Ok I’m so excited about this post today.  We recently received our new Seed Stitch Fine Yarn shirts and I love them!  As some of you may know I spend part of  my weeks in the city working in public relations and marketing for healthcare and life science companies and have for more than 10 years.  So I think that this shirt marries that life with my life as a yarn store owner.

Welcome Yarnamoritis — every fiber lovers disease “an insatiable love of yarn”.  With the route of the word obvious to us all “yarn”, combined with the Latin word “amor” meaning love and the suffix “-itis” denoting a disease.

Be the first one on your block to own one!

They come in a wide range of sizes from small to 2XL, but they are unisex and run a little big.

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Well tomorrow is October 1st in Salem MA and the official start to the Halloween season and our official start to Fall festivities.  Tomorrow night is one of my favorite nights of the year in Salem.  It’s the Haunted Happenings Grande Opening Parade and if you haven’t been it’s fantastic.  It’s Thursday too and our night for community knitting.  We’ll be open so please feel free to join us for the parade and some knitting.  Please do plan ahead if you’ll be joinnig us because parking is likely to be a bit less straight forward than normal and there will be some street closures as we get closer to the start of the parade.  It will be by 21 Front St. at about 7:00 and we’ll have some refreshemnts and treats for those of you excited to join us.  We’ll also have an adorable little girl that I know in a nurse costume and I’m sure a few of her adorable little friends.

There are a ton of awesome things planned around town this month.  Don’t let the crowds scare you away.  There are still places to park and great activities to enjoy.  For more info check out the Haunted Happenings website.

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Not sure you want to take a full class? Or just want to improve your knitting skill with a few new techniques? Then we have some great skill building workshops this Fall. We get a lot of folks who come in to the store that are fantastic knitters, but just need help with one area of a pattern or are having trouble with a technique like short rows so we decided to design some shorter sessions that will allow folks to focus on those skills rather than a big project.

First up, the Fixes and Mistakes Workshop that runs this coming Saturday the 12th from 10:00-1:00 with Laurie Bellin. We’ve all had it happen to us, we drop a stitch here or there, or we notice we should have knit when we purled and we’re now 3 or 5 rows along the pattern. This workshop will help you figure out how to deal with those mistakes and determine what the best method is to fix them. This is a workshop that will serve you well over the life of your knitting career and should be a fantastic session to start off your Fall knitting season.

Socks are all the rage these days and I know I personally can’t get enough.  We thought we’d design a workshop to enhance a knitters bag of tricks when knitting socks with our Toe and Heel Techniques class.  However, never fear if you’re not a sock knitters this may still be a great workshop for you.  This session will focus on things like short rows and picking up stitches which are skills every knitter needs to move through various patterns.  This session is scheduled for November 7th 10:30-1:30 also with Laurie Bellin.

A new addition to the line up is the Knitting Backwards Workshop.  This is a fantastic technique to add to your stash.    Knitting backwards is knitting from the  left edge to the right edge of your knitted work, in the reverse of the normal direction we are all used to knitting.  Many patterns are calling for knitting backwards.  If you don’t like to purl, this technique is for you. As well, knitting backwards can also be a useful technique when you’re knitting color work so that the right side of the garment remains facing you.  Join Trysh Lynch for this fun workshop on November 8th from 12:30 to 4:00.

Check the website for a host of other fantastic classes.  There’s still time too for Andrea Osbon’s begining sock class, which starts this Saturday September 12th 10:30-12:00 and continues on Saturday September 19th, October 3rd and 10th .  Every student who has walked out of this class so far has had such a blast and so many are on 2nd, 3rd, or 4th pair of socks.  Give us a ring or some in to sign up and pick your supplies!  Seriously this is a great class.

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We have such an amazing staff at Seed Stitch.  One of the faces that you might not see on a daily basis, but who is an integral part of our team is Helene Driesen.  Anyone who has taken one of her classes or had her finish one of their garments know how amazing she is.  But for those of you who have not met her yet, we should we’d give you a bit of insight into Helene.

Who taught you to knit and when?

My mother taught me how to knit when I was about 5 and still living in the U.S.  When I was 6 we moved to the Netherlands, where I entered first grade and where knitting is part of the curriculum.  I initially did not take to it as our first project was a cotton diaper cover (??).  Imagine, hot sweaty fingers trying to knit cotton stitches across plastic needles.  I hated it and did not knit, other than at school.  I did enjoy other crafts such as needlepoint which I did more of till I was about 12, when I became intrigued with cables I watched my mother knit.  So I jumped right back in and made my youngest cousin a beautiful cabled cardigan.  I was hooked.

What draws you to knitting or what is it that you love about it?

There is no one thing that draws me to knitting … it has been such a part of my life for so long.  For a period (from my late teens and early twenties) I made pretty much all my own clothes.  Partly because I wanted them to be different and partly to fit me better than store bought clothes.  Now, it gives me balance in life.  It is my time … I get up at 5:30AM, have coffee and knit … it’s how I organize my day .. solve little life problems … charge the battery.  During the day, my knitting pretty much consists of knitting for the business.

I think everyone who has taken a class with you has been amazed by the breadth of your skill and work. But many may not know that you also do finishing and custom work for Seed Stitch Fine Yarn. Can you talk a little bit about how this process works?

This business has grown a lot in the past few years. There are several different aspects of the business that customers can take advantage of.  First — repair and restoration of knitted and crocheted garments and items.  I have done some pretty extensive restorations, for instance family heirloom afghans.  I also finish and assemble sweaters and projects for people, who either don’t want to bother with it or do not have the necessary experience.

This is a busy business for you, but you do more than just knitting and crochet. You sew as well right?

Yes, this is one aspect that I can’t wait to get back to … design and sewing of children’s clothing.  I still have some fabulous fabric I bought in Europe and some great designs to put one of a kind outfits together.  The sewing has been put on hold as I have been so busy with the knitting in recent years.

I understand that you participate in two shows leading up to Christmas. Can you tell us a little bit about these and what it takes to get ready for these?

I participate in two shows to support two local schools.  One were my son goes and one is the Waldorf school as I like their philosophy.  Right now I am gearing up with working on inventory which pretty much consists of mittens, thrummed and felted and also fingerless mittens which have been such a hit these last few years.  I probably will also make some bags.

What designers do you think are really hot right now?

At the moment I really like the designs Jared Flood is putting out there.  I am more of traditionalist and he adds a little flair to some traditional garments.  Also, I am a total sock fanatic and love what Cookie A is doing in that department.  Martin Storey has also long been a favorite of mine and when it comes to color who else but Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably … I love what they do with color and I love how they can get you excited with a few little skeins of yarn.

QUICKFACTS:

Favorite book:
I don’t really have a go to book … own too many to have a favorite.

On your iPod right now:
I do not own an Ipod, do not text, twitter, blog or have a Face book page.  Favorite CD at the moment is Raising Sand by Allison Krause and Robert Plant.  Love them together.

Item from your yarn stash you’re dying to use:
Have some beautiful Noro Transition I am waiting to use.

If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?
Favorite yarn … no question … cashmere or a cashmere/silk blend in a rich dark chocolate color.

Favorite place to knit:
In the winter in front of the wood burning stove with a good cup of coffee and a really good piece of chocolate overlooking the lake (frozen, probably).  In the summer … on our front porch overlooking the lake with a good scotch (if it’s after 5PM).

Favorite spot on the North Shore:
No question .. our lake.

Current knitting project:
Several Cookie A socks, Hanne Falkenberg top, Lizard Ridge Afghan, cashmere lace shawl, top-down sweater with Noro, Rona (from Rowan #46), and several other stray projects.

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As you know we have some amazing talent at Seed Stitch Fine Yarn.  Michele Fandel Bonner is the longest running Seed Stitcher and a wealth of information and talent.  We thought we could all learn a bit more about Michele.  Here’s my interview with her.

Who taught you to knit and when?
I was taught to knit by Madame Talon in first grade in a French school in Switzerland. I thought it was very unfair that I had to knit and make shoe bags and sew handkerchief hems while the boys got to paint! I was told to get a dark yarn for the socks we were going to make. I showed up with bright yellow yarn. Those socks still fit!  I dropped knitting until I lived with a friend after college and she taught me again. I haven’t stopped since (except when I need to cross-craft due to knitting injury)

What draws you to knitting or what is it that you love about it?
Knitting became my salvation during a difficult 3 years span. We lost 5 loved ones and my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I couldn’t sleep much, so I knitted.  I knit socks for everyone. I couldn’t keep them safe but I could keep them warm. I love the meditative aspects of knitting. The way the gears in my mind un-mesh and spin freely while I knit. The repetitive movement of the stitches is so soothing that I have fallen asleep while knitting.

Some of our readers may know that you worked at a yarn shop in Europe, but others might not, can you tell us a little about this experience?
My husband is English and we moved to London in 1990 to be near his family. For 2 of the 3 1/2 years we lived in London, I worked for a yarn shop called Creativity. The store sold knitting yarns, needlepoint and cross stitch supplies. Creativity and Liberty’s were the two main yarn shops for London’s knitters.  My knitting improved tremendously in England as opportunities to knit were everywhere.  Most adult women knew how to knit but took the skill for granted. When I knit on the Tube, to-ing and fro-ing from work, people often commented “Oh, my Granny knits too!” I learned to spin on a goat farm in Scotland and visited a crofter on the Isle of Skye who produced the most beautiful hand dyed cashmere.

Tell us a little bit about your background?
I have always worked with my hands. I am happiest when my hands are in motion making something. I work with fibers and found objects. My house and garden are filled with my creations, most of which are not garments.  I studied Art Therapy in college and worked with emotionally disturbed teens for 5 years before working as an office manager for an interior design firm.  I have worked at SSFY since March of 2007 where I get to help people learn a skill I love, and has brought me great joy and satisfaction.

You have a great eye and interest in eco-friendly yarns and fibers.  What excites you about these?  What do you look for when choosing an interesting new yarn?
Being a tree-hugger from way back I am always looking for ways to use less and recycle more. I recycle cashmere yarn from thrift shop sweaters and use recycled materials in my art work so it’s a natural for me to try to find yarns that have a smaller impact on the environment.  I really like the un-dyed organic cottons that grow in colors developed years ago by Sally Fox. I also love the soft colors of plant derived wool dyes.  I try to buy fair trade yarns when I can.

QUICK FACTS:
Favorite book:
This month it’s “One Man’s Meat” by E.B. White and “Derek Jarman’s Garden”
On your iPod right now:
Jose Gonzalez, Antje Duvekot, Hildegard von Bingen, the Weepies and Baba Maal
Item from your yarn stash you’re dying to use:
Jade Sapphire Blood Orange Cashmere
If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?
Something very soft with a strong core
Favorite place to knit:
Summer: On my back porch in my grandmother’s wicker rocker. Winter: In my chaise lounge by the wood stove
Favorite spot on the North Shore:
Robinson Farm Conservation Area in Marblehead
Current knitting project:
Habu Stainless Steel and Silk Jacket. It’s going to take a long while…….

Thanks Michele!  That was great.  Stay tuned for more interviews from Seed Stitchers and designers alike.

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I was so excited to be asked to be featured as this month’s community interview on the Crunchy Granola Baby (CGB) blog.  Now if you know me, you know what a fan I am of that store and all the products in it.  In the interest of full and fair disclosure Jennie Cudmore, the proprietor, is one of my dearest friends, Amy the store manager is amazing and a super cool person and my husband does the web design for the store.  BUT that does not bias my opinion on what an asset CGB is to Salem.  If you’re  Salem or have children in your life you have to go there.

Anyway, check out my interview.

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As you may know, we had a lovely reception to celebrate the wonderful work Victoria Berkwits did in founding Seed Stitch Fine Yarn and to celebrate the future of the store under Robbie and my watch.  We decided that we should literally pass a torch to mark the occasion.

Thank you all so much for coming to visit us.  I was able to meet a lot of customers and spend time thinking about this exciting new endeavor in our lives.  Our daughter Mazie had a blast with all of her friends that came to visit and they are all still talking about the party at the store.  She was just thrilled to be able to put on a party dress and serve raisins and “bubbly juice” aka sparkling water to her friends and guests of the party.

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If we haven’t met let me take this opportunity to introduce us.  We’re Courtney and Robbie Heath and we’ve just purchased Seed Stitch Fine Yarn in Salem, MA.  If you haven’t visited the store, you have to do so.  It’s truly a wonderful place.  Victoria Berkwits, the founder and previous owner, did a phenomenal job creating a welcoming place to visit and shop.  Now we hope to continue providing a venue that helps foster handicraft, but maybe with our own twist.

First a bit out us:

We own a home and live in Salem with our two year old daughter Mazie May.  You may already know Mazie.  I’m always amazed at the places I go and introduce myself and my child only to hear someone say “oh we know Mazie”.  She has a spirit and a light inside of her that make people instantly drawn to her.  I’m sure you’ll hear about and see lots of Mazie in the years to come.  She’s a big part of our lives and will likely be a big part of the store.

I grew up on the Cape and Robbie in Riverside, CA.  We both went to Syracuse University, although we didn’t meet until after graduation — at a pig roast in Maine, but that’s for another story.  I’ve long been a crafter — never without a project going (ok let’s be honest, multiple projects).  Most kids hit up the toy store or the candy store with their allowances or spending cash.  Me, I ventured to the craft section at our local Ben Franklin 5 & 10 store.  I was constantly making things with yarn, paper, beads, clay, paint, etc.  You name it, I made it.  Both of my grandmothers were extremely talented with their hands and both in very different ways.  My maternal grandmother was very talented with paper, paint, or a pen and my paternal grandmother was focused more on fabric, yarn, and thread.  My mom is quite handy as well, dabbling in painting, jewelry making, sewing and other forms of expression. I soaked it up from where ever I could and if you are part of my family you’re likely the recipient of a handmade gift.

Robbie is a talented artist and illustrator now spending his time as a graphic and multimedia designer.   Sometime we’ll share his work with you and I’m hoping his impeccable eye for color and sense of design will help bring you the latest and greatest in color palettes and products.

My crafting philosophy:

Often in Native American culture they deliberately included mistakes in their handicraft because only the gods could make something perfect.  I try to remind myself of this beautiful sentiment in all of my crafts.  Certainly, I strive to improve my skill with every project and every stitch, but I also remember one of the beautiful things about a handmade item is that you can see the hand that made it in the work itself.

We look forward to meeting each and everyone of you over the coming weeks, months, and years — sharing projects, techniques, and inspiration, trading stories, and fostering fiber arts!

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