covered in two kitties (Hoshi and Oreo) for hours to try to catch up on some sleep and get rid of my Hobbit feet.
Here is the wrap up from Day 3 at Stitches West…
I think that Jane Elliott of Not Just Plain Jane Knits (www.picturetrail.com/njpjk02) is the best kept secret in knitwear design. She did get cover of Knit ‘n Style (June 2007) with her shawl and tank top worked in The Great Adirondack Yarn Co yarns and her collection of designs is extensive.
Mark & Jane Elliott from Not Just Plain Jane Knits
Mark, her equally talented artistic husband, posed for a portrait in their booth. Mark’s passion is woodworking (not knitwear design). Count on more kids and baby knitwear from Jane as they are expecting their first grandchild shortly.
A few of Jane's designs
I was making the rounds and found Cliff Haack demoing Skacel’s Artfelt. Cliff is third generation at Skacel Collection (www.skacelknitting.com). His Mom is Karin Skacel Haack, now running Skacel, and his grandparents, Hans and Ingrid Skacel, started the company.
Samples of Artfelt projects
Cliff has the background roving tacked in place
Cliff began the Artfelt demo for me with the wash out paper base on the blocking board and placed the first layer of roving on the board using a needle tacking tool.
Cliff applying the green roving to the base
Cliff decided to start tacking green roving for “S-T-I-T-C-H-E-S” onto the brown roving as part of the demo.
Showing finished pieces and answering questions
Soon a crowd gathered and he was showing off finished pieces. The results are very thin and very drapey. Finished scarves had much more fabric drape and softness than I anticipated.
Learn more about Skacel Artfelt with instructions and step out photos at www.itsartfelt.com. LYS sell complete Artfelt kits and supplies — try it! You’ll love it!
Last, but never least, I stopped by The BagSmith (www.bagsmith.com) booth. Becca is soooo creative! She was demoing BigStitch Tunisian Crochet to a new shop owner. Soon Becca’s Mom Jean and Becca’s sister gathered for a picture.
The BagSmith team helping a new shop owner
Becca is also known for her 100% alpaca Bumps yarn. This yarn is specifically designed for BagSmith’s line of BigStitch knitting needles and crochet hooks. The most popular application are the alpaca rugs projects in either knit or crochet.
Della Q's perfect pedi
In fact, pre-show, Della Quimby (www.dellaq.com) came by, took her shoes off and snapped a shot of her toes melting into the softness of the throw rug. Imagine one by your bed, and starting your day off with a luxurious treat for your feet!
I heard from Vickie today that the prelim copies of the June issue are at the office so that means they are being boxed and shipped out to your LYS. Subscription copies are also hitting the mail. It goes on sale at the newsstands March 23.
Until next time, enjoy your knitting!
-Penelope
