squirrel party saturday!

Where Country Fiber Warms the Big City Live Music, Beer, Wine, Nutty Snacks, and a Whole Lot of Squirrel Join us for a Squirrel Party where we will drink, dance, chat with old friends and make many new ones, and announce the winners of our Handmade Squirrel Contest! Saturday, May 15th 7 pm-10 pm at Brooklyn General Store 128 Union St btwn Columbia & Hicks We will be giving away some wonderful prizes: 1st Prize: $200 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). 2nd Prize: $100 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). 3rd Prize: $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). Youth Prizes (0-15 yrs): Three squirrels will each be awarded one $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). IT'S NOT TOO LATE! Still working away on that squirrel? The deadline for entry is Saturday, May 15 @ noon. Keep those little critters coming! Need to review the rules? Check out the official Call for Entries on our blog. Good luck to everyone entering the contest. We hope to see all of you on Saturday night!

get squirrely!

Where Country Fiber Warms the Big City How much do we love squirrels? Enough to create this cozy patchwork tree in our front window, with the hope that it will inspire you to enter our HANDMADE SQUIRREL CONTEST! Use any materials you like to create a handmade squirrel, pack up their tiny suitcase, and send them to Brooklyn for a visit. The squirrels will be displayed in the tree in our front window until the judging and Squirrel Party on May 15th (details to follow!). We will be giving away some wonderful prizes! 1st Prize: $200 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). 2nd Prize: $100 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). 3rd Prize: $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). Youth Prizes (0-15 yrs): Three squirrels will each be awarded one $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year). So take a few minutes to go outside with your journal or sketchbook, get a breath of fresh air, and commune with a our nut-gathering friends, and give yourself permission to get creative! This is a great springtime activity to do with kids! Please see our most recent blog post at www.brooklyngeneral.com for the Official Contest Rules. Need some Squirrel Contest inspiration? We made this flirty girl with Ecological Woolfrom Cascade. We were attracted to the 100% Peruvian Highland wool because of its natural, chemical-free and un-dyed colors. This soft but durable yarn has beautiful volume and stitch definition. For an all-wool yarn this is so fluffy and soft--perfect for knitting nature. Rowan's PureLife Organic Wool Naturally Dyedis grown in an environmentally and socially responsible way from sheep grazed on land free from pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It is dyed using natural sustainable plant dyes. British Sheep Breeds Undyedis shorn and blended from four classic British sheep breeds, then spun into five beautiful un-dyed shades with the natural lanolin content maintained. Two more prefect, natural yarn choices. We're not the only ones to be inspired by squirrels and their furry friends--the latest Echino Collectionfeatures squirrels, along with birds, horses, and rabbits in a print that is at once sweet and classic and bold and modern. Why not try your hand at a felted squirrel? The shop has a nice selection of fiber, felting tools, and felting books--everything you need to get started. Whether you sew, knit, crochet or felt your squirrel, we have many books to help you along! Need a little help getting started? The next Toy Knittingclass begins April 16!

not knots

Dear friends of Cabinet,

Please join us for "Not Knots," a workshop on knots, knitting, and string figures featuring Sabrina Gschwandtner, Philip Ording, and Inoli Murphy.

Date: Saturday, March 6, 2–4 pm
Place: Cabinet, 300 Nevins Street, Brooklyn (directions here)
FREE. No RSVP required
Organized by Sabrina Gschwandtner



This mini-fair is a hands-on exploration of knots, knitting, and string figures. Visitors can view short math films that explore the geometry surrounding knots (including the well-known short Not Knot) and engage in an informal discussion of knot theory with mathematician Philip Ording. Artist Sabrina Gschwandtner will conduct a lab for stalled handcraft projects: bring any knitted, crocheted, sewn, embroidered, or woven undertaking that is in limbo, and receive consultation for moving forward. Inoli Murphy, mathematician and author of Murphy's String Figures: Teaching Math with String Figures, will demonstrate and discuss the ancient art of string figures.

Pretzel knots and wine will be served.

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january @ brooklyn general

Hiya! We hope you are all keeping warm and bundled up in fibery goodness! Are you up for a knitting challenge? Starting this Monday, Kaitlyn will be teaching how to knit Lace: Increase your knitting skill while learning the basics of lace knitting including provisional cast on techniques, reading a lace chart, and tips to help you correct, as well as avoid, mistakes. Pre-requisites: Decreasing (k2tog, skk) and yarn-over techniques. You will be learning to make both a lace-Scarf and a gorgeous triangle shawl. Session A: Mondays, January 11, 18, 25 & February 1 @ 7pm - 8:30pm $120/session Embroidery A few of you mentioned that you would like to learn embroidery but don't always have the time to commit to a 3-4 week class. Therefore we are introducing a shorter version to give you an embroidery jump-start: Introduction to Embroidery In this two hour workshop you will learn basic stitches that will allow you to create either a traditional sampler following the guidelines provided by history or to create a completely unique piece. With the skills learned you will be able to continue making beautiful pieces of art or simply embellish items of your own. Sunday January 10 @ 11am - 1pm $50/session The instructor, Fiber-artist Joetta Maue, is curating a contemporary Fiber Art exhibition at Sweet Loraine Gallery in Red Hook. The opening is tonight: connective thread an exhibition of contemporary fiber work that explores the role of thread & the act of making as connective. curated by Joetta Maue Opening January 9, 7-10 pm Sweet Lorraine Gallery !83 Lorraine St, Red Hook Brooklyn. Website Update Did you know that you can now view and sign up for our classes online? http://www.brooklyngeneral.com/shop/classes/ And last but not least: Patternmaking Cal Patch's next session is right around the corner: Design and make your own clothes! In this 2-hour class you will learn the basic principles of making your own sewing patterns, and learn how to take your measurements and make a pattern for a T-Shirt or a Skirt that fits your own unique body. With this foundation you'll be able to sew the projects you envision! Basic sewing experience is helpful to get the most from this class. Materials: a roll or pad of newsprint, drawing paper or pattern-making paper, at least 14" wide; see-through 18" ruler; tape measure; pencil and sharpener (or mechanical pencil); eraser; clear tape; scissors (for paper) Session A: Sunday January 24 @ 10am-12pm (Skirt) $50/workshop See you at the shop! Brooklyn General Store Store Hours: closed Mondays Tuesday-Thursday:12 pm - 7 pm Friday & Saturday:12 pm - 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm 718.237.7753

december classes at brooklyn general

Hiya! The Holidays are approaching and we are offering a slew of Workshops that will jumpstart your Gift crafting: Needle-felting Class Mondays, November 30, December 7 & 14 @ 6:30pm-8pm Learn the basics of needle felting and let your imagination run wild! This is the perfect opportunity to make holiday ornaments and presents. $90.00 Patchwork Stocking Workshop Sunday, December 6 @ 11am - 1pm In this workshop you will learn to sew an adorable personalized Holiday stocking to match the recipient's or your own personality! $50.00 Sock Monkey Toy Workshop Saturday, December 19 @ 10am -12pm Learn to make a hand knit monkey in the style of an old childhood favorite, the sock monkey. Who wouldn't want to snuggle up to a monkey that was hand knit with love? PLEASE NOTE: Materials will be provided for an additional $18 on the first day of class. $50.00 Knitting Finishing Tips & Tricks Sundays, December 6 & 13 @ 5pm - 7pm Beautifully knit projects can be ruined by sloppy finishing. This class will give you the skills you need to make your knitted garments a success from start to finish. You will learn how to knit perfect button holes, work a 3 needle bind-off, seaming, picking up mistakes and the Kitchener stitch. $80.00 Crochet Class Thursdays, December 3, 10 & 17 @ 6:30pm-8:30pm Need to whip up some warm woolies for your loved ones? Come and discover the craft of crocheting and make a hat or a scarf in no time. This all-level class will teach beginners the basics while more advanced students can learn new techniques, such as amigurumi, broomstick lace, charted lace etc... $120.00 Last Minute Holiday Crafts Workshop Sunday, December 13 & 20 @ 10:00am to 12:00pm Knit, Sew & Crochet those last-minute holiday gifts! Bring in your in-progress projects for help finishing them up, or find a quick-to-make gift for a special someone. Three Elves/Craft Instructors will be on hand to help you tackle your projects. $100.00 Patternmaking Workshop Sunday December 13 @ 10am-12pm Design and make your own clothes! In this 2-hour class you will learn the basic principles of making your own sewing patterns, and make a pattern for a T-Shirt that fits your own unique body. With this foundation you'll be able to sew the projects you envision! Basic sewing experience is helpful to get the most from this class. Materials: a roll or pad of newsprint, drawing paper or patternmaking paper, at least 14" wide; see-through 18" ruler; tape measure; pencil and sharpener (or mechanical pencil); eraser; clear tape; scissors (for paper) $50/workshop Call the store at (718) 237-7753 to sign up and reserve your spot before the class fills up! See you at the shop!

Brooklyn General Store Store Hours: closed Mondays Tuesday-Thursday:12 pm - 7 pm Friday & Saturday:12 pm - 6 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm 718.237.7753

HAPPY SPRING!! CRAFT CLASSES ARE BACK AT TREEHOUSE!! YES!

it's spring! it's spring! tra-la-la! we survived to see blossoms a-bloomin' again! and some of you feared this day would never come, but never fear tree friends, craft classes are back !!!   Sun March 29 Applique Workshop with Kayte Terry Do you have a closet full of boring clothes that are begging for more personality? Then appliqué is the craft for you! Learn how to add beautiful reverse appliqué to a pair of jeans, a skirt, a jacket or anything else you can think of. You supply the clothes and we'll teach you everything you need to know to reverse appliqué. Kayte Terry is a stylist and author living in Brooklyn. Her first book, Complete Embellishing was published in 2008 and she has a new book Appliqué Your Way with Chronicle Books coming out next fall. Her popular design website is thisisloveforever.com. Sun. March 29 6:30-8:30 $40 SIGN UP HERE Thursdays, April 2 & 9 Intro to Knitting with Erin Weckerle Knitting is knotty fun in Spring! for knitting newbies..! The Lovely Erin Weckerle of Sodafine and Purldrop fame, and our fabulous cohort in the fashion show finale at Williamsburg Fashion Weekend is a knitting and crocheting diva, and is gracing treehouse with her amazing knitting skills! Always wanted to learn to knit but didn't know where to begin? Then this 2-part class is the way to go! Come get armed with knitting knowledge in this super-intensive workshop. learn cast-on, cast-off, knit stitch , purl stitch and  increasing and decreasing too!....don't despair, pretty soon you'll be knitting like a pro! (supplies can be purchased at treehouse, or you an bring your own...) Thurs. April 2 & 9, 6:30-9pm $125 SIGN UP HERE Sunday, April 5th Junk to Jewels with Siri Wilson Ever wonder what to do with all those beads and baubles from Grandma's closet? Or do you need yet another reason to keep hoarding broken necklaces and single earrings? Well here's your answer! In just one two hour session you'll learn how to restring and clasp necklaces and bracelets on silk and nylon thread. You'll learn the basics of jump ring usage, as well as chain layering and clasping. All this will be done with cut apart treasures and loose bead findings. We'll provide the know how and lotsa junk, feel free to bring your own baubles as well. Treehouse's own Siri will show you how it's done! Sunday April 5th 6:30-8:30 $40 SIGN UP HERE Thursday, April 16th  Embroidery with Cal Patch of Hodgepodge The lovely Cal Patch is back in the trees with her fabulous embroidery skills and that loveable sidekick Gertie too. In this one session extravaganza, you'll learn 12 classic embroidery stitches and be off and running to custom-decorate everything you own! After making a basic stitch sampler, Cal will help you visualize planning your own personal project. All supplies included ...including tasty treats!...Stitch away! Thursday, April 16th 6:30-8:30 $50 SIGN UP HERE p.s. all of our classes take place in the treehouse, sometimes during business hours. because of this, the classes are kept small so that everyone can participate (usually 4-6 people per class). once a class fills up, we'll start a waiting list for the next session. Chica Vas brought down the house at Williamsburg Fashion Week! pic from our fashion show with sodafine and tom tom magazine. many more pics on flickr) Can't believe it's been over a month since the fashion show.  Still reeling from the amazement. An all-female percussion-based group was created for the event, and is living on, now named Chica Vas...go check 'em out! Thanx again to everyone involved, and there's lotsa great picks and video on the treehouse blog and the sodafine blog BTW, our clothing SALE is STILL going strong, and is  30% off vintage clothes, and now 25% off new designer.....and because we're crazy and crave more space for new goodies....wait for it....vintage winter clothes is now 50% OFF!!!! So get that piece you were coveting before it's gone forevers! And we've started putting out some spring wares... they're on sale too! Already a few beautiful spring frocks have found new happy homes...but there's more treasures in the trees with your name on them! kisses from the branches, and reaching for the stars, siri treehouse*