Stitching Creations & Community

NEED SOME HELP OR A TEACHER?

2008-09-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

FREE LESSONS & TROUBLE SHOOTING

CoDoS Coffee Shop
119 N. Main St., Janesville, WI
10:00 a.m.
(2nd and 4th Saturday of each month)

FALL FIELD TRIPS!

2008-09-22T10:15:00.006-05:00

Join us on Sunday, September 28th for a field trip to

National Alpaca Farm Days

5546 W. Plymouth Curch Road, Beloit, WI
Meet alpacas, experience the fiber and see spinning demonstrations. Alpaca products, raw fiber and rovings will be available for sale.

Join us on Sunday, October 12 for a field trip to
Rainbow Fleece Farm's Autumn Fiber Extravaganza

W7181 Hustad Valley Road, New Glarus, WI

Attending will be Jane Grogan, Madison "fiber dabbler" to demonstrate small frame weaving, Joan Grosse with creative drum carding, Michelle Martin leading a hands-on needle felting session and more! Buy yarn or roving from the barn, see new spinning blends, find hand-cranked socks, washable wool blankets, needle felting kits and supplies, silk scarves, chemical free lamb, turkey, and chicken...and don't forget the overstock sale! Something for everyone at this wonderful little farm in Wisconsin's rolling hills.

For information on how to join in the fun, call 608.752.9248

Need a Quilting Frame?

2008-09-17T10:40:00.002-05:00

SnB has been approached by someone who wants more space in her home and would like to offer one large and/or one small quilting frame to anyone who could put them to good use. Please call 608-752-9248 if you could provide a loving home to these quilting frames.

Join Us at ArtsFest '08

2008-09-17T10:29:00.007-05:00

Join SnB stitchers and spinners as we demonstrate, share, and sell at ArtsFest'08! Then enjoy all the other hands-on arts activities and performances over this 2 day celebration of the arts in Rock County. ALWAYS a fun event for ALL ages and best of all, it's all FREE!!!!! For more information or a schedule of artists and performances go to www.rockcountyarts.com

AUTHOR PEGGY WIREMAN TO SPEAK

2008-09-10T14:20:00.004-05:00

CONNECTING THE DOTS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Peggy Wireman, author of Connecting the Dots which addresses the complex relationships between family and community, and between community and other players affecting family and community life, including the private sector, government, nonprofit groups, and religious organizations will be the guest speaker on Tuesday, September 23 at the Democratic Party of Rock County's monthly meeting, United Steel Workers Hall, 1620 Shore Dr., Beloit.

Peggy Wireman is a freelance consultant in community and economic development. She has extensive experience working as a legislative aide in Congress and in the executive branch in both Democratic and Republican administrations. She is also the author of Alice in Bushland: Fact and Fantasy in the Bush Administration, Urban Neighborhoods, Networks, and Families: New Forms for Old Values, and Partnerships for Prosperity: Museums and Economic Development.

Democrats, disillusioned Republicans, and others interested in learning more about the Democratic Party of Rock County are invited to attend. For more information visit the Coordinated Campaign headquarters, 1300 Milton Ave., Janesville; 432 E. Grand Ave., Beloit, or contact Tim Rutter, Chair at 754.1891, TRnexus95@aol.com, or visit rockcountydems.org

PEACE ACTION

2008-09-10T13:28:00.006-05:00

It's not going to end without your help! As yet more soldiers from our area are deployed from Rock County this week (http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2008/sep/09/area-soldiers-called-active-duty/) please join the weekly peace vigil each Tuesday, 4:00-4:30p.m., on S. Main St. by Congressman Ryan's office (Olde Towne Mall) as we send our message to Washington that the war must end. All our best wishes and good luck to our young SnB newly-wed knitters, Steve and Nicole, as he begins his career with the Marines and she starts college classes.

Sensory Overload at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival 2008

2008-09-10T10:27:00.018-05:00

The annual Sheep & Wool Festival in Jefferson, WI

is always a spectacular way to spend a beautiful
end of summer weekend with classes, demonstrations,
exhibits and vendors.

Some SnB regulars had a field trip this year!
(Left to right: John, Paula, Debbie, and Jennifer)

We hope YOU will join us next year at this sight, sound,
touch, scent, and even taste extravaganza for all ages!

Participation Opportunities

2008-09-02T10:50:00.006-05:00

The Janesville Farmer's Market continues through October.

Be sure to stop by when you see us at the market and try your hand
at "giant knitting" (demonstrated below by SnB "regular" Becky) !

New FREE Classes Offered

2008-09-02T10:31:00.007-05:00

FREE LESSONS & TROUBLE SHOOTING
Available beginning September 13, 2008

Beginning Saturday, September 13, CoDos Coffee Shop, 119 N. Main, Janesville will be the site on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month for free spinning, knitting, and crochet lessons, trouble-shooting and general stitching advise by "Stitch 'n Assist", an affinity group of the 2 Janesville Area Stitch 'n Bitch gatherings. Those who want to learn but need to know what to bring, which instruction will be available on a given Saturday, or volunteers interested in assisting others, should contact SnA at proartist@aol.com, revada100@yahoo.com, or call 608.752.9248.

Autumn Activities Announced

2008-08-26T14:31:00.005-05:00

JANESVILLE FARMER'S MARKET
Saturday, August 30 8a.m. - 1 p.m. (Set-up at 6:30)
SnB will be at the market on Saturday.
Come sell you knit/crochet/stiched items or just to
join us for a morning of delightful KIP*ing.
*Knitting in public

Interested in attending the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival?
September 5-7 • Jefferson County Fairgrounds
http://www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com
Last notice: Car pool going early from
Janesville on Sunday, Sept. 7
If you need a ride, please let us know!

NEW SNB "FRIEND" ON MAIN ST.
September Class Days: Saturdays
September 13 & 27th
10am
Please stop by and visit the
CoDoS Coffee House
119 N. Main Street (Next to Main St. Saloon)
Stop in and say "hi" to Russ the owner.
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11AM to 11PM
Sat. mornings during Farmer's Market - open at 7AM
The shop is DELIGHTFUL and the coffee also wonderful.
Brick walls lined with local art, antiques and more.
Beautiful, serene space for all kinds of activities and
including a FREE use meeting room at the back!
Russ has welcomes SnB providing
FREE knitting - or any other type of stitching -
lessons on Saturday mornings.
If you'd like to teach your favorite needlecraft,
please let Judith know at
proartist@aol.com

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
Participation is encouraged and YOU
are invited to join the fun.

Friday and Saturday, October 3 & 4: UAA ArtsFest
SnB Demo & Vendor Space will need volunteers

Saturdays, October 11 & 25
Stitching Class @ CoDos Coffee House 10am

Saturday, October 11
SnB Vendor Space at Rock County Fair Grounds Craft Sale

Saturday, November 8 (POSSIBLE)
Vendor space at Roosevelt Elementary School Craft Sale

Thursday, December 4 - Annual Holiday Party
7PM
23 S. Atwood Ave. - Bring-a-dish dinner and holiday fun
"Missing-in-Stitching" veteran SNBers are
especially encouraged to join us for a reunion!

2008-08-14T10:35:00.016-05:00

What a summer! First re-visiting British arrived and then for

3 weeks in July, we hosted an English teacher,

Wu Ton (Toni) from Chongqing, China!

"Toni" (above) with stitchers, Crystal and Paula who were performing

at the Janesville Farmer's Market in July as UAA buskers.

We wish more people could experience the wonder,

the learning, and the friendships that can develop worldwide when we're
open to new experiences. This year, a new friendship has begun to
bloom between SnB'er Paula and friend Malcolm in Essex!
If you're interested in finding ane-friend, let me know and we'll see what
we can do so you can beginan international exchange through our
existing "circle of friends"!

Interested in attending the

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival?

September 5-7 • Jefferson County Fairgrounds

http://www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com

It's that time of year again and those who have been before

KNOW this is THE event for stitchers in our area.

Want to car pool? Let us know...

Other activities and ideas are always welcome...

Help us set a September date for Farmer's Market sales...

Anyone interested in a SnB Reunion to encourage previous participants

(over 200 total now!) to return? Thoughts on a date?

Should we have an end-of-summer picnic?

Is it too early to look at our calendars and schedule

our annual winter holiday party?

Do you have ideas for speakers to invite?

Your ideas and thoughts to "grow" SnB are ALWAYS welcome.

Interested in learning a particular skill.

Is it time for another "knit or crochet-along"?

What do YOU want to learn?

Reminder

2008-07-31T09:30:00.001-05:00

While I ponder, weak and weary
What to stitch or what to spin,
I decide I'll just be cheery.
Fiber art is not a sin!

Summer may be starting to draw
to a close soon but we'll still
be stitching! And, as always,
ready to provide FREE lessons
to those who want to learn.

See you at Mocha Moment on
Thursday, July 31 from 7-9PM

Rock Co. Dem HQ Opens in Janesville

2008-07-31T09:09:00.008-05:00

Rock County Democratic Party
Coordinated Campaign HQ Grand Opening
Tuesday, July 29
State Senator Judy Robson with State
Representatives Mike Sheridan and Chuck Benedict were welcome guests in Janesville as crowds gathered for speakers at the recent campaign headquarters grand opening (former site of Jodie's Coffee Shop on Milton Ave.). Dozens of potential volunteers signed up with their enthusiasm and energy to help 2008 candidates and they had the opportunity to speak to those candidates who were present. To get involved and volunteer, stop by at 1300 Milton Ave., Janesville or contact the County Chair at trnexus95@aol.com

2008-07-08T10:33:00.004-05:00

http://www.tourdefleece.com/

Set yourself a personal spinning challenge. You will begin spinning on the first stage of the Tour (July 5th), and finish on or before the last stage (July 27th). You, of course, may spin on those days designated rest days for the riders.

Rules:

1. The idea is to set yourself a challenge. It doesn't matter what the challenge is -- it could be spinning fine for the first time, or producing an artsy fartsy yarn as an exercise, it could be spinning enough for a specific project. If you've always wanted to spin a little every day (say, a spinning meditation practice), but never seem to find time for it, perhaps that could be the challenge -- spinning every morning of the tour. What matters is you set out the challenge, and meet it during the specified time.

2. There will be no spinning before the start of the first stage.

3. You must finish spinning before the last stage ends.

4. You may sample and do other research as needed beforehand if it helps you decide on your challenge, or will help provide you the tools and information you need to meet the challenge.

The Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey)

As much as I enjoy the different categories of the Tour de France, for the purposes of the Tour de Fleece, there is only one option -- the Maillot Jaune (Yellow Jersey). Either you meet your challenge, or you don't.

Finishers will get a button for their blog, which will be essentially the same as last year's version. Of course, there is the immense pride in undertaking the Tour and riding -- er -- spinning to completion.

Entering the Tour de Fleece 2008

To enter the Tour de Fleece 2008 spinning challenge, please leave a comment stating your name (nicknames are acceptable) and the URL for your blog or the webpage where you'll be reporting your spinning progress during the running of this year's Tour de France bicycle race. You can also submit your entry by e-mail via the link in the sidebar -- make sure you put "Tour de Fleece" in the subject line.

Entries will be posted below -- please check the list for your entry, allowing a couple of days from the time you submit it for me to update the list. If you haven't been added to the list of participants after a few days, please let me know in the comments or by e-mail as I may have missed seeing it the first time around.

Although the aim is to start on July 5th, as in past years, if you find us late, you can still feel free to hop aboard -- just set a challenge that will be appropriate to the time left before the end of the Tour.

To Market, To Market....one stitch at a time

2008-07-07T16:51:00.004-05:00

SnB stitchers will be able to sell their FOs at the Janesville Farmer's Market again on Saturday, July 19 from 8-Noon. Remember the market is relocated to the top of Courthouse Hill in the parking ramp behind the courthouse. Those who sell items will share the cost of our 2 spaces but others are invited to just join us for stitching. FREE lessons and trouble-shooting always available. Weather permitting as usual.

The Brits are Coming Again!

2008-07-07T16:47:00.003-05:00

Those of you who met Jean Embery from Benfleet, England at Stitch 'n Bitch 3 years ago can say "Hi" to her again on Monday, June 14 when she and her husband, Howard, return to Janesville for a visit. Come greet - and or meet them for the first time - at the Main Street Saloon, 117 N. Main 7:30-8:00ish. If Main St. is still closed from the flooding then, we'll be at the SpeakEasy, 19 N. High St. The Embery's will love to see previous acquaintances again and you'll have a chance to learn what they've been up to in Essex!

2008-06-20T07:49:00.004-05:00

Please note: While fish are swimming in the park (see fins in photo below!), the Janesville Farmer's Market is MOVING up the hill on Saturday, June 21 to the upper Courthouse Park parking ramp area. Let's continue to support our local farmers through this time of flooding devastation to so many fields and shop the market on Saturday!

Main St. under water

River moves toward the library after inundating the parking areas.

WWKIP Day June 14, 2008 At Janesville Farmer's Market

2008-06-15T13:01:00.031-05:00

Crowds coming to downtown Janesville to see the flooding Rock River brought many first-time Farmer's Market visitors on June 14 who were able to enjoy the SnB Worldwide Knit in Public Celebration as we did "performance knitting" on 5-foot tall needles with rope! Knitters of all ages tried their hands at king-size needles to join in the fun.

While the water of the Rock River was climbing onto Main Street during the market, Rachel Hunter won our drawing for 2 skeins of yarn while Paul Holz won our spring contest of "Oddest Yarn Project".

SnB "regular" Julie (Thursday SnB) had fun trying to deal with larger needles while Patty (Monday SnB) also kept the knit fabric growing.

It's Market & Shearing Time

2008-05-21T13:47:00.017-05:00

We knit, we spin and we sell! Our SnB had lots of sales and inquiries on the Janesville Farmer's Market opening day May 10. Being serenaded all morning by a chanteur from Paris didn't hurt either! There were even some return customers from last year

looking for new socks. Now we look forward to many more great times at the market this summer. SnB returns there on Saturday, June 14 also encouraging participation in Worldwide Knit in Public Day. Bring your needles, your yarn, a chair and some change to enjoy local bakery treats. (www.wwkipday.com) And, as always, BEGINNER LESSONS ARE FREE!

Remember to join us on June 1 at the
Sugar Creek Alpaca Farm
for spinning and knitting demonstrations
during their shearing event.

Springtime at Sugar Creek Alpaca Farm

2008-04-30T13:36:00.015-05:00

Wednesday, April 29, Sugar Creek Alpacas, Willow Tan Alpacas, and Andrea's Alpacas worked together to welcome local school children who learned about alpacas, their fiber and how the fiber is used. The Janesville SnB demonstrated the process of taking the alpaca fiber from shorn locks to spun yarn to knit garment.

Learn more about these alpacas and opportunities to visit by contacting the farms: (262)742.3799, (262)728-5545, or (262)470-7675.

Spring shearing will take place at Sugar Creek Farm on June 1 beginning at 10a.m. (N7031 County Rd. H, Elkhorn, WI)

Performing Opportunity

2008-04-29T14:26:00.007-05:00

Do You Sing? Dance? Juggle?
BECOME A BUSKER!

Buskers are that rare breed of street entertainer in search of the best place or "pitch" to perform their artistic endeavor. Buskers can be any type of performer: dancers, mimes, artists, clowns, magicians, musicians, puppeteers, jugglers, acrobats, tumblers, living statues, and just plain weird! They can be amateurs or professionals . . .
Busking is NOT against the law in Janesville: however it isn't legal to accept financial reimbursement for street performance unless you are part of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
The United Arts Alliance is currently looking for performers and artists of every artistic discipline. While a member under the UAA "umbrella", you will be able to accept financial, free-will donations at the site of your performance. UAA will provide you with flexible dates and locations in downtown Janesville, provide you with proper identification as a UAA busker, and work to help promote and publicize your performance . You can use this opportunity to hone your performance skills, build a local audience, and earn some money!
To apply, please go to the UAA website at www.rockcountyarts.com where you'll find an application. If you are unable to use this application, please request a print copy using the contact option at the bottom of the site or by calling 608.752.9248 and we'll get one to you right away.

Want to Learn for FREE?

2008-04-01T11:12:00.004-05:00

Spring Speakers & Other Events

2008-03-25T11:37:00.013-05:00

What You've Always Wanted to Know about

Alpacas

But Didn't Know Who to Ask

Thursday, April 10

7:30 p.m.

Mocha Moment
1121 Center, Janesville

Guest speakers include:

Frank Raidl of Sugar Creek Alpacas, Elkhorn

Tana Ward of Willow Tan Alpacas, Delavan

Andrea Smessaert of Andrea's Alpacas, Eagle

Alpaca breeders know that alpacas have individual personalities and attitudes while spinners and others who work with fleece also know alpaca is a luxurious, versatile, natural and hypoallergenic fiber. While enjoying this free informational discussion, participants are also encouraged to enjoy working on their own stitching projects.

Other Upcoming Events

Lamb Birthing Barn

March 30 - 10am-4pm

A-Z Sheep Farm, 1820 Schuster Rd, Oregon

608-835-5553

April 1 - Election Day

Please remember the Suffragettes who

were in prison being force fed for

YOUR rights! Please remember to

VOTE!

Rainbow Fleece Farm

Spring Shearing Days

April 12 & 13

W7181 Hustad Valley Rd., New Glarus

Janesville Farmer's Market Opening Day

May 10

Look for our SnB Vendors booth!

WWKIP Day '08

June 14

http://www.wwkipday.com

SnB Annual Contest: Entries DUE May 31st!

What's Your Oddest Stitching Project?

If anyone has ever exclaimed, "You knit WHAT?!?!?", we would like to have you tell us about your project. Anyone who knits, crochets, weaves or otherwise works with yarn is encouraged to submit a story, a photo, or display at a gathering and enter the "Oddest Stitching Project Competition". Entrants should submit written and/or photo documentation along with name, age, address, phone and e-mail by Saturday, May 31. Written and photo entries should be sent to:

Oddest Stitching Project Competition

c/0 23 S. Atwood Ave., Janesville, WI 53545

or e-mail:

proartist@aol.com

Those who would rather share their project in person may bring it to either SnB gathering on the regular meeting days. Entries will be judged by a committee of both Janesville SnB gatherings. Winners will be announced on the Worldwide Knit in Public Day, Saturday, June 14 in skill and age categories. Prizes will relate to the winners particular crafts.

Stop the War

2008-03-02T14:58:00.002-06:00

Join the Rock Co. Citizens for Peace as we commemorate the 5th anniversary of "Shock & Awe" in Baghdad, as well as our nation entering the 6th year of war and occupation by marching with us on Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. The marchers will gather in the parking lot at Basics Co-op, 1221 Woodman Rd., Janesville (just west of the Hwy. 51/Milton Ave. and Mt. Zion intersection) and will proceed to the Post Office along the sidewalks of Milton Ave. This is a peaceful NONVIOLENT march. Please bring your own peace and justice signs if possible and dress appropriately for the weather. (Remember our march in '03 during the BLIZZARD?!?!? )

Can Spring Be Far Behind?

2008-02-27T10:07:00.008-06:00

Upcoming Activities/Events:

The first 2 Mystery KAL at SnB are now complete.
Watch for the 3rd project to be announced with the first pattern
"clues" on February 28. The second Crochet-Along began
last week and will continue...

Beginning Feb. 27:
MATERIAL GIRLS ON MAIN
Going Out of Business Sale

Begins Wednesday Feb 27th and will continue during our normal business hours until everything is gone.
That’s right I am looking for good homes for our Fabulous Fabrics, Books, and Notions.
Earn chances to win a Singer Feather weight with its original table
While you save BIG during our close out!
For sale just about everything!
All retail merchandise, Fixtures, basket, tables, chairs, shelving units etc., etc., etc.

Rainbow Fleece Farm

Although we're still buried in snow, spring is trying to push through and it's lambing time in Wisconsin as demonstrated by these recent photos taken at Rainbow Fleece Farm in New Glarus. I urge everyone to make sure the take the time to visit area farms when they have events to share in the joy of the season, amazement of the beautiful fibers available, and to learn about the HARD work these farmers do every day for us all!

The next public event at Rainbow Fleece Farm
is for the
Spring Shearing Days
W7181 Hustad Valley Rd., New Glarus
April 12 & 13

Election Time

Spring time also means primary elections and I am delighted to report that 2 Janesville City Council candidates - Yuri Rashkin and Kevin Bishop - who took the time to talk to our SnB gathering, survived the primary and now go onto the general election in April. As always, SnB invites all candidates for political office to come share with our stitchers so we will be an more informed electorate!

Project Linus Make A Blanket Day

The Janesville area Project Linus held it's 7th Annual Make A Blanket Day on February 16. "Blanketeers" had a great day together and generated 98 blankets for the children in our area. They also had the opportunity to get up and "stretch" after stitching by learning some belly-dancing moves from Crystal who entertained everyone. THANK YOU to everyone involved for making it a GREAT day!