the stitch is back

The Stitch is not only back...

2011-09-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's better, brighter, and bustling with excitement. Jessica Knits and Crochets is open for business. The store has been reorganized and renovated with you, the customer, in mind. And the response has been overwhelming. Aside from being your go-to shop for all of your knitting and crochet needs (and it is a need, isn't it?), we want to be your community hangout. So we've extended our hours, added some atmosphere, and we're hosting events to help everyone understand that we are your knitting home away from home. And with football season approaching, who couldn't use one of those?

Plus, we have Artyarn, Araucania, Addi Click sets, Mango Moon, Tinseltown, and so much more great fiber to enhance your holiday knitting. Not to mention a shipment of Mountain Colors that's on the way (and brand new to the store).

We'd love to see you. And once, more, thank you to all of our loyal and devoted customers who offered their support throughout the flood. Like a Phoenix, we've come out better than ever!

H20 No...

2011-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

We are sorry to report a flooding incident at Jessica Knits and Crochets. We are working hard to get everything up and running as quickly as possible. Please rest assured that we are doing everything we can to put things back in order. Also know that classes are moving forward as scheduled. It will take more than some water to make us stop serving our loyal customers.

Thank you for your support and your kind and generous emails. We are looking forward to a better Jessica Knits and Crochets. And we are looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Dream Big

2011-08-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

It's our biggest sale ever! And it starts today (well, it does if you are reading this on Friday, August 26th). Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Jessica Knits and Crochets presents its BIG DEAL sale. Everything that's big is marked down 25%. Need some bulky yarns? Any yarn that is gauged for a US 10.5 needle or bigger gets a discount. Need a needle? All of our needles size US 10.5 and larger are marked down (including Lantern Moon, Brittany, Pony and Skacel). Could there be a better time to stock up on your big knitting needs? Not with these huge savings and big, big deals.

And while you are in the shop, check out what just came in: Addi Click interchangeable needle sets, Hiya Hiya interchangeables, new yarns from Schoppel Wolle (including Zauberball), the newest Vogue Knitting magazines, plus so much more exquisite yarns and products. We want to be your go-to shop for the best in fiber and needles. And we want you to think of the shop as your knitting home away from home. So come hang out, see what we have to offer, and get great deals (especially this weekend! 25 percent!) while you're at it.

See you soon.

p.s. Check out our September class schedule too! There's something for everyone.

The Bigger, the Better...

2011-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a BIG Sale at Jessica Knits and Crochets. We're taking everything that's big - BIG yarn, BIG Needles, BIG Project patterns and books - and giving you a BIG discount. 25%! Yes - a GIGANTIC 25% off of some of the biggest products in the store (even already reduced merchandise is an additional 25% off!). And nothing makes a quicker, bolder gift than big yarn projects. You could have all of your holiday shopping done in one quick stop. The BIG DEAL SALE is happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 26, 27, and 28) at Jessica Knits and Crochets. And when it comes to savings in your pocket (and more yarn in your stash), bigger is definitely better.

Bargain Needles

2011-08-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Our expansive needle selection just got easier. We've incorporated needles into our not-to-be-missed sale section. You won't believe the prices, with a large selection of needles as low as $1.00! And you won't have any trouble finding the pair you need. All of the needles have been sorted by size (we have 0 to 35, and even some larger sizes), and wood and metal are displayed separately. So check your needle stash and fill out your collection at unbeatable prices.

The Latest Rowan

2011-08-07T17:10:00.000-07:00

The 50th Rowan Pattern Book is in. As usual, it is filled with exquisite garments. These pattern books sell out quickly, so keep your collection current and get yours today. Plus, you'll get to check out some of our new fibers and colorways that arrived this week. There are beautiful new shades of Blue Sky Alpaca Silk (a staff favorite, this yarn is a dream to work with), plus we've added Blue Sky Alpaca Sport Weight to our already expansive collection of Blue Sky yarns.

We have some exciting events planned for the near (and far) future, so keep us bookmarked. And speaking of books, thank you to everyone who took advantage of our book sale. The book drive was a huge success. We donated about two hundred books to the Scottsdale Public Library. They were thrilled (you really donated some amazing books) and we were proud to help out our McDowell Mountain community.

Night School

2011-08-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

Would you like to learn how to knit, but can't make it to a weekend or daytime class? Jessica Knits and Crochets is offering a night class, and spots are still available. You'll learn how to cast on, knit and purl, and bind off while making this original washcloth pattern. Class begins this Tuesday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. and will meet a second time on August 23 at 7:00 p.m. Call or email us if you'd like to sign up for Night School.

We're Going to Have to Book You...

2011-07-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Jessica Knits and Crochets is holding its First Book Sale and Book Drive this week from Friday, July 29 through Sunday, July 31. We have some really amazing pattern books and individual patterns. Don't start your knitting season without some inspiration. Come in for 25% off ALL of our books, patterns, and magazines. That includes stuff that is already on sale for unbeatable prices. As a bonus, if you bring in books to donate for the local Scottsdale library (any books in good condition - fiction or non-fiction) you can earn additional discounts. Bring in up to 5 books and get an additional 10% off of one item. Bring in more than 5 books and you'll get the 10% off an additional item, PLUS you'll get to choose a free item from a wonderful selection of pattern books (including some publications by Louisa Harding, Noro, Tahki Stacy Charles, and Colinette).

All of our books have been reorganized for your viewing pleasure. Remember - this sale includes all books in the store, including the highly collectable Rowan pattern books. Get some books for yourself and stock up on some holiday gifts for the knitters and crocheters in your life.

See you at the sale! You'll be hooked on our books.

Rowan with the Current

2011-07-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

You want Rowan? We got Rowan! Our shipment is in, and we've been working non-stop to get all of the latest Rowan lines out onto the floor for your knitting and crocheting pleasure. Kid Classic, Colourspun (so new, it's not even on the Rowan website yet! simply beautiful), Fine Lace, Big Wool, Shimmer, Colourscape Chunky, British Sheep Breeds Boucle, Drift, Silk Twist, Renew, Cocoon...we've got it all (and in quantity!). In fact, the photo above doesn't even do it justice. And you don't have to worry about patterns, either. We got a new shipment of Rowan books in as well, to fill our our already plentiful stock (don't forget our big sale event - Jessica Knits First Book and Pattern Sale next weekend, July 29, 30 and 31). If looking at all of the new Rowan and the amazing new display of Madeline Tosh doesn't fulfill your yarn craving, some of our other lines have come in, also (I said we were busy!). Check out Silly Stripes for some of the cutest children's garment designs and yarns (it's right next to our new selection of Ty-Dy by Knit One, Crochet Two). Or the all-purpose, washable, versatile Zara, Zara Plus, and Zarina lines. Plus we have some gorgeous glitzy yarns on display for your holiday knitting.

So come on down, check out the new stock, peruse the August class offerings, hang with us for a while, and take some time for yourself at Jessica Knits and Crochets. It's the coolest place to be this summer.

Be Classy

2011-07-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our August class schedule is here! We had such a great time teaching everyone in July (thanks to all of you who participated in the classes), and we've learned so much too. You showed us how eager you are to learn new techniques, to perfect your craft, and to get started in new fiber frontiers. You are yarn pioneers! We've created a schedule of classes that we know you'll love.

You'll find beginning knitting classes (in fact, we're offering a night class for those of you who have busy daytime schedules), an intermediate knitting class where you learn more stitches, and the ever-popular sock class (if you've never worn a handknit sock, you are in for a treat). The Everyday Market Bag class will have make you the envy of all your shopping friends (look! isn't it cute? And look at our new Rowan pattern book section in the background).

The crochet class in August is the Striped Tote. This fun, quick and easy project is sure to be one of your favorite accessories. For your more formal events, the Larch Shawl class will help you create an elegant and useful addition to your favorite outfits.

And in August, we're introducing a new concept in classes. Our Project Workshop lets you decide what you are going to work on. We provide the guidance and help and support to get you through the project you've always wanted to make.

Look for our new class brochure. We'll send you a copy online. Or better yet, stop by the store, take a look around, talk to us about the right class for you, and sign up! These classes fill up quickly and space is limited. So be classy at Jessica Knits and Crochets.

Web Spin

2011-07-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Jessica Knits and Crochets is all about putting a new spin on things. In our quest to make your fiber experience easy, friendly, and useful, we are updating our website with a new, clean look (check it out). We are also getting in some of the leading yarn designers in the industry, revamping the store, and offering some amazing deals on yarn, needles, books, and patterns. Never been in? Come on in and see what we have to offer. We have extended hours to fit your busy schedule. Were you in last week? Come in again - we promise there will always be something new to catch your eye. It's a new look, a new owner, a new attitude at Jessica Knits and Crochets. Discover what we have to offer, and you'll find a new you.

Oh My Tosh!

2011-07-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

We're always striving for something new and better at Jessica Knits and Crochets. We're changing the store to better suit your needs, we've extended the hours, and we're offering a great selection of new classes to enhance your skills. So what else could be new? Well, let's start with the Madelinetosh yarns that just arrived yesterday. The first thing you'll notice is the exquisite colors. Check out these blues:

Then you'll just have to touch one. Maybe the Madelinetosh Silk, or the Madelinetosh Pashmina. Good luck resisting these sought-after yarns. Probably, you should just resign yourself to surrendering and get on with the task of deciding what to make first:

We've dedicated an entire area to Madelinetosh. And you know what would go perfectly with one of these luxury yarn projects? A new project bag from the designers at Atenti. They combine old world elegance with modern styling, and come in a wide assortment of styles and patterns. Get one for yourself or buy someone special one of these unique and fashion-forward bags. Here's just a sampling of what came in (we were still unpacking them when we snapped this photo):

We'll spare you the wordy descriptions of everything else that is arriving (new shipments are coming in all the time - Filatura di Crosa, Zora, Lantern Moon, to name a few), and we'll probably babble about them soon enough (we're like children opening gifts - our excitement is endless), but here are a few more photos to tempt you:

Dealing You In

2011-07-09T23:55:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the shop is being spruced up to show off the beautiful new yarns, books, and products that we have available, one spot at Jessica Knits has been added as a convenient, one-stop, shop-'til-you-drop area: our new sale section. No more hunting for bargains. We've put them all (for the most part) in one place. Louisa Harding, Gedifra, Torino Bulky, Noro, Alchemy, along with other exquisite yarns, needles, notions and purses (wow! Namaste is on sale!), at prices you won't believe. And unlike most yarn store sales, we have some of these sale items in quantities that could easily handle a large project. All of this, combined with the fact that we are open on Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. means that there is no excuse for not starting that long-anticipated project you've been putting off. So *buy, save* and repeat from * at Jessica Knits and Crochets!

Tote-ally New

2011-07-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

We've retired our metal buckets. Well, at least for shopping purposes. From now on, when you come into Jessica Knits (and crochets!), you can grab a stylish Lantern Moon woven shopping tote with beautiful wooden handles. You can choose from cherry, lime, tangerine, or aqua, and if you fall in love with it, we've got some extras to sell. They are lined in a matching polka dot material so your precious alpaca won't snag and your needles won't poke through. It's the perfect summer project tote. So hurry down and be the first one in your knitting group to flaunt one of these delightful summer confections.

Dust Ruffle

2011-07-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I had to pull off of the road because driving conditions were, to say the least, nonexistent. What an unbelievable storm! So I sat in a parking lot and grabbed my knitting while the dust blew through the Valley. My go-to car project is an original scarf design that is a geometric pleat (it's a man's scarf so it's kind of a masculine take on a ruffle). Sounds complicated but it's a simple six-row repeat and I can always find some time to complete a set (I had plenty of time - the dust was unrelenting). I'm working the scarf in Rowan Lima, in a beautiful deep jade color that I would never have noticed had we not rearranged the yarns at Jessica Knits.

Which brings me to the morals of this story (there are two - there was only going to be one, but then the dust storm hit). The first is that it pays to look at things a little differently now and then, so we are moving yarns around in an effort to inspire and awaken your ideas about color. Our lines are being presented vertically when possible with an eye towards color groups and combinations. Silks, mohairs, merinos...they are all being presented to show the colorways off in their best light.

And the second moral? Always have a project in the car. In fact, just keep a small piece that's easy to pick up and remember in the car at all times. It's metropolitan Phoenix. We practically live in our cars. Inevitably we end up sitting in our car waiting for something to happen (or, in the case of the storm, to stop happening). So come in to Jessica Knits and we'll get you set up with the perfect car project - yarn, needles, patterns, project bags. When the next storm hits, you'll be prepared.

p.s. Just stepped outside. There's a lot of dust out there. Good thing I just crocheted a dust chamois cloth out of a yarn called PJ's that's on sale right now. It is just the thing for cleaning and polishing furniture and only took about an hour to make. We can show you how!

Declaration of Yarn-Dependence

2011-07-03T23:10:00.000-07:00

That's right. Today, I officially declare my dependence upon yarn. Those of us who knit and crochet just can't get enough of it. Sure, we like a good needle (you should check out Jessica Knits' supply - we have a full assortment of Lantern Moon, Brittany, Pony and Skacel needles in addition to several other brands). But let's face it. It's the yarn that gets us every time. Right now, I'm working with Rowan's Lima and I'm not sure how I got by without it. It is spun happiness. I'd use every one of the beautiful colors, but I don't know how long I can wait before using Melange by Blue Sky Alpaca. I'm knitting as quickly as I can.

I'll probably stop just long enough to enjoy some barbecue on the Fourth of July. Besides, it will help me pass the time until Jessica Knits opens on Tuesday and I can see what other fiber is deserving of my affection.

Happy Independence Day!

Fourth of July Hours

2011-06-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

We're putting down our needles and hooks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Jessica Knits will be closed Friday, July 1st and we will open our doors again (to a great new look for the store!) on Tuesday, July 5th. Still, that leaves tomorrow (Thursday, June 30th) to take advantage of our extended sale. All sale items are an additional 20% off already marked down prices. Now there's a reason to celebrate! Also, we just received a shipment of new yarns (including a linen blend) and we're promoting the Rowan Summer Tweed line. Both are perfect for a light summer project.

If we don't have a chance to see you, have a safe and enjoyable holiday. And don't stitch and drive.

"Sale"-ing On...

2011-06-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

This is a thank you to every one of our wonderful customers who took advantage of the first summer sale on Friday and Saturday, June 24th and 25th. Hopefully you had fun perusing the amazing bargains and enjoying the presentation of everything that Jessica Knits has to offer. Maybe you've already started on a project using yarn that you bought at the store. Truly, we had such a great time serving you, seeing old friends, and making new ones. And we can't even begin to thank you enough for all of the positive feedback you've been showering us with.

What we can do is promise that we will constantly strive to make Jessica Knits your shop for all of your knitting and crocheting needs (and wants!). You'll always feel welcome, and we'll do everything we can to assist you on your projects. To prove it, we're happy to announce that this week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 28, 29, and 30) we are continuing to offer sale items at 20% off their already reduced prices. Maybe you saw something that caught your eye, but you didn't grab it at the sale. Or you might have had prior commitments and couldn't make it to the store at all. Here's your chance. The sale items have been redisplayed, so you might even see something you would have missed before (there are so many quality sale items - it's dizzying!).

So come see us again this week. And thank you again for making Jessica Knits your knitting home.

Hot Sale! Cool Prices!

2011-06-23T01:30:00.000-07:00

For me, the first sign of summer is when I can't knit outside, even at 7:00 a.m., because my wooden straight needles have swollen from the heat, my hands are sweaty, and my yarn is begging to be sheared. So what's a knitter to do? Head indoors, obviously. So when you are at a loss for something to do this summer, please stop in and spend some time with us at Jessica Knits. You are always welcome and there's always a seat at our table for you. The newly organized library room is a great place to kick back with a book or to catch up on your latest project in a cool, air-conditioned environment. And as if that weren't tempting enough...

Come in this Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. both days, for our beat-the-heat summer sale. We're marking down our already reduced sale items (sale yarn, garments and needles) an additional 25%. With some items already 50% off, you are looking at a savings of 75%! It's the best time to stock up on all of your knitting and crocheting needs.

(Sale does not include regular-priced yarn, needle and notions stock. Only already marked sale books and magazines are eligible for the discount as well. We are planning a Big Needle Sale and a special book promotion in the near future.)