A lot of hoopla!

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November 27, 2023

In this issue: To Hoop or Not to Hoop? Upcoming Classes and Events Shop News The Tip Jar Contact info

To Hoop or Not to Hoop?
That's a cross-stitch question...

Cross-stitch kits often come with an embroidery hoop and most of us were taught to cross-stitch with a hoop, but did you know that it's almost always unnecessary? That's right, you can cross-stitch without a hoop! Yarnivore staffers Wendy and Jackie both cross-stitch "in-hand," without a hoop.

Cross-stitching without a hoop lets you "sew" your stitches instead of "stabbing" them. You can work in-and-out of the stitch before pulling your thread through. This makes the stitching go much faster! It doesn't make any difference in the appearance of the finished work.

You can cross-stitch without a hoop as long as you're working on a specialty cross-stitch fabric, like aida cloth or stiffened linen. These fabrics are heavily starched and hold their shape really well, so it's highly unlikely that you'll pull the thread hard enough to pull the fabric out of place.

How do you hold it? If you have a small piece, you can just lightly bunch up the fabric. If it's larger, fold or roll the fabric so it will fit between thumb and finger and you can go to town!

When should you use a hoop or frame? If the fabric is not stiff! For example, stamped cross stitch on regular quilting or sewing fabric needs a hoop or frame because the fabric is too soft. If you're combining cross-stitch with other types of embroidery, you will probably need a hoop.

Other types of stitching, like needlepoint and crewelwork, do usually need the support of a hoop or frame to prevent fabric distortion.

What do you think? Want skip the hoopla and just stitch in-hand?

Upcoming Classes
Click the title or thumbnail to learn more and to register
Upcoming events and classes with available openings are listed below. Click the class name to learn more and to register or call us at 210-979-8255. Space is limited and sign-ups close a week before class begins, so sign up now!

Fair Isle Christmas Stocking - Masks Required
Make a family heirloom and learn new skills!
No previous sock knitting experience needed
Thursday, November 30, December 7 & 14 at 5:30 pm - 1 seat available
$50 (use your own supplies or buy them at Yarnivore for 10% off)

Knitting Workshop with Wendy - Masks Required
Come knit with Wendy! This is for knitters of any skill level with any kind of project!
Learn with others in a friendly, supportive environment!
$20 (use your own supplies or buy them at Yarnivore for 10% off)

Upcoming dates & availability-
Sunday, December 3 at 2 pm - 0 seats available
Monday, December 11 at 1 pm - 0 seats available
Sunday, December 17 at 2 pm - 2 seats available

Stitching Workshop with Nancy - Masks Appreciated, but not required
Bring your needlepoint or cross stitch projects for support,
problem-solving, and camaraderie!
Every other Sunday, with one session at 1 pm and another at 3 pm
$20 (use your own supplies or buy them at Yarnivore for 10% off)

Upcoming dates & availability-
Sunday, December 10 at 1 pm - 2 seats available
Sunday, December 10 at 3 pm - 2 seats available

Shop News

Featured Yarn & Pattern
Want a really easy shawl pattern? You'll love the Textured Triptych Shawl by the Wooly Cauldron! This FREE pattern starts at the point and increases toward the wide end to make a beautiful crescent shawl. It's written for DK weight yarn or fingering-weight yarn held double, with a simple slip stitch pattern for extra coziness!

We think it would look great knit in a hand-dyed yarn like Euphoria Knits' Frenzy!

Hours this week
11-5 Monday-Tuesday
11-5 Wednesday
11-7 Thursday
11-5 Friday & Saturday
12-5 Sunday

Upcoming Events
Friday Night Cravings - Friday, December 8 from 5-7 pm
Bad Frog Yarns Trunk Show - Saturday, December 9 from 11 am-4 pm
Spinner Saturday - Saturday, December 16 from noon-4 pm
Christmas Eve - closing early Sunday, December 24
Christmas Day - CLOSED Monday, December 25
New Years Eve - closing early Sunday, December 31
New Years Day - CLOSED Monday, January 1

Private Lessons
In-store and online private lessons are available! Please call 210-979-8255 to schedule a lesson! Wendy, Moses, Nancy, and Jackie are all available to help you with your projects! Private Lessons can also be scheduled outside of regular hours at the discretion of the teacher.

clip art of a clear mason jar with three balls of yarn inside, one red, one green, one purple. The label on the jar reads Tip Jar The Tip Jar

How do you say "aida" as in "aida cloth" (specialty cross-stitch fabric)? We usually just say it like the name "Ada" (Ay-duh), but if you say it like the opera by Giuseppe Verdi (Ah-ee-duh), that's okay, too!

To keep up with our activities and real time announcements, please follow us on social media:
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If you have a question for one of our teachers, you can email us at yarnivoresa@gmail.com.
You can also email Wendy with knitting or crochet questions at wendy.yarnivore@gmail.com or contact her through her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Wendy.at.Yarnivore/

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