October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month In honor of the month and in memory of all of those we've known who have struggled with breast cancer, we've made this month's Color Choice Basket in shades of pink. One of our customers recently underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy, and wrote to let us know about the Knitted Knockers program out of Maine. Knitted Knockers makes, well, knitted prosthetics, for breast cancer survivors. Here are some patterns designed to help, honor, or support those with breast cancer and work toward prevention and a cure: Tit Bits from Knitty is one of the patterns Knitted Knockers suggest. Knitty's Fall Surprise from 2004 is entirely devoted to breast cancer awareness programs. Click here to download patterns for a self-exam reminder scarf, a beautiful chemo cap, and a pair of socks designed for comfort. This washcloth features a pink ribbon. Or practice your illusion knitting with this washcloth pattern. Here's another hat that can be used as a chemo cap or to wear to show support. All of these patterns are free, thanks to generous designers and Knitty, who makes a lot of great knitting patterns possible. If you make any of these, we'd love to see them!

What's New We've received some exceptionally interesting books lately: Cat Bordhi's long-awaiting Personal Footprints for Insouciant Knitters; Swing, Swagger, and Drape; Spinning in the Old Way; Barbara Abbey's Knitting Lace; Twisted-Stitch Knitting, and more! (ed. note: MORE books should be in soon) We love Dream in Color so much! When they called to tell us that Starry was back in production, we ran around the store in excitement. When the big box of Starry showed up, we shrieked in excitement. We are now fully stocked in ALL of the Starry colors DiC produces, and it is so gorgeous; check out some of the pictures on our blog. We've also received DiC's new line, Knitosophy, which is a fingering weight wool that has been flash-dyed. It's amazing! Just in! Interweave's Holiday Knits 2009 special issue has arrived, and we still have Interweave's Weekend in stock. These are two special issues that are not included in the regular subscription, so make sure you check it out. One of our reps dropped off some amazing knitting and crochet bags from JaJaJa Purses. Each bag is unique, made of recycled and repurposed fabric.

On the Blog Knitters and Crocheters cook! Check out our Recipe Box. Our teachers are in transition. Catch up with Charissa and Yvonne on the blog. We made it! Inventory is over! Where else can you find us? Check out our Ravelry group, keep up with our tweets on Twitter, and find us on Facebook (just search for Natural Stitches).

WIN A PAIR OF BELLA MITTENS! If you’re a fan of Stephanie Myers’ Twilight series, then you are aware that there’s a new movie (New Moon) opening November 20th. With the thoughts of that, and with winter bearing down on us, we decided to knit a pair of Bella Mittens for a shop sample. We used Malabrigo Chunky in the black forest colorway. As we were talking about knitting the mittens, we were also talking about the fact that at the time, the Pennsylvania government had yet to pass a budget, and the impact it was having on local charities. One of our frequent customers is Leah Reynolds, who is the executive director of Ward Home. Leah was telling us about the program and we were very impressed with the concept and the success rate. The following information is taken from the front page of their website: (www.wardhome.org). Since 1905, Ward Home has been enabling at-risk teens to maximize their potential as human beings and grow into self-reliant young adults. Today we operate three supervised independent living facilities (S.I.L.) for teen girls, teen boys and teen parents as well as an in-home service (Ward Independent Skills Enhancement, or W.I.S.E.) that enables disadvantaged teens, living on their own or with foster parents, to become successful, independent adults. W.I.S.E. is a collaborative effort with the Allegheny County Independent Living Project. One thing led to another, and a raffle was born. We are giving away the Bella Mittens. ALL proceeds go to Ward Home. Raffle starts NOW, and the winning number will be drawn November 18th. This gives you until Friday (the 20th) to pick up your mittens so you can wear them to the movie! Ticket prices are $2 each, 3 for $5, or an arm’s length (15) for $20. Remember…ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WARD HOME.

Spotlight on New Classes: Seaming! We are thrilled to offer two new classes in seaming this fall! SEAMING 101 In this class, Yvonne will walk you through the basics of seaming. You’ll learn many techniques, including the three needle bind-off, garter-stitch and stockinette (stocking) stitch seaming. By the end of the class, you will have an understanding of basic seaming techniques and will end up with a small hot pad for your efforts. Requirements: Knit and purl stitch, patience and a sense of humor! SEAMING 102 In this class, you can bring a project you’re working on for specific seaming help. Learn how to set in your sleeves, add a button band, and receive attention particular to your project. Requirements: Seaming 101 class; More humor and a wee bit more patience. Keep an eye on our calendar, always available online, for class dates and times.

Show and Tell I think this is my favorite show and tell ever. This is Kelli’s brand-new nephew modeling the sweater she made for him. Could he be any cuter? Atticus is wearing the Organic Guernsey, a FREE pattern from blogger f.pea, made from Blue Sky Alpaca’s Organic Cotton.

From the entire staff of Natural Stitches, we wish you happy knits, creative crochets and splendid spinnings. And, as always, if there's anything we can do to help, just let us know!

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Past editions are always available online as well.