Happy Birthday Lion Brand!!!

Happy Birthday Lion Brand!

To celebrate, Michaels will be hosting birthday parties on Sunday September 22 between 2 and 4 pm.  Come on out and see me in the Lebanon store.  Yes, I do have a Warm Up America Joining Party scheduled for 2 - 5 pm this day but I will be in the same area to do both.  Come on out to help with this also.

Lion Brand will be giving away bonbons!  Unlike my husband, I'm sure you know and understand that these bonbons are mini skeins of yarn and not food.  The first 25 people will get a free bonbon.  I will have hooks available for anyone who wants to sit and stitch with me with this new yarn.  These minis are just right when you only need a little bit of a color and don't have it.

Check these out!

Brights

    

Pastels

Beach

Nature

Party

Celebrate

  

Crayons

 Some of the featured patterns on the Lion Brand website for the bonbons.

What else I'm working on and for whom

Right now I have many things on my plate knit-wise and crochet-wise.  Some of it is for me, some is for others who are current friends or family, some for potential future friends or family through a charity of one kind or another.  I never say no to a new friend.

1.  I'm knitting a sweater that must get done for my certification level 2 from Craft Yarn Council of America.  (I have to do all of the crochet level 2 yet).  I'm using Paton's Super Wool that I got from a de-stash after a home yarn shop closed due to the death of the owner.  The color is a beige/khaki that I can wear in winter for teaching.

2. I started a ballerina style sweater for my new daughter in law for Christmas last year.  It hasn't been touched since I started it.  This is also being done in Paton's Super Wool in a magenta color.

3. I have worsted weight olive drab wool socks started for my son to replace his worn out ones.  He's in the Marines and these meet warmth requirements for wearing under his worn out socks.  He has size 11 feet.  The leg must be 12 inches or better.  I started these twice, the first time 2 at a time on 2 circulars, this time I'm doing them one at a time on either dpns or 2 circulars.  I don't have the brain space to keep track of 2 at a time right now.  I'm using Paton's Classic Wool for these.

4. I am working on a c2c baby afghan.  C2C is corner to corner.  This is a new fad on some of the fb boards featuring crochet.  I may have seen it on Ravelry also.  I've seen this before but loved the reminder.  I'm doing this instead of the "thermal baby blanket" I found in a 1960's era pattern book.  The recipient was the matron of honor in my son's wedding.  The thermal baby blanket that I had started was chains and single crochets in an elongated single crochet filet.  This is beautiful but very slow growing.  I'm using 4 skeins of Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Yarn in two colorways, Indigo and Pink Sugar.  I don't know if the baby is a boy or girl, hence the pink and blue combo.  

5.  There is a 3/4 Pi Shawl in the works.  I'm using Paton's Lace for this in bonfire.  I'll be posting how I did this in a future post.  This is a variant of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl from the book Knitting Workshop.

6.  There is a lace mystery shawl in Paton's Lace (colorway Porcelain).  I'm designing this triangular shawl but it's slow going due to having trouble with picking lace patterns.  This will be put up in the future too.

7 & 8.  8 inch swatches for the stitch pattern of the month being given out at the end of the month during a yarn night.  August's patterns are Feather and Fan (K) and Box Stitch (C).  For these, I'm using Lion Brand Fisherman wool.  I have one skein of each color  See the beautiful natural shades here.  When I reach August 2014, I should have enough blocks for an afghan.

9.  I'm also swatching a baby sweater.  I had been wanting to use it for my level 2 certification project but it didn't meet requirements.  I have the back and at least 1 front done.  I don't remember if I have a sleeve done or just thought our.  Pattern will again be coming.  For the swatch I'm using Red Heart Super Saver in Aran colorway.

10.  New projects to showcase new yarns.  I'm using free patterns from the yarn companies.  I'm doing a hat in Paton's Metallic, a partial scarf in Paton's Colorwul , a 1/2 size baby vest in Bernat Tizzy, a cowl for Paton's Cobbles yarn, a tiny heart pillow in Loops & Threads Fashion Fur, a cowl in L&T Fabulous Fur, and finally a project using LionBrand's bon bons yarn.  Pictures will be coming.  

11.  In hibernation, I have a yellow cotton summer top/vest from a pattern from Lion Brand.  The free pattern is here.  It's a broomstick lace in the round.  I started this 2 years ago on my 25th wedding anniversary trip.  I have the shoulder straps done and all joined in the round by at least 1 round.  The yarn was from a salvaged thrifted sweater.  I got it for the color.  It's a bright, bright yellow.  I like bright colors for summer.

12.  Always on the go for bedtime, cotton dishcloths done from Sugar & Cream or Peaches & Creme.  I don't have to think for this and can knit in my twilight zone.  I use size 6 - 8 US needles for this in circular.  Circs minimize me pulling the stitches off the needles when I fall asleep.  The points don't hurt when I lay on them.  The ball of yarn is not so comfortable.  I pick up balls of both brands when I see new colors.  I have a bunch of balls waiting to be made up but when I do these as just bedtime knitting, I don't get them done terribly fast.  

13.  I also started the Lion Brand Tranquility Knit along from this past spring.  I didn't finish it.  I barely started it.  I really like this pattern.  I like the yarn I am using (cotton worsted weight yarn in the breast cancer awareness pink ombre).  Again this could be a summer top or a vest for cooler weather.

Warm Up AMerica Joining Party

Today I held the first of the season Joining Party for the Warm Up America project.  I'm lucky to have enough blocks in assorted sizes to make 4 adult sized afghans and 1 child sized.  There are some pretty far out colors in some of the afghans (and some awkward sizes) but one of my former students came in and helped with the layout of some of the more challenging afghans.  Others were simple and all we had to do was count and make sure there were the requisite number to make the needed sizes.  

I have bagged and tagged the afghans so that all we have to do later is pull out a bag (complete with joining yarn and instructions) and get to work.  BL and I had a good time catching up while we joined after getting the challenges dealt with.  They will look great if I do say so myself.

I will post pictures of finished afghans and, if I'm lucky and remember, of the ladies and gentlemen who may be helping with the joining.  Our afghans at the Lebanon store will be going to Lebanon HOPES, our new homeless shelter.  Click here for the local newspaper article giving more details about it.  This was started last October (2012) and is a joint effort of the Jubilee Ministries and Lebanon County Christian Ministries along with several churches.

Thanks to all the people who donated blocks.  No matter the sizes, all can be used.  We may have to add to some or take away from others but every piece is welcome.  I'm willing to accept all the failed swatches that have no loving home as well as the practice pieces we all create then don't know what to do with.

Christmas in July day 9

Hats are a quick and easy project.  The can go from simple watch caps to more elaborate creations like jester hats and beyond.

There are also books dedicated to hats sold in Michaels.  Check the selection at your local store.  Here are a few links to free patterns.  

wear-it-well-beanie

Judy's hat

Electric ear flap hat

Hats for everyone in the family - crochet

Hats for everyone in the family - knit

New techniques being offered in fall

I'm offering new techniques in the fall!

In addition to the basic classes and advanced classes I already offer, I will be adding  Mobius knitting, Intarsia, Entrelac, Short Rows, I-cord , tapestry Crochet, a 2 needle sock class, Tunisian Crochet (knit and purl variants), Crocodile stitch,  Bavarian Crochet, and painted crochet. Yarn Nights will now include a stitch pattern of the month for knit and crochet.

The basic classes being offered have not changed.  The advanced classes currently being offered also will not change.  

The stitch patterns will come from a variety of sources.  If they come from a book Michaels sells, you will know about that book.

A new take on Summer crochet and knit projects

June seems to be the month for weddings.  I know this because Las Vegas is the marriage capital of the world and June is their busiest month.  I can't guarantee the capital of the world for weddings but I do know June is the busiest.  Getting hotel rooms there can be brutal for the month of June.  September, around the SEMA (the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world) show, is also not too easy.  But back to June, I have a son getting married in Las Vegas in June, in just a few days actually.

Bride friendly gifts have been running through my mind for a while.  Wedding party ideas have also been swirling through.  I'm going to crochet a wedding purse for myself on the plane since I know what my limits are beforehand.  It will be a small beaded thing, nothing fancy but pictures will be posted after we return home.  I'm also going to make myself a general purpose multi pocketed wallet/purse for times when a purse is needed but not a fancy one and not the tourist fanny pack.  Most purses I carry are entirely too large to be airline friendly.

Some bridal ideas include a small clutch, a veil and/or headpiece if she hasn't chosen one yet, a shawl, or a garter.  Groom ideas could include boutonnieres for the men to wear.  

Check these links for some ideas:

lion brand bridal patterns

red heart bridal patterns

Yarn and How Much Do I Need?

As an ongoing part of the series of questions I get frequently asked, How much yarn do I need for X? tops the list right at the same number of times as What kind of needles should I use?

Yarn choices are amazing.  There are so many new things out there on the market to try.  But this post is to deal with How much not fiber content.  Although fiber content can make a difference, weight does make a difference in how much to purchase.

There are generalities I can point to for a quick answer but that doesn't begin to get an accurate number for how much do I need?  yarn yardage requirements is a quick link to Lion Brand Company's chart for very basic information for both knit and crochet.

You need to know your gauge with a specific yarn.  You need to know how big your project needs to be.  You need to know what kind of drape you want your project to have.  An example is you don't want a floppy drape-y fiber like alpaca would give you if you are doing a tailored jacket that needs to hold its shape.  You also don't want a crisp yarn when your project should be molding to your curves or cuddling baby.  All of these have to be taken into account.  You should also wash your swatch.  Your fiber choice could relax into an ocean sized puddle when gotten wet or shrivel like a prune.  Wouldn't it be better to have that happen to a swatch than an afghan or sweater?

But, you say, I'm using acrylic/polyester/super wash wool!  Even those fibers can react to water or even just knitting or crocheting in unexpected ways.  Please don't ever wash synthetic fibers in hot, hot water and then dry in a hot dryer.  You can kill the spring in the fiber.  

More will be posted on this topic in the future.  This is just to get you thinking.  If you have questions, post a comment.  It will be addressed.

Simple Shapes

I've been giving a lot of thought to simple shapes.  You know the kind, square, rectangle, triangle, circle.  There has been some small controversy over some projects offered for demos and classes and the like.  Some things are boring.  This could be true.  But then again, it might not.

As I've been going about my daily routines, my mind has been free to think on this.  The basic drop shoulder sweater is 4 rectangles (front, back, and both sleeves).  Kitchen linens are rectangles or squares.  Bath linens are rectangles or squares.  Basic fingerless mitts are rectangles.  Scarves are really really long rectangles or a series of squares or small rectangles.  Simple hats can be wide and short rectangles.  Long stocking caps are very long, thin triangles.  Coasters can be any shape to protect your furniture or floors.  Socks in their most basic profile are two rectangles with a square.  Skirts are usually rectangles but could be squares, depending on length.  Purses, bags and most other mundane things are rectangles or squares.  Circles can be almost anything but hats (tams) and skirts (circle with a hole in the middle) come to mind first with purses a close third.  Trapezoids, or triangles with one point cut off straight across, are great for A-line skirts and more importantly sleeves.

The purpose for these is making straight sides and ends, or if your aesthetic is asymmetrical, a straight slant that is consistent (but that is not a simple shape).  The real artistry lies in the patterns you choose to execute, the stitch pattern you choose to use once you have the basics and the embellishments you add to your projects.  Everyone starts with the same basics when learning to knit, crochet, quilt, sew.  It just needs broken down no matter what skill we are learning.  Sewing requires accurate cutting, straight seams and even hems to avoid the homemade look as opposed to a handmade look.  Quilting needs consistent seaming and straight cuts.  Knitting and crochet work need to have straight lines so you know that you are not increasing in unexpected places or a "perfect" circle so you know you are consistently increasing.

 How many shapes that are simple can you see in your life?

New Schedules and some time off

In an effort to have sufficient time for everything coming up, one son with his fiance is coming for a visit around Easter.  The same son is graduating and getting married in the month for weddings.  I also wanted to make sure I had enough classes scheduled for everyone to be happy and get what they need.

Here are my classes thru the end of July.  I don't want to think of August or the last third of the year just yet.

Beginner Knit Classes which are held Thursday nights unless otherwise noted are first.

Discover Knit Stitch Class    All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 28

April 4

April 6 (Saturday 9 – 11:30 am)

May 2

May 30

July 25

Discover Purl Stitch Class   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

March 7

April 11

April 13 (Saturday 9 – 11:30 am)

May 9

June 6

July 5

Discover Pattern Stitches Class   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 14

March 14

April 18

April 20 (Saturday 9 – 11:30 am)

May 16

June 27

July 6 (Saturday 9 – 11:30am)

Discover Cables Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 21

March 21

April 25

April 27 (Saturday 9 – 11:30 am)

May 23

June 7

Beginner Crochet classes are next up.  These are held every Monday night unless otherwise noted.

Discover Single Crochet  All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm   

March 11

April 1

April 29

June 24

July 23

Discover the Tall Stitches of Crochet   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 11

March 11

April 8

May 6

June 3

July 29

Discover Granny Squares   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 18

March 18

April 22

May 13

June 10

July 31

Discover Textured Stitches   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 25

April 22

May 20

June 5

Advanced Knit classes are held Friday nights unless otherwise noted.

Discover Baby Knits Class   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

Kimono March 1

Blanket & Booties April 5

Kimono May 3

Blanket & Booties May 31

Kimono July 26

Discover Mitered Knitting Class   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

March 8

April 12

May 10

Discover Fair Isle Class/Learn to Fair Isle   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 15

March 15

April 19

May 17

June 28

Discover Time To Knit Classes    All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

March 22 Socks Toe Up

April 26 Double Knitting

May 24 Socks Top Down

Advanced Crochet classes are the final classes scheduled.

Discover Baby Crochet Class      All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

Rattle March 6

Hooded Blanket April 3

Rattle May 1

Hooded Blanket May 29

Rattle July 24

Discover Throws and Wraps in Crochet Class  All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

Lace Openwork Wrap February 13

One Piece Granny Throw March 13

Lace Openwork Wrap April 10

One Piece Granny Afghan May 8

Lace Openwork Wrap June 26

Discover Crochet Gifts Class      All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm

February 20

March 20

April 17

May 15

Discover Time to Crochet Classes   All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm 

February 27 Tapestry Crochet

March 2 Knook

April 24 Broomstick Lace

May 22 Afghan Patterns

The last thing to note are yarn nights.  

Yarn Nights are times for you to get a question answered about a stitch, yarn or pattern question that doesn’t require a full class.  You can also sit and stitch with me at this time.  Times are 6 – 8:30 pm unless otherwise noted.

February 26

March 19

April 23

May 21

June 1 (Saturday, 1 – 4 pm)

July 30

Needle and Hook Storage Issue

I'm working my way through a small dilemma.  I have needles and hooks for my knitting and crocheting.  I have collected them through my years of stitching.  I have a lot, not as many as some people, but more than most I suspect.

I have multitudes of knitting needles in 14 inch length.  I have at least 2 pairs in 10 inch length.  I have way more circulars than I know what to do with in my house.  (I may use them to teach at a local school, but that is another time.)  I have at least 2 sets of each size double points in 7 inch lengths.  I have several oddball lengths of double points.  I have 4 cases (if you have ever seen a yarn catalog, you know the thing I mean.  If not, click here.) of crochet hooks.  They all have aluminum and plastic yarn hooks filled to overflowing.  Only 2 have the smaller steel hooks.

This list doesn't even begin to cover the needles and hooks that are in projects that are being worked on, taking a break, hibernating or waiting for frogging.  This list also doesn't take into account the needles that have been loaned out to someone who needed something while I was out and about.  I also have some in my purse and vehicles for "emergencies".  You never know when these might come in handy.

Currently they live in a their assorted cases or not in a cardboard box under my bed.  It's a sad thing.  In talking with another woman at my knitting guild, I learned that she kept her needles and hooks and notions in a vanity or train case that she found while visiting antique shops and thrift stores.  (See her blog here)  This is just right for the long 14 inchers and all the rest.  Thinking this is a great idea and a good way to utilize something I might already have, I checked my luggage.  No such luck.  

I then began my hunt through local thrift stores and Michaels for an alternative.  Michaels has some really nice paper boxes (see these as an example of some scrap booking paper storage boxes) but they are not large enough for my intention.  I have been to every thrift store in my town and the antique market (think indoor flea market with antique prices) looking for something.  I could kick myself to bypassing a nice wicker picnic basket a few days before this conversation.  I even carried it around with me for a while, put it down and repeated several times before a final lay down.  This would have been perfect for my loom knitting stuff to be kept together.

I will keep an eye out.  I will try to go to yard sales and the flea market a little more often to see what I can find.  If you have any ideas how to solve this quickly, let me know.  I'm open to options.

Warm Up America

I have delivered our first installment of afghans to our local homeless shelter, Lebanon Hopes.  This is a new endeavor for our county.  Five full sized afghans and a baby afghan were delivered.  Pictures will be posted.  A great many thanks to all who donate to this worthy cause, whether it's joining or the actual squares.  

While there, I asked for more information about Lebanon Hopes than was in our local newspaper.  See the article here.  The Resource Center has hours 8 - 4 each day with a case manager on duty.  There is also a kitchenette, a playroom, a quiet room (for those who don't feel well), shower facilities and a computer to aid with job searching.  The nights are spent in local church social halls.   

Sadly I think this service is going to become more and more needed in the near future.  For those able to donate time or resources to creating afghans, please continue to do so.  It is appreciated by everyone involved.

Links here are for Warm Up America and the requirements for blocks or whole afghans.  

Block Patterns 

Warm Up America History

Afghan Joining requirements  There are three ways I like to join.  The first is the mattress stitch as promoted by the Craft Yarn Council.  The second is by slip stitching in crochet on the right or wrong side of the blocks.  The third is by single crocheting over the edges of both blocks.

Here in Lebanon we accept any orphans or swatches that you no longer want as well as blocks made from the basic patterns for blocks.  Gauge should be kept at 5 stitches to the inch.  This helps keep the user warm.

Knitting Needles and Hooks Choices

I get asked often what type of needle or hook should I use for this.  I thought I would explore this topic a bit more.

What are my options?  

• aluminum
• plastic
• bamboo
• rosewood
• steel

These materials are what is locally at Michaels, and other big box type stores.  Each have their merits and drawbacks, depending on what you are looking for, what your fibers are, and how you hold your work/needles/yarn.

Aluminum hooks and needles have the benefit of being slippery.  These are usually in sizes 2 - 15 US for knitting needles and B - K for crochet hooks.  These sizes will get you through 95% of your knitting and crocheting.  They are light in weight.  They are anodized aluminum and each size is a different color.  Drawbacks can be that they are slippery if you are very loose with your stitches.  The aluminum doesn't warm up in most people's hands in winter and can burn if left in the sun in summer.  Sizes for needles are on the stop button on the end that hold stitches on the needle.  Sizes for hooks are on the grip or the end.  All of these are part of the molding process.  Knitting needles can be bend by being sat on, as can Tunisian crochet hooks.  Aluminum needles have fairly pointy points.  Aluminum hooks have points on the end of the hook to help go into tight stitches.

aluminum needles in various sizes 14 inch length

Plastic hooks and needles are less slippery than aluminum but more so than the other materials.  Plastic hooks come in sizes D - S and can be all the same color or different colors.  Plastic needles come in sizes 3 or 4 US up to 50.  They can again be all the same color or different colors.  A pair will be 2 of the same color.  These are light in weight.  They can break in smaller sizes from being sat on or held too tightly.  Larger sizes are harder to break.  Plastic warms up after being held for a while.  Plastic needles have blunter tips than aluminum and get more so as the size goes up.  Plastic hooks have blunter points on the end of the hook.  Plastic is one of the more inexpensive materials and runs neck and neck with aluminum.

Plastic knitting needles various sizes and lengths.  Some are in use and therefore missing.

Bamboo needles are much more grippy than any of the other materials listed.  I have not seen crochet hooks made of bamboo.  My theory is that the throat can't be gotten smooth enough to prevent catching yarn fibers.  I don't have this on anything other than my personal thoughts.  They are polished but still grippy.  They are warm to the touch and remain that way.  They are hard to break unless very small such as US 1 - 4.  Bamboo needles have very blunt tips compared to the other matierals.  Like plastic they get more blunt as the size gets larger.  Cost for this material is higher than plastic or aluminum but less than rosewood or steel.

Steel Knitting needles.  Not found in most stores these days.

Circular Knitting needles
Left: aluminum tips, soft plastic cable; Top Right: Plastic tips and cable is same plastic;
 Bottom Right: Bamboo tips, soft plastic cable
Lengths vary as do the tips

Rosewood hooks and needles lightweight, warm to the touch, sharp points on both the hooks and needles.  These are less grippy than bamboo but more so than plastic.  In Michaels I have seen US 5 - 10 (or so) knitting needles and size G - K hooks.  Smaller than this and they will be too fragile.  Larger than this and they won't get used as much since the larger sizes are not as versatile for as many sizes of yarn.  They are a luxury item.  They are very nice to use.  Cost is one of the downsides to this material.  They make a very nice gift for the knitter or crocheter on your list.

Steel hooks and needles are the smallest in size.  Steel hooks are usually used for thread crochet and are sized from 00 to 16.  00 is about the same size as about a D aluminum hook and is used for size 3 crochet thread.  A 16 is very fine and is used for size 100 crochet thread; this is finer than sewing thread.  Steel needles are sized US 2 down to 0000.  Steel knitting needles are used for things done with very fine yarns like sock yarns or knitted doilys.  US 2 steel needles are the same size as US 2 aluminum.  0000 is used for fine crochet threads.  Steel is stronger than any of the above listed materials.  They bend very rarely.  They break even less.  They are somewhere around plastic in the grippiness category.

For knitting needles you have the further option of short straights, long straights, circulars, and double point needles.  Short straights are usually 10 inches in length.  Long straights are 14 inches. Double points are usually 7 inches long. Circulars have a multitude of lengths available but are almost always 29 inches in the stores.

Short straights are nice for small projects.  Short straights are not so good for close quarters like buses, theaters, planes.  You run the risk of poking those beside you.  Long straights are nice for larger projects.  They have the same drawbacks as shorts.  They also have the issue of weight once you get some fabric on them.  The long needles allow most of the weight to hang on the ends of large projects and for people with weak wrists or repetitive stress injuries, this can make knitting almost impossible.  

Circular needles are versatile.  You can knit back and forth on flat projects like straights or you can knit in the round.  You can use them for small projects.  You can use them for large projects.  You can use them for really really large projects.  The weight of the bigger stuff hangs on the cable between the needle tips and can lay in your lap.  This is a plus for cold weather knitting.  This is not so good for summer knitting.  Circulars can be one piece or interchangeable.  One piece circulars are just that, both needle tips are the same size (whatever that might be) and permanently connected to the cable which is also going to remain the same length.  

Interchangeable circulars have needle tips that detach from the cable.  Sets of interchangeable needles usually are sized from US 2 to US 15.  Cable lengths come in 16 inches up to 24 inches.  Some screw together.  Some click together.  This all depends on the manufacturer.  I can speak from experience on the screw together interchangeable needles being able to link the cables together to make extremely long cables.  Circular needles whether interchangeable or not have the added benefit of being able to be used in close quarters.

Double Point Needles are short, straight needles with a point on each end.  Some antique dpns are very long and were used for sweaters.  Today their short length makes them ideal for sleeves and socks, the tops of hats and other very small circular projects.  These are used in 4 or 5 needle sets.  3 or 4 are holding stitches and the last one is used to do the work.  A lot of people are afraid of the thought of dpns.  No need for this.  You are only working with 2 needles at a time.  The others are just hanging out waiting for their turn.

Sale Update

Class discount is 25% for January 12 & 13! Class supply discount is 25% also! Learn something new about crafting, whether it's in store or in your pajamas. Your local Michaels offers a class for just about every craft and skill level. Use this coupon to stock up & save on all your craft supplies. Valid 1/11 - 1/25. January 12 - February 9 January 12 - 13 ONLY SHOP NOW PHOTO BOOKS CUSTOM INVITATIONS GIFT CARDS BOOKS Don't miss a thing! Add Michaels michaels@creativity.michaels.com to your address book. Offers and pricing listed in this email are valid Friday, January 11 through Friday, January 25, 2013 unless otherwise noted. Excludes clearance. Prices effective in U.S. only. This message contains promotional content. Please do not reply to this email. ©2013 Michaels Stores, Inc. 8000 Bent Branch Drive, Irving, TX 75063 Some advertised items may not be available at all store locations. Percent off discounts are off original ticketed price. All credit cards may not be accepted at all stores. Selection and regular prices may vary. Typographic and photographic errors are subject to correction at the store level. Due to the seasonal nature of our products, quantities may be limited and there may be no rain checks issued. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Find a Store | Contact Us ©2013 Michaels Stores, Inc. Michaels and the Michaels logo and other trademarks and logos used in this email are owned or licensed by Michaels Stores, Inc. All rights reserved.