Puget Sound Sewing & Craft

Sweater Stone - A Rescue for Shabby Sweaters

For years I have heard about Sweater Stones but had never been able to locate one (o.k., I admit, I   wasn't looking that hard - but I had heard all sorts of wonderful things about them).  So here I was a few months ago having one of those palm to the forehead moments when I found out that Sweater Stones are made locally.  The company is based out of Issaquah WA and of course, we at Pacific Fabrics & Crafts jumped at the chance to carry these handy little bricks in our stores.  Another bonus is that the stones are made in Seattle at Northwest Center Industries, a manufacturing company that employs disabled people. I purchased one as soon as they arrived and carried it home to store next to my favorite Grandma's stain remover and the lint roller.

One month later, the weather is turning and I spent part of the holiday weekend pulling out my fall clothing from storage and storing away some of my summer gear.  Out come the sweaters. Pilled. Dare I say... shabby?  But wait, I have a Sweater Stone!  I opened the box, pulled off the plastic wrap.  It's actually a stone, pumice to be precise with a piece of recycled cardboard attached as a handle.  Now, I don't know about you but it goes against all of my instincts to rub a scratchy pumice stone against my fine knitwear. Visions of snags and pulls raced through my mind, but who am I to question the thousands of happy Sweater Stone owners?  Just in case, I rummaged through a recently packed box and pulled out my wubby camping sweater.  It's black, has a hood and a two-way zipper and is made out of (gasp!) acrylic yarn making it perfect for facing the wind on a beach, setting up camp in the evening and most importantly - repels marshmallow goo. It is also pilled  beyond belief.

The stone says to wipe gently across the sweater and I did just that and magically the pills were wiped  away. I'm confident now to freshen up my nicest sweaters with my stone.  One caution, though. Some of the stone does come off in the process, so work in an area that you can vacuum or sweep up the pills and any pumice from easily when you are done.

- Jennifer

Sew the Puyallup!

A Sewing and Fiber Enthusiast's Guide to the Puyallup Fair

Yes, indeed - it's that time again.  Time for the tacky Fair Theme Song to invade our TV sets and radios on a regular basis.

What you might not realize is that the Puyallup Fair is a great field trip for a sewing, craft or fiber enthusiast!  In fact, I'm a bit nostalgic because I bought my first Pfaff at the Fair 10 years ago.  No matter what you're interested in, there's a little something for everyone, and here's a guide to help you to make the most of it.

Daily:
The Pavilion Building (Gold Gate) is the host for not only the Washington State 4-H Fair sewing, craft and photography exhibits (and more), but also the Puyallup Fair's Open Class Quilts, Garments, Knitting and Crocheting exhibits.  Downstairs in the southern area of the building is where you can see exhibits created by youth from across the state.  Upstairs (there is an elevator in the southwestern corner, or escalators in the center of the west wall) is an incredible display of quilts, garments and much, much more from local artisans who have entered their work to be evaluated by the Fair judges.  There are often artisans performing demonstrations as well.

Under the Grandstands (Red or Gold Gate):  At the northwest corner of the Grandstands building is the Artists in Action store.  This is a fabulous place to stock up on roving, yarn, handwovens, pottery, jewelry - always an amazing selection of beautiful locally produced items.  I've found many 'gems' here over the years.  You can also get a contact list of the various artists for future mailorder reference, which is very handy.  Various artists are on hand demonstrating their crafts.

Showplex (Blue Gate)and Expo Building/Under the Grandstands (Red or Gold Gate): See the latest sewing, quilting and embroidery machines at the Quality Sewing booth!  If you haven't seen what the latest in sewing technology can do, prepare to be amazed.  I always find myself drooling over the multi-thread embroidery machines - I love just watching them stitch out a design.

Weekends:

4-H Fashion Revue competition: Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm on the Education Stage.   Not to be missed:  Washington State 4-H Fashion Revue Championship, Sunday, September 21 at 5:00 pm on the Education Stage.  The competitors in Fashion Revue must make and model their own garments and be interviewed by a judge regarding their clothing construction and sewing knowledge. My heartfelt thanks as Superintendent to Quality Sewing for continuing to be a major sponsor of the State Championship!

September 5 - 7:  Open Class Sheep Show and Fleece Show.  Ongoing through the weekend.  An outstanding time to see many different breeds of sheep (and Angora goats as well) and their fleeces.  Not to be missed -The Puyallup Cup on Sunday, September 7th at 6:00 pm.  This is the 'circle of champions' for the show - the outstanding exhibits from each breed compete for the overall 'best of the best'.  One of the largest displays of sheep breeds in the U.S. - all in the same arena at the same time.

September 12 - 16: 4-H Sheep Show and Fleece Show.  The actual sheep show will take place on Sunday.  Fleeces and sheep will be on display (not to be handled) throughout this time.  At times 4-H youth will be demonstrating fiber skills and working to prepare their sheep for show.

September 17 - 21: Animals of the World.  An exhibit of exotic animals from around the globe, including some fiber producing animals such as yaks.  My favorite: the Tennessee Fainting Goats.

For much more information, including a terrific Fair Planner with daily calendars, visit www.thefair.com.

If you still haven't found what you're looking for, just remember that the Puyallup branches of Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing are just up the hill!  Conveniently located right next to each other, across from South Hill Mall.

--Katrina