What's all this Hoopla? It's a giveaway, my crafty friends!

I was delighted to get an email from Cynara Geissler, marketing manager at Arsenal Pulp Press in Vancouver, BC asking me to run a giveaway on my blog! Turns out Vancouver author Leanne Prain is going to be in Winnipeg this Sunday, Oct 2 to promote her new book Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery. You might already know her from her other super awesomely inspirational book, Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Grafitti.

The event will be at McNally Robinson at 2pm this Sunday October 2nd and will also feature Winnipeg's own fibre artist (and book contributor) Takashi Iwasaki. After the book signing you can stick around for the stitch and bitch with them, too!

In an effort to spread the word of this great event and even greater book, Cynara asked if I would like to run a giveaway where the winner gets a copy of Leanne's new book. Of course my response was, 'HECK YES!'

So post a comment here for your chance to win a copy of Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery. You have until Saturday at midnight to post your comment and please only enter once. Open to North American residents only. Sorry, our international friends! The winner will be picked at random and announced on Monday, October 3rd. Good luck and happy crafting!

It's time to cozy up at Sew Dandee!

I know that the calendar says it's officially fall, but you'd hardly know it by the forecast for the next week! But us Winnipeggers know, fall (and sadly, winter) is still going to make an appearance. And I'm here to let you know you don't have to be cold for one minute of it!



I discovered yet another talented knitter in our fair city, the lovely Rosemary Shamess. She uses the most beautiful wools and alpaca to make her unique mitts, hats, scarves, head/neck bands, slipper sox and more. The technique she uses is called 'thrumming'.



Click here to find out exactly how it's done and why it's so awesome.



She even made a point of making some Winnipeg Jets color scheme ones for you hardcore fans out there! And I know there's a few of you.

In addition to all of Rosemary's fine work I've got all the legwarmers, hooded scarves, cowls and much more cozy wear on the floor so come down and load up for the cool days to come, people.

The Stitchery is ready for you!

Below is a letter I just got from the lovely and talented Miss Melanie Wesley, the seamstress/designer/teacher I've been raving about. She's got a schedule set up for the fall/winter season featuring some great sewing projects! I'm pretty pumped to be taking the 'Skirt Drafting Mega Course'.

First things first. A new name...Melanie Wesley Sewing Studio is now The Stitchery, short, sweet and to the point (not unlike yours truly). New hours...we are no longer open to the public on Monday. We are open Wed.Fri.& Sat. from noon till six and starting in October we will add Thursday to the line up. Before we get to the "calender" I want to let you know about an exciting project I have planned for the spring...Me Made March. Some of you watched as I participated in this online challenge last march. Well, I had sew much fun I want to do it again...but I want you to join me! You have 5 months to prepare...take some workshops, come for some private lessons or stop by the studio for moral support and inspiration. On with the calender.

OCTOBER 2011

Join us October 1st as we celebrate Culture Days with Wolseley Wool...We are hosting an Open House together so join us for coffee and treats from 10 am till 6 p.m.

"Kids Beginner Class" - (Tuesday October 4,11,18 & 25, from 7-9p.m) - In this 4 week intro to sewing for kids your child will learn the basics of using a sewing machine, cutting and marking skills as well as following a pattern to make a simple project. We will also spend some time talking about safety in the sewing room. The instructor is Alesha Frederickson and the cost is $120.

"Skirt Drafting Mega Course" -(Wednesday October 5- December 7 from 7-9 p.m ) - In the first half of this 10 week course you will learn how to measure for and draft a custom sloper which you will then use to create a custom fitted muslin. In the second half of the course you will learn about using your sloper to design and draft an endless variety of skirt options.We will also cover waistbands, zippers, pockets and hems...this is a serious amount of information here.Don't worry if you don't know the lingo...you will know all by the end of this course.The instructors are Melanie Wesley & Alesha Frederickson and the cost is $250.

"Paper bag Princess" mini workshop-( October 8 from 7-9 p.m) - In this one day workshop you will learn to measure and cut your fabric to create a simple, elastic waist skirt. The instructor is Alesha Frederickson and the cost is $30.
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"Circle Skirt" - workshop (October 13 & 20 from 1 -3 p.m) - In this 2 day workshop you will learn to draft and sew a basic full circle skirt with waistband and zipper. Some prior sewing experience is required. The instructors are Melanie Wesley & Alesha Frederickson and the cost is $60.

Private Lessons are booked on Mondays & Tuesdays depending on the availability of instructors..

To register for any classes or for more information please call Melanie @ 999 9983 Or better yet stop by in person at the studio 962 Westminster Ave. Wednesday Friday or Saturday 12 -6.--
Melanie Wesley

Be sure to follow her Facebook page to stay up to date on Sew Free Classes and everything else going on at The Stitchery!

More back to school supplies!

Emily of Emms Gems just dropped off her latest project! Reusable, food safe, washable sandwich/snack bags! They're great for.... well... sandwiches AND much more. Any fruit or veggie you want to snack on, treats for the kids and whatever else you can think of.
Say GOODBYE to plastic ziploc bags and HELLO to fun fabric bags that can just be chucked in the wash and used over and over. She's got more sizes to come with velcro closures perfect for Cheerios and other smaller snacks.



And she's also brought us a new batch of her beautiful jewelry!


Check out the new man friendly adjustable bracelets!