Beetle and Fred

Have you participated in a Block of the Month? We've never run one but this cheery quilt from @gingiber is super tempting! Starting in June, we'd distribute kits and then meet up monthly (online and/or in the store, depending on how Covid is going) to sew and share tips. I'd need to order kits before the end of the month, so attempting to gauge interest here...whaddya think?

HOT TIP: I always zigzag or serge the cut edges of yardage before prewashing. This prevents fraying, which in turn prevents all those loose threads from bunching it up into a wrinkled mess. 2 minutes at the machine will save you 20 with the iron! This #goldenhourfabric rayon from @rubystarsociety came out of the dryer buttery smooth and ready to cut.

New hat, who dis? This one was quick n' easy, it's the #huthat from @spincycle_yarns, knit up in two contrasting gradients of #edition3yarn. I was going for kind of a mermaid vibe, might do another one in dragon colors, it was that fun! Thanks to model @thelastgypsyrabbit who has the BEST hat hair and also a magically coordinating mask. #handknit #hatknitting #nevernotknitting #storesample #teamkatymakes2021 #beaconny

Refilling the candy jars! Love pearl cotton for quilting and embroidery. What do YOU use it for?

Love these new #quarrytrailfabric prints from @noodlehead531! Printed on Essex cotton/linen, these will make great bags, garments, quilts, you name it! That brown leaf is so pretty and SO hard to photograph, swipe for a better look. #robertkaufmanfabrics #cottonlinen #imakemyownclothes #thisjustin #beaconny

@dooner9805 made a fabulous flotilla of mug rugs AND a terrific table runner from @figofabrics #polarmagicfabric. Amazing! The clock might be running out on making that many mug rugs but you've still got time for a table runner...this pattern is from @gudrunjohnston I believe. I am DETERMINED to get something festive on the table this year, dangit!!!#fredsaidsew #handmadeholiday #sewersgonnasew #festivevibes #beaconny

Last stretch, y'all! We're here for you.

@hudsonandwestco Forge is the loveliest worsted!!! This is the #goldwingsweater from @knit.love.wool. I never do quite get gauge on her designs--fault completely mine--so this might end up a husband sweater that I borrow A LOT. #nevernotknitting #hwforge #colorworkknitting #yokesweater #teamkatymakes2020 #beaconny

Oh yeah, and although Brianna and I might try to get the store dug out, assume we are closed unless I post otherwise! But before shoveling, coffee and a bit of knitting on my second #lovenotesweater . #fredsnowsew

SNOW DAY! The perfect day to cozy up with a project. I'll be doing a lot of shoveling, but in between I might try and tackle this disaster. Tag us with #fredsnowsew and let's see what you're up to! (Knitting, baking, putting your feet up also acceptable contributions).

More quick gift math: 1.33 yards of this amazing #goldenhourfabric bandana print and 1.25 yards for backing plus 1.5 hours to cut, sew, turn and topstitch= 4 fabulous napkins. You can use just one layer of fabric but then you'll need twice as much time. #protips #holidaygifts #holidaysewing #quicksew #rubystarsociety #beaconny

I wonder if any of you are of an age and media market to remember this jingle: " When you've got it bad, we've got it good...when you need it bad, come to FLORIDA!!!" In lieu of traveling this year, perhaps a bit of this #floridafabric from @wattsalot might do you good? #rubystarsociety #thisjustin #whatwillyoumake #manateelove #beaconny

As promised! From left, the patterns are: plaid, plus, sashiko, intersect, checkers, and static. I think plus is my current favorite but the more I look the more I love them ALL. #entwinefabric #woventextiles #giucygiuce #beaconny

#entwinefabric is here and it's just gaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Texture close-ups to come, never fear! #woventextiles #cottonfabric #giucygiuce #whatwillyoumake #andoverfabrics #beaconny

Knitting math: you can knit a pair of fingerless mitts (swipe to see mine) in two evenings of TV, from one ball of #reggaeombré . There are 11 nights until Christmas Eve. You need 5 balls of yarn. That allows a free night for weaving in your ends and wrapping. Or, you can knit an extra mitt for your most forgetful friend or that co-worker with three arms (but you'll need another ball of yarn for that.) There, I did the hard part for you. YOU'RE WELCOME. #neverenoughyarn #neverenoughrainbows #christmasiscoming #lastminutegifts #quickknits #handmadegifts #beaconny

Listen, before you give me a hard time about all the cat fabric, just know it wasn't all supposed to show up at once!!! (And this ain't the end of it, either. ) You must admit this little b/w group from @dearstellafab is purrrrrrfect. #leschatsnoirfabric #catfabric #blackcatlove #beaconny

TINY TRIUMPHS. I don't know about you, but I find myself spinning my wheels lately. Like, most of the time. But on Tuesday I CLEARED THE BACK TABLE. Before you get too impressed, I'll admit that this was accomplished largely by shifting the crap to the other tables. But it's a step in the right direction! Let's share some small successes. What micro-goals have you achieved lately? Or what can we encourage you to tackle? #honestcovidcraftroom #onestepatatime #keeppushing #communityofstitches #beaconmainst

You can still have a cocktail party, you know. All you need is a fancy drink...and a fancy dress! Can't you just picture a #lamourdress or #lizdress in this #clinkfabric from @figofabrics? Or a retro apron, or fruity napkins? #fabricismyfun #juicycolor #fruitydrinks #vintagestyle #sewretro #freshfabric #beaconny