Handmade by YOU at Gather Here in Cambridge

Detail of Tea Towel from the 2012 Etsy Craft Party at Gather Here, created by Saraland

Have you heard? The holidays are coming! It's time to crank up your creative spirit and show your loved ones what they really mean to you by making something for them with your very own hot little hands. You can do it. Really, you can.

To help you through the creative process is Gather Here, a fabric, yarn, and fibers store offering classes in an inspirational work space with knowledgeable instructors. For almost two years their aim has been to provide a creative, fun, inspiring environment for the maker in everyone.

The concept behind Gather Here is that if you have the space, equipment, and assistance, you can make anything. They provide a place to make something without having to purchase your own expensive equipment or make room in your home to craft. It's also a place where people can meet others who share a common interest (or two), and it's a gathering space to create, support, and learn from each other. Gather Here offers classes in sewing (beginner to advanced), knitting (beginner to intermediate), crochet, hand embroidery, and also workshops that cover crafts like block printing, and repurposing all kinds of stuff.

For your holiday gift making pleasure, there are still spaces available in a number of the December workshops at Gather Here:

• fliptop mittens (if you've been aching to learn to knit mittens this class is for you!)
• crochet lace bookmark (an introduction to crochet lace charts)
• patchwork stockings (a great introduction to quilting)
• penguin ornaments (make one, make a hundred)
• crochet cowl (a lovely striped cowl you can finish in a few evenings)
• an Ipad case (or Kindle or laptop or whatever e-reader)

There's also a special book binding workshop THIS Saturday, December 1st, at 3pm with recently published and seasoned North Bennett Street instructor, Stacie Dolin, and if you have children looking for a quick sewing fix, they're offering a three-day Winter Sewing Camp from December 26th through the 28th. This class is a great gift for a young crafter interested in using a sewing machine, installing zippers, and wearing handmade pajama pants in 2013. 

Gather Here is located at 370 Broadway in Cambridge, MA, right on the corner of Lee and Broadway. Check out their website for tons more information and let them help you MAKE SOMETHING this holiday season: http://www.gatherhereonline.com/

Knit caps for kids at JP Knit & Stitch

Caps For Kids photo courtesy of Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Love to knit? Want to help a GREAT local charity and keep kids warm this winter?

Join Dana Farber's Caps for Kids program at JP Knit & Stitch (461 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130) for FREE sessions to make hats, scarves, and other cold-weather accessories for needy Boston children.

Use any pattern you want, FREE. Get help and instruction on your knitting, FREE. Use patterns suitable for beginners through advanced levels, FREE. Helping kids in need through knitting, PRICELESS. Oh yeah.

You can attend any number of sessions and can arrive and leave at any time.
Wednesday, November 7, 11:30 am -1:30 pm
Saturday, November 17, 10 am -12 noon
Wednesday, November 28, 6-8 pm

Can't make any of these sessions? You can make items on your own. Check out this PDF: http://bit.ly/QnKlWc. JP Knit & Stitch has been kind enough to host a basket for all completed items, which will be delivered to Caps for Kids. Submit your completed items by November 30!

Caps For Kids photo courtesy of Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Greater Boston Yarn Crawl

Photo (of hand dyed alpaca yarn) by Jessica Burko

Seriously. OMG.

If you knit, crochet, or craft with yarn in any way, shape, or form, this weekend is for you!

The Greater Boston Yarn Crawl 2012 is happening THIS Friday though Sunday, September 28-30. Join fellow yarn enthusiasts for a self-guided tour of the premier yarn shops in the greater Boston area.

Sixteen fabulous local Boston yarn shops will be showcasing yarn, hosting special guests, and featuring trunk shows and demonstrations. Many special sales, raffles and giveaways will also be offered. This is a wonderful way to discover some different shops in your area, or revisit your favorites. You choose – visit all the shops, a few of the shops, or just one. A yarn crawl is also a super way to mingle with other fiber fanatics and find out what they are excited about.

Finding your way around the crawl is easy!  Find all the information you need here, http://www.yarn-crawl.com/, or at the links below...

• Click on Shops to learn key information regarding store names, locations and crawl hours. Pay close attention – the hours are different for each shop.
• Plan your route by printing a copy of the Pattern, which includes a map. It is VERY important to bring a pattern with you – some shops are offering special deals to those who present their pattern.
• Be sure to check out Specials to see a list of the exciting events planned at each shop.
• In case you get hungry or want a variety of shopping opportunities, you will find a list of local restaurants and shops near many of the yarn shops by clicking on Extras.
• Last but not least, you will find an amazing list of Sponsors who have generously donated items to help make the Greater Boston Yarn Crawl 2012 a success.

To give you a taste of what each yarn shop has to offer, here's what JP Knit & Stitch in fabulous Jamaica Plain is planning for the next few days:
• free mitten and scarf pattern with every purchase.
• with every purchase of $50 or more, you will receive a 15% off coupon towards your next purchase.
• lots of great raffles (blanket pattern + yarn; mitten and scarf; and more).

FRIDAY, 3-6PM at JP Knit & Stitch: performance by the fiber artist Virginia Fitzgerald: Come see fiber artist Virginia Fitzgerald perform her piece, Insatiable. This piece is an ever growing, organically crocheted fiber piece in which she crochets a myriad of different materials, some traditional fibers and yarns and some untraditional -- old plastic bags, electric cords, balloons, etc. Beside using the different materials that she has collected, Virginia encourages others to bring in materials to add to the piece.  So look around your house and bring in any greenish/brownish fiber like materials - such as, scraps of yarn, strips of fabrics, old nylons, gift wrapping ribbons, old ribbons, old packing materials, old plastic bags....the sky's the limit, let your imagination run wild!

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY at JP Knit & Stitch: Photo Booth Session: Crafter's Edition with photographer Jennifer Waddell. For more information about how to sign up for a session, click here.

SUNDAY at JP Knit & Stitch: Trunk show with Knit Collage, a nationally distributed indie yarn company based in Boston. Love their unique, globally inspired yarns and ethically conscious business practices. Come and be inspired by their handspun yarn influenced by nature, travel, and fashion.

Be sure to come back here to add your comments and share where you crawled this weekend!

Vintage knitting supplies

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

I visited my family recently and raided my mom's knitting supplies. It's pretty interesting to see what someone who began knitting in the 60's has collected over the years. There's an awesome vintage needle bag, crochet hooks that have the cost of 25¢ stamped on it, and tons of old knitting magazines, some up to 50 years old. I thought I'd find all sorts of cool patterns in them, but they're mostly just ridiculous. I ended up flying home with a needle bag, project bag, lots of needles and hooks, and various notions. I'm very curious what my new 14" size 35 aluminum knitting needles looked like rolling through TSA security, I'm sure they look suspect on an x-ray.

Yarn Bombing, Arcworks, Peabody, MA

by Kerry of Khawkinsphoto

On Saturday I took a ride up to Peabody, MA to drop off my artwork at Arcworks in Peabody Center. I am involved with a show of Boston Handmaders at ArcWorks Community Art Center called Create. I happened to get there just on time to see the Yarn Bombing going on at the Center. The Yarn bombing events are lead by artist and director of Arcworks, Merritt Kirkpatrick.

It was fun to see all the colors on each object, so much colorful yarn. The tree was especially cool and very photogenic. Despite the cold weather the artist were happily sewing their knitted creations onto the fence and stair railings. Very fun to see this in action.

Knitting For Baby - yours and mine

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Woolen knit cap for age 9-18 months

With a three-month-old baby on my hip and a two-and-a-half year old toddler running around, I don't have a lot of knitting time in my day. But short time and found yarn make a great combination for small projects like baby and child sized hats. Making these tiny gems only takes a couple of hours (broken up into many short knitting sessions!) and a very small amount of yarn which is usually what I have available since I knit from found and reclaimed yarn - usually ends of other projects, or cast-offs from friends.

Cotton newborn hat

My kids have lots of handmade hats and they never leave the house without one - or two! These projects are so small that I can carry one in my bag and knit a few rows waiting on line at the bank, or in a doctors office, or even while nursing my baby girl. Reason #4692 I love knitting: It's low tech and portable. No batteries required :)

Dyeing Yarn

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I have been spending the last couple of weeks focusing on dyeing yarn that I have dyed before and for the most part I have been successful. However, there is one color combination that I absolutely adore that did not work well. I blended orange, purple, and green which in the past becomes this bright starburst candy color.

Instead of those colors, I ended up getting very neutral lighter shades if green, browns, cream, and reds after it was all blended together. I was disappointed at first as I had a new knitwear design pattern that I'm creating and wanted to use the original blended colors I had in mind but I later discovered as I was knitting with the yarn that it actually blended well and looked wonderful knitted up.

Long story short, I truly believe in the quote from the movie Forest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what your gonna get."

Stay Warm with Etsy!

by Leah of cricicis design

I have been coming across some really adorable cold-weather accessories on Etsy recently and had to share. Some great ones are from our own Boston Handmade members- but there are a ton of handmade mittens, scarves, blankets, and more available. So check 'em out before spring comes along!

reversible fingerless gloves by White Noise Maker

peppermint stripe scarf by Boston Handmade member Jessica Burko
(aka Reclaimed To You)

rainbow cotton crochet blanket by rocket and bear

ivory gloves by Stylish Knitting

And if you want to do some knitting yourself, check out this beautiful merino wool from Boston Handmade member Diane Ivey (aka Lady Dye)! What are your favorite cold-weather accessories to brighten up your winter wardrobe?

Doing it Big!

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

Yes...doing it BIG is what Lady Dye is doing. I am thrilled to be able to create some amazing hair pins and headbands with my hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns. For a while I have been contemplating how to expand my fiber arts business and as a woman with this amazing Afro :) I found it suiting to expand into hair accessories for women and men from all different backgrounds who are not only proud of their hair but believe in my new hair motto: the BIGGER. the BOLDER. the BETTER!

About six years ago, I made the decision to go natural with my hair and I have not looked back. It was one of the best decision I have made in my life and I feel true and honest with myself and confident in my own identity. I want other women and men to feel the same way. Besides, I sometimes feel our society has been so conservative when it comes to what's acceptable for hair accessories. Lady Dye is here to say yes! It's acceptable to have knitted decorations in your hair! From one big hair to the other!

My 2011 Knitting Resolution Update

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

Last January I wrote about my resolution to learn how to knit in 2011. Further more, my resolutions included finishing my project I was learning on, and knit something with alpaca yarn.

In 2011 I did learn to knit. In fact, this beginner is kicking butt! Not only did I finish my learning project quickly, I rocked out another nine projects last year! I did not however knit a single thing with alpaca yarn, my whole reason for wanting to learn in the first place. While I didn't meet that goal, I'm not too worried about it because I was so productive otherwise. Also, Diane has some alpaca yarn stashed away for me and I have a pattern in mind for it, so the time will come.

How did your crafty 2011 resolutions go? Did you make any for 2012?

First the Good News

by Sharon of Stray Notions

The good news -- winding down from the holiday season and planning for a better year to come -- because there's always room for improvement, right? Tomorrow my big plans are to take me and some personal stitching (embroidery AND knitting) projects down to the stitcher's brunch at Gather Here in Cambridge and enjoy working on something just for me (well, actually the embroidery is a gift, but without any pressure).

The picture shows both the good news and the alluded to bad news, as they are inextricably linked. All of the items -- the gorgeous variegated yarns that I usually don't splurge on and the nifty wooden display spinner were purchased this summer at at deep discount from a needlework store that was going out of business. I was happy to get them, but so sad that the store is no longer. So, while enjoying the great company and treats I also plan to support the retail end of Gather Here cause I'd be really sad if one day they weren't here. Please think about doing the same for your favorite local businesses.

Color Palette at Work

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I am sorting through my inventory for the last couple of days and I was really inspired by the array of colors that I had created the past 6 months. Although most of that inventory has been sold, which makes me very happy, I am always producing more yarn each week. After looking at my inventory I have realized how much I enjoy mixing my color palette up with color combinations that make you think outside the box. I really have found my niche for my color and it's because I have taken the time to find inspiration from modern and contemporary artists but also I am trying to spend more time going on excursions locally to find interesting materials and people wearing amazing colors.

I don't like to boast about these accomplishments but I have seen a progression in my work that I am extremely humbled by. As crafters and artist, we need to continue to evolve in our own crafts. Sometimes you have to go against what you have always been comfortable producing in order to create new and innovative artwork and crafts.

Check this one out!

Why not another one to show you!

Knit Christmas Ornaments

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

This year I decided to make some small knit ornaments for all the family at Christmas. I still need to find time to embroider some features on the snowman, but I sure do like my cute little ornaments! Besides cookies, what handmade items do you gift during the holidays?

Crafting for the Holidays

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I have spent the month of November preparing for my holiday craft fairs this month and I have to say, it was so exciting to be able to do more craft fairs this month and to see the amazing and talented crafters in Boston. I have been spending the last week or so dyeing and spinning yarn and I wanted to share with all of you some of the completed hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns I have done.

I am getting ready for the vibrant colors of spring and summer.

I call this Batman as I used black and yellow food coloring which blend into amazing colors.

My next knitting project- a baby blanket and a small purse

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

I had a new little niece that was on the way and I decided I was going to make her a baby blanket. I thought her older sister may get jealous of the gift arriving and not being for her so I wanted to knit a small purse for her as well, since she loves bags and purses.

Here is the 27"x27" blanket I knit for the new baby, and a small purse I knit for her big sister.

I did a seed stitch on both, which was a new stitch for me. I decided to do the purse first, figuring the pattern in the yarn would hide any mistakes better while I was still getting a feel for the stitch.

A broken arm kept me from finishing it before my new niece was born, but I'm excited for her to finally receive it!

New Inventory Has Arrived!

by Cristina of Cristina Hurley Jewelry Design

I'm really looking forward to a great holiday season in my shop, especially with all of the new inventory that is starting to come in from my fellow Boston Handmade members! They make such beautiful things, and my shoppers are already commenting on how nice the items are, and how cute the shop looks.

Jessica Burko of Reclaimed to You dropped off lots of beautiful hand knit scarves and hats! Go to her site for other fine pieces, artwork, and paper goods.

Jennifer Tang of Majenta Designs, makes beautiful asian inspired pendants and purse hooks.

These pieces are by Karen Mahoney, of City by the Sea Ceramics. Raku and other techniques are used to create these unique pieces.

Beautiful jewelry inspired by nature by Nancy weller, of Nancy Rosetta. She uses different metalsmithing techniques and materials to give the pieces great color and dimension.

And of course, there's always me! I am making new designs every day and getting very excited for people to see them. you can even see me making jewelry in my shop! It's also my studio.

Come visit us Wednesday through saturday, 11am-6pm...

3 Rockland Street

Canton, MA 02021

781-562-0421

Hope to see you!

Opportunity of a Lifetime

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

Last month I had an opportunity to meet one of the most famous knitwear designers of our time, Nicky Epstein, at Newbury Yarns. Newbury Yarns has recently moved to a new location and as part of the re-opening, Nicky Epstein was there to meet and greet knitters but also to do a private workshop with individuals. She was a really nice and a witty woman who signed all of my books.

What I really appreciated the most about the experience, was how open Nicky was to questions about not only what I was working on but also willing to discuss more in detail of the books she had written. In particular, as she signed the book Knitting in Tuscany, she talked about the recipes that she decided to put in the book as well as her experience traveling through Italy. I truly valued that experience and look forward to meeting her again one day. Until then, I will keep my signed autographed books and hope the she blogs or writes about me in her next book in regards to the lovely hand-dyed yarns of mine that I had give to her the day we met :) Happy knitting everyone!

A Boston Handmade knitting night

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Diane teaching Karen how to knit with 4 double-pointed knitting needles.

Last week Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts and Designs invited Boston Handmade to her home for a night of knitting. The beauty of a knitting night with an expert like Diane is we can have all our questions answered, get help on current projects, learn new techniques, and check out all the cool knitting "tools" and yarns that someone of Diane's caliber has in her stock pile.

Diane taught Karen of City By The Sea Ceramics how to knit with DPNs (double-pointed needles) so she could make strawberries to use in her ceramics displays at upcoming shows. Check out Karen's finished product above! So amazing - and she is a brand new knitter too! What talent.
I spent the night working on a baby wrap-around jacket for our daughter who is due in November, and I was tragically stuck on one part of the pattern. Diane guided me through it and now all I have to do is sew up the seams, add a ribbon tie, and it will be finished! I'll post pix of this finished product and other tiny items I'm making for our daughter-to-be when they are all camera ready.
In addition to being an expert knitter and a knitting teacher, Diane dyes yarn with natural dyes, and spins her own yarn too. I love this photo of Diane's latest batch of natural dyed yarns and can't wait to see them in person at upcoming shows.

Thanks for a great knitting night everyone!

Good Times in Maine

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

Last month, I took a trip to Maine with my friend Shelley from my knitting group to visit our other knitting friend, Alice, who has a gorgeous lakefront cottage. I had such a great time being able to relax for a couple of days since my summer has been so hectic. Not only is Maine beautiful for it's landscape, but also there most notable yarn shop, Spunky Eclectic.

I have always wanted to go visit Amy's store and boy did I have a blast! Tons of fiber every where, spinning wheels, drop spindles and more fiber galore. Unfortunately I was so excited about what was in the store that I did not really take a picture of the goodies inside but I did make a purchase. This yarn shop is definitely a place for all those who love to spin yarn and weave. Here's a couple of pictures from my trip in Maine.

My purchase

The view from our lake front cottage where we stayed

The cottage

I can knit and I can purl!

by Nancy of nancyrosetta

Every summer, my husband, dog and I drive 680 miles up to Prince Edward Island, Canada. My husband's family owns a cottage up there far from any city or town on a cliff of an ocean inlet. We are basically cut off from the current high speed world up there. We get two English speaking television channels and one French channel. We have a wood burning stove :)

In good weather, I search daily for seaglass and other interesting beach related gem-like goodies down on the beach when the tide is out. This year, however, the weather did not support that kind of activity. This year, I mastered the art of fire starting. This year, I taught myself how to knit.

I bought a knitting magazine that came with two free sets of needles. It didn't matter what the projects in the magazine were, I just made sure there was a section in the magazine showing how to do the stitches. Honestly, I wasn't even going to attempt anything more complicated than a scarf. So I made a scarf!

It's almost done! I may try to make a hat to match, next.

My husband wants me to knit him a sweater now...something argyle no less.