April Classes at Lena Corwin's Studio

NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE T-SHIRT AND BOOK GIVEAWAY, SCROLL DOWN TO NEXT POST.

Lena Corwin, author of Printing by Hand, just let me know that there are a few open spots in the April workshops at her Fort Greene, Brooklyn, studio. They both sound great so if you live anywhere near Fort Greene, I encourage you to treat yourself and sign up. The basic information is below. To ask questions or sign up, email Lena directly (lena(at)lenacorwin.com).

April Textile Stamping Class (Beginner Level)
Learn to print allover patterns on tote bags, cloth napkins, fabric yardage (and more) using handmade stamps.
Four 1-1/2 hour sessions
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28

April Sewing Tunic/Dress Workshop with Cal Patch (Intermediate Level)
Students must arrive at class with pieces already cut out and marked for the Simplicity 3964 Built by Wendy pattern, as this can take up to 2 hours and it will be otherwise impossible to finish in the allotted time. Lunch provided!

See the pattern here.

One 5 hour workshop
11am – 4pm
Sunday April 19th
(There will also be a 1 hour finishing class on Mon April 20th at 6pm, if needed.)

Win a T-Shirt and a Book

The HBO Shop in New York City recently commissioned Natalie Chanin, author of Alabama Stitch Book, to design a special collection of “Alabama Chanin for HBO” limited-edition, embellished T-shirts. Each design is one-of-a-kind, handmade, and recycled from previous HBO^® collections featuring logos and key themes from hit programs like Entourage^®, True Blood^SM, Flight of the Conchords^SM, Sex & the City^® and The Sopranos^®.

Available starting April 8 at the HBO Shop in New York City (1100 6^th Ave. at 42^nd St.; 212-512-SHOP), the collection includes men’s and women’s T-shirts with Natalie’s signature hand-stitching, embroidery and appliqué details. As a Special Offer for our readers, STC Craft is excited to have the T-shirt shown above to give away along with one STC Craft book. To enter, before noon on April 7 EST, leave a message in the Comments section with the following information:

--Tell us about a craft project you are planning to make, are currently working on, or have recently completed.

--Tell us the title of the STC Craft book that you would like us to send you along with the T-shirt above if your name is selected? (To see our online catalog, click here. To see galleries of images from many of our books, including Alabama Stitch Book, click on the titles you're interested in at right.)

--Optional: Tell us the name of your favorite HBO show.

On April 8, we'll pick one person at random from the list of responses and send that person the T-shirt shown above (a woman's size medium) and the book requested.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Weekend Knitting Cover Story

When my book Weekend Knitting was first published in 2003, this was its cover.

It stayed that way until it was released a few weeks ago in paperback with this cover.

Honestly, I like both of these choices. But there was another cover that I rallied for in both hardcover and paperback. It wasn't chosen either time, so I figured I'd share it here.

Thanks to Susi Oberhelman and Ericka McConnell for providing the beautiful graphic design and photography, respectively. What a pleasure to have so many wonderful choices! Thanks also to Deborah Newton, who designed the Garter-Cuff Fingerless Gloves in the photo on the hardcover, and to Pam Allen, who designed the Farmer's Market Bag in the photo on the paperback, and to our lovely models. To see a sampling of images from inside the book, click here. To see a few interior pages, click on the small book cover image at right.

Workshops with Alabama Stitch Book Author Natalie Chanin

I was one of the lucky participants in Natalie Chanin's first workshop in Florence, Alabama, last July, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. I learned a lot, laughed a lot, ate great food, and made new friends--and ever since I have been thoroughly enjoying hand-stitching the dress and corset I started there (photos to come soon). And now Natalie has released her new workshop schedule for the months to come. If there's any way you can attend one, I heartily encourage you. For more information about what you will learn, the schedule, fees, logistics, and the fantastic time you are sure to have, click here.

Sewing, Cooking, and Community: Workshops with Natalie Chanin

April 4, 2009 / 9am - 3:30pm

The Firehouse, 604 East 11^th Street, New York, NY

April 25, 2009 / 9am - 3:30pm

LiteBOX Gallery, 2825 Second Ave., South, Birmingham, AL

May 9, 2009, 9am - 3:30pm

Fanny's House of Music, 1101 Holly St., Nashville, TN

May 30, 2009 / 9am - 3:30pm

The Edible Schoolyard Kitchen, 1781 Rose St., Berkeley, CA

August 7-9, 2009

Weekend Workshop at The Factory, Florence, AL

November 6-8, 2009

Weekend Workshop at The Factory, Florence, AL

For a really lovely overview of the weekend workshop experience from Amisha of Heavenly Days, click here. To see projects from Natalie's book, Alabama Stitch Book, click here.

Blog Fest with Weekend Sewing Author Heather Ross

Learn all about Heather and her new book Weekend Sewing during her trip around the blogosphere. To see inside Weekend Sewing, click on the book cover in the right-hand margin; to see a small gallery of images from the book, click here.

Monday, 3/9: Make, Grow, Gather

Interview with tales and pics of young Heather growing up in Vermont.

Wednesday, 3/11: Heart Handmade

A day in the life of Heather Ross, and a chance to win a free book.

Thursday, 3/12: Disdressed

Q & A? Expose? Find out!

Friday, 3/ 13: Freshly Blended

A fresh review of Heather and Weekend Sewing.

Monday, 3/16: Whip-up

Illustrated sewing demo – learn fun tricks!

Tuesday, 3/17: House on Hill Rd.

Erin shows off her lovely finished projects from the book, and asks Heather about her inspiration 

for each.

Wednesday, 3/18: Belle Epoque

Fit and style. Know what you sew, win a book! – Part 1.

Thursday, 3/19: True Up

Fabric design - process and inspiration - Part 1. Win a book.

Friday, 3/20: Charm City Craft Mafia

Heather burns rubber heading to signings in DC and Baltimore, with the Charm City Craft Mafia in hot pursuit! Win a book (or a pair of cement shoes).

Monday, 3/23: Philly Etsy Team blog

On the road again...this time to a sewing weekend at Spool in Philly. The Street Team investigates, and throws the book at a lucky winner!

Wednesday, 3/25: Knotions

Fit and style. Know what you sew, and win a book! – Part 2

Thursday, 3/26: Cathy of California

Heather discusses her old school inspirations and aesthetic!

Monday, 3/30: Wardrobe Re-fashion

Spring into DIY fashion, win a book!

Tuesday, 3/31: Thisisloveforever

Fabric design - Process and inspiration with fabric giveaway - Part 2

Wednesday, 4/1: Craftypod

Book review and giveaway...no April Fool’s joke!

Tuesday, 4/7: Etsy’s The Storque

How-Tuesday! Virtual project demo from the Etsy Headquarters!