat—something went wrong with the pattern, and you put it in time out. Let's dig out all these things, and clear the closet! Let Eleanor get you through! $38 Supplies: All your unfinished projects, plus your needles and notions so that you have whatever you need! Sundays, Feb. 12 & 19, 1-4 p.m.

Fixing Mistakes

You made a mistake 10 rows back, and now the object of your dreams has been thrown into a corner for “time out.” Or a cable on a hat has been miscrossed. Well, the good thing is that you can also fix them! $28 Supplies: Bring all those UFOs (unfinished objects) with "issues" along with any needles, crochet hooks, darning needles and locking stitch markers. We'll have a few samples on which you can practice. Wednesday, March 15, 6:30-9 p.m. (note later start time)

Florida Scarf

Winter is winding down, and believe it or not, it's time to think about summer knitting. This scarf is a lovely way to do that. Learn about beads, lace, and cables as you create a little scarf that keeps your outfit cute and protects you from air conditioning! $38 Supplies: Florida Scarf pattern,

and supplies as noted on the pattern. Wednesdays, April 19 & 26, 6-9 p.m.

Irish Mesh Cowl

Learn the Irish mesh stitch and in the process, make a beautiful cowl! You might want to use green or orange yarn for this project to go full-out Irish. $38 Supplies: The pattern is free on Ravelry. Let us help you if you don't have computer access. You will also need about 220 yards of a fingering-weight yarn. Thursdays, Mar. 16 & 30, 6-9 p.m.

Knitting 101

Want to learn how to knit? Or need a refresher after many years of neglecting your knitting? Take our beginning-knitting course. You’ll learn how to cast on, knit, and purl, and you’ll start a scarf. $38 Supplies: Let the teacher help you the first night with which supplies to buy. Wednesdays, Jan. 18 & 25, 6-9 p.m., OR Thursdays, Feb. 9 & 23, 6-9 p.m., OR Thursdays, May 4 & 11, 6-9 p.m.

Kololi Shawl

Have you ever done slip stitches before? If not, this is your chance! Make this wonderful shawl out of our cotton yarn for the coming spring—or choose a warmer yarn for now! $38 Supplies: Let us get the pattern for you from Ravelry. We used 2 skeins of our Neve yarn for the main color, and one for the contrasting color. You will need equivalent yardage. Needles as noted on the pattern. Thursdays, Feb. 9 & 23, 6-9 p.m.

Lindsay's Mitts

These mitts really are perfect! They are ribbed so that they fit the hand beautifully. And the pattern has careful details so that they look beautiful. Learn how to make them from Lindsay herself! $38 Supplies: Lindsay's Mitts pattern, plus supplies as listed on the pattern. Tuesdays, Jan. 3 & 10, 6-9 p.m.

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Mittens or Fingerless Gloves of Your Choice

You have lost another pair of mittens or gloves, and your hands are cold. Or you need mittens for those cute little grandchildren. This is the class for you! Let's get our hands warm! $38 Supplies: Mitten pattern of your choice (either come to the shop, or talk to the teacher the first day), appropriate yarn and needles. Sundays, Jan. 22 & 29, 1-4 p.m.

Mukluk Slippers

These easy slippers are fun to make, and they are great for everyone in the family—especially YOU! Join Connie and learn to make slippers! $38 Supplies: Mukluk pattern, appropriate yarn and needles. Saturdays, Jan. 21 & 28, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Knitting 102: Quick-Knit Hat

You've taken Knitting 101 (or are in that range of skill), and you're starting to wonder how to make something other than a scarf. Let's make a hat! You will learn all sorts of skills—purling, working in the round, and using double-pointed needles. $38 Supplies: Really Clear Quick-Knit Hat pattern, supplies as listed on the pattern. Mondays, Feb. 6 & 13, 6-9 p.m.

Really Clear Year

This is the fourth year of Really Clear, and it is still so much fun! Each month, Cynthia creates a knitting design, and we all work on it as a class. Most of the patterns get designed as we go, but to get you started this year, we're going to make a little linen-stitch cowl in January. In February, we will start work on a set-in sleeve sweater that is fitted to the wearer (and that pattern will last over several months). From there, who knows where we will go! Join us to see! $60 Supplies: You will receive the patterns each time at no charge. Each month you will receive a supply list. Talk to us about the January cowl when you sign up. Tuesdays, Jan. 10 , Feb. 14, Mar. 7, May 9, June 20, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 24, Dec. 5, from 9-noon, OR Wednesdays, Jan.11, Feb. 15, Mar. 8, May 10, June 21, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept.20, Oct. 25, Dec. 6, from 9-noon, OR Thursdays, Jan. 12, Feb. 16, Mar. 9, May 11, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 21, Oct. 26,Dec. 7, from 6-9 p.m. (Note that there are no Really Clear classes scheduled in April or November.)

Sampler Afghan

Cynthia Mazzant has designed many blocks with many textures. You may want to work on just knit/purl combos, or go all the way to cables! $48. Wednesdays, Feb. 1, March 1, March 22, & April 19, 6-9 p.m. Supplies: Come in and let us help you with supplies.

Socks that Fit

You spent hours knitting a pair of socks--only to find that they droop around your ankles or pinch your toes. Join Mary Ellen and learn how to knit socks that fit you perfectly. At the first session, we’ll learn how precise foot measurements and an accurate gauge swatch combine to produce a great fitting sock. We’ll discuss stitch patterns, and we’ll cast on for your cuff or your toe. At the second session, we’ll make the heel. At the final session, we’ll finish the sock. We’ll also discuss toe construction, grafting, ribbing, and stretchy bind-offs. NOTE: This class is for toe-up and cuff-down sock knitters. Needle users of all persuasions (DPNs, 2 circulars, magic loop) are welcome. Previous sock-knitting experience is very helpful. $48 Supplies: Yarn: Purchase enough yarn in fingering weight, DK,

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or worsted weight yarn for one pair of socks. Needles: Wait until the first class to buy your needles OR bring a range of sizes in your chosen needle style that are appropriate for your yarn weight. Accessories: A 6” or 12” ruler, stitch markers, Stitch Keepers or other “stitch stoppers” to hold your project together. Mondays, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, & Feb. 20, 6-9 p.m.

Sophrosyne

Big. Chunky. Finished. And WARM! Make this fast cowl, learn a little about lace, and have fun with Connie! $28 Supplies: Pattern (free on Ravelry—see us if you need help). Yarn and needles as specified on the pattern. (We vote for our Malabrigo Rasta!) Saturday, Feb 11, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Sweater of Your Choice

Everyone loves sweaters, but they’re often a bit intimidating. If you take them piece-by-piece, you’ll be successful. Cynthia loves sweater knitting, and she’ll help you through the process with enthusiasm. This class is for everyone, from new beginners through advanced knitters. $48 Supplies: Talk with us about patterns and yarn before class.

Mondays, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, Mar. 20, Apr. 24, May 15, 6-9 p.m. OR Tuesdays, Jan. 17, Feb. 21, Mar. 21, Apr. 25, May 16, from 9-noon, OR Wednesdays, Jan. 18, Feb. 22, Mar. 22, Apr. 26, May 24, 9-noon, OR Thursdays, Jan. 19., Mar. 2, Mar. 23, Apr. 27, and May 25, 6-9 p.m.

Toe-Up Socks

After you’ve gained a bit of experience and are ready for small needles, try socks! They are perfect projects for doctor’s offices and other wait times. $38 Supplies: Really Clear, sock yarn, size 2 DP needles (2 sets make life easier), stitch holder, and we recommend a set of Stitch Keepers. Saturdays, Mar. 11, Mar. 25, & Apr. 8, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Waterwheel

This möbius cowl will remind you of water running through a water wheel. Garter-stitch bands look as if they slow down the water-like flow of the

cables between them. The play of garter and cables creates an undulating edge. The cowl is not only beautiful; it also teaches you a number of skills. You can learn how to create simple, reversible cables so that the front and the back look the same. (Since it’s a möbius, both sides show.) The cowl is knit to fit; work until it is your size, then join. $38

Supplies: Waterwheel pattern, yarn

and needles of your choice. Saturdays,

May 6 & 20, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

What Yarn?

You have a pattern, but the yarn is discontinued. Or you see yarn, but you don’t know what the best use of it is? Lindsay will give you a tour of yarn and increase your knowledge! $28 Supplies: Just bring yourself! Tuesday, Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m.

Wingspan

Wingspan is a gorgeous pattern that looks best in self-striping yarns—but also looks just as lovely in a solid. The "wings" are made with short rows, and this class will make learning them easy! $38 Supplies: Get the pattern from us, and then choose appropriate yarn and needles! Saturdays, Feb. 18 & 25, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

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Quilting and Sewing Accidental Landscapes

Start with an idea or a photo, begin layering fabrics, and in no time you’ll have a landscape! Join Cindy Alley as she helps you figure out just where those blues and greens look best! $28 Supplies: Fabrics that represent landscapes each about 7”x 2-3” (several shades of green for foreground, blues for sky and water, grays, purples, etc. for mountains. (Look at the book to get ideas.) Rotary cutter with sharp blade. Ruler for squaring up. Accidental Landscapes by Karen Eckmeier (available at the shop). Be sure you bring pins along with your other basic sewing supplies. Wednesday, Mar. 1, 6-9 p.m.

Block of the Month: Australian Adventure!

Let's go on a journey this year to … Australia! The block of the month is going to be made almost entirely of Australian fabrics (with some solid batiks from Hoffman—and maybe a few other things—mixed in). So much glorious color and texture!

We will make 11 blocks in class. The $60 cost covers all the fabric for the 11 blocks plus their instructions. This quilt has appliqué, paper piecing, and templates. You may want to have been quilting for about 6 months before signing up, but if you are new and brave, do feel free to take the plunge!

Note that the picture above is a conceptual drawing; the fabrics will be wilder than this, and the quilt is subject to change as we go—but this is our starting place. The final quilt is queen or king sized, depending on your border width.

All sewing is done at home. Classes are a lecture/demo on the technique for that month. We may be offering separate classes for technique as the year goes on, depending on demand.

At the end of the year, we will have a finishing kit available for purchase, as well as sign up for a workshop in the spring of 2018 (did you just hear "2018"??!) to complete the three large motifs.

Saturdays, Jan 28, Feb. 25, Mar. 18, Apr. 22. May 13, June 17, July 15, Aug. 12, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Dec. 9 (no meeting in November), all at 10:30.

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Mondays, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, Mar. 20, Apr. 24, May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 14, Sept. 25, Oct. 16, Dec. 11 (no meeting in November), at your choice of 10:30, 12:00, 4:30, or 5:30.

We can also mail the blocks each month; talk to us about postage costs.

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Church Lady Apron

We know when you hear "church lady," you might think first of Dana Carvey's "church chat," but the reality is that church ladies are beloved for their delicious food and comfort in times of difficulty, and joy in times of celebration. But always, always, they need an apron so that they can get to work! This quick and classic one pays homage to the church ladies! $38 Supplies: Pattern, fabrics as noted on the pattern. Come to the first night with the paper pattern pieces (not the fabric) cut out on the lines. Wednesdays, Mar. 8 & 15, 6-9 p.m.

Curved Improv Piecing

Curves look at little scary and intimidating in sewing! But they are not, and Deb will show you all kinds of tricks to make them not just easy, but fun. Your quilting will take off if you know how to make a curve! $38 Supplies: A variety of coordinating fat quarters in contrasting colors, a 5 1/2" square ruler and one large enough to cut 7" squares (such as an 8 1/2" square). A 6-6 1/2" x 24" ruler. Rotary cutter and other basic supplies. Fridays, March 17 & 31, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Delectable Mountains

Join Diane in making this beautiful quilt! She has loved making it so much that she has made at least five of them, and has more planned! We will use Eleanor Burns’s book, which includes a template for easier cutting. You may make any size you choose. Note that you need to be comfortable piecing before taking this class. $45 Supplies: Delectable Mountains Quilt book, fabrics as needed for your choice of quilt. Tuesdays, Mar. 14, 21 & 28, 1-4 p.m.

Dresden Plate

Learn to use the Creative Grids ruler to make beautiful Dresden Plate quilt blocks. During the class, we will discuss ways that you might want to put the blocks together—maybe just a pillow, or maybe a whole quilt! $28 Supplies: Creative Grids ruler; talk to us about fabrics. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6-9 p.m.

Free-Motion Quilting 101

Learning free-motion quilting doesn’t have to be frustrating. If you take it step-by-step, it can even be fun. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is, and, you’ll have plenty of ideas to take you beyond the class! $28 Supplies: Make Your Mark book, sewing machine, darning foot (very important!), sewing machine instruction manual, three 18” quilt sandwiches made of muslin and cotton batting, contrasting 100% cotton thread such as Mettler or YLI, unlined paper and pencil. Optional but highly recommended: Sew Slip and Machingers. Tuesday, May 2, 6-9 p.m.

Goatee the Cat Applique

Our wonderful quilting teacher Patricia has come up with an appliqué technique that allows you to use shadows and values to create the image. In this introduction to her technique, she will show you how to make a cat wallhanging. (The cat's name is Goatee!) $38 Supplies: We will have a pattern and kit ready for you to buy when you arrive at class. Wednesdays, May 3 & 17, 6-9 p.m.

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Harmonic Convergence

This quilt is always fascinating—no two are the same! Cut and slice fat quarters so that they interleave with each other. It's a creative, but relaxing project! $38 Supplies: Ricky Tims' book, four fat quarters that coordinate and have large-scale prints or colors that merge and swim, basic sewing supplies. Fridays, April 28 & May 12, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Holly Hedgehog

You might not have an actual pet hedgehog, so the next-best thing is a little stuffed toy! Make the hedgehog, and let it be a little friend on your desk every day! $28 Supplies: Pattern, plus supplies as listed on the pattern. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6-9 p.m.

Jelly Roll Race

No real need to "race," but you will still finish this quilt in good time. (If you're not finished in class, you will surely be able to get it done when you get home.) Cynthia will get you started right away, and then you will sew until the top is finished, or until

the class ends—whichever comes first! (And we're betting that the quilt is the winner.) Bring along a lunch to give yourself a break! $35 Supplies: One pack of forty 2 1/2" precut strips of your choosing. Friday, Mar. 17, 9-2

Kids' Sewing Sewing is a great skill for kids to learn. It helps with their coordination, following directions, and creativity. Janice is here to make it happen! The children will make little projects as decided by the group, using a sewing machine. The teacher will provide a machine if your child does not have one. $38 Supplies: My First Sewing Machine book, and fabrics and thread or other supplies, as purchased the first day under Janice’s guidance. Fridays, Jan. 20 & 27, AND/OR Fridays, Feb. 17 & 24, AND/OR April 14 & 21, all from 4-6 p.m.

Kitten Wallhanging

A wall hanging of kittens playing with butterflies? You might be overcome with cuteness! Despite the risk of everyone fainting during class, we couldn't help but think that this would be a wonderful project. $38 Supplies: In addition to your normal sewing supplies, you might want to bring along a few smelling salts in case the kittens are too cute for you to handle. In addition, we have a kit ready for you to buy. Saturdays, Jan. 14 & 21, 9-noon.

Little Glam Bag

Maybe you want a little makeup bag, or maybe a little bag to stash notions, or maybe one to give as a gift to your friend at the next lunch you have together. This project is quick and easy, and will work for any of those

purposes! $28 Supplies: Little Glam Bag pattern, zipper (we have them), and fabrics of your choice as listed on the pattern. Monday, Jan 16, 6-9 p.m.

New York Beauty

This gorgeous block has it all--technique and beauty! You will learn paper piecing and curved piecing! $38 Supplies: New York Beauty pattern by Stone Valley Quilting, and fabrics as suggested on the pattern—or go a little more scrappy! Tuesdays, Apr. 25 & May 9, 6-9 p.m.

Newport Bag

Pink Sand Beach designs has done it again, with a glorious purse. This one is made out of little squares, which lets you play with color, while still being practical (because we all need another bag, right?). $38 Supplies: Purse pattern, and fabrics as listed. We will have choices for charm packs prepared for you. Saturdays, Mar. 4 & 11, 9-noon.

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Curious Cats

It is the spring of the cat at Stitch Your Art Out! This table runner is paper pieced to give the kitties a bit more dimension. (Plus, paper piecing is fun!) $38 Supplies: Pattern, plus fabrics as desired. Saturdays, May 27 & June 3, 9-noon.

Patchwork Soup Bag

This bag is super fun to make! We will start by creating fabric out of leftover scraps, thread and yarn. Then we will make this cute, simple zipper bag. All sewing levels are welcome; some knowledge of your machine is helpful. $28 Supplies: BSS, Bring fabric scraps (roughly the size of a 2”square) leftover yarn in coordinating colors, and some colors of thread. Don't sweat your fabric selections! You will also need a 9" x 4" lining rectangle, a 9" x 7" piece of muslin, a 4" x 14" contrasting fabric for band and handle, a zipper (available at the shop). Any machine that sews straight and zig zag works well. If your machine has a couching foot and/or a zipper foot bring that along too. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 6-9 p.m.

Quilting 101

You’ve vowed to do this for years, but have decided that now is the time! You are going to learn how to quilt!

Let us get you started on your choice of a placemat or table runner that will show you how to use a rotary cutter and make a 1/4" seam. $42 Supplies: Pattern and appropriate fabrics. Let us help you choose them as part of the learning process. Stop by at least a few days before the class to pick them out. You may use one of our machines, but it is better to bring your own so that you learn to use it. Bring the manual along. Wednesdays, Jan. 18 & 25, OR Mondays, Apr. 10 & 17, both from 6-9 p.m.

Quilting 102

You’ve taken Quilting 101, and it’s time to keep going. Learn to quilt with triangles, and get better at learning that ¼” seam allowance and matching corners. You’ll get a review of what you learned in 101, plus you’ll move on to new skills! If you have sewn a little bit, you can start here. $42 Supplies: Pattern and fabrics as needed. Come in a few days before class so we can help you choose. Tuesdays, Feb. 7 & 21, 6-9 p.m.

St. Paddy's Tablerunner

'Tis a fine tablerunner, begorrah! Join us to have it ready just in time for St. Paddy's Day! $38 Supplies: Tablerunner pattern, and supplies as listed. Saturdays, Feb. 11 & 18, 9-noon.

T-Shirt Quilt

Grab that pile of t-shirts, and let’s figure out a nice design for them! You’ll make the recipient happy, and the t-shirts will have a new use! $38 Supplies: Bring in your t-shirts, and we’ll go from there! Wednesdays, Apr. 5 & 12, 6-9 p.m.

Tatting Tatting 101

Tatting is a way to make small, delicate lace using a shuttle. Join Ruth and learn this classic craft. $38 Supplies: Learn Needle Tatting by Barbara Foster and Learn to Tat by Janette Baker, tatting needle set (before you buy, see if you need them during the class), white size 10 thread, shuttle with a hook on the end. Tuesdays, May 23 & 30, 9-noon.

Tatting 104 This class is for previous students. Join Ruth for one-on-one skill building and inspiration. $16 Supplies: Consult with Ruth about supplies. Tuesdays, Jan. 24, AND/OR Feb. 28, AND/OR Mar. 28, AND/OR Apr. 18, all from 9-noon.

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Lake Raystown

Retreat

The annual retreat, Apr.7-9, is shaping up to be a very fun weekend! Below are the projects that we will be working on, along with the schedule of meals.

Friday 10:30: Mysteries First Clue This year we're going to do something a little different for the knitters; we're going to give them a mystery too—a Fair-Isle (and more?) hat! The quilters will get a wallhanging. Starting at 10:30 Friday (or whenever you arrive), we will hand out a clue. The clues will be spread throughout Friday and Saturday, and by the end of the day on Saturday, you will have a finished project! Bring your mystery hat or wallhanging to show and tell on Sunday!

??? Mystery quilt wallhanging first clue.

??? Mystery Fair-Isle hat first clue. (Sorry, there will be no spoiler pictures of either of the mysteries!) If you are a knitter and need to learn how to do Fair Isle, we will give you a quick lesson! Continuous clues for both projects will be given throughout the day on Friday and Saturday.

12:00 Full Lunch. In the past few years, most people have been coming on Friday morning, unlike when we began the retreats, when most came in the late afternoon. So as of this year, rather than having light snacks, we will have a full lunch on Friday at noon!

1:00 Triangle Shawl

You can probably see from the picture where this shawl is going (hey, I have till April to finish it! Haha!)—a striped triangle moving from dark to light, with beads at the end (or maybe sooner if I can't wait)! The garter-stitch shawl is perfect for knitting at a retreat! You can use one of our many gradient kits and just work in garter stitch, or you can make it a little fancier by adding beads, stripes, or textures to your heart's content! The Really Clear pattern will give options! We will bring along a large selection of gradient kits from which to choose. It's a perfect project for evening when you're too tired to concentrate on anything else, or when you just want to chill and chat with your friends.

2:00 Dresden Plate

We are going to use the Creative Grids ruler to create Dresden Plates. We will have kits made from Kaffe Fassett fabrics for you to buy for this project at the retreat should you wish them! (You will likely wish them!) Make a wallhanging or table runner—or a king-sized bedspread if you're ambitious—from this beautiful, classic block.

4:00: Myluna Cowl

This beautiful cowl looks complex but is a design of easy cables and a wee bit of lace. The instructions are "really clear," and include a line-by-line check-off sheet so that when you're chatting with your friends, you will keep your place!

6:00: Dinner—and then work until 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:30: Breakfast

9:30: "Spiders" Crocheted Scarf

We can buy the pattern for you on Ravelry at the retreat (it will go into your library), and we will bring along plenty of hand-dyed, fingering-weight yarns that will work for this project. 12:00 Lunch

12

1:30: Drunkard's Path

We will talk about and test out several techniques for making a drunkard's path, from piecing to appliqué, and we will show different rulers. (Rulers and kits will be available for purchase at the retreat.) We will talk about different options for arranging the blocks once you have a few made! 3:00: Wee Woodland Creatures

We are going to be in the woods, and so of course we must make your choice of any of these little woodland creatures Saturday afternoon. You may want to pack smelling salts in your suitcase just in case you feel faint from cuteness during the afternoon! 6:00: Dinner

Sunday After our 10:30 brunch, we will have a Show and Tell, and then can continue working on retreat projects until about 4:30. We need to have cleared the room by 5:00.

Rates:

Rates include (1) two nights’ lodging; (2) a full lunch and dinner on Friday; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday; brunch on Sunday; and (3) all the classes (supplies are extra and will be available to purchase at the retreat). You may feel free to work on your own projects or to take any or all classes!

Earlybird (sign up and pay a $100 deposit by Feb. 1, 2016): Single is $495, Double (per person) is $425, Triple or quad (per person) is $400 (Note that for triple or quad, you will be sharing a room with 2 double beds)

If you sign up after Feb. 1, rates will be $550 per person for single, $475 per person for double, and $435 for triple/quadruple. We require a $100 nonrefundable deposit at signup, and need full payment by March 20. We cannot give refunds of any kind after March 20, as Raystown precharges us. (You may, however, recruit a substitute to go in your place! We will also keep a list of anyone who wanted to go but asked after the final deadline.)

We will send out supply lists and have meal-choice signups soon after February 1. Please let us know at signup if you have any special dietary requirements. Raystown is terrific about accommodating dietary needs! Be sure to sign up soon; the retreat is filling fast, and space is limited!