Virtual Stitch 'n Witch 2020

This year, our Halloween party at the West Hollywood Stitch 'n Bitch will be held virtually. We usually meet every Thursday night from 7-9pm at the Original Farmers Market in the upstairs dining area. We've been meeting for 16 years! Our group is probably the longest running Stitch 'n Bitch in the City of Los Angeles! 

Here is the invitation for this year's party, composed by Ms. Natalie of Hollywood: 

STITCH N WITCH 2020 brought to you by ZOOM. Date: Thursday, October 29 Time: 7pm to 9pm Place: ZOOM (link will be provided on Thursday, Oct. 29). 2020…it’s been, to put it nicely, extra special. Therefore 2020 is the theme for this year’s costumes. 2020 has earned some well deserved laughing at, poking at, and it needs the damned devil exorcized out of it. Do your best to best 2020. Waist up only costumes necessary. No pants required. Bonus points for no pants. There will be Prizes for the 3 best costumes!

Of course, you do not have to follow our theme for this year. You can wear any sort of costume. In years past, Larry has always joined me at the party, along with his photo gear. Larry brings a back-drop, a tri-pod, some lights and his super-duper camera. He sets up in the corner of the upstairs dining area and we conduct a fashion shoot throughout the evening. Everyone brings treats to share. It's always a rollicking, good time!

Some of our past parties and a few costumes for your viewing pleasure. Click on each photo to enlarge.

Different themes throughout the years have provided HILARIOUS results! If you are a member of our West Hollywood Stitch 'n Bitch Facebook group, please join in the fun on October 29th, 2020 from 7-9pm!

Afghan Weather?

Ladies, displaying a Hexagon Afghan. Date & Photographer Unknown

I do feel a chill in the air. Could it be that our days in Los Angeles might be getting cooler? It would be nice if the weather dipped below 80 degrees during the day. Our evenings have been quite cool. It must be Afghan Weather!

Recently, my friend, Mollie unearthed a vintage pattern from the Super Yarn Mart, a chain craft store in Los Angeles during the knitting and crochet resurgence of the 1960s. It was a wonderful place with yarns from all over the world. They carried other craft supplies too, for needlepoint, rug-hooking, embroidery and more. 

The patterns were printed on pink paper. The ladies that worked there wore pink smocks. The logo of the store and the shopping bags were pink. Samples of all of the free patterns were hung from the walls and the rafters of the ceiling. I'm sure that the Three-Way Granny Afghan was one of them!

I've made a few of these afghans with various sized squares before. It's like putting a puzzle together. The most famous pattern of this type is the Babette Blanket from a decade ago. I made a version of this blanket, using leftover yarn and a granny square motif.

Ellen's Granny Babette Blanket

Another blanket with various sized squares that I've crocheted is a take on the abstract art of Mondrian.

Mondrian-Like Blanket

I'm itching to try out this vintage Super Yarn Mart pattern, THREE-WAY GRANNY AFGHAN. Heaven knows that I don't NEED another afghan, but I want to see what the darn thing looks like! I might even use the colors that the pattern suggests!

Inspiration

With the fall, comes yarny inspiration. All of the knit and crochet magazines have their new fall and winter patterns out. The problem here in Los Angeles is that it's still summer weather. Having a big hunk of bulky yarn on my lap while making an afghan or sweater just does not sound appealing in the 90 degree+ weather!

I have decided to focus my attention on smaller projects for the fall season. Click on links below photos for patterns.

Placemats

Treat Bag

Owls

True, this Granny Sweater is larger than my usual small project, but it works up quickly and can be made in lighter weight yarn.

Granny Cardigan

Rothko Rug

inspired by this painting....

I had a poster of this painting in my apartment for years!

What's your latest inspiration? Are you gearing up for holiday gifts? I like to have a few crocheted washcloths, paired with fancy soap on-hand for impromptu gifts. Start knitting and crocheting now!